AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 30, 1996
                                                       REGISTRATION NOS. 2-90949
                                                                        811-4014
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
                                   FORM N-1A
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                          Pre-Effective Amendment No.
                     Post-Effective Amendment No. 15     X
                                     and/or
 
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                       THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
 
                             Amendment No. 15    X
                            ------------------------
                             MERIDIAN FUND, INC.(R)
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
 
                         60 E. SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BLVD.
                             WOOD ISLAND, SUITE 306
                               LARKSPUR, CA 94939
              (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
 
                 REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER: (415) 461-6237
 
                             RICHARD F. ASTER, JR.
                             WOOD ISLAND, SUITE 306
                         60 E. SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BLVD.
                               LARKSPUR, CA 94939
                    (NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THIS FILING WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE:
          X   on October 31, 1996 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
     THE REGISTRANT HAS ELECTED TO REGISTER AN INDEFINITE NUMBER OF SHARES OF
ITS COMMON STOCK, $0.01 PAR VALUE, PURSUANT TO RULE 24F-2 UNDER THE INVESTMENT
COMPANY ACT OF 1940, AS AMENDED. THE RULE 24F-2 NOTICE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
JUNE 30, 1996 WAS FILED ON OCTOBER 1, 1996.
 
      CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933(1)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         PROPOSED MAXIMUM      PROPOSED
      TITLE OF SECURITIES             AMOUNT BEING        OFFERING PRICE   MAXIMUM AGGREGATE
        BEING REGISTERED              REGISTERED(2)         PER UNIT(2)    OFFERING PRICE(3) AMOUNT OF FEE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>                     <C>               <C>               <C>
Meridian Fund...................        3,149,166             $30.81           $329,241          $99.77
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meridian Value Fund.............         16,193                14.37              759             0.23
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Fee.......................           N/A                  N/A            $330,000           $100
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
1 The Registrant also has registered an indefinite number of shares of its
  Common Stock, $.001 par value, under the Securities Act of 1933, pursuant to
  Rule 24f-2(a)(1) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and will file the
  Rule 24f-2 Notice relating to such shares for the fiscal year ending June 30,
  1997 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about August 21, 1997.
 
2 Estimated on the basis of the share prices in effect on October 24, 1996
  solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
 
3 The respective maximum aggregate offering prices for shares of common stock of
  the Meridian Fund and Meridian Value Fund are calculated pursuant to Rule
  24e-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. During the fiscal year ended
  June 30, 1996, the Registrant redeemed or repurchased shares of common stock
  in the aggregate amount of 3,154,620. During its current fiscal year, none of
  these shares was used for reductions pursuant to paragraph (c) of Rule 24f-2
  under the Investment Company Act of 1940; and none of these shares was used
  for reductions pursuant to Rule 24e-2 in previous post-effective amendments
  filed during the current fiscal year. As a result, the amounts of 3,138,480
  with respect to the Meridian Fund and 16,140 with respect to the Meridian
  Value Fund, for an aggregate amount of 3,154,620 are being used to reduce the
  number of shares for which the registration fee is payable with regard to this
  post-effective amendment.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PAGE
 
                             MERIDIAN FUND, INC.(R)
 
                               Part A: Prospectus
                             Cross Reference Sheet
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       ITEM NUMBER OF PART A OF FORM N-1A                         CAPTIONS IN PROSPECTUS
------------------------------------------------        -------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                            <C>
  1.     Cover Page.............................        Cover Page
  2.     Synopsis...............................        Fee Table
  3.     Condensed Financial Information........        Financial Highlights
  4.     General Description of Registrant......        General Information -- Description of
                                                        Common Stock; Investment Policies and
                                                        Portfolio Techniques
  5.     Management of the Fund.................        Investment Management
  6.     Capital Stock and Other Securities.....        Dividends, Distributions and Federal Taxes;
                                                        Investment Management -- Investment
                                                        Adviser; General Information -- Description
                                                        of Common Stock
  7.     Purchase of Securities Being Offered...        How to Purchase Shares; Dividends,
                                                        Distributions and Federal
                                                        Taxes -- Dividends and Distributions
  8.     Redemption or Repurchase...............        Redemption and Transfer of Shares
  9.     Pending Legal Proceedings..............        Not Applicable
</TABLE>

PAGE
 
                             MERIDIAN FUND, INC.(R)
 
     Meridian Fund, Inc. ("Meridian") is a no-load, open-end, diversified
management investment company (a "mutual fund") consisting of two separate
portfolios (each individually a "Fund" or collectively the "Funds").
 
     MERIDIAN FUND will make investments that include common stock of small and
medium-sized companies considered by the Investment Adviser to be experiencing
above-average growth in revenue and earnings.
 
     MERIDIAN VALUE FUND(R) will emphasize investment in equity securities of
issuers which, in the opinion of the Investment Adviser, are undervalued in
relation to the issuer's long-term earning power or asset value and/or the stock
market in general at the time of purchase. The Fund may be invested in
lower-rated long-term and intermediate-term corporate bonds (or unrated
corporate bonds of equivalent credit quality), commonly known as "junk bonds."
 
     Each Fund's investment objective is long-term growth of capital.
Realization of current income is not a significant investment consideration, and
any income realized will be incidental to the Fund's objective. Each Fund
intends to invest the majority of its assets in equity and equity-related
securities, primarily common stocks. The Fund's investment policies include
investing in small to medium-sized companies and seeking to preserve capital
during difficult market conditions by shifting temporarily a portion of its
assets to cash or cash equivalents. These policies will involve considerable
risk and there can be no assurance that a Fund, in fact, will achieve its
investment objective, and gains cannot be assured.
 
     This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the Funds that
prospective investors should know before investing. Investors should read the
Prospectus and retain it for future use. A "Statement of Additional Information"
for the Funds, dated the same date as this Prospectus, has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference
thereto. This Statement is available without charge by writing or calling
Meridian at the address or telephone number printed on the back cover.
 
     THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED
UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
     No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this Prospectus in connection with
the offer contained in this Prospectus, and, if given or made, such information
or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by
Meridian. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer
to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities offered
hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such
offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.
                          ---------------------------
 
                The date of this Prospectus is October 31, 1996.

PAGE
 
                                   HIGHLIGHTS
 
     MERIDIAN FUND AND MERIDIAN VALUE FUND are series of Meridian Fund, Inc.
There are no sales charges for either fund.
 
     The minimum initial investment for each Fund is $1,000; the minimum
subsequent investment is $50.
 
     Exchanges may be made between the two funds. Please see page 18 for
details.
 
     The Funds are qualified for Individual Retirement Accounts. Please see page
16 for details.
 
     MERIDIAN FUND -- The Fund's investment objective is long-term growth of
capital. Realization of current income is not a significant investment
consideration, and any income realized will be incidental to the Fund's
objective. The Fund intends to invest the majority of its assets in equity and
equity-related securities, primarily common stocks. Common stock investments
will include small and medium-sized companies considered by the Investment
Adviser to be experiencing above-average growth in revenue and earnings. The
Fund may significantly reduce its exposure to equities in an attempt to preserve
capital when the Investment Adviser believes it to be appropriate.
 
     MERIDIAN VALUE FUND -- The Fund's investment objective is long-term growth
of capital. Realization of current income is not a significant investment
consideration, and any income realized will be incidental to the Fund's
objective. The Fund intends to invest the majority of its assets in equity and
equity-related securities, primarily common stocks. The Fund will emphasize
investment in equity securities of issuers which, in the opinion of the
Investment Adviser, are undervalued in relation to the issuer's long-term
earning power or asset value and/or the stock market in general at the time of
purchase.
 
     Meridian Value Fund may be invested in lower-rated long-term and
intermediate-term corporate bonds (or unrated corporate bonds of equivalent
credit quality), commonly known as "junk bonds." IN ADDITION TO OTHER RISKS,
THESE BONDS ARE SUBJECT TO GREATER FLUCTUATIONS IN VALUE AND RISK OF LOSS OF
INCOME AND PRINCIPAL DUE TO DEFAULT BY THE ISSUER THAN ARE LOWER YIELDING,
HIGHER RATED BONDS; THEREFORE, THESE INVESTMENTS MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL
INVESTORS.
 
     Each Fund's investment policies include investing in small to medium-sized
companies and seeking to preserve capital during difficult market conditions by
shifting temporarily a portion of its assets to cash or cash equivalents. These
policies will involve considerable risk and there can be no assurance that a
Fund, in fact, will achieve its investment objective, and gains cannot be
assured.
 
                                        1

PAGE
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    PAGE
<S>                                                                                 <C>
Fee Table.........................................................................     3
Financial Highlights..............................................................     4
Performance.......................................................................     6
Investment Policies and Portfolio Techniques......................................     8
  Meridian Fund...................................................................     8
  Meridian Value Fund.............................................................     8
  Policies Relating to Each Fund..................................................     9
Investment Management.............................................................    12
  The Investment Adviser..........................................................    12
  Advisory Fee for Meridian Fund..................................................    13
  Advisory Fee for Meridian Value Fund............................................    13
  Expenses........................................................................    13
  Execution of Portfolio Transactions.............................................    14
Dividends, Distributions and Federal Taxes........................................    14
How to Purchase Shares............................................................    15
  Initial Purchase................................................................    15
  Individual Retirement Accounts..................................................    16
  Additional Purchases............................................................    17
  Purchases by Wire...............................................................    17
  Purchases by Telephone..........................................................    17
  Price of Shares.................................................................    17
  Exchanges between Funds.........................................................    18
Redemptions and Transfer of Shares................................................    18
  By Mail.........................................................................    18
  By Telephone or Telegram........................................................    18
  Transfer of Redemption Proceeds by Wire.........................................    19
  General.........................................................................    19
  Mandatory Redemption............................................................    20
  Signature Guarantee.............................................................    20
  Share Transfers.................................................................    20
General Information...............................................................    21
  Description of Common Stock.....................................................    21
  Transfer, Redemption and Dividend Disbursing Agent..............................    21
  Custodian.......................................................................    21
  Experts.........................................................................    21
Appendix -- Description of Bond Ratings...........................................    21
</TABLE>
 
                                        2

PAGE
 
                                   FEE TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         MERIDIAN      MERIDIAN
                   SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES                        FUND       VALUE FUND
-----------------------------------------------------------------------  --------     ----------
<S>                                                                      <C>          <C>
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases................................      NONE           NONE
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends.....................      NONE           NONE
Deferred Sales Load....................................................      NONE           NONE
Redemption Fees........................................................      NONE           NONE
Exchange Fee...........................................................      NONE           NONE
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees........................................................     0.78%*         1.00%(+)
12b-1 Fees.............................................................      NONE           NONE
Other Expenses.........................................................     0.18%          1.55%
                                                                         --------     ----------
Total Fund Operating Expenses..........................................     0.96%          2.55%
                                                                          =======       ========
</TABLE>
 
* Management fees for the Meridian Fund for the period July 1, 1995 through June
30, 1996 were $2,906,889.
(+) Management fees for the Meridian Value Fund for the period July 1, 1995
through June 30, 1996 were $16,183.
 
     EXAMPLE  You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment
assuming a 5% annual return and redemption at the end of each period.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1 YEAR     3 YEARS     5 YEARS     10 YEARS
                                                           ------     -------     -------     --------
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
Meridian Fund............................................   $ 10        $31        $  54        $124
Meridian Value Fund......................................   $ 26        $82        $ 144        $329
</TABLE>
 
     THE PRECEDING EXAMPLE HAS BEEN PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE
REGULATIONS OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION AND SHOULD NOT BE
CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE
GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
     The assumed 5% annual return is hypothetical and should not be considered a
representation of past or future annual returns, which may be greater or less
than the assumed amount. In accordance with applicable S.E.C. regulations, the
example assumes that the percentage amounts listed under Annual Fund Operating
Expenses remain the same in each year of the one, three, five and ten year
periods; that the amount of the Fund's assets remains constant at the level at
the end of its most recently completed fiscal year; and assumes the reinvestment
of all dividends and distributions by a shareholder.
 
     The purpose of the preceding table is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in the Funds will
bear directly or indirectly. For more information concerning expenses of the
Funds see "Investment Management."
 
                                        3

PAGE
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
                                 MERIDIAN FUND
 
     The following ratios and per share data for each share of common stock
outstanding throughout each period have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP,
independent accountants, whose report is included in the Statement of Additional
Information. The financial highlights should be read in conjunction with the
financial statements and accompanying notes which also are included in the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30,
                             ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               1996       1995       1994      1993      1992      1991      1990      1989      1988      1987
                             --------   --------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Net Asset Value - Beginning
 of Period.................    $27.29     $24.27     $23.87    $18.97    $17.24    $17.71    $15.93    $13.65    $15.29    $17.02
                             --------   --------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Income from Investment Operations
---------------------------
Net Investment Income
 (loss)....................       .30        .27        .09      (.01)      .07       .20       .06       .41      (.11)      .02
Net Gains (Losses) on
 Securities
 (both realized and
 unrealized)...............      5.47       3.63        .76      5.51      3.45       .49      2.84      1.87      (.29)     (.52)
                             --------   --------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Total From Investment
 Operations................      5.77       3.90        .85      5.50      3.52       .69      2.90      2.28      (.40)     (.50)
                             --------   --------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Less Dividends and Distributions
------------------------
Dividends from net
 investment income.........      (.31)      (.18)      (.02)     (.04)     (.09)     (.12)     (.48)      .00      (.02)     (.07)
Distributions from net
 realized capital gains....      (.54)      (.70)      (.43)     (.56)    (1.70)    (1.04)     (.64)      .00     (1.22)    (1.16)
                             --------   --------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Total Dividends and
 Distributions.............      (.85)      (.88)      (.45)     (.60)    (1.79)    (1.16)    (1.12)      .00     (1.24)    (1.23)
                             --------   --------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Net Asset Value - End of
 Period....................    $32.21     $27.29     $24.27    $23.87    $18.97    $17.24    $17.71    $15.93    $13.65    $15.29
                             ========   ========   ========   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
Total Return...............    21.40%     16.44%      3.48%    29.50%    21.00%     5.62%    19.71%    16.70%    (2.99%)   (2.57%)
                             ========   ========   ========   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
Ratios/Supplemental Data
-------------------
Net Assets, End of Period
 (in thousands)............  $384,087   $328,153   $199,191   $78,581   $18,363   $12,350   $11,058    $9,598   $10,706   $18,701
Ratio of Expenses to
 Average Net Assets........     0.96%      1.06%      1.22%     1.47%     1.75%     1.68%     2.08%     2.01%+    1.85%+    1.72%
Ratio of Net Investment
 Income (Loss) to Average
 Net Assets................     0.99%      1.18%       .38%     (.01%)     .24%      .98%      .14%     2.83%+    (.59%)+    .15%
Portfolio Turnover Rate....       34%        29%        43%       61%       61%       85%       66%       62%       58%       88%
Average Commission Paid per
 Share.....................   $0.0588         --         --        --        --        --        --        --        --        --
+     Not representative of expenses incurred by the Fund as the Adviser waived its fee and/or paid certain expenses
      of the Fund.
</TABLE>
 
                                        4

PAGE
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
                             MERIDIAN VALUE FUND(R)
 
     The following ratios and per share data for each share of common stock
outstanding throughout each period have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP,
independent accountants, whose report is included in the Statement of Additional
Information. The financial highlights should be read in conjunction with the
financial statements and accompanying notes which also are included in the
Statement of Additional Information.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          FOR THE       FOR THE       FOR THE
                                                          FISCAL        FISCAL         PERIOD
                                                        YEAR ENDED    YEAR ENDED       ENDED
                                                         JUNE 30,      JUNE 30,       JUNE 30,
                                                           1996          1995          1994*
                                                        -----------   -----------   ------------
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>           <C>
Net Asset Value - Beginning of Period.................       $10.27         $9.87         $10.00
                                                         ----------       -------        -------
Income from Investment Operations
--------------------------------------
Net Investment (Loss) Income..........................        (0.10)        (0.04)          0.00
Net Gains or Losses on Securities
  (both realized and unrealized)......................         5.15          0.44          (0.13)
                                                         ----------       -------        -------
Total From Investment Operations......................         5.05          0.40          (0.13)
                                                         ----------       -------        -------
Less Dividends and Distributions
-----------------------------------
Dividends from net investment income..................         0.00          0.00           0.00
Distribution from net realized capital gains..........         0.00          0.00           0.00
                                                         ----------       -------        -------
Total Dividends and Distributions.....................         0.00          0.00           0.00
                                                         ----------       -------        -------
Net Asset Value - End of Period.......................       $15.32        $10.27          $9.87
                                                         ==========       =======        =======
Total Return..........................................       49.17%         4.05%         (1.30%)
                                                         ==========       =======        =======
Ratios/Supplemental Data
----------------------------
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)..............   $3,471,507      $715,021       $391,538
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets...............        2.55%+        2.78%+         1.28%+
Ratio of Net Investment Loss to Average Net Assets....       (1.36%)+       (.58%)+        (.07%)+
Portfolio Turnover Rate...............................         125%           77%           194%
Average Commission Paid Per Share.....................      $0.0559            --             --
+     Not representative of expenses incurred by the Fund as the Adviser waived its fee and/or
      paid certain expenses of the Fund. As indicated in Note 3, the Investment Manager
      reduced a portion of its fee and absorbed certain expenses of the Fund. Had these fees
      and expenses not been reduced and absorbed, the ratio of expenses to average net assets
      would have been 6.47%, 14.64%, and 11.22%, and the ratio of net investment income to
      average net assets would have been a loss of 5.28%, 12.44% and 10.02%, respectively.
*     From commencement of operations on February 10, 1994.
</TABLE>
 
                                        5

PAGE
 
                                  PERFORMANCE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      MEASUREMENT PERIOD
    (FISCAL YEAR COVERED)          S & P 500     MERIDIAN FUND
<S>                              <C>             <C>
6/30/86                                  10000           10000
6/30/87                                  12521            9743
6/30/88                                  11657            9452
6/30/89                                  14046           11030
6/30/90                                  16398           13205
6/30/91                                  17583           13947
6/30/92                                  19948           16876
6/30/93                                  22668           21854
6/30/94                                  22998           22616
6/30/95                                  28991           26334
6/30/96                                  36523           31969
</TABLE>
 
     The Meridian Fund's investment performance of 21.4% during the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1996, was primarily due to a rise in the price of small to
medium-sized growth stocks. The NASDAQ (over-the-counter) Index and the S&P 500
index, with dividends, was up 27.0%, and 26.1% respectively, during this period.
This was the result of strong earnings growth. The Fund's best performing areas
included consumer services, health services, industrial services, media, and
retail. The worst performing groups were banking and finance, real estate,
restaurants, technology, and transportation. Of a total of 56 investments, 40
advanced and 16 declined. The Fund's investments benefited in large part from
the underlying companies reporting good operating results. The Fund's large cash
position of between 22% and 29% also influenced the Fund's investment
performance.
 
                                        6

PAGE
 
                                  PERFORMANCE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      MEASUREMENT PERIOD
    (FISCAL YEAR COVERED)          S & P 500     MERIDIAN FUND
<S>                              <C>             <C>
2/10/94                                  10000           10000
6/30/94                                   9579            9870
6/30/95                                  12075           10270
6/30/96                                  15212           15320
</TABLE>
 
     The Meridian Value Fund's investment performance of 49.17% during the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 resulted primarily from investments in the
technology, energy, retail, restaurant, consumer products, and healthcare
sectors; a reduction in the fund's cash position from 31.5% to 5% during the
course of the year; and a general rise in the stock market. The S&P index, with
dividends, increased 26.1% during this period. The worst performing investments
were in the construction and REIT sectors. Of a total of 80 investments, 59
advanced and 21 declined.
 
     Meridian Fund and Meridian Value Fund may from time to time include
standardized and nonstandardized performance information and/or comparisons of
the investment results of the Funds to various unmanaged indices or results of
other mutual funds or groups of mutual funds in advertisements, sales literature
or in reports furnished to present or prospective shareholders.
 
     A Fund's standardized total return is the average annual total return for
the applicable periods of one year, five years and ten years (or, if data for
the periods are not available, since inception). Average annual total return is
calculated by determining the change in value of a hypothetical $1,000
investment in the Fund for each of the periods. The calculation assumes the
reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions and reflects
increases in net asset value. Because average annual returns for more than one
year tend to smooth out variations in a Fund's returns, they are not the same as
actual year-by-year results. Nonstandardized total returns for a Fund differ
from standardized total returns in that they may relate to nonstandard periods,
such as a fiscal year or may represent aggregate (rather than average) total
return over a specified period. Neither of the Funds impose a sales or other
distribution charges which would affect the total return computation.
 
     All performance information presented for the Funds is based on past
performance and does not predict future performance.
 
                                        7

PAGE
 
                  INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PORTFOLIO TECHNIQUES
 
     MERIDIAN FUND -- The Fund's investment objective is long-term growth of
capital. Realization of current income is not a significant investment
consideration, and any income realized will be incidental to the Fund's
objective. The Fund intends to invest the majority of its assets in equity and
equity-related securities, primarily common stocks. These will include equity
investments in companies that are considered by the Investment Adviser to be
experiencing above-average growth in revenues and earnings. The Investment
Adviser also may invest in companies not meeting these criteria if the
Investment Adviser believes they represent favorable investment opportunities
for the Fund.
 
     MERIDIAN VALUE FUND -- The Fund's investment objective is long-term growth
of capital. Realization of current income is not a significant investment
consideration, and any income realized will be incidental to the Fund's
objective. The Fund intends to invest at least 65% of its assets in equity and
equity-related securities, primarily common stocks. The Investment Adviser will
pursue this investment objective by emphasizing investment in equity securities
with prices which are, in the Investment Adviser's opinion, undervalued in
relation to the issuer's long-term earning power or asset value and/or the stock
market in general at the time of purchase. Securities may be undervalued because
of many factors, including market decline, poor economic conditions, tax-loss
selling or actual or anticipated unfavorable developments affecting the issuer
of the security. Any or all of these factors may provide buying opportunities at
attractive prices compared to historical or current market price-earnings
ratios, book value, underlying asset value, or the long-term earning prospects
of the company. If, in the Investment Adviser's opinion, a stock has reached a
fully valued position, it may, but need not, be sold and replaced by securities
which are deemed to be undervalued in the marketplace.
 
     The Fund's policy of investing in securities that may be temporarily out of
favor differs from the investment approach followed by many other mutual funds
with a similar investment objective including the Meridian Fund. Many such
mutual funds typically do not invest in securities that have, e.g., declined
sharply in price, are not widely followed, or are issued by companies that have
reported poor earnings or that have suffered a downturn in business. The
Investment Adviser believes, however, that the securities of companies that may
be temporarily out of favor due to earnings declines or other adverse
developments may offer good investment opportunities for the Fund.
 
     As a type of investment in undervalued securities with equity
characteristics, the Fund may invest in fixed-income securities, with an
emphasis on higher yielding, higher risk, lower rated or unrated corporate
bonds. The Fund will not invest 35% or more of its net assets in high-yield,
high-risk bonds. "High-yield, high-risk" bonds (also commonly referred to as
"junk bonds") typically are subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of
loss of income and principal due to default by the issuer than are investments
in lower yielding, higher rated bonds. These market characteristics make the
price movements of junk bonds more similar to the price movements of equity
securities than is typically the case with fixed-income securities. If the Fund
purchases junk bonds in pursuing its investment objective of growth of capital,
the Fund will seek to purchase high-yield, high-risk bonds that are expected by
the Investment Adviser to increase in value due to improvements in their credit
quality or ratings, anticipated declines in interest rates or improved business
conditions of the issuer.
 
     High-yield, high-risk bonds include any bonds rated Ba or below by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. or BB or below by Standard & Poor's Corporation or
unrated but are determined to be equivalent by the Investment Adviser. The Fund
may invest without limitation in bonds rated as low as Ca by Moody's or C by S&P
(or in unrated bonds that are determined to be of equivalent quality). In
addition, the Fund may invest
 
                                        8

PAGE
 
up to 10% of its total assets in bonds rated C by Moody's or D by S&P (or in
unrated bonds that are determined to be of equivalent quality.) Bonds rated D
are in default. (See p. 21 for a description of bond ratings.)
 
     POLICIES RELATING TO EACH FUND -- Investments will include common stocks,
other securities convertible into common stocks, and warrants to acquire common
stocks. The companies in which the Funds invest may be relatively small in terms
of total assets, revenues and earnings. The Investment Adviser in purchasing
securities will consider, among other criteria, the economic outlook, political
conditions, the specific issuer's growth rate relative to its price-earnings
ratio, other valuation criteria, the company's financial strength, management's
practices and perceived abilities, and the value of an individual security
relative to other investment alternatives. When, in the opinion of the
Investment Adviser, market conditions appear unfavorable, a Fund, as part of its
strategy to achieve growth of capital or maximize total return, may seek to
preserve capital by temporarily shifting a portion of its assets to cash and
cash equivalents.
 
     The sale of a security will be based upon, but not limited to, factors such
as a change in the political or economic outlook, actual or potential
deterioration of the issuer's earning power or underlying asset value, increases
in the security price that are considered excessive relative to the company's
earning power or asset value, and investment opportunities in other securities.
 
     When the Investment Adviser concludes, on the basis of its analyses of the
economy, political conditions, or its own valuation guidelines and standards,
that general market conditions warrant the reduction of some or all of a Fund's
equity securities holdings, a Fund may adopt a temporary defensive posture to
preserve capital and, if possible, to achieve positive returns in defensive type
investments. A portion or all of a Fund's assets will be held during such
periods in corporate debt obligations, preferred stocks, cash or money market
instruments, including, but not limited to, obligations issued or guaranteed as
to principal or interest by the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and other
obligations of domestic banks, and short-term commercial paper of U.S.
corporations. Investment income may increase during those periods. The Meridian
Fund will not invest in debt securities with a Moody's or Standard & Poor's
rating of less than single A, or, if unrated, deemed by the Investment Adviser
to be of equivalent investment quality and risk. The Meridian Value Fund may
invest in high-yield, high risk bonds (bonds rated less than Baa or BBB, or, if
unrated, of equivalent credit quality), as described elsewhere in this
Prospectus. (See Appendix for a description of debt ratings.)
 
     The securities in which the Funds invest generally will be listed on a
national stock exchange or traded on the over-the-counter market. However, a
Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities for which the market
is considered illiquid.
 
     A Fund may from time to time invest in the securities of issuers domiciled
outside the U.S. and may purchase or sell various currencies on a spot basis
only in connection with such investments. Although the Funds are not limited as
to the extent of their investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers, it is not
presently expected that within the next 12 months either Fund will have in
excess of 10% of its asset value (calculated at the time of purchase) invested
in such securities.
 
     The application of each Fund's investment policies is dependent upon the
judgment of the Investment Adviser. The proportions of a Fund's assets invested
in equity or debt securities or cash, particular industries, and specific issues
will shift from time to time in accordance with the judgment of the Investment
Adviser. Each Fund's investment policies include investing in small to
medium-sized companies, companies whose equity securities are perceived as being
undervalued in the marketplace, securities of non-U.S. issuers, and seeking to
preserve capital during difficult market conditions. These policies will involve
considerable risk, and
 
                                        9

PAGE
 
gains cannot be assured. Each Fund's investment objective and its investment
policies other than those listed as "fundamental investment policies" in the
Statement of Additional Information may be changed by the Board of Directors
without stockholder approval. Such changes may result in the Fund having
investment objectives different from the objectives which the shareholder
considered appropriate at the time of investment in the Fund.
 
     Short-term trading is not intended to be the primary means by which the
Fund achieves its long-term investment objective. Each Fund, however, does
expect to engage in a substantial number of portfolio transactions. A Fund's
annual portfolio turnover rate may exceed 100%, but is not expected to exceed
200%. The portfolio turnover rate for the Meridian Fund was 34% for the period
July 1, 1995 through June 30, 1996. The portfolio turnover rate for the Meridian
Value Fund was 125% for the period July 1, 1995 through June 30, 1996. A higher
portfolio turnover rate will increase aggregate brokerage commission expenses
which must be borne directly by a Fund and ultimately by that Fund's
stockholders. These portfolio turnover rates and the resultant commission
expenses are higher on a relative basis than those of most other mutual funds.
 
     INVESTMENTS IN BONDS -- The market values of fixed-income securities tend
to vary inversely with the level of interest rates -- when interest rates rise,
their values will tend to decline and vice versa. Although under normal market
conditions longer term securities yield more than shorter term securities of
similar quality, they are subject to greater price fluctuations. Fluctuations in
the value of a Fund's fixed-income investments will be reflected in its net
asset value per share.
 
     The Meridian Fund will only purchase bonds rated A or better (or, if
unrated, are considered by the Investment Adviser to be of equivalent credit
rating). The Meridian Value Fund may purchase high-yield, high-risk bonds (bonds
rated less than Baa or BBB), which typically are subject to greater market
fluctuations and to greater risk of loss of income and principal due to default
by the issuer than are higher-rated bonds. Their values tend to reflect
short-term corporate, economic and market developments and investor perceptions
of the issuer's credit quality to a greater extent than lower yielding,
higher-rated bonds. In addition, it may be more difficult to dispose of, or to
determine the value of, high-yield, high-risk bonds. Bonds rated less than Baa
or BBB are considered speculative. Bonds rated Ca or CC are described by the
ratings agencies as "speculative in a high degree; often in default or [having]
other marked shortcomings." See the Appendix for a complete description of the
bond ratings.
 
     UNSEASONED COMPANIES -- A Fund's portfolio may include securities of
smaller, less-seasoned companies which have limited operating histories and may
not yet be profitable. The investments in such companies offer opportunities for
capital gains, but entail significant risks including, but not limited to, the
absence of a ready market for the securities, volatility of the stock price, and
the viability of the firms' operations. A Fund will not invest in companies
having operating histories of less than three (3) years if immediately after and
as a result of such investment the value of the Fund's holdings of such
securities exceeds 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets.
 
     SECURITY LOANS -- Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, a
Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial
institutions. These loans will be callable at any time on reasonable notice by
the Fund and must be secured fully at all times by cash or cash equivalents.
Such loans allow the Fund to receive income on the loaned securities while
earning interest on the collateral. This collateral will be invested in
short-term obligations. A Fund will not lend portfolio securities which, when
valued at the time of the loan, have a value in excess of 10% of the Fund's
total assets. There are risks, as with any extensions of credit, of delay in
recovery and in some cases even loss of rights in the collateral should the
borrower of the securities fail financially. However, these loans of portfolio
securities will be made only to
 
                                       10

PAGE
 
firms deemed by Meridian's management to be creditworthy and when the income
which can be earned from such loans is considered sufficient to justify the
attendant risks. The Fund will pay reasonable finder's, administrative and
custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities.
 
     MONEY MARKET INVESTMENTS -- A Fund may make a variety of money market
investments. These investments may include, but are not limited to, certificates
of deposit, bankers' acceptances, and other obligations of domestic banks and
short-term commercial paper of U.S. corporations.
 
     EMERGENCY BORROWING -- The Fund, as a temporary measure, may borrow from
banks for extraordinary or emergency purposes. Borrowings for these purposes, in
no event, will exceed 5% of total (gross) assets, determined immediately after
the time of the borrowing.
 
     SECURITIES OF NON-U.S. ISSUERS -- A Fund may invest in the securities of
non-U.S. companies. These companies are not subject to uniform accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards and practices, or regulatory
requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. There also may be
less public information available about non-U.S. companies. Additionally,
specific local political and economic factors must be evaluated in making these
investments, including trade balances and imbalances, and related economic
policies; expropriation or confiscatory taxation; limitations on the removal of
funds or other assets; political or social instability; the diverse structure
and liquidity of the various securities markets; and nationalization policies of
governments around the world. However, investing outside the U.S. can also
reduce certain of these risks due to greater diversification opportunities.
 
     Securities of non-U.S. issuers may be denominated in currencies other than
the U.S. dollar. A Fund will not hold a currency other than U.S. dollars or
invest in securities not denominated in U.S. dollars if such currency is not
fully exchangeable into U.S. dollars without legal restriction at the time of
investment. A Fund may purchase securities that are issued by an issuer of one
nation but denominated in the currency of another nation (or a multinational
currency unit). If the currency in which a security is denominated appreciates
against the U.S. dollar, the dollar value of the security will increase.
Conversely, a decline in the exchange rate of the currency would adversely
affect the value of the security expressed in dollars. The value of currencies
may fluctuate in a manner unrelated to the investment performance of the
securities denominated in those currencies.
 
     Foreign equity securities may be held by a Fund in the form of American
Depository Receipts or Shares (ADRs), European Depository Receipts (EDRs),
Continental Depository Receipts (CDRs) or securities convertible into foreign
equity securities. These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the
same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. ADRs are
receipts typically issued by a United States bank or trust company evidencing
ownership of the underlying securities. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are
designed for use on the U.S. securities markets. See "Investment Policies and
Portfolio Techniques" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
     INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS -- Each Fund's investment policies include a list
of fundamental restrictions on the Fund's investment activities which cannot be
changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940). Those fundamental restrictions, among other things, provide that a Fund
may not:
 
     (1) invest more than 25% of the value of its assets in the securities of a
single issuer, nor may the remaining 75% of the assets contain any investments
in any other single issuer, which, immediately after such purchase, exceed 5% of
the value of the assets (except for obligations issued or guaranteed by the
United States Government, its agencies and instrumentalities);
 
                                       11

PAGE
 
     (2) purchase the securities of companies in a particular industry if
thereafter 25% or more of the value of the Fund's total assets would consist of
securities issued by companies in that industry. This restriction does not apply
to obligations issued and guaranteed by the United States Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities;
 
     (3) acquire more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities, or 10% of
all of the securities, of any one issuer; or
 
     (4) purchase the securities of any other investment company, except by
purchase in the open market where, to the best information of the Fund, no
commission or profit to a sponsor or dealer (other than the customary broker's
commission) results from such purchase and after such purchase not more than 5%
of the value of the Fund's total assets would consist of such securities, or
except when such purchase is part of a merger, consolidation, acquisition of
assets, or other reorganization approved by the Fund's stockholders.
 
     A complete list of the fundamental restrictions appear in the Statement of
Additional Information.
 
     DETERMINATION OF PORTFOLIO PERCENTAGE RESTRICTIONS -- If a percentage
restriction on investment or utilization of assets set forth under "Investment
Restrictions" and other fundamental restrictions is adhered to at the time an
investment is made, a later change in percentage resulting from changing market
values or a similar type of event will not be considered a violation of a Fund's
fundamental restrictions (except with respect to the limitation on borrowing.)
 
                             INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
 
     THE INVESTMENT ADVISER -- Meridian has for each Fund retained as its
investment adviser Aster Capital Management, Inc. ("Aster" or the "Investment
Adviser"), 60 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Wood Island, Suite 306, Larkspur,
California 94939, a professional investment management organization founded in
1985. The Investment Adviser is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of
1940, and has no stock brokerage, banking or underwriting affiliations. Richard
F. Aster, Jr. owns 94% of the Investment Adviser and as a result may be deemed
to be "in control" of the Investment Adviser. Mr. Aster is President and a
Director of Meridian and of the Investment Adviser.
 
     Mr. Aster is the person employed by the Investment Adviser who is primarily
responsible for the day-to-day management of each of the Funds. Mr. Aster
primarily has been responsible for the management of each of the Funds since
their respective commencement dates (the Meridian Fund commenced operations in
1984 and the Meridian Value Fund commenced operations in 1994). Since the
inception of Meridian Fund, Mr. Aster has been an investment adviser with the
Investment Adviser and with Aster Investment Management, Inc., which is
wholly-owned by Mr. Aster. Aster Investment Management, Inc. provides investment
management services to individuals and institutional accounts other than
registered investment companies. Mr. Aster is assisted by Kevin C. O'Boyle with
respect to the Meridian Value Fund. Mr. O'Boyle has been employed by Aster
Investment Management Co. since September of 1994 as the Vice President of
Research. During the period July 1993 through September of 1994, Mr. O'Boyle
worked for Pacific Physician Services, Inc., (PPSI) as manager of business
development. Mr. O'Boyle attended Stanford University Graduate School of
Business prior to his employment with PPSI.
 
     The Investment Adviser manages the investment of Meridian's portfolios,
provides administrative services and manages its business affairs. These
services are subject to general oversight by Meridian's Board of Directors.
Aster Capital Management, Inc. and its affiliated companies have adopted a
personal investing policy that is consistent with the recommendations contained
in the report dated May 9, 1994 issued by the
 
                                       12

PAGE
 
Investment Company Institute's Advisory Group on Personal Investing. (See the
Statement of Additional Information).
 
     ADVISORY FEE FOR MERIDIAN FUND -- The Investment Adviser receives from the
Fund as compensation for its services to the Fund an annual fee of 1% of the
first $50 million of the Fund's net assets and 0.75% of the Fund's net assets in
excess of $50 million. The fee will be paid monthly and calculated on the basis
of that month's net assets.
 
     ADVISORY FEE FOR MERIDIAN VALUE FUND -- The Investment Adviser receives
from the Fund as compensation for its services to the Fund an annual fee of 1%
of the Fund's net assets. The fee will be paid monthly and calculated on the
basis of that month's net assets.
 
     These fees are higher than fees charged most other mutual funds, but are
considered appropriate by the Investment Adviser because of the various types of
securities eligible for investment by a Fund and the amount of work deemed
necessary to manage appropriately a portfolio such as that of one of the Funds.
The Investment Adviser will use a portion of these fees to pay certain expenses
of the Funds.
 
     EXPENSES -- Each Fund will pay all of its expenses not assumed by the
Investment Adviser. A Fund's expenses include: custodian, stock transfer, and
dividend disbursing fees and expenses; costs of the designing, printing and
mailing of reports, proxy statements and notices to stockholders; cost of the
printing and distributing of prospectuses of the Fund and supplements thereto to
the Fund's stockholders; taxes; expenses of the issuance and redemption of
shares of the Fund (including stock certificates, registration and qualification
fees and expenses); legal and auditing expenses; compensation, fees, and
expenses paid to Meridian Directors unaffiliated with the Investment Adviser;
association dues; and costs of stationery and forms prepared exclusively for the
Fund. Expenses which relate to both Funds (such as, for example, the fees and
expenses paid to the Meridian Directors) will be allocated between Funds by the
Investment Adviser in a reasonable manner.
 
     The Investment Adviser has agreed to reimburse each Fund in the amount, if
any, by which the total expenses of the Fund for any fiscal year exceed the most
stringent limits prescribed by any state in which the Fund shares are offered
for sale. Although state requirements may change, currently, the most stringent
state expense limitation requires the Investment Adviser to reimburse each Fund
to the extent that the Fund's aggregate operating expenses in any fiscal year
exceed 2.5% of the first $30 million of the average net assets of the Fund, 2.0%
of the next $70 million of the average net assets, and l.5% of the remaining
average net assets. Reimbursement, if any, will be on a monthly basis, subject
to year-end adjustment. Interest expense, taxes and capital items such as, but
not limited to, costs incurred in connection with the purchase or sale of
portfolio securities, including brokerage fees and commissions, are not included
as expenses for these purposes. Meridian and the Investment Adviser reserve the
right to amend the terms of this expense limitation to the extent deemed
appropriate to meet the requirements of the securities regulations of states in
which a Fund's shares will be sold and will delete the limitations altogether in
the event such state regulations are waived or withdrawn.
 
     The net investment advisory fee for Meridian Fund for the period July 1,
1995 through June 30, 1996, was $2,906,889 (0.78% of average net assets). The
Fund's total expenses for the period noted above were .96% of average net
assets. The net investment advisory fee for the period July 1, 1994 through June
30, 1995 was $2,095,644, and the net investment advisory fee for the period July
1, 1993 through June 30, 1994 was $1,267,536.
 
                                       13

PAGE
 
     The net investment advisory fee for the Meridian Value Fund for the period
July 1, 1995 through June 30, 1996, was $16,183 (1.00% of average net assets).
The Fund's total expenses for the period noted above were 2.55% of average net
assets. The net investment advisory fee for the period July 1, 1994 through June
30, 1995 was $5,903 and the net investment advisory fee for the period February
10, 1994 through June 30, 1994 was $1,004.
 
     EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS -- Orders for transactions in portfolio
securities are placed by the Investment Adviser with the objective of obtaining
the best available price, investment services and execution. There is no
agreement or commitment to place orders with any broker-dealer, and it is
expected that a number of broker-dealers will be used in various transactions.
Subject to the requirement of seeking the best available prices and executions,
the Investment Adviser may give preferences to brokers which have provided
research, statistical and other related services or have sold shares of the
Funds. Where transactions are executed in the over-the-counter market, a Fund
will seek to deal with the primary market-makers; but when necessary in order to
obtain the best price and execution, it will utilize the services of others.
 
     Fixed-income securities are generally traded on a "net" basis with a dealer
acting as principal for its own account without a stated commission, although
the price of the security usually includes a profit to the dealer. In
underwritten offerings, securities are usually purchased at a fixed price which
includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as
the underwriter's concession or discount. On occasion, securities may be
purchased directly from an issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are
paid.
 
     Aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Meridian Fund for the period
July 1, 1995 through June 30, 1996 were $317,164. Commissions paid by the Fund
for the period July 1, 1994 through June 30, 1995 were $426,549, and for the
period July 1, 1993 through June 30, 1994 were $396,023.
 
     Aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Meridian Value Fund for the
period July 1, 1995 through June 30, 1996 were $14,996. Commissions paid by the
Fund for the period July 1, 1994 through June 30, 1995 were $2,523 and for the
period February 10, 1994 through June 30, 1994 were $962.
 
                   DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND FEDERAL TAXES
 
     DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS -- It is Meridian's policy to declare and pay
annually to the shareholders of each Fund dividends from net investment income,
with the amount dependent upon earnings, the financial condition of the Fund and
other factors. Net realized capital gains (the excess of net long-term gains
over net short-term capital losses), if any, will be distributed to shareholders
annually at the end of the fiscal year. A Fund may make an additional dividend
or capital distribution near the end of the calendar year to comply with certain
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. Any dividends or capital gain
distributions will be automatically reinvested in shares, at net asset value
(without sales charge), unless a stockholder otherwise instructs the Transfer
Agent in writing.
 
     Any dividend or capital gain distribution paid by a Fund has the effect of
reducing the net asset value per share on the record date by the amount of the
distribution. Therefore, a dividend or capital gain distribution paid shortly
after a purchase of shares by an investor would represent, in substance, a
return of capital to the stockholder (to the extent it is paid on the shares so
purchased), even though it would be subject to income taxes, as discussed below.
 
     FEDERAL TAXES -- For the year ended June 30, 1996, each Fund qualified to
be treated as a separate "regulated investment company" under the Internal
Revenue Code, and each Fund has elected or intends to
 
                                       14

PAGE
 
elect such treatment for the coming year. In any fiscal year in which a Fund so
qualifies and distributes at least 90% of its net investment income, the Fund
will be relieved of federal income tax on the net investment income and net
realized capital gains distributed to shareholders.
 
     Distributions from net realized long-term capital gains will be taxed as
long-term capital gains. Distributions of net investment income and net realized
short-term capital gains will be taxed at ordinary income rates to the
shareholder (except tax exempt shareholders.) The tax treatment of distributions
will be the same whether the shareholder reinvests the distributions in
additional shares or elects to receive them in cash.
 
     Stockholders normally will have to pay Federal income taxes and any
applicable state income taxes on the dividends and distributions they receive
from a Fund. Each stockholder will receive at the end of each calendar year full
information on dividend and capital-gain distributions for tax purposes,
including information such as the portion taxable as ordinary income, the
portion taxable as capital gains, and the amount of dividends eligible for the
dividends received deduction for corporate taxpayers. Stockholders not subject
to income taxation do not have to pay an income tax on the dividend or
capital-gain distributions.
 
     Stockholders must furnish each Fund in which they are invested with their
correct Taxpayer Identification Number to avoid being subject to a 31% federal
backup withholding tax on dividend distributions and on the proceeds of
redemptions. Investors also must certify on the account application that the
stated Taxpayer Identification Number is correct and that the investor is not
subject to the 31% backup withholding tax for previous underreporting to the
IRS. Amounts withheld are applied to the stockholder's federal tax liability,
and a refund may be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service if withholding
results in overpayment of taxes. Federal law also requires the Fund to withhold
the applicable tax treaty rate from dividends that occur in certain non-resident
alien, foreign partnership and foreign corporation shareholder accounts.
 
     The foregoing is a brief discussion of certain federal income tax
considerations. Further information is contained in the Statement of Additional
Information. All investors should consult their individual tax advisors with
respect to their particular tax situations as well as the state and local tax
status of investments in shares of the Funds.
 
                             HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES
 
     Each Fund's shares are sold on a continuing basis without a sales charge. A
minimum initial investment of $1,000 is required to open a stockholder account
and each subsequent investment must be $50 or more.
 
     INITIAL PURCHASE -- Investors may purchase shares from a Fund by sending a
signed, completed application form and a check or money order payable in U.S.
dollars to Meridian Fund, Inc. to Meridian's Transfer Agent, FPS Services, Inc.,
3200 Horizon Drive, P.O. Box 61503, King of Prussia, PA 19406-0903. Meridian
Fund, Inc., does not accept purchases by third party checks, credit cards or
cash. Application forms may be obtained from Meridian Fund, Inc. at
1-800-446-6662.
 
     A prospective investor wishing to pay for the initial share purchase with
funds transmitted by wire should first contact FPS Services, Inc.
(1-800-446-6662) directly to have an account number assigned and make
arrangements for the timely submission of the application form. See "Purchases
By Wire" for further instructions.
 
     Share certificates are issued for full shares only and only upon the
specific request of the stockholder in writing to the Transfer Agent.
 
                                       15

PAGE
 
     Meridian does not have dealer agreements. Meridian assumes no liability for
the failure of a dealer to transmit promptly or accurately an order to the Fund.
 
     INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS -- Meridian offers an Individual Retirement
Account (IRA) into which tax deductible contributions or rollover contributions
may be made by investors who qualify under current IRS regulations. There is no
charge for the purchase of shares. Semper Trust Company serves as custodian for
the IRA plan for an annual fee of $12.
 
     Earnings in the form of income dividends or net capital gain distributions
or net realized capital gain distributions on shares in an IRA account will be
reinvested and are taxable to the stockholder at the time of distribution.
 
     Pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
individuals who are not active participants (and who do not have a spouse who is
an active participant) in certain types of retirement plans ("qualified
retirement plans") may deduct contributions to an IRA, up to specified limits.
Investment earnings in the IRA will be tax-deferred until withdrawn, at which
time the individual may be in a lower tax bracket.
 
     The maximum annual deductible contribution to an IRA for individuals under
age 70 and a half is 100% of includible compensation up to a maximum of (i)
$2,000 for single individuals; (ii) $4,000 for a married couple when both
spouses earn income; and (iii) $2,250 when one spouse earns, or elects for IRA
purposes to be treated as earning, no income (together the "IRA contribution
limits").
 
     The IRA deduction is also available for single individual taxpayers and
married couples who are active participants in qualified retirement plans but
who have adjusted gross incomes that do not exceed certain specified limits. If
their adjusted gross income exceeds these limits, the amount of the deductible
contribution is phased down and eventually eliminated.
 
     Any individual who works may make nondeductible contributions to an IRA in
addition to any deductible contributions. Total aggregate deductible and
nondeductible contributions are limited to the IRA contribution limits discussed
above. Nondeductible contributions in excess of the applicable IRA contribution
limit are "nondeductible excess contributions." In addition, contributions made
to an IRA for the year in which an individual attains the age of 70 and a half,
or any year thereafter, are also nondeductible excess contributions.
Nondeductible excess contributions are subject to a 6% excise tax penalty that
is charged each year that the nondeductible excess contribution remains in the
IRA.
 
     An employer may also contribute to an individual's IRA as part of a
Simplified Employee Pension Plan, known as a "SEP-IRA," established prior to
January 1, 1996, or a Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees, or "SIMPLE
plan," established after December 31, 1996. Participating employers may make an
annual contribution to each employee through a SEP-IRA in an amount up to the
lesser of 15% of such employee's earned income or $30,000, subject to certain
provisions of the Code. Under a SIMPLE plan, an employee may contribute up to
$6000 annually to his or her own IRA, and the employer must generally match such
contributions up to 3% of the employee's annual salary. Alternatively, the
employer may elect under the SIMPLE formula to contribute to the employee's IRA
2% of the lesser of his or her earned income of $150,000. In any case, all
contributions and investment earnings will be tax-deferred until withdrawn.
 
     Under the Code, complex rules govern the roll over of retirement plan
assets to an IRA. You should consult your tax advisor regarding your specific
situation before making such a contribution.
 
     The foregoing discussion regarding IRAs is based on the Code and federal
regulations in effect as of the date of this Prospectus and summarizes only some
of the important federal tax considerations generally affecting IRA
contributions made by individuals or their employers. It is not intended as a
substitute for careful tax planning. Investors should consult their tax advisors
with respect to their specific tax situations as
 
                                       16

PAGE
 
well as with respect to state and local taxes. Further federal tax information
is contained under the heading "Dividends, Distributions and Federal Taxes" in
the Prospectus and in the SAI.
 
     Please note that telephone redemption discussed on page 18 does not apply
to Individual Retirement Accounts.
 
     For additional information about IRAs along with the necessary materials to
establish an IRA account, please write to Meridian Fund, Inc., c/o FPS Services,
Inc., 3200 Horizon Drive, P.O. Box 61503, King of Prussia, PA 19406-0903 or call
1-800-446-6662.
 
     ADDITIONAL PURCHASES -- Once an account has been opened, an investor can
make additional purchases of shares at any time by sending a check or money
order for at least $50, payable to Meridian Fund, Inc., together with the stub
from the investor's last statement, c/o FPS Services, Inc., Post Office Box
412797, Kansas City, MO 64141-2797. Stockholders wishing to have automatic
deductions from a checking account should call Meridian or the Transfer Agent
for forms. Share purchase confirmations will include a form for the remittance
of additional funds.
 
     PURCHASES BY WIRE -- Investors may wire funds to Meridian Fund, Inc.
Arrangements should be made so that funds arrive concurrently with instructions
for the purchase of shares. Wire-transferred funds should be transferred via the
Federal Reserve Wire System as follows: United Missouri Bank KC N.A., ABA
#10-10-00695, for FPS Services, Inc., A/C #98-7037-0719, FBO Meridian Fund (or
Meridian Value Fund), Account of (name(s) as registered), Shareholder A/C
#(account number). United Missouri Bank and Meridian cannot be held liable for
any loss incurred by delay in receipt of money submitted by wire transfer.
 
     PURCHASES BY TELEPHONE -- Meridian may, from time to time, accept telephone
purchase orders from broker-dealers and institutions who have been previously
approved by Meridian. There is no sales or service charge imposed by Meridian,
but such broker-dealers may make a reasonable charge for their services. Such
charges may vary among broker-dealers.
 
     PRICE OF SHARES -- The price paid for shares of a Fund is the net asset
value per share of the Fund next determined after receipt by the Transfer Agent
of properly identified purchase funds. Money sent to purchase additional shares
for existing accounts must be accompanied by the account number. Money sent to
open a new account must be preceded or accompanied by a completed application
form. Net asset value per share is computed as of the close of business
(currently 4:00 p.m., New York time) each day the New York Stock Exchange is
open for trading and on each other day during which there is a sufficient degree
of trading in the Fund's investments to affect the net asset value. However, the
net asset value may not be computed on a day during which no orders to purchase,
sell or redeem Fund shares have been tendered. Net asset value is determined by
totalling the value of all portfolio securities, cash, other assets, including
accrued interest and dividends, held by the Fund, and subtracting from that
total all liabilities, including accrued expenses. Securities in the Fund's
portfolio will be valued primarily on market quotes, or, if quotes are not
available, by a method that the Board of Directors of Meridian believes would
reflect accurately the securities' fair value. Short-term securities with
original or remaining maturities in excess of 60 days are valued at the mean of
their quoted bid and asked prices. Short term securities with 60 days or less to
maturity are amortized to maturity based on their cost to the Fund if acquired
within 60 days of maturity or, if already held by the Fund on the 60th day,
based on the value determined on the 61st day. The total net asset value is
divided by the total number of shares outstanding to determine the net asset
value of each share.
 
     Meridian's transfer agent will be closed on the following holidays: New
Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
 
                                       17

PAGE
 
     EXCHANGES BETWEEN FUNDS -- A stockholder may exchange shares from one Fund
to the other Fund. Exchange purchases are subject to the minimum investment
requirements of the Fund purchased. You may exchange shares by writing to
Meridian's Transfer Agent (see "Redemption and Transfer of Shares") or -- if you
submit a signed Account Application which indicates that you have not declined
the option -- by telephoning 1-800-446-6662 toll free. By using the telephone
exchange option, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Meridian, the Transfer
Agent, the Investment Adviser and each of their respective directors, officers,
employees and agents from any losses, expenses, costs or liability (including
attorney fees) which may be incurred in connection with the exercise of this
privilege. If a Fund, the Transfer Agent or the Investment Adviser, as the case
may be, does not employ reasonable procedures to confirm that the instructions
received from any person with appropriate account information are genuine, the
Fund or one of those other parties may be liable for losses due to unauthorized
or fraudulent instructions. Exchange redemptions and purchases are processed
simultaneously at the share prices next determined after the exchange order is
received. (See "How to Purchase Shares -- Price of Shares.")
 
     EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS HAVE THE SAME TAX CONSEQUENCES AS ORDINARY SALES AND
PURCHASES.
 
     THE ABOVE SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE ONLY IN STATES WHERE THE FUND TO BE
PURCHASED MAY BE LEGALLY OFFERED AND MAY BE TERMINATED OR MODIFIED AT ANY TIME
UPON SIXTY (60) DAYS' WRITTEN NOTICE.
 
                       REDEMPTIONS AND TRANSFER OF SHARES
 
     BY MAIL -- Shares of a Fund may be redeemed by mail by writing directly to
Meridian's Transfer Agent, FPS Services, Inc., 3200 Horizon Drive, P.O. Box
61503, King of Prussia, PA 19406-0903. The redemption request must be signed
exactly as the stockholder's name appears on the registration form and must
include the account number. If shares are owned by more than one person, the
redemption request must be signed by all owners exactly as the names appear on
the registration. Stock certificates for any shares to be redeemed must be
delivered together with the signed redemption request. Signature guarantees,
when required as described below, and any additional documents as may be
required by Meridian for shares owned by corporations, executors,
administrators, trustees or guardians also must accompany the redemption
request. A request for redemption will not be processed until all of the
necessary documentation has been received in proper form by the Transfer Agent.
A stockholder in doubt as to what documents are required should contact FPS
Services, Inc., Tel: 1-800-446-6662. If a redemption request is sent
inadvertently to Meridian, it will be forwarded to the Transfer Agent, but the
effective date of redemption may be delayed until the request is received by the
Transfer Agent.
 
     BY TELEPHONE OR TELEGRAM -- Shares of a Fund may be redeemed by telephone
by calling FPS Services, Inc., 1-800-446-6662, during normal business hours.
Stockholders also may send a telegram or an overseas cable to FPS Services,
Inc., 3200 Horizon Drive, P.O. Box 61503, King of Prussia, PA 19406-0903, for
the account of the Fund.
 
     A stockholder may elect at any time to use the telephone or telegram
redemption service. Such election may be made on the initial application form or
on other forms prescribed by the Fund. An executed authorization form must be on
file with the Transfer Agent before a stockholder may use the service. Share
certificates for the shares being redeemed must be held by the Transfer Agent. A
corporation (or partnership) also must submit a "Corporate Resolution" (or
"Certificate of Partnership") indicating the names, titles and the required
number of signatures authorized to act on its behalf. The authorization form
must be signed by a duly authorized officer(s) and the corporation seal affixed.
 
                                       18

PAGE
 
     By signing a Telephone Redemption Authorization form or otherwise utilizing
telephone redemption privileges, the shareholder has agreed that the Funds will
not be liable for following instructions communicated by telephone that it
reasonably believes to be genuine. The Funds provide written confirmation of
transactions initiated by telephone as a procedure designed to confirm that
telephone transactions are genuine. As a result of this policy, the investor may
bear the risk of any financial loss in the event of such a transaction;
provided, however, if a Fund or the Transfer Agent fails to employ this and
other established procedures, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be liable.
 
     When utilizing the telephone or telegram redemption service, the
stockholder must give the full registration name, address, number of shares or
dollar amount to be redeemed, Fund account number and name of the Fund in order
for the redemption request to be processed.
 
     TRANSFER OF REDEMPTION PROCEEDS BY WIRE -- Redemption proceeds may be
transmitted directly to the stockholder's predesignated account at a domestic
bank upon request if redemption proceeds are of at least $5,000. Proceeds of
less than $5,000 will be mailed to the stockholder's registered address of
record. Costs in connection with the administration of this service, including
wire charges, will be borne by the Fund. Any changes or exceptions to the
original election must be made in writing, with signature guaranteed, and will
be effective upon receipt by the Transfer Agent.
 
     FPS Services, Inc. and Meridian reserve the right to refuse any telephone
or telegram instructions and may discontinue the aforementioned redemption
options upon 30 days written notice.
 
     GENERAL -- All shares of the Funds offered for redemption will be redeemed
at the net asset value per share of the Fund next determined after receipt of
the redemption request, if in good order, by the Transfer Agent. (See "Price of
Shares.") Because the net asset value of a Fund's shares will fluctuate as a
result of changes in the market value of securities owned, the amount a
stockholder receives upon redemption may be more or less than the amount paid
for the shares.
 
     Payment for shares redeemed in writing, by telephone or by telegram, if in
good order, will be made promptly after receipt, but not later than seven
business days after the valuation date. Requests for redemption which are
subject to any special conditions or which specify an effective date other than
as provided herein cannot be accepted.
 
     Requests for redemptions will not be honored until checks (including
certified checks or cashier's checks) received for the shares purchased have
cleared, which can take as long as fifteen days. Questions with respect to the
proper form for redemption may be directed to the Transfer Agent at
1-800-446-6662.
 
     The redemption price will be paid on or before the seventh day following
proper tender, except a postponement may be permissible under the 1940 Act when
(a) the New York Stock Exchange is closed (other than for weekends and holidays)
or trading is restricted thereon, (b) an emergency exists making disposal of
portfolio securities or the valuation of net assets of the Fund not reasonably
practicable, or (c) the Securities and Exchange Commission has by order
permitted suspension of redemptions for the protection of the Fund's
stockholders. The Commission, by rules and regulations, determines the
conditions under which trading of securities shall be deemed to be restricted
and the conditions under which an emergency shall be deemed to exist.
 
     Investment dealers handling redemption transactions may make a service
charge. There is no charge as described in the foregoing paragraphs for
redemption of shares tendered directly to the Transfer Agent.
 
                                       19

PAGE
 
     MANDATORY REDEMPTION -- The Board of Directors has established a policy,
which is subject to change, to require redemption of accounts of a Fund that
drops as a result of redemptions to a value of less than $750 (determined, for
this purpose only, as the greater of the stockholder's cost or the current net
asset value of the shares, including any shares acquired through the
reinvestment of income dividends and capital gains distributions). Prior notice
of at least 60 days will be given to a stockholder before the involuntary
redemption provision is made effective with respect to the stockholder's
account. The stockholder will have no less than 30 days from the date of such
notice within which to bring the account up to the minimum determined as set
forth above.
 
     SIGNATURE GUARANTEE -- Meridian Fund, Inc. requires that the signature of
each stockholder be guaranteed in connection with all redemptions in an effort
to minimize the possibility that another person may forge the stockholder's
signature on a redemption request. This means that a representative of a firm in
one of the categories specified below must acknowledge that the stockholder's
signature is genuine. To prevent fraudulent redemptions Meridian requires that
the signature of each stockholder be guaranteed for all redemptions greater that
$25,000 or those directed to an address or individual other than the holder of
record.
 
     Signatures must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" as
defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Eligible
guarantor institutions include banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national
securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and
savings associations. A broker-dealer guaranteeing signatures must be a member
of a clearing corporation or maintain net capital of at least $100,000. Credit
unions must be authorized to issue signature guarantees. Signature guarantees
will be accepted from any eligible guarantor institution which participates in a
signature guarantee program.
 
     The signature guarantees must appear, together with the signatures of the
registered owners on one of the following: (1) a written request for redemption,
which identifies clearly the exact names in which the account is registered, the
account number and the number of shares or the dollar amount to be redeemed, (2)
a separate instrument of assignment which should specify the total number of
shares to be redeemed (this "stock power" may be obtained from Meridian or FPS
Services, Inc., or from most banks and stockbrokers), or (3) all stock
certificates tendered for redemption, in which case the guarantees also must
appear on the letter of stock power if shares held by the Transfer Agent also
are being redeemed.
 
     SHARE TRANSFERS -- Shares of a Fund may be transferred upon delivery to FPS
Services, Inc. of the following: (1) a letter of instructions, signed exactly as
the shares are registered by each registered owner, which identifies clearly the
exact names in which the account presently is registered, the account number,
the number of shares to be transferred, and the names, address and social
security or tax identification number of the account to which the shares are to
be transferred, (2) stock certificates, if any, which are the subject of the
transfer, and (3) an instrument of assignment ("stock power"), which should
specify the total number of shares to be transferred and on which the signatures
of the registered owners have been guaranteed. (See "Signature Guarantee.")
Additional documents are required for transfers by corporations, executors,
administrators, trustees and guardians. A stockholder in doubt as to what
documents are required should contact FPS Services, Inc. (1-800-446-6662). If
the transfer establishes a new account, a new application must be submitted.
Meridian is not bound to record any transfer on the stock transfer books
maintained by FPS Services, Inc. until the latter has received all required
documents.
 
                                       20

PAGE
 
                              GENERAL INFORMATION
 
     DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK -- Meridian was incorporated in Maryland on
March 5, 1984. The authorized capital stock of Meridian consists of 50,000,000
shares of Common Stock (par value $.01 per share), with 25,000,000 shares
presently allocated to each Fund. Each of the Funds corresponds to a distinct
investment portfolio in a distinct series of Meridian's Common Stock. Each of
the Fund's shares has equal dividend, distribution, redemption, liquidation and
noncumulative voting rights. In the future, from time to time, Meridian's Board
of Directors may, in its discretion, increase the amount of authorized shares
and/or establish additional funds and issue shares of additional series of
Meridian's Common Stock.
 
     TRANSFER, REDEMPTION AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT -- FPS Services, Inc.,
3200 Horizon Drive, P.O. Box 61503, King of Prussia, PA 19406-0903 is the
transfer and redemption and dividend disbursing agent for each Fund. Shareholder
inquiries should be made to the transfer agent at 1-800-446-6662.
 
     CUSTODIAN -- Bank of New York, 48 Wall Street, New York, NY 10286, serves
as Custodian of all securities and funds owned by the Fund.
 
     EXPERTS -- Price Waterhouse LLP, 555 California Street, San Francisco,
California 94104, have been appointed as independent accountants for Meridian.
The financial statements of the Funds as of June 30, 1996 included in the
Statement of Additional Information have been so included in reliance on the
report of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority
of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                    APPENDIX
                          DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS
 
     MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. rates the long-term debt securities issued
by various entities from "Aaa" to "C," according to quality as described below:
 
     "AAA -- Best quality. These securities carry the smallest degree of
investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt edge." Interest payments
are protected by a large, or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is
secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes
as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong
position of such issues."
 
     "AA -- High quality by all standards. They are rated lower than the best
bond because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities,
fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude, or there may be
other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat greater."
 
     "A -- Upper medium grade obligations. These bonds possess many favorable
investment attributes. Factors giving security to principal and interest are
considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility
to impairment sometime in the future."
 
     "BAA -- Medium grade obligations. Interest payments and principal security
appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking
or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such
bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and, in fact, have speculative
characteristics as well."
 
     "BA -- Have speculative elements; future cannot be considered as well
assured. The protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate
and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future.
Bonds in this class are characterized by uncertainty of position."
 
                                       21

PAGE
 
     "B -- Generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment; assurance
of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the
contract over any long period of time may be small."
 
     "CAA -- Of poor standing. Issues may be in default or there may be present
elements of danger with respect to principal or interest."
 
     "CA -- Speculative in a high degree; often in default or have other marked
shortcomings."
 
     "C -- Lowest rated class of bonds; can be regarded as having extremely poor
prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing."
 
     STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION rates the long-term securities debt of
various entities in categories ranging from "AAA" to "D" according to quality as
described below:
 
     "AAA -- Highest rating. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is
extremely strong."
 
     "AA -- High grade. Very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. Generally, these bonds differ from AAA issues only in a small
degree."
 
     "A -- Have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal, although
they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of change in
circumstances and economic conditions, than debt in higher rate categories."
 
     "BBB -- Regarded as having adequate capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. These bonds normally exhibit adequate protection parameters, but
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal than for debt in higher
rated categories."
 
     "BB, B, CCC, CC, C -- Regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative
with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with
the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C
the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality
and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or
major risk exposures to adverse conditions."
 
     "C1 -- Reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being paid."
 
     "D -- In default and payment of interest and/or repayment of principal is
in arrears."
 
                                       22

PAGE
 
                                                 MERIDIAN FUND, INC.(R)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
INVESTMENT ADVISER                                             MERIDIAN FUND
Aster Capital Management, Inc.                            MERIDIAN VALUE FUND(R)
60 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Wood Island, Suite 306                                          PROSPECTUS
Larkspur, CA 94939                                           October 31, 1996.
TRANSFER AND REDEMPTION AGENT                                     (LOGO)
FPS Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 61503                                         60 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
King of Prussia, PA 19406-0903                            Wood Island, Suite 306
                                                            Larkspur, CA 94939
CUSTODIAN                                                     (415) 461-6237
The Bank of New York                                     Telephone (800) 446-6662
48 Wall Street
New York, NY 10286
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Price Waterhouse LLP
555 California Street
San Francisco, California 94104
</TABLE>

PAGE
 
                             MERIDIAN FUND, INC.(R)
 
                  Part B: Statement of Additional Information
                             Cross Reference Sheet
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                CAPTIONS IN STATEMENT OF
        ITEM NUMBER OF PART B -- FORM N-1A                       ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
---------------------------------------------------    -------------------------------------------
<S>   <C>                                              <C>
 10.  Cover Page...................................    Cover Page
 11.  Table of Contents............................    Table of Contents
 12.  General Information and History..............    Not applicable
                                                       Investment Objectives and Portfolio
                                                       Techniques;
 13.  Investment Objectives and Policies...........    Additional Investment Restrictions
                                                       Investment Management:
 14.  Management of the Fund.......................    Directors and Officers
 15.  Control Persons and Principal Holders of
      Securities...................................    Directors and Officers
                                                       Investment Management;
                                                       Additional Information;
 16.  Investment Advisory and Other Services.......    Custodian
 17.  Brokerage Allocation.........................    Execution of Portfolio Transactions
                                                       General Information --
 18.  Capital Stock and Other Securities...........    Description of Common Stock
 19.  Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of
      Securities Being Offered.....................    Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares
 20.  Tax Status...................................    Dividends, Distributions and Federal Taxes
 21.  Underwriters.................................    Not Applicable
 22.  Calculations of Performance Data.............    Investment Results
 23.  Financial Statements.........................    Financial Statements
</TABLE>

PAGE
 
                             MERIDIAN FUND, INC.(R)
                         60 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
                             Wood Island, Suite 306
                               Larkspur, CA 94939
                           Telephone: 1-800-446-6662
 
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
     Meridian Fund, Inc. ("Meridian") is a no-load, open-end, diversified
management investment company (a "mutual fund") consisting of two separate
portfolios (each individually a "Fund" or collectively the "Funds"). Additional
funds may be established by Meridian from time to time. The Funds and their
investment objectives are:
 
     MERIDIAN FUND -- The Fund's investment objective is long-term growth of
capital. Realization of current income is not a significant investment
consideration, and any income realized will be incidental to the Fund's
objective. The Fund intends to invest the majority of its assets in equity and
equity-related securities, primarily common stocks. Common stock investments
will include small and medium-sized companies considered by the Investment
Adviser to be experiencing above-average growth in revenue and earnings. The
Fund may significantly reduce its exposure to equities in an attempt to preserve
capital when the Investment Adviser believes it to be appropriate.
 
     MERIDIAN VALUE FUND(R) -- The Fund's investment objective is long-term
growth of capital. Realization of current income is not a significant investment
consideration, and any income realized will be incidental to the Fund's
objective. The Fund intends to invest the majority of its assets in equity and
equity-related securities, primarily common stocks. The Fund will emphasize
investment in equity securities of issuers which, in the opinion of the
Investment Adviser, are undervalued in relation to the issuer's long-term
earning power or asset value and/or the stock market in general at the time of
purchase.
 
     Each Fund's investment policies include investing in small to medium-sized
companies and seeks to preserve capital during difficult market conditions.
These policies will involve considerable risk and there can be no assurance that
a Fund, in fact, will achieve its investment objective, and gains cannot be
assured.
 
     The execution of a Fund's investment strategy may cause a higher rate of
portfolio turnover relative to other mutual funds. Each Fund reserves the right
to dispose of any security at any time. It is each Fund's intention to take
either short or long-term profits or losses when such action is consistent with
its objective and with sound investment practice, and when such action would not
impair the Fund's tax status as a "regulated investment company."
 
     This Statement of Additional Information concerning Meridian Fund, Inc. is
not a Prospectus for the Funds. This Statement supplements the Prospectus dated
the same date as this Statement and should be read in conjunction with that
Prospectus. A copy of the Prospectus is available without charge by writing or
calling Meridian at the address or telephone number printed above.
 
                                        1

PAGE
 
              The date of this Statement of Additional Information
                              is October 31, 1996
 
                                        2

PAGE
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Investment Policies and Portfolio Techniques..........................................      4
Investment Restrictions...............................................................      6
Investment Management.................................................................      7
  Investment Management Agreement.....................................................      7
Directors and Officers................................................................      8
Dividends, Distributions and Federal Taxes............................................      9
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares............................................     11
  Price of Shares.....................................................................     11
  Rejection of Orders.................................................................     11
  The Open Account....................................................................     11
  Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions...............................     12
Execution of Portfolio Transactions...................................................     12
Investment Results....................................................................     13
General Information...................................................................     14
  Description of Common Stock.........................................................     14
  Stockholder Reports.................................................................     15
  Legal Opinions......................................................................     15
Additional Information................................................................     15
Report of Independent Accountants.....................................................     16
Financial Statements..................................................................     17
</TABLE>
 
                                        3

PAGE
 
                  INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PORTFOLIO TECHNIQUES
 
     The Prospectus presents each Fund's investment policies and techniques (See
Prospectus at pp. 8-12.) The following discussion provides additional
information on those policies and identifies certain policies not discussed in
the Prospectus.
 
     SECURITY LOANS (See Prospectus at p. 10.) -- Consistent with applicable
regulatory requirements, a Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers,
dealers and other financial institutions. The Fund will seek to negotiate loan
terms requiring that the value of the collateral always be maintained at some
level relative to the value of the loaned securities. When a security loan is
made, the collateral and loaned securities will be valued each business day, and
the borrower may be required to increase the amount of collateral if the market
value of the loaned securities increases. A loan may be terminated by the
borrower or by the Fund at any time on reasonable notice. The borrower, on
termination of the loan, is required to return the securities to the Fund. Any
gain or loss in the market price during the period of the loan would accrue to
the Fund. If the borrower fails to deliver the loaned securities within four
days after receipt of notice, the Fund could use the collateral to replace the
securities while holding the borrower liable for any excess of replacement cost
over collateral. When loaned securities grant voting or consent rights which
pass to the borrower, the Fund will call the securities to exercise such rights
if the matters involved would have a material effect on the Fund's investment in
the securities.
 
     As with any extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and,
in some cases, even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the
securities fail financially. However, these loans of portfolio securities will
be made only to firms deemed by the Fund's management to be creditworthy and
when the income which can be earned from such loans justifies the attendant
risks. The Fund will pay reasonable finder's, administrative and custodial fees
in connection with a loan of its securities.
 
     NON-U.S. SECURITIES (See Prospectus at p. 11.) -- While a Fund may invest
its assets in equity and fixed income securities of issuers domiciled outside
the U.S., it is not presently expected (at least for the next twelve months)
that either Fund will invest more than 10% of its assets (calculated at the time
of purchase) in such securities.
 
     Investors should recognize that investing in foreign companies involves
certain considerations, including those set forth below, which are not typically
associated with investing in United States companies. Foreign companies
generally are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial
standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to United States
companies. There also may be less government supervision and regulation of
foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies than exists in the United
States. The Fund may be affected either unfavorably or favorably by fluctuations
in the relative rates of exchange as between the currencies of different nations
and exchange control regulations. Furthermore, there may be the possibility of
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social
instability or diplomatic developments which could affect assets of the Fund
held in foreign securities.
 
     Additional costs could be incurred in connection with the Funds' investment
activities outside the U.S. Increased custodian costs as well as administrative
difficulties (for example, delays in clearing and settling portfolio
transactions or in receiving payment of dividends) may be associated with the
maintenance of assets in certain jurisdictions. Dividends or interest paid by
non-U.S. issuers may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes which may
decrease the net return on such investments as compared to dividends or interest
paid to a Fund by United States issuers. Costs will also be incurred by a Fund
in connection with foreign exchange transactions necessary in connection with
the purchase and sale of non-U.S. securities and the receipt of dividends and
interest.
 
CERTAIN RISK FACTORS RELATING TO HIGH-YIELD, HIGH-RISK BONDS (MERIDIAN VALUE
FUND ONLY)
 
     SENSITIVITY TO INTEREST RATE AND ECONOMIC CHANGE -- High-yield, high-risk
     bonds are very sensitive to adverse economic changes and corporate
     developments. During an economic downturn or substantial period of rising
     interests rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress
     that would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and
     interest payment obligations, to meet projected
 
                                        4

PAGE
 
     business goals, and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a bond
     defaulted on its obligations to pay interest or principal or entered into
     bankruptcy proceedings, the Fund may incur losses or expenses in seeking
     recovery of amounts owed to it. In addition, periods of economic
     uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility
     of market prices and yields of high-yield, high-risk bonds and the Fund's
     net asset value.
 
     PAYMENT EXPECTATIONS -- High-yield, high-risk bonds may contain redemption
     or call provisions. If an issuer exercised these provisions in a declining
     interest rate market, the Fund may have to replace the security with a
     lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased current return for
     investors. Conversely, a high-yield, high-risk bond's value will decrease
     in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of the Fund's assets.
     If the Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, this may force it to
     sell high-yield, high-risk bonds without regard to their investment merits,
     thereby decreasing the asset base upon which expenses can be spread and
     possibly reducing the Fund's rate of return.
 
     LIQUIDITY AND VALUATION -- There may be little trading in the secondary
     market for particular bonds, which may affect adversely the Fund's ability
     to value accurately or dispose of such bonds. Adverse publicity and
     investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may
     decrease the values and liquidity of high-yield, high-risk bonds,
     especially in a thin market.
 
     LEGISLATION OR REGULATION -- Future legislation or regulation may limit the
     issuance of high-yield, high-risk bonds which could have a negative effect
     on the market for high-yield, high-risk bonds.
 
     VARIABLE, FLOATING RATE AND SYNTHETIC OBLIGATIONS -- The interest rates
payable on certain fixed-income securities in which a Fund may invest may not be
fixed but may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. Variable and
floating rate obligations bear coupon rates that are adjusted at designated
intervals, based on the then current market rates of interest on which the
coupon rates are based. Variable and floating rate obligations permit a Fund to
"lock in" the current interest rate for only the period until the next scheduled
rate adjustment, but the rate adjustment feature tends to limit the extent to
which the market value of the obligation will fluctuate. A Fund may also invest
in "synthetic" securities whose value depends on the level of currencies,
commodities, securities, securities indexes, or other financial indicators or
statistics. For example, these could include fixed-income securities whose value
or interest rate is determined by reference to the value of a foreign currency
relative to the U.S. dollar, or to the value of different foreign currencies
relative to each other. The value or interest rate of these securities may
increase or decrease as the value of the underlying instrument changes.
 
     WARRANTS -- Each Fund has given an undertaking to a state securities
commission as follows: the investment in warrants, valued at the lower of cost
or market, may not exceed 5.0% of the value of the Fund's net assets. Included
within that amount, but not to exceed 2.0% of the value of the Fund's net
assets, may be warrants which are not listed on the New York or American Stock
Exchange. Warrants acquired by the Fund in units or attached to securities may
be deemed to be without value.
 
     Each Fund reserves the right to withdraw the undertaking at its discretion.
 
     PORTFOLIO TURNOVER -- It is the policy of each Fund to purchase and hold
securities for capital appreciation. Although a Fund does not intend to engage
in short-term trading of portfolio securities as a means of achieving its
investment objective, it may sell portfolio securities without regard to the
length of time they have been held whenever such sale, in the Investment
Adviser's opinion, will strengthen the Fund's position and contribute to its
investment objective. Changes in the portfolio will be made whenever the
Investment Adviser believes they are advisable (e.g. as a result of securities
having reached a price objective, or by reason of developments not foreseen at
the time of investment decision such as changes in the economics of an industry
or a particular company.) These investment changes will be made usually without
reference to the length of time a security has been held, and, therefore, there
may be a significant number of short-term transactions.
 
     Each Fund, as a result of the investment policies described above, does
expect to engage in a substantial number of portfolio transactions. A Fund's
annual portfolio turnover rate may exceed 100%, but is not expected to exceed
200%. A 100% turnover rate would occur, for example, if the lesser of the value
of
 
                                        5

PAGE
 
purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a year (excluding all securities
whose maturities at acquisition were one year or less) were equal to 100% of the
average monthly value of the securities held by the Fund during such year. A
higher portfolio turnover rate will increase aggregate brokerage commission
expenses which must be borne directly by the Fund and ultimately by the Fund's
stockholders. (See "Execution of Portfolio Transactions.") The portfolio
turnover rates for Meridian Fund were 34% for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1996, 29% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1995, and 43% for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1994. The portfolio turnover rates for Meridian Value Fund were
125% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996, 77% for the fiscal year ended June
30, 1995, and 194% for the period February 10, 1994 through June 30, 1994.
 
                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
 
     Each Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment policies and
investment restrictions in addition to the policies and restrictions discussed
in the Prospectus at pp. 8-12. These policies and restrictions cannot be changed
without approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund. The "vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities" of the Fund, as defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act, means
the vote (i) of 67% or more of the voting securities of the Fund present or
represented at any meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) of
more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, whichever is
less. The only voting security of each Fund is its Common Stock. These
restrictions provide that a Fund may not:
 
     (1)  invest more than 25% of the value of its assets in the securities of a
single issuer, nor may the remaining 75% of the assets contain any investments
in any other single issuer, which, immediately after such purchase, exceed 5% of
the value of the assets (except for obligations issued or guaranteed by the
United States Government, its agencies and instrumentalities);
 
     (2)  purchase the securities of companies in a particular industry if
thereafter more than 25% (for Meridian Value Fund, 25% or more) of the value of
the Fund's total assets would consist of securities issued by companies in that
industry. This restriction does not apply to obligations issued and guaranteed
by the United States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities;
 
     (3)  acquire more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities, or 10% of
all of the securities, of any one issuer; or
 
     (4)  purchase the securities of any other investment company, except by
purchase in the open market where, to the best information of the Fund, no
commission or profit to a sponsor or dealer (other than the customary broker's
commission) results from such purchase and after such purchase not more than 5%
of the value of the Fund's total assets would consist of such securities, or
except when such purchase is part of a merger, consolidation, acquisition of
assets, or other reorganization approved by the Fund's stockholders.
 
     (5)  invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or
management;
 
     (6)  purchase or sell real estate; provided that the Fund may invest in
readily marketable securities secured by real estate or interest therein or
issued by companies which invest in real estate or interests therein (including
real estate investment trusts);
 
     (7)  purchase or sell commodities or commodities contracts, or interests in
oil, gas, or other mineral exploration or development programs;
 
     (8)  make loans of its funds or assets to any other person, which shall not
be considered as including: (i) the purchase of debt securities, including the
purchase of bank obligations such as certificates of deposit and bankers'
acceptances, and (ii) lending portfolio securities with a value not in excess of
10% of total assets at the time of the loan. The Fund will not enter into
repurchase agreements;
 
     (9)  make short sales of securities;
 
     (10) purchase securities on margin, but it may obtain such short-term
credit from banks as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales
of securities;
 
                                        6

PAGE
 
     (11) underwrite the securities of other issuers except to the extent that,
in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be
deemed an underwriter under Federal or State securities laws;
 
     (12) invest in the securities of any issuer which shall have a record of
less than three years of continuous operation (including the operation of any
predecessor) if immediately after and as a result of such investment the value
of the Fund's holdings of such securities exceeds 25% of the value of the Fund's
total assets. This restriction does not apply to any obligations issued or
guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities;
 
     (13) borrow for investment purposes or issue senior securities. The Fund,
however, may borrow from banks an amount not to exceed 5% of the Fund's total
assets, determined immediately after the time of the borrowing, as a temporary
measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes;
 
     (14) participate on a joint or a joint-and-several basis in any trading
account in securities (The aggregation of orders for the sale or purchase of
marketable portfolio securities with other accounts under the management of the
Investment Adviser to save brokerage costs or average prices among them is not
deemed to result in a securities trading account.);
 
     (15) knowingly purchase from or sell portfolio securities to its officers,
directors, or other "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the
Fund, other than otherwise unaffiliated broker-dealers;
 
     (16) purchase or retain the securities of an issuer if, to the Fund's
knowledge, one or more of the directors, officers or employees of the Fund or
the Investment Adviser individually own beneficially more than 1/2 of l% of the
securities of such issuer and together own beneficially more than 5% of such
securities;
 
     (17) purchase or write put or call options; or
 
     (18) invest more than 10% of its net assets in securities and other assets
for which there is no ready market.
 
     For investment restriction (2) with respect to Meridian Fund, a
nonfundamental policy provides that the Fund will not purchase securities in any
one industry equalling 25% or more of the Fund's total net assets.
 
     Each Fund also is subject to other restrictions under the 1940 Act;
however, the registration of Meridian under the 1940 Act does not involve any
supervision by any Federal or other agency of the Fund's management or
investment practices or policies.
 
                             INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
 
     For each Fund Meridian has retained as its investment adviser Aster Capital
Management, Inc. ("Aster" or the "Investment Adviser"), 60 E. Sir Francis Drake
Blvd., Wood Island, Suite 306, Larkspur, California 94939. The Prospectus at pp.
12-14 describes the Investment Adviser's duties and compensation and the
allocation of expenses between each Fund and the Investment Adviser. Richard F.
Aster, Jr. owns 94% of the Investment Adviser and as a result may be deemed to
be "in control" of the Investment Adviser. Mr. Aster is President and a Director
of Meridian and of the Investment Adviser.
 
     INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT -- The Investment Management Agreement,
Power of Attorney and Service Agreement (the "Management Agreement") with the
Investment Adviser, dated January 1, 1986, as amended to date, provides that the
Investment Adviser shall furnish advice to each Fund with respect to its
investments and shall determine what securities shall be purchased or sold by
the Funds.
 
     Under the Management Agreement, the Investment Adviser, in addition to
providing the investment advisory services, furnishes the services and pays the
compensation and travel expenses of persons to perform the executive,
administrative, clerical, and bookkeeping functions of Meridian, provides
suitable office space, necessary small office equipment and utilities, and
general purpose accounting forms, supplies and postage used at the offices of
the Fund. The Fund will pay all expenses not assumed by the Investment Adviser.
(See Prospectus p. 13.)
 
                                        7

PAGE
 
     The Management Agreement has been approved by the Board of Directors to
remain in effect until October 31, 1997, and shall continue in effect from year
to year thereafter so long as such continuance specifically is approved as to a
particular Fund at least annually by (i) either the Board of Directors of
Meridian or the vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and (ii) the vote of a majority of
the directors of Meridian who are not parties to the Management Agreement or
interested persons (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party
to the Management Agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on such approval. The Management Agreement was initially approved on
October 25, 1985, by the stockholders and on September 30, 1985, by the Board of
Directors, including a majority of the non-interested members.
 
     The Management Agreement is nonassignable and automatically shall be
terminated upon assignment. The Management Agreement may be terminated at any
time without penalty by either party on 60 days' written notice. Amendments to
the Management Agreement require the approval of a majority (as defined in the
1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The Investment
Adviser shall not be liable under the Management Agreement to Meridian or to
stockholders of a Fund for any error of judgment, act or omission not involving
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties thereunder.
 
     Aster Capital Management, Inc. and its affiliated companies have adopted a
personal investing policy consistent with Investment Company Institute
guidelines. This policy includes: a ban on acquisitions of securities pursuant
to an initial public offering; restrictions on acquisitions of private placement
securities; pre-clearance and reporting requirements; review of duplicate
confirmation statements; annual recertification of compliance with code of
ethics; disclosure of personal holdings by certain investment personnel prior to
recommendation for purchase for the fund; blackout periods on personal investing
for certain investment personnel; ban on short-term trading profits for
investment personnel; limitations on service as a director of publicly traded
companies; and disclosure of personal securities transactions.
 
                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
     The names and addresses of the directors and officers of Meridian and their
principal occupations, certain other affiliations during the past five years and
age are given below.
 
<TABLE>
<S> <C>                         <C>                              <C>
  *+ Richard F. Aster, Jr.      Chairman of the Board and        Aug. 1985 - Present: Aster Capital
    60 E. Sir Francis Drake     President                        Management, Inc., Pres.; March
    Boulevard, Suite 306                                         1977 - Present: Aster Investment
    Larkspur, CA 94939                                           Management Co., Inc., Pres.; Age: 56.
   * Michael S. Erickson        Director                         May 1987 - Present: Private Investor;
    1 Baja Court                                                 May 1993 - Sept. 1994: Aster
    Corte Madera, CA                                             Investment Management, Inc., Analyst;
    94925-1801                                                   Sept. 1989 - Oct. 1992:
                                                                 Romic Partners, Inc., President; Age:
                                                                 44.
  ** James Bernard Glavin       Director                         Sept. 1994 - Present: The Immune
    5935 Darwin Court                                            Response Corp., Chairman of the Board;
    Carlsbad, CA                                                 Apr. 1987 - Sept. 1994: The Immune
    92008-7302                                                   Response Corp., C.E.O.; 1987 - May
                                                                 1990, Smith Laboratories, Inc.,
                                                                 Chairman; Age: 61.
   + Michael Stolper            Director                         Sept. 1975 - Present: Stolper &
    525 B Street                                                 Company Inc., Pres., investment
    Suite 1080                                                   adviser and broker- dealer; Age: 51.
    San Diego, CA
    92101-4409
</TABLE>
 
                                        8

PAGE
 
<TABLE>
<S> <C>                         <C>                              <C>
  ** Herbert Charles Kay        Director                         Private Investor; Age: 59.
    3906 Strand Avenue
    Manhattan Beach, CA
    90266
    Paul Robinson               Principal Accounting             Aug. 1985 - Present: Aster Capital
    60 E. Sir Francis Drake     Officer, Principal               Management, Inc., Vice Pres. of
    Boulevard, Suite 306        Financial Officer,               Operations; Aug. 1983 - Present: Aster
    Larkspur, CA 94939          Treasurer and Secretary          Investment Management Co., Inc., Vice
                                                                 Pres. of Operations; Age: 44.
   * Member, Executive Committee
  ** Member, Audit Committee
   + Director who is an "interested person," as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
</TABLE>
 
---------------
 
     Mr. Stolper is a director of BDI Investment Company, a registered
investment company that invests primarily in tax exempt securities, of Janus
Capital, a registered investment adviser that manages mutual funds, and a
director of Roger Engemann Management Company, a registered investment adviser
that manages a mutual fund. Mr. Stolper owns 6% of Aster Capital Management,
Inc., Meridian's Investment Adviser.
 
     Meridian pays no salaries or other compensation to its directors or
officers other than fees to directors who are unaffiliated with the Investment
Adviser. Each such unaffiliated director is paid a director's fee of $1,000 per
annum, plus a $1,000 investment in one of the Funds, and expenses, for each
Board of Directors' meeting attended. The aggregate compensation for the period
July 1, 1995 through June 30, 1996, was $8,000. All officers of Meridian are
employees of the Investment Adviser. Meetings of the Board of Directors are held
after each Annual or Special Shareholders Meeting and from time to time as the
Board deems necessary. The Executive Committee will meet, as required, when the
full Board does not meet, for the purpose of reviewing the Fund's investment
portfolio. The Executive Committee has the authority to exercise all of the
powers of Meridian's Board of Directors at any time when the Board is not in
session, except the power to declare dividends or distributions, to authorize
the issuance of securities, to amend Meridian's Bylaws, to recommend to
stockholders of the Fund any action requiring their approval, or as otherwise
required by the 1940 Act. The Audit Committee will meet from time to time with
Meridian's independent accountants to exchange views and information and to
assist the full Board in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to corporate
accounting and reporting practices.
 
     Beneficial ownership in the Funds by the Directors and officers as of
September 30, 1996, was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          MERIDIAN FUND               MERIDIAN VALUE FUND
                  NAME                 SHARES         (%)             SHARES         (%)
    ---------------------------------  -------       ------           ------       -------
    <S>                                <C>           <C>              <C>          <C>
    Richard F. Aster, Jr.............  164,575       (1.30%)          51,845       (15.77%)
    James B. Glavin..................   74,529       (0.59%)             551        (0.16%)
    Michael Stolper..................   28,479       (0.22%)           6,960        (2.12%)
    Paul A. Robinson.................    5,755       (0.05%)           2,971        (0.90%)
    Herbert C. Kay...................    2,587       (0.02%)               0        (0.00%)
    Lana M. Ariue....................      368       (0.00%)             673        (0.20%)
    Michael S. Erickson..............        0       (0.00%)             167        (0.05%)
</TABLE>
 
                   DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND FEDERAL TAXES
 
     Each Fund intends to separately meet all the requirements of, and has
elected the tax status of, a "regulated investment company" under the provisions
of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). If the Fund
distributes within specified times at least 90% of its net investment income,
any tax exempt interest income, and certain short-term capital gains, it will be
taxed only on that portion of its net investment income and net capital gains,
if any, which it retains.
 
                                        9

PAGE
 
     To qualify, the Fund must (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from
dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from
the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or currencies; (b) derive
less than 30% of its gross income from the sale or other disposition of stock or
securities held less than three months; and (c) diversify its holdings so that,
at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the
Fund's assets is represented by cash, U.S. Government securities and other
securities, limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than
5% of the Fund's assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such
issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the
securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities or the
securities of other regulated investment companies), or in two or more issuers
which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or
businesses.
 
     Under the Code, a nondeductible excise tax of 4% is imposed on the excess
of a regulated investment company's "required distribution" for the calendar
year ending within the regulated investment company's taxable year over the
"distributed amount" for such calendar year. The term "required distribution"
means the sum of (i) 98 percent of ordinary income (generally net investment
income) for the calendar year, (ii) 98 percent of capital gain net income (both
long-term and short-term) for the one-year period ending on October 31 (as
though the one-year period ending on October 31 were the regulated investment
company's taxable year), and (iii) the sum of any untaxed undistributed net
investment income and net capital gain of the regulated investment company for
prior periods. The term "distributed amount" generally means the sum of (i)
amounts actually distributed by the Fund from its current year's ordinary income
and capital gain net income and (ii) any amount on which the Fund pays income
tax for the year. The Fund intends to meet these distribution requirements to
avoid the excise tax liability.
 
     Any loss realized on a redemption or exchange of shares of a Fund will be
disallowed to the extent shares are reacquired within the 61-day period
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of.
 
     Under the Code, distributions of net investment income by the Fund to a
shareholder who, as to the U.S., is a nonresident alien individual, nonresident
alien fiduciary of a trust or estate, foreign corporation, or foreign
partnership (a "foreign shareholder") will be subject to U.S. withholding tax
(at a rate of 30% or lower treaty rate). Withholding will not apply if a
dividend paid by the Fund to a foreign shareholder is "effectively connected"
with a U.S. trade or business, in which case the reporting and withholding
requirements applicable to U.S. citizens or domestic corporations will apply.
Distributions of net long-term capital gains are not subject to tax withholding,
but in the case of a foreign shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual,
such distributions ordinarily will be subject to U.S. income tax at a rate of
30% if the individual is physically present in the U.S. for more than 182 days
during the taxable year.
 
     The Fund may be required to pay withholding and other taxes imposed by
foreign countries which would reduce the Fund's investment income, generally at
rates from 10% to 40%. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United
States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Not more than 50% of the total assets
of either Fund is expected to consist of securities of foreign issuers.
Therefore, the Funds will not be eligible to elect to "pass through" foreign tax
credits to shareholders and, to the extent the Funds do pay foreign withholding
or other foreign taxes on investments in foreign securities, shareholders will
not be able to deduct their pro rata share of such taxes in computing their
taxable income and will not be able to take their share of such taxes as a
credit against their United States income taxes.
 
     Dividends generally are taxable to stockholders at the time they are paid.
However, dividends declared in October, November and December and made payable
to shareholders of record in such a month are treated as paid and are thereby
taxable as of December 31, provided that the Fund pays the dividend during
January of the following year.
 
     As of the printing of this SAI, the maximum individual marginal tax rate
applicable to ordinary income is 39.6%; the maximum individual marginal tax rate
applicable to net realized capital gains is 28%; and the maximum corporate
marginal tax rate applicable to ordinary income and realized capital gain is
35%. However, to eliminate the benefit of lower marginal corporate income tax
rates, corporations which have taxable income in excess of $100,000 for a
taxable year will be required to pay an additional amount of income
 
                                       10

PAGE
 
tax of up to $11,750 and corporations which have taxable income in excess of
$15,000,000 for a taxable year will be required to pay an additional amount of
income tax of up to $100,000.
 
     Corporate shareholders of a Fund may be eligible for the dividends-received
deduction on the dividends (excluding the net capital gains dividends) paid by
the Fund to the extent that the Fund's income is derived from dividends (which,
if received directly, would qualify for such deduction) received from domestic
corporations. In order to qualify for the dividends-received deduction, a
corporate shareholder must hold the Fund shares paying the dividends upon which
the deduction is based for at least 46 days.
 
     Each Fund also intends to distribute to shareholders all of the excess of
net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss on sales of
securities. If the net asset value of shares of the Fund should, by reason of a
distribution of realized capital gains, be reduced below a shareholder's cost,
such distribution would to that extent be a return of capital to that
shareholder even though taxable to the shareholder, and a sale of shares by a
shareholder at net asset value at that time would establish a capital loss for
federal tax purposes.
 
     The foregoing is limited to a summary of certain federal tax matters. It
should not be viewed as a comprehensive discussion of the items referred to nor
as covering all provisions of the Code relevant to investors. Dividends and
distributions may also be subject to state or local taxes. Stockholders should
consult their own tax advisers for additional details and the possible effect of
the Code on their particular tax status.
 
                   PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES
 
     The Prospectus, at pp. 15-20, provides general information concerning the
purchase and redemption of each Fund's shares. The following discussion explains
further some of that information and discloses certain policies not presented in
the Prospectus.
 
     PRICE OF SHARES (See Prospectus at p. 17.) -- Each Fund calculates the net
asset value per share in the following manner:
 
     1.  Securities listed or traded on the New York Stock Exchange are valued
at the last sale price or, if no sale, at the last-reported bid price.
Non-convertible bonds and debentures, and other long-term debt securities
normally are valued at prices obtained for the day of valuation from a major
dealer in bonds. However, when such prices are unavailable or in circumstances
where the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate to do so, another bond pricing
service or an over-the-counter or exchange quotation may be used. United States
Treasury Bills, and other obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, certificates of deposit issued by
banks, corporate short-term notes and other short-term investments with original
or remaining maturities in excess of 60 days normally are valued at the mean of
representative quoted bid and asked prices or, if such prices are not available,
quoted bid and asked prices for securities of comparable maturity, quality and
type. Short-term securities with 60 days or less to maturity are amortized to
maturity based on their cost to the Fund if acquired within 60 days of maturity
or, if already held by the Fund on the 60th day, based on the value determined
on the 61st day unless the Board determines that this does not represent the
securities' fair value. Other securities are valued on the basis of last sale or
bid prices in what is, in the opinion of the Investment Adviser, the broadest
and most representative market which may be either a securities exchange or the
over-the-counter market. Where quotations are not readily available, securities
are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.
The fair value of all other assets is added to the value of securities to derive
the Fund's total assets.
 
     2.  The liabilities of the Fund, including proper accruals of taxes and
other expense items, are deducted from the Fund's total assets to derive the
Fund's net asset value.
 
     3.  The net asset value is divided by the total number of shares
outstanding, and the result, rounded to the nearest cent, is the net asset value
per share.
 
     REJECTION OF ORDERS -- Any purchase order may be rejected by Meridian.
 
     THE OPEN ACCOUNT -- When a stockholder makes an initial investment in a
Fund, a stockholder account is opened in accordance with the stockholder's
registration instructions. Each time there is a transaction in a
 
                                       11

PAGE
 
stockholder account such as an additional investment or the reinvestment of a
dividend or distribution, the stockholder will receive from the Transfer Agent a
confirmation statement showing the current transaction in the stockholder
account along with a summary of the status of the account as of the transaction
date.
 
     Share certificates are issued only for full shares, and only upon the
specific request of the stockholder to the Transfer Agent. The stockholder may
request issuance of certificates representing all or any part of the full shares
in the stockholder account. Meridian will not charge stockholders for the
issuance of certificates.
 
     AUTOMATIC REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS -- A stockholder may
indicate at any time a choice of certain elections with respect to income
dividends and capital gain distributions. The stockholder may elect to have both
income dividends and capital gain distributions declared on the stockholder's
shares of a Fund reinvested automatically in additional shares of the Fund at
the closing net asset value per share on the reinvestment date determined by the
Board of Directors. A stockholder also may elect to receive income dividends in
cash while accepting capital gain distributions in additional shares of the
Fund. Alternatively, a stockholder may elect to receive both income dividend and
capital-gain distributions in cash. If no such election is made, all dividend
and capital-gain distributions will be applied automatically to the purchase of
shares of the Fund at net asset value per share. These elections may be changed
by the stockholder at any time by written notification to the Fund's Transfer
Agent, but, to be effective as to a particular distribution, must be received by
the Transfer Agent sufficiently in advance of the reinvestment date
(approximately 10 business days) to permit the change to be entered in the
stockholder's record. The Federal income tax status of income dividends and
capital gain distributions is the same whether taken in cash or reinvested in
shares of the Fund.
 
     Dividend and capital-gain distributions on all shares in the stockholder
account are reinvested in full and fractional shares at the net asset value per
share unless the stockholder instructs the Fund to do otherwise.
 
                      EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
 
     Orders for a Fund's portfolio securities transactions are placed by the
Investment Adviser. The objective of each Fund is to obtain the best available
prices in its portfolio transactions taking into account a broker's services,
costs and promptness of executions. There is no agreement or commitment to place
orders with any broker-dealer. The Investment Adviser evaluates a wide range of
criteria in seeking the most favorable price and market for the execution of
transactions, including the broker's commission rate, execution capability,
positioning and distribution capabilities, back-office efficiency, ability to
handle difficult trades, financial stability, and prior performance in serving
the Investment Adviser and its clients. Purchases and sales in typical
transactions executed in the over-the-counter market generally will be
transacted directly with principal market-makers except in those circumstances
where, in the opinion of the Investment Adviser, better prices and executions
are available elsewhere.
 
     When circumstances relating to a proposed transaction indicate that a
particular broker-dealer is in a position to obtain the best execution, the
order is placed with that broker-dealer. This may or may not be a broker-dealer
which has provided research, statistical or other related services to the
Investment Adviser or its affiliate, Aster Investment Management Co., Inc. or
has sold shares of the Fund or other funds served by the Investment Adviser.
Subject to the requirement of seeking the best available prices and executions,
the Investment Adviser may give preferences, in circumstances in which two or
more broker-dealers are in a position to offer comparable prices and execution,
to broker-dealers which have provided research, statistical, and other related
services to the Investment Adviser for the benefit of the Fund and/or of other
accounts served by the Investment Adviser or Aster Investment Management Co.,
Inc. if, in its judgment, the Fund will obtain prices and executions comparable
with those available from other qualified firms. Substantially all of the total
brokerage commissions paid by the Meridian Fund during the period July 1, 1995
through June 30, 1996, were paid to brokers so selected.
 
     The Board of Directors of Meridian has adopted a policy which permits the
Investment Adviser, subject to the objective of obtaining the best execution, to
consider a broker-dealer's sale of Fund shares as a factor in selecting from
among broker-dealers qualified to offer comparable prices and execution of
portfolio transactions. This policy does not imply a commitment by a Fund to
execute portfolio transactions through all broker-
 
                                       12

PAGE
 
dealers who sell shares of the Fund. Meridian has executed transactions, subject
to obtaining the best execution, with broker-dealers who have marketed Fund
shares. The Board of Directors will monitor executions of portfolio transactions
periodically to assure itself that the best execution objective continues to be
paramount in the selection of executing broker-dealers.
 
     Meridian does not consider that it has an obligation to obtain the lowest
available commission rate to the exclusion of price, service and qualitative
considerations. Nevertheless, the personnel of the Investment Adviser are
authorized to negotiate payment only for brokerage services rendered and not for
research, statistical, or other services. Meridian does not authorize the
payment of commissions to brokers, in recognition of their having provided
research, statistical or other related services, or of their having sold Fund
shares, in excess of commissions other qualified brokers would have charged for
handling comparable transactions.
 
     A Fund, in some instances, may deal in securities which are not listed on a
national securities exchange but are traded in the over-the-counter market.
Where transactions are executed in the over-the-counter market, a Fund will seek
to deal with the primary market-makers; but when necessary in order to obtain
the best price and execution, it will utilize the services of others. Each Fund
in all cases will attempt to negotiate the best market price and execution.
 
     The foreign and domestic debt securities and money market instruments in
which the Funds may invest are generally traded in the OTC markets. Fixed-income
securities are generally traded on a "net" basis with a dealer acting as
principal for its own account without a stated commission, although the price of
the security usually includes a profit to the dealer. In underwritten offerings,
securities are usually purchased at a fixed price which includes an amount of
compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the underwriter's
concession or discount. On occasion, securities may be purchased directly from
an issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are paid.
 
     The Investment Adviser may perform investment management services for
various clients. There may be occasions in which portfolio transactions for a
Fund may be executed as part of concurrent authorizations to purchase or sell
the same security for other of the accounts served by the Investment Adviser or
Aster Investment Management Co., Inc. Although such concurrent authorizations
potentially could be either advantageous or disadvantageous to the Fund, they
will be effected only when the Investment Adviser believes that to do so will be
in the best interest of its clients, including the Funds. When such concurrent
authorizations occur, the objective will be to allocate the executions in a
manner which is deemed equitable to the accounts involved, including the Funds.
 
     Each Fund contemplates purchasing most foreign equity securities in OTC
markets or stock exchanges located in the countries in which the respective
principal offices of the issuers of the various securities are located, if that
is the best available market. The fixed commissions paid in connection with most
foreign stock transactions generally are higher than negotiated commissions on
United States transactions. There generally is less government supervision and
regulation of foreign stock exchanges and brokers than in the United States.
Foreign security settlements may in some instances be subject to delays and
related administrative uncertainties.
 
     Foreign equity securities may be held by a Fund in the form of American
Depository Receipts or Shares (ADRs), European Depository Receipts (EDRs),
Continental Depository Receipts (CDRs) or securities convertible into foreign
equity securities. ADRs, EDRs and CDRs may be listed on stock exchanges, or
traded in the OTC markets in the United States or Europe, as the case may be.
ADRs, like other securities traded in the United States, will be subject to
negotiated commission rates.
 
                               INVESTMENT RESULTS
 
     Meridian Fund, Inc. may, from time to time, include standardized and
nonstandardized performance information and/or comparisons of the investment
results of a Fund to various unmanaged indices or results of other mutual funds
or groups of mutual funds in advertisements, sales literature or in reports
furnished to present or prospective shareholders.
 
                                       13

PAGE
 
     Standardized average annual total return for a period is determined by
calculating the actual dollar amount of investment return on a $1,000 investment
in the Fund, made at the beginning of each period, and then calculating the
average annual compounded rate of return which would produce the same investment
return on the $1,000 investment over the same period.
 
     The following assumptions will be reflected in computations of average
annual total return: (1) all share sales at net asset value, without a sales
load deduction from the $1000 initial investment; (2) reinvestment of dividends
and capital gains distributions at net asset value on the reinvestment date
determined by the Board; and (3) a complete redemption at the end of any period
illustrated. Total annual average return may be calculated for one year, five
years, ten years and for other periods, and will be updated on a quarterly
basis.
 
     Total return for the Meridian Fund for the one year period ended June 30,
1996, was 21.40%. The average annual total return for the five year and ten year
periods ended June 30, 1996, and from inception of the Meridian Fund, August 1,
1984, through June 30, 1996, were 18.05%, 12.32% and 15.37%, respectively.
 
     Total return for the Meridian Value Fund for the one year period ended June
30, 1996, was 49.17%. The average annual total return from inception of the
Meridian Value Fund, February 10, 1994 through June 30, 1996 was 19.41%.
 
     The calculation of nonstandardized total returns for a Fund differs from
the calculation of standardized average annual total returns only in that
nonstandardized total returns relate to nonstandardized periods, and in that
they represent aggregate (rather than average) total return.
 
     Investment results of each Fund will vary from time to time depending upon
market conditions, the composition of the Fund's portfolio and operating
expenses of the Fund and should not be considered representative of what an
investment in the company may earn in any future period.
 
     The Funds may in advertising refer to results compiled by organizations
such as Lipper Analytical Services, Morningstar, Inc. and Wiesenberger
Investment Companies Services. Additionally, the Funds may, from time to time,
refer to results published in various newspapers or periodicals, including
Barrons, Forbes, Fortune, Institutional Investor, Kiplinger's Personal Finance
Magazine, Money, U.S. News and World Report and The Wall Street Journal.
 
     A Fund may from time to time compare its investment results with, e.g., the
following:
 
          (1) The Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index.
 
          (2) 3-months weekly average yield of 90-day U.S. Treasury Bills, as
     reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
 
          (3) The Consumer Price Index, which is a measure of the average change
     in prices over time in a fixed market basket of goods and services (e.g.
     food, clothing, shelter, fuels, transportation fares, charges for doctors'
     and dentists' services, prescription medicines, and other goods and
     services that people buy for day-to-day living).
 
                              GENERAL INFORMATION
 
     DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK (See Prospectus at p. 21.) -- There are no
conversion or preemptive rights in connection with any shares of the Funds. All
shares of each Fund when duly issued will be paid in full and non-assessable.
The rights of the holders of shares of Common Stock of a Fund may not be
modified except by vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of
that fund. Certificates are not issued unless requested and are never issued for
fractional shares. Fractional shares are liquidated at net asset value per share
at the time a stockholder account is closed.
 
     Shares have non-cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of
more than 50% of the shares of the Fund (in the aggregate) voting for the
election of directors can elect 100% of the directors if they wish to do so. In
such event the holders of the remaining less than 50% of the shares voting for
the election of directors will not be able to elect any person or persons to the
Board of Directors.
 
                                       14

PAGE
 
     As of September 30, 1996 the following persons were known to beneficially
or of record, own five percent or more of Meridian Fund's outstanding shares:
 
<TABLE>
                <S>                             <C>
                Charles Schwab                  21.84%
                Mutual Funds Dept.
                101 Montgomery Street
                San Francisco, CA 94104
</TABLE>
 
     As of September 30, 1996 the following persons were known to beneficially
or of record, own five percent or more of Meridian Value Fund's outstanding
shares:
 
<TABLE>
                <S>                                                     <C>
                Charles Schwab                                          31.91%
                Reinvest Account
                Mutual Funds Dept.
                101 Montgomery Street
                San Francisco, CA 94104
                Aster Investment Management Co. Inc.                     7.55%
                Profit Sharing Plan,
                Richard Aster Jr. Trust dtd 1/1/84, Trustee
                60 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd. #306
                Larkspur, CA 94939
                Dennis S. Avery                                          6.16%
                P.O. Box 540
                Borrego Springs, CA 92004
                Richard F. Aster, Jr., Trustee                           5.43%
                Aster Family Trust
                Separate Property Dtd 3/25/92
                60 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd. #306
                Larkspur, CA 94939
</TABLE>
 
     STOCKHOLDER REPORTS -- The fiscal year of each Fund ends on June 30 of each
year. Each Fund will issue to its stockholders semi-annual and annual reports;
each annual report will contain a schedule of the Fund's portfolio securities
and audited annual financial statements. Stockholders, in addition, will receive
unaudited quarterly statements of the status of the Fund. The Federal income tax
status of stockholders' distributions also will be reported to stockholders
after the end of each calendar year.
 
     LEGAL OPINIONS -- The validity of the shares offered by this Prospectus has
been passed upon by Morrison & Foerster, 345 California Street, San Francisco,
California 94104-2675. Messrs. Morrison & Foerster may act as counsel to
Meridian and to the Investment Adviser in various matters.
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
     The costs of sales and advertising materials are borne by the Investment
Adviser.
 
     The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information, together, do
not contain all of the information set forth in the Fund's registration
statement and related forms filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Certain information is omitted in accordance with rules and regulations of the
Commission. The registration statement and related forms may be inspected at the
Public Reference Room of the Commission at Room 1024, 450 5th Street, N.W.,
Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies thereof may be obtained from
the Commission at prescribed rates.
 
                                       15

PAGE
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Meridian Fund
 
     In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the schedule of investments and net assets, and the related statements
of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Meridian Fund (one
of the portfolios constituting Meridian Fund, Inc., hereafter referred to as the
"Fund") at June 30, 1996, the results of its operations for the year then ended,
the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended
and the financial highlights for each of the ten years in the period then ended,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial
statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as the "financial
statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management; our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits, which included confirmation of securities at June 30, 1996 by
correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for
the opinion expressed above.
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
San Francisco, California
July 31, 1996
 
                                       16

PAGE
 
                     SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AND NET ASSETS
                                 JUNE 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      SHARES         VALUE
                                                                      -------     ------------
<S>                                                                   <C>         <C>
COMMON STOCK -- 76.3%
  BANKING AND FINANCE -- 2.0%
     Bancorp Hawaii, Inc. ..........................................  215,000     $  7,740,000
  CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS -- 9.5%
     AirTouch Communications, Inc. .................................  358,000       10,113,500
     Cellular Communications, Inc. -- Series A......................  216,200       11,485,625
     MFS Communications Company, Inc. ..............................  135,000        5,079,375
     Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc. -- Class A.....................  445,000        9,678,750
  CONSUMER PRODUCTS -- 0.5%
     The York Group, Inc............................................  120,000        2,070,000
  CONSUMER SERVICES -- 7.6%
     Service Corp. International....................................  220,000       12,650,000
     Sotheby's Holdings, Inc. -- Class A............................  500,000        7,250,000
     Stewart Enterprises, Inc. -- Class A...........................  300,000        9,375,000
  ENERGY -- 2.4%
     Belden & Blake Corp. ..........................................  329,000        6,826,750
     Lomak Petroleum, Inc...........................................  172,000        2,451,000
  HEALTH SERVICES -- 17.1%
     American Medical Response, Inc. ...............................  236,000        8,319,000
     Beverly Enterprises, Inc. .....................................  465,000        5,580,000
     Community Health Systems, Inc. ................................  197,000       10,194,750
     HEALTHSOUTH Corporation........................................  240,000        8,640,000
     Neuromedical Systems, Inc. ....................................   83,600        1,254,000
     Quorum Health Group, Inc. .....................................  435,000       11,473,125
     RISCORP, Inc. .................................................  384,700        7,020,775
     Vivra, Inc. ...................................................  395,000       12,985,625
  INDUSTRIAL SERVICES -- 2.4%
     Paychex, Inc. .................................................  195,000        9,384,375
  MEDIA -- 2.0%
     British Sky Broadcasting Group plc.............................  191,000        7,759,375
  REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS -- 8.5%
     Equity Residential Properties Trust............................  228,000        7,495,500
     Oasis Residential, Inc. .......................................  260,000        5,687,500
     Spieker Properties, Inc. ......................................  285,000        7,766,250
     Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. ...........................  200,000        4,650,000
     The Town and Country Trust.....................................  540,000        7,087,500
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       17

PAGE
 
              SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AND NET ASSETS -- CONTINUED
                                 JUNE 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      SHARES         VALUE
                                                                      -------     ------------
<S>                                                                   <C>         <C>
COMMON STOCK (continued)
  RESTAURANTS -- 2.8%
     Buffets, Inc. .................................................  550,000     $  6,737,500
     Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. ........................  164,000        3,977,000
  RETAIL -- 13.6%
     Bed, Bath and Beyond, Inc. ....................................  355,000        9,496,250
     Cato Corporation -- Class A....................................  400,000        2,400,000
     Heilig-Meyers Company..........................................  340,000        8,160,000
     Kohl's Corporation.............................................  260,000        9,522,500
     Mac Frugals Bargains * Closeouts Inc. .........................  245,000        4,348,750
     The Gymboree Corporation.......................................  295,000        8,997,500
     Value City Department Stores, Inc. ............................  400,000        4,400,000
     Williams-Sonoma, Inc. .........................................  200,000        4,725,000
  TECHNOLOGY -- 6.0%
     Molex Inc. -- Class A..........................................  226,250        6,646,094
     National Data Corp. ...........................................  275,000        9,418,750
     Xilinx, Inc. ..................................................  215,000        6,826,250
  TRANSPORTATION -- 1.9%
     Fritz Companies, Inc. .........................................  230,000        7,417,500
                                                                                   -----------
  TOTAL COMMON STOCK
     (identified cost $220,099,355).................................               293,090,869
                                                                                   -----------
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS (identified cost $84,034,431) -- 22.1%
  U.S. Treasury Bills @ 5.086% due 07/11/96..................................       84,883,889
                                                                                   -----------
  TOTAL INVESTMENTS (identified cost $304,983,244)...........................      377,974,758
                                                                                   -----------
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES -- 1.6%...............................        6,112,262
                                                                                   -----------
NET ASSETS -- 100%...........................................................     $384,087,020
                                                                                   ===========
Shares of capital stock outstanding..........................................       11,924,230
                                                                                   ===========
Net asset value per share....................................................     $      32.21
                                                                                   ===========
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       18

PAGE
 
                      STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                                 JUNE 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                              <C>
ASSETS
  Investments (Cost $304,983,244)..............................................  $377,974,758
  Cash and cash equivalents....................................................     5,993,126
  Receivables for:
     Sales of capital stock....................................................       371,565
     Dividends.................................................................       260,464
     Interest..................................................................        26,627
     Securities sold...........................................................        25,874
  Prepaid expenses.............................................................         5,381
                                                                                   ----------
          TOTAL ASSETS.........................................................   384,657,795
                                                                                   ----------
LIABILITIES
  Payables for:
     Investment advisory fee...................................................       257,406
     Capital stock repurchased.................................................       218,146
     Securities purchased......................................................        25,900
  Accrued expenses.............................................................        69,323
                                                                                   ----------
          TOTAL LIABILITIES....................................................       570,775
                                                                                   ----------
NET ASSETS.....................................................................  $384,087,020
                                                                                   ==========
Shares of capital stock outstanding, par value $.01
  (25,000,000 shares authorized)...............................................    11,924,230
                                                                                   ==========
Net asset value per share (offering and redemption price)......................  $      32.21
                                                                                   ==========
Net assets consist of:
  Paid in capital..............................................................  $285,046,769
  Accumulated net realized gain................................................    24,301,796
  Net unrealized appreciation on investments...................................    72,991,513
  Undistributed net investment income..........................................     1,746,942
                                                                                   ----------
                                                                                 $384,087,020
                                                                                   ==========
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       19

PAGE
 
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
  Dividends.......................................................  $ 2,589,529
  Interest........................................................    4,647,705
                                                                     ----------
       Total investment income....................................                  $ 7,237,234
EXPENSES
  Investment advisory fees........................................    2,906,889
  Transfer agent fees.............................................      336,400
  Pricing fees....................................................       70,115
  Custodian fees..................................................       70,750
  Registration and filing fees....................................       68,367
  Reports to shareholders.........................................       57,570
  Auditing fee....................................................       27,930
  Insurance.......................................................       21,008
  Legal...........................................................        7,690
  Directors' fees and expenses....................................        6,222
  Association dues................................................        4,252
  Taxes...........................................................          811
  Shareholder Communication.......................................          333
                                                                     ----------
       Total expenses.............................................                    3,578,337
                                                                                    -----------
       Net investment income......................................                    3,658,897
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS
  Net realized gain on investments................................   36,920,382
  Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments..........   29,588,487
                                                                     ----------
  Net realized and unrealized gains on investments................                   66,508,869
                                                                                    -----------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
  FROM OPERATIONS.................................................                  $70,167,766
                                                                                    ===========
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       20

PAGE
 
                       STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     YEAR ENDED     YEAR ENDED
                                                                      JUNE 30,       JUNE 30,
                                                                        1996           1995
                                                                    ------------   ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>            <C>
OPERATIONS
Net investment income.............................................  $  3,658,897   $  3,092,054
Net realized gains (losses) on investments........................    36,920,382     (6,008,265)
Net increase in unrealized appreciation of investments............    29,588,487     43,840,917
                                                                    ------------   ------------
  Net increase from operations....................................    70,167,766     40,924,706
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
Dividends from net investment income..............................    (3,746,716)    (1,719,823)
Distributions from net realized capital gains.....................    (6,610,825)    (6,374,831)
                                                                    ------------   ------------
  Total distributions.............................................   (10,357,541)    (8,094,654)
                                                                    ------------   ------------
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
Proceeds from sale of stock.......................................    82,130,543    133,877,678
Reinvestment of distributions.....................................     9,581,641      7,557,313
Less: redemptions.................................................   (95,588,642)   (45,303,065)
                                                                    ------------   ------------
  Increase (decrease) resulting from capital share transactions...    (3,876,458)    96,131,926
                                                                    ------------   ------------
Total increase in net assets......................................    55,933,767    128,961,978
NET ASSETS
Beginning of period...............................................   328,153,253    199,191,275
                                                                    ------------   ------------
End of period (includes undistributed net investment income
  of $1,746,942 and $1,834,761, respectively).....................  $384,087,020   $328,153,253
                                                                    ============   ============
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       21

PAGE
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected data for each share of capital stock outstanding throughout the period
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30,
                             ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               1996       1995       1994      1993      1992      1991      1990      1989      1988      1987
                             --------   --------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Net asset value --
  beginning of period......    $27.29     $24.27     $23.87    $18.97    $17.24    $17.71    $15.93    $13.65    $15.29    $17.02
Income from investment
operations
---------------------------
Net investment income
  (loss)...................       .30        .27        .09      (.01)      .07       .20       .06       .41      (.11)      .02
Net gains (losses) on
  securities (both realized
  and unrealized)..........      5.47       3.63        .76      5.51      3.45       .49      2.84      1.87      (.29)     (.52)
                             --------   --------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Total from investment
  operations...............      5.77       3.90        .85      5.50      3.52       .69      2.90      2.28      (.40)     (.50)
Less dividends and
  distributions
--------------------------
Dividends from net
  investment income........      (.31)      (.18)      (.02)     (.04)     (.09)     (.12)     (.48)      .00      (.02)     (.07)
Distributions from net
  realized capital gains...      (.54)      (.70)      (.43)     (.56)    (1.70)    (1.04)     (.64)      .00     (1.22)    (1.16)
                             --------   --------   --------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
Total dividends and
  distributions............      (.85)      (.88)      (.45)     (.60)    (1.79)    (1.16)    (1.12)      .00     (1.24)    (1.23)
Net asset value -- end of
  period...................    $32.21     $27.29     $24.27    $23.87    $18.97    $17.24    $17.71    $15.93    $13.65    $15.29
                             ========   ========   ========   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======   =======
Total return...............     21.40%     16.44%      3.48%    29.50%    21.00%     5.62%    19.71%    16.70%    (2.99%)   (2.57%)
Ratios/supplemental data
---------------------
Net assets, end of period
  (in thousands)...........  $384,087   $328,153   $199,191   $78,581   $18,363   $12,350   $11,058    $9,598   $10,706   $18,701
Ratio of expenses to
  average net assets.......      0.96%      1.06%      1.22%     1.47%     1.75%     1.68%     2.08%     2.01%+    1.85%+    1.72%
Ratio of net investment
  income (loss) to average
  net assets...............      0.99%      1.18%       .38%     (.01%)     .24%      .98%      .14%     2.83%+    (.59%)+     .15%
Portfolio turnover rate....        34%        29%        43%       61%       61%       85%       66%       62%       58%       88%
Average commission paid per
  share....................   $0.0588         --         --        --        --        --        --        --        --        --
+     Not representative of expenses incurred by the Fund as the Adviser waived its fee and/or paid certain expenses
      of the Fund.
</TABLE>
 
                                       22

PAGE
 
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:  Meridian Fund (the "Fund") a series of
   Meridian Fund, Inc. (the "Company"), began operations on August 1, 1984. The
   Fund was registered on August 1, 1984, under the Investment Company Act of
   1940, as amended, as a no-load, diversified, open-end management investment
   company. The primary investment objective of the fund is to seek long-term
   growth of capital. In addition to the Meridian Fund, the Company also offers
   the Meridian Value Fund. The following is a summary of significant accounting
   policies:
 
    a. SECURITY VALUATIONS:  Investments are stated at market value based on
       latest quoted prices. Short-term securities with maturity dates of 60
       days or less are valued at amortized cost (premiums and discounts are
       amortized on a straight-line basis) which has been determined by the
       Fund's Board of Directors to represent fair value.
 
    b. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES:  It is the Fund's policy to comply with the
       requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated
       investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to its
       shareholders; therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The
       aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes is
       $304,983,244, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $80,032,759
       and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is $7,041,246 resulting
       in net unrealized appreciation of $72,991,513.
 
    c. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS:  Security transactions are accounted for on the
       date the securities are purchased or sold (trade date). Realized gains
       and losses on security transactions are determined on the basis of
       specific identification for both financial statement and federal income
       tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.
       Interest income is accrued daily.
 
    d. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:  All highly liquid investments with an
       original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash
       equivalents.
 
    e. EXPENSES:  Expenses arising in connection with the Fund are charged
       directly to the Fund. Expenses common to both series of Meridian Fund,
       Inc. are allocated to each series in proportion to their relative net
       assets.
 
    f. USE OF ESTIMATES:  The preparation of financial statements requires
       management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
       amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements.
       Actual amounts could differ from the estimates.
 
    g. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:  The Fund records dividends
       and distributions to its shareholders on the record date. The amount of
       dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized
       capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax
       regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting
       principles. These "book/tax" differences are either considered temporary
       or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in
       nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based
       on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not
       require reclassification. Dividends and distributions which exceed net
       investment income and net realized capital gains for financial reporting
       purposes but not for tax purposes are reported as dividends in excess of
       net investment income or distributions in excess of net realized capital
       gains. To the extent they exceed net investment income and net realized
       capital gains for tax purposes, they are reported as distributions of
       paid-in-capital.
 
2. RELATED PARTIES:  The Fund has entered into a management agreement (the
   Investment Advisory Fee) with Aster Capital Management, Inc. ("Aster
   Capital") for calendar 1996. Certain Officers and/or Directors of the Fund
   are also Officers and/or Directors of Aster Capital.
 
3. ADVISORY FEE AND EXPENSE LIMITATION:  The Investment Adviser receives from
   the Fund as compensation for its services an annual fee of 1% of the first
   $50,000,000 of the Fund's net assets and 0.75% of the Fund's net assets in
   excess of $50,000,000. The fee is paid monthly and calculated based on that
   month's average net assets. The Investment Adviser has agreed to reimburse
   the Fund for any fiscal year's expenses, including advisory fees, which
   exceed the most stringent limits prescribed by any state in which the Fund's
   shares are offered for sale. Although state requirements may change, the most
   stringent state expense
 
                                       23

PAGE
 
   limitations currently require the Investment Adviser to reimburse the Fund
   for operating expenses incurred in any fiscal year which exceed 2 1/2% of the
   first $30 million of average net assets, 2% of the next $70 million of
   average net assets and 1 1/2% of the remaining average net assets.
   Reimbursement, if any, will be on a monthly basis, subject to year-end
   adjustment.
 
4. CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS:  The Fund has authorized 25,000,000 shares of
   common stock at a par value of $.01 per share. Transactions in capital stock
   for the period ended June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1995, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1996           1995
                                                              ----------     ----------
        <S>                                                   <C>            <C>
        Shares sold.......................................     2,717,761      5,275,075
        Shares issued on reinvestment of distributions....       322,055        305,024
                                                              ----------     ----------
                                                               3,039,816      5,580,099
        Shares redeemed...................................    (3,138,480)    (1,765,630)
                                                              ----------     ----------
        Net increase (decrease)...........................       (98,664)     3,814,469
                                                              ==========     ==========
</TABLE>
 
5. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS:  Directors and officers of the
   Company who are directors and/or officers of Aster Capital Management, Inc.
   receive no compensation from the Fund. Directors of the Company who are not
   interested persons as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 receive
   compensation in the amount of $1,000 per annum and a $1,000 purchase of
   Meridian Fund or Meridian Value Fund stock, plus expenses for each Board of
   Directors meeting attended. The aggregate compensation due the unaffiliated
   Directors of the Fund as of June 30, 1996 was $3,000.
 
6. INVESTMENTS:
 
    a. COST OF INVESTMENTS:  The cost of investments purchased, excluding
       short-term obligations, and the proceeds from sales of investments for
       the period ended June 30, 1996 were $93,954,480 and $115,838,474,
       respectively.
 
    b. INCOME PRODUCING INVESTMENTS:  At June 30, 1996, those investments in
       securities which produce investment income (cash dividends) are Bancorp
       Hawaii, Inc., British Sky Broadcasting Group plc, Cato Corporation -
       Class A, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., Equity Residential
       Properties Trust, Heilig-Meyers Company, Kohl's Corporation, Lomak
       Petroleum, Inc., Molex, Inc. - Class A, National Data Corp., Oasis
       Residential, Inc., Paychex, Inc., Service Corp. International, Sotheby's
       Holdings, Inc., Spieker Properties, Inc., Stewart Enterprises, Inc.,
       Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc., The Town and Country Trust and The
       York Group, Inc. All other investments in securities are non-income
       producing.
 
                                       24

PAGE
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Meridian Value Fund
 
     In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the schedule of investments and net assets, and the related statements
of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Meridian Value Fund
(one of the portfolios constituting Meridian Fund, Inc., hereafter referred to
as the "Fund") at June 30, 1996, the results of its operations for the year then
ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period
then ended and the financial highlights for each of the two years in the period
then ended and for the period February 10, 1994 (commencement of operations)
through June 30, 1994, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter
referred to as the "financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's
management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included
confirmation of securities at June 30, 1996 by correspondence with the custodian
and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
San Francisco, California
July 31, 1996
 
                                       25

PAGE
 
                     SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AND NET ASSETS
                                 JUNE 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         SHARES       VALUE
                                                                         ------     ----------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>
COMMON STOCK -- 94.3%
  BANKING AND FINANCE -- 2.6%
     EZCORP, Inc. .....................................................  13,500     $   91,125
  CONSTRUCTION -- 4.4%
     BMC West Corporation..............................................   4,800         82,200
     Griffon Corporation...............................................   8,600         69,875
  CONSUMER PRODUCTS -- 7.9%
     Maxwell Shoe Company, Inc. -- Class A.............................  12,600         97,650
     Paragon Trade Brands, Inc. .......................................   3,900         83,850
     Universal Electronics, Inc. ......................................   7,900         91,837
  ENERGY -- 12.2%
     Apache Corporation................................................   2,800         92,050
     Lomak Petroleum, Inc. ............................................   6,400         91,200
     Nabors Industries, Inc. ..........................................   5,200         84,500
     Oceaneering International, Inc. ..................................   4,300         65,037
     Vintage Petroleum, Inc. ..........................................   3,600         91,800
  HEALTH SERVICES -- 7.2%
     Coventry Corporation..............................................   5,700         89,775
     Safeguard Health Enterprises, Inc. ...............................   3,700         67,062
     Zoll Medical Corporation..........................................   5,700         91,200
  INDUSTRIAL SERVICES -- 5.1%
     Angelica Corporation..............................................   3,900         92,137
     Thomas Group, Inc. ...............................................   4,600         85,100
  INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS -- 9.8%
     Augat Inc. .......................................................   4,300         82,238
     Bettis Corporation................................................  16,500         85,594
     Medar, Inc. ......................................................   8,700         90,263
     Seda Specialty Packaging Corp. ...................................   4,800         86,400
  INSURANCE -- 5.1%
     Integon Corp. ....................................................   4,400         88,550
     Omni Insurance, Inc. .............................................   9,700         89,725
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       26

PAGE
 
              SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AND NET ASSETS -- CONTINUED
                                 JUNE 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         SHARES       VALUE
                                                                         ------     ----------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>
COMMON STOCK (continued)
  LEISURE & AMUSEMENT -- 7.3%
     Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc..............................   8,700     $   85,913
     SMC Corporation...................................................   9,700         92,150
     Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. .....................................   1,600         74,400
  REAL ESTATE -- 2.7%
     Manufactured Home Communities, Inc. ..............................   4,800         92,400
  RESTAURANTS -- 2.5%
     CKE Restaurants, Inc. ............................................   3,400         86,700
  RETAIL -- 14.7%
     Cato Corporation -- Class A.......................................  11,700         70,200
     Fabri-Centers of America, Inc. -- Class B.........................   6,000         90,750
     Heilig-Meyers Company.............................................   3,700         88,800
     Pier 1 Imports, Inc. .............................................   5,800         86,275
     Toys "R" Us, Inc. ................................................   3,000         85,500
     Value City Department Stores, Inc. ...............................   8,000         88,000
  TECHNOLOGY -- 12.8%
     CFI ProServices, Inc. ............................................   3,200         81,600
     InaCom Corporation................................................   4,700         88,125
     MicroAge, Inc. ...................................................   6,600         89,925
     Viewlogic Systems, Inc. ..........................................   6,500         90,188
     Western Digital Corporation.......................................   3,600         94,050
                                                                                       -------
  TOTAL COMMON STOCK
     (identified cost $2,800,769)..............................................      3,274,142
                                                                                       -------
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES -- 5.7%.................................        197,363
                                                                                       -------
NET ASSETS -- 100%.............................................................     $3,471,505
                                                                                       =======
Shares of capital stock outstanding............................................        226,673
                                                                                       =======
Net asset value per share......................................................         $15.32
                                                                                       =======
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       27

PAGE
 
                      STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                                 JUNE 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                <C>
ASSETS
  Investments (Cost $2,800,769)..................................................  $3,274,144
  Cash and cash equivalents......................................................     140,766
  Receivables for:
     Securities sold.............................................................      76,725
     Reimbursement from Investment Advisor.......................................       6,854
     Dividends...................................................................       2,555
     Interest....................................................................         269
     Prepaid expenses............................................................         113
                                                                                   ----------
          TOTAL ASSETS...........................................................   3,501,426
                                                                                   ----------
LIABILITIES
  Payable for securities purchased...............................................      16,154
  Accrued expenses...............................................................      13,765
                                                                                   ----------
          TOTAL LIABILITIES......................................................      29,919
                                                                                   ----------
NET ASSETS.......................................................................  $3,471,507
                                                                                   ==========
Shares of capital stock outstanding, par value $.01
  (25,000,000 shares authorized).................................................     226,673
                                                                                   ==========
Net asset value per share (offering and redemption price)........................  $    15.32
                                                                                   ==========
Net assets consist of:
  Paid in capital................................................................  $2,726,897
  Accumulated net realized gain..................................................     271,235
  Net unrealized appreciation on investments.....................................     473,375
                                                                                   ----------
                                                                                   $3,471,507
                                                                                   ==========
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       28

PAGE
 
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                      <C>          <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
  Dividends............................................................  $ 16,839
  Interest.............................................................     2,366
                                                                         --------
       Total investment income.........................................               $ 19,205
EXPENSES
  Transfer agent fees..................................................    25,620
  Pricing fees.........................................................    24,156
  Investment advisory fees.............................................    16,183
  Registration and filing fees.........................................    11,455
  Custodian fees.......................................................     8,340
  Legal................................................................     7,062
  Auditing fee.........................................................     6,204
  Reports to shareholders..............................................     2,873
  Directors' fees and expenses.........................................     1,098
  Taxes................................................................       811
  Insurance............................................................       762
  Association dues.....................................................        73
                                                                         --------
       Total expenses..................................................   104,637
       Less: Reimbursement by Investment Advisor.......................   (63,370)
                                                                         --------
       Net expenses....................................................                 41,267
                                                                                      --------
  Net investment loss..................................................                (22,062)
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS
  Net realized gain on investments.....................................   295,152
  Net increase in unrealized appreciation on investments...............   421,643
                                                                         --------
  Net realized and unrealized gains on investments.....................                716,795
                                                                                      --------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS...................               $694,733
                                                                                      ========
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       29

PAGE
 
                       STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     FOR THE FISCAL   FOR THE FISCAL
                                                                       YEAR ENDED       YEAR ENDED
                                                                     JUNE 30, 1996    JUNE 30, 1995
                                                                     --------------   --------------
<S>                                                                  <C>              <C>
OPERATIONS
Net investment loss................................................    $  (22,062)       $ (3,396)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments............................       295,152         (20,940)
Net increase in unrealized appreciation of investments.............       421,643          54,235
                                                                       ----------       ---------
  Net increase from operations.....................................       694,733          29,899
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
Dividends from net investment income...............................             0               0
Distributions from net realized capital gains......................             0               0
                                                                       ----------       ---------
  Total distributions..............................................             0               0
                                                                       ----------       ---------
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
Proceeds from sale of stock........................................     2,262,308         400,303
Reinvestment of distributions......................................             0               0
Less: redemptions..................................................      (200,555)       (106,719)
                                                                       ----------       ---------
  Increase resulting from capital share transactions...............     2,061,753         293,584
                                                                       ----------       ---------
Total increase in net assets.......................................     2,756,486         323,483
NET ASSETS
Beginning of period................................................       715,021         391,538
                                                                       ----------       ---------
End of period......................................................    $3,471,507        $715,021
                                                                       ==========       =========
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       30

PAGE
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
Selected data for each share of capital stock outstanding throughout the period
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        FOR THE FISCAL   FOR THE FISCAL   FOR THE PERIOD
                                                          YEAR ENDED       YEAR ENDED          ENDED
                                                        JUNE 30, 1996    JUNE 30, 1995    JUNE 30, 1994*
                                                        --------------   --------------   ---------------
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>              <C>
Net asset value -- beginning of period................    $    10.27        $   9.87         $   10.00
                                                          ----------         -------           -------
Income from investment operations
-------------------------------------
Net investment (loss) income..........................         (0.10)          (0.04)             0.00
Net gains or losses on securities
  (both realized and unrealized)......................          5.15            0.44             (0.13)
                                                          ----------         -------           -------
Total from investment operations......................          5.05            0.40             (0.13)
                                                          ----------         -------           -------
Less dividends and distributions
---------------------------------
Dividends from net investment income..................          0.00            0.00              0.00
Distribution from net realized capital gains..........          0.00            0.00              0.00
                                                          ----------         -------           -------
Total dividends and distributions.....................          0.00            0.00              0.00
                                                          ----------         -------           -------
Net asset value -- end of period......................    $    15.32        $  10.27         $    9.87
                                                          ==========         =======           =======
Total return..........................................         49.17%           4.05%            (1.30%)
                                                          ==========         =======           =======
Ratios/supplemental data
---------------------------
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)..............    $3,471,507        $715,021         $ 391,538
Ratio of expenses to average net assets...............          2.55%+          2.78%+            1.28%+
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets....         (1.36%)+         (.58%)+           (.07%)+
Portfolio turnover rate...............................           125%             77%              194%
Average commission paid per share.....................    $   0.0559              --                --
</TABLE>
 
+ Not representative of expenses incurred by the Fund as the Adviser waived its
  fee and/or paid certain expenses of the Fund. As indicated in Note 3, the
  Investment Manager reduced a portion of its fee and absorbed certain expenses
  of the Fund. Had these fees and expenses not been reduced and absorbed, the
  ratio of expenses to average net assets would have been 6.47%, 14.64%, and
  11.22%, and the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would
  have been a loss of 5.28%, 12.44% and 10.02%, respectively.
 
* From commencement of operations on February 10, 1994.
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       31

PAGE
 
                              MERIDIAN VALUE FUND
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:  Meridian Value Fund (the "Fund") a series
   of Meridian Fund, Inc., (the "Company"), began operations on February 10,
   1994. The Fund was registered on February 7, 1994, under the Investment
   Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a no-load, diversified, open-end
   management investment company. The primary investment objective of the fund
   is to seek long-term growth of capital. In addition to the Meridian Value
   Fund, the Company also offers the Meridian Fund. The following is a summary
   of significant accounting policies:
 
   a. SECURITY VALUATIONS:  Investments are stated at market value based on
      latest quoted prices. Short-term securities with maturity dates of 60 days
      or less are valued at amortized cost (premiums and discounts are amortized
      on a straight-line basis) which has been determined by the Fund's Board of
      Directors to represent fair value.
 
   b. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES:  It is the Fund's policy to comply with the
      requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated
      investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to its
      shareholders; therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The
      aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes is
      $2,800,769, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $537,102 and
      the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is $63,727 resulting in net
      unrealized appreciation of $473,375.
 
   c. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS:  Security transactions are accounted for on the
      date the securities are purchased or sold (trade date). Realized gains and
      losses on security transactions are determined on the basis of specific
      identification for both financial statement and federal income tax
      purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest
      income is accrued daily.
 
   d. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:  All highly liquid investments with an original
      maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.
 
   e. EXPENSES:  Expenses arising in connection with the Fund are charged
      directly to the Fund. Expenses common to both series of Meridian Fund,
      Inc. are allocated to each series in proportion to their relative net
      assets.
 
   f. USE OF ESTIMATES:  The preparation of financial statements requires
      management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
      amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements.
      Actual amounts could differ from the estimates.
 
   g. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:  The Fund records dividends
      and distributions to its shareholders on the record date. The amount of
      dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized
      capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax
      regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting
      principles. These "book/tax" differences are either considered temporary
      or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in
      nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on
      their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require
      reclassification. Dividends and distributions which exceed net investment
      income and net realized capital gain for financial reporting purposes but
      not for tax purposes are reported as dividends in excess of net investment
      income or distributions in excess of net realized capital gains. To the
      extent they exceed net investment income and net realized capital gains
      for tax purposes, they are reported as distributions of paid-in-capital.
 
2. RELATED PARTIES:  The Fund has entered into a management agreement (the
   Investment Advisory Fee) with Aster Capital Management, Inc. ("Aster
   Capital") for calendar 1996. Certain Officers and/or Directors of the Fund
   are also Officers and/or Directors of Aster Capital. Beneficial ownership in
   the Fund by Richard F. Aster, Jr., President, as of June 30, 1996, was
   17.48%.
 
3. ADVISORY FEE AND EXPENSE LIMITATION:  The Investment Adviser receives from
   the Fund as compensation for its services an annual fee of 1% of the Fund's
   net assets. The fee is paid monthly and calculated based
 
                                       32

PAGE
 
                              MERIDIAN VALUE FUND
                             FOOTNOTES (CONTINUED)
 
   on that month's average net assets. The Investment Adviser has agreed to
   reimburse the Fund for any fiscal year's expenses, including advisory fees,
   which exceed the most stringent limits prescribed by any state in which the
   Fund's shares are offered for sale. Although state requirements may change,
   the most stringent state expense limitations currently require the Investment
   Adviser to reimburse the Fund for operating expenses incurred in any fiscal
   year which exceed 2 1/2% of the first $30 million of the average net assets,
   2% of the next $70 million of the average net assets and 1 1/2% of the
   remaining average net assets. Reimbursement, if any, will be on a monthly
   basis, subject to year-end adjustment. Reimbursements were $63,370 for the
   year ended June 30, 1996.
 
4. CAPITAL STOCK TRANSACTIONS:  The Fund has authorized 25,000,000 shares of
   common stock at a par value of $.01 per share. Transactions in capital stock
   for the period ended June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1995, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1996      1995
                                                                      -------   ------
         <S>                                                          <C>       <C>
         Shares sold................................................  173,212   40,863
         Shares issued on reinvestment of distributions.............        0        0
                                                                      -------   ------
                                                                      173,212   40,863
         Shares redeemed............................................   16,140   10,934
                                                                      -------   ------
         Net increase...............................................  157,072   29,929
                                                                      =======   ======
</TABLE>
 
5. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS:  Directors and officers of the
   Company who are directors and/or officers of Aster Capital Management, Inc.
   receive no compensation from the Fund. Directors of the Company who are not
   interested persons as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 receive
   compensation in the amount of $1,000 per annum and a $1,000 purchase of
   Meridian Fund or Meridian Value Fund stock, plus expenses for each Board of
   Directors meeting attended. The aggregate compensation due the unaffiliated
   Directors of the Fund as of June 30, 1996 was $1,000.
 
6. INVESTMENTS:
 
   a. COST OF INVESTMENTS:  The cost of investments purchased, excluding
      short-term obligations, and the proceeds from sales of investments for the
      period ended June 30, 1996 were $4,009,140 and $1,961,655 respectively.
 
   b. INCOME PRODUCING INVESTMENTS:  At June 30, 1996, those investments in
      securities which produce investment income (cash dividends) are Angelica
      Corporation, Apache Corporation, Augat, Inc., Cato Corporation - Class A.,
      CKE Restaurants, Inc., Integon Corp., Lomak Petroleum Inc., Manufactured
      Home Communities, Inc., Pier 1 Imports, Inc., and Sturm, Ruger & Company,
      Inc. All other investments in securities are non-income producing.
 
                                       33

PAGE
 
                             MERIDIAN FUND, INC.(R)
 
                                     Part C
 
ITEM 24:  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
 
(a) Financial Statements -- The following audited financial statements and the
    report of independent accountants for the Meridian Fund and Meridian Value
    Fund are set forth in Part B:
 
    Report of Independent Accountants -- July 31, 1996
    Statement of Assets and Liabilities at June 30, 1996
    Statement of Operations for the Year Ended June 30, 1996
    Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the Years Ended June 30, 1996 and
    June 30, 1995
    Schedule of Investments -- June 30, 1996
    Supplementary Information for fiscal years 1986 through 1996
    Notes to the Financial Statements
 
<TABLE>
<S>  <C>   <C>
(b)  (1)   Articles of Incorporation -- previously filed
     (2)   Bylaws -- previously filed -- amendment -- previously filed
     (3)   None
     (4)   Specimen of each security issued -- previously filed
     (5)   Form of Investment Management Agreement -- previously filed
     (6)   None
     (7)   None
     (8)   Form of Custodian Agreement and Depository Contract as amended -- previously filed
     (9)   None
     (10)  Opinion and consent of counsel -- previously filed
     (11)  Consent of independent accountants -- enclosed herewith
     (12)  None
     (13)  Form of Investment Representation Agreement -- previously filed
     (14)  IRA application and disclosure statement -- previously filed
     (15)  None
     (16)  Schedule for computation of Performance Quotations -- previously filed
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 25:
 
Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant:
           None
 
ITEM 26:
 
Number of Holders of Securities
 
           As of September 30, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              PORTFOLIO                          NUMBER OF RECORD HOLDERS
        -----------------------------------------------------    ------------------------
        <S>                                                      <C>
        Meridian Fund........................................             14,809
        Meridian Value Fund..................................                178
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 27:  INDEMNIFICATION
 
     Subsection (B) of Section 2-418 of the General Corporation Law of Maryland
empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the
fact that he is or was a director of that corporation
 
                                       C-1

PAGE
 
or a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise,
against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and (i) in the case of
conduct in the director's official capacity with the corporation, in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the corporation, and, (ii) in
all other cases, in a manner not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
 
     Subsection (B) of Section 2-418 empowers a corporation to indemnify any
person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the
corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such
person acted in any of the capacities set forth above, against expenses actually
and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of
such action or suit if he acted under similar standards, except that no
indemnification may be made in respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which
such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation.
 
     Section 2-418 further provides that to the extent a director or officer of
a corporation has been successful in the defense of any action, suit or
proceeding referred to in Subsection (B), he shall be indemnified against
reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred
by him in connection therewith that the scope of indemnification extends to
directors, officers, employees or agents of a constituent corporation absorbed
in a consolidation or merger and persons serving in that capacity at the request
of the constituent corporation for another; and empowers the corporation to
purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a director or officer of the
corporation against any liability asserted against him or incurred by him in any
such capacity or arising out of his status as such whether or not the
corporation would have the power to indemnify him against such liabilities under
Section 2-418.
 
     Article V of the Bylaws of the Fund contains indemnification provisions
meant to conform to the above statute and to the provisions of Section 17 of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and to Investment Company Act
Release No. 11330 (September 4, 1980). These Bylaws provide "reasonable and fair
means" to determine whether indemnification shall be made which include: (1)
reference to a final decision on the merits by a court or other body that
liability did not occur by reason of disabling conduct, or (2) in the absence of
such a decision, a reasonable, factually based decision to the same effect by
(a) a vote of a majority of a quorum of directors who are neither "interested
persons" of the company (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment
Company Act) nor parties to the proceeding, or (b) an independent legal counsel
in a written opinion.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Fund pursuant to the Fund's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, or otherwise,
the Fund has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in said
Act, and is, therefore unenforceable. The Fund, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, will submit to a
court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue in the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Fund of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Fund, in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer
or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered.
 
ITEM 28:  BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER
 
     See the material following the caption "Investment Management" appearing as
a portion of Part A and Part B hereof.
 
                                       C-2

PAGE
 
ITEM 29:  PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
 
     (a) None
     (b) None
     (c) None
 
ITEM 30:  LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
 
     Accounts, books and other records required by Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, are maintained and held in the
offices of the Fund and its investment manager located at 60 E. Sir Francis
Drake Boulevard, Wood Island, Suite 306, Larkspur, California.
 
     Records covering shareholder accounts and portfolio transactions are
maintained and kept also by the Fund's transfer agent, FPS Services, Inc., 3200
Horizon Drive, P.O. Box 61503, King of Prussia, PA 19406-0903, and custodian,
Bank of New York, 48 Wall Street, New York, NY 10286.
 
ITEM 31:  MANAGEMENT SERVICES
 
     None
 
ITEM 32:  UNDERTAKINGS
 
     Previously filed
 
                                       C-3

PAGE
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940 the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the
requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement pursuant to rule
485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Post-Effective
Amendment No. 15 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Larkspur and State of
California on the 30 day of October 1996.
 
                                          MERIDIAN FUND, INC. (Registrant)
 
                                          /s/  RICHARD F. ASTER, JR.
 
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Richard F. Aster, Jr., President
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registration Statement has been signed
below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                      <C>                                  <C>
      *Richard F. Aster, Jr.             Director and Principal               October 30, 1996
-----------------------------------      Executive Officer
       Richard F. Aster, Jr.
       *Michael S. Erickson              Director                             October 30, 1996
-----------------------------------
        Michael S. Erickson
         *James B. Glavin                Director                             October 30, 1996
-----------------------------------
          James B. Glavin
          *Herbert C. Kay                Director                             October 30, 1996
-----------------------------------
          Herbert C. Kay
         *Michael Stolper                Director                             October 30, 1996
-----------------------------------
          Michael Stolper
         *Paul A. Robinson               Principal Financial Officer,         October 30, 1996
-----------------------------------      Principal Accounting Officer,
         Paul A. Robinson                Treasurer and Secretary
</TABLE>
 
*By: /s/  RICHARD F. ASTER, JR.
 
     --------------------------------------------------------
     Richard F. Aster, Jr.,
     Attorney-in-Fact
 
                                       C-4

PAGE
 
                                    EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<S>               <C>
Item 24(b)(11):   Consent of Independent Accountants
</TABLE>

PAGE
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
We hereby consent to the use in the Statement of Additional Information
constituting part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the registration
statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement") of our reports dated July
31, 1996, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of the
Meridian Fund and Meridian Value Fund, which appear in such Statement of
Additional Information, and to the incorporation by reference of our reports
into the Prospectus which constitutes part of this Registration Statement. We
also consent to the references to us under the headings "Financial Highlights"
and "Experts" in such Prospectus.
 
Price Waterhouse LLP
San Francisco, CA
October 25, 1996

PAGE