# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001589756
**File Stem:** 0000930413-23-000079
**Filing Date:** 2023-1
**Character Count:** 1106806
**Document Hash:** c4efcdc9a634361799eca1ebeacee9a2
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0000930413-23-000079.hdr.sgml**: 20230120

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0000930413-23-000079

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 497

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 23

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230120

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230120

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20230120

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TRUST
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001589756
- **IRS NUMBER:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1031

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 497
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-268768
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23540233

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 101 MUNSON STREET
- **CITY:** GREENFIELD
- **STATE:** MA
- **ZIP:** 01301
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 860.263.4790

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** ONE FINANCIAL PLAZA
- **STREET 2:** 26TH FLOOR
- **CITY:** HARTFORD
- **STATE:** CT
- **ZIP:** 06103

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS FUNDS
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20140204

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** VIRTUS ALTERNATIVES TRUST I
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20131022

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund (Series ID: S000079777)

---

|  |  |
|:---|:---|
| Class Name | Class ID   |
| Class C    | C000241131 |
| Class I    | C000241132 |
| Class R6   | C000241133 |
| Class A    | C000241134 |

---

### Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund (Series ID: S000079778)

---

|  |  |
|:---|:---|
| Class Name | Class ID   |
| Class R6   | C000241135 |
| Class A    | C000241136 |
| Class C    | C000241137 |
| Class I    | C000241138 |

---

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund (Series ID: S000079777)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000241131 | Class C      |  |
| C000241132 | Class I      |  |
| C000241133 | Class R6     |  |
| C000241134 | Class A      |  |

### Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund (Series ID: S000079778)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000241135 | Class R6     |  |
| C000241136 | Class A      |  |
| C000241137 | Class C      |  |
| C000241138 | Class I      |  |

**NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST II**

**AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund**

**AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund**

**888 Boylston Street, Suite 800**

**Boston, MA 02199-8197**

January 18, 2023

Dear Shareholder:

A special meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") of AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund and AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund (each, an "Acquired Fund"), each a series of Natixis Funds Trust II (the "Selling Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust, has been scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on March 9, 2023, at the offices of the Selling Trust at 888 Boylston Street, Suite 800, Boston, Massachusetts 02199. If you wish to participate in the Meeting, you may submit the proxy card included with this prospectus/proxy Statement, vote through the Internet or by telephone, or attend in person.

The purpose of the Meeting is to seek shareholder approval of certain proposals related to the Acquired Funds necessary in connection with the acquisition of AlphaSimplex Group, LLC ("AlphaSimplex"), the Acquired Funds' investment adviser, by Virtus Partners, Inc., a subsidiary of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. ("Virtus").

On October 20, 2022, Virtus announced that Virtus Partners, Inc. had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire AlphaSimplex, subject to various conditions (the "Acquisition"). Currently, AlphaSimplex is a wholly owned subsidiary of Natixis ASG Holdings, Inc. ("Natixis"). The purpose of the Meeting is to seek shareholder approval of an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Agreement") under which each Acquired Fund will reorganize (each a "Reorganization") into a newly created corresponding series of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (each an "Acquiring Fund"), to be managed by AlphaSimplex as the newly appointed subadviser. The proposed Reorganizations of the Acquired Funds will serve to align the governance, administrative and distribution arrangements of the Acquired Funds with those of other investment companies advised by subsidiaries of Virtus. The Acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023, subject to receipt of regulatory approval and satisfaction of applicable conditions to closing, absent any waiver thereof, and the Reorganizations are expected to be completed approximately in the second quarter of 2023, subject to approval by Acquired Fund shareholders, receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals, and satisfaction of applicable conditions to closing.

If shareholders of an Acquired Fund approve the Agreement described in the accompanying materials and the other closing conditions are met, they will become shareholders of the corresponding Acquiring Fund. Virtus Alternative Investment Advisers, Inc. ("VAIA"), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, will be the investment adviser to each Acquiring Fund, and AlphaSimplex will be the subadviser to each Acquiring Fund. Each Acquiring Fund will have an identical investment objective and substantially identical principal investment strategies to that of its corresponding Acquiring Fund. The Acquired Funds' current portfolio managers are expected to manage the Acquiring Funds after the Reorganizations, as described in detail in the combined prospectus/proxy statement. No material change in the day-to-day portfolio management of the Acquired Funds is expected as a result of the Reorganizations. The Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Funds have substantially identical fundamental investment policies except that Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund will not concentrate in the financial services industry as AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund currently does. The Acquiring Funds also have a somewhat more flexible fundamental investment policy on borrowing as compared to the Acquired Funds.

Each Reorganization is expected to be a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, it is expected that each Acquired Fund and its shareholders will not recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a direct result of a Reorganization, as described in more detail in the joint prospectus/proxy statement.

The closing of the Acquisition, if it occurs before the Fund Reorganizations, will result in the automatic termination of each advisory agreement between the Selling Trust, on behalf of each Acquired Fund, and AlphaSimplex, on behalf of each Acquired Fund. On December 6, 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Selling Trust (the Board, as defined below) approved interim advisory agreements between AlphaSimplex and the Selling Trust, on behalf of each Acquired Fund (each an "Interim Advisory Agreement"), pursuant to which AlphaSimplex will be permitted to continue to serve as the Acquired Funds' investment adviser upon the closing of the Acquisition. The Interim Advisory Agreements will become effective upon the closing of the Acquisition and will continue in force for a period of up to 150 days following such effective date. The Interim Advisory Agreements are identical to the current investment advisory agreement between the

Selling Trust, on behalf of each Acquired Fund, and AlphaSimplex except with respect to the term of the agreement, termination provisions, and that the fees payable to AlphaSimplex under each Interim Advisory Agreement will be paid to an interest-bearing escrow account, which will be released if shareholders approve the Reorganization for an Acquired Fund. If the Acquisition does not occur before the Fund Reorganizations, the Interim Agreements will not go into effect.

Rule 15a-4 under the 1940 Act provides a temporary exemption from the shareholder approval requirement for an interim period of up to 150 days after termination of an advisory contract, subject to certain conditions. If the shareholders of an Acquired Fund do not approve the Reorganization within 150 days of the close of the Acquisition, then the Interim Advisory Agreement will terminate. At that point, the Acquired Funds' Board may take any further action it deems to be in the best interest of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders.

Shareholders of each Acquired Fund will vote separately on the proposal to reorganize the Acquired Fund into the corresponding Acquiring Fund pursuant to the Agreement as shown below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Acquiring Fund** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 | AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2 | AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund |

---

No sales charges (including contingent deferred sales charges) will be imposed on Acquired Fund shareholders as a result of the Reorganizations. Following the proposed Reorganizations, the net total operating expenses after waivers or reimbursements associated with investing in the Acquiring Funds will be the same or lower as the net total operating expenses after waivers or reimbursements associated with investing in the Acquired Funds as of the end of the most recent fiscal period prior to the Reorganizations, on an annualized basis, for a two-year period from the date of the Reorganizations, as described in detail in the joint prospectus/proxy statement. An Acquiring Fund may experience higher net total operating expenses after waivers or reimbursements after that date unless the expense limitation agreement that will be in place during the two-year period is continued.

**The Board of Trustees of Natixis Funds Trust II (the "Board") believes that each Reorganization is in the best interests of each Acquired Fund and unanimously recommends that you vote in favor of the Agreement related to the proposed Reorganization of your Acquired Fund(s).**

Detailed information about the proposed Reorganizations, including the reasons for the approval by the Board of the Agreement, is contained in the joint Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

Please exercise your right to vote by completing, dating and signing the enclosed proxy card. A self-addressed, postage-paid envelope has been enclosed for your convenience. In addition to voting by mail you may also vote either by telephone or via the Internet, as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| *Internet:* | Instructions for voting online can be found on the enclosed proxy card; and |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| *Phone:* | Cast your vote by automated touchtone phone. Further details can be found on the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction form. |

---

It is very important that you vote and that your voting instructions be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 8, 2023, whether or not you plan to attend the Meeting. Whichever method you choose, please read the enclosed joint Prospectus/Proxy Statement carefully before you vote.

Thank you for taking the time to consider these important proposals. If you have any questions regarding a Reorganization or the proxy card, or need assistance voting your shares, please contact Di Costa Partners, our proxy solicitor, toll-free at (833) 290-2573.

Sincerely,

---

| |
|:---|
| ![](c105029_sig.jpg) |
| David L. Giunta |
| President and Chief Executive Officer |
| Natixis Funds Trust II |

---

**Q & A FOR SHAREHOLDERS**

While we recommend that you read the enclosed joint Prospectus/Proxy Statement, the following questions and answers provide a brief overview of the proposed reorganization that will be the subject of a shareholder vote.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q.** **Why am I being asked to vote?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** On October 20, 2022, Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. ("Virtus") announced that Virtus Partners, Inc., a subsidiary of Virtus, had entered into an agreement to acquire AlphaSimplex Group, LLC ("AlphaSimplex") and its investment operations (such transaction, the "Acquisition"). Currently, AlphaSimplex is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Natixis ASG Holdings, Inc. ("Natixis"). AlphaSimplex serves as the investment adviser to AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund and AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund (each an "Acquired Fund" and collectively, the "Acquired Funds"). The reorganizations of the Acquired Funds into corresponding, newly created fund series of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (each an "Acquiring Fund" and collectively the "Acquiring Funds") (the "Reorganizations") will serve to align the governance, administrative and distribution arrangements of the Acquired Funds with those of other investment companies advised by subsidiaries of Virtus. Effective with the Acquisition, AlphaSimplex will become a Virtus affiliate but will retain autonomy over its investment process, which will not change as a result of the Acquisition.

By approving the Reorganizations, shareholders of each Acquired Fund will have the opportunity to continue their investment in a newly organized fund whose investments will continue to be managed by AlphaSimplex and that will have an identical investment objective and substantially identical principal investment strategies to those of the corresponding Acquired Fund, through a tax-free reorganization of each Acquired Fund into the corresponding Acquiring Fund. Each Acquiring Fund is expected to have the same portfolio managers who are currently responsible for the day-to-day management of the corresponding Acquired Fund. Shareholder approval of a Fund's Reorganization will also constitute approval of the Interim Advisory Agreement for that Fund, as discussed below under "What happens if a Reorganization is not approved?"

Please refer to "Summary—Reorganization—Why is the Reorganization being proposed?" and "Information About the Reorganization—Board Considerations" in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement for additional information regarding the reasons for the Reorganization.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q.** **What issue am I being asked to vote on at the upcoming meeting on March 9, 2023 (the "Meeting")?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** You are being asked to approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Agreement") that provides for the reorganization of the Acquired Fund(s) of which you are a shareholder into the corresponding Acquiring Fund, as noted in the table below:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Acquired Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Acquiring Fund** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund |

---

The Agreement requires approval by shareholders of each Acquired Fund and, if the Agreement is approved, the Reorganizations are expected to close in the second quarter of 2023, or such other date as the parties to the Agreement may agree.

The attached prospectus/proxy statement ("Prospectus/Proxy Statement") is a proxy statement for each Acquired Fund and a prospectus for each Acquiring Fund. The purposes of the Prospectus/Proxy Statement are to: (1) solicit votes from shareholders of the Acquired Funds to approve the Agreement, the form of which is attached to the Prospectus/Proxy Statement as ***Exhibit A***, and (2) provide information regarding the Acquiring Funds. The Prospectus/Proxy Statement contains information that shareholders of Acquired Funds should know before voting on the Agreement. The Prospectus/Proxy Statement should be retained for future reference.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q.** **What will happen to my existing shares?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** As a result of the Reorganizations, shareholders of each Acquired Fund will become owners of shares of the applicable Acquiring Fund with the same aggregate net asset value as the shares of the Acquired Fund(s) that they held prior to the Reorganizations. More specifically, the Reorganizations provide that each Acquired Fund will transfer all of its assets to the corresponding Acquiring Fund. In exchange, the applicable Acquiring Fund will assume all of the liabilities of the applicable Acquired Fund and issue shares corresponding in class to the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund, as follows:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| <u>**<u>Acquired Fund</u>**</u> |  | <u>**<u>Acquiring Fund</u>**</u> |
| Class A shares | 🡪 | Class A shares |
| Class C shares | 🡪 | Class C shares |
| Class N shares | 🡪 | Class R6 shares |
| Class Y shares | 🡪 | Class I shares |

---

Pursuant to each Reorganization, each Acquired Fund will distribute the Acquiring Fund shares pro rata, on a class-by-class basis, to its shareholders in cancellation of such shareholders' Acquired Fund shares. You will not pay any sales charges in connection with the Reorganization.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q.** **Will there be any changes to the Acquired Funds' investment programs or portfolio managers as a result of the Reorganizations?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** No such changes are expected, except as follows: Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund will not concentrate in the financial services industry as AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund currently does. The Acquiring Funds also have a somewhat more flexible fundamental investment policy on borrowing as compared to the Acquired Funds.. After the Reorganizations, the Acquired Funds' current portfolio managers are expected to continue to manage the Acquiring Funds in accordance with identical investment objectives and substantially identical principal investment strategies, and each Acquiring Fund will be subject to substantially similar investment risks as its corresponding Acquired Fund. No material changes to the investment program or change in the day-to-day portfolio management of the Acquired Funds are expected as a result of the Reorganizations.

The section of the Prospectus/Proxy Statement entitled "Information about the Reorganization—Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies" describes the investment objective and principal investment strategies of each Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q.** **Will I incur any transaction costs as a result of the Reorganizations?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** No. Shareholders will not incur any transaction
 costs, *e.g.*, sales charges or redemption fees, as a result of the Reorganizations. To the extent that any portfolio assets
 of an Acquired Fund are sold in connection with its Reorganization, an Acquired Fund may recognize gain or loss and incur transaction
 costs, and that may result in a taxable distribution of gains to shareholders. However, it is not anticipated that the amount of
 such transaction costs incurred, if any, will be significant to any Fund or that sales of portfolio securities resulting in taxable
 distributions of gains to shareholders will be significant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q.** **What is the timetable for the Reorganizations?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** If approved by shareholders of record at the
 Meeting, the Reorganizations are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023, subject to satisfaction of
 customary closing conditions and consents, including the closing of the Acquisition. The Acquisition is expected to close in the
 first quarter of 2023, subject to receipt of regulatory approval and satisfaction of applicable conditions to closing, absent any
 waiver thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q.** **Will a Reorganization create a taxable event for me?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** No. Each Reorganization is expected to be a tax-free transaction for federal income tax purposes. Before or at the completion of the Reorganizations, the Funds will have received an opinion from the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery LLP that, for federal income tax purposes, each Reorganization contemplated by the Agreement will qualify as a tax-free reorganization.

The section of the Prospectus/Proxy Statement entitled "Information About the Reorganization—Federal Income Tax Consequences" provides additional information regarding the federal income tax consequences of the Reorganizations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q.** **What happens if a Reorganization is not approved?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** Although approval of one Reorganization is not expressly conditioned upon the approval of the other Reorganization, closing of each Reorganization is conditioned upon completion of the Acquisition. Since the Acquisition is conditioned upon, among other things, obtaining the consent of clients representing a certain minimum level of revenue, even if an Acquired Fund's shareholders approve a Reorganization, it may not be sufficient to satisfy the revenue condition for the closing of the Acquisition if shareholders of the other Acquired Fund do not approve their Reorganization or if enough other clients of AlphaSimplex do not provide their consent. If the Acquisition of AlphaSimplex by Virtus is not completed, neither of the Reorganizations will take place and the Acquired Funds will continue to operate as series of the Selling Trust with AlphaSimplex as their investment adviser pending any further action by the Board of Trustees of the Selling Trust.

If an Acquired Fund's Reorganization doesn't occur before the Acquisition, then the Interim Advisory Agreement with AlphaSimplex, which will go into effect upon the closing of the Acquisition, will permit additional time to solicit shareholder approval of the Reorganization. As stated above, if the shareholders of an Acquired Fund do not approve the Reorganization within 150 days of the close of the Acquisition, then the Interim Advisory Agreement will terminate. In such an event, an Acquired Fund's Board may take any further action it deems to be in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q.** **How does the Board of Trustees of the Selling Trust recommend that I vote?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** The Board of Trustees of the Selling Trust
 unanimously approved each Reorganization as set forth in the Agreement and recommends that you vote FOR the Reorganization of your
 Acquired Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q.** **Who will pay for the legal costs and proxy solicitation associated with the proposal?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** All of the expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganizations (including the cost of any proxy soliciting agent) will be borne by Virtus and Natixis (or their respective affiliates), and not by the Funds or shareholders of the Funds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q.** **How do I vote my shares?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** While you may attend the meeting in person, voting today will save on the potential cost of future mailings required to obtain shareholder votes. You have multiple options available for how to cast your proxy vote:

*Mail:* Complete the enclosed proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| *Internet:* | Instructions for voting online can be found on the enclosed proxy card; and |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| *Phone:* | Cast your vote by automated touchtone phone. Further details can be found on the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction form. |

---

The attached Prospectus/Proxy Statement contains further information regarding the Reorganizations and the Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust. Please read it carefully before voting. If you have any questions regarding a Reorganization or the proxy card, or need assistance voting your shares, please contact Di Costa Partners, the Selling Trust's proxy solicitor, toll-free at (833) 290-2573.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q.** **Will anyone contact me?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** You may receive a call from our proxy solicitor,
 Di Costa Partners, to verify that you received your proxy materials, to answer any questions you may have about the proposals and to encourage
 you to vote.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Q.** **Whom should I call for additional information about this Prospectus/Proxy Statement?** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.** Please contact Di Costa Partners at (833) 290-2573. As the Meeting date approaches, certain shareholders of the Acquired Funds may receive telephone calls from representatives of Di Costa Partners if their votes have not yet been received. Proxies that are obtained telephonically will be recorded in accordance with the procedures described below. The Board of Trustees of the Selling Trust believes that these procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that both the identity of the shareholder casting the vote and the voting instructions of the shareholder are accurately determined.

In all cases in which a telephonic proxy is solicited, the Di Costa Partners representative is required to ask for each shareholder's full name and address, or the zip code or employer identification number, and to confirm that the shareholder has received the proxy materials in the mail. If the shareholder is a corporation or other entity, the Di Costa Partners representative is required to ask for the person's title and confirmation that the person is authorized to direct the voting of the shares. If the information solicited agrees with the information provided to Di Costa Partners, then the Di Costa Partners representative has the responsibility to explain the process, read the proposal listed on the proxy card and ask for the shareholder's instructions on the proposal.

**In order to avoid delay and additional expense, and to assure that your shares are represented, please vote as promptly as possible, regardless of whether you plan to attend the Meeting. You may vote by telephone, over the Internet, or by mail. To vote by telephone, please call the toll-free number located on your proxy card and follow the recorded instructions, using your proxy card as a guide. To vote over the Internet, go to the Internet address provided on your proxy card and follow the instructions, using your proxy card as a guide. To vote by mail, please mark, sign, date, and mail the enclosed proxy card. No postage is required if you use the accompanying envelope to mail the proxy card in the United States.** 

**NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST II**

**on behalf of** 

**AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund** 

**AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund**

**NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS**

**SCHEDULED FOR March 9, 2023**

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of the shareholders of AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund and AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund (each an "Acquired Fund"), each a series of Natixis Funds Trust II (the "Selling Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust, will be held on March 9, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, at the offices of the Selling Trust at 888 Boylston Street, Suite 800, Boston, Massachusetts 02199, and any adjournments thereof (the "Meeting"). If you wish to participate in the Meeting, you may submit the proxy card included with this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, vote through the Internet or by telephone, or attend in person. The Meeting will be held for the following purposes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. To consider and act upon an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Agreement") by and among the Selling Trust, on behalf of each Acquired Fund, Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust, on behalf of each corresponding series thereof indicated below (each an "Acquiring Fund"), Virtus Partners, Inc. and Natixis ASG Holdings, Inc. ("Natixis"). The Agreement also provides for distribution of the shares of each Acquiring Fund to shareholders of the corresponding Acquired Fund in complete liquidation and subsequent termination of the Acquired Fund. A vote in favor of the Agreement is also a vote in favor of the liquidation and termination of the Acquired Fund.

2. If necessary, to adjourn or postpone the Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes
at the time of the Meeting to approve a Proposal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. To transact any other business that may properly come before the Meeting.

Shareholders of each Acquired Fund will vote separately on the proposal to reorganize the Acquired Fund into the corresponding Acquiring Fund pursuant to the Agreement as shown below:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Acquiring Fund** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 | AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2 | AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund |

---

The Board of Trustees of the Selling Trust has fixed the close of business on January 13, 2023 as the record date for determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting.

While you may attend the meeting in person, voting today will save on the potential cost of future mailings required to obtain shareholder votes. You have multiple options available for how to cast your proxy vote:

*Mail:* Complete the enclosed proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| *Internet:* | Instructions for voting online can be found on the enclosed proxy card; and |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| *Phone:* | Cast your vote by automated touchtone phone. Further details can be found on the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction form. |

---

The attached Prospectus/Proxy Statement contains further information regarding the Reorganizations and the Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust. Please read it carefully before voting. If you have any questions regarding a Reorganization or the proxy card, or need assistance voting your shares, please contact Di Costa Partners, the Selling Trust's proxy solicitor, toll-free at (833) 290-2573.

We encourage you to vote by Internet or telephone; have your proxy card in hand and go to the Web site or call the number and follow the instructions given there. Use of Internet or telephone voting will reduce repeated requests that may be associated with this proxy solicitation. Whichever method you choose, please read the enclosed Prospectus/Proxy Statement carefully before you vote.

If you sign, date, and return the proxy card but give no voting instructions, your shares will be voted "FOR" the proposals described above.

By order of the Board of Trustees

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | David L. Giunta |
|  | President and Chief Executive Officer |
|  | Natixis Funds Trust II |
| January 18, 2023 |  |

---

**Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Meeting of Shareholders to be Held on March 9, 2023, or any adjournment or postponement thereof.** This Notice and the attached Prospectus/Proxy Statement are available on the internet at https://proxyvotinginfo.com/p/natixis2023. On this webpage, you will be able to access the Notice, the Prospectus/Proxy Statement, any accompanying materials, and any amendments or supplements to the foregoing material that are required to be furnished to shareholders. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting.

**SHAREHOLDERS ARE REQUESTED TO VOTE BY INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE OR TO COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, WHICH NEEDS NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PROPER EXECUTION OF THE PROXY WITH RESPECT TO INTERNET OR TELEPHONE VOTING ARE SET FORTH ON THE PROXY CARD. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIGNING PROXY CARDS IF MAILING IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW THIS NOTICE. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE PROXY BE VOTED PROMPTLY.**

**INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIGNING PROXY CARDS** 

The following general rules for signing proxy cards may be of assistance to you and avoid the time and expense involved in validating your vote if you fail to sign your proxy card properly.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. *Individual Accounts:* Sign your name exactly as it appears in the registration on the voting instructions form.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. *Joint Accounts:* Either party may sign, but the name of the party signing should conform exactly to the name shown in the registration on the voting instructions form.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. *All Other Accounts*: The capacity of the individual signing the voting instructions form should be indicated unless it is reflected in the form of registration. For example:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| <u>**<u>Registration</u>**</u> | <u>**<u>Valid Signature</u>**</u> |
| <u>**<u>Corporate Accounts</u>**</u> |  |
| (1) ABC Corp. | ABC Corp. |
| (2) ABC Corp. | John Doe, Treasurer |
| (3) ABC Corp. |  |
| c/o John Doe, Treasurer | John Doe |
| (4) ABC Corp. Profit Sharing Plan | John Doe, Trustee |
| <u>**<u>Trust Accounts</u>**</u> |  |
| (1) ABC Trust | Jane B. Doe, Trustee |
| (2) Jane B. Doe, Trustee |  |
| u/t/d 12/28/78 | Jane B. Doe |
| <u>**<u>Custodial or Estate Accounts</u>**</u> |  |
| (1) John B. Smith, Cust. |  |
| f/b/o John B. Smith, Jr. UGMA | John B. Smith |
| (2) Estate of John B. Smith | John B. Smith, Jr., Executor |

---

Acquisition of Assets of

**AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund**

**AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund**

**(Each an "Acquired Fund" and collectively the "Acquired Funds")**

series of

**NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST II**

c/o Natixis Distribution, LLC

888 Boylston Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02199

(800) 225-5478

By and In Exchange For Shares of

**Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund**

**Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund**

**(Each an "Acquiring Fund" and collectively the "Acquiring Funds")**

series of

**VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TRUST** 

101 Munson Street

Greenfield, Massachusetts 01301

(800) 243-1574

**JOINT PROSPECTUS/PROXY STATEMENT**

DATED JANUARY 12, 2023

This prospectus/proxy statement ("Prospectus/Proxy Statement") is being furnished in connection with an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the "Agreement" or the "Plan") which will be submitted to shareholders of the Acquired Funds, each a series of Natixis Funds Trust II (the "Selling Trust"), for consideration at a meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") to be held, on March 9, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, at the offices of the Selling Trust at 888 Boylston Street, Suite 800, Boston, Massachusetts 02199, and any adjournments thereof (the "Meeting"). If you wish to participate in the Meeting, you may submit the proxy card included with this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, vote through the Internet or by telephone, or attend in person.

**GENERAL**

At the Meeting, shareholders of each Acquired Fund will vote separately on the proposal to reorganize the Acquired Fund into the corresponding Acquiring Fund pursuant to the Agreement as shown below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Acquiring Fund** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1 | AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2 | AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund |

---

Subject to the approval of each Acquired Fund's shareholders, the Board of Trustees ("Board" or "Trustees") of the Selling Trust has approved the proposed reorganization of each Acquired Fund into the corresponding Acquiring Fund, each of which is a newly organized series of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (the "Acquiring Trust") (the "Reorganizations" and individually a "Reorganization"). The Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Funds are sometimes referred to in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement individually as a "Fund" and together as the "Funds."

In each Reorganization, shareholders of the Acquired Fund will become owners of shares of the applicable Acquiring Fund with the same aggregate net asset value as the shares of the Acquired Fund that they held prior to the Reorganizations. More specifically, the Reorganizations provide that each Acquired Fund will transfer all of its assets to the corresponding Acquiring Fund. In exchange, the applicable Acquiring Fund will assume all of the liabilities of the applicable Acquired Fund and issue shares corresponding in class to the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund, as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| <u>**<u>Acquired Fund</u>**</u> |  | <u>**<u>Acquiring Fund</u>**</u> |
| Class A shares | 🡪 | Class A shares |
| Class C shares | 🡪 | Class C shares |
| Class N shares | 🡪 | Class R6 shares |
| Class Y shares | 🡪 | Class I shares |

---

Each Acquired Fund is a separate diversified series of the Selling Trust, a Massachusetts business trust, which is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act" or "Investment Company Act"), while each Acquiring Fund is a separate diversified series of the Acquiring Trust, a Delaware statutory trust, which is registered as an open-end management investment company under the 1940 Act. The investment objectives of each Acquired Fund are identical to those of the corresponding Acquiring Fund:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<u><u>Acquired Fund</u></u> | &nbsp;&nbsp;<u><u>Acquiring Fund</u></u> | &nbsp;&nbsp;<u><u>Investment Objectives</u></u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;The fund pursues an absolute return strategy that seeks to provide capital appreciation consistent with the risk-return characteristics of a diversified portfolio of hedge funds. The secondary goal of the fund is to achieve these returns with less volatility than major equity indices. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;The fund pursues an absolute return strategy that seeks to provide capital appreciation. |

---

The principal investment strategies for each Acquired Fund are substantially identical to those for the corresponding Acquiring Fund. See below for more information about the Funds' investment strategies. The Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Funds have substantially identical fundamental investment policies except that Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund will not concentrate in the financial services industry as AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund currently does. The Acquiring Funds also have a somewhat more flexible fundamental investment policy on borrowing as compared to the Acquired Funds.

AlphaSimplex Group, LLC ("AlphaSimplex") serves as the investment adviser for the Acquired Funds. Virtus Alternative Investment Advisers, Inc. ("VAIA" or the "Adviser") will serve as investment adviser and AlphaSimplex will serve as the subadviser for the Acquiring Funds. Effective with the acquisition of AlphaSimplex by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc., the indirect parent of VAIA (the "Acquisition"), AlphaSimplex will become an affiliate of Virtus and VAIA.

This Prospectus/Proxy Statement explains concisely the information about each Acquiring Fund that you should know before voting on the Agreement. This Prospectus/Proxy Statement serves as a proxy statement for each Acquired Fund and a prospectus for each Acquiring Fund in connection with the shares of the Acquiring Funds to be issued in the Reorganizations. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference. Additional information concerning the Acquired Funds and the Reorganizations is contained in the documents described below, all of which have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Because the Acquiring Funds will not conduct any investment operations until after the closing of the Reorganizations, no annual or semi-annual report is available for the Acquiring Funds at this time. This Prospectus/Proxy Statement, along with a Notice of the Meeting and a proxy card, is first being mailed to shareholders of the Acquired Funds on or about January 27, 2023.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| <u><u>Information about the Acquired Funds:</u></u> | <u><u>How to Obtain this Information:</u></u> |
| · Prospectus of the Selling Trust relating to the Acquired Funds, dated May 1, 2022, as supplemented through the date of this Prospectus/Proxy Statement<br>· Statement of Additional Information of the Selling Trust relating to the Acquired Funds, dated May 1, 2022, as supplemented through the date of this Prospectus/Proxy Statement<br>· Annual Report of the Selling Trust relating to the Acquired Funds for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021<br>· Semi-Annual Report of the Selling Trust relating to the Acquired Funds for the six months ended June 30, 2022 (Unaudited) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Copies are available upon request and without charge if you:<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Visit im.natixis.com on the Internet;<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Write to Natixis Funds, P.O. Box 219579, Kansas City, MO 64121-9579; or<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Call 1-800-225-5478 toll-free. |
| <u><u>Information about the Reorganization:</u></u> | <u><u>How to Obtain this Information:</u></u> |
| Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") dated January 12, 2023, which relates to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement and the Reorganization | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Copies are available upon request and without charge if you:<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Visit im.natixis.com on the Internet;<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Write to Natixis Funds, P.O. Box 219579, Kansas City, MO 64121-9579; or<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Call 1-800-225-5478 toll-free. |

---

You can also obtain copies of any of these documents without charge on the EDGAR database on the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies are available for a fee by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Branch, Office of Consumer Affairs and Information Services, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-202-551-5850.

Information relating to the Acquired Funds contained in the [prospectus of the Selling Trust](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522134039/d328607d485bpos.htm) dated May 1, 2022, as supplemented (SEC File Nos. 002-11101 and 811-00242; SEC Accession No. 0001193125-22-134039) is incorporated by reference into this document. (This means that such information is legally considered to be part of this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.) The SAI dated January 12, 2023 relating to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement and the Reorganization is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this document. The [Annual Report](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522064254/d251835dncsr.htm#wrpcov291996_4) of the Selling Trust relating to the Acquired Funds for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 (SEC File No. 811-00242; SEC Accession No. 0001193125-22-064254), and the [Semi-Annual Report](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522235077/d323417dncsrs.htm#wrpcov387681_4) of the Selling Trust relating to the Acquired Funds for the six months ended June 30, 2022 (SEC File No. 811-00242; SEC Accession No. 0001193125-22-235077), including the financial statements and financial highlights for the periods indicated therein, have also been incorporated by reference into this document.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**The Securities and Exchange Commission has not determined that the information in this Prospectus/PROXY Statement is accurate or adequate, nor has it approved or disapproved these securities. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a criminal offense.**

**An investment in the Funds:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• is not a deposit of, or guaranteed by, any bank;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• is not insured by the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• is not endorsed by any bank or government agency; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• involves investment risk, including possible loss of the purchase payment of your original investment.

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **[SUMMARY](#x2_c105027a001)** | **7** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Why are the Reorganizations being proposed?](#x2_c105027a002)* | *7* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[What are the key features of the Reorganizations?](#x2_c105027a003)* | *7* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[After the Reorganization, what shares will I own?](#x2_c105027a004)* | *8* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[How will a Reorganization affect me?](#x2_c105027a005)* | *8* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[How do the Trustees of the Selling Trust recommend that I vote?](#x2_c105027a006)* | *9* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Will I be able to purchase, exchange and redeem shares and receive distributions in the same way?](#x2_c105027a007)* | *9* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[How do the Funds' investment objectives and principal investment strategies compare?](#x2_c105027a008)* | *10* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[How do the Funds' fees and expenses compare?](#x2_c105027a009)* | *10* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund](#x2_c105027a010)* | *16* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[How do the Funds' portfolio turnover rates compare?](#x2_c105027a011)* | *16* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[How do the Funds' performance records compare?](#x2_c105027a012)* | *16* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Who will be the Adviser and Subadviser of my Fund after the Reorganization? Who will manage my Fund after the Reorganization?](#x2_c105027a013)* | *18* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund](#x2_c105027a014)* | *18* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *[How do the Funds' portfolio turnover rates compare?](#x2_c105027a015)*  | *18* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[How do the Funds' performance records compare?](#x2_c105027a016)* | *18* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Who will be the Adviser and Subadviser of my Fund after the Reorganization? Who will manage my Fund after the Reorganization?](#x2_c105027a017)* | *20* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[What will be the primary federal tax consequences of the Reorganization?](#x2_c105027a018)* | *21* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[What happens if a Reorganization is not approved?](#x2_c105027a019)* | *21* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies](#x2_c105027a020)* | *21* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Investment Restrictions and Limitations](#x2_c105027a021)* | *28* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Principal Risks](#x2_c105027a022)* | *33* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Additional Risks Associated with Fund Operations](#x2_c105027a023)* | *49* |
| **[INFORMATION ABOUT THE REORGANIZATION](#x2_c105027a024)** | **49** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Board Considerations](#x2_c105027a025)* | *49* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Agreement and Plan of Reorganization](#x2_c105027a026)* | *51* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Description of Acquiring Fund Shares](#x2_c105027a027)* | *52* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Federal Income Tax Consequences](#x2_c105027a028)* | *52* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Pro Forma Capitalization](#x2_c105027a029)* | *53* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Comparison of Distribution and Purchase, Redemption and Exchange Procedures](#x2_c105027a030)* | *54* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Purchase, Redemption and Exchange Procedures](#x2_c105027a031)* | *55* |
| **[MANAGEMENT OF THE ACQUIRING FUNDS](#x2_c105027a032)** | **56** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[The Adviser](#x2_c105027a033)* | *56* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Management Fees](#x2_c105027a034)* | *56* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[The Subadviser](#x2_c105027a035)* | *57* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Subadvisory Fees](#x2_c105027a036)* | *57* |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Portfolio Management](#x2_c105027a037)* | *57* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Other Service Providers](#x2_c105027a038)* | *58* |
| **[MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE ACQUIRING FUNDS](#x2_c105027a039)** | **59** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund](#x2_c105027a040)* | *59* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund](#x2_c105027a041)* | *60* |
| **[PRICING OF FUND SHARES](#x2_c105027a042)** | **61** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[How is the Share Price determined?](#x2_c105027a043)* | *61* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[How are securities fair valued?](#x2_c105027a044)* | *62* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[At what price are shares purchased?](#x2_c105027a045)* | *63* |
| **[SALES CHARGES](#x2_c105027a046)** | **63** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[What are the classes and how do they differ?](#x2_c105027a047)* | *63* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[What arrangement is best for you?](#x2_c105027a048)* | *63* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Compensation to Dealers](#x2_c105027a049)* | *68* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[*Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class I Shares Only*](#x2_c105027a050) | 68 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[*Class R6 Shares Only*](#x2_c105027a051) | 69 |
| **[HOW TO BUY SHARES](#x2_c105027a052)** | **69** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class I Shares Only](#x2_c105027a053)* | *69* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Class R6 Shares Only](#x2_c105027a054)* | *70* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[All Share Classes](#x2_c105027a055)* | *70* |
| **[HOW TO SELL SHARES](#x2_c105027a056)** | **70** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class I Shares Only](#x2_c105027a057)* | *70* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Class R6 Shares Only](#x2_c105027a058)* | *70* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[All Share Classes](#x2_c105027a059)* | *71* |
| **[THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN SELLING SHARES](#x2_c105027a060)** | **71** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class I Shares](#x2_c105027a061)* | *71* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[*Redemptions by Mail*](#x2_c105027a062) | 72 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[*Selling Shares by Telephone*](#x2_c105027a063) | 72 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Class R6 Shares Only](#x2_c105027a064)* | *72* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[All Share Classes](#x2_c105027a065)* | *72* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[*Payment of Redemptions In Kind*](#x2_c105027a066) | 72 |
| **[ACCOUNT POLICIES](#x2_c105027a067)** | **73** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Account Reinstatement Privilege](#x2_c105027a068)* | *73* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Annual Fee on Small Accounts](#x2_c105027a069)* | *73* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Redemption of Small Accounts](#x2_c105027a070)* | *73* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Distributions of Small Amounts](#x2_c105027a071)* | *73* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Uncashed Checks](#x2_c105027a072)* | *73* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Inactive Accounts](#x2_c105027a073)* | *73* |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Exchange Privileges](#x2_c105027a074)* | *73* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Disruptive Trading and Market Timing](#x2_c105027a075)* | *74* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Retirement Plans](#x2_c105027a076)* | *75* |
| **[INVESTOR SERVICES AND OTHER INFORMATION](#x2_c105027a077)** | **75** |
| **[COMPARATIVE INFORMATION ON SHAREHOLDERS' RIGHTS](#x2_c105027a078)** | **76** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Form of Organization](#x2_c105027a079)* | *76* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Capitalization](#x2_c105027a080)* | *76* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Shareholder Liability](#x2_c105027a081)* | *77* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Shareholder Meetings and Voting Rights](#x2_c105027a082)* | *77* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Liquidation](#x2_c105027a083)* | *78* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Liability and Indemnification of Trustees](#x2_c105027a084)* | *78* |
| **[INFORMATION CONCERNING THE MEETING AND VOTING REQUIREMENTS](#x2_c105027a085)** | **78** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[How to vote](#x2_c105027a086)* | *79* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Shareholder Information](#x2_c105027a087)* | *80* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*[Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities](#x2_c105027a088)* | *80* |
| **[TAX STATUS OF DISTRIBUTIONS](#x2_c105027a089)** | **81** |
| **[FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXPERTS](#x2_c105027a090)** | **81** |
| **[LEGAL MATTERS](#x2_c105027a091)** | **81** |
| **[ADDITIONAL INFORMATION](#x2_c105027a092)** | **81** |
| **[OTHER BUSINESS](#x2_c105027a093)** | **81** |
| **[FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS](#x2_c105027a094)** | **82** |
| **[Appendix A](#x2_c105027a095)** | **90** |
| **[Exhibit A – Form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization](#x2_c105027a096)** | **A-1** |

---

**SUMMARY**

**THIS SECTION SUMMARIZES THE PRIMARY FEATURES AND CONSEQUENCES OF THE<br> REORGANIZATIONS. IT MAY NOT CONTAIN ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT IS IMPORTANT<br> TO YOU. TO UNDERSTAND THE REORGANIZATIONS, YOU SHOULD READ THIS ENTIRE<br> PROSPECTUS/PROXY STATEMENT AND EXHIBIT A.**

This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the additional information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information relating to the Funds, and the form of the Agreement, which is attached to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement as ***<u>Exhibit A</u>***.

**Why are the Reorganizations being proposed?**

On October 20, 2022, Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. ("Virtus") announced that Virtus Partners, Inc., a subsidiary of Virtus, had entered into an agreement to acquire AlphaSimplex, the investment adviser to the Acquired Funds, and its investment operations. The reorganizations of the Acquired Funds into corresponding, newly created fund series of the Acquiring Trust will serve to align the governance, administrative and distribution arrangements of the Acquired Funds with those of other investment companies advised by subsidiaries of Virtus. The Acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023, subject to receipt of regulatory approval and satisfaction of applicable conditions to closing, absent any waiver thereof, and the Reorganizations are expected to be completed approximately in the second quarter of 2023, subject to approval by Acquired Fund shareholders and receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals.

On December 6, 2022, the Board of the Selling Trust approved the Plan, subject to shareholder approval. The Selling Trust's Board carefully considered the Reorganizations, as set forth in the Plan, and believes that the Reorganizations are in the best interests of the Acquired Funds. The Board noted that the investments of the Acquiring Funds will continue to be managed by AlphaSimplex as the subadviser, and the Acquiring Funds will have identical investment objectives and substantially identical principal investment strategies to those of the Acquired Funds. The Board also noted that the Acquiring Funds will have the same portfolio managers who are currently responsible for the day-to-day management of the Acquired Funds. In connection with the Reorganizations, it is anticipated that the gross annual operating expense ratios for the Acquiring Funds will be higher than the gross annual operating expense ratios for the Acquired Funds following the Reorganization. However, AlphaSimplex has contractually agreed to limit total operating expenses (exclusive of brokerage expenses, interest expense, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, organizational and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation and indemnification expenses) of the Acquired Funds through April 30, 2023, and the Board noted that VAIA has contractually agreed to limit total operating expenses (excluding certain expenses, such as front-end or contingent deferred sales charges, taxes, leverage and borrowing expenses (such as commitment, amendment and renewal expenses on credit or redemption facilities), interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, unusual or infrequently occurring expenses (such as litigation), acquired fund fees and expenses, and dividend expenses, if any) of the Acquiring Funds after the Reorganizations for at least two years from the date of the Reorganizations. The total annual operating expenses of the Acquiring Funds after application of their expense limitation will be equal to or lower than the total operating expenses of the Acquired Funds after application of their expense limitation. However, an Acquiring Fund may experience higher net total operating expenses after waivers or reimbursements after the initial two-year period unless the expense limitation agreement that will be in place during the two-year period is continued. The expenses associated with the Reorganizations will be borne by Virtus and Natixis ASG Holdings, Inc. ("Natixis") (or their respective affiliates).

**What are the key features of the Reorganizations?**

The Plan sets forth the key features of the Reorganizations. For a complete description of each Reorganization, see ***<u>Exhibit A</u>***. The Plan generally provides for the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the transfer in-kind of all of the property and assets of each Acquired Fund to the corresponding Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for Class A, Class C, Class I and Class R6 shares, as applicable, of the Acquiring Fund;

• the assumption by each Acquiring Fund of all of the liabilities of the corresponding Acquired Fund;

• the complete liquidation of the Acquired Funds by distribution of the relevant shares of the corresponding Acquiring Fund to the Acquired Fund's shareholders;

• the termination of each Acquired Fund as a series of the Selling Trust; and

• the structuring of each Reorganization in a manner intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes.

Subject to the required shareholder approval, the Reorganizations are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023.

**After the Reorganization, what shares will I own?**

As a result of the Reorganizations, shareholders of each Acquired Fund will become owners of shares of the applicable Acquiring Fund with the same aggregate net asset value as the shares of the Acquired Fund that they held prior to the Reorganizations. The Acquiring Fund will issue shares corresponding in class to the outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund, as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**<u>Acquired Fund</u>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**<u>Acquiring Fund</u>** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A shares | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A shares |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class C shares | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class C shares |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class N shares | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class R6 shares |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class Y shares | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class I shares |

---

**How will a Reorganization affect me?**

It is anticipated that the gross total annual operating expense ratios for the Acquiring Fund shares will be higher than the current gross total annual operating expense ratios for the Acquired Fund shares, following the Reorganizations. Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund's (Pro Forma) estimated gross annual operating expenses for the six-month period ended June 30, 2022, would have been 1.74%, 2.47%, 1.38% and 1.49% for Class A, Class C, Class R6, and Class I shares, respectively, while AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund's gross annual operating expenses for the six-month period ended June 30, 2022, were 1.61%, 2.37%, 1.30% and 1.36% for Class A, Class C, Class N, and Class Y shares, respectively. Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund's (Pro Forma) estimated gross annual operating expenses for the six-month period ended June 30, 2022, would have been 1.86%, 2.49%, 1.48% and 1.59% for Class A, Class C, Class R6, and Class I shares, respectively, while AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund's gross annual operating expenses for the six-month period ended June 30, 2022, were 1.73%, 2.48%, 1.38% and 1.48% for Class A, Class C, Class N, and Class Y shares, respectively.

It is also anticipated that the net expense ratios for Acquiring Fund shares after expense waivers or reimbursements will be equal to or lower than the net expense ratios for the corresponding classes of Acquired Fund shares after expense waivers or reimbursements, following the Reorganizations. AlphaSimplex gave a binding contractual undertaking to limit the amount of AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund's total annual fund operating expenses to 1.49%, 2.24%, 1.19% and 1.24% of the Fund's average daily net assets for Class A, Class C, Class N and Class Y shares, respectively, exclusive of brokerage expenses, interest expense, substitute dividend expenses on securities sold short, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, organizational and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation and indemnification expenses, which is in effect through April 30, 2023. Similarly, AlphaSimplex gave a binding contractual undertaking to limit the amount of AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund's total annual fund operating expenses to 1.70%, 2.45%, 1.40% and 1.45% of the Fund's average daily net assets for Class A, Class C, Class N and Class Y shares, respectively, exclusive of brokerage expenses, interest expense, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, organizational and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation and indemnification expenses, which is in effect through April 30, 2023. AlphaSimplex is permitted to recover management fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed to the extent that expenses in later periods fall below both (1) the class's applicable expense limitation at the time such amounts were waived/reimbursed and (2) the class's current applicable expense limitation. A fund will not be obligated to repay any such waived/reimbursed fees and expenses more than one year after the end of the fiscal year in which the fees or expenses were waived/reimbursed.

VAIA has contractually agreed to limit Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund's total operating expenses (excluding certain expenses, such as front-end or contingent deferred sales charges, taxes, leverage and borrowing expenses (such as commitment, amendment and renewal expenses on credit or redemption facilities), interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, unusual or infrequently occurring expenses (such as litigation), acquired fund fees and expenses, and dividend expenses, if any) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.49% for Class A shares, 2.24% for Class C shares, 1.19% for Class R6 shares and 1.24% for Class I shares for two years from the date of the Reorganizations. VAIA has also contractually agreed to limit Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund's total operating expenses (excluding certain expenses, such as front-end or contingent deferred sales charges, taxes, leverage and borrowing expenses (such as commitment, amendment and renewal expenses on credit or redemption facilities), interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, unusual or infrequently occurring expenses (such as litigation), acquired fund fees and expenses, and dividend expenses, if any) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.70% for Class A shares, 2.45% for Class C shares, 1.35% for Class R6 shares and 1.45% for Class I shares for two years from the date of the Reorganizations. Following

the contractual period, VAIA may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, VAIA may recapture operating expenses reimbursed and/or fees waived under these arrangements for a period of three years following the date such waiver or reimbursement occurred, provided that the recapture does not cause the fund to exceed its expense limit in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, and any in effect at the time of recapture, after repayment is taken into account. This differs from the Acquired Fund's expense limitation arrangement and the related recapture provision, which provides that AlphaSimplex is permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, management fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed to the extent that expenses in later periods fall below both (1) the class's applicable expense limitation at the time such amounts were waived/reimbursed and (2) the class's current applicable expense limitation; provided that the Acquired Fund will not be obligated to repay any such waived/reimbursed fees and expenses more than one year after the end of the fiscal year in which the fees or expenses were waived/reimbursed.

For more information about how total fund operating expenses of each Fund compare, please see the "How do the Funds' fees and expenses compare?" section below.

After the Reorganizations, the value of your shares will depend on the performance of the applicable Acquiring Fund rather than that of the relevant Acquired Fund. The Board of the Selling Trust believes that the Reorganizations will benefit each Acquired Fund. The costs of the Reorganizations, including the costs of the Meeting, the proxy solicitation or any adjourned session, are estimated to be $1,471,750, and will be borne by Virtus and Natixis (or their respective affiliates).

Each Acquired Fund pays dividends from net investment income on an annual basis and distributes net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. Each Acquiring Fund will pay dividends from net investment income on an annual basis and will distribute net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. These dividends and distributions will continue to be automatically reinvested in additional Class A, Class C, Class R6 and Class I shares of an Acquiring Fund or distributed in cash, in accordance with your election.

The management fee rate of each Acquiring Fund is expected to be the same as the management fee rates currently paid by the corresponding Acquired Fund. The Acquired Funds currently pay a management fee to AlphaSimplex as their investment adviser, while the Acquiring Funds will pay their management fee to VAIA as the investment adviser, and VAIA in turn will pay AlphaSimplex as the subadviser a portion of the advisory fee it receives. The overall level of management fees charged to each Acquiring Fund will remain the same as those charged for the corresponding Acquired Fund. The initial sales charge for Class A shares of each Acquired Fund is 5.75% and for Class A shares of each Acquiring Fund is 5.50%. A contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of 1.00% may apply to certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more of Class A shares of an Acquired Fund that are redeemed within 18 months of purchase, and a CDSC of 1.00% may be imposed on certain redemptions of purchases of $1,000,000 or more of Class A shares of an Acquiring Fund within 18 months of a finder's fee being paid. (More information on the finder's fee that may be paid is provided below in "Compensation to Dealers.") No front-end sales load is applied to purchases of $1,000,000 or more of an Acquired Fund or an Acquiring Fund. The Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Funds both charge a CDSC of 1.00% on certain redemptions of Class C shares within one year of their purchase. You will not pay any sales charges in connection with the Reorganization. Class A shares of the Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Funds are also subject to Rule 12b-1 distribution and service fees of 0.25% per annum, and Class C shares of the Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Funds are subject to Rule 12b-1 distribution and service fees of 1.00% per annum. No Rule 12b-1 distribution and service fees apply to Class N or Class Y shares of the Acquired Funds, or to Class R6 or Class I shares of the Acquiring Funds.

**How do the Trustees of the Selling Trust recommend that I vote?**

The Trustees of the Selling Trust, including the Trustees who are not "interested persons" as such term is defined in the 1940 Act (the "Independent Trustees"), have concluded that the Reorganizations would be in the best interests of the Acquired Funds, and that the shareholders' interests will not be diluted as a result of the Reorganizations. Accordingly, the Trustees have submitted the Plan for approval by the shareholders of each Acquired Fund.

**THE TRUSTEES OF THE SELLING TRUST RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE PLAN AND<br> THE APPLICABLE REORGANIZATION CONTEMPLATED THEREBY**

**Will I be able to purchase, exchange and redeem shares and receive distributions in the same way?**

The Acquiring Funds are part of the Virtus Mutual Funds. After the Reorganizations, you will be able to purchase, redeem, and exchange shares of each Acquiring Fund in accordance with the policies of the Virtus Mutual Funds. For more information, please see the "How to Buy Shares," "How to Sell Shares" and "Account Policies–Exchange Privileges" sections below.

**How do the Funds' investment objectives and principal investment strategies compare?**

Each Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund have identical investment objectives and substantially identical principal investment strategies. Each of Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund and AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund has an investment objective of pursuing an absolute return strategy that seeks to provide capital appreciation consistent with the risk-return characteristics of a diversified portfolio of hedge funds, with a secondary goal to achieve these returns with less volatility than major equity indices. Each of Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund and AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund has an investment objective of pursuing an absolute return strategy that seeks to provide capital appreciation. For more information, please see the "Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies" section below.

**How do the Funds' fees and expenses compare?**

The Acquired Funds offer four classes of shares (Class A, Class C, Class N and Class Y). (Class T shares of the Acquired Funds have been registered but are not currently available for purchase.) The Acquiring Funds offer four classes of shares (Class A, Class C, Class R6 and Class I). Class A, Class C, Class N and Class Y shareholders of each Acquired Fund will receive Class A, Class C, Class R6 and Class I shares, respectively, of the corresponding Acquiring Fund.

The following tables allow you to compare the various fees and expenses that you may pay for buying and holding the different classes of shares of each of the Funds. The columns for the Acquiring Funds (Pro Forma) show you what fees and expenses are estimated to be after the applicable Reorganization takes place, since each Acquiring Fund will not commence operations until its Reorganization is completed.

The amounts listed for Class A, Class C, Class N and Class Y shares of the Acquired Funds, set forth in the following tables and in the examples, are based on the expenses for the six-month period ended June 30, 2022, and are annualized. The amounts for Class A, Class C, Class R6 and Class I shares of the Acquiring Funds (Pro Forma) set forth in the following tables and in the examples are based on what the estimated expenses of each Acquiring Fund would have been for the six-month period ended June 30, 2022, and are annualized.

**<u>Reorganization of AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund</u>**

**<u>into Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund</u>**

*<u>Comparison of Current and Pro Forma Expenses</u>*

***Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class A** | **Acquiring Fund** <br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class A** |
| Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | 5.75% | 5.50% |
| Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) | None\* |  |

---

\* A 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") may apply to certain purchases of Class A shares of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed within eighteen months of the date of purchase

***Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class A** | **Acquiring Fund** <br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class A** |
| Management Fees | 1.10% | 1.10% |
| Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees | 0.25% | 0.25% |
| Other Expenses | 0.26% | 0.37%<sup>(a)</sup> |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | 0.01% | 0.01%<sup>(a)</sup> |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses<sup>(b)(g)</sup>** | **1.62%** | **1.73%** |
| Less: Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement | (0.12%)<sup>(c)</sup> | (0.23%)<sup>(d)</sup> |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement** | **1.50%<sup>(c)</sup>** | **1.50%<sup>(d)</sup>** |

---

***Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class C** | **Acquiring Fund** <br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class C** |
| Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |  |  |
| Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) | 1.00%<sup>(e)</sup> | 1.00%<sup>(e)</sup> |

---

 ****

***Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class C** | **Acquiring Fund** <br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class C** |
| Management Fees | 1.10% | 1.10% |
| Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees | 1.00% | 1.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.27% | 0.36%<sup>(a)</sup> |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | 0.01% | 0.01%<sup>(a)</sup> |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses<sup>(b)(g)</sup>** | **2.38%** | **2.47%** |
| Less: Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement | (0.13%)<sup>(c)</sup> | (0.22)%<sup>(d)</sup> |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement** | **2.25%<sup>(c)</sup>** | **2.25%<sup>(d)</sup>** |

---

 ****

***Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class N** | **Acquiring Fund** <br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class R6** |
| Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |  |  |
| Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) |  |  |

---

 ****

***Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class N** | **Acquiring Fund** <br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class R6** |
| Management Fees | 1.10% | 1.10% |
| Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.20% | 0.27%<sup>(a)</sup> |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | 0.01% | 0.01%<sup>(a)</sup> |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses<sup>(b)(g)</sup>** | **1.31%** | **1.38%** |
| Less: Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement | (0.11%)<sup>(c)(f)</sup> | (0.18%)<sup>(d)</sup> |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement** | **1.20%<sup>(c)</sup>** | **1.20%<sup>(d)</sup>** |

---

***Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class Y** | **Acquiring Fund** <br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class I** |
| Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | None | None |
| Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) | None | None |

---

 ****

***Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class Y** | **Acquiring Fund**<br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class I** |
| Management Fees | 1.10% | 1.10% |
| Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.26% | 0.37%<sup>(a)</sup> |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | 0.01% | 0.01%<sup>(a)</sup> |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses<sup>(b)(g)</sup>** | **1.37%** | **1.48%** |
| Less: Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement | (0.12%)<sup>(c)</sup> | (0.23%)<sup>(d)</sup> |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement** | **1.25%<sup>(c)</sup>** | **1.25%<sup>(d)</sup>** |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Estimated for current fiscal year, as annualized.

(b) The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the
 ratio of expenses to average net assets appearing in the Financial Highlights tables, which tables reflect only the operating
 expenses of the fund and do not include acquired fund fees and expenses.

(c) AlphaSimplex has given a binding contractual undertaking to the
 Fund to limit the amount of the Fund's total annual fund operating expenses to 1.49%, 2.24%, 1.19% and 1.24% of the
 Fund's average daily net assets for Class A, Class C, Class N and Class Y shares, respectively, exclusive of brokerage
 expenses, interest expense, substitute dividend expenses on securities sold short, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses,
 organizational and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation and indemnification expenses. This undertaking is in effect
 through April 30, 2023 and may be terminated before then only with the consent of the Fund's Board of Trustees. AlphaSimplex
 will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, management fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed to the extent that
 expenses in later periods fall below both (1) the class's applicable expense limitation at the time such amounts were
 waived/reimbursed and (2) the class's current applicable expense limitation. The Fund will not be obligated to repay
 any such waived/reimbursed fees and expenses more than one year after the end of the fiscal year in which the fees or expenses
 were waived/reimbursed. After the Reorganization, VAIA will have the right to recover fees and expenses waived and/or reimbursed by AlphaSimplex prior to the
Reorganization, subject to the contractual undertaking by AlphaSimplex.

(d) VAIA, the fund's investment adviser, has contractually agreed
 to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding certain expenses, such as front-end or contingent deferred sales
 charges, taxes, leverage and borrowing expenses (such as commitment, amendment and renewal expenses on credit or redemption
 facilities), interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, unusual or
 infrequently occurring expenses (such as litigation), acquired fund fees and expenses, and dividend expenses, if any) so that
 such expenses do not exceed 1.49% for Class A shares, 2.24% for Class C shares, 1.19% for Class R6 shares and 1.24% for Class
 I shares for two years from the date of the Reorganization. Following the contractual period, VAIA may discontinue these expense
 reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, VAIA may recapture operating expenses reimbursed and/or
 fees waived under these arrangements for a period of three years following the date such waiver or reimbursement occurred,
 provided that the recapture does not cause the fund to exceed its expense limit in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement,
 and any in effect at the time of recapture, after repayment is taken into account. The expense limitation agreement is terminable
 by mutual agreement of the Board of Trustees of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust and VAIA.

(e) The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C shares redeemed
 during the first year only.

(f) Natixis Advisors, LLC (an affiliate of AlphaSimplex) has given
 a binding contractual undertaking to the Fund to reimburse any and all transfer agency expenses for Class N shares. This undertaking
 is in effect through April 30, 2023 and may be terminated before then only with the consent of the Fund's Board of Trustees. This undertaking will terminate on the closing of the Reorganization.

(g) As a result of the Fund's investment in swaps, the Fund incurs indirect expenses from costs embedded in swap instruments and operating
costs of reference assets that are not reflected in this expense table or the expense examples below. During the past fiscal year, such costs were
approximately 0.01% of Fund assets.

*Examples of Fund Expenses*

The tables below show examples of the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment in each Fund over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund (Pro Forma), assuming the Reorganization takes place, with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that your investment has a 5% average annual return, that you redeem all of your shares at the end of each time period, and that each Fund's total annual operating expenses remain the same, except that the example reflects the fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangements for each share class for the contractual periods stated above. *The examples are for illustration only, and your actual costs may be higher or lower.*

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **One Year** | **Three Years** | **Five Years** | **Ten Years** |
| **Acquired Fund – Class A** | $719 | $1046 | $1395 | $2377 |
| **Acquiring Fund (Pro Forma) – Class A** | $695 | $1022 | $1396 | $2442 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **One Year** | **Three Years** | **Five Years** | **Ten Years** |
| **Acquired Fund – Class C** | $329 | $730 | $1259 | $2517 |
| **Acquiring Fund (Pro Forma) – Class C** | $329 | $727 | $1276 | $2773 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **One Year** | **Three Years** | **Five Years** | **Ten Years** |
| **Acquired Fund – Class N** | $123 | $405 | $709 | $1570 |
| **Acquiring Fund (Pro Forma) – Class R6** | $123 | $402 | $722 | $1629 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **One Year** | **Three Years** | **Five Years** | **Ten Years** |
| **Acquired Fund – Class Y** | $128 | $423 | $745 | $1637 |
| **Acquiring Fund (Pro Forma) – Class I** | $128 | $422 | $764 | $1729 |

---

Assuming no redemption of shares:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **One Year** | **Three Years** | **Five Years** | **Ten Years** |
| **Acquired Fund – Class C** | $229 | $730 | $1259 | $2517 |
| **Acquiring Fund (Pro Forma) – Class C** | $229 | $727 | $1276 | $2773 |

---

**<u>Reorganization of AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund</u>**

**<u>into Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund</u>**

*<u>Comparison of Current and Pro Forma Expenses</u>*

***Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class A** | **Acquiring Fund** <br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class A** |
| Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | 5.75% | 5.50% |
| Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) | None\* |  |

---

\* A 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") may apply to certain purchases of Class A shares of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed within eighteen months of the date of purchase.

***Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class A** | **Acquiring Fund** <br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class A** |
| Management Fees | 1.25% | 1.25% |
| Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees | 0.25% | 0.25% |
| Other Expenses | 0.20% | 0.36%<sup>(a)</sup> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest Expense on Borrowings | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses** | **1.73%** | **1.86%** |
| Less: Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement | (0.00%)<sup>(b)</sup> | (0.13%)<sup>(c)</sup> |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement** | **1.73%<sup>(b)</sup>** | **1.73%<sup>(c)</sup>** |

---

***Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class C** | **Acquiring Fund** <br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class C** |
| Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |  |  |
| Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) | 1.00%<sup>(d)</sup> | 1.00%<sup>(d)</sup> |

---

 ****

***Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class C** | **Acquiring Fund** <br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class C** |
| Management Fees | 1.25% | 1.25% |
| Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees | 1.00% | 1.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.20% | 0.24%<sup>(a)</sup> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest Expense on Borrowings | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses** | **2.48%** | **2.49%** |
| Less: Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement | (0.00%)<sup>(b)</sup> | (0.01%)<sup>(c)</sup> |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement** | **2.48%<sup>(b)</sup>** | **2.48%<sup>(c)</sup>** |

---

 ****

***Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class N** | **Acquiring Fund** <br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class R6** |
| Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |  |  |
| Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) |  |  |

---

 ****

***Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class N** | **Acquiring Fund** <br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class R6** |
| Management Fees | 1.25% | 1.25% |
| Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.10% | 0.23%<sup>(a)</sup> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest Expense on Borrowings | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses** | **1.38%** | **1.48%** |
| Less: Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement | (0.00%)<sup>(b)</sup> | (0.10%)<sup>(c)</sup> |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement** | **1.38%<sup>(b)</sup>** | **1.38%<sup>(c)</sup>** |

---

***Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class Y** | **Acquiring Fund** <br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class I** |
| Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | None | None |
| Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) | None | None |

---

 ****

***Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)***

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Acquired Fund**<br> **Class Y** | **Acquiring Fund** <br> **(Pro Forma)**<br> **Class I** |
| Management Fees | 1.25% | 1.25% |
| Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.20% | 0.34%<sup>(a)</sup> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest Expense on Borrowings | 0.03% | 0.03% |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses** | **1.48%** | **1.59%** |
| Less: Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement | (0.00%)<sup>(b)</sup> | (0.11%)<sup>(c)</sup> |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement** | **1.48%<sup>(b)</sup>** | **1.48%<sup>(c)</sup>** |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Estimated for current fiscal year, as annualized.

(b) AlphaSimplex has given a binding contractual undertaking to the Fund to limit the amount of
 the Fund's total annual fund operating expenses to 1.70%, 2.45%, 1.40% and 1.45% of the Fund's average daily net
 assets for Class A, Class C, Class N and Class Y shares, respectively, exclusive of brokerage expenses, interest expense,
 taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, organizational and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation and indemnification
 expenses. This undertaking is in effect through April 30, 2023 and may be terminated before then only with the consent of
 the Fund's Board of Trustees. AlphaSimplex will be permitted to recover management fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed
 to the extent that expenses in later periods fall below both (1) the class's applicable expense limitation at the time
 such amounts were waived/reimbursed and (2) the class's current applicable expense limitation. The Fund will not be
 obligated to repay any such waived/reimbursed fees and expenses more than one year after the end of the fiscal year in which
 the fees or expenses were waived/reimbursed. After the Reorganization, VAIA will have the right to recover fees and expenses waived and/or reimbursed by AlphaSimplex prior to the Reorganization, subject to the contractual undertaking by AlphaSimplex.

(c) VAIA, the fund's investment adviser, has contractually agreed to limit the fund's
 total operating expenses (excluding certain expenses, such as front-end or contingent deferred sales charges, taxes, leverage
 and borrowing expenses (such as commitment, amendment and renewal expenses on credit or redemption facilities), interest,
 brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, unusual or infrequently occurring
 expenses (such as litigation), acquired fund fees and expenses, and dividend expenses, if any) so that such expenses do not
 exceed 1.70% for Class A shares, 2.45% for Class C shares, 1.35% for Class R6 shares and 1.45% for Class I shares for two
 years from the Reorganization. Following the contractual period, VAIA may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements
 at any time. Under certain conditions, VAIA may recapture operating expenses reimbursed and/or fees waived under these arrangements
 for a period of three years following the date such waiver or reimbursement occurred, provided that the recapture does not
 cause the fund to exceed its expense limit in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, and any in effect at the
 time of recapture, after repayment is taken into account. The expense limitation agreement is terminable by mutual agreement
 of the Board of Trustees of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust and VAIA.

(d) The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C shares redeemed during the first year only.

*Examples of Fund Expenses*

The tables below show examples of the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment in each Fund over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund (Pro Forma), assuming the Reorganization takes place, with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples assume that your investment has a 5% average annual return, that you redeem all of your shares at the end of each time period, and that each Fund's total annual operating expenses remain the same, except that the example reflects the fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangements for each share class for the contractual periods stated above. *The examples are for illustration only, and your actual costs may be higher or lower.*

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **One Year** | **Three Years** | **Five Years** | **Ten Years** |
| **Acquired Fund – Class A** | $741 | $1089 | $1460 | $2499 |
| **Acquiring Fund (Pro Forma) – Class A** | $716 | $1078 | $1477 | $2588 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **One Year** | **Three Years** | **Five Years** | **Ten Years** |
| **Acquired Fund – Class C** | $351 | $773 | $1321 | $2632 |
| **Acquiring Fund (Pro Forma) – Class C** | $351 | $775 | $1326 | $2829 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **One Year** | **Three Years** | **Five Years** | **Ten Years** |
| **Acquired Fund – Class N** | $140 | $437 | $755 | $1657 |
| **Acquiring Fund (Pro Forma) – Class R6** | $141 | $448 | $789 | $1751 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **One Year** | **Three Years** | **Five Years** | **Ten Years** |
| **Acquired Fund – Class Y** | $151 | $468 | $808 | $1768 |
| **Acquiring Fund (Pro Forma) – Class I** | $151 | $480 | $845 | $1870 |

---

Assuming no redemption of shares:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **One Year** | **Three Years** | **Five Years** | **Ten Years** |
| **Acquired Fund – Class C** | $251 | $773 | $1321 | $2632 |
| **Acquiring Fund (Pro Forma) – Class C** | $251 | $775 | $1326 | $2829 |

---

**<u>AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund</u>**

**How do the Funds' portfolio turnover rates compare?**

Each Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the examples, affect the Funds' performance. During the most recent fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the Acquired Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 115% of the average value of its portfolio. The Acquiring Fund will not conduct any investment operations until after the closing of the Reorganization.

**How do the Funds' performance records compare?**

The Acquiring Fund has no performance history and will adopt the performance history of the Acquired Fund following the Reorganization. The following chart shows how Class Y shares of the Acquired Fund have performed in the past. *Past performance, before and after taxes, is not an indication of future results.*

***Year-by-Year Total Return (%)***

The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss in each full calendar year for Class Y shares of the Acquired Fund over a 10-year period. The table below also shows the performance of the Fund's Class A, C and N shares, over a 10-year period or since inception of the share class, as applicable. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

This chart should give you a general idea of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing how the Fund's return has varied from year to year. This chart includes the effects of Fund expenses. The Fund can also experience short-term performance swings as indicated in the high and low quarter information at the bottom of the chart.

**AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund — Class Y**

**Calendar year total returns for Class Y Shares. Year Ended 12/31**

![](x2_c105027x27x1.jpg)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Best Quarter: | Q1/2015 | 5.96% | Worst Quarter: | Q1/2020 | -9.51% |

---

The next table lists the average annual total return by share class of the Acquired Fund for the past one-, five- and ten-years, and since inception, as applicable (through December 31, 2021). The after-tax returns shown are for Class Y shares of the Acquired Fund; after-tax returns for other classes of the Fund will vary. This table includes the effects of sales charges (where applicable) and fund expenses and is intended to provide you with some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing its performance with a broad-based securities market index, a description of which can be found following the table. The Acquired Fund compares its performance to the Barclay Fund of Funds Index. An index does not reflect fees, expenses or any taxes. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

***Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/21)***

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund** | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** | **Since** <br> **Inception**<br> **of Class N**<br> **5/1/2013** |
| Class Y Shares |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return Before Taxes | 1.29% | 2.69% | 2.91% |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return After Taxes on Distributions<sup>(a)</sup> | 1.29% | 2.24% | 2.11% |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares<sup>(a)</sup> | 0.76% | 1.89% | 2.00% |  |
| Class A Shares |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return Before Taxes | -4.77% | 1.22% | 2.05% |  |
| Class C Shares |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return Before Taxes | -0.70% | 1.66% | 2.04% |  |
| Class N Shares |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return Before Taxes | 1.39% | 2.72% |  | 2.12% |
| Barclay Fund of Funds Index<sup>(b)</sup> | 2.98% | 4.07% | 3.58% | 3.10% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal
 income tax rates, and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's
 tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund
 shares through tax-advantaged arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In certain cases, the Return
 After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period.
 This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases
 the return.

(b) The Barclay Fund of Funds Index is a measure of the average return of all funds of funds in
 the Barclay database. The index is the arithmetic average of the net returns of all the fund of funds that have reported
 that month. Index returns are recalculated by Barclay Hedge, Ltd. throughout each month. The fund does not expect to
 update the index returns provided if subsequent recalculations cause such returns to change. In addition, because of
 these recalculations, the Barclay Fund of Funds Index returns reported by the fund may differ from the index returns for
 the same period published by others. The performance of the Index reflects the managed fees and other expenses of both
 the funds of funds in the Index and the hedge funds in which these funds of funds invest, but does not reflect the
 deduction of fees, expenses or taxes at the Index level. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

For a detailed discussion of the manner of calculating total return, please see the Funds' SAIs. Generally, the calculations of total return assume the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions on the reinvestment date and the deduction of all recurring expenses that were charged to shareholders' accounts.

**Who will be the Adviser and Subadviser of my Fund after the Reorganization? Who will manage my Fund after the Reorganization?**

AlphaSimplex currently serves as the investment adviser for the Acquired Fund. After the Reorganization, VAIA will serve as the investment adviser and AlphaSimplex will serve as the subadviser to the Acquiring Fund.

The Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund will have the same portfolio managers who are currently responsible for the day-to-day management of AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund, as provided below.

<u>Portfolio Management</u>

**Alexander D. Healy,** Chief Investment Officer of AlphaSimplex, is a portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund. He has served as a co-Portfolio Manager of the Acquired Fund since 2014.

**Kathryn M. Kaminski,** Chief Research Strategist of AlphaSimplex, is a portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund. She has served as a co-Portfolio Manager of the Acquired Fund since 2020.

**Timothy J. Kang,** Research Scientist of AlphaSimplex, is a portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund. He has served as a co-Portfolio Manager of the Acquired Fund since 2020.

**Peter A. Lee,** Senior Research Scientist of AlphaSimplex, is a portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund. He has served as a co-Portfolio Manager of the Acquired Fund since 2010.

**Philippe P. Lüdi, CFA<sup>®</sup>,** Senior Research Scientist of AlphaSimplex, is a portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund. He has served as a co-Portfolio Manager of the Acquired Fund since 2014.

**Robert S. Rickard,** Portfolio Manager of AlphaSimplex, is a portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund. He has served as a co-Portfolio Manager of the Acquired Fund since 2008.

**<u>AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund</u>**

**How do the Funds' portfolio turnover rates compare?**

Each Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the examples, affect the Funds' performance. Due to the short-term nature of the Funds' investment portfolio, the Funds do not calculate a portfolio turnover rate. The Acquiring Fund will not conduct any investment operations until after the closing of the Reorganization.

**How do the Funds' performance records compare?**

Each Acquiring Fund has no performance history and will adopt the performance history of the corresponding Acquired Fund following the Reorganization. The following chart shows how Class Y shares of the Acquired Fund have performed in the past. *Past performance, before and after taxes, is not an indication of future results.*

***Year-by-Year Total Return (%)***

The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss in each full calendar year for Class Y shares of the Acquired Fund over a 10-year period. The table below also shows the performance of the Fund's Class A, C and N shares, over a 10-year period or since inception of the share class, as applicable. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

This chart should give you a general idea of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing how the Fund's return has varied from year to year. This chart includes the effects of Fund expenses. The Fund can also experience short-term performance swings as indicated in the high and low quarter information at the bottom of the chart.

**AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund — Class Y**

**Calendar year total returns for Class Y Shares. Year Ended 12/31**

![](x2_c105027x29x1.jpg)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Best Quarter: | Q1/2015 | 11.72% | Worst Quarter: | Q2/2015 | -10.57% |

---

The next table lists the average annual total return by share class of the Acquired Fund for the past one-, five- and ten-years, and since inception, as applicable (through December 31, 2021). The after-tax returns shown are for Class Y shares of the Acquired Fund; after-tax returns for other classes of the Fund will vary. This table includes the effects of sales charges (where applicable) and fund expenses and is intended to provide you with some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by comparing its performance with two broad-based securities market indexes, a description of which can be found following the table. The Acquired Fund compares its performance to the Credit Suisse Managed Futures Liquid Index and the SG Trend Index. An index does not reflect fees, expenses or any taxes. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

***Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended 12/31/21)***

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund** | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** | **Since**<br> **Inception**<br> **of Class N**<br> **5/1/2017** |
| Class Y Shares |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return Before Taxes | 3.53% | 3.52% | 3.14% |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return After Taxes on Distributions<sup>(a)</sup> | 1.14% | 2.26% | 1.84% |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares<sup>(a)</sup> | 2.11% | 2.17% | 1.92% |  |
| Class A Shares |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return Before Taxes | -2.64% | 2.04% | 2.28% |  |
| Class C Shares |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return Before Taxes | 1.57% | 2.51% | 2.27% |  |
| Class N Shares |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return Before Taxes | 3.63% |  |  | 3.94% |
| Credit Suisse Managed Futures Liquid Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>(b)</sup> | 7.50% | -0.48% | 1.89% | 0.68% |
| SG Trend Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)<sup>(c)</sup> | 9.25% | 3.56% | 2.86% | 4.29% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal
 income tax rates, and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's
 tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund
 shares through tax-advantaged arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. In certain cases, the Return
 After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be higher than other return figures for the same period.
 This will occur when a capital loss is realized upon the sale of fund shares and provides an assumed tax benefit that increases
 the return.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Credit Suisse Managed Futures Liquid Index seeks
 to gain broad exposure to the Managed Futures strategy using a pre-defined quantitative methodology to invest in a range of
 asset classes, including equities, fixed income, commodities and currencies. The index is calculated on a total return basis
 with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

(c) The SG Trend Index is equal-weighted, reconstituted and rebalanced
 annually, and calculates the net daily rate of return for a pool of Commodity Trading Advisors selected from the larger managers
 that are open to new investment. AlphaSimplex Group, LLC is part of this Index. The index is calculated on a total return
 basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

For a detailed discussion of the manner of calculating total return, please see the Funds' SAIs. Generally, the calculations of total return assume the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions on the reinvestment date and the deduction of all recurring expenses that were charged to shareholders' accounts.

**Who will be the Adviser and Subadviser of my Fund after the Reorganization? Who will manage my Fund after the Reorganization?**

AlphaSimplex currently serves as the investment adviser for the Acquired Fund. After the Reorganization, VAIA will serve as the investment adviser and AlphaSimplex will serve as the subadviser to the Acquiring Fund.

Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund will have the same portfolio managers who are currently responsible for the day-to-day management of AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund, as provided below.

<u>Portfolio Management</u>

**Alexander D. Healy,** Chief Investment Officer of AlphaSimplex, is a portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund. He has served as a Portfolio Manager of the Acquired Fund since 2014.

**Kathryn M. Kaminski,** Chief Research Strategist of AlphaSimplex, is a portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund. She has served as a Portfolio Manager of the Acquired Fund since 2018.

**Philippe P. Lüdi, CFA<sup>®</sup>,** Senior Research Scientist of AlphaSimplex, is a portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund. He has served as a Portfolio Manager of the Acquired Fund since 2014.

**John C. Perry,** Senior Research Scientist of AlphaSimplex, is a portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund. He has served as a Portfolio Manager of the Acquired Fund since 2017.

**Robert S. Rickard,** Portfolio Manager of AlphaSimplex, is a portfolio manager of the Acquiring Fund. He has served as a Portfolio Manager of the Acquired Fund since 2010.

The Reorganizations will also affect other services currently provided to the Acquired Funds. The following table outlines the service providers for the Acquired Funds and the comparable service providers for the Acquiring Funds.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **<u>Acquired Funds</u>** | **<u>Acquiring Funds</u>** |
| **Adviser** | AlphaSimplex Group, LLC | Virtus Alternative Investment Advisers, Inc. |
| **SubAdviser** | N/A | AlphaSimplex Group, LLC |
| **Administrator** | Natixis Advisors, LLC | Virtus Fund Services, LLC |
| **Principal Underwriter and Distributor** | Natixis Distribution, LLC | VP Distributors, LLC |
| **Transfer Agent** | DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc. — transfer agent and dividend paying agent | Virtus Fund Services, LLC |
| **Sub-Transfer Agent** | N/A | BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. |
| **Sub-Administrator and Accounting Agent** | State Street Bank and Trust Company | BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. |
| **Custodian and Securities Lending Agent** | State Street Bank and Trust Company | The Bank of New York Mellon |
| **Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm** | PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP | PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |

---

**What will be the primary federal tax consequences of the Reorganization?**

Prior to or at the completion of the Reorganizations, the Funds will have received an opinion from the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery LLP that, for federal income tax purposes, the Reorganizations contemplated by the Plan will qualify as tax-free reorganizations described in section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and that each Fund will be "a party to a reorganization," within the meaning of section 368(b) of the Code.

If each Reorganization qualifies as a tax-free reorganization and each of the Funds is a party to a reorganization, as described above, then, as a result, for federal income tax purposes, no gain or loss will be recognized by an Acquired Fund or its shareholders as a result of receiving shares of the applicable Acquiring Fund in connection with the Reorganization. The holding period of the shares of an Acquiring Fund that are received by the shareholders of each Acquired Fund will be determined by including the holding period of the shares of the Acquired Fund previously held by such shareholders, provided that such shares of the Acquired Fund are held as capital assets on the date of the exchange. The aggregate tax basis of the shares of an Acquiring Fund that are received by the shareholders of each Acquired Fund will be the same as the aggregate tax bases of the shares of the Acquired Fund previously held by such shareholders. In addition, no gain or loss will be recognized by an Acquiring Fund upon the receipt of the assets of the Acquired Fund in exchange for shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the Acquired Fund's liabilities, and the holding period and tax basis of the assets of the Acquired Fund in the hands of the Acquiring Fund as a result of the Reorganization will be the same as in the hands of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Reorganization.

**What happens if a Reorganization is not approved?**

If shareholders of an Acquired Fund do not approve the Plan, the Reorganization will not take effect and the Board of the Selling Trust will consider other possible courses of action in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders.

The closing of the Acquisition, if it occurs before the Fund Reorganizations, will result in the automatic termination of each advisory agreement between the Selling Trust, on behalf of each Acquired Fund, and AlphaSimplex, on behalf of each Acquired Fund. On December 6, 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Selling Trust approved interim advisory agreements between AlphaSimplex and the Selling Trust, on behalf of each Acquired Fund (each an "Interim Advisory Agreement"), pursuant to which AlphaSimplex will be permitted to continue to serve as the Acquired Funds' investment adviser upon the closing of the Acquisition. The Interim Advisory Agreements will become effective upon the closing of the Acquisition and will continue in force for a period of up to 150 days following such effective date. The Interim Advisory Agreements are identical to the current investment advisory agreement between the Selling Trust, on behalf of each Acquired Fund, and AlphaSimplex except with respect to the term of the agreement, termination provisions, and that the fees payable to AlphaSimplex under each Interim Advisory Agreement will be paid to an interest-bearing escrow account, which will be released if shareholders approve the Reorganization for an Acquired Fund. If the Acquisition does not occur before the Fund Reorganizations, the Interim Agreements will not go into effect.

Rule 15a-4 under the 1940 Act provides a temporary exemption from the shareholder approval requirement for an interim period of up to 150 days after termination of an advisory contract, subject to certain conditions. If the shareholders of an Acquired Fund do not approve the Reorganization within 150 days of the close of the Acquisition, then the Interim Advisory Agreement will terminate. At that point, the Acquired Funds' Board may take any further action it deems to be in the best interest of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders.

**COMPARISON OF INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES,<br> INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS AND LIMITATIONS, AND PRINCIPAL RISKS**

**Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies**

Each Acquiring Fund is a newly organized series of the Acquiring Trust created for the purpose of acquiring the corresponding Acquired Fund's property and assets, and will not conduct any investment operations until after the closing of the Reorganization. Each Acquired Fund and corresponding Acquiring Fund have identical investment objectives and substantially identical principal investment strategies, except that Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund will not concentrate in the financial services industry as AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund currently does. The

Acquiring Funds also have a somewhat more flexible fundamental investment policy on borrowing as compared to the Acquired Funds. Each Fund's investment objective is "non-fundamental," which means that it may be changed by the Fund's Board of Trustees without the approval of Fund shareholders.

The following table summarizes a comparison of AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund and Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund with respect to their investment objectives and principal investment strategies. With the exception that Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund will not concentrate its assets in the financial services industry, the portfolio managers expect to manage Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund substantially identically to AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund. Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund also has a somewhat more flexible fundamental investment policy on borrowing as compared to AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund. The principal investment strategies may be described differently because the Funds are part of different fund complexes.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **<u>AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund</u>** | **<u>Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund</u>** |
| **Investment Objective** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Fund pursues an absolute return strategy that seeks to provide capital appreciation consistent with the risk-return characteristics of a diversified portfolio of hedge funds. The secondary goal of the Fund is to achieve these returns with less volatility than major equity indices. | The Fund pursues an absolute return strategy that seeks to provide capital appreciation consistent with the risk-return characteristics of a diversified portfolio of hedge funds. The secondary goal of the Fund is to achieve these returns with less volatility than major equity indices. |
| **Principal Investment Strategies** | The Fund seeks to achieve long and short exposure to global equity, bond, currency and commodity markets through a wide range of derivative instruments and direct investments. Under normal market conditions, the Adviser typically will make extensive use of derivative instruments, in particular futures, forward contracts and swaps on global equity and fixed-income securities, securities indices (including both broad- and narrow-based securities indices), currencies, commodities and other instruments. These investments are intended to provide the Fund with risk and return characteristics similar to those of a diversified portfolio of hedge funds. The Fund may also make direct long and short investments in equity and fixed-income securities.<br>The Fund seeks to generate absolute returns over time rather than track the performance of any particular index of hedge fund returns. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser uses quantitative models to estimate the market exposures that drive the aggregate returns of a diverse set of hedge funds. The Adviser seeks to capture these market exposures in the aggregate while adding value through dynamic allocation among market exposures and volatility management. These market exposures may include, for example, exposures to the returns of stocks, fixed-income securities (including U.S. and non-U.S. government securities, as well as corporate debt securities), currencies and commodities. In estimating these market exposures, the Adviser may use various approaches, including analyses of the returns of hedge funds included in one or more commercially available databases selected by the Adviser (for example, the Lipper TASS hedge<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Fund seeks to achieve long and short exposure to global equity, bond, currency and commodity markets through a wide range of derivative instruments and direct investments. Under normal market conditions, the Fund's subadviser, AlphaSimplex Group, LLC ("AlphaSimplex"), typically will make extensive use of derivative instruments, in particular futures, forward contracts and swaps on global equity and fixed-income securities, securities indices (including both broad- and narrow-based securities indices), currencies and commodities, and other instruments such as certificates of deposit. These investments are intended to provide the Fund with risk and return characteristics similar to those of a diversified portfolio of hedge funds. The Fund may also make direct long and short investments in equity and fixed-income securities.<br>The Fund seeks to generate absolute (positive) returns over time rather than track the performance of any particular index of hedge fund returns. In selecting investments for the Fund, AlphaSimplex uses quantitative models to estimate the market exposures that drive the aggregate returns of a diverse set of hedge funds. AlphaSimplex seeks to capture these market exposures in the aggregate while adding value through dynamic allocation among market exposures and volatility management. These market exposures may include primarily exposures to the returns of stocks, fixed-income securities (including U.S. and non-U.S. government securities, as well as corporate debt securities), currencies and commodities. In estimating these market exposures, AlphaSimplex may use various approaches, including analyses of the returns of hedge funds |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| fund database) and regulatory filings. The Fund may also directly employ various strategies commonly used by hedge funds that seek to profit from underlying risk factors, such as merger arbitrage and trend-following strategies. In a merger arbitrage strategy, the Adviser buys shares of target companies in corporate reorganizations and establishes short positions in shares of the acquiring companies. Trend-following strategies analyze markets over various time horizons to invest either long or short in assets whose values are rising or falling, respectively.<br>The Adviser will have great flexibility to allocate the Fund's exposure among various securities, indices, currencies, commodities and other instruments; the amount of the Fund's assets that may be allocated to various strategies and among investments is expected to vary over time. When buying and selling securities and other instruments for the Fund, the Adviser also may consider other factors, such as: (i) the Fund's obligations under its various derivative positions; (ii) portfolio rebalancing; (iii) redemption requests; (iv) yield management; (v) credit management; and (vi) volatility management. The Fund will not invest directly in hedge funds. The Fund may invest in non-U.S. securities and instruments and securities and instruments traded outside the United States, and expects to engage in non-U.S. currency transactions.<br>The Adviser currently targets an annualized volatility level of 9% or less (as measured by the standard deviation of the Fund's returns). The Fund's actual or realized volatility during certain periods or over time may materially exceed its target volatility for various reasons, including changes in market levels of volatility and because the Fund's portfolio may include instruments that are inherently volatile. This would increase the risk of investing in the Fund.<br>Under normal market conditions, it is expected that no more than 25% of the Fund's total assets will be dedicated to initial and variation margin payments relating to the Fund's derivative transactions. The gross notional value of the Fund's derivative investments, however, will generally exceed 25% of the Fund's assets, and may significantly exceed the total value of the Fund's assets. The Adviser will invest a portion of the Fund's assets, which may vary over time, in short-term, high-quality securities. Such investments will be used primarily to finance the Fund's investments in derivatives and, secondarily, to provide the Fund with incremental income and liquidity, and may include: (i) short-term obligations issued or | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; included in one or more commercially available databases selected by AlphaSimplex (for example, the Lipper TASS hedge fund database) and regulatory filings. The Fund may also directly employ various strategies commonly used by hedge funds that seek to profit from underlying risk factors, such as merger arbitrage and trend-following strategies. In a merger arbitrage strategy, AlphaSimplex buys shares of target companies in corporate reorganizations and establishes short positions in shares of the acquiring companies. Trend-following strategies analyze markets over various time horizons to invest either long or short in assets whose values are rising or falling, respectively.<br>AlphaSimplex will have flexibility to allocate the Fund's exposure among various securities, indices, currencies, commodities and other instruments; the amount of the Fund's assets that may be allocated to various strategies and among investments is expected to vary over time. When buying and selling securities and other instruments for the Fund, AlphaSimplex also may consider other factors, such as: (i) the Fund's obligations under its various derivative positions; (ii) portfolio rebalancing; (iii) redemption requests; (iv) yield management; (v) credit management; and (vi) volatility management. The Fund will not invest directly in hedge funds. The Fund may invest in non-U.S. securities and instruments and securities and instruments traded outside the United States, and expects to engage in non-U.S. currency transactions.<br>As of the date of this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, AlphaSimplex targets an annualized volatility level of 9% or less (as measured by the standard deviation of the Fund's returns). The Fund's actual or realized volatility during certain periods or over time may materially exceed its target volatility for various reasons, including changes in market levels of volatility and because the Fund's portfolio may include instruments that are inherently volatile. This would increase the risk of investing in the Fund.<br>Under normal market conditions, it is expected that no more than 25% of the Fund's total assets will be dedicated to initial and variation margin payments relating to the Fund's derivative transactions. The gross notional value of the Fund's derivative investments, however, will generally exceed 25% of the Fund's assets, and may significantly exceed the total value of the Fund's assets. AlphaSimplex will invest a portion of the Fund's assets, which may vary over time, in short-term, high-quality securities. Such investments will be used primarily to finance the Fund's investments in derivatives |

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|:---|:---|
| guaranteed by the United States government, its agencies or instrumentalities; (ii) securities issued by foreign governments, their political subdivisions or agencies or instrumentalities; (iii) certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances issued by domestic banks, foreign branches of domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries of domestic banks, and domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks; (iv) variable amount master demand notes; (v) participation interests in loans extended by banks to companies; (vi) commercial paper or similar debt obligations; and (vii) repurchase agreements. The Adviser will select such investments based on various factors, including the security's maturity and credit rating.<br>Although the Fund does not intend to invest in physical commodities directly, the Fund expects to obtain investment exposure to commodities and commodity-related derivatives through a wholly-owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands that will make commodity-related investments (the "Commodity Subsidiary"). The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the Commodity Subsidiary. Under normal market conditions, no more than 10% of the Fund's total assets will be dedicated to initial and variation margin payments relating to these transactions.<br>The Fund will concentrate its investments in the financial services industry, which means it will normally invest at least 25% of its total assets in securities and other obligations (for example, bank certificates of deposit) of issuers in such industry. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of securities and other instruments. Effects of frequent trading may include high transaction costs, which may lower the Fund's return, and realization of greater short-term capital gains, distributions of which are taxable as ordinary income to taxable shareholders. Trading costs and tax effects associated with frequent trading may adversely affect the Fund's performance. The Fund's trading in derivatives is active and frequent. Active and frequent trading of derivatives, like active and frequent trading of securities, will result in transaction costs which reduce fund returns.<br>The percentage limitations set forth herein are not investment restrictions and the Fund may exceed these limits from time to time. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; and, secondarily, to provide the Fund with incremental income and liquidity, and may include: (i) short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States government, its agencies or instrumentalities; (ii) securities issued by foreign governments, their political subdivisions or agencies or instrumentalities; (iii) certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances issued by domestic banks, foreign branches of domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries of domestic banks, and domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks; (iv) variable amount master demand notes; (v) participation interests in loans extended by banks to companies; (vi) commercial paper or similar debt obligations; and (vii) repurchase agreements. AlphaSimplex will select such investments based on various factors, including the security's maturity and credit rating.<br>Although the Fund does not intend to invest in physical commodities directly, the Fund expects to seek to gain its exposure to commodities and commodity-related derivatives through a wholly-owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands that will make commodity-related investments (the "Subsidiary"). The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the Subsidiary. The strategies and risks described herein for the Fund are therefore also applicable to the Subsidiary. Under normal market conditions, no more than 10% of the Fund's total assets are expected to be dedicated to initial and variation margin payments relating to these transactions.<br>The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of securities and other instruments. Effects of frequent trading may include high transaction costs, which may lower the Fund's return, and realization of greater short-term capital gains, distributions of which are taxable as ordinary income to taxable shareholders. Trading costs and tax effects associated with frequent trading may adversely affect the Fund's performance. The Fund's trading in derivatives is active and frequent. Active and frequent trading of derivatives, like active and frequent trading of securities, will result in transaction costs which reduce Fund returns.<br>The percentage limitations set forth herein are not investment restrictions and the Fund may exceed these limits from time to time. |

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The following table summarizes a comparison of AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund and Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund with respect to their investment objectives and principal investment strategies. The portfolio managers will manage Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund identically to AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund, but the principal investment strategies may be described differently because the Funds are part of different fund complexes.

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|  | **<u>AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund</u>** | **<u>Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund</u>** |
| **Investment Objective** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Fund pursues an absolute return strategy that seeks to provide capital appreciation. | The Fund pursues an absolute return strategy that seeks to provide capital appreciation. |
| **Principal Investment Strategies** | The Fund seeks to generate positive absolute returns over time. Under normal market conditions, the Adviser typically will make extensive use of a variety of derivative instruments, including futures and forward contracts, to capture the exposures suggested by its absolute return strategy while also seeking to add value through volatility management. These market exposures, which are expected to change over time, may include, for example, exposures to the returns of U.S. and non-U.S. equity and fixed-income securities indices (including both broad- and narrow-based securities indices), currencies and commodities. The Adviser will have great flexibility to allocate the Fund's derivatives exposure among various securities, indices, currencies, commodities and other instruments; the amount of the Fund's assets that may be allocated to derivative strategies and among these various instruments is expected to vary over time. The Adviser uses proprietary quantitative models to identify price trends in equity, fixed-income, currency and commodity instruments across time periods of various lengths. The Adviser believes that asset prices may show persistent trending behavior due to a number of behavioral biases among market participants as well as certain risk-management policies that will identify assets to purchase in upward-trending markets and identify assets to sell in downward-trending markets. The Adviser believes that following trends across a widely diversified set of assets, combined with active risk management, may allow it to earn a positive expected return over time. The Fund may have both "short" and "long" exposures within an asset class based upon the Adviser's analysis of multiple time horizons to identify trends in a particular asset class. A "short" exposure will benefit when the underlying asset class decreases in price. A "long" exposure will benefit when the underlying asset class increases in price. The Adviser will scale the notional exposure of the Fund's futures and currency forward positions with the objective of targeting a relatively stable level of annualized volatility for the Fund's overall portfolio. The Adviser currently targets an annualized volatility level of 17% or less (as measured by the standard deviation of the Fund's returns). The Fund's actual or realized volatility during certain periods or over time may materially exceed its target volatility for various reasons, including changes in market levels of volatility and because the Fund's | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Fund seeks to generate positive absolute returns over time. Under normal market conditions, the Fund's subadviser, AlphaSimplex Group, LLC ("AlphaSimplex"), typically will make extensive use of a variety of derivative instruments, including futures and forward contracts, to capture the exposures suggested by its absolute return strategy while also seeking to add value through volatility management. These market exposures, which are expected to change over time, may include primarily exposures to the returns of U.S. and non-U.S. equity and fixed-income securities indices (including both broad- and narrow-based securities indices), currencies and commodities. AlphaSimplex will have great flexibility to allocate the Fund's derivatives exposure among various securities, indices, currencies, commodities and other instruments; the amount of the Fund's assets that may be allocated to derivative strategies and among these various instruments is expected to vary over time. AlphaSimplex uses proprietary quantitative models to identify price trends in equity, fixed-income, currency and commodity instruments across time periods of various lengths. AlphaSimplex believes that asset prices may show persistent trending behavior due to a number of behavioral biases among market participants as well as certain risk-management policies that will identify assets to purchase in upward-trending markets and identify assets to sell in downward-trending markets. AlphaSimplex believes that following trends across a widely diversified set of assets, combined with active risk management, may allow it to earn a positive expected return over time. The Fund may have both "short" and "long" exposures within an asset class based upon AlphaSimplex's analysis of multiple time horizons to identify trends in a particular asset class. A "short" exposure will benefit when the underlying asset class decreases in price. A "long" exposure will benefit when the underlying asset class increases in price. AlphaSimplex will scale the notional exposure of the Fund's futures and currency forward positions with the objective of targeting a relatively stable level of annualized volatility for the Fund's overall portfolio. As of the date of this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, AlphaSimplex targets an annualized volatility level of 17% or less (as measured by the standard deviation of the Fund's returns). The Fund's actual or |

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| portfolio may include instruments that are inherently volatile. This would increase the risk of investing in the Fund.<br>Under normal market conditions, it is expected that no more than 25% of the Fund's total assets will be dedicated to initial and variation margin payments relating to the Fund's derivative transactions. The gross notional value of the Fund's derivative investments, however, will generally exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets, and may significantly exceed the total value of the Fund's assets. The Fund expects that under normal market conditions it will invest at least 75% of its total assets in money market and other short-term, high-quality securities (such as bankers' acceptances, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, loan participations, repurchase agreements and time deposits) (the "Money Market Portion"), although the Fund may invest less than this percentage. The Adviser will determine the percentage of the Fund's assets that will be invested in the Money Market Portion at any time. The assets allocated to the Money Market Portion will be used primarily to support the Fund's investments in derivatives and, secondarily, to provide the Fund with incremental income and liquidity. Although the Fund will invest a significant portion of its assets in money market instruments, the Fund is not a "money market" fund and the value of the Money Market Portion as well as the value of the Fund's shares may decrease. The Fund is not subject to the portfolio quality, maturity and net asset value requirements applicable to money market funds, and the Fund will not seek to maintain a stable net asset value. The Fund will concentrate its investments in the financial services industry, which means it will normally invest at least 25% of its total assets in securities and other obligations (for example, bank certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements and time deposits) of issuers in such industry.<br>The Adviser will only invest the assets of the Money Market Portion in high-quality securities which are denominated in U.S. dollars, and will select securities for investment based on various factors, including the security's maturity and rating. The Adviser will invest primarily in: (i) short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States government, its agencies or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government Obligations"); (ii) securities issued by foreign governments, their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities; (iii) certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances issued by domestic banks, foreign branches of domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries of domestic banks and domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks; (iv) variable amount master | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; realized volatility during certain periods or over time may materially exceed its target volatility for various reasons, including changes in market levels of volatility and because the Fund's portfolio may include instruments that are inherently volatile. This would increase the risk of investing in the Fund.<br>Under normal market conditions, it is expected that no more than 25% of the Fund's total assets will be dedicated to initial and variation margin payments relating to the Fund's derivative transactions. The gross notional value of the Fund's derivative investments, however, will generally exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets, and may significantly exceed the total value of the Fund's assets. The Fund expects that under normal market conditions it will invest at least 75% of its total assets in money market and other short-term, high-quality securities (such as bankers' acceptances, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, loan participations, repurchase agreements and time deposits) (the "Money Market Portion"), although the Fund may invest less than this percentage. AlphaSimplex will determine the percentage of the Fund's assets that will be invested in the Money Market Portion at any time. The assets allocated to the Money Market Portion will be used primarily to support the Fund's investments in derivatives and, secondarily, to provide the Fund with incremental income and liquidity. Although the Fund will invest a significant portion of its assets in money market instruments, the Fund is not a "money market" Fund and the value of the Money Market Portion as well as the value of the Fund's shares may decrease. The Fund is not subject to the portfolio quality, maturity and net asset value requirements applicable to money market Funds, and the Fund will not seek to maintain a stable net asset value. The Fund will concentrate its investments in the financial services industry, which means it will normally invest at least 25% of its total assets in securities and other obligations (for example, bank certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements and time deposits) of issuers in such industry.<br>AlphaSimplex will only invest the assets of the Money Market Portion in high-quality securities which are denominated in U.S. dollars, and will select securities for investment based on various factors, including the security's maturity and rating. Duration for all assets in the Money Market Portion is limited to 397 days or less and the weighted average maturity is limited to 120 days or less. AlphaSimplex will invest primarily in: (i) short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States government, its agencies or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government Obligations"); (ii) securities issued by foreign governments, their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities; (iii) certificates of |

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| demand notes; (v) participation interests in loans extended by banks to companies; (vi) commercial paper or similar debt obligations; and (vii) repurchase agreements.<br>Although the Fund does not intend to invest in physical commodities directly, the Fund expects to obtain investment exposure to commodities and commodity-related derivatives by investing in a wholly-owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands that will make commodity-related investments (the "Commodity Subsidiary"). The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the Commodity Subsidiary. Under normal market conditions, no more than 10% of the Fund's total assets will be dedicated to initial and variation margin payments relating to these transactions.<br>Although the Fund seeks positive absolute returns over time, it is likely that the Fund's investment returns may be volatile over short periods of time. The Fund may outperform the overall securities market during periods of flat or negative market performance and may underperform during periods of strong market performance. There can be no assurance that the Fund's returns over time or during any period will be positive or that the Fund will outperform the overall security markets over time or during any particular period.<br>The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of securities and other instruments. Effects of frequent trading may include high transaction costs, which may lower the Fund's return, and realization of greater short-term capital gains, distributions of which are taxable as ordinary income to taxable shareholders. Trading costs and tax effects associated with frequent trading may adversely affect the Fund's performance. Due to the short-term nature of the Fund's investment portfolio, the Fund does not calculate a portfolio turnover rate. The Fund's trading in derivatives is active and frequent. Active and frequent trading of derivatives, like active and frequent trading of securities, will result in transaction costs which reduce fund returns.<br>The percentage limitations set forth herein are not investment restrictions and the Fund may exceed these limits from time to time. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances issued by domestic banks, foreign branches of domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries of domestic banks and domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks; (iv) variable amount master demand notes; (v) participation interests in loans extended by banks to companies; (vi) commercial paper or similar debt obligations; and (vii) repurchase agreements.<br>Although the Fund does not intend to invest in physical commodities directly, the Fund expects to seek to gain its exposure to commodities and commodity-related derivatives by investing in a wholly-owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands that will make commodity-related investments (the "Subsidiary"). The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the Subsidiary. The strategies and risks described herein for the Fund are therefore also applicable to the Subsidiary. Under normal market conditions, no more than 10% of the Fund's total assets are expected to be dedicated to initial and variation margin payments relating to these transactions.<br>Although the Fund seeks positive absolute returns over time, it is likely that the Fund's investment returns may be volatile over short periods of time. The Fund may outperform the overall securities market during periods of flat or negative market performance and may underperform during periods of strong market performance. There can be no assurance that the Fund's returns over time or during any period will be positive or that the Fund will outperform the overall security markets over time or during any particular period.<br>The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of securities and other instruments. Effects of frequent trading may include high transaction costs, which may lower the Fund's return, and realization of greater short-term capital gains, distributions of which are taxable as ordinary income to taxable shareholders. Trading costs and tax effects associated with frequent trading may adversely affect the Fund's performance. Due to the short-term nature of the Fund's investment portfolio, the Fund does not calculate a portfolio turnover rate. The Fund's trading in derivatives is active and frequent. Active and frequent trading of derivatives, like active and frequent trading of securities, will result in transaction costs which reduce Fund returns.<br>The percentage limitations set forth herein are not investment restrictions and the Fund may exceed these limits from time to time. |

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**Investment Restrictions and Limitations**

The description of the material investment restrictions and limitations of the Acquiring Funds are somewhat different from those of the Acquired Funds because the Acquiring Funds' investment limitations are designed to align, where appropriate, to those applicable to other funds in the Acquiring Trust, and the Acquired Funds' investment limitations are designed to align, where appropriate, to those applicable to other funds in the Natixis Funds Trusts. All of the Funds are subject to fundamental limits under the 1940 Act, but any material differences in the Funds' fundamental restrictions are described in the table below.

Except as required by the 1940 Act or the Code, if any percentage restriction on investment or utilization of assets is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a later change in percentage resulting from a change in the market values of a Fund's assets or purchases and redemptions of Fund shares will not be considered a violation of the limitation.

A non-fundamental limitation may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. A fundamental investment policy cannot be changed without the affirmative vote of the lesser of: (1) 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund; or (2) 67% of the shares present or represented at a shareholders meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present or represented. All of the investment policies noted in the table below are fundamental, which cannot be changed by the Board without affirmative shareholder approval as described above. Because shareholder approval of the Plan indicates approval of the reorganization of the respective Acquired Fund with and into its applicable Acquiring Fund, for any fundamental investment policy that is substantively different for the Acquiring Fund than for its respective Acquired Fund, shareholder approval of the Plan will indicate approval of the change in the applicable investment policy.

Each Acquired Fund's investment policies are set forth in its prospectus and statement of additional information, dated May 1, 2022, and each Acquiring Fund's investment limitations are set forth in the SAI to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

**<u>Fundamental Investment Policies</u>**

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| **<u>Policy</u>** | **<u>AlphaSimplex Global<br> Alternatives Fund</u>** | **<u>Virtus AlphaSimplex Global<br> Alternatives Fund</u>** | **<u>Difference</u>** |
| Concentration | The Fund may not purchase any security (other than U.S. government securities) if, as a result, 25% or more of the Fund's total assets (taken at current value) would be invested in any one industry, except that the Fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in securities and other obligations of issuers in the financial services industry. For purposes of this restriction, telephone, gas and electric public utilities are each regarded as separate industries and finance companies whose financing activities are related primarily to the activities of their parent companies are classified in the industry of their parents. For purposes of this restriction, the financial services industry includes banks, investment managers, brokerage firms, investment banks and other companies that provide financial services to consumers or industry. For purposes of this restriction, asset-backed securities are not considered to be bank obligations. | The Fund may not purchase any security (other than U.S. government securities) if, as a result, 25% or more of the Fund's total assets (taken at current value) would be invested in any one industry. For purposes of this restriction, telephone, gas and electric public utilities are each regarded as separate industries and finance companies whose financing activities are related primarily to the activities of their parent companies are classified in the industry of their parents. For purposes of this restriction, asset-backed securities are not considered to be bank obligations. | Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund will not concentrate its investments in the financial services industry. |

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| Short Sales | The Fund may not make short sales of securities or maintain a short position, except that the Fund may make any short sales or maintain any short positions where the short sales or short positions would not constitute "senior securities" under the 1940 Act. | N/A | No substantive difference |
| Borrowing Money | The Fund may not borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act. | The Fund may not borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act. |  |
| Making Loans | The Fund may not make loans, except that the Fund may purchase or hold debt instruments in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, provided however, this restriction does not apply to repurchase agreements or loans of portfolio securities. | The Fund may not lend securities or make any other loans if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, except that the Fund may purchase debt securities, may enter into repurchase agreements and may acquire loans, loan participations and assignments (both funded and unfunded) and other forms of debt instruments. | Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund may lend up to 33 1/3% of its total assets, whereas AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund may not make loans except as indicated. However, Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund has no current intention to utilize this additional flexibility. |
| Underwriting Activities | The Fund may not act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers except that, in the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under the federal securities laws. | The Fund may not underwrite the securities issued by other persons, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under applicable law. | No substantive difference |
| Real Estate | The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase securities of issuers which deal in real estate, securities which are secured by interests in real estate, and securities which represent interests in real estate, and it may acquire and dispose of real estate or interests in real estate acquired through the exercise of its rights as a holder of debt obligations secured by real estate or interests therein. | The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, except that the Fund may (i) acquire or lease office space for its own use, (ii) invest in securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein, (iii) invest in mortgage-related securities and other securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, and (iv) hold and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of securities. | No substantive difference |
| Issuance of Senior Securities | The Fund may not issue senior securities, except for permitted borrowings or as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act. | The Fund may not issue "senior securities" in contravention of the 1940 Act. Activities permitted by exemptive orders or staff interpretations of the SEC shall not be deemed to be prohibited by this restriction. | No substantive difference |

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| Commodities | The Fund <u>may</u> purchase and sell commodities to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. | N/A |  |
| Diversification | The Fund may not, with respect to 75% of total assets, invest more than 5% of total assets in the securities of a single issuer or invest in more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. | The Fund may not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase securities of an issuer (other than the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities or authorities or repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities and other investment companies), if: (a) such purchase would, at the time, cause more than 5% of the Fund's total assets taken at market value to be invested in the securities of such issuer; or (b) such purchase would, at the time, result in more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer being held by the Fund. | No substantive difference |

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| **<u>Policy</u>** | **<u>AlphaSimplex Managed Futures<br> Strategy Fund</u>** | **<u>Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed<br> Futures Strategy Fund</u>** | **<u>Difference</u>** |
| Concentration | The Fund may not purchase any security (other than U.S. government securities) if, as a result, 25% or more of the Fund's total assets (taken at current value) would be invested in any one industry, except that the Fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in securities and other obligations of issuers in the financial services industry. For purposes of this restriction, telephone, gas and electric public utilities are each regarded as separate industries and finance companies whose financing activities are related primarily to the activities of their parent companies are classified in the industry of their parents. For purposes of this restriction, the financial services industry includes banks, investment managers, brokerage firms, investment banks and other companies that provide financial services to consumers or industry. For purposes of this restriction, asset-backed securities are not considered to be bank obligations. | The Fund may not purchase any security (other than U.S. government securities) if, as a result, 25% or more of the Fund's total assets (taken at current value) would be invested in any one industry, except that the Fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in securities and other obligations of issuers in the financial services industry. For purposes of this restriction, telephone, gas and electric public utilities are each regarded as separate industries and finance companies whose financing activities are related primarily to the activities of their parent companies are classified in the industry of their parents. For purposes of this restriction, the financial services industry includes banks, investment managers, brokerage firms, investment banks and other companies that provide financial services to consumers or industry. For purposes of this restriction, asset-backed securities are not considered to be bank obligations. |  |

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| Short Sales | The Fund may not make short sales of securities or maintain a short position, except that the Fund may make any short sales or maintain any short positions where the short sales or short positions would not constitute "senior securities" under the 1940 Act. | N/A | No substantive difference |
| Borrowing Money | The Fund may not borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act. | The Fund may not borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act. |  |
| Making Loans | The Fund may not make loans, except that the Fund may purchase or hold debt instruments in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, provided however, this restriction does not apply to repurchase agreements or loans of portfolio securities. | The Fund may not lend securities or make any other loans if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, except that the Fund may purchase debt securities, may enter into repurchase agreements and may acquire loans, loan participations and assignments (both funded and unfunded) and other forms of debt instruments. | Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund may lend up to 33 1/3% of its total assets, whereas AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund may not make loans except as indicated. However, Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund has no current intention to utilize this additional flexibility. |
| Underwriting Activities | The Fund may not act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers except that, in the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under the federal securities laws. | The Fund may not underwrite the securities issued by other persons, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under applicable law. | No substantive difference |
| Real Estate | The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase securities of issuers which deal in real estate, securities which are secured by interests in real estate, and securities which represent interests in real estate, and it may acquire and dispose of real estate or interests in real estate acquired through the exercise of its rights as a holder of debt obligations secured by real estate or interests therein. | The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, except that the Fund may (i) acquire or lease office space for its own use, (ii) invest in securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein, (iii) invest in mortgage-related securities and other securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, and (iv) hold and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of securities. | No substantive difference |
| Issuance of Senior Securities | The Fund may not issue senior securities, except for permitted borrowings or as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act. | The Fund may not issue "senior securities" in contravention of the 1940 Act. Activities permitted by exemptive orders or staff interpretations of the SEC shall not be deemed to be prohibited by this restriction. | No substantive difference |

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| Commodities | The Fund <u>may</u> purchase and sell commodities to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. | N/A |  |
| Diversification | The Fund may not, with respect to 75% of total assets, invest more than 5% of total assets in the securities of a single issuer or invest in more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. | The Fund may not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase securities of an issuer (other than the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities or authorities or repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities and other investment companies), if: (a) such purchase would, at the time, cause more than 5% of the Fund's total assets taken at market value to be invested in the securities of such issuer; or (b) such purchase would, at the time, result in more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer being held by the Fund. | No substantive difference |

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The following interpretations apply only to the Acquired Funds.

With respect to restrictions on borrowing, the 1940 Act limits a Fund's ability to borrow money on a non-temporary basis if such borrowings constitute "senior securities." In addition to temporary borrowing, and subject to any stricter restrictions on borrowing applicable to any particular Fund, a Fund may borrow from any bank, provided that immediately after any such borrowing there is an asset coverage of at least 300% for all borrowings by the Fund and provided further, that in the event that such asset coverage shall at any time fall below 300%, the Fund shall, within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) thereafter or such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by rules and regulations, reduce the amount of its borrowings to such an extent that the asset coverage of such borrowing shall be at least 300%. The Funds may also borrow money or engage in economically similar transactions if those transactions do not constitute "senior securities" under the 1940 Act.

For purposes of the foregoing restrictions, consistent with the position of the SEC, the Funds do not consider a swap or other derivative contract on one or more securities, indices, currencies or interest rates to be a commodity or a commodity contract.

A Fund may not purchase any illiquid security if, as a result, more than 15% of the Fund's net assets (based on current value) would then be invested in such securities. Securities generally will be considered "illiquid" if a Fund reasonably expects the security cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the security.

The following interpretations apply only to the Acquiring Funds.

The Fund will look through its Subsidiary, to the Subsidiary's assets, for purposes of complying with the investment limitations set forth above.

With respect to the investment limitation on Concentration above, when selecting investments for the Fund, the subadviser will consider the concentration policy of any ETFs, mutual funds and closed-end funds. For purposes of determining the amount of the Fund's assets invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry or group of related industries, the Fund will look through to the securities held by an affiliated mutual fund in which the Fund invests; however, as of the date of this SAI the Fund will not look through to the securities held by any ETFs, unaffiliated mutual funds and/or closed-end funds in which the Fund invests.

For purposes of compliance with Section 8 of the 1940 Act, governing investment policies, and Section 18 of the 1940 Act, governing capital structure and leverage, the Fund aggregates its holdings with instruments held by its Subsidiary, if any. Although the Subsidiary is not a registered investment company under the 1940 Act, and therefore is not required to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act applicable to registered investment companies, the Subsidiary will comply with the provisions of Section 17 of the 1940 Act relating to affiliated transactions and custody.

Except with respect to the investment restriction on Borrowing Money above, if any percentage restriction described above for the Fund is adhered to at the time of investment, a subsequent increase or decrease in the percentage resulting from a change in the value of the Fund's assets will not constitute a violation of the restriction. With respect to the investment restriction on Borrowing Money, in the event that asset coverage for all borrowings shall at any time fall below 300 per centum, the Fund shall, within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays) or such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by rules and regulations, reduce the amount of its borrowings to an extent that the asset coverage of such borrowings shall be at least 300 per centum.

**Principal Risks**

An investment in each Fund is subject to certain risks. There is no assurance that investment performance of either Fund will be positive or that the Funds will meet their investment objectives. While the risks are described differently because the Funds are part of different fund complexes, the risk profiles are substantially similar due to the identical investment objectives and substantially identical principal investment strategies of the Funds, with the exceptions that Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund will not be concentrated in the financial services industry and therefore will not have Concentration Risk.

The following disclosure highlights the primary risks associated with investment in each of the Funds. Because the Funds are part of different fund complexes, there are some differences in the how the Funds' risks are described.

Each of the Funds is subject to the following Principal Risks:

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| **<u>AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund</u>** | **<u>Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund</u>** |
| **Leverage Risk**<br> Taking short positions in securities results in a form of leverage. Leverage is the risk associated with securities or investment practices (e.g., borrowing and the use of certain derivatives) that multiply small index, market or asset-price movements into larger changes in value. The use of leverage increases the impact of gains and losses on the Fund's returns, and may lead to significant losses if investments are not successful.<br>**Derivatives Risk**<br> Derivative instruments (such as those in which the Fund may invest, including futures, swaps, forward contracts, and other foreign currency transactions and commodity-linked derivatives) are subject to changes in the value of the underlying assets or indices on which such instruments are based. There is no guarantee that the use of derivatives will be effective or that suitable transactions will be available. Even a small investment in derivatives may give rise to leverage risk and can have a significant impact on the Fund's exposure to commodities markets, securities market values, interest rates or currency exchange rates. It is possible that the Fund's liquid assets may be insufficient to support its obligations under its derivatives positions. The use of derivatives for other than hedging purposes may be considered a speculative activity, and involves greater risks than are involved in hedging. The use of derivatives may cause the Fund to incur losses greater than those that would have occurred had derivatives not been used. The Fund's use of derivatives involves other risks, such as credit/counterparty risk relating to the other party to a derivative contract (which is greater for forward currency contracts, uncleared swaps and other over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives), the risk of difficulties in pricing and valuation, the risk that changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate as expected with changes in the value of relevant assets, rates or indices, liquidity risk, allocation | **Leverage Risk**<br> When the Fund makes investments in futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps and other derivative instruments, the futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps and certain other derivatives provide the economic effect of financial leverage by creating additional investment exposure, as well as the potential for greater loss. When the Fund uses leverage through activities such as borrowing, entering into short sales, purchasing securities on margin or on a when-issued basis, or purchasing derivative instruments in an effort to increase its returns, the Fund has the risk of magnified capital losses that occur when losses affect an asset base, enlarged by borrowings or the creation of liabilities, that exceeds the net assets of the Fund. The value of the shares of the Fund employing leverage will be more volatile and sensitive to market movements. Leverage may also involve the creation of a liability that requires the Fund to pay interest.<br>**Derivatives Risk**<br> Derivative transactions are contracts whose value is derived from the value of an underlying asset, index or rate, including futures, options, non-deliverable forwards, foreign currency forward contracts and swap agreements. The Fund may use derivatives to hedge against factors that affect the value of its investments, such as interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The Fund may also utilize derivatives as part of its overall investment technique to gain or lessen exposure to various securities, markets, volatility, dividend payments and currencies.<br>Derivatives typically involve greater risks than traditional investments. It is generally more difficult to ascertain the risk of, and to properly value, derivative contracts. Many derivatives, and particularly those that are privately negotiated, are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the |

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| risk and the risk of losing more than the initial margin (if any) required to initiate derivatives positions. There is also the risk that the Fund may be unable to terminate or sell a derivative position at an advantageous time or price. The Fund's derivative counterparties may experience financial difficulties or otherwise be unwilling or unable to honor their obligations, possibly resulting in losses to the Fund. There is a risk that the Adviser's use of derivatives, such as futures and forward contracts, to manage the Fund's volatility may be ineffective or may exacerbate losses, for example, if the derivative or the underlying assets decrease in value over time.<br>**Equity Securities Risk**<br> The value of the Fund's investments in equity securities could be subject to unpredictable declines in the value of individual securities and periods of below-average performance in individual securities or in the equity market as a whole. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of the issuer's bonds generally take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred stock or common stock.<br>**Short Exposure Risk**<br> A short exposure through a derivative or short sale may present various risks, including credit/counterparty risk and leverage risk. If the value of the asset, asset class or index on which the Fund has obtained a short investment exposure increases, the Fund will incur a loss. Unlike a direct cash investment such as a stock, bond or exchange-traded fund ("ETF"), where the potential loss is limited to the purchase price, the potential risk of loss from a short exposure is theoretically unlimited. Moreover, there can be no assurance that securities necessary to cover (repurchase in order to close) a short position will be available for purchase. The Fund may be unable to borrow securities in connection with a short sale or to enter into a short position at an advantageous time or price, which could limit its ability to obtain the desired short exposure.<br>**Models and Data Risk**<br> The Adviser utilizes various proprietary quantitative models to identify investment opportunities. There is a possibility that one or all of the quantitative models may fail to identify profitable opportunities at any time. Furthermore, the models may incorrectly identify opportunities and these misidentified opportunities may lead to substantial losses for the Fund. Models may be predictive in nature and such models may result in an incorrect assessment of future events. Data used in the construction of models may prove to be inaccurate or stale, which may result in losses for the Fund.<br>**Allocation Risk**<br> This is the risk that the Adviser's judgments about, and allocations between, asset classes and market exposures may adversely affect the Fund's performance. The allocation, as set forth above, may not be optimal in every market condition. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund as a result of this allocation. This risk can be increased by the use of derivatives to increase | Fund. The prices of derivatives may move in unexpected ways, especially in abnormal market conditions. Derivatives are usually less liquid than traditional securities and are subject to counterparty risk (the risk that the other party to the contract will default or otherwise not be able to perform its contractual obligations). In addition, some derivatives transactions may involve potentially unlimited losses.<br>Derivative contracts entered into for hedging purposes may also subject the Fund to losses if the contracts do not correlate with the assets, indexes or rates they were designed to hedge. In regard to currency hedging using forward contracts, it is generally not possible to precisely match the foreign currency exposure of such foreign currency forward contracts to the value of the securities involved due to fluctuations in the market values of such securities and cash flows into and out of the Fund between the date a foreign currency forward contract is entered into and the date it expires.<br>As an investment company registered with the SEC, the Fund is subject to Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, which applies to the Fund's use of derivative investments and certain financing transactions (e.g., reverse repurchase agreements). Among other things, Rule 18f-4 requires the Fund to apply a value-at-risk based limit to its use of certain derivative instruments and financing transactions and to adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program. The application of Rule 18f-4 to the Fund could restrict the Fund's ability to utilize derivative investments and financing transactions and prevent the Fund from implementing its principal investment strategies as described herein, which may result in changes to the Fund's principal investment strategies and could adversely affect the Fund's performance and its ability to achieve its investment objective.<br>Governments, agencies and/or other regulatory bodies may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund's ability to invest in derivatives as the Fund's subadviser intends. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), among other things, grants the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC") and SEC broad rulemaking authority to implement various provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act including comprehensive regulation of the over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives market. The implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act could adversely affect the Fund by placing limits on derivative transactions, and/or increasing transaction and/or regulatory compliance costs. For example, the CFTC has adopted rules that apply a new aggregation standard for position limit purposes, which may further limit the Fund's ability to trade futures contracts and swaps.<br>There are also special tax rules applicable to certain types of derivatives, which could affect the amount, timing and character of the Fund's income or loss and hence of its |

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| allocations to various market exposures. This is because derivatives can create investment leverage, which will magnify the impact to the Fund of its investment in any underperforming market exposure.<br>**Commodity Risk**<br> This is the risk that exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of physical commodities or commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity price volatility, changes in interest rates, currency fluctuations, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments.<br>**Commodity Subsidiary Risk** <br> Investing in the Commodity Subsidiary will indirectly expose the Fund to the risks associated with the Commodity Subsidiary's investments, such as commodity risk. The Commodity Subsidiary is not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") and is not subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands, under which the Fund and the Commodity Subsidiary, respectively, are organized, could negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders.<br>**Concentrated Investment Risk** <br> The Fund is particularly vulnerable to events affecting companies in the financial services industry because the Fund concentrates its investments in securities and other obligations of issuers in such industry. Examples of risks affecting the financial services industry include changes in governmental regulation, issues relating to the availability and cost of capital, changes in interest rates and/or monetary policy and price competition. In addition, financial services companies are often more highly leveraged than other companies, making them inherently riskier. As a result, the Fund's shares may rise and fall in value more rapidly and to a greater extent than shares of a fund that does not concentrate or focus in a particular industry or economic sector.<br>**Credit/Counterparty Risk**<br> Credit/counterparty risk is the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to a derivative or other transaction, will be unable or unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal or to otherwise honor its obligations. As a result, the Fund may sustain losses or be unable or delayed in its ability to realize gains. The Fund will be subject to credit/counterparty risk with respect to the counterparties to its derivatives transactions. This risk will be heightened to the extent the Fund enters into derivative transactions with a single counterparty (or affiliated counterparties that are part of the same organization), causing the Fund to have significant exposure to such counterparty. Many of the protections afforded to participants on organized exchanges and clearinghouses, such as the performance | distributions to shareholders by causing holding period adjustments, converting short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses, and accelerating the Fund's income or deferring its losses. The Fund's use of derivatives may also increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders or the resources required by the Fund or its adviser and/or subadviser to comply with particular regulatory requirements.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• *Futures Risk*. Futures trading is speculative and volatile, and trading in the futures markets typically results in volatile performance. The price movements of futures contracts are influenced by changing supply and demand relationships, agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies, national and international political and economic events, crop diseases, climate, the purchasing and marketing programs of different nations, changes in interest rates and numerous other factors. In addition, governments occasionally intervene, directly and by regulation, in certain markets, particularly those in currencies and interest rates. Government intervention is often intended to influence prices directly. The Fund cannot control these factors and therefore could incur substantial or total losses. In addition, the low margin deposits normally required to trade futures contracts (typically between 2% and 15% of the value of the contract purchased or sold) permit a high degree of leverage. For example, if 10% of the contract price is deposited as margin, a 10% decrease in the contract price would result in a total loss of the margin deposit before any deduction for brokerage commissions. A decrease of more than 10% of the contract price would result in a loss of more than the total margin deposit. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement in a contract may cause immediate and substantial losses to the Fund. The use of leverage may result in losses that exceed the amount of capital invested.<br>**Equity Securities Risk**<br> Generally, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed income securities. The prices of equity securities will rise and fall in response to a number of different factors. In particular, equity securities will respond to events that affect entire financial markets or industries (such as changes in inflation or consumer demand) and to events that affect particular issuers (such as news about the success or failure of a new product). Equity securities also are subject to "stock market risk," meaning that stock prices in general may decline over short or extended periods of time. When the value of the stocks held by the Fund goes down, the value of the Fund's shares will be affected.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• *Large Market Capitalization Companies Risk*. The value of investments in larger companies may not rise as much as investments in smaller companies, and larger companies may be unable to respond quickly to competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes. |

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| guarantee given by a central clearinghouse, are not available in connection with OTC derivatives transactions, such as foreign currency transactions. For centrally cleared derivatives, such as cleared swaps, futures and many options, the primary credit/counterparty risk is the creditworthiness of the Fund's clearing broker and the central clearinghouse itself.<br>**Currency Risk**<br> Fluctuations in the exchange rates between different currencies may negatively affect an investment. The Fund may be subject to currency risk because it may invest a significant portion of its assets in currency-related instruments and may invest in securities or other instruments denominated in, or that generate income denominated in, foreign currencies. The Fund may elect not to hedge currency risk, or may hedge such risk imperfectly, which may cause the Fund to incur losses that would not have been incurred had the risk been hedged.<br>**Cybersecurity and Technology Risk**<br> The Fund, its service providers, and other market participants increasingly depend on complex information technology and communications systems, which are subject to a number of different threats and risks that could adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders. Cybersecurity and other operational and technology issues may result in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders.<br>**Foreign Securities Risk**<br> Investments in foreign securities may be subject to greater political, economic, environmental, credit/counterparty and information risks. The Fund's investments in foreign securities also are subject to foreign currency fluctuations and other foreign currency-related risks. Foreign securities may be subject to higher volatility than U.S. securities, varying degrees of regulation and limited liquidity.<br>**Hedge Fund Risk**<br> Hedge funds are typically unregulated private investment pools available only to sophisticated investors. They are often illiquid and highly leveraged. Although the Fund will not invest directly in hedge funds, because the Fund's investments are intended to provide exposure to the factors that drive hedge fund returns, an investment in the Fund will be subject to many of the same risks associated with an investment in a diversified portfolio of hedge funds. Therefore, the Fund's performance may be lower than the returns of the broader stock market and the Fund's net asset value may fluctuate substantially over time.<br>**Index/Tracking Error Risk**<br> Although the Fund does not seek to track any particular index, the Fund seeks to analyze the factors that drive hedge fund returns, as determined by reference to one or more indices. These indices may not provide an accurate representation of hedge fund returns generally, and the Adviser's strategy may not successfully identify or be | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• *Small and Medium Market Capitalization Companies Risk*. Small and medium-sized companies often have narrower markets, fewer products or services to offer, and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies. As a result, the performance of small and medium-sized companies may be more volatile, and they may face a greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility and risk of loss to the Fund.<br>**Short Sales Risk**<br> The Fund may engage in short sales, which are transactions in which a fund sells a security that it does not own (or that it owns but does not intend to deliver) in anticipation that the price of the security will decline. In order to establish a short position in a security, the Fund must first borrow the security from a broker or other institution to complete the sale. The Fund may not always be able to borrow a security, or to close out a short position at a particular time or at an acceptable price. If the price of the borrowed security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the security, the Fund may experience a loss. The Fund's loss on a short sale is limited only by the maximum attainable price of the security (which could be limitless) less the price the Fund paid for the security at the time it was borrowed.<br>**Quantitative Model Risk**<br> The Fund relies heavily on quantitative models, which are constructed using information and data supplied by third-party vendors. When a model proves to be incorrect or incomplete, any decisions made in reliance thereon expose the Fund to potential risks. The success of relying on such models may depend on the accuracy and reliability of historical data supplied by third-party vendors. All models rely on correct market data inputs. If incorrect market data is entered into even a well-founded model, the resulting information will be incorrect. However, even if market data is inputted correctly, "model prices" will often differ substantially from market prices, especially for securities with complex characteristics such as derivative securities, or may perform differently from their expected performance for many reasons, including factors used in building the quantitative analytical framework, the weights placed on each factor, and changing sources of market returns.<br>Use of a model does not guarantee any particular results. The rebalancing techniques used by the Fund's subadviser may result in a higher portfolio turnover rate and related expenses compared to traditional "buy and hold" or index fund strategies. A higher portfolio turnover rate increases the likelihood of higher gains or losses for investors. In addition, others may attempt to utilize public information related to the Fund's investment strategy in a way that may affect performance. |

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| able to replicate factors that drive returns. There is a risk that hedge fund return data provided by third party hedge fund index providers may be inaccurate or may not accurately reflect hedge fund returns due to survivorship bias, self-reporting bias or other biases.<br>**Interest Rate Risk**<br> Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of the Fund's investments will fall if interest rates rise. Generally, the value of fixed-income securities rises when prevailing interest rates fall and falls when interest rates rise. Interest rate risk generally is greater for funds that invest in fixed-income securities with relatively longer durations than for funds that invest in fixed-income securities with shorter durations. In addition, an economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these securities and reduce the Fund's ability to sell them, negatively impacting the performance of the Fund. Potential future changes in government monetary policy may affect the level of interest rates.<br>**Investments in Other Investment Companies Risk**<br> The Fund will indirectly bear the management, service and other fees of any other investment companies, including ETFs, in which it invests in addition to its own expenses.<br>**Large Investor Risk**<br> Ownership of shares of the Fund may be concentrated in one or a few large investors. Such investors may redeem shares in large quantities or on a frequent basis. Redemptions by a large investor can affect the performance of the Fund, may increase realized capital gains, including short-term capital gains taxable as ordinary income, may accelerate the realization of taxable income to shareholders and may increase transaction costs. These transactions potentially limit the use of any capital loss carryforwards and certain other losses to offset future realized capital gains (if any). Such transactions may also increase the Fund's expenses.<br>**LIBOR Risk**<br> LIBOR risk is the risk that the transition away from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR. LIBOR is a benchmark interest rate that is used extensively as a "reference rate" for financial instruments, including many corporate and municipal bonds, bank loans, asset-backed and mortgage-related securities, interest rate swaps and other derivatives. ICE Benchmark Administration, the administrator of LIBOR, ceased publication of most LIBOR settings on a representative basis at the end of 2021 and is expected to cease publication of a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR settings on a representative basis after June 30, 2023. In addition, global regulators have announced that, with limited exceptions, no new LIBOR-based contracts should be entered into after 2021. The transition away from LIBOR poses a number of other risks, including changed values of LIBOR-related investments and reduced | **Allocation Risk**<br> The Fund's investment performance depends, in part, upon how its assets are allocated and reallocated by its subadviser. If the Fund's exposure to derivatives, equities or other asset classes, deviates from the subadviser's intended allocation, or if the Fund's allocation is not optimal for market conditions at a given time, the Fund's performance may suffer.<br>**Commodity and Commodity-linked Instruments Risk**<br> Investments by the Fund in commodities or commodity-linked instruments may subject the Fund's portfolio to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked instruments may be affected by overall market movements, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. Individual commodity prices can fluctuate widely over short time periods. Commodity investments typically do not have dividends or income and are dependent on price movements to generate returns. Commodity price movements can deviate from equity and fixed income price movements. The means by which the Fund seeks exposure to commodities, both directly and indirectly through derivatives, may be limited by the Fund's intention to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code.<br>**Counterparty Risk**<br> When a fund engages in investment techniques in which it relies on another party to consummate the transaction, the fund is subject to the risk of default by the other party. To the extent that the Fund enters into multiple transactions with a single or limited number of counterparties, the Fund will be subject to increased levels of counterparty risk.<br>**Credit Risk**<br> There is a risk that the issuer of a debt instrument will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline. Debt instruments rated below investment-grade are especially susceptible to this risk. To the extent that the Fund acquires multiple debt instruments issued by a single or limited number of issuers, the Fund will be subject to increased levels of credit risk.<br>**Currency Rate Risk**<br> Because the foreign securities in which the Fund invests generally trade in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and the Fund invests significantly in foreign currency-related instruments, changes in currency exchange rates will affect the Fund's net asset value, the value of dividends and interest earned, and gains and losses realized on the sale of securities. Because the value of the Fund's shares is calculated in U.S. dollars, it is possible for the Fund to lose money by investing in a foreign security if the local currency of a foreign market depreciates against the U.S. |

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| effectiveness of hedging strategies, each of which may adversely affect the Fund's performance.<br>**Liquidity Risk**<br> Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund may be unable to find a buyer for its investments when it seeks to sell them or to receive the price it expects. Decreases in the number of financial institutions willing to make markets in the Fund's investments or in their capacity or willingness to transact may increase the Fund's exposure to this risk. Events that may lead to increased redemptions, such as market disruptions or increases in interest rates, may also negatively impact the liquidity of the Fund's investments when it needs to dispose of them. If the Fund is forced to sell its investments at an unfavorable time and/or under adverse conditions in order to meet redemption requests, such sales could negatively affect the Fund. During times of market turmoil, there may be no buyers or sellers for securities in certain asset classes. In other circumstances, liquid investments may become illiquid. Derivatives, and particularly OTC derivatives, are generally subject to liquidity risk as well. Liquidity issues may also make it difficult to value the Fund's investments. The Fund may invest in liquid investments that become illiquid due to financial distress, or geopolitical events such as sanctions, trading halts or wars.<br>**Management Risk**<br> A strategy used by the Fund's portfolio managers may fail to produce the intended result.<br>**Market/Issuer Risk**<br> The market value of the Fund's investments will move up and down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based upon overall market and economic conditions, as well as a number of reasons that directly relate to the issuers of the Fund's investments, such as management performance, financial condition and demand for the issuers' goods and services. The Adviser will attempt to reduce this risk by implementing various volatility management strategies and techniques. However, there is no guarantee that such strategies and techniques will produce the intended result.<br>**Portfolio Turnover Rate Risk**<br> The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities to pursue its principal investment strategy. A high rate of portfolio turnover may involve correspondingly greater expenses, which must be borne by the Fund and its shareholders, and also may result in short-term capital gains or losses to shareholders.<br>**U.S. Government Securities Risk**<br> Investments in certain U.S. government securities may not be supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, and it is possible that these | dollar, even if the local currency value of the Fund's holdings goes up. Generally, a strong U.S. dollar relative to such other currencies will adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings in foreign securities.<br>**Fund of Funds Risk**<br> Because the Fund can invest in other funds, it bears its proportionate share of the operating expenses and management fees of, and may be adversely affected by, the underlying fund(s). The expenses associated with the Fund's investment in other funds will cost shareholders more than direct investments would have cost.<br>**Foreign Currency Transactions Risk**<br> The Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions, including foreign currency forward contracts, options, swaps and other similar strategic transactions. These transactions may be for the purposes of hedging or efficient portfolio management, or may be for investment purposes, and they may be exchange traded or traded directly with market counterparties. Such investments may not prove successful or may have the effect of limiting gains from favorable market movements. The Fund may use derivatives to acquire positions in various currencies, which presents the risk that the Fund could lose money on its exposure to a particular currency and also lose money on the derivative. The Fund also may take positions in currencies that do not correlate to the currency exposure presented by the Fund's other investments. As a result, the Fund's currency exposure may differ, in some cases significantly, from the currency exposure of its other investments and/or its benchmarks.<br>**Foreign Investing Risk**<br> Investing in securities of non-U.S. companies involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies, and the values of non-U.S. securities may be more volatile than those of U.S. securities. The values of non-U.S. securities are subject to economic and political developments in countries and regions where the issuers operate or are domiciled, or where the securities are traded, such as changes in economic or monetary policies, and to changes in currency exchange rates. Values may also be affected by restrictions on receiving the investment proceeds from a non-U.S. country.<br>In general, less information is publicly available about non-U.S. companies than about U.S. companies. Non-U.S. companies are generally not subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards as are U.S. companies. Certain foreign issuers classified as passive foreign investment companies may be subject to additional taxation risk.<br>**Hedge Fund Investing Risk**<br> Although the Fund will not invest directly in hedge funds, because the Fund's investments are intended to provide exposure to the factors that drive hedge fund returns, an investment in the Fund will be subject to many of the |

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| issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future. In such a case, the Fund would have to look principally to the agency, instrumentality or sponsored enterprise issuing or guaranteeing the security for ultimate repayment, and the Fund may not be able to assert a claim against the U.S. government itself in the event the agency, instrumentality or sponsored enterprise does not meet its commitment. Concerns about the capacity of the U.S. government to meet its obligations may raise the interest rates payable on its securities, negatively impacting the price of such securities already held by the Fund.<br>**Valuation Risk**<br> This is the risk that the Fund has valued certain securities or positions at a higher price than the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments, such as derivatives, that may be illiquid or may become illiquid. | same risks associated with an investment in a diversified portfolio of hedge funds, including that the Fund's performance may be lower than the returns of the broader stock market and the Fund's net asset value may fluctuate substantially over time.<br>**Hedge Fund Correlation Risk**<br> Although the Fund does not seek to track any particular index, the Fund seeks to analyze the factors that drive hedge fund returns, as determined by reference to one or more indices. These indices may not provide an accurate representation of hedge fund returns generally, and the subadviser's strategy may not successfully identify or be able to replicate factors that drive returns. There is a risk that hedge fund return data provided by third party hedge fund index providers may be inaccurate or may not accurately reflect hedge fund returns due to survivorship bias, self-reporting bias or other biases.<br>**Interest Rate Risk**<br> The values of debt instruments usually rise and fall in response to changes in interest rates. Declining interest rates generally increase the value of existing debt instruments, and rising interest rates generally decrease the value of existing debt instruments. Changes in a debt instrument's value usually will not affect the amount of interest income paid to the Fund, but will affect the value of the Fund's shares. Interest rate risk is generally greater for investments with longer maturities.<br>Certain securities pay interest at variable or floating rates. Variable rate securities reset at specified intervals, while floating rate securities reset whenever there is a change in a specified index rate. In most cases, these reset provisions reduce the effect of changes in market interest rates on the value of the security. However, some securities do not track the underlying index directly, but reset based on formulas that can produce an effect similar to leveraging; others may also provide for interest payments that vary inversely with market rates. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate significantly when interest rates change.<br>Some investments give the issuer the option to call or redeem an investment before its maturity date. If an issuer calls or redeems an investment during a time of declining interest rates, a fund might have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, and therefore it might not benefit from any increase in value as a result of declining interest rates.<br>**Liquidity Risk**<br> Certain securities in which the Fund invests may be difficult to sell at the time and price beneficial to the Fund, for example due to low trading volumes or legal restrictions. When there is no willing buyer or a security cannot be readily sold, the Fund may have to sell at a lower price or may be unable to sell the security at all. The sale of such securities may also require the Fund to incur expenses in addition to those normally associated with the sale of a security. |

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In addition to this, certain shareholders, including affiliates of the Fund's investment adviser and/or subadviser, may from time to time own or control a significant percentage of the Fund's shares. Redemptions by these shareholders of their shares of the Fund may increase the Fund's liquidity risk by causing the Fund to have to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or price.<br>**Management Risk**<br> The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment portfolio. The subadviser's judgments about the attractiveness and potential appreciation of a security may prove to be inaccurate and may not produce the desired results. The subadviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there is no guarantee that its decisions will produce the intended result.<br>**Market Volatility Risk**<br> The value of the securities in the Fund may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments, including hampering the ability of the Fund's portfolio manager(s) to invest the Fund's assets as intended.<br>**Non-U.S. Government Securities**<br> When the Fund invests in debt instruments issued by a government outside the U.S., the Fund is exposed to the risks that: (a) the governmental entity that controls the repayment of government debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or to pay the interest when it becomes due, due to factors such as political considerations, the relative size of the governmental entity's debt position in relation to the economy, cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, the failure to put in place economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies, and/or other national economic factors; (b) the issuing government may default on its debt instruments, which may require holders of such securities to participate in debt rescheduling; and (c) there is no legal or bankruptcy process by which defaulted government debt may be collected in whole or in part.<br>**Portfolio Turnover Risk**<br> The Fund's principal investment strategies may result in a consistently high portfolio turnover rate. A high portfolio turnover rate may result in correspondingly greater brokerage commission expenses and the distribution to shareholders of additional capital gains for tax purposes, some of which may be taxable at ordinary income rates. These factors may negatively affect the Fund's performance.<br>**Redemption Risk**<br> The redemption by one or more large shareholders or groups of shareholders of their holdings in the Fund could have an adverse impact on the remaining shareholders in the Fund by, for example, accelerating the realization of capital gains and/or increasing the Fund's transaction costs.<br>**Subsidiary Risk**<br> By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary's investments, which are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund. The Subsidiary is not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and is not subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement<br>

and the Fund's Statement of Additional Information, and could adversely affect the Fund. For example, the Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, gift tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If the Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, shareholders of the Fund would likely suffer decreased investment returns.<br>**U.S. Government Securities Risk**<br> Obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities and instrumentalities and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States only guarantee principal and interest will be timely paid to holders of the securities. The entities do not guarantee that the value of Fund shares will increase, and in fact the market values of such obligations may fluctuate. In addition, not all U.S. Government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States; some are the obligation solely of the entity through which they are issued. There is no guarantee that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies and instrumentalities if not required to do so by law.<br>**Valuation Risk**<br> This is the risk that the Fund has valued certain securities or positions at a higher price than the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments, such as derivatives, that may be illiquid or may become illiquid.<br>

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| **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund** | **Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund** |
| **Derivatives Risk**<br> Derivative instruments (such as those in which the Fund may invest, including futures and forward contracts) are subject to changes in the value of the underlying assets or indices on which such instruments are based. There is no guarantee that the use of derivatives will be effective or that suitable transactions will be available. Even a small investment in derivatives may give rise to leverage risk and can have a significant impact on the Fund's exposure to commodities markets, securities market values, interest rates or currency exchange rates. It is possible that the Fund's liquid assets may be insufficient to support its obligations under its derivatives positions. The use of derivatives for other than hedging purposes may be considered a speculative activity, and involves greater risks than are involved in hedging. The use of derivatives may cause the Fund to incur losses greater than those that would have occurred had derivatives not been used. The Fund's use of derivatives involves other risks, such as credit/counterparty risk relating to the other party to a derivative contract (which is greater for forward contracts and other over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives), the risk of difficulties in pricing and valuation, the risk that changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate as expected with changes in the value of relevant assets, rates or indices, liquidity risk, allocation risk and the risk of losing more than the initial margin (if any) required to initiate derivatives positions. There is also the risk that the | **Derivatives Risk**<br> Derivative transactions are contracts whose value is derived from the value of an underlying asset, index or rate, including futures, options, non-deliverable forwards, foreign currency forward contracts and swap agreements. The Fund may use derivatives to hedge against factors that affect the value of its investments, such as interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The Fund may also utilize derivatives as part of its overall investment technique to gain or lessen exposure to various securities, markets, volatility, dividend payments and currencies. Derivatives typically involve greater risks than traditional investments. It is generally more difficult to ascertain the risk of, and to properly value, derivative contracts. Many derivatives, and particularly those that are privately negotiated, are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the Fund. The prices of derivatives may move in unexpected ways, especially in abnormal market conditions. Derivatives are usually less liquid than traditional securities and are subject to counterparty risk (the risk that the other party to the contract will default or otherwise not be able to perform its contractual obligations). In addition, some derivatives transactions may involve potentially unlimited losses. |

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| Fund may be unable to terminate or sell a derivative position at an advantageous time or price. The Fund's derivative counterparties may experience financial difficulties or otherwise be unwilling or unable to honor their obligations, possibly resulting in losses to the Fund. There is a risk that the Adviser's use of derivatives, such as futures and forward contracts, to manage the Fund's volatility may be ineffective or may exacerbate losses, for example, if the derivative or the underlying assets decrease in value over time.<br>**Equity Securities Risk**<br> The value of the Fund's investments in equity securities could be subject to unpredictable declines in the value of individual securities and periods of below-average performance in individual securities or in the equity market as a whole. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of the issuer's bonds generally take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred stock or common stock.<br>**Interest Rate Risk**<br> Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of the Fund's investments will fall if interest rates rise. Generally, the value of fixed-income securities rises when prevailing interest rates fall and falls when interest rates rise. Interest rate risk generally is greater for funds that invest in fixed-income securities with relatively longer durations than for funds that invest in fixed-income securities with shorter durations. In addition, an economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these securities and reduce the Fund's ability to sell them, negatively impacting the performance of the Fund. Potential future changes in government monetary policy may affect the level of interest rates.<br>**Currency Risk**<br> Fluctuations in the exchange rates between different currencies may negatively affect an investment. The Fund may be subject to currency risk because it may invest a significant portion of its assets in currency-related instruments and may invest in securities or other instruments denominated in, or that generate income denominated in, foreign currencies. The Fund may elect not to hedge currency risk, or may hedge such risk imperfectly, which may cause the Fund to incur losses that would not have been incurred had the risk been hedged.<br>**Commodity Risk** <br> This is the risk that exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of physical commodities or commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity price volatility, changes in interest rates, currency fluctuations, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. | Derivative contracts entered into for hedging purposes may also subject the Fund to losses if the contracts do not correlate with the assets, indexes or rates they were designed to hedge. In regard to currency hedging using forward contracts, itis generally not possible to precisely match the foreign currency exposure of such foreign currency forward contracts to the value of the securities involved due to fluctuations in the market values of such securities and cash flows into and out of the Fund between the date a foreign currency forward contract is entered into and the date it expires.<br>As an investment company registered with the SEC, the Fund is subject to Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, which applies to the Fund's use of derivative investments and certain financing transactions (e.g., reverse repurchase agreements). Among other things, Rule 18f-4 requires the Fund to apply a value-at-risk based limit to its use of certain derivative instruments and financing transactions and to adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program. The application of Rule 18f-4 to the Fund could restrict the Fund's ability to utilize derivative investments and financing transactions and prevent the Fund from implementing its principal investment strategies as described herein, which may result in changes to the Fund's principal investment strategies and could adversely affect the Fund's performance and its ability to achieve its investment objective.<br>Governments, agencies and/or other regulatory bodies may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the Fund's ability to invest in derivatives as the Fund's subadviser intends. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), among other things, grants the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC") and SEC broad rulemaking authority to implement various provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act including comprehensive regulation of the over-the-counter ("OTC") derivatives market. The implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act could adversely affect the Fund by placing limits on derivative transactions, and/or increasing transaction and/or regulatory compliance costs. For example, the CFTC has adopted rules that apply a new aggregation standard for position limit purposes, which may further limit the Fund's ability to trade futures contracts and swaps.<br>There are also special tax rules applicable to certain types of derivatives, which could affect the amount, timing and character of the Fund's income or loss and hence of its distributions to shareholders by causing holding period adjustments, converting short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses, and accelerating the Fund's income or deferring its losses. The Fund's use of derivatives may also increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders or the resources required by the Fund or its adviser and/or subadviser to comply with particular regulatory requirements.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• *Futures Risk*. Futures trading is speculative and volatile, and trading in the futures markets typically |

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| **Allocation Risk**<br> This is the risk that the Adviser's judgments about, and allocations between, asset classes and market exposures may adversely affect the Fund's performance. The allocation, as set forth above, may not be optimal in every market condition. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund as a result of this allocation. This risk can be increased by the use of derivatives to increase allocations to various market exposures. This is because derivatives can create investment leverage, which will magnify the impact to the Fund of its investment in any underperforming market exposure. <br>**Commodity Subsidiary Risk**<br> Investing in the Commodity Subsidiary will indirectly expose the Fund to the risks associated with the Commodity Subsidiary's investments, such as commodity risk. The Commodity Subsidiary is not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") and is not subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands, under which the Fund and the Commodity Subsidiary, respectively, are organized, could negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders. <br>**Concentrated Investment Risk**<br> The Fund is particularly vulnerable to events affecting companies in the financial services industry because the Fund concentrates its investments in securities and other obligations of issuers in such industry. Examples of risks affecting the financial services industry include changes in governmental regulation, issues relating to the availability and cost of capital, changes in interest rates and/or monetary policy and price competition. In addition, financial services companies are often more highly leveraged than other companies, making them inherently riskier. As a result, the Fund's shares may rise and fall in value more rapidly and to a greater extent than shares of a fund that does not concentrate or focus in a particular industry or economic sector. <br>**Credit/Counterparty Risk**<br> Credit/counterparty risk is the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to a derivative or other transaction, will be unable or unwilling to make timely payments of interest or principal or to otherwise honor its obligations. As a result, the Fund may sustain losses or be unable or delayed in its ability to realize gains. The Fund will be subject to credit/counterparty risk with respect to the counterparties to its derivatives transactions. This risk will be heightened to the extent the Fund enters into derivative transactions with a single counterparty (or affiliated counterparties that are part of the same organization), causing the Fund to have significant exposure to such counterparty. Many of the protections afforded to participants on organized exchanges and clearinghouses, such as the performance guarantee given by a central clearinghouse, are not available in connection with OTC derivatives transactions, such as foreign currency transactions. For centrally | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; results in volatile performance. The price movements of futures contracts are influenced by changing supply and demand relationships, agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies, national and international political and economic events, crop diseases, climate, the purchasing and marketing programs of different nations, changes in interest rates and numerous other factors. In addition, governments occasionally intervene, directly and by regulation, in certain markets, particularly those in currencies and interest rates. Government intervention is often intended to influence prices directly. The Fund cannot control these factors and therefore could incur substantial or total losses. In addition, the low margin deposits normally required to trade futures contracts (typically between 2% and 15% of the value of the contract purchased or sold) permit a high degree of leverage. For example, if 10% of the contract price is deposited as margin, a 10% decrease in the contract price would result in a total loss of the margin deposit before any deduction for brokerage commissions. A decrease of more than 10% of the contract price would result in a loss of more than the total margin deposit. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement in a contract may cause immediate and substantial losses to the Fund. The use of leverage may result in losses that exceed the amount of capital invested.<br>**Equity Securities Risk**<br> Generally, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed income securities. The prices of equity securities will rise and fall in response to a number of different factors. In particular, equity securities will respond to events that affect entire financial markets or industries (such as changes in inflation or consumer demand) and to events that affect particular issuers (such as news about the success or failure of a new product). Equity securities also are subject to "stock market risk," meaning that stock prices in general may decline over short or extended periods of time. When the value of the stocks held by the Fund goes down, the value of the Fund's shares will be affected.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• *Large Market Capitalization Companies Risk*. The value of investments in larger companies may not rise as much as investments in smaller companies, and larger companies may be unable to respond quickly to competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes.<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• *Small and Medium Market Capitalization Companies Risk*. Small and medium-sized companies often have narrower markets, fewer products or services to offer, and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies. As a result, the performance of small and medium-sized companies may be more volatile, and they may face a greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility and risk of loss to the Fund. |

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| cleared derivatives, such as cleared swaps, futures and many options, the primary credit/counterparty risk is the creditworthiness of the Fund's clearing broker and the central clearinghouse itself. <br>**Cybersecurity and Technology Risk**<br> The Fund, its service providers, and other market participants increasingly depend on complex information technology and communications systems, which are subject to a number of different threats and risks that could adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders. Cybersecurity and other operational and technology issues may result in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. <br>**Foreign Securities Risk**<br> Investments in foreign securities may be subject to greater political, economic, environmental, credit/counterparty and information risks. The Fund's investments in foreign securities also are subject to foreign currency fluctuations and other foreign currency-related risks. Foreign securities may be subject to higher volatility than U.S. securities, varying degrees of regulation and limited liquidity. <br>**Leverage Risk**<br> Taking short positions in securities results in a form of leverage. Leverage is the risk associated with securities or investment practices (e.g., borrowing and the use of certain derivatives) that multiply small index, market or asset-price movements into larger changes in value. The use of leverage increases the impact of gains and losses on the Fund's returns, and may lead to significant losses if investments are not successful. <br>**LIBOR Risk**<br> LIBOR risk is the risk that the transition away from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR. LIBOR is a benchmark interest rate that is used extensively as a "reference rate" for financial instruments, including many corporate and municipal bonds, bank loans, asset-backed and mortgage-related securities, interest rate swaps and other derivatives. ICE Benchmark Administration, the administrator of LIBOR, ceased publication of most LIBOR settings on a representative basis at the end of 2021 and is expected to cease publication of a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR settings on a representative basis after June 30, 2023. In addition, global regulators have announced that, with limited exceptions, no new LIBOR-based contracts should be entered into after 2021. The transition away from LIBOR poses a number of other risks, including changed values of LIBOR-related investments and reduced effectiveness of hedging strategies, each of which may adversely affect the Fund's performance. <br>**Liquidity Risk**<br> Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund may be unable to find a buyer for its investments when it seeks to sell them | **Interest Rate Risk**<br> The values of debt instruments usually rise and fall in response to changes in interest rates. Declining interest rates generally increase the value of existing debt instruments, and rising interest rates generally decrease the value of existing debt instruments. Changes in a debt instrument's value usually will not affect the amount of interest income paid to the Fund, but will affect the value of the Fund's shares. Interest rate risk is generally greater for investments with longer maturities.<br>Certain securities pay interest at variable or floating rates. Variable rate securities reset at specified intervals, while floating rate securities reset whenever there is a change in a specified index rate. In most cases, these reset provisions reduce the effect of changes in market interest rates on the value of the security. However, some securities do not track the underlying index directly, but reset based on formulas that can produce an effect similar to leveraging; others may also provide for interest payments that vary inversely with market rates. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate significantly when interest rates change.<br>Some investments give the issuer the option to call or redeem an investment before its maturity date. If an issuer calls or redeems an investment during a time of declining interest rates, a fund might have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, and therefore it might not benefit from any increase in value as a result of declining interest rates.<br>**Currency Rate Risk**<br> Because the foreign securities in which the Fund invests generally trade in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and the Fund invests significantly in foreign currency-related instruments, changes in currency exchange rates will affect the Fund's net asset value, the value of dividends and interest earned, and gains and losses realized on the sale of securities. Because the value of the Fund's shares is calculated in U.S. dollars, it is possible for the Fund to lose money by investing in a foreign security if the local currency of a foreign market depreciates against the U.S. dollar, even if the local currency value of the Fund's holdings goes up. Generally, a strong U.S. dollar relative to such other currencies will adversely affect the value of the Fund's holdings in foreign securities.<br>**Foreign Currency Transactions Risk**<br> The Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions, including foreign currency forward contracts, options, swaps and other similar strategic transactions. These transactions may be for the purposes of hedging or efficient portfolio management, or may be for investment purposes, and they may be exchange traded or traded directly with market counterparties. Such investments may not prove successful or may have the effect of limiting gains from favorable market movements. The Fund may use derivatives to acquire positions in various currencies, which presents the risk that the Fund could lose money on its exposure to a particular currency |

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| or to receive the price it expects. Decreases in the number of financial institutions willing to make markets in the Fund's investments or in their capacity or willingness to transact may increase the Fund's exposure to this risk. Events that may lead to increased redemptions, such as market disruptions or increases in interest rates, may also negatively impact the liquidity of the Fund's investments when it needs to dispose of them. If the Fund is forced to sell its investments at an unfavorable time and/or under adverse conditions in order to meet redemption requests, such sales could negatively affect the Fund. During times of market turmoil, there may be no buyers or sellers for securities in certain asset classes. In other circumstances, liquid investments may become illiquid. Derivatives, and particularly OTC derivatives, are generally subject to liquidity risk as well. Liquidity issues may also make it difficult to value the Fund's investments. The Fund may invest in liquid investments that become illiquid due to financial distress, or geopolitical events such as sanctions, trading halts or wars. <br>**Management Risk**<br> A strategy used by the Fund's portfolio managers may fail to produce the intended result. <br>**Market/Issuer Risk**<br> The market value of the Fund's investments will move up and down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based upon overall market and economic conditions, as well as a number of reasons that directly relate to the issuers of the Fund's investments, such as management performance, financial condition and demand for the issuers' goods and services. The Adviser will attempt to reduce this risk by implementing various volatility management strategies and techniques. However, there is no guarantee that such strategies and techniques will produce the intended result. <br>**Models and Data Risk**<br> The Adviser utilizes various proprietary quantitative models to identify investment opportunities. There is a possibility that one or all of the quantitative models may fail to identify profitable opportunities at any time. Furthermore, the models may incorrectly identify opportunities and these misidentified opportunities may lead to substantial losses for the Fund. Models may be predictive in nature and such models may result in an incorrect assessment of future events. Data used in the construction of models may prove to be inaccurate or stale, which may result in losses for the Fund. <br>**Short Exposure Risk**<br> A short exposure through a derivative or short sale may present various risks, including credit/counterparty risk and leverage risk. If the value of the asset, asset class or index on which the Fund has obtained a short investment exposure increases, the Fund will incur a loss. Unlike a direct cash investment such as a stock, bond or exchange-traded fund ("ETF"), where the potential loss is limited to the purchase price, the potential risk of loss from a short exposure is theoretically unlimited. Moreover, there can | and also lose money on the derivative. The Fund also may take positions in currencies that do not correlate to the currency exposure presented by the Fund's other investments. As a result, the Fund's currency exposure may differ, in some cases significantly, from the currency exposure of its other investments and/or its benchmarks.<br>**Commodity and Commodity-linked Instruments Risk**<br> Investments by the Fund in commodities or commodity-linked instruments may subject the Fund's portfolio to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked instruments may be affected by overall market movements, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. Individual commodity prices can fluctuate widely over short time periods. Commodity investments typically do not have dividends or income and are dependent on price movements to generate returns. Commodity price movements can deviate from equity and fixed income price movements. The means by which the Fund seeks exposure to commodities, both directly and indirectly through derivatives, may be limited by the Fund's intention to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code.<br>**Allocation Risk**<br> The Fund's investment performance depends, in part, upon how its assets are allocated and reallocated by its subadviser. If the Fund's exposure to derivatives, equities or other asset classes, deviates from the subadviser's intended allocation, or if the Fund's allocation is not optimal for market conditions at a given time, the Fund's performance may suffer.<br>**Financial Services Industry Concentration Risk**<br> The value of the investments of a fund that focuses its investments in a particular industry will be highly sensitive to financial, economic, political and other developments affecting that industry, and conditions that negatively impact that industry will have a greater impact on that fund as compared with a fund that does not have its holdings similarly focused. Events negatively affecting the financial services industry are therefore likely to cause the value of the Fund's shares to decrease, perhaps significantly.<br>**Counterparty Risk**<br> When a fund engages in investment techniques in which it relies on another party to consummate the transaction, the fund is subject to the risk of default by the other party. To the extent that the Fund enters into multiple transactions with a single or limited number of counterparties, the Fund will be subject to increased levels of counterparty risk.<br>**Credit Risk**<br> There is a risk that the issuer of a debt instrument will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that |

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| be no assurance that securities necessary to cover (repurchase in order to close) a short position will be available for purchase. The Fund may be unable to borrow securities in connection with a short sale or to enter into a short position at an advantageous time or price, which could limit its ability to obtain the desired short exposure. <br>**U.S. Government Securities Risk**<br> Investments in certain U.S. government securities may not be supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, and it is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future. In such a case, the Fund would have to look principally to the agency, instrumentality or sponsored enterprise issuing or guaranteeing the security for ultimate repayment, and the Fund may not be able to assert a claim against the U.S. government itself in the event the agency, instrumentality or sponsored enterprise does not meet its commitment. Concerns about the capacity of the U.S. government to meet its obligations may raise the interest rates payable on its securities, negatively impacting the price of such securities already held by the Fund. <br>**Valuation Risk** <br> This is the risk that the Fund has valued certain securities or positions at a higher price than the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments, such as derivatives, that may be illiquid or may become illiquid.<br>| negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline. Debt instruments rated below investment-grade are especially susceptible to this risk. To the extent that the Fund acquires multiple debt instruments issued by a single or limited number of issuers, the Fund will be subject to increased levels of credit risk.<br>**Foreign Investing Risk**<br> Investing in securities of non-U.S. companies involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies, and the values of non-U.S. securities may be more volatile than those of U.S. securities. The values of non-U.S. securities are subject to economic and political developments in countries and regions where the issuers operate or are domiciled, or where the securities are traded, such as changes in economic or monetary policies, and to changes in currency exchange rates. Values may also be affected by restrictions on receiving the investment proceeds from a non-U.S. country.<br>In general, less information is publicly available about non-U.S. companies than about U.S. companies. Non-U.S. companies are generally not subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards as are U.S. companies. Certain foreign issuers classified as passive foreign investment companies may be subject to additional taxation risk.<br>**Leverage Risk**<br>When the Fund makes investments in futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps and other derivative instruments, the futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps and certain other derivatives provide the economic effect of financial leverage by creating additional investment exposure, as well as the potential for greater loss. When the Fund uses leverage through activities such as borrowing, entering into short sales, purchasing securities on margin or on a when-issued basis, or purchasing derivative instruments in an effort to increase its returns, the Fund has the risk of magnified capital losses that occur when losses affect an asset base, enlarged by borrowings or the creation of liabilities, that exceeds the net assets of the Fund. The value of the shares of the Fund employing leverage will be more volatile and sensitive to market movements. Leverage may also involve the creation of a liability that requires the Fund to pay interest.<br>**Liquidity Risk**<br> Certain securities in which the Fund invests may be difficult to sell at the time and price beneficial to the Fund, for example due to low trading volumes or legal restrictions. When there is no willing buyer or a security cannot be readily sold, the Fund may have to sell at a lower price or may be unable to sell the security at all. The sale of such securities may also require the Fund to incur expenses in addition to those normally associated with the sale of a security. |

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In addition to this, certain shareholders, including affiliates of the Fund's investment adviser and/or subadviser, may from time to time own or control a significant percentage of the Fund's shares. Redemptions by these shareholders of their shares of the Fund may increase the Fund's liquidity risk by causing the Fund to have to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or price.<br>**Management Risk**<br> The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment portfolio. The subadviser's judgments about the attractiveness and potential appreciation of a security may prove to be inaccurate and may not produce the desired results. The subadviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there is no guarantee that its decisions will produce the intended result.<br>**Market Volatility Risk**<br> The value of the securities in the Fund may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies and/or general economic conditions. Price changes may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments, including hampering the ability of the Fund's portfolio manager(s) to invest the Fund's assets as intended.<br>**Non-U.S. Government Securities**<br> When the Fund invests in debt instruments issued by a government outside the U.S., the Fund is exposed to the risks that: (a) the governmental entity that controls the repayment of government debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or to pay the interest when it becomes due, due to factors such as political considerations, the relative size of the governmental entity's debt position in relation to the economy, cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, the failure to put in place economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies, and/or other national economic factors; (b) the issuing government may default on its debt instruments, which may require holders of such securities to participate in debt rescheduling; and (c) there is no legal or bankruptcy process by which defaulted government debt may be collected in whole or in part.<br>**Quantitative Model Risk**<br> The Fund relies heavily on quantitative models, which are constructed using information and data supplied by third-party vendors. When a model proves to be incorrect or incomplete, any decisions made in reliance thereon expose the Fund to potential risks. The success of relying on such models may depend on the accuracy and reliability of historical data supplied by third-party vendors. All models rely on correct market data inputs. If incorrect market data is entered into even a well-founded model, the resulting information will be incorrect. However, even if market data is inputted correctly, "model prices" will often differ substantially from market prices, especially for securities with complex characteristics such as derivative securities, or may perform differently from their expected performance for many reasons, including factors used in building the quantitative analytical framework, the weights placed on each factor, and changing sources of market returns.<br>Use of a model does not guarantee any particular results. The rebalancing techniques used by the Fund's subadviser may result in a higher portfolio turnover rate and related expenses compared to traditional "buy and hold" or index fund strategies. A higher portfolio turnover rate increases the likelihood of higher gains or losses for investors. In addition, others may attempt to utilize public information related to the Fund's investment strategy in a way that may affect performance.<br>

**Short Sales Risk**<br> The Fund may engage in short sales, which are transactions in which a fund sells a security that it does not own (or that it owns but does not intend to deliver) in anticipation that the price of the security will decline. In order to establish a short position in a security, the Fund must first borrow the security from a broker or other institution to complete the sale. The Fund may not always be able to borrow a security, or to close out a short position at a particular time or at an acceptable price. If the price of the borrowed security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the security, the Fund may experience a loss. The Fund's loss on a short sale is limited only by the maximum attainable price of the security (which could be limitless) less the price the Fund paid for the security at the time it was borrowed.<br>**Subsidiary Risk**<br> By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary's investments, which are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund. The Subsidiary is not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and is not subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement and the Fund's Statement of Additional Information, and could adversely affect the Fund. For example, the Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, gift tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If the Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, shareholders of the Fund would likely suffer decreased investment returns.<br>**U.S. Government Securities Risk**<br> Obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities and instrumentalities and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States only guarantee principal and interest will be timely paid to holders of the securities. The entities do not guarantee that the value of Fund shares will increase, and in fact the market values of such obligations may fluctuate. In addition, not all U.S. Government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States; some are the obligation solely of the entity through which they are issued. There is no guarantee that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies and instrumentalities if not required to do so by law.<br>**Valuation Risk**<br> This is the risk that the Fund has valued certain securities or positions at a higher price than the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments, such as derivatives, that may be illiquid or may become illiquid.<br>

**Additional Risks Associated with Fund Operations**

In addition to the risks associated with their Principal Investment Strategies, the Acquiring Funds are subject to the following risks associated with their operations.

**Cybersecurity**

With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct business, the Acquiring Funds are potentially more susceptible to operational and information security risks through breaches in cybersecurity. In general, a breach in cybersecurity can result from either a deliberate attack or an unintentional event. Cybersecurity breaches may involve, among other things, infection by computer viruses or other malicious software code or unauthorized access to the digital information systems, networks or devices of the Funds or their service providers (including, but not limited to, the Funds' investment adviser, subadviser, transfer agent, custodian, administrators and other financial intermediaries) through "hacking" or other means, in each case for the purpose of misappropriating assets or sensitive information (including, for example, personal shareholder information), corrupting data or causing operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Funds. Any such cybersecurity breaches or losses of service may cause the Funds to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity, which, in turn, could cause the Funds to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures, and/or financial loss. While the Funds and their service providers have established business continuity plans and risk management systems designed to prevent or reduce the impact of cybersecurity attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems due in part to the ever-changing nature of technology and cybersecurity attack tactics, and there is a possibility that certain risks have not been adequately identified or prepared for. Cybersecurity risks may also impact issuers of securities in which the Funds invest, which may cause the Funds' investments in such issuers to lose value.

**Operational**

An investment in an Acquiring Fund, like any mutual fund, can involve operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors, human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology, changes in personnel and errors caused by third-party service providers. The occurrence of any of these failures, errors or breaches could result in a loss of information, regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage or other events, any of which could have a material adverse effect on a Fund. While the Funds seek to minimize such events through controls and oversight, there may still be failures that could cause losses to a Fund.

*Please refer to the Acquired Funds' prospectuses and statement of additional information and to the Acquiring Funds' SAI for more information on risks.* 

**INFORMATION ABOUT THE REORGANIZATION**

**Board Considerations**

At a meeting held on December 6-7, 2022, the Board of the Selling Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Funds, considered (with the advice and assistance of independent legal counsel) a proposal made by Natixis and AlphaSimplex to approve the Reorganizations as set forth in the Plan. After careful consideration, based upon the recommendation of Natixis and AlphaSimplex, the Board's evaluation of the relevant information provided by Virtus, Natixis, and AlphaSimplex at the request of the Board, and in light of its fiduciary duties under federal and state law, the Board, including all Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Selling Trust under the 1940 Act, determined that the Reorganizations are in the best interests of the Acquired Funds and their shareholders and that the interests of existing shareholders of the Acquired Funds will not be diluted as a result of the Reorganizations, and recommended that shareholders of each Acquired Fund approve the Plan.

The Board considered the terms of the Plan and determined that the Reorganizations would provide Acquired Fund shareholders with the options of (1) continuing to pursue their investment objectives through the corresponding Acquiring Fund which is designed to be substantially identical from an investment perspective to the Acquired Fund or (2) for any shareholders who did not wish to participate in the Reorganization, redeeming their investment in the Acquired Fund or exchanging their Acquired Fund shares for shares of another fund in the Selling Trust, which might have tax consequences for them.

In approving the Reorganizations, the Board considered various factors it deemed relevant, including the following factors, among others, none of which by itself was considered dispositive. The determinations were made on the basis of the business judgment of the Board after consideration of all of the factors taken as a whole, though individual members of the Board may have placed different weight on various factors and assigned different degrees of materiality to various conclusions.

**The Terms and Conditions of the Reorganization.** The Board considered the terms of the Plan with respect to each Acquired Fund, and, in particular, that the transfer of the assets of an Acquired Fund will be in exchange solely for Class A, Class C, Class I and Class R6 shares of the corresponding Acquiring Fund and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all of the liabilities of the corresponding Acquired Fund. The Board also considered the fact that no sales loads, commissions or other transactional fees would be imposed on shareholders in connection with the Reorganization. In addition, the Board considered that pursuant to the Plan, the aggregate net asset value of Acquiring Fund shares to be credited to each Acquired Fund shareholder's account will equal, on a class-by-class basis, the aggregate net asset value of Acquired Fund shares that each shareholder holds immediately prior to the Reorganization. As a result, the Board considered that the interests of the Acquired Funds' shareholders would not be diluted as a result of the Reorganizations. The Board also considered that the Reorganizations would be submitted to the Acquired Funds' shareholders for approval.

**Investment Objectives and Strategies; Continuity of Subadviser.** The Board considered that each Acquiring Fund is designed to be substantially identical from an investment perspective to the corresponding Acquired Fund, except that Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund will not concentrate in the financial services industry as AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund currently does. The investment objectives and investment strategies of each Acquiring Fund otherwise will be substantially identical to those of the corresponding Acquired Fund. The Board also considered that the substantially identical investment strategies, together with the fact that AlphaSimplex would serve as subadviser to the Acquiring Funds, would provide continuity of portfolio management expertise to the shareholders of the Acquired Funds.

**Relative Expense Ratios; Limitation on Expenses; Management Fees.** The Board considered information regarding comparative expense ratios (current expense ratios for the Acquired Funds' shares, and estimated pro forma expense ratios for the Acquiring Funds' shares), which indicated that, after applicable fee waivers, the total annual operating expense ratios for the Acquiring Funds' Class A, Class C, Class R6 and Class I shares will be the same as or lower than the total annual operating expense ratios for the Acquired Funds' Class A, Class C, Class N and Class Y shares, respectively. The Board considered that an expense limitation agreement is in effect through April 30, 2023, for the Acquired Funds. The Board also considered VAIA's representation that, for at least two years following the Reorganization, the Acquiring Funds' total annual expense ratios after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements will not be raised. The Board considered that the Acquiring Funds will have the same management fees as the Acquired Funds.

**Distribution Capabilities; Economies of Scale.** The Board considered the fund distribution capabilities of VAIA and its affiliates and their commitment to distribute the shares of each Acquiring Fund. The Board also considered VAIA's representation that the Reorganizations provide the Acquired Funds with potential asset growth opportunities that, if realized, could result in Acquired Fund shareholders experiencing economies of scale over time.

**The Experience and Expertise of the Adviser and Subadviser.** The Board considered the following information that was provided to it regarding VAIA: (1) VAIA is an experienced provider of investment advisory services to open-end and closed-end funds; and (2) VAIA and its affiliates currently advise over 100 open-end and closed-end funds.

The Board considered that AlphaSimplex, the current investment adviser to the Acquired Funds, would provide subadvisory services to the Acquiring Funds. The Board noted that AlphaSimplex's principals have significant investment experience related to the investment management of the Acquired Funds and other client accounts in the strategy of the Acquired Funds. The Board also noted that, by engaging AlphaSimplex as the subadviser to the Acquiring Funds, the Acquiring Funds will be advised by the same portfolio management team at AlphaSimplex that currently advises the Acquired Funds. The Board also reviewed the financial condition and asset management practices, capabilities, and resources of Virtus.

**Tax Consequences.** The Board considered that each Reorganization is expected to be a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes. The Board further noted that Virtus and AlphaSimplex expect that neither the Acquired Funds nor their shareholders will recognize any gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a direct result of the Reorganizations.

**Expenses Relating to the Reorganizations.** The Board considered that Virtus and Natixis (or their respective affiliates) will pay all direct costs relating to the Reorganizations, including the costs of preparing the Plan and Proxy Statement and seeking approval of the Plan from the Acquired Funds' shareholders. The Board also considered that the Acquired Funds and their shareholders will not incur any direct expenses in connection with the Reorganizations.

**The Terms of the Acquisition.** The Board considered that in connection with the Acquisition, Virtus will pay Natixis a fee upon the consummation of the Acquisition. The Board considered that this fee is payable by Virtus and not by the Acquired Funds or the Acquiring Funds. The Board considered the representation from Virtus to conduct the Reorganizations in conformity with Section 15(f) of the 1940 Act so as not to impose an "unfair burden" on the Funds, and determined each Fund was in compliance with the provisions of Section 15(f). The Board also considered that each Reorganization is contingent on certain conditions of the Plan being satisfied or waived by mutual agreement of the parties thereto, including that the Acquisition is completed.

**Other Alternatives.** The Board considered alternatives to the Reorganizations, including the continuation of each Acquired Fund under the current structure or liquidation of an Acquired Fund. After considering the merits and viability of the other alternatives, the Board concluded that the possible alternatives, including maintaining the current Acquired Fund structure, were less desirable than the Reorganizations.

Based on the information provided by Virtus, Natixis, and AlphaSimplex, and as presented to the Board, the Board determined that the Reorganizations are in the best interests of the Acquired Funds and their shareholders. The Board approved the Reorganizations, subject to approval by shareholders of each Acquired Fund and the solicitation of the shareholders of each Acquired Fund to vote "FOR" the approval of the Plan, the form of which is attached to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement in ***Exhibit A***.

**Agreement and Plan of Reorganization**

The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Plan (the form of which is attached as ***<u>Exhibit A</u>*** to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement).

The Plan provides that all of the property and assets of each Acquired Fund will be acquired by the corresponding Acquiring Fund in exchange solely for Class A, Class C, Class R6 and Class I shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all of the liabilities of the corresponding Acquired Fund, on such date as may be agreed upon by the parties (the "Closing Date"). Prior to the Closing Date, each Acquired Fund will use its best efforts to discharge all of its known liabilities and obligations that are or will become due prior to the Closing Date. Each Acquired Fund will prepare an unaudited statement of its assets and liabilities as of the Closing Date.

The number of full and fractional shares of each class of the corresponding Acquiring Fund to be received by the shareholders of an Acquired Fund will be determined by dividing the value of the net assets of each class of the Acquired Fund by the net asset value per share of the corresponding class of the Acquiring Fund. These computations will take place immediately after the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (the "Valuation Date"). The net asset value per share of each class of a Fund will be determined by dividing assets, less liabilities, in each case attributable to the respective class, by the total number of outstanding shares.

The respective accounting agent for each of the Acquired Funds and Acquiring Funds will compute the value of the net assets of each class of each such Fund on the Valuation Date for purposes of the Reorganizations using the valuation procedures for the Acquiring Funds approved by the Board of Trustees of the Acquiring Trust as described in the Acquiring Funds' then-current prospectus and SAI, Rules 2a-5 and 22c-1 under the 1940 Act, and the interpretations of those rules by the SEC's Division of Investment Management. The Plan provides that in the case of differences in valuation between the Selling Trust's valuation procedures and the Acquiring Trust's valuation procedures, the parties shall discuss in good faith to resolve such differences prior to the Closing Date.

Immediately after the transfer of its assets to the corresponding Acquiring Fund, each Acquired Fund will liquidate and distribute pro rata to the shareholders as of the close of business on the Closing Date the full and fractional shares of the Acquiring Fund received by the Acquired Fund. The liquidation and distribution will be accomplished by the establishment of accounts in the names of Acquired Fund shareholders on the share records of the corresponding Acquiring Fund or its transfer agent. Each account will represent the respective pro rata number of full and fractional shares of the Acquiring Fund due to the Acquired Fund's shareholders. All issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Funds will be canceled. The shares of the Acquiring Funds to be issued will have no preemptive or conversion rights and no share certificates will be issued. After these distributions and the winding up of their affairs, the Acquired Funds will be terminated as series of the Selling Trust.

In accordance with the Plan, the Acquiring Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Funds, has agreed to assume all of the liabilities of the Acquired Funds.

The consummation of each Reorganization is subject to the conditions set forth in the Plan, including approval by the Acquired Funds' shareholders, accuracy of various representations and warranties and receipt of opinions of counsel. Notwithstanding approval of the Acquired Funds' shareholders, the Plan may be terminated by resolution of either the

Selling Trust's Board or the Acquiring Trust's Board, at any time prior to the Closing Date, if circumstances should develop that, in the opinion of the respective Board, make proceeding with a Reorganization inadvisable with respect to the respective Fund. The Plan also may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing Date (a) by the written consent of both of the parties; or (b) by either party (i) following a material breach by the other party of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained in the Plan, provided that the other party shall have been given a period of 10 business days from the date of the occurrence of such material breach to cure such breach and shall have failed to do so; or (ii) upon the occurrence of an event which has a material adverse effect upon the other party or its Fund that is involved in the Reorganization.

If the Reorganizations are not consummated, Virtus and Natixis (or their respective affiliates) will still pay the expenses incurred by the Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Funds in connection with the Reorganizations (including the cost of any proxy soliciting agent). No portion of the expenses will be borne directly or indirectly by the Acquired Funds, the Acquiring Funds or their shareholders.

If an Acquired Fund's shareholders do not approve a Reorganization, the Trustees of the Selling Trust will consider other possible courses of action in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders.

**Description of Acquiring Fund Shares**

Shares of the Acquiring Funds issued to the shareholders of the Acquired Funds pursuant to the Plan will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable when issued and will be transferable without restriction and will have no preemptive or conversion rights. Shares will be sold and redeemed based upon their NAV per share next determined after receipt of the purchase or redemption request, as described in the Acquiring Funds' SAI.

**Federal Income Tax Consequences**

The Reorganizations are intended to qualify for federal income tax purposes as a tax-free reorganization under section 368 of the Code. As a condition to the closing of the Reorganizations, the Funds will receive an opinion from the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery LLP to the effect that, for federal income tax purposes and based upon certain facts, assumptions, and representations, each Reorganization contemplated by the Plan will qualify as a tax-free reorganization described in section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code, and that each Fund will be "a party to a reorganization," within the meaning of section 368(b) of the Code.

If each Reorganization qualifies as a tax-free reorganization and each of the Funds is a party to a reorganization, as described above, then, as a result:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. No gain or loss will be recognized by an Acquiring Fund upon the receipt of the assets of the corresponding Acquired Fund solely in exchange for the shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all the liabilities of the corresponding Acquired Fund and issuance of shares of the Acquiring Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. No gain or loss will be recognized by an Acquired Fund on the transfer of its assets to the corresponding Acquiring Fund solely in exchange for the Acquiring Fund's shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of all the liabilities of the corresponding Acquired Fund or upon the distribution of the Acquiring Fund's shares to the corresponding Acquired Fund's shareholders in liquidation of the Acquired Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. No gain or loss will be recognized by an Acquired Fund's shareholders upon the exchange of their shares of the Acquired Fund for shares of the corresponding Acquiring Fund in liquidation of the Acquired Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. The aggregate tax basis of the shares of the Acquiring Fund received by each shareholder of the corresponding Acquired Fund pursuant to a Reorganization will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the shares of the Acquired Fund held by such shareholder immediately prior to the Reorganization, and the holding period of the shares of the Acquiring Fund received by each shareholder of an Acquired Fund will include the period during which the shares of the Acquired Fund exchanged therefor were held or treated for federal income tax purposes as held by such shareholder (provided that the shares of the Acquired Fund are held as capital assets on the date of the Reorganization);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. The tax basis of the assets of the Acquired Fund acquired by the corresponding Acquiring Fund will be the same as the tax basis of such assets to the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Reorganization, and the holding period of such assets in the hands of the Acquiring Fund will include the period during which the assets were held or treated for federal income tax purposes as held by the corresponding Acquired Fund; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. For purposes of Section 381 of the Code, an Acquiring Fund will be treated just as the corresponding Acquired Fund would have been treated if there had been no Reorganization. Accordingly, a Reorganization will not result in the termination of an Acquired Fund's taxable year, the Acquired Fund's tax attributes enumerated in Section 381(c) of the Code will be taken into account by the corresponding Acquiring Fund as if there had been no Reorganization, and the part of an Acquired Fund's last taxable year that began before the Reorganization will be included in the corresponding Acquiring Fund's first taxable year that ends after the Reorganization.

Opinions of counsel are not binding upon the Internal Revenue Service or the courts. If a Reorganization is consummated, but does not qualify as a tax-free reorganization under the Code, the relevant Acquired Fund would recognize gain or loss on the transfer of its assets to the corresponding Acquiring Fund and each shareholder of the Acquired Fund would recognize a taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between its tax basis in the Acquired Fund shares and the fair market value of the shares of the Acquiring Fund it received.

**Pro Forma Capitalization**

The following tables set forth the capitalization of each Acquired Fund as of June 30, 2022, and the capitalization of the corresponding Acquiring Fund on a pro forma basis as of that date, giving effect to the proposed acquisition of assets at net asset value. The pro forma data reflects an exchange ratio of 1.00 Class A shares, 1.00 Class C shares, 1.00 Class R6 shares and 1.00 Class I shares of an Acquiring Fund for each Class A, Class C, Class N and Class Y share, respectively, of the corresponding Acquired Fund.

**Capitalization of AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund and<br> Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund (Pro Forma)**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | <u>**<u>AlphaSimplex Global</u>**<br> **<u>Alternatives Fund</u>**</u> | <u>**<u>Adjustments<sup>(a)</sup></u>**</u> | <u>**<u>Virtus AlphaSimplex Global</u>** <br> **<u>Alternatives Fund (Pro Forma)</u>** <br> **<u>After Reorganization</u>**</u> |
| **Net Assets (in 000s)** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A | $14522 |  | $14522 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class C | 2752 |  | 2752 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class N | 38544 |  | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class R6 | N/A |  | 38544 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class Y | 178746 |  | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class I | <u><u>N/A</u></u> | <u><u>--</u></u> | <u><u>178746</u></u> |
| **Total Net Assets** | $**234564** |  | $**234564** |
| **Net Asset Value Per Share** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A | $10.47 | $-- | $10.47 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class C | $9.72 | $-- | $9.72 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class N | $10.66 | $-- | $N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class R6 | N/A | $-- | $10.66 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class Y | $10.67 | $-- | $N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class I | N/A | $-- | $10.67 |
| **Shares Outstanding (in 000s)** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A | 1387500 |  | 1387500 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class C | 283033 |  | 283033 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class N | 3615362 |  | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class R6 | N/A |  | 3615362 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class Y | 16748119 |  | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class I | <u><u>N/A</u></u> |  | <u>16748119</u> |
| **Total Shares Outstanding** | **22034014** |  | **22034014** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Virtus and Natixis (or their respective affiliates) will bear 100% of the direct expenses
 of the Reorganization. As a result, there are no pro forma adjustments
 to net assets with respect to costs of the Reorganization.

**Capitalization of AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund and<br> Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund (Pro Forma)**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | <u>**<u>AlphaSimplex Managed</u>** <br> **<u>Futures Strategy Fund</u>**</u> | <u>**<u>Adjustments</u>** **<u><sup>(a)</sup></u>**</u> | <u>**<u>Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed</u>** <br> **<u>Futures Strategy Fund (Pro Forma)</u>** <br> **<u>After Reorganization</u>**</u> |
| **Net Assets (in 000s)** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A | $142816 |  | $142816 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class C | 25953 |  | 25953 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class N | 402528 |  | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class R6 | N/A |  | 402528 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class Y | 2201992 |  | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class I | <u><u>N/A</u></u> | <u><u>--</u></u> | <u><u>2201992</u></u> |
| **Total Net Assets** | $**2773289** |  | $**2773289** |
| **Net Asset Value Per Share** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A | $13.57 | $-- | $13.57 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class C | $12.75 | $-- | $12.75 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class N | $13.76 | $-- | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class R6 | N/A | $-- | $13.76 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class Y | $13.73 | $-- | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class I | N/A | $<u><u>--</u></u> | $13.73 |
| **Shares Outstanding (in 000s)** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class A | 10521653 |  | 10521653 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class C | 2034884 |  | 2034884 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class N | 29248663 |  | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class R6 | N/A |  | 29248663 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class Y | 160392908 |  | N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Class I | <u><u>N/A</u></u> |  | <u>160392908</u> |
| **Total Shares Outstanding** | **202198108** |  | **202198108** |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Virtus and Natixis (or their respective affiliates) will bear 100% of the direct expenses
 of the Reorganization. As a result, there are no pro forma adjustments
 to net assets with respect to costs of the Reorganization.

The tables set forth above should not be relied upon to reflect the number of shares to be received in the Reorganizations; the actual number of shares to be received will depend upon the net asset value and number of shares outstanding of the Acquired Funds at the time of the Reorganization.

**Comparison of Distribution and Purchase, Redemption and Exchange Procedures**

Natixis Distribution, LLC ("Natixis Distribution"), located at 888 Boylston Street, Suite 800, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-8197, is the distributor and principal underwriter of the Acquired Funds' shares. Natixis Distribution is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). Prior to the Acquisition, Natixis Distribution is affiliated with AlphaSimplex through common ownership. Under a distribution agreement with the Selling Trust, Natixis Distribution acts as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Selling Trust in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Acquired Funds. Natixis Distribution continually distributes shares of the Acquired Funds on a best-efforts basis. Natixis Distribution has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of the Acquired Funds' shares.

VP Distributors, LLC ("VP Distributors"), located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103, will be the distributor and principal underwriter of the Acquiring Funds' shares. VP Distributors is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of FINRA. VP Distributors is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus and an affiliate of the Adviser, and after the Acquisition it will be an affiliate of AlphaSimplex. Under an underwriting agreement with the Acquiring Trust, VP Distributors will act as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Acquiring Trust in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Acquiring Funds. VP Distributors will continually distribute shares of the Acquiring Funds on a best-efforts basis. VP Distributors will have no obligation to sell any specific quantity of the Acquiring Funds' shares.

The Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Funds have all adopted distribution plans for their Class A and Class C shares in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act ("Rule 12b-1 Plan"), which allows the Class A and Class C shares to

pay distribution and other fees for the sale of Fund shares and for other services provided to shareholders. Under the Funds' Rule 12b-1 Plans, Class A and Class C shares pay a service fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of such class of the Fund and a distribution fee based on average daily net assets at the rate 0.75% per annum for Class C shares. The Acquired Funds pay the 12b-1 fees to securities dealers on a quarterly basis, while the Acquiring funds will pay the 12b-1 fees to compensate VP Distributors for the services it provides and for the expenses it bears under the underwriting agreement.

**Purchase, Redemption and Exchange Procedures**

**Purchase Procedures**. The purchase procedures for the Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Funds are similar. Investors may invest by contacting the Funds through a broker or other financial institution who sells shares of the Funds, or by mail, telephone or wire. Investors may also contact the Acquired Funds through the internet.

For Class A and Class C shares of the Acquired Funds, the minimum initial investment amount is $2,500 and the minimum subsequent investment amount is $50. The minimum initial investment amount is $1,000 for shareholders participating in Natixis Funds' Investment Builder Program and for Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, Rollover IRA, SEP-IRA and Keogh plans using the Natixis Funds' prototype document, and is $500 for Coverdell Education Savings Accounts using the Natixis Funds' prototype document. In addition there is no initial or subsequent investment minimum for Fee Based Programs (such as wrap accounts) where an advisory fee is paid to the broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, certain retirement plans, and clients of a Registered Investment Adviser where the Registered Investment Adviser receives an advisory, management or consulting fee. For Class N Shares, the initial investment minimum is $1,000,000 for Fee Based Programs and accounts (such as wrap accounts) where an advisory fee is paid to the broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, accounts established via a transfer, or any other transaction in which a new account is established, but there is no initial investment minimum for certain retirement plans, sub-accounts held within an omnibus account, where the omnibus account has at least $1,000,000, or funds of funds that are distributed by the distributor of the Acquired Funds. Class Y shares are generally subject to a minimum initial investment of $100,000 and a minimum subsequent investment of $50, except there is no minimum initial or subsequent investment for Fee Based Programs (such as wrap accounts) where an advisory fee is paid to the broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, certain retirement plans, certain Individual Retirement Accounts if the amounts invested represent rollover distributions from investments by any of the retirement plans invested in the Fund, clients of a Registered Investment Adviser where the Registered Investment Adviser receives an advisory, management or consulting fee, or Fund Trustees, former Fund trustees, employees of affiliates of the Natixis Funds and other individuals who are affiliated with any Natixis Fund.

For Class A and Class C shares of the Acquiring Funds, the minimum initial investment will generally be $2,500 and the minimum subsequent investment will be $100, except that both the initial and subsequent minimum investment amounts are $100 for investments pursuant to the "Systematic Purchase" plan, a bank draft investing program administered by the Transfer Agent, or pursuant to the Systematic Exchange privilege or for an IRA. For Class I shares, the minimum initial investment will be $100,000 and there will be no subsequent minimum investment. In addition, for purchases of Class I shares (i) by private clients of the adviser, subadviser and their affiliates, (ii) through certain programs and defined contribution plans with which the Distributor or Transfer Agent has an arrangement or (iii) by Trustees of the Virtus Funds and directors, officers and employees of Virtus and its affiliates, the minimum initial investment is waived. Class R6 shares are offered without a minimum initial investment to the following investors in plan level or omnibus accounts only: certain employer sponsored retirement plans, including profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, plans described in Section 401(k), 403(b) and 457 of the Internal Revenue Code, banks and trust companies, insurance companies, registered investment companies and financial intermediaries utilizing fund shares in fee-based advisory programs. Other institutional investors may be permitted to purchase Class R6 shares subject to the fund's determination of eligibility and may be subject to a $2,500,000 minimum initial investment requirement.

Acquired Fund shares may be purchased only in U.S. States and Territories in which they can be legally sold. Prospective investors should inquire as to whether shares of a Fund are available for offer and sale in their jurisdiction. The Funds reserve the right to refuse purchases if, in the judgment of a Fund, the transaction would adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders. The Funds have the right to reject any purchase order or cease offering any or all classes of shares at any time. Purchases made by check should be in U.S. dollars and made payable to Natixis Funds. Third party checks, traveler's checks, starter checks and credit card convenience checks will not be accepted, except that third party checks under $10,000 may be accepted.

Acquiring Fund shares will only be registered in the United States of America. Regulations outside of the United States may restrict the sale of Shares to certain non-U.S. investors or subject certain shareholder accounts to additional regulatory requirements. The Acquiring Trust reserves the right, however, to sell Acquiring Fund shares to certain non-U.S. investors in compliance with applicable law. The Acquiring Funds will reserve the right to refuse any purchase

order for any reason and will notify the investor of any such rejection in accordance with industry and regulatory standards, which is generally within three business days. Payment forms may be accepted at the discretion of the fund; however, the fund generally does not accept cash equivalents (such as traveler's checks, cashier's checks, money orders or bank drafts), starter checks, credit card convenience checks, or certain third-party checks.

If your payment is not received and collected, your purchase may be canceled and you could be liable for any losses or fees the Fund or the Adviser has incurred. Under applicable anti-money laundering regulations and other federal regulations, purchase orders may be suspended, restricted or canceled and the monies may be withheld. Additional information for the Acquiring Funds is set forth in the SAI.

**Redemption Procedures.** The Acquired Funds permit, and the Acquiring Funds will permit, redemptions by mail and telephone, and for shares purchased through a financial intermediary, through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary. The Acquired Funds also permit redemptions through wire and by internet. Additionally, each Fund has also reserved the right to redeem shares "in kind." Additional shareholder account information for the Acquiring Funds is set forth below, and in the SAI.

**Exchange Procedures.** Under certain circumstances, shares of the Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Funds may be exchanged for shares of the same class of other Natixis Funds or Virtus Funds, respectively. Additional information for the Acquiring Funds is set forth below, and in the SAI.

**MANAGEMENT OF THE ACQUIRING FUNDS**

AlphaSimplex is the investment adviser to the Acquired Funds. Following the Reorganization, VAIA and AlphaSimplex will serve as investment adviser and subadviser, respectively, to the Acquiring Funds.

**The Adviser**

VAIA is responsible for managing each Acquiring Fund's investment program and for the general operations of the Acquiring Funds, including oversight of the subadviser and recommending its hiring, termination and replacement.

Facts about VAIA:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• VAIA is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Virtus, a publicly traded multi-manager asset management business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• VAIA acts as the investment adviser to open- and closed-end funds totaling $1.2 billion in assets under management as of August 31, 2022.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• VAIA is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103.

**Management Fees**

For its management and supervision of the daily business affairs of the Acquiring Funds, VAIA is entitled to receive a monthly fee that is accrued daily against the value of each Fund's average daily net assets at the following annual rates:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **First $2 billion** | **$2+ billion** |
| Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund | 1.10% | 1.05% |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **First $2.5 billion** | **$2.5+ billion** |
| Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund | 1.25% | 1.20% |

---

Out of its investment management fee, VAIA pays the Subadviser a subadvisory fee. For its services to the Acquiring Funds, AlphaSimplex will receive as its subadvisory fee 50% of the net investment management fee.

VAIA has contractually agreed to limit total operating expenses (excluding certain expenses, such as front-end or contingent deferred sales charges, taxes, leverage and borrowing expenses (such as commitment, amendment and renewal expenses on credit or redemption facilities), interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, unusual or infrequently occurring expenses (such as litigation), acquired fund fees and expenses, and dividend expenses, if any) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.49% for Class A shares, 2.24% for Class C shares, 1.19% for Class R6 shares and 1.24% for Class I shares of Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund and 1.70% for Class A shares, 2.45% for Class C shares, 1.35% for Class R6 shares and 1.45% for Class I shares of Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund for two years from the date of the Reorganizations.

Following the contractual period, VAIA may discontinue these expense reimbursement arrangements at any time. Under certain conditions, VAIA may recapture operating expenses reimbursed and/or fees waived under these arrangements for a period of three years following the date such waiver or reimbursement occurred, provided that the recapture does not cause the Fund to exceed its expense limit in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, and any in effect at the time of recapture, after repayment is taken into account. The expense limitation agreement is terminable by mutual agreement of the Board of Trustees of the Acquiring Trust and VAIA.

**The Subadviser**

AlphaSimplex Group, LLC is the investment subadviser to the Acquiring Funds. Pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement with VAIA, the Subadviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of each Acquiring Fund's portfolio.

Facts about the Subadviser:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• AlphaSimplex will become an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus as of the closing of the Acquisition, and was founded in 1999.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• AlphaSimplex is located at 200 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• AlphaSimplex is a registered investment adviser that provides quantitative advisory and subadvisory services to mutual funds and to institutional clients, and had approximately $6.5 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2022.

The Acquiring Funds and VAIA have received shareholder approval to rely on an exemptive order and additional exemptive relief from the SEC that permits VAIA, subject to certain conditions and without the approval of shareholders, to: (a) select unaffiliated subadvisers, partially-owned affiliated subadvisers, and wholly-owned affiliated subadvisers, to manage all or a portion of the assets of the fund, and enter into subadvisory agreements with such subadvisers; (b) materially amend subadvisory agreements with such subadvisers; and (c) to continue the employment of existing subadvisers after events that under the 1940 Act and the relevant subadvisory agreements would otherwise cause an automatic termination of the subadvisory agreements. In such circumstances, shareholders would receive notice of such action. In addition, the exemptive relief permits each fund to disclose its advisory fees as follows: (a) advisory fees paid by the fund to VAIA and the subadvisory fees paid by VAIA to wholly-owned affiliated subadvisers for the fund may be disclosed on an aggregate basis, rather than disclosing the amounts paid to each individually; and (b) subadvisory fees paid by VAIA to multiple unaffiliated and partially-owned affiliated subadvisers for the fund may be disclosed on an aggregate basis, rather than disclosing the amounts paid to each such subadviser individually.

**Subadvisory Fees**

Under the terms of the Subadvisory Agreement, AlphaSimplex is paid by VAIA for providing subadvisory services to each Acquiring Fund. The Acquiring Funds do not pay a fee to AlphaSimplex. VAIA pays AlphaSimplex a subadvisory fee at the rate of 50% of the net investment management fee.

A discussion of the Acquiring Trust Board's consideration and approval of the investment advisory agreement between the Acquiring Trust, on behalf of each Acquiring Fund, and VAIA and the Subadvisory Agreement among the Acquiring Trust, the Subadviser and VAIA will be available in the Acquiring Trust's Semiannual Report applicable to the Acquiring Funds for the period from January 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023.

**Portfolio Management**

The following individuals will be jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Acquiring Funds' portfolios:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund | Alexander D. Healy (managed Acquired Fund since 2014)<br> Kathryn M. Kaminski (managed Acquired Fund since 2020)<br> Timothy J. Kang (managed Acquired Fund since 2020)<br> Peter A. Lee (managed Acquired Fund since 2010)<br> Philippe P. Lüdi (managed Acquired Fund since 2014)<br> Robert S. Rickard (managed Acquired Fund since 2008) |
| Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund | Alexander D. Healy (managed Acquired Fund since 2014)<br> Kathryn M. Kaminski (managed Acquired Fund since 2018)<br> Philippe P. Lüdi (managed Acquired Fund since 2014)<br> John C. Perry (managed Acquired Fund since 2017)<br> Robert S. Rickard (managed Acquired Fund since 2010) |

---

**Alexander D. Healy** joined AlphaSimplex in 2007 and currently serves as Chief Investment Officer. Dr. Healy has served as co-portfolio manager of the AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund and AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund since 2014. Dr. Healy received an A.B. in Mathematics and Computer Science in 2002 and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Computer Science in 2007, both from Harvard University.

**Kathryn M. Kaminski** joined AlphaSimplex in 2018 and currently serves as Chief Research Strategist. Dr. Kaminski has served as co-portfolio manager of AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund since 2018 and AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund since 2020. Prior to joining AlphaSimplex, Dr. Kaminski was a visiting scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ("MIT") Laboratory for Financial Engineering. Prior to this, she held portfolio management positions as a director, investment strategies at Campbell and Company and as a senior investment analyst at RPM, a CTA fund of funds. Dr. Kaminski earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Operations Research from MIT.

**Timothy J. Kang** joined AlphaSimplex in 2018 and currently serves as Research Scientist. Mr. Kang has served as co-portfolio manager of AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund since 2020. Prior to joining AlphaSimplex, Mr. Kang was a trading intern at Susquehanna International Group. Mr. Kang also interned in machine learning at PsychSignal and worked as an undergraduate research assistant at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Mr. Kang earned an A.B. in Statistics with a minor in Computer Science from Harvard University.

**Peter A. Lee** joined AlphaSimplex in 2007 and currently serves as Senior Research Scientist for hedge fund strategies. Mr. Lee has served as co-portfolio manager of the AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund since 2010. Mr. Lee received an A.B. in Applied Mathematics with a secondary field in Economics from Harvard University in 2007 as well as an S.M. in Operations Research from MIT in 2016.

**Philippe P. Lüdi, CFA®** joined AlphaSimplex in 2006 and currently serves as Senior Research Scientist, focusing on global macro strategies as well as system engineering. Dr. Lüdi has served as co-portfolio manager of both the AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund and the AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund since 2014. Dr. Lüdi received the equivalent of an M.A. in Molecular and Computational Biology from the University of Basel in 2000, followed by an M.S. in Statistics in 2002 and a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics in 2006, both from Duke University. Dr. Lüdi holds the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst®.

**John C. Perry** joined AlphaSimplex in 2012 and currently serves as Senior Research Scientist, focusing on research and portfolio management. Dr. Perry has served as co-portfolio manager of the AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund since 2017. Dr. Perry received a B.S. in Computer Engineering from the University of Utah and an M.S. in Management and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT.

**Robert S. Rickard** joined AlphaSimplex in 2015 and currently holds the position of Portfolio Manager. Mr. Rickard has been a co-portfolio manager of the AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund since 2008 and the AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund since 2010. Mr. Rickard focused on the management of short-term assets at Reich & Tang from 1992 to 2015. Mr. Rickard holds an M.B.A. in Finance from Pace University and a B.S. in Accounting from Siena College.

Please refer to the Acquiring Funds' SAI for additional information about the Acquiring Funds' portfolio managers, including the structure of and method of computing compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of Acquiring Fund shares.

**Other Service Providers**

The Acquiring Funds will engage the service providers set forth in the chart below.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | <u>**<u>Service Provider</u>**</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal Underwriter and Distributor | **VP Distributors, LLC** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Administrator and Transfer Agent | **Virtus Fund Services, LLC** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sub-Administrative and Accounting Agent <br> and Sub-Transfer Agent | **BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Custodian and Securities Lending Agent | **The Bank of New York Mellon** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | **PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP** |

---

**MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND<br> PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE ACQUIRING FUNDS**

**<u>Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund</u>**

**Non-Fundamental Investment Objective:**

The Fund has an investment objective of absolute return that seeks to provide capital appreciation consistent with the risk-return characteristics of a diversified portfolio of hedge funds, with a secondary objective to achieve these returns with less volatility than major equity indices.

**Principal Investment Strategies:**

The fund seeks to achieve long and short exposure to global equity, bond, currency and commodity markets through a wide range of derivative instruments and direct investments. Under normal market conditions, AlphaSimplex typically will make extensive use of derivative instruments, in particular futures, forward contracts and swaps on global equity and fixed-income securities, securities indices (including both broad- and narrow-based securities indices), currencies, and commodities, and other instruments such as certificates of deposit. These investments are intended to provide the fund with risk and return characteristics similar to those of a diversified portfolio of hedge funds. The fund may also make direct long and short investments in equity and fixed-income securities.

The fund seeks to generate absolute returns over time rather than track the performance of any particular index of hedge fund returns. In selecting investments for the fund, AlphaSimplex uses quantitative models to estimate the market exposures that drive the aggregate returns of a diverse set of hedge funds. AlphaSimplex seeks to capture these market exposures in the aggregate while adding value through dynamic allocation among market exposures and volatility management. These market exposures may include primarily exposures to the returns of stocks, fixed-income securities (including U.S. and non-U.S. government securities, as well as corporate debt securities), currencies and commodities. In estimating these market exposures, AlphaSimplex may use various approaches, including analyses of the returns of hedge funds included in one or more commercially available databases selected by AlphaSimplex (for example, the Lipper TASS hedge fund database) and regulatory filings. The fund may also directly employ various strategies commonly used by hedge funds that seek to profit from underlying risk factors, such as merger arbitrage and trend-following strategies. In a merger arbitrage strategy, AlphaSimplex buys shares of target companies in corporate reorganizations and establishes short positions in shares of the acquiring companies. Trend-following strategies analyze markets over various time horizons to invest either long or short in assets whose values are rising or falling, respectively.

AlphaSimplex will have great flexibility to allocate the fund's exposure among various securities, indices, currencies, commodities and other instruments; the amount of the fund's assets that may be allocated to various strategies and among investments is expected to vary over time. When buying and selling securities and other instruments for the fund, AlphaSimplex also may consider other factors, such as: (i) the fund's obligations under its various derivative positions; (ii) portfolio rebalancing; (iii) redemption requests; (iv) yield management; (v) credit management; and (vi) volatility management. The fund will not invest directly in hedge funds. The fund may invest in non-U.S. securities and instruments and securities and instruments traded outside the United States, and expects to engage in non-U.S. currency transactions.

As of the date of this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, AlphaSimplex targets an annualized volatility level of 9% or less (as measured by the standard deviation of the fund's returns). The fund's actual or realized volatility during certain periods or over time may materially exceed its target volatility for various reasons, including changes in market levels of volatility and because the fund's portfolio may include instruments that are inherently volatile. This would increase the risk of investing in the fund.

Under normal market conditions, it is expected that no more than 25% of the fund's total assets will be dedicated to initial and variation margin payments relating to the fund's derivative transactions. The gross notional value of the fund's derivative investments, however, will generally exceed 25% of the fund's assets, and may significantly exceed the total value of the fund's assets. AlphaSimplex will invest a portion of the fund's assets, which may vary over time, in short-term, high-quality securities. Such investments will be used primarily to finance the fund's investments in derivatives and, secondarily, to provide the fund with incremental income and liquidity, and may include: (i) short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States government, its agencies or instrumentalities; (ii) securities issued by foreign

governments, their political subdivisions or agencies or instrumentalities; (iii) certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances issued by domestic banks, foreign branches of domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries of domestic banks, and domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks; (iv) variable amount master demand notes; (v) participation interests in loans extended by banks to companies; (vi) commercial paper or similar debt obligations; and (vii) repurchase agreements. AlphaSimplex will select such investments based on various factors, including the security's maturity and credit rating.

Although the fund does not intend to invest in physical commodities directly, the fund expects to seek to gain its exposure to commodities and commodity-related derivatives through a wholly owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands that will make commodity-related investments (the "Subsidiary"). The fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the Subsidiary. The strategies and risks described herein for the fund are therefore also applicable to the Subsidiary. Under normal market conditions, no more than 10% of the fund's total assets will be dedicated to initial and variation margin payments relating to these transactions.

The fund may engage in active and frequent trading of securities and other instruments. Effects of frequent trading may include high transaction costs, which may lower the fund's return, and realization of greater short-term capital gains, distributions of which are taxable as ordinary income to taxable shareholders. Trading costs and tax effects associated with frequent trading may adversely affect the fund's performance. The fund's trading in derivatives is active and frequent. Active and frequent trading of derivatives, like active and frequent trading of securities, will result in transaction costs which reduce fund returns.

The percentage limitations set forth herein are not investment restrictions and the fund may exceed these limits from time to time.

**<u>Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund</u>**

**Non-Fundamental Investment Objective:**

The Fund pursues an absolute return strategy that seeks to provide capital appreciation.

**Principal Investment Strategies:**

The fund seeks to generate positive absolute returns over time. Under normal market conditions, AlphaSimplex typically will make extensive use of a variety of derivative instruments, including futures and forward contracts, to capture the exposures suggested by its absolute return strategy while also seeking to add value through volatility management. These market exposures, which are expected to change over time, may include primarily exposures to the returns of U.S. and non-U.S. equity and fixed-income securities indices (including both broad- and narrow-based securities indices), currencies and commodities. AlphaSimplex will have great flexibility to allocate the fund's derivatives exposure among various securities, indices, currencies, commodities and other instruments; the amount of the fund's assets that may be allocated to derivative strategies and among these various instruments is expected to vary over time. AlphaSimplex uses proprietary quantitative models to identify price trends in equity, fixed-income, currency and commodity instruments across time periods of various lengths. AlphaSimplex believes that asset prices may show persistent trending behavior due to a number of behavioral biases among market participants as well as certain risk-management policies that will identify assets to purchase in upward-trending markets and identify assets to sell in downward-trending markets. AlphaSimplex believes that following trends across a widely diversified set of assets, combined with active risk management, may allow it to earn a positive expected return over time. The fund may have both "short" and "long" exposures within an asset class based upon AlphaSimplex's analysis of multiple time horizons to identify trends in a particular asset class. A "short" exposure will benefit when the underlying asset class decreases in price. A "long" exposure will benefit when the underlying asset class increases in price. AlphaSimplex will scale the notional exposure of the fund's futures and currency forward positions with the objective of targeting a relatively stable level of annualized volatility for the fund's overall portfolio. AlphaSimplex currently targets an annualized volatility level of 17% or less (as measured by the standard deviation of the fund's returns). The fund's actual or realized volatility during certain periods or over time may materially exceed its target volatility for various reasons, including changes in market levels of volatility and because the fund's portfolio may include instruments that are inherently volatile. This would increase the risk of investing in the fund.

Under normal market conditions, it is expected that no more than 25% of the fund's total assets will be dedicated to initial and variation margin payments relating to the fund's derivative transactions. The gross notional value of the fund's derivative investments, however, will generally exceed 25% of the fund's total assets, and may significantly exceed the total value of the fund's assets. The fund expects that under normal market conditions it will invest at least 75% of its total assets in money market and other short-term, high-quality securities (such as bankers' acceptances, certificates of

deposit, commercial paper, loan participations, repurchase agreements and time deposits) (the "Money Market Portion"), although the fund may invest less than this percentage. AlphaSimplex will determine the percentage of the fund's assets that will be invested in the Money Market Portion at any time. The assets allocated to the Money Market Portion will be used primarily to support the fund's investments in derivatives and, secondarily, to provide the fund with incremental income and liquidity. Although the fund will invest a significant portion of its assets in money market instruments, the fund is not a "money market" fund and the value of the Money Market Portion as well as the value of the fund's shares may decrease. The fund is not subject to the portfolio quality, maturity and net asset value requirements applicable to money market funds, and the fund will not seek to maintain a stable net asset value. The Fund will concentrate its investments in the financial services industry, which means it will normally invest at least 25% of its total assets in securities and other obligations (for example, bank certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements and time deposits) of issuers in such industry.

AlphaSimplex will only invest the assets of the Money Market Portion in high-quality securities which are denominated in U.S. dollars, and will select securities for investment based on various factors, including the security's maturity and rating. Duration for all assets in the Money Market Portion is limited to 397 days or less and the weighted average maturity is limited to 120 days or less. AlphaSimplex will invest primarily in: (i) short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States government, its agencies or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government Obligations"); (ii) securities issued by foreign governments, their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities; (iii) certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances issued by domestic banks, foreign branches of domestic banks, foreign subsidiaries of domestic banks and domestic and foreign branches of foreign banks; (iv) variable amount master demand notes; (v) participation interests in loans extended by banks to companies; (vi) commercial paper or similar debt obligations; and (vii) repurchase agreements.

Although the fund does not intend to invest in physical commodities directly, the fund expects to seek to gain its exposure to commodities and commodity-related derivatives by investing in a wholly-owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands that will make commodity-related investments (the "Subsidiary"). The fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the Subsidiary. The strategies and risks described herein for the fund are therefore also applicable to the Subsidiary. Under normal market conditions, no more than 10% of the fund's total assets will be dedicated to initial and variation margin payments relating to these transactions.

Although the fund seeks positive absolute returns over time, it is likely that the fund's investment returns may be volatile over short periods of time. The fund may outperform the overall securities market during periods of flat or negative market performance and may underperform during periods of strong market performance. There can be no assurance that the fund's returns over time or during any period will be positive or that the fund will outperform the overall security markets over time or during any particular period.

The fund may engage in active and frequent trading of securities and other instruments. Effects of frequent trading may include high transaction costs, which may lower the fund's return, and realization of greater short-term capital gains, distributions of which are taxable as ordinary income to taxable shareholders. Trading costs and tax effects associated with frequent trading may adversely affect the fund's performance. Due to the short-term nature of the fund's investment portfolio, the fund does not calculate a portfolio turnover rate. The fund's trading in derivatives is active and frequent. Active and frequent trading of derivatives, like active and frequent trading of securities, will result in transaction costs which reduce fund returns.

The percentage limitations set forth herein are not investment restrictions and the fund may exceed these limits from time to time.

**PRICING OF FUND SHARES**

**How is the Share Price determined?**

The Board of Trustees of the Acquiring Trust has adopted valuation policy and approved procedures for determining the value of investments of each Acquiring Fund. Pursuant to the valuation policy and Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board of Trustees has designated VAIA as its "valuation designee" for fair value determinations for the Acquiring Funds.

Each Acquiring Fund calculates a share price for each class of its shares. The share price (net asset value or "NAV") for each class is based on the net assets of the fund and the number of outstanding shares of that class. In general, each fund calculates a share price for each class by:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• adding
 the values of all securities and other assets of the fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• subtracting liabilities; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• dividing the result by the total number of outstanding shares of that class.

 

*Assets:* Equity securities are valued at the official closing price (typically last sale) on the exchange on which the securities are primarily traded, or, if no closing price is available, at the last bid price. Shares of other investment companies are valued at such companies' NAVs. Debt instruments, including restricted securities, are valued based on evaluated quotations received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. Listed derivatives, such as options and futures contracts, that are actively traded are valued at the last posted settlement price on their principal exchange. Forward currency contracts are valued using interpolated rates based on information provided by an independent pricing service. Total return swaps, including equity basket swaps, are valued based on the closing prices of the underlying equity(ies). Other assets, such as accrued interest, accrued dividends and cash are also included in determining the fund's NAV. As required, some securities and assets are valued at fair value as determined by VAIA.

*Liabilities:* Accrued liabilities for class-specific expenses (if any), distribution fees, service fees and other liabilities are deducted from the assets of each class. Accrued expenses and liabilities that are not class-specific (such as management fees) are allocated to each class in proportion to each class's net assets except where an alternative allocation can be more appropriately made.

*Net Asset Value (NAV):* The liabilities allocated to a class are deducted from the proportionate interest of such class in the assets of the applicable fund. The resulting amount for each class is then divided by the number of shares outstanding of that class to produce each class's NAV per share.

The NAV per share of each class of each Acquiring Fund is determined as of the close of regular trading (generally 4:00 PM Eastern Time) on days when the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading. A fund will not calculate its NAV per share class on days when the NYSE is closed for trading. If a fund (or underlying fund, as applicable) holds securities that are traded on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other holidays when the funds do not price their shares, the NAV of the fund's shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the fund's shares.

**How are securities fair valued?**

If market quotations are not readily available or available prices are not reliable, an Acquiring Fund determines a "fair value" for an investment according to policies and procedures approved by the Acquiring Trust's Board of Trustees. The types of assets for which such pricing might be required include: (i) securities whose trading has been suspended; (ii) securities where the trading market is unusually thin or trades have been infrequent; (iii) debt instruments that have recently gone into default and for which there is no current market quotation; (iv) a security whose market price is not available from an independent pricing source and for which otherwise reliable quotes are not available; (v) securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; (vi) a security whose price as provided by any pricing source does not, in the opinion of the adviser/subadviser, reflect the security's market value; (vii) foreign securities subject to trading collars for which no or limited trading takes place; (viii) securities where the market quotations are not readily available as a result of "significant" events; and (ix) securities whose principal exchange or trading market is closed for an entire business day on which an Acquiring Fund needs to determine its NAV. This list is not inclusive of all situations that may require a security to be fair valued, nor is it intended to be conclusive in determining whether a specific event requires fair valuation.

The value of any portfolio security held by an Acquiring Fund for which market quotations are not readily available shall be determined in good faith and in a manner that assesses the security's "fair value" on the valuation date (*i.e.*, the amount that the fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security upon its current sale), based on a consideration of all available facts and all available information, including, but not limited to, the following: (i) the fundamental analytical data relating to the investment; (ii) the value of other relevant financial instruments, including derivative securities, traded on other markets or among dealers; (iii) an evaluation of the forces which influence the market in which these securities are purchased and sold (*e.g.*, the existence of merger proposals or tender offers that might affect the value of the security); (iv) the type of the security; (v) the size of the holding; (vi) the initial cost of the security; (vii) trading volumes on markets, exchanges or among broker-dealers; (viii) price quotes from dealers and/or pricing services; (ix) values of baskets of securities traded on other markets, exchanges, or among dealers; (x) changes in interest rates; (xi) information obtained from the issuer, analysts, other financial institutions and/or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange traded securities); (xii) an analysis of the company's financial statements; (xiii) government (domestic or foreign) actions or pronouncements (xiv) recent news about the security or issuer; (xv) whether two or more dealers with whom the adviser/subadviser regularly effects trades are willing to purchase or sell the security at comparable prices; and (xvi) other news events or relevant matters.

Certain non-U.S. securities may be fair valued in cases where closing prices are not readily available or are deemed not reflective of readily available market prices. For example, significant events (such as movement in the U.S. securities market, or other regional and local developments) may occur between the time that non-U.S. markets close (where the security is principally traded) and the time that an Acquiring Fund calculates its NAV (generally, the close of regular trading on the NYSE) that may impact the value of securities traded in these non-U.S. markets. In such cases, the Acquiring Funds fair value non-U.S. securities using an independent pricing service which considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the non-U.S. security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments such as ADRs, financial futures, ETFs, and certain indexes, as well as prices for similar securities. Because the frequency of significant events is not predictable, fair valuation of certain non-U.S. common stocks may occur on a frequent basis.

The value of a security, as determined using the Acquiring Funds' fair value process, may not reflect such security's market value.

**At what price are shares purchased?**

All investments received by the Acquiring Funds' authorized agents in good order prior to the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally 4:00 PM Eastern Time) will be executed based on that day's NAV; investments received by the Acquiring Funds' authorized agent in good order after the close of regular trading on the NYSE will be executed based on the next business day's NAV. Shares credited to your account from the reinvestment of an Acquiring Fund's distributions will be in full and fractional shares that are purchased at the closing NAV on the next business day on which the Fund's NAV is calculated following the dividend record date.

**SALES CHARGES**

An investor may be required to pay commissions and/or other forms of compensation to a broker for transactions in any share class, which are not reflected in the disclosure in this section.

**What are the classes and how do they differ?**

Each Acquiring Fund offers multiple classes of shares. Each class of shares has different sales and distribution charges. For certain classes of shares, the Acquiring Funds have adopted distribution and service plans allowed under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act that authorize the Fund to pay distribution and service fees ("Rule 12b-1 Fees") for the sale of its shares and for services provided to shareholders.

The Rule 12b-1 Fees for each class of the Acquiring Funds are as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Class A** | **Class C** | **Class I** | **Class R6** |
| Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund | 0.25% | 1.00% |  |  |
| Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund | 0.25% | 1.00% |  |  |

---

**What arrangement is best for you?**

The different classes of shares permit you to choose the method of purchasing shares that is most beneficial to you. In choosing a class of shares, consider the amount of your investment, the length of time you expect to hold the shares, whether you decide to receive distributions in cash or to reinvest them in additional shares, and any other personal circumstances. Depending upon these considerations, the accumulated distribution and service fees and contingent deferred sales charges of one class of shares may be more or less than the initial sales charge and accumulated distribution and service fees of another class of shares bought at the same time. Because distribution and service fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

Your financial representative should recommend only those arrangements that are suitable for you based on known information. In certain instances, you may be entitled to a reduction or waiver of sales charges. For instance, you may be entitled to a sales charge discount on Class A shares if you purchase more than certain breakpoint amounts.

To determine eligibility for a sales charge discount on Class A shares, you may aggregate all of your accounts (including joint accounts, retirement accounts such as individual retirement accounts ("IRAs"), non-IRAs, etc.) and those of your spouse, domestic partner, children and minor grandchildren.

The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts may depend on whether you purchase shares directly from an Acquiring Fund or through a financial intermediary. Different intermediaries may impose different sales charges (including partial reduction in or waivers of sales charges) other than those listed in this section. Such intermediary-specific sales charge variations are described in Appendix A to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, entitled "Intermediary Sales Charges Discounts and Waivers." Appendix A is incorporated herein by reference and is legally part of this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

Your financial representative may request that you provide an account statement or other holdings information to determine your eligibility for a breakpoint and/or waiver and to make certain all involved parties have the necessary data. In all instances, it is the purchaser's responsibility to notify the Fund or the purchaser's financial representative at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, in order to receive these waivers or discounts shareholders will have to purchase Fund shares through another intermediary offering such waivers or discounts or directly from the Fund if the Fund offers such waivers or discounts.

Additional information about the classes of shares offered, sales charges, breakpoints and discounts follows in this section and also may be found in the Acquiring Funds' SAI in the section entitled "How to Buy Shares." This information is available free of charge, and in a clear and prominent format, at the Individual Investors section of *virtus.com*. Please be sure that you fully understand these choices before investing. If you or your financial representative require additional assistance, you may also contact Virtus Fund Services by calling toll-free 800-243-1574.

**Class A Shares.** If you purchase Class A shares of an Acquiring Fund, you will pay a sales charge at the time of purchase equal to 5.50% of the offering price (5.82% of the amount invested). The sales charge may be reduced or waived under certain conditions. (See "Initial Sales Charge Alternative—Class A Shares" and "Class A Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers" below.) Generally, Class A shares are not subject to any charges by the Acquiring Fund when redeemed; however, a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") may be imposed on certain redemptions of purchases of $1,000,000 or more of Class A shares within 18 months of a finder's fee being paid on such shares. Finder's fees are paid only on eligible purchases of at least $1 million and will not be paid on purchases for which the financial intermediary involved does not provide the information necessary for the Fund's Transfer Agent to identify the purchase as eligible. No front-end sales charge is applied to purchases of $1,000,000 or more of a Fund. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made, and shares not subject to a finder's fee will be deemed to be redeemed first in order to minimize the instances in which the CDSC will be charged. Class A shares have lower distribution and service fees (0.25%) and generally pay higher dividends than Class C shares.

**Class C Shares.** If you purchase Class C shares of an Acquiring Fund, you will not pay a sales charge at the time of purchase. If you sell your Class C shares of the Acquiring Fund within the first year after they are purchased, you will pay a deferred sales charge of 1%. (See "Deferred Sales Charge Alternative—Class C Shares" below.) Class C shares have higher distribution and services fees (1.00%) and pay lower dividends than Class A shares. With certain exceptions, Class C shares will convert to Class A shares after eight years, thus reducing future annual expenses. If an investor intends to purchase greater than $999,999 of Class C shares, and the purchase would qualify for Class A shares with no load, then the purchase will automatically be made into a purchase of Class A shares, thus reducing expenses. The Funds may refuse any order to purchase shares. If you transact in Class C shares through a financial intermediary, your financial intermediary may charge you a fee outside of the fund, such as brokerage commission or an investment advisory fee. You should consult your financial intermediary regarding the different share classes available to you, how their fees and expenses differ, and whether the fees charged by your financial intermediary differ depending upon which share class you choose.

**Class I Shares.** Class I shares of the Acquiring Funds are offered primarily to clients of financial intermediaries that (i) charge such clients an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services; or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the Funds' Distributor to offer Class I shares through a no-load network or platform. Such clients may include pension and profit sharing plans, other employee benefit trusts, endowments, foundations and corporations. Class I shares are also offered to private and institutional clients of, or referred by, the adviser, a subadviser or their affiliates, and to Trustees of the Acquiring Trust and trustees/directors of affiliated open- and closed-end funds, and directors, officers and employees of Virtus and its affiliates. If you are eligible to purchase and do purchase Class I shares, you will pay no sales charge at any time. There are no distribution and service fees applicable to Class I shares. If you transact in Class I shares through a financial intermediary, your financial intermediary may charge you a fee outside of the fund, such as brokerage commission or an investment advisory fee.

**Class R6 Shares.** Class R6 shares of the Acquiring Funds are offered without a minimum initial investment to the following investors in plan level or omnibus accounts only (provided that they do not require or receive any compensation, administrative payments, sub-transfer agency payments or service payments with respect to Class R6

shares): (i) qualified retirement plans, including, but not limited to, 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer sponsored 403(b) plans, and defined benefit plans; (ii) banks and trust companies; (iii) insurance companies; (iv) financial intermediaries utilizing such shares in fee-based investment advisory programs; (v) registered investment companies; (vi) 529 portfolios that are advised or sub-advised by Virtus affiliates; and (vii) non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Other institutional investors may be permitted to purchase Class R6 shares subject to the Fund's determination of eligibility and may be subject to a $2,500,000 minimum initial investment requirement. In addition, without a minimum initial investment requirement, Class R6 shares are available to any trustee of the Virtus Funds and trustees/directors of affiliated open- and closed-end funds, directors, officers and employees of Virtus and its affiliates, and a spouse or domestic partner, child or minor grandchild of any such qualifying individual (in each case either individually or jointly with other investors), provided in each case that those shares are held directly with the Transfer Agent or in an eligible account. The minimum initial investment amount may be waived subject to the Fund's discretion. If you are eligible to purchase and do purchase Class R6 shares, you will pay no sales charge at any time. There are no distribution and service fees applicable to Class R6 shares. If you transact in Class R6 shares through a financial intermediary, your financial intermediary may charge you a fee outside of the Fund, such as brokerage commission or an investment advisory fee.

**Initial Sales Charge Alternative—Class A Shares**

The public offering price of Class A shares is the NAV plus a sales charge that varies depending on the size of your purchase. (See "Class A Shares—Reduced Initial Sales Charges" in the Acquiring Funds' SAI.) Shares purchased based on the automatic reinvestment of income dividends or capital gain distributions are not subject to any sales charges. The sales charge is divided between your investment dealer and the Distributor.

**Sales Charge you may pay to purchase Class A Shares**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Sales Charge as a percentage of** | **Sales Charge as a percentage of** |
| <br>**Amount of Transaction at Offering Price** | **Offering Price** | **Net Amount**<br> **Invested** |
| Under $50,000 | 5.50% | 5.82% |
| $50,000 but under $100,000 | 4.50 | 4.71 |
| $100,000 but under $250,000 | 3.50 | 3.63 |
| $250,000 but under $500,000 | 2.50 | 2.56 |
| $500,000 but under $1,000,000 | 2.00 | 2.04 |
| $1,000,000 or more |  |  |

---

**Class A Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers**

Investors may qualify for reduced or no initial (front-end) sales charges, as shown in the table above, through utilization of Combination Purchase Privilege, Letter of Intent, Right of Accumulation, Gifting of Shares, Purchase by Associations or the Account Reinstatement Privilege. These programs are summarized below and are described in greater detail in the Acquiring Funds' SAI. These reductions and waivers do not apply to any CDSC that may be applied to certain Class A Share redemptions.

*Combination Purchase Privilege.* Your purchase of any class of shares of an Acquiring Fund or any other Virtus Mutual Fund, if made at the same time by the same person, will be added together with any existing Virtus Mutual Fund account values to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to an immediate reduction in sales charges. A "person" is defined in this and the following sections as either: (a) any individual, his or her spouse or domestic partner, children and minor grandchildren purchasing shares for his, her or their own account (including an IRA account) including his, her or their own sole proprietorship or trust where any of the above is a named beneficiary; (b) a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust, estate or single fiduciary account (even though more than one beneficiary may exist); (c) multiple accounts (up to 200) under a qualified employee benefit plan or administered by a third party administrator; or (d) trust companies, bank trust departments, registered investment advisers, and similar entities placing orders or providing administrative services with respect to accounts over which they exercise discretionary investment authority and which are held in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar capacity, provided all shares are held of record in the name, or nominee name, of the entity placing the order.

*Letter of Intent.* If you sign a Letter of Intent, your purchase of any class of shares of an Acquiring Fund or any other Virtus Mutual Fund, if made by the same person within a 13-month period, will be added together to determine whether you are entitled to an immediate reduction in sales charges. Sales charges are reduced based on the overall amount you indicate that you will buy under the Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent is a mutually non-binding arrangement between you and Virtus Mutual Funds. Shares worth 5% of the Letter of Intent amount will be held in escrow (while remaining registered in your name) to secure payment of the higher sales charges applicable to the shares actually purchased in the event the full intended amount is not purchased.

*Right of Accumulation.* The value of your account(s) in any class of shares of an Acquiring Fund or any other Virtus Mutual Fund if made over time by the same person, may be added together at the time of each purchase to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to a prospective reduction in sales charges. You must provide certain account information to Virtus Mutual Funds or their agents at the time of purchase to exercise this right.

 

*Gifting of Shares.* If you make a gift of shares of a Virtus Mutual Fund, upon your request you may combine purchases, if made at the same time, of any class of shares of an Acquiring Fund or any other Virtus Mutual Fund at the sales charge discount allowed for the combined purchase. The receiver of the gift may also be entitled to a prospective reduction in sales charges in accordance with the Acquiring Fund's right of accumulation or other provisions. You or the receiver of the gift must provide certain account information to Virtus Mutual Funds or their agents at the time of purchase to exercise this right.

*Purchase by Associations.* Certain groups or associations may be treated as a "person" and qualify for reduced Class A Share sales charges. The group or association must: (1) have been in existence for at least six months; (2) have a legitimate purpose other than to purchase mutual fund shares at a reduced sales charge; (3) work through an investment dealer; and (4) not be a group whose sole reason for existing is to consist of members who are credit card holders of a particular company, policyholders of an insurance company, customers of a bank or a broker-dealer or clients of an investment adviser.

*Account Reinstatement Privilege.* Subject to the Acquiring Funds' policies and procedures regarding market timing, for 180 days after you sell your Class A shares on which you previously paid a sales charge, you may purchase Class A shares of any Virtus Mutual Fund at NAV, with no sales charge, by reinvesting all or part of your proceeds, but not more.

*Sales at Net Asset Value.* In addition to the programs summarized above, an Acquiring Fund may sell its Class A shares at NAV without an initial sales charge to certain types of accounts or account holders, as described below.

If you fall within any one of the following categories, you will not have to pay a sales charge on your purchase of Class A shares, provided that such purchase is made upon the written assurance of the purchaser that the purchase is made for investment purposes and that the shares so acquired will not be resold except to the Fund:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Trustee, director or officer of any Virtus Mutual Fund, or any other mutual fund advised, subadvised or distributed by the Adviser, Distributor or any of their corporate affiliates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Any director or officer, or any full-time employee or sales representative (for at least 90 days), of the applicable Fund's Adviser, subadviser or Distributor;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Any private client of an Adviser or subadviser to any Virtus Mutual Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Registered representatives and employees of securities dealers with whom the Distributor has sales agreements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Any qualified retirement plan exclusively for persons described above;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) Any officer, director or employee of a corporate affiliate of the Adviser, a subadviser or the Distributor;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) Any spouse or domestic partner, child, parent, grandparent, brother or sister of any person named in (1), (2), (4) or (6) above;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) Employee benefit plans for employees of the Adviser, Distributor and/or their corporate affiliates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) Any employee or agent who retires from the Distributor and/or their corporate affiliates or from Phoenix Life Insurance Company ("PNX"), as long as, with respect to PNX employees or agents, such individual was employed by PNX prior to December 31, 2008;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) Any Virtus direct account held in the name of a qualified employee benefit plan, endowment fund or foundation if, on the date of the initial investment, the plan, fund or foundation has assets of $10,000,000 or more or at least 100 eligible employees;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(11) Any person with a direct rollover transfer of shares from an established Virtus Mutual Fund or Virtus qualified plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(12) Any state, county, city, department, authority or similar agency prohibited by law from paying a sales charge;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(13) Any unallocated account held by a third party administrator, registered investment adviser, trust company, or bank trust department which exercises discretionary authority and holds the account in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar capacity, if in the aggregate such accounts held by such entity equal or exceed $1,000,000; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(14) Any deferred compensation plan established for the benefit of any trustee or director of Virtus, any Virtus Mutual Fund, or any open-or closed-end fund advised, subadvised or distributed by the Adviser, the Distributor or any of their corporate affiliates.

If you fall within any one of the following categories, you also will not have to pay a sales charge on your purchase of Class A shares:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(15) Individuals purchasing through an account with an unaffiliated brokerage firm having an agreement with the Distributor to waive sales charges for its clients (see Appendix A to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(16) Purchasers of Class A shares bought through investment advisers and financial planners who charge an advisory, consulting or other fee for their services and buy shares for their own accounts or the accounts of their clients;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(17) Retirement plans and deferred compensation plans and trusts used to fund those plans (including, for example, certain plans qualified or created under Sections 401(a), 403(b) or 457 of the Code, and "rabbi trusts" that buy shares for their own accounts, in each case if those purchases are made through a broker or agent or other financial intermediary that has made special arrangements with the Distributor for such purchases; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(18) Clients of investment advisors or financial planners who buy shares for their own accounts but only if their accounts are linked to a master account of their investment advisor or financial planner on the books and records of the broker, agent or financial intermediary with which the Distributor has made such special arrangements. Each of the investors described in (15) through (18) may be charged a fee by the broker, agent or financial intermediary for purchasing shares.

**Contingent Deferred Sales Charge you may pay on Class A Shares**

Investors buying Class A shares of an Acquiring Fund on which a finder's fee has been paid may incur a CDSC of 1.00% if they redeem their shares within 18 months of a finder's fee being paid. The 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made, and shares not subject to a finder's fee will be deemed to be redeemed first. The CDSC will be multiplied by the then current market value or the initial cost of the shares being redeemed, whichever is less.

**Deferred Sales Charge Alternative—Class C Shares**

Class C shares are purchased without an initial sales charge; however, shares sold within one year of purchase are subject to a CDSC of 1.00%. The sales charge will be multiplied by the then-current market value or the initial cost of the shares being redeemed, whichever is less. No sales charge will be imposed on increases in NAV or on shares purchased through the reinvestment of income dividends or capital gain distributions. To minimize the sales charge, shares not subject to any charge will be redeemed first, followed by shares held the longest time. The date of purchase will be used to calculate the number of shares owned and time period held.

With certain exceptions, Class C shares, and any reinvested dividends and other distributions paid on such shares, will automatically convert to Class A shares after eight years. However, for investors invested in Class C shares through a financial intermediary or recordkeeper, it is the responsibility of the financial intermediary or recordkeeper to ensure that the investor is credited with the proper holding period for the shares redeemed. The automatic conversion of Class C shares to Class A shares shall not apply to shares held through intermediaries or recordkeepers that do not track the length of time that a participant has held such shares or that are not otherwise able to operationally support the automatic conversion feature.

In addition, certain Class C shares may be exchangeable in advance of the automatic conversion. If you hold your shares through a financial intermediary or recordkeeper, please contact your financial intermediary or recordkeeper for additional information. Class C shares that have been held directly with the Fund, and not through a financial intermediary, for fewer than the required number of years may be exchanged for Class A shares at the Fund's or Transfer Agent's discretion if (i) the Class C shares are not subject to a CDSC, and (ii) a commission was not paid on the sale of such Class C shares.

All conversions and exchanges from Class C shares to Class A shares will be on the basis of the relative NAVs per share, without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. Automatic conversions of Class C shares to Class A shares will generally be processed monthly on or about the 10th day of the month, although for investors invested in Class C shares through a financial intermediary or recordkeeper, it is the responsibility of the financial intermediary or recordkeeper to determine the timing of the conversions. As of the date of this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, conversions and exchanges from Class C shares to Class A shares of the same Fund are not expected to be considered taxable events for Federal income tax purposes. Shareholders should consult their tax professional regarding their own tax considerations.

**Deferred Sales Charge you may pay to sell Class C Shares**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Year** | **1** | **2+** |
| **CDSC** | 1% | 0% |

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**Class A and Class C Shares— Reductions and Waivers of Deferred Sales Charges**

The CDSC is waived on the redemption (sale) of Class A and Class C shares if the redemption is made:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) within one year of death;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) of the sole shareholder on an individual account,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) of a joint tenant where the surviving joint tenant is the deceased's spouse or domestic partner,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) of the beneficiary of a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA), Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) or other custodial account, or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) of the "grantor" on a trust account;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) within one year of disability, as defined in Code Section 72(m)(7);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) as a mandatory distribution upon reaching age 70½ under certain retirement plans qualified under Code Sections 401, 408 or 403(b) or resulting from the tax-free return of an excess contribution to an IRA;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) by 401(k) plans using an approved participant tracking system for participant hardships, death, disability or normal retirement, and loans which are subsequently repaid;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) based on the exercise of exchange privileges among Class A shares, Class C shares and Class C1 shares of the fund and any of the Virtus Mutual Funds;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) based on any direct rollover transfer of shares from an established Virtus Mutual Fund qualified plan into a Virtus Mutual Fund IRA by participants terminating from the qualified plan; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) based on the systematic withdrawal program, provided such withdrawals do not exceed more than 1% monthly or 3% quarterly of the aggregate net investments. (See "Systematic Withdrawal Program" in the Acquiring Funds' SAI for additional information about these restrictions.)

If, as described in condition (a) above, an account is transferred to an account registered in the name of a deceased's estate, the CDSC will be waived on any redemption from the estate account occurring within one year of the death. The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts may depend on whether you purchase your shares through a financial intermediary offering them. Different intermediaries may impose different sales charges (including partial reduction in or waivers of sales charges) other than those listed in this section, provided that they do not exceed the maximum sales charge listed. See Appendix A to this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

**Compensation to Dealers**

***Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class I Shares Only***

Dealers with whom the Distributor has entered into sales agreements receive a discount or commission on Class A shares as described below.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Amount of Transaction at Offering Price** | **Sales Charge as a**<br> **Percentage of**<br> **Offering**<br> **Price** | **Sales Charge as a**<br> **Percentage of**<br> **Amount Invested** | **Dealer Discount**<br> **as a Percentage**<br> **of Offering**<br> **Price** |
| Under $50,000 | 5.50% | 5.82% | 4.75% |
| $50,000 but under $100,000 | 4.50 | 4.71 | 4.00 |
| $100,000 but under $250,000 | 3.50 | 3.63 | 3.00 |
| $250,000 but under $500,000 | 2.50 | 2.56 | 2.00 |
| $500,000 but under $1,000,000 | 2.00 | 2.04 | 1.75 |
| $1,000,000 or more |  |  |  |

---

With respect to Class C shares, the Distributor intends to pay investment dealers a sales commission of 1% of the sale price of Class C shares sold by such dealers. Your broker, dealer or financial professional may also charge you additional commissions or fees for their services in selling shares to you provided they notify the Distributor of their intention to do so.

Dealers and other entities that enter into special arrangements with the Distributor or the Funds' transfer agent, Virtus Fund Services, LLC (the "Transfer Agent"), may receive compensation for the sale and promotion of shares of the Funds. Such fees are in addition to the sales commissions referenced above and may be based upon the amount of sales of fund shares by a dealer; the provision of assistance in marketing of fund shares; access to sales personnel and information dissemination services; and other criteria as established by the Distributor. Depending on the nature of the services, these fees may be paid either from the Funds through distribution fees, service fees or, in some cases, the Distributor may pay certain fees from its own profits and resources.

Dealers and other entities that enter into special arrangements with the Distributor or the Transfer Agent may receive compensation from or on behalf of the Acquiring Funds for providing certain recordkeeping and related services to the Fund or their shareholders. These fees may also be referred to as shareholder accounting fees, administrative services fees, sub-transfer agent fees or networking fees. They are not for the sale, promotion or marketing of fund shares.

From its own profits and resources, the Distributor may, from time to time, make payments to qualified wholesalers, registered financial institutions and third party marketers for marketing support services and/or retention of assets. These payments are sometimes referred to as "revenue sharing." Among others, the Distributor has agreed to make such payments for marketing support services to Equitable Advisors, LLC. The Distributor may pay broker-dealers a finder's fee in an amount equal to 1.00% of eligible Class A Share purchases from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000, 0.50% on amounts of $3,000,001 to $10,000,000, and 0.25% on amounts greater than $10,000,000. Purchases of Class A shares by an account in the name of a qualified employee benefit plan are eligible for a finder's fee only if such plan has at least 100 eligible employees. A CDSC of 1.00% may be imposed on certain redemptions of such Class A investments. The CDSC may be imposed on redemptions within 18 months of a finder's fee being paid. For purposes of determining the applicability of the CDSC, the 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The Distributor will also pay broker-dealers a service fee of 0.25% beginning in the thirteenth month following purchase of Class A shares on which a finder's fee has been paid. Dealers must have an aggregate value of $50,000 or more per fund CUSIP to qualify for payment. The Distributor reserves the right to discontinue or alter such fee payment plans at any time.

From its own resources or pursuant to the distribution and shareholder servicing plans, and subject to the dealers' prior approval, the Distributor may provide additional compensation to registered representatives of dealers in the form of travel expenses, meals, and lodging associated with training and educational meetings sponsored by the Distributor. The Distributor may also provide gifts amounting in value to less than $100, and occasional meals or entertainment, to registered representatives of dealers. Any such travel expenses, meals, lodging, gifts or entertainment paid will not be preconditioned upon the registered representatives' or dealers' achievement of a sales target. The Distributor may, from time to time, reallow the entire portion of the sales charge on Class A shares which it normally retains to individual selling dealers. However, such additional reallowance generally will be made only when the selling dealer commits to substantial marketing support such as internal wholesaling through dedicated personnel, internal communications and mass mailings.

The Distributor has also agreed to pay fees to certain distributors for preferred marketing opportunities. These arrangements may be viewed as creating a conflict of interest between these distributors and investors. Investors should make due inquiry of their selling agents to ensure that they are receiving the requisite point of sale disclosures and appropriate recommendations free of any influence by reason of these arrangements.

The categories of payments the Distributor and/or the Transfer Agent may make to other parties are not mutually exclusive, and such parties may receive payments under more than one or all categories. These payments could be significant to a party receiving them, creating a conflict of interest for such party in making investment recommendations to investors. Investors should make due inquiry of any party recommending the Funds for purchase to ensure that such investors are receiving the requisite point of sale disclosures and appropriate recommendations free of any influence by reason of these arrangements.

A document containing information about sales charges, including breakpoint (volume) discounts, is available free of charge on the Internet at *http://virtus.com*. In the Our Products section, go to the "Mutual Funds" tab and click on the link for Breakpoint (Volume) Discounts.

***Class R6 Shares Only***

No compensation, administrative payments, sub-transfer agency payments or service payments are paid to brokers or other entities from fund assets or the Distributor's or an affiliate's resources on sales of or investments in Class R6 shares. Class R6 shares do not carry sales commissions or pay Rule 12b-1 fees, or make payments to brokers or other entities to assist in, or in connection with, the sale of the fund's shares.

**HOW TO BUY SHARES**

**<u>Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class I Shares Only</u>**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **To Open An Account** |
| Through a financial professional | Contact your financial professional. Some financial professionals may charge a fee and may set different minimum investments or limitations on buying shares. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Through the mail | Complete a new account application and send it with a check payable to the fund. Mail them to: Virtus Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, RI 02940-8074. |
| Through express delivery | Complete a new account application and send it with a check payable to the fund. Send them to: Virtus Mutual Funds, 4400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581-1722. |
| By Federal Funds wire | Call us at 800-243-1574 (press 1, then 0). |
| By Systematic Purchase | Complete the appropriate section on the application and send it with your initial investment payable to the fund. Mail them to: Virtus Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, RI 02940-8074. |
| By telephone exchange | Call us at 800-243-1574 (press 1, then 0). |

---

**<u>Class R6 Shares Only</u>**

If you are investing through a qualified retirement plan, bank or trust company, insurance company or other qualifying financial institution, registered investment company or non-qualified deferred compensation plan, your financial institution or financial intermediary will provide you with the information you need to buy Class R6 shares. If you are a qualified institutional investor, or qualified individual investor as described under the heading "What arrangement is best for you?," please refer to the instructions above for Class A shares, Class C shares and Class I shares.

**<u>All Share Classes</u>**

The price at which a purchase is effected is based on the NAV next determined after receipt of a purchase order in good order by the Transfer Agent or an authorized agent. A purchase order is generally in "good order" if an acceptable form of payment accompanies the purchase order and the order includes the appropriate application(s) and/or other form(s) and any supporting legal documentation required by the Transfer Agent or an authorized agent, each in legible form. However, the Funds, their Transfer Agent or other authorized agent may consider a request to be not in good order even after receiving all required information if any of them suspects that the request is fraudulent or otherwise not valid.

Each Acquiring Fund reserves the right to refuse any order that may disrupt the efficient management of the Fund.

**HOW TO SELL SHARES**

**<u>Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class I Shares Only</u>**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **To Sell Shares** |
| Through a financial professional | Contact your financial professional. Some financial professionals may charge a fee and may set different minimums on redemptions of accounts. |
| Through the mail | Send a letter of instruction to: Virtus Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, RI 02940-8074. Be sure to include the registered owner's name, fund and account number and number of shares or dollar value you wish to sell. |
| Through express delivery | Send a letter of instruction to: Virtus Mutual Funds, 4400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581-1722. Be sure to include the registered owner's name, fund and account number, and number of shares or dollar value you wish to sell. |
| By telephone | For sales up to $50,000, requests can be made by calling 800-243-1574. |
| By telephone exchange | Call us at 800-243-1574 (press 1, then 0). |

---

**<u>Class R6 Shares Only</u>**

If you are investing through a qualified retirement plan, bank or trust company, insurance company or other qualifying financial institution, registered investment company or non-qualified deferred compensation plan, your financial institution or financial intermediary will provide you with the information you need to sell Class R6 shares. If you are a

qualified institutional investor, or qualified individual investor as described under the heading "What arrangement is best for you?" please refer to the instructions above for Class A shares, Class C shares and Class I shares.

**<u>All Share Classes</u>**

You have the right to have the Funds buy back shares at the NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in good order by the Transfer Agent or an authorized agent. In the case of a Class C Share redemption, and certain Class A Share redemptions, you will be subject to the applicable contingent deferred sales charge, if any, for such shares. Subject to certain restrictions, shares may be redeemed by telephone or in writing. In addition, shares may be sold through securities dealers, brokers or agents who may charge customary commissions or fees for their services. The Funds do not charge any redemption fees.

Regardless of the method used by the Funds for payment (e.g., check, wire or electronic transfer (ACH)), payment for shares redeemed will normally be sent one business day after the request is received in good order by the transfer agent, or one business day after the trade has settled for trades submitted through the NSCC, but will in any case be made within seven days after tender. The Funds expect to meet redemption requests, both under normal circumstances and during periods of stressed market conditions, by using cash, by selling portfolio assets to generate cash, or by borrowing funds under a line of credit, subject to availability of capacity in such line of credit, or participating in an interfund lending program in reliance on exemptive relief from the SEC. The right to redeem shares may be suspended and payment postponed during periods when the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or if permitted by rules of the SEC, during periods when trading on the NYSE is restricted or during any emergency which makes it impracticable for a Fund to dispose of its securities or to determine fairly the value of its net assets or during any other period permitted by order of the SEC for the protection of investors. Furthermore, any shareholder who purchases shares via check and then requests to redeem those shares will not be entitled to and the Transfer Agent will not mail redemption proceeds until it has determined a request was received in good order and checks received for shares purchased have cleared, which may take up to 15 days.

If you are 65 years of age or older, or if we have reason to believe you have a mental or physical impairment that restricts you from protecting your own financial interests, we may temporarily delay the release of redemption proceeds from your account if we reasonably believe that you have been the victim of actual or attempted financial exploitation.

Notice of this temporary delay will be provided to you, and the delay will be for no more than 15 business days while we conduct a review of the suspected financial exploitation. Contacting your Trusted Contact, if you have selected one, may be part of the review. (See "Listing a Trusted Contact" in the section "Your Account" of the Acquiring Funds' prospectus.)

We may delay an additional 10 business days if we reasonably believe that actual or attempted financial exploitation has occurred or will occur. At the expiration of the delay, if we have not concluded that such exploitation has occurred, the proceeds will be released to you.

**THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN SELLING SHARES**

You may realize a taxable gain or loss (for federal income tax purposes) if you redeem or exchange shares of an Acquiring Fund.

**<u>Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class I Shares</u>**

Redemption requests will not be honored until all required documents, in proper form, have been received. Additional documentation will be required for redemptions by organizations, fiduciaries, or retirement plans, or if a redemption is requested by anyone but the shareholder(s) of record. Even after all required documents have been received, a redemption request may not be considered in good order by the Funds, their Transfer Agent or other authorized agents if any of them suspects that the request is fraudulent or otherwise not valid. To avoid delay in redemption or transfer, shareholders having questions about specific requirements should contact the Transfer Agent at 800-243-1574.

Transfers between broker-dealer "street" accounts are governed by the accepting broker-dealer. Questions regarding this type of transfer should be directed to your financial professional.

As stated in the applicable account applications, accounts associated with certain types of retirement plans and individual retirement accounts may incur fees payable to the Transfer Agent in the event of redeeming an account in full. Shareholders with questions about this should contact the funds' Transfer Agent at 800-243-1574.

***Redemptions by Mail***

➔ If you are selling shares held individually, jointly, or as custodian under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act:

Send a clear letter of instruction if both of these apply:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The proceeds do not exceed $50,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The proceeds are payable to the registered owner at the address on record.

Send a clear letter of instructions with a signature guarantee when any of these apply:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· You are selling more than $50,000 worth of shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The name or address on the account has changed within the last 30 days.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· You want the proceeds to go to a different name or address than on the account.

➔ If you are selling shares held in a corporate or fiduciary account, please contact the Transfer Agent at 800-243-1574.

The signature guarantee, if required, must be a STAMP 2000 Medallion guarantee made by an eligible guarantor institution as defined by the Transfer Agent in accordance with its signature guarantee procedures. Guarantees using previous technology medallions will not be accepted. As of the date of this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, the Transfer Agent's signature guarantee procedures generally permit guarantees by banks, broker-dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations.

***Selling Shares by Telephone***

The Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone instructions are genuine. Address and bank account information are verified, redemption instructions are taped, and all redemptions are confirmed in writing.

The individual investor bears the risk from instructions given by an unauthorized third party that the Transfer Agent reasonably believed to be genuine. The Funds, their Transfer Agent and their other authorized agents will not be liable for any loss, liability, cost or expense resulting from acting upon telephone instructions that are reasonably believed to be genuine.

The Transfer Agent may modify or terminate the telephone redemption privilege at any time with 60 days' notice to shareholders, except for instances of disruptive trading or market timing; in such cases, the telephone redemption privilege may be suspended immediately, followed by written notice. (See "Disruptive Trading and Market Timing" in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.)

During times of drastic economic or market changes, telephone redemptions may be difficult to make or temporarily suspended; however, shareholders would be able to make redemptions through other methods described above.

**<u>Class R6 Shares Only</u>**

If you are investing through a qualified retirement plan, bank or trust company, insurance company or other qualifying financial institution, registered investment company or non-qualified deferred compensation plan, your financial institution or financial intermediary will provide you with the information you need to know when selling Class R6 shares. If you are a qualified institutional investor, or qualified individual investor as described under the heading "What arrangement is best for you?," please refer to the instructions above for Class A shares, Class C shares and Class I shares.

**<u>All Share Classes</u>**

***Payment of Redemptions In Kind***

Each Fund reserves the right to pay large redemptions "in kind" (*i.e.*, in securities owned by the Fund) rather than in cash. Large redemptions are those that exceed $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net assets, whichever is less, over any 90-day period. Additional documentation will be required for redemptions by organizations, fiduciaries, or retirement plans, or if a redemption is requested by anyone but the shareholder(s) of record. Investors who are paid redemption proceeds in kind generally will receive a pro rata share of the Fund's portfolio, which may include illiquid securities. Any securities received remain at market risk until sold. Brokerage commissions and capital gains may be incurred when converting

securities received into cash. On any illiquid securities received, the investor will bear the risk of not being able to sell the securities at all.

**ACCOUNT POLICIES**

**Account Reinstatement Privilege**

Subject to the Acquiring Funds' policies and procedures regarding market timing, for 180 days after you sell your Class A shares on which you previously paid a sales charge, you may purchase Class A shares of any Virtus Mutual Fund at NAV, with no sales charge, by reinvesting all or part of your proceeds, but not more. Send your written request to Virtus Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, RI 02940-8074. You can call Virtus Mutual Fund Services at 800-243-1574 for more information.

Please remember, a redemption and reinvestment are considered to be a sale and purchase for tax-reporting purposes.

**Annual Fee on Small Accounts**

To help offset the costs associated with maintaining small accounts, the Acquiring Funds reserve the right to assess an annual $25 small account fee on fund accounts with a balance below $2,500. The small account fee may be waived in certain circumstances, such as for accounts that have elected electronic delivery of statements/regulatory documents and accounts owned by shareholders having multiple accounts with a combined value of over $25,000. The small account fee does not apply to accounts held through a financial intermediary.

The small account fee will be collected through the automatic sale of shares in your account. We will send you written notice before we charge the $25 fee so that you may increase your account balance above the minimum, sign up for electronic delivery, consolidate your accounts or liquidate your account. You may take these actions at any time by contacting your investment professional or the Transfer Agent.

**Redemption of Small Accounts**

Due to the high cost of maintaining small accounts, if your redemption activity causes your account balance to fall below $200, you may receive a notice requesting you to bring the balance up to $200 within 60 days. If you do not, the shares in the account will be sold at NAV, and a check will be mailed to the address of record. Any applicable sales charges will be deducted.

**Distributions of Small Amounts**

Distributions in amounts less than $10 will automatically be reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.

**Uncashed Checks**

If any correspondence sent by a Fund is returned by the postal or other delivery service as "undeliverable," your dividends or any other distribution may be automatically reinvested in the Fund.

If your distribution check is not cashed within six months, the distribution may be reinvested in the Fund at the current NAV. You will not receive any interest on uncashed distribution or redemption checks. This provision may not apply to certain retirement or qualified accounts.

**Inactive Accounts**

As required by the laws of certain states, if no activity occurs in an account within the time period specified by your state law, the Acquiring Funds or their agents may be required to transfer the assets to your state under the state's abandoned property law.

**Exchange Privileges**

You should read the prospectus of the Virtus Mutual Fund(s) into which you want to make an exchange before deciding to make an exchange. You can obtain a prospectus from your financial professional; by calling 800-243-4361; or on the Internet at *virtus.com*.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· You generally may exchange shares of one fund for the same class of shares of another Virtus Mutual Fund (*e.g.*, Class A shares for Class A shares). Class C shares are also exchangeable for Class C1 shares of those Virtus Mutual Funds offering them. Exchange privileges may not be available for all Virtus Mutual Funds and may be rejected or suspended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Exchanges may be made by telephone (800-243-1574) or by mail (Virtus Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, RI 02940-8074).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The amount of the exchange must be equal to or greater than the minimum initial investment required, unless the minimum has been waived (as described in the SAI).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The exchange of shares of one fund for shares of a different fund is treated as a sale of the original fund's shares and any gain on the transaction may be subject to federal income tax.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Financial intermediaries are permitted to initiate exchanges from one class of a fund into another class of the same fund if, among other things, the financial intermediary agrees to follow procedures established by the fund, the Distributor or the Transfer Agent, which generally will require that (i) the exchanges be carried out within accounts that are maintained and controlled by the intermediary and meet investor eligibility requirements, if applicable, for the share class or account type, and (ii) no contingent deferred sales charges are outstanding, or the applicable intermediary agrees to cause any outstanding contingent deferred sales charges to be paid in a manner agreed to by the fund, the Distributor or the Transfer Agent. The fund's ability to make this type of exchange may be limited by operational or other limitations, requiring the fund or its agent to process the transaction as a liquidation and purchase, at the same closing NAV. The financial intermediary will be ultimately responsible for reporting the transaction in accordance with their instruction. Shareholders owning shares of a fund through accounts established directly with the Transfer Agent (i.e., not established with a financial intermediary who deals with the Transfer Agent exclusively on the investor's behalf) may be permitted to exchange shares of one class of the fund into another class of the same fund, if they meet the investor eligibility requirements associated with the class into which they wish to exchange, at the discretion of the fund or the Transfer Agent. A shareholder's ability to make this type of exchange may be limited by operational or other limitations of his or her financial intermediary or the fund. Under the Code, generally if a shareholder exchanges shares from one class of a fund into another class of the same fund, the transaction should not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes; however, each shareholder should consult both the relevant financial intermediary and the shareholder's tax professional regarding the treatment of any specific exchange carried out under the terms of this paragraph.

**Disruptive Trading and Market Timing**

The Acquiring Funds are not suitable for market timers, and market timers are discouraged from becoming investors. Your ability to make exchanges among Virtus Mutual Funds is subject to modification if we determine, in our sole opinion, that your exercise of the exchange privilege may disadvantage or potentially harm the rights or interests of other shareholders.

Frequent purchases, redemptions and exchanges, programmed exchanges, exchanges into and then out of a fund in a short period of time, and exchanges of large amounts at one time may be indicative of market timing and otherwise disruptive trading ("Disruptive Trading") which can have risks and harmful effects for other shareholders. These risks and harmful effects include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· dilution of the interests of long-term investors, if market timers or others exchange into a fund at prices that are below the true value or exchange out of a fund at prices that are higher than the true value;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· an adverse effect on portfolio management, as determined by the adviser or subadviser in its sole discretion, such as causing a fund to maintain a higher level of cash than would otherwise be the case, or causing a fund to liquidate investments prematurely; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· reducing returns to long-term shareholders through increased brokerage and administrative expenses.

Additionally, the nature of the portfolio holdings of the Acquiring Funds may expose the Funds to investors who engage in the type of market timing trading that seeks to take advantage of possible delays between the change in the value of a mutual fund's portfolio holdings and the reflection of the change in the NAV of the Fund's shares, sometimes referred to as "time-zone arbitrage." Arbitrage market timers seek to exploit possible delays between the change in the value of a mutual fund's portfolio holdings and the NAV of the Fund's shares in a Fund that holds significant investments in foreign securities because certain foreign markets close several hours ahead of the U.S. markets. If an arbitrageur is successful, the value of the Fund's shares may be diluted if redeeming shareholders receive proceeds (and buying shareholders receive shares) based upon NAVs which do not reflect appropriate fair value prices.

In order to attempt to protect our shareholders from the potential harmful effects of Disruptive Trading, the Acquiring Trust's Board of Trustees has adopted a policy to safeguard against market timing designed to discourage Disruptive Trading. The Board of Trustees has adopted this policy as a preventive measure to protect all shareholders from the potential effects of Disruptive Trading, while also abiding by any rights that shareholders may have to make exchanges and provide reasonable and convenient methods of making exchanges that do not have the potential to harm other shareholders.

Excessive trading activity is measured by the number of roundtrip transactions in an account. A roundtrip transaction is one where a shareholder buys and then sells, or sells and then buys, shares of a fund within 30 days. Shareholders of the Funds are limited to one roundtrip transaction within any rolling 30-day period. Roundtrip transactions are counted at the shareholder level. In considering a shareholder's trading activity, the funds may consider, among other factors, the shareholder's trading history both directly and, if known, through financial intermediaries, in the Fund, in other funds within the Virtus Mutual Fund complex, in non-Virtus funds or in accounts under common control or ownership. We do not include exchanges made pursuant to the dollar cost averaging or other similar programs when applying our market timing policies. Systematic withdrawal and/or contribution programs, mandatory retirement distributions, and transactions initiated by a plan sponsor also will not count towards the roundtrip limits. The Funds may permit exchanges that the Transfer Agent believes, in the exercise of its judgment, are not disruptive. The size of the fund and the size of the requested transaction may be considered when determining whether or not the transaction would be disruptive.

Shareholders holding shares for at least 30 days following investment will ordinarily be in compliance with the Funds' policies regarding excessive trading activity. The Funds may, however, take action if activity is deemed disruptive even if shares are held longer than 30 days, such as a request for a transaction of an unusually large size. The size of the fund and the size of the requested transaction may be considered when determining whether or not the transaction would be disruptive.

Under the Funds' market timing policy, we may modify your exchange privileges for the Funds by not accepting an exchange request from you or from any person, asset allocation service, and/or market timing service made on your behalf. We may also limit the amount that may be exchanged into or out of any fund at any one time, or may revoke your right to make Internet, telephone or facsimile exchanges. We may reinstate Internet, telephone and facsimile exchange privileges after they are revoked, but we will not reinstate these privileges if we have reason to believe that they might be used thereafter for Disruptive Trading.

The funds currently do not charge exchange or redemption fees, or any other administrative charges on fund exchanges. The funds reserve the right to impose such fees and/or charges in the future.

Orders for the purchase of fund shares are subject to acceptance by the relevant fund. We reserve the right to reject, without prior notice, any exchange request into any fund if the purchase of shares in the corresponding fund is not accepted for any reason.

The funds do not have any arrangements with any person, organization or entity to permit frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares.

We may, without prior notice, take whatever action we deem appropriate to comply with or take advantage of any state or federal regulatory requirement. The funds reserve the right to reject any purchase or exchange transaction at any time. If we reject a purchase or exchange for any reason, we will notify you of our decision in writing.

The funds cannot guarantee that their policies and procedures regarding market timing will be effective in detecting and deterring all Disruptive Trading.

**Retirement Plans**

Shares of the Funds may be used as investments under the following retirement plans: traditional IRA, rollover IRA, SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k) plans, profit-sharing, money purchase plans, and certain 403(b) plans. For more information, call 800-243-4361.

**INVESTOR SERVICES AND OTHER INFORMATION**

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***Systematic Purchase*** is a systematic investment plan that allows you to have a specified amount automatically deducted from your checking or savings account and then deposited into your mutual fund account. (Complete the "Systematic Purchase" section on the application and include a voided check.)

***Systematic Exchange*** allows you to automatically move money from one Virtus Mutual Fund to another on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. Shares of one Virtus Mutual Fund will be exchanged for shares of the same class of another Virtus Mutual Fund at the interval you select. (Complete the "Systematic Exchange" section on the application.) Exchange privileges may not be available for all Virtus Mutual Funds and may be rejected or suspended.

***Telephone Exchange*** lets you exchange shares of one Virtus Mutual Fund for the same class of shares in another Virtus Mutual Fund, using our customer service telephone number (800-243-1574). (See the "Telephone Exchange" section on the application.) Exchange privileges may not be available for all Virtus Mutual Funds and may be rejected or suspended.

***Systematic Withdrawal*** allows you to periodically redeem a portion of your account on a predetermined monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual basis. Sufficient shares from your account will be redeemed at the closing NAV on the applicable payment date, with proceeds to be mailed to you or sent through Automated Clearing House ("ACH") to your bank (at your selection). For payments to be mailed, shares will be redeemed on the 15<sup>th</sup> of the month so that the payment is made about the 20<sup>th</sup> of the month. For ACH payments, you may select the day of the month for the payments to be made; if no date is specified, the payments will occur on the 15<sup>th</sup> of the month. The minimum withdrawal is $25, and minimum account balance requirements continue to apply. Shareholders in the program must own Virtus Mutual Fund shares worth at least $5,000.

***Disclosure of Fund Portfolio Holdings.*** A description of the funds' policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the funds' portfolio holdings is available in the SAI.

***Availability and Delivery of Fund Documents*.** Fund documents, such as the Funds' prospectuses, are available for download from the Our Products section of *virtus.com*, or you may request paper copies of such documents at any time by calling 1-800-243-1574. The Funds will not charge you a fee for paper copies of fund documents, although the Funds will incur additional expenses when printing and mailing them, and Fund expenses pass indirectly to all shareholders.

**COMPARATIVE INFORMATION ON SHAREHOLDERS' RIGHTS**

**Form of Organization**

Each Acquired Fund is a separate diversified series of the Selling Trust, an open-end management investment company registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act and organized as a Massachusetts business trust, while each Acquiring Fund is a separate diversified series of the Acquiring Trust, an open-end management investment company registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act and organized as a Delaware statutory trust. The operations of the Selling Trust are governed by its Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, and By-Laws, Board of Trustees, Massachusetts law and federal law. The Acquiring Trust is governed by its Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended or supplemented, and By-Laws, Board of Trustees, Delaware law and federal law. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended or supplemented, of each of the Selling Trust and the Acquiring Trust is referred to in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement as the "Declaration of Trust" and together as the "Declarations of Trust." The Selling Trust and Acquiring Trust each is organized as a "series company" as that term is used in Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act. The series of the Selling Trust currently consist of the Acquired Funds and 6 other mutual funds of various asset classes; the series of the Acquiring Trust currently consist of the Acquiring Funds and 2 other mutual funds of various asset classes.

**Capitalization**

The beneficial interests in the Selling Trust and Acquiring Trust are each represented by an unlimited number of transferable shares of beneficial interest, no par value, of one or more series. The Declarations of Trust of the Selling Trust and the Acquiring Trust each permits the Trustees to allocate shares into one or more series, and classes thereof, with rights determined by the Trustees, all without shareholder approval. Fractional shares may be issued by each Fund.

Shares of the Acquired Funds are offered in four classes (Class A, Class C, Class N, and Class Y). (Class T shares of the Acquired Funds have been registered but are not currently available for purchase.) The Acquiring Funds offer four classes (Class A, Class C, Class R6 and Class I shares). Shares of the classes of each Fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the Fund and generally have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, other than sales charges and the payment of fees under each Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plans for its Class A and Class C shares, which allows the Class A and Class C shares to pay distribution and other fees for the sale of Fund shares and for other services provided to shareholders. Shareholders of each Fund are entitled to receive dividends and other amounts as determined by the respective Trustees. Shareholders of each Fund vote separately, by Fund, as to matters, such as changes in fundamental

investment restrictions that affect only their particular Fund. Shareholders of each Fund vote by class as to matters, such as approval of or amendments to a Rule 12b-1 Plan, that affect only their particular class.

**Shareholder Liability**

The Selling Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a "Massachusetts business trust." A copy of the Selling Trust's Declaration of Trust is on file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Selling Trust. However, the Selling Trust's Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Selling Trust and provides for indemnification and reimbursement of expenses out of Selling Trust property for any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Selling Trust. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Selling Trust may maintain appropriate insurance (e.g., fidelity bonding) for the protection of the Selling Trust, its shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents to cover possible tort and other liabilities. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss due to shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which both inadequate insurance existed and the Selling Trust itself was unable to meet its obligations. The Selling Trust has not engaged in any other business. As a Delaware statutory trust, the Acquiring Trust's operations are governed by its Declaration of Trust, as amended. A copy of the Acquiring Trust's Certificate of Trust, as amended, is on file with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. Upon the initial purchase of shares, a shareholder agrees to be bound by the Acquiring Trust's Declaration of Trust, as amended. Generally, Delaware statutory trust shareholders are not personally liable for obligations of the Delaware statutory trust under Delaware law. The Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the "Delaware Act") provides that a shareholder of a Delaware statutory trust shall be entitled to the same limitation of liability extended to shareholders of private for-profit corporations. The Acquiring Trust's Declaration of Trust expressly provides that the Trust has been organized under the Delaware Act and that the Declaration of Trust is to be governed by Delaware law. It is nevertheless possible that a Delaware statutory trust, such as the Acquiring Trust, might become a party to an action in another state whose courts refused to apply Delaware law, in which case the Trust's shareholders could be subject to personal liability. To guard against this risk, the Acquiring Trust's Declaration of Trust (i) contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and provides that notice of such disclaimer may be given in each agreement, obligation and instrument entered into or executed by the Trust or its Trustees, (ii) provides for the indemnification out of Trust property of any shareholders held personally liable for any obligations of the Trust or any series of the Trust and (iii) provides that the Trust shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of an Acquiring Trust shareholder incurring financial loss beyond his or her investment because of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which all of the following factors are present: (1) a court refused to apply Delaware law; (2) the liability arose under tort law or, if not, no contractual limitation of liability was in effect; and (3) the Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations. In the light of Delaware law, the nature of the Acquiring Trust's business and the nature of its assets, the risk of personal liability to an Acquiring Fund shareholder is remote.

**Shareholder Meetings and Voting Rights**

Neither the Selling Trust nor the Acquiring Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Funds and the Acquiring Funds, respectively, is required to hold annual shareholders' meetings to elect Trustees or for other purposes. It is anticipated that neither the Selling Trust nor the Acquiring Trust will hold shareholders' meetings unless required by law or the respective Declaration of Trust. The Selling Trust and Acquiring Trust each will be required to hold a meeting to elect Trustees to fill any existing vacancies on the Board if, at any time, fewer than a majority of the Trustees then holding office have been elected by the shareholders of the Trust. The Board of Trustees of each of the Selling Trust and the Acquiring Trust is required to call a meeting for the purpose of considering the removal of persons serving as Trustees if requested in writing to do so by the holder or holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust entitled to vote. The Board of Trustees of each of the Selling Trust and the Acquiring Trust will assist the shareholders by identifying other shareholders or mailing communications, as required under Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act. Shares of the Selling Trust and the Acquiring Trust do not entitle their respective holders to cumulative voting rights, so that the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the respective Trust may elect all of the Trustees, in which case the holders of the remaining shares would not be able to elect any Trustees. As determined by the Trustees of the Selling Trust, shareholders of the Selling Trust are entitled to one vote per share held. As determined by the Trustees of the Acquiring Trust, shareholders of the Acquiring Trust are entitled to one vote for each dollar of NAV (number of shares held times the NAV per share of the applicable class of the applicable Fund).

Except when a larger quorum is required by applicable law or the Selling Trust's or Acquiring Trust's Declaration of Trust, 30% and 33 1/3% of the shares of the Selling Trust and the Acquiring Trust, respectively, entitled to vote constitutes a quorum for consideration of a matter at a shareholders' meeting. When a quorum is present at a meeting of the Selling Trust and the Acquiring Trust, as applicable, a majority (greater than 50%) of the shares voted is sufficient to act on a

matter and a plurality of the shares voted is required to elect a Trustee (unless otherwise specifically required by the applicable governing documents or other law, including the 1940 Act).

Shareholders of all funds of a Trust vote on the election of Trustees. On matters affecting an individual series of a Trust (such as approval of an investment advisory agreement or a change in fundamental investment policies) and also on matters affecting an individual class of a series (such as approval of matters relating to a Rule 12b-1 Plan for a particular class of shares), a separate vote of that series or class is required. Neither the Selling Trust nor the Acquiring Trust holds regular meetings of shareholders of the Funds.

**Liquidation**

In the event of the liquidation of either the Selling Trust or the Acquiring Trust, a Fund, or a class of shares, the shareholders are entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Trustees, the excess of the assets belonging to the Trust, the Fund or attributable to the class over the liabilities of the Trust, the Fund or attributable to the class. The assets so distributable to shareholders of a Fund will be distributed among the shareholders in proportion to the dollar value of shares of such Fund or class of the Fund held by them on the date of distribution.

**Liability and Indemnification of Trustees**

The Selling Trust's Declaration of Trust provides that the Trust will indemnify its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with actual or threatened litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Trust, unless it is determined in the manner provided in the Declaration of Trust that the Trustee or officer has not acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interest of the Trust. However, nothing in the Selling Trust's Declaration of Trust protects or indemnifies a Trustee or officer of the Trust against any liability for his or her willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

The Acquiring Trust's Declaration of Trust provides that the Trust shall indemnify each of its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred by them, in connection with, or arising out of, any action, suit or proceeding, threatened against or otherwise involving such Trustee or officer, directly or indirectly, by reason of being or having been a Trustee or officer of the Trust. The Acquiring Trust's Declaration of Trust does not authorize the Trust to indemnify any Trustee or officer against any liability to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of or for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such person's duties.

The foregoing is only a summary of certain characteristics of the operations of the Declarations of Trust and By-Laws of the Selling Trust and Acquiring Trust, and Massachusetts, Delaware and federal law, as applicable, and is not a complete description of those documents or law. Shareholders should refer to the provisions of such Declarations of Trust, By-Laws and Massachusetts, Delaware and federal law, as applicable, directly for more complete information.

**INFORMATION CONCERNING THE MEETING AND VOTING REQUIREMENTS**

This Prospectus/Proxy Statement is being sent to shareholders of the Acquired Funds in connection with a solicitation of proxies by the Trustees of the Selling Trust, to be used at the Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, March 9, 2023, at the offices of the Selling Trust at 888 Boylston Street, Suite 800, Boston, Massachusetts 02199, and at any adjournments thereof (previously defined as the Meeting). If you wish to participate in the Meeting, you may submit the proxy card included with this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, vote through the Internet or by telephone, or attend in person. This Prospectus/Proxy Statement, along with a Notice of the Meeting and a proxy card, is first being mailed to shareholders of the Acquired Funds on or about January 27, 2023.

The Board of Trustees of the Selling Trust has fixed the close of business on January 13, 2023, as the record date (the "Record Date") for determining the shareholders of the Acquired Funds entitled to receive notice of the Meeting and to vote, and for determining the number of shares for which voting instructions may be given, with respect to the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

In voting for the Plan, each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each share held as of the Record Date.

Proxies may be revoked by mailing a notice of revocation to the Secretary of the Selling Trust at the address set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, by executing a superseding proxy by telephone or through the Internet or by attending the Meeting in person and voting your shares. Unless revoked, all valid proxies will be voted in

accordance with the specifications thereon or, in the absence of such specifications, FOR approval of the Plan and the Reorganizations contemplated thereby.

**<u>How to vote</u>**

While you may attend the meeting in person, voting today will save on the potential cost of future mailings required to obtain shareholder votes. You have multiple options available for how to cast your proxy vote:

*Mail:* Complete the enclosed proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope;

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| *Internet:* | Instructions for voting online can be found on the enclosed proxy card; and |

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|:---|:---|
| *Phone:* | Cast your vote by automated touchtone phone. Further details can be found on the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction form. |

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If you wish to participate in the Meeting, you may submit the proxy card included with this Prospectus/Proxy Statement, vote through the Internet or by telephone, or attend in person.

If you have any questions regarding the Reorganization or the proxy card, or need assistance voting your shares, please contact Di Costa Partners, the Selling Trust's proxy solicitor, toll-free at (833) 290-2573.

If the enclosed proxy card is properly executed and returned in time to be voted at the Meeting, the proxies named thereon will vote the interests represented by the proxy card in accordance with the instructions marked on the returned proxy card. Proxy cards that are properly executed and returned but are not marked with voting instructions will be voted FOR the Plan and FOR any other matters deemed appropriate.

30% of the outstanding voting shares of each Acquired Fund must be present in person or by proxy to constitute a quorum for the Meeting. Approval of the Plan will require approval as mandated under the 1940 Act, which is the lesser of: approval by 67% or more of the votes present at the meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding votes are present; or, approval by more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities.

The inspectors of election will treat abstentions of shares represented at the Meeting as present for purposes of determining a quorum. In addition, under the rules of the NYSE, if a broker has not received instructions from beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote and the proposal to be voted upon may "affect substantially" a shareholder's rights or privileges, the broker may not vote the shares as to that proposal even if it has discretionary voting power. As a result, these shares also will be treated as broker non-votes for purposes of proposals that may "affect substantially" a shareholder's rights or privileges (but will not be treated as broker non-votes for other proposals). Abstentions and broker non-votes have the effect of shares voted against the Plan. Because there are no proposals on which broker-dealers may vote in their discretion on behalf of their clients, the Acquired Funds do not expect to receive any broker non-votes.

Representatives of the Selling Trust may solicit proxies by mail, telephone, facsimile, Internet or personal contact. Di Costa Partners has been engaged to assist in the distribution and tabulation of proxies and to assist in the solicitation of proxies. The costs of solicitation and the expenses incurred in connection with preparing this Prospectus/Proxy Statement and its enclosures will be paid by Virtus and Natixis (or their respective affiliates). The anticipated cost of this proxy solicitation is approximately $1,080,000, plus expenses.

If shareholders of an Acquired Fund do not vote to approve the Plan, the Trustees of the Selling Trust will consider other possible courses of action in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and its shareholders. If sufficient votes to approve the Plan are not received, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting to permit further solicitation of voting instructions. In determining whether to adjourn the Meeting, the following factors may be considered: the percentage of votes actually cast, the percentage of negative votes actually cast, the nature of any further solicitation and the information to be provided to shareholders with respect to the reasons for the solicitation. Any adjournment will require an affirmative vote of a majority of those shares represented at the Meeting in person or by proxy, so any abstentions will have the effect of a vote against adjournment. The persons named as proxies will vote upon such adjournment after consideration of all circumstances which may bear upon a decision to adjourn the Meeting.

A shareholder of an Acquired Fund who objects to the proposed Reorganization will not be entitled under either Massachusetts law or the Selling Trust's Declaration of Trust to demand payment for, or an appraisal of, his or her shares. However, shareholders should be aware that the Reorganizations as proposed are not expected to result in recognition of gain or loss to shareholders for federal income tax purposes. In addition, if the Reorganizations are consummated,

shareholders will be free to redeem the shares of the Acquiring Fund that they receive in the transaction at their then-current net asset value. Shares of an Acquired Fund may be redeemed at any time prior to its Reorganization. Shareholders of the Acquired Funds may wish to consult their tax advisors as to any different consequences of redeeming their shares prior to the Reorganizations or exchanging such shares in a Reorganization.

The Selling Trust does not hold annual shareholder meetings. If the Plan is not approved, shareholders wishing to submit proposals to be considered for inclusion in a proxy statement for a subsequent shareholder meeting should send their written proposals to the Secretary of the Selling Trust at the address set forth on the cover of this Prospectus/Proxy Statement so that they will be received by the Selling Trust in a reasonable period of time prior to that meeting.

The votes of shareholders of the Acquiring Funds (if any) are not being solicited by this Prospectus/Proxy Statement and are not required to carry out the Reorganizations.

**<u>Shareholder Information</u>**

The shareholders of each Acquired Fund at the close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to be present and vote at the Meeting with respect to shares of the applicable Acquired Fund owned as of the Record Date. As of the Record Date, the total number of shares for each share class of each Acquired Fund outstanding was as follows:

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|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Number of Shares**<br> **<u>AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund</u>** | **Number of Shares**<br> **<u>AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund</u>** |
| **Class A** | 1405958.711 | 13509090.466 |
| **Class C** | 304621.528 | 3513955.619 |
| **Class N** | 3011435.241 | 31365098.742 |
| **Class Y** | 17251254.115 | 235081092.419 |
| **Total** | 21973269.595 | 283469237.246 |

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As of the Record Date, the officers and Trustees of the Selling Trust, as a group, owned beneficially or of record less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Acquired Fund.

As of the Record Date, there were no outstanding shares of the Acquiring Funds.

**<u>Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities</u>**

A principal shareholder is any person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of any class of a Fund's outstanding shares. A control person is a shareholder that owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control. Shareholders owning voting securities in excess of 25% may determine the outcome of any matter affecting and voted on by shareholders of a Fund. The actions of an entity or person that controls a Fund could have an effect on other shareholders. For instance, a control person may have effective voting control over a Fund or large redemptions by a control person could cause a Fund's other shareholders to pay a higher pro rata portion of the Fund's expenses. As of the Record Date, the beneficial owners or record owners of more than 5% of the shares of the Acquired Funds were as follows:

<u>ALPHASIMPLEX GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES</u>

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|:---|:---|:---|
| <u>**<u>Name and Address</u>**</u> | **No. of**<br> **<u>Shares</u>** | **% of Class of**<br> **<u>Shares of Fund</u>** |
| MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT<br>OF IT'S CUSTOMERS <br>ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION ML<br> 4800 DEERLAKE DR EAST 2ND FL <br>JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 | 500123.7850 | 35.57% |
| WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC<br> SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE<br> EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER<br> 2801 MARKET ST<br> SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 | 158049.1010 | 11.24% |
| MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC<br> FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST<br> 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL SC1 FL 12<br> NEW YORK NY 10004-1932 | 156474.1380 | 11.13% |
| CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC<br> SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS<br> ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS<br> 211 MAIN STREET<br> SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 | 111683.9400 | 7.94% |
| UBS WM USA <br> 0O0 11011 6100<br>OMNI ACCOUNT M/F<br> SPEC CDY A/C EBOC UBSFSI<br> 1000 HARBOR BLVD<br> WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761 | 85335.7170 | 6.07% |
| CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC <br> SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FBO CUSTOMERS<br> ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS<br> 101 MONTGOMERY ST<br> SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151 | 79483.2040 | 5.65% |

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<u>ALPHASIMPLEX GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES</u>

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|:---|:---|:---|
| <u>**<u>Name and Address</u>**</u> | **No. of**<br> **<u>Shares</u>** | **% of Class of**<br> **<u>Shares of Fund</u>** |
| WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC<br> SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE<br> EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER<br> 2801 MARKET ST<br> SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 | 153981.2960 | 50.55% |
| RBC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC <br> MUTUAL FUND OMNIBUS PROCESSING<br> ATTN MUTUAL FUND OPS MANAGER<br> 250 NICOLLET MALL STE 1400<br> MINNEAPOLIS MN 55401-7554 | 45628.4630 | 14.98% |
| LPL FINANCIAL<br> OMNIBUS CUSTOMER ACCOUNT<br> ATTN MUTUAL FUND TRADING<br> 4707 EXECUTIVE DR<br> SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091 | 27503.0020 | 9.03% |
| MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC<br> FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST<br> 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL SC1 FL 12<br> NEW YORK NY 10004-1932 | 15679.7640 | 5.15% |
| UBS WM USA <br> 0O0 11011 6100<br> OMNI ACCOUNT M/F<br> SPEC CDY A/C EBOC UBSFSI<br> 1000 HARBOR BLVD<br> WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761 | 15321.0320 | 5.03% |

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<u>ALPHASIMPLEX GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES</u> <br>

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <u>**<u>Name and Address</u>**</u> | <u>**<u>Class</u>**</u> | **No. of**<br> **<u>Shares</u>** | **% of Class of**<br> **<u>Shares of Fund</u>** |
| MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC <br> FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST<br> 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL SC1 FL 12<br> NEW YORK NY 10004-1932 | Y | 3865469.0930 | 22.41% |
| MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT <br> OF ITS CUSTOMERS<br> ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION ML<br> 4800 DEERLAKE DR EAST 2ND FL<br> JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 | Y | 3561581.3090 | 20.65% |
| NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC <br> 499 WASHINGTON BLVD<br> JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 | Y | 2475612.9220 | 14.35% |
| WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC <br> SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE<br> EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER<br> 2801 MARKET ST<br> SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 | Y | 1268687.2620 | 7.35% |
| PERSHING LLC <br> 1 PERSHING PLZ<br> JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001 | Y | 1105444.7780 | 6.41% |

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<u>ALPHASIMPLEX MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY</u> <br>

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|:---|:---|:---|
| <u>**<u>Name and Address</u>**</u> | **No. of**<br> **<u>Shares</u>** | **% of Class of**<br> **<u>Shares of Fund</u>** |
| CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC <br> ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS<br> 101 MONTGOMERY ST<br> SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151 | 3685969.0840 | 27.29% |
| WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC <br> SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE<br> EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER<br> 2801 MARKET ST<br> SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 | 1168624.6190 | 8.65% |
| TD AMERITRADE INC FBO <br> OUR CUSTOMERS<br> PO BOX 2226<br> OMAHA NE 68103-2226 | 1051650.3140 | 7.78% |
| MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE <br> FENNER & SMITH INC<br> MERRILL LYNCH FINANCIAL DATA SVCS<br> ATTN: SERVICE TEAM<br> 4800 DEER LAKE DR EAST 3RD FLR<br> JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 | 707076.4840 | 5.23% |
| PERSHING LLC<br> 1 PERSHING PLZ<br> JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001 A | 706553.1410 | 5.23% |

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<u>ALPHASIMPLEX MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY</u> <br>

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|:---|:---|:---|
| <u>**<u>Name and Address</u>**</u> | **No. of**<br> **<u>Shares</u>** | **% of Class of**<br> **<u>Shares of Fund</u>** |
| WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC <br> SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE<br> EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER<br> 2801 MARKET ST<br> SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 | 898201.8010 | 25.56% |
| AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC <br> FBO # 41999970<br> 707 2ND AVE S<br> MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405 | 873645.1410 | 24.86% |
| MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE <br> FENNER & SMITH INC<br> MERRILL LYNCH FINANCIAL DATA SVCS<br> ATTN: SERVICE TEAM<br> 4800 DEER LAKE DR EAST 3RD FLR<br> JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 | 329683.0670 | 9.38% |
| RAYMOND JAMES <br> OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS<br> HOUSE ACCT FIRM 92500015<br> ATTN COURTNEY WALLER<br> 880 CARILLON PKWY<br> ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100 | 303737.5680 | 8.64% |
| LPL FINANCIAL <br> OMNIBUS CUSTOMER ACCOUNT<br> ATTN MUTUAL FUND TRADING<br> 4707 EXECUTIVE DR<br> SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091 | 287591.0890 | 8.18% |
| RBC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC<br> MUTUAL FUND OMNIBUS PROCESSING<br> ATTN MUTUAL FUND OPS MANAGER<br> 250 NICOLLET MALL STE 1400<br> MINNEAPOLIS MN 55401-7554 | 234696.2660 | 6.68% |

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<u>ALPHASIMPLEX MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY</u><br>

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>Name and Address</u>** | **<u>Class</u>** | **No. of**<br> **<u>Shares</u>** | **% of Class of**<br> **<u>Shares of Fund</u>** |
| NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC <br> 499 WASHINGTON BLVD<br> JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 | Y | 27633771.7170 | 11.75% |
| AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC <br> FBO # 41999970<br> 707 2ND AVE S<br> MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405 | Y | 24915187.1610 | 10.60% |
| CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC <br> ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS<br> 101 MONTGOMERY ST<br> SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151 | Y | 24650832.6390 | 10.49% |
| MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE<br> FENNER & SMITH INC<br> MERRILL LYNCH FINANCIAL DATA SVCS<br> ATTN: SERVICE TEAM<br> 4800 DEER LAKE DR EAST 3RD FLR<br> JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 | Y | 22482821.1980 | 9.56% |
| WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC<br> SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE<br> EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER<br> 2801 MARKET ST<br> SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 | Y | 21991970.3370 | 9.36% |
| LPL FINANCIAL<br> OMNIBUS CUSTOMER ACCOUNT<br> ATTN MUTUAL FUND TRADING<br> 4707 EXECUTIVE DR<br> SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091 | Y | 21344442.2770 | 9.08% |
| PERSHING LLC<br> 1 PERSHING PLZ<br> JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001 | Y | 12602342.0750 | 5.36% |

---

<u>ALPHASIMPLEX GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES</u> <br>

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| <u>**<u>Name and Address</u>**</u> | **No. of**<br> **<u>Shares</u>** | **% of Class of**<br> **<u>Shares of Fund</u>** |
| WELLS FARGO BANK NA FBO<br> OMNIBUS CASH CASH<br> XXXX0<br> PO BOX 1533<br> MINNEAPOLIS MN 55480-1533 | 2904831.0730 | 96.46% |

---

<u>ALPHASIMPLEX MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY</u> <br>

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| <u>**<u>Name and Address</u>**</u> | **No. of**<br> **<u>Shares</u>** | **% of Class of**<br> **<u>Shares of Fund</u>** |
| WELLS FARGO BANK NA FBO <br> OMNIBUS CASH CASH<br> XXXX0<br> PO BOX 1533<br> MINNEAPOLIS MN 55480-1533 | 10043096.6720 | 32.02% |
| GREENLEAF TRUST CASH REINVEST <br> 211 SOUTH ROSE STREET<br> KALAMAZOO MI 49007-4713 | 36958600.5840 | 22.19% |
| GREENLEAF TRUST REINVEST REINVEST<br> 211 SOUTH ROSE STREET<br> KALAMAZOO MI 49007-4713 | 3272133.9260 | 10.43% |
| GREENLEAF TRUST CASH CASH 0<br> 211 SOUTH ROSE STREET<br> KALAMAZOO MI 49007-4713 | 2557903.7590 | 8.16% |
| C/O UNION BANK ID 797 <br> SEI PRIVATE TRUST COMPANY<br> 1 FREEDOM VALLEY DR<br> OAKS PA 19456-9989 | 1661149.2500 | 5.30% |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUND ADMINISTRATOR<br> C/O UNION BANK ID 797<br> SEI PRIVATE TRUST COMPANY<br> 1 FREEDOM VALLEY DR<br> OAKS PA 19456-9989 | 1657549.1600 | 5.28% |

---

**TAX STATUS OF DISTRIBUTIONS**

Each Acquiring Fund plans to make distributions from net investment income annually and to distribute net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.

Distributions of short-term capital gains (gains on securities held for a year or less) and net investment income are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Certain distributions of long-term capital gains and certain dividends are taxable at a lower rate than ordinary income. Long-term capital gains, if any, which are distributed to shareholders and which are designated by a fund as capital gain distributions, are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain distributions regardless of the length of time you have owned your shares.

Unless you elect to receive distributions in cash, dividends and capital gain distributions are paid in additional shares. All distributions, whether paid in cash or in additional shares, are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state, local and other taxes.

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXPERTS**

The [Annual Report](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522064254/d251835dncsr.htm) of the Selling Trust relating to the Acquired Funds, for the year ended December 31, 2021, including the financial statements and financial highlights for the periods indicated therein, has been incorporated by reference herein and in the Registration Statement in reliance upon the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The [Semi-Annual Report](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522235077/d323417dncsrs.htm) of the Selling Trust relating to the Acquired Funds for the six months ended June 30, 2022, including the financial statements and financial highlights for the periods indicated therein, has also been incorporated by reference herein.

**LEGAL MATTERS**

Certain legal matters concerning the issuance of shares of the Acquiring Funds will be passed upon by the law firm of Haynes and Boone, LLP, located at 800 17<sup>th</sup> Street N.W., Washington, DC 20006.

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

The Selling Trust and Acquiring Trust are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the 1940 Act, and in accordance therewith file reports and other information including proxy material and charter documents with the SEC. Text-only versions of all of the Funds' documents can be viewed online or downloaded from the EDGAR database on the SEC's internet site at <u>www.sec.gov</u>. These items can be inspected and copied at the Public Reference Facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following regional offices of the SEC: Atlanta – 3475 Lenox Road, NE., Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30326; Boston – 33 Arch Street, 23rd Floor, Boston, MA 02110; Chicago – 175 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60604; Denver – 1801 California Street, Suite 1500, Denver, CO 80202; Fort Worth – Burnett Plaza, Suite 1900, 801 Cherry Street, Unit #18, Fort Worth, TX 76102; Los Angeles – 5670 Wilshire Boulevard, 11th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90036; Miami – 801 Brickell Ave., Suite 1800, Miami, FL 33131; New York – 3 World Financial Center, Suite 400, New York, NY 10281; Philadelphia – 701 Market Street, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, PA 19106; Salt Lake City – 15 W. South Temple Street, Suite 1800, Salt Lake City, UT 84101; and San Francisco – 44 Montgomery Street, Suite 2800, San Francisco, CA 94104. You can obtain copies, upon payment of a duplicating fee at prescribed rates, by sending an e-mail request to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the Public Reference Room at the address above. Information on the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-202-551-5850.

**OTHER BUSINESS**

The Trustees of the Selling Trust do not intend to present any other business at the Meeting. If, however, any other matters are properly brought before the Meeting, the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy will vote thereon in accordance with their judgment.

**THE TRUSTEES OF THE SELLING TRUST RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE PLAN AND ANY <br> UNMARKED PROXY CARDS WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR OF APPROVAL OF THE PLAN.**

**FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS**

The tables below present financial information of the Acquired Funds. No information is presented for the Acquiring Funds because they have not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus/Proxy Statement. These tables are intended to help you understand each Acquired Fund's financial performance for the period of the Fund's operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).

This information for the fiscal periods ended December 31, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Selling Trust's independent registered public accounting firm. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's report, along with further detail on the Acquired Funds' financial statements, is included in the most recent Annual Report, which is available upon request. The information for the six months ended June 30, 2022, has not been audited. Following the Reorganization, each Acquiring Fund will adopt the financial statements of the corresponding Acquired Fund.

**Consolidated Financial Highlights**

For a share outstanding throughout each period.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class A** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class A** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class A** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class A** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class A** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class A** |
|  | **Six Months <br> Ended<br> June 30, 2022<br> (Unaudited)** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2021** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2020** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2019** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2018** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2017** |
| Net asset value, beginning of the period | $10.78 | $10.67 | $11.18 | $10.24 | $11.04 | $10.02 |
| **INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income (loss)(a) | (0.04) | (0.10) | (0.03) | 0.11 | 0.06 | (0.03) |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (0.27) | 0.21 | (0.24) | 0.93 | (0.75) | 1.10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total from Investment Operations | (0.31) | 0.11 | (0.27) | 1.04 | (0.69) | 1.07 |
| **LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income |  |  | (0.24) | (0.10) | (0.11) | (0.05) |
| Net asset value, end of the period | $10.47 | $10.78 | $10.67 | $11.18 | $10.24 | $11.04 |
| Total return(b) | (2.88)%(c)(d) | 1.03 %(d) | (2.38)%(d) | 10.26 %(d) | (6.35)%(d) | 10.66% |
| **RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Net assets, end of the period (000's)** | $14522 | $16882 | $15584 | $25341 | $33649 | $49904 |
| Net expenses | 1.49 %(e)(f) | 1.51 %(f)(g)(h) | 1.52 %(f)(i) | 1.54 %(f) | 1.54 %(f) | 1.57 %(j)(k) |
| Gross expenses | 1.61 %(e) | 1.62 %(g)(h) | 1.58% | 1.57% | 1.55% | 1.57 %(j) |
| Net investment income (loss) | (0.84)%(e) | (0.91)% | (0.33)% | 0.97% | 0.58% | (0.26)% |
| Portfolio turnover rate(l) | 64% | 115% | 232 %(m) | 125% | 59% | — % |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using
 the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) A sales charge for Class A shares is not reflected in total return calculations.

(c) Periods less than one year are not annualized.

(d) Had certain expenses not been waived/reimbursed during the period, total returns would
 have been lower.

(e) Computed on an annualized basis for periods less than one year.

(f) The investment adviser agreed to waive its fees and/or reimburse a portion of the Fund's
 expenses during the period. Without this waiver/reimbursement, expenses would have been higher.

(g) Includes interest expense. Without this expense the ratio of net expenses would have
 been 1.49% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 1.60%.

(h) Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. Had underlying
 fund expenses been included, the net and gross expense ratios to average net assets would have been 1.52% and 1.63%, respectively.

(i) Effective July 1, 2020, the expense limit decreased from 1.54% to 1.49%.

(j) Includes interest expense. Without this expense the ratio of net expenses would have
 been 1.55% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 1.56%.

(k) Effective July 1, 2017, the expense limit decreased from 1.60% to 1.54%.

(l) Prior to 2018, the portfolio turnover rate was not reported due to the short term nature
 of the portfolio of investments.

(m) The variation in the Fund's turnover rate from 2019 to 2020 was primarily due
 to an increase in shareholder activity and reallocations in investment models resulting in increased equity security transactions.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

**Consolidated Financial Highlights**

For a share outstanding throughout each period.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class C** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class C** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class C** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class C** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class C** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class C** |
|  | **Six Months<br> Ended<br> June 30, 2022<br> (Unaudited)** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2021** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2020** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2019** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2018** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2017** |
| Net asset value, beginning of the period | $10.06 | $10.02 | $10.48 | $9.59 | $10.33 | $9.40 |
| **INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income (loss)(a) | (0.08) | (0.16) | (0.11) | 0.02 | (0.02) | (0.10) |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (0.26) | 0.20 | (0.22) | 0.88 | (0.70) | 1.03 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total from Investment Operations | (0.34) | 0.04 | (0.33) | 0.90 | (0.72) | 0.93 |
| **LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income |  |  | (0.13) | (0.01) | (0.02) |  |
| Net asset value, end of the period | $9.72 | $10.06 | $10.02 | $10.48 | $9.59 | $10.33 |
| Total return(b) | (3.28)%(c)(d) | 0.30 %(d) | (3.17)%(d) | 9.48 %(d) | (7.09)%(d) | 9.89% |
| **RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of the period (000's) | $2752 | $3109 | $5059 | $11171 | $15537 | $24521 |
| Net expenses | 2.24 %(e)(f) | 2.26 %(f)(g)(h) | 2.27 %(f)(i) | 2.29 %(f) | 2.29 %(f) | 2.32 %(j)(k) |
| Gross expenses | 2.37 %(e) | 2.37 %(g)(h) | 2.33% | 2.32% | 2.30% | 2.32 %(k) |
| Net investment income (loss) | (1.59)%(e) | (1.61)% | (1.08)% | 0.23% | (0.17)% | (1.00)% |
| Portfolio turnover rate(l) | 64% | 115% | 232 %(m) | 125% | 59% | — % |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using
 the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) A contingent deferred sales charge for Class C shares is not reflected in total return
 calculations.

(c) Periods less than one year are not annualized.

(d) Had certain expenses not been waived/reimbursed during the period, total returns would
 have been lower.

(e) Computed on an annualized basis for periods less than one year.

(f) The investment adviser agreed to waive its fees and/or reimburse a portion of the Fund's
 expenses during the period. Without this waiver/reimbursement, expenses would have been higher.

(g) Includes interest expense. Without this expense the ratio of net expenses would have
 been 2.24% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 2.35%.

(h) Does not include expenses of the underlying funds in which the Fund invests. Had underlying
 fund expenses been included, the net and gross expense ratios to average net assets would have been 2.27% and 2.38%, respectively.

(i) Effective July 1, 2020, the expense limit decreased from 2.29% to 2.24%.

(j) Effective July 1, 2017, the expense limit decreased from 2.35% to 2.29%.

(k) Includes interest expense. Without this expense the ratio of net expenses would have
 been 2.30% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 2.31%.

(l) Prior to 2018, the portfolio turnover rate was not reported due to the short term nature
 of the portfolio of investments.

(m) The variation in the Fund's turnover rate from 2019 to 2020 was primarily due
 to an increase in shareholder activity and reallocations in investment models resulting in increased equity security transactions.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

**Consolidated Financial Highlights**

For a share outstanding throughout each period.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class N** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class N** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class N** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class N** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class N** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class N** |
|  | **Six Months<br> Ended<br> June 30, 2022<br> (Unaudited)** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2021** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2020** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2019** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2018** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2017** |
| Net asset value, beginning of the period | $10.97 | $10.82 | $11.35 | $10.40 | $11.22 | $10.19 |
| **INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income (loss)(a) | (0.01) | (0.08) | 0.00 (b) | 0.15 | 0.10 | 0.01 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (0.30) | 0.23 | (0.24) | 0.94 | (0.77) | 1.11 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total from Investment Operations | (0.31) | 0.15 | (0.24) | 1.09 | (0.67) | 1.12 |
| **LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income |  |  | (0.29) | (0.14) | (0.15) | (0.09) |
| Net asset value, end of the period | $10.66 | $10.97 | $10.82 | $11.35 | $10.40 | $11.22 |
| Total return | (2.83)%(c)(d) | 1.39 %(d) | (2.06)%(d) | 10.48 %(d) | (6.08)%(d) | 10.98% |
| **RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of the period (000's) | $38544 | $142 | $131 | $526 | $14377 | $10376 |
| Net expenses | 1.19 %(e)(f) | 1.21 %(f)(g)(h) | 1.22 %(f)(i) | 1.24 %(f) | 1.24 %(f) | 1.26 %(j)(k) |
| Gross expenses | 1.30 %(e) | 1.98 %(g)(h) | 1.68% | 1.26% | 1.25% | 1.26 %(k) |
| Net investment income (loss) | (0.14)%(e) | (0.70)% | 0.02% | 1.38% | 0.94% | 0.09% |
| Portfolio turnover rate(l) | 64% | 115% | 232 %(m) | 125% | 59% | — % |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Per share net investment income
 (loss) has been calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) Amount rounds to less than $0.01
 per share.

(c) Periods less than one year are not
 annualized.

(d) Had certain expenses not been waived/reimbursed
 during the period, total returns would have been lower.

(e) Computed on an annualized basis
 for periods less than one year.

(f) The investment adviser agreed to
 waive its fees and/or reimburse a portion of the Fund's expenses during the period. Without this waiver/reimbursement,
 expenses would have been higher.

(g) Includes interest expense. Without
 this expense the ratio of net expenses would have been 1.19% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 1.96%.

(h) Does not include expenses of the
 underlying funds in which the Fund invests. Had underlying fund expenses been included, the net and gross expense ratios to
 average net assets would have been 1.22% and 1.99%, respectively.

(i) Effective July 1, 2020, the expense
 limit decreased from 1.24% to 1.19%.

(j) Effective July 1, 2017, the expense
 limit decreased from 1.30% to 1.24%.

(k) Includes interest expense. Without
 this expense the ratio of net expenses would have been 1.24% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 1.24%.

(l) Prior to 2018, the portfolio turnover
 rate was not reported due to the short term nature of the portfolio of investments.

(m) The variation in the Fund's
 turnover rate from 2019 to 2020 was primarily due to an increase in shareholder activity and reallocations in investment models
 resulting in increased equity security transactions.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

**Consolidated Financial Highlights**

For a share outstanding throughout each period.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class Y** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class Y** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class Y** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class Y** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class Y** | **AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund—Class Y** |
|  | **Six Months <br> Ended<br> June 30, 2022<br> (Unaudited)** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2021** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2020** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2019** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2018** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2017** |
| Net asset value, beginning of the period | $10.98 | $10.84 | $11.36 | $10.40 | $11.22 | $10.19 |
| **INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income (loss)(a) | (0.03) | (0.07) | (0.01) | 0.14 | 0.09 | 0.00 (b) |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (0.28) | 0.21 | (0.23) | 0.95 | (0.77) | 1.11 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total from Investment Operations | (0.31) | 0.14 | (0.24) | 1.09 | (0.68) | 1.11 |
| **LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income |  |  | (0.28) | (0.13) | (0.14) | (0.08) |
| Net asset value, end of the period | $10.67 | $10.98 | $10.84 | $11.36 | $10.40 | $11.22 |
| Total return | (2.82)%(c)(d) | 1.29 %(d) | (2.12)%(d) | 10.49 %(d) | (6.04)%(d) | 10.93% |
| **RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of the period (000's) | $178746 | $322349 | $502517 | $784884 | $1132058 | $1559650 |
| Net expenses | 1.24 %(e)(f) | 1.26 %(f)(g)(h) | 1.27 %(f)(i) | 1.29 %(f) | 1.29 %(f) | 1.32 %(j)(k) |
| Gross expenses | 1.36 %(e) | 1.37 %(g)(h) | 1.33% | 1.32% | 1.30% | 1.32 %(k) |
| Net investment income (loss) | (0.62)%(e) | (0.60)% | (0.11)% | 1.23% | 0.85% | 0.02% |
| Portfolio turnover rate(l) | 64% | 115% | 232 %(m) | 125% | 59% | — % |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Per share net investment
 income (loss) has been calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) Amount rounds to less than $0.01
 per share.

(c) Periods less than one year are not
 annualized.

(d) Had certain expenses not been waived/reimbursed
 during the period, total returns would have been lower.

(e) Computed on an annualized basis
 for periods less than one year.

(f) The investment adviser agreed to
 waive its fees and/or reimburse a portion of the Fund's expenses during the period. Without this waiver/reimbursement,
 expenses would have been higher.

(g) Includes interest expense. Without
 this expense the ratio of net expenses would have been 1.24% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 1.35%.

(h) Does not include expenses of the
 underlying funds in which the Fund invests. Had underlying fund expenses been included, the net and gross expense ratios to
 average net assets would have been 1.27% and 1.38%, respectively.

(i) Effective July 1, 2020, the expense
 limit decreased from 1.29% to 1.24%.

(j) Effective July 1, 2017, the expense
 limit decreased from 1.35% to 1.29%.

(k) Includes interest expense. Without
 this expense the ratio of net expenses would have been 1.30% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 1.31%.

(l) Prior to 2018, the portfolio turnover
 rate was not reported due to the short term nature of the portfolio of investments.

(m) The variation in the Fund's
 turnover rate from 2019 to 2020 was primarily due to an increase in shareholder activity and reallocations in investment models
 resulting in increased equity security transactions.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class A** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class A** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class A** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class A** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class A** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class A** |
|  | **Six Months <br> Ended<br> June 30, 2022<br> (Unaudited)** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2021** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2020** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2019** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2018** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2017** |
| Net asset value, beginning of the period | $9.94 | $10.17 | $9.26 | $8.97 | $10.38 | $9.78 |
| **INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income (loss)(a) | (0.07) | (0.18) | (0.10) | 0.04 | 0.02 | (0.06) |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 3.73 | 0.52 | 1.33 | 0.69 | (1.31) | 0.66 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total from Investment Operations | 3.66 | 0.34 | 1.23 | 0.73 | (1.29) | 0.60 |
| **LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income | (0.03) | (0.57) | (0.32) | (0.44) |  |  |
| Net realized capital gains |  |  |  |  | (0.12) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Distributions | (0.03) | (0.57) | (0.32) | (0.44) | (0.12) |  |
| Net asset value, end of the period | $13.57 | $9.94 | $10.17 | $9.26 | $8.97 | $10.38 |
| Total return(b) | 36.87 %(c) | 3.30 %(d) | 13.27 %(d) | 8.09 %(d) | (12.55)% | 6.13% |
| **RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of the period (000's) | $142816 | $51356 | $170442 | $222059 | $133996 | $299505 |
| Net expenses | 1.73 %(e)(f) | 1.72 %(g)(h) | 1.70 %(g) | 1.70 %(g) | 1.70% | 1.75 %(f)(i) |
| Gross expenses | 1.73 %(e)(f) | 1.76 %(h) | 1.80% | 1.79% | 1.70% | 1.75 %(f)(i) |
| Net investment income (loss) | (1.16)%(e) | (1.63)% | (0.99)% | 0.47% | 0.21% | (0.61)% |
| Portfolio turnover rate(j) | — % | — % | — % | — % | —% | — % |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Per share net investment income
 (loss) has been calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) A sales charge for Class A shares
 is not reflected in total return calculations.

(c) Periods less than one year are not
 annualized.

(d) Had certain expenses not been waived/reimbursed
 during the period, total returns would have been lower.

(e) Computed on an annualized basis
 for periods less than one year.

(f) Includes interest expense. Without
 this expense the ratio of net expenses would have been 1.70% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 1.70%.

(g) The investment adviser agreed to
 waive its fees and/or reimburse a portion of the Fund's expenses during the period. Without this waiver/reimbursement,
 expenses would have been higher.

(h) Includes interest expense. Without
 this expense the ratio of net expenses would have been 1.70% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 1.74%.

(i) Includes fee/expense recovery of 0.01%.

(j) Due to the short-term nature of
 the portfolio of investments there is no portfolio turnover calculation.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

**Consolidated Financial Highlights**

For a share outstanding throughout each period.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class C** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class C** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class C** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class C** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class C** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class C** |
|  | **Six Months <br> Ended<br> June 30, 2022<br> (Unaudited)** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2021** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2020** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2019** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2018** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2017** |
| Net asset value, beginning of the period | $9.38 | $9.63 | $8.78 | $8.51 | $9.93 | $9.42 |
| **INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment loss(a) | (0.11) | (0.24) | (0.16) | (0.02) | (0.05) | (0.13) |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 3.51 | 0.49 | 1.26 | 0.64 | (1.25) | 0.64 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total from Investment Operations | 3.40 | 0.25 | 1.10 | 0.62 | (1.30) | 0.51 |
| **LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income | (0.03) | (0.50) | (0.25) | (0.35) |  |  |
| Net realized capital gains |  |  |  |  | (0.12) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Distributions | (0.03) | (0.50) | (0.25) | (0.35) | (0.12) |  |
| Net asset value, end of the period | $12.75 | $9.38 | $9.63 | $8.78 | $8.51 | $9.93 |
| Total return(b) | 36.30 %(c) | 2.54 %(d) | 12.48 %(d) | 7.30 %(d) | (13.22)% | 5.41% |
| **RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of the period (000's) | $25953 | $17400 | $19793 | $21621 | $29421 | $53661 |
| Net expenses | 2.48 %(e)(f) | 2.47 %(g)(h) | 2.45 %(g) | 2.45 %(g) | 2.45% | 2.50 %(f)(i) |
| Gross expenses | 2.48 %(e)(f) | 2.51 %(h) | 2.54% | 2.53% | 2.45% | 2.50 %(f)(i) |
| Net investment loss | (1.99)%(e) | (2.38)% | (1.78)% | (0.24)% | (0.52)% | (1.36)% |
| Portfolio turnover rate(j) | — % | — % | — % | — % | —% | — % |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Per share net investment loss has
 been calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) A contingent deferred sales charge
 for Class C shares is not reflected in total return calculations.

(c) Periods less than one year are not
 annualized.

(d) Had certain expenses not been waived/reimbursed
 during the period, total returns would have been lower.

(e) Computed on an annualized basis
 for periods less than one year.

(f) Includes interest expense. Without
 this expense the ratio of net expenses would have been 2.45% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 2.45%.

(g) The investment adviser agreed to
 waive its fees and/or reimburse a portion of the Fund's expenses during the period. Without this waiver/reimbursement,
 expenses would have been higher.

(h) Includes interest expense. Without
 this expense the ratio of net expenses would have been 2.45% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 2.48%.

(i) Includes fee/expense recovery of
 0.01%.

(j) Due to the short-term nature of
 the portfolio of investments there is no portfolio turnover calculation.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

**Consolidated Financial Highlights**

For a share outstanding throughout each period.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class N** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class N** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class N** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class N** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class N** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class N** |
|  | **Six Months <br> Ended<br> June 30, 2022<br> (Unaudited)** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2021** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2020** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2019** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2018** | **Period Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2017\*** |
| Net asset value, beginning of the period | $10.06 | $10.30 | $9.38 | $9.07 | $10.46 | $9.81 |
| **INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income (loss)(a) | (0.05) | (0.14) | (0.07) | 0.08 | 0.08 | (0.01) |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 3.78 | 0.52 | 1.35 | 0.70 | (1.35) | 0.67 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total from Investment Operations | 3.73 | 0.38 | 1.28 | 0.78 | (1.27) | 0.66 |
| **LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income | (0.03) | (0.62) | (0.36) | (0.47) |  | (0.01) |
| Net realized capital gains |  |  |  |  | (0.12) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Distributions | (0.03) | (0.62) | (0.36) | (0.47) | (0.12) | (0.01) |
| Net asset value, end of the period | $13.76 | $10.06 | $10.30 | $9.38 | $9.07 | $10.46 |
| Total return | 37.13 %(b) | 3.63% | 13.77% | 8.45% | (12.26)% | 6.76 %(b)(c) |
| **RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of the period (000's) | $402528 | $188562 | $133731 | $117258 | $67957 | $1017 |
| Net expenses | 1.38 %(d)(e) | 1.38 %(f) | 1.35% | 1.36% | 1.36% | 1.34 %(d)(g)(h) |
| Gross expenses | 1.38 %(d)(e) | 1.38 %(f) | 1.35% | 1.36% | 1.36% | 14.83 %(d)(h) |
| Net investment income (loss) | (0.85)%(d) | (1.29)% | (0.73)% | 0.79% | 0.83% | (0.17)%(d) |
| Portfolio turnover rate(i) | — % | — % | —% | —% | —% | — % |

---

\* From commencement of Class operations on May 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.

(a) Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) Periods less than one year are not annualized.

(c) Had certain expenses not been waived/reimbursed during the period, total returns would have been lower.

(d) Computed on an annualized basis for periods less than one year.

(e) Includes interest expense. Without this expense the ratio of net expenses would have been 1.35% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 1.35%

(f) Includes interest expense. Without this expense the ratio of net expenses would have been 1.36% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 1.36%.

(g) The investment adviser agreed to waive its fees and/or reimburse a portion of the Fund's expenses during the period. Without this waiver/reimbursement, expenses would have been higher.

(h) Includes interest expense. Without this expense the ratio of net expenses would have been 1.29% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 14.78%.

(i) Due to the short-term nature of the portfolio of investments there is no portfolio turnover calculation.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

**Consolidated Financial Highlights**

For a share outstanding throughout each period.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class Y** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class Y** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class Y** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class Y** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class Y** | **AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund—Class Y** |
|  | **Six Months <br> Ended<br> June 30, 2022<br> (Unaudited)** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2021** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2020** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2019** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2018** | **Year Ended<br> December 31,<br> 2017** |
| Net asset value, beginning of the period | $10.04 | $10.28 | $9.36 | $9.06 | $10.46 | $9.83 |
| **INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income (loss)(a) | (0.06) | (0.15) | (0.08) | 0.07 | 0.05 | (0.03) |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 3.78 | 0.52 | 1.35 | 0.69 | (1.33) | 0.67 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total from Investment Operations | 3.72 | 0.37 | 1.27 | 0.76 | (1.28) | 0.64 |
| **LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income | (0.03) | (0.61) | (0.35) | (0.46) |  | (0.01) |
| Net realized capital gains |  |  |  |  | (0.12) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Distributions | (0.03) | (0.61) | (0.35) | (0.46) | (0.12) | (0.01) |
| Net asset value, end of the period | $13.73 | $10.04 | $10.28 | $9.36 | $9.06 | $10.46 |
| Total return | 37.10 %(b) | 3.53 %(c) | 13.56 %(c) | 8.35 %(c) | (12.35)% | 6.48% |
| **RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of the period (000's) | $2201992 | $1245471 | $1162122 | $1212973 | $1836962 | $3102626 |
| Net expenses | 1.48 %(d)(e) | 1.47 %(f)(g) | 1.45 %(f) | 1.45 %(f) | 1.45% | 1.50 %(e)(h) |
| Gross expenses | 1.48 %(d)(e) | 1.51 %(g) | 1.54% | 1.53% | 1.45% | 1.50 %(e)(h) |
| Net investment income (loss) | (0.97)%(d) | (1.38)% | (0.80)% | 0.77% | 0.49% | (0.34)% |
| Portfolio turnover rate(i) | — % | — % | — % | — % | —% | — % |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Per share net investment
 income (loss) has been calculated using the average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) Periods less than one year are not
 annualized.

(c) Had certain expenses not been waived/reimbursed
 during the period, total returns would have been lower.

(d) Computed on an annualized basis
 for periods less than one year.

(e) Includes interest expense. Without
 this expense the ratio of net expenses would have been 1.45% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 1.45%.

(f) The investment adviser agreed to
 waive its fees and/or reimburse a portion of the Fund's expenses during the period. Without this waiver/reimbursement,
 expenses would have been higher.

(g) Includes interest expense. Without
 this expense the ratio of net expenses would have been 1.45% and the ratio of gross expenses would have been 1.48%.

(h) Includes fee/expense recovery of
 0.01%.

(i) Due to the short-term nature of
 the portfolio of investments there is no portfolio turnover calculation.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

**This Appendix A is part of, and is incorporated into, the prospectus.**

**Appendix A**

**Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers**

Specific intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or CDSC waivers, which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchaser's responsibility to notify the fund or the purchaser's financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, in order to receive these waivers or discounts shareholders will have to purchase fund shares through another intermediary offering such waivers or discounts or directly from the fund if the fund offers such waivers or discounts. Please see the section entitled "Sales Charges – What arrangement is best for you?" for more information on sales charges and waivers available for different classes.

**Ameriprise Financial**

***Class A Shares Front-End Sales Charge Waivers Available at Ameriprise Financial***

*The following information applies to Class A shares purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase fund shares through Ameriprise Financial:*

Shareholders purchasing fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial retail brokerage account are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement:

▪ Employer-sponsored
 retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit
 sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of
 this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs
 or SAR- SEPs.

▪ Shares
 purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment
 when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the same fund
 family).

▪ Shares
 exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7-year
 anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this Prospectus/Proxy Statement
 elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares or conversion
 of Class C shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Employees
 and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate
 family members.

▪ Shares
 purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings
 Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are
 held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise financial advisor and/or the
 advisor's spouse, advisor's lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother,
 grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor's lineal descendant
 (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great
 granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.

▪ Shares
 purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1)
 the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and
 purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end
 or deferred sales load (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement).

**Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. ("Edward Jones")**

**Policies Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones**

*The following information has been provided by Edward Jones:*

The following information supersedes prior information with respect to transactions and positions held in fund shares through an Edward Jones system. Clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as "shareholders") purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as "breakpoints") and waivers, which can differ from discounts and waivers described elsewhere in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement or statement of additional information ("SAI") or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder's responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of Virtus Funds, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for discounts or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Edward Jones if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.

**Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation, and/or Letters of Intent**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ **Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.** 

▪ **Rights of Accumulation ("ROA").** The applicable sales charge on a purchase of
 Class A shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except certain
 money market funds and any assets held in group retirement plans) of Virtus Funds held
 by the shareholder or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with other accounts for the
 purpose of providing certain pricing considerations ("pricing groups"). If
 grouping assets as a shareholder, this includes all share classes held on the Edward
 Jones platform and/or held on another platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family
 assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones
 of such assets at the time of calculation. Money market funds are included only if such
 shares were sold with a sales charge at the time of purchase or acquired in exchange
 for shares purchased with a sales charge. The employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or
 SIMPLE IRA plan may elect to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated
 with the plan to a plan-level grouping as opposed to including all share classes at a
 shareholder or pricing group level. ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost
 minus redemptions or market value (current shares x NAV).

▪ **Letter of Intent ("LOI")**. Through a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales
 charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13-month
 period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. The LOI is determined by calculating
 the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination
 with the value that the shareholder intends to buy over a 13-month period to calculate
 the front-end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts. Each purchase the shareholder
 makes during that 13-month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount
 that applies to the total amount. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the
 LOI calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets
 at the time of calculation. Purchases made before the LOI is received by Edward Jones
 are not adjusted under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charge previously paid.
 Sales charges will be adjusted if LOI is not met. If the employer maintaining a SEP IRA
 plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts
 associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping, LOIs will also be at the plan-level
 and may only be established by the employer.

***Sales Charge Waivers***

Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:

▪ Associates
 of Edward Jones and its affiliates and their family members who are in the same pricing
 group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate.
 This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate's life if the associate
 retires from Edward Jones in good-standing and remains in good standing pursuant to Edward
 Jones' policies and procedures.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 purchased in an Edward Jones fee-based program.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.

▪ Shares
 purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of the same fund family so long as the
 following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 60 days
 of the purchase, and 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the
 same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds
 from liquidations in a non-retirement account.

▪ Shares
 exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into
 the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible
 for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are
 subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the prospectus.

▪ Exchanges
 from Class C shares to Class A shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month
 following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward
 Jones.

***Contingent Deferred Sales Charges ("CDSC") Waivers***

If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Death
 or disability of the shareholder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Systematic
 withdrawals with up to 10% per year of the account value.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Return
 of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

▪ Shares
 sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the
 redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based
 on applicable IRS regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 sold to pay Edward Jones fees or costs in such cases where the transaction is initiated
 by Edward Jones.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 exchanged in an Edward Jones fee-based program.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 acquired through NAV reinstatement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 redeemed at the discretion of Edward Jones for Minimum Balances, as described below.

***Other Important Information Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones Minimum Purchase Amounts***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Initial
 purchase minimum: $250

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Subsequent
 purchase minimum: none

***Minimum Balances***

Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less. The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ A
 fee-based account held on an Edward Jones platform.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ A
 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ An
 account with an active systematic investment plan or LOI.

***Exchanging Share Classes***

▪ At
 any time it deems necessary, Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholder's
 holdings in a fund to Class A shares of the same fund.

**Janney Montgomery Scott LLC**

If you purchase fund shares through a Janney Montgomery Scott LLC ("Janney") brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC"), or back-end sales charge, waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund's Prospectus or the SAI.

***Front-end Sales Charge\* Waivers on Class A Shares available at Janney***

▪ Shares
 purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment
 when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and
 their family members as designated by Janney.

▪ Shares
 purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1)
 the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption
 and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end
 or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement).

▪ Employer-sponsored
 retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit
 sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of
 this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs,
 SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 acquired through a right of reinstatement.

▪ Class
 C shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted
 to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Janney's policies and procedures.

***CDSC Waivers on Class A Shares and Class C Shares available at Janney***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.

▪ Shares
 sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts
 due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age
based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the fund's Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 acquired through a right of reinstatement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 exchanged into the same share class of a different fund.

***Front-end Sales Charge\* Discounts Available at Janney: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation, and/or Letters of Intent***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Breakpoints
 as described in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

▪ Rights
 of accumulation ("ROA"), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts,
 will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets
 held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) within the purchaser's
 household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in
 the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial professional
 about such assets.

▪ Letters
 of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within
 a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney
 Montgomery Scott may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the
 shareholder notifies his or her financial professional about such assets.

\*Also referred to as an "initial sales charge."

**Merrill Lynch**

Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement or the SAI.

***Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at Merrill Lynch***

▪ Employer-sponsored
 retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings
 accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held
 in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 purchased by or through a 529 Plan (does not include 529 Plan units or 529-specific share
 classes or equivalents).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program.

▪ Shares
 exchanged due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory
 program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch's
 policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 purchased by third party investment professionals on behalf of their advisory clients
 through Merrill Lynch's platform.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform.

▪ Shares
 purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment
 when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

▪ Shares
 exchanged from Class C (i.e. level-load) shares of the same fund pursuant to Merrill
 Lynch's policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Employees
 and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Directors
 or Trustees of the fund, and employees of the fund's investment adviser or any
 of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

▪ Eligible
 shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided
 (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption
 and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end
 or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e.
 systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically
 sold to pay Merrill Lynch's account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement.

***CDSC Waivers on Class A Shares and Class C Shares available at Merrill Lynch***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Death
 or disability of the shareholder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund's prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Return
 of excess contributions from an IRA account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant
 to the Internal Revenue Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 acquired through a right of reinstatement.

▪ Shares
 held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class
 due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms (applicable to A and C shares
 only).

▪ Shares
 received through an exchange due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated
 investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant
 to Merrill Lynch's policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers.

***Front-end Load Discounts on Class A Shares Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Breakpoints
 as described in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

▪ Rights
 of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described
 in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated
 holding of fund family assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where
 applicable) within the purchaser's household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family
 assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder
 notifies his or her financial professional about such assets.

▪ Letters
 of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within
 a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time.

**Morgan Stanley**

Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management transactional brokerage account will be eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement or the SAI.

***Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management***

▪ Employer-sponsored
 retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit
 sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of
 this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs,
 SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Morgan
 Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley's account
 linking rules.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing
 shares of the same fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account.

▪ Class
 C (i.e., level-load) Shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales
 charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley
 Wealth Management's share class conversion program.

▪ Shares
 purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i)
 the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and
 purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end
 or deferred sales charge.

**Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. ("OPCO")**

Shareholders purchasing fund shares through an OPCO platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement or SAI.

***Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at OPCO***

▪ Employer-sponsored
 retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings
 accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held
 in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 purchased by or through a 529 Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 purchased through a OPCO affiliated investment advisory program.

▪ Shares
 purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment
 when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

▪ Shares
 purchased using the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1)
 the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and
 purchase occur in the same amount, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end
 or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Restatement).

▪ A
 shareholder in the fund's Class C shares will have their shares exchanged at net
 asset value into Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares
 are no longer subject to a CDSC and the exchange is in line with the policies and procedures
 of OPCO.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Employees
 and registered representatives of OPCO or its affiliates and their family members.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Directors
 or Trustees of the fund, and employees of the fund's investment adviser or any
 of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

***CDSC Waivers on Class A Shares and Class C Shares available at OPCO***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Death
 or disability of the shareholder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Return
 of excess contributions from an IRA account.

▪ Shares
 sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to
 the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS guidance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 sold to pay OPCO fees but only if the transaction is initiated by OPCO.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 acquired through a right of reinstatement.

***Front-end Sales Charge Discounts Available at OPCO: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation, and/or Letters of Intent***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Breakpoints
 as described in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

▪ Rights
 of accumulation ("ROA"), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts
 will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets
 held by accounts within the purchaser's household at OPCO. Eligible fund family
 assets not held at OPCO may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder
 notifies his or her financial professional about such assets.

**Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. and each such entity's affiliates ("Raymond James")**

Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement or the SAI.

***Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at Raymond James***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 purchased in an investment advisory program.

▪ Shares
 purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains
 distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but
 not any other fund within the fund family).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Employees
 and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members
 as designated by Raymond James.

▪ Shares
 purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1)
 the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and
 purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end
 or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).

▪ A
 shareholder in a fund's Class C shares will have their shares converted at net
 asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares
 are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures
 of Raymond James.

***CDSC Waivers on Class A Shares and Class C Shares available at Raymond James***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Death
 or disability of the shareholder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Return
 of excess contributions from an IRA account.

▪ Shares
 sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to
 the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described
 in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 acquired through a right of reinstatement.

***Front-end Load Discounts on Class A Shares Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, and/or Rights of Accumulation, and/or Letters of Intent***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Breakpoints
 as described in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

▪ Rights
 of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically
 calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within
 the purchaser's household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held
 at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if
 the shareholder notifies his or her financial professional about such assets.

▪ Letters
 of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within
 a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond
 James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder
 notifies his or her financial professional about such assets.

**Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated ("Baird")**

Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement or the SAI.

***Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Baird***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment
 when purchasing shares of the same fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 purchased by employees and registered representatives of Baird or its affiliate and their
 family members as designated by Baird.

▪ Shares
 purchased using the proceeds of redemptions from another Virtus fund, provided (1) the
 repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase
 occur in the same accounts, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred
 sales charge (known as rights of reinstatement).

▪ Shareholders
 in Class C shares will have their shares exchanged at net asset value into Class A shares
 of the same fund if the shares are no longer subject to CDSC and the exchange is in line
 with the policies and procedures of Baird.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Employer-sponsored
 retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird,
 including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and
 money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision,
 employer- sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.

***CDSC Waivers on Class A Shares and Class C Shares available at Baird***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 sold due to the death or disability of the shareholder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 bought due to returns of excess contributions from an IRA account.

▪ Shares
 sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to
 the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable Internal Revenue Service
 regulations as described in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Shares
 acquired through a right of reinstatement.

***Front-end Sales Charge Discounts Available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulations***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Breakpoints
 as described in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

▪ Rights
 of accumulation ("ROA"), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts
 will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of Virtus fund assets
 held by accounts within the purchaser's household at Baird. Eligible Virtus fund
 assets not held at Baird may be included in the rights of accumulations calculation only
 if the shareholder notifies his or her financial professional about such assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Letters
 of intent ("LOI") allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases
 of Virtus funds through Baird, over a 13-month period of time.

**Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated ("Stifel")**

Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Stifel platform or account or who own shares for which Stifel or an affiliate is the broker- dealer of record are eligible for the following additional sales charge waiver.

***Front-end Sales Load Waiver on Class A Shares available at Stifel***

▪ Class
 C shares that have been held for more than seven (7) years will be exchanged for Class
 A shares of the same fund pursuant to Stifel's policies and procedures without
 the imposition of a front-end sales load.

All other sales charge waivers and reductions described elsewhere in this Prospectus/Proxy Statement or the SAI still apply.

**Exhibit A – Form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization**

**THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION** (the "Agreement") is made as of [●], by and among Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Acquiring Trust"), on behalf of each series portfolio set forth on Schedule A (each, an "Acquiring Fund"), and Natixis Funds Trust II, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Acquired Trust"), on behalf of each series portfolio set forth on Schedule A (each, an "Acquired Fund"), and, for purposes of Sections 9.2, 15 and 16 only, Virtus Partners, Inc. ("Virtus") and Natixis ASG Holdings, Inc. ("Natixis"). The capitalized terms used herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this Agreement.

This Agreement applies to each reorganization between an Acquired Fund and its corresponding Acquiring Fund as if each reorganization is the subject of a separate agreement. Each Acquired Fund and the Acquired Trust, acting for itself and on behalf of the Acquired Fund, and each Acquiring Fund and each Acquiring Trust, acting for itself and on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, is acting separately from all of the other parties and their series, and not jointly or jointly and severally with any other party.

This Agreement is intended to be, and is adopted as, a plan of reorganization and liquidation within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The reorganization (the "Reorganization") will consist of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the transfer of all of the assets
 of the Acquired Fund in exchange solely for Class A shares of the Acquiring Fund ("Class
 A Acquisition Shares"), Class C shares of the Acquiring Fund ("Class C Acquisition
 Shares"), Class I shares of the Acquiring Fund ("Class I Acquisition Shares"),
 and Class R6 shares of the Acquiring Fund ("Class R6 Acquisition Shares, and, collectively
 with the Class A Acquisition Shares, the Class C Acquisition Shares, and Class I Acquisition
 Shares, the "Acquiring Fund Shares") of beneficial interest, no par value
 per share, of Acquiring Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the assumption by the Acquiring
 Fund of all of the liabilities (as hereinafter defined) of the Acquired Fund; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the distribution, after the
 closing date provided in Section 3.1 (the "Closing Date"), of, as applicable,
 each of the Class A Acquisition Shares pro rata to each of the Class A shareholders of
 the Acquired Fund, each of the Class C Acquisition Shares pro rata to each of the Class
 C shareholders of the Acquired Fund, each of the Class R6 Acquisition Shares pro rata
 to each of the Class N shareholders of the Acquired Fund, and each of the Class I Acquisition
 Shares pro rata to each of the Class Y shareholders of the Acquired Fund, and the termination,
 dissolution and complete liquidation of the Acquired Fund as provided herein, all upon
 the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Agreement.

**WHEREAS**, the Acquired Fund is a separate series of an open-end, registered investment company of the management type;

**WHEREAS,** the Acquiring Fund is newly organized and will, on or before the Closing Date, be a separate series of an open-end, registered investment company of the management type;

**WHEREAS,** the Acquiring Fund has had only nominal assets, if any, and has carried on no business activities prior to the date first shown above and will have had only nominal assets, if any, and will have carried on no business activities prior to the consummation of this transaction described herein;

**WHEREAS**, the Board of Trustees of the Acquiring Trust has determined that the exchange of all of the assets of the Acquired Fund for the Acquiring Fund Shares and the assumption of all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund by the Acquiring Fund on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth are in the best interests of the Acquiring Fund and that the interests of the Acquiring Fund's existing shareholders, if any, will not be diluted as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby; and

**WHEREAS**, the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Trust has determined that such exchange is in the best interests of the Acquired Fund and that the interests of the Acquired Fund's existing shareholders will not be diluted as a result of the transactions contemplated herein;

**NOW, THEREFORE**, in consideration of the premises and of the covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. TRANSFER
 OF ASSETS OF THE ACQUIRED FUND IN EXCHANGE FOR ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES AND THE ACQUIRING
 FUND SHARES AND LIQUIDATION OF THE ACQUIRED FUND.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1. Subject
 to the requisite approval of the Acquired Fund's shareholders and the terms and conditions hereof and on the basis of the representations
and warranties contained herein:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The
 Acquired Fund will sell, assign, convey, transfer and deliver to the Acquiring Fund,
 and the Acquiring Fund will acquire, on the Closing Date, all of the properties and assets
 of the Acquired Fund as set forth in Section 1.2.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In
 consideration therefor, the Acquiring Fund shall, on the Closing Date, (i) issue and
 deliver to the Acquired Fund, as applicable, shares of a corresponding class of the Acquiring
 Fund (including fractional shares of any), having a net asset value equal to the net
 asset value of, as applicable, the corresponding Acquiring Fund Class, computed in the
 manner and as of the time and date set forth in Section 2.2., as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> Acquired Fund Class | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Acquiring Fund Class |
| A | A |
| C | C |
| N | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;R6 |
| Y | I |

---

and (ii) assume all of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund as of the Closing Date (as defined in Section 3.1). No sales load, contingent deferred sales charge, commission, redemption fee or other transactional fee will be charged as a result of the Reorganization. All Acquiring Fund Shares delivered to the Acquired Fund in connection with the Reorganization will have any sales charge waived and any holding period for a class of Acquired Fund Shares will be carried over to the class of Acquiring Fund Shares for purposes of calculating any applicable contingent deferred sales charge on the redemption of that class of Acquiring Fund Shares. Such transactions shall take place at the closing provided for in Section 3 (the "Closing").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Upon
 consummation of the transactions described in subsections (a) and (b) above, the Acquired
 Fund in complete liquidation shall distribute to its shareholders of record as of the
 Closing Date the Acquiring Fund Shares received

by it, each shareholder being entitled to receive that number of, as applicable, Class A Acquisition Shares, Class C Acquisition Shares, Class R6 Acquisition Shares, or Class I Acquisition Shares equal to the total of (i) the number of Class A, Class C, Class N, or Class Y shares, as applicable, of the Acquired Fund (the "Acquired Fund Shares") held by such shareholder divided by the number of such Class A, Class C, Class N, or Class Y shares, as applicable, of the Acquired Fund outstanding on such date multiplied by (ii) the total number of Class A Acquisition Shares, Class C Acquisition Shares, Class R6 Acquisition Shares, or Class I Acquisition Shares, as applicable, as of the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.2. The
 assets of the Acquired Fund to be acquired by the Acquiring Fund shall consist of assets
 and property, including, without limitation, all cash, securities, commodities and futures
 interests, forwards, swaps and other financial instruments, receivables (including dividends,
 interest, principal, subscriptions and other receivables), claims (whether absolute or
 contingent, known or unknown), receivables for shares sold and all other properties and
 assets which are owned by the Acquired Fund on the Closing Date and any deferred expenses,
 other than any unamortized organizational expenses, shown as an asset on the books of
 the Acquired Fund on the Closing Date (collectively, the "Assets"). The Assets
 of the Acquired Fund shall be delivered to the Acquiring Fund free and clear of all liens,
 encumbrances, hypothecations and claims whatsoever (other than encumbrances or claims
 arising in the ordinary course of business relating to the Acquired Fund's derivatives
 investments, which encumbrances or claims will not prevent the Acquired Fund from transferring
 the Assets to the Acquiring Fund as described in this Agreement), and there shall be
 no restrictions on the full transfer thereof (excluding such restrictions as might arise
 under the 1933 Act and the Investment Consents (as defined in paragraph 6.9 below)).
 The Acquiring Fund Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, shall assume all of the liabilities
 and obligations of the Acquired Fund, including, without limitation, any obligations
 of the Acquired Fund to allow AlphaSimplex to recapture previously waived fees or reimbursements
 provided under expense limitation agreements, whether accrued or contingent, known or
 unknown, existing at the Valuation Date except for (a) obligations of the Acquired Fund
 arising under this Agreement and (b) all expenses that are solely and directly related
 to the Reorganization (determined in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Rev.
 Rul. 73-54, 1973-1 C.B. 187) and borne by Virtus Alternative Investment Advisers, Inc.
 and/or AlphaSimplex Group, LLC and/or their affiliates pursuant to paragraph 9.2 (collectively,
 "Liabilities"). The Acquired Fund will use its best efforts to discharge
 all known Liabilities prior to or at the Valuation Date to the extent permissible and
 consistent with its own investment objectives and policies.. The Assets to be acquired
 by the Acquiring Fund shall not include any deferred or prepaid expenses shown as an
 asset on the books of the Acquired Fund on the Closing Date, to the extent that they
 do not have continuing value to the Acquiring Fund, nor any Non-Acceptable Foreign Tax
 Reclaim Receivables (which are defined as the Foreign Tax Reclaim Receivables on the
 books and records of the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Closing that either (i)
 the investment adviser to the Acquired Fund and the Acquired Fund have determined to
 write-off as of or prior to the Closing; or (ii) that are not Acceptable Foreign Tax
 Reclaim Receivables). "Foreign Tax Reclaim Receivables" shall be defined
 as the foreign tax reclaim receivables, as of any relevant date, identified as "reclaim
 receivables" on the books and records of the Acquired Fund. "Acceptable Foreign
 Tax Reclaim Receivables" shall be defined as the Foreign Tax Reclaim

Receivables on the books and records of the Acquired Fund as of the Closing that have been determined by the Acquiring Fund, in their sole discretion, to be eligible to be acquired by, and transferred to, such Acquiring Fund. For the avoidance of doubt, the Acquiring Fund shall only acquire any Acceptable Foreign Tax Reclaim Receivables.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.3. As
 provided in Section 3.4, as soon after the Closing Date as is conveniently practicable
 (the "Liquidation Date"), the Acquired Fund will liquidate and distribute
 pro rata, as applicable, to its Class A shareholders of record the Class A Acquisition
 Shares received by the Acquired Fund as contemplated by Section 1.1; to its Class C shareholders
 of record the Class C Acquisition Shares received by the Acquired Fund as contemplated
 by Section 1.1; to its Class N shareholders of record the Class R6 Acquisition Shares
 received by the Acquired Fund as contemplated by Section 1.1.; and to its Class Y shareholders
 of record the Class I Acquisition Shares received by the Acquired Fund as contemplated
 by Section 1.1. Such liquidation and distribution will be accomplished by the transfer
 of the Acquiring Fund Shares then credited to the account of the Acquired Fund on the
 books of the Acquiring Fund to open accounts on the share records of the Acquiring Fund
 in the names of Acquired Fund shareholders and representing the respective pro rata number
 of the Acquiring Fund Shares due to such shareholders. The Acquiring Fund shall not be
 obligated to issue certificates representing the Acquiring Fund Shares in connection
 with such exchange. The aggregate net asset value of each class of Acquiring Fund Shares
 to be so credited to the Acquired Fund Shareholders, of each corresponding class shall,
 with respect to each class, be equal to the aggregate net asset value of the Acquired
 Fund Shares of that class owned by Acquired Fund Shareholders on the Valuation Date.
 All issued and outstanding Acquired Fund Shares will simultaneously be redeemed and canceled
 on the books of the Acquired Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.4. With
 respect to the Acquiring Fund Shares distributable pursuant to Section 1.3 to an Acquired
 Fund shareholder holding a certificate or certificates for shares of the Acquired Fund,
 if any, on the Valuation Date, the Acquiring Fund will not permit such shareholder to
 receive Acquiring Fund Share certificates therefor, exchange such Acquiring Fund Shares
 for shares of other series of the Acquiring Trust, effect an account transfer of such
 Acquiring Fund Shares, or pledge or redeem such Acquiring Fund Shares until the Acquiring
 Fund has been notified by the Acquired Fund or its agent that such Acquired Fund shareholder
 has surrendered all his or her outstanding certificates for Acquired Fund Shares or,
 in the event of lost certificates, posted adequate bond.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.5. Immediately
 after the Closing Date, the share transfer books relating to the Acquired Fund shall
 be closed and no transfer of shares shall thereafter be made on such books. As soon as
 practicable after the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund shall make all filings and take
 all other steps as shall be necessary and proper to effect its complete liquidation and
 termination. Any reporting responsibility of the Acquired Fund is and shall remain the
 responsibility of the Acquired Fund up to and including the Closing Date and thereafter.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.6. Any
 and all obligations or liabilities arising under or in respect of this Agreement shall
 be those of the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, as the case may be, and shall not
 otherwise be obligations or liabilities of the Acquired Trust or the Acquiring Trust,
 and, for clarity, under no circumstances will any other series of the Acquired Trust
 or the Acquiring Trust have any obligation or liability under or in respect of this Agreement
 or the transactions contemplated hereby.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.7. Any applicable reporting responsibility of the Acquired
Fund, including, but not limited to, the responsibility for filing regulatory reports, tax returns, or other documents with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), any state securities commission, and any federal, state or
local tax authorities or any other relevant regulatory authority, is and shall remain the responsibility of the Acquired Fund.
The Acquired Fund shall file such regulatory reports, tax returns, or other documents on a timely basis.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. VALUATION.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1. On
 the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund will deliver to the Acquired Fund a number of, as
 applicable, Class A Acquisition Shares, Class C Acquisition Shares, Class R6 Acquisition
 Shares, and Class I Acquisition Shares (including fractional shares, if any) having a
 net asset value equal to the value of the Assets acquired by the Acquiring Fund on the
 Closing Date attributable to, as applicable, the Class A, Class C, Class N, and Class
 Y shares, respectively, of the Acquired Fund, less the value of the Liabilities of the
 Acquired Fund attributable to, as applicable, the Class A, Class C, Class N, and Class
 Y shares, respectively, of the Acquired Fund, determined as hereafter provided in this
 Section 2.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2. The
 value of the Acquired Fund's Assets will be the net asset value of such Assets
 computed as of the Valuation Date using the valuation procedures for the Acquiring Fund
 approved by the Acquiring Fund's Board of Trustees described in the Acquiring Fund's
 then current prospectus or prospectuses and statement of additional information (collectively,
 as amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Acquiring Fund Prospectus").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.3. The
 Valuation Date shall be 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on the business day immediately preceding
 the Closing Date, or such earlier date as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the
 parties hereto (the "Valuation Date"). In the event that on the Valuation
 Date, either the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund has, pursuant to the Investment
 Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") or any rule, regulation
 or order thereunder, suspended the redemption of its shares or postponed payment therefor,
 the Closing Date and the Valuation Date shall be postponed to a date as may be agreed
 by the parties hereto; provided, however, that if such suspension by a fund shall continue
 for a period of 60 days beyond the original Valuation Date, then the other fund party
 to this Agreement shall be permitted to terminate this Agreement without liability to
 any party to this Agreement for such termination.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.4. The
 Acquiring Fund shall issue the Acquiring Fund Shares to the Acquired Fund on one share
 deposit receipt registered in the name of the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund shall
 distribute in liquidation, as applicable, the Class A Acquisition Shares, Class C Acquisition
 Shares, Class N Acquisition Shares, and Class Y Acquisition Shares received by it hereunder
 pro rata to, as applicable, its Class A, Class C, Class N, and Class Y shareholders,
 respectively, by redelivering such share deposit receipt to the Acquiring Trust's
 transfer agent which will as soon as practicable set up open accounts for Acquired Fund
 shareholders in accordance with written instructions furnished by the Acquired Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.5. The
 Acquired Fund will pay or cause to be paid to the Acquiring Fund any interest, cash or
 such dividends, rights and other payments received by it on or after the Closing Date
 with respect to the Investments (as defined below in Section 4.1(u)) and other properties
 and Assets of the Acquired Fund, whether accrued or contingent, received by it on or
 after the Closing Date. Any such distribution shall be deemed included in the Assets
 transferred to the Acquiring Fund at the Closing Date and shall not be separately valued
 unless the securities in respect of which such distribution is made shall have gone "ex-
 dividend" prior to the Valuation Date, in which case any such distribution which
 remains unpaid at the Closing Date shall be included in the determination of the value
 of the Assets of the Acquired Fund acquired by the Acquiring Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.6. All
 computations of value shall be made by the pricing agent for the Acquiring Fund, in accordance
 with its regular practice in pricing the shares and Assets of the Acquiring Fund using
 the valuation procedures approved by the Acquiring Fund's Board of Trustees described
 in the Acquiring Fund Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.7. Each
 of the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund hereby agrees to cooperate with the other
 party in valuing the net assets of the Acquired Fund and agrees to work in good faith
 and use commercially reasonable efforts to identify and resolve prior to the Valuation
 Date any pricing differences between the prices of the portfolio securities of the Acquired
 Fund to be transferred to the Acquiring Fund that result from the use of the valuation
 procedures of the Acquiring Fund as compared to the valuation procedures of the Acquired
 Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. CLOSING
 AND CLOSING DATE.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1. The
 Closing Date shall be such date as an authorized officer of each of the parties may agree,
 provided, however, that the Acquiring Fund may require by written notice to the Acquired
 Fund at least one Business Day after the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to
 Closing under this Agreement (other than the delivery of Closing deliverables and any
 other conditions that by their terms are required to be satisfied at the Closing) that
 the Closing occur on a date specified by the Acquiring Fund. All acts taking place at
 the Closing shall, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions in this Agreement,
 be deemed to take place simultaneously as of the close of business on the Closing Date
 unless otherwise agreed to by the parties. The Closing shall take place remotely via
 the electronic exchange of documentation but be deemed to have occurred at the offices
 of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc., One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103 or at such
 other place as an authorized officer of each of the parties may agree. The Acquired Fund
 shall notify the Acquiring Fund of any Asset held by the Acquired Fund in other than
 book-entry form at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing Date. Unless otherwise
 agreed to by the parties hereto, the Closing Date for the Reorganization shall occur
 substantially contemporaneously with (but not before), or as soon as reasonably practicable
 following, the closing of the transactions contemplated by that certain Equity Purchase
 Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2022, by and among Natixis ASG Holdings, Inc., AlphaSimplex
 Group, LLC, Virtus Partners, Inc., and Natixis Investment Managers, LLC.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.2. The
 portfolio securities of the Acquired Fund shall be made available by the Acquired Fund
 to The Bank of New York Mellon as custodian for the Acquiring Fund (the "Acquiring
 Fund Custodian"), for examination no later than five business days preceding the
 Valuation Date. On the Closing Date, the Acquired Trust shall direct State Street Bank
 and Trust Company (the "Acquired Fund Custodian"), as custodian for the Acquired
 Fund, to transfer to the Acquiring Fund ownership of the Assets from the accounts of
 the Acquired Fund that the Acquired Fund Custodian maintains as custodian for the Acquired
 Fund. The Acquired Trust shall further direct the Acquired Fund Custodian to provide,
 at the Closing, a certificate of an authorized officer stating that (i) the Assets of
 the Acquired Fund have been delivered in proper form to the Acquiring Fund on the Closing
 Date and (ii) all necessary taxes in connection with the delivery of the Assets of the
 Acquired Fund, including all applicable federal and state stock transfer stamps, if any,
 have been paid or provision for payment has been made, or such other certification as
 shall be agreed by the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund's
 portfolio securities represented by a certificate or other written

instrument shall be presented by the Acquired Fund Custodian to the Acquiring Fund Custodian duly endorsed in proper form for transfer in such manner and condition as to constitute good delivery thereof in accordance with the custom of brokers or, in the case of portfolio securities held in the U.S. Treasury Department's book-entry system or by The Depository Trust Company, Participants Trust Company or other third party depositories, by transfer to the account of the Acquiring Fund Custodian in accordance with Rule 17f-4, Rule 17f-5 or Rule 17f-7, as the case may be, under the 1940 Act, and accompanied by all necessary federal and state stock transfer stamps or a check for the appropriate purchase price thereof. The cash delivered shall be in the form of currency or certified or official bank checks, payable as instructed by the Acquiring Fund Custodian.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.3. In
 the event that on the Valuation Date (a) the New York Stock Exchange shall be closed
 to trading or trading thereon shall be restricted, or (b) trading or the reporting of
 trading on said Exchange or elsewhere shall be disrupted so that accurate appraisal of
 the value of the net assets of the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund is impracticable,
 the Closing Date shall be postponed until the first Friday that is also a business day
 after the day when trading shall have been fully resumed and reporting shall have been
 restored or such later date as may be mutually agreed in writing by an authorized officer
 of each party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.4. At
 the Closing, the Acquired Fund, or its transfer agent, shall deliver to the Acquiring
 Fund, or its designated agent, a list of the names and addresses of the Acquired Fund
 shareholders and the number and percentage ownership of each outstanding class of shares
 of the Acquired Fund owned by each Acquired Fund shareholder, all as of the close of
 business on the Valuation Date, certified by any duly elected officer of the Acquired
 Trust on behalf of the Acquired Fund. The Acquiring Fund will provide to the Acquired
 Fund evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Acquired Fund that the Acquiring Fund Shares
 issuable pursuant to Section 1.1 have been credited to the Acquired Fund's account
 on the books of the Acquiring Fund. On the Liquidation Date, the Acquiring Fund will
 provide to the Acquired Fund evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Acquired Fund that
 such Acquiring Fund Shares have been credited pro rata to open accounts in the names
 of Acquired Fund shareholders as provided in Section 1.3.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.5. At
 the Closing, each party shall deliver to the other such bills of sale, instruments of
 assumption of liabilities, checks, assignments, stock certificates, receipts or other
 documents as such other party or its counsel may reasonably request in connection with
 the transfer of assets, assumption of liabilities and liquidation contemplated by Section

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. REPRESENTATIONS
 AND WARRANTIES.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1. Representations
 and Warranties of the Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund. The
 Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, represents and warrants the following
 to the Acquiring Fund as of the date hereof and agrees to confirm the continuing accuracy
 and completeness in all material respects of the following on the Closing Date:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The
 Acquired Fund is a duly established, legally designated, separate series of the Acquired
 Trust, which is a business trust duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
 under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Acquired Fund has power
 to own all of its Assets and to carry out its obligations under this Agreement. The Acquired
 Trust is not required to qualify as a foreign entity in any jurisdiction where it is
 not so qualified and the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on
 the Acquired Fund. The

Acquired Fund has all necessary federal, state and local authorizations to carry on its business as now being conducted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The
 Acquired Trust is duly registered under the 1940 Act as a management company of the open-end
 type, and such registration has not been revoked or rescinded and is in full force and
 effect, and the Acquired Fund is a separate series thereof duly designated in accordance
 with the applicable provisions of the Declaration of Trust of the Acquired Trust, as
 amended, and the 1940 Act. Each class of shares of the Acquired Fund is duly registered
 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and such registration
 has not been revoked or rescinded and is in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The
 Acquired Fund is not in violation in any material respect of any provisions of the Declaration
 of Trust or bylaws of the Acquired Trust, or any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract,
 lease or other undertaking to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which the Acquired
 Fund or its Assets are bound, and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
 will not result in any such violation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The
 Acquired Fund's current prospectuses and statements of additional information (collectively,
 as amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Acquired Fund Prospectus")
 conform, or conformed at the time of their use, in all material respects to the applicable
 requirements of the 1933 Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934
 Act"), and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder
 and do not include, or did not include at the time of their use, any untrue statement
 of a material fact or omit to state, or did not omit to state at the time of their use,
 any material fact relating to either the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund required
 to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
 under which they were made, not misleading. The Acquired Fund currently complies in all
 material respects with the Acquired Fund Prospectus, the requirements of, and the rules
 and regulations under, the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act, state securities
 laws and all other applicable federal and state laws or regulations, and the Acquired
 Fund has complied in all material respects with the Acquired Fund Prospectus, the requirements
 of, and the rules and regulations under, the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act,
 state securities laws and all other applicable federal and state laws or regulations.
 The Acquired Fund currently complies in all material respects with, and has complied
 in all material respects with, all of its investment objectives, policies, guidelines
 and restrictions and compliance policies and procedures.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) At the Closing Date, the Acquired
 Fund will have good and marketable title to the Assets to be transferred to the Acquiring
 Fund pursuant to Section 1.2, and full right, power, and authority to sell, assign, transfer
 and deliver such Assets hereunder free of any liens, encumbrances, hypothecations and
 claims whatsoever (other than encumbrances or claims arising in the ordinary course of
 business relating to the Acquired Fund's derivatives investments, which encumbrances
 or claims will not prevent the Acquired Fund from transferring the Assets to the Acquiring
 Fund as described in this Agreement), and upon delivery and payment for such Assets,
 the Acquiring Fund will acquire good and marketable title thereto, subject to no restrictions
 on the full transfer thereof, excluding such restrictions as might arise under the 1933
 Act and the Investment Consents (as defined in paragraph 6.9 below).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) No
 material litigation, administrative or other proceedings or investigation is presently
 pending or, to the knowledge of the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund, threatened as
 to the Acquired Fund or any of its properties or assets or any person whom the Acquired
 Fund may be obligated to directly or indirectly indemnify in connection with such litigation,
 proceedings or investigation. Neither the Acquired Trust nor the Acquired Fund knows
 of any facts which might form the basis for the institution of such proceedings and neither
 the Acquired Trust nor the Acquired Fund is a party to or subject to the provisions of
 any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body or regulatory agency,
 which materially and adversely affects its business or its ability to consummate the
 transactions contemplated hereby. The Acquired Fund is not in violation of, nor has violated,
 nor, to the knowledge of the Acquired Fund, is under investigation with respect to or
 has been threatened to be charged with or given notice of any violation of, any applicable
 law or regulation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) The
 execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will not result in the acceleration
 of any obligation, or the imposition of any penalty, under any agreement, indenture,
 instrument, contract, lease, judgment or decree to which the Acquired Fund is a party
 or by which it is bound, nor will the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
 by the Acquired Fund result in the acceleration of any obligation, or the imposition
 of any penalty, under any material agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease
 or other undertaking to which the Acquired Fund is a party or by which the Acquired Fund
 is bound.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) The
 audited consolidated statements of assets and liabilities, consolidated statements of
 operations, consolidated statements of changes in net assets and consolidated schedules
 of portfolio investments (indicating their market values) of the Acquired Fund at, as
 of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers,
 independent registered public accounting firm to the Acquired Fund, copies of which have
 been furnished to the Acquiring Fund, fairly reflect the financial condition and results
 of operations of the Acquired Fund as of such date and for the period then ended in accordance
 with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP")
 consistently applied, and there are no known contingent liabilities of the Acquired Fund
 required to be reflected on a balance sheet (including the notes thereto) in accordance
 with GAAP as of such date that are not disclosed therein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The
 unaudited consolidated statements of assets and liabilities, consolidated statements
 of operations, consolidated statements of changes in net assets and consolidated schedules
 of portfolio investments (indicating their market values) of the Acquired Fund at, as
 of and for the fiscal period ended June 30, 2022, copies of which have been furnished
 to the Acquiring Fund, fairly reflect the financial condition and results of operations
 of the Acquired Fund as of such date and for the period then ended in accordance with
 GAAP consistently applied, and the Acquired Fund has no known liabilities of a material
 amount, contingent or otherwise, other than those shown on the consolidated statements
 of assets and liabilities referred to above or those incurred in the ordinary course
 of its business since June 30, 2022.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) No
 significant deficiency, material weakness, fraud, significant change or other factor
 that could significantly affect the internal controls of the Acquired Fund is required
 to be disclosed in the Acquired Fund's reports on Form N-CSR and

Form N-CEN (except for such as has been disclosed) and, to the knowledge of the Acquired Fund, no such disclosure will be required following the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) Prior
 to the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund will endeavor to quantify and reflect on its consolidated
 statements of assets and liabilities all of its material known liabilities and will advise
 the Acquiring Fund of all material liabilities, contingent or otherwise, incurred by
 it subsequent to June 30, 2022, whether or not incurred in the ordinary course of business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) Since
 June 30, 2022, there has not been any material adverse change in the Acquired Fund's
 financial condition, assets, liabilities or business (other than changes occurring in
 the ordinary course of business).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) As
 of the Closing Date, all federal and other tax returns and reports of the Acquired Fund
 required by law to have been filed by such date (giving effect to extensions) shall have
 been timely filed and were true, correct and complete in all material respects as of
 the time of their filing, and all taxes of the Acquired Fund which are due and payable
 shall have been timely paid. The Acquired Fund is not liable for taxes of any person
 other than itself and is not a party to any tax sharing or allocation agreement. All
 of the Acquired Fund's tax liabilities will have been adequately provided for on
 its books. To the best of the Acquired Trust's or the Acquired Fund's knowledge,
 the Acquired Fund has not had any tax deficiency or liability asserted against it or
 question with respect thereto raised, and it is not under audit by the Internal Revenue
 Service or by any state or local tax authority for taxes in excess of those already paid.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) The
 Acquired Fund has met the requirements of subchapter M of the Code for treatment as a
 separate "regulated investment company" within the meaning of Section 851
 of the Code in respect of each full and partial taxable year since the commencement of
 operations, and will continue to meet such requirements at all times through the Closing
 Date treating the Closing Date as the close of its tax year if the year does not otherwise
 close on such date. The Acquired Fund has not at any time since its inception been liable
 for nor is now liable for any material income or excise tax pursuant to Section 852 or
 4982 of the Code. The Acquired Fund has not waived or extended any applicable statute
 of limitations relating to the assessment or collection of taxes. There is no other tax
 liability (foreign, state, local) except as accrued on the Acquired Fund's books.
 The Acquired Fund has no earnings and profits accumulated with respect to any taxable
 year in which the provisions of Subchapter M of the Code did not apply. The Acquired
 Fund will not be subject to corporate-level taxation on the sale of any assets currently
 held by it as a result of the application of Section 337(d) of the Code and the regulations
 thereunder. All dividends paid by the Acquired Fund at any time prior to the Closing
 Date shall have been deductible pursuant to the dividends paid deduction under Section
 562 of the Code. The Acquired Fund is in compliance in all material respects with applicable
 regulations of the Internal Revenue Service pertaining to the reporting of dividends
 and other distributions on and redemptions of its capital stock and has withheld in respect
 of dividends and other distributions and paid to the proper taxing authority all taxes
 required to be withheld, and is not liable for any penalties which could be imposed thereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) The
 Acquired Fund has not received written notification from any tax authority that asserts
 a position contrary to any of the above representations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) The
 Acquired Fund (or its representative) has delivered to the Acquiring Fund (or its representative)
 or made available to the Acquiring Fund (or its representative) complete and accurate
 copies of all tax returns of the Acquired Fund, together with all related examination
 reports and statements of deficiency for all periods not closed under the applicable
 statutes of limitations and complete and correct copies of all private letter rulings,
 revenue agent reports, information document requests, notices of proposed deficiencies,
 deficiency notices, protests, petitions, closing agreements, settlement agreements, pending
 ruling requests and any similar documents submitted by, received by or agreed to by or
 on behalf of the Acquired Fund. The Acquired Fund has disclosed on its federal income
 tax returns all positions taken therein that could give rise to a substantial understatement
 of federal income tax within the meaning of Section 6662 of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) The
 Acquired Fund has not undergone, has not agreed to undergo, nor is required to undergo
 (nor will it be required as a result of the Reorganization to undergo) a change in its
 method of accounting resulting in an adjustment to its taxable income pursuant to Section
 481 of the Code. The Acquired Fund (including the Acquiring Fund as its successor) will
 not be required to include any item of income in, or exclude any item of deduction from,
 taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date
 as a result of any (i) change in method of accounting for a taxable period ending on
 or prior to the Closing Date; (ii) "closing agreement" as described in Section
 7121 of the Code (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign
 income tax law) executed on or prior to the Closing Date; (iii) installment sale or open
 transaction disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date; or (iv) prepaid amount
 received on or prior to the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) There
 are (and as of immediately following the Closing there will be) no liens on the Assets
 of the Acquired Fund relating to or attributable to taxes, except for taxes not yet due
 and payable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(s) The
 tax bases of the Assets of the Acquired Fund are accurately reflected on the Acquired
 Fund's tax books and records.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(t) The
 authorized capital of the Acquired Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of
 beneficial interest, no par value, of such number of different series as the Board of
 Trustees of the Acquired Trust may authorize from time to time. The outstanding shares
 of beneficial interest of the Acquired Fund are divided into, as applicable, Class A,
 Class C, Class N, and Class Y shares each having the characteristics described in the
 Acquired Fund Prospectus and will, at the time of the Closing Date, be held by the persons
 and in the amounts set forth in the records of the transfer agent as provided in Section
 3.4. All issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund are, and at the Closing Date
 will be, duly and validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable by the
 Acquired Fund (except as set forth in the Acquired Fund Prospectus), and will have been
 issued in compliance with all applicable registration or qualification requirements of
 federal and state securities laws. No options, warrants or other rights to subscribe
 for or purchase, or securities convertible into, any shares of the Acquired Fund are
 outstanding.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(u) The
 execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly authorized by the
 Board of Trustees of the Acquired Trust and by all other necessary trust action on the
 part of the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund, other than shareholder approval as
 required by Section 8.1 hereof, and subject to such shareholder approval, this Agreement
 constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund
 enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by bankruptcy,
 insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors'
 rights generally and other equitable principles.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) The
 Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued to the Acquired Fund pursuant to the terms of this
 Agreement will not be acquired for the purpose of making any distribution thereof other
 than to Acquired Fund shareholders as provided in Section 1.1(c).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(w) The
 information relating to the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund furnished in writing
 by the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring Trust for use in no-action
 letters, applications for orders, registration statements, proxy materials and other
 documents that may be necessary in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby
 is and will be accurate and complete in all material respects and complies and will comply
 in all material respects with federal securities laws and regulations thereunder applicable
 thereto in effect from the date of this Agreement to the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) As
 of the date of this Agreement, the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund have provided
 the Acquiring Fund with information relating to the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund
 reasonably necessary for the preparation of prospectuses, including the proxy statement
 of the Acquired Fund (the "Prospectus/Proxy Statement"), to be included in
 a Registration Statement on Form N-14 of the Acquiring Trust (the "Registration
 Statement"), in compliance with the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act in
 connection with the meeting of shareholders of the Acquired Fund to approve this Agreement
 and the transactions contemplated hereby. As of the effective date of the Registration
 Statement, the date of the meeting of shareholders of the Acquired Fund and the Closing
 Date, the Prospectus/Proxy Statement, including the documents contained or incorporated
 therein by reference, insofar as it contains information relating to the Acquired Trust
 or the Acquired Fund furnished to the Acquiring Trust in writing for inclusion therein,
 will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
 fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light
 of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(y) There
 are no material contracts outstanding to which the Acquired Fund is a party, other than
 as disclosed in the Acquired Fund Prospectus or in the Registration Statement. Other
 than as has been disclosed to the Acquiring Fund (or its representative) in writing prior
 to the date of this Agreement in a written instrument executed by an officer or other
 representative of the Acquired Fund and acknowledged in writing by an officer or other
 representative of the Acquiring Fund, the Acquired Fund does not have any material contracts,
 agreements or other similar commitments that will not be terminated without liability
 to it before the Closing Date, other than liabilities, if any, to be

discharged prior to the Closing Date or that are Liabilities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(z) No
 consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority is required
 for the consummation by the Acquired Fund of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
 except such as may be required under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, state
 securities or blue sky laws (which term as used herein shall include the laws of the
 District of Columbia and of Puerto Rico).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(aa) As
 of both the Valuation Date and the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund will have full right,
 power and authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Investments (as defined
 below) and any other assets and liabilities of the Acquired Fund to be transferred to
 the Acquiring Fund pursuant to this Agreement. At the Closing Date, subject only to the
 delivery of the Investments and any such other assets and liabilities as contemplated
 by this Agreement, the Acquiring Fund will acquire the Investments and any such other
 assets subject to no encumbrances, liens or security interests (other than encumbrances
 or claims arising in the ordinary course of business relating to the Acquired Fund's
 derivatives investments, which encumbrances or claims will not prevent the Acquired Fund
 from transferring the Assets to the Acquiring Fund as described in this Agreement), in
 favor of any third party creditor of the Acquired Fund, and without any restrictions
 upon the transfer thereof, other than such restrictions as might arise under the 1933
 Act or which were previously disclosed to and accepted by the Acquiring Fund. As used
 in this Agreement, the term "Investments" shall mean the Acquired Fund's
 investments shown on the unaudited consolidated schedule of its portfolio investments
 as of June 30, 2022, referred to in Section 4.1(i) hereof, as supplemented with such
 changes as the Acquired Fund shall make after the date hereof, which changes shall be
 disclosed to the Acquiring Fund in an updated consolidated schedule of investments, and
 changes resulting from stock dividends, stock split-ups, mergers and similar corporate
 actions through the Closing Date. For the avoidance of doubt, the Investments shall include
 the Acquired Fund's indirect interest in all of the assets of the Cayman Islands-based
 subsidiary whose shares are held by the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the Closing
 (the "Cayman Subsidiary").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(bb) To
 the best of the Acquired Trust's and the Acquired Fund's knowledge, all of
 the issued and outstanding shares of the Acquired Fund shall have been offered for sale
 and sold in conformity with all applicable federal and state securities laws (including
 any applicable exemptions therefrom), or the Acquired Fund has taken any action necessary
 to remedy any prior failure to have offered for sale and sold such shares in conformity
 with such laws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(cc) To
 the best of the Acquired Trust's and the Acquired Fund's knowledge, there
 have been no miscalculations of the net asset value of the Acquired Fund or the net asset
 value per share of any class of Shares of the Acquired Fund that have not been remedied
 in accordance with industry practice which, individually or in the aggregate, would have
 a material adverse effect on the Acquired Fund or its Assets, and all such calculations
 have been made in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(dd) The
 minute books and other similar records of the Acquired Fund have been made available
 to the Acquiring Fund (or its representative) prior to the

execution of this Agreement and contain a true and complete record in all material respects of all actions taken at all meetings and by all written consents in lieu of meetings of the shareholders and of its Board of Trustees and any committees of the Board of Trustees. The stock transfer ledgers and other similar records of the Acquired Fund have been made available to the Acquiring Fund prior to the execution of this Agreement and to the knowledge of the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund accurately reflect all record transfers prior to the execution of this Agreement in the shares of the Acquired Fund. All other books and records of the Acquired Fund have been made available to the Acquiring Fund (or its representative), and, to the best of the Acquired Trust's and the Acquired Fund's knowledge, are true and correct in all material respects and contain no material omissions with respect to the business and operations of the Acquired Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ee) The
 Acquired Fund has maintained, or caused to be maintained on its behalf, all books and
 records required of a registered investment company in compliance with the requirements
 of Section 31 of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder and such books and records are true
 and correct in all material respects.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ff) The
 Acquired Fund has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures in accordance
 with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. The Acquired Fund has adopted and implemented a derivatives
 risk management program in accordance with Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, a liquidity
 risk management program in accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, and valuation
 policies and procedures in accordance with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(gg) The
 Acquired Fund has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures related to
 insider trading and a code of ethics that complies with all applicable provisions of
 Section 17(j) of the 1940 Act and Rule 17j-1 thereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(hh) The
 Acquired Fund has maintained all material licenses, permits, certificates of authority,
 orders and approvals of applicable governmental entities that are required to permit
 the Acquired Fund to carry on its business at such time or as conducted as of the date
 of this Agreement, and such licenses, permits, certificates of authority, orders and
 approvals are in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) The
 Acquired Fund does not have any unamortized or unpaid organizational fees or expenses.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(jj) To
 the best of the Acquired Trust's and the Acquired Fund's knowledge, the Acquired
 Fund's investment operations to the date hereof have been in compliance in all
 material respects with the investment policies and investment restrictions set forth
 in the Acquired Fund Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(kk) The
 officers of the Acquired Fund will call a special meeting of shareholders of the Acquired
 Fund to consider and act upon this Agreement and the reorganization contemplated hereby
 and to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain approval of the reorganization contemplated
 herein. Such meeting shall be scheduled at such date that the parties may agree to in
 writing and will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.2. Representations
 and Warranties of the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund.

The Acquiring Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, represents and warrants the following to the Acquired Fund as of the date hereof and agrees to confirm the continuing accuracy and completeness in all material respects of the following on the Closing Date:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The
 Acquiring Trust is a statutory trust duly organized, validly existing and in good standing
 under the laws of the state of Delaware and has power to own all of its properties and
 assets and to carry out its obligations under this Agreement. The Acquiring Trust is
 not required to qualify as a foreign entity in any jurisdiction where it is not so qualified
 and the failure so to qualify would have a material adverse effect on the Acquiring Fund.
 The Acquiring Fund is, or will be (on or before the Closing Date), a duly established,
 legally designated, separate series of the Acquiring Trust. The Acquiring Fund has, or
 will have (on or before the Closing Date), all necessary federal, state and local authorizations
 to carry on its business as will be conducted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The
 Acquiring Trust is duly registered under the 1940 Act as a management company of the
 open-end type, and such registration has not been revoked or rescinded and is in full
 force and effect, and the Acquiring Fund is, or will on or before the Closing Date be,
 a separate series thereof duly designated in accordance with the applicable provisions
 of the Declaration of Trust of the Acquiring Trust and the 1940 Act. Each class of shares
 of the Acquiring Fund is, or will on or before the Closing Date be, duly registered under
 the 1933 Act, and such registration has not been revoked or rescinded and is in full
 force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The
 Acquiring Fund is not in violation in any material respect of any provisions of the Declaration
 of Trust of the Acquired Trust or bylaws of the Acquiring Fund, or any agreement, indenture,
 instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Acquiring Fund is a party
 or by which the Acquiring Fund or its assets are bound, and the execution, delivery and
 performance of this Agreement will not result in any such violation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) As
 of the Closing Date, the Acquiring Fund Prospectus will conform in all material respects
 to the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations
 of the Commission thereunder and will not include any untrue statement of a material
 fact or omit to state any material fact relating to the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring
 Fund required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light
 of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) No
 material litigation, administrative or other proceedings or investigation is presently
 pending or, to the knowledge of the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund, threatened
 as to the Acquiring Fund or any of its properties or assets or any person whom the Acquiring
 Fund may be obligated to directly or indirectly indemnify in connection with such litigation,
 proceedings or investigation. Neither the Acquiring Trust nor the Acquiring Fund knows
 of any facts which might form the basis for the institution of such proceedings and neither
 the Acquiring Trust nor the Acquiring Fund is a party to or subject to the provisions
 of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body or regulatory agency,
 which materially and adversely affects its business or its ability to consummate the
 transactions contemplated hereby. Each of the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund
 is not in violation of, nor has violated, nor, to the

knowledge of the Acquiring Trust, is under investigation with respect to or has been threatened to be charged with or given notice of any violation of, any applicable law or regulation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The
 Acquiring Fund has not yet commenced investment operations and has no known liabilities
 of a material nature, contingent or otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) The
 Acquiring Fund was established in order to effect the transactions described in this
 Agreement, and, prior to the Closing Date, will not have carried on any business activities
 (other than such activities as are customary to the organization of a new series of a
 registered investment company prior to its commencement of operations). It has not yet
 filed its first federal income tax return and, thus, has not yet elected to be treated
 as a "regulated investment company" for federal income tax purposes. However,
 upon filing its first federal income tax return following the completion of its first
 taxable year, the Acquiring Fund will elect to be a "regulated investment company"
 and until such time will take all steps necessary to ensure that it qualifies for treatment
 as a "regulated investment company" under Sections 851 and 852 of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) The
 authorized capital of the Acquiring Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of
 beneficial interest, no par value, of such number of different series as the Board of
 Trustees of the Acquiring Trust may authorize from time to time. As of the date of this
 Agreement, the Acquiring Fund has no outstanding shares of any class. As of the Closing
 Date, the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Acquiring Fund will be divided
 into, as applicable, Class A, Class C, Class R6, and Class I shares, each having the
 characteristics described in the Acquiring Fund Prospectus. No options, warrants or other
 rights to subscribe for or purchase, or securities convertible into, any shares of the
 Acquiring Fund are outstanding.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) The
 execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement has been duly authorized by the
 Board of Trustees of the Acquiring Trust and by all other necessary trust action on the
 part of the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund, and this Agreement constitutes the
 valid and binding obligation of the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund enforceable
 in accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
 reorganization or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights
 generally and other equitable principles.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) The
 Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued and delivered to the Acquired Fund pursuant to the
 terms of this Agreement will at the Closing Date have been duly authorized and, when
 so issued and delivered, will be duly and validly issued, as applicable, Class A, Class
 C, Class R6, and Class I shares of beneficial interest in the Acquiring Fund, and will
 be fully paid and non-assessable (except as set forth in the Acquiring Fund Prospectus)
 by the Acquiring Fund and will have been issued in compliance with all applicable registration
 or qualification requirements of federal and state securities laws, and no shareholder
 of the Acquiring Fund will have any preemptive right of subscription or purchase in respect
 thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) The
 information furnished by the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund for use in no-action
 letters, applications for orders, registration statements, proxy materials and other
 documents that may be necessary in connection with the

transactions contemplated hereby is and will be accurate and complete in all material respects and will comply in all material respects with federal securities laws and regulations thereunder applicable thereto in effect from the date of this Agreement to the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) As
 of the effective date of the Registration Statement, the date of the meeting of shareholders
 of the Acquired Fund and the Closing Date, the Prospectus/Proxy Statement, including
 the documents contained or incorporated therein by reference, insofar as it relates to
 the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund, will not contain any untrue statement of
 a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
 to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
 were made, not misleading.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(m) There
 are no material contracts outstanding to which the Acquiring Fund is a party, other than
 as disclosed in the Acquiring Fund Prospectus and the Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(n) The
 books and records of the Acquiring Fund made available to the Acquired Fund and/or its
 counsel are substantially true and correct and contain no material misstatements or omissions
 with respect to the operations of the Acquiring Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(o) No
 consent, approval, authorization or order of any court or governmental authority is required
 for the consummation by the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
 except such as may be required under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, state
 securities or blue sky laws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(p) The
 Acquiring Fund has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures in accordance
 with Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act or will do so by the Closing Date. The Acquiring Fund
 has adopted and implemented (or will do so by the Closing Date) a derivatives risk management
 program in accordance with Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, a liquidity risk management
 program in accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, and valuation policies and
 procedures in accordance with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(q) The
 Acquiring Fund has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures related to
 insider trading and a code of ethics that complies with all applicable provisions of
 Section 17(j) of the 1940 Act and Rule 17j-1 thereunder or will do so by the Closing
 Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(r) The
 Acquiring Fund has, or will have by the Closing Date, all material licenses, permits,
 certificates of authority, orders and approvals of applicable governmental entities that
 are required to permit the Acquiring Fund to carry on its business, and such licenses,
 permits, certificates of authority, orders and approvals are, or will be by the Closing
 Date, in full force and effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. COVENANTS
 OF THE PARTIES.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1. The
 Acquired Trust and the Acquiring Trust, and the Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund,
 each will operate its business in the ordinary course between the date hereof and the
 Closing Date, it being understood that, with respect to the Acquired Fund, such ordinary
 course of business will include purchases and sales of portfolio securities, sales and
 redemptions of Acquired Fund Shares, and regular and customary periodic dividends

and distributions, and with respect to the Acquiring Fund, it shall be limited to such actions as are customary to the organization of a new series prior to its commencement of investment operations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.2. The
 Acquired Trust will call a meeting of the Acquired Fund shareholders as soon as practicable
 after the date of filing the Registration Statement to be held prior to the Closing Date
 for the purpose of considering the sale of all of its Assets to and the assumption of
 all of its Liabilities by the Acquiring Fund as herein provided, adopting this Agreement
 and authorizing the liquidation of the Acquired Fund, and taking all other action necessary
 to obtain the required shareholder approval of the transactions contemplated hereby.
 In the event that the Acquired Fund receives insufficient votes from shareholders, the
 meeting may be adjourned as permitted under the Acquired Trust's Declaration of
 Trust, bylaws, applicable law and the Prospectus/ Proxy Statement in order to permit
 further solicitation of proxies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.3. In
 connection with the Acquired Fund shareholders' meeting referred to in Section
 5.2, the Acquiring Trust will prepare the Registration Statement and Prospectus/Proxy
 Statement for such meeting, which the Acquiring Trust will file for the registration
 under the 1933 Act of the Acquiring Fund Shares to be distributed to Acquired Fund shareholders
 pursuant hereto, all in compliance with the applicable requirements of the 1933 Act,
 the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.4. The
 Acquired Fund (or its representative) will prepare and deliver to the Acquiring Fund
 (or its representative) at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the Closing Date a statement
 of the assets and the liabilities of the Acquired Fund as of such date for review and
 agreement by the parties to determine that the Assets are being valued as mutually agreed
 upon and the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund are being correctly determined in accordance
 with paragraph 1.2 of this Agreement. The Acquired Fund (or its representative) will
 deliver at the Closing (a) a statement of Assets and Liabilities of the Acquired Fund
 as of the Valuation Date and (b) a list of the Acquired Fund's Assets as of the
 Closing Date showing the tax costs of each of its assets by lot and the holding periods
 of such Assets, certified by the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer of the Acquired Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.5. Each
 of the Acquired Trust, the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund
 will cooperate with the others, and each will furnish to the others the information relating
 to itself required by the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations
 thereunder to be set forth in the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus/Proxy
 Statement. The Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund shall each use commercially reasonable
 efforts to make its officers available upon reasonable notice at reasonable times to
 provide explanation, as may reasonably be necessary, of any documents or information
 provided under this Agreement to the extent such officer is familiar with such documents
 or information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.6. The
 parties shall reasonably cooperate with each other in connection with the tax preparation
 and filing of tax returns with respect to the Acquired Fund that are due after the Closing
 Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.7. The
 Acquiring Fund will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the approvals and
 authorizations required by the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and such of the state securities
 or blue sky laws as it may deem appropriate in order to continue its operations after
 the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.8. It
 is the intention of the parties that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
 will

qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code. None of the parties to this Agreement shall take any action or cause any action to be taken (including, without limitation the filing of any tax return) that is inconsistent with such treatment or results in the failure of the transactions hereunder to qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.9. The
 Acquired Fund (or its representative) and the Acquiring Fund (or its representative)
 will execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered all such assignments and
 other instruments and will take or cause to be taken such further action as may be necessary,
 proper or advisable in order to vest in and confirm (a) the Acquired Fund's title
 to and possession of the Acquiring Fund Shares to be delivered hereunder and (b) the
 Acquiring Fund's title to and possession of all the Assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.10. The
 Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund will satisfy any obligations to deliver statements
 setting forth the then current valuation of the Assets, along with supporting documentation
 in reasonable detail after the date of this Agreement as mutually agreed upon in writing
 and any disputes will be resolved in good faith and addressed as mutually agreed upon
 in writing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.11. The
 Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund agree that the liquidation of the Acquired Fund
 will be effected in the manner provided in the Acquired Trust's Declaration of
 Trust and bylaws of the Acquired Fund, in accordance with applicable law, and that on
 and after the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund shall not conduct any business except in
 connection with its liquidation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.12. The
 Acquiring Fund shall, and shall cause each of its affiliates as necessary to, use its
 commercially reasonable efforts to take or cause to be taken all actions so that, prior
 to the Closing, the current trading, derivative counterparty, and other investment arrangements
 of the Acquired Fund are in effect with respect to the Acquiring Fund, on substantially
 similar terms to those that are currently in effect with respect to the Acquired Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. CONDITIONS
 PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRING FUND.

The obligations of the Acquiring Trust to complete the transactions provided for herein shall be subject, at its election, to the performance by the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund of all the obligations to be performed by them hereunder on or before the Closing Date and, in addition thereto, to the following further conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.1. The
 Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund shall have delivered to the Acquiring Fund a certificate
 executed on their behalf by the Acquired Trust's duly authorized officer, in form
 and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund and dated as of the Closing
 Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Acquired Trust and
 the Acquired Fund made in this Agreement are true and correct at and as of the Closing
 Date (except for such representations and warranties required to be true and correct
 as of another date, which representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of
 such other date), except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by
 this Agreement, and that the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund have complied with
 all the covenants and agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on their parts to
 be performed or satisfied under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.2. The
 Acquired Fund shall have furnished to the Acquiring Fund a statement of the Acquired
 Fund's assets and liabilities, with values determined as provided in Section 2
 of

this Agreement, together with a list of Investments with their respective tax costs, all as of the Valuation Date, certified on the Acquired Fund's behalf by the Acquired Trust's duly authorized officer, and a certificate of both such officers, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that as of the Valuation Date and as of the Closing Date there has been no material adverse change in the financial position of the Acquired Fund since June 30, 2022. This information will present fairly the financial condition and Assets of the Acquired Fund as of the Valuation Date in conformity with GAAP applied on a consistent basis, and there will be no material contingent liabilities of the Acquired Fund not disclosed in such information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.3. The
 assets of the Acquired Fund to be acquired by the Acquiring Fund will include no assets
 which the Acquiring Fund, by reason of limitations contained in the Acquiring Trust's
 Declaration of Trust, as amended, or of investment restrictions disclosed in the Acquiring
 Fund Prospectus in effect on the Closing Date, may not properly acquire.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.4. All
 proceedings taken by the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund in connection with the transactions
 contemplated by this Agreement and all material documents related thereto shall be reasonably
 satisfactory in form and substance to the Acquiring Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.5. The
 Acquired Fund shall have furnished to the Acquiring Fund a certificate, signed on its
 behalf by a duly authorized officer of the Acquired Trust, as to the adjusted tax basis
 in the hands of the Acquired Fund of the securities delivered to the Acquiring Fund pursuant
 to this Agreement, together with any such other evidence as to such adjusted tax basis
 as the Acquiring Fund may reasonably request.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.6. The
 Acquired Fund's custodian shall have delivered to the Acquiring Fund a certificate
 identifying all of the assets of the Acquired Fund held by such custodian as of the Valuation
 Date, including the assets of the Cayman Subsidiary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.7. The
 Acquired Fund's transfer agent shall have provided to the Acquiring Fund's
 transfer agent (i) the originals or true copies of all of the records of the Acquired
 Fund in the possession of the Acquired Fund's transfer agent as of the Closing
 Date, (ii) a record specifying the number of Acquired Fund Shares outstanding as of the
 Valuation Date and (iii) a record specifying the name and address
of each holder of record of any Acquired Fund Shares and the number of Acquired Fund Shares held of record by each such shareholder
as of the Valuation Date. The Acquired Fund's transfer agent shall also have provided the Acquiring Fund with a certificate
confirming that the acts specified in the preceding sentence have been taken and that the information so supplied is complete
and accurate to the best knowledge of the transfer agent.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.8. Prior
 to the Closing Date, the Acquired Fund is able to transfer all of the investments that
 are subject to resale or transfer restrictions or that require consent of a third-party
 to the Acquiring Fund (collectively, "Investment Consents").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.9. The
 Acquired Fund (or its representative) shall have duly executed and delivered to the Acquiring
 Fund (or its representative) such bills of sale, assignments, certificates and other
 instruments of transfer, including transfer instructions to the Acquired Fund Custodian
 and instructions to the Acquired Fund Transfer Agent as the Acquiring Fund may reasonably
 deem necessary or desirable to evidence the transfer to the Acquiring Fund by the Acquired
 Fund all of the right, title and interest of the Acquired Fund in and to the Assets of
 the Acquired Fund. In each case the Assets of the Acquired Fund shall be accompanied
 by all necessary state stock transfer stamps or cash for the appropriate purchase price
 therefor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.10. The
 Acquiring Fund (or its representative) shall have received at the Closing: (i) a certificate
 of an authorized signatory of the Acquired Fund Custodian, stating that the Assets of
 the Acquired Fund have been delivered to the Acquiring Fund; (ii) a certificate of an
 authorized signatory from the Acquiring Fund Custodian, stating that the Assets of the
 Acquired Fund have been received; (iii) a certificate of an authorized signatory of the
 Acquired Fund confirming that the Acquired Fund has delivered its records containing
 the names and addresses of the record holders of the Acquired Fund's shares and
 the number and percentage (to four decimal places) of ownership of the Acquired Fund
 owned by each such holder as of the Valuation Date; (iv) a statement of the respective
 tax basis of all investments to be transferred by the Acquired Fund to the Acquiring
 Fund; and (v) the tax books and records of the Acquired Fund for purposes of preparing
 any tax returns required by law to be filed after the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.11. The
 Acquired Fund's agreements with each of its service providers shall have terminated
 on or prior to the Closing Date with respect to the Acquired Fund in compliance with
 their termination provisions without being subject to a contractual penalty, or any such
 penalties shall have been paid prior to the Closing Date, and the Acquiring Fund shall
 have received assurances from the Acquired Fund that no claims for damages (liquidated
 or otherwise) will arise as a result of such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
 the Acquired Fund, at its own expense, may enter into or continue, as necessary, agreements
 to assist the Acquired Fund with its termination and dissolution activities, as well
 as to prepare and file any required tax filings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.12. As
 of the Closing Date, there shall have been no material change in the investment objectives,
 policies and restrictions or any increase in the investment management fee rate that
 the Acquired Fund is, as of the date of this Agreement, contractually obligated to pay
 from those described in the Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.13. All
 proceedings taken by the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund in connection with the transactions
 contemplated by this Agreement and all documents incidental thereto shall be reasonably
 satisfactory in form and substance to the Acquiring Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.14. The
 Acquiring Fund shall have received a favorable opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP, counsel
 to the Acquired Fund, dated the Closing Date, with such assumptions and limitations as
 shall be in the opinion of such firm appropriate to render the opinions expressed therein,
 and in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Acquiring Fund, to the following effect:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The
 Acquired Trust is an unincorporated voluntary association with transferable shares of
 beneficial interest (commonly referred to as a "Massachusetts business trust")
 validly existing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and has power as
 a business trust to own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business,
 and the Acquired Fund is a separate series thereof duly established in accordance with
 the Acquired Trust's Declaration of Trust and bylaws, and applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This Agreement has been duly
 authorized, executed and delivered by the Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund,
 and assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Acquiring
 Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, is a valid and binding obligation of the Acquired
 Trust and the Acquired Fund enforceable against the Acquired Trust

and the Acquired Fund in accordance with its terms, except as the same may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and other equitable principles.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The
 Acquired Fund has the power as a series of a business trust to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Assets
and Liabilities to be transferred by it hereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The
 execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Acquired Trust on behalf of the Acquired
 Fund did not, and the performance by the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund of their
 obligations hereunder will not, violate the Acquired Trust's Declaration of Trust
 or bylaws, or any provisions of applicable U.S. federal securities laws (excluding, however,
 antifraud and other provisions with respect to disclosures of material information),
 or any provision of any agreement specified in a Certificate of Officer of the Acquired
 Trust to which the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund is a party, or by which it is
 bound or, result in the acceleration of any obligation or the imposition of any penalty
 under any such agreement, or any judgment or decree to which the Acquired Trust or the
 Acquired Fund is a party or by which it is bound, specified in a Certificate of Officer
 of the Acquired Trust.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) No
 consent, approval, authorization or order of any state or federal court or governmental
 authority is required for the consummation by the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund
 of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except such as may be required under
 state securities or blue sky laws or such as have been obtained.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) Such
 counsel has not represented and is not representing the Acquired Fund or the Acquired
 Trust in any legal or governmental proceedings on or before the date of mailing of the
 Prospectus/Proxy Statement referred to in Section 5.3 or the Closing Date required to
 be described in the Registration Statement which are not described as required.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) The
 Acquired Trust is registered with the Commission as an investment company under the 1940
 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. CONDITIONS
 PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE ACQUIRED FUND.

The obligations of the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund to complete the transactions provided for herein shall be subject, at their election, to the performance by the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund of all the obligations to be performed by them hereunder on or before the Closing Date and, in addition thereto, to the following further conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.1. The
 Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund shall have delivered to the Acquired Fund a certificate
 executed on their behalf by the Acquiring Trust's duly authorized officer, in form
 and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Acquired Fund and dated as of the Closing
 Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Acquiring Trust and
 the Acquiring Fund made in this Agreement are true and correct at and as of the Closing
 Date (except for such representations and warranties required to be true and correct
 as of another date, which representation and warranty shall be true and correct as of
 such other date), except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated by
 this Agreement, and that the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund have complied with
 all the covenants and agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on their parts to
 be

performed or satisfied under this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.2. The
 Acquiring Fund is registered with the Commission as a series of an open-end management
 investment company under the 1940 Act as of the Closing Date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.3. The
 Acquiring Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund, shall have executed and delivered to
 the Acquired Fund an Assumption of Liabilities dated as of the Closing Date pursuant
 to which the Acquiring Fund will assume all of the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund existing
 at the Closing Date in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.4. All
 proceedings taken by the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund in connection with the
 transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all documents incidental thereto shall
 be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Acquired Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.5. The
 Acquiring Fund (or its representative) shall have duly executed and delivered to the
 Acquired Fund (or its representative), such instrument of assumptions of liabilities
 and other instruments as the Acquired Fund may reasonably deem necessary or desirable
 to evidence the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the assumption
 of all of the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund by the Acquiring Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.6. The
 Acquired Fund shall have received a favorable opinion of Haynes and Boone, LLP, counsel to the Acquiring
 Trust, dated the Closing Date, with such assumptions and limitations as shall be in the
 opinion of such firm appropriate to render the opinions expressed therein, and in a form
 reasonably satisfactory to the Acquired Fund, which opinion may rely on a separate opinion
 of local counsel to the extent it relates to the laws of the State of Delaware, to the
 following effect:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The
 Acquiring Trust is a "Delaware statutory trust" validly existing under the
 laws of the State of Delaware and the Acquiring Fund is a separate series thereof duly
 constituted in accordance with the Acquiring Trust's Declaration of Trust and bylaws,
 and applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) This
 Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Acquiring Trust, on
 behalf of the Acquiring Fund, and assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery
 of this Agreement by the Acquired Trust, on behalf of the Acquired Fund, is the valid
 and binding obligation of the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund enforceable against
 the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund in accordance with its terms, except as the
 same may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar
 laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and other equitable
 principles.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The
 execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Acquiring Trust on behalf of the Acquiring
 Fund did not, and the performance by the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund of their
 obligations hereunder will not, violate the Acquiring Trust's Declaration of Trust
 or bylaws, or any provisions of applicable U.S. federal securities laws (excluding, however,
 antifraud and other provisions with respect to disclosures of material information),
 or any provision of any agreement specified in a Certificate of Officer of the Acquiring
 Trust to which the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund is a party, or by which it is
 bound, or result in the acceleration of any obligation or the imposition of any penalty
 under any such agreement, or any judgment, or decree to which the Acquiring Trust or

the Acquiring Fund is a party, or by which it is bound, specified in a Certificate of Officer of the Acquiring Trust.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) To
 the knowledge of such counsel, no consent, approval, authorization or order of any state
 or federal court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Acquiring
 Trust or the Acquiring Fund of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except
 such as may be required under state securities or blue sky laws or such as have been
 obtained.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Such
 counsel has not represented and is not representing the Acquiring Fund or the Acquiring
 Trust in any legal or governmental proceedings relating to the Acquiring Fund existing
 on or before the date of mailing of the Prospectus/Proxy Statement referred to in Section
 5.3 or the Closing Date required to be described in the Registration Statement which
 are not described as required.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) The
 Acquiring Trust is registered with the Commission as an investment company under the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) Assuming
 that a consideration not less than the net asset value thereof has been paid, the Acquiring
 Fund Shares to be issued for transfer to the Acquired Fund Shareholders as provided by
 the Agreement are duly authorized and upon such transfer and delivery will be validly
 issued and outstanding and fully paid and, except as set forth in the Acquiring Fund
 Prospectus, nonassessable Class A, Class C, Class N, and Class Y shares, as applicable,
 of beneficial interest in the Acquiring Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) The
 Registration Statement has become effective and, to the knowledge of such counsel, no
 stop order suspending the effectiveness thereof has been issued.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. FURTHER
 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES.

The respective obligations of the Acquiring Trust, the Acquiring Fund, the Acquired Trust and the Acquired Fund hereunder are subject to the further conditions that on or before the Closing Date:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.1. This
 Agreement shall have been approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of the Acquired
 Fund in the manner required by the Acquired Trust's Declaration of Trust and bylaws,
 and applicable law, and the parties shall have received reasonable evidence of each such
 approval.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.2. This
 Agreement, the transactions contemplated herein and the filing of the Registration Statement
 shall have been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Acquiring Fund Trust and this
 Agreement, the transactions contemplated herein and the filing of the Prospectus/Proxy
 Statement shall have been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Fund Trust,
 and each party shall have delivered to the other a copy of the resolutions approving
 this Agreement adopted by the other party's Board, certified by the Secretary or
 an equivalent officer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.3. On
 the Closing Date, the Commission shall not have issued an unfavorable report under Section
 25(b) of the 1940 Act, nor instituted any proceeding seeking to enjoin the consummation
 of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under Section 25(c) of the 1940 Act
 and, to the knowledge of the parties hereto, no action, suit or other proceeding shall
 be threatened or pending before any court or governmental agency in which it is sought
 to restrain or prohibit, or obtain damages or other relief in connection with, this Agreement
 or the transactions contemplated herein. No litigation or administrative proceeding or
 investigation of or before any court or governmental body is presently pending or, to
 the knowledge of any party hereto, threatened against a party or any of its properties
 or assets that, if adversely determined, would materially and adversely affect its business
 or its ability to consummate the transactions herein contemplated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.4. All
 consents of other parties and all other consents, orders and permits of federal, state
 and local regulatory authorities (including those of the Commission and of state blue
 sky and securities

authorities) deemed necessary by the Acquired Trust, the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund to permit consummation, in all material respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, except where failure to obtain any such consent, order or permit would not involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.5. The
 Registration Statement shall have become effective under the 1933 Act and no stop order
 suspending the effectiveness thereof shall have been issued and, to the best knowledge
 of the parties hereto, no investigation or proceeding for that purpose shall have been
 instituted or be pending, threatened or contemplated under the 1933 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.6. The
 post-effective amendment to the registration statement of the Acquiring Trust on Form
 N-1A relating to shares of the Acquiring Fund shall have become effective and no stop
 order suspending the effectiveness thereof shall have been issued.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.7. The
 Acquired Fund and the Acquiring Fund shall have received a favorable opinion of McDermott Will & Emery LLP, counsel
 to the Acquiring Trust, dated on the Closing Date (which opinion will be subject to certain
 qualifications) reasonably satisfactory to both parties substantially to the effect that,
 on the basis of the existing provisions of the Code, Treasury regulations promulgated
 thereunder, current administrative rules, and court decisions, generally for federal
 income tax purposes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The
 acquisition by the Acquiring Fund of the Assets of the Acquired Fund in exchange for
 the Acquiring Fund's assumption of the Liabilities of the Acquired Fund and issuance
 of the Acquiring Fund Shares, followed by the distribution by the Acquired Fund of such
 Acquiring Fund Shares to the shareholders of the Acquired Fund in exchange for their
 shares of the Acquired Fund, all as provided in Section 1 hereof, will constitute a reorganization
 within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code, and the Acquired Fund and the
 Acquiring Fund will each be "a party to a reorganization" within the meaning
 of Section 368(b) of the Code.

(b) If the transaction qualifies as a tax-free reorganization and each Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund is a party to a reorganization,
as described above, then as a result:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Under
 Sections 361 and 357(a) of the Code, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquired
 Fund (i) upon the transfer of its Assets to the Acquiring Fund in exchange for the Acquiring
 Fund Shares and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the Liabilities of the Acquired
 Fund or (ii) upon the distribution of the Acquiring Fund Shares by the Acquired Fund
 to its shareholders in liquidation, as contemplated in Section 1 hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Under
 Section 1032 of the Code, no gain or loss will be recognized by the Acquiring Fund upon
 the receipt of the Assets of the Acquired Fund in exchange for the assumption of the
 Liabilities of the Acquired Fund and issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares as contemplated
 in Section 1 hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Under
 Section 362(b) of the Code, the tax basis of the Assets of the Acquired Fund acquired
 by the Acquiring Fund will be the same as the tax basis of such Assets in the hands of
 the Acquired Fund immediately prior to the transfer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) Under
 Section 1223(2) of the Code, the holding periods of the Assets of the Acquired Fund in
 the hands of the Acquiring Fund will include the periods during which such Assets were
 held by the Acquired Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) Under
 Section 354 of the Code, no gain or loss will be recognized by Acquired Fund shareholders
 upon the exchange of all of their Acquired Fund Shares for the Acquiring Fund Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi) Under
 Section 358 of the Code, the aggregate tax basis of the Acquiring Fund Shares to be received
 by each shareholder of the Acquired Fund will be the same as the aggregate tax basis
 of Acquired Fund Shares exchanged therefor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii) Under
 Section 1223(1) of the Code, each Acquired Fund shareholder's holding period for
 the Acquiring Fund Shares to be received will include the period during which Acquired
 Fund Shares exchanged therefor were held, provided that the shareholder held Acquired
 Fund Shares as a capital asset on the date of the exchange.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) The
 Acquiring Fund will succeed to and take into account the items of the Acquired Fund described
 in Section 381(c) of the Code (including capital loss carryovers), subject to the conditions
 and limitations specified in the Code, the regulations thereunder, and existing court
 decisions and published interpretations of the Code and Regulations.

The parties acknowledge that the opinion will be based on certain factual certifications made by officers of the Acquired Trust and the Acquiring Trust and will also be based on customary assumptions. The opinion is not a guarantee that the tax consequences of the reorganization will be as described above. There is no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service or a court would agree with the opinion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.8. At
 any time prior to the Closing, any of the foregoing conditions of this Section 8 (except
 for Sections 8.1 and 8.7) may be jointly waived by the Board of Trustees of the Acquired
 Trust and the Board of Trustees of the Acquiring Trust, if, in the judgment of the Board
 of Trustees of the Acquired Trust, such waiver will not have a material adverse effect
 on the interests of the shareholders of the Acquired Fund and, if, in the judgment of
 the Board of Trustees of the Acquiring Trust, such waiver will not have a material adverse
 effect on the interests of the shareholders, if any, of the Acquiring Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. BROKERAGE
 FEES; EXPENSES.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.1. Each
 of the Acquired Trust, the Acquired Fund, the Acquiring Trust and the Acquiring Fund
 represents that there is no person who has dealt with it who by reason of such dealings
 is entitled to any broker's or finder's or other similar fee or commission
 arising out of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.2. As
 separately agreed between Virtus and Natixis, Virtus and Natixis agree to assume and
 to pay all expenses incurred by the Acquiring Trust, the Acquiring Fund, the Acquired
 Trust, and the Acquired Fund in connection with the transaction contemplated by this
 Agreement. The costs arising in connection with the Reorganization contemplated by this
 Agreement shall include, but not be limited to, costs and expenses (including legal fees)
 related to the preparation and distribution of materials to the respective Boards of
 Trustees of the Acquired Trust and the Acquiring Trust, costs incurred in attending the
 Board meetings and preparing the minutes of the Board meetings, obtaining an opinion
 of counsel as to certain matters, the preparation of this Agreement, fees of the Commission,
 state corporate fees and any fees of any state securities commission, auditing fees associated
 with the Acquiring Fund's financial statements, costs and expenses associated with
 obtaining any necessary order of exemption from the 1940 Act, if any, preparation of
 the Prospectus/Proxy Statement and Registration Statement, printing and distributing
 the Prospectus/Proxy Statement and Registration Statement, solicitation fees, and expenses
 of holding shareholders' meetings. For the avoidance of doubt, accounting fees
 that are related to the claiming, resolution or documentation of foreign tax reclaims
 or related Foreign Tax Reclaim Receivables are not "accounting fees arising due
 to accounting work performed in connection with, or as a result of, the Reorganization
 that would not otherwise have been performed." Notwithstanding any of the foregoing,
 expenses will in any event be paid by the party directly incurring such expenses if and
 to the extent that the payment by another person of such expenses would result in the
 disqualification of such party as a regulated investment company within the meaning of
 Section 851 of the Code or would prevent the Reorganization from qualifying as a tax-
 free reorganization under Section 368(a)(1) of the Code pursuant to applicable guidance
 including, but not limited to, IRS Revenue Ruling 73-54.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. ENTIRE
 AGREEMENT; SURVIVAL OF WARRANTIES.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.1. This
 Agreement supersedes all previous correspondence and oral communications between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof,
constitutes the only understanding with respect to such

subject matter and may not be changed except by a letter of agreement signed by each party hereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.2. The
 representations, warranties and covenants contained in this Agreement or in any other
 document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall not survive the consummation
 of the transactions contemplated hereunder except the covenants to be performed after
 the Closing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. TERMINATION.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.1. This
 Agreement may be terminated by the mutual written agreement of the Acquired Trust, on
 behalf of the Acquired Fund, and the Acquiring Trust, on behalf of the Acquiring Fund,
 prior to the Closing Date. This Agreement also may be terminated and the reorganization
 contemplated hereby may be abandoned by resolution of either the Board of Trustees of
 the Acquiring Trust or the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Trust, at any time prior
 to the Closing Date, if, based on changed circumstances, the Board of Trustees of the
 Acquiring Trust or the Board of Trustees of the Acquired Trust determines that proceeding
 with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is not in the best interests of
 the Acquiring Fund or the Acquired Fund, respectively.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.2. In
 addition, either of the Acquired Trust or the Acquiring Trust may at its option terminate
 this Agreement at or prior to the Closing Date because:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) With
 respect to a termination by the Acquired Trust, of (i) a material breach by the Acquiring
 Trust or the Acquiring Fund of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained
 herein to be performed by the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund at or prior to the
 Closing Date, provided that the Acquiring Trust or Acquiring Fund, as applicable, shall
 have been given a period of ten (10) business days from the date of the occurrence of
 a material breach of a covenant or agreement to cure such material breach and shall have
 failed to do so (provided, that the Acquired Trust or Acquired Fund, as applicable, is
 not then in material breach of the terms of this Agreement, and, provided further, that
 no cure period shall be required for a breach which is not capable of being cured) or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the occurrence of an event which has a material adverse effect upon the Acquiring Fund; or with respect to a termination by the Acquiring Trust, of (i) a material breach by the Acquired Trust or Acquired Fund of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement herein to be performed by the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund at or prior to the Closing Date, provided that the Acquired Trust or Acquired Fund, as applicable, shall have been given a period of ten (10) business days from the date of the occurrence of a material breach of a covenant or agreement to cure such material breach and shall have failed to do so (provided, that the Acquiring Trust or Acquiring Fund, as applicable, is not then in material breach of the terms of this Agreement, and, provided further, that no cure period shall be required for a breach which is not capable of being cured) or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the occurrence of an event which has a material adverse effect upon the Acquired Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) A
 condition herein expressed to be precedent to the obligations of the terminating party
 has not been met and it reasonably appears that it will not or cannot be met; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Any
 governmental authority of competent jurisdiction shall have issued any judgment, injunction,
 order, ruling or decree or taken any other action restraining, enjoining or otherwise
 prohibiting this Agreement or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated
 herein and such judgment, injunction, order, ruling, decree or other action becomes final
 and non- appealable; provided that the party seeking to terminate this Agreement pursuant
 to this Section 11.2(c) shall have used its commercially reasonable efforts to have such
 judgment, injunction, order, ruling, decree or other action lifted, vacated or denied;
 or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The
 transactions contemplated by this Agreement have not been substantially completed by
 August 29, 2023, provided that, in the event public solicitations of the shareholders of the
 Acquired Fund have commenced seeking approval of this Agreement and any related approvals,
 neither the Acquired Fund nor the Acquiring Fund shall be
permitted to terminate this Agreement

pursuant to this paragraph 11.2(d) until the day following the last date by which a shareholder meeting must occur (including any adjournments) without requiring a new record date to be set under the Acquiring Fund's organizational documents and provided further the right to terminate this Agreement under this paragraph 11.2(d) shall not be available to any party whose failure to fulfill any material obligation under this Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur on or before such date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.3. At
any time prior to the Closing Date, any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement (except for paragraph 8.1 and paragraph 8.7)
may be waived by either the Acquired Fund or the Acquiring Fund, respectively (whichever is entitled to the benefit thereof).
Such waiver shall be in writing and authorized by an officer of the waiving party. The failure of either party hereto to enforce
at any time any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor in
any way to affect the validity of this Agreement or any part hereof or the right of either party thereafter to enforce each and
every such provision. No waiver of any breach of this Agreement shall be held to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.4. If
 a party terminates this Agreement in accordance with this Section 11, other than a termination
 under paragraph 11.2 that involves an intentional fraud or a willful default by the terminating
 party, there shall be no liability for damages on the part of any party, or the trustees,
 directors or officers of such party. In the event of a termination under paragraph 11.2
 in connection with an intentional fraud or a willful default, all remedies at law or
 in equity of the party adversely affected shall survive.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.5. In
 the event of the termination of this Agreement and abandonment of the transactions contemplated
 hereby pursuant to this Section 11, this Agreement shall become void and have no effect
 except that (a) Sections 9.1, 9.2, 11.4, 11.5, 14, 15 and 16 shall survive any termination
 of this Agreement, and (b) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
 Agreement, no party shall be relieved or released from any liability or damages arising
 out of any breach of any provision of this Agreement by any party prior to the date of
 termination, unless the termination is effected pursuant to Section 11.1.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. TRANSFER
 TAXES.

Any transfer taxes payable upon issuance of the Acquiring Fund Shares in a name other than the registered holder of the Acquired Fund Shares on the books of the Acquired Fund as of that time shall, as a condition of such issuance and transfer, be paid by the person to whom such Acquiring Fund Shares are to be issued and transferred.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. AMENDMENTS.

This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the authorized officers of the Acquiring Trust and the Acquired Trust; provided, however, that following the shareholders' meeting called by the Acquired Fund pursuant to Section 5.2 no such amendment may have the effect of changing the provisions for determining the number of Acquiring Fund Shares to be issued to shareholders of the Acquired Fund under this Agreement to the detriment of such shareholders without their further approval.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. NOTICES.

Any notice, report, statement or demand required or permitted by any provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by, telecopy or certified mail addressed to the Acquired Trust or the Acquired Fund c/o Natixis Investment Managers at 888 Boylston Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02199, Attention: Susan McWhan Tobin, with a copy to Natixis Investment Managers at 888 Boylston Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02199, Attention: Natalie Wagner, or the Acquiring Trust or the Acquiring Fund c/o Virtus Partners, Inc., at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103, Attention: Jennifer Fromm, with a copy to Virtus Partners, Inc., at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103, Attention: Wendy Hills.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15. PUBLICITY/CONFIDENTIALITY.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.1 Any public announcements or similar publicity with respect to this Agreement or the reorganization contemplated herein will be made at such time and in such manner as the parties mutually shall agree in

writing (which writing may include e-mail), provided that nothing herein shall prevent either party from making such public announcements as may be required by law, including, without limitation a description of this Agreement, the contemplated reorganization and other matters in the Registration Statement, Proxy Statement/Prospectus and any related ancillary documents and in any supplement to the Acquired Fund Prospectus, in which case the party issuing such statement or communication shall use all reasonable commercial efforts to advise the other party prior to such issuance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.2 The Acquired Trust, Acquired Fund, Acquiring Trust, Acquiring Fund and, as applicable, Virtus and Natixis (for purposes of this paragraph 15.2, the "Protected Persons") will hold, and will cause their board members, officers, employees, representatives, agents and affiliates to hold, in strict confidence, and not disclose to any other person, and not use in any way except in connection with the reorganization herein contemplated, without the prior written consent of the other Protected Persons, all confidential information obtained from the other Protected Persons in connection with the reorganization contemplated by this Agreement, except such information may be disclosed: (i) to governmental or regulatory bodies, and, where necessary, to any other person in connection with the obtaining of consents or waivers as contemplated by this Agreement; (ii) if required by court order or decree or applicable law; (iii) if it is publicly available through no act or failure to act of such party; (iv) it if was already known to such party on a non-confidential basis on the date of receipt; (v) during the course of or in connection with any litigation, government investigation, arbitration, or other proceedings based upon or in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the failure of the Reorganization contemplated hereby to be consummated; or (vi) if it is otherwise expressly provided for herein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.3 In the event of a termination of this Agreement, each of the Acquiring Trust, Acquired Fund, Acquiring Trust, Acquiring Fund, Virtus and Natixis agrees that they, along with their employees, representative agents and affiliates shall, and shall cause their affiliates to, except with the prior written consent of the other Protected Persons, keep secret and retain in strict confidence, and not use for the benefit of itself or themselves, nor disclose to any other persons, any and all confidential or proprietary information relating to the other Protected Persons and their related parties and affiliates, whether obtained through their due diligence investigation, this Agreement or otherwise, except such information may be disclosed: (i) if required by court order or decree or applicable law; (ii) if it is publicly available through no act or failure to act of such party; (iii) if it was already known to such party on a non- confidential basis on the date of receipt; (iv) during the course of or in connection with any litigation, government investigation, arbitration, or other proceedings based upon or in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the failure of the Reorganization contemplated hereby to be consummated; or (v) if it is otherwise expressly provided for herein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16. MISCELLANEOUS.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.1. The
 article and section headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only
 and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.2. This
 Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, which may be executed and/or
 exchanged electronically, each of which shall be deemed an original.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.3. Although
 this Agreement is being executed as one document for the convenience of the parties,
 it represents separate agreements pertaining to each individual reorganization contemplated
 between a respective Acquired Fund and Acquiring Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.4. This
 Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic substantive
 laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without giving effect to any choice or conflicts
 of law rule or provision that would result in the application of the domestic substantive
 laws of any other jurisdiction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.5. This
 Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
 successors and assigns, but no assignment or transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations
 hereunder shall be made by any party without the written consent
of the other party. Nothing herein expressed or implied

is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any person, firm or corporation, other than the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.6. All
 covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made under this Agreement and any
 certificates delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to have been material
 and relied upon by each of the parties, notwithstanding any investigation made by them
 or on their behalf.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.7. A
 copy of the Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Natixis
 Funds Trust II, and each amendment thereto, is on file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth
 of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this instrument is executed on behalf
 of the trustees of Natixis Funds Trust II on behalf of the Acquired Fund as trustees
 and not individually, and that the obligations of this instrument are not binding upon
 any of the trustees, officers or shareholders of Natixis Funds Trust II, or any series
 thereof, individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Acquired
 Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.8. A
 copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust
 is on file at the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and elsewhere
 as required by law. This Agreement was executed or made by or on behalf of the Acquiring
 Trust and the Acquiring Fund by the trustees or officers of the Acquiring Trust as trustees
 or officers and not individually, and the obligations of this Agreement are not binding
 upon any of them or the shareholders of the Acquiring Fund individually but are binding
 only upon the assets and property of the Acquiring Trust or upon the assets belonging
 to the series or class for the benefit of which the trustees have caused this Agreement
 to be made.

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer.

 

Name: [●] 

 

Title:[●] 

 

Name: [●] 

 

Title:[●] 

 

 

Name: [●] 

 

Title:[●] 

 

 

Name: [●] 

 

Title:[●] 

**SCHEDULE A**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **THE ACQUIRED FUNDS**<br> *(each Acquired Fund is a series of Natixis Funds Trust II)*<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;**THE ACQUIRING FUNDS**<br> *(each Acquiring Fund is or will be a series of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust)*<br>|
| AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund |
| AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund |

---

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

Acquisition of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities of

**ALPHASIMPLEX GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES FUND**

**ALPHASIMPLEX MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND**

series of

**NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST II**

c/o Natixis Distribution, LLC

888 Boylston Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02199

(800) 225-5478

By and In Exchange For Shares of

**VIRTUS ALPHASIMPLEX GLOBAL ALTERNATIVES FUND**

**VIRTUS ALPHASIMPLEX MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND**

series of

**VIRTUS ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TRUST** 

c/o VP Distributors, LLC

101 Munson Street

Greenfield, Massachusetts 01301

(800) 243-1574

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"), dated January 12, 2023, is not a prospectus. A copy of the joint Prospectus/Proxy Statement dated January 12, 2023, related to the above-referenced matter may be obtained without charge by calling or writing to Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust at the telephone numbers or addresses set forth above.

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **PAGE** |
| [Overview of the Transaction](#x1_c105027a001) | 3 |
| [Documents Incorporated by Reference](#x1_c105027a002) | 3 |
| [Pro Forma Financial Information](#x1_c105027a003) | 3 |
| [Glossary](#x1_c105027a004) | 4 |
| [General Information and History](#x1_c105027a005) | 7 |
| [More Information About Fund Investment Strategies & Related Risks](#x1_c105027a006) | 14 |
| [Investment Limitations](#x1_c105027a007) | 68 |
| [Management of the Trust](#x1_c105027a008) | 70 |
| [Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities](#x1_c105027a009) | 92 |
| [Investment Advisory and Other Services](#x1_c105027a010) | 92 |
| [Distribution and Service Plans](#x1_c105027a011) | 99 |
| [Portfolio Managers](#x1_c105027a012) | 100 |
| [Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices](#x1_c105027a013) | 103 |
| [Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares](#x1_c105027a014) | 105 |
| [Investor Account Services and Policies](#x1_c105027a015) | 115 |
| [Dividends, Distributions and Taxes](#x1_c105027a016) | 118 |
| [Performance Information](#x1_c105027a017) | 125 |
| [Financial Statements](#x1_c105027a018) | 126 |
| [Appendix A — Description of Ratings](#x1_c105027a019) | A-1 |

---

**Overview of the Transaction**

Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (the "Trust") was organized as a Delaware statutory trust and its operations are governed by its Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 21, 2013. The Trust is an open-end management investment company. This SAI relates to the shares of two of the Funds and their respective classes. These Funds have been newly formed for the purposes of completing the reorganizations ("Reorganizations") with AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund and AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund, each a series of Natixis Funds Trust II, a registered investment company (each such series, a "Predecessor Fund").

The Funds, which have no assets or liabilities, will commence operations upon the completion of the Reorganizations.

Upon completion of the Reorganizations, the Class A, Class C, Class R6 and Class I Shares of the Funds, as applicable, will assume the performance, financial and other historical information of the Class A, Class C, Class N, and Class Y Shares of the Predecessor Funds, respectively. Information presented for periods prior to the date of this SAI reflects, where applicable, the historical information of the Predecessor Funds. Information presented for the Funds is presented as though the conditions and arrangements anticipated to be in place upon the completion of the Reorganizations are already in place, although many of them will not be in place until closer to the date of the Reorganizations.

Much of the information contained in this SAI expands on subjects discussed in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

Capitalized terms not defined herein are used as defined in the Prospectus/Proxy Statement. No investment in shares of a Fund should be made without first reading the Prospectus/Proxy Statement.

**Documents Incorporated by Reference**

This SAI incorporates by reference the following documents:

1. [Prospectuses of the Predecessor Funds dated May 1, 2022](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522134039/d328607d485bpos.htm), as supplemented through the date of this SAI (Supplements pertaining to the Predecessor Funds dated [June 13](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522173049/d363586d497.htm), [October 20](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522265773/d387288d497.htm) and [December 7](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522300090/d414473d497.htm), 2022) (SEC File Nos. 002-11101 and 811-00242).

2. [SAI of the Predecessor Funds dated May 1, 2022](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522134039/d328607d485bpos.htm), as supplemented through the date of this SAI (Supplements pertaining to the Predecessor Funds dated [June 13](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522173049/d363586d497.htm), [June 30](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522185849/d372019d497.htm), [August 2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522209957/d256541d497.htm), and [December 29](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522314383/d431015d497.htm), 2022) (SEC File Nos. 002-11101 and 811-00242).

3. [Annual Report of the Predecessor Funds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522064254/d251835dncsr.htm#wrpcov291996_4) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 (SEC File No. 811-00242; SEC Accession No. 0001193125-22-064254).

4. [Semi-Annual Report of the Predecessor Funds](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/52136/000119312522235077/d323417dncsrs.htm#wrpcov387681_4) for the six months ended June 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (SEC File No. 811-00242; SEC Accession No. 0001193125-22-235077).

**Pro Forma Financial Information**

This Statement of Additional Information does not contain financial statements or pro forma financial statements for the Funds because the Funds will not commence operations until the consummation of the Reorganizations, at which time each Fund will assume the performance, financial and other historical information of its corresponding Predecessor Fund. In each Reorganization, the applicable Predecessor Fund will be the accounting survivor.

**<u>Glossary</u>**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1933 Act | The Securities Act of 1933, as amended |
| 1940 Act | The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended |
| ACH | Automated Clearing House, a nationwide electronic money transfer system that provides for the inter-bank clearing of credit and debit transactions and for the exchange of information among participating financial institutions |
| Administrator | The Trust's administrative agent, Virtus Fund Services, LLC |
| ADRs | American Depositary Receipts |
| ADSs | American Depositary Shares |
| Adviser | The investment adviser to the Funds, Virtus Alternative Investment Advisers, Inc. |
| AlphaSimplex | AlphaSimplex Group, LLC, the subadviser to the Funds and previously investment adviser to the Predecessor Funds |
| BNY Mellon | BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., the sub-administrative and accounting agent and sub-transfer agent for the Funds |
| Board | The Board of Trustees of Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (also referred to herein as the "Trustees") |
| CCO | Chief Compliance Officer |
| CDRs | Continental Depositary Receipts (another name for EDRs) |
| CDSC | Contingent Deferred Sales Charge |
| CEA | Commodity Exchange Act, which is the U.S. law governing trading in commodity futures |
| CFTC | Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which is the U.S. regulator governing trading in commodity futures |
| Code | The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which is the law governing U.S. federal taxes |
| Custodian | The custodian of the Funds' assets, The Bank of New York Mellon |
| Distributor | The principal underwriter of shares of the Funds, VP Distributors, LLC |
| EDRs | European Depositary Receipts (another name for CDRs) |
| ETFs | Exchange-traded Funds |
| ETNs | Exchange-traded Notes |
| FHFA | Federal Housing Finance Agency, an independent Federal agency that regulates FNMA, FHLMC and the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks |
| FHLMC | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, also known as "Freddie Mac", which is a government-sponsored corporation formerly owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks and now owned entirely by private stockholders |
| FINRA | Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a self-regulatory organization with authority over registered broker-dealers operating in the United States, including VP Distributors |
| Fitch | Fitch Ratings, Inc. |
| FNMA | Federal National Mortgage Association, also known as "Fannie Mae", which is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders and subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Funds | The series of the Trust discussed in this SAI |
| GDRs | Global Depositary Receipts |
| GICs | Guaranteed Investment Contracts |
| Global Alternatives Fund | Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund |
| GNMA | Government National Mortgage Association, also known as "Ginnie Mae", which is a wholly-owned United States Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development |
| IMF | International Monetary Fund, an international organization seeking to promote international economic cooperation, international trade, employment and exchange rate stability, among other things |
| Independent Trustees | Those members of the Board who are not "interested persons" as defined by the 1940 Act |
| IRA | Individual Retirement Account |
| IRS | The United States Internal Revenue Service, which is the arm of the U.S. government that administers and enforces the Code |
| LIBOR | London Interbank Offered Rate, an interest rate at which banks can borrow funds, in marketable size, from other banks in the London interbank market |
| Managed Futures Strategy Fund | Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund |
| Moody's | Moody's Investors Service, Inc. |
| NAV | Net Asset Value, which is the per-share price of a Fund |
| NYSE | New York Stock Exchange |
| OCC | Options Clearing Corporation, a large equity derivatives clearing corporation |
| PERLS | Principal Exchange Rate Linked Securities |
| PNX | Phoenix Life Insurance Company, which is the former parent company of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc., and certain of its corporate affiliates |
| Predecessor Funds | AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund and AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund, each a series of Natixis Funds Trust II, which will be reorganized with and into Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund and Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund, respectively, in the second quarter of 2023. |
| Prospectuses | The prospectuses for the Funds, as amended from time to time |
| PwC | PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust |
| Regulations | The Treasury Regulations promulgated under the Code |
| RIC | Regulated Investment Company, a designation under the Code indicating a U.S.-registered investment company meeting the specifications under the Code allowing the investment company to be exempt from paying U.S. federal income taxes |
| S&P | Standard & Poor's Corporation |
| S&P 500® Index | The Standard & Poor's 500® Index, which is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies, calculated on a total return basis with dividends reinvested |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| SAI | Statement of Additional Information, such as this document, which is a part of a mutual fund registration statement |
| SEC | U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |
| SIFMA | Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (formerly, the Bond Market Association), a financial industry trade group consisting of broker-dealers and asset managers across the United States |
| SMBS | Stripped Mortgage-backed Securities |
| Subsidiary | Each of Global Alternatives Fund's wholly owned subsidiary, ASG Global Alternatives Cayman Fund Ltd., and Managed Futures Strategy Fund's wholly owned subsidiary, ASG Managed Futures Strategy Cayman Fund Ltd. |
| Transfer Agent | The Trust's transfer agent, Virtus Fund Services, LLC |
| Trust | Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust |
| VAIA | Virtus Alternative Investment Advisers, Inc., the Adviser to the Funds |
| VFS | Virtus Fund Services, LLC, the Administrator and Transfer Agent of the Trust |
| Virtus | Virtus Investment Partners, Inc., which is the parent company of the Adviser, AlphaSimplex, the Distributor, the Administrator/Transfer Agent and Virtus Partners, Inc. |
| Virtus Funds | The family of funds overseen by the Board, consisting of the series of the Trust (including the Funds), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, the series of Virtus Asset Trust, the series of Virtus Equity Trust, the series of Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, the series of Virtus Investment Trust, the series of Virtus Opportunities Trust, the series of Virtus Retirement Trust, the series of Virtus Strategy Trust, and the series of Virtus Variable Insurance Trust |
| Virtus Mutual Funds | The family of funds consisting of the series of the Trust (including the Funds), The Merger Fund®, the series of Virtus Asset Trust, the series of Virtus Equity Trust, the series of Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, the series of Virtus Investment Trust, the series of Virtus Opportunities Trust, and the series of Virtus Strategy Trust |
| VP Distributors | VP Distributors, LLC, the Trust's Distributor |
| VVIT | Virtus Variable Insurance Trust, a separate trust consisting of several series advised by Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, and distributed by VP Distributors |
| World Bank | International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programs |

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**<u>General Information and History</u>**

The Trust's Prospectuses describe the investment objectives of the Funds and the strategies that each Fund will employ in seeking to achieve its investment objective. The respective investment objectives for each Fund are non-fundamental policies of the Funds and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days notice. The following discussion supplements the disclosure in the Prospectuses.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Investment Objectives** |
| Global Alternatives Fund | The Fund pursues an absolute return strategy that seeks to provide capital appreciation consistent with the risk-return characteristics of a diversified portfolio of hedge funds. The secondary goal of the Fund is to achieve these returns with less volatility than major equity indices. |
| Managed Futures Strategy Fund | The Fund pursues an absolute return strategy that seeks to provide capital appreciation. |

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**<u>Capital Stock and Organization of the Trust</u>**

The capitalization of the Trust consists solely of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. The Trust currently offers shares in different series and different classes of those series. The Funds discussed in this SAI are some of the series of the Trust. Holders of shares of a Fund have equal rights with regard to voting, redemptions, dividends, distributions, and liquidations with respect to that Fund. Shareholders of all Funds and the other series of the Trust vote on the election of Trustees. On matters affecting an individual Fund (such as approval of an investment advisory agreement or a change in fundamental investment policies) and also on matters affecting an individual class (such as approval of matters relating to a Plan of Distribution for a particular class of shares), a separate vote of that Fund or class is required. The Trust does not hold regular meetings of shareholders of the Funds. The Board will call a meeting of shareholders of a Fund when at least 10% of the outstanding shares of that Fund so request in writing. If the Board fails to call a meeting after being so notified, the shareholders may call the meeting. The Board will assist the shareholders by identifying other shareholders or mailing communications, as required under Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act.

Shares are fully paid, nonassessable, redeemable and fully transferable when they are issued. Shares do not have cumulative voting rights, preemptive rights or subscription rights. The assets received by the Trust for the issue or sale of shares of each Fund, and any class thereof and all income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, are allocated to such Fund, and class, respectively, subject only to the rights of creditors, and constitute the underlying assets of such Fund or class. The underlying assets of each Fund are required to be segregated on the books of account, and are to be charged with the expenses in respect to such Fund and with a share of the general expenses of the Trust. Any general expenses of the Trust not readily identifiable as belonging to a particular Fund or class will be allocated by or under the direction of the Board as it determines to be fair and equitable. The Trust is not bound to recognize any transfer of shares of a Fund or class until the transfer is recorded on the Trust's books pursuant to policies and procedures of the Transfer Agent.

As a Delaware statutory trust, the Trust's operations are governed by its Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 21, 2013. A copy of the Trust's Certificate of Trust is on file with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, and a copy of the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust has been filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the Trust's registration statement. Upon the initial purchase of shares, the shareholder agrees to be bound by the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended. Generally, Delaware statutory trust shareholders are not personally liable for obligations of the Delaware statutory trust under Delaware law. The Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the "Delaware Act") provides that a shareholder of a Delaware statutory trust shall be entitled to the same limitation of liability extended to shareholders of private for-profit corporations. The Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust expressly provides that the Trust has been organized under the Delaware Act and that the Declaration of Trust is to be governed by Delaware law. It is nevertheless possible that a Delaware statutory trust, such

as the Trust, might become a party to an action in another state whose courts refused to apply Delaware law, in which case the Trust's shareholders could be subject to personal liability. To guard against this risk, the Agreement and Declaration of Trust (i) contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and provides that notice of such disclaimer may be given in each agreement, obligation and instrument entered into or executed by the Trust or its Trustees, (ii) provides for the indemnification out of Trust property of any shareholders held personally liable for any obligations of the Trust or any series of the Trust by reason of a claim or demand relating to such person being or having been a shareholder (as opposed to such person's acts or omissions), and (iii) provides that the Trust shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a Trust shareholder incurring financial loss beyond his or her investment because of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which all of the following factors are present: (1) a court refused to apply Delaware law; (2) the liability arose under tort law or, if not, no contractual limitation of liability was in effect; and (3) the Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations. In the light of Delaware law, the nature of the Trust's business and the nature of its assets, the risk of personal liability to a Fund shareholder is remote.

The Agreement and Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trust shall indemnify each of its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred by them, in connection with, or arising out of, any action, suit or proceeding, threatened against or otherwise involving such Trustee or officer, directly or indirectly, by reason of being or having been a Trustee or officer of the Trust. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust does not authorize the Trust to indemnify any Trustee or officer against any liability to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of or for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such person's duties.

Under the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, the Trust is not required to hold annual meetings to elect Trustees or for other purposes. It is not anticipated that the Trust will hold shareholders' meetings unless required by law or the Declaration of Trust. The Trust will be required to hold a meeting to elect Trustees to fill any existing vacancies on the Board if, at any time, fewer than a majority of the Trustees have been elected by the shareholders of the Trust. The Board is required to call a meeting for the purpose of considering the removal of persons serving as Trustee if requested in writing to do so by the holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust.

Under the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, any suit, action or proceeding brought by or in the right of any Fund shareholder or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with the Declaration of Trust or the Trust, must be brought exclusively in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware to the extent there is subject matter jurisdiction in such court for the claims asserted or, if not, then in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware. A shareholder is deemed to consent to the jurisdiction of such courts. However, this restriction shall not apply to, or in any way limit, the rights of shareholders with respect to matters or claims arising under the federal securities laws.

Shares of the Trust do not entitle their holders to cumulative voting rights, so that the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Trust may elect all of the Trustees, in which case the holders of the remaining shares would not be able to elect any Trustees. As determined by the Trustees, shareholders are entitled to one vote for each dollar of NAV (number of shares held times the NAV of the applicable class of the applicable Fund).

Pursuant to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, the Trustees may create additional funds by establishing additional series of shares in the Trust. The establishment of additional series would not affect the interests of current shareholders in the existing Funds. Pursuant to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, the Trustees may establish and issue multiple classes of shares for each Fund.

Each share of each class of a Fund is entitled to such dividends and distributions out of the income earned on the assets belonging to that Fund which are attributable to such class as are declared in the discretion of the Trustees. In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Trust, shares of each class of each Fund are entitled to receive their proportionate share of the assets which are attributable to such class of such Fund and which are available for distribution as the Trustees in their sole discretion may determine. Shareholders are not entitled to any preemptive, conversion or subscription rights. All shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable by the Trust.

Subject to shareholder approval (if then required), the Trustees may authorize each Fund to invest all or part of its investable assets in a single open-end investment company that has substantially the same investment objectives, policies and restrictions as the Fund. As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees do not have any plan to authorize any Fund to so invest its assets.

**<u>Diversification of Funds</u>**

The Funds have elected to be classified as diversified series of an open-end investment company. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified fund may not, with respect to 75% of total assets, invest more than 5% of total assets in the securities of a single issuer or invest in more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. (For information regarding qualification under the Code, see "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in this SAI.)

**<u>Portfolio Turnover</u>**

The portfolio turnover rate of each Fund is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities during the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the Fund's securities (excluding all securities, including options, with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less). All long-term securities, including long-term U.S. Government securities, are included. A high rate of portfolio turnover generally involves correspondingly greater brokerage commission expenses, which must be borne directly by the Fund. Turnover rates may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year and also may be affected by cash requirements for redemptions of each Fund's shares by requirements that enable the Trust to receive certain favorable tax treatments. The portfolio turnover rate for Global Alternatives Fund is set forth in its summary prospectus and under "Financial Highlights" in the statutory prospectus. Due to the short-term nature of Managed Futures Strategy Fund's investment portfolio, the Fund does not calculate a portfolio turnover rate.

**<u>Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings</u>**

The Trustees of the Trust have adopted a policy with respect to the protection of certain non-public information which governs disclosure of the Funds' portfolio holdings. This policy provides that the Funds' portfolio holdings information generally may not be disclosed to any party prior to the information becoming public.

Divulging Fund portfolio holdings to selected third parties is permissible only when the affected party has legitimate business purposes for doing so and the recipients are subject to a duty of confidentiality.

**Public Disclosures**

In accordance with rules established by the SEC, each Fund sends semiannual and annual reports to shareholders that contain a full listing of portfolio holdings as of the second and fourth fiscal quarters, respectively, within 60 days of quarter end. The Funds also disclose complete portfolio holdings as of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters on Form N-PORT, which is filed with the SEC within 60 days of quarter end. The Funds' shareholder reports are available on Virtus' Web site at virtus.com. The Funds also make publicly available on Virtus' Web site a full listing of portfolio holdings at the Administrator's discretion. The Funds may also provide publicly-available portfolio holdings information directly to ratings agencies, the frequency and timing of which is determined under the terms of the contractual arrangements with such agencies, and may provide to financial intermediaries, upon request, monthly portfolio holdings for periods included in publicly-available quarterly portfolio holdings disclosures.

**Other Disclosures**

The Trust and/or the Administrator may authorize the disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information under certain limited circumstances. The Funds' policy provides that non-public disclosures of a Fund's portfolio holdings may only be made if (i) the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for making such disclosure and (ii) the party receiving the non-public information is subject to a duty of confidentiality. Federal law also prohibits recipients of non-public portfolio holdings information from trading on such information. The Administrator will consider any actual or potential conflicts of interest between Virtus and the Funds' shareholders and will act in the best interest of the Funds' shareholders with respect to any such disclosure of portfolio holdings information. If a potential conflict can be resolved in a manner that does not present detrimental effects to the Funds' shareholders, the Administrator may authorize release of portfolio holdings information. Conversely, if the potential conflict cannot be resolved in a manner that does not present detrimental effects to the Funds' shareholders, the Administrator will not authorize such release.

**Ongoing Arrangements to Disclose Portfolio Holdings**

As previously authorized by the Funds' Board and/or the Funds' Administrator, the Funds periodically disclose non-public portfolio holdings on a confidential basis to various service providers that require such information in order to assist the Funds in their day-to-day operations, as well as public information to certain ratings organizations. In addition to Virtus and its affiliates, the entities receiving non-public portfolio holdings as of the date of this SAI are described in the following table. The table also includes information as to the timing of these entities receiving the portfolio holdings information from the Funds.

**Non-Public Portfolio Holdings Information**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Type of Service Provider** | **Name of Service Provider** | **Timing of Release of Portfolio Holdings** <br> **Information** |
| Adviser | VAIA | Daily, with no delay |
| Subadviser | AlphaSimplex | Daily, with no delay |
| Administrator | VFS | Daily, with no delay |
| Distributor | VP Distributors | Daily, with no delay |
| Custodian and Security Lending Agent | The Bank of New York Mellon | Daily, with no delay |
| Sub-administrative and Accounting Agent and Sub-transfer Agent | BNY Mellon | Daily, with no delay |
| Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | PwC | Annual Reporting Period, within 15 business days of end of reporting period |
| Printing Firm for Financial Reports | DFIN | Semiannually, within 60 days of end of reporting period. |
| Proxy Voting Service | Institutional Shareholder Services | Monthly |
| Performance Analytics Firm | FactSet Research Systems, Inc. | Daily, with no delay |
| Liquidity Management Analytics System | MSCI Group | Daily, with no delay |
| Class Action Service Provider | Financial Recovery Technologies and Institutional Shareholder Services | Daily, with no delay |
| Back-end Compliance Monitoring System | BNY Mellon | Daily, with no delay |
| Code of Ethics | StarCompliance, LLC | Daily, with no delay |

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**Public Portfolio Holdings Information**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Type of Service Provider** | **Name of Service Provider** | **Timing of Release of Portfolio Holdings** <br> **Information** |
| Portfolio Redistribution Firms | Bloomberg, FactSet Research Systems Inc. and Thomson Reuters | Fiscal quarter with a 60-day delay for all funds except Long/Short Equity Fund. |
| Rating Agencies | Lipper Inc. and Morningstar | Fiscal quarter with a 60-day delay for all funds except Long/Short Equity Fund. |
| Virtus Public Web site | Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. | Fiscal quarter with a 60-day delay for all funds except Long/Short Equity Fund. |

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These service providers are required to keep all non-public information confidential and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Funds. There is no guarantee that the Funds' policies on use and dissemination of holdings

information will protect the Funds from the potential misuse of holdings by individuals or firms in possession of such information.

**<u>Other Virtus Mutual Funds</u>**

In addition to the Funds of the Trust, the funds commonly referred to as "Virtus Mutual Funds" also include the other series of the Trust, The Merger Fund®, the series of Virtus Asset Trust, Virtus Equity Trust, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust, Virtus Investment Trust, Virtus Opportunities Trust and Virtus Strategy Trust. Virtus Mutual Funds are generally offered in multiple classes. The following chart shows the share classes offered by each Virtus Mutual Fund as of the date of this SAI:

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trust** | **Fund** | **Class/Shares** | **Class/Shares** | **Class/Shares** | **Class/Shares** | **Class/Shares** | **Class/Shares** | **Class/Shares** |
| **Trust** | **Fund** | **A** | **C** | **I** | **R6** | **P** | **Institu-**<br> **tional** | **Admini-**<br> **strative** |
| Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust | Virtus Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Energy Fund | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |
| Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust | Virtus KAR Long/Short Equity Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| The Merger Fund® | The Merger Fund® | X |  | X |  |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Ceredex Large-Cap Value Equity Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Ceredex Mid-Cap Value Equity Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Ceredex Small-Cap Value Equity Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Seix Core Bond Fund | X |  | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Seix Corporate Bond Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Seix Floating Rate High Income Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Seix High Grade Municipal Bond Fund | X |  | X |  |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Seix High Income Fund | X |  | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Seix High Yield Fund | X |  | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Seix Investment Grade Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | X |  | X |  |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Seix Short-Term Bond Fund | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Seix Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund | X |  | X |  |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Seix Total Return Bond Fund | X |  | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Seix U.S. Government Securities Ultra-Short Bond Fund | X |  | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Seix U.S. Mortgage Fund | X | X | X |  |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus Seix Ultra-Short Bond Fund | X |  | X |  |  |  |  |
| Virtus Asset Trust | Virtus SGA International Growth Fund | X |  | X | X |  |  |  |
|  | Virtus Silvant Large-Cap Growth Stock Fund | X |  | X | X |  |  |  |
|  | Virtus Silvant Small-Cap Growth Stock Fund | X |  | X |  |  |  |  |
|  | Virtus Zevenbergen Innovative Growth Stock Fund | X |  | X | X |  |  |  |

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trust** | **Fund** | **Class/Shares** | **Class/Shares** | **Class/Shares** | **Class/Shares** | **Class/Shares** | **Class/Shares** | **Class/Shares** |
| **Trust** | **Fund** | **A** | **C** | **I** | **R6** | **P** | **Institu-**<br> **tional** | **Admini-**<br> **strative** |
| Virtus Equity Trust | Virtus KAR Capital Growth Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Equity Trust | Virtus KAR Equity Income Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Equity Trust | Virtus KAR Global Quality Dividend Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Equity Trust | Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Core Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Equity Trust | Virtus KAR Mid-Cap Growth Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Equity Trust | Virtus KAR Small-Cap Core Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Equity Trust | Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Equity Trust | Virtus KAR Small-Cap Value Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Equity Trust | Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Core Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Equity Trust | Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Equity Trust | Virtus KAR Small-Mid Cap Value Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Equity Trust | Virtus SGA Emerging Markets Growth Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Equity Trust | Virtus SGA Global Growth Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Equity Trust | Virtus SGA New Leaders Growth Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Equity Trust | Virtus Tactical Allocation Fund | X | X | X | X |  |  |  |
| Virtus Event Opportunities Trust | Virtus Westchester Credit Event Fund | X |  | X |  |  |  |  |
| Virtus Event Opportunities Trust | Virtus Westchester Event-Driven Fund | X |  | X |  |  |  |  |
| Virtus Investment Trust | Virtus Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund | X | X | X | X | X | X |  |
| Virtus Investment Trust | Virtus Income & Growth Fund | X | X |  |  | X | X |  |
| Virtus Investment Trust | Virtus KAR Global Small-Cap Fund | X | X |  |  | X | X |  |
|  | Virtus KAR Health Sciences Fund | X | X |  |  | X | X |  |
|  | Virtus NFJ Dividend Value Fund | X | X |  | X | X | X | X |
|  | Virtus NFJ International Value Fund | X | X |  | X | X | X | X |
|  | Virtus NFJ Large-Cap Value Fund | X | X |  | X | X | X | X |
|  | Virtus NFJ Mid-Cap Value Fund | X | X |  | X | X | X | X |
|  | Virtus NFJ Small-Cap Value Fund | X | X |  | X | X | X | X |
|  | Virtus Silvant Focused Growth Fund | X | X |  | X | X | X | X |
|  | Virtus Silvant Mid-Cap Growth Fund | X | X |  |  | X | X | X |
|  | Virtus Small-Cap Fund | X | X |  | X | X | X |  |
|  | Virtus Zevenbergen Technology Fund | X | X |  |  | X | X | X |

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Virtus Opportunities Trust | Virtus Duff & Phelps Global Infrastructure Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| Virtus Opportunities Trust | Virtus Duff & Phelps Global Real Estate Securities Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| Virtus Opportunities Trust | Virtus Duff & Phelps International Real Estate Securities Fund | X | X | X | | | | |
| Virtus Opportunities Trust | Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Asset Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| Virtus Opportunities Trust | Virtus Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| Virtus Opportunities Trust | Virtus FORT Trend Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| Virtus Opportunities Trust | Virtus KAR Developing Markets Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| Virtus Opportunities Trust | Virtus KAR Emerging Markets Small-Cap Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| Virtus Opportunities Trust | Virtus KAR International Small-Mid Cap Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| Virtus Opportunities Trust | Virtus Newfleet Core Plus Bond Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| Virtus Opportunities Trust | Virtus Newfleet High Yield Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| Virtus Opportunities Trust | Virtus Newfleet Low Duration Core Plus Bond Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| Virtus Opportunities Trust | Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Intermediate Bond Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| Virtus Opportunities Trust | Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund\* | X | X\* | X | X | | | |
| Virtus Opportunities Trust | Virtus Newfleet Senior Floating Rate Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| | Virtus Newfleet Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | X | X | X | | | | |
| | Virtus Vontobel Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| | Virtus Vontobel Foreign Opportunities Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| | Virtus Vontobel Global Opportunities Fund | X | X | X | X | | | |
| | Virtus Vontobel Greater European Opportunities Fund | X | X | X | | | | |
| Virtus Strategy Trust | Virtus Convertible Fund | X | X | | X | X | X | X |
| Virtus Strategy Trust | Virtus Global Allocation Fund | X | X | | X | X | X | X |
| Virtus Strategy Trust | Virtus Global Sustainability Fund | X | | | | X | X | |
| Virtus Strategy Trust | Virtus High Yield Bond Fund | X | X | | | X | X | X |
| Virtus Strategy Trust | Virtus International Small-Cap Fund | X | X | | X | X | X | X |
| Virtus Strategy Trust | Virtus Short Duration High Income Fund | X | X | | X | X | X | |
| Virtus Strategy Trust | Virtus Water Fund | X | X | | | X | X | |
| Virtus Strategy Trust | Virtus NFJ Emerging Markets Value Fund | X | X | | | X | X | |

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Virtus Newfleet Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund also offers Class C1 Shares.

**<u>More Information About Fund Investment Strategies & Related Risks</u>**

The following investment strategies and policies supplement each Fund's investment strategies and policies set forth in the Funds' prospectuses. Some of the investment strategies and policies described below and in each Fund's prospectus set forth percentage limitations on a Fund's investment in, or holdings of, certain types of investments. Unless otherwise required by law or stated in this SAI, compliance with these strategies and policies will be determined immediately after the acquisition of such investments by the Fund. Subsequent changes in values, net assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether the investment complies with the Fund's investment strategies and policies.

Throughout this section, the term "adviser" may be used to refer to a subadviser, if any, and the term the "Fund" may be used to refer to any Fund.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment <br> Technique** | **Description and Risks** | **Fund-<br> Specific<br> Limitations** |
| **Commodities-Related Investing** | Commodity-related companies may underperform the stock market as a whole. The value of securities issued by commodity-related companies may be affected by factors affecting a particular industry or commodity. The operations and financial performance of commodity-related companies may be directly affected by commodity prices, especially those commodity-related companies that own the underlying commodity. The stock prices of such companies may also experience greater price volatility than other types of common stocks. Securities issued by commodity-related companies are sensitive to changes in the supply and demand for, and thus the prices of, commodities. Volatility of commodity prices, which may lead to a reduction in production or supply, may also negatively impact the performance of commodity and natural resources companies that are solely involved in the transportation, processing, storing, distribution or marketing of commodities. Volatility of commodity prices may also make it more difficult for commodity-related companies to raise capital to the extent the market perceives that their performance may be directly or indirectly tied to commodity prices.<br>Certain types of commodities instruments (such as commodity-linked notes) are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or will be unable to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument.<br>Exposure to commodities and commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. No active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments. In addition, adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of actively traded commodities investments.<br>Each Fund has established a wholly-owned non-U.S. subsidiary to gain indirect exposure to the investment returns of the commodities markets within the limitations of the federal tax law requirements applicable to RICs. The Subsidiaries may invest principally in commodity-linked investments, including futures, options and possibly swap contracts, as well as certain fixed-income investments intended to serve as margin or collateral for each Subsidiary's derivatives positions. The Subsidiaries must, however, comply with the Funds' policies with respect to investing in derivatives. See "Derivative Instruments" below. By investing in its subsidiary, each Fund will |  |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | be exposed to the risks associated with its subsidiary's commodity-related investments. |
| **Debt Investing** | Each Fund may invest in debt, or fixed income, instruments. Debt, or fixed income, instruments (which include corporate bonds, commercial paper, debentures, notes, government securities, municipal obligations, state- or state agency-issued obligations, obligations of foreign issuers, asset- or mortgage-backed securities, and other obligations) are used by issuers to borrow money and thus are debt obligations of the issuer. Holders of debt instruments are creditors of the issuer, normally ranking ahead of holders of both common and preferred stock as to dividends or upon liquidation. The issuer usually pays a fixed, variable, or floating rate of interest and must repay the amount borrowed at the instrument's maturity. Some debt instruments, such as zero-coupon bonds (discussed below), do not pay interest but may be sold at a deep discount from their face value.<br>Yields on debt instruments depend on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money, bond, and note markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity date of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. Debt instruments with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally subject to greater price fluctuations in response to changes in market conditions than obligations with shorter maturities. An increase in interest rates generally will reduce the market value of portfolio debt instruments, while a decline in interest rates generally will increase the value of the same instruments. The achievement of a Fund's investment objective depends in part on the continuing ability of the issuers of the debt instruments in which the Fund invests to meet their obligations for the payment of principal and interest when due. Obligations of issuers of debt instruments are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency, sovereign immunity, and other laws that affect the rights and remedies of creditors. There is also the possibility that, as a result of litigation or other conditions, the ability of an issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its debt instruments may be materially affected |
| ***Convertible Securities*** | A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, or other security that entitles the holder to acquire common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specific price or formula. It generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued until the security matures or is redeemed, converted, or exchanged. Convertible securities may have several unique investment characteristics such as (1) higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities, (2) a lesser degree of fluctuation in value than the underlying stock since they have fixed income characteristics and (3) the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.<br>Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities. Convertible securities often rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure and, therefore, are often viewed as entailing less risk than the corporation's common stock, although the extent to which this is true depends in large measure on the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. However, because convertible securities are often viewed by the issuer as future common stock, they are often subordinated to other senior securities and therefore are rated one category lower than the issuer's nonconvertible debt obligations or preferred stock. |

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|  | A convertible security may be subject to redemption or conversion at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund could be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security and convert it to the underlying common stock. The Fund generally would invest in convertible securities for their favorable price characteristics and total return potential, and would normally not exercise an option to convert. The Fund might be more willing to convert such securities to common stock.<br>A Fund's subadviser will select only those convertible securities for which it believes (a) the underlying common stock is an appropriate investment for the Fund and (b) a greater potential for total return exists by purchasing the convertible security because of its higher yield and/or favorable market valuation. However, the Fund may invest in convertible debt securities rated less than investment grade. Debt securities rated less than investment grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds." (For information about debt securities rated less than investment grade, see "High-Yield Fixed Income Securities (Junk Bonds)" under "Debt Investing" in this section of the SAI; for additional information about ratings on debt obligations, see Appendix A to this SAI.)<br>|
| ***Corporate Debt Securities*** | Each Fund may invest in debt securities issued by corporations, limited partnerships and other similar entities. A Fund's investments in debt securities of domestic or foreign corporate issuers include bonds, debentures, notes and other similar corporate debt instruments, including convertible securities that meet the Fund's minimum ratings criteria or if unrated are, in the Fund's subadviser's opinion, comparable in quality to corporate debt securities that meet those criteria. The rate of return or return of principal on some debt obligations may be linked or indexed to the level of exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency or currencies or to the value of commodities, such as gold. |
| ***Dollar-denominated Foreign Debt Securities ("Yankee Bonds")*** | Each Fund may invest in "Yankee bonds", which are dollar-denominated instruments issued in the U.S. market by foreign branches of U.S. banks and U.S. branches of foreign banks. Since these instruments are dollar-denominated, they are not affected by variations in currency exchange rates. They are influenced primarily by interest rate levels in the United States and by the financial condition of the issuer, or of the issuer's foreign parent. However, investing in these instruments may present a greater degree of risk than investing in domestic securities, due to less publicly available information, less securities regulation, war or expropriation. Special considerations may include higher brokerage costs and thinner trading markets. Investments in foreign countries could be affected by other factors including extended settlement periods. (See "Foreign Investing" in this section of the SAI for additional information about investing in foreign countries.) |
| ***Duration*** | Duration is a time measure of a bond's interest-rate sensitivity, based on the weighted average of the time periods over which a bond's cash flows accrue to the bondholder. Time periods are weighted by multiplying by the present value of its cash flow divided by the bond's price. (A bond's cash flows consist of coupon payments and repayment of capital.) A bond's duration will almost always be shorter than its maturity, with the exception of zero-coupon bonds, for which maturity and duration are equal. |
| ***Exchange-Traded Notes ("ETNs")*** | Generally, ETNs are senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities whose returns are linked to the performance of a particular market benchmark or strategy |

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|  | minus applicable fees. ETNs are traded on an exchange during normal trading hours. However, investors can also hold the ETN until maturity. At maturity, the issuer pays to the investor a cash amount equal to the principal amount, subject to the day's market benchmark or strategy factor.<br>ETNs do not make periodic coupon payments or provide principal protection. ETNs are subject to credit risk, and the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer's credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. The value of an ETN may also be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer's credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset. When a Fund invests in ETNs it will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. The Fund's decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. In addition, although an ETN may be listed on an exchange, the issuer may not be required to maintain the listing, and there can be no assurance that a secondary market will exist for an ETN.<br>ETNs are also subject to tax risk. No assurance can be given that the IRS will accept, or a court will uphold, how a Fund characterizes and treats ETNs for tax purposes. Further, the IRS and Congress are considering proposals that would change the timing and character of income and gains from ETNs. |
|  | An ETN that is tied to a specific market benchmark or strategy may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities, commodities or other components in the applicable market benchmark or strategy. Some ETNs that use leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid and, thus, they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Leveraged ETNs are subject to the same risks as other instruments that use leverage in any form.<br>The market value of ETNs may differ from that of their market benchmark or strategy. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETNs at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the securities, commodities or other components underlying the market benchmark or strategy that the ETN seeks to track. As a result, there may be times when an ETN trades at a premium or discount to its market benchmark or strategy. |
| ***High-Yield Fixed Income Securities ("Junk Bonds")*** | Investments in securities rated "BB" or below by S&P or Fitch, or "Ba" or below by Moody's generally provide greater income (leading to the name "high-yield" securities) and opportunity for capital appreciation than investments in higher quality securities, but they also typically entail greater price volatility, liquidity, and principal and income risk. These securities are regarded as predominantly speculative as to the issuer's continuing ability to meet principal and interest payment obligations. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of lower-quality debt securities may be more complex than for issuers of higher-quality debt securities.<br>Interest-bearing securities typically experience appreciation when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise. The market values of low-rated securities tend to reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent than do higher-rated securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Low-rated securities also tend to be more sensitive to economic conditions than higher-rated securities. As a result, they generally involve more credit risks than securities in the higher-rated categories. During an economic |

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|  | downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of low-rated securities may experience financial stress and may not have sufficient revenues to meet their payment obligations. The issuer's ability to service its debt obligations may also be adversely affected by specific corporate developments, the issuer's inability to meet specific projected business forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss due to default by an issuer of low-rated securities is generally considered to be significantly greater than issuers of higher-rated securities because such securities are usually unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors. Further, if the issuer of a low-rated security defaulted, the applicable Fund might incur additional expenses in seeking recovery. Periods of economic uncertainty and changes would also generally result in increased volatility in the market prices of low-rated securities and thus in the applicable Fund's NAV.<br>Low-rated securities often contain redemption, call or prepayment provisions which permit the issuer of the securities containing such provisions to, at its discretion, redeem the securities. During periods of falling interest rates, issuers of low-rated securities are likely to redeem or prepay the securities and refinance them with debt securities with a lower interest rate. To the extent an issuer is able to refinance the securities or otherwise redeem them, the applicable Fund may have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security which would result in lower returns for the Fund.<br>|
|  | A Fund may have difficulty disposing of certain low-rated securities because there may be a thin trading market for such securities. Because not all dealers maintain markets in all low-rated securities, there is no established retail secondary market for many of these securities. The Funds anticipate that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or institutional investors. To the extent a secondary trading market does exist, it is generally not as liquid as the secondary market for higher-rated securities. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the market price of the security, and accordingly, the NAV of a particular Fund and its ability to dispose of particular securities when necessary to meet its liquidity needs, or in response to a specific economic event, or an event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. The lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities may also make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its respective portfolio. Market quotations are generally available on many low-rated issues only from a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids of such dealers or prices for actual sales. During periods of thin trading, the spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly. In addition, adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of low-rated securities, especially in a thinly-traded market. If a Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to liquidate a portion of its portfolio securities without regard to their investment merits. Due to the limited liquidity of low-rated securities, the Fund may be forced to liquidate these securities at a substantial discount. Any such liquidation would reduce the Fund's asset base over which expenses could be allocated and could result in a reduced rate of return for the Fund. |
| ***Interest Rate Environment Risk*** | In the wake of the financial crisis that began in 2007, the Federal Reserve System attempted to stabilize the U.S. economy and support the U.S. economic recovery by keeping the federal funds rate at or near zero percent. The Federal Reserve also purchased large quantities of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities on the open market (the "quantitative |

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|  | easing program"). The Federal Reserve increased the federal funds rate in December 2015, however, as the United States continues to experience the economic effects of the global health pandemic, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates to zero percent in March 2020. In addition, the Federal Reserve once again implemented its quantitative easing program, announcing it would purchase government and mortgage-related bonds as part of its emergency action to protect the economy from the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.<br>Changing interest rates, including rates that fall below zero, may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from the Fund's performance to the extent the Fund is exposed to such interest rates. A low interest rate environment may have an adverse impact on each Fund's ability to provide a positive yield to its shareholders and pay expenses out of Fund assets because of the low yields from the Fund's portfolio investments. Alternatively, a general rise in interest rates has the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed-income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from a Fund that holds large amounts of fixed-income securities. Heavy redemptions could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value and could hurt the Fund's performance.<br>Further, Federal Reserve policy changes may expose fixed-income and related markets to heightened volatility and may reduce liquidity for certain Fund investments, which could cause the value of a Funds' investments and a Funds' share price to decline or create difficulties for the Fund in disposing of investments. A Fund that invests in derivatives tied to fixed-income markets may be more substantially exposed to these risks than a Fund that does not invest in derivatives.<br>|
|  | A Fund could also be forced to liquidate its investments at disadvantageous times or prices, thereby adversely affecting the Fund. To the extent a Fund experiences high redemptions because of these policy changes, the Fund may experience increased portfolio turnover, which will increase the costs that the Fund incurs and lower the Fund's performance. |
| ***Inverse Floating Rate Obligations*** | Certain variable rate securities pay interest at a rate that varies inversely to prevailing short-term interest rates (sometimes referred to as inverse floaters). For example, upon reset the interest rate payable on a security may go down when the underlying index has risen. During periods when short-term interest rates are relatively low as compared to long-term interest rates, the Fund may attempt to enhance its yield by purchasing inverse floaters. Certain inverse floaters may have an interest rate reset mechanism that multiplies the effects of changes in the underlying index. While this form of leverage may increase the security's yield, it may also increase the volatility of the security's market value.<br>Similar to other variable and floating rate obligations, effective use of inverse floaters requires skills different from those needed to select most portfolio securities. If movements in interest rates are incorrectly anticipated, a Fund holding these instruments could lose money and its NAV could decline.<br>|
| ***Letters of Credit*** | Debt obligations, including municipal obligations, certificates of participation, commercial paper and other short-term obligations, may be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit of a bank that assumes the obligation for payment of principal and interest in the event of default by the issuer. Only banks that, in the opinion of the relevant Fund's subadviser, are of investment quality comparable to other permitted investments of the Fund may be used for Letter of Credit-backed investments. |

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| ***Loan and Debt Participations and Assignments*** | A loan participation agreement involves the purchase of a share of a loan made by a bank to a company in return for a corresponding share of the borrower's principal and interest payments. Loan participations of the type in which the Fund may invest include interests in both secured and unsecured corporate loans. When a Fund purchases loan assignments from lenders, it will acquire direct rights against the borrower, but these rights and the Fund's obligations may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assignment lender. The principal credit risk associated with acquiring loan participation and assignment interests is the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower. There is also a risk that there may not be a readily available market for participation loan interests and, in some cases, this could result in the Fund disposing of such securities at a substantial discount from face value or holding such securities until maturity.<br>In the event that a corporate borrower failed to pay its scheduled interest or principal payments on participations held by the Fund, the market value of the affected participation would decline, resulting in a loss of value of such investment to the Fund. Accordingly, such participations are speculative and may result in the income level and net assets of the Fund being reduced. Moreover, loan participation agreements generally limit the right of a participant to resell its interest in the loan to a third party and, as a result, loan participations may be deemed by the Fund to be illiquid investments. A Fund will invest only in participations with respect to borrowers whose creditworthiness is, or is determined by the Fund's subadviser to be, substantially equivalent to that of issuers whose senior unsubordinated debt securities are rated B or higher by Moody's or S&P. For the purposes of diversification and/or concentration calculations, both the borrower and issuer will be considered an "issuer."<br>The Funds may purchase from banks participation interests in all or part of specific holdings of debt obligations. Each participation interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of the selling bank that the relevant Fund's subadviser has determined meets the prescribed quality standards of the Fund. Thus, even if the credit of the issuer of the debt obligation does not meet the quality standards of the Fund, the credit of the selling bank will.<br>Loan participations and assignments may be illiquid and therefore subject to the Funds' limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See "Illiquid and Restricted Securities" in this section of the SAI.)<br>Certain Funds invest significantly in floating rate loans that have interest rate provisions linked to LIBOR. LIBOR is used extensively in the U.S. and globally as a "benchmark" or "reference rate" for such loans. However, the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, has announced plans to phase out the use of LIBOR. Certain U.S. dollar LIBOR publications were discontinued at the end of 2021, while the remainder are expected to end by mid-2023.<br>The discontinuation of LIBOR may impact the functioning, liquidity, and value of floating rate loans. The extent of this impact will depend on the specific loans, as well as the terms of those loans. Many loans have interest rate provisions referencing LIBOR that, when drafted, did not contemplate the permanent discontinuation of LIBOR and, as a result, there may be uncertainty or disagreement over how the loans should be interpreted. For example, loans without fallback language, or with fallback language that does not contemplate the discontinuation of LIBOR, could become less liquid and/or change in value as the date approaches when LIBOR will no longer be updated. Further, the interest rate provisions of these loans may need to be renegotiated. Finally, there may be other risks related to the discontinuation of LIBOR, such as loan price volatility risk and technology or systems risk. |

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|  | Currently, the U.S. and other countries are working to replace LIBOR with alternative reference rates. The transition effort in the U.S. is being led by the Alternative Reference Rate Committee (ARRC), a diverse group of market participants convened by the Federal Reserve. After much deliberation, ARRC selected the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") as the preferred LIBOR successor for U.S. dollar markets. SOFR is a volume-weighted median of borrowing rates from the Treasury repurchase agreement market. National working groups in other jurisdictions have similarly identified overnight nearly risk-free rates like SOFR as their preferred alternatives to LIBOR. The alternative reference rates may be more volatile than LIBOR and may perform erratically until widely accepted within the marketplace. The risks associated with this discontinuation and transition will persist if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner.<br>The shift to SOFR from LIBOR also brings pricing challenges for borrowers and loan issuers, who prefer exposure to credit benchmarks that will adjust to shifts in credit market conditions. SOFR is based on the U.S. repurchase agreement market, which has no credit risk and may fall during times of stress. LIBOR, by contrast, measures bank borrowing costs and rises during periods of stress. Lenders are adapting by pricing loans with a spread to SOFR.<br>However, there are risks that this spread could underprice risks if there are unexpected periods of credit stress |
| ***Municipal Securities and Related Investments*** | Tax-exempt municipal securities are debt obligations issued by the various states and their subdivisions (e.g., cities, counties, towns, and school districts) to raise funds, generally for various public improvements requiring long-term capital investment. Purposes for which tax-exempt bonds are issued include flood control, airports, bridges and highways, housing, medical facilities, schools, mass transportation and power, water or sewage plants, as well as others. Tax-exempt bonds also are occasionally issued to retire outstanding obligations, to obtain funds for operating expenses or to loan to other public or, in some cases, private sector organizations or to individuals.<br>Yields on municipal securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money market and the municipal bond market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligations and the rating of the issue. Municipal securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally subject to potentially greater capital appreciation and depreciation than obligations with shorter maturities and lower yields. The market prices of municipal securities usually vary, depending upon available yields. An increase in interest rates will generally reduce the value of portfolio investments, and a decline in interest rates will generally increase the value of portfolio investments. The ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective is also dependent on the continuing ability of the issuers of municipal securities in which the Fund invests to meet their obligations for the payment of interest and principal when due. The ratings of Moody's and S&P represent their opinions as to the quality of municipal securities which they undertake to rate. Ratings are not absolute standards of quality; consequently, municipal securities with the same maturity, coupon, and rating may have different yields. There are variations in municipal securities, both within a particular classification and between classifications, depending on numerous factors. It should also be pointed out that, unlike other types of investments, municipal securities have traditionally not been subject to regulation by, or registration with, the SEC, although there have been proposals which would provide for such regulation in the future.<br>The federal bankruptcy statutes relating to the debts of political subdivisions and authorities of states of the United States provide that, in certain circumstances, such |

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|  | subdivisions or authorities may be authorized to initiate bankruptcy proceedings without prior notice to or consent of creditors, which proceedings could result in material and adverse changes in the rights of holders of their obligations.<br>Lawsuits challenging the validity under state constitutions of present systems of financing public education have been initiated or adjusted in a number of states, and legislation has been introduced to effect changes in public school financing in some states. In other instances there have been lawsuits challenging the issuance of pollution control revenue bonds or the validity of their issuance under state or federal law which could ultimately affect the validity of those municipal securities or the tax-free nature of the interest thereon.<br>Descriptions of some of the municipal securities and related investment types most commonly acquired by the Funds are provided below. In addition to those shown, other types of municipal investments are, or may become, available for investment by the Funds. For the purpose of each Fund's investment restrictions set forth in this SAI, the identification of the "issuer" of a municipal security which is not a general obligation bond is made by the applicable Fund's subadviser on the basis of the characteristics of the obligation, the most significant of which is the source of funds for the payment of principal and interest on such security.<br>|
| *Municipal Bonds* | Municipal bonds, which meet longer-term capital needs and generally have maturities of more than one year when issued, have two principal classifications: general obligation bonds and revenue bonds. Another type of municipal bond is referred to as an industrial development bond. |
| <u><u>General Obligation Bonds</u></u> | Issuers of general obligation bonds include states, counties, cities, towns, and regional districts. The proceeds of these obligations are used to fund a wide range of public projects, including construction or improvement of schools, highways and roads, and water and sewer systems. The basic security behind general obligation bonds is the issuer's pledge of its full faith and credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. The taxes that can be levied for the payment of debt service may be limited or unlimited as to the rate or amount of special assessments. |
| <u><u>Industrial Development Bonds</u></u> | Industrial development bonds, which are considered municipal bonds if the interest paid is exempt from Federal income tax, are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise money to finance various privately operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports arenas and pollution control. These bonds are also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems, ports and parking. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the facility's user to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed as security for such payment. |
| <u><u>Revenue Bonds</u></u> | The principal security for a revenue bond is generally the net revenues derived from a particular facility, group of facilities, or, in some cases, the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source. Revenue bonds are issued to finance a wide variety of capital projects including: electric, gas, water and sewer systems; highways, bridges, and tunnels; port and airport facilities; colleges and universities; and hospitals. Although the principal security behind these bonds may vary, many provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund whose money may be used to make principal and interest payments on the issuer's obligations. Housing finance authorities have a wide range of security; including partially or fully insured mortgages, rent subsidized and/or collateralized mortgages, and/or the net revenues from housing or other public projects. Some authorities provide further security in the form of a state's ability (without obligation) to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund. |

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| *Municipal Leases* | Each Fund may acquire participations in lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations (hereinafter collectively called "lease obligations") of municipal authorities or entities. Although lease obligations do not constitute general obligations of the municipality for which the municipality's taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation may be backed by the municipality's covenant to budget for, appropriate, and make the payments due under the lease obligation. However, certain lease obligations contain "non-appropriation" clauses which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. In addition to the "non-appropriation" risk, these securities represent a relatively new type of financing that has not yet developed the depth of marketability associated with more conventional bonds. In the case of a "non-appropriation" lease, the Fund's ability to recover under the lease in the event of non-appropriation or default will be limited solely to the repossession of the leased property in the event foreclosure might prove difficult. The Fund's subadviser will evaluate the credit quality of a municipal lease and whether it will be considered liquid. (See "Illiquid and Restricted Investments" in this section of the SAI for information regarding the implications of these investments being considered illiquid.) |
| *Municipal Notes* | Municipal notes generally are used to provide for short-term working capital needs and generally have maturities of one year or less. Municipal notes include bond anticipation notes, construction loan notes, revenue anticipation notes and tax anticipation notes. |
| <u><u>Bond Anticipation Notes</u></u> | Bond anticipation notes are issued to provide interim financing until long-term financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds then provide the money for the repayment of the notes. |
| <u><u>Construction Loan Notes</u></u> | Construction loan notes are sold to provide construction financing. After successful completion and acceptance, many projects receive permanent financing through FNMA or GNMA. |
| <u><u>Revenue Anticipation Notes</u></u> | Revenue anticipation notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other types of revenue, such as Federal revenues available under Federal revenue sharing programs. |
| <u><u>Tax Anticipation Notes</u></u> | Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance working capital needs of municipalities. Generally, they are issued in anticipation of various seasonal tax revenue, such as income, sales, use and business taxes, and are payable from these specific future taxes. |
| *Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper* | Tax-exempt commercial paper is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity of 365 days or less. It is issued by state and local governments or their agencies to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer-term financing. |
| ***Participation on Creditors' Committees*** | While the Funds do not invest in securities to exercise control over the securities' issuers, each Fund may, from time to time, participate on committees formed by creditors to negotiate with the management of financially troubled issuers of securities held by the Fund. Such participation may subject the relevant Fund to expenses such as legal fees and may deem the Fund an "insider" of the issuer for purposes of the Federal securities laws, and expose the Fund to material non-public information of the issuer, and therefore may restrict the Fund's ability to purchase or sell a particular security when it might otherwise desire to do so. Participation by a Fund on such committees also may expose the Fund to potential liabilities under the federal bankruptcy laws or other laws governing the rights of creditors and debtors. A Fund will participate on such committees only when the Fund's subadviser believes that such |

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|  | participation is necessary or desirable to enforce the Fund's rights as a creditor or to protect the value of securities held by the Fund. |
| ***Payable in Kind ("PIK") Bonds*** | PIK bonds are obligations which provide that the issuer thereof may, at its option, pay interest on such bonds in cash or "in kind", which means in the form of additional debt securities. Such securities benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of such cash. The Funds will accrue income on such investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is distributable to shareholders and which, because no cash is received at the time of accrual, may require the liquidation of other portfolio securities to satisfy the Funds' distribution obligations. The market prices of PIK bonds generally are more volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest periodically, and they are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than would otherwise similar bonds on which regular cash payments of interest are being made. |
| ***Ratings*** | The rating or quality of a debt security refers to a rating agency's assessment of the issuer's creditworthiness, i.e., its ability to pay principal and interest when due. Higher ratings indicate better credit quality, as rated by independent rating organizations such as Moody's, S&P or Fitch, which publish their ratings on a regular basis. Appendix A provides a description of the various ratings provided for bonds (including convertible bonds), municipal bonds, and commercial paper.<br>After a Fund purchases a debt security, the rating of that security may be reduced below the minimum rating acceptable for purchase by the Fund. A subsequent downgrade does not require the sale of the security, but the Fund's subadviser will consider such an event in determining whether to continue to hold the obligation. To the extent that ratings established by Moody's or S&P may change as a result of changes in such organizations or their rating systems, a Fund will invest in securities which are deemed by the Fund's subadviser to be of comparable quality to securities whose current ratings render them eligible for purchase by the Fund.<br>Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market-value risk and therefore may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the condition of the issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality.<br>|
| ***Sovereign Debt*** | Each Fund may invest in "sovereign debt," which is issued or guaranteed by foreign governments (including countries, provinces and municipalities) or their agencies and instrumentalities. Sovereign debt may trade at a substantial discount from face value. The Funds may hold and trade sovereign debt of foreign countries in appropriate circumstances to participate in debt conversion programs. Emerging market country sovereign debt involves a higher degree of risk than that of developed markets, is generally lower-quality debt, and is considered speculative in nature due, in part, to the extreme and volatile nature of debt burdens in such countries and because emerging market governments can be relatively unstable. The issuer or governmental authorities that control sovereign-debt repayment ("sovereign debtors") may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of the debt. A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash-flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy towards the IMF, and the political constraints to which the sovereign debtor may be subject. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign |

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|  | governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearage on their debt. The commitment of these third parties to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the sovereign debtor's implementation of economic reforms or economic performance and the timely service of the debtor's obligations. The sovereign debtor's failure to meet these conditions may cause these third parties to cancel their commitments to provide funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair the debtor's ability or willingness to timely service its debts. In certain instances, the Funds may invest in sovereign debt that is in default as to payments of principal or interest. In the event that the Funds hold non-performing sovereign debt, the Funds may incur additional expenses in connection with any restructuring of the issuer's obligations or in otherwise enforcing their rights thereunder. |
| *Brady Bonds* | Each Fund may invest a portion of its assets in certain sovereign debt obligations known as "Brady Bonds." Brady Bonds are issued under the framework of the Brady Plan, an initiative announced by former U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas F. Brady in 1989 as a mechanism for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external indebtedness. The Brady Plan contemplates, among other things, the debtor nation's adoption of certain economic reforms and the exchange of commercial bank debt for newly issued bonds. In restructuring its external debt under the Brady Plan framework, a debtor nation negotiates with its existing bank lenders as well as the World Bank or the IMF. The World Bank or IMF supports the restructuring by providing funds pursuant to loan agreements or other arrangements that enable the debtor nation to collateralize the new Brady Bonds or to replenish reserves used to reduce outstanding bank debt. Under these loan agreements or other arrangements with the World Bank or IMF, debtor nations have been required to agree to implement certain domestic monetary and fiscal reforms. The Brady Plan sets forth only general guiding principles for economic reform and debt reduction, emphasizing that solutions must be negotiated on a case-by-case basis between debtor nations and their creditors.<br>Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation components: (i) the collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity; (ii) the collateralized interest payments; (iii) the uncollateralized interest payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized amounts constitute the "residual risk"). In light of the residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds can be viewed as speculative.<br>|
| ***Stand-by Commitments*** | Each Fund may purchase securities together with the right to resell them to the seller or a third party at an agreed-upon price or yield within specified periods prior to their maturity dates. Such a right to resell is commonly known as a stand-by commitment, and the aggregate price which a Fund pays for securities with a stand-by commitment may increase the cost, and thereby reduce the yield, of the security. The primary purpose of this practice is to permit the Fund to be as fully invested as practicable in municipal securities while preserving the necessary flexibility and liquidity to meet unanticipated redemptions. Stand-by commitments acquired by a Fund are valued at zero in determining the Fund's NAV. Stand-by commitments involve certain expenses and risks, including the inability of the issuer of the commitment to pay for the securities at the time the commitment is exercised, non-marketability of the commitment, and differences between the maturity of the underlying security and the maturity of the commitment. |
| ***Strip Bonds*** | Strip bonds are debt securities that are stripped of their interest (usually by a financial intermediary) after the securities are issued. The market value of these securities |

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|  | generally fluctuates more in response to changes in interest rates than interest-paying securities of comparable maturity. |
| ***Tender Option Bonds*** | Tender option bonds are relatively long-term bonds that are coupled with the option to tender the securities to a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution at periodic intervals and receive the face value of the bond. This investment structure is commonly used as a means of enhancing a security's liquidity. |
| ***Variable and Floating Rate Obligations*** | Each Fund may purchase securities having a floating or variable rate of interest. These securities pay interest at rates that are adjusted periodically according to a specific formula, usually with reference to some interest rate index or market interest rate (the "underlying index"). The floating rate tends to decrease the security's price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. These securities may carry demand features permitting the holder to demand payment of principal at any time or at specified intervals prior to maturity. Accordingly, as interest rates decrease or increase, the potential for capital appreciation or depreciation is less than for fixed-rate obligations.<br>The floating and variable rate obligations that the Funds may purchase include variable rate demand securities. Variable rate demand securities are variable rate securities that have demand features entitling the purchaser to resell the securities to the issuer at an amount approximately equal to amortized cost or the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest, which may be more or less than the price that the Fund paid for them. The interest rate on variable rate demand securities also varies either according to some objective standard, such as an index of short-term, tax-exempt rates, or according to rates set by or on behalf of the issuer.<br>When a Fund purchases a floating or variable rate demand instrument, the Fund's subadviser will monitor, on an ongoing basis, the ability of the issuer to pay principal and interest on demand. The Fund's right to obtain payment at par on a demand instrument could be affected by events occurring between the date the Fund elects to demand payment and the date payment is due that may affect the ability of the issuer of the instrument to make payment when due, except when such demand instrument permits same day settlement. To facilitate settlement, these same day demand instruments may be held in book entry form at a bank other than the Funds' custodian subject to a sub-custodian agreement between the bank and the Funds' custodian.<br>The floating and variable rate obligations that the Funds may purchase also include certificates of participation in such obligations purchased from banks. A certificate of participation gives the Fund an undivided interest in the underlying obligations in the proportion that the Fund's interest bears to the total principal amount of the obligation. Certain certificates of participation may carry a demand feature that would permit the holder to tender them back to the issuer prior to maturity.<br>The income received on certificates of participation in tax-exempt municipal obligations constitutes interest from tax-exempt obligations.<br>Each Fund will limit its purchases of floating and variable rate obligations to those of the same quality as it otherwise is allowed to purchase. Similar to fixed rate debt instruments, variable and floating rate instruments are subject to changes in value based on changes in prevailing market interest rates or changes in the issuer's creditworthiness.<br>A floating or variable rate instrument may be subject to a Fund's percentage limitation on illiquid securities if there is no reliable trading market for the instrument or if the Fund may not demand payment of the principal amount within seven days. (See "Illiquid and Restricted Securities" in this section of the SAI.) |

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| ***Zero and Deferred Coupon Debt Securities*** | Each Fund may invest in debt obligations that do not make any interest payments for a specified period of time prior to maturity ("deferred coupon" bonds) or until maturity ("zero coupon" bonds). The nonpayment of interest on a current basis may result from the bond's having no stated interest rate, in which case the bond pays only principal at maturity and is normally initially issued at a discount from face value. Alternatively, the bond may provide for a stated rate of interest, but provide that such interest is not payable until maturity, in which case the bond may initially be issued at par. The value to the investor of these types of bonds is represented by the economic accretion either of the difference between the purchase price and the nominal principal amount (if no interest is stated to accrue) or of accrued, unpaid interest during the bond's life or payment deferral period. |
|  | <br> Because deferred and zero coupon bonds do not make interest payments for a certain period of time, they are generally purchased by a Fund at a deep discount and their value fluctuates more in response to interest rate changes than does the value of debt obligations that make current interest payments. The degree of fluctuation with interest rate changes is greater when the deferred period is longer. Therefore, when a Fund invests in zero or deferred coupon bonds, there is a risk that the value of the Fund's shares may decline more as a result of an increase in interest rates than would be the case if the Fund did not invest in such bonds.<br>Even though zero and deferred coupon bonds may not pay current interest in cash, each Fund is required to accrue interest income on such investments and to distribute such amounts to shareholders. Thus, a Fund would not be able to purchase income-producing securities to the extent cash is used to pay such distributions, and, therefore, the Fund's current income could be less than it otherwise would have been. Instead of using cash, the Fund might liquidate investments in order to satisfy these distribution requirements. |
| **Derivative Instruments** | Each Fund may invest in various types of derivatives, which may at times result in significant derivative exposure. A derivative is a financial instrument whose performance is derived from the performance of another asset. Each Fund may invest in derivative instruments including, but not limited to: futures contracts, put options, call options, options on future contracts, options on foreign currencies, swaps, forward contracts, structured investments, and other equity-linked derivatives.<br>Each Fund may use derivative instruments for hedging (to offset risks associated with an investment, currency exposure, or market conditions) or in pursuit of its investment objective(s) and policies (to seek to enhance returns). When a Fund invests in a derivative, the risks of loss of that derivative may be greater than the derivative's cost. No Fund may use any derivative to gain exposure to an asset or class of assets that it would be prohibited by its investment restrictions from purchasing directly. In addition to other considerations, a Fund's ability to use derivative instruments may be limited by tax considerations. (See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in this SAI.)<br>Investments in derivatives may subject a Fund to special risks in addition to normal market fluctuations and other risks inherent in investment in securities. For example, a percentage of the Fund's assets may be segregated to cover its obligations with respect to the derivative investment, which may make it more difficult for the Fund's subadviser to meet redemption requests or other short-term obligations.<br>Investments in derivatives in general are also subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Investments in derivatives may not directly correlate with the price movements of the underlying instrument. As a result, the use of derivatives may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. The use of derivatives may result in larger losses or smaller gains than otherwise would be the case. |

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| ***Commodity Interests*** | Certain of the derivative investment types permitted for the Funds may be considered commodity interests for purposes of the CEA and regulations approved by the CFTC. Investing in commodity interests, outside of certain conditions required to qualify for exemption or exclusion, will cause a Fund to be deemed a commodity pool, thereby subjecting the Fund to regulation under the CEA and CFTC rules. In that event, the Adviser will be registered as a Commodity Pool Operator, the Fund's subadviser will be registered as a Commodity Trading Adviser, and the Fund will be operated in accordance with CFTC rules. Because of the applicable registration requirements and rules, investing the Fund's assets in commodity interests could cause the fund to incur additional expenses. Alternatively, to the extent that a Fund limits its exposure to commodity interests in order to qualify for exemption from being considered a commodity pool, the Fund's use of investment techniques described in its Prospectus and this SAI may be limited or restricted. | As of the date of this SAI, each Fund intends to be treated as a commodity pool subject to regulation under the CEA and CFTC rules, the Adviser is registered as a Commodity Pool Operator with respect to each Fund and its Subsidiary, and the Fund's subadviser is registered as a Commodity Trading Adviser with respect to each Fund and its Subsidiary. |
| ***Credit-linked Notes*** | Credit-linked notes are derivative instruments used to transfer credit risk. The performance of the notes is linked to the performance of the underlying reference obligation or reference portfolio ("reference entities"). The notes are usually issued by a special purpose vehicle that sells credit protection through a credit default swap agreement in return for a premium and an obligation to pay the transaction sponsor should a reference entity experience a credit event, such as bankruptcy. The special purpose vehicle invests the proceeds from the notes to cover its contingent obligation. Revenue from the investments and the money received as premium are used to pay interest to note holders. The main risk of credit linked notes is the risk of default to the reference obligation of the credit default swap. Should a default occur, the special purpose vehicle would have to pay the transaction sponsor, subordinating payments to the note holders. Credit linked notes also may not be liquid and may be subject to currency and interest rate risks as well. |  |
| ***Equity-linked Derivatives*** | Each Fund may invest in equity-linked derivative products, the performance of which is designed to correspond generally to the performance of a specified stock index or |  |

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|  | "basket" of stocks, or to a single stock. Investments in equity-linked derivatives involve the same risks associated with a direct investment in the types of securities such products are designed to track. There can be no assurance that the trading price of the equity-linked derivatives will equal the underlying value of the securities purchased to replicate a particular investment or that such basket will replicate the investment.<br>Investments in equity-linked derivatives may constitute investments in other investment companies. (See "Mutual Fund Investing" in this section of the SAI for information regarding the implications of a Fund investing in other investment companies.) |
| ***Eurodollar Instruments*** | The Funds may invest in Eurodollar instruments. Eurodollar instruments are dollar-denominated certificates of deposit and time deposits issued outside the U.S. capital markets by foreign branches of U.S. banks and by foreign banks. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. A Fund might use Eurodollar instruments to hedge against changes in interest rates or to enhance returns.<br>Eurodollar obligations are subject to the same risks that pertain to domestic issuers, most notably income risk (and, to a lesser extent, credit risk, market risk, and liquidity risk). Additionally, Eurodollar obligations are subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the possibility that a sovereign country might prevent capital, in the form of dollars, from flowing across its borders. Other risks include adverse political and economic developments, the extent and quality of government regulation of financial markets and institutions, the imposition of foreign withholding taxes, and expropriation or nationalization of foreign issuers. However, Eurodollar obligations will undergo the same type of credit analysis as domestic issuers in which a Fund invests |
| ***Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Futures and Options*** | Each Fund may engage in certain derivative foreign currency exchange and option transactions involving investment risks and transaction costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. If a Fund's subadviser's predictions of movements in the direction of securities prices or currency exchange rates are inaccurate, the Fund may experience adverse consequences, leaving it in a worse position than if it had not used such strategies. Risks inherent in the use of option |

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and foreign currency forward and futures contracts include: (1) dependence on the Fund's subadviser's ability to correctly predict movements in the direction of securities prices and currency exchange rates; (2) imperfect correlation between the price of options and futures contracts and movements in the prices of the securities or currencies being hedged; (3) the fact that the skills needed to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities; (4) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time; and (5) the possible need to defer closing out certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences. The Fund's ability to enter into futures contracts is also limited by the requirements of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company. (See the "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" section of this SAI.)<br>A Fund may engage in currency exchange transactions to protect against uncertainty in the level of future currency exchange rates. In addition, a Fund may write covered put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose of increasing its return.<br>A Fund may enter into contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date ("forward contracts") and purchase and sell foreign currency futures contracts. For certain hedging purposes, the Fund may also purchase exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on foreign currency futures contracts and on foreign currencies. A put option on a futures contract gives the Fund the right to assume a short position in the futures contract until the expiration of the option. A put option on a currency gives the Fund the right to sell the currency at an exercise price until the expiration of the option. A call option on a futures contract gives the Fund the right to assume a long position in the futures contract until the expiration of the option. A call option on a currency gives the Fund the right to purchase the currency at the exercise price until the expiration of the option.<br>When engaging in position hedging, a Fund enters into foreign currency exchange transactions to protect against a decline in the values of the foreign currencies in which its portfolio securities are denominated (or an increase in the values of currency for securities which the Fund expects to purchase, when the Fund holds cash or short-term investments). In connection with position hedging, the Fund may purchase put or call options on foreign currency and on foreign currency futures contracts and buy or sell forward contracts and foreign currency futures contracts. (A Fund may also purchase or sell foreign currency on a spot basis, as discussed in "Foreign Currency Transactions" under "Foreign Investing" in this section of the SAI.)<br>The precise matching of the amounts of foreign currency exchange transactions and the value of the portfolio securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the dates the currency exchange transactions are entered into and the dates they mature. It is also impossible to forecast with precision the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration or maturity of a forward or futures contract. Accordingly, it may be necessary for a Fund to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security or securities being hedged is less than the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver and a decision is made to sell the security or securities and make delivery of the foreign currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security or securities if the market value of such security or securities exceeds the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver.<br>Hedging techniques do not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities which a Fund owns or intends to purchase or sell. They simply establish a rate of exchange which one can achieve at some future point in time. Additionally,<br>

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|  | although these techniques tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they also tend to limit any potential gain which might result from the increase in value of such currency.<br>A Fund may seek to increase its return or to offset some of the costs of hedging against fluctuations in currency exchange rates by writing covered put options and covered call options on foreign currencies. In that case, the Fund receives a premium from writing a put or call option, which increases the Fund's current return if the option expires unexercised or is closed out at a net profit. A Fund may terminate an option that it has written prior to its expiration by entering into a closing purchase transaction in which it purchases an option having the same terms as the option written.<br>A Fund's currency hedging transactions may call for the delivery of one foreign currency in exchange for another foreign currency and may at times not involve currencies in which its portfolio securities are then denominated. A Fund's subadviser will engage in such "cross hedging" activities when it believes that such transactions provide significant hedging opportunities for the Fund. Cross hedging transactions by a Fund involve the risk of imperfect correlation between changes in the values of the currencies to which such transactions relate and changes in the value of the currency or other asset or liability which is the subject of the hedge.<br>Foreign currency forward contracts, futures and options may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the United States; may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees; and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the relevant Fund's ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States, and (v) lesser trading volume.<br>|
|  | The types of derivative foreign currency exchange transactions most commonly employed by the Funds are discussed below, although each Fund is also permitted to engage in other similar transactions to the extent consistent with the Fund's investment limitations and restrictions. |
| *Foreign Currency Forward Contracts* | A foreign currency forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days ("term") from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers.<br>A Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily in an amount not less than the value of the Fund's total assets committed to forward foreign currency exchange contracts entered into for the purchase of a foreign currency. If the value of the securities specifically designated declines, additional cash or securities will be added so that the specifically designated amount is not less than the amount of the Fund's commitments with respect to such contracts. |
| *Foreign Currency Futures Transactions* | Each Fund may use foreign currency futures contracts and options on such futures contracts. Through the purchase or sale of such contracts, a Fund may be able to |

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|  | achieve many of the same objectives attainable through the use of foreign currency forward contracts, but more effectively and possibly at a lower cost.<br>Unlike forward foreign currency exchange contracts, foreign currency futures contracts and options on foreign currency futures contracts are standardized as to amount and delivery period and are traded on boards of trade and commodities exchanges. It is anticipated that such contracts may provide greater liquidity and lower cost than forward foreign currency exchange contracts.<br>Purchasers and sellers of foreign currency futures contracts are subject to the same risks that apply to the buying and selling of futures generally. In addition, there are risks associated with foreign currency futures contracts similar to those associated with options on foreign currencies. (See "Foreign Currency Options" and "Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts", each in this sub-section of the SAI.) The Fund must accept or make delivery of the underlying foreign currency, through banking arrangements, in accordance with any U.S. or foreign restrictions or regulations regarding the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and may be required to pay any fees, taxes or charges associated with such delivery which are assessed in the issuing country.<br>To the extent required to comply with SEC Release No. IC-10666, when entering into a futures contract or an option transaction, a Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily equal to the net amount of the Fund's obligation. For foreign currency futures transactions, the prescribed amount will generally be the daily value of the futures contract, marked to market.<br>Futures contracts are designed by boards of trade which are designated "contracts markets" by the CFTC. Futures contracts trade on contracts markets in a manner that is similar to the way a stock trades on a stock exchange and the boards of trade, through their clearing corporations, guarantee performance of the contracts. |
| *Foreign Currency Options* | A foreign currency option provides the option buyer with the right to buy or sell a stated amount of foreign currency at the exercise price at a specified date or during the option period. A call option gives its owner the right, but not the obligation, to buy the currency, while a put option gives its owner the right, but not the obligation, to sell the currency. The option seller (writer) is obligated to fulfill the terms of the option sold if it is exercised. However, either seller or buyer may close its position during the option period for such options any time prior to expiration.<br>A call rises in value if the underlying currency appreciates. Conversely, a put rises in value if the underlying currency depreciates. While purchasing a foreign currency option can protect a Fund against an adverse movement in the value of a foreign currency, it does not limit the gain which might result from a favorable movement in the value of such currency. For example, if the Fund were holding securities denominated in an appreciating foreign currency and had purchased a foreign currency put to hedge against a decline in the value of the currency, it would not have to exercise its put. Similarly, if the Fund had entered into a contract to purchase a security denominated in a foreign currency and had purchased a foreign currency call to hedge against a rise in the value of the currency but instead the currency had depreciated in value between the date of |

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purchase and the settlement date, the Fund would not have to exercise its call but could acquire in the spot market the amount of foreign currency needed for settlement.<br>The value of a foreign currency option depends upon the value of the underlying currency relative to the other referenced currency. As a result, the price of the option position may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies and have no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security, including foreign securities held in a "hedged" investment portfolio. Because foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market involve substantially larger amounts than those that may be involved in the use of foreign currency options, the Funds may be disadvantaged by having to deal in an odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1 million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less favorable than for round lots.<br>As in the case of other kinds of options, the use of foreign currency options constitutes only a partial hedge, and a Fund could be required to purchase or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby incurring losses. The purchase of an option on a foreign currency may not necessarily constitute an effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates and, in the event of rate movements adverse to the Fund's position, the Fund may forfeit the entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs.<br>Options on foreign currencies written or purchased by a Fund may be traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges or over the counter. There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign currencies traded over the counter or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation information available is generally representative of very large transactions in the interbank market and thus may not reflect relatively smaller transactions (i.e., less than $1 million) where rates may be less favorable. The interbank market in foreign currencies is a global, around-the-clock market. To the extent that the options markets are closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements may take place in the underlying markets that are not reflected in the options market.<br>For additional information about options transactions, see "Options" under "Derivative Investments" in this section of the SAI.<br>

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| *Foreign Currency Warrants* | Foreign currency warrants such as currency exchange warrants are warrants that entitle the holder to receive from the issuer an amount of cash (generally, for warrants issued in the United States, in U.S. dollars) that is calculated pursuant to a predetermined formula and based on the exchange rate between two specified currencies as of the exercise date of the warrant. Foreign currency warrants generally are exercisable upon their issuance and expire as of a specified date and time.<br>Foreign currency warrants may be used to reduce the currency exchange risk assumed by purchasers of a security by, for example, providing for a supplemental payment in the event the U.S. dollar depreciates against the value of a major foreign currency such as the Japanese Yen or Euro. The formula used to determine the amount payable upon exercise of a foreign currency warrant may make the warrant worthless unless the applicable foreign currency exchange rate moves in a particular direction (e.g., unless the U.S. dollar appreciates or depreciates against the particular foreign currency to which the warrant is linked or indexed).<br>Foreign currency warrants are severable from the debt obligations with which they may be offered, and may be listed on exchanges. Foreign currency warrants may be exercisable only in certain minimum amounts, and an investor wishing to exercise warrants who possesses less than the minimum number required for exercise may be required either to sell the warrants or to purchase additional warrants, thereby incurring additional transaction costs. Upon exercise of warrants, there may be a delay between the time the holder gives instructions to exercise and the time the exchange rate relating to exercise is determined, thereby affecting both the market and cash settlement values of the warrants being exercised. The expiration date of the warrants may be accelerated if the warrants should be delisted from an exchange or if their trading should be suspended permanently, which would result in the loss of any remaining "time value" of the warrants (i.e., the difference between the current market value and the exercise value of the warrants), and, if the warrants were "out-of-the-money," in a total loss of the purchase price of the warrants.<br>Warrants are generally unsecured obligations of their issuers and are not standardized foreign currency options issued by the OCC. Unlike foreign currency options issued by OCC, the terms of foreign exchange warrants generally will not be amended in the event of governmental or regulatory actions affecting exchange rates or in the event of the imposition of other regulatory controls affecting the international currency markets. The initial public offering price of foreign currency warrants could be considerably in excess of the price that a commercial user of foreign currencies might pay in the interbank market for a comparable option involving larger amounts of foreign currencies. Foreign currency warrants are subject to significant foreign exchange risk, including risks arising from complex political or economic factors.<br>|
| *Performance Indexed Paper* | Performance indexed paper is commercial paper the yield of which is linked to certain currency exchange rate movements. The yield to the investor on performance indexed paper is established at maturity as a function of spot exchange rates between the designated currencies as of or about the time (generally, the index maturity two days prior to maturity). The yield to the investor will be within a range stipulated at the time of purchase of the obligation, generally with a guaranteed minimum rate of return that is below, and a potential maximum rate of return that is above, market yields on commercial paper, with both the minimum and maximum rates of return on the investment corresponding to the minimum and maximum values of the spot exchange rate two business days prior to maturity. |

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| *Principal Exchange Rate Linked Securities ("PERLS")* | PERLS are debt obligations the principal on which is payable at maturity in an amount that may vary based on the exchange rate between the particular currencies at or about that time. The return on "standard" principal exchange rate linked securities is enhanced if the currency to which the security is linked appreciates against the base currency, and is adversely affected by increases in the exchange value of the base currency. "Reverse" PERLS are like the "standard" securities, except that their return is enhanced by increases in the value of the base currency and adversely impacted by increases in the value of other currency. Interest payments on the securities are generally made at rates that reflect the degree of currency risk assumed or given up by the purchaser of the notes (i.e., at relatively higher interest rates if the purchaser has assumed some of the currency exchange risk, or relatively lower interest rates if the issuer has assumed some of the currency exchange risk, based on the expectations of the current market). PERLS may in limited cases be subject to acceleration of maturity (generally, not without the consent of the holders of the securities), which may have an adverse impact on the value of the principal payment to be made at maturity. |
| ***Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts*** | Each Fund may use interest rate, foreign currency, dividend, volatility or index futures contracts. An interest rate, foreign currency, dividend, volatility or index futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified quantity of a financial instrument, foreign currency, dividend basket or the cash value of an index at a specified price and time. A futures contract on an index is an agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index contract was originally written. Although the value of an index might be a function of the value of certain specified securities, no physical delivery of these securities is made. A public market exists in futures contracts covering several indexes as well as a number of financial instruments and foreign currencies, and it is expected that other futures contracts will be developed and traded in the future. Interest rate and volatility futures contracts currently are traded in the United States primarily on the floors of the Chicago Board of Trade and the International Monetary Market of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Interest rate futures also are traded on foreign exchanges such as the London International Financial Futures Exchange and the Singapore International Monetary Exchange. Volatility futures also are traded on foreign exchanges such as Eurex. Dividend futures are also traded on foreign exchanges such as Eurex, NYSE Euronext Liffe, London Stock Exchange and the Singapore International Monetary Exchange.<br>A Fund may purchase and write call and put options on futures. Futures options possess many of the same characteristics as options on securities and indexes discussed above. A futures option gives the holder the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or short position (put) in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder acquires a long position in the futures contract and the writer is assigned the opposite short position. In the case of a put option, the opposite is true. Except as otherwise described in this SAI, the Funds will limit their use of futures contracts and futures options to hedging transactions and in an attempt to increase total return, in accordance with Federal regulations. The costs of, and possible losses incurred from, futures contracts and options thereon may reduce the Fund's current income and involve a loss of principal. Any incremental return earned by the Fund resulting from these transactions would be expected to offset anticipated losses or a portion thereof.<br>The Funds will only enter into futures contracts and futures options which are standardized and traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange, board of trade, or similar entity, or quoted on an automated quotation system. |

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When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by a Fund, the Fund is required to deposit with its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) a specified amount of cash or U.S. Government securities ("initial margin"). The margin required for a futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and may be modified during the term of the contract. The initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the futures contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. The Funds expect to earn interest income on their initial margin deposits. A futures contract held by a Fund is valued daily at the official settlement price of the exchange on which it is traded. Each day the Fund pays or receives cash, called "variation margin," equal to the daily change in value of the futures contract. This process is known as "marking to market." Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by the Fund but is instead a settlement between the Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the other if the futures contract expired. In computing daily NAV, the Fund will mark to market its open futures positions.<br>The Funds are also required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by them. Such margin deposits will vary depending on the nature of the underlying futures contract (and the related initial margin requirements), the current market value of the option, and other futures positions held by the relevant Fund.<br>To the extent required to comply with SEC Release No. IC-10666, when entering into a futures contract or an option on a futures contract, a Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily equal to the prescribed amount. Generally, for cash-settled futures contracts the prescribed amount is the net amount of the Fund's obligation, and for non-cash-settled futures contracts the prescribed about is the notional value of the reference obligation.<br>Futures contracts are designed by boards of trade which are designated "contracts markets" by the CFTC. Futures contracts trade on contracts markets in a manner that is similar to the way a stock trades on a stock exchange and the boards of trade, through their clearing corporations, guarantee performance of the contracts. A Fund's ability to claim an exclusion or exemption from the definition of a commodity pool may be limited when the Fund invests in futures contracts. (See "Commodity Interests" in this SAI.)<br>The requirements of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company also may limit the extent to which a Fund may enter into futures, futures options or forward contracts. (See the "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" section of this SAI.).<br>Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying securities, generally these obligations are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (same exchange, underlying security or index, and delivery month). If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sales price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations.<br>Positions in futures contracts and related options may be closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for such contracts or options. The Fund will enter into an option or futures position only if there appears to be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option or futures contract at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close out a futures or related option position. In the case of a futures position, in the event of adverse price movements the Fund would continue to be<br>

required to make daily margin payments. In this situation, if the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily margin requirements it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet its margin obligations at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, the Fund may be required to take or make delivery of the securities underlying the futures contracts it holds. The inability to close out futures positions also could have an adverse impact on the Fund's ability to hedge its portfolio effectively.<br>There are several risks in connection with the use of futures contracts as a hedging device. While hedging can provide protection against an adverse movement in market prices, it can also limit a hedger's opportunity to benefit fully from a favorable market movement. In addition, investing in futures contracts and options on futures contracts will cause the Fund to incur additional brokerage commissions and may cause an increase in the Fund's portfolio turnover rate.<br>The successful use of futures contracts and related options may also depend on the ability of the relevant Fund's subadviser to forecast correctly the direction and extent of market movements, interest rates and other market factors within a given time frame. To the extent market prices remain stable during the period a futures contract or option is held by a Fund or such prices move in a direction opposite to that anticipated, the Fund may realize a loss on the transaction which is not offset by an increase in the value of its portfolio securities. Options and futures may also fail as a hedging technique in cases where the movements of the securities underlying the options and futures do not follow the price movements of the hedged portfolio securities. As a result, the Fund's total return for the period may be less than if it had not engaged in the hedging transaction. The loss from investing in futures transactions is potentially unlimited.<br>Utilization of futures contracts by a Fund involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts and movements in the price of the securities which are being hedged. If the price of the futures contract moves more or less than the price of the securities being hedged, the Fund will experience a gain or loss which will not be completely offset by movements in the price of the securities. It is possible that, where a Fund has sold futures contracts to hedge its portfolio against a decline in the market, the market may advance and the value of securities held in the Fund's portfolio may decline. If this occurred, the Fund would lose money on the futures contract and would also experience a decline in value in its portfolio securities. Where futures are purchased to hedge against a possible increase in the prices of securities before the Fund is able to invest its cash (or cash equivalents) in securities (or options) in an orderly fashion, it is possible that the market may decline; if the Fund then determines not to invest in securities (or options) at that time because of concern as to possible further market decline or for other reasons, the Fund will realize a loss on the futures that would not be offset by a reduction in the price of the securities purchased.<br>The market prices of futures contracts may be affected if participants in the futures market elect to close out their contracts through off-setting transactions rather than to meet margin deposit requirements. In such case, distortions in the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets could result. Price distortions could also result if investors in futures contracts opt to make or take delivery of the underlying securities rather than to engage in closing transactions because such action would reduce the liquidity of the futures market. In addition, from the point of view of speculators, because the deposit requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in the cash market, increased participation by speculators in the futures market could cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortions in the futures market and because of the imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of securities and movements in the prices of futures contracts, a correct forecast of market trends may still not result in a successful hedging transaction.<br>

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|  | Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase of put or call options on futures contracts involves less potential risk for the Fund because the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options plus transaction costs. However, there may be circumstances when the purchase of an option on a futures contract would result in a loss to the Fund while the purchase or sale of the futures contract would not have resulted in a loss, such as when there is no movement in the price of the underlying securities.<br>For additional information about options transactions, see "Options" under "Derivative Investments" in this section of the SAI. |
| ***Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities*** | Each Fund may purchase mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, which collectively are securities backed by mortgages, installment contracts, credit card receivables or other financial assets. Asset-backed securities represent interests in "pools" of assets in which payments of both interest and principal on the securities are made periodically, thus in effect "passing through" such payments made by the individual borrowers on the assets that underlie the securities, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities. The average life of asset-backed securities varies with the maturities of the underlying instruments, and the average life of a mortgage-backed instrument, in particular, is likely to be less than the original maturity of the mortgage pools underlying the securities as a result of mortgage prepayments, where applicable. For this and other reasons, an asset-backed security's stated maturity may be different, and the security's total return may be difficult to predict precisely.<br>If an asset-backed security is purchased at a premium, a prepayment rate that is faster than expected will reduce yield to maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite effect of increasing yield to maturity. Conversely, if an asset-backed security is purchased at a discount, faster than expected prepayments will increase yield to maturity, while slower than expected prepayments will decrease yield to maturity.<br>Prepayments of principal of mortgage-related securities by mortgagors or mortgage foreclosures affect the average life of the mortgage-related securities in the Fund's portfolio. Mortgage prepayments are affected by the level of interest rates and other factors, including general economic conditions and the underlying location and age of the mortgage. In periods of rising interest rates, the prepayment rate tends to decrease, lengthening the average life of a pool of mortgage-related securities. The longer the remaining maturity of a security the greater the effect of interest rate changes will be. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the market's perception of its creditworthiness also affect the market value of that issuer's debt securities.<br>In periods of falling interest rates, the prepayment rate tends to increase, shortening the average life of a pool. Because prepayments of principal generally occur when interest rates are declining, it is likely that the Fund, to the extent that it retains the same percentage of debt securities, may have to reinvest the proceeds of prepayments at lower interest rates than those of its previous investments. If this occurs, that Fund's yield will correspondingly decline. Thus, mortgage-related securities may have less potential for capital appreciation in periods of falling interest rates than other fixed income securities of comparable duration, although they may have a comparable risk of decline in market value in periods of rising interest rates. To the extent that the Fund purchases mortgage-related securities at a premium, |

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|  | unscheduled prepayments, which are made at par, result in a loss equal to any unamortized premium.<br>Duration is one of the fundamental tools used by a Fund's subadviser in managing interest rate risks including prepayment risks. Traditionally, a debt security's "term to maturity" characterizes a security's sensitivity to changes in interest rates. "Term to maturity," however, measures only the time until a debt security provides its final payment, taking no account of prematurity payments. Most debt securities provide interest ("coupon") payments in addition to a final ("par") payment at maturity, and some securities have call provisions allowing the issuer to repay the instrument in full before maturity date, each of which affect the security's response to interest rate changes. "Duration" therefore is generally considered a more precise measure of interest rate risk than "term to maturity." Determining duration may involve a subadviser's estimates of future economic parameters, which may vary from actual future values. Generally fixed income securities with longer effective durations are more responsive to interest rate fluctuations than those with shorter effective durations. For example, if interest rates rise by 1%, the value of securities having an effective duration of three years will generally decrease by approximately 3%.<br>Descriptions of some of the different types of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities most commonly acquired by the Funds are provided below. In addition to those shown, other types of mortgage-related and asset-backed investments are, or may become, available for investment by the Funds. |
| *Collateralized Mortgage Obligations ("CMOs")* | CMOs are hybrid instruments with characteristics of both mortgage-backed and mortgage pass-through securities. Interest and prepaid principal on a CMO are paid, in most cases, monthly. CMOs may be collateralized by whole mortgage loans but are more typically collateralized by portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by entities such as GNMA, FHLMC, or FNMA, and their income streams. CMOs are typically structured in multiple classes, each bearing a different stated maturity. Actual maturity and average life will depend upon the prepayment experience of the collateral. CMOs provide for a modified form of call protection through a de facto breakdown of the underlying pool of mortgages according to how quickly the loans are repaid. Monthly payment of principal received from the pool of underlying mortgages, including prepayments, is first returned to investors holding the shortest maturity class. Investors holding the longer maturity classes typically receive principal only after the first class has been retired. An investor may be partially guarded against a sooner than desired return of principal because of the sequential payments.<br>FHLMC CMOs are debt obligations of FHLMC issued in multiple classes having different maturity dates and are secured by the pledge of a pool of conventional mortgage loans purchased by FHLMC. The amount of principal payable on each monthly payment date is determined in accordance with FHLMC's mandatory sinking fund schedule. Sinking fund payments in the CMOs are allocated to the retirement of the individual classes of bonds in the order of their stated maturities. Payments of principal on the mortgage loans in the collateral pool in excess of the amount of FHLMC's minimum sinking fund obligation for any payment date are paid to the holders of the CMOs as additional sinking-fund payments. Because of the "pass-through" nature of all principal payments received on the collateral pool in excess of FHLMC's minimum sinking fund requirement, the rate at which principal of the CMOs is actually repaid is likely to be such that each class of bonds will be retired in advance of its scheduled maturity date. If collection of principal (including prepayments) on the mortgage loans during any semiannual payment period is not sufficient to meet |

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|  | FHLMC's minimum sinking fund obligation on the next sinking fund payment date, FHLMC agrees to make up the deficiency from its general funds.<br>|
| *CMO Residuals* | CMO residuals are derivative mortgage securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans. As described above, the cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses of the issuer. The "residual" in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income and/or a return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO will depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and, in particular, the prepayment experience on the mortgage assets. In addition, if a series of a CMO includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are based. In certain circumstances a Fund may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in a CMO residual.<br>CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. The CMO residual market currently may not have the liquidity of other more established securities trading in other markets. CMO residuals may be subject to certain restrictions on transferability, may be deemed illiquid and therefore subject to the Funds' limitations on investment in illiquid securities. (See "Illiquid and Restricted Securities" in this section of the SAI.)<br>|
| *Mortgage Pass-through Securities* | Mortgage pass-through securities are interests in pools of mortgage loans, assembled and issued by various governmental, government-related, and private organizations. Unlike other forms of debt securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates, these securities provide a monthly payment consisting of both interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a "pass-through" of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their residential or commercial mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the sale of the underlying property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or costs. "Modified pass-through" securities (such as securities issued by GNMA) entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees, at the scheduled payment dates regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the payment.<br>The principal governmental guarantor of U.S. mortgage-related securities is GNMA. GNMA is authorized to guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the United States Government, the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by institutions approved by GNMA (such as savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and mortgage bankers) and backed by pools of Federal Housing Administration insured or Veterans Administration guaranteed mortgages. Government-related guarantors whose obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government include FNMA and FHLMC. FNMA purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. FHLMC issues Participation Certificates that represent interests in |

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|  | operations. FHFA will act as the conservator to operate FNMA and FHLMC until they are stabilized. The conservatorship is still in effect as of the date of this SAI and has no specified termination date. There can be no assurance as to when or how the conservatorship will be terminated or whether FNMA or FHLMC will continue to exist following the conservatorship or what their respective business structures will be during or following the conservatorship. FHFA, as conservator, has the power to repudiate any contract entered into by FNMA or FHLMC prior to its appointment if it determines that performance of the contract is burdensome and repudiation of the contract promotes the orderly administration of FNMA's or FHLMC's affairs. Furthermore, FHFA has the right to transfer or sell any asset or liability of FNMA or FHLMC without any approval, assignment or consent. If FHFA were to transfer any such guarantee obligation to another party, holders of FNMA or FHLMC mortgage-backed securities would have to rely on that party for satisfaction of the guarantee obligation and would be exposed to the credit risk of that party.<br>|
| *Other Asset-Backed Securities* | Through trusts and other special purpose entities, various types of securities based on financial assets other than mortgage loans are increasingly available, in both pass-through structures similar to mortgage pass-through securities described above and in other structures more like CMOs. As with mortgage-related securities, these asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of financial assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties. They often include credit-enhancement features similar to mortgage-related securities.<br>Financial assets on which these securities are based include automobile receivables; credit card receivables; loans to finance boats, recreational vehicles, and mobile homes; computer, copier, railcar, and medical equipment leases; and trade, healthcare, and franchise receivables. In general, the obligations supporting these asset-backed securities are of shorter maturities than mortgage loans and are less likely to experience substantial prepayments. However, obligations such as credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the obligors are often entitled to protection under a number of consumer credit laws granting, among other things, rights to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thus reducing the balance due. Other obligations that are secured, such as automobile receivables, may present issuers with difficulties in perfecting and executing on the security interests, particularly where the issuer allows the servicers of the receivables to retain possession of the underlying obligations, thus increasing the risk that recoveries on defaulted obligations may not be adequate to support payments on the securities.<br>|
| *Stripped Mortgage-backed Securities ("SMBS")* | SMBS are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. They may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans. SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only or "IO" class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or "PO" class). The yield to maturity on an IO class security is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on a Fund's yield to maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Fund may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories. The market value of the PO class generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest rates. |

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|  | Although SMBS are purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, these securities were only recently developed. As a result, established trading markets have not yet developed and, accordingly, these securities may be deemed illiquid and therefore subject to the Funds' limitations on investment in illiquid securities. (See "Illiquid and Restricted Securities" in this section of the SAI.)<br>Each Fund may invest in other mortgage-related securities with features similar to those described above, to the extent consistent with the relevant Fund's investment objectives and policies.<br>|
| ***Options*** | Each Fund may purchase or sell put and call options on securities, indices and other financial instruments. Options may relate to particular securities, foreign and domestic securities indices, financial instruments, volatility, credit default, foreign currencies or the yield differential between two securities. Such options may or may not be listed on a domestic or foreign securities exchange and may or may not be issued by the OCC.<br>A call option for a particular security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and a writer the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the stated exercise price before the expiration of the option, regardless of the market price of the security. A premium is paid to the writer by the purchaser in consideration for undertaking the obligation under the option contract. A put option for a particular security gives the purchaser the right to sell and a writer the obligation to buy the security at the stated exercise price before the expiration date of the option, regardless of the market price of the security.<br>To the extent required to comply with SEC Release No. IC-10666, options written by a Fund will be covered and will remain covered as long as the Fund is obligated as a writer. A call option is "covered" if the Fund owns the underlying security or its equivalent covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration if such cash is segregated) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held in its portfolio. A call option is also covered if the Fund holds on a share-for-share or equal principal amount basis a call on the same security as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or greater than the exercise price of the call written if appropriate liquid assets representing the difference are segregated by the Fund. A put option is "covered" if the Fund maintains appropriate liquid securities with a value equal to the exercise price, or owns on a share-for-share or equal principal amount basis a put on the same security as the put written where the exercise price of the put held is equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written.<br>A Fund's obligation to sell an instrument subject to a covered call option written by it, or to purchase an instrument subject to a secured put option written by it, may be terminated before the expiration of the option by the Fund's execution of a closing purchase transaction. This means that a Fund buys an option of the same series (i.e., same underlying instrument, exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously written. Such a purchase does not result in the ownership of an option. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying instrument from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying instrument or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying instrument. The cost of such a closing purchase plus related transaction costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event the Fund will experience a loss. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option. A Fund that has written an option and is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction will not be able to sell the underlying instrument (in the case of a covered call option) or liquidate the |

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segregated assets (in the case of a secured put option) until the option expires or the optioned instrument is delivered upon exercise. The Fund will be subject to the risk of market decline or appreciation in the instrument during such period.<br>To the extent required to comply with SEC Release No. IC-10666, when entering into an option transaction, a Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily equal to the prescribed amount. For options transactions, the prescribed amount will generally be the market value of the underlying instrument but will not be less than the exercise price.<br>Options purchased are recorded as an asset and written options are recorded as liabilities to the extent of premiums paid or received. The amount of this asset or liability will be subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option purchased or written. The current value of the traded option is the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, the current bid price. If an option purchased by a Fund expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a loss equal to the premium paid. If a Fund enters into a closing sale transaction on an option purchased by it, the Fund will realize a gain if the premium received by the Fund on the closing transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, or a loss if it is less. If an option written by a Fund expires on the stipulated expiration date or if a Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is sold), and the liability related to such option will be eliminated. If an option written by a Fund is exercised, the proceeds of the sale will be increased by the net premium originally received and the Fund will realize a gain or loss.<br>Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails more complex and potentially greater than ordinary investment risk. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments and, therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying instruments themselves.<br>There are several other risks associated with options. For example, there are significant differences among the securities, currency, volatility, credit default and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation among these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options, whether traded over-the-counter or on an exchange, may be absent for reasons that include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities or currencies; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or the OCC may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading value; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by the OCC as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.<br>The staff of the SEC currently takes the position that options not traded on registered domestic securities exchanges and the assets used to cover the amount of the Fund's obligation pursuant to such options are illiquid, and are therefore subject to each Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid securities. However, for options written with "primary dealers" in U.S. Government securities pursuant to an agreement requiring a closing transaction at the formula price, the amount considered to be illiquid may be<br>

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|  | calculated by reference to a formula price. (See "Illiquid and Restricted Securities" in this section of the SAI.) |
| *Options on Indexes and "Yield Curve" Options* | Each Fund may enter into options on indexes or options on the "spread," or yield differential, between two fixed income securities, in transactions referred to as "yield curve" options. Options on indexes and yield curve options provide the holder with the right to make or receive a cash settlement upon exercise of the option. With respect to options on indexes, the amount of the settlement will equal the difference between the closing price of the index at the time of exercise and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars, times a specified multiple. With respect to yield curve options, the amount of the settlement will equal the difference between the yields of designated securities.<br>With respect to yield curve options, a call or put option is covered if a Fund holds another call or put, respectively, on the spread between the same two securities and maintains in a segregated account liquid assets sufficient to cover the Fund's net liability under the two options. Therefore, the Fund's liability for such a covered option is generally limited to the difference between the amount of the Fund's liability under the option it wrote less the value of the option it holds. A Fund may also cover yield curve options in such other manner as may be in accordance with the requirements of the counterparty with which the option is traded and applicable laws and regulations.<br>The trading of these types of options is subject to all of the risks associated with the trading of other types of options. In addition, however, yield curve options present risk of loss even if the yield of one of the underlying securities remains constant, if the spread moves in a direction or to an extent which was not anticipated.<br>|
| *Reset Options* | In certain instances, a Fund may purchase or write options on U.S. Treasury securities, which provide for periodic adjustment of the strike price and may also provide for the periodic adjustment of the premium during the term of each such option. Like other types of options, these transactions, which may be referred to as "reset" options or "adjustable strike" options grant the purchaser the right to purchase (in the case of a call) or sell (in the case of a put), a specified type of U.S. Treasury security at any time up to a stated expiration date (or, in certain instances, on such date). In contrast to other types of options, however, the price at which the underlying security may be purchased or sold under a "reset" option is determined at various intervals during the term of the option, and such price fluctuates from interval to interval based on changes in the market value of the underlying security. As a result, the strike price of a "reset" option, at the time of exercise, may be less advantageous than if the strike price had been fixed at the initiation of the option. In addition, the premium paid for the purchase of the option may be determined at the termination, rather than the initiation, of the option. If the premium for a reset option written by a Fund is paid at termination, the Fund assumes the risk that (i) the premium may be less than the premium which would otherwise have been received at the initiation of the option because of such factors as the volatility in yield of the underlying Treasury security over the term of the option and adjustments made to the strike price of the option, and (ii) the option purchaser may default on its obligation to pay the premium at the termination of the option. Conversely, where a Fund purchases a reset option, it could be required to pay a higher premium than would have been the case at the initiation of the option. |
| ***Swaptions*** | A Fund may enter into swaption contracts, which give the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset or instrument at a specified strike price on or before a specified date. Over-the-counter swaptions, although providing greater flexibility, may involve greater credit risk than exchange-traded options as they are not backed by the clearing organization of the exchanges where they are traded, and as such, there is a risk that the seller will not settle as agreed. A Fund's financial liability |

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|  | associated with swaptions is linked to the marked-to-market value of the notional underlying investments. Purchased swaption contracts are exposed to a maximum loss equal to the price paid for the option/swaption (the premium) and no further liability. Written swaptions, however, give the right of potential exercise to a third party, and the maximum loss to the Fund in the case of an uncovered swaption is unlimited. |
| ***Swap Agreements*** | Each Fund may enter into swap agreements on, among other things, interest rates, indices, securities and currency exchange rates. A Fund's subadviser may use swaps in an attempt to obtain for the Fund a particular desired return at a lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund had invested directly in an instrument that yielded that desired return. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods typically ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a "basket" of securities representing a particular index. The "notional amount" of the swap agreement is only a fictive basis on which to calculate the obligations the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. A Fund's obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the "net amount"). A Fund's obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily on the Fund's accounting records (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by specifically designating on the accounting records of the Fund liquid assets to avoid leveraging of the Fund's portfolio.<br>Because swap agreements are two-party contracts and may have terms of greater than seven days, they may be considered to be illiquid and therefore subject to the Funds' limitations on investment in illiquid securities. (See "Illiquid and Restricted Securities" in this section of the SAI.) Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. A Fund's subadviser will cause the Fund to enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that would be eligible for consideration as repurchase agreement counterparties under the Funds' repurchase agreement guidelines. (See "Repurchase Agreements" in this section of the SAI.) Certain restrictions imposed on the Funds by the Code may limit the Funds' ability to use swap agreements. (See the "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" section of this SAI.) The swaps market is a relatively new market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect a Fund's ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.<br>Certain swap agreements are exempt from most provisions of the CEA and, therefore, are not regulated as futures or commodity option transactions under the CEA, pursuant to regulations of the CFTC. To qualify for this exemption, a swap agreement must be entered into by eligible participants and must meet certain conditions (each pursuant to the CEA and regulations of the CFTC). However, CFTC rule amendments dictate that certain swap agreements be considered commodity interests for purposes of the CEA. (See "Commodity Interests" in this section of the SAI for additional information regarding the implications of investments being considered commodity interests under the CEA.)<br>The SEC and the CFTC have developed rules under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to create a comprehensive regulatory framework |

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|  | for swap transactions. Under the regulations, certain swap transactions will be required to be executed on a regulated trading platform and cleared through a derivatives clearing organization. Additionally, the regulations impose other requirements on the parties entering into swap transactions, including requirements relating to posting margin, and reporting and documenting swap transactions. A Fund engaging in swap transactions may incur additional expenses as a result of these regulatory requirements. The Adviser is continuing to monitor the implementation of these regulations and to assess their impact on the Fund. |
| ***Credit Default Swap Agreements*** | Each Fund may enter into credit default swap agreements. A credit default swap is a bilateral financial contract in which one party (the protection buyer) pays a periodic fee in return for a contingent payment by the protection seller following a credit event of a reference issuer. The protection buyer must either sell particular obligations issued by the reference issuer for its par value (or some other designated reference or strike price) when a credit event occurs or receive a cash settlement based on the difference between the market price and such reference price. A credit event is commonly defined as bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, material adverse restructuring of debt, or failure to meet payment obligations when due. A Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If a Fund is a buyer and no event of default occurs, the Fund loses its investment and recovers nothing; however, if an event of default occurs, the Fund receives full notional value for a reference obligation that may have little or no value. As a seller, a Fund receives a periodic fee throughout the term of the contract, provided there is no default event; if an event of default occurs, the Fund must pay the buyer the full notional value of the reference obligation. The value of the reference obligation received by the Fund as a seller, coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value the Fund pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Fund.<br>As with other swaps, when a Fund enters into a credit default swap agreement, to the extent required by applicable law and regulation the Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily, equal to the Fund's net exposure under the swap (the "Segregated Assets"). Generally, the minimum cover amount for a swap agreement is the amount owed by the Fund, if any, on a daily mark-to-market basis. With respect to swap contracts that provide for the netting of payments, the net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to each swap contract will be accrued on a daily basis and an amount of Segregated Assets having an aggregate market value at least equal to the accrued excess will be maintained to cover the transactions in accordance with SEC positions. With respect to swap contracts that do not provide for the netting of payments by the counterparties, the full notional amount for which the Fund is obligated under the swap contract with respect to each swap contract will be accrued on a daily basis and an amount of Segregated Assets having an aggregate market value at least equal to the accrued full notional value will be maintained to cover the transactions in accordance with SEC positions. When the Fund sells protection on an individual credit default swap, upon a credit event, the Fund may be obligated to pay the cash equivalent value of the asset. Therefore, the cover amount will be the notional value of the underlying credit. With regard to selling protection on an index (CDX), as a practical matter, the Fund would not be required to pay the full notional amount of the index; therefore, only the amount owed by the Fund, if any, on a daily mark-to-market basis is required as cover.<br>Credit default swaps involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly. In addition to general market risks, credit default swaps are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk and credit risks. A Fund will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties deemed creditworthy by the Fund's subadviser. |

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| ***Dividend Swap Agreements*** | A dividend swap agreement is a financial instrument where two parties contract to exchange a set of future cash flows at set dates in the future. One party agrees to pay the other the future dividend flow on a stock or basket of stocks in an index, in return for which the other party gives the first call options. Dividend swaps generally are traded over the counter rather than on an exchange. |
| ***Inflation Swap Agreements*** | Inflation swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index (e.g., the Consumer Price Index with respect to CPI swaps) over the term of the swap (with some lag on the inflation index), while the other pays a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swap agreements may be used by a Fund to hedge the inflation risk associated with non-inflation indexed investments, thereby creating "synthetic" inflation-indexed investments. One factor that may lead to changes in the values of inflation swap agreements is a change in real interest rates, which are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. If nominal interest rates increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates may rise, which may lead to a decrease in value of an inflation swap agreement. |
| ***Total Return Swap Agreements*** | "Total return swap" is the generic name for any non-traditional swap where one party agrees to pay the other the "total return" of a defined underlying asset, usually in return for receiving a stream of cash flows based upon an agreed rate. A total return swap may be applied to any underlying asset but is most commonly used with equity indices, single stocks, bonds and defined portfolios of loans and mortgages. A total return swap is a mechanism for the user to accept the economic benefits of asset ownership without utilizing the balance sheet. The other leg of the swap, which is often LIBOR or SOFR, is spread to reflect the non-balance sheet nature of the product. Total return swaps can be designed with any underlying asset agreed between the two parties. No notional amounts are exchanged with total return swaps. |
| ***Variance and Correlation Swap Agreements*** | Variance swap agreements are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the difference between the stated level of variance and the actual variance realized on an underlying asset or index. "Actual variance" as used here is defined as the sum of the square of the returns on the reference asset or index (which in effect is a measure of its "volatility") over the length of the contract term. In other words, the parties to a variance swap can be said to exchange actual volatility for a contractually stated rate of volatility. Correlation swap agreements are contracts in which two parties agree to exchange cash payments based on the differences between the stated and the actual correlation realized on the underlying equity securities within a given equity index. "Correlation" as used here is defined as the weighted average of the correlations between the daily returns of each pair of securities within a given equity index. If two assets are said to be closely correlated, it means that their daily returns vary in similar proportions or along similar trajectories. A Fund may enter into variance or correlation swaps in an attempt to hedge equity market risk or adjust exposure to the equity markets. |
| **Equity Securities** | The Funds may invest in equity securities. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks and preference stocks; securities such as bonds, warrants or rights that are convertible into stocks; and depositary receipts for those securities. |

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|  | Common stockholders are the owners of the company issuing the stock and, accordingly, usually have the right to vote on various corporate governance matters such as mergers. They are not creditors of the company, but rather, in the event of liquidation of the company, would be entitled to their pro rata shares of the company's assets after creditors (including fixed income security holders) and, if applicable, preferred stockholders are paid. Preferred stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to dividends or upon liquidation. A preferred stockholder is a shareholder in the company and not a creditor of the company as is a holder of the company's fixed income securities. Dividends paid to common and preferred stockholders are distributions of the earnings or other surplus of the company and not interest payments, which are expenses of the company. Equity securities owned by the Fund may be traded in the over-the-counter market or on a securities exchange and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of securities traded on a major U.S. national securities exchange. As a result, disposition by the Fund of a portfolio security to meet redemptions by shareholders or otherwise may require the Fund to sell the security at less than the reported value of the security, to sell during periods when disposition is not desirable, or to make many small sales over a lengthy period of time. The market value of all securities, including equity securities, is based upon the market's perception of value and not necessarily the book value of an issuer or other objective measure of a company's worth.<br>Stock values may fluctuate in response to the activities of an individual company or in response to general market and/or economic conditions. Historically, common stocks have provided greater long-term returns and have entailed greater short-term risks than other types of securities. Smaller or newer issuers may be more likely to realize more substantial growth or suffer more significant losses. Investments in these companies can be both more volatile and more speculative. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a Fund invests will cause the NAV of the Fund to fluctuate. |
| ***Securities of Small and Mid Capitalization Companies*** | While small and medium-sized issuers in which a Fund invests may offer greater opportunities for capital appreciation than larger market capitalization issuers, investments in such companies may involve greater risks and thus may be considered speculative. For example, smaller companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In addition, many small and mid-capitalization company stocks trade less frequently and in smaller volume, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements, than stocks of larger companies. The securities of small and mid-capitalization companies may also be more sensitive to market changes than the securities of larger companies. When a Fund invests in small or mid-capitalization companies, these factors may result in above-average fluctuations in the NAV of the Fund's shares. Therefore, a Fund investing in such securities should be considered as a long-term investment and not as a vehicle for seeking short-term profits. Similarly, an investment in a Fund solely investing in such securities should not be considered a complete investment program.<br>Market capitalizations of companies in which the Funds invest are determined at the time of purchase. |
| ***Unseasoned Companies*** | As a matter of operating policy, each Fund may invest to a limited extent in securities of unseasoned companies and new issues. A Fund's subdviser regards a company as unseasoned when, for example, it is relatively new to, or not yet well established in, its primary line of business. Such companies generally are smaller |

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|  | and younger than companies whose shares are traded on the major stock exchanges. Accordingly, their shares are often traded over-the-counter and their share prices may be more volatile than those of larger, exchange-listed companies. Generally a Fund will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of any one company with a record of fewer than three years' continuous operation (including that of predecessors). |
| **Foreign Investing** | The Funds may invest in a broad range of securities of foreign issuers, including equity, debt and convertible securities and foreign government securities. The Funds may purchase the securities of issuers from various countries, including countries commonly referred to as "emerging markets" or "frontier markets." The Funds may also invest in domestic securities denominated in foreign currencies.<br>Investing in the securities of foreign companies involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These include differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions, the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, political instability which could affect U.S. investments in foreign countries, and potential restrictions on the flow of international capital. Foreign issuers may become subject to sanctions imposed by the United States or another country, which could result in the immediate freeze of the foreign issuers' assets or securities. The imposition of such sanctions could impair the market value of the securities of such foreign issuers and limit a Fund's ability to buy, sell, receive or deliver the securities. Additionally, dividends payable on foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes withheld prior to distribution. Foreign securities often trade with less frequency and volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price volatility. Changes in foreign exchange rates will affect the value of those securities which are denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Many of the foreign securities held by a Fund will not be registered with, nor will the issuers thereof be subject to the reporting requirements of, the SEC. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information about the securities and about the foreign company or government issuing them than is available about a domestic company or government entity. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States economy in such respects as growth of Gross National Product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions. Finally, the Funds may encounter difficulty in obtaining and enforcing judgments against issuers of foreign securities.<br>Securities of U.S. issuers denominated in foreign currencies may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities issued by domestic issuers and denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition, investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies often entails costs not associated with investment in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of U.S. issuers, such as the cost of converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars, higher brokerage commissions, custodial expenses and other fees. Non-U.S. dollar denominated securities may be subject to certain withholding and other taxes of the relevant jurisdiction, which may reduce the yield on the securities to the Funds and which may not be recoverable by the Funds or their investors.<br>The Trust may use an eligible foreign custodian in connection with its purchases of foreign securities and may maintain cash and cash equivalents in the care of a foreign custodian. The amount of cash or cash equivalents maintained in the care of eligible foreign custodians will be limited to an amount reasonably necessary to effect the Trust's foreign securities transactions. The use of a foreign custodian invokes considerations which are not ordinarily associated with domestic |

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|  | custodians. These considerations include the possibility of expropriations, restricted access to books and records of the foreign custodian, inability to recover assets that are lost while under the control of the foreign custodian, and the impact of political, social or diplomatic developments.<br>Settlement procedures relating to the Funds' investments in foreign securities and to the Funds' foreign currency exchange transactions may be more complex than settlements with respect to investments in debt or equity securities of U.S. issuers, and may involve certain risks not present in the Funds' domestic investments. For example settlement of transactions involving foreign securities or foreign currency may occur within a foreign country, and a Fund may be required to accept or make delivery of the underlying securities or currency in conformity with any applicable U.S. or foreign restrictions or regulations, and may be required to pay any fees, taxes or charges associated with such delivery. Such investments may also involve the risk that an entity involved in the settlement may not meet its obligations. Settlement procedures in many foreign countries are less established than those in the United States, and some foreign country settlement periods can be significantly longer than those in the United States.<br>A fund that has significant exposure to certain countries can be expected to be impacted by the political and economic conditions within such countries. There is continuing uncertainty around the future of the euro and the European Union (EU) following the United Kingdom's departure from the EU on January 31, 2020. While on December 24, 2020, a limited deal was reached to govern the relationship between the United Kingdom and the EU, many aspects of the relationship are still to be determined, including those related to financial services. Significant uncertainty remains in the market regarding the ramifications of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU, and the range and potential implications of possible political, regulatory, economic and market outcomes are difficult to predict. Continuing Brexit issues and negotiations may cause greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence, and increased likelihood of a recession in the United Kingdom. While it is not possible to determine the precise impact these events may have on a Fund, during this period and beyond, the impact on the United Kingdom, EU countries, other countries or parties that transact with the United Kingdom and EU, and the broader global economy could be significant and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of a Fund's investments. In addition, if one or more countries were to exit the EU or abandon the use of the euro as a currency, the value of investments tied to those countries or the euro could decline significantly and unpredictably. |
| ***Depositary Receipts*** | Each Fund permitted to hold foreign securities may also hold ADRs, ADSs, GDRs and EDRs. ADRs and ADSs typically are issued by an American bank or trust company and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs, which are sometimes referred to as CDRs, are issued in Europe typically by foreign banks and trust companies and evidence ownership of either foreign or domestic securities. GDRs are similar to EDRs and are designed for use in several international financial markets. Generally, ADRs and ADSs in registered form are designed for use in United States securities markets and EDRs in bearer form are designed for use in European securities markets. For purposes of a Fund's investment policies, its investments in ADRs, ADSs, GDRs and EDRs will be deemed to be investments in the underlying foreign securities.<br>Depositary Receipts may be issued pursuant to sponsored or unsponsored programs. In sponsored programs, an issuer has made arrangements to have its securities traded in the form of Depositary Receipts. In unsponsored programs, the issuer may not be directly involved in the creation of the program. Although |

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|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;regulatory requirements with respect to sponsored and unsponsored programs are generally similar, in some cases it may be easier to obtain financial information from an issuer that has participated in the creation of a sponsored program. Accordingly, there may be less information available regarding issuers of securities underlying unsponsored programs and there may not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the Depositary Receipts. For purposes of the Fund's investment policies, investments in Depositary Receipts will be deemed to be investments in the underlying securities. Thus, a Depositary Receipt representing ownership of common stock will be treated as common stock.<br>Depositary Receipts are generally subject to the same sort of risks as direct investments in a foreign country, such as currency risk, political and economic risk, and market risk, because their values generally depend on the performance of a foreign security denominated in its home currency. (The risks of foreign investing are addressed above in this section of the SAI under the heading "Foreign Investing.") In addition to risks associated with the underlying portfolio of securities, receipt holders also must consider credit standings of the custodians and broker/dealer sponsors. The receipts are not registered with the SEC and qualify as Rule 144A securities which may make them more difficult and costly to sell. (For information about Rule 144A securities, see "Illiquid and Restricted Securities" in this section of the SAI.) |
| ***Emerging Market Securities*** | The Funds may invest in countries or regions with relatively low gross national product per capita compared to the world's major economies, and in countries or regions with the potential for rapid economic growth (emerging markets). Emerging markets will include any country: (i) having an "emerging stock market" as defined by the International Finance Corporation; (ii) with low-to-middle-income economies according to the World Bank; (iii) listed in World Bank publications as developing; or (iv) determined by the subadviser to be an emerging market as defined above.<br>Certain emerging market countries are either comparatively underdeveloped or are in the process of becoming developed and may consequently be economically dependent on a relatively few or closely interdependent industries. A high proportion of the securities of many emerging market issuers may also be held by a limited number of large investors trading significant blocks of securities. While a Fund's subadviser will strive to be sensitive to publicized reversals of economic conditions, political unrest and adverse changes in trading status, unanticipated political and social developments may affect the values of the Fund's investments in such countries and the availability of additional investments in such countries.<br>The risks of investing in foreign securities may be intensified in the case of investments in emerging markets. Securities of many issuers in emerging markets may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers. Emerging markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of a Fund is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of a Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of portfolio securities or, if a Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, in possible liability to the purchaser. Securities prices in emerging markets can be significantly more volatile than in the more developed nations of the world, reflecting the greater uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. In |

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|  | particular, countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments, present the risk of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership, or prohibitions of repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries.<br>Certain emerging markets may require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. In addition, a country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances, whether because deterioration occurs in an emerging market's balance of payments or for other reasons. The Funds could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Funds of any restrictions on investments.<br>Investments in certain foreign emerging market debt obligations may be restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times preclude investment in certain foreign emerging market debt obligations and increase the expenses of the Funds |
| ***Foreign Currency Transactions*** | When investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies, the Funds will be subject to the additional risk of currency fluctuations. An adverse change in the value of a particular foreign currency as against the U.S. dollar, to the extent that such change is not offset by a gain in other foreign currencies, will result in a decrease in the Fund's assets. Any such change may also have the effect of decreasing or limiting the income available for distribution. Foreign currencies may be affected by revaluation, adverse political and economic developments, and governmental restrictions. Further, no assurance can be given that currency exchange controls will not be imposed on any particular currency at a later date.<br>As a result of its investments in foreign securities, a Fund may receive interest or dividend payments, or the proceeds of the sale or redemption of such securities, in the foreign currencies in which such securities are denominated. In that event, the Fund may convert such currencies into dollars at the then current exchange rate. Under certain circumstances, however, such as where the Fund's subadviser believes that the applicable rate is unfavorable at the time the currencies are received or the Fund's subadviser anticipates, for any other reason, that the exchange rate will improve, the Fund may hold such currencies for an indefinite period of time.<br>In addition, a Fund may be required to receive delivery of the foreign currency underlying forward foreign currency contracts it has entered into. This could occur, for example, if an option written by the Fund is exercised or the Fund is unable to close out a forward contract. A Fund may hold foreign currency in anticipation of purchasing foreign securities.<br>A Fund may also elect to take delivery of the currencies' underlying options or forward contracts if, in the judgment of the Fund's subadviser, it is in the best interest of the Fund to do so. In such instances as well, the Fund may convert the foreign currencies to dollars at the then current exchange rate, or may hold such currencies for an indefinite period of time.<br>While the holding of currencies will permit a Fund to take advantage of favorable movements in the applicable exchange rate, it also exposes the Fund to risk of loss if such rates move in a direction adverse to the Fund's position. Such losses could reduce any profits or increase any losses sustained by the Fund from the sale or redemption of securities, and could reduce the dollar value of interest or dividend payments received. In addition, the holding of currencies could adversely affect the Fund's profit or loss on currency options or forward contracts, as well as its hedging strategies. |

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|  | When a Fund effects foreign currency exchange transactions on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign exchange market, the Fund incurs expenses in converting assets from one currency to another. A Fund may also effect other types of foreign currency exchange transactions, which have their own risks and costs. For information about such transactions, please see "Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, Futures and Options" under "Derivatives" in this section of the SAI. |
| ***Foreign Investment Companies*** | Some of the countries in which the Funds may invest may not permit, or may place economic restrictions on, direct investment by outside investors. Investments in such countries may be permitted only through foreign government-approved or - authorized investment vehicles, which may include other investment companies. These funds may also invest in other investment companies that invest in foreign securities. Investing through such vehicles may involve frequent or layered fees or expenses and may also be subject to limitation under the 1940 Act. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company's expenses, including advisory fees. Those expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations. For additional information, see "Mutual Fund Investing" in this section of the SAI. |
| ***Privatizations*** | The governments of some foreign countries have been engaged in programs of selling part or all of their stakes in government owned or controlled enterprises ("privatizations"). Privatizations may offer opportunities for significant capital appreciation. In certain foreign countries, the ability of foreign entities such as the Funds to participate in privatizations may be limited by local law, or the terms on which a Fund may be permitted to participate may be less advantageous than those for local investors. There can be no assurance that foreign governments will continue to sell companies currently owned or controlled by them or that privatization programs will be successful. |
| **Funding Agreements** | Each Fund may invest in funding agreements, which are insurance contracts between an investor and the issuing insurance company. For the issuer, they represent senior obligations under an insurance product. For the investor, and from a regulatory perspective, these agreements are treated as securities. These agreements, like other insurance products, are backed by claims on the general assets of the issuing entity and rank on the same priority level as other policy holder claims. Funding agreements typically are issued with a one-year final maturity and a variable interest rate, which may adjust weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Some agreements carry a seven-day put feature. A funding agreement without this feature is considered illiquid and will therefore be subject to the Funds' limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See "Illiquid and Restricted Securities" in this section of the SAI.) Funding agreements are regulated by the state insurance board of the state where they are executed. |
| **Guaranteed Investment Contracts** | Each Fund may invest in GICs issued by U.S. and Canadian insurance companies. A GIC requires the investor to make cash contributions to a deposit fund of an insurance company's general account. The insurance company then makes payments to the investor based on negotiated, floating or fixed interest rates. A GIC is a general obligation of the issuing insurance company and not a separate account. The purchase price paid for a GIC becomes part of the general assets of the insurance company, and the contract is paid from the insurance company's general assets. Generally, a GIC is not assignable or transferable without the permission of the issuing insurance company, and an active secondary market in GICs does not currently exist. Therefore, these investments may be deemed to be illiquid, in which case they will be subject to the Funds' limitations on investments in illiquid securities. (See "Illiquid and Restricted Securities" in this section of the SAI.) |

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| **Illiquid and Restricted Securities** | Illiquid securities are investments that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid assets. No Fund may acquire any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets. Historically, illiquid securities have included securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale because they have not been registered under the 1933 Act ("restricted securities"), securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, such as over-the-counter options, and repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal in seven days. Such securities may offer higher yields than comparable publicly traded securities, and they also may incur higher risks.<br>Repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements and time deposits that do not provide for payment to the Fund within seven days may be deemed illiquid securities for this purpose unless such securities are variable amount master demand notes with maturities of nine months or less or unless the Fund's subadviser has determined that an adequate trading market exists for such securities or that market quotations are readily available.<br>The Funds may purchase Rule 144A securities sold to institutional investors without registration under the 1933 Act and commercial paper issued in reliance upon the exemption in Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act, for which an institutional market has developed. Institutional investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the unregistered security can be readily resold or on the issuer's ability to honor a demand for repayment of the unregistered security.<br>An investment's contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity of the investment and therefore the investments described in this section may be determined to be liquid in accordance with the Fund's liquidity risk management program approved by the Board. The Trustees have delegated to each Fund's Adviser the determination of the liquidity of such investments in the respective Fund's portfolio as administrator of the Fund's liquidity risk management program. The Fund's Adviser will take into account relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations when determining whether an investment is illiquid.<br>If illiquid assets exceed 15% of a Fund's net assets after the time of purchase, the Fund will take steps to reduce, in accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, its holdings of illiquid securities. Because illiquid securities may not be readily marketable, the relevant Fund's subadviser may not be able to dispose of them in a timely manner. As a result, the Fund may be forced to hold illiquid securities while their price depreciates. Depreciation in the price of illiquid securities may cause the NAV of the Fund holding them to decline. An investment that is determined by a Fund's Adviser to be liquid may subsequently revert to being illiquid if not enough buyer interest exists.<br>Restricted securities ordinarily can be sold by the Fund in secondary market transactions to certain qualified investors pursuant to rules established by the SEC, in privately negotiated transactions to a limited number of purchasers or in a public offering made pursuant to an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act. When registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable time may elapse between the decision to sell and the sale date. If, during such period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than the price which prevailed when it decided to sell.<br>Restricted securities will be priced at fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees or their delegate. |

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| **Leverage** | Each Fund may employ investment techniques that create leverage, either by using borrowed capital to increase the amount invested, or investing in instruments, including derivatives, where the investment loss can exceed the original amount invested. Certain investments or trading strategies that involve leverage can result in losses that greatly exceed the amount originally invested.<br>The SEC takes the position that transactions that have a leveraging effect on the capital structure of a mutual fund or are economically equivalent to borrowing can be viewed as constituting a form of borrowing by the fund for purposes of the 1940 Act. These transactions can include buying and selling certain derivatives (such as futures contracts); selling (or writing) put and call options; engaging in sale-buybacks; entering into firm-commitment and stand-by commitment agreements; engaging in when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward-commitment transactions; and other similar trading practices (additional discussion about a number of these transactions can be found throughout this section of the SAI). As a result, when a Fund enters into such transactions the transactions may be subject to the same requirements and restrictions as borrowing. (See "Borrowing" below for additional information.)<br>The following are some of the Funds' permitted investment techniques that are generally viewed as creating leverage for the Funds. |
| ***Borrowing*** | A Fund's ability to borrow money is limited by its investment policies and limitations, by the 1940 Act, and by applicable exemptions, no-action letters, interpretations, and other pronouncements issued from time to time by the SEC and its staff or any other regulatory authority with jurisdiction. Under the 1940 Act, a Fund is required to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets made for temporary or emergency purposes. Any borrowings for temporary purposes in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets must maintain continuous asset coverage. If the 300% asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or for other reasons, a Fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days (excluding Sundays and holidays) to reduce the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time.<br>Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of a Fund's portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs that may or may not be recovered by earnings on the securities purchased. A Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with a borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.<br>|
| *Interfund Borrowing and Lending* | The Virtus Funds and their investment advisers have received exemptive relief from the SEC which permits the Virtus Funds to participate in an interfund lending program. The interfund lending program allows the participating Virtus Funds to borrow money from and loan money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes. The program is subject to a number of conditions designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of the participating Virtus Funds, including the following: (1) no Virtus Fund may borrow money through the program unless it receives a more favorable interest rate than a rate approximating the lowest interest rate at which bank loans would be available to any of the participating Virtus Funds under a loan agreement; and (2) no Virtus Fund may lend money through the program unless it receives a more favorable return than that available from an investment in overnight repurchase agreements or the yield of any money market fund in which the Virtus Fund could invest. In addition, a Virtus Fund may participate in the program only if and to the extent that such participation is consistent with its investment objectives, policies and limitations. Interfund loans and borrowings have a maximum duration of seven days and loans may be called on one business day's notice. |

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|  | A participating Virtus Fund may not lend to another Virtus Fund under the interfund lending program if the interfund loan would cause its aggregate outstanding interfund loans to exceed 15% of its current net assets at the time of the loan. Interfund loans by a Virtus Fund to any one Virtus Fund may not exceed 5% of net assets of the lending Virtus Fund.<br>The restrictions discussed above and the other conditions of the SEC exemptive order permitting interfund lending are designed to minimize the risks associated with interfund lending for both the lending Virtus Fund and the borrowing Virtus Fund. However, no borrowing or lending activity is without risk. If a Virtus Fund borrows money from another Virtus Fund, there is a risk that the interfund loan could be called on one business day's notice or not renewed, in which case the borrowing Virtus Fund may have to borrow from a bank at higher rates if an interfund loan were not available from another Virtus Fund. A delay in repayment to a lending Virtus Fund could result in a lost opportunity or additional lending costs, and interfund loans are subject to the risk that the borrowing Virtus Fund could be unable to repay the loan when due. |
| ***Mortgage "Dollar-Roll" Transactions*** | Each Fund may enter into mortgage "dollar-roll" transactions pursuant to which it sells mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the future and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the mortgage-backed securities. The Fund is compensated for the lost interest by the difference between the current sales price and the lower price for the future purchase (often referred to as the "drop") as well as by the interest earned on, and gains from, the investment of the cash proceeds of the initial sale. The Fund may also be compensated by receipt of a commitment fee. If the income and capital gains from the Fund's investment of the cash from the initial sale do not exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the investment performance of the Fund compared with what the performance would have been without the use of the dollar roll.<br>Dollar-roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Fund is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. If the broker-dealer to whom the Fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the Fund's right to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted. Successful use of dollar rolls may depend upon the Fund's subadviser's ability to correctly predict interest rates and prepayments. There is no assurance that dollar rolls can be successfully employed. |
| ***Reverse Repurchase Agreements*** | Reverse repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Fund sells a security and simultaneously commits to repurchase that security from the buyer, such as a bank or broker-dealer, at an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon future date. The resale price in a reverse repurchase agreement reflects a market rate of interest that is not related to the coupon rate or maturity of the sold security. For certain demand agreements, there is no agreed-upon repurchase date and interest payments are calculated daily, often based upon the prevailing overnight repurchase rate.<br>Generally, a reverse repurchase agreement enables the Fund to recover for the term of the reverse repurchase agreement all or most of the cash invested in the portfolio securities sold and to keep the interest income associated with those portfolio securities. Such transactions are only advantageous if the interest cost to the Fund of the reverse repurchase transaction is less than the cost of obtaining the cash otherwise. In addition, interest costs on the money received in a reverse repurchase agreement may exceed the return received on the investments made by the Fund with those monies. Using reverse repurchase agreements to earn additional income involves the |

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|  | risk that the interest earned on the invested proceeds is less than the expense of the reverse repurchase agreement transaction.<br>Because reverse repurchase agreements are considered borrowing under the 1940 Act, while a reverse repurchase agreement is outstanding, the Fund will maintain cash and appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial account to cover its obligation under the agreement. A Fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with parties that the Fund's subadviser deems creditworthy, but such investments are still subject to the risks of leverage discussed above. |
| **Market Volatility Risk** | A Fund could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. The value of a security or other instrument may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other instrument, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments. An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 was first detected in China in December 2019 and has now been detected globally. This coronavirus has resulted in travel restrictions, closed international borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, prolonged quarantines, cancellations, supply chain disruptions, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of COVID-19, and other infectious illness outbreaks that may arise in the future, could adversely affect the economies of many nations or the entire global economy, individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. In addition, the impact of infectious illnesses in emerging market countries may be greater due to generally less established healthcare systems. Public health crises caused by the COVID-19 outbreak may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally. The duration of the COVID-19 outbreak and its effects cannot be determined with certainty. |
| **Master Limited Partnerships ("MLPs")** | An investment in MLP units involves some risks that differ from an investment in the common stock of a corporation. Holders of MLP units have limited control on matters affecting the partnership. Conflicts of interest exist between common unit holders and the general partner, including those arising from incentive distribution payments. MLPs holding credit-related investments are subject to interest rate risk and the risk of default on payment obligations by debt issuers. MLPs that concentrate in a particular industry or a particular geographic region are subject to risks associated with such industry or region. The fees that MLPs charge for transportation of oil and gas products through their pipelines are subject to government regulation, which could negatively impact the revenue stream. Investing in MLPs also involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. These include the risk of environmental incidents, terrorist attacks, demand destruction from high commodity prices, proliferation of alternative energy sources, inadequate supply of external capital, and conflicts of interest with the general partner. There are also certain tax risks associated with investment in MLPs. The benefit derived from a Fund's investment in MLPs is somewhat dependent on the MLP being treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, so any change to this status would adversely affect the price of MLP units. Historically, a substantial portion of the gross taxable income of MLPs has been offset by tax losses and deductions reducing gross income received by investors, and any change to these tax rules would adversely affect the price of an MLP unit. Certain MLPs may trade less frequently than other securities, and those with limited trading volumes may display volatile or erratic price movements |

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| **Money Market Instruments** | Each Fund may invest in money market instruments, which are high-quality short-term investments. The types of money market instruments most commonly acquired by the Funds are discussed below, although each Fund is also permitted to invest in other types of money market instruments to the extent consistent with the Fund's investment limitations and restrictions. |
| ***Banker's Acceptances*** | A banker's acceptance is a time draft drawn on a commercial bank by a borrower usually in connection with an international commercial transaction (to finance the import, export, transfer or storage of goods). The borrower, as well as the bank, is liable for payment, and the bank unconditionally guarantees to pay the draft at its face amount on the maturity date. Most acceptances have maturities of six months or less and are traded in secondary markets prior to maturity. |
| ***Certificates of Deposit*** | Certificates of deposit are generally short-term, interest-bearing negotiable certificates issued by banks or savings and loan associations against funds deposited in the issuing institution. They generally may be withdrawn on demand but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which could reduce the Fund's yield. Deposits subject to early withdrawal penalties or that mature in more than seven days are treated as illiquid securities if there is no readily available market for the securities. |
| ***Commercial Paper*** | Commercial paper refers to short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations to finance short-term credit needs. Commercial paper is usually sold on a discount basis and has a maturity at the time of issuance not exceeding nine months. |
| ***Obligations of Foreign Banks and Foreign Branches of U.S. Banks*** | The money market instruments in which the Funds may invest include negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and time deposits of foreign branches of U.S. banks, foreign banks and their non-U.S. branches (Eurodollars), U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks (Yankee dollars), and wholly-owned banking-related subsidiaries of foreign banks. For the purposes of each Fund's investment policies with respect to money market instruments, obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks are obligations of the issuing bank and may be general obligations of the parent bank. Such obligations, however, may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by government regulation. As with investment in non-U.S. securities in general, investments in the obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks may subject a Fund to investment risks that are different in some respects from those of investments in obligations of domestic issuers. |
| ***Time Deposits*** | Time deposits are deposits in a bank or other financial institution for a specified period of time at a fixed interest rate for which a negotiable certificate is not received. |
| ***U.S. Government Obligations*** | Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States Government include a variety of Treasury securities, which differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. Treasury bills have maturities of one year or less. Treasury notes have maturities of one to ten years, and Treasury bonds generally have maturities of greater than ten years.<br>Agencies of the United States Government which issue or guarantee obligations include, among others, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Housing Administration, GNMA, Maritime Administration, Small Business Administration and The Tennessee Valley Authority. Obligations of instrumentalities of the United States Government include securities issued or guaranteed by, among others, FNMA, Federal Home Loan Banks, FHLMC, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Banks |

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|  | for Cooperatives, and the U.S. Postal Service. Some of these securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury, while still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. There is no guarantee that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities, now or in the future, if it is not obligated to do so by law. Accordingly, although these securities have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity, they may involve more risk than securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government because the Fund must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the securities for repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States if the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment.<br>|
| **Mutual Fund Investing** | Each Fund is authorized to invest in the securities of other investment companies subject to the limitations contained in the 1940 Act.<br>Investment companies in which the Fund may invest may include ETFs. An ETF is an investment company classified as an open-end investment company or unit investment trust that is traded similarly to a publicly traded company. Most ETFs seek to achieve the same return as a particular market index. That type of ETF is similar to an index fund in that it will primarily invest in the securities of companies that are included in a selected market index. An index-based ETF will invest in all of the securities included in the index, a representative sample of the securities included in the index, or other investments expected to produce returns substantially similar to that of the index. Other types of ETFs include leveraged or inverse ETFs, which are ETFs that seek to achieve a daily return that is a multiple or an inverse multiple of the daily return of a securities index. An important characteristic of these ETFs is that they seek to achieve their stated objectives on a daily basis, and their performance over longer periods of time can differ significantly from the multiple or inverse multiple of the index performance over those longer periods of time. ETFs also include actively managed ETFs that pursue active management strategies and publish their portfolio holdings on a frequent basis.<br>In connection with the management of its daily cash positions, each Fund may invest in securities issued by investment companies that invest in short-term debt securities (which may include municipal obligations that are exempt from Federal income taxes) and that seek to maintain a $1.00 NAV per share.<br>In certain countries, investments by the Funds may only be made through investments in other investment companies that, in turn, are authorized to invest in the securities that are issued in such countries. (See "Foreign Investment Companies" under "Foreign Investing" in this section of the SAI.)<br>Under the 1940 Act, a Fund generally may not own more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of an investment company, invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company, or invest more than 10% of its total assets in the securities of investment companies. In some instances, a Fund may invest in an investment company in excess of these limits; for instance, with respect to investments in money market funds or investments made pursuant to exemptive rules adopted and/or orders granted by the SEC. The SEC has adopted exemptive rules to permit funds of funds to exceed these limits when complying with certain conditions, which differ depending upon whether the funds in which a fund of funds invests are affiliated or unaffiliated with the fund of funds. Many ETFs have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETF's shares beyond the statutory limitations discussed above, subject to certain conditions. The Funds may rely on these exemptive rules and/or orders to invest in affiliated or unaffiliated mutual funds and/or unaffiliated ETFs. In addition to this, the Trust has obtained exemptive relief permitting the Funds |

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|  | to exceed the limitations with respect to investments in affiliated and unaffiliated funds that are not themselves funds of funds, subject to certain conditions.<br>In October 2020, the SEC adopted a new regulatory framework, including new Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, for fund-of-funds arrangements. Rule 12d1-4 permits a registered investment company to acquire the securities of any other registered investment company or BDC in excess of the limits of the 1940 Act. In connection with new Rule 12d1-4, the SEC also rescinded Rule 12d1-2 and certain exemptive orders permitting fund-of-funds arrangements. These regulatory changes may adversely impact the Funds' investment strategies and operations.<br>The risks associated with investing in other investment companies generally reflect the risks of owning shares of the underlying securities in which those investment companies invest, although lack of liquidity in an investment company could result in its value being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities. For purposes of complying with investment policies requiring a Fund to invest a percentage of its assets in a certain type of investments (e.g., stocks of small capitalization companies), the Fund generally will look through an investment company in which it invests, to categorize the investment company in accordance with the types of investments the investment company holds.<br>Certain investment companies in which the Funds may invest may be considered commodity pools under the CEA and applicable CFTC regulations. If a Fund invests in such an investment company, the Fund will be required to treat some or all of its holding of the investment company's shares as a commodity interest for the purposes of determining whether the Fund is qualified to claim exclusion or exemption from regulation by the CFTC. (See "Commodity Interests" in this section of the SAI for additional information regarding the implications to the Funds of investing in commodity interests.)<br>Investors in each Fund should recognize that when a Fund invests in another investment company, the Fund will bear its pro rata portion of the other investment company's expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the expenses the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.<br>|
| **Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs")** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Each Fund may invest in REITs. REITs pool investors' funds for investment primarily in income producing commercial real estate or real estate related loans. A REIT is not taxed on income distributed to shareholders if it complies with several requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets, and income and a requirement that it distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its taxable income (other than net capital gains) for each taxable year.<br>REITs can generally be classified as follows:<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  Equity REITs, which invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  Mortgage REITs, which invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments. <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•  Hybrid REITs, which combine the characteristics of both equity REITs and mortgage REITs. <br>REITs are structured similarly to closed-end investment companies in that they are essentially holding companies. An investor should realize that by investing in REITs indirectly through the Fund, he will bear not only his proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of the underlying REITs. (See "Mutual Fund Investing" in this section of the SAI.)<br>Selecting REITs requires an evaluation of the merits of each type of asset a particular REIT owns, as well as regional and local economics. Due to the proliferation of REITs |

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|  | in recent years and the relative lack of sophistication of certain REIT managers, the quality of REIT assets has varied significantly. The risks associated with REITs are similar to those associated with the direct ownership of real estate. These include declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, dependence on management skill, cash flow dependence, possible lack of availability of long-term mortgage funds, over-building, extended vacancies of properties, decreased occupancy rates and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in neighborhood values and the appeal of the properties to tenants and changes in interest rates.<br>Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties they own, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Further, equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally are not diversified. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to potential defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status of income under the Code and failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments. In addition, investment in REITs could cause the Fund to possibly fail to qualify as a regulated investment company. (See the "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" section of the SAI.) |
| **Repurchase Agreements** | Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements by which the Fund purchases portfolio securities subject to the seller's agreement to repurchase them at a mutually agreed-upon time and price. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase price may be the same, with interest payable to the Fund at a stated rate together with the repurchase price on repurchase. In either case, the income to the Fund is unrelated to the interest rate on the security.<br>A repurchase agreement must be collateralized by obligations that could otherwise be purchased by the Fund (except with respect to maturity), and these must be maintained by the seller in a segregated account for the Fund. The value of such collateral will be monitored throughout the term of the repurchase agreement in an attempt to ensure that the market value of the collateral always equals or exceeds the repurchase price (including accrued interest). If the value of the collateral dips below such repurchase price, additional collateral will be requested and, when received, added to the account to maintain full collateralization.<br>Repurchase agreements will be entered into with commercial banks, brokers and dealers considered by the relevant Fund's subadviser to be creditworthy. However, the use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks such as default by, or insolvency of, the other party to the transaction. The Fund also might incur disposition costs in connection with liquidating the underlying securities or enforcing its rights.<br>Typically, repurchase agreements are in effect for one week or less, but they may be in effect for longer periods of time.<br>Repurchase agreements of more than seven days' duration are subject to each Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid securities, which means that no more than 15% of the market value of a Fund's total assets may be invested in repurchase agreements with a maturity of more than seven days and in other illiquid securities.<br>|
| **Securities Lending** | Subject to certain investment restrictions, each Fund may, subject to the Trustees' and Trust Treasurer's approval, lend securities from its portfolio to brokers, dealers and financial institutions deemed creditworthy and receive, as collateral, cash or cash equivalents which at all times while the loan is outstanding will be maintained in amounts  |

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|  | equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities. Any cash collateral will be invested in short-term securities that will increase the current income of the Fund lending its securities.<br>A Fund will have the right to regain record ownership of loaned securities to exercise beneficial rights such as voting rights and subscription rights. While a securities loan is outstanding, the Fund is to receive an amount equal to any dividends, interest or other distributions with respect to the loaned securities. A Fund may pay reasonable fees to persons unaffiliated with the Trust for services in arranging such loans.<br>Even though securities lending usually does not impose market risks on the lending Fund, as with any extension of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery of the loaned securities and in some cases loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. In addition, the value of the collateral taken as security for the securities loaned may decline in value or may be difficult to convert to cash in the event that a Fund must rely on the collateral to recover the value of the securities. Moreover, if the borrower of the securities is insolvent, under current bankruptcy law, the Fund could be ordered by a court not to liquidate the collateral for an indeterminate period of time. If the borrower is the subject of insolvency proceedings and the collateral held might not be liquidated, the result could be a material adverse impact on the liquidity of the lending Fund.<br>No Fund will lend securities having a value in excess of 33 1/3% of its assets, including collateral received for loaned securities (valued at the time of any loan).<br>|
| **Short Sales** | Each Fund may sell securities short as part of its overall portfolio management strategies involving the use of derivative instruments and to offset potential declines in long positions in similar securities. A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire, or that it owns but does not wish to deliver, in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. A short sale is "against the box" to the extent the Fund contemporaneously owns, or has the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short. All other short sales are commonly referred to as "naked" short sales.<br>When a Fund makes a short sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security. The Fund is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; the Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund covers its short position, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above. The successful use of short selling may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.<br>If a Fund sells securities short against the box, it may protect unrealized gains, but will lose the opportunity to profit on such securities if the price rises. If a Fund engages in naked short sales, the Fund's risk of loss could be as much as the maximum attainable price of the security (which could be limitless) less the price paid by the Fund for the security at the time it was borrowed.<br>When a Fund sells securities short, to the extent required by applicable law and regulation the Fund will "cover" the short sale, which generally means that the Fund will segregate any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily, equal to the market value of the securities sold short, reduced by any amount deposited as margin. Alternatively, the Fund may "cover" a short sale by (a) owning the underlying securities, (b) owning securities currently convertible into the underlying securities at an exercise |

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| **Special Situations** | Each Fund may invest in special situations that the Fund's subadviser believes present opportunities for capital growth. Such situations most typically include corporate restructurings, mergers, and tender offers.<br>A special situation arises when, in the opinion of the Fund's subadviser, the securities of a particular company will, within a reasonably estimable period of time, be accorded market recognition at an appreciated value solely by reason of a development particularly or uniquely applicable to that company and regardless of general business conditions or movements of the market as a whole. Developments creating special situations might include, among others, the following: liquidations, reorganizations, recapitalizations, mergers, or tender offers; material litigation or resolution thereof; technological breakthroughs; and new management or management policies. Although large and well-known companies may be involved, special situations often involve much greater risk than is inherent in ordinary investment securities.<br>|
| **Temporary Investments** | When business or financial conditions warrant, each Fund may assume a temporary defensive position by investing in money-market instruments, including obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities, obligations of foreign sovereigns, other debt securities, commercial paper including bank obligations, certificates of deposit (including Eurodollar certificates of deposit) and repurchase agreements. (See "Money Market Instruments" in this section of the SAI for more information about these types of investments.)<br>For temporary defensive purposes, during periods in which a Fund's subadviser believes adverse changes in economic, financial or political conditions make it advisable, the Fund may reduce its holdings in equity and other securities and may invest up to 100% of its assets in certain short-term (less than twelve months to maturity) and medium-term (not greater than five years to maturity) debt securities and in cash (U.S. dollars, foreign currencies, or multicurrency units). The short-term and medium-term debt securities in which a Fund may invest for temporary defensive purposes will be those that the Fund's subadviser believes to be of high quality (i.e., subject to relatively low risk of loss of interest or principal). If rated, these securities will be rated in one of the three highest rating categories by rating services such as Moody's or S&P (i.e., rated at least A). |

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| **Warrants or Rights to Purchase Securities** | Each Fund may invest in or acquire warrants or rights to purchase equity or fixed income securities at a specified price during a specific period of time. A Fund will make such investments only if the underlying securities are deemed appropriate by the Fund's subadviser for inclusion in the Fund's portfolio. Included are warrants and rights whose underlying securities are not traded on principal domestic or foreign exchanges. Warrants and stock rights are almost identical to call options in their nature, use and effect except that they are issued by the issuer of the underlying security, rather than an option writer, and they generally have longer expiration dates than call options. (See "Options" in this section of the SAI for information about call options.)<br>Bonds with warrants attached to purchase equity securities have many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock. However, unlike convertible securities and preferred stocks, warrants do not pay a fixed dividend. Bonds also may be issued with warrants attached to purchase additional fixed income securities at the same coupon rate. A decline in interest rates would permit a Fund holding such warrants to buy additional bonds at the favorable rate or to sell the warrants at a profit. If interest rates rise, the warrants would generally expire with no value.<br>A Fund may purchase put warrants and call warrants whose values vary depending on the change in the value of one or more specified securities indices ("index warrants"). Index warrants are generally issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the value of the underlying index at the time of exercise. In general, if the value of the underlying index rises above the exercise price of the index warrant, the holder of a call warrant will be entitled to receive a cash payment from the issuer upon exercise based on the difference between the value of the index and the exercise price of the warrant; if the value of the underlying index falls, the holder of a put warrant will be entitled to receive a cash payment from the issuer upon exercise based on the difference between the exercise price of the warrant and the value of the index. The holder of a warrant would not be entitled to any payments from the issuer at any time when, in the case of a call warrant, the exercise price is greater than the value of the underlying index or, in the case of a put warrant, the exercise price is less than the value of the underlying index. If a Fund were not to exercise an index warrant prior to its expiration, then the Fund would lose the amount of the purchase price paid by it for the warrant.<br>A Fund will normally use index warrants in a manner similar to its use of options on securities indices. The risks of the Fund's use of index warrants are generally similar to those relating to its use of index options. (See "Options" in this section of the SAI for information about index options.) Unlike most index options, however, index warrants are issued in limited amounts and are not obligations of a regulated clearing agency, but are backed only by the credit of the bank or other institution which issues the warrant. Also, index warrants generally have longer terms than index options. Although a Fund will normally invest only in exchange-listed warrants, index warrants are not likely to be as liquid as certain index options backed by a recognized clearing agency. In addition, the terms of index warrants may limit a Fund's ability to exercise the warrants at such time, or in such quantities, as the Fund would otherwise wish to do. |

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| **When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions** | Each Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. These transactions are also known as delayed delivery transactions. (The phrase "delayed delivery" is not intended to include purchases where a delay in delivery involves only a brief period required by the selling party solely to locate appropriate certificates and prepare them for submission for clearance and settlement in the customary way.) Delayed delivery transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily up to 90 days later). The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and forward commitments are negotiated directly with the selling party.<br>When-issued purchases and forward commitments enable the Fund to lock in what is believed to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For example, in periods of rising interest rates and falling bond prices, the Fund might sell debt securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, the Fund might sell securities it owns and purchase the same or similar securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. The Fund will not enter into such transactions for the purpose of leverage.<br>The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value will be reflected in the Fund's NAV starting on the first business day after the date of the agreement to purchase the securities. The Fund will be subject to the rights and risks of ownership of the securities on the agreement date. However, the Fund will not earn interest on securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and received. A seller's failure to deliver securities to the Fund could prevent the Fund from realizing a price or yield considered to be advantageous and could cause the Fund to incur expenses associated with unwinding the transaction.<br>When a Fund makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement will be included in the Fund's assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities will not be reflected in the Fund's NAV as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect. Settlement of when-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions generally takes place up to 90 days after the date of the transaction, but the Fund may agree to a longer settlement period.<br>The Funds will make commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued basis or to purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, a Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into. A Fund also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. The Fund may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions.<br>When a Fund purchases securities on a when-issued or forward-commitment basis, the Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records securities having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the Fund's purchase commitments. These procedures are designed to ensure that each Fund will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases and forward commitments. |

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**<u>Investment Limitations</u>**

**<u>Fundamental Investment Limitations</u>**

Each Fund is subject to the investment limitations enumerated in this section, which may be changed with respect to a particular Fund only by a vote of the holders of a majority of such Fund's outstanding shares. As used in this SAI and in the Prospectuses, a "majority of the outstanding shares" of a Fund means the lesser of (a) 67% of the shares of the particular Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of such Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of such Fund. Each Fund will look through its Subsidiary, to the Subsidiary's assets, for purposes of complying with the investment limitations set forth below.

With respect to both Funds, except as noted, each Fund may not:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) With respect to 75% of its total assets,
purchase securities of an issuer (other than the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities or authorities or repurchase
agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities and other investment companies), if: (a) such purchase would, at the time,
cause more than 5% of the Fund's total assets taken at market value to be invested in the securities of such issuer; or (b)
such purchase would, at the time, result in more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer being held by the
Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Purchase any security (other than U.S. government
securities) if, as a result, 25% or more of the Fund's total assets (taken at current value) would be invested in any one
industry. For purposes of this restriction, telephone, gas and electric public utilities are each regarded as separate industries
and finance companies whose financing activities are related primarily to the activities of their parent companies are classified
in the industry of their parents. For purposes of this restriction, asset-backed securities are not considered to be bank obligations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Borrow money, except to the extent permitted
under the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Issue "senior securities" in
contravention of the 1940 Act. Activities permitted by exemptive orders or staff interpretations of the SEC shall not be deemed
to be prohibited by this restriction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Underwrite the securities issued by other
persons, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an
underwriter under applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) Purchase or sell real estate, except that
the Fund may (i) acquire or lease office space for its own use, (ii) invest in securities of issuers that invest in real estate
or interests therein, (iii) invest in mortgage-related securities and other securities that are secured by real estate or interests
therein, and (iv) hold and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) Reserved.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) Lend securities or make any other loans if,
as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, except that the Fund may purchase debt securities,
may enter into repurchase agreements and may acquire loans, loan participations and assignments (both funded and unfunded) and
other forms of debt instruments.

With respect to both Funds, except as noted, each Fund may:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) Purchase and sell commodities to the maximum
extent permitted by applicable law.

With respect to investment limitation (2) above, when selecting investments for a Fund, the Subadviser will consider the concentration policy of any ETFs, mutual funds and closed-end funds. For purposes of determining the amount of each Fund's assets invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry or group of related industries, the Fund will look through to the securities held by an affiliated mutual fund in which the Fund invests; however, as of the date of this SAI the Funds will not look through to the securities held by any ETFs, unaffiliated mutual funds and/or closed-end funds in which the Fund invests.

For purposes of compliance with Section 8 of the 1940 Act, governing investment policies, and Section 18 of the 1940 Act, governing capital structure and leverage, each Fund aggregates its holdings with instruments held by its Subsidiary, if any. Although a Subsidiary is not a registered investment company

under the 1940 Act, and therefore is not required to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act applicable to registered investment companies, each Subsidiary will comply with the provisions of Section 17 of the 1940 Act relating to affiliated transactions and custody.

Except with respect to investment restriction (3) above, if any percentage restriction described above for a Fund is adhered to at the time of investment, a subsequent increase or decrease in the percentage resulting from a change in the value of the Fund's assets will not constitute a violation of the restriction. With respect to investment restriction (3), in the event that asset coverage for all borrowings shall at any time fall below 300 per centum, the Fund shall, within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays) or such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by rules and regulations, reduce the amount of its borrowings to an extent that the asset coverage of such borrowings shall be at least 300 per centum.

Section 12 of the 1940 Act limits the percentage of shares of other mutual funds that a fund may purchase. The Funds have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit them to invest in affiliated and unaffiliated funds, including ETFs, beyond the statutory limitations, subject to certain conditions. Many ETFs also have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETF's shares beyond these statutory limitations, subject to certain conditions. Each Fund may rely on the various exemptive orders to invest in shares of other mutual funds, including ETFs as applicable. In October 2020, the SEC adopted certain regulatory changes and took other actions related to the ability of an investment company to invest in the securities of another investment company. These changes include, among other things, the rescission of certain SEC exemptive orders permitting investments in excess of the statutory limits and the withdrawal of certain related SEC staff no-action letters, and the adoption of Rule 12d1-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Rule 12d1-4, which became effective on January 19, 2021, permits the Funds to invest in other investment companies beyond the statutory limits, subject to certain conditions. The rescission of the applicable exemptive orders and the withdrawal of the applicable no-action letters was effective on January 19, 2022. Since such time, an investment company will no longer be able to rely on the aforementioned exemptive orders and no-action letters and will be subject instead to Rule 12d1-4 and other applicable rules under Section 12(d)(1). The Funds do not believe these regulatory changes will require changes to their investment strategies.

**<u>Management of the Trust</u>**

**<u>Trustees and Officers</u>**

The Board is responsible for the overall supervision of the Trust, including establishing the Funds' policies and general supervision and review of their investment activities, and performs the various duties imposed on Trustees by the 1940 Act and Delaware statutory trust law. The officers, who administer the Funds' daily operations, are appointed by the Board and generally are employees of the Administrator or one of its affiliates. The current Trustees and officers of the Trust performing a policy-making function and their affiliations and principal occupations for the past five years are set forth below. The Trust has no employees.

Unless otherwise noted, each Trustee of the Trust also serves as a Trustee of other Virtus Mutual Funds and the address of each individual is c/o Virtus Funds, One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103. There is no stated term of office for Trustees or officers of the Trust.

**Independent Trustees\***

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| **Name and**<br> **Year of Birth** | **Length**<br> **of** <br> **Time**<br> **Served** | **Number of**<br> **Portfolios in**<br> **Fund** <br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen by**<br> **Trustee** | **Principal**<br> **Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past 5**<br> **Years** | **Other** <br> **Directorships** <br> **Held by** <br> **Trustee During** <br> **Past 5 Years** |
| Burke, Donald C.<br> YOB: 1960 | Since 2016 | 103 | Private investor (since 2009). Formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, BlackRock U.S. Funds (2007 to 2009); Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (2006 to 2009); and Managing Director, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (1990 to 2006). | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Director (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Director (since 2020), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2014), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (3 funds); Director, Avista Corp. (energy company) (since 2011); Trustee, Goldman Sachs Fund Complex (2010 to 2014); and Director, BlackRock Luxembourg and Cayman Funds (2006 to 2010). |

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| Cogan, Sarah E. <br> YOB: 1956 | Since 2021 | 109 | Retired Partner, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP ("STB") (law firm) (since 2019); Director, Girl Scouts of Greater New York (since 2016); Trustee, Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. (since 2013); and formerly, Partner, STB (1989 to 2018). | Trustee (since 2022) and Advisory Board Member (2021 to 2022), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios) and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup>, The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup> VL, and Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios); Advisory Board Member (February 2021 to June 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2021), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2019), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2019), Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund, Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund, and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund; Trustee (since 2019), PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO Energy and Tactical Credit Opportunities Fund, PCM Fund, Inc, PIMCO Corporate & Income Strategy Fund, PIMCO Corporate & Income Opportunity Fund, PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund, PIMCO Global StocksPLUS® & Income Fund, PIMCO High Income Fund, PIMCO Income Strategy Fund, PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II, PIMCO Strategic Income Fund, Inc., PIMCO Flexible Credit Income Fund and PIMCO Flexible Municipal Income Fund; Trustee (since 2019), PIMCO Managed Accounts Trust (5 portfolios); and Trustee (2019 to 2021), PIMCO Dynamic Credit and Mortgage Income Fund and PIMCO Income Opportunity Fund. |

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| DeCotis, Deborah A.<br> YOB: 1952 | Since 2021 | 109 | Director, Cadre Holdings Inc. (since 2022); Advisory Director, Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. (since 1996); Member, Circle Financial Group (since 2009); Member, Council on Foreign Relations (since 2013); and Trustee, Smith College (since 2017). Formerly, Director, Watford Re (2017 to 2021); Co-Chair Special Projects Committee, Memorial Sloan Kettering (2005 to 2015); and Trustee, Stanford University (2010 to 2015). | Trustee (since 2022) and Advisory Board Member (2021 to 2022), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios) and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), PIMCO Access Income Fund; Director, Cadre Holdings Inc. (since 2022); Trustee (since 2021), PIMCO Flexible Emerging Markets Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, and Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios); Advisory Board Member (February 2021 to June 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2021), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), PIMCO Dynamic Income Opportunities Fund; Trustee (since 2019), PIMCO Energy and Tactical Credit Opportunities Fund and Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund; Trustee (since 2018), PIMCO Flexible Municipal Income Fund; Trustee (since 2017), PIMCO Flexible Credit Income Fund and Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund; Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund; Trustee (since 2014), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios); Trustee (2013 to 2021), PIMCO Dynamic Credit and Mortgage Income Fund; Trustee (since 2012), PIMCO Dynamic Income Fund; Trustee (since 2011), Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2011), PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO Municipal Income Fund III, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II, PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund III, PCM Fund, Inc., PIMCO Corporate & Income Strategy Fund, PIMCO Corporate & Income Opportunity Fund, PIMCO Global StocksPLUS® & Income Fund, PIMCO High Income Fund, PIMCO Income Strategy Fund, PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II, PIMCO Strategic Income Fund, Inc., and PIMCO Managed Accounts Trust (5 portfolios); Trustee (since 2011), Virtus Convertible & Income Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund, and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund; and Trustee (2011 to 2021), PIMCO Income Opportunity Fund. |

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| Drummond, F. Ford <br> YOB: 1962 | Since 2021 | 109 | Owner/Operator (since 1998), Drummond Ranch; and Director (since 2015), Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Formerly Chairman, Oklahoma Nature Conservancy (2019 to 2020); Board Member (2006 to 2020) and Chairman (2016 to 2018), Oklahoma Water Resources Board; Director (1998 to 2008), The Cleveland Bank; and General Counsel (1998 to 2008), BMIHealth Plans (benefits administration). | Trustee (since 2022) and Advisory Board Member (2021 to 2022), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios), and Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund, Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund, The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup>, The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup> VL, and Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios); Advisory Board Member (February 2021 to June 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2021), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2019), Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund; Trustee (since 2017), Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund; Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Convertible & Income Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund, Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund and Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund; Trustee (since 2014), Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Director (since 2011), Bancfirst Corporation; and Trustee (since 2006), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios). |

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| Harris, Sidney E.<br> YOB: 1949 | Since 2017 | 102 | Private Investor (since 2021); Dean Emeritus (since 2015), Professor (2015 to 2021 and 1997 to 2014), Dean (1997 to 2004), J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University. | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup>, The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup> VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Director (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Director (since 2020), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Trustee (since 2019), Mutual Fund Directors Forum; Trustee (since 2017), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios), and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (2013 to 2020) and Honorary Trustee (since 2020), KIPP Metro Atlanta; Director (1999 to 2019), Total System Services, Inc.; Trustee (2004 to 2017), RidgeWorth Funds; Chairman (2012 to 2017), International University of the Grand Bassam Foundation; Trustee (since 2012), International University of the Grand Bassam Foundation; and Trustee (2011 to 2015), Genspring Family Offices, LLC. |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Mallin, John R.<br> YOB: 1950 | Since 2016 | 102 | Partner/Attorney (since 2003), McCarter & English LLP (law firm) Real Property Practice Group; and Member (since 2014), Counselors of Real Estate. | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup>, The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup> VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Director (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Director (since 2020), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios) and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2019), 1892 Club, Inc. (non-profit); Director (2013 to 2020), Horizons, Inc. (non-profit); and Trustee (since 1999), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios). |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| McDaniel, Connie D.<br> YOB: 1958 | Since 2017 | 102 | Retired (since 2013). Vice President, Chief of Internal Audit, Corporate Audit Department (2009 to 2013); Vice President, Global Finance Transformation (2007 to 2009); and Vice President and Controller (1999 to 2007), The Coca-Cola Company. | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup>, The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup> VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Director (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Director (since 2020), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Director (since 2019), Global Payments Inc.; Chairperson (since 2019), Governance & Nominating Committee, Global Payments Inc; Trustee (since 2017), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios), and Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Director (since 2021), North Florida Land Trust; Director (2014 to 2019), Total System Services, Inc.; Member (since 2011) and Chair (2014 to 2016), Georgia State University, Robinson College of Business Board of Advisors; and Trustee (2005 to 2017), RidgeWorth Funds. |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| McLoughlin, Philip Chairman<br> YOB: 1946 | Since 2013 | 112 | Private investor since 2010. | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup>, The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup> VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2021), Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund, Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund; Trustee (since 2022) and Advisory Board Member (2021), Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund and Virtus Convertible & Income Fund; Director and Chairman (since 2016), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Director and Chairman (2016 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Director and Chairman (2014 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee and Chairman (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee and Chairman (since 2011), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Chairman and Trustee (since 2003), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Director (since 1995), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (3 funds); Director (1991 to 2019) and Chairman (2010 to 2019), Lazard World Trust Fund (closed-end investment firm in Luxembourg); and Trustee (since 1989) and Chairman (since 2002), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios). |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| McNamara, Geraldine M.<br> YOB: 1951<br>| Since 2016 | 105 | Private investor (since 2006); and Managing Director, U.S. Trust Company of New York (1982 to 2006). | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup>, The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup> VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Director (2020 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Director (since 2020), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2020), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Trustee (since 2016) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios); Trustee (since 2015), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Director (since 2003), closed-end funds managed by Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (3 funds); and Trustee (since 2001), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios). |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Walton, R. Keith<br> YOB: 1964 | Since 2020 | 109 | Venture and Operating Partner (since 2020), Plexo Capital, LLC; Venture Partner (since 2019) and Senior Adviser (2018 to 2019), Plexo, LLC; and Partner (since 2006), Global Infrastructure Partners. Formerly, Managing Director (2020 to 2021), Lafayette Square Holding Company LLC; Senior Adviser (2018 to 2019), Vatic Labs, LLC; Executive Vice President, Strategy (2017 to 2019), Zero Mass Water, LLC; Vice President, Strategy (2013 to 2017), Arizona State University. | Trustee (since 2022) and Advisory Board Member (January 2022 to July 2022), Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund and Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund; Advisory Board Member (since 2022), Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup>, The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup> VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2020) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios) and Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios); Director (since 2017), certain funds advised by Bessemer Investment Management LLC; Director (2016 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Director (2006 to 2019), Systematica Investments Limited Funds; Director (2006 to 2017), BlueCrest Capital Management Funds; Trustee (2014 to 2017), AZ Service; Director (since 2004), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; and Director (2004 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Zino, Brian T.<br> YOB: 1952 | Since 2020 | 109 | Retired. Various roles (1982 to 2009), J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, including President (1994 to 2009). | Trustee (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Trustee (since 2021), The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup>, The Merger Fund<sup>®</sup> VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee (since 2022) and Advisory Board Member (2021), Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund, Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund, and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund; Trustee (since 2020) Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (4 portfolios), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios) and Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios); Director (2016 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2016), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Director (since 2014), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Director (2014 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; Trustee (since 2011), Bentley University; Director (1986 to 2009) and President (1994 to 2009), J&W Seligman Co. Inc.; Director (1998 to 2009), Chairman (2002 to 2004) and Vice Chairman (2000 to 2002), ICI Mutual Insurance Company; Member, Board of Governors of ICI (1998 to 2008). |

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\*Those Trustees listed as "Independent Trustees" are not "interested persons" of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act.

**Interested Trustee**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Aylward, George R.<br> YOB: 1964 | Since 2013 | 114 | Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; and various senior officer positions with Virtus affiliates (since 2005). | Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2022), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund and Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund; Member, Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute (since 2021); Trustee and President (since 2021), The Merger Fund®, The Merger Fund® VL, Virtus Event Opportunities Trust (2 portfolios), Virtus Investment Trust (13 portfolios) and Virtus Strategy Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2021), Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income 2024 Target Term Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund, Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II, Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund, Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund, and Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund; Chairman and Trustee (since 2015), Virtus ETF Trust II (5 portfolios); Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (2014 to 2021), Duff & Phelps Select MLP and Midstream Energy Fund Inc.; Trustee and President (since 2013), Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust (2 portfolios); Director (since 2013), Virtus Global Funds, PLC (5 portfolios); Trustee (since 2012) and President (since 2010), Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (8 portfolios); Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2011), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund; Trustee and President (since 2006) and Executive Vice President (2004 to 2006), Virtus Mutual Fund Family (61 portfolios); Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2006), Virtus Total Return Fund Inc.; and Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (2006 to 2019), the former Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. |

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Mr. Aylward is an "interested person" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, by reason of his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Virtus, the ultimate parent company of the Adviser, and various positions with its affiliates including the Adviser.

**Officers of the Trust Who Are Not Trustees** 

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name,**<br> **Address and**<br> **Year of** <br> **Birth** | **Position(s) Held with the** <br> **Trust and Length of Time** <br> **Served** | **Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years** |
| Batchelar, Peter<br> YOB: 1970 | Senior Vice President (since 2017), and Vice President (2013 to 2016). | Senior Vice President, Product Development (since 2017), Vice President, Product Development (2008 to 2017), and various officer positions (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2008) of various registered funds advised by subsidiaries of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. |
| Bradley, W. Patrick<br> YOB: 1972 | Executive Vice President (since 2016), Senior Vice President (2013 to 2016), and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since 2013). | Executive Vice President, Fund Services (since 2016), Senior Vice President, Fund Services (2010 to 2016) and various officer positions (since 2004), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2006) of various registered funds advised by subsidiaries of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.; Member (since 2022), BNY Mellon Asset Servicing Client Advisory Board |
| Branigan, Timothy<br> YOB: 1976 | Vice President and Fund Chief Compliance Officer (since 2022); Assistant Vice President and Deputy Fund Chief Compliance Officer (March to May 2022); and Assistant Vice President and Assistant Chief Compliance Officer (2021 to 2022). | Various officer positions (since 2019) of various registered funds advised by subsidiaries of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. |
| Carr, Kevin J.<br> YOB: 1954 | Senior Vice President (since 2017) and Assistant Secretary (since 2013). | Vice President and Senior Counsel (since 2017), Senior Vice President (2009 to 2017), Vice President, Counsel and Secretary (2008 to 2009) and various officer positions (since 2005), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; and various officer positions (since 2005) of various registered funds advised by subsidiaries of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. |
| Fromm, Jennifer<br> YOB: 1973 | Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Counsel and Secretary (since 2013). | Vice President (since 2016) and Senior Counsel, Legal (since 2007) and various officer positions (since 2008), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; various officer positions (since 2008) of various registered funds advised by subsidiaries of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. |
| Short, Julia R.<br> YOB: 1972 | Senior Vice President (since 2017). | Senior Vice President, Product Development (since 2017), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; Senior Vice President (since 2017) of various registered funds advised by subsidiaries of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.; and Managing Director, Product Manager, RidgeWorth Investments (2004 to 2017). |
| Smirl, Richard W.<br> YOB: 1967 | Executive Vice President (since 2021). | Chief Operating Officer (since 2021), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.; Executive Vice President (since 2021), Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries; Executive Vice President (since 2021) of various registered funds advised by subsidiaries of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.; Chief Operating Officer (2018 to 2021), Russell Investments; Executive Director (Jan. to July 2018), State of Wisconsin Investment Board; and Partner and Chief Operating Officer (2004 to 2018), William Blair Investment Management. |

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**<u>Leadership Structure and the Board of Trustees</u>**

The Board is currently composed of 12 trustees, including 11 Independent Trustees. In addition to five regularly scheduled meetings per year, the Board holds special meetings either in person or via telephone to discuss specific matters that may require consideration prior to the next regular meeting. As discussed below, the Board has established several standing committees to assist the Board in performing its oversight responsibilities, and each such committee has a chairperson. The Board may also designate working groups or ad hoc committees as it deems appropriate.

The Trustees of the Virtus Funds believe that an effective board should have perspectives informed by a range of viewpoints, skills, expertise, experiences and backgrounds. The Trustees endorse a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment for the Board where all members are respected, valued and engaged. As a result, when identifying and recruiting new Trustees and considering Board composition, committee composition and leadership roles, the Governance and Nominating Committee shall consider, among other attributes, diversity of race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexuality, culture, thought and geography, as well as numerous other dimensions of human diversity.

The Board has appointed Mr. McLoughlin, an Independent Trustee, to serve in the role of Chairman. The Chairman's primary role is to participate in the preparation of the agenda for meetings of the Board and the identification of information to be presented to the Board with respect to matters to be acted upon by the Board. The Chairman also presides at all meetings of the Board and between meetings generally acts as a liaison with the Trust's service providers, officers, legal counsel, and the other Trustees. The Chairman may perform such other functions as may be requested by the Board from time to time. Except for any duties specified herein or pursuant to the Trust's Declaration of Trust or By-laws, or as assigned by the Board, the designation of Chairman does not impose on such Independent Trustee any duties, obligations or liability that is greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on such person as a member of the Board, generally.

The Board believes that this leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to exercise informed and independent judgment over matters under its purview, and it allocates areas of responsibility among committees or working groups of Trustees and the full Board in a manner that enhances effective oversight. Mr. McLoughlin previously served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company that is now Virtus; however, he is now an Independent Trustee due to (a) the fact that Virtus is no longer affiliated with The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (which was its parent company when Mr. McLoughlin retired) and (b) the passage of time. As a result of this balance, it is believed that Mr. McLoughlin has the ability to provide independent oversight of the Trust's operations within the context of his detailed understanding of the perspective of the Adviser and the Trust's other service providers. The Board therefore considers leadership by Mr. McLoughlin as enhancing the Board's ability to provide effective independent oversight of the Trust's operations and meaningful representation of the shareholders' interests.

The Board also believes that having a super-majority of Independent Trustees is appropriate and in the best interest of the Funds' shareholders. Nevertheless, the Board also believes that having an interested person serve on the Board brings corporate and financial viewpoints that are, in the Board's view, crucial elements in its decision-making process. In addition, the Board believes that Mr. Aylward, who is currently the Chairman and President of the Adviser, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Virtus, and serves in various executive roles with other affiliates of the Adviser who provide services to the Trust, provides the Board with the Adviser's perspective in managing and sponsoring the Virtus Funds as well as the perspective of other service providers to the Trust. The leadership structure of the Board may be changed at any time and in the discretion of the Board, including in response to changes in circumstances or the characteristics of the Trust.

The Board has established several standing committees to oversee particular aspects of the Funds' management. The members of each Committee are set forth below:

**The Audit Committee**

The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Funds' accounting and auditing policies and practices. The Audit Committee reviews the Funds' financial reporting procedures, their system of internal control, the independent audit process, and the Funds' procedures for monitoring compliance with investment restrictions and applicable laws and regulations and with the Code of Ethics. The Audit Committee is composed entirely of Independent Trustees; its members are Connie D. McDaniel, Chairperson, Donald C. Burke, Deborah A. DeCotis, John R. Mallin and Brian T. Zino. The Audit Committee met nine times during the Trust's last fiscal year.

**The Compliance Committee**

The Compliance Committee is responsible for overseeing the Funds' compliance matters. The Compliance Committee oversees and reviews (1) information provided by the Funds' officers, including the Funds' CCO, the Funds' investment adviser and other principal service providers, and others as appropriate; (2) the codes of ethics; (3) whistleblower reports; and (4) distribution programs. The Compliance Committee is composed entirely of Independent Trustees; its members are Geraldine M. McNamara, Chairperson, Sarah E. Cogan, F. Ford Drummond, Sidney E. Harris, and R. Keith Walton. The Compliance Committee met seven times during the Trust's last fiscal year.

**The Executive Committee**

The function of the Executive Committee is to serve as a delegate of the full Board, as well as act on behalf of the Board when it is not in session, subject to limitations as set by the Board. The Executive Committee is composed entirely of Independent Trustees; its members are Philip R. McLoughlin, Chairperson, Donald C. Burke, Deborah E. DeCotis, Sidney E. Harris and Brian T. Zino. The Executive Committee met five times during the Trust's last fiscal year.

**The Governance and Nominating Committee**

The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for developing and maintaining governance principles applicable to the Funds, for nominating individuals to serve as Trustees, including as Independent Trustees, and annually evaluating the Board and Committees. The Governance and Nominating Committee is composed entirely of Independent Trustees; its members are Brian T. Zino, Chairperson, Sarah E. Cogan, Sidney E. Harris, Philip R. McLoughlin and R. Keith Walton. The Governance and Nominating Committee met eight times during the Trust's last fiscal year.

The Governance and Nominating Committee considers candidates for trusteeship and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to such candidates. There are no specific required qualifications for trusteeship. The committee considers all relevant qualifications of candidates for trusteeship, such as industry knowledge and experience, financial expertise, current employment and other board memberships, and whether the candidate would be qualified to be considered an Independent Trustee. The Board believes that having among its members a diversity of viewpoints, skills and experience and a variety of complementary skills enhances the effectiveness of the Board in its oversight role. The committee considers the qualifications of candidates for trusteeship in this context.

The Board has adopted a policy for consideration of Trustee nominees recommended by shareholders. With regards to such policy, an individual shareholder or shareholder group submitting a nomination must hold either individually or in the aggregate for at least one full year as of the date of nomination 5% of the shares of a series of the Trust, among other qualifications and restrictions. Shareholders or shareholder groups submitting nominees must comply with all requirements set forth in the Trust's policy for consideration of Trustee nominees recommended by shareholders and any such submission must be in writing, directed to the attention of the Governance and Nominating Committee in care of the Trust's Secretary, and should include biographical information, including business experience for the past ten years and a description of the qualifications of the proposed nominee, along with a statement from the proposed nominee that he or she is willing to serve and meets the requirements to be an Independent Trustee, if applicable. Shareholder nominees for Trustee will be given the same consideration as any candidate provided the nominee meets certain minimum requirements.

**<u>Information about Each Trustee's Qualification, Experience, Attributes or Skills</u>**

The following provides further information about each Trustee's specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills. The information in this section should not be understood to mean that any Trustee is an "expert" within the meaning of the federal securities laws.

**George R. Aylward**

In addition to his positions with the Trust, Mr. Aylward is a Director and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Virtus, the ultimate parent company of the Adviser. He also holds various executive positions with the Adviser, certain Funds' subadvisers, the Distributor and the Administrator to the Trust, and various of their affiliates, and previously held such positions with the former parent company of Virtus. He therefore has experience in all aspects of the development and management of registered investment companies, and the handling of various financial, staffing, regulatory and operational issues. Mr. Aylward is a certified public accountant and holds an MBA, and he also serves as an officer and director/trustee of several open-end and closed-end funds managed by the Adviser and its affiliates.

**Donald C. Burke**

Mr. Burke has extensive financial and business experience in the investment management industry. He was employed by BlackRock, Inc. (2006 to 2009) and Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (1990 to 2006) where he held a number of roles including Managing Director and President and Chief Executive Officer of the BlackRock U.S. mutual funds. In this role, Mr. Burke was responsible for the accounting, tax and regulatory reporting requirements for over 300 open and closed-end funds. He also served as a trustee for numerous global funds that were advised by BlackRock, Inc. Mr. Burke currently serves as a director and Audit Committee Chairman of Avista Corp., a public company involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy. Mr. Burke started his career at Deloitte & Touche (formerly Deloitte Haskins & Sells) and is a certified public accountant. He has also served on a number of nonprofit boards. He is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

***Sarah E. Cogan***

Ms. Cogan has substantial legal background and experience in the investment management industry. She was a partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, a large international law firm, in the corporate department for over 25 years and former head of the registered funds practice. She has extensive experience in oversight of investment company boards through her prior experience as counsel to the Independent Trustees of the series of the Allianz Funds (now known as Virtus Investment Trust) and Allianz Funds Multi-Strategy Trust (now known as Virtus Strategy Trust) and as counsel to other independent trustees, investment companies and asset management firms. She is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

***Deborah A. DeCotis***

Ms. DeCotis has substantial senior executive experience in the investment banking industry, having served as a Managing Director for Morgan Stanley. She has extensive board experience and/or experience in oversight of investment management functions through her experience as a trustee of Stanford University and Smith College and as a director of Armor Holdings and The Helena Rubinstein Foundation, Stanford Graduate School of Business. Ms. DeCotis is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

***F. Ford Drummond***

Mr. Drummond has substantial legal background and experience in the oversight and management of regulated companies through his work as General Counsel of BMI Health Plans, a benefits administrator. He has substantial board experience in the banking sector as a director of BancFirst Corporation, Oklahoma's largest state chartered bank, and as a former director of The Cleveland Bank. Mr. Drummond also previously served as a member and chairman of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, which provides tax exempt financing for water infrastructure projects in the state. He is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

**Sidney E. Harris**

Dr. Sidney Harris has extensive knowledge of best practices in executive management, familiarity with international business practices and expertise in corporate strategy implementation, risk management, technology, asset management compliance and investments. Dr. Harris is Dean Emeritus and, until recently, was a Professor at the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. He was affiliated with the J. Mack Robinson College of Business from 1997 to 2021, including serving as Professor (2015 to 2021 and 1997 to 2014) and Dean (1997 to 2004). Most recently, Dr. Harris was Professor of Computer Information Systems, Management and International Business. Prior to joining Georgia State University, Dr. Harris was Professor (1987 to 1996) and former Dean (1991 to 1996) of the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University (currently Peter F. Drucker and Masotoshi Ito Graduate School of Management). He served as Independent Trustee of the RidgeWorth Funds Board of Trustees (2004 to 2017) and as Independent Chairman (2007 to 2017). He served as a member of the RidgeWorth Funds Governance and Nominating Committee (2004 to 2017) and Audit Committee (2006 to 2017). Dr. Harris previously served on the Board of Transamerica Investors (1995 to 2005). Dr. Harris previously served as a Director of Total System Services, Inc. (1999 to 2019). He served on the Board of Directors of KIPP Metro Atlanta, served as Chairman of the International University of the

Grand-Bassam ("IUGB") Foundation (2012 to 2017), and serves on the Board of Directors of the IUGB Foundation (since 2012). Dr. Harris also serves as a Trustee of the Mutual Funds Directors Forum (since 2019). He is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

**John R. Mallin**

Mr. Mallin is a real estate partner and former practice group leader for the Real Property Practice Group at McCarter & English LLP. During his career, he has been involved in all aspects of real estate development and financial transactions related to real estate. Mr. Mallin also has oversight and corporate governance experience as a director, including as a chair, of non-profit entities. Mr. Mallin is also a trustee of several other open-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

**Connie D. McDaniel**

Ms. McDaniel, currently retired, has extensive domestic and international business experience, particularly with respect to finance, strategic planning, risk management and risk assessment functions. She is retired from The Coca-Cola Company, where she served as Vice President and Chief of Internal Audit, Corporate Audit Department (2009 to 2013), Vice President, Global Finance Transformation (2007 to 2009), Vice President and Controller (1999 to 2007), and held various management positions (1989 to 1999). While at The Coca-Cola Company, Ms. McDaniel chaired that company's Ethics and Compliance Committee (2009 to 2013) and developed a knowledge of corporate governance matters. Prior to The Coca-Cola Company, she was associated with Ernst & Young (1980 to 1989). Ms. McDaniel served as Independent Trustee of the RidgeWorth Funds Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2017. She was Chairman of the RidgeWorth Funds Audit Committee (2008 to 2017), designated Audit Committee Financial Expert (2007 to 2017) and a member of the RidgeWorth Funds Governance and Nominating Committee (2015 to 2017). Ms. McDaniel also served as a Director of Total System Services, Inc. (2014 to 2019). She currently serves as a Director and Governance and Nominating Committee Chairperson of Global Payments Inc. (since 2019) and as a Director of North Florida Land Trust (since 2021). Ms. McDaniel served as Chair of the Georgia State University Robinson College of Business Board of Advisors (2014 to 2016) and has served as a member of the Georgia State University Robinson College of Business Board of Advisors since 2011. Ms. McDaniel is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

**Philip R. McLoughlin**

Mr. McLoughlin has an extensive legal, financial and asset management background. In 1971, he joined Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. (then, Phoenix Equity Planning Corp.), the predecessor of Virtus Investment Partners, Inc., as Assistant Counsel with responsibility for various compliance and legal functions. During his tenure, Mr. McLoughlin assumed responsibility for most functions in the firm's advisory, broker-dealer and fund management operations, and eventually ascended to the role of President. Mr. McLoughlin then served as General Counsel, and later Chief Investment Officer, of Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company, the parent company of Phoenix Investment Partners. Among other functions, he served as the senior management liaison to the boards of directors of the insurance company's mutual funds and closed-end funds, and had direct oversight responsibility for the funds' portfolio managers. In 1994, Mr. McLoughlin was named Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Investment Partners, and continued in that position, as well as Chief Investment Officer of Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company, until his retirement in 2002. He is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates, including serving as the chairman of the board of several such funds.

**Geraldine M. McNamara**

Ms. McNamara was an executive at U.S. Trust Company of New York for 24 years, where she rose to the position of Managing Director. Her responsibilities at U.S. Trust included the oversight of U.S. Trust's personal banking business. In addition to her managerial and banking experience, Ms. McNamara has experience in advising individuals on their personal financial management, which has given her an enhanced understanding of the goals and expectations that individual investors may have. Ms. McNamara is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

R. Keith Walton

Mr. Walton's business and legal background, and his extensive service with other boards, provide valuable insight to the Board and its committees regarding corporate governance and best practices. He is an honors graduate of Yale University and the Harvard Law School. Mr. Walton was a Director of Systematica Investments Limited Funds (2006 to 2019) and a Director of BlueCrest Capital Management Funds (2006 to 2017). He is also the founding Principal and Chief Administrative Officer at Global Infrastructure Partners (since 2006) and served as the Managing Director at Lafayette Square Holding Company LLC (2020 to 2021). Mr. Walton is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

**Brian T. Zino**

Mr. Zino, currently retired, was employed by J. & W. Seligman and Co. Inc., a privately held New York City investment firm managing Closed End Investment Companies, a family of mutual funds, institutional accounts and operating a trust company (1982 to 2009). For the last 15 of those years, he served as president and CEO of Seligman. His extensive mutual fund, financial and business background and years of service as a director of a large non-affiliated family of both open- and closed-end funds bring valuable skills and business judgment to the Board and its committees. Mr. Zino is also a certified public accountant and has an extensive background in accounting matters relating to investment companies. He also served as a Director (1998 to 2009), Chairman (2002 to 2004) and Vice Chairman (2000 to 2002) on the board of the ICI Mutual Insurance Company and as a Member of the Board of Governors of ICI (1998 to 2008). Mr. Zino is also a director/trustee of open-end and closed-end funds managed by Virtus affiliates.

**<u>Board Oversight of Risk Management</u>**

As a registered investment company, the Trust is subject to a variety of risks, including investment risks, financial risks, compliance risks and regulatory risks. As part of its overall activities, the Board oversees the management of the Trust's risk management structure by the Trust's Adviser, Administrator, Distributor, Transfer Agent, officers and others. The responsibility to manage the Funds' risk management structure on a day-to-day basis is subsumed within the other responsibilities of these parties.

The Board considers risk management issues as part of its general oversight responsibilities throughout the year at regular meetings of the Board and its committees, and within the context of any ad hoc communications with the Trust's service providers and officers. The Trust's Adviser, subadvisers, Distributor, Administrator, Transfer Agent, officers and legal counsel prepare regular reports to the Board that address certain investment, valuation, compliance and other matters, and the Board as a whole or its committees may also receive special written reports or presentations on a variety of risk issues at the request of the Board, a committee, the Chairman or a senior officer.

The Board receives regular written reports describing and analyzing the investment performance of the Funds. In addition, the portfolio managers of the Funds and senior management of the Funds' subadvisers meet with the Board periodically to discuss portfolio performance and answer the Board's questions with respect to portfolio strategies and risks. To the extent that a Fund changes a primary investment strategy, the Board generally is consulted in advance with respect to such change.

The Board receives regular written reports from the Trust's Chief Financial Officer that enable the Board to monitor the number of fair valued securities in the Funds' portfolios, the reasons for the fair valuation and the methodology used to arrive at the fair value. Such reports also include information concerning illiquid securities within the Funds' portfolios. The Board and/or the Audit Committee may also review valuation procedures and pricing results with the Funds' independent auditors in connection with the review of the results of the audit of the Funds' year-end financial statements.

The Board also receives regular compliance reports prepared by the compliance staff of the Adviser and meets regularly with the Trust's CCO to discuss compliance issues, including compliance risks. As required under applicable rules, the Independent Trustees meet regularly in executive session with the CCO, and the CCO prepares and presents an annual written compliance report to the Board. The CCO, as well as

the compliance staff of the Adviser and Virtus, provide the Board with reports on their examinations of functions and processes within the Adviser and the subadvisers that affect the Funds. The Board also adopts compliance policies and procedures for the Trust and approves such procedures for the Trust's service providers. The compliance policies and procedures are specifically designed to detect and prevent violations of the federal securities laws.

In its annual review of the Funds' advisory, subadvisory and distribution agreements, the Board reviews information provided by the Adviser, the subadvisers and the Distributor relating to their operational capabilities, financial conditions and resources. The Board may also discuss particular risks that are not addressed in its regular reports and processes.

The Board recognizes that it is not possible to identify all of the risks that may affect the Funds or to develop processes and controls to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. The Board periodically reviews the effectiveness of its oversight of the Funds and the other funds in the Virtus Funds family, and the processes and controls in place to limit identified risks. The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts its risk oversight role.

**<u>Trustees' Fund Holdings</u>**

As of January 13, 2023, the Trustees beneficially owned shares of the Funds as set forth in the table below.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Independent Trustees** | **Dollar Range of Equity Securities in a Fund of the Trust\*** | **Aggregate Dollar Range of Trustee** <br> **Ownership in all Funds Overseen by** <br> **Trustee in Family of Investment** <br> **Companies<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| Donald C. Burke |  | Over $100,000 |
| Sarah E. Cogan |  | Over $100,000 |
| Deborah A. DeCotis |  | Over $100,000 |
| F. Ford Drummond |  | Over $100,000 |
| Sidney E. Harris |  | Over $100,000 |
| John R. Mallin |  | Over $100,000 |
| Connie D. McDaniel |  | Over $100,000 |
| Philip McLoughlin |  | Over $100,000 |
| Geraldine M. McNamara |  | Over $100,000 |
| R. Keith Walton |  |  |
| Brian T. Zino |  | Over $100,000 |

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(1) Holdings exclude any exposure through the Deferred Compensation Plan, which may be counted towards
the Trustee Ownership Policy but are not considered ownership for any other purpose.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Interested Trustee** | **Dollar Range of Equity Securities in a Fund of the Trust** | **Aggregate Dollar Range of Trustee** <br> **Ownership in all Funds Overseen by** <br> **Trustee in Family of Investment** <br> **Companies** |
| George R. Aylward |  | Over $100,000 |

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As of January 13, 2023, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust as a whole owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of any of the Funds or their classes.

**<u>Trustee Compensation</u>**

Trustees who are not employed by the Adviser or its affiliates receive an annual retainer and fees and expenses for attendance at Board and Committee meetings. Officers and employees of the Adviser of the Funds who are interested persons are compensated for their services by the Adviser of the Funds, or an affiliate of the Adviser of the Funds, and receive no compensation from the Funds. The Trust does not have any retirement plan for its Trustees.

For the Trust's fiscal period ended October 31, 2022, the current Trustees received the following compensation:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Independent Trustees** | **Aggregate Compensation from Trust** | **Total Compensation From Trust and Fund <br> Complex Paid to Trustees** |
| Donald C. Burke | $735 | $340000 |
| Sarah E. Cogan | 637 | 365000 |
| Deborah A. DeCotis | 637 | 355000 |
| F. Ford Drummond | 637 | 360000 |
| Sidney E. Harris | 735 | 340000 |
| John R. Mallin | 735 | 340000 |
| Connie D. McDaniel | 837 | 385000 |
| Philip R. McLoughlin | 999 | 555625 |
| Geraldine M. McNamara | 803 | 370000 |
| R. Keith Walton | 635 | 355000 |
| Brian T. Zino | 705 | 400000 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Interested Trustee** | **Aggregate Compensation from Trust** | **Total Compensation From Trust and Fund** <br> **Complex Paid to Trustee** |
| George R. Aylward | $0 | $0 |

---

**<u>Sales Loads</u>**

The Trust's Trustees are permitted to invest in Class I shares of each Fund without initial or subsequent minimum investment requirements. Class I shares do not carry a sales load.

**<u>Code of Ethics</u>**

The Trust, its Adviser, subadvisers and Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. Personnel subject to the Codes of Ethics may purchase and sell securities for their personal accounts, including securities that may be purchased, sold or held by the Funds, subject to certain restrictions and conditions. Generally, personal securities transactions are subject to preclearance procedures, reporting requirements and holding period rules. The Codes also restrict personal securities transactions in private placements, initial public offerings and securities in which a Fund has a pending order. The Trust has also adopted a Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers as required by Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

**<u>Proxy Voting Policies</u>**

The Trust has adopted a Policy Regarding Proxy Voting (the "Policy") stating the Trust's intention for the Funds to exercise stock ownership rights with respect to portfolio securities in a manner that is reasonably anticipated to further the best economic interests of shareholders of the Funds. The Funds or their voting delegates will endeavor to analyze and vote all proxies that are likely to have financial implications, and where appropriate, to participate in corporate governance, shareholder proposals, management communications and legal proceedings. The Funds or their voting delegates must also identify potential or actual conflicts of interest in voting proxies and must address any such conflict of interest in accordance with the Policy.

In the absence of a specific direction to the contrary from the Board, the Adviser or the subadviser that is managing a Fund is responsible for voting proxies for such Fund, or for delegating such responsibility to a qualified, independent organization engaged by the Adviser or respective subadviser to vote proxies on its behalf. The applicable voting party will vote proxies in accordance with the Policy or its own policies and

procedures, which must be reasonably designed to further the best economic interests of the affected Fund shareholders. Because the Policy and the applicable voting party's policies and procedures used to vote proxies for the Funds both are designed to further the best economic interests of the affected Fund shareholders, they are not expected to conflict with one another although the types of factors considered by the applicable voting party under its own policies and procedures may be in addition to or different from the ones listed below for the Policy.

The Policy specifies the types of factors to be considered when analyzing and voting proxies on certain issues when voting in accordance with the Policy, including, but not limited to:

● Anti-takeover measures – the overall long-term financial performance of the target company relative to its industry competition.

● Corporate Governance Matters – tax and economic benefits of changes in the state of incorporation; dilution or improved accountability associated with changes in capital structure.

● Contested elections – the qualifications of all nominees; independence and attendance record of board and key committee members; entrenchment devices in place that may reduce accountability.

● Stock Option and Other Management Compensation Issues – executive pay and spending on perquisites, particularly in conjunction with sub-par performance and employee layoffs.

● Shareholder proposals – whether the proposal is likely to enhance or protect shareholder value; whether identified issues are more appropriately or effectively addressed by legal or regulatory changes; whether the issuer has already appropriately addressed the identified issues; whether the proposal is unduly burdensome or prescriptive; whether the issuer's existing approach to the identified issues is comparable to industry best practice.

The Funds and their voting delegates seek to avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest of Fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Adviser, subadviser, other voting delegate, Distributor, or any affiliated person of the Funds, on the other hand.

Depending on the type and materiality, the Board or its delegates may take the following actions, among others, in addressing any material conflicts of interest that arise with respect to voting (or directing voting delegates to vote): (i) rely on the recommendations of an established, independent third party proxy voting vendor; (ii) vote pursuant to the recommendation of the proposing delegate; (iii) abstain; (iv) where two or more delegates provide conflicting requests, vote shares in proportion to the assets under management of each proposing delegate; (v) vote shares in the same proportion as the vote of all other shareholders of such issuer; or (vi) the Adviser may vote proxies where the subadviser has a direct conflict of interest. The Policy requires each Adviser/subadviser that is a voting delegate to notify the Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust (or, in the case of a subadviser, the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser) of any actual or potential conflict of interest that is identified, and provide a recommended course of action for protecting the best interests of the affected Fund's shareholders. No Adviser/subadviser or other voting delegate may waive any conflict of interest or vote any conflicted proxies without the prior written approval of the Board (or the Executive Committee thereof) or the Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust.

The Policy further imposes certain record-keeping and reporting requirements on each Adviser/subadviser or other voting delegate.

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 will be available, no later than August 31 of each year, free of charge by calling, toll-free, 800.243.1574, or on the SEC's Web site at www.sec.gov.

Following is information about the policies and procedures followed by the subadviser to the Funds in voting proxies for the Funds.

**AlphaSimplex** 

AlphaSimplex is responsible for voting proxies with respect to the AlphaSimplex Funds. AlphaSimplex is responsible for maintaining certain records and reporting to the Audit Committee of the Trust in connection with the voting of proxies. AlphaSimplex believes that proxy voting is an important right of shareholders and reasonable care and diligence must be undertaken to ensure that such rights are properly and timely exercised. However, AlphaSimplex expects that most of the securities in which it will invest on behalf of the Funds (primarily futures and forwards) will not have voting rights. If AlphaSimplex does vote proxies with respect to the Funds' investments, it will vote in a manner that is consistent with what it believes to be the best interests of the Funds.

AlphaSimplex has entered into an agreement with Glass Lewis, an independent third-party proxy voting service, to provide AlphaSimplex with its research on proxies and to facilitate the electronic voting of proxies. AlphaSimplex has instructed Glass Lewis to execute all proxies in accordance with its recommendations unless instructed otherwise by AlphaSimplex. In the event that (a) Glass Lewis is unable to complete/provide its research regarding a security on a timely basis, (b) AlphaSimplex or Glass Lewis determines that Glass Lewis has a conflict of interest with respect to voting a proxy, or (c) AlphaSimplex has made a determination that it is in the best interest of the Funds for AlphaSimplex to vote a proxy, AlphaSimplex will vote in a manner that is consistent with what it believes to be the best interests of the Funds.

**<u>Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities</u>**

Prior to the closing of the Reorganizations, the Funds will not commence operations or have any shareholders.

**<u>Investment Advisory and Other Services</u>**

**<u>Investment Adviser</u>**

The investment adviser to each of the Funds is VAIA, located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. VAIA, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus, had $1.2 billion in assets under management as of August 31, 2022.

**Investment Advisory Agreement and Expense Limitation Agreement**

The investment advisory agreement, approved by the Board, provides that the Trust will bear all costs and expenses (other than those specifically referred to as being borne by the Adviser) incurred in the operation of the Trust. Such expenses include, but shall not be limited to, all expenses incurred in the operation of the Trust and any public offering of its shares, including, among others, interest, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, fees of Trustees who are not employees of VAIA or any of its affiliates, expenses of Trustees, and shareholders' meetings, expenses of printing and mailing proxy soliciting material, expenses of the insurance premiums for fidelity and other coverage, expenses of the repurchase and redemption of shares, expenses of the issue and sale of shares (to the extent not borne by VP Distributors under its agreement with the Trust), association membership dues, charges of custodians, transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents and financial agents, and bookkeeping, auditing and legal expenses. The Trust will also pay the fees and bear the expense of registering and maintaining the registration of the Trust and its shares with the SEC and registering or qualifying its shares under state or other securities laws and the expense of preparing and mailing prospectuses and reports to shareholders. If authorized by the Board, the Trust will also pay for extraordinary expenses and expenses of a non-recurring nature which may include, but shall not be limited to, the reasonable cost of any reorganization or acquisition of assets and the cost of legal proceedings to which the Trust is a party.

Each Fund will pay expenses incurred in its own operation and will also pay a portion of the Trust's general administration expenses allocated on the basis of the asset values of the respective Funds.

For managing, or directing the management of, the investments of each fund, VAIA is entitled to a fee, payable monthly, at the following annual rates as calculated on the value of each Fund's average daily net assets:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Investment Advisory Fee** | **Investment Advisory Fee** |
| <br>**Fund** | **1st $2 billion** | **$2+ billion** |
| Global Alternatives Fund | 1.10% | 1.05% |
|  | **1st $2.5 billion** | **$2.5+ billion** |
| Managed Futures Strategy Fund | 1.25% | 1.20% |

---

The assets of each Fund's wholly-owned subsidiary (each, a "Subsidiary"), each organized as a company under the laws of the Cayman Islands, are excluded from the assets on which the above-described management fee is calculated. However, under the terms of separate investment advisory agreements, each Subsidiary pays VAIA an investment management fee calculated on the value of the Subsidiary's average daily net assets at the same rates.

VAIA may waive any portion of its investment advisory fees or reimburse Fund expenses from time to time. VAIA has contractually agreed to limit total operating expenses (excluding certain expenses, such as front-end or contingent deferred sales charges, taxes, leverage and borrowing expenses (such as commitment, amendment and renewal expenses on credit or redemption facilities), interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, unusual or infrequently occurring expenses (such as litigation), acquired fund fees and expenses, and dividend expenses, if any) of the Funds so that such expenses do not exceed, on an annualized basis, the amounts indicated in the following table (expressed as a percentage of daily net assets), through the dates indicated:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Class A** | **Class C** | **Class I** | **Class R6** | **Through Date** |
| Global Alternatives Fund | 1.49% | 2.24% | 1.24% | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.19% | Two years from the effective date of the reorganization. |
| Managed Futures Strategy Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.70% | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.45% | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.45% | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.35% | Two years from the effective date of the reorganization. |

---

Following the contractual period, the Adviser may discontinue these expense caps and/or fee waivers at any time. Under certain conditions, the Adviser may recapture operating expenses reimbursed and/or fees waived under these arrangements for a period of three years following the date such waiver or reimbursement occurred, provided that the recapture does not cause the fund to exceed its expense limit in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, and any in effect at the time of recapture, after repayment is taken into account.

The Adviser also may, at its discretion, from time to time pay for other Fund expenses from its own assets, or reduce the management fee of a Fund in excess of that required. Any fee reimbursed and/or any Fund expense absorbed by the Adviser pursuant to an agreed upon expense cap shall be reimbursed by the Fund to the Adviser, if so requested by the Adviser, provided the aggregate amount of the Fund's current operating expense for such fiscal year does not exceed the applicable limitation on Fund expenses.

The investment advisory agreement also provides that the Adviser shall not be liable to the Trust or to any shareholder of the Trust for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust or by any shareholder of the Trust in connection with the matters to which the agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties thereunder.

Provided it has been approved by a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of a Fund of the Trust which is subject to its terms and conditions, the investment advisory agreement continues from year to year with respect to such Fund so long as (1) such continuance is approved at least annually by the Board or by a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of such Fund and (2) the terms and any renewal of the agreement with respect to such Fund have been approved by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested persons, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, of the Trust or the Adviser, cast in person (or otherwise, as consistent with applicable laws, regulations and related guidance and relief) at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. On sixty days' written notice and without penalty the agreement may be terminated as to the Trust or as to a Fund by the Board or by the Adviser and may be terminated as to a Fund by a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of such Fund. The Agreement automatically terminates upon its assignment (within the meaning of the 1940 Act). The agreement provides that upon its termination, or at the request of the Adviser, the Trust will eliminate all reference to Virtus from its name, and will not thereafter transact business in a name using the word Virtus.

The Board also approved having each Fund invest in its Subsidiary after being advised that each Subsidiary's investment advisory and subadvisory agreement terms would be substantially identical to those of the applicable Fund.

**Adviser Affiliates**

George Aylward, Jennifer Fromm, and Richard W. Smirl each serve as an officer of the Trust and as an officer and/or director of the Adviser. The other principal executive officers of the Adviser are: Michael

Angerthal, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and a Director; Wendy Hills, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary; Chet Persaud, Chief Compliance Officer; and David Hanley, Senior Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. The directors of the Adviser are George Aylward, Michael Angerthal and Wendy Hills.

**Advisory Fees**

For services to the Predecessor Funds during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, AlphaSimplex, as investment adviser, received fees shown in the following table for advisory services to the Predecessor Funds, the amount of expenses waived or reimbursed by AlphaSimplex, and the actual fee received by AlphaSimplex, during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021 under the investment advisory agreement then in effect.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Advisory Fee Waived and/or** <br> **Expenses Reimbursed ($)** | **Advisory Fee Waived and/or** <br> **Expenses Reimbursed ($)** | **Advisory Fee Waived and/or** <br> **Expenses Reimbursed ($)** | **Net Advisory Fee ($)** | **Net Advisory Fee ($)** | **Net Advisory Fee ($)** |
| **Fund** | **2019** | **2020** | **2021** | **2019** | **2020** | **2021** |
| Global Alternatives Fund$12099144<sup>1</sup>$7490248<sup>1</sup>$5140087<sup>1</sup> | $315060 | $394328 | $521507 | $11784084 | $7095920 | $4618580 |
| Managed Futures Strategy Fund$22460865<sup>1</sup>$19498755<sup>1</sup>$18696619<sup>1</sup> | $1421143 | $1355795 | $455604 | $21039722 | $18142960 | $18241015 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Includes management fees of the Predecessor Fund's subsidiary.

**<u>Subadviser and Subadvisory Agreement</u>**

VAIA has entered into subadvisory agreements with respect to each Fund and each Subsidiary. The subadvisory agreements provide that VAIA will delegate to the subadviser the performance of certain of its investment management services under the Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to each of the Funds. The subadviser furnishes at its own expense the office facilities and personnel necessary to perform such services. VAIA remains responsible for the supervision and oversight of the subadviser's performance. The subadvisory agreement is initially scheduled to remain in effect for two years and will continue in effect from year to year if specifically approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees. The subadvisory fees are paid by VAIA out of its advisory fees from the Funds and the Subsidiaries.

***AlphaSimplex – Global Alternatives Fund and Managed Futures Strategy Fund***

AlphaSimplex will become a wholly-owned affiliate of the Adviser as of the close of the Acquisition, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023, and is located at 200 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. AlphaSimplex was established in 1999 and provides quantitative advisory and subadvisory services to mutual funds and to institutional clients. As of September 30, 2022, AlphaSimplex managed approximately $6.5 billion in assets.

For its services as a subadviser, VAIA pays AlphaSimplex at the rate of 50% of the net advisory fee paid by each Fund for which AlphaSimplex acts as subadviser.

**<u>Administrator</u>**

VFS is the administrator of the Trust. VFS is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus and an affiliate of the Adviser. For its services as administrator, VFS receives an administration fee based upon the average net assets(1) across all series of the Virtus Mutual Funds at the following annual rates:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| First $15 billion | 0.10% |
| $15+ billion to $30 billion | 0.095% |
| $30+ billion to $50 billion | 0.09% |
| Greater than $50 billion | 0.085% |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) On portfolios in excess of $10 billion, the fee is 0.07% on assets over $10 billion.

The following table shows the dollar amount of fees paid that the Predecessor Funds paid to Natixis Advisors, LLC for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, for its administrative services with respect to each Predecessor Fund and its subsidiary.

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Administrative Fees** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Administrative Fees** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Administrative Fees** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Administrative Fees Waived** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Administrative Fees Waived** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Administrative Fees Waived** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Net Administrative Fees** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Net Administrative Fees** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Net Administrative Fees** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2019** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2020** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2021** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2019** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2020** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2021** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2019** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2020** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2021** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Global Alternatives Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;$463841 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$294432 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$199199 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$6221 | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;$457620 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$294432 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$199199 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Managed Futures Strategy Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;$791737 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$688159 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$637298 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$9875 | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;$781862 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$688159 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$637298 |

---

**<u>Sub-administrative and Accounting Agent</u>**

The Trust has entered into an agreement with BNY Mellon, 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19809, pursuant to which BNY Mellon acts as sub-administrative and accounting agent of the Trust. For its services in this capacity, BNY Mellon receives a fee based on the Funds' aggregate average net assets across the Virtus Mutual Funds. In addition to the asset-based fee, BNY Mellon is entitled to certain non-material fees, as well as out of pocket expenses.

**<u>Distributor</u>**

VP Distributors, a broker-dealer registered with FINRA and which is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Virtus and an affiliate of the Adviser and certain subadvisers, serves as distributor of the Funds' shares. The principal office of VP Distributors is located at One Financial Plaza, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. George R. Aylward, Kevin Carr, Jennifer Fromm, Heidi Griswold, and Richard W. Smirl each serve as an officer of the Trust and as an officer for the Distributor.

The Trust and VP Distributors have entered into an underwriting agreement under which VP Distributors has agreed to use its best efforts to find purchasers for Trust shares and the Trust has granted to VP Distributors the exclusive right to purchase from the Funds and resell, as principal, shares needed to fill unconditional orders for Fund shares. VP Distributors may sell Fund shares through its registered representatives or through securities dealers with whom it has sales agreements. VP Distributors may also sell Fund shares pursuant to sales agreements entered into with bank-affiliated securities brokers who, acting as agent for their customers, place orders for Fund shares with VP Distributors. It is not anticipated that termination of sales agreements with banks and bank affiliated securities brokers would result in a loss to their customers or a change in the NAV per share of a Fund of the Trust.

For its services under the underwriting agreement, VP Distributors receives sales charges on transactions in Fund shares and retains such charges less the portion thereof allowed to its registered representatives and to securities dealers and securities brokers with whom it has sales agreements. In addition, VP Distributors may receive payments from the Trust pursuant to the Distribution Plans described below.

The underwriting agreement may be terminated at any time by 60 days written notice, without payment of a penalty, by the Distributor, by vote of a majority of the appropriate Class of outstanding voting securities of the Funds, or by vote of a majority of the Trust's Trustees who are not parties to the underwriting agreement or "interested persons" of any party and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan or in any related agreements. The underwriting agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its "assignment," as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the 1940 Act.

**Dealer Concessions**

**Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class I Shares Only**

Dealers with whom the Distributor has entered into sales agreements receive a discount or commission on purchases of Class A Shares as set forth below.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Amount of Transaction at Offering Price** | **Sales Charge <br> as Percentage <br> of Offering <br> Price** | **Sales Charge<br> as Percentage<br> of Amount<br> Invested** | **Dealer Discount<br> or Agency Fee<br> as Percentage of<br> Offering Price** |
| Under $50,000 | 5.50% | 5.82% | 4.75% |
| $50,000 but under $100,000 | 4.50 | 4.71 | 4.00 |
| $100,000 but under $250,000 | 3.50 | 3.63 | 3.00 |
| $250,000 but under $500,000 | 2.50 | 2.56 | 2.00 |
| $500,000 but under $1,000,000 | 2.00 | 2.04 | 1.75 |
| $1,000,000 or more |  |  |  |

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With respect to Class C Shares, the Distributor intends to pay investment dealers a sales commission of 1% of the sale price of Class C Shares sold by such dealers. Your broker, dealer or financial professional may also charge you additional commissions or fees for their services in selling shares to you provided they notify the Distributor of their intention to do so.

Dealers and other entities that enter into special arrangements with the Distributor may receive compensation for the sale and promotion of shares of the Funds. Such fees are in addition to the sales commissions referenced above and may be based upon the amount of sales of fund shares by a dealer; the provision of assistance in marketing of Fund shares; access to sales personnel and information dissemination services; and other criteria as established by the Distributor. Depending on the nature of the services, these fees may be paid either from the funds through distribution fees, service fees or in some cases, the Distributor may pay certain fees from its own profits and resources.

Dealers and other entities that enter into special arrangements with the Distributor or the Transfer Agent may receive compensation from or on behalf of the funds for providing certain recordkeeping and related services to the funds or their shareholders. These fees may also be referred to as shareholder accounting fees, administrative services fees, sub-transfer agent fees or networking fees. They are not for the sale, promotion or marketing of Fund shares.

From its own profits and resources, the Distributor may, from time to time, make payments to qualified wholesalers, registered financial institutions and third party marketers for marketing support services and/or retention of assets. These payments are sometimes referred to as "revenue sharing." Among others, the Distributor has agreed to make such payments for marketing support services to Equitable Advisors, LLC. For all Virtus Mutual Funds in this SAI, the Distributor may pay broker-dealers a finder's fee in an amount equal to 1.00% of eligible Class A Share purchases from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000, 0.50% on amounts of $3,000,001 to $10,000,000, and 0.25% on amounts greater than $10,000,000. Purchases of Class A Shares by an account in the name of a qualified employee benefit plan are eligible for a finder's fee only if such plan has at least 100 eligible employees. A CDSC may be imposed on certain redemptions of such Class A investments. The CDSC may be imposed on redemptions within 18 months of a finder's fee being paid. For all Virtus Mutual Funds in this SAI, the CDSC is 1.00%. For purposes of determining the applicability of the CDSC, the 18-month period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. The Distributor will also pay broker-dealers a service fee of 0.25% beginning in the thirteenth month following purchase of Class A Shares on which a finder's fee has been paid. (For the exact rate for your Fund(s), please refer to the chart in the section of the Funds' prospectus entitled "Sales Charges" under "What are the classes and how do they differ?") VP Distributors reserves the right to discontinue or alter such fee payment plans at any time.

From its own resources or pursuant to the distribution and shareholder servicing plans, and subject to the dealers' prior approval, the Distributor may provide additional compensation to registered representatives of dealers in the form of travel expenses, meals, and lodging associated with training and educational meetings sponsored by the Distributor. The Distributor may also provide gifts amounting in value to less than $100, and occasional meals or entertainment, to registered representatives of dealers. Any such travel expenses, meals, lodging, gifts or entertainment paid will not be preconditioned upon the registered representatives' or dealers' achievement of a sales target. The Distributor may, from time to time, reallow

the entire portion of the sales charge on Class A Shares which it normally retains to individual selling dealers. However, such additional reallowance generally will be made only when the selling dealer commits to substantial marketing support such as internal wholesaling through dedicated personnel, internal communications and mass mailings.

The Distributor has also agreed to pay fees to certain distributors for preferred marketing opportunities. These arrangements may be viewed as creating a conflict of interest between these distributors and investors. Investors should make due inquiry of their selling agents to ensure that they are receiving the requisite point of sale disclosures and appropriate recommendations free of any influence by reason of these arrangements.

The categories of payments the Distributor and/or the Transfer Agent may make to other parties are not mutually exclusive, and such parties may receive payments under more than one or all categories. These payments could be significant to a party receiving them, creating a conflict of interest for such party in making investment recommendations to investors. Investors should make due inquiry of any party recommending the funds for purchase to ensure that such investors are receiving the requisite point of sale disclosures and appropriate recommendations free of any influence by reason of these arrangements.

A document containing information about sales charges, including breakpoint (volume) discounts, is available free of charge on the Internet at virtus.com. In the "Our Products" section, go to the Mutual Funds page under "Individual Investors" and click on the link for Breakpoint (Volume) Discounts.

***Class R6 Shares Only***

No compensation, administrative payments, sub-transfer agency payments or service payments are paid to brokers or other entities from Fund assets or the Distributor's or an affiliate's resources on sales of or investments in Class R6 Shares. Class R6 Shares do not carry sales commissions or pay Rule 12b-1 fees, or make payments to brokers or other entities to assist in, or in connection with, the sale of the Fund's shares.

**<u>Custodian</u>**

The Bank of New York Mellon, 240 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10286, serves as the custodian (the "Custodian") of the Funds' assets and the Subsidiaries' assets. The Custodian designated by the Board holds the securities in the Funds' portfolios and other assets for safe keeping. The Custodian does not and will not participate in making investment decisions for the Funds. The Trust has authorized the Custodian to appoint one or more sub-custodians for the assets of the Funds and the Subsidiaries held outside the United States. The securities and other assets of each Fund are held by its Custodian or any sub-custodian separate from the securities and assets of each other fund.

**<u>Securities Lending Agent</u>**

Bank of New York Mellon (BNYM) serves as securities lending agent for the Funds. In that role, BNYM administers the Fund's securities lending program pursuant to the terms of a securities lending agency agreement entered into between the Trust and BNYM.

As securities lending agent, BNYM is responsible for the administration and management of the Fund's securities lending program, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• negotiation,
 preparation and execution of an agreement with each approved borrower governing the terms
 and conditions of any securities loan,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• credit review
 and monitoring of approved borrowers,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• loan negotiation,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ensuring
 that securities loans are properly coordinated and documented with the Fund's custodian,
 sub custodians/depositories,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• daily marking
 to market of loans,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• monitoring and
 maintaining cash collateral levels,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• arranging
 for the investment of cash collateral received from borrowers in accordance with the
 Fund's investment guidelines,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• initiating and
 monitoring loan terminations/recalls,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• ensuring
 that all dividends and other distributions from corporate actions with respect to loaned
 securities are credited to the Fund, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• maintaining records
 relating to the Fund's securities lending activity and providing monthly/quarterly
 statements.

BNYM receives as compensation for its services a portion of the amount earned by the Fund for lending securities.

The Predecessor Funds did not participate in a securities lending program for the most recently completed fiscal year.

**<u>Transfer Agent and Sub-Transfer Agent</u>**

VFS acts as transfer agent for the Trust. Pursuant to a Transfer Agent and Service Agreement, VFS receives a fee, based on the average net assets at an annual rate ranging from 0.045% to 0.0375%. VFS is authorized to engage subagents to perform certain shareholder servicing functions from time to time for which such agents shall be paid a fee by VFS or the Funds. Pursuant to an agreement among the Trust, VFS and BNY Mellon, BNY Mellon serves as sub-transfer agent to perform certain shareholder servicing functions for the Funds. For performing such services, BNY Mellon receives a monthly fee from the Funds as approved by the Board.

**<u>Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm</u>**

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust. PwC audits the Trust's annual financial statements and expresses an opinion thereon. The independent registered public accounting firm also provides other accounting and tax-related services as requested by the Trust from time to time. PwC's business address is Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800, 2001 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

**<u>Distribution and Service Plans</u>**

The Trust has adopted a distribution and service plan for each class of shares (except Class I Shares and Class R6 Shares) (i.e., plans for the Class A Shares and plans for the Class C Shares; collectively, the "Plans") in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, to compensate the Distributor for the services it provides and for the expenses it bears under the Underwriting Agreement. Class A Shares and Class C Shares each pay a service fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of such class of the Fund and Class C Shares pay a distribution fee at the rate of 0.75% per annum based on average daily net assets.

Expenditures under the Plans may consist of: (i) commissions to sales personnel for selling shares of the Fund (including underwriting fees and financing expenses incurred in connection with the payment of commissions); (ii) compensation, sales incentives and payments to sales, marketing and service personnel; (iii) payments to broker-dealers and other financial institutions which have entered into agreements with the Distributor in the form of the Dealer Agreement for Virtus Mutual Funds for services rendered in connection with the sale and distribution of shares of the Fund; (iv) payment of expenses incurred in sales and promotional activities, including advertising expenditures related to the Fund; (v) the costs of preparing and distributing promotional materials; (vi) the cost of printing the Fund's Prospectuses and SAI for distribution to potential investors; (vii) expenses related to the cost of financing or providing such financing from the Distributor's or an affiliate's resources in connection with the Distributor's payment of such distribution expenses; and (viii) such other similar services that the Trustees determine are reasonably calculated to result in the sale of shares of the Fund. From the fees received, the Distributor expects to pay a quarterly fee to qualifying broker-dealer firms, as compensation for providing personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, with respect to shares sold by such firms. In the case of shares of the Funds being sold to an affiliated fund of funds, fees payable under the Plans shall be paid to the distributor of the fund of funds. This fee will not exceed on an annual basis 0.25% of the average annual NAV of such shares, and will be in addition to sales charges on Fund shares which are re-allowed to such firms. To the extent that the entire amount of the fees received is not paid to such firms, the balance will serve as compensation for personal and account maintenance services furnished by the Distributor. The Distributor also pays to dealers an additional compensation with respect to Class C Shares at the rate of 0.75% of the average annual NAV of that class.

In order to receive payments under the Plans, participants must meet such qualifications to be established in the sole discretion of the Distributor, such as providing services to the Funds' shareholders; or providing the Funds with more efficient methods of offering shares to coherent groups of clients, members or prospects of a participant; or providing services permitting bulking of purchases or sales, or transmission of such purchases or sales by computerized tape or other electronic equipment; or providing other processing. Dealers must have an aggregate value of $50,000 or more per Fund CUSIP to qualify for payment in that Fund class.

On a quarterly basis, the Funds' Board reviews a report on expenditures under the Plans and the purposes for which expenditures were made. The Trustees conduct an additional, more extensive review annually in determining whether the Plans will be continued. By its terms, continuation of the Plans from year to year is contingent on annual approval by a majority of the Funds' Trustees and by a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans or any related agreements (the "Plan Trustees"). The Plans provide that they may not be amended to increase materially the costs which the Funds may bear pursuant to the Plans without approval of the shareholders of that class of the Funds and that other material amendments to the Plans must be approved by a majority of the Plan Trustees by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such amendments. The Plans further provide that while they are in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees who are not "interested persons" shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who are not "interested persons." The Plans may be terminated at any time by vote of the Plan Trustees or a majority of the outstanding shares of the relevant class of the Funds.

No interested person of the Funds other than the Distributor and no Trustee who is not an interested person of the Funds, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, has had any direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans or related agreements.

FINRA regards certain distribution fees as asset-based sales charges subject to FINRA sales load limits. FINRA's maximum sales charge rule may require the Board to suspend distribution fees or amend the Plans.

**<u>Rule 12b-1 Fees Paid</u>**

The following table shows Rule 12b-1 Fees paid by the Predecessor Funds to Natixis Distribution, LLC with respect to Class A Shares and Class C Shares of each Predecessor Fund for which such fees were paid for the periods ending December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 12b-1 Fees Paid (Class A)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 12b-1 Fees Paid (Class A)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 12b-1 Fees Paid (Class A)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 12b-1 Fees Paid (Class C)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 12b-1 Fees Paid (Class C)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 12b-1 Fees Paid (Class C)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2019** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2020** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2021** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2019** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2020** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2021** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Global Alternatives Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;$74430 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$50789 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$39165 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$132145 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$75086 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$39098 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Managed Futures Strategy Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;$535019 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$491639 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$174185 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$252411 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$211474 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$193731 |

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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the Predecessor Funds paid Rule 12b-1 fees to Natixis Distribution, LLC in the amount of $446,179, all of which was paid out as compensation to dealers.

**<u>Portfolio Managers</u>**

**<u>Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers and Potential Conflicts of Interest</u>**

As described in each Fund's prospectuses, the portfolio manager(s) who are responsible for the Funds are:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Portfolio Manager*(s)*** |
| Global Alternatives Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alexander D. Healy<br>Kathryn M. Kaminski<br>Timothy J. Kang<br>Peter A. Lee<br>Philippe P. Lüdi<br>Robert S. Rickard<br>|
| Managed Futures Strategy Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alexander D. Healy<br>Kathryn M. Kaminski<br>Philippe P. Lüdi<br>John C. Perry<br>Robert S. Rickard<br>|

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There may be certain inherent conflicts of interest that arise in connection with the portfolio managers' management of a Fund's investments and the investments of any other accounts they manage. Such conflicts could include the aggregation of orders for all accounts managed by a particular portfolio manager, the allocation of purchases across all such accounts, the allocation of IPOs and any soft dollar arrangements that the relevant subadviser may have in place that could benefit the Funds and/or such other accounts. The Board has adopted on behalf of the Funds policies and procedures designed to

address any such conflicts of interest to ensure that all transactions are executed in the best interest of the Funds' shareholders. Each subadviser is required to certify its compliance with these procedures to the Board on a quarterly basis. There have been no material compliance issues with respect to any of these policies and procedures during the Funds' most recent fiscal year. Additionally, any conflicts of interest between the investment strategies of a Fund and the investment strategies of other accounts managed by portfolio managers are not expected to be material since portfolio managers generally manage funds and other accounts having similar investment strategies.

The following tables provide information as of December 31, 2022, regarding all accounts managed by the portfolio managers and portfolio management team members for each of the Funds. In the tables, Registered Investment Companies include all open and closed-end mutual funds. Pooled Investment Vehicles include, but are not limited to, securities of issuers exempt from registration under Section 3(c) of the Investment Company Act, such as private placements and hedge funds. Other accounts would include, but are not limited to, individual managed accounts, separate accounts, institutional accounts, pension funds, collateralized bond obligations and collateralized debt obligations. The portfolio managers managing the Funds may also manage or be members of management teams for other Virtus Mutual Funds or other similar accounts.

**Other Accounts Managed** *(No Performance-Based Fees)*

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Registered Investment Companies** | **Registered Investment Companies** | **Other Pooled Investment Vehicles** | **Other Pooled Investment Vehicles** | **Other Accounts** | **Other Accounts** |
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Number of** <br> **Accounts** | **Total Assets**<br> **($million)** | **Number of** <br> **Accounts** | **Total Assets**<br>**($million)** | **Number of** <br> **Accounts** | **Total Assets**<br>**($million)** |
| Alexander D. Healy | 2 | $575.9 | 2 | $854.6 | 8 | $965.1 |
| Kathryn M. Kaminski | 2 | $575.9 | 2 | $854.6 | 5 | $899.5 |
| Timothy J. Kang | 0 | $0.0 | 0 | $0.0 | 0 | $0.0 |
| Peter A. Lee | 0 | $0.0 | 0 | $0.0 | 0 | $0.0 |
| Philippe P. Lüdi | 2 | $575.9 | 2 | $854.6 | 5 | $899.5 |
| John C. Perry | 2 | $575.9 | 2 | $854.6 | 5 | $899.5 |
| Robert S. Rickard | 2 | $575.9 | 2 | $854.6 | 1 | $169.2 |

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**Other Accounts Managed** *(With Performance-Based Fees)*

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Registered Investment Companies** | **Registered Investment Companies** | **Other Pooled Investment Vehicles** | **Other Pooled Investment Vehicles** | **Other Accounts** | **Other Accounts** |
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Number of** <br> **Accounts** | **Total Assets**<br> **($million)** | **Number of** <br> **Accounts** | **Total Assets**<br>**($million)** | **Number of** <br> **Accounts** | **Total Assets**<br>**($million)** |
| Alexander D. Healy | 0 | $0.0 | 1 | $710.5 | 0 | $0.0 |
| Kathryn M. Kaminski | 0 | $0.0 | 1 | $710.5 | 0 | $0.0 |
| Timothy J. Kang | 0 | $0.0 | 0 | $0.0 | 0 | $0.0 |
| Peter A. Lee | 0 | $0.0 | 0 | $0.0 | 0 | $0.0 |
| Philippe P. Lüdi | 0 | $0.0 | 1 | $710.5 | 0 | $0.0 |
| John C. Perry | 0 | $0.0 | 1 | $710.5 | 0 | $0.0 |
| Robert S. Rickard | 0 | $0.0 | 1 | $710.5 | 0 | $0.0 |

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**<u>Portfolio Manager Compensation</u>**

***AlphaSimplex***

Virtus and certain of its affiliated investment management firms, including AlphaSimplex (collectively, "Virtus"), believe that the firm's compensation program is adequate and competitive to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals. Investment professionals at Virtus receive a competitive base salary, an incentive bonus opportunity and a benefits package. Certain professionals who supervise and manage others also participate in a management incentive program reflecting their personal contribution and team performance. Certain key individuals also have the opportunity to take advantage of a long-term incentive compensation program, including potential awards of Virtus restricted stock units ("Virtus RSUs") with multi-year vesting, subject to Virtus board of directors' approval. Following is a more detailed description of Virtus' compensation structure.

**Base Salary.** Each portfolio manager is paid a fixed base salary, which is designed to be competitive in light of the individual's experience and responsibilities. Base salary is determined using compensation survey results of investment industry compensation conducted by an independent third party in evaluating competitive market compensation for its investment management professionals.

**Incentive Bonus.** Annual incentive payments are based on targeted compensation levels, adjusted based on profitability, investment performance factors and a subjective assessment of contribution to the team

effort. The short-term incentive payment is generally paid in cash, but a portion may be made in Virtus RSUs.

While portfolio manager compensation contains a performance component, this component is adjusted to reward investment personnel for managing within the stated framework and for not taking unnecessary risk. This approach ensures that investment management personnel remain focused on managing and acquiring securities that correspond to a fund's mandate and risk profile and are discouraged from taking on more risk and unnecessary exposure to chase performance for personal gain. We believe we have appropriate controls in place to handle any potential conflicts that may result from a substantial portion of portfolio manager compensation being tied to performance.

**Other Benefits.** Portfolio managers are also eligible to participate in broad-based plans offered generally to employees of Virtus and its affiliates, including 401(k), health and other employee benefit plans.

**<u>Portfolio Manager Fund Ownership</u>**

The following table states, as of December 31, 2022, (i) the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Portfolio Manager in each Fund that he or she manages, and (ii) to the extent such information is applicable and has been made available to the Funds, the dollar range of financial exposure, including through compensation plans, to any other investment vehicles he or she managed that have substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies to such Funds. The other investment vehicles may include separately managed accounts or private placement vehicles, and the financial exposure to such other investment vehicles may or may not include ownership from a legal perspective. Typically, exposure through a deferred compensation plan does not include legal ownership, but the plan participant's account value rises and falls with the value of the investments selected within the plan.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Portfolio Manager** | **Dollar Range of Equity** <br> **Securities Beneficially** <br> **Owned in Fund** <br> **Managed** | **Dollar Range of <br> Financial Exposure<br> Through Similar<br> Strategies** |
| Global Alternatives Fund | Alexander D. Healy | $100001 - $500000 | N/A |
|  | Kathryn M. Kaminski | $100001 - $500000 | N/A |
|  | Timothy J. Kang | $10001 – $50000 | N/A |
|  | Peter A. Lee | $50001 – $100000 | N/A |
|  | Philippe P. Lüdi | $100001 - $500000 | N/A |
|  | Robert S. Rickard | $10001 – $50000 | N/A |
| Managed Futures Strategy Fund | Alexander D. Healy | $500001 – $1000000 | N/A |
|  | Kathryn M. Kaminski | $500001 - $1000000 | N/A |
|  | Philippe P. Lüdi | $100001 - $500000 | N/A |
|  | John C. Perry | $100001 - $500000 | N/A |
|  | Robert S. Rickard | $10001 – $50000 | N/A |

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**<u>Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices</u>**

In effecting transactions for the Funds, the adviser or applicable subadviser (throughout this section, "Subadviser") adheres to the Trust's policy of seeking best execution and price, determined as described below, except to the extent it is permitted to pay higher brokerage commissions for "brokerage and research services" as defined herein. The determination of what may constitute best execution and price in the execution of a securities transaction by a broker involves a number of considerations including, without limitation, the overall direct net economic result to the Funds (involving both price paid or received and any commissions and other costs paid), the efficiency with which the transaction is effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a large block is involved, availability of the broker to stand ready to execute possibly difficult transactions in the future, the financial strength and stability of the broker and its ability to provide research services. Such considerations are judgmental and are weighed by the Subadviser in determining the overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid by the Funds.

The Subadviser may cause a Fund to pay a broker an amount of commission for effecting a securities transaction in excess of the amount of commission which another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Subadviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker. As provided in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, "brokerage and research services" include advising as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts, and effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement). Brokerage and research services provided by brokers to the Funds are considered to be in addition to and not in lieu of services required to be performed by each Subadviser under its contract with the Trust and may benefit both the Funds and other accounts of the Subadviser. Conversely, brokerage and research services provided by brokers to other accounts of the Subadviser may benefit the Funds.

If the securities in which a particular Fund invests are traded primarily in the over-the-counter market, where possible the Fund will deal directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities involved unless better prices and executions are available elsewhere. Such securities may be purchased directly from the issuer. Bonds and money market instruments are generally traded on a net basis and do not normally involve either brokerage commissions or transfer taxes.

Some fund transactions are, subject to the Conduct Rules of the FINRA and to obtaining best prices and executions, effected through dealers (excluding VP Distributors) who sell shares of the Funds.

The Trust has Board-approved policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent (i) the Subadvisers' personnel responsible for the selection of broker-dealers to effect fund portfolio securities transactions from taking into account, in making those decisions, a broker-dealer's promotion or sales efforts, and (ii) the Trust, its Adviser, Subadvisers and Distributor from entering into any agreement or other understanding under which the Funds direct brokerage transactions or revenue generated by those transactions to a broker-dealer to pay for distribution of Fund shares. These policies and procedures are designed to prevent the Trust from entering into informal arrangements to direct portfolio securities transactions to a particular broker.

The Trust has adopted a policy governing the execution of aggregated advisory client orders ("bunching policy") in an attempt to lower commission costs on a per-share and per-dollar basis. According to the bunching policy, no Subadviser shall aggregate transactions unless it believes in its sole discretion that such aggregation is consistent with its duty to seek best execution (which shall include the duty to seek best price) for the Funds. No advisory account of the Subadviser is to be favored over any other account and each account that participates in an aggregated order is expected to participate at the average share price for all transactions of the Subadviser in that security on a given business day, with all transaction costs shared pro rata based on the Fund's participation in the transaction. If the aggregated order is filled in its entirety, it shall be allocated among the Subadviser's accounts in accordance with the allocation order, and if the order is partially filled, it shall be allocated pro rata based on the allocation order. Notwithstanding

the foregoing, the order may be allocated on a basis different from that specified in the allocation order if good reason for such different allocation is provided and approved in accordance with the Subadviser's policies and procedures adopted in accordance with the Trust's policy. The Board will review the bunching policy from time to time as they deem appropriate.

The adviser or subadvisers to the underlying mutual funds execute the portfolio transactions for their respective fund(s). In allocating portfolio transactions, each underlying fund's adviser or subadviser must comply with the brokerage and allocation procedures adopted by the board of trustees of the underlying mutual fund. The above discussion of the portfolio transactions and brokerage procedures of the Funds also applies to those underlying mutual funds that are affiliated with the Funds.

The following table shows aggregate amount of brokerage commissions paid by each Predecessor Fund for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions ($)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions ($)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Aggregate Amount of Brokerage Commissions ($)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2019** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2020** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2021** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Global Alternatives Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;$850569 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$733327 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$665163 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Managed Futures Strategy Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;$2719443 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$2136518 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$1579331 |

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During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, no brokerage commissions were paid by the Predecessor Funds to any affiliate of the Funds, the Adviser or the Distributor, or to any affiliate of any affiliate of the Funds, the Adviser or the Distributor. No brokerage commissions were paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 by the Predecessor Funds on portfolio transactions executed by brokers who provided research and other statistical information.

Investment decisions for the Trust are made independently from those of the other investment companies or accounts advised by the Subadviser. It may frequently happen that the same security is held in the portfolio of more than one fund or account. Simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several funds or accounts are managed by the same investment adviser, particularly when the same security is suited for the investment objectives of more than one fund or account. When two or more funds or accounts advised by the Subadviser are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the transactions are allocated among the funds or accounts in a manner equitable to each fund or account. It is recognized that in some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security as far as the Funds are concerned. In other cases, however, it is believed that the ability of the Funds to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions for the Funds. It is the opinion of the Board of the Trust that the desirability of utilizing the Subadviser as an investment adviser to the Funds outweighs the disadvantages that may be said to exist from simultaneous transactions.

**<u>Securities of Regular Broker-Dealers</u>**

The Funds are required to identify the securities of their regular brokers or dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parent companies held by the Predecessor Funds as of the close of their most recent fiscal year. The table below contains the aggregate value of securities of each Predecessor Fund's regular broker-dealers (or the parent of the regular broker-dealers) held by each Predecessor Fund, as of the close of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Regular Broker-Dealer** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Aggregate Value of Securities of Each Regular Broker-<br> Dealer (or its Parent) Held by Fund** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Global Alternatives Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;Bank of America Corp. | &nbsp;&nbsp;$5000563 |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Citigroup, Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;$254363 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Managed Futures Strategy Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;Bank of America Corp. | &nbsp;&nbsp;$25002818 |

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**<u>Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares</u>**

**<u>How to Buy Shares</u>**

For Class A and Class C Shares, the minimum initial investment is $2,500 and the minimum subsequent investment is $100. However, both the initial and subsequent minimum investment amounts are $100 for investments pursuant to the "Systematic Purchase" plan, a bank draft investing program administered by the Transfer Agent, or pursuant to the Systematic Exchange privilege or for an IRA. In addition, there are no subsequent minimum investment amounts in connection with the reinvestment of dividend or capital gain distributions.

For Class I Shares, the minimum initial investment is $100,000 and there is no subsequent minimum investment. For purchases of Class I Shares (i) by private clients of the adviser, subadviser and their affiliates, (ii) through certain programs and defined contribution plans with which the Distributor or Transfer Agent has an arrangement or (iii) by Trustees of the Virtus Mutual Funds and directors, officers and employees of Virtus and its affiliates, the minimum initial investment is waived. Completed applications for the purchase of shares should be mailed to: Virtus Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, RI 02940-8074.

Class R6 Shares are offered without a minimum initial investment to the following investors in plan level or omnibus accounts only: certain employer sponsored retirement plans, including profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, plans described in Section 401(k), 403(b) and 457 of the Internal Revenue Code, banks and trust companies, insurance companies, registered investment companies and financial intermediaries utilizing fund shares in fee-based advisory programs. Other institutional investors may be permitted to purchase Class R6 Shares subject to the fund's determination of eligibility and may be subject to a $2,500,000 minimum initial investment requirement. In addition, without a minimum initial investment requirement, Class R6 Shares are available to any trustee of the Virtus Funds and trustees/directors of affiliated open- and closed-end funds, directors, officers and employees of Virtus and its affiliates, and a spouse or domestic partner, child or minor grandchild of any such qualifying individual (in each case either individually or jointly with other investors), provided in each case that those shares are held directly with the Transfer Agent or in an eligible account. If you are participating in an employer sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k) plan, profit-sharing plan, defined benefit plan or other employer-directed plan, your company will provide you with the information you need to open an account and buy Class R6 Shares. If you are a qualified institutional investor or qualified individual investor as described above, completed applications for the purchase of shares should be mailed to: Virtus Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, RI 02940-8074.

The Trust has authorized one or more brokers to accept on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Trust's behalf. The Trust will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker's authorized designee, accepts the order. Customer orders will be priced at the Funds' NAVs next computed after they are received in good order by an authorized broker or the broker's authorized designee.

**<u>Alternative Purchase Arrangements</u>**

Shares may be purchased from investment dealers at a price equal to their NAV per share, plus a sales charge which, at the election of the purchaser, may be imposed either (i) at the time of the purchase (the "initial sales charge alternative") or (ii) on a contingent deferred basis (the "deferred sales charge alternative"). Certain Funds also offer Class I Shares that may be purchased by certain institutional investors at a price equal to their NAV per share. Orders received by dealers prior to the close of trading on the NYSE are confirmed at the offering price effective at that time, provided the order is received by an authorized broker or broker's authorized designee prior to its close of business.

The alternative purchase arrangements permit an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that is more beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the

shares, whether the investor wishes to receive distributions in cash or to reinvest them in additional shares of the Funds, and other circumstances. Investors should consider whether, during the anticipated life of their investment in the Fund, the accumulated continuing distribution and services fees and CDSC on Class C Shares would be less than the initial sales charge and accumulated distribution services fee on Class A Shares purchased at the same time.

Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the CDSC and ongoing distribution and services fees with respect to the Class C Shares are the same as those of the initial sales charge and ongoing distribution and services fees with respect to the Class A Shares.

The distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor in connection with the sale of the shares will be paid, in the case of Class A Shares, from the proceeds of the initial sales charge and the ongoing distribution and service fee. For Class C Shares, the ongoing distribution and service fee will be used to pay for the distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor. Sales personnel of broker-dealers distributing the Funds' shares may receive differing compensation for selling Class A Shares and Class C Shares.

Dividends paid by a Fund, if any, with respect to each class of shares will be calculated in the same manner at the same time on the same day, except that fees such as higher distribution and service fees and any incremental transfer agency costs relating to each class of shares will be borne exclusively by that class. (See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in this SAI.)

**Class A Shares**

Class A Shares incur a sales charge when they are purchased and enjoy the benefit of not being subject to any sales charge when they are redeemed, except that a CDSC may apply on certain redemptions on which a finder's fee has been paid. The CDSC may be imposed on redemptions within 18 months of a finder's fee being paid. For all Virtus Mutual Funds in this SAI, the CDSC is 1.00%. The CDSC period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. Such deferred sales charges may be waived under certain conditions as determined by the Distributor. Class A Shares are subject to ongoing distribution and services fees at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class A Shares. In addition, certain purchases of Class A Shares qualify for reduced initial sales charges.

**Class C Shares**

Class C Shares are purchased without an initial sales charge but are subject to a deferred sales charge if redeemed within one year of purchase. The deferred sales charge may be waived in connection with certain qualifying redemptions.

If an investor intends to purchase greater than $999,999 of Class C shares, and the purchase would qualify for Class A shares with no load, then the purchase will automatically be made into a purchase of Class A shares, thus reducing expenses. The Funds may refuse any order to purchase shares.

Shares issued in conjunction with the automatic reinvestment of income distributions and capital gain distributions are not subject to any sales charges. Class C Shares are subject to ongoing distribution and service fees of up to 1.00% of each Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. Class C Shares enjoy the benefit of permitting all of the investor's dollars to work from the time the investment is made. The higher ongoing distribution and services fee paid by Class C Shares will cause such shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends, to the extent any dividends are paid, than those related to Class A Shares.

Effective March 1, 2021, with certain exceptions, Class C Shares, and any reinvested dividends and other distributions paid on such shares (on a prorated basis), will automatically convert to Class A Shares after eight years. However, for investors invested in Class C Shares through a financial intermediary or recordkeeper, it is the responsibility of the financial intermediary or recordkeeper to ensure that the investor is credited with the proper holding period for the shares redeemed. The automatic conversion of Class C Shares to Class A Shares shall not apply to shares held through intermediaries or recordkeepers that do not track the length of time that a participant has held such shares or that are not otherwise able to operationally support the automatic conversion feature.

In addition, certain Class C Shares may be exchangeable in advance of the automatic conversion. If you hold your shares through a financial intermediary or recordkeeper, please contact your financial intermediary or recordkeeper for additional information. Class C Shares that have been held directly with the Fund, and not through a financial intermediary, for fewer than the required number of years may be exchanged at the Fund's or Transfer Agent's discretion for Class A Shares if (i) the Class C Shares are not subject to a CDSC, and (ii) a commission was not paid on the sale of such Class C Shares.

All conversions and exchanges from Class C Shares to Class A Shares will be on the basis of the relative NAVs per share, without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. Automatic conversions of Class C shares to Class A shares will generally be processed monthly on or about the 10th day of the month, although for investors invested in Class C Shares through a financial intermediary or recordkeeper, it is the responsibility of the financial intermediary or recordkeeper to determine the timing of the conversions. As of the date of this SAI, conversions and exchanges from Class C Shares to Class A Shares of the same Fund are not expected to be considered taxable events for Federal income tax purposes. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding their own tax considerations.

**Class I Shares**

Class I Shares are offered primarily to clients of financial intermediaries that (i) charge such clients an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting, or similar services; or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the Distributor to offer Class I Shares through a no-load network or platform. Such clients may include pension and profit sharing plans, other employee benefit trusts, endowments, foundations and corporations. Class I Shares are also offered to private and institutional clients of, or referred by, the Adviser, the subadvisers, their affiliates, and to Trustees of the Virtus Mutual Funds and trustees/directors of affiliated open- and closed-end funds, and directors, officers and employees of Virtus and its affiliates.

**Class R6 Shares**

Class R6 Shares are available only to certain employer-sponsored retirement plans, including profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, plans described in Section 401(k), 403(b) and 457 of the Internal Revenue Code, banks and trust companies, insurance companies, registered investment companies and financial intermediaries utilizing fund shares in fee-based advisory programs, where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the fund. Other institutional investors may be permitted to purchase Class R6 Shares subject to the fund's determination of eligibility and may be subject to a $2,500,000 minimum initial investment requirement. In addition, without a minimum initial investment requirement, Class R6 Shares are available to any trustee of the Virtus Funds and trustees/directors of affiliated open- and closed-end funds, directors, officers and employees of Virtus and its affiliates, and a spouse or domestic partner, child or minor grandchild of any such qualifying individual (in each case either individually or jointly with other investors), provided in each case that those shares are held directly with the Transfer Agent or in an eligible account. Class R6 Shares are not available to traditional or Roth IRAs, Coverdell Savings Accounts, Keoghs, SEPs, SARSEPs, or Simple IRAs. Individual shareholders who purchase Class R6 Shares through retirement platforms or other intermediaries are not eligible to hold Class R6 Shares outside of their respective plan or intermediary platform. If you are eligible to purchase and do purchase Class R6 Shares, you will pay no sales charge at any time. There are no distribution and service fees applicable to Class R6 Shares.

**<u>Class A Shares — Reduced Initial Sales Charges</u>**

Investors choosing Class A Shares may be entitled to reduced initial sales charges. The ways in which initial sales charges may be avoided or reduced are described below. Investors buying Class A Shares on which a finder's fee has been paid may incur a CDSC if they redeem their shares within 18 months of purchase. For all Virtus Mutual Funds in this SAI, the CDSC is 1.00%. The CDSC period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. Such deferred sales charge may be waived under certain conditions as determined by the Distributor or Transfer Agent.

**Qualified Purchasers**

If you fall within any one of the following categories, you will not have to pay a sales charge on your purchase of Class A Shares, provided that such purchase is made upon the written assurance of the purchaser that the purchase is made for investment purposes and that the shares so acquired will not be resold except to the Fund:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Trustee, director or officer of any Virtus Mutual Fund, or any other mutual fund advised, subadvised
or distributed by the Adviser, Distributor or any of their corporate affiliates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Any director or officer, or any full-time employee or sales representative (for at least 90 days),
of the applicable Fund's Adviser, subadviser or Distributor;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Any private client of an Adviser or subadviser to any Virtus Mutual Fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Registered representatives and employees of securities dealers with whom the Distributor has sales
agreements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Any qualified retirement plan exclusively for persons described above;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) Any officer, director or employee of a corporate affiliate of the Adviser, a subadviser or the
Distributor;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) Any spouse or domestic partner, child, parent, grandparent, brother or sister of any person named
in (1), (2), (4) or (6) above;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) Employee benefit plans for employees of the Adviser, Distributor and/or their corporate affiliates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) Any employee or agent who retires from the Distributor and/or their corporate affiliates or from
PNX, as long as, with respect to PNX employees or agents, such individual was employed by PNX prior to December 31, 2008;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) Any Virtus direct account held in the name of a qualified employee benefit plan, endowment fund
or foundation if, on the date of the initial investment, the plan, fund or foundation has assets of $10,000,000 or more
or at least 100 eligible employees;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(11) Any person with a direct rollover transfer of shares from an established Virtus Mutual Fund or
Virtus qualified plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(12) Any state, county, city, department, authority or similar agency prohibited by law from paying
a sales charge;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(13) Any unallocated account held by a third party administrator, registered investment adviser, trust
company, or bank trust department which exercises discretionary authority and holds the account in a fiduciary, agency, custodial
or similar capacity, if in the aggregate such accounts held by such entity equal or exceed $1,000,000;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(14) Any deferred compensation plan established for the benefit of any trustee or director of Virtus,
any Virtus Mutual Fund, or any open-or closed-end fund advised, subadvised or distributed by the Adviser, the Distributor or any
of their corporate affiliates.<br>
If you fall within any one of the following categories, you also will not have to pay a sales charge on your purchase of Class
A Shares:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(15) Individuals purchasing through an account with an unaffiliated brokerage firm having an agreement
with the Distributor to waive sales charges for its clients (See Appendix A to the prospectus for a description of broker-dealers
offering various sales load waivers);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(16) Purchasers of Class A Shares bought through investment advisers and financial planners who charge
an advisory, consulting or other fee for their services and buy shares for their own accounts or the accounts of their clients;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(17) Retirement plans and deferred compensation plans and trusts used to fund those plans (including,
for example, certain plans qualified or created under Sections 401(a), 403(b) or 457 of the Code), and "rabbi trusts"
that buy shares for their own accounts, in each case if those purchases are made through a broker or agent or other financial intermediary
that has made special arrangements with the Distributor for such purchases; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(18) Clients of investment professionals or financial planners who buy shares for their own accounts
but only if their accounts are linked to a master account of their investment professional or financial planner on the books and
records of the broker, agent or financial intermediary with which the Distributor has made such special arrangements. (See Appendix
A in the Funds' prospectus for a description of broker-dealers offering various sales load waivers.) Each of the investors
described in (15) through (18) may be charged a fee by the broker, agent or financial intermediary for purchasing shares.

**Combination Purchase Privilege**

Your purchase of any class of shares of these Funds or any other Virtus Mutual Fund, if made at the same time by the same person, will be added together with any existing Virtus Mutual Fund account values to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to an immediate reduction in sales charges. A "person" is defined in this and the following sections as either:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Any individual, his or her spouse or domestic partner, children and minor grandchildren purchasing
shares for his, her or their own account (including an IRA account) including his, her or their own sole proprietorship or trust
where any of the above is the named beneficiary;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) A trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust, estate or single fiduciary account
(even though more than one beneficiary may exist);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Multiple accounts (up to 200) under a qualified employee benefit plan or administered by a third
party administrator; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Trust companies, bank trust departments, registered investment advisers, and similar entities placing
orders or providing administrative services with respect to accounts over which they exercise discretionary investment authority
and which are held in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar capacity, provided all shares are held of record in the name, or
nominee name, of the entity placing the order.

**Right of Accumulation**

The value of your account(s) in any class of shares of these Funds or any other Virtus Mutual Fund may be added together at the time of each purchase to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to a prospective reduction in sales charges. You must provide certain account information to the Funds and their agents at the time of purchase to exercise this right.

**Gifting of Shares**

If you make a gift of shares of a Virtus Mutual Fund, upon your request you may combine purchases, if made at the same time, of any class of shares of these Funds or any other Virtus Mutual Fund at the sales charge discount allowed for the combined purchase. The receiver of the gift may also be entitled to a prospective reduction in sales charges in accordance with the Virtus Mutual Funds' right of accumulation or other provisions. You or the receiver of the gift must provide certain account information to Virtus Mutual Funds or their agents at the time of purchase to exercise this right.

**Associations**

Certain groups or associations may be treated as a "person" and qualify for reduced Class A Share sales charges. The group or association must: (1) have been in existence for at least six months; (2) have a legitimate purpose other than to purchase mutual fund shares at a reduced sales charge; (3) work through an investment dealer; and (4) not be a group whose sole reason for existing is to consist of members who

are credit card holders of a particular company, policyholders of an insurance company, customers of a bank or a broker-dealer or clients of an investment adviser.

**Letter of Intent**

If you sign a Letter of Intent, your purchase of any class of shares of these Funds or any other Virtus Mutual Fund, if made by the same person within a 13-month period, will be added together to determine whether you are entitled to an immediate reduction in sales charges. Sales charges are reduced based on the overall amount you indicate that you will buy under the Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent is a mutually non-binding commitment. Since the Funds and their agents do not know whether you will ultimately fulfill the Letter of Intent, shares worth 5% of the Letter of Intent amount will be set aside until you fulfill the Letter of Intent. When you buy enough shares to fulfill the Letter of Intent, these shares will no longer be restricted. If, on the other hand, you do not satisfy the Letter of Intent, or otherwise wish to sell any restricted shares, you will be given the choice of either buying enough shares to fulfill the Letter of Intent or paying the difference between any sales charge you previously paid and the otherwise applicable sales charge. You will be given 20 days to make this decision. If you do not exercise either election, the Transfer Agent will automatically redeem the number of your restricted shares needed to make up the deficiency in sales charges received. The Transfer Agent will redeem restricted Class A Shares before Class C Shares. Oldest shares will be redeemed before selling newer shares. Any remaining shares will then be deposited to your account.

**<u>Class A and Class C Shares — Waiver of Deferred Sales Charges</u>**

The CDSC is waived on the redemption (sale) of Class A Shares and Class C Shares if the redemption is made:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) within one year of death;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) of the sole shareholder on an individual account, of a joint tenant where the surviving joint tenant
is the deceased's spouse or domestic partner, of the beneficiary of a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA), Uniform Transfers
to Minors Act (UTMA) or other custodial account, or of the "grantor" on a trust account;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) within one year of disability, as defined in Code Section 72(m)(7);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the shareholder
reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the fund's Prospectus;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) by 401(k) plans using an approved participant tracking system for participant hardships, death,
disability or normal retirement, and loans which are subsequently repaid;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) based on the exercise of exchange privileges among Class A Shares and Class C Shares of these Funds
or any of the Virtus Mutual Funds;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) based on any direct rollover transfer of shares from an established Virtus Mutual Fund qualified
plan into a Virtus Mutual Fund IRA by participants terminating from the qualified plan; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) based on the systematic withdrawal program, provided such withdrawals do not exceed more than 1%
monthly or 3% quarterly of the aggregate net investments. (See "Systematic Withdrawal Program" in this SAI for additional
information about these restrictions.)

If, as described in condition (a) above, an account is transferred to an account registered in the name of a deceased's estate, the CDSC will be waived on any redemption from the estate account occurring within one year of the death.

**<u>Class A Shares and Class C Shares — Variations and Waivers of Sales Charges</u>**

Class A Shares and Class C Shares purchased through specific intermediaries may be eligible for additional scheduled variations in, and eliminations of, Class A and Class C sales charges. Information about these variations and waivers is available from your financial intermediary and in Appendix A to the Funds' prospectus, entitled "Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts and Waivers.

**<u>How to Redeem Shares</u>**

Customer orders will be priced at the Funds' NAVs next computed after they are received in good order by the Funds' Transfer Agent, an authorized broker or the broker's authorized designee. Even after all required documents have been received, a redemption request may not be considered in good order by the funds, their Transfer Agent or other authorized agents if any of them suspects that the request is fraudulent or otherwise not valid.

Under the 1940 Act, payment for shares redeemed must ordinarily be made within seven days after tender. The right to redeem shares may be suspended and payment postponed during periods when the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or if permitted by rules of the SEC, during periods when trading on the NYSE is restricted or during any emergency which makes it impracticable for a Fund to dispose of its securities or to determine fairly the value of its net assets or during any other period permitted by order of the SEC for the protection of investors. Furthermore, any shareholder who purchases shares via check and then requests to redeem those shares will not be entitled to and the Transfer Agent will not mail redemption proceeds until checks received for shares purchased have cleared, which may take up to 15 days.

**Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class I Shares Only**

The Trust has authorized one or more brokers to receive on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Trust's behalf. The Trust will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker's authorized designee, accepts the order.

Redemptions by Class A and Class C shareholders will be subject to the applicable deferred sales charge, if any. A shareholder should contact his/her broker-dealer if he/she wishes to transfer shares from an existing broker-dealer street name account to a street name account with another broker-dealer. The Funds have no specific procedures governing such account transfers.

**Class R6 Shares Only**

If you are investing through a qualified retirement plan, bank or trust company, insurance company, registered investment company or non-qualified deferred compensation plan, your financial institution or financial intermediary will provide you with the information you need to redeem Class R6. If you are a qualified institutional investor or qualified individual investor holding Class R6 Shares, please refer to the instructions in the Funds' prospectus section entitiled "How to Sell Shares."

**Redemptions by Mail**

Shareholders may redeem shares by making written request, executed in the full name of the account, directly to Virtus Mutual Funds, P.O. Box 9874, Providence, RI 02940-8074. (See the Funds' current Prospectuses for more information.)

**Redemptions by Telephone**

Generally, shareholders may redeem by telephone up to $50,000 worth of their shares held in book-entry form. (See the Funds' current Prospectuses for more information.) Corporations that have completed a Corporate Authorized Trader form may redeem more than $50,000 worth of shares in most instances. The funds, their Transfer Agent and their other authorized agents will not be liable for any loss, liability, cost or expense resulting from acting upon telephone instructions that are reasonably believed to be genuine.

**Redemption of Small Accounts**

Each shareholder account in the Funds which has been in existence for at least one year and which has a value of less than $200, due to redemption activity may be redeemed upon the giving of not less than 60 days written notice to the shareholder mailed to the account address of record. During the 60-day period following such notice, the shareholder has the right to add to the account to bring its value to $200 or more. (See the Funds' current Prospectuses for more information.)

**Redemptions in Kind**

To the extent consistent with state and federal law, each Virtus Mutual Fund may make payment of the redemption price either in cash or in kind. However, the Funds have elected to pay in cash all requests for redemption by any shareholder of record, limited in respect to each shareholder during any 90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the NAV of the Fund at the beginning of such period. This election has been made pursuant to Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act and is irrevocable while the Rule is in effect unless the SEC, by order, permits the withdrawal thereof. In case of a redemption in kind, securities delivered in payment for shares would generally represent the shareholder's proportionate share of the Fund's current net assets and be valued at the same value assigned to them in computing the NAV per share of the Fund. A shareholder receiving such securities would incur brokerage costs when selling the securities.

**<u>Account Reinstatement Privilege</u>**

Shareholders who may have overlooked features of their investment at the time they redeemed have a privilege of reinvestment of their investment at NAV. (See the Funds' current Prospectuses for more information.)

**<u>Returned/Uncashed Checks Policy</u>**

For the protection of Fund shareholders, if you have elected to receive dividends and other distributions in cash, and the check is returned to the Fund as undeliverable or you do not respond to mailings from Virtus with regard to uncashed distribution checks, we may take any of the following actions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The
 distribution option on your account(s) will be changed to reinvest and all subsequent
 payments will be reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any systematic
 withdrawal plan will be stopped immediately.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If
 a check is not presented for payment within six months, the Fund reserves the right to
 reinvest the check proceeds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• If
 reinvested, distributions will be reinvested in the Fund at the earliest date practicable
 after the waiting period at the then-current NAV of such Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• No interest will
 accrue on amounts represented by uncashed dividend, distribution or redemption checks.

This policy may not apply to certain retirement or qualified accounts, closed accounts or accounts under the applicable Fund's required minimum threshold.

Reinvestment of future distributions will continue until you notify us of your election to reinstate cash payment of the dividends and other distributions. You will also be required to confirm your current address and daytime telephone number.

**<u>Pricing of Shares</u>**

The NAV per share of each class of each Fund generally is determined as of the close of regular trading (normally 4:00 PM Eastern time) on days when the NYSE is open for trading. A Fund will not calculate its NAV per share class on days when the NYSE is closed for trading.

The NYSE will be closed on the following observed national holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Since the Funds do not price securities on weekends or United States national holidays, the NAV of a Fund's foreign assets may be significantly affected on days when the investor may not be able to purchase or sell shares of the Funds. The NAV per share of a Fund is determined by adding the values of all securities and other assets of the Fund, subtracting liabilities, and dividing by the total number of outstanding shares of the Fund. Assets and liabilities are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. The total liability allocated to a class, plus that class's distribution fee and any other expenses allocated solely to that class, are deducted from the proportionate interest of such class in the assets of the Fund, and the resulting amount of each is divided by the number of shares of that class outstanding to produce the NAV per share.

A security that is listed or traded on more than one exchange generally is valued at the official closing price on the exchange representing the principal exchange for such security. Because of the need to obtain prices as of the close of trading on various exchanges throughout the world, the calculation of NAV may not take place for any Fund which invests in foreign securities contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of the majority of the portfolio securities of such Fund. The foreign currency exchange rate used to price the currency in which foreign securities are denominated is generally the 4 p.m. Eastern Time spot rate. If at any time a Fund has investments where market quotations are not readily available or are determined not to be reliable indicators of the value of the securities priced, such investments are valued at the fair value thereof as determined in good faith in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Board.

Security valuation procedures for each Fund, which include nightly price variance as well as back-testing such as bi-weekly unchanged price, monthly secondary source and transaction analysis, have been approved by the Board. All internally fair valued securities are approved by a valuation committee (the "Valuation Committee") appointed by the Board. The Valuation Committee is comprised of certain Trust officers and/or representatives of the Adviser and/or Administrator as identified to the Board. All internally fair valued securities, referred to below, are updated daily and reviewed in detail by the Valuation Committee monthly unless changes occur within the period. The Valuation Committee reviews the validity of any model inputs and any changes to the model when applicable. Internal fair valuations are reviewed by the Board at least quarterly.

Each Fund utilizes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Level 1 –
 quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Level
 2 – prices determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted
 prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Level
 3 – prices determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the valuation
 committee's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

A description of the valuation techniques applied to a Fund's major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:

Equity securities are valued at the official closing price (typically last sale) on the exchange on which the securities are primarily traded, or if no closing price is available, at the last bid price and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy. Restricted equity securities and private placements that are not widely traded, are illiquid or are internally fair valued by the valuation committee, are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Certain non-U.S. securities may be fair valued in cases where closing prices are not readily available or are deemed not reflective of readily available market prices. For example, significant events (such as movement in the U.S. securities market, or other regional and local developments) may occur between the time that non-U.S. markets close (where the security is principally traded) and the time that a Fund calculates its NAV that may impact the value of securities traded in these non-U.S. markets. In such cases the Funds fair value non-U.S. securities using an independent pricing service which considers the correlation of the trading patterns of the non-U.S. security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments such as ADRs, financial futures, exchange traded funds, and certain indexes as well as prices for similar securities. Such fair valuations are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Because the frequency of significant events is not predictable, fair valuation of certain non-U.S. common stocks may occur on a frequent basis.

Debt securities, including restricted securities, are valued based on evaluated quotations received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. For most bond types, the pricing service utilizes matrix pricing which considers one or more of the following factors: yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, current cash flows, type, and current day trade

information, as well as dealer supplied prices. These valuations are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Structured debt instruments such as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may also incorporate collateral analysis and utilize cash flow models for valuation and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Pricing services do not provide pricing for all securities and therefore indicative bids from dealers are utilized which are based on pricing models used by market makers in the security and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Debt securities that are not widely traded, are illiquid, or are internally fair valued by the valuation committee are generally categorized as Level 3 in the hierarchy.

Listed derivatives that are actively traded are valued based on quoted prices from the exchange and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

Over-the-counter (OTC) derivative contracts, which include forward currency contracts and equity linked instruments, do not require material subjectivity as pricing inputs are observed from actively quoted markets and are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their closing NAV each business day and are categorized as Level 1 in the hierarchy.

Short-term notes having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market, and are generally categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

**<u>Investor Account Services and Policies</u>**

The Funds offer accumulation plans, withdrawal plans and reinvestment and exchange privileges. Certain privileges may not be available in connection with all classes. In most cases, changes to account services may be accomplished over the phone. Inquiries regarding policies and procedures relating to shareholder account services should be directed to the Transfer Agent at 800.243.1574. Broker-dealers may impose their own restrictions and limits on accounts held through the broker-dealer. Please consult with your broker-dealer for account restrictions and limit information. The Funds and their agents reserve the right to modify or terminate these services upon reasonable notice.

**<u>Exchanges</u>**

Under certain circumstances, shares of any Virtus Mutual Fund may be exchanged for shares of the same class of another Virtus Mutual Fund on the basis of the relative NAVs per share at the time of the exchange. Class C Shares are also exchangeable for Class C1 Shares of those Virtus Mutual Funds offering them. Exchanges are subject to the minimum initial investment requirement of the designated Fund, except if made in connection with the Systematic Exchange privilege described below. Shareholders may exchange shares held in book-entry form for an equivalent number (value) of the same class of shares of any other Virtus Mutual Fund, if currently offered. Exchanges will be based upon each Fund's NAV per share next computed following receipt of a properly executed exchange request without sales charge. For all Virtus fixed income funds, the CDSC is 0.50%; for all other Virtus Mutual Funds, the CDSC is 1.00%. On exchanges with share classes that carry a CDSC, the CDSC schedule of the original shares purchased continues to apply. The exchange of shares is treated as a sale and purchase for federal income tax purposes. (See also "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in this SAI.) Exchange privileges may not be available for all Virtus Mutual Funds, and may be rejected or suspended.

Financial intermediaries are permitted to initiate exchanges from one class of shares of a Fund into another class of shares of the same Fund if, among other things, the financial intermediary agrees to follow procedures established by the Fund, the Distributor or the Transfer Agent, which generally will require that (i) the exchanges be carried out within accounts that are maintained and controlled by the intermediary and meet investor eligibility requirements, if applicable, for the share class or account type, and (ii) no contingent deferred sales charges are outstanding, or the applicable intermediary agrees to cause any outstanding contingent deferred sales charges to be paid in a manner agreed to by the Fund, the Distributor or the Transfer Agent. The Fund's ability to make this type of exchange may be limited by operational or other limitations, requiring the Fund or its agent to process the transaction as a liquidation and purchase, at the same closing NAV. The financial intermediary will be ultimately responsible for reporting the transaction in accordance with their instruction.

Shareholders owning shares of a Fund through accounts established directly with the Transfer Agent (i.e., not established with a financial intermediary who deals with the Transfer Agent exclusively on the investor's behalf) may be permitted to exchange shares of one class of shares of the Fund into another class of shares of the same Fund, if they meet the investor eligibility requirements associated with the class into which they wish to exchange, at the discretion of the Fund or the Transfer Agent. A shareholder's ability to make this type of exchange may be limited by operational or other limitations of his or her financial intermediary or the Fund. Under the Code, generally if a shareholder exchanges shares from one class of a Fund into another class of the same Fund, the transaction should not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes; however, each shareholder should consult both the relevant financial intermediary and the shareholder's tax professional regarding the treatment of any specific exchange carried out under the terms of this paragraph.

**Systematic Exchanges**

If the conditions above have been met, you or your broker may, by telephone or written notice, elect to have shares exchanged for the same class of shares of another Virtus Mutual Fund automatically on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis or may cancel this privilege at any time. If you maintain an account

balance of at least $5,000, or $2,000 for tax qualified retirement benefit plans (calculated on the basis of the NAV of the shares held in a single account), you may direct that shares be automatically exchanged at predetermined intervals for shares of the same class of another Virtus Mutual Fund. Systematic exchanges will be executed upon the close of business on the 10th day of each month or the next succeeding business day. Exchanges will be based upon each Fund's NAV per share next computed after the close of business on the 10th day of each month (or next succeeding business day), without sales charge. Systematic exchange forms are available from the Transfer Agent.

**<u>Dividend Reinvestment Across Accounts</u>**

If you maintain an account balance of at least $5,000, or $2,000 for tax qualified retirement benefit plans (calculated on the basis of the NAV of the shares held in a single account), you may direct that any dividends and distributions paid with respect to shares in that account be automatically reinvested in a single account of one of the other Virtus Mutual Funds at NAV. You should obtain a current prospectus and consider the objectives and policies of each Virtus Mutual Fund carefully before directing dividends and distributions to another Virtus Mutual Fund. Reinvestment election forms and prospectuses are available from the Transfer Agent. Distributions may also be mailed to a second payee and/or address. Requests for directing distributions to an alternate payee must be made in writing with a signature guarantee of the registered owner(s). To be effective with respect to a particular dividend or distribution, notification of the new distribution option must be received by the Transfer Agent at least three days prior to the record date of such dividend or distribution. If all shares in your account are repurchased or redeemed or transferred between the record date and the payment date of a dividend or distribution, you will receive cash for the dividend or distribution regardless of the distribution option selected.

**<u>Invest-by-Phone</u>**

This expedited investment service allows a shareholder to make an investment in an account by requesting a transfer of funds from the balance of the shareholder's bank account. Once a request is phoned in, the Transfer Agent or its subagent will initiate the transaction by wiring a request for monies to the shareholder's commercial bank, savings bank or credit union via ACH. The shareholder's bank, which must be an ACH member, will in turn forward the monies to the Transfer Agent or its subagent for credit to the shareholder's account. ACH is a computer based clearing and settlement operation established for the exchange of electronic transactions among participating depository institutions.

To establish this service, please complete a Bank Option Application and attach a voided check if applicable. Upon acceptance of the authorization form (usually within two weeks) shareholders may call toll free 800.243.1574 prior to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to place their purchase request. Instructions as to the account number and amount to be invested must be communicated to the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent or its subagent will then contact the shareholder's bank via ACH with appropriate instructions. The purchase is normally credited to the shareholder's account the day following receipt of the verbal instructions. The Fund may delay the mailing of a check for redemption proceeds of Fund shares purchased with a check or via Invest-by-Phone service until the Fund has assured itself that good payment has been collected for the purchase of the shares, which may take up to 15 days. The Trust and the Transfer Agent reserve the right to modify or terminate the Invest-by-Phone service for any reason or to institute charges for maintaining an Invest-by-Phone account.

**<u>Systematic Withdrawal Program</u>**

The Systematic Withdrawal Program allows you to periodically redeem a portion of your account on a predetermined monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. A sufficient number of full and fractional shares will be redeemed so that the designated payment is made on or about the 20th day of the month. Shares are tendered for redemption by the Transfer Agent, as agent for the shareowner, on or about the 15th of the month at the closing NAV on the date of redemption. The Program also provides for redemptions with proceeds to be directed through ACH to your bank account. For ACH payments, you may select the day of the month for the payments to be made; if no date is specified, the payments will occur on the 15th of the month. In addition to the limitations stated below, withdrawals may not be less than $25 and minimum account balance requirements shall continue to apply.

Shareholders participating in the Program must own shares of a Fund worth $5,000 or more, as determined by the then current NAV per share, and elect to have all dividends reinvested. The purchase of shares while participating in the Program will ordinarily be disadvantageous to the Class A Shares investor since a sales charge will be paid by the investor on the purchase of Class A Shares at the same time as other shares are being redeemed. For this reason, investors in Class A Shares may not participate in an automatic investment program while participating in the Program.

Through the Program, Class C shareholders may withdraw up to 1% of their aggregate net investments (purchases, at initial value, to date net of non-Program redemptions) each month or up to 3% of their aggregate net investments each quarter without incurring otherwise applicable CDSCs. Class C shareholders redeeming more shares than the percentage permitted by the Program will be subject to any applicable CDSC on all shares redeemed. Accordingly, the purchase of share classes on which a CDSC may be payable will generally not be appropriate for an investor who anticipates withdrawing sums in excess of the above limits shortly after purchase.

**<u>Notice to Non-U.S. Individual Shareholders</u>**

The Trust and its Shares are only registered in the United States of America. Regulations outside of the United States may restrict the sale of Shares to certain non-U.S. investors or subject certain shareholder accounts to additional regulatory requirements. The Trust reserves the right, however, to sell Shares to certain non-U.S. investors in compliance with applicable law. If a current shareholder in the Trust provides a non-U.S. address, this will be deemed a representation and warranty from such investor that he/she is not a U.S. resident and will continue to be a non-U.S. resident unless and until the Trust is notified of a change in the investor's resident status. Any current shareholder that has a resident address outside of the Unites States may be restricted from purchasing additional Shares.

In the course of its business, the Trust, its service providers and/or its selling agents may collect, record, store, adapt, transfer and otherwise process information by which prospective and current natural person investors may be directly or indirectly identified. The Trust, its service providers and/or its selling agents shall comply with all applicable data protection regulation in processing personal data within their respective possession, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU/2016/679) ("GDPR"). For shareholders who are residents or citizens of the European Union, personal data will be generally processed to open an account, manage and administer holding(s), including further subscriptions, redemptions, transfers or conversions, or otherwise as necessary to comply with legal obligations under GDPR.

**<u>Dividends, Distributions and Taxes</u>**

**<u>Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company</u>**

Each Fund within the Trust is treated as a separate corporation for investment and accounting purposes and is treated as a separate corporation for United States federal income tax purposes. Each Fund has elected to qualify and intends to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. In each taxable year that a Fund qualifies as a RIC and distributes to its shareholders as dividends (not including "capital gains dividends," discussed below) at least 90% of its ordinary investment income and short-term capital gains, with certain modifications, it (but not its shareholders) will be relieved of United States federal income tax on that portion of its net investment income and net capital gains that are currently distributed (or deemed distributed) to its shareholders. To the extent that a Fund fails to distribute all of its taxable income, it will be subject to corporate income tax (currently at a rate of 21%) on any retained ordinary investment income or short-term capital gains and undistributed long-term capital gains.

Each Fund intends to make timely distributions, if necessary, sufficient in amount to avoid the non-deductible 4% excise tax that is imposed on a RIC to the extent that it fails to distribute, with respect to each calendar year, at least 98% of its ordinary income (not including tax-exempt interest) for such calendar year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income as determined for a one-year period ending on October 31 of such calendar year (or a later date, if the Fund so elects). In addition, each RIC must distribute an amount equal to any undistributed investment company taxable income or capital gain net income from the previous calendar year to avoid the excise tax. The excise tax is imposed on the amount by which the RIC does not meet the foregoing distribution requirements. If a Fund has taxable income that would be subject to the excise tax, the Fund intends to distribute such income so as to avoid payment of the excise tax. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there may be certain circumstances under which it would be appropriate for a Fund to pay the excise tax.

Each Fund must satisfy the following tests each year in order to qualify as a RIC: (a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities and certain other investment income; and (b) meet specified diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of each taxable year. Each Fund intends to satisfy these requirements. With respect to the diversification requirement, each Fund must also diversify its holdings so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets consists of cash, cash items, United States government securities and securities of other RICs, and other securities limited generally with respect to any one issuer to not more than 5% of the total assets of that Fund and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than United States government securities or the securities of other RICs). In addition, the Fund may not hold more than 25% of the securities (other than of other RICs) of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or 25% of the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. Each Fund intends to comply with all of the foregoing criteria for qualification as a RIC; however, there can be no assurance that each Fund will so qualify and continue to maintain its status as a RIC. If in any taxable year a Fund does not qualify as a RIC or fails to distribute at least 90% of the Fund's investment company taxable income, all of its taxable income will be taxed at corporate rates, the Fund would not be entitled to deduct distributions to shareholders, and any capital gain dividend would not retain its character in the hands of the shareholder for tax purposes. The Code provides relief for certain de minimis failures to meet the asset or income tests or for certain failures due to reasonable cause. These relief provisions may prevent a Fund from being disqualified as a RIC and/or reduce the amount of tax on the Fund's income as a result of the failure to meet certain tests.

**Taxation of Debt Securities**

Certain debt securities can be originally issued or acquired at a discount. Special rules apply under the Code to the recognition of income with respect to such debt securities. Under the special rules, a Fund may recognize income for tax purposes without a corresponding current receipt of cash. In addition, gain on a disposition of a debt security subject to the special rules may be treated wholly or partially as ordinary income, not capital gain.

A Fund may invest in certain investments that may cause it to realize income prior to the receipt of cash distributions, including securities bearing original issue discount. The level of such investments is not expected to affect a Fund's ability to distribute adequate income to qualify as a RIC.

Very generally, where a Fund purchases a bond at a price that exceeds the redemption price at maturity (i.e., a premium), the premium is amortizable over the remaining term of the bond. In the case of a taxable bond, if a Fund makes an election applicable to all such bonds it purchases, which election is irrevocable without consent of the IRS, the Fund reduces the current taxable income from the bond by the amortized premium and reduces its tax basis in the bond by the amount of such offset; upon the disposition or maturity of such bonds, the Fund is permitted to deduct any remaining premium allocable to a prior period. In the case of a tax-exempt bond, tax rules require such a Fund to reduce its tax basis by the amount of amortized premium.

Special rules may apply to a Fund that holds debt securities on which the issuer defaults and the federal income tax consequences of such an issuer default are not certain in all cases.

**Taxation of Derivatives and Foreign Currency Transactions**

Many futures contracts and foreign currency contracts entered into by a Fund and all listed non-equity options written or purchased by a Fund (including options on debt securities, options on futures contracts, options on securities indices and options on broad-based stock indices) are governed by Section 1256 of the Code. Absent a tax election to the contrary, gain or loss attributable to the lapse, exercise or closing out of any such position is treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss, and on the last trading day of a Fund's taxable year (and, generally on October 31 for purposes of the 4% excise tax), all outstanding Section 1256 positions are marked-to-market (i.e., treated as if such positions were closed out at their closing price on such day), and any resulting gain or loss is treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Under certain circumstances, entry into a futures contract to sell a security may constitute a short sale for United States federal income tax purposes, causing an adjustment in the holding period of the underlying security or a substantially identical security in a Fund's portfolio.

Equity options written by a Fund (covered call options on portfolio stock) will be subject to the provisions under Section 1234 of the Code. If a Fund writes a call option, no gain is recognized upon its receipt of a premium. If such an option lapses or is closed out, any gain or loss is treated as a short-term capital gain or loss. If such an option is exercised, any resulting gain or loss is a short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on the holding period of the underlying stock.

Positions of a Fund which consist of at least one stock and at least one stock option or other position with respect to a related security which substantially diminishes the Fund's risk of loss with respect to such stock could be treated as a "straddle" that is governed by Section 1092 of the Code, the operation of which may cause deferral of losses, adjustments in the holding periods of stock or securities and conversion of short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. An exception to these straddle rules exists for any "qualified covered call options" on stock options written by a Fund.

Positions of a Fund which consist of at least one debt security not governed by Section 1256 of the Code and at least one futures or currency contract or listed non-equity option governed by Section 1256 of the Code which substantially diminishes the Fund's risk of loss with respect to such debt security are treated as a "mixed straddle." Although mixed straddles are subject to the straddle rules of Section 1092 of the Code, certain tax elections exist for them that reduce or eliminate the operation of these rules. Each Fund will monitor these transactions and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate the operation of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC for United States federal income tax purposes.

Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time a Fund accrues interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time it actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities generally are treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on disposition of certain futures contracts, forward contracts and options, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security

or contract and the date of disposition also are treated as ordinary income or loss. Generally, these gains and losses, referred to under the Code as Section 988 gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of each Fund's investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income.

In addition to the special rules described above in respect of futures and options transactions, a Fund's transactions in other derivative instruments (e.g., forward contracts and swap agreements) as well as any of its other hedging, short sale, securities loan transactions and certain other transactions, may be subject to one or more special tax rules (e.g., mark-to-market, notional principal contract, straddle, constructive sale, wash sale and short sale rules). These rules may affect whether gains and losses recognized by a Fund are treated as ordinary or capital or as short-term or long-term, accelerate the recognition of income or gains to a Fund, defer losses to a Fund, and cause adjustments in the holding periods of a Fund's securities. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing or character of distributions to, and thus taxes payable by, shareholders. Because these and other tax rules applicable to these types of transactions are in some cases uncertain under current law, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance may be retroactive) could affect whether a Fund has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements, to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid a Fund-level tax. Each Fund will monitor its transactions, will make appropriate tax elections and will make appropriate entries in its books and records in order to mitigate the effect of these rules. While the Funds will endeavor to treat the tax items arising from these transactions in a manner believed to be appropriate, guarantees cannot be given that the IRS or a court will concur with the Funds' treatment and that adverse tax consequences will not ensue.

**Taxation of Foreign Investments**

If a Fund invests in stock of certain passive foreign investment companies, the Fund may be subject to special United States federal income taxation rules applicable to any "excess distribution" with respect to such stock or gain from the disposition of such stock treated as an "excess distribution." The tax would be determined by allocating such distribution or gain ratably to each day of the Fund's holding period for the stock. The distributions or gain so allocated to any taxable year of the Fund, other than the taxable year of the excess distribution or disposition, would be taxed to the Fund at the highest ordinary income rate in effect for such year, and the tax would be further increased by an interest charge to reflect the value of the tax deferral deemed to have resulted from the ownership of the foreign company's stock. Any amount of distribution or gain allocated to the taxable year of the distribution or disposition would be included in the Fund's investment company taxable income and, accordingly, would not be taxable to the Fund to the extent distributed by the Fund as a dividend to its shareholders. The Fund may elect to mark-to-market (i.e., treat as if sold at their closing market price on the same day) its investments in certain passive foreign investment companies and avoid any tax and/or interest charge on excess distributions.

Under limited circumstances, a Fund may be required to include in income certain amounts allocated to it as a shareholder of a controlled foreign corporation without receiving a distribution. Those amounts are treated as a dividend to the extent actually distributed by the controlled foreign corporation in the same year and would be included in the Fund's investment company taxable income and not taxable to the Fund to the extent distributed by the Fund as a dividend to its shareholders. Any amount required to be included in the Fund's income, but not distributed by the controlled foreign corporation, is not treated as a dividend.

The Funds may be subject to tax on dividend or interest income received from securities of non-United States issuers withheld by a foreign country at the source. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries that entitle a Fund to a reduced rate of tax or exemption from tax on income. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of a Fund's assets to be invested within various countries is not known. Each Fund intends to operate so as to qualify for tax treaty benefits where applicable. If more than 50% of the value of a Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year is comprised of stock or securities issued by foreign corporations, the Fund may elect to "pass through" to the Fund's shareholders the amount of foreign income taxes paid by the Fund. If a Fund does elect to "pass through," each shareholder will receive a written statement from the Fund identifying the

amount of such shareholder's pro rata share of (i) the foreign taxes paid and (ii) the Fund's gross income from foreign sources. In addition, if at least 50% of the value of a Fund's assets at the close of each quarter of the tax year is represented by interests in other RICs, then such Fund may "pass through" foreign income taxes paid without regard to whether more than 50% of the Fund's total assets at the close of the tax year consisted of stock and securities issued by foreign corporations. If a Fund passes through foreign taxes, each shareholder will be required to include the amount of such shareholder's pro rata share of such taxes in gross income (in addition to dividends actually received), and the shareholder will be entitled to deduct such foreign taxes (if the shareholder itemizes deductions) in computing taxable income or claim a credit against U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to limitations.

**<u>Taxation of Distributions to Shareholders</u>**

Certain qualified dividend income and long-term capital gains are taxed at a lower federal income tax rate (maximum 20%) for individual shareholders. The reduced rate for qualified dividend income applies to dividends from domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations subject to various requirements and a minimum holding period applicable to both a Fund and its shareholders. Ordinary distributions made by a Fund to its shareholders are eligible for the reduced rate to the extent the underlying income in the Fund is qualified dividend income. U.S. individuals and certain estates and trusts are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare contribution tax that will generally apply to the lesser of (i) an individual's net investment income or (ii) the excess of modified adjusted gross income over $200,000 (in the case of single filers) or $250,000 (in the case of a joint return).

Distributions made by a Fund from ordinary investment income and net short-term capital gains will be taxed to such Fund's shareholders as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the earnings and profits of the Fund. Ordinary income dividends received by corporate shareholders of a Fund will qualify for the 50% dividends-received deduction to the extent the Fund designates such amounts as qualifying dividend distributions; however, the portion that may be so designated is subject to certain limitations. Distributions by a Fund that are reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends in written statements furnished to its shareholders (e.g., Form 1099) will be taxed to the shareholders as long-term capital gain, and will not be eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction.

Dividends declared by a Fund to shareholders of record in October, November or December will be taxable to such shareholders in the year that the dividend is declared, even if it is not paid until the following year (so long as it is actually paid by the Fund in January of such following year). Also, shareholders will be taxed on amounts reported by a Fund in written statements to shareholders as capital gain dividends, even if such amounts are not actually distributed to them. Shareholders will be entitled to claim a credit against their own United States federal income tax liability for taxes paid by each Fund on such undistributed capital gains, if any.

If a Fund invests in real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and receives qualified REIT dividends, the Fund may pay Code Section 199A dividends limited to the excess of the Fund's qualified REIT dividends for the taxable year over allocable expenses. Under final Treasury Regulations, non-corporate shareholders who meet holding period and certain other requirements are eligible for a 20% deduction against such Code Section 199A dividends. The final Treasury Regulations do not extend similar treatment to qualified publicly traded partnership income as defined under Section 199A of the Code, earned by a RIC. Therefore, non-corporate shareholders may not include any qualified publicly traded partnership income earned through a Fund in their qualified business income deduction.

Dividends and capital gain distributions will be taxable to shareholders as described above whether received in cash or in shares under a Fund's distribution reinvestment plan. With respect to distributions received in cash or reinvested in shares purchased on the open market, the amount of the distribution for tax purposes will be the amount of cash distributed or allocated to the shareholder.

Shareholders should be aware that the price of shares of a Fund that are purchased prior to a dividend or distribution by the Fund may reflect the amount of the forthcoming dividend or distribution. Such dividend or distribution, when made, would be taxable to shareholders under the principles discussed above even

though the dividend or distribution may reduce the NAV of shares below a shareholder's cost and thus represent a return of a shareholder's investment in an economic sense.

A high portfolio turnover rate may result in the realization of larger amounts of short-term gains, which are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

Each Fund intends to accrue dividend income for United States federal income tax purposes in accordance with the rules applicable to RICs. In some cases, these rules may have the effect of accelerating (in comparison to other recipients of the dividend) the time at which the dividend is taken into account by the Fund as taxable income.

Shareholders should consult their own tax professionals about their tax situations.

Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with rules set forth in the Code and the Regulations that may differ from United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

**<u>Sale or Exchange of Fund Shares</u>**

Gain or loss will be recognized by a shareholder upon the sale of his or her shares in a Fund or upon an exchange of his or her shares in a Fund for shares in another Virtus Mutual Fund. Provided that the shareholder is not a dealer in such shares, such gain or loss will generally be treated as capital gain or loss, measured by the difference between the adjusted basis of the shares and the amount realized from the sale. Under current law, capital gains (whether long-term or short-term) of individuals and corporations are fully includable in taxable income. Capital losses (whether long-term or short-term) may offset capital gains plus (for non-corporate taxpayers only) up to $3,000 per year of ordinary income. Net capital losses for non-corporate taxpayers in excess of $3,000 may be carried forward. Corporate taxpayers may carry back net capital losses for three years or carry forward net capital losses for five years, but generally may not deduct net capital losses in the year such losses arise.

Redemptions, including exchanges, of shares may give rise to recognized gains or losses. All or a portion of a loss realized upon the redemption, including exchanges, of shares may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent shares are purchased (including shares acquired by means of reinvested dividends) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after such redemption. Any loss realized upon a shareholder's sale, redemption or other disposition of shares with a tax holding period of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividend distributed with respect to such shares. The "wash sale" restrictions also apply to an investor who holds a security both within a tax-deferred account and in a taxable account; sales and repurchases between two accounts will be considered as wash sales.

Under certain circumstances, the sales charge incurred in acquiring shares of a Fund may not be taken into account in determining the gain or loss on the disposition of those shares. This rule applies where shares of a Fund are disposed of within 90 days after the date on which they were acquired and new shares of a RIC are acquired without a sales charge or at a reduced sales charge prior to January 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year of the disposition. In that case, the gain or loss realized on the disposition will be determined by excluding from the tax basis of the shares disposed of all or a portion of the sales charge incurred in acquiring those shares. This exclusion applies to the extent that the otherwise applicable sales charge with respect to the newly acquired shares is reduced as a result of the shareholder having incurred a sales charge initially. The portion of the sales charge affected by this rule will be treated as a sales charge paid for the new shares.

Each shareholder's Form 1099 will report the cost basis of any such shares that were redeemed, sold, or exchanged during the year, and the form will report whether the gain or loss is treated as short-term or long-term. This information will be reported to the IRS. Each shareholder should inform the Fund of such shareholder's cost selection for tax reporting purposes at the time of the sale or exchange of Fund shares or provide in advance a standing cost basis method for the shareholder's account. If a shareholder does not provide cost basis instructions, the Fund's default method will be used.

**<u>Tax Information Notices</u>**

Written notices will be sent to shareholders (by United States mail and/or electronic delivery, as applicable) regarding the tax status of all distributions made (or deemed to have been made) during each taxable year, including the amount of qualified dividend income for individuals, the amount qualifying for the corporate dividends-received deduction (if applicable) and the amount of capital gain dividends, undistributed capital gains (if any), tax credits (if applicable), and cumulative return of capital (if any).

**<u>Important Notice Regarding Taxpayer IRS Certification and Backup Withholding</u>**

Pursuant to the Code and Regulations, the Funds may be required to withhold a percentage of all reportable payments, including any taxable dividends, capital gains distributions or share redemption proceeds, at the specified rate in effect when such payments are made, for an account which does not have a taxpayer identification number and certain required certifications. The Funds reserve the right to refuse to open an account for any person failing to provide a taxpayer identification number along with the required certifications. The Funds will furnish shareholders, within 31 days after the end of the calendar year, with the information that is required by the IRS for preparing income tax returns. The Funds will also provide this same information to the IRS in the manner required by the IRS. Depending on your state of residence, the information may also be filed with your state taxing authority.

Some shareholders may be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax on dividends and redemption payments from the Funds ("backup withholding") at the specified rate in effect when such payments are made. Corporate shareholders and certain other shareholders specified in the Code generally are exempt from such backup withholding. Generally, shareholders subject to backup withholding will be (i) those for whom a certified taxpayer identification number is not on file with the Fund, (ii) those about whom notification has been received (either by the shareholder or the Fund) from the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding or (iii) those who, to the Fund's knowledge, have furnished an incorrect taxpayer identification number. Generally, to avoid backup withholding, a shareholder must, at the time an account is opened, certify under penalties of perjury that the social security number or taxpayer identification number furnished is correct and that he or she is not subject to backup withholding. From time to time, the shareholder may also be requested to provide certification of the validity of their taxpayer identification number.

**<u>Foreign Shareholders</u>**

Dividends paid by any of the Funds from net investment income and net realized short-term capital gains to a shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual, a foreign trust or estate, a foreign corporation or a foreign partnership (a "foreign shareholder") will be subject to United States withholding tax at a rate of 30% unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under an applicable tax treaty. Foreign shareholders are urged to consult their own tax professionals concerning the applicability of the United States withholding tax and any foreign taxes.

Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), a 30% withholding tax may apply to certain U.S.-source dividends, interest, and other withholdable payments made to certain foreign financial institutions or other foreign entities, unless such financial institution or entity enters into an agreement to collect and report certain information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. account holders and owners to tax authorities, comply with due diligence procedures, and satisfy certain other requirements or are otherwise exempt from FATCA. The obligation to withhold under FATCA applies even if the payment would otherwise be exempt from withholding under an applicable tax treaty or under the rules applicable to foreign shareholders. Under proposed Treasury Regulations on which taxpayers, including the Funds, may rely, the FATCA withholding obligation does not apply to a Fund's distributions of net capital gain and to the gross proceeds from a sale or redemption of Fund shares. Foreign shareholders are urged to consult their own tax professionals concerning the applicability of FATCA.

**<u>Other Tax Consequences</u>**

In addition to the United States federal income tax consequences described above, there may be other foreign, United States federal, state or local tax considerations and estate tax considerations applicable to the circumstances of a particular investor. The foregoing discussion is based upon the Code, judicial

decisions and administrative regulations, rulings and practices in effect as of December 2021, all of which are subject to change and which, if changed, may be applied retroactively to a Fund, its shareholders and/or its assets. No rulings have been sought from the IRS or any other tax authority with respect to any of the tax matters discussed above.

From time to time, proposals are introduced before the United States Congress that if enacted would affect the foregoing discussion with respect to taxes and could also affect the availability of certain investments to a Fund. The discussion above reflects changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

The information included in the Prospectus with respect to taxes, including this section entitled Dividends, Distributions and Taxes, is a general and abbreviated summary of applicable provisions of the Code and Regulations as interpreted by the courts and the IRS as of December 2021 and is not intended as tax advice to any person. The Code and Regulations, as well as the current interpretations thereof, may be changed at any time by legislative, judicial, or administrative action. In addition, recent changes to the Code have given rise to a number of new provisions, and further guidance is expected over the coming months and years. ***Accordingly, prospective purchasers are urged to consult their own tax professionals with specific reference to their own tax situations, including the potential application of United States federal, state, local and foreign tax laws.***

Except as expressly set forth above, the foregoing discussion of United States federal income tax law relates solely to the application of that law to United States persons, i.e., United States citizens and residents and United States corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates. Each shareholder who is not a United States person should consider the United States and foreign tax consequences of ownership of shares of a Fund, including the possibility that such a shareholder may be subject to a United States withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under an applicable tax treaty) on amounts constituting ordinary income received by him or her, where such amounts are treated as income from United States sources under the Code. The foregoing discussion does not address the special tax rules applicable to certain classes of investors, such as dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities, banks, tax-exempt entities, life insurance companies, persons holding an interest in a Fund as a hedge or as part of a straddle or conversion transaction, or holders whose functional currency is not the United States dollar.

**<u>Tax Sheltered Retirement Plans</u>**

Shares of the Funds are offered in connection with the following retirement plans: IRA, Rollover IRA, SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), Profit-Sharing, Money Purchase Pension Plans and certain 403(b) Retirement Plans. Write or call the Distributor at 800.243.4361 for further information about the plans.

**<u>Performance Information</u>**

Performance information for the Funds (and any class of the Funds) may be included in advertisements, sales literature or reports to shareholders or prospective investors. Performance information in advertisements and sales literature may be expressed as a yield of a class of shares and as a total return of a class of shares.

The Funds may from time to time include in advertisements containing total return the ranking of those performance figures relative to such figures for groups of mutual funds having similar investment objectives as categorized by ranking services such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA Investment Technologies, Inc., Weisenberger Financial Services, Inc. and Morningstar, Inc. Additionally, each Fund may compare its performance results to other investment or savings vehicles (such as certificates of deposit) and may refer to results published in various publications such as *Changing Times, Forbes, Fortune, Money, Barrons, Business Week and Investor's Business Daily, Stanger's Mutual Fund Monitor, The Stanger Register, Stanger's Investment Adviser, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Consumer Reports, Registered Representative, Financial Planning, Financial Services Weekly, Financial World, U.S.*

*News and World Report, Standard & Poor's The Outlook* and *Personal Investor*. The Funds may from time to time illustrate the benefits of tax deferral by comparing taxable investments to investments made through tax-deferred retirement plans. The total return may also be used to compare the performance of each Fund against certain widely acknowledged outside standards or indices for stock and bond market performance, such as the S&P 500® Index, Dow Jones Industrial Average, Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, Russell 2000 Index®, Russell Midcap® Growth Index and MSCI EAFE® (Europe Australasia Far East) Index.

Advertisements, sales literature and other communications may contain information about the Funds' and their subadvisers' current investment strategies and management style. Current strategies and style may change to allow the Funds to respond quickly to changing market and economic conditions. From time to time the Funds may include specific portfolio holdings or industries in such communications. To illustrate components of overall performance, each Fund may separate its cumulative and average annual returns into income and capital gains components.

Performance information reflects only the performance of a hypothetical investment in each class during the particular time period on which the calculations are based. Performance information should be considered in light of a Fund's investment objectives and policies, characteristics and quality of the portfolio, and the market condition during the given time period, and should not be considered as a representation of what may be achieved in the future.

**<u>Total Return</u>**

Standardized quotations of average annual total return for each class of shares will be expressed in terms of the average annual compounded rate of return for a hypothetical investment in such class of shares over periods of 1, 5 and 10 years or up to the life of the class of shares, calculated for each class separately pursuant to the following formula: P((1+T)(n)) = ERV (where P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, T = the average annual total return, n = the number of years, and ERV = the ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period). All total return figures reflect the deduction of a proportional share of each class's expenses (on an annual basis), deduction of the maximum initial sales load in the case of Class A Shares and the maximum CDSC applicable to a complete redemption of the investment in the case of Class C Shares, and assume that all dividends and distributions on each class of shares are reinvested when paid.

For average "after-tax" total return, the SEC rules mandate several assumptions, including that the calculations use the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates at the time of reinvestment, and that the calculations do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. These returns, for instance, assume that an investor has sufficient capital gains of the same character from other investments to offset any capital losses from the redemption. As a result, returns after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund

shares may exceed returns after taxes on distributions (but before sale of Fund shares). These returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements.

The Funds may also compute cumulative total return for specified periods based on a hypothetical account with an assumed initial investment of $10,000. The cumulative total return is determined by dividing the NAV of this account at the end of the specified period by the value of the initial investment and is expressed as a percentage. Calculation of cumulative total return reflects payment of the Class A Share's maximum sales charge of 5.50% for the Funds and assumes reinvestment of all income dividends and capital gain distributions during the period.

The Funds also may quote annual, average annual and annualized total return and cumulative total return performance data, for any class of shares of the Funds, both as a percentage and as a dollar amount based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment for various periods other than those noted above. Such data will be computed as described above, except that (1) the rates of return calculated will not be average annual rates, but rather, actual annual, annualized or cumulative rates of return and (2) the maximum applicable sales charge will not be included with respect to annual, annualized or cumulative rate of return calculations.

**Yield**

The 30-day yield quotation as to a class of shares may be computed by dividing the net investment income for the period as to shares of that class by the maximum offering price of each share of that class on the last day of the period, according to the following formula:

![](x1_c105027x136x1.jpg)

Where:

a = dividends and interest earned during the period.

b = net expenses accrued for the period.

c = the average daily number of shares of the class outstanding during the period that were entitled to receive dividends.

d = the maximum offering price per share of the class on the last day of the period.

**<u>Financial Statements</u>**

The fiscal year of the Funds ends on December 31. The Trust will send financial statements to the Funds' shareholders at least semiannually. An annual report containing financial statements audited by the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, will be sent to shareholders each year and will be available without charge upon request.

The Predecessor Funds' audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, appearing in the Predecessor Funds' 2021 Annual Report to Shareholders, and the Predecessor Funds' unaudited financial statements for the semiannual period ended June 30, 2022, appearing in the Predecessor Funds' 2022 Semiannual Report to Shareholders, are incorporated herein by reference.

**<u>Appendix A — Description of Ratings</u>**

**<u>A-1 and P-1 Commercial Paper Ratings</u>**

The Trust will only invest in commercial paper which at the date of investment is rated A-1 by Standard & Poor's Corporation or P-1 by Moody's Investors Services, Inc. (Moody's), or, if not rated, is issued or guaranteed by companies which at the date of investment have an outstanding debt issue rated AA or higher by Standard & Poor's or Aa or higher by Moody's.

Commercial paper rated A-1 by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") has the following characteristics: Liquidity ratios are adequate to meet cash requirements. Long-term senior debt is rated "A" or better. The issuer has access to at least two additional channels of borrowing. Basic earnings and cash flow have an upward trend with allowance made for unusual circumstances. Typically, the issuer's industry is well established and the issuer has a strong position within the industry. The reliability and quality of management are unquestioned.

The rating P-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by Moody's. Among the factors considered by Moody's in assigning ratings are the following: (1) evaluation of the management of the issuer; (2) economic evaluation of the issuer's industry or industries and an appraisal of speculative-type risks which may be inherent in certain areas; (3) evaluation of the issuer's products in relation to competition and customer acceptance; (4) liquidity; (5) amount and quality of long-term debt; (6) trend of earnings over a period of ten years; (7) financial strength of a parent company and the relationship which exists with the issuer; and (8) recognition by the management of obligations which may be present or may arise as a result of public interest questions and preparations to meet such obligations.

**<u>Moody's Investors Service, Inc.</u>**

**Aaa —** Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt-edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or 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 —** Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group, they comprise what are generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuations of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**<u>Standard and Poor's Corporation Corporate Bond Ratings</u>**

**AAA —** Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's Corporation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

**AA —** Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differ from AAA issues only in small degree.

**A —** Bonds rated A have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal, although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher rated categories.

**BBB —** Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest. Whereas they normally exhibit protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay principal and interest for bonds in this category than for bonds in the A category.

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

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

S&P's top ratings for municipal notes issued after July 29, 1984 are SP-1 and SP-2. The designation SP-1 indicates a very strong capacity to pay principal and interest. A "+" is added for those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics. An "SP-2" designation indicates a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.

Commercial paper rated A-2 or better by S&P is described as having a very strong degree of safety regarding timeliness and capacity to repay. Additionally, as a precondition for receiving an S&P commercial paper rating, a bank credit line and/or liquid assets must be present to cover the amount of commercial paper outstanding at all times.

**<u>Fitch</u>**

Rated entities in a number of sectors, including financial and non-financial corporations, sovereigns and insurance companies, are generally assigned Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs). IDRs opine on an entity's relative vulnerability to default on financial obligations. The "threshold" default risk addressed by the IDR is generally that of the financial obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure of that entity. As such, IDRs also address relative vulnerability to bankruptcy, administrative receivership or similar concepts, although the agency recognizes that issuers may also make pre-emptive and therefore voluntary use of such mechanisms.

In aggregate, IDRs provide an ordinal ranking of issuers based on the agency's view of their relative vulnerability to default, rather than a prediction of a specific percentage likelihood of default. For historical information on the default experience of Fitch-rated issuers, please consult the transition and default performance studies available from the Fitch Ratings website.

**AAA —** Bonds rated AAA are considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.

**AA —** Bonds rated AA are considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated in the AAA and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated F-1+.

**A—** Bonds rated A are considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.

**BBB —** Bonds rated BBB are considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely to have an adverse impact on these bonds and, therefore, impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.

**BB —** Bonds rated BB are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However, business and financial alternatives can be identified which could assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.

**B —** Bonds rated B are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the life of the issue.

**CCC —** Bonds rated CCC have certain identifiable characteristics, which, if not remedied, may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous business and economic environment.

**CC —** Bonds rated CC are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or principal seems probable over time.

**C —** Bonds rated C are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.

**DDD, DD and D —** Bonds rated DDD, DD and D are in actual default of interest and/or principal payments. Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. DDD represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds and D represents the lowest potential for recovery.

Plus (+) and minus (–) signs are used with a rating symbol to indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating categories.

![](x9_c105027x1x1.jpg)

*PO Box 211230, Eagan, MN 55121-9984*

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](x9_c105027x1x2.jpg) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**VOTE BY MAIL**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Read the proxy statement.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Check the appropriate box(es) on the reverse side of the proxy card.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Sign, date and return the proxy card in the envelope provided. |
| ![](x9_c105027x1x3.jpg) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**VOTE ONLINE**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Read the proxy statement and have the proxy card at hand.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Go to www.proxyvotenow.com/NatixisFunds<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Follow the simple instructions. |
| ![](x9_c105027x1x4.jpg) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**VOTE BY PHONE**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Read the proxy statement and have the proxy card at hand.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Call toll-free 855-429-7135<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Follow the simple instructions. |

---

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](x9_c105027x1x5.jpg) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Please detach at perforation before mailing.** | ![](x9_c105027x1x5.jpg) |

---

**[FUND NAME PRINTS HERE]**

**SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MARCH 9, 2023**

**THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES**

The undersigned hereby appoints Susan McWhan Tobin, Natalie Wagner and Matthew Block, and each of them, attorneys and proxies of the undersigned, with full powers of substitution and revocation, to represent the undersigned and to vote on behalf of the undersigned all shares of the Fund which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund to be held at the offices of the Selling Trust at 888 Boylston Street, Suite 800, Boston, Massachusetts 02199 on March 9, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. (Eastern Time) (the "Meeting"), and at any adjournments or postponements thereof. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Joint Prospectus/Proxy Statement and hereby instructs said attorneys and proxies to vote said shares as indicated herein. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Meeting. This Proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise at the Meeting either by submitting a letter of revocation or execution of a subsequent proxy card to the Fund's proxy solicitor, c/o Di Costa Partners, LLC, 333 Ludlow Street, 5<sup>th</sup> Floor, South Tower, Stamford, CT 06902 prior to the date of the Meeting or by voting at the Meeting.

A Majority of the Proxies present and acting at the Meeting in person or by substitute (or, if only one shall be so present, then that one) shall have and may exercise all of the power and authority of said proxies hereunder. The undersigned hereby revokes any proxy previously given.

**THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSAL AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXY HOLDER AS TO ANY OTHER MATTER THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. PLEASE REFER TO THE PROSPECTUS/PROXY STATEMENT FOR A DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSAL.**

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| |
|:---|
| **CONTROL NUMBER** |
| **AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE(S)**<br> **This section must be completed for your vote to be counted.**<br>**  |

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Signature(s) and Title(s), if applicable Sign in the box above

Date

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | Note: Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) on this proxy card. If signing for estates, trusts, or other fiduciaries, your title or capacity should be stated and where more than one name appears, a majority must sign. If shares are held jointly, one or more joint owners should sign personally. If a corporation, the signature should be that of an authorized officer who should state his or her title. |
| 100151.0 |  |

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**Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 9, 2023.**

**The Joint Prospectus/Proxy Statement for this Meeting is available at https://proxyvotinginfo.com/p/natixis2023**

**YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT NO MATTER HOW MANY SHARES YOU OWN.<br>PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE *TODAY!***

**<u>YOUR SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED</u> FOR YOUR VOTE TO BE COUNTED.**

**IF YOU ARE NOT VOTING BY PHONE OR INTERNET, PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY CARD ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](x9_c105027x12x1.jpg) | **Please detach at perforation before mailing.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;![](x9_c105027x12x1.jpg) |

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**THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST II, UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE <u>FOR</u> THE PROPOSAL.**<br>

**TO VOTE –** Mark one box in blue or black ink as shown in this example: ![](x9_c105027x12x3.jpg)

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **FOR** | **AGAINST** | **ABSTAIN** |
|  |  | **FOR** | **AGAINST** | **ABSTAIN** |
| 1. | To approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization by and among Natixis Funds Trust II, on behalf of AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund, Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust, on behalf of Virtus AlphaSimplex Global Alternatives Fund, Virtus Partners, Inc. and Natixis ASG Holdings, Inc. | ![](x9_c105027x12x2.jpg) | ![](x9_c105027x12x2.jpg) | ![](x9_c105027x12x2.jpg) |
|  |  | FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN |
| 2. | If necessary, to adjourn or postpone the Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Meeting to approve a Proposal. | ![](x9_c105027x12x2.jpg) | ![](x9_c105027x12x2.jpg) | ![](x9_c105027x12x2.jpg) |

---

100151

![](x10_c105027x29x1.jpg)

*PO Box 211230, Eagan, MN 55121-9984*

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](x10_c105027x29x2.jpg) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**VOTE BY MAIL**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Read the proxy statement.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Check the appropriate box(es) on the reverse side of the proxy card.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Sign, date and return the proxy card in the envelope provided. |
| ![](x10_c105027x29x3.jpg) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**VOTE ONLINE**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Read the proxy statement and have the proxy card at hand.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Go to www.proxyvotenow.com/NatixisFunds<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Follow the simple instructions. |
| ![](x10_c105027x29x4.jpg) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**VOTE BY PHONE**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Read the proxy statement and have the proxy card at hand.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Call toll-free 855-429-7135<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Follow the simple instructions. |

---

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](x10_c105027x29x5.jpg) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Please detach at perforation before mailing.** | ![](x10_c105027x29x5.jpg) |

---

**[FUND NAME PRINTS HERE]**

**SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MARCH 9, 2023**

**THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES**

The undersigned hereby appoints Susan McWhan Tobin, Natalie Wagner and Matthew Block, and each of them, attorneys and proxies of the undersigned, with full powers of substitution and revocation, to represent the undersigned and to vote on behalf of the undersigned all shares of the Fund which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund to be held at the offices of the Selling Trust at 888 Boylston Street, Suite 800, Boston, Massachusetts 02199 on March 9, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. (Eastern Time) (the "Meeting"), and at any adjournments or postponements thereof. The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Joint Prospectus/Proxy Statement and hereby instructs said attorneys and proxies to vote said shares as indicated herein. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Meeting. This Proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise at the Meeting either by submitting a letter of revocation or execution of a subsequent proxy card to the Fund's proxy solicitor, c/o Di Costa Partners, LLC, 333 Ludlow Street, 5<sup>th</sup> Floor, South Tower, Stamford, CT 06902 prior to the date of the Meeting or by voting at the Meeting.

A Majority of the Proxies present and acting at the Meeting in person or by substitute (or, if only one shall be so present, then that one) shall have and may exercise all of the power and authority of said proxies hereunder. The undersigned hereby revokes any proxy previously given.

**THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSAL AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXY HOLDER AS TO ANY OTHER MATTER THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING. PLEASE REFER TO THE PROSPECTUS/PROXY STATEMENT FOR A DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSAL.**

---

| |
|:---|
| **CONTROL NUMBER** |
| **AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE(S)**<br> **This section must be completed for your vote to be counted.**<br>**  |

---

Signature(s) and Title(s), if applicable Sign in the box above

Date

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | Note: Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) on this proxy card. If signing for estates, trusts, or other fiduciaries, your title or capacity should be stated and where more than one name appears, a majority must sign. If shares are held jointly, one or more joint owners should sign personally. If a corporation, the signature should be that of an authorized officer who should state his or her title. |
| 100151.0 |  |

---

**Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 9, 2023.**

**The Joint Prospectus/Proxy Statement for this Meeting is available at https://proxyvotinginfo.com/p/natixis2023**

**YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT NO MATTER HOW MANY SHARES YOU OWN.<br>PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE *TODAY!***

**<u>YOUR SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED</u> FOR YOUR VOTE TO BE COUNTED.**

**IF YOU ARE NOT VOTING BY PHONE OR INTERNET, PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY CARD ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](x10_c105027x30x1.jpg) | **Please detach at perforation before mailing.** | &nbsp;&nbsp;![](x10_c105027x30x1.jpg) |

---

**THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF NATIXIS FUNDS TRUST II, UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE <u>FOR</u> THE PROPOSAL.**<br>

**TO VOTE –** Mark one box in blue or black ink as shown in this example: ![](x10_c105027x30x3.jpg)

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **FOR** | **AGAINST** | **ABSTAIN** |
|  |  | **FOR** | **AGAINST** | **ABSTAIN** |
| 1. | To approve the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization by and among Natixis Funds Trust II, on behalf of AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Virtus Alternative Solutions Trust, on behalf of Virtus AlphaSimplex Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Virtus Partners, Inc. and Natixis ASG Holdings, Inc. | ![](x10_c105027x30x2.jpg) | ![](x10_c105027x30x2.jpg) | ![](x10_c105027x30x2.jpg) |
|  |  | FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN |
| 2. | If necessary, to adjourn or postpone the Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Meeting to approve a Proposal. | ![](x10_c105027x30x2.jpg) | ![](x10_c105027x30x2.jpg) | ![](x10_c105027x30x2.jpg) |

---

100151