Advisor Alliance^TM

Helping to Secure the Future for You and Your Employees

In running a successful business, you know there is just one way to stay ahead: continuous improvement. It's the same with your company's retirement plan. Your plan can be a valuable asset in helping you attract and retain the best employees   —  giving you a real competitive edge that keeps your company on a strong growth track.

When it comes to getting the most from your retirement plan, Merrill Lynch offers a powerful solution

One of the greatest assets of Advisor Alliance is the guidance of your dedicated Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor

You can look to us to think strategically   —  keeping in step with your company as it grows. Your Financial Advisor will work with you through the process   —  evaluation, design, implementation and ongoing management   —  of your retirement plan, helping bridge the gap between your current plan and a plan that anticipates future growth. Each step of the way, our focus stays the same: making sure the plan continues to help you and your employees achieve your retirement goals.

Our consultative approach focuses on five core elements to identify and address your needs, and then help you monitor and manage the plan:

• Needs, goals and objectives   —  Identifying and understanding your needs as a plan sponsor as well as the individual needs of your employees
• Plan type, design and service provider   — Working with you, through our Advisor Alliance partners, to select appropriate plan provisions and the right provider, and evaluate your plan on an ongoing basis
• Plan investments   —  Providing guidance on establishing your plan's investment options including a sample Investment Policy Statement and periodically reviewing the performance of the funds in the plan, comparing their track records against industry benchmarks.

• Compliance and fiduciary obligations   —  Providing resources and ongoing education, such as the Plan Sponsor Compliance Resource Guide and the Fiduciary Compliance Checklist, to help you understand your fiduciary responsibilities

• Participant communication and education   —  Participating throughout the entire enrollment process and providing ongoing communication support, including ongoing educational meetings and a range of employee seminars covering retirement planning topics.

We share your commitment to the "financial wellness" of your employees

And, we make a commitment of our own to you: to work with you to build and maintain a retirement plan tailored to the needs of your business   —  one that helps you and your employees invest for retirement with confidence. By combining our personal, consultative approach with proven partner capabilities, our goal is to make it easy for you to do the right thing to help your employees and company achieve long-term financial health.

A dedicated Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor, a sound partner network, and investment flexibility add up to one powerful retirement plan solution for small and mid-sized businesses. For more information about Advisor Alliance, please contact your Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor.