(February 25 – 17:45 ET) – The TSE would like to remind Unitholders of the TIPS(R) 35 Fund and the TIPS 100 Fund of the meetings that will be held on February 28, 2000. The purpose of these meetings is for Unitholders to consider and vote on the proposed mergers with the iUnits(TM) S&P/TSE 60 Index Participation Fund (i60 Fund). The i60s are sponsored and managed by Barclays Global Investors Canada Limited.

“We encourage Unitholders of the TIPS 35 and 100 funds to cast their vote in favour of the proposed mergers. This proposal is the result of a comprehensive study of alternatives related to our indices and index related products. We very much believe that the successful completion of these mergers is in the best interests of Unitholders and other investors,” says Richard Carleton, Vice President Index and Market Data Services.

The proposed mergers are the direct result of the TSE’s decision to replace the Toronto 35 Fund and the 100 Fund with the S&P / TSE 60 Index and, ultimately, to replace the Toronto 35 Index(R) and the TSE 100 Index(R). This decision was taken after extensive consultation and with the support of market participants. The proposed mergers are supported by fully negotiated merger agreements with Barclays and, therefore, will proceed quickly if Unitholders vote in favour of the proposal.

The i60’s are listed and traded on the TSE. The TSE will also list other qualified index unit products, from any issuer, as they come to market. The TSE is committed to ensuring investors continue to have access to the highest quality of listed product options. The TSE encourages Unitholders of record to attend and to vote at the meetings. Votes will only be taken on the proposed merger resolutions with the i60 Fund. These are the only motions being considered at these meetings.

Approval of the merger resolutions will not restrict Unitholders from investing in the SSgA Dow Jones Canada 40 Index Participation Fund at any time if that fund becomes operational.

Meetings will be held on February 28, 2000 at 11:00 a.m. for the TIPS 35 Fund and 2:00 p.m. for the TIPS 100 Fund in the TSE’s Conference Centre located in The Exchange Tower, 2 First Canadian Place, Toronto, Ontario. If Unitholders have any questions concerning the mergers or the meetings on February 28, 2000, they can access a copy of the Circular on the TSE’s website.
-IE Staff