Europe 2001 HOLDRS represent an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the shares of common stock that are held by the Europe 2001 HOLDRS Trust (the Trust). The Trust was formed under the depositary trust agreement among The Bank of New York, as trustee, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, other depositors and the owners of the Europe 2001 HOLDRS. The Trust holds equity securities issued by specified companies that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange or quoted on the Nasdaq National Market System. The securities included in the Europe 2001 HOLDRS consist of American depositary shares, New York registered shares, global shares or ordinary shares, collectively referred to as equity securities, the securities or the underlying securities. The Trust will terminate on December 31, 2041, or earlier if a termination event occurs.