SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
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Filed by the Registrant [ ]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Sec. 240.14a-11(c) or
Sec. 240.14a-12
Federated Municipal Opportunities Fund, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
Federated Investors
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[ ] $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or
14a-6(i)(2) or Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
[ ] $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act
Rule 14a-6(i)(3).
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4)
and 0-11.
1. Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
2. Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
3. Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee
is calculated and state how it was determined):
4. Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
5. Total fee paid:
[ X ] Fee paid previously with preliminary proxy materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
3) Filing Party:
4) Date Filed:
FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC.
(FORMERLY, FORTRESS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND, INC.)
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 22, 1996
A special meeting of the shareholders of FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES
FUND, INC. (the "Fund") will be held at the Fund's principal offices on the 19th
Floor of Federated Investors Tower, Grant Street and Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15222-3779 on May 22, 1996 at 2:00 P.M. for the following purposes:
(1) To approve or disapprove an amendment to and restatement of the Fund's
Articles of Incorporation to permit the Fund to establish and designate
separate portfolios and classes of shares;
(2) To approve or disapprove an amendment to the Fund's Articles of
Incorporation to permit the Fund's Board of Directors to redeem all
outstanding shares of any portfolio or class of the Fund;
(3) To approve or disapprove revisions to the Fund's fundamental investment
limitations to permit the unrestricted acquisition of certain securities
eligible for resale under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended;
(4) To elect four Directors; and
(5) To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment thereof.
The Directors have fixed March 19, 1996 as the record date for
determination of shareholders entitled to vote at this special meeting.
By Order of the Directors
JOHN W. MCGONIGLE
Secretary
April 2, 1996
YOU CAN HELP THE FUND AVOID THE NECESSITY AND EXPENSE OF SENDING FOLLOW-UP
LETTERS TO ENSURE A QUORUM BY PROMPTLY RETURNING THE ENCLOSED PROXY. IF YOU ARE
UNABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED
PROXY SO THAT THE NECESSARY QUORUM MAY BE REPRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING.
THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC.
(FORMERLY, FORTRESS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND, INC.)
FEDERATED INVESTORS TOWER
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15222-3779
PROXY STATEMENT
The enclosed proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of the
Fund ("Directors"). The proxy is revocable at any time before it is voted by
sending written notice of the revocation to the Fund or by appearing personally
at the May 22, 1996 special meeting of shareholders ("Special Meeting"). The
cost of preparing and mailing the notice of meeting, the proxy card, this proxy
statement and any additional proxy material has been or is to be borne by the
Fund. Proxy solicitations will be made primarily by mail, but may also be made
by telephone, telegraph, or personal interview conducted by certain officers or
employees of the Fund or of Federated Shareholder Services Company (the Fund's
transfer agent) or Federated Administrative Services (the Fund's administrator).
In the event that a shareholder does not indicate a choice as to an item on the
proxy ballot, the Fund will vote those shares in favor of such proposal.
On March 19, 1996, the Fund had outstanding 38,858,427.6170 shares of
capital stock ("Shares"), each Share being entitled to one vote. Only
shareholders of record at the close of business on March 19, 1996, will be
entitled to notice of and vote at the Special Meeting. A majority of the
outstanding Shares of the Fund, represented in person or by proxy, shall be
required to constitute a quorum at the Special Meeting for the purpose of voting
on the proposals offered. For purposes of determining the presence of a quorum
and counting votes on the matters presented, Shares represented by abstentions
and "broker non-votes" will be counted as present, but not as votes cast, at the
Special Meeting. Under the Fund's Articles of Incorporation, the approval of any
action will be determined on the basis of a majority of votes entitled to be
cast at the Special Meeting. Under Maryland law, the vote required to amend the
Articles and adopt the Amended and Restated Articles will be determined with
reference to a percentage of votes entitled to be cast by shareholders of the
Fund, and, under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), other
matters may be determined on the basis of a percentage of votes present at the
Special Meeting, which would have the effect of treating abstentions and
non-votes as if they were votes against the proposal.
The Fund will furnish, without charge, a copy of the annual report, which
includes audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995
and/or semi-annual report for the sixth month period ended February 28, 1996, to
any shareholder of record upon request. To request an annual or semi-annual
report, call 1-800-245-5051, or send a written request to Federated Investors at
Federated Investors Tower, 1001 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
15222-3779. The Fund's principal executive offices are located at Federated
Investors Tower, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-3779. The Directors propose to
mail this proxy statement and the enclosed notice of meeting and proxy card on
or about April 2, 1996.
APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO AND RESTATEMENT OF THE
FUND'S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO PERMIT THE FUND TO ESTABLISH AND
DESIGNATE SEPARATE PORTFOLIOS AND CLASSES OF SHARES
Shareholders are being asked to approve an amendment to and restatement of
the Articles of Incorporation ("Articles") to permit the Fund to establish
separate investment portfolios of shares ("portfolios") and to designate classes
of shares within a portfolio. Each investment portfolio would have a distinct
investment objective with assets specifically allocated to that portfolio. A
shareholder's interest in the Fund would be limited to those portfolios in which
he or she invests. Each portfolio would operate for many purposes like a
separate fund although the portfolios would all be a part of the same business
entity (the Fund) with one board of directors. Currently, the Fund is
constrained by its Articles to establish only one portfolio issuing only one
class of shares.
At a meeting held on February 29, 1996 the Directors unanimously approved,
subject to ratification by the shareholders of the Fund, the proposed amendment
to the Articles which would empower the Fund to establish separate portfolios
and to designate classes of shares within a portfolio. The proposed amendment to
the Articles would permit the Directors to take such actions at a future date
without first seeking additional shareholder ratification. As discussed further
below, these actions are being recommended because they may be advantageous for
the Fund and its shareholders.
The Directors believe that the added flexibility provided by the proposed
amendment to the Articles to permit the creation of separate portfolios and
classes of shares may enhance the marketing opportunities for the Fund and
provide investors with purchasing options best suited to their individual
situations. This may attract more investment dollars, resulting in greater
investment opportunities for the Fund. In addition, an increased asset size of
the Fund may result in economies of scale and a reduction in the Fund's overall
expense ratio. A reduction in the overall expense ratio may have a favorable
effect on the Fund's net yield for all classes of shares.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PORTFOLIOS AND CLASSES
Each share within a class of a portfolio of the Fund would represent an
equal and proportionate interest in the assets owned by such portfolio. Each
share within a class of a portfolio would have identical voting rights with each
other share of the Fund outstanding for purposes of voting on issues that affect
the Fund as a whole, such as the election of Directors. All shares of all
classes of each portfolio of the Fund would have equal voting rights on matters
affecting that entire portfolio, such as changes in investment policies. On
matters affecting only a particular class, such as certain distribution
arrangements, only shareholders of that class would be entitled to vote.
All classes of shares would have the same rights and privileges, except
that the amendment to the Articles would authorize the Directors to allocate
expenses among the classes related to shareholder services and distribution
methods. Different expenses borne by the classes would result in different
dividends among the classes. This structure would cause classes having higher
expense ratios to pay lower dividends than classes with lower expense ratios
within a portfolio.
Holders of shares would pay their allocable portion of Fund and portfolio
expenses. The Fund expenses for which holders of shares would pay their
allocable portion include, but are not limited to: the cost of organizing the
Fund and continuing its existence; registering the Fund with federal and state
securities authorities; Directors' fees; auditors' fees; the cost of meetings of
Directors; legal fees of the Fund; association membership dues; and such
non-recurring and extraordinary items as may arise. The portfolio expenses for
which holders of shares pay their allocable portion include, but are not limited
to: registering the portfolio and shares of the portfolio; investment advisory
services; taxes and commissions; custodian fees; insurance premiums; auditors
fees and such non-recurring and extraordinary items as may arise.
The Directors would reserve the right to allocate certain expenses to
holders of shares on a class-by-class basis as they deem appropriate ("Class
Expenses"). In any case, Class Expenses may include: expenses under a
distribution plan adopted by the Fund with respect to that class of shares
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act ("12b-1 Plan"); fees pursuant to a
shareholder services agreement with respect to that class; transfer agent fees
as identified by the transfer agent as attributable to holders of a class of
shares; printing and postage expenses related to preparing and distributing
materials such as shareholder reports, prospectuses, and proxies to current
shareholders; registration fees paid to the Securities and Exchange Commission
and state securities commissions; expenses related to administrative personnel
and services as required to support holders of a class of shares; legal fees
related solely to a class of shares; and Directors' fees incurred as a result of
issues relating solely to a class of shares.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WOULD NOT ALTER THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF CURRENT FUND
SHAREHOLDERS.
If the proposal to amend the Articles is adopted, the Fund currently
intends to create three new classes of shares, which would be designated as
"Class A Shares," "Class B Shares" and "Class C Shares." The existing shares
would be re-designated "Class F Shares." The characteristics of the existing
class of shares would not change. The rights and privileges of current Fund
shareholders would not be affected by the proposed amendment.
Class A Shares would be sold subject to a maximum front-end sales charge of
4.50%. Class A Shares would be subject to a shareholder services fee of 0.25% of
the Class A Shares' average daily net assets.
Class B Shares would be sold at net asset value. A contingent deferred
sales charge would be imposed on certain Class B Shares which are redeemed
within six full years of purchase. Class B Shares would be distributed pursuant
to a Rule 12b-1 Plan to be adopted by the Fund whereby the distributor is paid a
fee of 0.75 of 1% of the Class B Shares' average daily net assets, in addition
to a shareholder services fee of 0.25 of 1% of the Class B Shares' average daily
net assets.
Class C Shares would be sold with no up-front sales charge. Class C Shares
would be distributed pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 Plan also, whereby the distributor
is paid a fee of 0.75 of 1% of the Class C Shares' average daily net assets, in
addition to a shareholder services fee of 0.25 of 1% of the Class C Shares'
average daily net assets. Class C Shares may be subject to certain contingent
deferred sales charges.
Shareholders of each class of shares would have exchange privileges with
like classes of other funds for which affiliates of Federated Investors serve as
investment adviser or distributor ("Federated Funds"). The specific criteria for
exchanges among like classes of different Federated Funds is set forth in the
prospectuses of funds which offer this privilege. Instructions for making an
exchange in the Fund
will be set forth the prospectus. Generally, the privilege is available to
shareholders resident in any state in which the shares being acquired may be
sold.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Directors has reviewed and unanimously approved the proposed
amendment to the Fund's Articles to allow the Fund to establish and designate
separate portfolios and classes of shares and has directed that the amendment be
submitted to shareholders for their ratification. In the event that the
amendment is not approved by shareholders, the Fund will continue to have
authority to establish only one portfolio issuing only one class of shares.
Approval requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the aggregate number of
votes entitled to be cast thereon.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FUND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO AND RESTATEMENT OF THE FUND'S
ARTICLES TO PERMIT THE FUND TO ESTABLISH AND DESIGNATE
SEPARATE PORTFOLIOS AND CLASSES OF SHARES
------------------------
APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE FUND'S
ARTICLES TO PERMIT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO
REDEEM ALL OUTSTANDING SHARES OF A PORTFOLIO OR CLASS OF THE FUND
Shareholders are being asked to approve an amendment to the Fund's Articles
to permit the Fund's Directors to sell and convert into money all the assets of
the Fund and then redeem all outstanding shares of any portfolio or class of the
Fund. Currently, the Directors are not authorized by the Articles to redeem all
outstanding shares of a portfolio or class without shareholder approval;
however, such action is, under certain circumstances, authorized by Maryland
law. The Directors have determined that the current restriction presents a
cumbersome structure under which the best interest of all of the Fund's
shareholders may not be served. By requiring the Directors to solicit a
shareholder vote, by means of a proxy solicitation and special meeting of
shareholders, the Articles greatly hinder the Directors' ability to react
quickly to market conditions and developments that may impact the economic
viability of the entire Fund.
If the Articles are amended, the Directors will have the ability to act
quickly upon their decision to sell assets of the Fund and redeem all the
outstanding shares of any portfolio or class of the Fund. The Directors will
have the option to sell the assets of the Fund to an independent third party, to
another investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
or to another portfolio or class within the Fund.
Although the Directors may determine that the redemption of all shares of a
particular portfolio or class is appropriate, the shareholders should consider
the income tax effect of the redemption. If the Directors redeem all shares of a
particular portfolio or class, the shareholders of that portfolio or class will
recognize a gain or loss on their investment for federal income tax purposes.
The redemption will be treated as a sale or exchange of shares. A redemption may
occur at a time that may not meet the tax planning needs of an individual
shareholder. Any redemption will occur without further notice to shareholders
and, therefore, the timing of such redemption may have a negative impact on the
tax
planning of a shareholder for a particular tax year or may leave a shareholder
with insufficient time in a tax year to do any additional tax planning. A
redemption could also occur at a time that leaves the shareholder with limited
options to conduct personal investment portfolio tax planning. The redemption of
shares may also have a state income tax effect. The taxable effect to a
shareholder will be in the taxable year in which the redemption occurs.
Shareholders are urged to consult with their tax advisers regarding federal,
state and local tax issues.
In the event that the amendment to the Articles to allow the Directors to
redeem all outstanding shares of any portfolio or class of the Fund is not
approved by the shareholders, the Articles will remain as they currently exist
and the Directors will consider what action, if any, should be taken. Approval
requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the aggregate number of votes
entitled to be cast thereon.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE FUND'S
ARTICLES TO PERMIT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO REDEEM ALL
OUTSTANDING SHARES OF ANY PORTFOLIO OR CLASS OF THE FUND
------------------------
APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF REVISIONS TO THE FUND'S
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS TO PERMIT THE UNRESTRICTED
ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN SECURITIES ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE
UNDER RULE 144A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
One of the Fund's fundamental investment limitations currently provides
that the Fund will not "invest more than 10% of its total assets in securities
subject to restrictions on resale under the Securities Act of 1933." The
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") maintains an interpretive
position that, in order to maintain sufficient liquidity to meet shareholder
redemptions, mutual funds such as the Fund should not invest more than 15% of
their total assets in illiquid securities and that restricted securities are
generally illiquid. The Fund's current investment limitation reflects the
Commission's earlier position.
On April 23, 1990, the Commission promulgated Rule 144A under the
Securities Act of 1933. Rule 144A provides a safe harbor for the resale of
certain restricted securities to "qualified institutional buyers" without
compliance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. A
"qualified institutional buyer" is generally defined as a broker/dealer which
owns and manages $10 million or more of securities and any other entity that
owns and manages $100 million or more of securities.
In its release adopting Rule 144A, the Commission noted that it was
modifying its position as to mutual funds with respect to securities eligible
for resale under Rule 144A ("Rule 144A Securities"). The Commission stated that
"[t]he determination of the liquidity of Rule 144A securities in the portfolio
of [a mutual fund] is a question of fact for the directors to determine, based
upon the trading markets for the specific security." Under the Commission's
modified position, if the investment adviser determines, in accordance with
guidelines established and monitored by the directors of the fund, that a Rule
144A security is liquid, the security will not count toward the Fund's
limitation on illiquid investments or restricted securities.
In accordance with the Commission's modified position, the Directors have
adopted the guidelines under which the investment adviser may determine the
liquidity of Rule 144A securities. The guidelines require the investment adviser
to consider the following factors in making this determination:
1. The frequency of trades and quotes for the security;
2. The volatility of quotations and trade prices for the security;
3. The number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the
number of potential purchasers;
4. Dealer undertakings to make a market in the security;
5. The nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades
(e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of
soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer);
6. The rating of the security and the financial condition and prospects of
the issuer of the security; and
7. Such other factors as may be relevant to the Fund's ability to dispose
of the security.
The Directors believe that, as the market for Rule 144A securities
continues to develop, the Fund's current investment limitation regarding
restricted securities could prevent the Fund from investing in some types of
Rule 144A securities which are as liquid as other publicly traded securities.
This could adversely affect the Fund by restricting investments that could
enhance the performance and diversification of the Fund's portfolio. The
Directors may change the guidelines and factors for determining the liquidity of
Rule 144A securities without the approval of, or any notice to, the Fund's
shareholders. This will allow the Fund the flexibility to respond quickly to
developments in the market for Rule 144A securities.
The Directors, therefore, have unanimously approved, subject to shareholder
approval, the restatement of the Fund's investment limitation regarding
restricted securities to provide that the Fund will not "invest more than 10% of
the value of its total assets in securities subject to restrictions on resale
under the Securities Act of 1933 except for certain restricted securities which
meet the criteria for liquidity as established by the Directors." Approval of
this change in the Fund's investment limitation requires the affirmative vote
of: (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund present at the Special Meeting, if
the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present or
represented by proxy; or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the
Fund, whichever is less. If the shareholders fail to approve the change in this
limitation, the Fund will continue to invest no more than 10% of the value of
its total assets in restricted securities of any kind.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THE APPROVAL OF REVISIONS TO THE
FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS TO PERMIT THE UNRESTRICTED ACQUISITION
OF CERTAIN SECURITIES ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE UNDER RULE 144A OF THE SECURITIES ACT
OF 1933
------------------------
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The persons named as proxies intend to vote in favor of the election of
Thomas G. Bigley, John T. Conroy, Peter E. Madden and John E. Murray, Jr. as
Directors of the Fund. All of the nominees are presently serving as Directors.
Messrs. Conroy and Madden were elected by the Directors on August 21, 1991
to fill vacancies resulting from the decision to expand the size of the Board.
Messrs. Murray and Bigley were elected by the Directors on November 15, 1994 and
February 14, 1995, respectively, also to fill vacancies resulting from the
decision to expand the size of the Board.
All nominees have consented to serve if elected. In accordance with recent
changes in Maryland law permitting Maryland corporations to refrain from holding
annual shareholder meetings except to consider certain specified actions, there
will normally be no annual meetings of shareholders for the purpose of electing
Directors. If elected, the Directors will hold office without limit in time
until death, resignation, retirement, or removal or until the next meeting of
shareholders to elect Directors and the election and qualification of their
successors. Election of a Director requires the affirmative vote of a majority
of the votes cast by shareholders of the Fund at the Special Meeting.
DIRECTORS STANDING FOR ELECTION:
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NAME AND POSITION PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING PAST FIVE YEARS,
WITH THE FUND AFFILIATIONS AND ADDRESS AGE
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Thomas G. Bigley Director, Oberg Manufacturing Co.; Chairman 62
Director of the Board, Children's Hospital of
Pittsburgh; Director or Trustee of the Funds;
formerly, Senior Partner, Ernst & Young LLP.
28th Floor, One Oxford Centre, Pittsburgh, PA
John T. Conroy, Jr. President, Investment Properties Corporation; 58
Director Senior Vice-President, John R. Wood and
Associates, Inc., Realtors; President,
Northgate Village Development Corporation;
Partner or Trustee in private real estate
ventures in Southwest Florida; Director or
Trustee of the Funds; formerly, President,
Naples Property Management, Inc.
3255 Tamiami Trail North Naples, FL
Peter E. Madden Consultant; State Representative, 54
Director Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Director or
Trustee of the Funds; formerly, President,
State Street Bank and Trust Company and State
Street Boston Corporation.
562 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
NAME AND POSITION PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING PAST FIVE YEARS,
WITH THE FUND AFFILIATIONS AND ADDRESS AGE
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John E. Murray, Jr., J.D., President, Law Professor, Duquesne 63
S.J.D. University; Consulting Partner, Mollica,
Director Murray and Hogue; Director or Trustee of the
Funds.
Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
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PREVIOUSLY ELECTED DIRECTORS:
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NAME AND POSITION PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING PAST FIVE YEARS,
WITH THE FUND AFFILIATIONS AND ADDRESS AGE
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John F. Donahue+* Chairman and Trustee, Federated Investors, 71
Chairman and Director Federated Advisers, Federated Management, and
Federated Research; Chairman and Director,
Federated Research Corp. and Federated Global
Research Corp.; Chairman, Passport Research,
Ltd.; Chief Executive Officer and Director or
Trustee of the Funds. Mr. Donahue is the
father of J. Christopher Donahue, Executive
Vice President of the Company.
Federated Investors Tower, Pittsburgh, PA
William J. Copeland Director and Member of the Executive 77
Director Committee, Michael Baker, Inc.; Director or
Trustee of the Funds; formerly, Vice Chairman
and Director, PNC Bank, N.A.,and PNC Bank
Corp. and Director, Ryan Homes, Inc.
One PNC Plaza-23rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA
James E. Dowd Attorney-at-law; Director, The Emerging 73
Director Germany Fund, Inc.; Director or Trustee of
the Funds.
571 Hayward Mill Road, Concord, MA
Lawrence D. Ellis, M.D.* Professor of Medicine and Member, Board of 63
Director Trustees, University of Pittsburgh; Medical
Director, University of Pittsburgh Medical
Center-Downtown; Member, Board of Directors,
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center;
formerly, Hematologist, Oncologist, and
Internist, Presbyterian and Montefiore
Hospitals; Director or Trustee of the Funds.
3471 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1111, Pittsburgh, PA
NAME AND POSITION PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING PAST FIVE YEARS,
WITH THE FUND AFFILIATIONS AND ADDRESS AGE
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Richard B. Fisher* Executive Vice President and Trustee, 72
President and Director Federated Investors; Chairman and Director,
Federated Securities Corp.; President or Vice
President of some of the Funds; Director or
Trustee of some of the Funds.
Federated Investors Tower, Pittsburgh, PA
Edward L. Flaherty, Jr.+ Attorney-at-law; Shareholder, Henny, Kochuba, 71
Director Meyer and Flaherty; Director, Eat'N Park
Restaurants, Inc., and Statewide Settlement
Agency, Inc.; Director or Trustee of the
Funds; formerly, Counsel, Horizon Financial,
F.A., Western Region.
Two Gateway Center, Suite 674, Pittsburgh, PA
Gregor F. Meyer Attorney-at-law; Shareholder, Henny, Kochuba, 69
Director Meyer and Flaherty; Chairman, Meritcare,
Inc.; Director, Eat'N Park Restaurants, Inc.;
Director or Trustee of the Funds.
Two Gateway Center, Suite 674, Pittsburgh, PA
Wesley W. Posvar Professor, International Politics and 70
Director Management Consultant; Trustee, Carnegie
Endowment for International Peace, RAND
Corporation, Online Computer Library Center,
Inc., and U.S. Space Foundation; Chairman,
Czecho Management Center; Director or Trustee
of the Funds; President Emeritus, University
of Pittsburgh; founding Chairman, National
Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and
Technology and Federal Emergency Management
Advisory Board.
1202 Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, PA
Marjorie P. Smuts Public relations/marketing consultant; 60
Director Conference Coordinator, Non-profit entities;
Director or Trustee of the Funds.
4905 Bayard Street, Pittsburgh, PA
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* This Director is deemed to be an "interested person" as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940. Dr. Ellis is an interested person by reason of
the employment of his son-in-law by Federated Securities Corp.
+ Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee of the Board of
Directors handles the responsibilities of the Board between meetings of the
Board.
As used in the table above, "The Funds" and "Funds" mean the following
investment companies: American Leaders Fund, Inc.; Annuity Management Series;
Arrow Funds; Automated Government Money Trust; Blanchard Funds; Blanchard
Precious Metals Fund, Inc.; Cash Trust Series II; Cash Trust Series, Inc.; DG
Investor Series; Edward D. Jones & Co. Daily Passport Cash Trust; FTI Funds;
Federated ARMs Fund; Federated Equity Funds; Federated GNMA Trust; Federated
Government Trust; Federated High Yield Trust; Federated Income Securities Trust;
Federated Income Trust; Federated Index Trust; Federated Institutional Trust;
Federated Master Trust; Federated Municipal Trust; Federated Short-Term
Municipal Trust; Federated Short-Term U.S. Government Trust; Federated Stock
Trust; Federated Tax-Free Trust; Federated Total Return Series, Inc.; Federated
U.S. Government Bond Fund; Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 1-3 Years;
Federated U.S. Government Securities Fund: 3-5 Years; Federated U.S. Government
Securities Fund: 5-10 Years; First Priority Funds; Fixed Income Securities,
Inc.; Fortress Adjustable Rate U.S. Government Fund, Inc.; Federated Municipal
Opportunities Fund, Inc.; Fortress Utility Fund, Inc.; Fund for U.S. Government
Securities, Inc.; Federated Government Income Securities, Inc.; High Yield Cash
Trust; Insurance Management Series; Intermediate Municipal Trust; International
Series, Inc.; Investment Series Funds, Inc.; Investment Series Trust; Liberty
Equity Income Fund, Inc.; Liberty High Income Bond Fund, Inc.; Liberty Municipal
Securities Fund, Inc.; Liberty U.S. Government Money Market Trust; Liberty Term
Trust, Inc.-1999; Liberty Utility Fund, Inc.; Liquid Cash Trust; Managed Series
Trust; Money Market Management, Inc.; Money Market Obligations Trust; Money
Market Trust; Municipal Securities Income Trust; Newpoint Funds; 111 Corcoran
Funds; Peachtree Funds; The Planters Funds; RIMCO Monument Funds; Star Funds;
The Starburst Funds; The Starburst Funds II; Stock and Bond Fund, Inc.; Targeted
Duration Trust; Tax-Free Instruments Trust; Trust for Financial Institutions;
Trust For Government Cash Reserves; Trust for Short-Term U.S. Government
Securities; Trust for U.S. Treasury Obligations; The Virtus Funds; World
Investment Series, Inc.
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
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AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION
NAME, POSITION FROM TOTAL COMPENSATION PAID
WITH CORPORATION CORPORATION*# FROM FUND COMPLEX+
- ----------------------------------------
John F. Donahue $-0- $0 for the Corporation and
Chairman and Director 54 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
Thomas G. Bigley++ $1,407 $86,331 for the Corporation and
Director 54 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
John T. Conroy, Jr. $1,526 $115,760 for the Corporation and
Director 54 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
William J. Copeland $1,526 $115,760 for the Corporation and
Director 54 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
James E. Dowd $1,526 $115,760 for the Corporation and
Director 54 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
Lawrence D. Ellis, M.D. $1,407 $104,898 for the Corporation and
Director 54 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION
NAME, POSITION FROM TOTAL COMPENSATION PAID
WITH CORPORATION CORPORATION*# FROM FUND COMPLEX+
- ----------------------------------------
Richard B. Fisher $-0- $0 for the Corporation and
President and Director 6 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
Edward L. Flaherty, Jr. $1,526 $115,760 for the Corporation and
Director 54 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
Peter E. Madden $1,407 $104,898 for the Corporation and
Director 54 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
Gregor F. Meyer $1,407 $104,898 for the Corporation and
Director 54 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
John E. Murray, Jr. $1,407 $104,898 for the Corporation and
Director 54 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
Wesley W. Posvar $1,407 $104,898 for the Corporation and
Director 54 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
Marjorie P. Smuts $1,407 $104,898 for the Corporation and
Director 54 other investment companies in the Fund Complex
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Information is furnished for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995.
# The aggregate compensation is provided for the Fund, which was comprised of
one portfolio as of August 31, 1995.
+ The information is provided for the last calendar year end.
++ Mr. Bigley served on 39 investment companies in the Federated Funds Complex
from January 1 through September 30, 1995. On October 1, 1995, he was
appointed a Trustee/Director on 15 additional Federated Funds.
If any nominee for election as a Director named above shall by reason of
death or for any other reason become unavailable as a candidate at the Special
Meeting, votes pursuant to the enclosed proxy will be cast for a substitute
candidate by the attorneys named therein, or their substitutes, present and
acting at the Special Meeting. Any such substitute candidate for election as an
interested Director shall be nominated by the Executive Committee. The selection
of any substitute candidate for election as a Director who is not an interested
person shall be made by a majority of the Directors who are not interested
persons of the Fund. The Directors have no reason to believe that any nominee
will become unavailable for election as a Director.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995, there were 4 meetings of the
Directors. The Directors who are not interested persons of the Fund as a group
received fees totaling $15,953. The interested Directors do not receive fees
from the Fund. All Directors were reimbursed for expenses for attendance at
meetings.
Other than its Executive Committee, the Fund has one Board committee, the
Audit Committee. Generally, the function of the Audit Committee is to assist the
Directors in fulfilling its duties relating to the Fund's accounting and
financial reporting practices and to serve as a direct line of communication
between the Directors and the independent auditors. The specific functions of
the Audit Committee include recommending the engagement or retention of the
independent auditors, reviewing with the independent auditors the plan and the
results of the auditing engagement, approving professional services provided by
the independent auditors prior to the performance of such services, considering
the range of audit and non-audit fees, reviewing the independence of the
independent auditors, reviewing the scope and results of the Fund's procedures
for internal auditing, and reviewing the Fund's system of internal accounting
controls.
Messrs. Flaherty, Copeland and Dowd serve on the Audit Committee. These
Directors are not interested persons of the Fund. During the fiscal year ended
August 31, 1995, there were 4 meetings of the Audit Committee. All of the
members of the Audit Committee were present for each meeting. Each member of the
Audit Committee receives an annual fee of $100 plus $25 for attendance at each
meeting and is reimbursed for expenses of attendance.
The executive officers of the Fund are elected annually by the Directors.
Each officer holds the office until qualification of his successor. The names
and ages (in parentheses) of the executive officers of the Fund who are not
listed above under "Election of Directors" and their principal occupations
during the past five years are as follows: J. Christopher Donahue, (46)
Executive Vice President of the Fund, is President and Trustee, Federated
Investors, Federated Advisers, Federated Management, and Federated Research;
President and Director, Federated Research Corp. and Federated Global Research
Corp.; President, Passport Research, Ltd.; Trustee, Federated Administrative
Services, Federated Services Company, and Federated Shareholder Services;
President or Executive Vice President of the Funds; Director or Trustee of some
of the Funds. Mr. Donahue is the son of John F. Donahue, Chairman and Director
of the Fund. Edward C. Gonzales (65) Executive Vice President of the Fund, is
Vice Chairman, Treasurer, and Trustee, Federated Investors; Vice President,
Federated Advisers, Federated Management, Federated Research, Federated Research
Corp., Federated Global Research Corp. and Passport Research, Ltd.; Executive
Vice President and Director, Federated Securities Corp.; Trustee, Federated
Services Company; Chairman, Treasurer, and Trustee, Federated Administrative
Services; Trustee or Director of some of the Funds; and President, Executive
Vice President and Treasurer of some of the Funds. John W. McGonigle (57),
Executive Vice President and Secretary of the Fund is Executive Vice President,
Secretary, and Trustee, Federated Investors; Trustee, Federated Advisers,
Federated Management, and Federated Research; Director, Federated Research Corp.
and Federated Global Research Corp.; Trustee, Federated Services Company;
President and Trustee, Federated Shareholder Services; Director, Federated
Securities Corp.; and Executive Vice President and Secretary of the Funds.
Messrs. McGonigle and Gonzales have been officers of the Fund since September
24, 1981. Mr. Fisher has been an officer of the Fund since January 29, 1986. Mr.
J. Christopher Donahue has been an officer of the Fund since April 25, 1989.
Federated Administrative Services is the Fund's administrator. During the
fiscal year ended August 31, 1995, the Fund paid $325,090 for these services. In
addition, Dr. Henry J. Gailliot, an officer of Federated Advisers, the Adviser
to the Fund, holds approximately 20% of the outstanding common
stock and serves as a director of Commercial Data Services, Inc., a company
which provides computer processing services to Federated Administrative
Services.
Federated Securities Corp., the principal underwriter for the Fund, and
Federated Administrative Services are both wholly-owned subsidiaries of
Federated Investors. Their address is Federated Investors Tower, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15222-3779.
OTHER MATTERS AND DISCRETION OF PERSONS NAMED IN THE PROXY
While the Special Meeting is called to act upon any other business that may
properly come before it, at the date of this proxy statement the only business
which the management intends to present or knows that others will present is the
business mentioned in the Notice of Meeting. If any other matters lawfully come
before the Special Meeting, and in all procedural matters at said Special
Meeting, it is the intention that the enclosed proxy shall be voted in
accordance with the best judgment of the persons named therein, or their
substitutes, present and acting at the Special Meeting.
If, at the time any session of the Special Meeting is called to order, a
quorum is not present in person or by proxy, the persons named as proxies may
vote those proxies which have been received to adjourn the Special Meeting to a
later date. In the event that a quorum is present but sufficient votes in favor
of one or more of the proposals have not been received, the persons named as
proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Special Meeting to permit
further solicitation of proxies with respect to any such proposal. All such
adjournments will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Shares
present in person or by proxy at the session of the Special Meeting to be
adjourned. The persons named as proxies will vote those proxies which they are
entitled to vote in favor of the proposal, in favor of such an adjournment, and
will vote those proxies required to be voted against the proposal, against any
such adjournment.
The following list indicates the beneficial ownership of shareholders who,
to the best knowledge of the Fund, are the beneficial owners of more than 5% of
the outstanding shares of the Fund as of March 19, 1996: Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith, Jacksonville, FL, owned approximately 10,514,039 shares
(27.06%).
No Director owns more than 1% of the Fund's outstanding shares. Officers
and Directors as a group own less than 1% of the Fund's outstanding shares.
If you do not expect to attend the Special Meeting. Please sign your proxy
and return it in the enclosed envelope to avoid unnecessary expense and delay.
No postage is necessary.
By Order of the Directors
JOHN W. MCGONIGLE
Secretary
April 2, 1996
CUSIP 349557108
G01628-01 (4/96)
FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC.(formerly, FORTRESS MUNICIPAL INCOME
FUND, INC.) SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS May 22, 1996
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that the undersigned Shareholders of
FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. hereby appoint S. Elliott Cohan,
Charles H. Field, Jennifer Connor, Steve Newcamp, Colleen Conley and Patricia
Conner, or any one of them, true and lawful attorneys, with the power of
substitution of each, to vote all Shares of FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES
FUND, INC. which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on May 22, 1996, at Federated Investors Tower,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at 2:00 p.m., and at any adjournment thereof.
Discretionary authority is hereby conferred as to all other matters as may
properly come before the Special Meeting.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The attorneys
named will vote the Shares represented by this proxy in accordance with the
choices made on this ballot. IF NO CHOICE IS INDICATED AS TO ANY ITEM, THIS
PROXY WILL BE VOTED AFFIRMATIVELY ON THAT MATTER.
PLEASE RETURN BOTTOM PORTION WITH YOUR VOTE IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE AND RETAIN
THE TOP PORTION.
Please sign EXACTLY as your name(s) appear below. When signing as attorney,
executor, administrator, guardian, trustee, custodian, etc., please give your
full title as such. If a corporation or partnership, please sign the full name
by an authorized officer or partner. If stock is owned jointly, all parties
should sign.
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS X
FEDERATED MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND, INC. (formerly, FORTRESS MUNICIPAL
INCOME FUND, INC.)
1) APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO AND RESTATEMENT OF THE FUND'S ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION TO PERMIT THE FUND TO ESTABLISH AND DESIGNATE SEPARATE
PORTFOLIOS AND CLASSES OF SHARES.
2) APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE FUND'S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO PERMIT
THE FUND'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO REDEEM ALL OUTSTANDING SHARES OF ANY
PORTFOLIO OR CLASS OF THE FUND.
3) APPROVAL OF REVISIONS TO THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS TO
PERMIT THE UNRESTRICTED ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN SECURITIES ELIGIBLE FOR
RESALE UNDER RULE 144A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED.
4) ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: 01) T.G. BIGLEY, 02)P.E. MADDEN, 03) J.T. CONROY,
JR., 04) J.E. MURRAY, JR.
VOTE ON PROPOSALS:
1) FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
---- ---- ----
2) FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
---- ---- ----
3) FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
---- ---- ----
4) FOR ALL WITHHOLD ALL FOR ALL
---- ----
EXCEPT
----
To withhold authority to vote, mark the "For All Except" box and write the
nominee's name on the line provided above
Signature
Signature (Joint Owners)