20 November 2007 0 Felipe Hirai – [email protected] - +1-212-449-2132 Felipe Hirai, CFA +1 212 449-2132 Research Analyst MLPF&S [email protected] Merrill

20 November 2007

1Felipe Hirai – [email protected] - +1-212-449-2132

Felipe Hirai, CFA +1 212 449-2132

Research Analyst

MLPF&S

[email protected]

Merrill Lynch does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision. Refer to important disclosures on page 22-24Analyst Certification on page 21

Latam Metals & Mining

10673729

20 November 2007

Exploring Opportunities in Latin America

British & Colombian Chamber of Commerce

20 November 2007


Presentation Overview

1.Merrill Lynch Metals & Mining Research Team

2.Our view on the metals

3.Trends in Latin America

4.Opportunities

5.Challenges

6.Conclusion

20 November 2007


1. The ML Metals Team

24 Research Analysts

11 Countries

20 November 2007


2. The ML view on metals

Extended metals cycle: higher prices for a longer period

Tight S&D balance: China still supporting demand growth

Demand potential from other emerging economies

Global growth should remain solid, despite a US slowdown (decoupling)

Preferred metals: bulks (iron ore/coal) and precious (gold/silver)

RISKS:

Product substitution

Higher costs (equipment / energy)

Political stability and environmental challenges

Severe recession in the USA

20 November 2007


2. The ML view on metalsChina: Feeding the dragon

11%

16%

29%

9%13%

22%

9%

14%

23%

4% 5%

15%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

1995 2000 2005

Steel Copper Aluminium Nickel

China’s World Consumption Share of Metals 1995-2005

Source: WBMS, Merrill Lynch Research estimates

20 November 2007


China - NOW

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000

GDP/Capita US$ (Real Year 2000)

Cop

per

Con

sum

ptio

n (k

g/ca

pita

)

US - Kg/cap China - GDP/capita

2. The ML view on metalsChina: Demand still growing

US Historical Copper Consumption Pattern vs. China

Source: Merrill Lynch Research estimates

20 November 2007


20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100Sr

i Lan

ka

Viet

nam

India

Thail

and

Pakis

tan

Asia

ex-J

apan

Afric

a

China

Indo

nesia

Wor

ld

Philip

pines

Mala

ysia

Japa

n

Euro

pe

Latin

Am

erica US

A

Kore

a

Hong

Kon

g

Sing

apor

e

2. The ML view on metalsUrbanization driving demand for metals

Urban Population as a Percentage of Total

Source: UN, CEIC, Merrill Lynch Research estimates

20 November 2007


2. The ML view on metalsIron ore: stable and higher prices

Key raw material for steel making

Market undersupplied for 3 more years at least

High concentration (75% of seaborne market in 3 players)

Low value added product: logistics is the main bottleneck

Spot prices at 50% premium to contract prices

China: growing production at lower grades

Source: CVRD, Merrill Lynch Research estimates

Iron ore historical price and forecast

-

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013

US$/ MT

20 November 2007


Coal historical price and forecast

-

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

100.0

120.0

140.0

1980 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013

US$/ MT

2. The ML view on metalsCoal: China becoming a net importer

China withdrawing from

seaborne coal market (high

domestic demand and low

level of inventories)

Supply disruptions in

Indonesia (weather) and

Australia (ports)

Logistics bottlenecks unlikely

to ease in the short term

High oil prices driving up

demand for thermal coal

Plants shutdown on

environmental concerns


Hard Coking Coal

Thermal Coal

20 November 2007


2. The ML view on metalsGold: Positive in the medium term

Higher gold prices in the medium term

Tight supply x demand for the bullion market

Mine output declining from 2011 onwards

USD weakness on financial crisis and lower interest rates

Inflationary pressures from higher energy prices

High jewellery demand on global economic growth

Marginal cost at US$550/oz


Gold historical price and forecast

-

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012

US$/ oz

20 November 2007


2. The ML view on metalsNickel: Limited downside

Nickel is mainly used in

stainless steel production

Sharp correction in 1H07 from

producers de-stocking

Stainless steel production

signaling recovery in the 1H08

Start-up of new projects

determinant to price

(Ravensthorpe / Goro)

Chinese nickel pig iron limits

downside in the medium term

(costs at US$10-12/lb)


Nickel historical price and forecast

-

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

1981 1984 1987 1990 1993 1996 1999 2002 2005 2008 2011

US$/ lb

20 November 2007


2. The ML view on metalsCopper: Downside risk to prices

Downside risk to copper prices on market surplus and low marginal cost (US$1.8/lb)

Price performance in 1H07 driven by Chinese re-stocking, supply disruptions and speculative demand

Highest exposure to US housing market (4-5% of global consumption)

Threats of product substitution (aluminum)

Pricing power still in hands of concentrate producers


Copper historical price and forecast

-

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

1982 1985 1988 1991 1994 1997 2000 2003 2006 2009 2012

US$/ lb

20 November 2007


3. Trends in Latin America

-

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Volume Price

US$ million

2001-2007Volume: +44%Prices: +203%

Latin America “Metal Surplus”


Metal Surplus = US$ value of Production – Consumption for: iron ore, coal, aluminum, copper, lead and nickel

CAGR: +23%

CAGR: +9%

20 November 2007


4. Opportunities

China and other emerging economies to sustain global

economic growth (and higher metal prices)

High quality of reserves and technology

Position in the lower quartiles of cash cost in the industry

Focus on exploration to create a sustainable growth platform

Consolidation: creation of strong & global metals companies,

with headquarters in Latin America

Diversification: development of new metals (coal in Colombia)

Access to capital: abundant liquidity in the market

20 November 2007


5. Challenges

Political stability: support from Government

Infra-structure still a bottleneck in the region

Lack of qualified personnel

Increase in costs and in lead time in the industry

Stricter regulation from environmental agencies

Currencies appreciating against the USD

20 November 2007


6. Conclusion

Extended metals cycle: higher prices for a longer period

Other emerging economies should increase demand for metals

“Metal surplus” for Latin America should continue to grow

Companies should focus in exploration, taking advantage of high

quality of reserves and low cost operations

Governments need to be pro-active towards the mining industry

Logistics infra-structure and qualified personnel are the main

bottlenecks in the industry

20 November 2007


Merrill Lynch Disclaimers

Analyst CertificationI, Felipe Hirai, hereby certify that the views expressed in this research report accurately reflect my personal views about the subject securities and issuers. I also certify that no part of my compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendations or views expressed in this research report.

20 November 2007


Merrill Lynch DisclaimersImportant Disclosures Investment Rating Distribution: Food Group (as of 01 Jul 2007) Coverage Universe Count Percent Inv. Banking Relationships* Count Percent Buy 28 39.44% Buy 5 20.00% Neutral 37 52.11% Neutral 7 22.58% Sell 6 8.45% Sell 2 33.33% Investment Rating Distribution: Non-Ferrous Metals/Mining & Minerals Group (as of 01 Jul 2007) Coverage Universe Count Percent Inv. Banking Relationships* Count Percent Buy 58 50.88% Buy 16 34.04% Neutral 43 37.72% Neutral 10 27.78% Sell 13 11.40% Sell 0 0.00% Investment Rating Distribution: Transport/Infrastructure Group (as of 01 Jul 2007) Coverage Universe Count Percent Inv. Banking Relationships* Count Percent Buy 91 61.49% Buy 24 27.27% Neutral 42 28.38% Neutral 9 23.08% Sell 15 10.14% Sell 0 0.00% Investment Rating Distribution: Global Group (as of 01 Jul 2007) Coverage Universe Count Percent Inv. Banking Relationships* Count Percent Buy 1675 47.16% Buy 435 29.21% Neutral 1633 45.97% Neutral 438 29.67% Sell 244 6.87% Sell 47 21.66% * Companies in respect of which MLPF&S or an affiliate has received compensation for investment banking services within the past 12 months.

FUNDAMENTAL EQUITY OPINION KEY: Opinions include a Volatility Risk Rating, an Investment Rating and an Income Rating. VOLATILITY RISK RATINGS, indicators of potential price fluctuation, are: A - Low, B - Medium, and C - High. INVESTMENT RATINGS, indicators of expected total return (price appreciation plus yield) within the 12-month period from the date of the initial rating, are: 1 - Buy (10% or more for Low and Medium Volatility Risk Securities - 20% or more for High Volatility Risk securities); 2 - Neutral (0-10% for Low and Medium Volatility Risk securities - 0-20% for High Volatility Risk securities); 3 - Sell (negative return); and 6 - No Rating. INCOME RATINGS, indicators of potential cash dividends, are: 7 - same/higher (dividend considered to be secure); 8 - same/lower (dividend not considered to be secure); and 9 - pays no cash dividend.

Price charts for the equity securities referenced in this research report are available at http://www.ml.com/research/pricecharts.asp, or call 1-888-ML-CHART to have them mailed.

MLPF&S or one of its affiliates acts as a market maker for the securities recommended in the report: Buenaventura, Southern Copper, Vale do Rio Doce. The company is or was, within the last 12 months, an investment banking client of MLPF&S and/or one or more of its affiliates: Vale do Rio Doce. In the US, retail sales and/or distribution of this report may be made only in states where these securities are exempt from registration or have been qualified for

sale: ALL Logistica, Bradespar, Cosan SA Ind Com, Grupo Mexico, MMX. MLPF&S or an affiliate has received compensation for investment banking services from this company within the past 12 months: Vale do Rio Doce. MLPF&S or an affiliate expects to receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking services from this company within the next three months:

Bradespar, Grupo Mexico, MMX, Southern Copper, Vale do Rio Doce. The country in which this company is organized has certain laws or regulations that limit or restrict ownership of the company's shares by nationals of other

countries: ALL Logistica, Bradespar, Cosan SA Ind Com, MMX. MLPF&S or one of its affiliates is willing to sell to, or buy from, clients the common equity of the company on a principal basis: Buenaventura, Southern Copper,

Vale do Rio Doce. The analyst(s) responsible for covering the securities in this report receive compensation based upon, among other factors, the overall profitability of Merrill

Lynch, including profits derived from investment banking revenues.

20 November 2007


Merrill Lynch DisclaimersOther Important Disclosures

UK readers: MLPF&S or an affiliate is a liquidity provider for the securities discussed in this report. MLPF&S or one of its affiliates has a significant financial interest in the fixed income instruments of the issuer. If this report was issued on or after the 10th day of

a month, it reflects a significant financial interest on the last day of the previous month. Reports issued before the 10th day of a month reflect a significant financial interest at the end of the second month preceding the date of the report: Grupo Mexico.

Information relating to Non-U.S. affiliates of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S): MLPF&S distributes research reports of the following non-US affiliates in the US (short name: legal name): Merrill Lynch (France): Merrill Lynch Capital Markets

(France) SAS; Merrill Lynch (Frankfurt): Merrill Lynch International Bank Ltd, Frankfurt Branch; Merrill Lynch (South Africa): Merrill Lynch South Africa (Pty) Ltd; Merrill Lynch (Milan): Merrill Lynch International Bank Limited; MLPF&S (UK): Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Limited; Merrill Lynch (Australia): Merrill Lynch Equities (Australia) Limited; Merrill Lynch (Hong Kong): Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific) Limited; Merrill Lynch (Singapore): Merrill Lynch (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Merrill Lynch (Canada): Merrill Lynch Canada Inc; Merrill Lynch (Mexico): Merrill Lynch Mexico, SA de CV, Casa de Bolsa; Merrill Lynch (Argentina): Merrill Lynch Argentina SA; Merrill Lynch (Japan): Merrill Lynch Japan Securities Co, Ltd; Merrill Lynch (Seoul): Merrill Lynch International Incorporated (Seoul Branch); Merrill Lynch (Taiwan): Merrill Lynch Global (Taiwan) Limited; DSP Merrill Lynch (India): DSP Merrill Lynch Limited; PT Merrill Lynch (Indonesia): PT Merrill Lynch Indonesia; Merrill Lynch (KL) Sdn. Bhd.: Merrill Lynch (Malaysia); Merrill Lynch (Israel): Merrill Lynch Israel Limited; Merrill Lynch (Russia): Merrill Lynch CIS Limited, Moscow.

This research report has been prepared and issued by MLPF&S and/or one or more of its non-U.S. affiliates. MLPF&S is the distributor of this research report in the U.S. and accepts full responsibility for research reports of its non-U.S. affiliates distributed in the U.S. Any U.S. person receiving this research report and wishing to effect any transaction in any security discussed in the report should do so through MLPF&S and not such foreign affiliates.

This research report has been approved for publication in the United Kingdom by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Limited, which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Authority; has been considered and distributed in Japan by Merrill Lynch Japan Securities Co, Ltd, a registered securities dealer under the Securities and Exchange Law in Japan; is distributed in Hong Kong by Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific) Limited, which is regulated by the Hong Kong SFC; is issued and distributed in Taiwan by Merrill Lynch Global (Taiwan) Ltd or Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Limited (Taiwan Branch); is issued and distributed in Malaysia by Merrill Lynch (KL) Sdn. Bhd., a licensed investment adviser regulated by the Malaysian Securities Commission; and is issued and distributed in Singapore by Merrill Lynch International Bank Limited (Merchant Bank) and Merrill Lynch (Singapore) Pte Ltd (Company Registration No.’s F 06872E and 198602883D respectively). Merrill Lynch International Bank Limited (Merchant Bank) and Merrill Lynch (Singapore) Pte Ltd. are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Merrill Lynch Equities (Australia) Limited, (ABN 65 006 276 795), AFS License 235132, provides this report in Australia. No approval is required for publication or distribution of this report in Brazil.

Merrill Lynch (Frankfurt) distributes this report in Germany. Merrill Lynch (Frankfurt) is regulated by BaFin. Copyright, User Agreement and other general information related to this report: Copyright 2007 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. All rights reserved. This research report is prepared for the use of Merrill Lynch clients and

may not be redistributed, retransmitted or disclosed, in whole or in part, or in any form or manner, without the express written consent of Merrill Lynch. Merrill Lynch research reports are distributed simultaneously to internal and client websites eligible to receive such research prior to any public dissemination by Merrill Lynch of the research report or information or opinion contained therein. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. Receipt and review of this research report constitutes your agreement not to redistribute, retransmit, or disclose to others the contents, opinions, conclusion, or information contained in this report (including any investment recommendations, estimates or price targets) prior to Merrill Lynch's public disclosure of such information. The information herein (other than disclosure information relating to Merrill Lynch and its affiliates) was obtained from various sources and we do not guarantee its accuracy. Merrill Lynch makes no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the data and information provided in any third party referenced website and shall have no liability or responsibility arising out of or in connection with any such referenced website.

This research report provides general information only. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed constitutes an offer or an invitation to make an offer, to buy or sell any securities or other investment or any options, futures or derivatives related to such securities or investments. It is not intended to provide personal investment advice and it does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person who may receive this report. Investors should seek financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities, other investment or investment strategies discussed or recommended in this report and should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. Investors should note that income from such securities or other investments, if any, may fluctuate and that price or value of such securities and investments may rise or fall. Accordingly, investors may receive back less than originally invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Any information relating to the tax status of financial instruments discussed herein is not intended to provide tax advice or to be used by anyone to provide tax advice. Investors are urged to seek tax advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax professional.

Foreign currency rates of exchange may adversely affect the value, price or income of any security or related investment mentioned in this report. In addition, investors in securities such as ADRs, whose values are influenced by the currency of the underlying security, effectively assume currency risk.

Officers of MLPF&S or one or more of its affiliates (other than research analysts) may have a financial interest in securities of the issuer(s) or in related investments.

Merrill Lynch Research policies relating to conflicts of interest are described at http://www.ml.com/media/43347.pdf. Fundamental equity reports are produced on a regular basis as necessary to keep the investment recommendation current.

20 November 2007


Analyst Certification

I, Felipe Hirai, CFA, hereby certify that the views expressed in this research report accurately reflect my personal views about the subject securities and issuers. I also certify that no part of my compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendations or view expressed in this research report.

20 November 2007


Important Disclosures

FUNDAMENTAL EQUITY OPINION KEY: Opinions include a Volatility Risk Rating, an Investment Rating and an Income Rating. VOLATILITY RISK RATINGS, indicators of potential price fluctuation, are: A - Low, B - Medium, and C - High. INVESTMENT RATINGS, indicators of expected total return (price appreciation plus yield) within the 12-month period from the date of the initial rating, are: 1 - Buy (10% or more for Low and Medium Volatility Risk Securities - 20% or more for High Volatility Risk securities); 2 - Neutral (0-10% for Low and Medium Volatility Risk securities - 0-20% for High Volatility Risk securities); 3 - Sell (negative return); and 6 - No Rating. INCOME RATINGS, indicators of potential cash dividends, are: 7 - same/higher (dividend considered to be secure); 8 - same/lower (dividend not considered to be secure); and 9 - pays no cash dividend.

20 November 2007


Important Disclosures

The analyst(s) responsible for covering the securities in this report receive compensation based upon, among other factors, the overall profitability of Merrill Lynch, including profits derived from investment banking revenues.

20 November 2007


Other Important Disclosures

UK readers: MLPF&S or an affiliate is a liquidity provider for the securities discussed in this report.

Information relating to Non-U.S. affiliates of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S):

MLPF&S distributes research reports of the following non-US affiliates in the US (short name: legal name): Merrill Lynch (France): Merrill Lynch Capital Markets (France) SAS; Merrill Lynch (Frankfurt): Merrill Lynch International Bank Ltd, Frankfurt Branch; Merrill Lynch (South Africa): Merrill Lynch South Africa (Pty) Ltd; Merrill Lynch (Milan): Merrill Lynch International Bank Limited; MLPF&S (UK): Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Limited; Merrill Lynch (Australia): Merrill Lynch Equities (Australia) Limited; Merrill Lynch (Hong Kong): Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific) Limited; Merrill Lynch (Singapore): Merrill Lynch (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Merrill Lynch (Canada): Merrill Lynch Canada Inc; Merrill Lynch (Mexico): Merrill Lynch Mexico, SA de CV, Casa de Bolsa; Merrill Lynch (Argentina): Merrill Lynch Argentina SA; Merrill Lynch (Japan): Merrill Lynch Japan Securities Co, Ltd; Merrill Lynch (Seoul): Merrill Lynch International Incorporated (Seoul Branch); Merrill Lynch (Taiwan): Merrill Lynch Global (Taiwan) Limited; DSP Merrill Lynch (India): DSP Merrill Lynch Limited; PT Merrill Lynch (Indonesia): PT Merrill Lynch Indonesia; Merrill Lynch (KL) Sdn. Bhd.: Merrill Lynch (Malaysia); Merrill Lynch (Israel): Merrill Lynch Israel Limited; Merrill Lynch (Russia): Merrill Lynch CIS Limited, Moscow; Merrill Lynch (Turkey): Merrill Lynch Yatirim Bankasi A.S.; Merrill Lynch (Dubai): Merrill Lynch International Bank Ltd, Dubai Branch.

This research report has been prepared and issued by MLPF&S and/or one or more of its non-U.S. affiliates. MLPF&S is the distributor of this research report in the U.S. and accepts full responsibility for research reports of its non-U.S. affiliates distributed in the U.S. Any U.S. person receiving this research report and wishing to effect any transaction in any security discussed in the report should do so through MLPF&S and not such foreign affiliates.

This research report has been approved for publication in the United Kingdom by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Limited, which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Authority; has been considered and distributed in Japan by Merrill Lynch Japan Securities Co, Ltd, a registered securities dealer under the Securities and Exchange Law in Japan; is distributed in Hong Kong by Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific) Limited, which is regulated by the Hong Kong SFC; is issued and distributed in Taiwan by Merrill Lynch Global (Taiwan) Ltd or Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Limited (Taiwan Branch); is issued and distributed in Malaysia by Merrill Lynch (KL) Sdn. Bhd., a licensed investment adviser regulated by the Malaysian Securities Commission; is issued and distributed in India by DSP Merrill Lynch Limited; and is issued and distributed in Singapore by Merrill Lynch International Bank Limited (Merchant Bank) and Merrill Lynch (Singapore) Pte Ltd (Company Registration No.’s F 06872E and 198602883D respectively). Merrill Lynch International Bank Limited (Merchant Bank) and Merrill Lynch (Singapore) Pte Ltd. are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Merrill Lynch Equities (Australia) Limited, (ABN 65 006 276 795), AFS License 235132, provides this report in Australia. No approval is required for publication or distribution of this report in Brazil.

Merrill Lynch (Frankfurt) distributes this report in Germany. Merrill Lynch (Frankfurt) is regulated by BaFin.

Copyright, User Agreement and other general information related to this report:

Copyright 2007 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. All rights reserved. This research report is prepared for the use of Merrill Lynch clients and may not be redistributed, retransmitted or disclosed, in whole or in part, or in any form or manner, without the express written consent of Merrill Lynch. Merrill Lynch research reports are distributed simultaneously to internal and client websites eligible to receive such research prior to any public dissemination by Merrill Lynch of the research report or information or opinion contained therein. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. Receipt and review of this research report constitutes your agreement not to redistribute, retransmit, or disclose to others the contents, opinions, conclusion, or information contained in this report (including any investment recommendations, estimates or price targets) prior to Merrill Lynch's public disclosure of such information. The information herein (other than disclosure information relating to Merrill Lynch and its affiliates) was obtained from various sources and we do not guarantee its accuracy. Merrill Lynch makes no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the data and information provided in any third party referenced website and shall have no liability or responsibility arising out of or in connection with any such referenced website.

This research report provides general information only. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed constitutes an offer or an invitation to make an offer, to buy or sell any securities or other investment or any options, futures or derivatives related to such securities or investments. It is not intended to provide personal investment advice and it does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person who may receive this report. Investors should seek financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities, other investment or investment strategies discussed or recommended in this report and should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. Investors should note that income from such securities or other investments, if any, may fluctuate and that price or value of such securities and investments may rise or fall. Accordingly, investors may receive back less than originally invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Any information relating to the tax status of financial instruments discussed herein is not intended to provide tax advice or to be used by anyone to provide tax advice. Investors are urged to seek tax advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax professional.

Foreign currency rates of exchange may adversely affect the value, price or income of any security or related investment mentioned in this report. In addition, investors in securities such as ADRs, whose values are influenced by the currency of the underlying security, effectively assume currency risk.

Officers of MLPF&S or one or more of its affiliates (other than research analysts) may have a financial interest in securities of the issuer(s) or in related investments.

Merrill Lynch Research policies relating to conflicts of interest are described at http://www.ml.com/media/43347.pdf.

Fundamental equity reports are produced on a regular basis as necessary to keep the investment recommendation current.

Documents

20 November 2007 0 Felipe Hirai – [email protected] - +1-212-449-2132 Felipe Hirai, CFA +1 212 449-2132 Research Analyst MLPF&S [email protected] Merrill