American Stock Exchange Lists STRIDES Linked to Sony Corporation NEW YORK, June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Stock Exchange(R) (Amex(R)) today began trading Merrill Lynch 8% Callable STRIDES payable with ADRs representing Sony Corporation common stock. Trading under the ticker symbol SSM, 1.64 million units of the new one-year securities were issued at $25.00 each with a maturity date of July 5, 2005. If the Callable STRIDES have not been redeemed or called prior to or on the stated maturity date, holders of the Callable STRIDES will receive, in addition to accrued and unpaid interest, a number of ADRs representing the common stock of Sony Corporation equal to the then current share multiplier, in exchange for each Callable STRIDES unit. The securities are issued by Merrill Lynch. The Amex specialist unit for the securities is Wolverine Trading LLP. If you would like to receive a copy of the prospectus for SSM, please contact the Capital Markets Group at the American Stock Exchange at (212) 306-1659. The American Stock Exchange(R) (Amex(R)) is the only primary exchange that offers trading across a full range of equities, options and exchange traded funds (ETFs), including structured products and HOLDRS(SM). In addition to its role as a national equities market, the Amex is the pioneer of the ETF, responsible for bringing the first domestic product to market in 1993. Leading the industry in ETF listings, the Amex lists 138 ETFs. The Amex is also one of the largest options exchanges in the U.S., trading options on broad-based and sector indexes as well as domestic and foreign stocks. For more information, please visit http://www.amex.com/ . DATASOURCE: American Stock Exchange CONTACT: Lynn Duffy of American Stock Exchange, +1-212-306-1654, or Web site: http://www.amex.com/

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