For Immediate Release

MERRILL LYNCH OFFICE GIVES BACK TO LGBTI COMMUNITY WITH

EDUCATIONAL EVENT SPONSORSHIP

To Discuss the

California Supreme Court Ruling on Gay Marriage

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, June 9, 2008 – Merrill Lynch (NYSE: MER) today announced that its Sacramento office will sponsor the Educational Event as part of its commitment to the principle of responsible citizenship. The lecture will be held July 22, 2008 at 6:00 PM at the Lambda Players Theatre. For tickets please contact Merrill Lynch or Stonewall Democrats of Sacramento.

“As a global company built on local relationships, we believe Responsible Citizenship is essential to the prosperity and vitality of our communities around the world. Merrill Lynch is honored to be affiliated with LGBTI Community Education Efforts. Presenting at this event are Courtney Joslin, J.D., Acting Professor of Law, University California , Davis School of Law, Cathy Schwamberger, Equality California and Camille Wojtasiak, CFP, CFM, Assistant Vice President Merrill Lynch, and the Stonewall Democrats of Sacramento. “We are proud that our Sacramento advisors continue their involvement with community activities and constantly seek out ways to benefit the local area.” said Doug Renick Resident Director of the Sacramento Office.

Merrill Lynch is one of the world's leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory companies with offices in 40 countries and territories and total client assets of approximately $1.6 trillion. As an investment bank, it is a leading global trader and underwriter of securities and derivatives across a broad range of asset classes and serves as a strategic advisor to corporations, governments, institutions and individuals worldwide. Merrill Lynch owns approximately half of BlackRock, one of the world’s largest publicly traded investment management companies with more than $1 trillion in assets under management. For more information on Merrill Lynch, please visit www.ml.com.