As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 14, 2005

Securities Act File No.                       

Investment Company Act File No. 811-04700

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form N-2

(Check Appropriate Box or Boxes)

THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

One Corporate Center

Rye, New York 10580-1422

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code:

(914) 921-5100

Bruce N. Alpert

The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc.

One Corporate Center

Rye, New York 10580-1422

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Copies to:

      Approximate date of proposed public offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

      If any securities being registered on this form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box.     þ

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

      THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.

Notice to Canadian Residents:

      These Securities Have Not Been Approved or Disapproved by Any Securities or Regulatory Authority in Canada. This Offering Will Not Be Made in Any Province of Canada Where It Is Not Permitted by Law.

CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET

PURSUANT TO RULE 481(a)

PART A

PART B

PART C

      Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the appropriate Item, so numbered, in Part C to this Registration Statement.

143,681,307 Rights for 20,525,901 Shares

THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.

Common Shares

     The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (the “Equity Trust”) is issuing transferable rights (“Rights”) to its shareholders of common stock, par value $.001 per share. These Rights will allow you to subscribe for new shares of the Common Stock of the Equity Trust (the “Common Shares”). For every seven Rights that you receive, you may buy one new Common Share of the Equity Trust plus, in certain circumstances and only if you are a shareholder on the record date for the rights offering, additional Common Shares pursuant to an over-subscription privilege. You will receive one Right for each outstanding Common Share of the Equity Trust you own on September 21, 2005 (the “Record Date”) rounded up to the nearest number of Rights evenly divisible by seven. Fractional shares will not be issued upon the exercise of the Rights. Accordingly, new Common Shares may be purchased only pursuant to the exercise of Rights in integral multiples of seven.

     The Rights are transferable and will be admitted for trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “GAB RT.” The Common Shares are presently listed on the NYSE under the symbol “GAB.” The new Common Shares issued in this Rights offering (the “Offer”) will also be listed under the symbol “GAB.” On                  , 2005 (the last trading date prior to the Common Shares trading ex-Rights), the last reported net asset value per share of the Common Shares was $         and the last reported sales price per Common Share on the NYSE was $        . The purchase price per Common Share (the “Subscription Price”) will be $7.00. The offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York Time, on October 26, 2005, unless the Offer is extended as described in this Prospectus (the “Expiration Date”). Rights acquired in the secondary market may not participate in the over-subscription privilege.

     The Equity Trust is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Equity Trust’s primary investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity securities consisting of common stock, preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities and warrants and rights to purchase such securities. Income is a secondary investment objective. Gabelli Funds, LLC (“Gabelli Funds”) serves as investment adviser to the Equity Trust. An investment in the Equity Trust is not appropriate for all investors. We cannot assure you that the Equity Trust’s investment objectives will be achieved. FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WITH RESPECT TO OWNING COMMON SHARES OF THE EQUITY TRUST, SEE “RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS” ON PAGE 28 OF THIS PROSPECTUS. The Equity Trust has outstanding four series of preferred stock which has resulted in a leveraged capital structure. For a discussion of the effects and certain risks associated with the use of leverage see “Capitalization — Effects of Leverage” and “Risk Factors and Special Considerations — Leverage Risk.” The address of the Equity Trust is One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422 and its telephone number is (914) 921-5100.

     This Prospectus sets forth certain information about the Equity Trust an investor should know before investing. Accordingly, this Prospectus should be retained for future reference.

     NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIME.

     THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY ANY SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY IN CANADA. THIS OFFERING WILL NOT BE MADE IN ANY PROVINCE OF CANADA WHERE IT IS NOT PERMITTED BY LAW.

     SHAREHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS MAY, AT THE COMPLETION OF THE OFFER, OWN A SMALLER PROPORTIONAL INTEREST IN THE EQUITY TRUST THAN IF THEY EXERCISED THEIR RIGHTS. AS A RESULT OF THE OFFER YOU MAY EXPERIENCE DILUTION OR ACCRETION OF THE AGGREGATE NET ASSET VALUE OF YOUR COMMON SHARES DEPENDING UPON WHETHER THE EQUITY TRUST’S NET ASSET VALUE PER COMMON SHARE IS ABOVE OR BELOW THE SUBSCRIPTION PRICE ON THE EXPIRATION DATE. The Equity Trust cannot state precisely the extent of any dilution or accretion at this time because the Equity Trust does not know what the net asset value per Common Share will be when the Offer expires or what proportion of the Rights will be exercised. Gabelli Funds’ parent company, GAMCO Investors, Inc., and its affiliates (“Affiliated Parties”) may purchase Common Shares through the primary subscription and the over-subscription privilege and Mr. Mario J. Gabelli, who may be deemed to control the Equity Trust’s investment adviser, or his affiliated entities may also purchase additional Common Shares through the primary subscription and over-subscription privilege on the same terms as other shareholders.

     This Prospectus sets forth concisely certain information about the Equity Trust that a prospective investor should know before investing. Investors are advised to read and retain it for future reference.

     A Statement of Additional Information dated September 14, 2005 (the “SAI”) containing additional information about the Equity Trust has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Prospectus. A copy of the SAI, the table of contents of which appears on page 47 of this Prospectus, the annual report and the semi-annual report are available at the Equity Trust’s website, www.gabelli.com. To obtain any of these documents, to request other information about the Equity Trust, or to make shareholder inquiries, investors may contact the Equity Trust at (800) GABELLI, (800) 422-3554 or (914) 921-5100. Investors may also obtain the Statement of Additional Information, material incorporated by reference, and other information about the Equity Trust from the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Subscription Agent, Computershare Shareholder Services, Inc., at (800) 336-6983 or (781) 575-3100.

September 21, 2005

      NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE EQUITY TRUST OR THE EQUITY TRUST’S INVESTMENT ADVISER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITY OTHER THAN THE COMMON SHARES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS, NOR DOES IT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY COMMON SHARES BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Total number of shares available for primary subscription		20,525,901
Number of Rights you will receive for each outstanding share you own on the Record Date		One Right for every one share*
Number of shares you may purchase with your Rights at the Subscription Price per share		One share for every seven Rights**
Subscription Price		$7.00

*	The number of Rights to be issued to a shareholder on the Record Date will be rounded up to the nearest number of Rights evenly divisible by seven.
**	Holders of Rights on the Record Date will be able to acquire additional Equity Trust shares pursuant to an over-subscription privilege in certain circumstances.

	(1)	Complete and sign the Subscription Certificate. Mail it in the envelope provided or deliver it, together with payment in full to Computershare Shareholder Services, Inc. (the “Subscription Agent”) at the address indicated on the Subscription Certificate. Your completed and signed Subscription Certificate and payment must be received by the Expiration Date.
	(2)	Contact your broker, banker or trust company, which can arrange on your behalf to deliver your payment and to guarantee delivery of a properly completed and executed Subscription Certificate by the close of business on the third Business Day after the Expiration Date pursuant to a notice of guaranteed delivery. A fee may be charged for this service by your broker, bank or trust company. Your payment and the notice of guaranteed delivery must be received by the Expiration Date.

Event		Date
Record Date			September 21, 2005
Subscription Period			September 21, 2005 through October 26, 2005**
Expiration of the Offer*			October 26, 2005**
Payment for Guarantees of Delivery Due*			October 26, 2005**
Confirmation to Participants			November 4, 2005**

*	A shareholder exercising Rights must deliver by 5:00 New York time on October 26, 2005 either (a) a Subscription Certificate and payment for shares or (b) a notice of guaranteed delivery and payment for shares.
**	Unless the offer is extended to a date no later than November 4, 2005.

Dilution		Shareholders who do not exercise their Rights may, at the completion of the Offer, own a smaller proportional interest in the Equity Trust than if they exercised their Rights. As a result of the Offer you may experience dilution in net asset value per share if the subscription price is below the net asset value per share on the Expiration Date. If the Subscription Price per share is below the net asset value per share of the Equity Trust’s shares on the Expiration Date, you will experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of your shares if you do not participate in the Offer and you will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share of your shares whether or not you participate in the Offer. The Equity Trust cannot state precisely the extent of this dilution (if any) if you do not exercise your Rights because the Equity Trust does not know what the net asset value per share will be when the Offer expires or what proportion of the Rights will be exercised. Assuming, for example, that all Rights are exercised, the Subscription Price is $7.00 and the Equity Trust’s net asset value per share at the expiration of the Offer is $7.50, the Equity Trust’s net asset value per share (after payment of estimated offering expenses) would be reduced by approximately $0.07 (0.88%) per share. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations — Dilution.” If you do not wish to exercise your Rights, you should consider selling them as set forth in this Prospectus. The Equity Trust cannot give any assurance, however, that a market for the Rights will develop or that the Rights will have any marketable value.
Leveraging		The Equity Trust uses financial leverage for investment purposes by issuing preferred stock. The amount of leverage represents approximately 26% of the Equity Trust’s Managed Assets (defined as the aggregate net asset value of the common stock plus assets attributable to outstanding shares of preferred stock, with no deduction for the liquidation preference of such shares of preferred stock) as of June 30, 2005. The Equity Trust’s leveraged capital structure creates special risks not associated with unleveraged funds having similar investment objectives and policies. These include the possibility of greater loss and the likelihood of higher volatility of the net asset value of the Equity Trust and the asset coverage. Such volatility may increase the likelihood of the Equity Trust’s having to sell investments in order to meet dividend payments on the preferred stock, or to redeem preferred stock, when it may be disadvantageous to do so. Also, if the Equity Trust is utilizing leverage, a decline in net asset value could affect the ability of the Equity Trust to make common stock distribution payments, and such a failure to make distributions could result in the Equity Trust’s ceasing to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code. See “Investment Objective and Policies — Leveraging” and “Risk Factors and Special Considerations — Leverage Risk.”

Market Loss		Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a market price that is less than the value of the net assets attributable to those shares. The possibility that shares of the Equity Trust will trade at a discount from net asset value or at premiums that are unsustainable over the long term are risks separate and distinct from the risk that the Equity Trust’s net asset value will decrease. The risk of purchasing shares of a closed-end fund that might trade at a discount or unsustainable premium is more pronounced for investors who wish to sell their shares in a relatively short period of time because, for those investors, realization of a gain or loss on their investments is likely to be more dependent upon the existence of a premium or discount than upon portfolio performance. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations — Market Value and Net Asset Value.”
Trading Premium/ Discount		The Equity Trust’s shares have traded in the market for periods of time above and below net asset value, and recently have traded generally at a premium. As of August 31, 2005, Common Shares traded at a premium of 6.14%. There is no guarantee that this premium is sustainable either during the term of the Offer or over the long term. The issuance of additional Common Shares pursuant to the Offer and the related over-subscription and secondary over-subscription privileges may reduce or eliminate any premium that shareholders may have otherwise received for their Common Shares.
Share Repurchases		Holders of Common Shares do not, and will not, have the right to require the Equity Trust to repurchase their stock. The Equity Trust, however, may repurchase its Common Shares from time to time as and when it deems such a repurchase advisable, subject to maintaining required asset coverage for each series of outstanding preferred stock. The Board of Directors has adopted a policy to authorize such repurchases when Common Shares are trading at a discount of 10% or more from net asset value. The policy does not limit the amount of Common Shares that can be repurchased. The percentage of the discount from net asset value at which share repurchases will be authorized may be changed by the Board of Directors.
Anti-takeover Provisions		Certain provisions of the Equity Trust’s Charter and By-Laws may be regarded as “anti-takeover” provisions. The affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the Equity Trust’s outstanding shares of each class (voting separately) is required to authorize the conversion of the Equity Trust from a closed-end to an open-end investment company or generally to authorize any of the following transactions:
		(1) the merger or consolidation of the Equity Trust with any entity;
		(2) the issuance of any securities of the Equity Trust for cash to any entity or person;
		(3) the sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Equity Trust to any entity or person (except

		assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000); or
		(4) the sale, lease or exchange to the Equity Trust, in exchange for its securities, of any assets of any entity or person (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000);
		if such corporation, person or entity is directly, or indirectly through affiliates, the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of capital stock of the Equity Trust. However, such vote would not be required when, under certain conditions, the Board of Directors approves the transaction. The overall effect of these provisions is to render more difficult the accomplishment of a merger with, or the assumption of control by, a principal shareholder, or the conversion of the Equity Trust to open-end status. These provisions may have the effect of depriving Equity Trust shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium above the prevailing market price. See “Certain Provisions of the Charter and By-laws.”
Non-Diversified Status		As a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act, the Equity Trust may invest in the securities of individual issuers to a greater degree than a diversified investment company. As a result, the Equity Trust may be more vulnerable to events affecting a single issuer and, therefore, subject to greater volatility than a fund that is more broadly diversified. Accordingly, an investment in the Equity Trust may present greater risk to an investor than an investment in a diversified company. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations — Non-Diversified Status.”
Foreign Securities		The Equity Trust may invest up to 35% of its total assets in foreign securities. Among the foreign securities in which the Equity Trust may invest are those issued by companies located in developing countries, which are countries in the initial stages of their industrialization cycles. Investing in the equity and debt markets of developing countries involves exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and less mature, and to political systems that can be expected to have less stability, than those of developed countries. The markets of developing countries historically have been more volatile than the markets of the more mature economies of developed countries, but often have provided higher rates of return to investors. The Equity Trust may also invest in debt securities of foreign governments. See “Investment Objectives and Policies” and “Risk Factors and Special Considerations — Foreign Securities.”
Lower Rated Securities		The Equity Trust may invest up to 10% of its total assets in fixed-income securities rated in the lower rating categories of recognized statistical rating agencies. These high yield securities, also sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” generally pay a premium above the yields of U.S. government securities or debt securities of investment grade issuers because they are subject to greater risks than these securities. These risks, which reflect their speculative character, include the following: (1) greater volatility; (2) greater

		credit risk; (3) potentially greater sensitivity to general economic or industry conditions; (4) potential lack of attractive resale opportunities (illiquidity); and (5) additional expenses to seek recovery from issuers who default. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations — Lower Rated Securities.”
Key Personnel Dependence		Gabelli Funds is dependent upon the expertise of Mr. Mario J. Gabelli in providing advisory services with respect to the Equity Trust’s investments. If Gabelli Funds were to lose the services of Mr. Gabelli, its ability to service the Equity Trust could be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that a suitable replacement could be found for Mr. Gabelli in the event of his death, resignation, retirement or inability to act on behalf of Gabelli Funds.
Taxation		The Equity Trust intends to continue to be treated and qualify as a regulated investment company, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such qualification requires, among other things, compliance by the Equity Trust with certain distribution requirements. The Equity Trust is also, however, subject to certain statutory limitations on distributions on its Common Shares if the Equity Trust fails to satisfy the 1940 Act’s asset coverage requirements, which could jeopardize the Equity Trust’s ability to meet the regulated investment company distribution requirements. See “Taxation” for a more complete discussion.

Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan Purchase Fees		$0.75(1)
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan Sales Fees		$2.50(1)
Annual Operating Expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to Common Shares)
Management Fees		1.36%(2)
Other Expenses		0.21%
Total Annual Operating Expenses		1.57%(2)

(1)	Shareholders participating in the Equity Trust’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan would pay $0.75 plus their pro rata share of brokerage commissions per transaction to purchase shares and $2.50 plus their pro rata share of brokerage commission per transaction to sell shares. See “Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan” in the SAI.
(2)	Gabelli Funds has agreed to reduce the management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the cumulative preferred stock during the fiscal year if the total return of the net asset value of Common Shares, including distributions and advisory fee subject to reduction for that year, does not exceed the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of cumulative preferred stock. The Equity Trust’s total return on the net asset value of Common Shares is monitored on a monthly basis to assess whether the total return on the net asset value of the Common Shares exceeds the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of cumulative preferred stock for the period. The test to confirm the accrual of the management fee on the assets attributable to each particular series of preferred stock is annual. The Equity Trust will accrue for the management fee during the fiscal year if it appears probable that the Equity Trust will incur the additional management fee on those assets. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Equity Trust’s total return on the net asset value of the Common Shares exceeded the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of all outstanding preferred stock, and thus management fees were accrued on those assets. For the six months ended June 30, 2005, the Equity Trust’s total return on the net asset value of the Common Shares did not exceed the stated dividend rates or corresponding swap rate of all outstanding preferred stock and thus, management fees with respect to the liquidation value of the preferred stock assets in the amount of $2,076,504 were not accrued.

1 Year		3 Years		5 Years		10 Years
$16		$50		$86		$187

(3)	Amounts are exclusive of fees discussed in Note (1) above.

				Six Months Ended				Year Ended December 31,
				June 30, 2005
				(unaudited)(a)(b)				2004(a)(b)				2003(a)(b)				2002(a)(b)				2001(a)				2000(a)
OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
	Net asset value, beginning of period			$	8.69			$	7.98			$	6.28			$	8.97			$	10.89			$	12.75
	Net investment income (loss)				0.08				0.02				0.04				0.07				0.08				0.05
	Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments				0.05				1.63				2.50				(1.65	)			(0.16	)			(0.51	)
	Total from investment operations				0.13				1.65				2.54				(1.58	)			(0.08	)			(0.46	)
DISTRIBUTIONS TO PREFERRED STOCK SHAREHOLDERS:
	Net investment income				(0.04	)(h)			(0.00	)(c)			(0.00	)(c)			(0.01	)			(0.01	)			(0.00	)(c)
	Net realized gain on investments				(0.04	)(h)			(0.14	)			(0.14	)			(0.16	)			(0.11	)			(0.09	)
	Total distributions to preferred stock shareholders				(0.08	)			(0.14	)			(0.14	)			(0.17	)			(0.12	)			(0.09	)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS					0.05				1.51				2.40				(1.75	)			(0.20	)			(0.55	)
DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS:
		Net investment income			(0.05	)(h)			(0.01	)			(0.01	)			(0.05	)			(0.06	)			(0.04	)
		Net realized gain on investments			(0.04	)(h)			(0.79	)			(0.68	)			(0.90	)			(1.02	)			(1.27	)
		Return of capital			(0.27	)(h)			—				(0.00	)(c)			(0.00	)(c)			—				—
		Total distributions to common stock shareholders			(0.36	)			(0.80	)			(0.69	)			(0.95	)			(1.08	)			(1.31	)
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
	Increase in net asset value from common stock share transactions				0.00(c	)			(0.00	)(c)			0.01				0.02				0.03				—
	Decrease in net asset value from shares issued in rights offering				—				—				—				—				(0.62	)			—
	Increase in net asset value from repurchase of preferred shares				—				(0.00	)(c)			—				—				—				—
	Offering costs for preferred shares charged to paid-in capital								(0.00	)(c)			(0.02	)			(0.01	)			(0.05	)			—
	Total capital share transactions				0.00(c	)			(0.00	)(c)			(0.01	)			0.01				(0.64	)			—

			Six Months Ended				Year Ended December 31,
			June 30, 2005
			(unaudited)(a)(b)				2004(a)(b)				2003(a)(b)				2002(a)(b)				2001(a)				2000(a)
NET ASSET VALUE ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK SHAREHOLDERS, END OF PERIOD			$	8.38			$	8.69			$	7.98			$	6.28			$	8.97			$	10.89
	Net Asset Value Total Return†			0.57	%			19.81	%			39.90	%			(21.00	)%			(3.68	)%			(4.39	)%
	Market Value, End of Period		$	8.98			$	9.02			$	8.00			$	6.85			$	10.79			$	11.44
	Total Investment Return††			3.80	%			24.04	%			28.58	%			(28.36	)%			10.32	%			1.91	%
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
	Net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares, end of period (in 000’s)		$	1,606,699			$	1,638,225			$	1,514,525			$	1,271,600			$	1,465,369			$	1,318,263
	Net assets attributable to common shares, end of period (in 000’s)		$	1,187,957			$	1,219,483			$	1,094,525			$	842,403			$	1,166,171			$	1,184,041
	Ratio of net investment income to average net assets attributable to common shares			1.80	%(g)			0.64	%			0.67	%			0.99	%			0.81	%			0.42	%
	Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares(b)(e)(*)			1.20	%(g)			1.57	%			1.62	%			1.19	%			1.12	%			1.14	%
	Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares(b)(e)(*)			0.89	%(g)			1.14	%			1.14	%			0.87	%			0.95	%			1.03	%
	Portfolio turnover rate			3.5	%			28.6	%			19.2	%			27.1	%			23.9	%			32.1	%
PREFERRED STOCK:
	7.25% CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK
	Liquidation value, end of period (in 000’s)			—				—				—			$	134,198			$	134,198			$	134,223
	Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)			—				—				—				5,368				5,368				5,369
	Liquidation preference per share			—				—				—			$	25.00			$	25.00			$	25.00
	Average market value(d)			—				—				—			$	25.75			$	25.39			$	22.62
	Asset coverage per share			—				—				—			$	74.07			$	122.44			$	245.54
	7.20% CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK
	Liquidation value, end of period (in 000’s)		$	165,000			$	165,000			$	165,000			$	165,000			$	165,000				—
	Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)			6,600				6,600				6,600				6,600				6,600				—
	Liquidation preference per share		$	25.00			$	25.00			$	25.00			$	25.00			$	25.00				—
	Average market value(d)		$	26.17			$	26.57			$	27.06			$	26.40			$	25.60				—
	Asset coverage per share		$	95.92			$	97.81			$	90.15			$	74.07			$	122.44				—

		Six Months Ended				Year Ended December 31,
		June 30, 2005
		(unaudited)(a)(b)				2004(a)(b)				2003(a)(b)				2002(a)(b)				2001(a)				2000(a)
AUCTION RATE SERIES C CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK
Liquidation value, end of period (in 000’s)		$	130,000			$	130,000			$	130,000			$	130,000				—				—
Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)			5				5				5				5				—				—
Liquidation preference per share		$	25,000			$	25,000			$	25,000			$	25,000				—				—
Average market value(d)		$	25,000			$	25,000			$	25,000			$	25,000				—				—
Asset coverage per share		$	95,924			$	97,806			$	90,150			$	74,068				—				—
5.875% CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK
Liquidation value, end of period (in 000’s)		$	73,743			$	73,743			$	75,000				—				—				—
Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)			2,950				2,950				3,000				—				—				—
Liquidation preference per share		$	25.00			$	25.00			$	25.00				—				—				—
Average market value(d)		$	24.80			$	24.81			$	25.10				—				—				—
Asset coverage per share		$	95.92			$	97.81			$	90.15				—				—				—
AUCTION RATE SERIES E CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK
Liquidation value, end of period (in 000’s)		$	50,000			$	50,000			$	50,000				—				—				—
Total shares outstanding (in 000’s)			2				2				2				—				—				—
Liquidation preference per share		$	25,000			$	25,000			$	25,000				—				—				—
Average market value(d)		$	25,000			$	25,000			$	25,000				—				—				—
Asset coverage per share		$	95,924			$	97,806			$	90,150				—				—				—
ASSET COVERAGE(f)			384	%			391	%			361	%			296	%			490	%			982	%

†		Based on net asset value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at net asset value on the ex-dividend date, including the effect of shares issued pursuant to rights offering, assuming full subscription by shareholder. Total return for the period of less than one year is not annualized.
††		Based on market value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions on the payment date, including the effect of shares issued pursuant to rights offering, assuming full subscription by shareholder. Total return for the period of less than one year is not annualized.
*		The Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2005 included the Ratios of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares and to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares, both presented before fee reductions. This information contained a computational error and is not necessary for a fair presentation of the Equity Trust’s financial highlights and has not been included in the financial highlights table above.
(a)		Per share amounts have been calculated using the monthly average shares outstanding method.
(b)		See Note 2 to Financial Statements (Swap Agreements).
(c)		Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
(d)		Based on weekly prices.
(e)		The ratios do not include a reduction of expenses for custodian fee credits on cash balances maintained with the custodian. Including such custodian fee credits for the year ended December 31, 2001, the ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares net of fee reduction would be 1.11%, and the ratio of operating expenses to average total net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares net of fee reduction would be 0.94%. For the six months ended June 30, 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2000, the effect of the custodian fee credits was minimal.
(f)		Asset coverage is calculated by combining all series of preferred stock.
(g)		Annualized.
(h)		Amounts are subject to change and recharacterization at fiscal year end.

	Shareholder’s Record Date Position

	X     Excess Shares Remaining

	Total Record Date Position of All Over-Subscribers

If By Mail:		Computershare Attn: Corporate Actions P.O. Box 859208 Braintree, MA 02185-9208
If By Hand:		Computershare 11th Floor 17 Battery Park Place New York, NY 10004
If By Overnight Courier:		Computershare Attn: Corporate Actions 161 Bay State Drive Braintree, MA 02184

	(1) A subscription will be accepted by the Subscription Agent if, prior to 5:00 p.m., New York time, on the Expiration Date, the Subscription Agent has received a notice of guaranteed delivery by telegram or otherwise from a bank, a trust company, or a NYSE member, guaranteeing delivery of (i) payment of the full Subscription Price for the Common Shares subscribed for on the Primary Subscription and any additional Common Shares subscribed for pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege and (ii) a properly completed and executed Subscription Certificate, which: (1) designates your primary subscription and secondary over-subscription amounts, (2) provides a check (or amount in notice of guaranteed delivery), (3) indicates whether you participate in the Equity Trust’s automatic dividend reinvestment and cash purchase plan and wish to receive a certificate, and (4) indicates whether you want to sell or transfer your rights. The Subscription Agent will not honor a notice of guaranteed delivery if a properly completed and executed Subscription Certificate and full payment is not received by the Subscription Agent by the close of business on the third Business Day after the Expiration Date. The notice of guaranteed delivery may be delivered to the Subscription Agent in the same manner as Subscription Certificates at the addresses set forth above, or may be transmitted to the Subscription Agent by facsimile transmission to fax number (781) 380-3388; telephone number to confirm receipt (781) 843-1833, extension 200.
	(2) Alternatively, a holder of Rights can send the Subscription Certificate together with payment in the form of a check for the Common Shares subscribed for on Primary Subscription and additional Common Shares subscribed for pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege to the Subscription Agent based on the Subscription Price of $7.00 per Common Share. To be accepted, the payment, together with the executed Subscription Certificate, must be received by the Subscription Agent at the addresses noted above prior to 5:00 p.m., New York time, on the Expiration Date. The Subscription Agent will deposit all stock purchase checks received by it prior to the final due date into a segregated interest-bearing account pending proration and distribution of Common Shares. The Subscription Agent will not accept cash as a means of payment for Common Shares. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE SET FORTH BELOW, A

PAYMENT PURSUANT TO THIS METHOD MUST BE IN UNITED STATES DOLLARS BY MONEY ORDER OR CHECK DRAWN ON A BANK LOCATED IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES, MUST BE PAYABLE TO THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC., AND MUST ACCOMPANY AN EXECUTED SUBSCRIPTION CERTIFICATE TO BE ACCEPTED. If the aggregate Subscription Price paid by a Record Date Shareholder is insufficient to purchase the number of Common Shares that the holder indicates are being subscribed for, or if a Record Date Shareholder does not specify the number of Common Shares to be purchased, then the Record Date Shareholder will be deemed to have exercised first, the Primary Subscription Rights (if not already fully exercised) and second, the Over-Subscription Privilege to the full extent of the payment tendered. If the aggregate Subscription Price paid by such holder is greater than the Common Shares he has indicated an intention to subscribe, then the Rights holder will be deemed to have exercised first, the Primary Subscription Rights (if not already fully subscribed) and second, the Over-Subscription Privilege to the full extent of the excess payment tendered.

	•	Gabelli Funds’ own evaluations of the private market value, cash flow, earnings per share and other fundamental aspects of the underlying assets and business of the company;
	•	the potential for capital appreciation of the securities;
	•	the interest or dividend income generated by the securities;
	•	the prices of the securities relative to other comparable securities;
	•	whether the securities are entitled to the benefits of call protection or other protective covenants;
	•	the existence of any anti-dilution protections or guarantees of the security; and
	•	the diversification of the portfolio of the Equity Trust as to issuers.

RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

      There are a number of risks that an investor should consider in evaluating the Equity Trust. You should read this entire Prospectus and the SAI before you decide whether to exercise your Rights. In addition, you should consider the matters set forth below.

Principal Risks Associated with the Equity Trust

Dilution

      If you do not exercise all of your Rights, you may own a smaller proportional interest in the Equity Trust when the Offer is over. In addition, you will experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of your shares if you do not participate in the Offer and will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share of your shares whether or not you exercise your Rights, if the Subscription Price is below the Equity Trust’s net asset value per share on the Expiration Date, because:

      On the other hand, if the Subscription Price is above the Equity Trust’s net asset value per share on the Expiration Date [(as it was on the date of this Prospectus)], you may experience an immediate accretion of the aggregate net asset value per share of your shares even if you do not exercise your Rights and an immediate increase in the net asset value per share of your shares whether or not you participate in the Offer, because:

      Furthermore, if you do not participate in the Over-Subscription Privilege, your percentage ownership may also be diluted. The Equity Trust cannot state precisely the amount of any dilution because it is not known at this time what the net asset value per share will be on the Expiration Date or what proportion of the Rights will be exercised. The impact of the Offer on net asset value per share is shown by the following examples, assuming a $7.00 Subscription Price:

      If you do not wish to exercise your Rights, you should consider selling them as set forth in this Prospectus. Any cash you receive from selling your Rights should serve as partial compensation for any

possible dilution of your interest in the Equity Trust. The Equity Trust cannot give assurance, however, that a market for the Rights will develop or that the Rights will have any marketable value.

Leverage Risk

      The Equity Trust uses financial leverage for investment purposes by issuing preferred stock. The amount of leverage represents approximately 26% of the Equity Trust’s Managed Assets (defined as the aggregate net asset value of the Common Shares plus assets attributable to outstanding shares of preferred stock, with no deduction for the liquidation preference of such shares of preferred stock) as of June 30, 2005. The Equity Trust’s leveraged capital structure creates special risks not associated with unleveraged funds having similar investment objectives and policies. These include the possibility of greater loss and the likelihood of higher volatility of the net asset value of the Equity Trust and the asset coverage. Such volatility may increase the likelihood of the Equity Trust’s having to sell investments in order to meet dividend payments on the preferred stock, or to redeem preferred stock, when it may be disadvantageous to do so. Also, if the Equity Trust is utilizing leverage, a decline in net asset value could affect the ability of the Equity Trust to make common stock distribution payments, and such a failure to pay dividends or make distributions could result in the Equity Trust’s ceasing to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code.

      Because the advisory fee paid to Gabelli Funds is calculated on the basis of the Equity Trust’s Managed Assets, rather than only on the basis of net assets attributable to the Common Shares, the fee may be higher when leverage is utilized, giving Gabelli Funds an incentive to utilize leverage. However, Gabelli Funds has agreed to reduce any management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the cumulative preferred stock during the fiscal year if the total return of the net asset value of the Common Shares, including distributions and advisory fee subject to reduction for that year, does not exceed the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of preferred stock.

Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions.

      Restrictions imposed on the declaration and payment of dividends or other distributions to the holders of the Common Shares and preferred stock, both by the 1940 Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies, might impair the Equity Trust’s ability to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. While the Equity Trust intends to redeem its preferred stock to the extent necessary to enable the Equity Trust to distribute its income as required to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company under the Code, there can be no assurance that such actions can be effected in time to meet the Code requirements.

Non-Diversified Status

      The Equity Trust is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the 1940 Act, which means it is not limited by the 1940 Act in the proportion of its assets that may be invested in the securities of a single issuer. However, the Equity Trust has in the past conducted and intends to conduct its operations so as to qualify as a “regulated investment company,” or RIC, for purposes of the Code, which will relieve it of any liability for federal income tax to the extent its earnings are distributed to stockholders. To qualify as a “regulated investment company,” among other requirements, the Equity Trust will limit its investments so that, with certain exceptions, at the close of each quarter of the taxable year:

      As a non-diversified investment company, the Equity Trust may invest in the securities of individual issuers to a greater degree than a diversified investment company. As a result, the Equity Trust may be more vulnerable to events affecting a single issuer and therefore subject to greater volatility than a fund that is more broadly diversified. Accordingly, an investment in the Equity Trust may present greater risk to an investor than an investment in a diversified company.

Market Value and Net Asset Value

      Common shares of closed-end funds are bought and sold in the securities markets and may trade at either a premium or discount from net asset value. Listed shares of closed-end investment companies often trade at a discount from net asset value. This characteristic of stock of a closed-end fund is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that its net asset value will decrease. The Equity Trust cannot predict whether its listed stock will trade at, below or above net asset value. Since February 2001, the Equity Trust’s Shares have traded at a premium to their net asset value. As of August 31, 2005 this premium was 6.14%. There is no guarantee that this premium is sustainable either during the term of this Offer or over the long term. The issuance of additional Common Shares pursuant to the Offer and the Over-Subscription Privilege may reduce or eliminate any premium that common shareholders may have otherwise received for their Common Shares. Stockholders desiring liquidity may, subject to applicable securities laws, trade their Equity Trust Shares on the NYSE or other markets on which such stock may trade at the then-current market value, which may differ from the then-current net asset value. Stockholders will incur brokerage or other transaction costs to sell stock.

Lower Rated Securities

      The Equity Trust may invest up to 10% of its total assets in fixed-income securities rated in the lower rating categories of recognized statistical rating agencies. These high yield securities, also sometimes referred to as “junk bonds,” generally pay a premium above the yields of U.S. government securities or debt securities of investment grade issuers because they are subject to greater risks than these securities. These risks, which reflect their speculative character, include the following:

      The market value of lower-rated securities may be more volatile than the market value of higher-rated securities and generally tends to reflect the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and short-term market developments to a greater extent than more highly rated securities, which primarily reflect fluctuations in general levels of interest rates.

      Ratings are relative and subjective and not absolute standards of quality. Securities ratings are based largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and the rating agencies’ analysis at the time of rating. Consequently, the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuer’s current financial condition.

      As a part of its investment in lower rated fixed-income securities, the Equity Trust may invest in the securities of issuers in default. The Equity Trust will invest in securities of issuers in default only when Gabelli Funds believes that such issuers will honor their obligations and emerge from bankruptcy protection and that the value of such issues’ securities will appreciate. By investing in the securities of issuers in default, the Equity Trust bears the risk that these issuers will not continue to honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection or that the value of these securities will not appreciate.

Foreign Securities

      The Equity Trust may invest up to 35% of its total assets in foreign securities. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve certain considerations and risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. Foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies may be subject to less government supervision and regulation than exists in the United States. Dividend and interest income may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may adversely affect the net return on such investments. There may be difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a court judgment abroad. In addition, it may be difficult to effect repatriation of capital invested in certain countries. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there are risks of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of the Equity Trust held in foreign countries.

      There may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than a U.S. company. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume than U.S. securities markets and some foreign company securities are less liquid than securities of otherwise comparable U.S. companies. A portfolio of foreign securities may also be adversely affected by fluctuations in the rates of exchange between the currencies of different nations and by exchange control regulations. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures that could cause the Equity Trust to encounter difficulties in purchasing and selling securities on such markets and may result in the Equity Trust missing attractive investment opportunities or experiencing loss. In addition, a portfolio that includes foreign securities can expect to have a higher expense ratio because of the increased transaction costs on non-U.S. securities markets and the increased costs of maintaining the custody of foreign securities.

      The Equity Trust also may purchase sponsored American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”) or U.S. denominated securities of foreign issuers. ADRs are receipts issued by United States banks or trust companies in respect of securities of foreign issuers held on deposit for use in the United States securities markets. While ADRs may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted, many of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depository receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute stockholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.

Interest Rate Transactions

      The Equity Trust has entered into an interest rate swap agreement and may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions. The use of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. In an interest rate swap, the Equity Trust would agree to pay to the other party to the interest rate swap (which is known as the “counterparty”) periodically a fixed rate payment in exchange for the counterparty agreeing to pay to the Equity Trust periodically a variable rate payment that is intended to approximate the Equity Trust’s variable rate payment obligation on one or more series of its preferred stock. In an interest rate cap, the Equity Trust would pay a premium to the counterparty and, to the extent that a specified variable rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, would receive from the counterparty payments of the difference based on the notional amount of such cap. Interest rate swap and cap transactions introduce additional risk because the Equity Trust would remain obligated to pay preferred stock dividends when due in accordance with the Articles Supplementary even if the counterparty defaulted. If there is a default by the counterparty to a swap contract, the Equity Trust will be limited to contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. There is no assurance that the swap contract counterparties will be able to meet their obligations pursuant to the swap contracts or that, in the event of default, the Equity Trust will succeed in pursuing contractual remedies. The Equity Trust thus assumes the risk that it may be delayed in or prevented from obtaining payments owed to it pursuant to the swap contracts. The creditworthiness of the swap contract counterparties is closely monitored in order to minimize this risk. In addition, at the time an interest rate swap or cap transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that the Equity Trust will not be able

to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. The Equity Trust will usually enter into swaps or caps on a net basis; that is, the two payment streams will be netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Equity Trust’s receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Equity Trust intends to segregate cash or liquid securities having a value at least equal to the value of its net payment obligations under any swap transaction, marked to market daily.

      The use of derivative instruments involves, to varying degrees, elements of market risk in excess of the amount recognized in the statements of assets and liabilities.

Futures Transactions

      Futures and options on futures entail certain risks, including but not limited to the following:

Forward Currency Exchange Contracts

      The use of forward currency contracts may involve certain risks, including the failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations under the contract and that the use of forward contracts may not serve as a complete hedge because of an imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the contracts and the prices of the currencies hedged or used for cover. For a further description of such investments, see “Investment Objectives and Policies — Investment Practices” in the SAI.

Dependence on Key Personnel

      Mario J. Gabelli serves as the Equity Trust’s portfolio manager. Gabelli Funds is dependent upon the expertise of Mr. Gabelli in providing advisory services with respect to the Equity Trust’s investments. If Gabelli Funds were to lose the services of Mr. Gabelli, its ability to service the Equity Trust could be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that a suitable replacement could be found for Mr. Gabelli in the event of his death, resignation, retirement or inability to act on behalf of Gabelli Funds.

MANAGEMENT OF THE EQUITY TRUST

      The Equity Trust’s Board of Directors (who, with its officers, are described in the SAI) has overall responsibility for the management of the Equity Trust. The Board of Directors decides upon matters of general policy and reviews the actions of Gabelli Funds.

      Investment Management. Gabelli Funds, located at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422, serves as the investment adviser to the Equity Trust pursuant to an investment advisory agreement. Gabelli Funds was organized in 1999 and is the successor to Gabelli Funds, Inc., which was organized in 1980. As of June 30, 2005, Gabelli Funds acted as registered investment adviser to 28 management investment companies with aggregate net assets of $12.8 billion. Gabelli Funds, together with other affiliated investment advisers, had assets under management totaling approximately $27.6 billion as of June 30, 2005. Gabelli Asset Management Inc., an affiliate of Gabelli Funds, acts as investment adviser for individuals, pension trusts, profit sharing trusts and endowments, and as a sub-adviser to management investment companies having aggregate assets of $13.2 billion under management as of June 30, 2005. Gabelli Fixed Income LLC, an affiliate of Gabelli Funds, acts as investment adviser for The Treasurer’s Fund and separate accounts having aggregate assets of approximately $400 million under management as of June 30, 2005. Gabelli Advisers, Inc., an affiliate of Gabelli Funds, acts as investment manager to the Westwood Funds having aggregate assets of approximately $400 million under management as of June 30, 2005.

      Gabelli Funds is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc., a New York corporation, whose Class A Common Stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GBL.” Mr. Mario J. Gabelli may be deemed a “controlling person” of Gabelli Funds on the basis of his ownership of a majority of the stock of Gabelli Group Capital Partners, Inc., which owns a majority of the capital stock of GAMCO Investors, Inc.

      Gabelli Funds has sole investment discretion for the Equity Trust’s assets under the supervision of the Equity Trust’s Board of Directors and in accordance with the Equity Trust’s stated policies. Gabelli Funds will select investments for the Equity Trust and will place purchase and sale orders on behalf of the Equity Trust.

      Advisory Agreement. Under the terms of the Equity Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”), Gabelli Funds manages the portfolio of the Equity Trust in accordance with its stated investment objectives and policies, makes investment decisions for the Equity Trust, places orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Equity Trust and manages the Equity Trust’s other business and affairs, all subject to the supervision and direction of its Board of Directors. In addition, under the Advisory Agreement, Gabelli Funds oversees the administration of all aspects of the Equity Trust’s business and affairs and provides, or arranges for others to provide, at Gabelli Funds’ expense, certain enumerated services, including maintaining the Equity Trust’s books and records, preparing reports to its stockholders and supervising the calculation of the net asset value of its stock. All expenses of computing the Equity Trust’s net asset value, including any equipment or services obtained solely for the purpose of pricing shares of stock or valuing the Equity Trust’s investment portfolio, will be an expense of the Equity Trust under the Advisory Agreement unless Gabelli Funds voluntarily assumes responsibility for such expense. During fiscal 2004, the Equity Trust reimbursed Gabelli Funds $34,800 in connection with the cost of computing the Equity Trust’s net asset value.

      The Advisory Agreement combines investment advisory and administrative responsibilities in one agreement. For services rendered by Gabelli Funds on behalf of the Equity Trust under the Advisory Agreement, the Equity Trust pays Gabelli Funds a fee computed weekly and paid monthly at the annual rate of 1.00% of its average weekly net assets plus the liquidation value of any outstanding preferred stock. Gabelli Funds has agreed to reduce the management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the cumulative preferred stock during the fiscal year if the total return of the net asset value of Common Shares, including distributions and advisory fee subject to reduction for that year, does not exceed the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of preferred stock.

      The Equity Trust’s total return on the net asset value of its Common Shares is monitored on a monthly basis to assess whether the total return on the net asset value of its Common Shares exceeds the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of outstanding preferred stock for the period.

The test to confirm the accrual of the management fee on the assets attributable to each particular series of preferred stock is annual. The Equity Trust will accrue for the management fee on those assets during the fiscal year if it appears probable that the Equity Trust will incur the additional management fee on those assets. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Equity Trust’s total return on the net asset value of the Common Shares exceeded the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of all outstanding preferred stock, and thus management fees were accrued on those assets. For the year ended December 31, 2004, Gabelli Funds earned $15,167,775 for advisory services. For the six months ended June 30, 2005, the Equity Trust’s total return on the net asset value of the Common Shares did not exceed the stated dividend rates or corresponding swap rate of all outstanding preferred stock. Thus, management fees with respect to the liquidation value of the preferred stock assets in the amount of $2,076,504 were not accrued.

      The Advisory Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard for its obligations and duties thereunder, Gabelli Funds is not liable for any error or judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Equity Trust. As part of the Advisory Agreement, the Equity Trust has agreed that the name “Gabelli” is Gabelli Funds’ property, and that in the event Gabelli Funds ceases to act as an investment adviser to the Equity Trust, the Equity Trust will change its name to one not including “Gabelli.”

      Pursuant to its terms, the Advisory Agreement will remain in effect with respect to the Equity Trust from year to year if approved annually (i) by the Equity Trust’s Board of Directors or by the holders of a majority of the Equity Trust’s outstanding voting securities and (ii) by a majority of the Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Advisory Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

      A discussion regarding the basis of the Board of Directors’ approval of the Advisory Agreement is available in the Equity Trust’s semi-annual report to shareholders for the period ended June 30, 2005.

      Canadian shareholders should note, to the extent applicable, that there may be difficulty enforcing any legal rights against Gabelli Funds because it is resident outside Canada and all of it assets are situated outside Canada.

Selection of Securities Brokers

      The Advisory Agreement contains provisions relating to the selection of securities brokers to effect the portfolio transactions of the Equity Trust. Under those provisions, Gabelli Funds may (i) direct Equity Trust portfolio brokerage to Gabelli & Company, Inc. or other broker-dealer affiliates of Gabelli Funds and (ii) pay commissions to brokers other than Gabelli & Company, Inc. that are higher than might be charged by another qualified broker to obtain brokerage and/or research services considered by Gabelli Funds to be useful or desirable for its investment management of the Equity Trust and/or its other advisory accounts or those of any investment adviser affiliated with it. The SAI contains further information about the Advisory Agreement, including a more complete description of the advisory and expense arrangements, exculpatory and brokerage provisions, as well as information on the brokerage practices of the Equity Trust.

Portfolio Management

      Mario J. Gabelli is currently and has been responsible for the day-to-day management of the Equity Trust since its formation. Mr. Gabelli has served as Chairman, President and Chief Investment Officer of Gabelli Funds since 1980. Mr. Gabelli also serves as Portfolio Manager for several other funds in the Gabelli fund family. Because of the diverse nature of Mr. Gabelli’s responsibilities, he will devote less than all of his time to the day-to-day management at the Equity Trust. Over the past five years, Mr. Gabelli has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of GAMCO Investors, Inc.; Chief Investment Officer of GAMCO Asset Management, Inc.; Vice Chairman of the Board of Lynch Corporation (until 2004), a diversified manufacturing company, and Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Lynch Interactive Corporation, a multimedia and communications services company.

      Additionally, Mr. Caesar M.P. Bryan manages approximately $76 million of the Equity Trust’s assets as of June 30, 2005. Mr. Bryan has been a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager with GAMCO Asset Management, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc., and Portfolio Manager of the

Gabelli Gold Fund, Inc. since May 1994, Co-Portfolio Manager of The Gabelli Global Opportunity Fund since May 1998, and Gold Companies Portfolio Manager of the Gabelli Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust and a member of the Gabelli Growth Fund portfolio management team since September 2000.

      The SAI provides additional information about Mr. Gabelli’s and Mr. Bryan’s compensation, other accounts managed by Mr. Gabelli and Mr. Bryan and Mr. Gabelli’s and Mr. Bryan’s ownership of securities in the Equity Trust.

Non-Resident Director

      Karl Otto Pöhl, a director of the Equity Trust, resides outside the United States and all or a significant portion of his assets are located outside the United States. Mr. Pöhl does not have an authorized agent in the United States to receive service of process. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States or to enforce against Mr. Pöhl in United States courts judgments predicated upon civil liability provisions of United States securities laws. It may also not be possible to enforce against Mr. Pöhl in foreign courts judgments of United States courts or liabilities in original actions predicated upon civil liability provisions of the United States securities laws.

Sub-Administrator

      PFPC, located at 760 Moore Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406, serves as the Equity Trust’s sub-administrator. For these services and the related expenses borne by PFPC, Gabelli Funds pays a prorated monthly fee at the annual rate of .0275% of the first $10.0 billion of the aggregate average net assets of the Equity Trust and all other funds advised by Gabelli Funds and administered by PFPC, 0.0125% of the aggregate average net assets exceeding $10 billion and .01% of the aggregate average net assets in excess of $15 billion.

NET ASSET VALUE

      The net asset value of Common Shares is computed based on the market value of the securities the Equity Trust holds and will generally be determined daily as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE.

      Portfolio securities listed or traded on a nationally recognized securities exchange or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter market for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale price or a market’s official closing price as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. If there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the average of the closing bid and asked prices, or, if there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the security is valued at the closing bid price at that day. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, the security is valued at the most recently available prices or, if the Board of Directors so determines, by such other method as the Board of Directors shall determine in good faith, to reflect its fair market value. Portfolio securities traded on more than one national securities exchange or market are valued according to the broadest and most representative market, as determined by Gabelli Funds.

      Portfolio securities primarily traded on foreign markets are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on their respective exchanges or if after the close, market conditions change significantly, certain foreign securities may be fair valued pursuant to procedures established by the Board of Directors. Debt instruments that are not credit impaired with remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless the Board of Directors determines such does not reflect fair value, in which case these securities will be valued at their fair value as determined by the Board of Directors. Debt instruments having a maturity greater than 60 days for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest average of the bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the security is valued using the closing bid price. Futures contracts are valued at the closing settlement price of the exchange or board of trade on which the applicable contract is traded.

      Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board of Directors. Fair valuation methodologies and procedures may include, but are not limited to: analysis and review of available financial and non-financial information about the company; comparisons to the valuation and changes in valuation of similar securities, including a comparison of foreign securities to the equivalent U.S. dollar value ADR securities at the close of the U.S. exchange; and evaluation of any other information that could be indicative of the value of the security.

      In addition, whenever developments in one or more securities markets after the close of the principal markets for one or more portfolio securities and before the time as of which the Equity Trust determines its net asset value would, if such developments had been reflected in such principal markets, likely have more than a minimal effect on its net asset value per share, the Equity Trust may fair value such portfolio securities based on available market information as of the time it determines its net asset value.

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

      The Equity Trust may retain for reinvestment, and pay the resulting federal income taxes on, its net capital gain, if any, although the Equity Trust reserves the authority to distribute its net capital gain in any year. The Equity Trust has a policy, which may be modified at any time by its Board of Directors, of paying a minimum annual distribution of 10% of the average net asset value of the Equity Trust to holders of Common Shares. The Equity Trust’s current quarterly distribution level was raised to $0.19 per share for the third quarter, a 6% increase from the previous quarter’s $0.18 per share distribution. The Equity Trust anticipates an adjusting distribution in the fourth quarter of a sufficient amount to pay 10% of the average net asset value of the Equity Trust, as of the last day of the four preceding calendar quarters, or to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Code, whichever is greater. Each quarter, the Board of Directors reviews the amount of any potential distribution and the income, capital gains or capital available. This policy permits holders of Common Shares to realize a predictable, but not assured, level of cash flow and some liquidity periodically with respect to their Common Shares without having to sell Common Shares. To avoid paying income tax at the corporate level, the Equity Trust distributes substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain. In the event that the Equity Trust’s investment company taxable income and net capital gain exceed the total of its quarterly distributions, the Equity Trust intends to pay such excess once a year. If, for any calendar year, the total quarterly distributions exceed both current earnings and profits and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will generally be treated as a tax-free return of capital up to the amount of a stockholder’s tax basis in the stock. The amount treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce a stockholder’s tax basis in the stock, thereby increasing such stockholder’s potential gain or reducing his or her potential loss on the sale of the stock. Any amounts distributed to a stockholder in excess of the basis in the stock will be taxable to the stockholder as capital gain. The Equity Trust’s distribution policy may cause it to make taxable distributions to shareholders in excess of the minimum amounts of such taxable distributions it would be required to make in order to avoid liability for federal income tax. In certain situations, this excess distribution may cause shareholders to be liable for taxes for which they would not otherwise be liable if the Equity Trust paid only that amount required to avoid liability for federal income tax.

      In the event the Equity Trust distributes amounts in excess of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain, such distributions will decrease the Equity Trust’s total assets and, therefore, have the likely effect of increasing its expense ratio. In addition, in order to make such distributions, the Equity Trust might have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio at a time when independent investment judgment might not dictate such action.

      The Equity Trust, along with other closed-end registered investment companies advised by Gabelli Funds, has obtained an exemption from Section 19(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder permitting it to make periodic distributions of long-term capital gains provided that any distribution policy of the Equity Trust with respect to its Common Shares calls for periodic (e.g., quarterly or semi-annually, but in no event more frequently than monthly) distributions in an amount equal to a fixed percentage of the Equity Trust’s average net asset value over a specified period of time or market price per share of Common Shares at or about the time of distribution or pay-out of a fixed dollar amount. The exemption also permits the Equity Trust to make distributions with respect to its preferred stock in accordance with such stock’s terms.

      Shareholders who exercise Rights will not be entitled to receive any dividend with respect to Common Shares issued pursuant to the offer when the record date for that dividend precedes the exercise of the Rights.

TAXATION

      The following discussion is a brief summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Equity Trust and its stockholders. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal,

state, local and foreign tax concerns affecting the Equity Trust and its stockholders, and the discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. The discussion reflects applicable tax laws of the United States as of the date of this Prospectus/ Proxy Statement, which tax laws may be changed or subject to new interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) retroactively or prospectively.

      Taxation of The Equity Trust. The Equity Trust has elected to be treated and has qualified as, and intends to continue to qualify as, a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. Accordingly, it must, among other things, (i) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income (including tax-exempt interest) from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, other income (including but not limited to gain from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined in the Code); and (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (a) at least 50% of the market value of its total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of its total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the market value of its total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities and the securities of other regulated investment companies) of (I) any one issuer, (II) any two or more issuers that it controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or businesses or (III) any one or more “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined in the Code).

      As a regulated investment company, the Equity Trust generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on income and gains that it distributes each taxable year to stockholders, if it distributes at least 90% of the sum of its (i) investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code) determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid, and (ii) its net tax-exempt interest (the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest over certain disallowed deductions). The Equity Trust intends to distribute at least annually substantially all of such income. The Equity Trust will be subject to income tax at regular corporate rates on any taxable income or gains that it does not distribute to its shareholders.

      Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax at the fund level. To avoid the excise tax, the Equity Trust must distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, (ii) 98% of its capital gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made to use its fiscal year), and (iii) certain undistributed amounts from previous years on which it paid no U.S. federal income tax. While the Equity Trust intends to distribute any income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of its taxable income and capital gains will be distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of the excise tax. In that event, the Equity Trust will be liable for the excise tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirement.

      If for any taxable year the Equity Trust does not qualify as a regulated investment company, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to stockholders, and such distributions will be taxable to the stockholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of its current and accumulated earnings and profits.

      Taxation of Equity Trust Stockholders. Distributions paid to holders of Common Shares by the Equity Trust from its net investment income or from an excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses (together referred to hereinafter as “ordinary income dividends”) are generally taxable to them as ordinary income to the extent of the Equity Trust’s earning and profits. Such dividends (if designated by the Equity Trust) may, however, qualify (provided holding period and other requirements are met at the Equity Trust and stockholder level) (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate stockholders to the extent that the Equity Trust’s income consists of qualifying dividend income from U.S. corporations and (ii) (effective for taxable years through December 31, 2008), as qualified dividend income eligible for the

reduced maximum rate to individuals of generally 15% (5% for individuals in the lowest two tax brackets) to the extent that the Equity Trust receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain foreign corporations (e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States, or the stock of which is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). Distributions made to stockholders from an excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses (“capital gain dividends”), including capital gain dividends credited to you but retained by the Equity Trust, are taxable to stockholders as long-term capital gains if they have been properly designated by the Equity Trust, regardless of the length of time stockholders have owned Common Shares. The tax rate on net long-term capital gain of individuals is reduced generally to 15% (5% for individuals in lower brackets) for such gain realized before January 1, 2009. Distributions in excess of the Equity Trust’s earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of Common Shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains (assuming the Common Shares are held as a capital asset). Generally, not later than 60 days after the close of its taxable year, the Equity Trust will provide stockholders with a written notice designating the amount of any qualified dividend income or capital gain dividends and other distributions.

      The sale or other disposition of Common Shares will generally result in capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the stock has been held for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of Common Shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend). A loss realized on a sale or exchange of Common Shares will be disallowed if other Common Shares are acquired within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the stock is disposed of. In such case, the basis of the stock acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gains of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income. For non-corporate taxpayers, short-term capital gains will currently be taxed at a maximum rate of 35% while long-term capital gains generally will be taxed at a maximum rate of 15%.

      If the Equity Trust pays a dividend in January that was declared in the previous October, November or December to stockholders of record on a specified date in one of such months, then such dividend will be treated for tax purposes as being paid by the Equity Trust and received by stockholders on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.

      The Equity Trust is required in certain circumstances to backup withhold on taxable dividends and certain other payments paid to non-corporate holders of its stock who do not furnish the Equity Trust with their correct taxpayer identification number (in the case of individuals, their social security number) and certain certifications, or who are otherwise subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld from payments made may be refunded or credited against the stockholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.

      The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the provisions of the Code and the Treasury regulations in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Equity Trust and its stockholders. These provisions are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive.

      Stockholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal, foreign, state, local income or other taxes.

      The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the provisions of the Code and the Treasury regulations in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Equity Trust and its shareholders. These provisions are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive. A more complete discussion of the tax rules applicable to the Equity Trust can be found in the Statement of Additional Information which is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal, foreign, state, local income or other taxes.

CAPITALIZATION

Common Stock

      Pursuant to an amendment to the Equity Trust’s Charter that was approved by stockholders in 2004, the Board of Directors may increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock of the Equity Trust or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Equity Trust has authority to issue without stockholder approval. The Equity Trust is currently authorized to issue 252,000,000, Common Shares, $.001 par value. Common Shares of Equity Trust entitle its holders to one vote per share. Holders of Common Shares are entitled to share equally in dividends authorized by the Equity Trust’s Board of Directors payable to the holders of such Common Shares and in the net assets of the Equity Trust available on liquidation for distribution to holders of such Common Shares. Common Shares have noncumulative voting rights and no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights, and are not redeemable. The Common Shares are fully paid and non-assessable. In the event of liquidation, each Common Share is entitled to its proportion of the Equity Trust’s assets after payment of debts and expenses and the amounts payable to holders of the Equity Trust preferred stock ranking senior to the Common Shares as described below.

      Stockholders whose Common Shares are registered in their own name will have all distributions reinvested pursuant to the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan. For a more detailed discussion of the Equity Trust’s reinvestment plan, see “Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan” in the SAI.

      The Common Shares are listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GAB.” The average weekly trading volume of the Common Shares on the NYSE for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 was 745,817 shares. The following table sets forth for the quarters indicated the high and low closing prices on the NYSE per share of the Common Shares and the net asset value and the premium or discount from net asset value at which the Common Shares were trading, expressed as a percentage of net asset value, at each of the high and low closing prices provided.

Preferred Shares

      Currently, 18,000,000 shares of the Equity Trust’s capital stock have been classified by the Board of Directors as preferred stock, par value $.001 per share. The terms of such preferred stock may be fixed by the Board of Directors and may materially limit and/or qualify the rights of the holders of the Common Shares. As of June 30, 2005, the Equity Trust had 6,600,000 outstanding shares of Series B Preferred, 5,200

outstanding shares of Series C Auction Rate Preferred, 2,949,700 outstanding shares of Series D Preferred and 2,000 outstanding shares of Series E Auction Rate Preferred, which are senior securities of the Equity Trust.

      Dividends on the Series B Preferred accumulate at an annual rate of 7.20% of the liquidation preference of $25 per share, are cumulative from the date of original issuance thereof, and are payable quarterly on March 26, June 26, September 26 and December 26 in each year. The Series B Preferred is rated “Aaa” by Moody’s. The Equity Trust’s outstanding Series B Preferred is redeemable at the liquidation preference plus accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) at the option of the Equity Trust beginning June 20, 2006. The Series B Preferred is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GAB PrB”.

      Dividends on the Series C Auction Rate Preferred accumulate at a variable rate set at a weekly auction. The Series C Auction Rate Preferred is rated “Aaa” by Moody’s and “AAA” by S&P. The liquidation preference of the Series C Auction Rate Preferred is $25,000. The Equity Trust generally may redeem the outstanding Series C Auction Rate Preferred, in whole or in part, at any time other than during a non-call period. The Series C Auction Rate Preferred is not traded on any exchange.

      Dividends on the Series D Preferred, accumulate at the annual rate of 5.875% of its $25 per share liquidation preference, are cumulative from the Series D Preferred’s original issue date and are payable, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Equity Trust, out of funds legally available therefor, quarterly on March 26, June 26, September 26 and December 26 in each year. The Series D Preferred is rated “Aaa” by Moody’s. The liquidation preference of the Series D Preferred is $25. The Equity Trust’s outstanding Series D Preferred is redeemable at the liquidation preference plus accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) the option of the Equity Trust beginning October 7, 2008. The Series D Preferred is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GAB PrD”.

      The holders of Series E Auction Rate Preferred are entitled to receive cash dividends, stated at annual rates of its $25,000 per share liquidation preference, that will vary from dividend period to dividend period. The Series E Auction Rate Preferred has received both a rating of “Aaa” from Moody’s and a rating of “AAA” from S&P. The liquidation preference of the Series E Auction Rate Preferred is $25,000. The Equity Trust may redeem the outstanding Series E Auction Rate Preferred, in whole or in part, at any time other than during a non-call period. The Series E Auction Rate Preferred is not traded on any exchange.

      Upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Equity Trust (whether voluntary or involuntary), holders of the Equity Trust preferred stock then outstanding will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Equity Trust available for distribution to stockholders, after satisfying claims of creditors but before any distribution or payment of assets is made to holders of Common Shares, a liquidation distribution in the amount of the liquidation preference of the preferred stock plus an amount equal to all unpaid dividends accumulated to and including the date fixed for such distribution or payment (whether or not earned or declared by the Equity Trust but excluding interest thereon), and such preferred stockholders will be entitled to no further participation in any distribution or payment in connection with any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Unless and until the liquidation payments due to preferred stockholders have been paid in full, no dividends or distributions will be made to holders of Common Shares.

      The following table shows (i) the classes of capital stock authorized, (ii) the number of shares authorized in each class, and (iii) the number of shares outstanding in each class as of June 30, 2005.

      It was a condition to the issuance of the preferred stock that it be rated “Aaa” by Moody’s. In connection with the receipt of such rating, the composition of the Equity Trust’s portfolio must reflect guidelines

established by Moody’s and the Equity Trust is required to maintain a minimum discounted asset coverage with respect to the preferred stock. See “Moody’s Discount Factors” in the SAI.

Effects of Leverage

      The holders of the Equity Trust’s preferred shares are entitled to the applicable dividend rate as and when declared. Any return earned in excess of the stated dividend rate would directly benefit holders of shares; however, any shortfall from the stated rate would negatively affect holders of shares. The following table is designed to assist you in understanding the effects of the existing leverage on Common Shares of the Equity Trust. The table assumes that 6,600,000 shares of Series B Preferred Shares are issued and outstanding, 5,200 shares of Series C Auction Rate Preferred are issued and outstanding, 2,949,700 shares of Series D Preferred Shares are issued and outstanding and 2,000 shares of Series E Auction Rate Preferred are issued and outstanding and that the blended dividend rate for the Equity Trust’s preferred shares is 5.66%. The assumed returns appearing in the table are hypothetical and actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table.

      The following factors associated with leveraging could increase the investment risk and volatility of the price of the Common Shares:

      Pursuant to Section 18 of the 1940 Act, it is unlawful for the Equity Trust, as a registered closed-end investment company, to issue any class of senior security, or to sell any senior security that it issues, unless it can satisfy certain “asset coverage” ratios. The asset coverage ratio with respect to a senior security representing indebtedness means the ratio of the value of the Equity Trust’s total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) to the aggregate amount of the Equity Trust’s senior securities representing indebtedness. The asset coverage ratio with respect to a senior security representing stock means the ratio of the value of the Equity Trust’s total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) to the aggregate amount of the Equity Trust’s senior securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation preference of the Equity Trust’s outstanding preferred shares.

      If, as is the case with the Equity Trust, a registered investment company’s senior securities are equity securities, such securities must have an asset coverage of at least 200% immediately following its issuance. If a registered investment company’s senior securities represent indebtedness, such indebtedness must have an asset coverage of at least 300% immediately after their issuance. Subject to certain exceptions, during any period following issuance that the Equity Trust fails to satisfy these asset coverage ratios, it will, among other things, be prohibited from declaring any dividend or declaring any other distribution in respect of its common stock except a dividend payable in Common Shares issued by the Equity Trust. A registered investment

company may, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, segregate assets or “cover” transactions in order to avoid the creation of a class of senior security.

      Any rating received by the Equity Trust on its preferred shares, or on any other senior security that it may issue, is an assessment by the applicable rating agency of the capacity of the Equity Trust to satisfy its obligations on its senior securities. However, the “Aaa” rating on the Equity Trust’s Preferred Shares does not eliminate or mitigate the risks associated with investing in the Equity Trust’s Shares. In addition, should a rating on the Equity Trust’s preferred shares be lowered or withdrawn by the relevant rating agency, there may be an adverse effect on the market value of the Equity Trust’s preferred shares and the Equity Trust may also be required to redeem all or part of its outstanding preferred shares. If the Equity Trust were required to redeem its preferred shares (in whole or part) as a result of the change in or withdrawal of the rating, the Common Shares of the Equity Trust would lose the benefits associated with a leveraged capital structure.

Voting Rights

      Except as otherwise stated in this prospectus, specified in the Equity Trust’s Charter or resolved by the Board of Directors or as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of the preferred shares shall be entitled to one vote per share held on each matter submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Equity Trust and will vote together with holders of Common Shares and of any other preferred stock then outstanding as a single class.

      In connection with the election of the Equity Trust’s Directors, holders of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a single class, will be entitled at all times to elect two of the Equity Trust’s Directors, and the remaining Directors will be elected by holders of Common Shares and holders of the preferred shares, voting together as a single class. In addition, if (i) at any time dividends on outstanding shares of the preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to at least two full years’ dividends thereon and sufficient cash or specified securities have not been deposited with the applicable paying agent for the payment of such accumulated dividends or (ii) at any time holders of any other series of preferred stock are entitled to elect a majority of the Directors of the Equity Trust under the 1940 Act or the Articles Supplementary creating such shares, then the number of Directors constituting the Board of Directors automatically will be increased by the smallest number that, when added to the two Directors elected exclusively by the holders of the preferred shares as described above, would then constitute a simple majority of the Board of Directors as so increased by such smallest number. Such additional Directors will be elected by the holders of the preferred shares, voting together as a single class, at a special meeting of stockholders which will be called as soon as practicable and will be held not less than 10 or more than 20 days after the mailing date of the meeting notice. If the Equity Trust fails to send such meeting notice or to call such a special meeting, the meeting may be called by any preferred stockholder on like notice. The terms of office of the persons who are Directors at the time of that election will continue. If the Equity Trust thereafter pays, or declares and sets apart for payment in full, all dividends payable on all outstanding shares of preferred stock for all past dividend periods, the additional voting rights of the holders of the preferred stock as described above will cease, and the terms of office of all of the additional Directors elected by the holders of the preferred stock (but not of the Directors with respect to whose election the holders of Common Shares were entitled to vote or the two Directors the holders of shares of preferred stock have the right to elect as a separate class in any event) will terminate automatically.

      So long as preferred shares are outstanding, the Equity Trust will not, without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the shares of preferred stock outstanding at the time, voting separately as one class, amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the Equity Trust’s Charter, as amended and supplemented (including the Articles Supplementary) whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially adversely affect any of the contract rights expressly set forth in the Charter with respect to such shares of preferred stock. Also, to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, in the event shares of more than one series of preferred stock are outstanding, the Equity Trust will not approve any of the actions set forth in the preceding sentence which materially adversely affects the contract rights expressly set forth in the Charter with respect to such shares of a series of preferred stock differently than those of a holder of shares of any other series of preferred stock without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the

shares of preferred stock of each series materially adversely affected and outstanding at such time (each such materially adversely affected series voting separately as a class to the extent its right are affected differently).

      Under the Charter and applicable provisions of Maryland law, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of the preferred stock, voting together as a single class, will be required to approve any plan of reorganization adversely affecting the preferred stock. The approval of two-thirds of each class, voting separately, of the Equity Trust’s outstanding voting stock must approve the conversion of the Equity Trust from a closed-end to an open-end investment company. The approval of a majority (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Equity Trust’s outstanding preferred stock and a majority (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Equity Trust’s outstanding voting securities are required to approve any action requiring a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act (other than a conversion of the Equity Trust from a closed-end to open-end investment company), including, among other things, changes in the Equity Trust’s investment objectives or changes in the investment restrictions described as fundamental policies under “Investment Objectives and Policies” and “Investment Restrictions” in the prospectus and the SAI.

      For purposes of this paragraph, except as otherwise required under the 1940 Act, the phrase “vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of preferred stock” means, in accordance with Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act, the vote, at the annual or a special meeting of the stockholders of the Equity Trust duly called (i) of 67% or more of the shares of preferred stock present at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of preferred stock are present or represented by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of preferred stock, whichever is less. The class vote of holders of shares of the preferred stock described above in each case will be in addition to a separate vote of the requisite percentage of Common Shares, and any other preferred stock, voting together as a single class, that may be necessary to authorize the action in question.

      The calculation of the elements and definitions of certain terms of the rating agency guidelines may be modified by action of the Board of Directors without further action by the stockholders if the Board of Directors determines that such modification is necessary to prevent a reduction in rating of the shares of preferred stock by Moody’s and/or S&P (or any other rating agency then rating the preferred shares at the request of the Equity Trust), as the case may be, or is in the best interests of the holders of Common Shares and is not adverse to the holders of preferred stock in view of advice to the Equity Trust by the relevant rating agencies that such modification would not adversely affect its then-current rating of the preferred stock.

      The foregoing voting provisions will not apply to any preferred shares if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote otherwise would be required will be effected, such shares will have been redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient cash or cash equivalents provided to the applicable paying agent to effect such redemption. The holders of preferred shares will have no preemptive rights or rights to cumulative voting.

ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER AND BY-LAWS

      The Equity Trust presently has provisions in its Charter and By-Laws which could have the effect of limiting, in each case:

      These provisions may be regarded as “anti-takeover” provisions. The Board of Directors of the Equity Trust is divided into three classes, each having a term of three years. Each year the term of one class of Directors will expire. Accordingly, only those Directors in one class may be changed in any one year, and it would require two years to change a majority of the Board of Directors. Such system of electing Directors may have the effect of maintaining the continuity of management and, thus, make it more difficult for the

stockholders of the Equity Trust to change the majority of Directors. A Director of the Equity Trust may be removed only for cause and by a vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast for the election of Directors. In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the Equity Trust’s outstanding shares of each class (voting separately) is required to authorize the conversion of the Equity Trust from a closed-end to an open-end investment company or generally to authorize any of the following transactions:

if such corporation, person or entity is directly, or indirectly through affiliates, the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of capital stock of the Equity Trust. However, such vote would not be required when, under certain conditions, the Board of Directors approves the transaction. Further, unless a higher percentage is provided for under the Charter, the affirmative vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of the Equity Trust’s preferred stock, voting as a separate class, will be required to approve any plan of reorganization adversely affecting such stock or any action requiring a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, including, among other things, changing the Equity Trust’s subclassification as a closed-end investment company, changing the Equity Trust’s investment objectives or changing its fundamental investment restrictions.

      Maryland corporations that are subject to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and have at least three outside directors, such as the Equity Trust, may by board resolution elect to become subject to certain corporate governance provisions set forth in the Maryland corporate law, even if such provisions are inconsistent with the corporation’s charter and by-laws. Accordingly, notwithstanding its Charter or By-Laws, under Maryland law the Equity Trust’s Board of Directors may elect by resolution to, among other things:

      The Board may make any of the foregoing elections without amending the Equity Trust’s Charter or By-Laws and without stockholder approval. Though a corporation’s charter or a resolution by its board may prohibit its directors from making the elections set forth above, the Equity Trust’s Board currently is not prohibited from making any such elections.

      The provisions of the Charter and By-Laws and Maryland law described above could have the effect of depriving the owners of shares in the Equity Trust of opportunities to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices, by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Equity Trust in a tender offer or similar transaction. The overall effect of these provisions is to render more difficult the accomplishment of a merger or the assumption of control by a principal stockholder. The Board of Directors has determined that the foregoing voting requirements, which are generally greater than the minimum requirements under Maryland law and the 1940 Act, are in the best interests of the stockholders generally.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

      The SEC, the New York Attorney General and officials of other states have been conducting inquiries into, and bringing enforcement and other proceedings regarding, trading abuses involving open-end investment companies. Gabelli Funds has received information requests and subpoenas from the SEC and the New York Attorney General in connection with these inquiries. Gabelli Funds and its affiliates have been complying with these requests for documents and testimony and have implemented additional compliance policies and procedures in response to recent industry initiatives and their internal reviews of their mutual fund practices in a variety of areas. Gabelli Funds has not found any information that it believes would be material to the ability of Gabelli Funds to fulfill its obligations under the Advisory Agreement. More specifically, Gabelli Funds has not found any evidence of facilitating trading in the Gabelli mutual funds after the 4:00 p.m. pricing time or of improper short-term trading in these funds by its investment professionals or senior executives. Gabelli Funds has found that one investor, who had been engaged in short-term trading in one of the Gabelli mutual funds (the prospectus of which did not at that time impose limits on short-term trading) and who had subsequently made an investment in a hedge fund managed by an affiliate of Gabelli Funds, was banned from the mutual fund only after certain other investors were banned. Gabelli Funds believes that this relationship was not material to Gabelli Funds. Inasmuch as both Gabelli Funds’ review of its mutual fund practices and the governmental probes of the mutual fund industry are ongoing, no assurance can be provided that additional facts will not come to light in the course of its review that may be material to Gabelli Funds or that Gabelli Funds will not become the subject of enforcement or other proceedings by the SEC or the New York Attorney General. In light of the current turmoil in the mutual fund industry arising from the late trading, improper market timing and employee trading problems, there can be no assurance that any such action could not have an adverse impact on Gabelli Funds or on its ability to fulfill its obligations under the Advisory Agreement.

CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT, DIVIDEND-DISBURSING AGENT AND REGISTRAR

      Mellon Trust of New England, N.A. (the “Custodian”), located at 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, Massachusetts 02149, serves as the Custodian of the Equity Trust’s assets pursuant to a custody agreement. Under the custody agreement, the Custodian holds the Equity Trust’s assets in compliance with the 1940 Act. For its services, the Custodian will receive a monthly fee based upon the average weekly value of the total assets of the Equity Trust, plus certain charges for securities transactions.

      Computershare Shareholder Services, Inc., located at 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021, serves as the Equity Trust’s dividend disbursing agent, as agent under the Equity Trust’s Plan and as transfer agent and registrar for shares of the Equity Trust.

LEGAL MATTERS

      Certain legal matters will be passed on by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York, 10019, counsel to the Equity Trust. Counsel for the Equity Trust will rely, as to certain matters of Maryland law, on Venable LLP, 1800 Mercantile Bank and Trust Building, 2 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

EXPERTS

      The unaudited financial statements of the Equity Trust as of June 30, 2005 have been incorporated by reference into the SAI. The audited financial statements of the Equity Trust as of December 31, 2004 have also been incorporated by reference into the SAI in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is located at 300 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017.

FURTHER INFORMATION

      The Equity Trust is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the Equity Trust can be inspected and copied at public

reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549; and 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661. The Equity Trust’s Common Shares are listed on the NYSE. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Equity Trust can be inspected and copied at the Library of the NYSE at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

      This Prospectus constitutes a part of a registration statement on Form N-2 (together with the SAI and all the exhibits and the appendix thereto, the “Registration Statement”) filed by the Equity Trust with the SEC under the Securities Act and the 1940 Act. This Prospectus and the SAI do not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement. Reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits for further information with respect to the Equity Trust and the Common Shares offered hereby. Statements contained herein concerning the provisions of documents are necessarily summaries of such documents, and each statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the applicable document filed with the SEC.

      NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE EQUITY TRUST OR THE EQUITY TRUST’S INVESTMENT ADVISER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITY OTHER THAN THE COMMON SHARES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS, NOR DOES IT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY COMMON SHARES BY ANYONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.

TABLE OF CONTENTS OF SAI

      An SAI dated as of September 14, 2005, has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. An SAI may be obtained without charge by writing to the Equity Trust at its address at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422 or by calling the Equity Trust toll-free at (800) GABELLI (422-3554). The Table of Contents of the SAI is as follows:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OF

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.

20,525,901 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF RIGHTS

TO SUBSCRIBE TO SUCH SHARES

PROSPECTUS

September 14, 2005

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

      The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (the “Equity Trust”) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that seeks long-term growth of capital and income by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity securities selected by Gabelli Funds, LLC, the investment adviser to the Equity Trust (“Gabelli Funds”). The Equity Trust’s primary investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity securities consisting of common stock, preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities and warrants and rights to purchase such securities selected by Gabelli Funds. Income is secondary investment objective.

      This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus for the Equity Trust dated September 14, 2005 (the “Prospectus”). Investors should obtain and read the Prospectus prior to purchasing shares. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained, without charge, by calling the Equity Trust at 800-GABELLI (800-422-3554) or (914) 921-5100. This SAI incorporates by reference the entire Prospectus.

      The Prospectus and this SAI omit certain of the information contained in the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. The registration statement may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) upon payment of the fee prescribed, or inspected at the Commission’s office or via its website (www.sec.gov) at no charge.

      This Statement of Additional Information is dated September 14, 2005.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OF

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

Investment Objectives

      The Equity Trust’s primary investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity securities consisting of common stock, preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities and warrants and rights to purchase such securities selected by Gabelli Funds. Income is a secondary investment objective. Under normal market conditions, the Equity Trust will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets in equity securities.

      Special Situations. Although the Equity Trust typically invests in the securities of companies on the basis of fundamental value, the Equity Trust from time to time may, as a non-principal investment strategy, invest in companies that are determined by Gabelli Funds to possess “special situation” characteristics. In general, a special situation company is a company whose securities are expected to increase in value solely by reason of a development particularly or uniquely applicable to the company. Developments that may create special situations include, among others, a liquidation, reorganization, recapitalization or merger, material litigation, technological breakthrough or new management or management policies. The principal risk associated with investments in special situation companies is that the anticipated development thought to create the special situation may not occur and the investment therefore may not appreciate in value or may decline in value.

      Options. The Equity Trust may, subject to guidelines of the Board of Directors, purchase or sell (i.e., write) options on securities, securities indices and foreign currencies which are listed on a national securities exchange or in the U.S. over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets as a means of achieving additional return or of hedging the value of the Equity Trust’s portfolio.

      The Equity Trust may write covered call options on common stocks that it owns or has an immediate right to acquire through conversion or exchange of other securities in an amount not to exceed 25% of total assets or invest up to 10% of its total assets in the purchase of put options on common stocks that the Equity Trust owns or may acquire through the conversion or exchange of other securities that it owns.

      A call option is a contract that gives the holder of the option the right to buy from the writer (seller) of the call option, in return for a premium paid, the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. The writer of the call option has the obligation, upon exercise of the option, to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price during the option period.

      A put option is the reverse of a call option, giving the holder the right, in return for a premium, to sell the underlying security or currency to the writer, at a specified price, and obligating the writer to purchase the underlying security or currency from the holder at that price. The writer of the put, who receives the premium, has the obligation to buy the underlying security or currency upon exercise, at the exercise price during the option period.

      If the Equity Trust has written an option, it may terminate its obligation by effecting a closing purchase transaction. This is accomplished by purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written. There can be no assurance that a closing purchase transaction can be effected when the Equity Trust so desires.

      An exchange traded option may be closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for an option of the same series. Although the Equity Trust will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option.

      A call option is “covered” if the Equity Trust owns the underlying instrument covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that instrument without additional cash consideration upon conversion or exchange of another instrument held in its portfolio (or for additional cash consideration held in a segregated account by its custodian). A call option is also covered if the Equity Trust holds a call on the

same instrument as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or (ii) greater than the exercise price of the call written if the difference is maintained by the Equity Trust in cash, U.S. Government Obligations (as defined under “Investment Restrictions”) or other high-grade short-term obligations in a segregated account with its custodian. A put option is “covered” if the Equity Trust maintains cash or other high grade short-term obligations with a value equal to the exercise price in a segregated account with its custodian, or else holds a put on the same instrument as the put written where the exercise price of the put held is equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written. If the Equity Trust has written an option, it may terminate its obligation by effecting a closing purchase transaction. This is accomplished by purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written. However, once the Equity Trust has been assigned an exercise notice, the Equity Trust will be unable to effect a closing purchase transaction. Similarly, if the Equity Trust is the holder of an option it may liquidate its position by effecting a closing sale transaction. This is accomplished by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased. There can be no assurance that either a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Equity Trust so desires.

      The Equity Trust will realize a profit from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is less than the premium received from writing the option or is more than the premium paid to purchase the option; the Equity Trust will realize a loss from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is more than the premium received from writing the option or is less than the premium paid to purchase the option. Since call option prices generally reflect increases in the price of the underlying security, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option may also be wholly or partially offset by unrealized appreciation of the underlying security. Other principal factors affecting the market value of a put or a call option include supply and demand, interest rates, the current market price and price volatility of the underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date. Gains and losses on investments in options depend, in part, on the ability of Gabelli Funds to predict correctly the effect of these factors. The use of options cannot serve as a complete hedge since the price movement of securities underlying the options will not necessarily follow the price movements of the portfolio securities subject to the hedge.

      An option position may be closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for an option of the same series or in a private transaction. Although the Equity Trust will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option. In such event it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, so that the Equity Trust would have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur brokerage commissions upon the exercise of call options and upon the subsequent disposition of underlying securities for the exercise of put options. If the Equity Trust, as a covered call option writer, is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise or otherwise covers the position.

      In addition to options on securities, the Equity Trust may also purchase and sell call and put options on securities indices. A stock index reflects in a single number the market value of many different stocks. Relative values are assigned to the stocks included in an index and the index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the stocks. The options give the holder the right to receive a cash settlement during the term of the option based on the difference between the exercise price and the value of the index. By writing a put or call option on a securities index, the Equity Trust is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of this amount. The Equity Trust may offset its position in the stock index options prior to expiration by entering into a closing transaction on an exchange or it may let the option expire unexercised.

      The Equity Trust may also buy or sell put and call options on foreign currencies. A put option on a foreign currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell a foreign currency at the exercise price until the option expires. A call option on a foreign currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to purchase the currency at the exercise price until the option expires. Currency options traded on U.S. or other exchanges may be subject to position limits which may limit the ability of the Equity Trust to reduce foreign currency risk using such options. Over-the-counter options differ from exchange-traded options in that they are two-

party contracts with price and other terms negotiated between buyer and seller and generally do not have as much market liquidity as exchange-traded options. Over-the-counter options are illiquid securities.

      Use of options on securities indices entails the risk that trading in the options may be interrupted if trading in certain securities included in the index is interrupted. The Equity Trust will not purchase these options unless Gabelli Funds is satisfied with the development, depth and liquidity of the market and Gabelli Funds believes the options can be closed out.

      Price movements in the portfolio of the Equity Trust may not correlate precisely with the movements in the level of an index and, therefore, the use of options on indexes cannot serve as a complete hedge and will depend, in part, on the ability of Gabelli Funds to predict correctly movements in the direction of the stock market generally or of a particular industry. Because options on securities indexes require settlement in cash, the Equity Trust may be forced to liquidate portfolio securities to meet settlement obligations.

      Although Gabelli Funds will attempt to take appropriate measures to minimize the risks relating to the Equity Trust’s writing of put and call options, there can be no assurance that the Equity Trust will succeed in any option writing program it undertakes.

      Futures Contracts and Options on Futures. A “sale” of a futures contract (or a “short” futures position) means the assumption of a contractual obligation to deliver the assets underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future time. A “purchase” of a futures contract (or a “long” futures position) means the assumption of a contractual obligation to acquire the assets underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future time. Certain futures contracts, including stock and bond index futures, are settled on a net cash payment basis rather than by the sale and delivery of the assets underlying the futures contracts. No consideration will be paid or received by the Equity Trust upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the Equity Trust will be required to deposit with the broker an amount of cash or cash equivalents equal to approximately 1% to 10% of the contract amount (this amount is subject to change by the exchange or board of trade on which the contract is traded and brokers or members of such board of trade may charge a higher amount). This amount is known as “initial margin” and is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract. Subsequent payments, known as “variation margin,” to and from the broker will be made daily as the price of the index or security underlying the futures contracts fluctuates. At any time prior to the expiration of a futures contract, the Equity Trust may close the position by taking an opposite position, which will operate to terminate its existing position in the contract.

      An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option. Upon exercise of an option, the delivery of the futures positions by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer’s futures margin account attributable to that contract, which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. The potential loss related to the purchase of an option on futures contracts is limited to the premium paid for the option (plus transaction costs). Because the value of the option purchased is fixed at the point of sale, there are no daily cash payments by the purchaser to reflect changes in the value of the underlying contract; however, the value of the option does change daily and that change would be reflected in the net assets of the Equity Trust.

      Futures and options on futures entail certain risks, including but not limited to the following: no assurance that futures contracts or options on futures can be offset at favorable prices, possible reduction of the yield of the Equity Trust due to the use of hedging, possible reduction in value of both the securities hedged and the hedging instrument, possible lack of liquidity due to daily limits on price fluctuations, imperfect correlation between the contracts and the securities being hedged, losses from investing in futures transactions that are potentially unlimited and the segregation requirements described below.

      In the event the Equity Trust sells a put option or enters into long futures contracts, under current interpretations of the 1940 Act an amount of cash, obligations of the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities or other liquid securities equal to the market value of the contract must be deposited and

maintained in a segregated account with the custodian of the Equity Trust to collateralize the positions, thereby ensuring that the use of the contract is unleveraged. For short positions in futures contracts and sales of call options, the Equity Trust may establish a segregated account (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) with cash or liquid securities that, when added to amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant or a broker as margin, equal the market value of the instruments or currency underlying the futures contract or call option or the market price at which the short positions were established.

      Interest Rate Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. The Equity Trust may purchase or sell interest rate futures contracts to take advantage of or to protect the Equity Trust against fluctuations in interest rates affecting the value of debt securities which the Equity Trust holds or intends to acquire. For example, if interest rates are expected to increase, the Equity Trust might sell futures contracts on debt securities the values of which historically have a high degree of positive correlation to the values of the Equity Trust’s portfolio securities. Such a sale would have an effect similar to selling an equivalent value of the Equity Trust’s portfolio securities. If interest rates increase, the value of the Equity Trust’s portfolio securities will decline, but the value of the futures contracts to the Equity Trust will increase at approximately an equivalent rate, thereby keeping the net asset value of the Equity Trust from declining as much as it otherwise would have. The Equity Trust could accomplish similar results by selling debt securities with longer maturities and investing in debt securities with shorter maturities when interest rates are expected to increase. However, since the futures market may be more liquid than the cash market, the use of futures contracts as a risk management technique allows the Equity Trust to maintain a defensive position without having to sell its portfolio securities.

      Similarly, the Equity Trust may purchase interest rate futures contracts when it is expected that interest rates may decline. The purchase of futures contracts for this purpose constitutes a hedge against increases in the price of debt securities (caused by declining interest rates) which the Equity Trust intends to acquire. Since fluctuations in the value of appropriately selected futures contracts should approximate that of the debt securities that will be purchased, the Equity Trust can take advantage of the anticipated rise in the cost of the debt securities without actually buying them. Subsequently, the Equity Trust can make its intended purchase of the debt securities in the cash market and concurrently liquidate its futures position. To the extent the Equity Trust enters into futures contracts for this purpose, it will maintain, in a segregated asset account with the Equity Trust’s custodian, assets sufficient to cover the Equity Trust’s obligations with respect to such futures contracts, which will consist of cash or other liquid securities from its portfolio in an amount equal to the difference between the fluctuating market value of such futures contracts and the aggregate value of the initial margin deposited by the Equity Trust with its custodian with respect to such futures contracts.

      The purchase of a call option on a futures contract is similar in some respects to the purchase of a call option on an individual security. Depending on the pricing of the option compared to either the price of the futures contract upon which it is based or the price of the underlying debt securities, it may or may not be less risky than ownership of the futures contract or underlying debt securities. As with the purchase of futures contracts, when the Equity Trust is not fully invested it may purchase a call option on a futures contract to hedge against a market advance due to declining interest rates.

      The purchase of a put option on a futures contract is similar to the purchase of protective put options on portfolio securities. The Equity Trust will purchase a put option on a futures contract to hedge the Equity Trust’s portfolio against the risk of rising interest rates and consequent reduction in the value of portfolio securities.

      The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against declining prices of the securities which are deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration of the option is below the exercise price, the Equity Trust will retain the full amount of the option premium, which provides a partial hedge against any decline that may have occurred in the Equity Trust’s portfolio holdings. The writing of a put option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against increasing prices of the securities that are deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration of the option is higher than the exercise price, the Equity Trust will retain the full amount of the option premium, which provides a partial hedge against any increase in the price of debt securities that the Equity Trust intends

to purchase. If a put or call option the Equity Trust has written is exercised, the Equity Trust will incur a loss which will be reduced by the amount of the premium it received. Depending on the degree of correlation between changes in the value of its portfolio securities and changes in the value of its futures positions, the Equity Trust’s losses from options on futures it has written may to some extent be reduced or increased by changes in the value of its portfolio securities.

      Currency Futures and Options Thereon. Generally, foreign currency futures contracts and options thereon are similar to the interest rate futures contracts and options thereon discussed previously. By entering into currency futures and options thereon, the Equity Trust will seek to establish the rate at which it will be entitled to exchange U.S. dollars for another currency at a future time. By selling currency futures, the Equity Trust will seek to establish the number of dollars it will receive at delivery for a certain amount of a foreign currency. In this way, whenever the Equity Trust anticipates a decline in the value of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar, the Equity Trust can attempt to “lock in” the U.S. dollar value of some or all of the securities held in its portfolio that are denominated in that currency. By purchasing currency futures, the Equity Trust can establish the number of dollars it will be required to pay for a specified amount of a foreign currency in a future month. Thus, if the Equity Trust intends to buy securities in the future and expects the U.S. dollar to decline against the relevant foreign currency during the period before the purchase is effected, the Equity Trust can attempt to “lock in” the price in U.S. dollars of the securities it intends to acquire.

      The purchase of options on currency futures will allow the Equity Trust, for the price of the premium and related transaction costs it must pay for the option, to decide whether or not to buy (in the case of a call option) or to sell (in the case of a put option) a futures contract at a specified price at any time during the period before the option expires. If Gabelli Funds, in purchasing an option, has been correct in its judgment concerning the direction in which the price of a foreign currency would move as against the U.S. dollar, the Equity Trust may exercise the option and thereby take a futures position to hedge against the risk it had correctly anticipated or close out the option position at a gain that will offset, to some extent, currency exchange losses otherwise suffered by the Equity Trust. If exchange rates move in a way the Equity Trust did not anticipate, however, the Equity Trust will have incurred the expense of the option without obtaining the expected benefit; any such movement in exchange rates may also thereby reduce, rather than enhance, the Equity Trust’s profits on its underlying securities transactions.

      Securities Index Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. Purchases or sales of securities index futures contracts are used for hedging purposes to attempt to protect the Equity Trust’s current or intended investments from broad fluctuations in stock or bond prices. For example, the Equity Trust may sell securities index futures contracts in anticipation of or during a market decline to attempt to offset the decrease in market value of the Equity Trust’s securities portfolio that might otherwise result. If such decline occurs, the loss in value of portfolio securities may be offset, in whole or part, by gains on the futures position. When the Equity Trust is not fully invested in the securities market and anticipates a significant market advance, it may purchase securities index futures contracts in order to gain rapid market exposure that may, in part or entirely, offset increases in the cost of securities that the Equity Trust intends to purchase. As such purchases are made, the corresponding positions in securities index futures contracts will be closed out. The Equity Trust may write put and call options on securities index futures contracts for hedging purposes.

      Limitations on the Purchase and Sale of Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. Gabelli Funds has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act and therefore is not subject to registration under the Commodity Exchange Act. Accordingly, the Equity Trust’s investments in derivative instruments described in the Prospectus and this SAI are not limited by or subject to regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act or otherwise regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Nevertheless, the Equity Trust’s investment restrictions place certain limitations and prohibitions on the Equity Trust’s ability to purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts. See “Investment Restrictions.” Under these restrictions, the Equity Trust may not enter into futures contracts or options on futures contracts unless (i) the aggregate initial margins and premiums do not exceed 5% of the fair market value of the Equity Trust’s total assets and (ii) the aggregate market value of the Equity Trust’s outstanding futures contracts and the market value of the currencies and futures contracts subject to outstanding options written by the Equity Trust, as the case may be, do not exceed 50% of the market value of

the Equity Trust’s total assets. In addition, investment in futures contracts and related options generally will be limited by the rating agency guidelines applicable to any of the Equity Trust’s outstanding preferred stock.

      Forward Currency Exchange Contracts. The Equity Trust may engage in currency transactions other than on futures exchanges to protect against future changes in the level of future currency exchange rates. The Equity Trust will conduct such currency exchange transactions either on a spot, i.e., cash, basis at the rate then prevailing in the currency exchange market or on a forward basis, by entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell currency. A forward contract on foreign currency involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days agreed upon by the parties from the date of the contract, at a price set on the date of the contract. The risk of shifting of a forward currency contract will be substantially the same as a futures contract having similar terms. The Equity Trust’s dealing in forward currency exchange will be limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio positions. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of forward currency with respect to specific receivables or payables of the Equity Trust generally arising in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities and accruals of interest receivable and Equity Trust expenses. Position hedging is the forward sale of currency with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in that currency or in a currency bearing a high degree of positive correlation to the value of that currency.

      The Equity Trust may not position hedge with respect to a particular currency for an amount greater than the aggregate market value (determined at the time of making any sale of forward currency) of the securities held in its portfolio denominated or quoted in, or currently convertible into, such currency. If the Equity Trust enters into a position hedging transaction, the Equity Trust’s custodian or subcustodian will place cash or other liquid securities in a segregated account of the Equity Trust in an amount equal to the value of the Equity Trust’s total assets committed to the consummation of the given forward contract. If the value of the securities placed in the segregated account declines, additional cash or securities will be placed in the account so that the value of the account will, at all times, equal the amount of the Equity Trust’s commitment with respect to the forward contract.

      At or before the maturity of a forward sale contract, the Equity Trust may either sell a portfolio security and make delivery of the currency, or retain the security and offset its contractual obligations to deliver the currency by purchasing a second contract pursuant to which the Equity Trust will obtain, on the same maturity date, the same amount of the currency which it is obligated to deliver. If the Equity Trust retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting transaction, the Equity Trust, at the time of execution of the offsetting transaction, will incur a gain or a loss to the extent that movement has occurred in forward contract prices. Should forward prices decline during the period between the Equity Trust’s entering into a forward contract for the sale of a currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the currency, the Equity Trust will realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase is less than the price of the currency it has agreed to sell. Should forward prices increase, the Equity Trust will suffer a loss to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell. Closing out forward purchase contracts involves similar offsetting transactions.

      The cost to the Equity Trust of engaging in currency transactions varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward transactions in currency exchange are usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. The use of foreign currency contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities, but it does establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. In addition, although forward currency contracts limit the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they also limit any potential gain that might result if the value of the currency increases.

      If a decline in any currency is generally anticipated by Gabelli Funds, the Equity Trust may not be able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the level to which the currency is anticipated to decline.

      Special Risk Considerations Relating to Futures and Options Thereon. The Equity Trust’s ability to establish and close out positions in futures contracts and options thereon will be subject to the development and maintenance of liquid markets. Although the Equity Trust generally will purchase or sell only those futures contracts and options thereon for which there appears to be a liquid market, there is no assurance that

a liquid market on an exchange will exist for any particular futures contract or option thereon at any particular time.

      In the event no liquid market exists for a particular futures contract or option thereon in which the Equity Trust maintains a position, it will not be possible to effect a closing transaction in that contract or to do so at a satisfactory price and the Equity Trust would have to either make or take delivery under the futures contract or, in the case of a written option, wait to sell the underlying securities until the option expires or is exercised or, in the case of a purchased option, exercise the option. In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon which the Equity Trust has written and which the Equity Trust is unable to close, the Equity Trust would be required to maintain margin deposits on the futures contract or option thereon and to make variation margin payments until the contract is closed.

      Successful use of futures contracts and options thereon and forward contracts by the Equity Trust is subject to the ability of Gabelli Funds to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest and foreign currency rates. If Gabelli Funds’ expectations are not met, the Equity Trust will be in a worse position than if a hedging strategy had not been pursued. For example, if the Equity Trust has hedged against the possibility of an increase in interest rates that would adversely affect the price of securities in its portfolio and the price of such securities increases instead, the Equity Trust will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of its securities because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if the Equity Trust has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it may have to sell securities to meet the requirements. These sales may be, but will not necessarily be, at increased prices which reflect the rising market. The Equity Trust may have to sell securities at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so.

      Additional Risks of Foreign Options, Futures Contracts, Options on Futures Contracts and Forward Contracts. Options, futures contracts and options thereon and forward contracts on securities and currencies may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the U.S., may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the U.S. of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Equity Trust’s ability to act upon economic events occurring in the foreign markets during non-business hours in the U.S., (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the U.S. and (v) lesser trading volume.

      Exchanges on which options, futures and options on futures are traded may impose limits on the positions that the Equity Trust may take in certain circumstances.

      Risks of Currency Transactions. Currency transactions are also subject to risks different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency control is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can be adversely affected by government exchange controls, limitations or restrictions on repatriation of currency, and manipulation, or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These forms of governmental action can result in losses to the Equity Trust if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or monies in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring transaction costs.

      When Issued, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments. The Equity Trust may enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities, including on a “when issued” or “delayed delivery” basis, in excess of customary settlement periods for the type of security involved. In some cases, a forward commitment may be conditioned upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of a merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring, i.e., a when, as and if issued security. When such transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time of the commitment, with payment and delivery taking place in the future, generally a month or more after the date of the commitment. While it will only enter into a forward commitment with the intention of actually acquiring the security, the Equity Trust may sell the security before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable.

      Securities purchased under a forward commitment are subject to market fluctuation, and no interest (or dividends) accrues to the Equity Trust prior to the settlement date. The Equity Trust will segregate with its custodian cash or liquid securities in an aggregate amount at least equal to the amount of its outstanding forward commitments.

      Restricted and Illiquid Securities. The Equity Trust may invest up to a total of 10% of its net assets in securities that are subject to restrictions on resale and securities the markets for which are illiquid, including repurchase agreements with more than seven days to maturity. Illiquid securities include securities the disposition of which is subject to substantial legal or contractual restrictions. The sale of illiquid securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than does the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Restricted securities may sell at a price lower than similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Unseasoned issuers are companies (including predecessors) that have operated less than three years. The continued liquidity of such securities may not be as well assured as that of publicly traded securities, and accordingly the Board of Directors will monitor their liquidity. The Board will review pertinent factors such as trading activity, reliability of price information and trading patterns of comparable securities in determining whether to treat any such security as liquid for purposes of the foregoing 10% test. To the extent the Board treats such securities as liquid, temporary impairments to trading patterns of such securities may adversely affect the Equity Trust’s liquidity.

      In accordance with pronouncements of the Commission, the Equity Trust may invest in restricted securities that can be traded among qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), without registration and may treat them as liquid for purposes of the foregoing 10% test if such securities are found to be liquid. The Board of Directors has adopted guidelines and delegated to Gabelli Funds, subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors, the function of determining and monitoring the liquidity of particular Rule 144A securities.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

      The Equity Trust operates under the following restrictions that constitute fundamental policies that, except as otherwise noted, cannot be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Equity Trust along with the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a single class. For purposes of the preferred share voting rights described in the foregoing sentence, except as otherwise required under the 1940 Act, the majority of the outstanding preferred shares means, in accordance with Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act, the vote of (i) of 67% or more of the preferred shares present at the shareholders meeting called for such vote, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding preferred shares are present or represented by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding preferred shares, whichever is less. Except as otherwise noted, all percentage limitations set forth below apply immediately after a purchase or initial investment and any subsequent change in any applicable percentage resulting from market fluctuations does not require any action. The Equity Trust may not:

MANAGEMENT OF THE EQUITY TRUST

Directors and Officers

      The business and affairs of the Equity Trust are managed under the direction of its Board of Directors, and the day-to-day operations are conducted through or under the direction of its officers.

      The names and business addresses of the Directors and principal officers of the Equity Trust are set forth in the following table, together with their positions and their principal occupations during the past five years and, in the case of the directors, their positions with certain other organizations and companies. Directors who are “interested persons” of the Equity Trust, as defined by the 1940 Act, are listed under the caption “interested directors.”

Directors

Officers

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES HELD IN THE EQUITY TRUST AND

THE FUND COMPLEX FOR EACH DIRECTOR

      Set forth in the table below is the dollar range of equity securities in the Equity Trust beneficially owned by each Director and the aggregate dollar range of equity securities in the Gabelli Fund complex beneficially owned by each Director.

          A. None

          B. $1-$10,000

          C. $10,001-$50,000

          D. $50,001-$100,000

          E. Over $100,000

      As of December 31, 2004, the directors and officers of the Equity Trust as a group beneficially owned approximately 1.1% of the outstanding shares of the Equity Trust.

Audit Committee

      The role of the Equity Trust’s Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in its oversight of (i) the quality and integrity of the Equity Trust’s financial statement reporting process and the independent audit and reviews therof; (ii) the Equity Trust’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain of its service providers; (iii) the Equity Trust’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; and (iv) the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, independence and performance. The Audit Committee also is required to prepare an audit committee report pursuant to the rules of the Commission for inclusion in the Equity Trust’s

annual proxy statement. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to the Audit Committee Charter (the “Charter”) that was most recently reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors on February 16, 2005.

      Pursuant to the Charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for conferring with the Equity Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, reviewing annual financial statements, approving the selection of the Equity Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm and overseeing the Equity Trust’s internal controls. The Charter also contains provisions relating to the pre-approval by the Audit Committee of certain non-audit services to be provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) to the Equity Trust and to Gabelli Funds and certain of its affiliates. The Audit Committee advises the full Board with respect to accounting, auditing and financial matters affecting the Equity Trust. As set forth in the Charter, management is responsible for maintaining appropriate systems for accounting and internal control, and the Equity Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for planning and carrying out proper audits and reviews. The independent registered public accounting firm is ultimately accountable to the Board of Directors and to the Audit Committee, as representatives of shareholders. The independent registered public accounting firm for the Equity Trust reports directly to the Audit Committee.

      In performing its oversight function, at a meeting held on February 11, 2005, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management of the Equity Trust and PwC the audited financial statements of the Equity Trust as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, and discussed the audit of such financial statements with the independent registered public accounting firm.

      In addition, the Audit Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the accounting principles applied by the Equity Trust and such other matters brought to the attention of the Audit Committee by the independent registered public accounting firm required by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61, Communications with Audit Committees, as currently modified or supplemented. The Audit Committee also received from the independent registered public accounting firm the written disclosures and statements required by the Commission’s independence rules, delineating relationships between the independent registered public accounting firm and the Equity Trust and discussed the impact that any such relationships might have on the objectivity and independence of the independent registered public accounting firm.

      As set forth above, and as more fully set forth in the Charter, the Audit Committee has significant duties and powers in its oversight role with respect to the Equity Trust’s financial reporting procedures, internal control systems and the independent audit process.

      The Audit Committee met twice during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. The Audit Committee is composed of three of the Equity Trust’s independent (as such term is defined by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.’s listing standards (the “NYSE Listing Standards”)) Directors, namely, Messrs. Colavita, Pustorino and Zizza. Each member of the Audit Committee has been determined by the Board of Directors to be financially literate.

Nominating Committee

      The Board of Directors has a Nominating Committee composed of three independent (as such term is defined by the NYSE Listing Standards) Directors, namely, Messrs. Colavita, Ferrara and Zizza. The Nominating Committee met once during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. The Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying and recommending to the Board of Directors individuals believed to be qualified to become Board members in the event that a position is vacated or created. The Nominating Committee will consider Director candidates recommended by shareholders. In considering candidates submitted by shareholders, the Nominating Committee will take into consideration the needs of the Board of Directors, the qualifications of the candidate and the interests of shareholders. The Nominating Committee may also take into consideration the number of shares held by the recommending shareholder and the length of time that such shares have been held. To recommend a candidate for consideration by the Nominating

Committee, a shareholder must submit the recommendation in writing and must include the following information:

      The shareholder recommendation and information described above must be sent to James E. McKee, the Equity Trust’s Secretary, c/o Gabelli Funds, LLC, and must be received by the Secretary no less than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the Equity Trust’s most recent annual meeting of shareholders or, if the meeting has moved by more than 30 days, a reasonable amount of time before the meeting.

      The Nominating Committee believes that the minimum qualifications for serving as a Director of the Equity Trust are that the individual demonstrate, by significant accomplishment in his or her field, an ability to make a meaningful contribution to the Board of Directors’ oversight of the business and affairs of the Equity Trust and have an impeccable record and reputation for honest and ethical conduct in both his or her professional and personal activities. In addition, the Nominating Committee examines a candidate’s specific experiences and skills, time availability in light of other commitments, potential conflicts of interest and independence from management and the Equity Trust. The Nominating Committee also seeks to have the Board of Directors represent a diversity of backgrounds and experience.

      The Equity Trust’s Nominating Committee adopted a charter on May 12, 2004, and amended the charter on November 17, 2004. The charter can be found on the Equity Trust’s website at www.gabelli.com.

Remuneration of Directors and Officers

      The Equity Trust pays each Director who is not affiliated with Gabelli Funds or its affiliates a fee of $12,000 per year plus $1,500 per meeting attended in person and $1,000 per telephonic meeting or Committee meeting, together with the Director’s actual out-of-pocket expenses relating to his attendance at such meetings. In addition, effective in 2004, the Audit Committee Chairman receives an annual fee of $3,000, the Proxy Voting Committee Chairman receives an annual fee of $1,500 and the Nominating Committee Chairman receives an annual fee of $2,000. The aggregate remuneration (not including out-of-pocket expenses) paid by the Equity Trust to such Directors during the year ended December 31, 2004 amounted to $140,500. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Directors of the Equity Trust met five times, one of which was a special meeting of Directors. Each Director then serving in such capacity attended at least 75% of the meetings of Directors and of any Committee of which he is a member.

      The following table shows certain compensation information for the directors and officers of the Equity Trust for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. Officers who are employed by Gabelli Funds receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Equity Trust.

Compensation Table For The Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004

Limitation of Officers’ and Directors’ Liability

      The Equity Trust’s By-Laws provide that the Equity Trust, to the fullest extent permitted by law, will indemnify its current and former Directors and officers and may indemnify its employees or agents against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices or association with the Equity Trust. The By-Laws do not permit indemnification against any liability to which such person would be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office. Maryland law does not permit indemnification of present or former directors, officers, employees or agents in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made a party by reason of their service to the Equity Trust if (i) the act or omission of such person or entity was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (a) was committed in bad faith; or (b) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; (ii) such person or entity actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, such person or entity had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.

      Under Maryland law, the Equity Trust is not permitted to indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the Equity Trust for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, unless in either case a court orders indemnification and then only for expenses. The termination of any proceeding by conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent or an entry of an order of

probation prior to judgment creates a rebuttable presumption that the director, officer, employee or agent did not meet the requisite standard of conduct required for permitted indemnification. The termination of any proceeding by judgment, order or settlement, however, does not create such a presumption.

      The By-Laws and Maryland law permit the Equity Trust to advance reasonable expenses to current or former Directors, officers, employees and agents upon the Equity Trust’s receipt of a written affirmation by such person or entity of its good faith belief that it has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Equity Trust, and a written undertaking by such person or entity (or on its behalf) to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the Equity Trust if it is ultimately determined that such person or entity did not meet the requisite standard of conduct. The By-Laws further require that one of the following conditions must also be met to advance payment of expenses: (i) the person or entity seeking indemnification shall provide a security in the form and amount acceptable to the Equity Trust for its undertaking; (ii) the Equity Trust is insured against losses arising by reason of the advance; (iii) approval by a majority of a quorum of the Directors of the Equity Trust who are neither “interested persons” as defined by Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act nor parties to the proceeding, or (iv) a written opinion of independent legal counsel, based on a review of the facts readily available to the Equity Trust at the time the advance is proposed to be made, to the effect that there is reason to believe that the person or entity seeking indemnification will ultimately be found to be entitled to indemnification.

      Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty established by final judgment as being material to the cause of action. The Equity Trust’s Charter provides for such a limitation, except to the extent such exemption is not permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time.

Investment Advisory and Administrative Arrangements

      Investment Management.     Gabelli Funds, located at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422, serves as the investment adviser to the Equity Trust pursuant to an investment advisory agreement. Gabelli Funds was organized in 1999 and is the successor to Gabelli Funds, Inc., which was organized in 1980. As of June 30, 2005, Gabelli Funds acted as registered investment adviser to 28 management investment companies with aggregate net assets of $12.8 billion. Gabelli Funds, together with other affiliated investment advisers, had assets under management totaling approximately $27.6 billion as of June 30, 2005. GAMCO Asset Management Inc., an affiliate of Gabelli Funds, acts as investment adviser for individuals, pension trusts, profit sharing trusts and endowments, and as a sub-adviser to management investment companies having aggregate assets of $13.2 billion under management as of June 30, 2005. Gabelli Fixed Income LLC, an affiliate of Gabelli Funds, acts as investment adviser for The Treasurer’s Fund and separate accounts having aggregate assets of approximately $400 million under management as of June 30, 2005. Gabelli Advisers, Inc., an affiliate of Gabelli Funds, acts as investment manager to the Westwood Funds having aggregate assets of approximately $400 million under management as of June 30, 2005.

      Gabelli Funds is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc., a New York corporation, whose Class A Common Stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol “GBL.” Mr. Mario J. Gabelli may be deemed a “controlling person” of Gabelli Funds on the basis of his ownership of a majority of the stock of Gabelli Group Capital Partners, Inc., which owns a majority of the capital stock of GAMCO Investors, Inc.

      Gabelli Funds has sole investment discretion for the Equity Trust’s assets under the supervision of the Equity Trust’s Board of Directors and in accordance with the Equity Trust’s stated policies. Gabelli Funds will select investments for the Equity Trust and will place purchase and sale orders on behalf of the Equity Trust.

      Advisory Agreement. Under the terms of the Equity Trust’s Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”), Gabelli Funds manages the portfolio of the Equity Trust in accordance with its stated investment objectives and policies, makes investment decisions for the Equity Trust, places orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Equity Trust and manages the Equity Trust’s other business and

affairs, all subject to the supervision and direction of its Board of Directors. In addition, under the Advisory Agreement, Gabelli Funds oversees the administration of all aspects of the Equity Trust’s business and affairs and provides, or arranges for others to provide, at Gabelli Funds’ expense, certain enumerated services, including maintaining the Equity Trust’s books and records, preparing reports to its stockholders and supervising the calculation of the net asset value of its stock. All expenses of computing the Equity Trust’s net asset value, including any equipment or services obtained solely for the purpose of pricing shares of stock or valuing the Equity Trust’s investment portfolio, will be an expense of the Equity Trust under the Advisory Agreement unless Gabelli Funds voluntarily assumes responsibility for such expense.

      The Advisory Agreement combines investment advisory and administrative responsibilities in one agreement. For services rendered by Gabelli Funds on behalf of the Equity Trust under the Advisory Agreement, the Equity Trust pays Gabelli Funds a fee computed daily and paid monthly at the annual rate of 1.00% of its average weekly net assets plus the liquidation value of any outstanding preferred stock. Gabelli Funds has agreed to reduce the management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the preferred stock if the total return of the net asset value of Equity Trust Common Stock (the “Common Shares”), including distributions and advisory fee subject to reduction, does not exceed the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of the preferred stock.

      For the years ended December 31, 2002, December 31, 2003, and December 31, 2004, Gabelli Funds was paid $9,835,224, $12,895,377, and $15,167,775, respectively, for advisory and administrative services rendered to the Equity Trust.

      The Advisory Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard for its obligations and duties thereunder, Gabelli Funds is not liable for any error or judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Equity Trust. As part of the Advisory Agreement, the Equity Trust has agreed that the name “Gabelli” is Gabelli Funds property, and that in the event Gabelli Funds ceases to act as an investment adviser to the Equity Trust, the Equity Trust will change its name to one not including “Gabelli.”

      Pursuant to its terms, the Advisory Agreement will remain in effect with respect to the Equity Trust from year to year if approved annually (i) by the Equity Trust’s Board of Directors or by the holders of a majority of its outstanding voting securities and (ii) by a majority of the Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Advisory Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

PORTFOLIO MANAGER INFORMATION

Other Accounts Managed

      The information below lists other accounts for which the Equity Trust’s portfolio managers were primarily responsible for the day-to-day management during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.