Item 8.01. Other Events.

On June 30, 2009, Equus Total Return Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") received a "Wells" notice from the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Based on discussions with the SEC staff, the Fund believes that the issues the staff intends to pursue relate to a one-time administrative fee that the Fund paid in 2005 and the compensation of a certain Fund officer during approximately the same time period. The Wells notice notifies the Fund that the staff intends to recommend that the SEC bring a civil action against the Fund for possible violations of the securities laws. The Fund has been cooperating with the SEC in this inquiry. In accordance with SEC procedures, the Fund will have an opportunity to present its perspective on these issues before any formal decision is made on an enforcement proceeding. The Fund also understands that three persons (two of whom are formerly associated with the Fund and the Fund's prior investment adviser) have received similar Wells notices relating to the 2005 activity. The Fund understands that these individuals will have an opportunity to present their perspectives on these issues before any formal decision is made on enforcement proceedings.

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