--- Makefile.layout	(revision 337893)
+++ Makefile.layout	(working copy)
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@ 
 # $FreeBSD$
 
+# tell bmake we use the old :L :U modifiers
+.MAKE.FreeBSD_UL= yes
+
 INN_LAYOUT?=		old
 
 .if !empty(INN_LAYOUT:L:Mnew)