Download BlackRock funds rebranding to iShares

Dear Client
Important information about the iShares rebranding of certain BlackRock funds
BlackRock wishes to inform you of the intention to rename certain sub-funds within a number of
BlackRock index mutual fund ranges to include the iShares brand, any such change being subject to
receiving applicable regulatory consent.
The umbrella fund names of the BlackRock index mutual fund ranges will not change and shall each
retain their current name featuring the BlackRock branding. The full list of EMEA BlackRock subfunds impacted by the Rebranding are available at:
https://www.blackrock.com/international/intermediaries/en-zz/rebranding-of-certain-blackrock-funds
Timeline of the Rebranding
The anticipated effective date for the Rebranding in respect of the Sub-Funds is also available at
https://www.blackrock.com/international/intermediaries/en-zz/rebranding-of-certain-blackrock-funds.
Rationale for the Rebranding
BlackRock is committed to the continuous enhancement of its product suite. BlackRock's iShares
brand has long been associated with index investing via exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), however
BlackRock is intending to extend the use of the iShares brand to the Sub-Funds. The Rebranding
seeks to bring greater clarity to BlackRock’s full suite of index solutions that investors and third party
service providers can use to build their investment portfolios.
Fund-specific documentation such as the prospectus, factsheets and Key Investor Information
Documents which relate specifically to each of the Sub-Funds (the “Sub-Fund Documentation”) will
be updated to reflect the Rebranding and the new name of the Sub-Funds. The Sub-Fund
Documentation will be published and made available, along with all information on the Sub-Funds
including through the Sub-Funds’ fund webpages on www.blackrock.com and on www.iShares.com,
from the respective effective dates as indicated at
https://www.blackrock.com/international/intermediaries/en-zz/rebranding-of-certain-blackrock-funds.
In addition to the Rebranding, each Sub-Fund name will also include a geographic indicator to
highlight where the relevant Sub-Fund is domiciled and shall also ensure the Sub-Funds are easily
distinguished from other BlackRock funds, which may have a similar name. An example of the
geographic indicator is “(IE)” which will be included in a Sub-Fund name to clearly indicate that such
Sub-Fund is Irish-domiciled.
Shareholder notifications
BlackRock shall send out notifications to the Sub-Funds’ shareholders in respect of the Rebranding in
advance of the changes taking effect.
Action to be taken by you
No action needs to be taken by you in respect of this communication. However, if you wish to use the
iShares trademarks, update your agreement(s) with BlackRock, discuss this communication and/or
how the Rebranding may impact you, please access
https://www.blackrock.com/international/intermediaries/en-zz/rebranding-of-certain-blackrock-funds
for the relevant BlackRock contact details.
The change will not impact the manner in which the Sub-Funds are managed, their operations or cost.
However, certain markets may impose temporary trading restrictions and/or suspensions in respect of
a name change according to local sub-custodian procedures.
Costs
All costs relating to the Rebranding including any updates to the Sub-Fund Documentation reflecting
the matters detailed in this communication will be borne by BlackRock.
Further information
If you would like any further information then please access
https://www.blackrock.com/international/intermediaries/en-zz/rebranding-of-certain-blackrock-funds
for the relevant BlackRock contact details. Alternatively, please contact your usual BlackRock
representative.
Kind regards
Client Service Management