September 24, 2018
BlackRock Partners with Thomson Reuters to Launch Industry’s First Inclusion & Diversity Fund
London, September 24, 2018 – BlackRock has collaborated with Thomson Reuters to launch an exchange traded fund (ETF) to provide investors with a way to invest in companies across developed and emerging markets that promote diversity and inclusion practices, which have been shown to benefit companies’ long-term performance.*
The iShares Thomson Reuters Inclusion & Diversity UCITS ETF (Ticker: OPEN, the “Fund”) tracks the Thomson Reuters Global Large/Mid Diversity and Inclusion ex. Controversial Weapons Equal Weight Total Return Index (the “Index”), which is related to the Thomson Reuters Diversity & Inclusion Index. The Index transparently and objectively ranks more than 2,000 publicly-traded companies globally, and consists of the top 100 companies with the most diverse and inclusive workplaces, as measured by 24 metrics across four key categories: Diversity, Inclusion, People Development and News & Controversies. The Index embraces a broader spectrum of diversity dimensions and goes further than other indices in this segment which have tended to focus more narrowly on aspects such as gender.
Debra Walton, Managing Director of Customer Proposition, Financial & Risk at Thomson Reuters commented: “We established this Diversity and Inclusion index three years ago in response to the growing demand for data in support of ESG investment mandates. It leverages our rich ESG data and our index calculation capabilities. We are delighted that BlackRock is paving the way in developing the first ETF to track the index. We look forward to bringing this partnership with us into Refinitiv and to working with the industry on similar ESG-based initiatives.”
Brian Deese, Head of Sustainable Investing at BlackRock commented: “The increasing availability of corporate sustainability data, as well as advancement in technology, has made it possible to better measure and understand metrics, such as inclusion and diversity, from an investment perspective. At BlackRock, we are committed to being leaders in using new data and tools that deliver sustainable investment solutions at scale, which help to improve financial outcomes for our clients and accelerate the adoption of sustainable business practices globally.”
Rachel Lord, Head of EMEA at BlackRock said: “We know that diverse teams make better decisions, and this is ultimately good for investors. We are launching this Fund at a time when a spotlight is firmly on companies to show what they are doing to improve diversity of their workforce, and as investors demand new funds to express specific preferences within their portfolios. It is a significant step forward in the evolution of products that harness the power of social change to deliver long-term investment outcomes.”
The Fund complements iShares’ 10-strong UCITS thematic ETF range - which aim to provide exposure to megatrends, or powerful, transformative forces that could change the global economy, business and society - and the 15-strong family of UCITS environmental, social and governance (ESG) ETFs. It carries a total expense ratio of 0.25%.
The Thomson Reuters Financial & Risk business will be known as Refinitiv, following the closing of the strategic partnership transaction between Thomson Reuters and private equity funds managed by Blackstone.
*[Source: McKinsey, “Why Diversity Matters”, Feb 2015].
About Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading source of news and information for professional markets. Our customers rely on us to deliver the intelligence, technology and expertise they need to find trusted answers. The business has operated in more than 100 countries for more than 100 years. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. For more information, visit www.thomsonreuters.com.
About BlackRock
BlackRock helps investors build better financial futures. As a fiduciary to our clients, we provide the investment and technology solutions they need when planning for their most important goals. As of June 30, 2018, the firm managed approximately $6.3 trillion in assets on behalf of investors worldwide.
About iShares
iShares® is a global leader in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with more than a decade of expertise and commitment to individual and institutional investors of all sizes. With over 800 funds globally across multiple asset classes and strategies and more than $1.8 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2018, iShares helps clients around the world build the core of their portfolios, meet specific investment goals and implement market views. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock, trusted to manage more money than any other investment firm1.
1 Based on $6.3 trillion in AUM as of 30 June 2018
CONTACT
Lemuel Brewster
Thomson Reuters
Office +1 646-223-5147
Mobile +1 917-805-1089
lemuel.brewster@thomsonreuters.com
Timi Oni
Vice President, BlackRock
Office: +44 (0) 20 7743 1592
Mobile: +44 (0) 7468 701 178
timi.oni@blackrock.com
Fund disclaimers
iShares Thomson Reuters Inclusion and Diversity UCITS ETF
Concentration Risk: Investment risk is concentrated in specific sectors, countries, currencies or companies. This means the Fund is more sensitive to any localised economic, market, political or regulatory events.
Equity Risk: The value of equities and equity-related securities can be affected by daily stock market movements. Other influential factors include political, economic news, company earnings and significant corporate events.
Regulatory Information
BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ('FCA'), having its registered office at 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL, England, Tel +44 (0)20 7743 3000, has issued this document for access by Professional Clients only and no other person should rely upon the information contained within it. For your protection, calls are usually recorded. iShares plc, iShares II plc, iShares III plc, iShares IV plc, iShares V plc, iShares VI plc and iShares VII plc (together 'the Companies') are open-ended investment companies with variable capital having segregated liability between their funds organised under the laws of Ireland and authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland.
For investors in Austria
The funds mentioned in this document are registered for public offer in Austria. The Sales Prospectuses for the Companies, Key Investor Information Document and other documents as well as the annual and semi-annual reports have been published in Austria and are available free of charge from UniCredit Bank AG Vienna Branch, Julius Tandler Platz 3, 1090 Vienna, Austria, the Austrian paying and information agent and are also available on the website www.ishares.com. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. The Companies intend to fulfill the requirements for treatment of all of their sub-funds as reporting funds. Therefore the Companies have an Austrian tax representative who calculates the Austrian Deemed Distributed Income figures once a year and files an electronic tax return with the Austrian Control Bank. However, it cannot be guaranteed that the requirements will be met in the future. The Companies reserve the right to give up the reporting fund status and to not undertake such tax filings
For investors in Belgium
The funds mentioned in this document are not registered for public distribution in Belgium. Unless indicated otherwise, any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts copies of which can be obtained free of charge from www.ishares.com. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus.
For investors in Denmark
This document is directed at Professional Investors in Denmark only and the Funds are authorised by Finanstilsynet, the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts and the Danish country supplements. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. Copies of all documentation can be obtained free of charge from offices of the paying agent in Denmark BlackRock Copenhagen Branch, filial af BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited Harbour House, Sundkrogsgade 21, 2100 København Ø, Denmark. This document is strictly confidential and may not be distributed without authorisation from BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited.
For investors in Finland
The funds mentioned are registered for public distribution in Finland and are authorised by the Finanssivalvonta (Fiva), the Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA), in Finland. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. This document is strictly confidential and may not be distributed without authorisation from BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited.
For investors in France
Any subscription for shares in a sub-fund of one of the companies will be carried out according to the conditions specified in the full Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document, the French Addendum and in the Supplements of Companies as the case may be. These documents can be obtained by contacting the paying agent of the Company: BNP Paribas Securities Services, 3 rue d'Antin, 75002 Paris, tel: 00 33 1 42 98 10 00 or by visiting the French part of the site www.iShares.eu. The companies are undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITS) governed by foreign laws and approved by the Financial Regulator in the home state as a UCITS complying with European regulations. The European Directive 2009/65/EC of July 13, 2009 on UCITS, as amended, establishes common rules in order to allow the cross-border marketing of UCITS which comply with it. This common foundation did not prohibit different methods of implementation. This is why a European UCITS may be marketed in France even though the activity of such scheme would not respect rules identical to those which govern the approval of this type of product in France. This sub fund has been authorized for marketing in France by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Please note that the distribution of shares of some sub funds of funds is not allowed in France. This document does not constitute an offer or a solicitation in relation to the shares of the funds.
For investors in Germany
The Sales Prospectus and Key Investor Information Document, as well as the annual and semi-annual reports are available free of charge from Commerzbank Kaiserplatz, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The Companies intend to fulfill the prerequisites for treatment of their sub-funds as so-called "transparent funds" pursuant to §§ 2 and 4 of the German Investment Tax Act (Investmentsteuergesetz – InvStG). However, it cannot be guaranteed that the requirements will be met. The Companies reserve the right to give up the "transparent status" and to not undertake the necessary publications. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. Please note that important information about iShares VII funds is available in the current prospectus and other documents that can be obtained free of charge from the paying agent, Deutsche Bank AG Taunusanlage 12, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Federal Republic of Germany.
For investors in Ireland
This document is strictly confidential and may not be distributed without authorisation from BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited. With respect to funds that are registered for public offer in Ireland, important information on the Companies is contained in the relevant Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and other documents, copies of which can be obtained by calling 0845 357 7000, from your broker or financial adviser, by writing to BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited, iShares Business Development, 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL or by writing to the Manager of the Companies: BlackRock Asset Management Ireland Limited, Block 2, Grand Mill Quay, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus.
For investors in Israel
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited is not licensed under Israel’s Regulation of Investment Advice, Investment Marketing and Portfolio Management Law, 5755-1995. No action has been or will be taken in Israel that would permit a public offering or distribution of the Funds mentioned in this document to the public in Israel. The Funds mentioned in this document have not been approved by the Israeli Securities Authority. In addition, the Funds mentioned in this document are not regulated under the provisions of Israel’s Joint Investment Trusts law, 5754- 1994 (the “Joint Investment Trusts Law”). This document has not been approved by the Israel Securities Authority and will only be distributed to Israeli residents in a manner that will not constitute “an offer to the public” under sections 15 and 15a of the Israel Securities Law, 5728-1968 (the “Securities Law”) or section 25 of the Joint Investment Trusts Law, as applicable. The document is being offered to those categories of investors listed in the First Addendum (the “Addendum”) to the Securities Law, (“Institutional Investors”); in all cases under circumstances that will fall within the private placement or other exemptions of the Joint Investment Trusts Law, the Securities Law and any applicable guidelines, pronouncements or rulings issued from time to time by the Israel Securities Authority. This document may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose, nor be furnished to any other person other than those to whom copies have been sent. Nothing in this document should be considered investment advice or investment marketing as defined in the Regulation of Investment Counselling, Investment Marketing and Portfolio Management Law, 5755-1995. This document does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor does it constitute an offer to sell to or solicitation of an offer to buy from any person or persons in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful, or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to a person or persons to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.
For investors in Italy
Any application for shares in the funds is on the terms of the Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document, for the Companies. The Shares of certain sub-funds in the Companies have been admitted to listing in Italy and are currently listed on the Mercato Telematico Fondi of Borsa Italiana S.p.A. The list of the sub-funds listed in Italy, the Prospectus, of the Companies, the Documento di quotazione of the iShares funds, the latest annual and semi annual report of the Companies are published (i) on the Companies' internet website at the address www.iShares.com and (ii) on Borsa Italiana S.p.A's website at the address www.borsaitalia.it. These documents are available for the public in Italian version with certification that such documents are a faithful translation of the original documents. Investors are entitled to receive free of charge, even at home, a copy of the above documents, upon written request forwarded to the Companies. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. For comprehensive information on the expenses charged to a fund and fees applicable to investors, see the Documento di quotazione and the Prospectus.
For investors in Luxembourg
The Companies have been notified to the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier in Luxembourg in order to market their shares for sale to the public in Luxembourg and the Companies are notified Undertaking in Collective Investment for Transferable Securities (UCITS). The Companies have not been listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, investors should contact their broker for further information. Investment is subject to the Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and all documents (the main/umbrella Prospectus, the Supplement[s], the latest and any previous annual and semi-annual reports of the Companies and the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Companies) will be available in the Luxembourg, free of charge, from the offices of the Local Agent, BNP Paribas Securities Services, Luxembourg Branch 33, rue de Gasperich Howald – Hesperange L-2085 Luxembourg or by visiting the website on www.iShares.com. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus.
For investors in Norway
The funds mentioned are registered for public distribution in Norway and are authorised by Kredittilsynet, the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway. Any application for shares in the funds is on the terms of the Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document for the Companies. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. This document is strictly confidential and may not be distributed without authorisation from BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited.
For investors in Spain
The funds mentioned are registered for public distribution in Spain.The sales Prospectus has been registered with the Spanish Securities Market Commission (Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores ('CNMV')). The funds which are registered in the official registry of the Spanish Securities and Exchange Commission (CNMV) are iShares plc (registration number 801), iShares II plc (registration number 802) and iShares III plc (registration number 806), iShares IV plc (registration number 1402), iShares V plc (registration number 977), iShares VI plc (registration number 1091), iShares VII plc (registration number 886) and iShares (Lux) (registration number 905). The official registry, CNMV, must always be checked to see which sub funds of the funds mentioned are registered for public distribution in Spain. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts, copies of which can be obtained free of charge at www.iShares.es. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. This document contains products or services of BlackRock, Inc. (or affiliates thereof) that might be offered directly or indirectly within the Andorran jurisdiction, and it should not be regarded as solicitation of business in any jurisdiction including the Principality of Andorra.
For investors in Sweden
The Funds mentioned herein are registered for public distribution in Sweden and are authorised by Finansinspektionen, the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. Any application for shares in the funds is on the terms of the Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document, for the Companies. Important information relating to the Companies is contained in the relevant Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and other documents, copies of which can be obtained free of charge from offices of the paying agent BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, Stockholm Filial Mäster Samuelsgatan 1, Box 609 S-11411 Stockholm, Sweden. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. Please note that important information about iShares V funds is available in the current prospectus and other documents that can be obtained free of charge from the paying agent BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, Stockholm Filial Mäster Samuelsgatan 1, Box 609 S-11411 Stockholm, Sweden.
For investors in Switzerland
The iShares ETFs are domiciled in Ireland, Switzerland and Germany. BlackRock Asset Management Schweiz AG, Bahnhofstrasse 39, CH-8001 Zurich, is the Swiss Representative and State Street International GmbH, Munich, Zurich Branch, Beethovenstrasse 19, CH-8002 Zürich the Swiss Paying Agent for the foreign iShares ETFs registered in Switzerland.The Prospectus, the Prospectus with integrated fund contract, the Key Investor Information Document, the general and particular conditions, the Articles of Incorporation, the latest and any previous annual and semi-annual reports of the iShares ETFs domiciled or registered in Switzerland are available free of charge from BlackRock Asset Management Schweiz AG. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Prospectus.
For investors in the UK
Most of the protections provided by the UK regulatory system do not apply to the operation of the Companies, and compensation will not be available under the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme on its default. The Companies are recognised schemes for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus.
Restricted Investors
This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares in the United States or Canada. This document is not aimed at persons who are resident in the United States, Canada or any province or territory thereof, where the companies/securities are not authorised or registered for distribution and where no prospectus has been filed with any securities commission or regulatory authority. The companies/securities may not be acquired or owned by, or acquired with the assets of, an ERISA Plan.
Risk Warnings
Investment in the products mentioned in this document may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and should not be the sole factor of consideration when selecting a product. The price of the investments may go up or down and the investor may not get back the amount invested. Your income is not fixed and may fluctuate. The value of investments involving exposure to foreign currencies can be affected by exchange rate movements. We remind you that the levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation can change.
BlackRock has not considered the suitability of this investment against your individual needs and risk tolerance. The data displayed provides summary information. Investment should be made on the basis of the relevant Prospectus which is available from the manager.
In respect of the products mentioned this document is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described within. This document may not be distributed without authorisation from BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited.
Index Disclaimers
STOXX Global Digital Security Index is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of STOXX Limited, Zurich, Switzerland (“STOXX”), Deutsche Börse Group or their licensors, which is used under license. The iShares ETF is neither sponsored nor promoted, distributed or in any other manner supported by STOXX, Deutsche Börse Group or their licensors, research partners or data providers and STOXX, Deutsche Börse Group and their licensors, research partners or data providers do not give any warranty, and exclude any liability (whether in negligence or otherwise) with respect thereto generally or specifically in relation to any errors, omissions or interruptions in the relevant index or its data.
© 2018 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights reserved. BLACKROCK, BLACKROCK SOLUTIONS, iSHARES, BUILD ON BLACKROCK, SO WHAT DO I DO WITH MY MONEY and the stylized i logo are registered and unregistered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.
Regulatory Information
BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ('FCA'), having its registered office at 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL, England, Tel +44 (0)20 7743 3000, has issued this document for access by Professional Clients only and no other person should rely upon the information contained within it. For your protection, calls are usually recorded. iShares plc, iShares II plc, iShares III plc, iShares IV plc, iShares V plc, iShares VI plc and iShares VII plc (together 'the Companies') are open-ended investment companies with variable capital having segregated liability between their funds organised under the laws of Ireland and authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland.
For investors in Austria
The funds mentioned in this document are registered for public offer in Austria. The Sales Prospectuses for the Companies, Key Investor Information Document and other documents as well as the annual and semi-annual reports have been published in Austria and are available free of charge from UniCredit Bank AG Vienna Branch, Julius Tandler Platz 3, 1090 Vienna, Austria, the Austrian paying and information agent and are also available on the website www.ishares.com. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. The Companies intend to fulfill the requirements for treatment of all of their sub-funds as reporting funds. Therefore the Companies have an Austrian tax representative who calculates the Austrian Deemed Distributed Income figures once a year and files an electronic tax return with the Austrian Control Bank. However, it cannot be guaranteed that the requirements will be met in the future. The Companies reserve the right to give up the reporting fund status and to not undertake such tax filings.
For investors in Belgium
The funds mentioned in this document are not registered for public distribution in Belgium. Unless indicated otherwise, any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts copies of which can be obtained free of charge from www.ishares.com. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus.
For investors in Denmark
This document is directed at Professional Investors in Denmark only and the Funds are authorised by Finanstilsynet, the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts and the Danish country supplements. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. Copies of all documentation can be obtained free of charge from offices of the paying agent in Denmark BlackRock Copenhagen Branch, filial af BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited Harbour House, Sundkrogsgade 21, 2100 København Ø, Denmark. This document is strictly confidential and may not be distributed without authorisation from BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited.
For investors in Finland
The funds mentioned are registered for public distribution in Finland and are authorised by the Finanssivalvonta (Fiva), the Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA), in Finland. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. This document is strictly confidential and may not be distributed without authorisation from BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited.
For investors in France
Any subscription for shares in a sub-fund of one of the companies will be carried out according to the conditions specified in the full Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document, the French Addendum and in the Supplements of Companies as the case may be. These documents can be obtained by contacting the paying agent of the Company: BNP Paribas Securities Services, 3 rue d'Antin, 75002 Paris, tel: 00 33 1 42 98 10 00 or by visiting the French part of the site www.iShares.eu. The companies are undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITS) governed by foreign laws and approved by the Financial Regulator in the home state as a UCITS complying with European regulations. The European Directive 2009/65/EC of July 13, 2009 on UCITS, as amended, establishes common rules in order to allow the cross-border marketing of UCITS which comply with it. This common foundation did not prohibit different methods of implementation. This is why a European UCITS may be marketed in France even though the activity of such scheme would not respect rules identical to those which govern the approval of this type of product in France. This sub fund has been authorized for marketing in France by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Please note that the distribution of shares of some sub funds of funds is not allowed in France. This document does not constitute an offer or a solicitation in relation to the shares of the funds.
For investors in Germany
The Sales Prospectus and Key Investor Information Document, as well as the annual and semi-annual reports are available free of charge from Commerzbank Kaiserplatz, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The Companies intend to fulfill the prerequisites for treatment of their sub-funds as so-called "transparent funds" pursuant to §§ 2 and 4 of the German Investment Tax Act (Investmentsteuergesetz – InvStG). However, it cannot be guaranteed that the requirements will be met. The Companies reserve the right to give up the "transparent status" and to not undertake the necessary publications. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. Please note that important information about iShares VII funds is available in the current prospectus and other documents that can be obtained free of charge from the paying agent, Deutsche Bank AG Taunusanlage 12, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Federal Republic of Germany.
For investors in Ireland
This document is strictly confidential and may not be distributed without authorisation from BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited. With respect to funds that are registered for public offer in Ireland, important information on the Companies is contained in the relevant Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and other documents, copies of which can be obtained by calling 0845 357 7000, from your broker or financial adviser, by writing to BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited, iShares Business Development, 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL or by writing to the Manager of the Companies: BlackRock Asset Management Ireland Limited, Block 2, Grand Mill Quay, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus.
For investors in Italy
Any application for shares in the funds is on the terms of the Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document, for the Companies. The Shares of certain sub-funds in the Companies have been admitted to listing in Italy and are currently listed on the Mercato Telematico Fondi of Borsa Italiana S.p.A. The list of the sub-funds listed in Italy, the Prospectus, of the Companies, the Documento di quotazione of the iShares funds, the latest annual and semi annual report of the Companies are published (i) on the Companies' internet website at the address www.iShares.com and (ii) on Borsa Italiana S.p.A's website at the address www.borsaitalia.it. These documents are available for the public in Italian version with certification that such documents are a faithful translation of the original documents. Investors are entitled to receive free of charge, even at home, a copy of the above documents, upon written request forwarded to the Companies. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. For comprehensive information on the expenses charged to a fund and fees applicable to investors, see the Documento di quotazione and the Prospectus.
For investors in Luxembourg
The Companies have been notified to the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier in Luxembourg in order to market their shares for sale to the public in Luxembourg and the Companies are notified Undertaking in Collective Investment for Transferable Securities (UCITS). The Companies have not been listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, investors should contact their broker for further information. Investment is subject to the Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and all documents (the main/umbrella Prospectus, the Supplement[s], the latest and any previous annual and semi-annual reports of the Companies and the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Companies) will be available in the Luxembourg, free of charge, from the offices of the Local Agent, BNP Paribas Securities Services, Luxembourg Branch 33, rue de Gasperich Howald – Hesperange L-2085 Luxembourg or by visiting the website on www.iShares.com. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus.
For investors in Norway
The funds mentioned are registered for public distribution in Norway and are authorised by Kredittilsynet, the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway. Any application for shares in the funds is on the terms of the Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document for the Companies. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. This document is strictly confidential and may not be distributed without authorisation from BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited.
For investors in Spain
The funds mentioned are registered for public distribution in Spain.The sales Prospectus has been registered with the Spanish Securities Market Commission (Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores ('CNMV')). The funds which are registered in the official registry of the Spanish Securities and Exchange Commission (CNMV) are iShares plc (registration number 801), iShares II plc (registration number 802) and iShares III plc (registration number 806), iShares IV plc (registration number 1402), iShares V plc (registration number 977), iShares VI plc (registration number 1091), iShares VII plc (registration number 886) and iShares (Lux) (registration number 905). The official registry, CNMV, must always be checked to see which sub funds of the funds mentioned are registered for public distribution in Spain. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts, copies of which can be obtained free of charge at www.iShares.es. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. This document contains products or services of BlackRock, Inc. (or affiliates thereof) that might be offered directly or indirectly within the Andorran jurisdiction, and it should not be regarded as solicitation of business in any jurisdiction including the Principality of Andorra.
For investors in Sweden
The Funds mentioned herein are registered for public distribution in Sweden and are authorised by Finansinspektionen, the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. Any application for shares in the funds is on the terms of the Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document, for the Companies. Important information relating to the Companies is contained in the relevant Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and other documents, copies of which can be obtained free of charge from offices of the paying agent BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, Stockholm Filial Mäster Samuelsgatan 1, Box 609 S-11411 Stockholm, Sweden. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus. Please note that important information about iShares V funds is available in the current prospectus and other documents that can be obtained free of charge from the paying agent BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, Stockholm Filial Mäster Samuelsgatan 1, Box 609 S-11411 Stockholm, Sweden.
For investors in Switzerland
The iShares ETFs are domiciled in Ireland, Switzerland and Germany. BlackRock Asset Management Schweiz AG, Bahnhofstrasse 39, CH-8001 Zurich, is the Swiss Representative and State Street International GmbH, Munich, Zurich Branch, Beethovenstrasse 19, CH-8002 Zürich the Swiss Paying Agent for the foreign iShares ETFs registered in Switzerland.The Prospectus, the Prospectus with integrated fund contract, the Key Investor Information Document, the general and particular conditions, the Articles of Incorporation, the latest and any previous annual and semi-annual reports of the iShares ETFs domiciled or registered in Switzerland are available free of charge from BlackRock Asset Management Schweiz AG. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Prospectus.
For investors in the UK
Most of the protections provided by the UK regulatory system do not apply to the operation of the Companies, and compensation will not be available under the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme on its default. The Companies are recognised schemes for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Any decision to invest must be based solely on the information contained in the Company’s Prospectus, Key Investor Information Document and the latest half-yearly report and unaudited accounts and/or annual report and audited accounts. Investors should read the fund specific risks in the Key Investor Information Document and the Company’s Prospectus.
Restricted Investors
This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares in the United States or Canada. This document is not aimed at persons who are resident in the United States, Canada or any province or territory thereof, where the companies/securities are not authorised or registered for distribution and where no prospectus has been filed with any securities commission or regulatory authority. The companies/securities may not be acquired or owned by, or acquired with the assets of, an ERISA Plan.
Risk Warnings
Investment in the products mentioned in this document may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and should not be the sole factor of consideration when selecting a product. The price of the investments may go up or down and the investor may not get back the amount invested. Your income is not fixed and may fluctuate. The value of investments involving exposure to foreign currencies can be affected by exchange rate movements. We remind you that the levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation can change.
BlackRock has not considered the suitability of this investment against your individual needs and risk tolerance. The data displayed provides summary information. Investment should be made on the basis of the relevant Prospectus which is available from the manager.
In respect of the products mentioned this document is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described within. This document may not be distributed without authorisation from BlackRock Advisors (UK) Limited.
Index Disclaimers
Index Source: Thomson Reuters or its affiliates. Copyright 2017. Used with permission. “Thomson Reuters” is a registered trademark of Thomson Reuters and its affiliates. THOMSON REUTERS DATA IS “AS IS”. THOMSON REUTERS PROVIDES NO WARRANTIES, HAS NO LIABILITY, AND DOES NOT SPONSOR, PROMOTE OR ENDORSE the iShares Thomson Reuters Inclusion and Diversity UCITS ETF. PLEASE REFER TO THE FUND’S PROSPECTUS FOR FULL DISCLAIMER.
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