Smo Gold Regulatory News (BARS)

26 Oct 2011 10:50

BlackRock Absolute Return Strategies Ltd ("the Company") Completion of the September 2011 Share Conversion between Share Classes

The table below summarises the aggregate conversion requests received in respect of the September 2011 Currency Conversion Calculation Date:

Currency of Share to Total Shares Currency of Share to be converted to be converted from to be converted US Dollar Sterling Euro Sterling 679,436 1,033,222 - -Euro 6,623 8,635 - -Total - 1,041,857 - - Conversion Ratios

The Currency Conversion Calculation Date was 30 September 2011. On the basis of the net asset values of the Company's Shares as at 30 September 2011 (as previously announced on 24 October 2011) (and using assumed spot currency exchange rates as appropriate at the Currency Conversion Calculation Date), the conversion ratio, calculated in accordance with the Company's Articles of Association, is as follows:

1.520705409 US Dollar denominated Shares for every one Sterling denominated Share 1.303789823 US Dollar denominated Shares for every one Euro denominated Share

The following foreign exchange rates as at 30 September 2011 were used:

GBP / US Dollar 1.5600Euro / US Dollar 1.3388

Shareholder CREST accounts for those shareholders for whom conversion requests have been received will be credited with new shares on 28 October 2011.

The Company has made an application to admit 1,041,857 US Dollar denominated Shares to the official list of the UK Listing Authority and to trading on the London Stock Exchange on 28 October 2011.

All enquiries:

Ian WebsterFor BlackRock (Channel Islands) LimitedSecretary

26 October 2011