TR-1(i): NOTIFICATION OF MAJOR INTERESTS IN SHARES
(1). Identity of the issuer or the underlying issuer of existing shares to
which voting rights are attached (ii):
BlackRock Absolute Return Strategies Ltd
(2). Reason for the notification (please tick the appropriate box or boxes):
An acquisition or disposal of voting rights: ( )
An acquisition or disposal of financial instruments which may result in the
acquisition of shares already issued to which voting rights are attached: ( )
An event changing the breakdown of voting rights: ( )
Other (please specify) : Due to a change in issued share capital ( X )
(3). Full name of person(s) subject to the notification obligation (iii):
BlackRock, Inc.
(4). Full name of shareholder(s) (if different from 3.) (iv):
(5). Date of the transaction (and date on which the threshold is crossed or
reached if different) (v):
1 July 2009
(6). Date on which issuer notified:
3 July 2009
(7). Threshold(s) that is/are crossed or reached:
Holding has gone above 11%
(8). Notified details:
A: Voting rights attached to shares
Class/type of shares (if possible using the ISIN code): Sterling denominated
shares of no par value - JE00B2PXDB91
Situation previous to the triggering transaction(vi):
Number of Shares: 1,610,782
Number of Voting rights(viii): 2,255,095
Resulting situation after the triggering transaction(vii):
Number of shares:
Direct: n/a
Number of voting rights (ix):
Direct (x): n/a
Indirect (xi): 2,255,095 (1,610,782 indirect shares)
% of voting rights:
Direct: n/a
Indirect: 11.03%*
*based on voting rights 20,446,658.
B. Financial Instruments
Resulting situation after the triggering transaction (xii):
Type of financial instrument:
Expiration date (xiii):
Exercise/Conversion Period/Date (xiv):
Number of voting rights that may be acquired if the instrument is exercised/
converted:
% of voting rights:
Total (A + B):
Number of voting rights: 2,255,095
% of voting rights: 11.03%
9). Chain of controlled undertakings through which the voting rights and/or the
financial instruments are effectively held, if applicable (xv):
BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited - 2,255,095 (11.03%)
Proxy Voting:
(10). Name of the proxy holder:
N/A
(11). Number of voting rights proxy holder will cease to hold:
N/A
(12). Date on which proxy holder will cease to hold voting rights:
N/A
(13). Additional information:
N/A
(14). Contact name:
Mrs A B Powley
For BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
Secretary
(15). Contact telephone number:
020 7743 5610
6 July 2009
END
