Statement re Merger of Share Classes

 
TIDMBARS TIDMBARE TIDMBARU 
 
BlackRock Absolute Return Strategies Ltd (the "Company") 
 
1 March 2012 
 
Merger of share classes 
 
As previously advised by the Board in the Company's announcement on 6 February 
2012, the Company's Euro and US Dollar share classes are to be merged into the 
Sterling class. The merger will take place as at 5pm on Friday 9 March 2012, 
the Record Date. 
 
The merger will take place via a conversion of all Euro and US Dollar shares 
into Sterling shares in accordance with the Company's standard Share Conversion 
mechanism. This means that the conversion will be effected on the basis of the 
ratio of the February Estimated Monthly Net Asset Value ("NAV") per Share of 
the class of Shares held (calculated in Euros and US Dollars) to the February 
Estimated Monthly NAV per Share of the Sterling share class. The February 
Estimated NAV will be announced on 9 March 2012. Shareholders should note that 
fractions of Shares arising on conversion will be rounded down. 
 
An announcement setting out the conversion rates will be released on 9 March 2012. 
 
The Company will arrange for the Euro and US Dollar share classes to be 
cancelled after the conversion has been completed. 
 
Enquiries 
 
BlackRock (Channel Islands) Limited, 
Secretary 
 
Will Rogers - 020 7397 1920 
Tommy O'Sullivan - 020 7397 1922 
Cenkos Securities plc 
 
 
END