We are pleased to announce, that on 28 April 2008, BlackRock Merrill Lynch Investment Managers changed its name to BlackRock.

This change came into effect 18 months after the merger of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers with BlackRock. During this period, we had actively promoted the BlackRock name around the globe, establishing BlackRock as one of the world's largest and most successful asset managers. During this time we maintained our relentless focus on delivering strong investment performance, a compelling product range and the highest level of service. It is particularly pleasing to see this recognised by leading industry experts who awarded us a highly acclaimed Gold Standard Award in 2007.*

Following extensive research with clients, we were of the belief that this was the right time to fully align our retail business with the institutional business, thereby presenting one globally unified BlackRock brand. On the same day, the name of our funds also changed to BlackRock.

  • The UK unit trusts currently branded Merrill Lynch have been renamed BlackRock, for example Merrill Lynch UK Dynamic Fund is now BlackRock UK Dynamic Fund.
  • Merrill Lynch International Investment Funds (MLIIF) have been renamed BlackRock Global Funds (BGF) and all the underlying funds have subsequently change names, for example, MLIIF World Gold Fund has become BGF World Gold Fund.
  • Our two Isle of Man Funds have also changed their names to BlackRock International Bond Fund and BlackRock Offshore Balanced Portfolio Fund.
  • The Jersey domiciled Merrill Lynch International Gold & General Fund has also changed to BlackRock International Gold & General Fund.

We believe that BlackRock is in a stronger position than ever to offer our clients access to a compelling range of products. Our combination of experienced professionals, powerful technology and global perspective uniquely qualifies us to take advantage of investment opportunities by enabling us to understand and manage today’s changing investment environment.

For further information on how the changes will affect you, please click here.

* Organised by Incisive Media, awarded in the Fund Management category