-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Al90xyQMldPyolBxzOan2jOZqxwKIOKHdRBARtW2nevYelMx2lEK0Nwnwue7MTGV l8NCPlN0kJ/Qo5qw8KojTw== 0001104659-06-042674.txt : 20060620 0001104659-06-042674.hdr.sgml : 20060620 20060620163923 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001104659-06-042674 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: DEFA14A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060620 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060620 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20060620 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BLACKROCK FUNDS CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000844779 IRS NUMBER: 510318674 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 0930 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: DEFA14A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-05742 FILM NUMBER: 06915584 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 301 BELLEVUE PKWY STREET 2: 2ND FLOOR CITY: WILMINGTON STATE: DE ZIP: 19809 BUSINESS PHONE: 3027922555 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 301 BELLEVUE PARKWAY STREET 2: 2ND FLOOR CITY: WILMINGTON STATE: DE ZIP: 19809 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: COMPASS CAPITAL FUNDS\ DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19961114 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: PNC FUND DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: NCP FUNDS DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19890511 0000844779 S000001503 BLACKROCK MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO C000004025 INSTITUTIONAL PNIXX C000004026 SERVICE PNPXX C000004027 INVESTOR A PINXX C000004028 INVESTOR B CIBXX C000004029 INVESTOR C BMCXX C000004030 HILLIARD LYONS BHLXX 0000844779 S000001504 BLACKROCK LARGE CAP GROWTH EQUITY PORTFOLIO C000004031 INSTITUTIONAL PNAPX C000004032 SERVICE PNGEX C000004033 INVESTOR A PGIAX C000004034 INVESTOR B BLGBX C000004035 INVESTOR C BGECX 0000844779 S000001505 BLACKROCK MID CAP GROWTH EQUITY PORTFOLIO C000004036 INSTITUTIONAL CMGIX C000004037 SERVICE CMGSX C000004038 INVESTOR A BMGAX C000004039 INVESTOR B BMGBX C000004040 INVESTOR C BMGCX 0000844779 S000001506 BLACKROCK SMALL CAP VALUE EQUITY PORTFOLIO C000004041 INSTITUTIONAL PNSEX C000004042 SERVICE PSESX C000004043 INVESTOR A PSEIX C000004044 INVESTOR B CCVBX C000004045 INVESTOR C BSCCX C000004046 BLACKROCK BSEBX 0000844779 S000001507 BLACKROCK SMALL CAP GROWTH EQUITY PORTFOLIO C000004047 INSTITUTIONAL PSGIX C000004048 SERVICE PCGEX C000004049 INVESTOR A CSGEX C000004050 INVESTOR B CSGBX C000004051 INVESTOR C CGICX 0000844779 S000001508 BLACKROCK SMALL CAP CORE EQUITY C000004052 INSTITUTIONAL BSQIX C000004053 SERVICE BSQSX C000004054 INVESTOR A BSQAX C000004055 INVESTOR B BSQBX C000004056 INVESTOR C BSQCX 0000844779 S000001509 BLACKROCK U.S. OPPORTUNITIES EQUITY PORTFOLIO C000004057 INSTITUTIONAL BMCIX C000004058 SERVICE BMCSX C000004059 INVESTOR A BMEAX C000004060 INVESTOR B BRMBX C000004061 INVESTOR C BMECX 0000844779 S000001510 BLACKROCK GLOBAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO C000004062 INSTITUTIONAL BGSIX C000004063 SERVICE BSTSX C000004064 INVESTOR A BGSAX C000004065 INVESTOR B BGSBX C000004066 INVESTOR C BGSCX 0000844779 S000001511 INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES EQUITY PORTFOLIO C000004067 INSTITUTIONAL BISIX C000004068 SERVICE BRESX C000004069 INVESTOR A BREAX C000004070 INVESTOR B BREBX C000004071 INVESTOR C BRECX 0000844779 S000001512 BLACKROCK INVESTMENT TRUST PORTFOLIO C000004072 BLACKROCK C000004073 INSTITUTIONAL PNEIX C000004074 SERVICE PCESX C000004075 INVESTOR A CEIAX C000004076 INVESTOR B CINBX C000004077 INVESTOR C BSECX 0000844779 S000001513 BLACKROCK INDEX EQUITY PORTFOLIO C000004078 INSTITUTIONAL PNIEX C000004079 SERVICE PNESX C000004080 INVESTOR A CIEAX C000004081 INVESTOR B CIEBX C000004082 INVESTOR C CIECX 0000844779 S000001514 BLACKROCK U.S. TREASURY MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO C000004083 INVESTOR B C000004084 INVESTOR C C000004085 INSTITUTIONAL PGIXX C000004086 SERVICE PNGXX C000004087 INVESTOR A CUAXX 0000844779 S000001515 BLACKROCK LOW DURATION BOND PORTFOLIO C000004088 INSTITUTIONAL BFMSX C000004089 SERVICE CMGBX C000004090 INVESTOR A BLDAX C000004091 INVESTOR B BLDBX C000004092 INVESTOR C BLDCX C000004093 BLACKROCK CLDBX 0000844779 S000001516 BLACKROCK INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO C000004094 INSTITUTIONAL PNIGX C000004095 SERVICE PIGSX C000004096 INVESTOR A CIGAX C000004097 INVESTOR B BIGBX C000004098 INVESTOR C BIGCX 0000844779 S000001517 BLACKROCK INTERMEDIATE BOND PORTFOLIO C000004099 INSTITUTIONAL PNBIX C000004100 SERVICE PIBSX C000004101 INVESTOR A CCIAX C000004102 INVESTOR B BRIBX C000004103 INVESTOR C BRCIX C000004104 BLACKROCK BIBRX 0000844779 S000001518 BLACKROCK CORE BOND TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO C000004105 INSTITUTIONAL BFMCX C000004106 SERVICE CMCBX C000004107 INVESTOR A BCBAX C000004108 INVESTOR B BCIBX C000004109 INVESTOR C BCBCX C000004110 BLACKROCK CCBBX 0000844779 S000001519 BLACKROCK CORE PLUS TOTAL RETURN PORTFOLIO C000004111 INSTITUTIONAL BCRIX C000004112 SERVICE BRTSX C000004113 INVESTOR A BRTAX C000004114 INVESTOR B BRTBX C000004115 INVESTOR C BRTCX C000004116 BLACKROCK BRRBX 0000844779 S000001520 BLACKROCK GOVERNMENT INCOME PORTFOLIO C000004117 SERVICE BGSVX C000004118 INVESTOR A CCGAX C000004119 INVESTOR B PNGBX C000004120 INVESTOR C BGICX C000004121 BLACKROCK BGIBX 0000844779 S000001521 BLACKROCK GNMA PORTFOLIO C000004122 INSTITUTIONAL BGNIX C000004123 SERVICE BGPSX C000004124 INVESTOR A BGPAX C000004125 INVESTOR B BGPBX C000004126 INVESTOR C BGPCX C000004127 BLACKROCK BBGPX 0000844779 S000001522 BLACKROCK MUNICIPAL MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO C000004128 INVESTOR B C000004129 INVESTOR C C000004130 INSTITUTIONAL PNMXX C000004131 SERVICE PNTXX C000004132 INVESTOR A CPAXX C000004133 HILLIARD LYONS BMHXX 0000844779 S000001523 BLACKROCK NJ MUNI MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO C000004134 INVESTOR B C000004135 INVESTOR C C000004136 INSTITUTIONAL BNJXX C000004137 SERVICE CMFXX C000004138 INVESTOR A CNJXX 0000844779 S000001524 BLACKROCK NC MUNI MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO C000004139 INVESTOR C C000004140 INSTITUTIONAL PNCXX C000004141 SERVICE CNCXX C000004142 INVESTOR A CNAXX C000004143 INVESTOR B BCBXX 0000844779 S000001525 BLACKROCK OHIO MUNI MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO C000004144 INVESTOR B C000004145 INVESTOR C C000004146 INSTITUTIONAL COIXX C000004147 SERVICE POSXX C000004148 INVESTOR A COHXX 0000844779 S000001526 BLACKROCK PA MUNI MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO C000004149 INVESTOR B C000004150 INVESTOR C C000004151 INSTITUTIONAL PPIXX C000004152 SERVICE PNSXX C000004153 INVESTOR A PENXX 0000844779 S000001527 BLACKROCK VA MUNI MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO C000004154 INVESTOR B C000004155 INVESTOR C C000004156 INSTITUTIONAL PVIXX C000004157 SERVICE CVAXX C000004158 INVESTOR A BVAXX 0000844779 S000001528 BLACKROCK LARGE CAP VALUE EQUITY PORTFOLIO C000004159 INSTITUTIONAL PNVEX C000004160 SERVICE PNVSX C000004161 INVESTOR A PNVIX C000004162 INVESTOR B CLCVX C000004163 INVESTOR C BLVCX 0000844779 S000001862 BLACKROCK MANAGED INCOME PORTFOLIO C000004839 INSTITUTIONAL PNMIX C000004840 SERVICE PMISX C000004841 INVESTOR A CMIAX C000004842 INVESTOR B BMIBX C000004843 INVESTOR C BMICX 0000844779 S000001863 BLACKROCK DELAWARE TAX FREE INCOME PORTFOLIO C000004844 INSTITUTIONAL BDTIX C000004845 SERVICE BDISX C000004846 INVESTOR A BDIAX C000004847 INVESTOR B BDIBX C000004848 INVESTOR C BDICX 0000844779 S000001864 BLACKROCK KENTUCKY TAX FREE INCOME PORTFOLIO C000004849 INSTITUTIONAL BKTIX C000004850 SERVICE BKISX C000004851 INVESTOR A BKIAX C000004852 INVESTOR B BKIBX C000004853 INVESTOR C BKICX 0000844779 S000001865 BLACKROCK INTERMEDIATE PLUS BOND PORTFOLIO C000004854 INSTITUTIONAL BPBIX C000004855 SERVICE BPBSX C000004856 INVESTOR A BPBAX C000004857 INVESTOR B BPBBX C000004858 INVESTOR C BPBCX C000004859 BLACKROCK BPRBX 0000844779 S000001866 BLACKROCK INFLATION PROTECTED BOND PORTFOLIO C000004860 INSTITUTIONAL BPRIX C000004861 SERVICE BPRSX C000004862 INVESTOR A BPRAX C000004863 INVESTOR B BPIBX C000004864 INVESTOR C BPRCX C000004865 BLACKROCK BPLBX 0000844779 S000001867 BLACKROCK DIVIDEND ACHIEVERS PORTFOLIO C000004866 INSTITUTIONAL BDAIX C000004867 SERVICE BDASX C000004868 INVESTOR A BDAVX C000004869 INVESTOR B BDABX C000004870 INVESTOR C BDACX 0000844779 S000001868 BLACKROCK STRATEGIC PORTFOLIO I C000004871 INSTITUTIONAL 0000844779 S000001869 BLACKROCK ALL CAP GLOBAL RESOURCES PORTFOLIO C000004872 BLACKROCK C000004873 INSTITUTIONAL BACIX C000004874 SERVICE BACSX C000004875 INVESTOR A BACAX C000004876 INVESTOR B BACBX C000004877 INVESTOR C BACCX 0000844779 S000001870 BLACKROCK ASSET ALLOCATION C000004878 INSTITUTIONAL PBAIX C000004879 SERVICE PCBSX C000004880 INVESTOR A PCBAX C000004881 INVESTOR B CBIBX C000004882 INVESTOR C BRBCX 0000844779 S000001871 BLACKROCK MID CAP VALUE C000004883 INSTITUTIONAL CMVIX C000004884 SERVICE CMVSX C000004885 INVESTOR A BMCAX C000004886 INVESTOR B BMCVX C000004887 INVESTOR C BMCCX 0000844779 S000001872 BLACKROCK AURORA PORTFOLIO C000004888 INSTITUTIONAL SSRCX C000004889 SERVICE SSRSX C000004890 INVESTOR A SSRAX C000004891 INVESTOR B SSRPX C000004892 INVESTOR C SSRDX 0000844779 S000001873 BLACKROCK ULTRASHORT MUNICIPAL PORTFOLIO C000004893 INSTITUTIONAL BRUIX C000004894 SERVICE BRMSX C000004895 INVESTOR A BRMAX C000004896 BLACKROCK BUMPX 0000844779 S000001874 BLACKROCK SMALL/MID CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO C000004897 INSTITUTIONAL SSEGX C000004898 SERVICE SSPSX C000004899 INVESTOR A SCGAX C000004900 INVESTOR B SRCBX C000004901 INVESTOR C SGCDX 0000844779 S000001875 BLACKROCK GLOBAL RESOURCES PORTFOLIO C000004902 INSTITUTIONAL SGLSX C000004903 SERVICE SSRGX C000004904 INVESTOR A SSGRX C000004905 INVESTOR B SSGPX C000004906 INVESTOR C SSGDX 0000844779 S000001876 BLACKROCK LEGACY PORTFOLIO C000004907 INSTITUTIONAL SRLSX C000004908 SERVICE SSSLX C000004909 INVESTOR A SRLAX C000004910 INVESTOR B SRLPX C000004911 INVESTOR C SRLCX 0000844779 S000001877 BLACKROCK HEALTH SCIENCES PORTFOLIO C000004912 INSTITUTIONAL SHSSX C000004913 SERVICE SHISX C000004914 INVESTOR A SHSAX C000004915 INVESTOR B SHSPX C000004916 INVESTOR C SHSCX 0000844779 S000001878 BLACKROCK EXCHANGE PORTFOLIO C000004917 BLACKROCK STSEX 0000844779 S000001879 BLACKROCK ENHANCED INCOME PORTFOLIO C000004918 INSTITUTIONAL BRIIX C000004919 SERVICE BRISX C000004920 INVESTOR A BRIVX C000004921 BLACKROCK BEIPX 0000844779 S000001880 BLACKROCK HIGH YIELD BOND PORTFOLIO C000004922 INSTITUTIONAL BHYIX C000004923 SERVICE BHYSX C000004924 INVESTOR A BHYAX C000004925 INVESTOR B BHYBX C000004926 INVESTOR C BHYCX C000004927 BLACKROCK BRHYX 0000844779 S000001881 BLACKROCK INTERNATIONAL BOND PORTFOLIO C000004928 INSTITUTIONAL CINSX C000004929 SERVICE CIFIX C000004930 INVESTOR A BIIAX C000004931 INVESTOR B BIIBX C000004932 INVESTOR C BIBCX C000004933 BLACKROCK BIBBX 0000844779 S000001882 BLACKROCK TAX FREE INCOME PORTFOLIO C000004934 INSTITUTIONAL CTFIX C000004935 SERVICE CMITX C000004936 INVESTOR A CCTAX C000004937 INVESTOR B BTIBX C000004938 INVESTOR C BTICX C000004939 BLACKROCK BRTIX 0000844779 S000001883 BLACKROCK PA TAX-FREE INCOME PORTFOLIO C000004940 INSTITUTIONAL CCPAX C000004941 SERVICE CMPAX C000004942 INVESTOR A PNPAX C000004943 INVESTOR B CPAIX C000004944 INVESTOR C BPACX 0000844779 S000001884 BLACKROCK NJ TAX-FREE INCOME PORTFOLIO C000004945 INSTITUTIONAL BNJIX C000004946 SERVICE CMNJX C000004947 INVESTOR A BNJAX C000004948 INVESTOR B BNJBX C000004949 INVESTOR C BNJCX 0000844779 S000001885 BLACKROCK OHIO TAX-FREE INCOME PORTFOLIO C000004950 INSTITUTIONAL CCOIX C000004951 SERVICE COHSX C000004952 INVESTOR A CCOAX C000004953 INVESTOR B CCOHX C000004954 INVESTOR C BOHCX 0000844779 S000008399 BLACKROCK GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES PORTFOLIO C000023028 INSTITUTIONAL CLASS C000023029 SERVICE CLASS C000023030 INVESTOR A CLASS C000023031 INVESTOR B CLASS C000023032 INVESTOR C CLASS 0000844779 S000012042 BLACKROCK CORE EQUITY PORTFOLIO C000032783 INSTITUTIONAL DEFA14A 1 a06-12613_6defa14a.htm DEFINITIVE ADDITIONAL PROXY SOLICITING MATERIALS

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.     )

 

Filed by the Registrant  ý

 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  o

 

Check the appropriate box:

o

Preliminary Proxy Statement

o

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

o

Definitive Proxy Statement

ý

Definitive Additional Materials

o

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

BlackRock FundsSM

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

ý

No fee required.

o

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

(1)

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

 

 

(2)

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

 

 

(3)

Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 

 

 

 

(4)

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 

 

 

 

(5)

Total fee paid:

 

 

 

o

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

o

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

(1)

Amount Previously Paid:

 

 

 

 

(2)

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 

 

 

 

(3)

Filing Party:

 

 

 

 

(4)

Date Filed:

 

 

 


 


 

Vote your proxy today!

 

Earlier this year BlackRock announced plans to combine with another highly regarded asset manager—Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (MLIM). This transaction is expected to be completed at the end of the third quarter of 2006, subject to various regulatory and shareholder approvals and customary closing conditions.

 

BlackRock and Merrill Lynch Investment Managers possess complementary capabilities that will create an organization uniting some of the finest money managers in the industry. After the transaction is complete, the new firm, which will be called BlackRock, will be one of the top-10 investment managers worldwide, entrusted with over $1 trillion in assets under management (based on combined assets under management as of March 31, 2006).

 

Upcoming changes at BlackRock require that mutual fund shareholders vote their proxies

 

 


Mail


Phone


Internet


In Person

 

 

BLACKROCK



BLACKROCK

 

June 15, 2006

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

A special meeting of the shareholders of the portfolios (the “Portfolios”) of BlackRock FundsSM (the “Fund”) will be held at the Omni Berkshire Place, 21 East 52nd Street at Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022, in the Guggenheim Room, on August 22, 2006, at 11 a.m., Eastern time, to vote on the proposals listed in the enclosed Proxy Statement.

 

BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) is the parent company of the Fund’s investment advisers and sub-advisers. BlackRock and Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (“Merrill Lynch”) announced on February 15, 2006 that they had reached an agreement pursuant to which Merrill Lynch will contribute its investment management business, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, to BlackRock, one of the largest publicly traded investment management firms in the United States, to form a new asset management company that will be one of the world’s preeminent, diversified global money management organizations with approximately $1 trillion in assets under management (the “Transaction”). Based in New York, BlackRock currently manages assets for institutional and individual investors worldwide through a variety of equity, fixed income, cash management and alternative investment products. The new company will operate under the BlackRock name and be governed by a board of directors with a majority of independent members. The new company will offer a full range of equity, fixed income, cash management and alternative investment products with strong representation in both retail and institutional channels, in the United States and in non-U.S. markets. It will have over 4,500 employees in 18 countries and a major presence in most key markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Europe. The Transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of Merrill Lynch, BlackRock and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., BlackRock’s current majority shareholder, and is expected to close at the end of the third quarter of 2006.

 

Although BlackRock has informed the Board of Trustees of the Fund that it does not believe the Transaction will be an assignment of the current investment advisory and, if applicable, sub-advisory agreements of the Portfolios under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, it is possible that the Transaction could be determined to be such an assignment, which would result in the automatic termination of each current agreement. Due to this uncertainty, each Portfolio is submitting a new investment advisory agreement and, in certain cases, a new sub-advisory agreement to shareholders to prevent any potential disruption in the adviser’s and, if applicable, sub-adviser’s ability to provide services after the Transaction is completed. Each Portfolio’s total fees for advisory services will remain the same under its new investment advisory agreement and, where applicable, sub-advisory agreement. In addition, we are asking shareholders of the Delaware Tax-Free Income, Ohio Tax-Free Income, Kentucky Tax-Free Income, New Jersey Tax-Free Income and Pennsylvania Tax-Free Income Portfolios to approve a change to each Portfolio’s fundamental investment policy regarding investments in municipal securities.

 

The Fund’s Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the proposals and recommends that you vote FOR the proposals described in the Proxy Statement.

 

We encourage you to read the attached Proxy Statement in full. By way of introduction, following this letter we have included questions and answers regarding this proxy solicitation. The information is designed to help you cast your vote as a shareholder of the Fund, and is being provided as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, your proxy materials, which we urge you to review carefully.

 

You are invited to attend the meeting in person. If you do not expect to attend the meeting, we encourage you to vote by completing, signing and dating the enclosed proxy card and promptly returning it in the accompanying postage-paid return envelope OR by following the enclosed instructions to vote by telephone or over the Internet. Your vote on these matters is important.

 

If you have any questions about the proposals to be voted on, please call our proxy solicitor, Computershare Fund Services, at 1-866-390-5114.

 

Sincerely,

 

David R. Wilmerding, Jr.

Chairman of the Board

 

 

Please vote now. Your vote is important.

 

To avoid the wasteful and unnecessary expense of further solicitation, we urge you to promptly indicate your voting instructions on the enclosed proxy card, date and sign it and return it in the envelope provided, no matter how large or small your holdings may be. If you submit a properly executed proxy but do not indicate how you wish your shares to be voted, your shares will be voted “For” the Reorganization. If your shares are held through a broker, you must provide voting instructions to your broker about how to vote your shares in order for your broker to vote your shares at the Special Meeting.

 

 



 

Questions and Answers

 

While we encourage you to read the full text of the enclosed Proxy Statement, for your convenience, we have provided a brief overview of the matters to be voted on.

 

Q.

 

What am I being asked to vote “FOR” in this proxy?

 

 

 

A.

 

You are being asked to vote in favor of proposals to:

 

 

 

1.

 

Approve a new investment advisory agreement with an affiliate of BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) for your portfolio (each, a “Portfolio” and collectively, the “Portfolios”). This new investment advisory agreement will take effect when the contribution of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.’s (“Merrill Lynch”) investment management business to BlackRock is complete or, if such contribution is not completed, at such time as the Board of Trustees of the Fund determines.

 

 

 

2.

 

Approve a new sub-advisory agreement, if applicable, with an affiliate of BlackRock for your Portfolio. This new sub-advisory agreement will take effect when the contribution of Merrill Lynch’s investment management business to BlackRock is complete or, if such contribution is not completed, at such time as the Board of Trustees of the Fund determines.

 

 

 

3.

 

Approve a change to the fundamental investment policy of the Delaware Tax-Free Income, Ohio Tax-Free Income, Kentucky Tax-Free Income, New Jersey Tax- Free Income and Pennsylvania Tax-Free Income Portfolios regarding investments in municipal securities. These changes will take effect when the contribution of Merrill Lynch’s investment management business to BlackRock is complete or, if such contribution is not completed, at such time as the Board of Trustees of the Fund determines.

 

 

 

Q.

 

Why am I being asked to vote on a new investment advisory agreement and sub-advisory agreement, if applicable?

 

 

 

A.

 

BlackRock is the parent company of the Fund’s investment advisers and sub-advisers, BlackRock Advisors, Inc., BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., BlackRock International, Ltd. and BlackRock Institutional Management Corporation. BlackRock and Merrill Lynch announced on February 15, 2006 that they had reached an agreement pursuant to which Merrill Lynch will contribute its investment management business, Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (“MLIM”), to BlackRock, one of the largest publicly traded investment management firms in the United States, to form a new asset management company that will be one of the world’s preeminent, diversified global money management organizations with approximately $1 trillion in assets under management (the “Transaction”). The new company will operate under the BlackRock name and be governed by a board of directors with a majority of independent members. Although BlackRock has informed the Board of Trustees of the Fund that it does not believe the Transaction will be an assignment of the current investment advisory and, if applicable, sub-advisory agreements of the Portfolios under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, it is possible that the Transaction could be determined to be such an assignment, which would result in the automatic termination of each current agreement. Due to this uncertainty, each Portfolio is submitting a new investment advisory agreement and, in certain cases, a new sub-advisory agreement to shareholders to prevent any potential disruption in the adviser’s and, if applicable, sub-adviser’s ability to provide services after the Transaction is completed. Each Portfolio’s total fees for advisory services will remain the same under its new investment advisory agreement and, where applicable, sub-advisory agreement.

 

 



 

Q.

 

What is the rationale for the Transaction?

 

 

 

A.

 

The contribution of MLIM to BlackRock will form one of the world’s preeminent, diversified global money management organizations with approximately $1 trillion in assets under management. The new company will offer a full range of equity, fixed income, cash management and alternative investment products with strong representation in both retail and institutional channels, in the United States and in non-U.S. markets. It will have over 4,500 employees in 18 countries and a major presence in most key markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Europe. The Transaction also will create operating efficiencies and the new company will offer its clients enhanced portfolio management capabilities.

 

 

 

Q.

 

How will the Transaction potentially benefit me?

 

 

 

A.

 

The new company will offer you even greater access to a well-diversified product mix across asset classes and an enhanced ability to serve your investment needs.

 

 

 

Q.

 

How does the proposed new investment advisory agreement for my Portfolio differ from the current agreement?

 

 

 

A.

 

The advisory fees payable by each Portfolio to its investment adviser under its new investment advisory agreement are identical to those under the current agreement. While the other terms of each new investment advisory agreement generally are substantially similar to those of the current agreements, certain changes are being proposed in each new investment advisory agreement in order to standardize terms and language across all BlackRock- and MLIM-sponsored funds. These changes are described in detail in the Proxy Statement.

 

 

 

Q.

 

How does the proposed new sub-advisory agreement for my Portfolio differ from the current agreement?

 

 

 

A.

 

The sub-advisory fees payable by the adviser to the sub-adviser under each new sub-advisory agreement are identical to those under the current agreements. While the other terms of each new sub-advisory agreement generally are substantially similar to those of the current agreements, certain changes are being proposed in each new sub-advisory agreement in order to standardize terms and language across all BlackRock- and MLIM-sponsored funds. These changes are described in detail in the Proxy Statement.

 

 

 

Q.

 

Will my Portfolio’s total fees for advisory services increase?

 

 

 

A.

 

No. The total fees payable under your current investment advisory agreement will remain the same under the new investment advisory agreement. Any fees payable under a new sub-advisory agreement will be paid solely by your Portfolio’s adviser at no additional cost to you or your Portfolio.

 

 

 

Q.

 

Will there be any change to my Portfolio’s adviser or sub-adviser following the Transaction?

 

 

 

A.

 

No. The same BlackRock entities that currently advise and, if applicable, sub-advise your Portfolio will continue to do so after the closing of the Transaction. However, there will be changes to the portfolio management teams of certain Portfolios as a result of the Transaction, as described in the Proxy Statement.

 

 

 

Q.

 

Why am I being asked to approve a change to the fundamental investment policy of the Delaware Tax-Free Income, Ohio Tax-Free Income, Kentucky Tax-Free Income, New Jersey Tax-Free Income and Pennsylvania Tax-Free Income Portfolios regarding investments in municipal securities?

 

 

 

A.

 

Each Portfolio’s investment adviser and sub-adviser have determined that the proposed change would enable the portfolio management team to pursue a broader range of investment opportunities and reflects changes in the municipal securities markets.

 

 



 

Q.

 

What is the effect of the proposed change to the fundamental investment policy of the Delaware Tax-Free Income, Ohio Tax-Free Income, Kentucky Tax-Free Income, New Jersey Tax-Free Income and Pennsylvania Tax-Free Income Portfolios regarding investments in municipal securities?

 

 

 

A.

 

The proposed change to each Portfolio’s fundamental investment policy is to remove the requirement that at least 80% of the Portfolio’s assets normally be invested in securities the interest on which the Portfolio manager believes is exempt from the Federal Alternative Minimum Tax. If the proposal is approved, the Portfolios will not be required to invest any portion of their respective assets in securities the interest on which is exempt from the Federal Alternative Minimum Tax, and each Portfolio may invest without limit in securities the interest on which may be subject to the Federal Alternative Minimum Tax. Interest on these securities that is received by taxpayers subject to the Federal Alternative Minimum Tax is taxable. As a result, a shareholder’s tax liability may change if this proposal is approved. In addition, each Portfolio’s name will be changed, as described in the Proxy Statement.

 

 

 

Q.

 

How does the Board of Trustees suggest I vote in connection with the matters to be considered at the meeting?

 

 

 

A.

 

After careful consideration, the Board of Trustees of the Fund unanimously recommends that you vote FOR each of the proposals being presented to shareholders at the meeting.

 

 

 

Q.

 

Will my vote make a difference?

 

 

 

A.

 

Your vote is needed to ensure that the proposals can be acted upon. We encourage all shareholders to participate in the governance of their Fund.

 

 

 

Q.

 

Is the Fund paying for preparation, printing and mailing of these proxy materials?

 

 

 

A.

 

No, all costs will be borne by Merrill Lynch and BlackRock whether or not the proposals are successful.

 

 

 

Q.

 

Whom do I call if I have questions?

 

 

 

A.

 

If you need any assistance, or have any questions regarding the proposals or how to vote your shares, please call our proxy solicitor, Computershare Fund Services, at 1-866-390-5114.

 

 

 

Q.

 

How do I vote my shares?

 

 

 

A.

 

You can vote your shares by attending the meeting, or if you do not expect to attend, by completing, signing and dating the enclosed proxy card, and mailing it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Alternatively, you may vote by telephone by calling the toll-free number on the proxy card or by computer by going to the Internet address provided on the proxy card and following the instructions, using your proxy card as a guide.

 

 

If you need any assistance, or have any questions regarding the proposals or how to vote your shares, please call 1-866-390-5114.

 

Please don’t delay! It is important that you vote today. Your prompt response will avoid additional mailings.

 

 

 



 

BlackRock FundsSM

100 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, Delaware 19809 (800) 441-7762

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This communication, and other statements that BlackRock may make, including statements about the benefits of the transaction with Merrill Lynch, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to BlackRock’s future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “trend,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions. BlackRock cautions that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and BlackRock assumes no duty to and does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance. In addition to factors previously disclosed in BlackRock’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reports and those identified elsewhere in this communication, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: (1) the ability of BlackRock to complete the transaction with Merrill Lynch; (2) BlackRock’s ability to successfully integrate the MLIM business with its existing business; (3) the ability of BlackRock to effectively manage the former MLIM assets along with its historical assets under management; (4) the relative and absolute investment performance of BlackRock’s investment products, including its separately-managed accounts and the former MLIM business; and (5) BlackRock’s success in maintaining distribution of its products. BlackRock’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K and BlackRock’s subsequent reports filed with the SEC, accessible on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and on BlackRock’s website at http://www.blackrock.com, discuss these factors in more detail and identify additional factors that can affect forward-looking statements. The information contained on our website is not a part of this press release.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT

 

In connection with the proposed transactions, a registration statement of New BlackRock, Inc. (Registration No. 333-134916), which includes a preliminary proxy statement of BlackRock, and other materials have been filed with the SEC and are publicly available. The proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to the stockholders of BlackRock. STOCKHOLDERS OF BLACKROCK ARE ADVISED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE, BECAUSE IT WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Such proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other relevant documents may also be obtained, free of charge, on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website (http://www.sec.gov) or by contacting our Secretary, BlackRock, Inc., 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022.

 

PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION

 

BlackRock and certain persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies relating to the proposed transactions. The participants in such solicitation may include BlackRock’s executive officers and directors. Further information regarding persons who may be deemed participants is available in the proxy statement/prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the transactions.

 

 

WR-OE

 

BLACKROCK


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