BlackRock Smaller Companies Trust PLC

The BlackRock Smaller Companies Trust has started the three-year performance measurement period for its performance-based buyback offer, running from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029. The performance of the net asset value per share, including reinvestment of income, will be compared with the Deutsche Numis Smaller Companies plus AIM (excluding Investment Companies) Index. If the trust lags the benchmark, it may make a buyback offer for up to 100% of the issued share capital at a 4% discount to NAV (less costs); any execution would take place before the end of 2029. The instrument was introduced on 20 February 2026 following the merger with BlackRock Throgmorton Trust; for reporting purposes the relevant post-transaction share count is 245,113,950 shares (excluding treasury shares). » More on de.investing.com

BlackRock Smaller Companies Trust will implement a 5-for-1 share split with effect from 1 July 2026. The record date for shareholders is 30 June 2026; the last day of trading in the existing shares is also 30 June 2026. New shares will carry ISIN GB00BWQGKH23 and SEDOL BWQGKH2; the ticker will remain BRSC. Crediting in CREST and issuance of new certificates will take place in early July, subject to admission to the Official List and to trading on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. » More on de.investing.com

BlackRock Smaller Companies, after shareholder approval, takes on net assets of around £303.2m from BlackRock Throgmorton Trust and issues 20,892,579 new shares in exchange. The exchange ratio is about 0.449103 new BRSC shares for each THRG share; the new shares are due to be admitted to the London Stock Exchange main market on Friday at 08:00. After the issue, issued share capital will increase to 60,705,371 ordinary shares (excluding treasury shares), and the company holds 10,180,731 ordinary shares in treasury. Subsequently Angela Lane and Louise Nash were appointed non-executive directors and a new investment policy was adopted allowing up to 15% of gross assets to be invested in globally listed small-cap equities, although the focus remains on smaller UK companies. » More on de.investing.com