BlackRock to Acquire Claymore Investments

BlackRock, Inc. BLK, Guggenheim Partners, LLC, and Claymore Investments, Inc. today announced that BlackRock has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Claymore Canada. Upon closing, the transaction will augment BlackRock's world-class roster of investment fund products and deepen the Company's footprint in Canada. Based in Toronto, Claymore is an independent Canadian subsidiary of Guggenheim Funds Services Group, a subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC. "This transaction brings together two innovative investment fund providers and creates an unparalleled opportunity to serve our Canadian clients," said Bill Chinery, head of BlackRock Canada. "Claymore Canada brings a complementary set of ETFs to the world-class iShares® range of products and enhances our ability to compete against other investment fund providers in Canada." Som Seif, president and CEO of Claymore, commented, "advisors and investors have embraced Claymore Canada products as valuable components of their investment portfolios. BlackRock's global breadth and scale provide an excellent platform for Claymore Canada to begin its next, exciting chapter. With best-in-class risk management and operational resources, powerful distribution potential and a shared commitment to putting clients first, the combined business will offer strong opportunities for future growth."