BlackRock and Mizuho Sign Business Alliance Agreement

BlackRock, Inc. BLK and Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. MFG announced today that they have signed a Business Alliance Agreement that will further promote strategic cooperation between the two firms in Japan and Asia. The two firms had announced their intent to sign the agreement in November 2010 in connection with the secondary offering and direct placement of approximately three million shares of BlackRock's common stock with Mizuho. Under the terms of the agreement, representatives from the two firms will establish steering committees that will meet regularly and work together to address the investment needs of their respective clients globally. The firms will put particular emphasis on Asia including further cooperation in product development and distribution in Japan.