BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc Reports Voting Rights and Issued Share Capital as of 20 July 2026

Investment Trust Share Capital and Voting Rights Overview

BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc, a listed investment trust regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, has a share capital structure critical for understanding shareholder voting rights and notification thresholds. As of 20 July 2026, the company’s total issued ordinary share capital stands at 90,398,001 shares with a nominal value of A30.001 each.

The company holds 27,530,937 shares in treasury, which are excluded from voting rights calculations. Consequently, the effective voting share capital available to shareholders is 90,398,001 shares, representing shares held by the public rather than the company. Treasury shares do not carry voting rights and are typically reserved for capital management or employee share schemes, though no specific plans were disclosed.

Compliance with FCA Transparency Directive and Notification Rules

This disclosure complies with the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, specifically provision 5.6.1 implementing Article 15 of the EU Transparency Directive. It ensures that shareholders and the market have accurate information regarding the denominator used for calculating notification thresholds. This announcement confirms the company’s adherence to these mandatory disclosure requirements as of 20 July 2026.

Shareholders must use the disclosed 90,398,001-share figure to determine if they need to notify the company and FCA of changes in their interests under the Rules. Notification thresholds typically start at 3% and increase at whole percentage points. Accurate denominator usage is crucial to avoid inadvertent breaches of notification duties. Investors should monitor their holdings carefully against this figure.

Treasury Shares and Capital Management Considerations

The 27,530,937 treasury shares held by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited on behalf of the company represent a significant portion of total issued capital. These shares are not entitled to vote or dividends unless reissued. The sizable treasury holding, approximately 23.4% of total issued capital, offers the company flexibility for potential capital management, though no specific intentions were disclosed.

Treasury shares often support share buybacks, employee share schemes, or strategic capital flexibility. Their presence reduces circulating shares and may impact earnings per share, net asset value per share, and other performance metrics. Investors should consider these factors when evaluating the company’s capital efficiency.

Regulatory Framework and Investor Disclosure Responsibilities

The Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules are key UK regulations promoting transparency in listed company shareholdings and market integrity. Rule 5.6.1 mandates companies disclose issued share capital to enable investors to accurately assess notification obligations. This framework ensures significant shareholder identities and interests are disclosed appropriately.

Investors acquiring or disposing of interests in BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc must track their positions against the 90,398,001-share denominator to comply with notification rules. Changes in the denominator, such as share cancellations or issuances, will affect notification thresholds. Investors should maintain monitoring systems and seek independent financial and legal advice if uncertain about their obligations.

Nominal Value and Share Capital Details

Each issued ordinary share carries a nominal value of A30.001, establishing the par value for legal and regulatory purposes. This nominal value does not reflect current market price or net asset value per share, which can vary due to market conditions. Investment trust shares typically trade at premiums or discounts relative to net asset value.

Disclosing share capital with a defined nominal value provides regulatory clarity and forms the basis for the company’s capital structure and financial reporting. Treasury shares are accounted for at the same nominal value, ensuring consistency. Investors should distinguish nominal value from net asset value and market price when making investment decisions.

Management and Company Administration by BlackRock

The announcement was issued by Lucy Dina, Company Secretary at BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, which manages the trust on behalf of shareholders. BlackRock, a leading global asset manager, provides administrative, investment, and regulatory compliance services to numerous funds and trusts.

BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited operates under a management agreement with the company’s board, handling daily investment decisions and compliance. The Company Secretary’s contact details facilitate investor communication and regulatory transparency. Investors can reach out for queries regarding share capital or voting rights.

Market Impact and Investor Monitoring Guidance

This routine disclosure of total voting rights does not signal any change in the company’s financial status, strategy, or operations but serves as a vital reference for investors monitoring their holdings. The 90,398,001-share denominator remains effective until updated by future voting rights notifications following capital changes.

Investors and analysts use this data for periodic reviews of share registers and capital structures. Changes in the denominator affect threshold calculations and per-share metrics, making accurate information essential. The announcement assists investors approaching notification thresholds to verify the correct denominator.

Issued Shares Versus Treasury Shares Analysis

The company’s total issued share capital before treasury deduction is 117,928,938 shares, with 90,398,001 shares held by shareholders and 27,530,937 shares held in treasury. Treasury holdings represent about 23.3% of issued capital, a significant but typical level for an investment trust.

The relative size of treasury shares informs assessments of capital structure and potential capital management. Larger treasury holdings provide flexibility for buybacks or capital transactions without new shareholder approval but represent non-deployed capital generating no income or growth. No specific treasury share plans were disclosed; investors should monitor company reports for updates.

Regulatory Filing and Transparency Compliance

This announcement complies with regulatory filing standards, formally notifying the market of the company’s voting rights structure. Such disclosures are mandated by listing rules and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules to ensure market participants receive timely, accurate share capital information. The standardized format reflects the UK regulatory environment and the company’s commitment to FCA compliance.

Investors should note the position is as of 20 July 2026 and may change with capital transactions. FCA rules require prompt notification of voting rights changes, so investors should watch for updates. This disclosure provides a verifiable record for threshold calculations and compliance assessments.