BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc Updates Total Voting Rights and Treasury Shares as of July 24, 2026

Issued Share Capital and Treasury Shares Overview at BRGE

In compliance with regulatory transparency standards, BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc has disclosed its capital structure as of 24 July 2026. The company’s issued share capital, excluding treasury shares, consists of 90,303,001 ordinary shares with a nominal value of .001 each. This total represents the voting rights held by shareholders and serves as the basis for regulatory disclosure calculations.

The treasury share component, totaling 27,625,937 shares, forms part of the company’s capital management strategy. These treasury shares, although issued, carry no voting rights and are excluded from the denominator used for calculating mandatory notification thresholds. This distinction is critical for shareholders and prospective investors evaluating the company’s capital position and regulatory compliance.

FCA Transparency Rules and Shareholder Notification Requirements

This disclosure adheres to the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, specifically rule 5.6.1, which mandates that investment trusts and listed entities report total voting rights periodically or upon material changes. This ensures shareholders and the public understand the thresholds at which significant shareholdings must be reported to both the company and the FCA.

For shareholders of BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc, the key takeaway is that the denominator for all notification threshold calculations is 90,303,001 ordinary shares, excluding the 27,625,937 treasury shares. Shareholders acquiring or disposing of shares must use this figure to determine if their holdings cross FCA notification thresholds. Failure to comply may lead to regulatory penalties.

Treasury Share Management and Capital Strategy at BRGE

Treasury shares are a standard capital management tool among listed investment trusts and public companies. BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc’s treasury holdings of 27,625,937 shares represent approximately 23.4% of the total issued capital relative to the 90,303,001 shares in issue. These shares may be utilized for corporate purposes such as fulfilling share option schemes, supporting share buyback programs, or facilitating future capital raises.

From an investor perspective, a significant treasury shareholding may signal management’s confidence in the company’s value or a strategic approach to capital allocation flexibility. Treasury shares do not receive dividends nor possess voting rights, thereby proportionally reducing the voting power of other shareholders. The substantial treasury position at BRGE is an important consideration for investors assessing shareholder composition and governance.

BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc: Market Role and Investment Focus

Operating as a closed-ended investment trust, BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc offers investors exposure to equities across Greater Europe. Listed on a recognized stock exchange, the trust provides a vehicle for diversified investment in European securities through a single shareholding. This structure allows investors to benefit from professional portfolio management without direct individual stock purchases.

The trust format provides advantages including tradable shares on the secondary market, potential gearing to enhance returns, and a transparent fee structure. Managed by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, the trust benefits from the expertise of one of the world’s largest asset managers, offering institutional-level oversight and specialized regional investment knowledge.

Regulatory Compliance and Investor Safeguards

The voting rights disclosure by BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc is part of a robust regulatory framework aimed at protecting investors and preserving market integrity. The FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules enforce mandatory reporting standards for listed companies, ensuring timely updates on share capital and voting rights. These rules align with the UK’s implementation of the Transparency Directive, harmonizing disclosure across European financial markets.

Investors benefit from enhanced transparency, enabling accurate calculations of shareholdings relative to the company’s capital base and timely identification of significant shareholding changes. This transparency supports informed investment decisions and helps prevent undisclosed accumulation of substantial shareholdings.

Denominator Use and Notification Thresholds for BRGE Shareholders

The disclosed denominator of 90,303,001 ordinary shares serves as the reference point for shareholders assessing notification obligations under FCA rules. Notification is required when holdings reach, exceed, or fall below thresholds such as 3%, 5%, 10%, and further whole percentage increments. Accurate use of this denominator is vital to avoid missed or unnecessary notifications.

Shareholders should monitor changes to the denominator, which may occur due to new share issues, cancellations, or treasury share adjustments. Any material changes will prompt updated disclosures. The company’s management, via Company Secretary Lucy Dina, is available to assist shareholders with queries related to these calculations and regulatory compliance.

Impact on Potential Acquirers and Concert Party Considerations

Precise disclosure of voting rights and issued share capital is crucial for investors contemplating significant acquisitions or coordinated shareholdings. Potential bidders must base their calculations on the 90,303,001 denominator. Additionally, concert party rules, which aggregate holdings of parties acting in concert, may trigger notification obligations at lower individual shareholding levels.

Clear denominator disclosure reduces ambiguity and facilitates orderly market operations. Investors and advisers can rely on this data for transaction structuring and compliance checks, promoting fair and transparent price discovery for BRGE shares.

Contact Information for Shareholder Inquiries on BRGE Disclosures

BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc has designated Lucy Dina, Company Secretary, as the contact for shareholder questions regarding voting rights disclosures and capital structure. Shareholders can reach her at 0207 743 5324 for clarifications or guidance on notification calculations. This direct contact ensures shareholders receive accurate, up-to-date information, avoiding reliance on potentially outdated secondary sources.

This approach exemplifies best practices in investor relations and regulatory communication, supporting shareholder compliance and fostering transparency. Investors are encouraged to retain these contact details for reference during shareholding reviews or when uncertainties about calculations arise.

Summary of Capital Structure and Investor Considerations

As of 24 July 2026, BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc’s issued capital stands at 90,303,001 ordinary shares of .001 each, with treasury holdings of 27,625,937 shares, totaling 117,928,938 shares issued. This clear capital structure underpins shareholder conduct and regulatory compliance.

Investors should note this disclosure for ongoing compliance monitoring. It represents a routine but essential regulatory requirement that supports transparency and market integrity. Shareholders planning significant transactions should ensure their advisers use this denominator for threshold calculations and due diligence.