Statement re Change of Auditor

CHANGE OF AUDITORS

The Company has undertaken a formal audit tender process for the position of statutory auditor and as a result PricewaterhouseCoopers have been appointed by the Directors as statutory auditor of the Company and they will be responsible for the audit of the Company’s accounts for the year ended 29 February 2016.

Scott Moncrieff , the Company's previous statutory auditors, ceased to hold office on 6 January 2016 and, as required by Section 519(iii) of the Companies Act 2006, Scott Moncrieff have deposited a statement with the Company of the circumstances connected with them ceasing to hold office as auditors of the Company.

In accordance with the requirements of Section 520(ii) of the Companies Act 2006, a copy of the statement received from Scott Moncrieff has been sent to all shareholders together with a letter from the Chairman.

In compliance with Listing Rule 9.6.1 the Company announces that the following documents have been submitted electronically to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM:

• Letter from Scott Moncrieff including statement of circumstances connected with ceasing to hold office as auditors

• Chairman's explanatory letter

The documents will also be available shortly on the Company's website at www.blackrock.co.uk/brsc

14 January 2016