Barclays Global Investors (CH) - Barclays Global Investors Announ ...

LONDON and SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- August 15, 2006 -- Barclays Global Investors (BGI) announced today it will terminate its sponsorship of the Phonak Cycling Team, effective at the end of 2006.

 

BGI's iShares® division has had a sponsorship relationship with the team since December 2005.

 

Given recent events, including the decision to disband the Phonak Cycling team, BGI has decided that a sponsorship relationship is no longer appropriate, and will re-allocate its sponsorship efforts to other opportunities worldwide.

 

Barclays Global Investors is one of the world's largest asset managers(1) providing structured investment strategies such as risk-controlled active strategies and indexing. In the U.S., BGI is one of the largest active managers(2), set apart by its risk-controlled approach. BGI manages 65% of the world's 100 largest pension plans(3) and is the global leader in assets and products in exchange traded funds through its iShares® brand with 180 ETFs. The firm managed over $1.6 trillion in assets as of 6/30/06, for more than 2,800 clients in 52 countries around the world. BGI is a majority-owned subsidiary of Barclays Bank PLC.

 

(1) Source: "P&I/Watson Wyatt World 500," Pensions & Investments, September 5, 2005.

 

(2) Source: "Special Reports: Money Manager Directory," Pensions & Investments, May 30, 2005.

 

(3) Source: "P&I/Watson Wyatt World's 250 Largest Retirement Plans," Pensions & Investments, December 27, 2004.

 

Regulatory information

 

This Press release has been issued by Barclays Global Investors Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, for journalists in Europe.

 

This Press Release appears as a matter of record only and does not constitute an offer to sell or an invitation to purchase any securities.

 

iShares is a registered mark of Barclays Global Investors N.A.

 

© 2006 Barclays Global Investors Limited

 

iShares plc and European Exchange-Traded Fund Company plc (together "the Companies") are investment companies with variable capital incorporated in Ireland and authorised by the Financial Regulator. Most of the protections provided by the UK regulatory system do not apply to the operation of the Companies, and compensation will not be available under the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme on its default. The Companies are recognised schemes for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Important information is contained in the relevant prospectus, the simplified prospectus and other documents, copies of which can be obtained by calling 0845 357 7000, from brokers or financial advisers, by writing to Barclays Global Investors Limited, iShares Business Development, Murray House, 1 Royal Mint Court, London EC3N 4HH or by writing to the Manager of iShares plc or European Exchange Traded Fund Company at: Barclays Global Investors Ireland Limited, New Century House, International Financial Services Centre, Mayor Street Lower, Dublin 1, Ireland.

 

Risk Warnings to potential investors

 

Investment in the Companies may not be advisable for all investors. Barclays Global Investors does not guarantee performance of the shares of the Funds. The value of investment (which may trade in limited markets) may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the full amount invested. Performance is not fixed and may go up and down. Past performance will not necessarily be repeated. Exchange rate movements can affect the value of investment involving exposure to foreign currencies. Taxation levels, bases and relief can change. Affiliated companies of Barclays Global Investors may make markets in the securities mentioned in this publication. Further, Barclays Global Investors and/or its affiliated companies/and or their employees from time to time may hold shares or holdings in the underlying shares of, or options on, any security included in this publication and may as principle or agent, buy or sell securities.

 

 

Contacts for journalists:

 

London

 

Esther Nass-Fetzmann

+44 207 668 7170

esther.nass-fetzmann@barclaysglobal.com

 

Melissa McVeigh

+44 207 668 8597

melissa.mcveigh@barclaysglobal.com

 

San Francisco

Lance Berg

415 597 2045

lance.berg@barclaysglobal.com

 

Other Inquiries:

www.ishares.net

or

0845 357 7000