WSIB statement on BGI/BlackRock merger (June 12, 2009) Olympia - Although no immediate changes are expected to result from today's announcement that BlackRock, Inc. will buy Barclays Global Investors (BGI) from its parent company Barclays PLC, the Washington State Investment Board (WSIB) will closely monitor the situation as it unfolds. As of June 8, 2009 the WSIB's investments with BGI and BlackRock totaled $10.2 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. Both BGI and BlackRock are highly respected organizations in the industry and their executive management teams have established long-term, reliable, and conscientious relationships with the WSIB. Obviously, mergers of this size can be challenging and the WSIB will be carefully observing how they are dealt with and resolved. Our primary interest is making sure the final outcome serves the best interests of those who benefit from the retirement and other public trust funds managed by the WSIB. View BGI's Press Release