KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- BATS Global Markets (BATS), a global operator of stock and options markets, today announced that BlackRock, Inc.'s BLK iShares® Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) business, the world's largest manager of ETFs, will list eight new ETFs on BATS Exchange, marking BATS' first primary listings.

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The iShares MSCI Norway Capped Investable Market Index Fund is scheduled to commence trading on BATS Exchange on January 24 and the remaining seven funds will begin trading soon after.

"iShares is one of the leading global providers of exchange-traded products and we are proud to kick off the new year by welcoming their new products to our market. The innovation and leadership that iShares brings to capital markets makes them the perfect partner for our first primary listings," said Joe Ratterman, Chairman and CEO of BATS Global Markets. "iShares' decision to list on BATS underscores the commitment that we are placing on ensuring our market is issuer-focused and concentrates on market quality."

"We're pleased to be the first ETF provider to list products on BATS Exchange and believe it demonstrates our continued commitment to bringing clients the most innovative and highest quality products," said Noel Archard, Global Head of Product Development & Management for iShares at BlackRock. "We appreciate the partnership and the innovative approach they are bringing to the market."

The iShares funds listing on BATS are based on MSCI indexes and are designed to provide investors an opportunity to access various international markets.

The eight funds listing on BATS Exchange include:

• iShares MSCI Norway Capped Investable Market Index Fund ENOR
• iShares MSCI Australia Small Cap Index Fund EWAS
• iShares MSCI Canada Small Cap Index Fund EWCS
• iShares MSCI Finland Capped Investable Market Index Fund EFNL
• iShares MSCI Germany Small Cap Index Fund EWGS
• iShares MSCI India Index Fund INDA
• iShares MSCI India Small Cap Index Fund SMIN
• iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small Cap Index Fund EWUS

BATS became a U.S. primary listings venue on December 2, 2011, providing issuers with an innovative, cost-effective new venue to list their stock or exchange-traded product.  BATS offers simple, flat pricing to issuers and world-class technology and customer support.

Additional information on the BATS Listings program, including the BATS Listings Rules and Listing Fees and Standards, is available on the BATS Listings website.

Companies interested in learning more about BATS Listings may email listings@batstrading.com.

About BATS Global Markets

BATS Global Markets (BATS) is a leading operator of stock and options markets around the globe. BATS operates two stock exchanges in the U.S., the BATS BZX Exchange and BYX Exchange; BATS Options, a U.S. equity options market; and BATS Europe and Chi-X Europe, which operate FSA-authorized multilateral trading facilities.  BATS' innovative and proprietary technology was developed by a dedicated core team of market and technology professionals, catering to the needs of the broker-dealer and trading community. The company is headquartered in the Kansas City, Mo., area with additional offices in New York and London. For more information, visit www.batsglobalmarkets.com.

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Disclaimer
BATS and its affiliates do not recommend or make any representation as to possible benefits from any securities or investments, or third-party products or services. Investors should undertake their own due diligence regarding their securities and investment practices. This press release speaks only as of this date. BATS disclaims any duty to update the information herein.

SOURCE BATS Global Markets