Summary
This Form 8-K filing by iShares® COMEX® Gold Trust (IAU) on April 13, 2009, announces a significant change in ownership for its sponsor. Barclays Global Investors UK Holdings Limited, the parent company of Barclays Global Investors International, Inc. (the sponsor), has entered into an agreement to sell its interest in the sponsor and affiliated entities to Blue Sparkle, L.P. This acquisition vehicle is associated with private equity funds managed by CVC Capital Partners Group SICAV-FIS S.A. This event signals a potential shift in the management and strategic direction of the iShares® COMEX® Gold Trust, as a new ownership group, CVC Capital Partners, will likely assume control. Investors in IAU should monitor any future communications from the Trust and the new sponsor regarding operational continuity, investment strategy, and any potential impacts on the Trust's objectives and management.
Key Highlights
- 1The sponsor of iShares® COMEX® Gold Trust (IAU), Barclays Global Investors International, Inc., is set to be acquired.
- 2Barclays Global Investors UK Holdings Limited (parent company) is selling its interest in the sponsor.
- 3The buyer is Blue Sparkle, L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership.
- 4Blue Sparkle, L.P. is an investment vehicle for private equity funds affiliated with CVC Capital Partners Group SICAV-FIS S.A.
- 5This transaction involves the sale of the sponsor and certain affiliated entities.
- 6A press release dated April 9, 2009, details this agreement.
- 7The filing is dated April 13, 2009, with the earliest event reported on April 9, 2009.