BARS Smo Gold

                              TOTAL VOTING RIGHTS                              

                   BLACKROCK ABSOLUTE RETURN STRATEGIES LTD                    

                                ("the Company")                                

In conformity with the FSA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules ("the Rules"), the Company would like to notify the market of the following:

The Company's issued share capital consisted of the following as at 30 November 2012:

- 924,618 Sterling denominated shares of no par value with 1 voting right per share

The total number of voting rights in the Company is therefore 924,618.

The above figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculation by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the Rules.

All enquiries:
BlackRock (Channel Islands) Limited,
Company Secretary
Tel: 01534 600802

Date: 3 December 2012