BlackRock : Current report filing

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d)

of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 27, 2020

BLACKROCK, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE	001-33099	32-0174431
(State or other jurisdiction	(Commission	(IRS Employer
of incorporation)	File Number)	Identification No.)
55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York		10055
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: [phone]

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class		Trading		Name of exchange
	Symbol(s)		on which registered
Common Stock, $.01 par value		BLK		New York Stock Exchange
1.250% Notes due 2025		BLK25		New York Stock Exchange

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

• Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
• Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
• Pre-commencementcommunications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
• Pre-commencementcommunications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation Under an Off-balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

On January 27, 2020, BlackRock, Inc. ("BlackRock" or the "Company") completed its underwritten public offering of $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 2.400% Notes due 2030 (the "Notes") pursuant to BlackRock's registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-224504).

The Notes were issued pursuant to the Senior Indenture, dated as of September 17, 2007, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York), as trustee (the "Indenture").

At any time and from time to time, prior to January 30, 2030 (three (3) months prior to maturity), the Company may redeem the Notes at a "make- whole" redemption price (as defined in the Notes). The notes may be redeemed on or after January 30, 2030 (three (3) months prior to maturity) in whole or in part at any time, at the Company's option, at 100% of the principal amount of the notes. In the case of any such redemption, the Company will also pay accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.

Each of the following constitutes an event of default under the Indenture: (1) failure to pay any interest on any debt security of such series when due and payable, continued for 30 days; (2) failure to pay any principal when due of such series at its maturity; (3) failure to observe or perform any other covenants or agreements of the Company with respect to such debt securities for 60 days after the Company receives notice of such failure; or (4) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.

The Indenture includes requirements that must be met if the Company consolidates or merges with, or sells all or substantially all of the Company's assets to, another entity.

The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the Indenture, a copy of which is in Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and the Notes, a form of which is attached as Exhibit 4.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

1. Exhibits

4.1* Indenture, dated September 17, 2007, between BlackRock, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as trustee.

4.2 Form of Note for the 2.400% Notes due 2030.

5.1 Opinion Letter of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP regarding the validity of the Notes.

23.1 Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1).

104 Cover Page Interactive Date File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

• Incorporated by reference to BlackRock, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

EXHIBIT INDEX

4.1*Indenture, dated September 17, 2007, between BlackRock, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as trustee.

4.2Form of Note for the 2.400% Notes due 2030.

5.1Opinion Letter of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP regarding the validity of the Notes.

23.1Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1).

104 Cover Page Interactive Date File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

• Incorporated by reference to BlackRock, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	BlackRock, Inc.
	(Registrant)
	By: /s/ Gary S. Shedlin
Date: January 27, 2020		Gary S. Shedlin
		Chief Financial Officer and
		Senior Managing Director

Exhibit 4.2

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION ("DTC"), TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

	BLACKROCK, INC.
	2.400% Note due 2030
No.	CUSIP No. 09247X AQ4
	ISIN: US09247XAQ43
	$500,000,000

BlackRock, Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of Delaware (herein called the "Company," which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum of FIVE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS ($500,000,000) on April 30, 2030, and to pay interest thereon from January 27, 2020 or the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or provided for, on April 30 and October 30 in each year, beginning on April 30, 2020, at the rate of 2.400% per annum. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be the April 15 or October 15 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and any such interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in New York, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereof has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated: January 27, 2020

BLACKROCK, INC.

By:

Name:

Title:

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within mentioned Indenture.

The Bank of New York Mellon,

As Trustee

By:

Authorized Signatory

Dated:

BLACKROCK, INC.

2.400% Note due 2030

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of September 17, 2007 (herein called the "Indenture," which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (herein called the "Trustee," which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof, initially limited in aggregate principal amount to $1,000,000,000. The Company may, from time to time, without the consent of the holders of the Securities of this series, issue additional Securities under the Indenture having the same ranking and the same interest rate, maturity and other terms as this series of Securities. Any additional Securities having such similar terms, together with any outstanding Securities of this series, will constitute a single series of Securities under the Indenture if either such additional Securities are part of the same "issue" within the meaning of U.S. Treasury Regulation Sections 1.1275-1(f) or 1.1275-2(k), or such additional Securities are not issued with more than a de minimis amount of original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes, unless such additional securities are issued under a separate

CUSIP.

The Securities of this series will be redeemable as a whole or in part, at the Company's option at any time, prior to January 30, 2030 (three (3) months prior to maturity) at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) the principal amount of such Securities to be redeemed and (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus 10 basis points, plus in each case accrued interest thereon to the date of redemption.

The Securities may be redeemed on or after January 30, 2030 (three (3) months prior to maturity) in whole or in part at any time, at the Company's option, at 100% of the principal amount of the Securities. In the case of any such redemption, the Company will also pay accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the redemption date.

"Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity or interpolated (on a day count basis) of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption date.

"Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security or securities selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having an actual or interpolated maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Securities of this series to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of a comparable maturity to the remaining term of such Securities.

"Independent Investment Banker" means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers appointed by the Company.

"Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, (1) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (2) if the Company obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations.

"Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Company, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Company by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 3:30 p.m. New York time on the third business day preceding such redemption date.

"Reference Treasury Dealer" means (i) J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BofA Securities, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC or any of their affiliates that are primary U.S. Government securities dealers in the City of New York, and their respective successors; provided that if the foregoing or any of their affiliates shall cease to be a primary U.S. Government securities dealer in The City of New York (a "Primary Treasury Dealer"), the Company shall substitute therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer; and (ii) one other Primary Treasury Dealer selected by the Company.

Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of Securities of this series.

Unless the Company defaults in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date interest will cease to accrue on the Securities of this series or portions thereof called for redemption.

In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness of this Security or certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security, in each case upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Security shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee, and the Trustee shall not have

received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Securities of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Security for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or any premium or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in

excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company or the Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

This Security shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York.

Exhibit 5.1

[LETTERHEAD OF SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM LLP]

January 27, 2020

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

383 Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10179

BofA Securities, Inc.

One Bryant Park

New York, New York 10036

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

550 South Tryon Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

Re:	BlackRock, Inc. - 2.400% Notes due 2030

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as special United States counsel to BlackRock, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the public offering of $1,000,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's 2.400% Notes due 2030 (the "Securities") to be issued under the Indenture, dated as of September 17, 2007 (the "Indenture"), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York), as trustee (the "Trustee").

This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").

BlackRock, Inc.

January 27, 2020

Page 2

In rendering the opinions stated herein, we have examined and relied upon the following:

1. the registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-224504) of the Company relating to the Securities and other securities of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on April 27, 2018 under the Securities Act allowing for delayed offerings pursuant to Rule 415 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Act (the "Rules and Regulations"), including the information deemed to be a part of the registration statement pursuant to Rule 430B of the Rules and Regulations (such registration statement being hereinafter referred to as the "Registration Statement");
2. the prospectus, dated April 27, 2018 (the "Base Prospectus"), which forms a part of and is included in the Registration Statement;
3. the preliminary prospectus supplement, dated January 16, 2020 (together with the Base Prospectus, the "Preliminary Prospectus") relating to the offering of the Securities, in the form filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations;
4. the prospectus supplement, dated January 16, 2020 (together with the Base Prospectus, the "Prospectus"), relating to the offering of the Securities, in the form filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Rules and Regulations;
5. an executed copy of the Underwriting Agreement, dated January 16, 2020 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), between the Company and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BofA Securities, Inc., and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as representatives of the several Underwriters named therein (the "Underwriters"), relating to the sale by the Company to the Underwriters of the Securities;
6. an executed copy of the Indenture;
7. an executed copy of the Officers' Certificate establishing the form and terms of the Securities pursuant to Sections 102, 301 and 303 of
   the Indenture;
8. executed copies of the global certificates evidencing the Securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (the "Note Certificates") in the form delivered by the Company to the Trustee for authentication and delivery;
9. an executed copy of a certificate of R. Andrew Dickson III, the Managing Director and Corporate Secretary of the Company, dated the date hereof (the "Secretary's Certificate");
10. a copy of the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as of January 15, 2020, and in effect on July 27, 2007, and as of the date hereof, certified pursuant to the Secretary's Certificate;

BlackRock, Inc.

January 27, 2020

Page 3

1. a copy of the Company's Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended and in effect on July 27, 2007, and as of the date hereof, certified pursuant to the Secretary's Certificate; and
2. copies of certain resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company, adopted on July 27, 2007, January 11, 2018 and March 21, 2019, certified by the Secretary of the Company pursuant to the Secretary's Certificate.

We have also examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such records of the Company and such agreements, certificates and receipts of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Company and others, and such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinions stated below.

In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity and competency of all natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as facsimile, electronic, certified or photocopied copies, and the authenticity of the originals of such copies. As to any facts relevant to the opinions stated herein that we did not independently establish or verify, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others and of public officials, including those in the Secretary's Certificate and the factual representations and warranties contained in the Underwriting Agreement.

We do not express any opinion with respect to the laws of any jurisdiction other than (i) the laws of the State of New York and (ii) the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "DGCL") (all of the foregoing being referred to as "Opined-on Law").

"Transaction Documents" means the Underwriting Agreement, the Indenture and the Note Certificates.

Based upon the foregoing and subject to the qualifications and assumptions stated herein, we are of the opinion that the Note Certificates have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of the Company, duly executed by the Company under the DGCL, and when duly authenticated by the Trustee and issued and delivered by the Company against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting Agreement and the Indenture, the Note Certificates will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms under the laws of the State of New York.

The opinions stated herein are subject to the following qualifications:

1. we do not express any opinion with respect to the effect on the opinions stated herein of any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer, preference and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally, and the opinions stated herein are limited by such laws and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law);

BlackRock, Inc.

January 27, 2020

Page 4

1. 1. we do not express any opinion with respect to any law, rule or regulation that is applicable to any party to any of the Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated thereby solely because such law, rule or regulation is part of a regulatory regime applicable to any such party or any of its affiliates as a result of the specific assets or business operations of such party or such affiliates;
   2. except to the extent expressly stated in the opinions contained herein, we have assumed that each of the Transaction Documents constitutes the valid and binding obligation of each party to such Transaction Documents, enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms;
   3. we do not express any opinion with respect to the enforceability of any provision contained in any Transaction Documents relating to any indemnification, contribution, non-reliance, exculpation, release, limitation or exclusion of remedies, waiver or other provisions having similar effect that may be contrary to public policy or violative of federal or state securities laws, rules or regulations, or to the extent any such provision purports to, or has the effect of, waiving or altering any statute of limitations; and
   4. to the extent that any opinion relates to the enforceability of the choice of New York law and choice of New York forum provisions contained in any Transaction Document, the opinions stated herein are subject to the qualification that such enforceability may be subject to, in each case,
2. the exceptions and limitations in New York General Obligations Law sections 5-1401 and 5-1402 and (ii) principles of comity and constitutionality.

In addition, in rendering the foregoing opinions we have assumed that, at all applicable times:

1. neither the execution and delivery by the Company of the Transaction Documents nor the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder, including the issuance and sale of the Securities: (i) constituted or will constitute a violation of, or a default under, any lease, indenture, agreement or other instrument to which the Company or its property is subject (except that we do not make the assumption set forth in this clause (i) with respect to those agreements or instruments expressed to be governed by the laws of the State of New York which are listed in Part II of the Registration Statement or the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018), (ii) contravened or will contravene any order or decree of any governmental authority to which the Company or its property is subject, or (iii) violated or will violate any law, rule or regulation to which the Company or its property is subject (except that we do not make the assumption set forth in this clause (iii) with respect to the Opined-on Law); and

BlackRock, Inc.

January 27, 2020

Page 5

1. neither the execution and delivery by the Company of the Transaction Documents nor the performance by the Company of its obligations thereunder, including the issuance and sale of the Securities, required or will require the consent, approval, licensing or authorization of, or any filing, recording or registration with, any governmental authority under any law, rule or regulation of any jurisdiction.

We hereby consent to the reference to our firm under the heading "Legal Matters" in the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the Rules and Regulations. We also hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as an exhibit to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K being filed on the date hereof and incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement. This opinion is expressed as of the date hereof unless otherwise expressly stated, and we disclaim any undertaking to advise you of any subsequent changes in the facts stated or assumed herein or of any subsequent changes in applicable laws.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP