BlackRock, Inc. Reports 8.5% Ownership in American Financial Group Inc.

BlackRock, Inc. has filed a Schedule 13G/A amendment with the SEC, reporting an 8.5% ownership in American Financial Group Inc. (AFG). The filing indicates that BlackRock beneficially owns 7,071,034 shares of AFG's common stock, with sole voting power over 6,548,769 shares and sole dispositive power over all 7,071,034 shares. The filing also notes that various persons have the right to receive dividends or direct the sale of these shares, but no single person's interest exceeds 5% of the total outstanding shares. The filing includes certifications that the shares were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and not for the purpose of influencing control of AFG. The amendment was signed by Spencer Fleming, Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc.