Ascential PLC has successfully completed its Share Consolidation, following shareholder approval granted at the General Meeting on 22 April 2024. The Share Consolidation has become effective, and the company's shares are due to be admitted to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the FCA and to trading on the LSE's Main Market for listed securities. As a result of the consolidation, Ascential's issued share capital will consist of 206,214,090 Ascential Shares of 1.7 pence each, with no shares held by Ascential as treasury shares.
The company also announced its intention to return £100 million to Shareholders through on-market share buyback programs. As part of this, Ascential entered into a non-discretionary agreement with Deutsche Numis for the purchase of shares in the capital of Ascential. The maximum number of Ascential Shares that may be purchased under the Buyback Programme has been reduced to 25,898,099 Ascential Shares, reflecting the application of the Share Consolidation ratio.
At the annual general meeting held on 9 May 2024, Shareholders granted general authorities to allot Ascential Shares, disapply pre-emption rights, and make market purchases of Ascential Shares. The General Authorities have been adjusted proportionately to the new issued share capital of Ascential following the Share Consolidation.
The company provided contact information for media and investor inquiries, as well as details of the advisers involved in the Return of Value, including BofA Securities, Deutsche Numis, J.P. Morgan Cazenove, and Slaughter and May.
Shareholders are advised to refer to the Circular for detailed information on the Special Dividend, Share Consolidation, and other related matters.