Compass Group PLC has disclosed the acquisition of 86,000 of its ordinary shares on 25 January 2024. The shares were bought in line with the authority granted by shareholders at the 2023 Annual General Meeting. The company intends to hold these shares in treasury for potential use in employee share schemes or other allocations. The purchases were made through the company's broker, BNP Paribas Financial Markets, at various venues, with the highest price paid per ordinary share ranging from £21.1800 to £21.5300.
These acquisitions are part of the company's market equivalent of $250 million share buyback announced on 4 December 2023, which is the initial stage of the company's $500 million share buyback announced on 20 November 2023. Following these purchases, the company now holds 77,222,659 ordinary shares in treasury, with 1,708,181,318 ordinary shares in issue. This total number of voting rights may be used by shareholders for disclosure purposes under the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.
The detailed breakdown of individual trades made by BNP Paribas Financial Markets on behalf of the company as part of the share buyback program is available for review. The announcement emphasizes that it does not constitute an offer or solicitation of an offer for securities in any jurisdiction. For further information, investors can contact Agatha Donnelly and Helen Javanshiri, while press inquiries can be directed to Giles Robinson. More details and the schedule of purchases can be accessed through the provided link.