M&G PLC, through its subsidiary M&G Investment Management Limited, has disclosed a 2.18% interest in DS Smith Plc. The disclosure, made in accordance with Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code, indicates that M&G PLC owns and/or controls 30,075,006 relevant securities of DS Smith Plc. The disclosure also includes details of a purchase of 1,685,790 securities at a price of £3.2629 per unit on 1st March 2024.

The disclosure further clarifies that M&G does not have discretion regarding voting rights in respect of 124,485 shares that are included in the total above. Additionally, it states that there are no indemnity or option arrangements, agreements, arrangements, or understandings relating to options or derivatives between M&G PLC and any other party.

The disclosure does not include any attachments such as a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions). The contact person for this disclosure is Hannah Azlin, and the date of disclosure is 4th March 2024. It also provides contact information for the Panel's Market Surveillance Unit for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements.

This disclosure provides transparency about M&G PLC's significant interest in DS Smith Plc and its recent purchase of securities, in compliance with the regulatory requirements of the Takeover Code.