M&G PLC, through M&G Investment Management Limited, has disclosed a 2.20% interest in Smith (DS) Plc. The disclosure, made in accordance with Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code, includes the ownership of 30,304,963 relevant securities. M&G also clarified that it does not have discretion regarding voting rights in respect of 124,485 shares included in the total. The disclosure was made on 12 March 2024, with the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure being 11 March 2024.

Additionally, M&G PLC revealed that it had purchased 63,670 securities of Smith (DS) Plc at a price of £3.3982 per unit. The company also stated that there are no indemnity or other dealing arrangements, agreements, arrangements, or understandings relating to options or derivatives. Furthermore, no supplemental form was attached to the disclosure.

For any further information, the contact person provided is Hannah Azlin, reachable at 020 8162 0528. Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service, and the Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.