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RNS Number : 0831U Ground Rents Income Fund PLC 24 March 2023
Ground Rents Income Fund plc
("the Company")
CIRCULAR AND NOTICE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
Following the announcement of 22 December 2022, the Ground Rents Income Fund
plc ("GRIO" or the "Company") has today written to Shareholders with a
Circular and Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting ("EGM") regarding the
future of the Company. The letter from the independent non-executive Chair
included within the circular is set out below, and follows the Shareholder
Consultation relating to the forthcoming continuation vote and changes to the
Company's investment policy. Unless otherwise indicated, all defined terms in
this announcement shall have the same meaning as described in the circular.
Barry Gilbertson, the Company's Chair said:
"The Shareholder Consultation relating to the continuation vote was set
against the backdrop of a challenging regulatory environment, where we are
working hard to protect both shareholders investments and leaseholders
interests. As part of the consultation, the Board and Manager set out how we
are proactively addressing these challenges in order to improve the liquidity
of the underlying portfolio and deliver best-in-class residential asset
management. We are encouraged by the positive support from shareholders
during the consultation to our strategy for optimising value in line with the
proposed new investment policy."
The circular can be viewed on the Company's website at
www.groundrentsincomefund.com (http://www.groundrentsincomefund.com) .
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter from the Independent Non-Executive Chair
Dear Shareholder,
PROPOSALS REGARDING THE FUTURE OF THE COMPANY
I am writing to inform you that an EGM of the Company will be held at 1 London
Wall Place, London, England, EC2Y 5AU on Monday 24(th) April 2023 at 12:00pm
(BST). The formal notice of the EGM (the "Notice") and the Resolutions to be
proposed are set out in Part 3 of this document. The EGM is separate from the
Annual General Meeting which will be held on 28(th) March 2023.
The purpose of my letter is to explain the business to be considered at the
EGM relating to the proposed amendment to the Articles and the proposed
adoption of the New Investment Policy.
1. Introduction
In the Company's trading update dated 22 December 2022 (the "December
Announcement", to be found at http://groundrentsincomefund.com/
(http://groundrentsincomefund.com/) under "Trading Update and Shareholder
Consultation"), the Board set out the continuing impact of the Building Safety
Act 2022 ("BSA") and leasehold regulatory reform on the Company's Net Asset
Value ("NAV"), and proposals for a Shareholder consultation relating to the
forthcoming Continuation Vote (as defined below). In light of the challenges
facing the Company, and in order to determine the best strategy for optimising
Shareholder value, the Board instigated this consultation (the "Shareholder
Consultation") in January 2023 to seek views on (1) alternative proposals to
the Wind-up Resolution (as defined below) and (2) changes to the Company's
extant Investment Policy.
2. Background to the key challenge facing the Company and its impact
on NAV
The key points highlighted to Shareholders in the December Announcement,
together with a summary of subsequent, relevant information principally
relating to building safety, are set out below:
· As at 30 September 2022, 30 assets, representing 21% of the
Company's portfolio by value, were subject to a Material Valuation Uncertainty
Clause ("MUC"), with a negative valuation adjustment for building safety
regulatory reform of £11.4 million. The application of the MUC was adopted by
the Company's independent valuer, Savills, in conjunction with industry peers
and as recommended by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (the
"RICS"). The valuation adjustment applied by Savills was based on high level
assumptions reflecting their views on the impact of the BSA. The portfolio
valuation also included a negative valuation adjustment for residential
leasehold regulatory reform of £3.8 million.
· The introduction of the BSA, and ongoing work relating to
verifying Savills assumptions supporting the valuation adjustment, has
resulted in a continued delay in producing the Company's audited results for
the financial year ended 30 September 2022 (the "Accounts"), and may still
result in a qualified audit opinion. The Company has obtained approval from
Companies House and The International Stock Exchange ("TISE") to extend the
filing and publication date for the Accounts from 31 March 2023 to 30 June
2023.
· Work is ongoing with the Company's auditor,
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC"), and the Company's independent valuer,
Savills, to more accurately verify the valuation adjustments used by Savills
in the Accounts. It is possible that the verification exercise may lead
Savills to change its valuation adjustment, which could increase or decrease
the valuation of the Company's portfolio as at 30 September 2022 to be used in
the Accounts. Progress is being made and, as at today's date, the Board
estimates that 26 assets are impacted by the MUC, representing approximately
16.9% of portfolio value, reduced from 21% as at 30 September 2022. In order
to provide Shareholders with as much relevant information as possible, the
Company plans to disclose its unaudited independent valuation as at 31 March
2023 in the forthcoming Accounts.
· In parallel with the verification exercise being conducted with
PwC, work is ongoing to fully understand the impact of the BSA (which received
Royal Assent on 28 April 2022) on the Company, as well as secondary
leaseholder protection legislation which became law in July 2022. The Board
and its Manager, Schroder Real Estate Investment Management Limited (the
"Manager"), endorse the BSA's aims of improving building standards, and
helping to protect leaseholders living in their homes from the costs of
remediating building safety risk issues.
· In January 2022, the British Standards Institute, in conjunction
with the UK Government, introduced more proportionate building safety
assessment guidelines, known as PAS9980. It became apparent over time that
relevant assessors were not able to procure appropriate professional indemnity
insurance in the market, and so the UK Government subsequently introduced a
state-backed professional indemnity insurance scheme for relevant assessors.
The guidelines, together with the professional indemnity insurance scheme for
relevant assessors, are now gradually leading to more comprehensive fire risk
assessments and more proportionate remedial measures, potentially reducing
unnecessary costs. The consequence might be expected to reduce the potential
quantum of MUC adjustments in future independent valuations.
· In conjunction with the BSA and the new assessment guidelines,
the UK Government has implemented measures to ensure that, where possible and
consistent with the "polluter pays" principle, the original developer
responsible for the construction or refurbishment of the defective building is
also responsible for remediation. The Company did not develop any of the
assets in its portfolio, meaning it is not the "polluter" for these
purposes. In late Autumn 2022, the UK Government invited relevant developers
to sign a "pledge" to pay for the remedial building and fire safety works.
Since an announcement by the UK Government on 14 March 2023, 43 developers,
including the top ten biggest house builders in the UK, have now signed a
legally binding contract, known as the Self Remediation Terms ("SRT"), that
obliges them to fix all life-critical fire-safety defects in all English
buildings over 11 metres in height they had a role in constructing or
refurbishing. The SRT also requires the developers to reimburse the taxpayer
where UK Government funds have already paid for remediation. The UK Government
will shortly publish information on how eligible developers, who have not
signed an SRT, will be prohibited from carrying out major development or from
receiving building control approval unless they sign and adhere to the SRT.
Accordingly, the sector anticipates that all major developers will eventually
sign the SRT. As at the date of this letter, the Board estimates that 12 of
the Company's 26 assets which remain subject to a MUC were developed by
developers who have signed the SRT. The SRT should therefore significantly
reduce the residual financial liability for assets developed by SRT-signed
developers. For the remaining 14 assets, our due diligence has led us to
contact, where relevant, the original developer or the Residents Management
Company ("RMC") responsible for managing the asset, to try to determine any
likely residual liability for the Company.
· Alongside the SRT, grant funding remains available via funding
from the UK Government through the Building Safety Fund ("BSF") for buildings
over 18 metres in height, or the Medium Rise Scheme ("MRS") for buildings over
11 metres in height. The Company currently has 14 applications in progress for
government funding, with one already completed.
· The UK Government action outlined should reduce the risk of the
Company incurring the remediation costs assumed in the MUC adopted in the
independent valuation, and a more detailed assessment will be included within
the Accounts. Whilst this is positive, landlords (such as the Company) may
still be liable for any costs that are outside the scope of leaseholder
contributions defined in the BSA. Consequently, understanding the extent of
this residual risk is the underlying purpose of the verification exercise.
In order to protect Shareholders' interests, the Company, alongside other
institutional owners, will continue making representations to the UK
Government to encourage fairness towards landlords who have not developed the
assets which they own, and to gain a better understanding of the potential
consequences of this aspect of the BSA.
· Whilst, as noted previously, building and fire safety, together
with leasehold reform, has increased the complexity of the challenges facing
the Company, the Board is acting to balance and protect both leaseholders'
interests and the investments of our Shareholders, with a focus on improving
the liquidity of the Company's underlying portfolio. It was against this
backdrop, and the forthcoming Continuation Vote, that, in the December
Announcement, the Company confirmed its intention to consult with
Shareholders. The Board therefore instigated the Shareholder Consultation in
January 2023 to seek views on (1) alternative proposals to the Wind-up
Resolution (as defined below) and (2) changes to the Company's extant
Investment Policy.
3. Background to the Continuation Vote
As noted in recent Shareholder communications, the Articles, adopted prior to
admission of the Ordinary Shares to the Official List of the Channel Islands
Stock Exchange (now TISE), and to trading on the SETSqx platform of the London
Stock Exchange in August 2012, ("Admission"), contain provisions that provide
Shareholders with an opportunity to vote on the future of the Company (a
"Continuation Vote"). Such Continuation Votes are relatively common in
investment trusts as a means of enabling shareholders to realise their
investment at, or close to, NAV where, as in the Company's situation, the
Ordinary Shares have traded at a persistent and material discount to NAV per
Ordinary Share.
Continuation Votes can be structured in different ways. In the Company's case,
there is a requirement for the Board to convene a general meeting of the
Company between the tenth and the eleventh anniversary of Admission, meaning
that the meeting must take place by no later than 13 August 2023. The Articles
provide that (i) the Board must table a proposal for Shareholders to vote on a
resolution (the "Wind-up Resolution") for a voluntary winding-up of the
Company and liquidation of the Company's assets; and (ii) any single
Shareholder who votes in favour of the Wind-up Resolution is deemed to hold
sufficient voting rights so as to ensure that the Wind-up Resolution is
passed. This provision means that the Wind-up Resolution can be passed with
the vote of one Shareholder, irrespective of the number of Ordinary Shares
held by that one Shareholder. The effect is that, in the absence of any
alternative proposal approved by Shareholders, it is highly likely that the
Wind-up Resolution would be passed. If the Wind-up Resolution is not passed,
then the process is to be repeated every five years, meaning the next date on
which a Wind-up Resolution could be proposed, via the Continuation Vote
process, would be on the fifteenth anniversary of Admission (and every fifth
anniversary of Admission thereafter).
The Articles allow for the Board to be released from its obligations to
propose a Wind-up Resolution if a special resolution of the Shareholders is
passed prior to the eleventh anniversary of Admission. The Articles do not
specify the terms of such a special resolution. Therefore, the Board and its
advisers have given consideration to suitable proposals to be put to
Shareholders to facilitate the passing of a special resolution to release the
Board from the requirement to propose the Wind-up Resolution by 13 August
2023. These proposals and related matters formed part of the Shareholder
Consultation.
4. Resolution 1 - Continuation Vote
Since the time of the December Announcement, the Board, and the Manager,
together with Singer Capital Markets Limited, the Company's broker ("SCM"),
have met and spoken with a range of Shareholders representing approximately
67% of the Company's Ordinary Share register. This percentage included the
Company's largest Shareholders as well as some smaller holders who contacted
the Company directly. Set out below are the key points discussed with
Shareholders together with a summary of their feedback.
Market context
As outlined, the Company faces continuing headwinds relating to building
safety and leasehold reform that are largely outside of its control, despite
considerable effort by the Board, the Manager and the Company's advisers. This
has led to falling capital values and weak sentiment in the residential ground
rent sector in general. The Company has a clear strategy for managing the
risks associated with these headwinds as they affect our portfolio. However,
until market conditions and liquidity improve, the Board believes that the
Company's portfolio may not be realisable on acceptable terms. Consequently,
whilst progress is being made to improve liquidity of the Company's underlying
assets by working to satisfy the current increasingly "deep dive" due
diligence requirements of more discerning buyers in the residential ground
rent market, there is no certainty that the Company's portfolio could be made
"ready for sale" over the short to medium term to achieve an optimum pricing
outcome. This work includes, for example, (1) obtaining PAS9980 reports to
assess and then cost remedial measures, and (2) obtaining relevant information
relating to assets in the non-managed estate (where a RMC is responsible for
managing the building). As might be imagined, neither of these tasks are a
quick or easy fix. In the former case, it is because of the lack of qualified
and insured assessors prepared to manage the risks associated with this work.
In the latter case, it is generally because, whilst it is in the interests of
the leaseholders and residents to resolve these issues, there is reluctance
due to the risks associated with determining what works should be done, how
they are funded, and how much faith (as generally, individuals and committees
are not professionally or appropriately qualified to make the decisions
necessary) to put in the hands of their local advisers. We are communicating
and supporting these RMCs where we can, and where it is reasonable to do so
without adopting any liability associated with decision-making, which must be
undertaken by the RMC.
Accordingly, the Board and the Manager proposed, in the Shareholder
Consultation, that any extension to the life of the Company granted by the
release of the need to propose a Wind-up Resolution by 13 August 2023 would be
used to improve liquidity and work towards crystallising an optimum return for
all Shareholders. Notwithstanding the prevailing Ordinary Share price discount
to NAV, every Shareholder consulted was supportive of using an extended time
period to deliver a liquidity event more reflective of NAV.
Consequences of the Wind-up Resolution
As noted, in the absence of an alternative special resolution, currently a
single Shareholder voting in favour of the Wind-up Resolution will lead to the
immediate winding up of the Company and consequent appointment of a liquidator
over all of the Company's assets. If a Wind-up Resolution is passed, the
Company would cease activities and all management powers would pass from the
Board to the appointed liquidator with immediate effect, which would
constitute an event of default under the Company's secured loan facility.
Given general market uncertainty, and based on the views from the Company's
advisers, the impact would likely be a forced and relatively urgent sale of
the Company's portfolio (in whole or in parts) at depressed prices (regardless
of the ground rent sector transaction market at the time), in order that the
liquidator can distribute the proceeds of sale in the prescribed order before
vacating office.
Alternative proposals to the Wind-up Resolution
Given the risks associated with the Wind-up Resolution, the Shareholder
Consultation proposed the following two alternative options:
(1) Postponing the Company's obligation to hold a vote on the Wind-up
Resolution from the current deadline of 13 August 2023 to 31 December 2024 1
(#_ftn1) ("Option 1"); or
(2) Removing from the Articles the Company's obligation to hold a vote on
the Wind-up Resolution (and in particular the ability of a single Shareholder
voting in favour of the Wind-Up Resolution enabling the Wind-Up Resolution to
pass), and replacing such obligation with an obligation to hold a Continuation
Vote before 31 December 2024 which in order to pass requires either (i) a
simple majority of votes cast; or alternatively (ii) a majority of not less
than 75% of votes cast. If this Continuation Vote is not passed, then the
Board would be required to present alternative proposals to Shareholders
within an expedited timeframe ("Option 2").
All Shareholders consulted agreed that the likely negative consequences of the
Wind-up Resolution being passed meant that an alternative was required. Of the
two alternatives proposed, all but one Shareholder consulted favoured Option 2
with an approval threshold for the Continuation Vote of a simple majority of
votes cast. The Board proposes that the Articles be amended in line with
Option 2 (i) to provide that this Continuation Vote be held on or before 31
December 2024, and at three-year intervals thereafter, with the Continuation
Vote acting as a milestone for the Board to provide Shareholders with an
update on progress in implementing the Company's strategy relating to the
realisation of assets. This proposal is set out in Resolution 1 in Part 3.
5. Resolution 2 - Changes to the Investment Policy
Given the impact of the options described on the strategy of the Company, the
Shareholder Consultation also included proposals to amend to the Company's
extant investment policy (the "Investment Policy"), which is currently:
"The Company has been established to provide secure long-term performance
through investment in long dated UK ground rents, which have historically had
little correlation to traditional property asset classes and have seen their
value remain consistent regardless of the underlying state of the economy.
The Company will give investors the opportunity to invest, through the
Company, in a portfolio of ground rents. The Company will seek to acquire a
portfolio of assets with the potential for income generation from the
collection of ground rents. These investments also have the potential for
capital growth, linked to contractual increases in ground rents over the
long-term.
The Company will seek to generate consistent income returns for shareholders
by investing in a diversified portfolio of ground rents including freeholds
and head leases of residential, retail, and commercial properties located in
the United Kingdom.
The Group intends that no single ground rent property should represent more
than 25% of the gross asset value of the Group at the time of investment. The
Company has the ability to gear up to 25% loan to gross asset value."
Alongside the alternative options to the Wind-up Resolution, the Board, with
the full support of the Manager, is proposing amendments to the Company's
Investment Policy to enable a realisation of assets in a controlled, orderly,
and timely manner, with the objective of achieving a balance between
periodically returning cash to Shareholders and optimising the realisation
value of the Company's investments. All but one Shareholder consulted was
supportive of this change. The Board believes that an orderly realisation of
the Company's assets will return better value to Shareholders than putting the
Company into a formal winding up process, or any other alternative proposal.
The Company's new Investment Policy (the "New Investment Policy") is now
proposed as:
"The assets of the Company will be realised in a controlled, orderly and
timely manner, with the objective of achieving a balance between (i)
periodically returning cash to shareholders at such times and from time to
time and in such manner as the Board (in its absolute discretion) may
determine; and (ii) optimising the net realisation value of the Company's
investments.
The strategy for realising individual investments will be flexible and may
need to be altered to reflect changes in circumstances of a particular
investment or in the prevailing market conditions. All material disposals of
assets to be made by the Company will be approved by the Board.
Whilst implementing this realisation strategy, the Company will aim to deliver
best-in-class residential asset management including fairness, transparency,
and affordability for leaseholders. The net proceeds of portfolio realisations
will be returned to shareholders at such times and from time to time and in
such manner as the Board (in its absolute discretion) may determine. The
Board will take into consideration the Company's working capital requirements
(including, but not limited to, debt servicing and repayments), the cost and
tax efficiency of returns of capital and the requirements of applicable law.
The Company may not make new investments, except where required to preserve
and/or enhance the disposal value of its existing assets.
To the extent that the Company has not disposed of all of its assets by the
time of the next shareholder vote to consider the Company's future to be held
on or before 31 December 2024, in accordance with the revised articles of
association of the Company, shareholders will be provided with an opportunity
to review the future of the Company. To that end, an ordinary resolution will
be proposed on or before 31 December 2024 that the Company will continue as
then presently constituted.
Any cash received by the Company as part of the realisation process but prior
to its distribution to shareholders will be held by the Company as cash on
deposit and/or as cash equivalents."
Resolution 2 invites Shareholders to approve the proposed change to the
Company's existing Investment Policy by adopting the New Investment Policy. If
this Resolution is passed (it being noted that the passing of this Resolution
is also conditional on Resolution 1 having passed), the Company's existing
Investment Policy will be replaced and the Company will adopt and adhere to
the New Investment Policy set out above.
6. Resolution 3 - Board fees
Due to the volume of work associated with the headwinds and legacy issues
facing the Company since the appointment of the Manager in 2019, and the
appointment of a new, four-person, Board of directors, from 2019 onwards,
Shareholders were also consulted on increasing the fees payable to the Board
and the Manager. In recognition of these factors, all Shareholders consulted
acknowledged the increased volume of work required from the Board and were
therefore supportive of increasing the aggregate Board fee cap from £150,000
to £200,000 per annum with effect from 1 October 2022. As a result of this
strong support, Resolution 3 includes the proposed change to increase the
aggregate Board fee cap to £200,000 per annum.
7. Other matters on which Shareholders were consulted
Manager fees
Shareholders acknowledged the increased workload for the Manager due to the
issues facing the Company. The Alternative Investment Fund Management
Agreement ("AIFM Agreement") between the Company and the Manager includes the
ability for the Manager to charge the Company additional fees for a range of
projects that are out of scope. Whilst a majority of Shareholders consulted
supported the principle of the Manager being paid additional management fees
in either cash or Ordinary Shares, and the potential for a fee linked to the
successful realisation of the Company's assets, there was no consensus between
Shareholders on the precise terms. In light of this feedback, and Shareholder
approval not being required, the Board will agree fees separately with the
Manager, having regard to the terms of the existing AIFM Agreement, the
Manager's performance in delivering the Company's strategy, and ensuring
alignment with the interests of Shareholders.
Dividend policy
Shareholders were also consulted on issues that could impact the longer term
sustainability of the Company's dividend. The Board consulted with
Shareholders about their preferences in relation to the level of future
dividends. Further to this, the Board is proposing that the Company continues
to pay dividends, but only when sustainable and in order to comply with the
distribution requirements relating to the Company's UK REIT status, and in
line with all other relevant laws and regulations. This was the approach
adopted for the quarterly dividend relating to the quarter to 31 December
2022, as announced by the Company on 2 March 2023. Further detail on the
outlook for future dividends will be included within the Accounts. A change to
the dividend policy does not therefore form part of these EGM proposals,
however it will be addressed and put to Shareholders in the forthcoming
Shareholder meeting relating to the approval of the Accounts.
Current debt and potential refinancing
Finally, Shareholders were consulted on the likely requirement to extend the
Company's external loan with Santander UK plc ("Santander") which matures in
January 2025. In conjunction with supporting Resolutions 1 and 2 as described,
all Shareholders consulted were informed about the Board's intention to secure
additional flexibility by extending the loan. This is currently under
discussion with Santander.
8. Action to be taken in respect of the EGM
Shareholders will receive a hard copy Form of Proxy for the EGM. The completed
Form of Proxy must be returned to Equiniti, at Aspect House, Spencer Road,
Lancing, West Sussex BN99 6DA in accordance with the instructions printed on
it no later than 12:00pm (BST) on 20 April 2023 (or, in the case of an
adjournment, not later than 48 hours (excluding any part of such 48 hour
period falling on a day that is not a Business Day) before the time fixed for
the holding of the adjourned meeting).
In addition, Shareholders will also be able to vote electronically by visiting
the website www.sharevote.co.uk and following the on-screen instructions, by
no later than 12:00pm (BST) on 20 April 2023 (or, in the case of an
adjournment, not later than 48 hours (excluding any part of such 48 hour
period falling on a day that is not a Business Day) before the time fixed for
the holding of the adjourned meeting). In order to vote using the website,
Shareholders will require their voting ID, task ID and Shareholder Reference
Number. This information can be found under the Shareholder's name on the Form
of Proxy.
Alternatively, Shareholders who have already registered with Equiniti's online
portfolio service, Shareview, can appoint their proxy electronically by
logging on to their portfolio at www.shareview.co.uk using their user ID and
password. Once logged in, click "view" on the "My Investments" page. Click on
the link to vote and follow the on-screen instructions. Please note that to be
valid, proxy instructions must be received by Equiniti by no later than
12:00pm (BST) on 20 April 2023 (or, in the case of an adjournment, not later
than 48 hours (excluding any part of such 48 hour period falling on a day that
is not a Business Day) before the time fixed for the holding of the adjourned
meeting).
If Shareholders have any questions in respect of the EGM, please contact
Equiniti on +44 (0)800 032 0641. Please use the country code when calling from
outside the UK. The helpline is open between 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday to
Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales. Calls from within the
UK are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider.
Calls from outside the UK will be charged at the applicable international
rate. The helpline cannot provide advice nor give any financial, legal or tax
advice.
Shareholders who are members of CREST may alternatively be able to use the
CREST electronic proxy appointment service.
Completion and return of a Form of Proxy (or the electronic appointment of a
Proxy) will not preclude a Shareholder from attending and voting at the EGM
should they so wish.
The Board strongly encourages all Shareholders to vote on the Resolutions by
submitting proxy votes in advance of the EGM and appointing the Chair of the
EGM as a Proxy.
9. Recommendation
The Board considers that Resolution 1 (in relation to the amendment to the
Articles), and Resolution 2 (in relation to the adoption of the New Investment
Policy), are each in the best interests of the Company and its Shareholders as
a whole. Accordingly, the Board unanimously recommends that Shareholders vote
in favour of these two resolutions at the EGM, as all of the Directors who own
Ordinary Shares intend to do so in respect of their holdings.
In respect of Resolution 3 (the proposed increase to the aggregate Board
fees), the Board is not recommending a vote for or against but has taken the
decision to propose this Resolution in light of the strong support received
from the Shareholder Consultation.
Yours faithfully,
Barry Gilbertson
Independent Non-Executive Chair
For and on behalf of
Ground Rents Income Fund plc
For further information:
Schroder Real Estate Investment Management Limited 020 7658 6000
Matthew Riley
Singer Capital Markets (Broker) 020 7496 3000
James Maxwell / Alaina Wong
Appleby Securities (Channel Islands) Limited (Sponsor) 01534 888 777
Andrew Weaver / Michael Davies
FTI Consulting 020 3727 1000
Dido Laurimore / Richard Gotla / Meth Tanyanyiwa
(#_ftnref1) (1) Note that this was changed from 2025 to 2024 for the purposes
of the Shareholder Consultation
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