Source - LSE Regulatory
RNS Number : 5966L
Walker Crips Group plc
15 December 2025
 

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS DEEMED TO CONTAIN INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION NO 596/2014 (INCORPORATED INTO UK LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018 AS AMENDED BY VIRTUE OF THE MARKET ABUSE (AMENDMENT) (EU EXIT) REGULATIONS 2019). UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

15 December 2025

RECOMMENDED CASH ACQUISITION
of
Walker Crips Group PLC
("Walker Crips")

by
PhillipCapital UK LTD
("PhillipCapital")

(an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Phillip Brokerage Pte Ltd)

to be implemented by means of a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement
under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006

PUBLICATION & POSTING OF THE SCHEME DOCUMENT

Introduction

On 24 November 2025, the Independent Walker Crips Directors and the board of PhillipCapital announced that they had reached agreement on the terms and conditions of a recommended cash offer pursuant to which PhillipCapital will acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Walker Crips (the "Acquisition"). The Acquisition is intended to be implemented by means of a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006.

Capitalised terms in this announcement shall, unless otherwise defined, have the meanings set out in Part 8 (Definitions) of the Scheme Document.

Publication and posting of the Scheme Document

The Independent Walker Crips Directors announce that a circular in relation to the Acquisition (the "Scheme Document"), together with the forms of proxy for the Court Meeting and the General Meeting ("Forms of Proxy"), are today being published and posted (or made available online) to Walker Crips Shareholders. The Scheme Document sets out, amongst other things, the full terms and conditions of the Scheme, an explanatory statement pursuant to section 897 of the Companies Act, an expected timetable of principal events, notices of the Court Meeting and General Meeting and details of the actions to be taken by Walker Crips Shareholders.

Hard copies of the Scheme Document and/or a website notification of availability (providing details of the website where the Scheme Document may be accessed), each along with hard copies of the Forms of Proxy, are being sent to Walker Crips Shareholders (depending on communication preferences selected) today.

The Scheme Document will be made available (subject to any applicable restrictions relating to persons in, or resident, in Restricted Jurisdictions) on Walker Crips' website at www.wcgplc.co.uk/recommendedoffer and on PhillipCapital's website at https://www.phillip.com.sg/sg/offer/  up to and including the Effective Date. Save as expressly referred to in the Scheme Document, neither the contents of these websites nor the contents of any other website accessible from hyperlinks on such websites is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.

Notice of the Court Meeting and General Meeting

As further detailed in the Scheme Document, to become Effective the Scheme requires, among other things the approval of the requisite majority of Independent Scheme Shareholders at the Court Meeting, the passing of the Resolution(s) at the General Meeting and the subsequent sanction of the Court at the Court Sanction Hearing.  The Scheme is also subject to the satisfaction or (where applicable) waiver of the Conditions and further terms set out in the Scheme Document.

Notices convening the Court Meeting and the General Meeting, each to be held at the offices of DWF Law LLP at 20 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 3AG on 15 January 2025 , are set out in the Scheme Document. The Court Meeting will commence at 10.30 a.m. and the General Meeting at 10.45 a.m. respectively (or as soon thereafter as the Court Meeting is concluded or adjourned).

It is important that, for the Court Meeting in particular, as many votes as possible are cast, so that the Court may be satisfied that there is a fair representation of opinion of the Independent Scheme Shareholders. Independent Scheme Shareholders are therefore strongly advised to sign and return their Forms of Proxy, in particular the BLUE Form of Proxy, or to appoint a proxy through CREST or appoint a proxy electronically for both the Court Meeting and the General Meeting as soon as possible.

Independent Scheme Shareholders are also strongly encouraged to appoint the Chair of the Court Meeting, and Walker Crips Shareholders are strongly encouraged to appoint the Chair of the General Meeting, as their proxy rather than any other named person. Doing so will not prevent them from attending, voting and speaking at the Meetings or any adjournment thereof, if they so wish and are so entitled. This will ensure that the vote will be counted if they (or any other proxy you might otherwise appoint) are not able to attend the Court Meeting.

Scheme Shareholders should read the Scheme Document in its entirety before making a decision in respect of the Scheme.

Recommendation

The Independent Walker Crips Directors, who have been so advised by Singer Capital Markets as to the financial terms of the Acquisition, consider the terms of the Acquisition to be fair and reasonable and in the best interests of the Walker Crips Shareholders as a whole. In providing their advice to the Independent Walker Crips Directors, Singer Capital Markets has taken into account the commercial assessments of the Walker Crips Directors. Singer Capital Markets is providing independent financial advice to the Independent Walker Crips Directors for the purposes of Rule 3 of the Takeover Code.

Accordingly, the Independent Walker Crips Directors unanimously recommend that Walker Crips Shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme at the Court Meeting and the Resolution(s) to be proposed at the General Meeting, as the Independent Walker Crips Directors who are interested in Walker Crips Shares have irrevocably undertaken to do, or procure to be done, in respect of their entire beneficial holdings (and their close relatives' beneficial holdings) of, in aggregate, 726,006 Walker Crips Shares representing approximately 1.70 per cent. of Walker Crips' total issued ordinary share capital, and approximately 2.40 per cent. of the Walker Crips Shares eligible to vote at the Court Meeting, as at close of business on 12 December 2025.

Updated interests of the Independent Walker Crips Directors in Walker Crips Shares

Following the issue of the Announcement, it was subsequently identified by the Independent Walker Crips Directors that the interests of Sean Kin Wai Lam (and his close relatives) were incorrect and the following paragraphs are therefore being announced in accordance with Rule 2.10(c) of the Takeover Code.

As set out in Appendix 3 of the Announcement, Sean Kin Wai Lam, being the sole Independent Walker Crips Director with an interest in Walker Crips Shares, gave an irrevocable undertaking to vote in favour of the resolutions relating to the Scheme and the Acquisition at the Meetings in respect of 693,732 Walker Crips Shares (representing approximately 1.63% of Walker Crips' total issued ordinary share capital, and approximately 2.30% of the Walker Crips Shares eligible to vote at the Court Meeting, as at the last Business Day prior to the Announcement Date).  

Walker Crips has been informed by Sean Kin Wai Lam that  he (and his close relatives) hold an aggregate beneficial interest in 726,006 Walker Crips Shares representing approximately 1.70 per cent. of Walker Crips' total issued ordinary share capital, and approximately 2.40 per cent. of the Walker Crips Shares eligible to vote at the Court Meeting.

Therefore, PhillipCapital has received irrevocable undertakings (including those irrevocable undertakings from the PhillipCapital Concert Party) to vote in favour of the Resolution(s) to be proposed at the General Meeting, in respect of, in aggregate, 13,222,756 Walker Crips Shares representing approximately 31.05 per cent. of Walker Crips' total issued ordinary share capital as at the Last Practicable Date.

Delisting of Walker Crips Shares and re-registration

Prior to the Effective Date, it is intended that an application will be made to the FCA to cancel the listing of the Walker Crips Shares on the Official List and to the London Stock Exchange to cancel the trading of Walker Crips Shares on the Main Market, in each case with effect from or shortly following the Effective Date.

If the Scheme becomes Effective, it is intended that the last day of dealings in, and registration of transfers of, Walker Crips Shares on the Main Market is expected to be the Business Day immediately prior to the Effective Date, and no transfers will be registered after 6.00 p.m. on that date.

It is also intended that, as soon as practicable after the Effective Date, Walker Crips will be re-registered as a private limited company with the name "Walker Crips Group Limited" and for this to take place as soon as practicable following the Effective Date.

Expected Timetable of Principal Events

The Scheme Document contains an expected timetable of principal events in relation to the Scheme, which is also set out in the Appendix to this announcement. Subject to obtaining the approval of Walker Crips Shareholders and the Court, and the satisfaction or, where applicable, the waiver of the other Conditions (as set out in the Scheme Document), the Scheme is expected to become effective by the end of the first quarter of 2026.

Helpline

If you have any questions about the Scheme Document, the Court Meeting or the General Meeting, or are in doubt about the procedure for completing and returning the Forms of Proxy or the electronic appointment of proxies, please contact Walker Crips Registrars, Neville Registrars Limited on +44 (0)121 585 1131. Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate. The helpline is open between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales. Please note that Walker Crips' Registrars cannot provide any financial, legal or tax advice and calls may be recorded and monitored for security and training purposes.

Enquiries:

PhillipCapital UK Ltd

Meng Heng Tan

Tel: +44 (0)20 7220 0500

(via Cavendish)


 

Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (Financial Adviser to PhillipCapital)

Henrik Persson

Marc Milmo

Fergus Sullivan

Elysia Bough                                        

Tel: +44 (0)20 7220 0500

 

Walker Crips

 

Sean Lam

Christian Dougal

Mark Nelligan

Tel: +44 (0)20 3100 8000

Singer Capital Markets Advisory LLP (Financial Adviser, Rule 3 Adviser and Broker to Walker Crips)

Charles Leigh-Pemberton

Asha Chotai

 

Tel: +44 (0)20 7496 3000

 

Addleshaw Goddard LLP is acting as legal adviser to PhillipCapital. DWF Law LLP is acting as legal adviser to Walker Crips.



 

APPENDIX

Expected Timetable of Principle Events

Event

Time and/or date

Publication of the Scheme Document

15 December 2025

Latest time for lodging Forms of Proxy for the:


Court Meeting (BLUE form)

10.30 a.m. on 13 January 2026(1)

General Meeting (WHITE form)

10.45 a.m. on 13 January 2026(2)

Voting Record Time for the Court Meeting and the

6.30 p.m. on 13 January 2026(3)

General Meeting


Court Meeting

10.30 a.m. on 15 January 2026

General Meeting

10.45 a.m. on 15 January 2026(4)

The following dates are indicative only and are subject to change(5)

 

Event

Expected time and/or date

Court Sanction Hearing

A date ("D)" to be determined


following the satisfaction (or,


where applicable, waiver) of


Conditions 2(A)(i), 2(B)(i) and 3 to 11 inclusive of


Part A of Part 3 (Conditions to


and further terms of the


Acquisition) of the Scheme Document

Last day of dealings in, and for the registration of transfers of, and

D+1 Business Day

disablement in CREST of, Walker Crips Shares


Scheme Record Time

6.00 p.m. on D+1 Business Day

Disablement in CREST of Walker Crips Shares

6.00 p.m. on D+1 Business Day

Suspension of dealings in, Walker Crips Shares on the London

7.30 a.m. on D+2 Business Days

Stock Exchange and Official List of the FCA


Effective Date

D+2 Business Day

Cancellation of admission to trading Walker Crips Shares on the

By 8.00 a.m. on

London Stock Exchange and Official List of the FCA

D+3 Business Days

Latest date for despatch of cheques, crediting of CREST accounts

Within 14 days after

and processing electronic transfers due under the Scheme

the Effective Date

Long-Stop Date

30 June 2026(6)

 

Notes:

(1)    It is requested that BLUE Forms of Proxy for the Court Meeting be lodged by 10.30 a.m. on 13 January 2026 or, if the Court Meeting is adjourned, by no later than 48 hours prior to the time fixed for the adjourned Court Meeting (excluding any part of such 48 hour period falling on a non-working day in the UK). BLUE Forms of Proxy not so lodged can be handed to the Chair of the Court Meeting (or Walker Crips' Registrar on the Chair's behalf) at the start of the Court Meeting or any adjournment thereof.

(2)    In order to be valid, WHITE Forms of Proxy for the General Meeting must be received by Walker Crips' Registrars by 10.45 a.m. on 13 January 2026 or, if the General Meeting is adjourned, 48 hours prior to the time appointed for the adjourned General Meeting (excluding any part of such 48 hour period falling on a non-working day in the UK). If the WHITE Form of Proxy is not lodged by the relevant time, it will be invalid.

(3)    If either the Court Meeting or the General Meeting is adjourned, the Voting Record Time for the relevant adjourned Meeting will be 6.30 p.m. on the day which is 48 hours prior to the date of the adjourned Meeting.

(4)    Or as soon thereafter as the Court Meeting concludes or is adjourned.

(5)    The dates and times given are indicative only and will depend, among other things, on the date(s) upon which: (i) the Conditions are satisfied or (if capable of waiver) waived; (ii) the Court sanctions the Scheme; and (iii) a copy of the Scheme Court Order is delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

(6)    This is the latest date by which the Scheme may become Effective. However, the Long-Stop Date may be extended to such later date: (i) as may be agreed in writing by PhillipCapital and Walker Crips (with the Panel's consent if required and (if required) as the Court may allow); or (ii) at the direction of the Panel under the Note on Section 3 of Appendix 7 to the Code.

References to times are to London, United Kingdom, time unless otherwise stated. To the extent not yet known, Walker Crips will give adequate notice of all these dates and times, when known, by issuing an announcement through a Regulatory Information Service. If any of the times and/or dates above change, the revised times and/or dates will be notified to Walker Crips Shareholders by announcement through a Regulatory Information Service, with such announcement being made available on Walker Crip's website at www.wcgplc.co.uk/recommendedoffer and on Phillip Brokerage's website at https://www.phillip.com.sg/sg/offer/.



 

Further information

This announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute or form any part of any offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction, pursuant to the Acquisition or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in Walker Crips or PhillipCapital in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. The Acquisition will be made and implemented solely pursuant to the terms of the Scheme Document (or, in the event that the Acquisition is to be implemented by way of an Offer, the Offer Document) which will contain the full terms and conditions of the Acquisition, including details of how to vote in respect of the Acquisition. Any vote or other decision in respect of, or other response to, the Acquisition, should be made only on the basis of information contained in the Scheme Document (or, in the event that the Acquisition is to be implemented by way of an Offer, the Offer Document).

This announcement does not constitute a prospectus, prospectus equivalent document or an exempted document.

The statements contained in this announcement are made as at the Last Practicable Date, unless some other time is specified in relation to them, and the publication of this announcement shall not give rise to any implication that there has been no change in the facts set forth in this announcement since such date.

If you are in any doubt about the contents of this announcement or the action you should take, you are recommended to seek your own independent financial advice immediately from your stockbroker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or from an independent financial adviser duly authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended). If you are resident in the United Kingdom or, if not, from an appropriately authorised independent financial adviser.

Disclaimers

Cavendish Capital Markets Limited ("Cavendish"), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively as financial adviser to PhillipCapital and no one else in connection with the Acquisition and will not be responsible to anyone other than PhillipCapital for providing the protections afforded to clients of Cavendish nor for providing advice in connection with the Acquisition or any matter or arrangement referred to herein. Neither Cavendish nor any of its affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Cavendish in connection with the Acquisition, any statement contained herein or otherwise.

Singer Capital Markets Advisory LLP ("Singer Capital Markets"), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the FCA, is acting as financial adviser and corporate broker exclusively for Walker Crips and for no one else in connection with the Acquisition and will not be responsible to anyone other than Walker Crips for providing the protections afforded to clients of Singer Capital Markets nor for providing advice in connection with the matters referred to herein. Neither Singer Capital Markets nor any of its affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Singer Capital Markets in connection with this announcement, any statement contained herein, the Acquisition or otherwise.

Overseas Shareholders

The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in or into jurisdictions other than the UK may be restricted by law and therefore any persons who are subject to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the UK should inform themselves about, and observe, any applicable legal or regulatory requirements. Any failure to comply with such requirements may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the companies and persons involved in the Acquisition disclaim any responsibility or liability for the violation of such restrictions by any person. This announcement has been prepared in accordance with and for the purpose of complying with English law, the Takeover Code, the Market Abuse Regulation, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and the UK Listing Rules and information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have been prepared in accordance with the laws of jurisdictions outside of the UK.

The availability of the Acquisition to Walker Crips Shareholders who are not resident in and citizens of the UK may be affected by the laws of the relevant jurisdictions in which they are located or of which they are citizens. Persons who are not resident in the UK should inform themselves of, and observe, any applicable legal or regulatory requirements of their jurisdictions. In particular, the ability of persons who are not resident in the UK to vote their Voting Scheme Shares with respect to the Scheme at the Court Meeting, or to execute and deliver Forms of Proxy appointing another person to vote at the Court Meeting on their behalf, may be affected by the laws of the relevant jurisdictions in which they are located. Any failure to comply with the applicable restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities law of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the companies and persons involved in the Acquisition disclaim any responsibility or liability for the violation of such restrictions by any person.

Unless otherwise determined by PhillipCapital and/or Walker Crips or required by the Takeover Code, and permitted by applicable law and regulation, the Acquisition will not be made available, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly in, into, or from a Restricted Jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant laws or regulations of such jurisdiction and no person may vote in favour of the Acquisition by the use of any means or instrumentality, from within a Restricted Jurisdiction or any other jurisdiction if to do so would constitute a violation of the laws of that jurisdiction. Accordingly, copies of this announcement and any formal documentation relating to the Scheme and the Acquisition are not being, and must not be, directly or indirectly, mailed or otherwise forwarded, distributed or sent in or into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction and persons receiving such documents (including, without limitation, custodians, nominees and trustees) must not mail or otherwise forward, distribute or send them in or into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction. Doing so may render invalid any related purported vote in respect of the Acquisition. If the Acquisition is implemented by way of an Offer (unless otherwise permitted by applicable law and regulation), the Offer may not be made, directly or indirectly, in or into, or by the use of mails or any means or instrumentality (including, but not limited to, facsimile, e-mail or other electronic transmission, telex or telephone) of interstate or foreign commerce of, or of any facility of a national, state or other securities exchange of, any Restricted Jurisdiction and the Offer may not be capable of acceptance by any such use, means, instrumentality or facilities.

Persons who are not resident in the United Kingdom should inform themselves of, and observe, any applicable legal or regulatory requirements. Walker Crips Shareholders who are in any doubt about such matters should consult an appropriate independent professional adviser in the relevant jurisdiction without delay.

Further details in relation to Overseas Shareholders are included in the Scheme Document.

Additional information for US investors

The Acquisition relates to the shares of an English company with a listing on the London Stock Exchange and is being made by means of a scheme of arrangement provided for under English company law. An acquisition effected by means of a scheme of arrangement is not subject to the tender offer rules or the proxy solicitation rules under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "U.S. Exchange Act"). Accordingly, the Acquisition is subject to the disclosure requirements and practices applicable in the UK to schemes of arrangement which differ from the disclosure requirements of the U.S. tender offer and proxy solicitation rules. Neither the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, nor any securities commission of any state of the United States, has approved or disapproved any offer, or passed comment upon the adequacy or completeness of any of the information included in this announcement. The financial information included in this announcement and the Scheme Document (or, if the Acquisition is implemented by way of an Offer, the Offer Document) has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the United Kingdom and thus may not be comparable to financial information of U.S. companies or companies whose financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

If, in the future, PhillipCapital exercises its right, with the consent of the Panel (where necessary) and subject to the terms of the Cooperation Agreement, to implement the Acquisition by way of an Offer, which is to be made into the United States, such Offer will be made in compliance with the applicable U.S. laws and regulations.

It may be difficult for U.S. holders of Walker Crips Shares to enforce their rights and any claim arising out of the U.S. federal laws in connection with the Acquisition, since PhillipCapital and Walker Crips are located in a non-U.S. jurisdiction, and some or all of their officers and directors may be residents of a non-U.S. jurisdiction. U.S. holders of Walker Crips Shares may not be able to sue a non-U.S. company or its officers or directors in a non-U.S. court for violations of the U.S. securities laws. Further, it may be difficult to compel a non-U.S. company and its affiliates to subject themselves to a U.S. court's jurisdiction or judgement.

In accordance with normal UK practice and pursuant to Rule 14e-5(b) of the U.S. Exchange Act, PhillipCapital, its nominees, or their brokers (acting as agents), may from time to time make certain purchases of, or arrangements to purchase, Walker Crips Shares outside of the U.S., other than pursuant to the Acquisition, until the date on which the Acquisition becomes Effective, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private Acquisitions at negotiated prices and comply with applicable law, including the U.S. Exchange Act. Any information about such purchases will be disclosed as required in the UK, will be reported to the Regulatory News Service of the London Stock Exchange and will be available on the London Stock Exchange website at www.londonstockexchange.com.

U.S. Walker Crips Shareholders should be aware that the Acquisition contemplated herein may have tax consequences in the U.S. and, that such consequences, if any, are not described herein. U.S. Walker Crips Shareholders are urged to consult with legal, tax and financial advisers in connection with making a decision regarding this Acquisition.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement (including information incorporated by reference in this announcement), oral statements made regarding the Acquisition, and other information published by PhillipCapital and Walker Crips, contains statements which are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are prospective in nature and are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections of the management of PhillipCapital and Walker Crips (as applicable) about future events, and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement include statements relating to the expected effects of the Acquisition on PhillipCapital and Walker Crips (including their future prospects, developments and strategies), the expected timing and scope of the Acquisition and other statements other than historical facts. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "prepares", "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "is subject to", "budget", "projects", "synergy", "strategy", "scheduled", "goal", "estimates", "forecasts", "cost-saving", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements may include statements relating to the following: (i) future capital expenditures, expenses, revenues, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition, dividend policy, losses and future prospects; (ii) business and management strategies and the expansion and growth of PhillipCapital, Walker Crips, any member of the PhillipCapital Group's or any member of the Walker Crips Group's operations and potential synergies resulting from the Acquisition; (iii) the effects of global economic conditions and governmental regulation on the business of any member of the PhillipCapital Group or any member of the Walker Crips Group; and (iv) the expected timing and scope of the Acquisition. Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in the light of such factors.

Although PhillipCapital and Walker Crips believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, PhillipCapital and Walker Crips can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Neither PhillipCapital nor Walker Crips assumes any obligation to update or correct the information contained in this announcement (whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise) except as required by applicable law.

The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the ability to complete the Acquisition; the ability to obtain requisite regulatory and shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other Conditions on the proposed terms; changes in the global political, economic, business and competitive environments and in market and regulatory forces; changes in future exchange and interest rates; changes in tax rates; future business combinations or disposals; changes in general economic and business conditions; changes in the behaviour of other market participants; and changes in the anticipated benefits from the proposed Acquisition not being realised as a result of: changes in general economic and market conditions in the countries in which PhillipCapital and Walker Crips operate, weak, volatile or illiquid capital and/or credit markets, changes in tax rates, interest rate and currency value fluctuations, the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which PhillipCapital and Walker Crips operate and changes in laws or in supervisory expectations or requirements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected, estimated or projected in the forward-looking statements. If any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialises or if any one or more of the assumptions proves incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in the light of such factors. Neither PhillipCapital nor Walker Crips, nor any of their respective associates or directors, officers or advisers, provides any representation, assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements in this announcement will actually occur. You are cautioned not to place any reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Specifically, statements of estimated cost savings and synergies related to future actions and circumstances, by their nature, involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies. As a result, the cost savings and synergies referred to may not be achieved, may be achieved later or sooner than estimated, or those achieved could be materially different from those estimated.

Other than in accordance with their legal or regulatory obligations, neither PhillipCapital nor Walker Crips is under any obligation, and PhillipCapital and Walker Crips expressly disclaim any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Dealing and Opening Position Disclosure requirements

Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Takeover Code, any person who is interested in one (1) per cent. or more of any class of relevant securities of an offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror (being any offeror other than an offeror in respect of which it has been announced that its offer is, or is likely to be, solely in cash) must make an Opening Position Disclosure following the commencement of the Offer Period and, if later, following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified.

An Opening Position Disclosure must contain details of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s). An Opening Position Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(a) of the Takeover Code applies must be made by no later than 3.30 p.m. (London time) on the tenth (10th) Business Day following the commencement of the Offer Period and, if appropriate, by no later than 3.30 p.m. (London time) on the tenth (10th) Business Day following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. Relevant persons who deal in the relevant securities of the offeree company or of a securities exchange offeror prior to the deadline for making an Opening Position Disclosure must instead make a Dealing Disclosure.

Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Takeover Code, any person who is, or becomes, interested in one (1) per cent. or more of any class of relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror must make a Dealing Disclosure if the person deals in any relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror. A Dealing Disclosure must contain details of the dealing concerned and of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror, save to the extent that these details have previously been disclosed under Rule 8 of the Takeover Code. A Dealing Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(b) of the Takeover Code applies must be made by no later than 3.30 p.m. (London time) on the Business Day following the date of the relevant dealing.

If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire or control an interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a securities exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code.

Opening Position Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company and by any offeror and Dealing Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company, by any offeror and by any persons acting in concert with any of them (see Rules 8.1, 8.2 and 8.4 of the Takeover Code).

Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose relevant securities Opening Position Disclosures and Dealing Disclosures must be made can be found in the Disclosure Table on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk, including details of the number of relevant securities in issue, when the Offer Period commenced and when any offeror was first identified. You should contact the Panel's Market Surveillance Unit on +44 (0)20 7638 0129 if you are in any doubt as to whether you are required to make an Opening Position Disclosure or a Dealing Disclosure.

Publication on a website

In accordance with Rule 26.1 and Rule 26.2 of the Takeover Code, a copy of this announcement and the documents required to be published under Rule 26 of the Takeover Code, will be made available free of charge (subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted Jurisdictions) on Phillip Brokerage's website at https://www.phillip.com.sg/offerforwalkercrips/ and Walker Crips' website at https://www.wcgplc.co.uk/recommended-offer/, by no later than 12 noon (London time) on the Business Day following this announcement. The content of any website referred to in this announcement is not incorporated into and does not form part of this announcement.

No profit forecasts, profit estimates or quantified benefits statements

No statement in this announcement is intended as a profit forecast, profit estimate or quantified benefits statement for any period and no statement in this announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings or earnings per share for Walker Crips for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings or earnings per share for Walker Crips.

Electronic communications

Please be aware that addresses, electronic addresses and certain information provided by Walker Crips Shareholders, persons with information rights and other relevant persons for the receipt of communications from Walker Crips may be provided to PhillipCapital during the Offer Period as requested under Section 4 of Appendix 4 of the Takeover Code to comply with Rule 2.11(c) of the Takeover Code.

Requesting hard copy documents

In accordance with Rule 30.3 of the Takeover Code, Walker Crips Shareholders and persons with information rights may request a hard copy of this announcement (and any information incorporated by reference in this announcement) by contacting Walker Crips' registrars, Neville Registrars by: (i) submitting a request in writing to Neville Registrars, Neville House, Steelpark Road, Halesowen, B62 8HD; or (ii) calling +44 (0) 121 585 1131. Calls are charged at the standard geographical rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate. Phone lines are open between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. (London time), Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays in England and Wales). Please note that Neville Registrars cannot provide any financial, legal or tax advice and calls may be recorded and monitored for security and training purposes.

For persons who receive a copy of this announcement in electronic form or via a website notification, a hard copy of this announcement will not be sent unless so requested. Such persons may also request that all future documents, announcements and information to be sent to them in relation to the Acquisition should be sent in hard copy form.

Rounding

Certain figures included in this announcement have been subjected to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown for the same category presented in different tables may vary slightly and figures shown as totals in certain tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.

Rule 2.9 disclosure

For the purposes of Rule 2.9 of the Takeover Code, Walker Crips confirms that, as at the date of this announcement, it had in issue 43,327,328 ordinary shares of 6 2/3 pence each. The International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) for the Walker Crips Shares is GB00B1YMRV88. There are 750,000 Walker Crips Shares held in treasury. The total voting rights in the issued Walker Crips Shares, as at the date of this announcement, is 42,577,328.

Market Abuse Regulation and responsibility

This announcement is deemed by Walker Crips and PhillipCapital to contain inside information for the purposes of article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as amended by regulation 11 of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/310. With the publication of this announcement, this information is now considered to be in the public domain. The person responsible for arranging the release of this announcement on behalf of Walker Crips is Sean Lam, Joint Chief Executive Officer.

 

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.
 
END
 
 
SOAEAEASFLLSFFA
Find out how to deal online from £1.50 in a SIPP, ISA or Dealing account. AJ Bell logo

Related Charts

Walker Crips Group PLC (WCW)

-0.25p (-1.89%)
delayed 07:52AM