The purpose of the Programme is to reduce the issued share capital
of the Company to offset dilution from shares issued under the
scrip dividend alternative in respect of the 2024 first interim
dividend of 6.84 US cents per ordinary share and issuance from the
vesting of options under employee share scheme during the second
half of 2024. Based on the total number of Ordinary Shares in issue
announced on 15 November 2024, the Programme approximates to 0.11%
of the Company's issued share capital. The Directors consider the
Programme to be in the best interests of the Company and of its
shareholders generally. Given its small size, the implementation of
the Programme is expected to marginally enhance earnings per
share.
The Company intends to make further repurchases of its Ordinary
Shares in future including in order to offset issuance under its
scrip dividend alternative for future dividends (if offered) and
any expected dilution from the vesting of awards under employee and
agent share schemes. The Company will make further
announcements in respect of any such repurchases in due
course.
Detailed terms of the Programme
The Company has entered into an arrangement with Merrill Lynch
International ("MLI") (acting as riskless principal) to conduct the
repurchases in respect of the Programme on its
behalf.
The arrangement with MLI enables the purchase of Ordinary Shares
for a period from 25 November 2024, and will complete no later than
29 November 2024. The aggregate maximum pecuniary amount allocated
to the Programme is GBP 1830萬 (exclusive of associated fees,
expenses and stamp duty) (equivalent to HKD 17840萬, based on
the closing exchange rate between GBP and HKD as of 22 November
2024 HKt and equivalent to USD 2290萬, based on the closing
exchange rate between GBP and USD as of 22 November 2024
HKT).
MLI may effect purchases of Ordinary Shares under the Programme on
the London Stock Exchange and/or other trading
venues2 for
subsequent purchase by the Company. Purchases by the Company will
be treated as being made on the London Stock Exchange. The Company
intends that any Ordinary Shares purchased will be
cancelled.