16 Sep 2009 07:00
16 September 2009
Universe Group plc ("Universe" or the "Company")
Rule 2.10 announcement - relevant securities in issue
In accordance with Rule 2.10 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, Universe Group plc confirms that it has 114,704,539 ordinary shares of 5p each in issue as at 15 September 2009. Universe Group plc currently holds no ordinary shares in Treasury.
The ISIN reference for Universe Group plc's ordinary shares is GB0009483594.
Dealing Disclosure Requirements
Under the provisions of Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the 'Code'), if any person is, or becomes, 'interested' (directly or indirectly) in 1% or more of any class of 'relevant securities' of the Company, all 'dealings' in any 'relevant securities' of the Company (including by means of an option in respect of, or a derivative referenced to, any such 'relevant securities') must be publicly disclosed by no later than 3.30pm (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction. This requirement will continue until the date on which the offer becomes, or is declared, unconditional as to acceptances, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn or on which the 'offer period' otherwise ends. If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire an 'interest' in 'relevant securities' of the Company, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.
Under the provisions of Rule 8.1 of the Code, all 'dealings' in 'relevant securities' of the Company by any potential offeror or the Company, or by any of their respective 'associates', must be disclosed by no later than 12.00 noon (London time) on the London business day following the date of the relevant transaction.
A disclosure table, giving details of the companies in whose 'relevant securities' 'dealings' should be disclosed, and the number of such securities in issue, can be found on the Takeover Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
'Interests in securities' arise, in summary, when a person has long economic exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price of securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an 'interest' by virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities.
Terms in quotation marks are defined in the Code, which can also be found on the Takeover Panel's website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required to disclose a 'dealing' under Rule 8, you should consult the Panel.
Enquiries:
Universe Group PLC Tel: 023 8068 9510
John Scholes, Chairman
Paul Cooper, Chief Executive Officer
Bob Smeeton, Finance Director
Arbuthnot Securities Limited Tel: 020 7012 2000
Tom Griffiths
Tavistock Communications Tel: 020 7920 3150
Jeremy Carey