The Vanguard Group Discloses Position in Smith (DS) plc

The Vanguard Group, Inc. has made a public disclosure regarding its significant interest in Smith (DS) plc through Form 8.3, as per Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code. On October 21, 2024, Vanguard reported holding 4.90% of Smith (DS) plc's 10p ordinary shares, amounting to 67,607,644 shares. The disclosure includes additional interest in International Paper Company in connection with the same offer.

No dealings in derivatives or rights to subscribe for new securities were reported. However, Vanguard executed both purchase and sale transactions of Smith (DS) plc stock on the same date, acquiring 26,200 shares and selling 7,600 shares, at a consistent price of 4.58 GBP per unit.

No indemnity, option arrangements, or agreements influencing voting rights or transactions related to derivatives were reported. No supplemental forms were attached to this disclosure.