Pre-Annual General Meeting Information • Sep 26, 2022
Pre-Annual General Meeting Information
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If you are in any doubt about the contents of this document or what action you should take, you are recommended to seek your own personal financial advice from an appropriately qualified independent adviser authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 if in the United Kingdom or otherwise regulated under the laws of your own country.
If you have recently sold or transferred all of your Shares in Darktrace, please forward this document, together with any accompanying documents, as soon as possible either to the purchaser or transferee or to the person who arranged the sale or transfer so they can pass these documents to the person who now holds the Shares.
(incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 13264637)
This document should be read in its entirety. Your attention is drawn to the letter from the Chair set out in Darktrace's annual report for the year ended 30 June 2022 which accompanies this document. Your Board is unanimously recommending that you vote in favour of Resolutions 1 – 19 set out in the notice of Annual General Meeting referred to below.
Notice of the Annual General Meeting of Darktrace to be held at the offices of Latham & Watkins (London) LLP at 99 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3XF, United Kingdom, at 3.00 p.m. (UK time) on Thursday, 3 November 2022 is set out in this document.
Shareholders will find enclosed a Form of Proxy for use at the AGM. To be valid for use at the AGM, the Form of Proxy must be completed and returned, in accordance with the instructions printed thereon, to Darktrace's share registrar, Equiniti Limited, as soon as possible and, in any event, to arrive by 3.00 p.m. (UK time) on Tuesday, 1 November 2022. The completion and return of a Form of Proxy will not preclude Shareholders from attending and voting in person at the AGM should they subsequently wish to do so.
Shareholders should submit their votes via proxy as early as possible. Further instructions on completion of the Form of Proxy are set out in the 'Notes' section of this document. CREST members may also vote electronically through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service. In addition, Forms of Proxy can also be submitted by Shareholders electronically (even outside CREST) by visiting www.sharevote.co.uk or emailing a scanned copy of the signed personalised Form of Proxy to [email protected]. Please contact the Equiniti helpline on 0371 384 2030 for any further guidance.
(incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 13264637)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of Darktrace will be held at the offices of Latham & Watkins (London) LLP at 99 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3XF, United Kingdom] at 3.00 p.m. (UK time) on 3rd November 2022 for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, passing the following Resolutions. Resolutions 1 to 15 are proposed as ordinary resolutions. This means that for each of those resolutions to be passed, more than half of the votes must be cast in favour of the resolution. Resolutions 16 to 19 are proposed as special resolutions. This means that for each of those resolutions to be passed, at least three-quarters of the votes cast must be in favour of the resolution.
13.1.2 to holders of other equity securities as required by the rights of those securities or as the Directors otherwise consider necessary,
but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient in relation to treasury shares, fractional entitlements, record dates, legal or practical problems in or under the laws of any territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange; and
13.2 in any other case, up to an aggregate nominal amount of £2,393,946 (being equal to one-third of the nominal value of Darktrace's current issued share capital), such amount to be reduced by the nominal amount of any equity securities allotted pursuant to the authority in paragraph 13.1 above in excess of £2,393,946;
provided that such authority shall expire (unless previously revoked by Darktrace) at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of Darktrace after passing of this resolution or fifteen months from the date of this resolution, whichever is earlier, save that in each case Darktrace may, before such expiry, make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be granted after the authority has expired and the Directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of any such offer or agreement notwithstanding that this authority has expired.
but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may consider necessary, expedient or appropriate in relation to treasury shares, fractional entitlements, record dates, legal, regulatory or practical problems in, or under the laws of, any territory (including the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange) or any other matter; and
16.2 otherwise than pursuant to 16.1 above, the allotment of further equity securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of £359,091 (representing no more than 5 per cent. of the current issued share capital of Darktrace);
such authority shall expire (unless previously revoked by Darktrace) at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of Darktrace after this resolution is passed or fifteen months from the date of this resolution, whichever is earlier, save that in each case, Darktrace may, before such expiry, make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted (or treasury shares to be sold) after the authority expires and the Directors may allot equity securities (or sell treasury shares) in pursuance of any such offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired.
such authority shall expire (unless previously revoked by Darktrace) at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of Darktrace after this resolution is passed or fifteen months from the date of this resolution, whichever is earlier, save that in each case, Darktrace may, before such expiry, make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted (or treasury shares to be sold) after the authority expires and the Directors may allot equity securities (or sell treasury shares) in pursuance of any such offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired.
such authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of Darktrace or fifteen months from the date of this resolution (if earlier), unless previously revoked, varied or renewed, provided that if Darktrace has agreed before such expiry to purchase Shares where these purchases will or may be executed (either wholly or in part) after the authority terminates Darktrace may complete such a purchase as if the authority conferred hereby had not expired.
These notes explain the proposed Resolutions.
Resolutions 1 to 15 are proposed as ordinary resolutions, which means that for each of those Resolutions to be passed, more than half the votes cast must be in favour of the Resolution. Resolutions 16 to 19 are proposed as special resolutions, which means that for each of those Resolutions to be passed, at least threequarters of the votes cast must be in favour of the Resolution.
In this notice, references to the "current issued share capital of Darktrace" are to the 719,705,647 issued ordinary shares of £0.01 each in the capital of Darktrace (of which 1,521,842 ordinary shares are held in Treasury) as at the close of business on 16 September 2022 (being the latest practicable date before the publication of this document).
The Directors must present the report of the Directors and the accounts of Darktrace for the year ended 30 June 2022 to Shareholders at the AGM. The Board asks that Shareholders receive the reports of the Directors and the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2022, together with the report of the auditor.
Shareholders are required to appoint the auditor at each annual general meeting at which audited accounts are presented to Shareholders. Resolution 2 proposes the appointment of Grant Thornton UK LLP as the auditor of Darktrace and to hold office until the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of Darktrace at which accounts are laid.
It is also normal practice for the Directors to be authorised to determine the level of the auditor's remuneration for the ensuing year. Shareholders are being asked to authorise the Directors to determine Grant Thornton UK LLP's remuneration as auditors.
In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, all of the Directors of Darktrace will retire (or their appointment will otherwise terminate) at the AGM and offer themselves for re-election. Resolutions 4 to 12 seek your approval to re-elect the relevant individuals as Directors. The biographies of each of these Directors are included in the 2022 annual report and accounts at pages 86 – 89.
The Nomination Committee is responsible for evaluating the balance of skills, knowledge and experience of the Directors. It also reviews the composition and structure of the Board and makes recommendations to the Board on retirements and appointments of additional and replacement Directors, including succession planning. The Nomination Committee is in the process of recruiting an additional independent Non-Executive Director and has engaged Nurole to support this process. The position has been advertised on the Nurole platform. The Committee is searching for an additional independent Non-Executive Director who will strengthen the Board by further increasing the diversity of skills, background and experience amongst the Directors.
In addition to reviewing the independence and diversity of the Board and its committees, the Nomination Committee has conducted an informal evaluation during the course of the year through an evaluation questionnaire provided to each of the Directors. The Board has considered the results of the evaluation, which was generally very positive, acknowledging the strength of the Executive Directors and recognising the cohesiveness of the Board despite the challenges of interaction being limited to virtual means over much of the period since listing. The search for the new independent Non-Executive Director is underway and, while the Board continues to develop its processes in accordance with the evaluation outcomes, the addition of a new Director will be an opportunity for the processes around induction to be tested. The Board is pleased to confirm that the performance of each of the Non-Executive Directors continues to be effective and to demonstrate commitment to their role. The Nomination Committee considers that they each provide distinct and valuable input to the overall operation of the Board.
Taking into consideration the guidance provided by the UK Corporate Governance Code, along with the experience and standing of each of the Independent Non-Executive Directors, the Board is satisfied that each of the Independent Non-Executive Directors offering themselves for election and re-election is independent in character and judgement and there are no relationships or circumstances which are likely to affect their character or judgement. Gordon Hurst, the non-executive Chair was also considered independent upon appointment.
Darktrace requires the flexibility to allot Shares from time to time. The Directors will be limited as to the number of Shares they can at any time allot because allotment authority is required under the Act, save in respect of employee share schemes.
The Directors' existing authority to allot "relevant securities" (including Shares and/or rights to subscribe for or convert into Shares), which was granted (pursuant to section 551 of the Act) at the general meeting held on 24 November 2021, is expected to expire at the end of this year's AGM. Accordingly, Resolution 13 would renew and increase this authority (until the next annual general meeting or unless such authority is revoked or renewed prior to such time) by authorising the Directors (pursuant to section 551 of the Act) to allot relevant securities. Resolution 13.1 will allow Darktrace to allot Shares and to grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into Shares up to an aggregate nominal amount of £4,787,892 representing approximately twothirds of the current issued ordinary share capital of Darktrace. This maximum is reduced by the nominal amount of any Relevant Securities allotted pursuant the authority in paragraph 13.2 in line with the guidance issued by the Investment Association, up to an aggregate nominal amount of £2,393,946 representing onethird of the current issued ordinary share capital of Darktrace (excluding treasury shares).
Save in respect of the issue of new Shares pursuant to Darktrace's employee share schemes (including the Darktrace plc 2021 Award Incentive Plan), the Directors currently have no plans to allot relevant securities, but the Directors believe it to be in the interests of Darktrace for the Board to be granted this authority, to enable the Board to take advantage of appropriate opportunities which may arise in the future.
Darktrace held 1,521,842 Shares in treasury as at 16 September 2022 being the last practicable date prior to publication of this document.
In line with section 439 of the Act, Resolution 14 seeks to approve the Report of the Remuneration Committee and the Annual Report on Remuneration (excluding the Directors' Remuneration Policy), as set out on pages 106 to 131 in Darktrace's annual report and which includes a statement from the Chair of the Remuneration Committee and details of the Directors' remuneration for the year ended 30 June 2022 and operation of the Directors' Remuneration Policy for the year ended 30 June 2023.
A summary of the Directors' Remuneration Policy approved at the 2021 AGM can found on pages 110 – 121 of the annual report.
The vote on this Resolution 14 is advisory and does not affect the future remuneration paid to any Director.
Resolution 15 will be proposed as an ordinary resolution to authorise Darktrace to make political donations and incur political expenditure for the period from the date of the AGM to the conclusion of the next annual general meeting up to a maximum aggregate amount of £100,000.
Part 14 of the Act requires companies to obtain the approval of Shareholders before political donations exceeding £5,000 in aggregate in any 12-month period are made to (i) political parties, (ii) other political organisations, and (iii) independent election candidates.
Although Darktrace does not make what are usually regarded as political donations, it may incur expenditure on such items as sponsorship or attendance at political discussions organised by political parties on a nonpartisan basis in order to make them aware of industry trends and key arguments affecting our industry. Some of these activities may be caught by the broad definitions in the Act, and this resolution is being proposed on a precautionary basis to allow Darktrace to continue its current activities.
The Act provides that if Darktrace allots new Shares or sells treasury Shares for cash, it must first offer these securities to existing Shareholders in proportion to their existing holdings, unless such pre-emption rights are disapplied by Shareholders under the Act. The authority given to the Directors at the general meeting held on 24 November 2021 to allot shares for cash on a non-pre-emptive basis pursuant to the Act is expected to expire on the date of the AGM.
Resolution 16 will authorise the Directors to allot equity securities or sell pursuant to the authority given under Resolution 13 for cash in connection with (i) a pre-emptive offer, or (ii) on a non-pre-emptive basis up to a maximum aggregate nominal amount of £359,091, representing approximately 5 per cent. of Darktrace's current issued ordinary share capital, in each case without the Shares first being offered to existing Shareholders in proportion to existing holdings. Save in respect of the issue of new Shares pursuant to Darktrace's employee share schemes (including the Darktrace plc 2021 Award Incentive Plan), the Directors have no present intention of exercising this authority.
This resolution is in line with guidance issued by the Investment Association (as updated in July 2016) and the Pre-Emption Group's Statement of Principles (as updated in March 2015) (the Statement of Principles), and the template resolutions published by the Pre-Emption Group in May 2016. The Pre-emption Principles allow the authority for an issue of shares otherwise than in connection with a pre-emptive offer to be increased from 5 per cent. to 10 per cent. of Darktrace's issued ordinary share capital, provided that Darktrace confirms that it intends to use the additional 5 per cent. authority only in connection with an acquisition or specified capital investment. Resolution 17 will additionally authorise the Board to allot new Shares (or sell treasury Shares) for cash, without the Shares first being offered to existing Shareholders in proportion to their existing holdings, up to a nominal amount of £359,091 (that is approximately 5 per cent. of Darktrace's current issued ordinary share capital) in connection with an acquisition or specified capital investment which is announced contemporaneously with the issue, or which has taken place in the preceding six-month period and is disclosed in the announcement of the issue.
The Board also confirms, in accordance with the Pre-emption Principles, that it does not intend to issue Shares for cash representing more than 7.5 per cent. of Darktrace's issued ordinary share capital in any rolling threeyear period other than to existing shareholders, save as permitted in connection with an acquisition or specified capital investment as described above, without prior consultation with shareholders.
The authorities granted under Resolutions 16 and 17 will expire at the end of the next AGM or fifteen months from the date of this resolution, whichever is earlier.
The articles of association of Darktrace do not contain a restriction on Darktrace's ability to purchase its own Shares (subject to statutory requirements). This Resolution seeks to grant the Directors authority (until the next annual general meeting or fifteen months from the date of this resolution (if earlier), unless such authority is revoked or renewed from time to time) to make market purchases of Darktrace's own Shares with an aggregate nominal value of up to £718,183.80 (amounting to 71,818,380 Shares as at the date of the notice) representing 10 per cent. of the current issued share capital of Darktrace.
The maximum price payable for each Share would be an amount equal to the higher of (a) 5 per cent. over the average market value of the Shares for the five Business Days immediately preceding the date on which Darktrace agrees to buy the Shares concerned, based on the share price published in the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange plc; and (b) an amount equal to the higher of the price of the last independent trade and the highest current independent purchase bid at the time on the trading venue where the purchase is carried out. The minimum price would be the nominal value of £0.01 per Share, being the nominal value of the Shares.
Subject to resolution 18 being passed, the Directors may repurchase Shares and the Directors consider that it is in the best interests of Darktrace and its Shareholders to keep the ability to make market purchases of Darktrace's own Shares in appropriate circumstances, without the cost and delay of a general meeting. The authority would only be exercised if the Directors believe the purchase would enhance earnings per Share and be in the best interests of Shareholders generally. Subject to Darktrace's obligations under the Listing Rules and MAR, the Directors reserve the right to purchase Darktrace's Shares otherwise than in accordance with Article 5 of MAR.
Darktrace may either cancel any Shares it purchases under this authority or transfer them into treasury (and subsequently sell or transfer them out of treasury or cancel them).
Section 307A of the Act provides that a general meeting of a 'traded company' must be called by at least 21 days' notice but may be called by at least 14 days' notice if three conditions are met. The three conditions are that:
Resolution 19 is proposed to authorise Darktrace to hold general meetings on 14 clear days' notice. The notice period required by the Act for general meetings of Darktrace is 21 days, unless Shareholders approve a shorter notice period, which cannot be less than 14 clear days. AGMs must always be held on at least 21 clear days' notice.
The Directors consider it desirable that they have the option to call general meetings of Darktrace, other than the AGM, on at least 14 clear days' notice if there are circumstances where that is appropriate. The Directors will only use such authority when to do so would clearly be advantageous to shareholders as a whole and the matter to be considered is time sensitive and in accordance with the requirements of the Act.
Resolution 19, which will be proposed as a special resolution, will implement this proposal and the authority of this resolution will expire at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting to be held in 2023 when it is intended that a similar resolution will be proposed in order to renew this authority.
The Directors believe that the proposed Resolutions 1 – 19 to be considered at the AGM are in the best interests of Darktrace and its Shareholders as a whole and therefore, the Directors unanimously recommend that you vote in favour of the Resolutions, as they intend to do in respect of their own beneficial holdings, totalling 10,505,081 Shares, in aggregate, and representing 1.46% of the current issued ordinary share capital of Darktrace as at 16 September 2022 being the last practicable date prior to publication of this document.
By Order of the Board
Registered Office: Maurice Wilkes Building St John's Innovation Park Cowley Road, Cambridge United Kingdom, CB4 0DS
Dated 26 September 2022 James Sporle
Company Secretary
(h) CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors, or voting service providers should note that Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited does not make available special procedures in CREST for any particular message. Normal system timings and limitations will, therefore, apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take (or, if the CREST member is a CREST personal member, or sponsored member, or has appointed a voting service provider, to procure that his/her CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s)) such action as shall be necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted by means of the CREST system by any particular time. In this connection, CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers are referred, in particular, to those sections of the CREST Manual concerning practical limitations of the CREST system and timings.
(i) Darktrace may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5) (a) of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.
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