AGM Information • Mar 31, 2023
AGM Information
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If you are in any doubt as to the action you should take, you should consult your stockbroker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other independent professional adviser authorised pursuant to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
If you have sold or otherwise transferred all your shares in Reach plc please forward this document, together with the accompanying documents, to the purchaser or transferee, or to the bank, stockbroker or other agent through whom the sale or transfer was effected for transmission to the purchaser or transferee.
(Incorporated and registered in England and Wales No. 82548)
Notice of the 2023 annual general meeting and a letter from your Chairman including an explanation of the business to be conducted at the meeting which is to be held on Wednesday, 3 May 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Numis' offices, 45 Gresham St, London, EC2V 7BF.
Whether or not you propose to attend the annual general meeting, please complete and submit the enclosed proxy form in accordance with the instructions printed on it. The proxy form must be received by no later than 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 28 April 2023. Completion and return of the proxy form will not prevent you from attending and voting at the annual general meeting in person.
Alternatively you can register your proxy vote electronically no later than 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 28 April 2023 either at www.sharevote.co.uk or CREST members can use the service provided by Euroclear. Further details are given in the notes to this document.
London E14 5AP Reach plc (Incorporated and registered in England and Wales No. 82548)
The 118th annual general meeting of Reach plc (the 'Company') will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 3 May 2023 at Numis' offices, 45 Gresham St, London, EC2V 7BF (the 'Meeting'). The resolutions proposed are set out on pages 3 to 5 in this document, contained within the Notice of Meeting (the 'Notice').
The Meeting provides a valuable opportunity for you, the shareholders, to meet the Board of Directors (the 'Board') of Reach plc and ask questions and we look forward to your attendance and welcoming shareholders in person at the Meeting.
To support engagement with our shareholders we are providing a facility to allow shareholders to listen to the business of the Meeting, but not ask questions, via webcast by using this link https://edge.mediaserver.com/mmc/p/44fgp3ub. Please note that shareholders who join remotely will not count in the quorum for the Meeting. Please check the Company's website www.reachplc.com in advance of the Meeting in case there are any further changes to the arrangements for the Meeting.
Shareholders are permitted to appoint multiple proxies. A proxy form which may be used to make such appointment and give proxy instructions accompanies this document.
Details of how to appoint multiple proxies are set out in the explanatory notes on your proxy form.
We propose to put all resolutions at the Meeting to shareholders by way of a poll. The Board considers that a poll is more democratic since it allows the votes of all shareholders to be counted. I will call for the poll at the start of the formal business of the Meeting.
A proxy form for use at the Meeting is enclosed with this document and shareholders are strongly encouraged to submit their proxy form in advance of the Meeting. Whether or not you propose to attend the Meeting in person, it is important that you complete and sign the enclosed proxy form in accordance with the instructions printed thereon and return it to the registrars, Equiniti at Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, BN99 6DA as soon as possible and in any event no later than 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 28 April 2023.
If you do not have a proxy form and believe that you should have one, or if you require additional forms, please contact Equiniti on 0371 384 2235 or +44 (0)371 384 2235 from overseas. Lines are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). You may prefer to submit your proxy electronically. If so, please access the website www.sharevote.co.uk, which is operated by Equiniti, where full details of the procedure are given. The voting ID, task ID and shareholder reference number printed on the proxy form will be required to use the electronic proxy appointment system.
One Canada Square Canary Wharf
The deadline for receipt of electronic proxies is no later than 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 28 April 2023. Shareholders who hold their shares through CREST and who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies for the Meeting by using the CREST electronic proxy appointment service may do so by using the CREST proxy voting service in accordance with the procedures set out in the CREST Manual.
CREST personal members or other CREST sponsored members and those CREST members who have appointed a voting service provider should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s). The completion and return of a proxy form will not preclude you from attending the Meeting and voting in person. Further details of submitting proxy documentation can be found in the explanatory notes on your proxy form.
The results of voting at the Meeting will be announced through a Regulatory Information Service and made available on the Company's website www.reachplc.com as soon as possible following the Meeting.
Shareholders are invited to submit any question via email to [email protected] or in writing to AGM Questions, c/o Company Secretary, Reach plc, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AP by 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 19 April 2023. Answers of which will be posted on the Company's website www.reachplc.com as a written Q&A, grouped into themes relevant to the business of the Meeting as soon as practicable, and no later than Monday, 24 April 2023. We will however endeavour to answer questions received after Wednesday, 19 April 2023 but before the proxy deadline on 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 28 April 2023 and they will be posted to the Company's website www.reachplc.com after the Meeting.
As a responsible business, Reach is committed to reducing its carbon footprint across its business activities. In support of this, the Board has agreed that dividends will be chequeless from June 2023. If you want to continue to receive your dividends, you will need to provide your bank or building society account details to Equiniti as soon as possible, so that future dividend payments and any other money payable to you in connection with your shares can be made by direct payment. Please see Note 20 for further information.
Your directors believe the resolutions which are to be proposed at the Meeting are in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders as a whole. Your directors unanimously recommend shareholders to vote in favour of the resolutions as each of your directors intends to do in respect of their own shareholdings.
If arrangements for the Meeting change before the date of the Meeting, we will notify shareholders of any change with an announcement on the Company's website at www.reachplc.com and via a Regulatory Information Service. Any updates to the position will be included on our website at www.reachplc.com.
Yours faithfully,
Nick Prettejohn Chairman
Notice is hereby given that the 118th annual general meeting of Reach plc (the 'Company' or 'Group') will be held at Numis' offices, 45 Gresham St, London, EC2V 7BF on Wednesday, 3 May 2023 at 11:00 a.m. to consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions which will be proposed as ordinary resolutions (in the case of resolutions 1 to 16 and 20) and as special resolutions (in the case of resolutions 17 to 19 and 21).
2 Reach plc | Notice of Meeting 2023
(Incorporated and registered in England and Wales No. 82548)
The 118th annual general meeting of Reach plc (the 'Company') will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 3 May 2023 at Numis' offices, 45 Gresham St, London, EC2V 7BF (the 'Meeting'). The resolutions proposed are set out on pages 3 to 5 in this document, contained within the Notice
The Meeting provides a valuable opportunity for you, the shareholders, to meet the Board of Directors (the 'Board') of Reach plc and ask questions and we look forward to your attendance and welcoming shareholders in person at the
How to participate in the Meeting remotely To support engagement with our shareholders we are providing a facility to allow shareholders to listen to the business of the Meeting, but not ask questions, via webcast by using this link https://edge.mediaserver.com/mmc/p/44fgp3ub. Please note that shareholders who join remotely will not count in the quorum for the Meeting. Please check the Company's website www.reachplc.com in advance of the Meeting in case there are any further changes to the arrangements
Shareholders are permitted to appoint multiple proxies. A proxy form which may be used to make such appointment and give proxy instructions accompanies this document. Details of how to appoint multiple proxies are set out in the
We propose to put all resolutions at the Meeting to shareholders by way of a poll. The Board considers that a poll is more democratic since it allows the votes of all shareholders to be counted. I will call for the poll at the start
A proxy form for use at the Meeting is enclosed with this document and shareholders are strongly encouraged to submit their proxy form in advance of the Meeting. Whether or not you propose to attend the Meeting in person, it is important that you complete and sign the enclosed proxy form in accordance with the instructions printed thereon and return it to the registrars, Equiniti at Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, BN99 6DA as soon as possible and in any event no later than 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 28 April 2023. If you do not have a proxy form and believe that you should have one, or if you require additional forms, please contact Equiniti on 0371 384 2235 or +44 (0)371 384 2235 from overseas. Lines are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). You may prefer to submit your proxy electronically. If so, please access the website www.sharevote.co.uk, which is operated by Equiniti, where full details of the procedure are given. The voting ID, task ID and shareholder reference number printed on the proxy form will be required to use the electronic proxy
Dear Shareholder
of Meeting (the 'Notice').
Meeting.
for the Meeting.
Procedures at the Meeting
explanatory notes on your proxy form.
of the formal business of the Meeting.
Action to be taken
appointment system.
Chairman's letter Registered office
London E14 5AP Reach plc
One Canada Square Canary Wharf
The deadline for receipt of electronic proxies is no later than 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 28 April 2023. Shareholders who hold their shares through CREST and who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies for the Meeting by using the CREST electronic proxy appointment service may do so by using the CREST proxy voting service in accordance with the
procedures set out in the CREST Manual.
soon as possible following the Meeting.
www.reachplc.com after the Meeting.
Dividends
for further information. Recommendation
respect of their own shareholdings.
website at www.reachplc.com.
Yours faithfully,
Nick Prettejohn Chairman
notes on your proxy form.
CREST personal members or other CREST sponsored members and those CREST members who have appointed a voting service provider should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s). The completion and return of a proxy form will not preclude you from attending the Meeting and voting in person. Further details of submitting proxy documentation can be found in the explanatory
The results of voting at the Meeting will be announced through a Regulatory Information Service and made available on the Company's website www.reachplc.com as
Shareholders are invited to submit any question via email to [email protected] or in writing to AGM Questions, c/o Company Secretary, Reach plc, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AP by 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 19 April 2023. Answers of which will be posted on the Company's website www.reachplc.com as a written Q&A, grouped into themes relevant to the business of the Meeting as soon as practicable, and no later than Monday, 24 April 2023. We will however endeavour to answer questions received after Wednesday, 19 April 2023 but before the proxy deadline on 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 28 April 2023 and they will be posted to the Company's website
As a responsible business, Reach is committed to reducing its carbon footprint across its business activities. In support of this, the Board has agreed that dividends will be chequeless from June 2023. If you want to continue to receive your dividends, you will need to provide your bank or building society account details to Equiniti as soon as possible, so that future dividend payments and any other money payable to you in connection with your shares can be made by direct payment. Please see Note 20
Your directors believe the resolutions which are to be proposed at the Meeting are in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders as a whole. Your directors unanimously recommend shareholders to vote in favour of the resolutions as each of your directors intends to do in
If arrangements for the Meeting change before the date of the Meeting, we will notify shareholders of any change with
an announcement on the Company's website at www.reachplc.com and via a Regulatory Information Service. Any updates to the position will be included on our
and so that the directors may impose any limits or restrictions and make any arrangements which they consider necessary or appropriate to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements, record dates, legal, regulatory or practical problems in, or under the laws of, any territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or any other matter (including such problems arising by virtue of equity securities being represented by depositary receipts).
The authorities conferred under paragraphs (i) and (ii) above shall expire at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution or at the close of business on 23 June 2024, whichever is the earlier, save that under each authority the Company may before such expiry make offers, or enter into agreements, which would or might require shares to be allotted or rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares to be granted after such expiry and the directors may allot shares or grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares (as the case may be) in pursuance of such offers or agreements as if the authority conferred hereby had not expired.
and so that the directors may impose any limits or restrictions and make any arrangements which they consider necessary or appropriate to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements, record dates, legal, regulatory or practical problems in, or under the laws of, any territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or any other matter (including such problems arising by virtue of equity securities being represented by depositary receipts);
and shall, unless renewed, varied or revoked by the Company in a general meeting, such authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution or at the close of business on 23 June 2024 whichever is earlier, save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers, or enter into agreements, before the expiry of such authority which would or might require equity securities to be allotted (and treasury shares to be sold) after such expiry and the directors
shall be entitled to allot equity securities (and sell treasury shares) pursuant to such offers or agreements as if the authority had not expired.
such authority to expire at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution or at the close of business on 23 June 2024, whichever is the earlier, save that, in each case, the Company may, before such expiry, make offers, or enter into agreements, which would or might require equity securities to be allotted (and treasury shares to be sold) after such expiry and the directors may allot equity securities (and sell treasury shares) in pursuance of such offers or agreements as if the authority had not expired.
Notice of Annual General Meeting continued
shall be entitled to allot equity securities (and sell treasury shares) pursuant to such offers or agreements
Further disapplication of pre-emption rights
(i) the allotment of equity securities or sale of treasury shares up to an aggregate nominal amount of £1,585,354 such authority to be used only for the purposes of financing (or refinancing, if the authority is to be used within 12 months after the original transaction) a transaction which the directors determine to be an acquisition or other capital investment of a kind contemplated by the Statement of Principles on Disapplying Pre-Emption Rights most recently published by the Pre-Emption Group prior to the date of this Notice; and (ii) the allotment of equity securities or sale of
date of this Notice,
authority had not expired.
treasury shares (otherwise than under paragraph (i) of this resolution 18) up to a nominal amount equal to 20% of any allotment of equity securities or sale of treasury shares from time to time under paragraph (i) of this resolution 18, such authority to be used only for the purposes of making a follow-on offer which the directors determine to be of a kind contemplated by paragraph 3 of Section 2B of the Statement of Principles on Disapplying Pre-Emption Rights most recently published by the Pre-Emption Group prior to the
such authority to expire at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution or at the close of business on 23 June 2024, whichever is the earlier, save that, in each case, the Company may, before such expiry, make offers, or enter into agreements, which would or might require equity securities to be allotted (and treasury shares to be sold) after such expiry and the directors may allot equity securities (and sell treasury shares) in pursuance of such offers or agreements as if the
as if the authority had not expired.
for acquisitions etc.
limited to:
Authority to disapply pre-emption rights 17. THAT, subject to the passing of resolution 16 and in substitution for all subsisting authorities to the extent unused, the directors be and are hereby authorised, pursuant to sections 570 and 573 of the Companies Act 2006 (the 'Act'), to allot equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of the Act) for cash, pursuant to the authority conferred by resolution 16 or by way of a sale of treasury shares, as if section 561 of the Act did not apply to any such allotment or sale, such authority
(i) the allotment of equity securities in connection with an offer of equity securities (but in the case of the authority granted under paragraph (ii) of resolution 16 by way of a fully pre-emptive
a) to ordinary shareholders in proportion (as nearly as may be practicable) to their existing
required by the rights of those securities, or as the directors otherwise consider necessary, and so that the directors may impose any limits or restrictions and make any arrangements which they consider necessary or appropriate to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements, record dates, legal, regulatory or practical problems in, or under the laws of, any territory or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or any other matter (including such problems arising by virtue of equity securities being represented by depositary receipts); (ii) in the case of the authority granted under
paragraph (i) of resolution 16 and/or in the case of any sale or transfer of treasury shares for cash to the allotment (otherwise than under paragraph (i) of this resolution 17) of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal value of £1,585,354; and (iii) in the case of the authority granted under
paragraph (i) of resolution 16 and/or in the case of any sale or transfer of treasury shares for cash, to the allotment of equity securities or the sale of treasury shares (otherwise than under paragraph (i) or paragraph (ii) of this resolution 17) up to a nominal amount equal to 20% of any allotment of equity securities or sale of treasury shares from time to time under paragraph (ii) of this resolution 17, such authority to be used only for the purposes of making a follow-on offer which the directors determine to be of a kind contemplated by paragraph 3 of Section 2B of the Statement of Principles on Disapplying Pre-Emption Rights most recently published by the Pre-Emption Group prior
b) to holders of other equity securities as
shall be limited to:
offer only):
holdings; and
4 Reach plc | Notice of Meeting 2023
to the date of this Notice,
and shall, unless renewed, varied or revoked by the Company in a general meeting, such authority shall expire at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution or at the close of business on 23 June 2024 whichever is earlier, save that the Company shall be entitled to make offers, or enter into agreements, before the expiry of such authority which would or might require equity securities to be allotted (and treasury shares to be sold) after such expiry and the directors
during the period beginning with the date of the passing of this resolution and ending at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company, after the passing of this resolution or at the close of business on 23 June 2024, whichever is the earlier, provided that the aggregate amount of any such donations and expenditure within such period shall not exceed £75,000.
For the purpose of this resolution the terms 'political donations', 'political parties', 'independent election candidates', 'political organisations' and 'political expenditure' have the meanings set out in sections 363 to 365 of the Act.
By order of the Board
Company Secretary
One Canada Square Canary Wharf London E14 5AP
24 March 2023
An explanation of the proposed resolutions is set out below.
The directors present to shareholders at the Meeting the audited Report and Accounts for the 52 weeks ended 25 December 2022, together with the Directors' and the Auditor's reports ('2022 Annual Report and Accounts').
Shareholders will be asked to approve the Directors' Remuneration Report which is set out on pages 120 to 136 of the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts, excluding the Directors' Remuneration Policy approved at the 2021 annual general meeting. The vote is advisory and will not affect the actual remuneration paid to any individual director.
The Board proposes a final dividend of 4.46 pence per ordinary share for the 52 weeks ended 25 December 2022. If approved the final dividend will be paid on Friday, 2 June 2023 to those shareholders on the register at the close of business on Friday, 12 May 2023.
In accordance with the Company's Articles of Association and the best practice recommendation in the FRC's UK Corporate Governance Code (the 'Code'), all directors will seek annual re-election or election by shareholders. Accordingly, Nick Prettejohn, Jim Mullen, Anne Bulford, Steve Hatch, Olivia Streatfeild and Barry Panayi are standing for re-election. In addition, Darren Fisher, Priya Guha, Wais Shaifta and Denise Jagger are standing for election since all such directors have been appointed to the Board since the 2022 annual general meeting. The Board considers that each director who is proposed for re-election and election has appropriate and relevant skills, experience, independence and knowledge of the Company to enable him or her to discharge the duties and responsibilities of a director effectively. The Board conducted a performance evaluation during the financial year ended 25 December 2022 and it was deemed that the performance of each of the directors continues to be effective and each demonstrates commitment to the role and has sufficient time to meet his/her commitments to the Company.
In accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.8, the non-executive directors do not have service agreements, but are bound by letters of appointment issued for and on behalf of the Company. Non-executive directors are appointed for an initial three year term, subject to re-election by shareholders at each annual general meeting. On expiry of the initial term and subject to the needs of the Board, non-executive directors are typically invited to serve a further three-year term. The Board may invite a non-executive director to serve additional periods at the discretion of the Nomination Committee. Any term beyond six years is subject to a particularly rigorous review by the Nomination Committee. Details of the effective date of appointment of each non-executive director and the expiry of their term of appointment as well as the dates of the service contracts of each executive director are set out in Appendix 1.
In line with recommendations in the Code, the Board has outlined in the biographies of the directors why each director provides a valuable contribution to the success of the Company as well as the Board, and why each director should be re-elected or elected.
Notice of Annual General Meeting continued
In accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.8, the non-executive directors do not have service agreements, but are bound by letters of appointment issued for and on behalf of the Company. Non-executive directors are appointed for an initial three year term, subject to re-election by shareholders at each annual general meeting. On expiry of the initial term and subject to the needs of the Board, non-executive directors are typically invited to serve a further three-year term. The Board may invite a non-executive director to serve additional periods at the discretion of the Nomination Committee. Any term beyond six years is subject to a particularly rigorous review by the Nomination Committee. Details of the effective date of appointment of each non-executive director and the expiry of their term of appointment as well as the dates of the service contracts of each executive director are set out
In line with recommendations in the Code, the Board has outlined in the biographies of the directors why each director provides a valuable contribution to the success of the Company as well as the Board, and why each director
in Appendix 1.
should be re-elected or elected.
An explanation of the proposed resolutions is set out below.
The directors present to shareholders at the Meeting the audited Report and Accounts for the 52 weeks ended 25 December 2022, together with the Directors' and the Auditor's reports ('2022 Annual Report and Accounts').
The Board proposes a final dividend of 4.46 pence per ordinary share for the 52 weeks ended 25 December 2022. If approved the final dividend will be paid on Friday, 2 June 2023 to those shareholders on the register at the close of
Resolutions 4 to 13: Election and re-election of
In accordance with the Company's Articles of Association and the best practice recommendation in the FRC's UK Corporate Governance Code (the 'Code'), all directors will seek annual re-election or election by shareholders. Accordingly, Nick Prettejohn, Jim Mullen, Anne Bulford, Steve Hatch, Olivia Streatfeild and Barry Panayi are standing for re-election. In addition, Darren Fisher, Priya Guha, Wais Shaifta and Denise Jagger are standing for election since all such directors have been appointed to the Board since the 2022 annual general meeting. The Board considers that each director who is proposed for re-election and election has appropriate and relevant skills, experience, independence and knowledge of the Company to enable him or her to discharge the duties and responsibilities of a director effectively. The Board conducted a performance evaluation during the financial year ended 25 December 2022 and it was deemed that the performance of each of the directors continues to be effective and each demonstrates commitment to the role and has sufficient time to meet his/her commitments to the Company.
Resolution 1: Report and Accounts
Resolution 2: Remuneration Report Shareholders will be asked to approve the Directors' Remuneration Report which is set out on pages 120 to 136 of the 2022 Annual Report and Accounts, excluding the Directors' Remuneration Policy approved at the 2021 annual general meeting. The vote is advisory and will not affect the actual remuneration paid to any individual director.
Resolution 3: Final dividend
business on Friday, 12 May 2023.
directors
6 Reach plc | Notice of Meeting 2023
Appointment date: March 2018 (appointed as Chairman in May 2018)
Skills, experience and contribution: Nick has significant chairmanship and listed company experience. Since his appointment in 2018, Nick has successfully led the Board through a period of transition, bringing on board a new CEO, CFO, Senior Independent Director and Audit & Risk Committee Chair. Nick has deep financial services experience, in-depth regulatory knowledge, significant experience in strategic planning and implementation, and strong leadership qualities. The Board believes Nick's strong leadership and chairing skills means he continues to effectively lead the Board. Some of Nick's previous appointments include Chairman of the Financial Services Practitioner Panel, the Britten-Pears Foundation, Brit Insurance, the Royal Northern College of Music and Scottish Widows Limited, Non-Executive Director of Lloyds Banking Group plc, the Prudential Regulation Authority and Legal & General plc, Member of the BBC Trust, and CEO of Prudential UK and Europe, and Lloyd's of London.
Current external appointments: Chairman of TSB Banking Group plc, Non-Executive Director of YouGov plc and a Trustee of the charities Opera Ventures and Prisoners Abroad.
Chief Executive Officer
Appointment date: August 2019
Skills, experience and contribution: Jim has significant experience in advertising and communications, having spent more than 10 years in some of the industry's leading marketing and communications groups, as well as on significant digital transformation projects. Since his appointment in August 2019, Jim has developed and communicated a clear strategic vision for the future of the business, and the Board considers his continuing leadership critical to executing the strategy. Some of Jim's previous appointments include Group CEO of Ladbrokes Coral plc and Ladbrokes plc, Chief Operating Officer of William Hill Online, and Director of Digital Strategy and Product Management at News International.
Current external appointments: Senior Non-Executive Director of Racecourse Media Group.
Chief Financial Officer
Appointment date: February 2023
Skills, experience and contribution: Darren is a seasoned finance professional with more than 30 years' leadership experience in global multi-service sector, blue-chip companies in the UK, India and Australia. Darren has worked across the media, technology, business services and aviation sectors. His extensive experience means he offers the Board relevant insight into strategy development and implementation, business transformation and integrating acquisitions.
Darren joins us from ITV plc, where he was Group Director of Finance, responsible for the group finance functions and operations. He was also divisional CFO for the Media & Entertainment division, which contains the UK broadcast business as well as ITV's digital offerings (ITVX). He has previously served as Director of Finance for Micro Focus plc, Sage plc and Xchanging plc.
Current external appointments: None
Senior Independent Director
Appointment date: December 2022
Skills, experience and contribution: Denise is a qualified solicitor, having been a partner at Addleshaw Goddard and, until 2020, at Eversheds Sutherlands LLP. Denise brings extensive governance and plc experience to the Board, having held a number of non-executive positions during her career. Her previous appointments include Non-Executive Director at Bellway plc, Redrow plc, SCS Upholstery plc, the British Olympic Association and Scarborough Building Society. She was also a Director of Asda Stores, and Group General Counsel and Company Secretary of Asda Walmart. Through these roles, she has acquired a broad range of M&A, finance raising, competition, regulation compliance, HR, and remuneration and benefits experience.
Current external appointments: Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee of CLS Holdings Plc, Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee of Pool Reinsurance Company Ltd, Trustee of the National Trust, and Chair and Pro Chancellor of the University of York.


Independent Non-Executive Director
Skills, experience and contribution: Anne is a chartered accountant and an experienced media CFO and Audit Committee Chair. The Board considers her continuing leadership of the Audit & Risk Committee to be important to ensuring the Company continues to benefit from an independent and objective audit. Anne was awarded an OBE in 2012 for services to UK broadcasting and, in 2020, a CBE for services to broadcasting and charity. Some of Anne's previous appointments include Deputy Director General of the BBC and Chief Operating Officer of Channel 4. Her previous non-executive roles include Chair of the Audit Committee of the Executive Committee of the Army Board, and Audit Committee Chair of Ofcom and the Ministry of Justice. Anne qualified as a chartered accountant with KPMG and spent 12 years in practice.
Current external appointments: Non-Executive Member of KPMG's Public Interest Committee, Non-Executive Chair of Trustees of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital Charity, and Governor of the Royal Ballet.
Independent Non-Executive Director
Skills, experience and contribution: Priya brings a unique mix of senior diplomatic and governmental leadership to the Board, alongside extensive experience of the technology sector. She is a Venture Partner at Merian Ventures, with a focus on womenled innovation investments. She is also a Non-Executive Director of UK Research & Innovation and the Digital Catapult. Previously, Priya was a career diplomat, most recently as British Consul General to San Francisco, with postings before that in India and Spain. In 2021, Priya was awarded an MBE for services to international trade and women in innovation.
Current external appointments: Venture Partner at Merian Ventures, Non-Executive Director of UK Research & Innovation and the Digital Catapult, Adjunct Faculty at the Hult Ashridge Business School, Member of Royal Academy of Engineering International Committee and Trustee of TechSheCan.
Independent Non-Executive Director
Skills, experience and contribution: As Vice President for Meta Northern Europe since 2010, Steve has current executive experience in leading a large digital media organisation. He offers the Board relevant and up-to-date insight into and advice on digital and traditional media, business transformation, ecommerce and the changing consumer landscape, which is key to the Company's strategy. In addition, Steve is a strong advocate for cognitive diversity in the workplace and has expertise in building diverse and inclusive teams. Steve's long-serving career in advertising and marketing, as well as extensive executive management experience and leadership, enables him to provide valuable insight and advice to the Board. Some of Steve's previous appointments include CEO at the WPP media company MEC, Managing Director of Media Edge, Board Strategist for Y&R Brands and Chair of CBI Tech Group.
Current external appointments: Vice President of Meta Northern Europe and Member of Be the Business Advisory Board.
Independent Non-Executive Director
Skills, experience and contribution: Barry is an established and recognised leader in the digital and data space, having spent most of his career in senior positions at a range of sectors focusing on data, insight and analytics capability development. Barry has current executive experience, having worked as Chief Data and Insight Officer at the John Lewis Partnership since March 2021. Before this, he was Group Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Lloyds Banking Group. Barry has extensive experience in leading data-driven transformations and managing large teams, having also held senior roles at Bupa and Virgin Group. He started his career working in consultancy for EY, specialising in data and digital.
Current external appointments: Chief Data and Insight Officer at the John Lewis Partnership and Non-Executive Director of Ofgem.
| Key: | Member of the Nomination Committee | Member of the Remuneration Committee | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ------ | -- | ------------------------------------ | -- | -------------------------------------- |
Member of the Sustainability Committee Denotes Committee Chair
Member of the Audit & Risk Committee



Notice of Annual General Meeting continued
of Justice. Anne qualified as a chartered accountant with KPMG and spent 12 years in practice.
of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital Charity, and Governor of the Royal Ballet.
He started his career working in consultancy for EY, specialising in data and digital.
Key: Member of the Nomination Committee Member of the Remuneration Committee Member of the Sustainability Committee Denotes Committee Chair
Skills, experience and contribution: Anne is a chartered accountant and an experienced media CFO and Audit Committee Chair. The Board considers her continuing leadership of the Audit & Risk Committee to be important to ensuring the Company
Current external appointments: Non-Executive Member of KPMG's Public Interest Committee, Non-Executive Chair of Trustees
Skills, experience and contribution: Priya brings a unique mix of senior diplomatic and governmental leadership to the Board, alongside extensive experience of the technology sector. She is a Venture Partner at Merian Ventures, with a focus on womenled innovation investments. She is also a Non-Executive Director of UK Research & Innovation and the Digital Catapult. Previously, Priya was a career diplomat, most recently as British Consul General to San Francisco, with postings before that in
Current external appointments: Venture Partner at Merian Ventures, Non-Executive Director of UK Research & Innovation and
India and Spain. In 2021, Priya was awarded an MBE for services to international trade and women in innovation.
the Digital Catapult, Adjunct Faculty at the Hult Ashridge Business School, Member of Royal Academy of Engineering
Skills, experience and contribution: As Vice President for Meta Northern Europe since 2010, Steve has current executive experience in leading a large digital media organisation. He offers the Board relevant and up-to-date insight into and advice on digital and traditional media, business transformation, ecommerce and the changing consumer landscape, which is key to the Company's strategy. In addition, Steve is a strong advocate for cognitive diversity in the workplace and has expertise in building diverse and inclusive teams. Steve's long-serving career in advertising and marketing, as well as extensive executive management experience and leadership, enables him to provide valuable insight and advice to the Board. Some of Steve's previous appointments include CEO at the WPP media company MEC, Managing Director of Media Edge, Board Strategist
Current external appointments: Vice President of Meta Northern Europe and Member of Be the Business Advisory Board.
Skills, experience and contribution: Barry is an established and recognised leader in the digital and data space, having spent most of his career in senior positions at a range of sectors focusing on data, insight and analytics capability development. Barry has current executive experience, having worked as Chief Data and Insight Officer at the John Lewis Partnership since March 2021. Before this, he was Group Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Lloyds Banking Group. Barry has extensive experience in leading data-driven transformations and managing large teams, having also held senior roles at Bupa and Virgin Group.
Current external appointments: Chief Data and Insight Officer at the John Lewis Partnership and Non-Executive Director
continues to benefit from an independent and objective audit. Anne was awarded an OBE in 2012 for services to UK broadcasting and, in 2020, a CBE for services to broadcasting and charity. Some of Anne's previous appointments include Deputy Director General of the BBC and Chief Operating Officer of Channel 4. Her previous non-executive roles include Chair of the Audit Committee of the Executive Committee of the Army Board, and Audit Committee Chair of Ofcom and the Ministry
Anne Bulford, CBE
Priya Guha, MBE
Steve Hatch
Barry Panayi
of Ofgem.
Independent Non-Executive Director Appointment date: June 2019
Independent Non-Executive Director Appointment date: September 2022
Independent Non-Executive Director Appointment date: December 2015
for Y&R Brands and Chair of CBI Tech Group.
Independent Non-Executive Director Appointment date: October 2021
International Committee and Trustee of TechSheCan.
8 Reach plc | Notice of Meeting 2023
Member of the Audit & Risk Committee
Independent Non-Executive Director
Skills, experience and contribution: Wais brings a varied ecommerce background and customer focus expertise to the Board, having previously held executive roles in a number of online businesses. He has extensive experience driving growth and transformation for several digitally enabled brands, with a track record of leveraging data to drive customer engagement. As the former CEO at Push Doctor, one of the leading digital healthcare companies in Europe, Wais worked in partnership with the NHS to connect thousands of patients each week with clinicians. Before joining Push Doctor, Wais was Director of Global Operations at Treatwell, and before that International Operations Director at Just Eat.
Current external appointments: Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Sustainability Committee of The Gym Group plc, Operating Partner of Samaipata, Independent Non-Executive Director of Planity and Governor of The Grange Academy School.
Independent Non-Executive Director and Colleague Ambassador
Skills, experience and contribution: Olivia has a strong commercial and consumer background, having previously held executive roles at TalkTalk, including as Commercial Director and Marketing & CRM Director. Olivia has a data-driven and analytical approach to problem solving, having worked in consulting for McKinsey & Company. This enables Olivia to support the Board in overseeing the data-driven and customer-centric strategy. Some of Olivia's previous appointments include Chief Executive Officer of Flamingo Horticulture Investments, Commercial Director of TalkTalk's consumer business, and Partner at Sir Charles Dunstone's investment vehicle Freston Ventures. Olivia was an Associate Principal at McKinsey & Company and a leader in the business's consumer retail practice.
Current external appointments: Chief Executive Officer of INTO University Partnerships.
Key: Member of the Nomination Committee Member of the Remuneration Committee
Member of the Sustainability Committee Denotes Committee Chair
Member of the Audit & Risk Committee



The Company is required at each general meeting at which the accounts are presented to appoint auditors to hold office until the next such meeting.
PwC have indicated their willingness to continue in office. Resolution 14 proposes PwC's re-appointment as auditor.
Resolution 15 seeks authority for the Audit & Risk Committee to set the auditor's remuneration.
The authority conferred on the directors at last year's annual general meeting, which expires on the date of the 2023 annual general meeting, and which gave authority to the directors to allot Ordinary Shares up to a maximum nominal amount of £10,502,142 representing approximately one-third of the Company's issued ordinary share capital.
Paragraph (i) of resolution 16 seeks to renew this authority for a further period expiring at the close of the 2024 annual general meeting or 23 June 2024, whichever is earlier. This authority will relate to a total of 105,690,286 Ordinary Shares, representing approximately one-third of the issued share capital of the Company as at 17 March 2023 being the latest practicable date prior to publication of this Notice.
In addition, in accordance with the guidance issued by the Investment Association ('IA'), on the expectations of institutional investors in relation to the authority of directors to allot shares, upon the passing of resolution 16, the directors will have authority (pursuant to paragraph (ii) of the resolution) to allot Ordinary Shares in connection with a rights issue in favour of shareholders up to an aggregate nominal value amount of £21,138,057, as reduced by the nominal amount of any shares issued under paragraph (i) of resolution 16. This amount (before any reduction) will relate to a total of 211,380,573 Ordinary Shares representing approximately two-thirds of the Company's current issued share capital as at 17 March 2023 being the latest practicable date prior to publication of this Notice.
The authorities sought under paragraphs (i) and (ii) of resolution 16 will expire at the conclusion of the annual general meeting in 2024 or on 23 June 2024, whichever is sooner.
As a result, if resolution 16 is passed, the directors could allot shares representing up to two-thirds of the current issued share capital pursuant to a fully pre-emptive offer.
The directors have no present intention to exercise either of the authorities sought under this resolution, but the Board wishes to ensure that the Company has maximum flexibility in managing the Company's capital resources. Should the Board exercise the authorities, the directors intend to follow IA recommendations concerning their use. The directors will continue to seek to renew these authorities at each annual general meeting, in accordance with best practice.
As at 17 March 2023, being the latest practicable date before publication of this Notice, the Company held 5,014,410 equity securities in treasury and the references above to the Company's share capital do not include treasury shares.
Resolutions 17 and 18 will give the directors the authority to allot Ordinary Shares (or sell any Ordinary Shares which the Company holds in treasury) for cash without first offering them to existing shareholders in proportion to their existing shareholdings.
The authority set out in resolution 17 would be, similar to previous years, limited to:
The authority set out in resolution 18 would be limited to allotments or sales of up to an aggregate nominal value of £1,585,354 in addition to the authority set out in resolution 17.
In respect of the authority under resolution 18, the Board confirms that it will only allot shares or sell treasury shares for cash representing an additional 5% of the issued share capital of the Company (excluding treasury shares), but only for the purposes of financing (or refinancing, if the authority is to be used within 12 months after the original transaction) a transaction which the Board determines to be an acquisition or a specified capital investment, as contemplated by the Pre-Emption Group's Statement of Principles 2022 on Disapplying Pre-Emption Rights ('Statement of Principles 2022'), with authority for a further disapplication of pre-emption rights up to an aggregate nominal amount of £317,070 representing approximately 1% of issued share capital to be issued only for the purposes of a follow-on offer. The authorities under resolutions 17 and 18 will expire at the earlier of the conclusion of the annual general meeting in 2024 or on 23 June 2024.
The aggregate nominal amounts above represent approximately 5% and 1% respectively of the issued share capital (excluding treasury shares) of the Company as at 17 March 2023, being the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this Notice.
The authorities in resolutions 17 and 18 are in line with the Statement of Principles 2022, although the directors have decided to seek authority, at thresholds lower than permitted by the Statement of Principles 2022, to allot shares for cash otherwise than in connection with a pre-emptive offer (i) up to 5% (rather than 10%) of the Company's issued share capital for use on an unrestricted basis; (ii) up to an additional 5% (rather than 10%) of issued share capital in connection with an acquisition or specified capital investment which is announced contemporaneously with the allotment, or which has taken place in the preceding 12 month period and is disclosed in the announcement of allotment; and (iii) in the case of both (i) and (ii), up to an additional 1% of issued share capital for the purposes of a follow-on offer.
The Statement of Principles 2022 provides for a follow-on offer as a possible means of enabling smaller and retail shareholders in the Company to participate in a particular offer or placing being undertaken. The Statement of Principles 2022 sets out the expected features of any such follow-on offer, including in relation to qualifying shareholders, monetary caps on the amount qualifying shareholders can subscribe and the issue price of the shares.
Notice of Annual General Meeting continued
Resolutions 17 and 18: Authority to disapply
Resolutions 17 and 18 will give the directors the authority to allot Ordinary Shares (or sell any Ordinary Shares which the Company holds in treasury) for cash without first offering them to existing shareholders in proportion to their existing
The authority set out in resolution 17 would be, similar to
(i) allotments or sales in connection with preemptive offers and offers to holders
5% of issued share capital; and
The authority set out in resolution 18 would be limited to allotments or sales of up to an aggregate nominal value of £1,585,354 in addition to the authority set out in resolution 17. In respect of the authority under resolution 18, the Board confirms that it will only allot shares or sell treasury shares for cash representing an additional 5% of the issued share capital of the Company (excluding treasury shares), but only for the purposes of financing (or refinancing, if the authority is to be used within 12 months after the original transaction) a transaction which the Board determines to be an acquisition or a specified capital investment, as contemplated by the Pre-Emption Group's Statement of Principles 2022 on Disapplying Pre-Emption Rights ('Statement of Principles 2022'), with authority for a further disapplication of pre-emption rights up to an aggregate nominal amount of £317,070 representing approximately 1% of issued share capital to be issued only for the purposes of a follow-on offer. The authorities under resolutions 17 and 18 will expire at the earlier of the conclusion of the annual
general meeting in 2024 or on 23 June 2024. The aggregate nominal amounts above represent approximately 5% and 1% respectively of the issued share capital (excluding treasury shares) of the Company as at 17 March 2023, being the latest practicable date prior to the
The authorities in resolutions 17 and 18 are in line with the Statement of Principles 2022, although the directors have decided to seek authority, at thresholds lower than permitted by the Statement of Principles 2022, to allot shares for cash otherwise than in connection with a pre-emptive offer (i) up to 5% (rather than 10%) of the Company's issued share capital for use on an unrestricted basis; (ii) up to an additional 5% (rather than 10%) of issued share capital in connection with an acquisition or specified capital investment which is announced contemporaneously with the allotment, or which has taken place in the preceding 12 month period and is disclosed in the announcement of allotment; and (iii) in the case of both (i) and (ii), up to an additional 1% of issued share capital for the purposes of a
publication of this Notice.
follow-on offer.
(ii) as the Board otherwise considers necessary, or otherwise up to an aggregate nominal value not exceeding £1,585,354 representing approximately
(iii) allotments or sales for cash (otherwise pursuant to (i) and (ii) above) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £317,070 representing approximately 1% of issued share capital, to be issued only for the purposes of a follow-on offer (see further below).
of other equity securities if required by the rights of
pre-emption rights
previous years, limited to:
those shares;
shareholdings.
Resolution 14: Re-appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditor The Company is required at each general meeting at which the accounts are presented to appoint auditors to
PwC have indicated their willingness to continue in office. Resolution 14 proposes PwC's re-appointment as auditor. Resolution 15: Remuneration of the auditor Resolution 15 seeks authority for the Audit & Risk Committee
Resolution 16: Authority to allot shares The authority conferred on the directors at last year's annual general meeting, which expires on the date of the 2023 annual general meeting, and which gave authority to the directors to allot Ordinary Shares up to a maximum nominal amount of £10,502,142 representing approximately one-third of the Company's issued ordinary share capital. Paragraph (i) of resolution 16 seeks to renew this authority for a further period expiring at the close of the 2024 annual general meeting or 23 June 2024, whichever is earlier. This authority will relate to a total of 105,690,286 Ordinary Shares, representing approximately one-third of the issued share capital of the Company as at 17 March 2023 being the latest practicable date prior to publication of this Notice. In addition, in accordance with the guidance issued by the Investment Association ('IA'), on the expectations of institutional investors in relation to the authority of directors to allot shares, upon the passing of resolution 16, the directors will have authority (pursuant to paragraph (ii) of the resolution) to allot Ordinary Shares in connection with a rights issue in favour of shareholders up to an aggregate nominal value amount of £21,138,057, as reduced by the nominal amount of any shares issued under paragraph (i) of resolution 16. This amount (before any reduction) will relate to a total of 211,380,573 Ordinary Shares representing approximately two-thirds of the Company's current issued share capital as at 17 March 2023 being the latest practicable date prior to publication of this Notice. The authorities sought under paragraphs (i) and (ii) of resolution 16 will expire at the conclusion of the annual general meeting in 2024 or on 23 June 2024, whichever is
hold office until the next such meeting.
to set the auditor's remuneration.
sooner.
treasury shares.
10 Reach plc | Notice of Meeting 2023
As a result, if resolution 16 is passed, the directors could allot shares representing up to two-thirds of the current issued share capital pursuant to a fully pre-emptive offer.
The directors have no present intention to exercise either of the authorities sought under this resolution, but the Board wishes to ensure that the Company has maximum flexibility in managing the Company's capital resources. Should the Board exercise the authorities, the directors intend to follow IA recommendations concerning their use. The directors will continue to seek to renew these authorities at each annual general meeting, in accordance with best practice. As at 17 March 2023, being the latest practicable date before publication of this Notice, the Company held 5,014,410 equity securities in treasury and the references above to the Company's share capital do not include
As at 17 March 2023, being the latest practicable date before publication of this Notice, the Company held 5,014,410 equity securities in treasury and references above to the Company's share capital do not include treasury shares.
The directors have no present intention of exercising the authorities granted by resolutions 17 and 18 but they consider their grants to be appropriate and in the best interests of the Company in order to preserve maximum flexibility in the future.
The directors are aware that the Statement of Principles 2022 include an increase in the disapplication of pre-emption rights limits. The directors have decided they do not wish to increase the disapplication thresholds at the current time, but will keep emerging market practice under review.
Each of resolutions 17 and 18 will be proposed as special resolutions, which requires a 75% majority of votes cast in favour.
This resolution renews the existing authority, granted at the last annual general meeting, to authorise the Company to make market purchases of its own Ordinary Shares of up to a maximum of 31,707,085 shares. The authority will expire at the conclusion of the annual general meeting in 2024 or on 23 June 2024, whichever is sooner. The Board intends to seek renewal of this authority at subsequent annual general meetings in accordance with current best practice.
The resolution specifies the maximum number of Ordinary Shares which may be purchased (representing 10% of the Company's issued share capital as at 17 March 2023, being the latest practicable date before publication of this Notice) and the maximum and minimum prices at which they may be bought, exclusive of expenses, reflecting the requirements under the Companies Act 2006 (the 'Act') and the Financial Conduct Authority's Listing Rules.
The Board has no present intention of exercising this power and the granting of this authority should not be taken to imply that any shares will be purchased.
Shares purchased through the previous repurchase programme are held in treasury. This gives the Company the ability to re-issue treasury shares quickly and cost-effectively (including pursuant to the authority under resolution 16 above) and provides the Company with additional flexibility in the management of its capital base. Such shares may be resold for cash, transferred for the purposes of an employee share scheme or cancelled. All rights attaching to the shares, including voting rights and any right to receive dividends, are suspended whilst the shares are held in treasury. If the Board exercises the authority conferred by resolution 19, the Company will have the option of either holding in treasury or of cancelling any of its own shares purchased pursuant to this authority and it is the Company's present intention to hold any shares it buys back in treasury. However, in order to respond properly to the Company's capital requirements and prevailing market conditions, the directors will need to reassess at the time of any and each actual purchase whether to hold the shares in treasury or cancel them, provided it is permitted to do so.
The Company will also consider the return of capital to shareholders through a share repurchase programme if it has generated surplus cash and sees an opportunity to enhance earnings per share and therefore shareholder value. Any share repurchase programme will carefully consider the cash generation of the business and the Group's obligations to the Group's defined benefit pension schemes.
As at 17 March 2023, which is the latest practicable date prior to the publication of this Notice, the total number of options to subscribe for Ordinary Shares of 10 pence each in the Company was 8,426,978 representing 2.66% of the issued share capital of the Company at that date. If the proposed market purchase authority were to be used in full and all of the repurchased shares were cancelled (but the Company's issued share capital otherwise remained unaltered), the total number of options to subscribe for Ordinary Shares of 10 pence each in the Company at that date would represent 2.95% of the Company's issued share capital.
This resolution will be proposed as a special resolution, which requires a 75% majority of the votes to be cast in favour.
Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has made or has any intention of making direct political donations or incurring political expenditure under the terms of this resolution.
The Companies Act 2006 (the 'Act') prohibits the Company and its subsidiaries from making political donations or from incurring political expenditure in respect of a political party or other political organisation or an independent election candidate unless authorised by the shareholders. Aggregate donations made by the Group of £5,000 or less in any 12 month period will not be caught. However, the Act defines 'political party', 'political organisation', 'political donation' and 'political expenditure' widely. For example, bodies, such as those concerned with policy review and law reform or with the representation of the business community or sections of it, which the Company and/or its subsidiaries may see benefit in supporting may be included in these definitions.
The authority is being sought on a precautionary basis to ensure that neither the Company nor its subsidiaries inadvertently commits any breaches of the Act that could arise from the uncertainty generated by the wide definitions in the Act. A technical breach of the Act could occur through the undertaking of routine activities that form part of the normal business activities of the Company or its subsidiaries, which would not normally be considered to result in the making of political donations and political expenditure being incurred in the ordinary sense of the words.
In addition, the directors believe that it is in the commercial best interests of certain of our titles to, on occasion, be associated to a limited extent with a political party. In the past, the Daily Mirror has sponsored, on commercial terms, the Labour Party Gala Dinner and the Daily Record has sponsored the Scottish Labour Party Gala Dinner. Despite being on commercial terms, this sponsorship may well be determined as a political expenditure.
The directors confirm however, that there is no intention: (i) to make any direct donation to political parties; or (ii) to alter its policy.
As permitted under the Act, resolution 20 extends not only to the Company but also covers all companies which are subsidiaries of the Company at any time the authority is in place. The resolution authorises the Company and its subsidiaries to:
provided that the aggregate amount of any such donations and expenditure shall not exceed £75,000. In line with best practice, it is proposed that this resolution will be put to shareholders annually. Therefore the authority will expire at the earlier of the conclusion of the annual general meeting in 2024 or on 23 June 2024.
As required by the Act, the resolution is in general terms and does not purport to authorise particular donations.
This resolution seeks shareholder approval to allow the Company to continue to call general meetings (other than annual general meetings) on 14 clear days' notice. In accordance with the Companies (Shareholders' Rights) Regulations 2009, the notice period required for general meetings of the Company is 21 days unless shareholders approve a shorter notice period (subject to a minimum period of 14 clear days).
Annual general meetings will continue to be held on at least 21 clear days' notice.
If approved, the approval will be effective until the Company's next annual general meeting, when it is intended that a similar resolution will be proposed.
The Company intends to only use the shorter notice period where the flexibility would be helpful given the business of the meeting and where the Company considers it is to the advantage of shareholders as a whole.
In accordance with the Act, the Company must make a means of electronic voting available to all shareholders for that meeting in order to be able to call a general meeting on less than 21 clear days' notice. Details of the Company's arrangements for electronic proxy appointments can be found in note 7 and 8 on pages 13 and 14 of this Notice.
This resolution will be proposed as a special resolution, which requires a 75% majority of the votes to be cast in favour.
As permitted under the Act, resolution 20 extends not only to the Company but also covers all companies which are subsidiaries of the Company at any time the authority is in place. The resolution authorises the Company and its
£50,000 in total; and/or
in total; and/or
meeting in 2024 or on 23 June 2024.
in total,
period of 14 clear days).
least 21 clear days' notice.
in favour.
(i) make political donations to political parties and/or independent election candidates not exceeding
(ii) make political donations to political organisations other than political parties not exceeding £50,000
(iii) incur political expenditure not exceeding £50,000
provided that the aggregate amount of any such donations and expenditure shall not exceed £75,000. In line with best practice, it is proposed that this resolution will be put to shareholders annually. Therefore the authority will expire at the earlier of the conclusion of the annual general
As required by the Act, the resolution is in general terms and does not purport to authorise particular donations. Resolution 21: Notice of general meetings This resolution seeks shareholder approval to allow the Company to continue to call general meetings (other than annual general meetings) on 14 clear days' notice. In accordance with the Companies (Shareholders' Rights) Regulations 2009, the notice period required for general meetings of the Company is 21 days unless shareholders approve a shorter notice period (subject to a minimum
Annual general meetings will continue to be held on at
The Company intends to only use the shorter notice period where the flexibility would be helpful given the business of the meeting and where the Company considers it is to the
In accordance with the Act, the Company must make a means of electronic voting available to all shareholders for that meeting in order to be able to call a general meeting on less than 21 clear days' notice. Details of the Company's arrangements for electronic proxy appointments can be found in note 7 and 8 on pages 13 and 14 of this Notice. This resolution will be proposed as a special resolution, which requires a 75% majority of the votes to be cast
If approved, the approval will be effective until the Company's next annual general meeting, when it is intended that a similar resolution will be proposed.
advantage of shareholders as a whole.
subsidiaries to:
Resolution 20: Political donations
this resolution.
in these definitions.
the words.
alter its policy.
Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has made or has any intention of making direct political donations or incurring political expenditure under the terms of
The Companies Act 2006 (the 'Act') prohibits the Company and its subsidiaries from making political donations or from incurring political expenditure in respect of a political party or other political organisation or an independent election candidate unless authorised by the shareholders. Aggregate donations made by the Group of £5,000 or less in any 12 month period will not be caught. However, the Act defines 'political party', 'political organisation', 'political donation' and 'political expenditure' widely. For example, bodies, such as those concerned with policy review and law reform or with the representation of the business community or sections of it, which the Company and/or its subsidiaries may see benefit in supporting may be included
The authority is being sought on a precautionary basis to ensure that neither the Company nor its subsidiaries inadvertently commits any breaches of the Act that could arise from the uncertainty generated by the wide definitions in the Act. A technical breach of the Act could occur through the undertaking of routine activities that form part of the normal business activities of the Company or its subsidiaries, which would not normally be considered to result in the making of political donations and political expenditure being incurred in the ordinary sense of
In addition, the directors believe that it is in the commercial best interests of certain of our titles to, on occasion, be associated to a limited extent with a political party. In the past, the Daily Mirror has sponsored, on commercial terms, the Labour Party Gala Dinner and the Daily Record has sponsored the Scottish Labour Party Gala Dinner. Despite being on commercial terms, this sponsorship may well be
The directors confirm however, that there is no intention: (i) to make any direct donation to political parties; or (ii) to
determined as a political expenditure.
12 Reach plc | Notice of Meeting 2023
included on the proxy form to allow members to specify the number of shares in respect of which that proxy has been appointed. Members who return the proxy form duly executed but leave this space blank will be deemed to have appointed the proxy in respect of all of their shares.
A proxy appointment submitted by hard copy form or made electronically will not be valid if sent to any address other than those provided or if received after 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 28 April 2023. Please note that any electronic communication found to contain a computer virus will not be accepted.
In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made using the CREST service to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a 'CREST Proxy Instruction') must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited's specifications and must contain the information required for such instruction, as described in the CREST Manual (available via www.euroclear.com).
The message, regardless of whether it constitutes the appointment of a proxy or is an amendment to the instruction given to a previously appointed proxy must, in order to be valid, be transmitted so as to be received by the issuer's agent (ID RA19) by the latest time(s) for receipt of proxy appointments specified in this Notice. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the time-stamp applied to the message by the CREST Applications Host) from which the issuer's agent is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST.
After this time any change of instructions to proxies appointed through CREST should be communicated to the appointee through other means. CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting services providers should note that Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited does not make available special procedures in CREST for any particular messages.
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(s), to procure that his or 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 (www.euroclear.com). The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (as amended).
Nominated Persons should also remember that their main point of contact in terms of their investment in the Company remains the member who nominated the Nominated Person to enjoy information rights (or, perhaps the custodian or broker who administers the investment on their behalf). Nominated Persons should continue to contact that member, custodian or broker (and not the Company) regarding any changes or queries relating to the Nominated Person's personal details and interest in the Company (including any administrative matter). The only exception to this is where the Company expressly requests a response from a Nominated Person.
All such documents will also be available for inspection at Numis' offices, 45 Gresham St, London, EC2V 7BF from 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, 3 May 2023 until the conclusion of the Meeting.
Notes continued
Nominated Persons
voting rights.
from a Nominated Person.
After this time any change of instructions to proxies appointed through CREST should be communicated to the appointee through other means. CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting services providers should note that Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited does not make available special procedures in CREST for any particular messages. 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(s), to procure that his or 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 (www.euroclear.com). The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (as amended).
Voting by corporate representatives
Documents available for inspection 12. Copies of the executive directors' service contracts; letters of appointment of the non-executive directors and a copy of the current Articles of Association will be available for inspection at an agreed time at the Company's registered office, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP. So that appropriate arrangements can be made for shareholders wanting to inspect documents, we request that you please e-mail [email protected] to book an appointment to view these documents during normal business hours on any weekday (Saturdays, Sundays
and public holidays excluded).
conclusion of the Meeting.
Total voting rights
317,070,859.
All such documents will also be available for inspection at Numis' offices, 45 Gresham St, London, EC2V 7BF from
10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, 3 May 2023 until the
As at 17 March 2023 being the latest practicable date prior to publication of this Notice, the Company's issued share capital consists of 322,085,269 Ordinary Shares including treasury shares with a nominal value of 10 pence carrying one vote each. The Company holds 5,014,410 Ordinary Shares in treasury. Therefore, the total voting rights in the Company as at 17 March 2023 are
The contents of this Notice details of the total number of shares in respect of which members are entitled to exercise voting rights at the Meeting as at 17 March 2023, being the last practicable date prior to the printing of this Notice, and if applicable, any members' statements, members' resolutions or members' matters of business received after the date of this Notice will be
available on the Company's website
www.reachplc.com.
Questions at the Meeting
Any corporation which is a member can appoint one or more corporate representatives who may exercise on its behalf all of its powers as a member provided that they do not do so in relation to the same shares.
Any member attending the Meeting in person has a right to ask questions. The Company must cause to be answered any such question relating to the business being dealt with at the Meeting but no such answer need be given if (a) to do so would interfere unduly with the preparation for the Meeting or would involve the disclosure of confidential information, (b) the answer has already been given on a website in the form of an answer to a question or (c) it is undesirable in the interests of the Company or the good order of the Meeting that the question be answered.
The right to appoint a proxy does not apply to persons who have been nominated by a shareholder to enjoy rights under the Act (a 'Nominated Person'). A copy of this Notice is therefore sent to a Nominated Person for information purposes only. A Nominated Person may have a right under an agreement with the shareholder by whom he was nominated to be appointed (or to have someone else appointed) as a proxy for the Meeting. Alternatively, if a Nominated Person does not have such a right, or does not wish to exercise it, they may have a right under such an agreement to give instructions to the shareholder as to the exercise of
Nominated Persons should also remember that their main point of contact in terms of their investment in the Company remains the member who nominated the Nominated Person to enjoy information rights (or, perhaps the custodian or broker who administers the investment on their behalf). Nominated Persons should continue to contact that member, custodian or broker (and not the Company) regarding any changes or queries relating to the Nominated Person's personal details and interest in the Company (including any administrative matter). The only exception to this is where the Company expressly requests a response
14 Reach plc | Notice of Meeting 2023
Please send your bank mandate to the Company's Registrar before Friday, 12 May 2023 in order for your dividend to be paid into your bank account.
If you do not provide this information, you will still receive a dividend statement, however you will not receive the money until your bank details are received, after which, payment will be credited to your account as soon as possible.
You can provide your bank details online or download a bank mandate form at www.shareview.co.uk, or you can contact Equiniti Registrars by telephone on 0371 384 2235 (please note lines are open from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays) or +44 (0) 371 384 2235 if you are based overseas.
Subject to their re-election and election by shareholders, the terms of appointment of the non-executive directors will expire in the following years:
Effective date of appointment This is the date of their letter or, if different, the
| effective date of the appointment | Director | Year where the term expires | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 February 2018 | Nick Prettejohn | 2024 | |
| 13 October 2021 | Barry Panayi | 2024 | |
| 1 October 2015 | Steve Hatch | 2024 | |
| 18 June 2019 | Anne Bulford | 2025 | |
| 15 January 2016 | Olivia Streatfeild | 2025 | |
| 1 September 2022 | Priya Guha | 2025 | |
| 31 December 2022 | Denise Jagger | 2025 | |
| 1 September 2022 | Wais Shaifta | 2025 |
The executive directors have rolling services contracts with a notice period of 12 months for either party. The dates of the service contracts are:
| 27 July 2019 | Jim Mullen |
|---|---|
| 10 October 2022 | Darren Fisher |
Reach plc Registered Office: One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP T: 020 7293 3000
www.reachplc.com Registered in England and Wales
16 Reach plc | Notice of Meeting 2023
Company number: 82548
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