Springfield Properties seeks shareholder approval for buyback plan

Springfield Properties plc (AIM: SPR) has sought shareholder approval for a share buyback program, aiming to acquire up to 11.9 million ordinary shares, according to a press release. The company obtained authorization at its annual general meeting on October 29, 2025, to make market purchases of this amount, though it has not yet utilized the authority.

The board proposes that purchases could be made up to 5.96 million shares, with the option to extend up to the full limit of 11.9 million shares. The company requires waivers under Rule 9 of The City Code on Takeovers and Mergers for this program, which it expects the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers to grant, provided approval is given by independent shareholders.

If the full authority is used, the buyback could boost the percentage of shares held by existing shareholders from approximately 41.49% to around 46.08%, or to roughly 46.76% if CEO Innes Smith exercises his share options. A general meeting is scheduled for September 10, 2026, at Springfield House in Larbert, where shareholders will vote on the Rule 9 waiver resolutions.

Share purchases will be held in treasury to meet future employee share scheme needs, and the buyback price will vary between 0.125 pence and 5% above the average market price over the preceding five business days.