Barings Emerging EMEA Opportunities PLC Executes Share Buyback of 1,493 Shares with Planned Cancellation

Details of Share Buyback and Execution on London Stock Exchange

On 16 July 2026, Barings Emerging EMEA Opportunities PLC carried out an on-market share repurchase, acquiring 1,493 of its ordinary shares via J.P. Morgan Securities plc on the London Stock Exchange. The transaction was executed at a weighted average price of 808.45 pence per share, reflecting prevailing market conditions. This buyback forms part of BEMO's capital management strategy aimed at returning value to shareholders.

The repurchased shares are ordinary shares with a par value of 10 pence each, underscoring the company’s commitment to efficient capital structure management. Utilizing a reputable investment bank as the intermediary aligns with standard market practices for listed companies conducting share repurchases. Executing the transaction on the London Stock Exchange ensures transparency and adherence to UK Financial Conduct Authority regulations and AIM rules applicable to the company’s listing.

Intent to Cancel Repurchased Shares and Impact on Capital Structure

BEMO has declared its intention to cancel the 1,493 shares repurchased, which will reduce the total issued share capital. Unlike treasury shares, cancellation permanently removes shares from circulation, eliminating dilution risks from potential future reissuance. This approach provides shareholders with certainty regarding the capital reduction’s permanence.

By opting for cancellation over treasury retention, BEMO signals a strategic move towards permanent capital reduction, appealing to shareholders seeking clarity on the company’s long-term capital structure. The cancellation will be reflected in statutory accounts and filings with Companies House, highlighting management’s confidence in generating shareholder value without relying on treasury shares for corporate activities such as employee share schemes or acquisitions.

Treasury Shares and Outstanding Share Capital Following the Transaction

After completing the transaction on 16 July 2026, Barings Emerging EMEA Opportunities PLC holds 3,318,207 shares in treasury. These represent previously repurchased shares not yet cancelled, providing flexibility in capital management. The company currently has 11,491,412 ordinary shares issued, excluding treasury shares, representing voting shares held by external investors.

The distinction between treasury and issued shares is important for investors, as only issued shares carry voting rights and dividend entitlements. The treasury share balance reflects ongoing share buyback activity over time. This disclosure enables investors to assess the company’s true equity base and understand potential dilution if treasury shares are reissued, although the current plan is cancellation.

Investment Focus and Geographic Mandate of Barings Emerging EMEA Opportunities

Barings Emerging EMEA Opportunities PLC specializes in investing in emerging markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The company’s mandate targets growth opportunities in developing economies within this region, where valuations and growth prospects differ from mature markets. This focus allows BEMO to develop expertise in the regulatory, political, and economic environments of emerging EMEA markets.

As an emerging markets investment company, BEMO operates in a sector attracting significant investor interest, offering diversification beyond developed Western markets and exposure to higher growth rates in developing economies. Managed by NSM Funds (UK) Limited, which also serves as Company Secretary, BEMO is listed on the London Stock Exchange, providing transparency and regulatory oversight. Contact for NSM Funds is [email protected].

Capital Management Strategy and Enhancing Shareholder Value

The share repurchase programme reflects BEMO’s proactive capital management strategy to optimize capital structure and enhance shareholder returns. By repurchasing and cancelling shares, earnings and net asset value per share may increase for remaining shareholders, assuming the asset base remains stable. This strategy is appealing when shares trade below intrinsic value, enabling capital deployment that benefits continuing investors.

The transaction price of 808.45 pence per share on the London Stock Exchange demonstrates market-aligned execution. Conducting the buyback through an established investment bank ensures best execution and regulatory compliance. Share repurchases offer an alternative to dividends, potentially providing tax efficiency and flexibility in capital allocation.

Regulatory Compliance and Disclosure on London Stock Exchange

The share buyback was conducted in full compliance with London Stock Exchange rules and UK financial regulations. The announcement serves as a regulatory disclosure under the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) and Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTR), ensuring all market participants receive timely information. Detailed disclosure of transaction date, share quantity, venue, and price meets transparency standards for listed companies, enabling independent verification.

NSM Funds (UK) Limited, as Company Secretary, ensures compliance with corporate governance and listing obligations. The prompt announcement reflects BEMO’s commitment to transparent communication with shareholders and the investment community. Providing specific transaction details allows investors to evaluate capital allocation efficiency and compare the repurchase price to net asset value per share.

Investor Implications and Treasury Share Considerations

Investors should note BEMO’s substantial treasury share holding of 3,318,207 shares, representing repurchased shares not yet cancelled. While the company intends to cancel these shares, investors should monitor the cancellation timeline. The reduction in shares issued following cancellation will impact per-share metrics such as earnings per share, net asset value per share, and dividend calculations.

The repurchase indicates management’s belief that the current share price undervalues the company’s assets. Investors should assess whether they concur with this valuation and consider the emerging EMEA focus in relation to their investment goals and risk tolerance. The buyback executed through authorized dealers at transparent market prices provides confidence that repurchases occur without information asymmetry.

Emerging Market Investment Context and Risks

BEMO operates within the emerging markets sector, investing in countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa with developing economies. This region offers diverse opportunities, including energy and commodities in Gulf states and Russia, technology and manufacturing in Eastern Europe, and financial services and consumer sectors in Africa. Emerging EMEA markets differ from developed markets in economic development, regulation, and market dynamics.

Investors in emerging market funds face risks such as currency volatility, political instability, liquidity constraints, and regulatory changes. The share repurchase at 808.45 pence per share reflects a specific market cycle phase. Management’s decision to repurchase shares signals confidence in the portfolio’s value and the emerging EMEA investment case. Investors should evaluate alignment with their investment thesis and risk appetite.

Future Share Capital Structure and Investor Impact

Following cancellation of the 1,493 repurchased shares, BEMO’s total shares in issue will decrease from the current 11,491,412, altering the capital structure. The precise post-cancellation share count depends on the timing of the cancellation and any interim transactions. This reduction will affect per-share metrics including earnings, dividends, and net asset value.

Investors should watch for regulatory announcements confirming cancellation completion and registration with Companies House. The cancellation process typically concludes within a defined period after repurchase disclosure. Completion will clarify issued capital and enable recalculation of per-share performance metrics for comparison with peer emerging market investment vehicles.