CT Private Equity Trust plc Completes Buyback of 25,000 Shares at 497.66p Each

Details of Share Buyback and Execution

CT Private Equity Trust plc conducted a share repurchase on 20 July 2026 through Singer Capital Markets, a regulated broker on the London Stock Exchange. The company bought 25,000 ordinary shares of 1 pence each in a single trading session at a weighted average price of 497.66 pence per share. Both the lowest and highest prices during the transaction matched this figure, indicating either a single block purchase or multiple trades executed at the same price throughout the day.

This transaction complied with Listing Rule 12.4.6, which mandates public companies listed on the London Stock Exchange to disclose purchases of their own shares. Announced on 21 July 2026, the buyback reflects CT Private Equity Trust’s capital management policy. The use of Singer Capital Markets as the executing broker shows adherence to formal market procedures. While the timing and price were set by the company’s investment strategy, no specific rationale for the timing was disclosed.

Treasury Shares and Impact on Capital Structure

Following the buyback, CT Private Equity Trust plc’s treasury shares increased to 2,498,491. Treasury shares are held by the company for potential future use rather than being cancelled immediately, providing flexibility for corporate actions such as reissuance, employee share schemes, or capital reduction if needed. This approach reflects a strategic capital structure management.

The company now has 71,442,938 ordinary shares in issue excluding treasury shares, representing a reduction from the previous total issued share capital. Treasury shares do not carry voting rights, so total voting rights are also 71,442,938. Shareholders are advised to use this figure as the denominator for calculating disclosure obligations under the Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, which require notifications when shareholdings cross certain thresholds.

Regulatory Compliance and Disclosure

CT Private Equity Trust plc confirmed compliance with Listing Rule 12.4.6, ensuring transparency of all transactions involving the company’s own shares. The announcement detailed the purchase date, number of shares acquired, price range, weighted average price, and trading venue. This disclosure provides investors with clear insight into the company’s capital management activities.

The company also provided its Legal Entity Identifier (LEI: 2138009FW98WZFCGRN66), confirming the transaction occurred on the London Stock Exchange, a regulated market. This transparency supports investor confidence and regulatory adherence. The announcement was disseminated via the Regulatory News Service (RNS), the primary channel for UK listed companies to release price-sensitive information.

Investment Focus and Business Model of CT Private Equity Trust

CT Private Equity Trust plc is a private equity investment company offering shareholders exposure to private equity investments managed by Columbia Threadneedle Investments. The company’s operations and investment management are coordinated through Columbia Threadneedle’s Edinburgh office, with Andrew Carnwath as Investment Manager and Scott McEllen as Company Secretary. The trust invests in a diversified portfolio of private companies and leveraged buyouts across various sectors and regions.

Operating as a closed-end investment trust, CT Private Equity Trust manages fixed capital with share capital traded on the market rather than through continuous issuance or redemption. This structure necessitates active capital management, including share buybacks like the current transaction. The trust’s focus on private equity aims for capital appreciation through acquisition, growth, and exit of private investments. Treasury share holdings enable management of share price discounts to net asset value, a key consideration for closed-end funds.

Strategic Treasury Share Management and Future Capital Options

By holding repurchased shares in treasury instead of cancelling them, CT Private Equity Trust plc maintains strategic flexibility for future capital management. Treasury shares can be reissued to shareholders at advantageous times or used for employee share schemes, though the latter is less common for investment trusts. Alternatively, shares may be cancelled to reduce share capital permanently if deemed appropriate. This flexibility supports ongoing management of share price and net asset value discounts.

The current treasury holding of 2,498,491 shares represents a significant portion of historical issued capital, reflecting an active capital management programme. Accumulating treasury shares can help support the share price if shares trade below fair value, as these shares can be reissued or cancelled strategically. The company has not disclosed specific plans for these treasury shares, so investors should watch for future updates regarding their use.

Market Impact and Share Price Considerations

The buyback price of 497.66 pence per share indicates the level at which the company was willing to repurchase shares on 20 July 2026. Although the announcement does not specify the immediate share price impact or comparison to net asset value per share, such repurchases typically occur when shares trade at a discount to net asset value, making buybacks a value-accretive capital allocation.

The uniform purchase price across all shares suggests a disciplined execution strategy, possibly involving a pre-arranged trading programme or targeted pricing. Investors should monitor subsequent disclosures for net asset value updates and management commentary on valuation rationale behind the repurchase programme.

Voting Rights and Shareholder Disclosure Obligations

The reduction in total voting rights to 71,442,938 affects shareholder disclosure requirements under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. Shareholders must notify the company and market when their holdings cross specified percentage thresholds of total voting rights. The reduced denominator may cause some shareholders to exceed thresholds previously not triggered, requiring updated notifications.

Shareholders should recalculate their percentage holdings based on the new total voting rights figure to determine if disclosure is necessary. For example, holding 5 million shares now represents a different percentage than before the buyback. The company’s clear communication of this denominator supports responsible investor relations and compliance. Market participants should watch for any new substantial shareholding announcements following this capital adjustment.

Investor Relations and Contact Information

Investors can contact Andrew Carnwath, Investment Manager, at 0131 573 8283 or [email protected], and Scott McEllen, Company Secretary, at 0131 573 8372 or [email protected]. Both are based at Columbia Threadneedle’s Edinburgh office, overseeing the company’s management and administration. These contacts provide direct access for inquiries regarding capital management, investment strategy, and shareholder matters.

Providing multiple contact options via phone and email demonstrates CT Private Equity Trust’s commitment to transparent communication with shareholders. Investors seeking further details on the share repurchase rationale or future capital plans are encouraged to engage with the management team through these channels.

Private Equity Investment Trust Sector Overview

CT Private Equity Trust plc operates within the UK’s private equity investment trust sector, offering investors professional management and diversified exposure to private equity assets that are otherwise difficult to access. The asset class focuses on investments in unlisted companies, leveraged buyouts, and growth equity with medium to long-term horizons. The trust structure allows public market access with regulated reporting and disclosures.

Share repurchase activity is a common capital management tool among investment trusts to support share price performance and address valuation dynamics. Unlike open-ended funds, closed-end trusts manage share price through secondary market trading and buybacks. Such transactions are closely followed by investment trust investors as indicators of management’s valuation views and capital discipline.