McBride plc Completes Purchase and Cancellation of 83,522 Ordinary Shares Under Ongoing Buyback Scheme

Two-Day Share Repurchase at Stable Market Prices

In late July 2026, McBride plc executed a share buyback over two trading days, acquiring 83,522 ordinary shares with a par value of 10 pence each. On 23 July, 42,621 shares were purchased at a volume weighted average price of 160 pence per share, with all transactions at this price on the London Stock Exchange. On 24 July, 40,901 shares were acquired at 159 pence per share, maintaining consistent pricing throughout the session, reflecting stable market conditions during the repurchase period.

The narrow price range of 159 to 160 pence indicates steady investor sentiment toward McBride shares during this timeframe. The volume weighted average prices matched the actual execution prices with no intra-day price variation, demonstrating Peel Hunt LLP’s efficient execution without significant price volatility. This suggests orderly market conditions and consistent demand for McBride shares at these valuations during the buyback.

Continuation of Buyback Under Non-Discretionary Agreement

The share purchases reported on 27 July 2026 are part of McBride’s existing buyback programme, initially announced on 1 May 2026. The company operates under a non-discretionary agreement with Peel Hunt LLP, its broker, establishing a structured framework for ongoing share acquisitions and cancellations. This approach means repurchases occur within predefined parameters rather than on discretionary trade-by-trade decisions, enhancing transparency regarding the mechanical nature of the buyback.

Non-discretionary buyback programmes are commonly used by listed companies to comply with market abuse and insider trading regulations. The May 2026 framework has allowed McBride to conduct purchases over multiple sessions while adhering to the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, as retained in UK law. The continuation of this programme in July underscores McBride’s commitment to capital return via share cancellation, which reduces share count and may affect earnings per share, though the company has not disclosed specific financial impacts.

Reduction in Ordinary Share Capital After Cancellation

Following cancellation of the 83,522 shares, McBride’s total ordinary shares in issue will be reduced to 173,731,584. This reflects a decrease as these shares are permanently removed rather than held in treasury. The company currently holds 42,041 ordinary shares in treasury, which do not carry voting rights and are separate from shares in issue. This distinction is important for shareholders calculating ownership percentages and disclosure obligations under the Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

McBride’s capital structure also includes 594,610,458 B Shares—non-cumulative redeemable preference shares of 0.1 pence each—which remain outstanding. These B Shares do not confer rights to attend, speak, or vote at general meetings except on winding-up resolutions. This preference share structure is unusual in UK-listed companies and likely reflects specific historical or strategic considerations. Investors should note these B Shares do not dilute ordinary shareholders’ voting power on standard matters.

Effect on Voting Rights and Shareholder Disclosure Calculations

After cancellation, McBride’s total voting rights will be 173,731,584, a key figure for shareholders as it serves as the denominator in determining notification thresholds under the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTRs). Shareholders crossing these thresholds must disclose their holdings within specified timeframes. The reduction in voting rights affects these calculations mechanically.

McBride confirmed that, pursuant to DTR 5.5.1R, the ordinary shares held in treasury represent 0.02% of voting rights post-cancellation. This minimal percentage indicates treasury shares constitute a negligible portion of total voting capital. Disclosure of this figure ensures market transparency regarding voting power held by the company itself versus external shareholders, aiding investor understanding of the company’s voting structure.

Regulatory Compliance with Market Abuse Regulation

The buyback programme complies with Article 5(1)(b) of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, which remains applicable in UK law post-Brexit. This regulation mandates detailed disclosure of individual trades executed on the company’s behalf. McBride has met these obligations by publishing a full breakdown of trades conducted by Peel Hunt LLP, accessible via the London Stock Exchange’s RNS PDF system.

Adherence to market abuse rules is vital for maintaining investor confidence and market integrity. Transparency requirements ensure all market participants can review detailed information on trade timing, prices, and volumes. McBride’s provision of this data demonstrates its commitment to regulatory compliance and openness. Investors can access the full trade schedule through the official London Stock Exchange RNS announcements.

McBride’s Business Profile and Capital Allocation Strategy

McBride plc manufactures and supplies cleaning and hygiene products across multiple regions, serving retail, commercial, and industrial sectors. Its product range includes household cleaning, personal care, and specialist hygiene solutions. The share buyback and cancellation reduce shareholder dilution and may enhance earnings per share if shares are repurchased below intrinsic value. This capital allocation method complements dividends, debt reduction, or reinvestment strategies.

The timing and scale of the buyback likely reflect management’s view on the company’s financial position and share valuation. McBride has not disclosed the total buyback budget or future repurchase targets. Share buybacks are often positively received when executed at attractive valuations, though their impact on shareholder value depends on factors such as cost of capital and growth prospects.

Investor Disclosure Obligations and Notification Thresholds

The updated voting rights figure (173,731,584 ordinary shares) impacts shareholders monitoring their holdings against regulatory notification thresholds under the Disclosure and Transparency Rules. Major shareholders must notify the company and market when crossing thresholds typically at 3%, 4%, and 5%, among others. The share cancellation reduces the denominator, potentially causing fixed holdings to surpass thresholds without additional share purchases.

This mechanical effect means shareholders near thresholds may trigger disclosure requirements due to the buyback, while those above thresholds will see a marginal increase in voting power percentage. Investors should assess whether this change affects their notification obligations under DTR 5.1.2R and related rules. This effect is independent of McBride’s commercial performance and results solely from the share cancellation.

Market Conditions and Share Price Impact of Buyback

The repurchase prices of 159–160 pence per share reflect McBride’s market valuation during late July 2026. The company did not comment on whether these prices represented a discount or premium to intrinsic value, nor was the immediate share price impact disclosed. Share buybacks can signal management confidence or limited growth opportunities, influencing market perception variably.

The consistent pricing across the two days indicates tight market conditions with limited price movement during the buyback. This stability may result from Peel Hunt LLP’s non-discretionary, algorithm-driven execution designed to minimize market impact. The absence of significant volatility suggests liquidity was sufficient to absorb the 83,522 shares without price disruption, and the buyback was not perceived as material news by the market.

Contact Details for Share Repurchase Inquiries

McBride has appointed Chris Smith, Chief Executive Officer, and Mark Strickland, Chief Financial Officer, as primary contacts for further information on the share repurchase. Inquiries can be made via TEAM LEWIS, the company’s communications advisers, at [email protected] or by phone to Galyna Kulachek at +44 (0)20 7802 2664. These contacts provide shareholders and market participants with access to clarifications on the buyback and capital structure.

McBride’s ISIN is GB0005746358, identifying the company’s ordinary shares in global securities systems. Peel Hunt LLP remains the designated investment firm executing the buyback, with all purchases occurring on the London Stock Exchange (XLON). Detailed trade execution data is available through the London Stock Exchange’s RNS announcement platform, offering full transparency on the buyback transactions.