Science Group plc Completes Purchase of 10,000 Ordinary Shares at 586 Pence Each as Part of Ongoing Buyback Program

Details of Science Group plc’s Share Buyback Transaction

On 23 July 2026, Science Group plc (AIM:SAG), listed on the AIM market, completed a share buyback acquiring 10,000 of its 1 pence ordinary shares at a fixed price of 586 pence per share. The highest and lowest prices paid were both 586 pence, indicating consistent pricing throughout the transaction. Panmure Liberum Limited acted as the execution agent for the company, facilitating the purchase on the AIM exchange.

This buyback is part of Science Group’s ongoing capital management strategy. The 10,000 shares purchased account for 0.02% of the voting rights attached to the total ordinary shares prior to the transaction. After completion, the company’s total ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury shares) stand at 40,652,593. Science Group currently holds 5,533,281 shares in treasury, reflecting the cumulative impact of its buyback programme. The newly acquired shares will be retained in treasury, offering flexibility for future capital allocation.

Impact on Treasury Shares and Share Capital Structure

Following this transaction, Science Group’s share capital structure now includes 5,533,281 treasury shares, a substantial portion of its issued capital. Treasury shares do not carry voting rights and are excluded from the calculation of ordinary shares in issue for regulatory purposes. Shareholders should use the updated figure of 40,652,593 ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury) as the denominator for FCA Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules notifications.

Retaining shares in treasury rather than cancelling them provides Science Group with operational flexibility. Treasury shares can be reissued in the future to support acquisitions, employee share schemes, or other corporate initiatives without requiring shareholder approval for capital increases. This strategy is common among listed companies aiming to maintain strategic options while managing capital structure. Although no specific plans for the treasury shares were disclosed, the board’s decision suggests potential future use.

Transaction Execution and Regulatory Compliance

The buyback complied fully with UK and EU regulations on share repurchases and market conduct. The transaction was executed through Panmure Liberum Limited, the company’s Nomad and joint broker, on the AIM exchange (execution venue: AIMX) at 15:41:31 on 23 July 2026. The announcement adheres to Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (Market Abuse Regulation), providing detailed disclosure of share repurchase information to ensure transparency and market integrity.

Panmure Liberum Limited facilitated the acquisition on behalf of Science Group, demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements and fair execution standards. The announcement includes precise transaction details: 10,000 shares purchased at 586 pence each, executed at 15:41:31 on AIMX. This transparency ensures all market participants have equal access to information regarding the company’s capital management activities.

Company Profile and AIM Market Context

Science Group plc is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under ticker SAG. AIM serves as a regulated market for smaller and growing companies, offering an alternative to the Main Market while maintaining strict regulatory and disclosure standards. Science Group’s listing reflects its position as a mid-sized enterprise with a sophisticated investor base. The company’s engagement of Panmure Liberum Limited as Nomad and joint broker, alongside Peel Hunt LLP as joint broker, provides strong institutional support for its capital markets operations.

The AIM market has established procedures for share buyback programmes, and Science Group’s transaction demonstrates compliance with these protocols. The company’s ongoing share purchases indicate management’s confidence in the valuation of its shares and the underlying business. This transaction is part of a structured, board-approved buyback programme, providing shareholders with transparency on capital allocation and disciplined capital management aligned with investor interests.

Share Price and Valuation Considerations

The buyback was conducted at a fixed price of 586 pence per share on 23 July 2026. The announcement does not disclose the company’s share price immediately before or after the transaction, nor recent trading volume or performance. The uniform pricing across all shares purchased suggests the transaction was executed without significant market volatility or disruption.

From an investor viewpoint, the 586 pence price reflects management’s assessment of fair market value for capital deployment. The relatively small size of the buyback (10,000 shares, 0.02% voting rights) indicates a steady continuation of the buyback programme rather than an aggressive acquisition. Investors should consider this price alongside historical trading data and current valuations when evaluating the capital allocation decision.

Strategic Objectives of the Share Buyback Programme

This transaction is part of Science Group’s ongoing, board-approved share buyback programme aimed at managing share capital through periodic acquisitions. Share buybacks help manage capital structure, potentially increase earnings per share by reducing share count, and maintain flexibility for future acquisitions or employee share schemes via treasury shares. Holding shares in treasury rather than cancelling preserves optionality for future capital use.

Science Group’s continuation of regular share purchases at management’s fair value levels signals confidence in the company’s performance and prospects. The modest buyback size reflects a controlled approach balancing capital management with financial flexibility. The announcement does not specify the total buyback budget or target completion date, allowing management to adjust the programme pace based on market conditions and strategic priorities such as acquisitions, debt reduction, or organic growth investments.

Shareholder Notification and FCA Disclosure Requirements

The announcement clarifies shareholder notification obligations under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. Science Group confirms that shareholders should use the updated figure of 40,652,593 ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury) as the denominator for calculating whether notification of interests or changes in interests is required. This ensures shareholders can accurately assess whether they have crossed disclosure thresholds, which commonly occur at 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 50%, and 75% levels.

The reduction in the denominator due to shares moving into treasury may increase some shareholders’ percentage holdings, potentially triggering notification requirements. Science Group’s disclosure of this updated figure helps shareholders comply with legal obligations by enabling precise threshold calculations. Shareholders with significant holdings should review their positions against this new denominator to determine if disclosure is necessary.

Broker and Adviser Roles in the Transaction

Science Group’s buyback was supported by professional brokers, reflecting the company’s commitment to robust execution. Panmure Liberum Limited acts as Nomad and joint broker, advising on AIM compliance and financial matters. Peel Hunt LLP serves as joint broker, assisting with execution and market-making. The involvement of both firms underscores Science Group’s adherence to professional standards and regulatory frameworks.

Contact details for Panmure Liberum Limited (Nicholas How and Rupert Dearden, +44 (0) 20 3100 2000) and Peel Hunt LLP (Neil Patel and Kate Bannatyne, +44 (0) 20 7418 8900) are provided for shareholder inquiries. Science Group’s Company Secretary, Sarah Cole, is also available at +44 (0) 1223 875 200. This multi-channel contact approach ensures investors can obtain further information about the buyback or company strategy.

Regulatory Filing and Market Abuse Regulation Adherence

The announcement complies with the Market Abuse Regulation ((EU) No 596/2014), applicable to UK and EU-regulated markets including AIM. It includes all required details under Article 5(1)(b), such as the number of shares purchased, price per share, exact transaction time (15:41:31), and execution venue (AIMX). This ensures simultaneous access to material information for all market participants, supporting transparency and market integrity.

Publication via the Regulatory News Service (RNS) fulfills Science Group’s disclosure obligations to the FCA and formally notifies the market of the completed buyback. The announcement’s timing and content have been approved by the board and reviewed by Panmure Liberum Limited for regulatory compliance. This process meets statutory requirements and provides investors with comprehensive details on the company’s capital management.