The Vanguard Group Discloses Significant Stake in Smith (DS) plc

The Vanguard Group, Inc. has made public its interest in the relevant securities of Smith (DS) plc, representing more than 1% ownership. This disclosure, filed under Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code, reveals that as of December 27, 2024, Vanguard holds 68,435,270 shares, amounting to 4.96% of Smith (DS) plc's ordinary 10p share class.

Additional disclosures include interests in International Paper Company related to the Smith (DS) plc offer. The document filed does not indicate any open positions in stock-settled derivatives or voting agreements pertaining to these shares. No supplemental forms are attached, indicating the absence of further stock-settled derivative positions or agreements.

This disclosure forms part of Vanguard's regular reporting compliance under the Takeover Code, providing transparency regarding its significant shareholder interests in entities subject to acquisition opportunities.