AIM Rules Confirmation

Inspecs Group PLC

04 March 2026

 

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF THAT JURISDICTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4 March 2026

RECOMMENDED CASH ACQUISITION

of

INSPECS GROUP PLC

by

BIDCO 1125 LIMITED

(a newly incorporated company indirectly owned by Luke Johnson and Ian Livingstone (the "Consortium"))

to be effected by means of a Takeover Offer

under Part 28 of the Companies Act 2006

AIM Rules confirmation

On 10 December 2025, the boards of directors of Inspecs Group plc ("Inspecs" or the "Company") and Bidco 1125 Limited ("Bidco"), a newly formed company established by the Consortium, announced that they had reached agreement on the terms of a recommended cash acquisition by Bidco of the entire issued and to be issued share capital of the Company (the "Acquisition"), to be implemented by way of a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006 (the "Scheme"), for a cash consideration of 84 pence per Inspecs share with a securities alternative.

On the 20 February 2026, Bidco announced, with the consent of the of the board of directors of Inspecs and the Panel, the switch to implement the Acquisition by way of a Takeover Offer rather than by way of the Scheme (the "Offer").  The offer document containing the full terms and conditions of the Offer and the procedures for acceptance (the "Offer Document") was published on 23 February 2026.

Bidco made the following statements in the Offer Document published on 23 February 2026:

"If, following the Offer becoming or being declared unconditional, Bidco has not acquired or agreed to acquire at least 75 per cent. of the issued share capital of Inspecs, Bidco will not, by virtue of its own shareholding be in a position to procure the cancellation of admission to trading on AIM of Inspecs Shares and the cancellation would need to be approved at a meeting of shareholders of Inspecs. Bidco reiterates (as set out in the Scheme Document) that a private company environment would be more appropriate for Inspecs, particularly as it is highly likely that only a very small proportion of Inspecs Shares will be in public hands following the Offer becoming or being declared unconditional. It therefore remains the intention of Bidco to seek the cancellation of the admission to trading of Inspecs Shares on AIM should this be practicable and intends to explore its options in this regard. In the meanwhile, Bidco will have significant control over Inspecs and intends for Inspecs to comply only with the minimum requirements prescribed by applicable laws and regulations for public companies admitted to trading on AIM."

In respect of these statements, the Board of Inspecs notes that Bidco intends for Inspecs to comply with the AIM Rules for Companies (the "AIM Rules") and with any other applicable laws and regulations (seeking advice and guidance from the NOMAD as appropriate) for the period in which Bidco holds over 50% of the issued share capital of Inspecs and Inspecs Shares remain admitted to trading on AIM. For the avoidance of doubt, this includes seeking cancellation in accordance with the AIM Rules.

The current Inspecs board maintains a strong focus on corporate governance and regulatory compliance, and, to this end, Inspecs has historically complied and continues to comply with the AIM Rules.  

Inspecs notes that any non-compliance in the future by Inspecs with its obligations under the AIM Rules may have a number of consequences for Inspecs and its investors including inter alia the suspension of admission of the Inspecs shares to trading on AIM and / or Inspecs being fined or censured. The LSE can also take disciplinary action against any AIM company in accordance with its Disciplinary Procedures and Appeals Handbook.

Capitalised words and expressions in this announcement have the meaning given in the Offer Document.

Inspecs          c/o FTI Consulting
Peel Hunt (Financial Adviser, Rule 3 Adviser, Nominated Adviser and Broker to Inspecs) George Sellar Michael Nicholson Andrew Clark	[phone]
FTI Consulting (Financial PR to Inspecs) Alex Beagley Harriet Jackson Amy Goldup Harleena Chana	[phone]
Bidco c/o Cavendish
Cavendish (Financial Adviser to Bidco Group and the Consortium) Henrik Persson Matt Goode Fergus Sullivan Finn Gordon	[phone]

Further information

Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (Cavendish), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting as financial adviser exclusively for the Bidco Group and no one else in connection with the matters set out in this Announcement and will not regard any other person as their client in relation to such matters and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Bidco Group for providing the protections afforded to clients of Cavendish nor for providing advice in relation to the contents of, or any matter referred to in, this Announcement or any transaction or arrangement referred to herein. Neither Cavendish nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Cavendish in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein, any transaction or arrangement referred to herein, or otherwise.

Peel Hunt LLP (Peel Hunt), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting as financial adviser, nominated adviser and broker exclusively for Inspecs and no one else in connection with the matters set out in this Announcement and will not regard any other person as their client in relation to such matters and will not be responsible to anyone other than Inspecs for providing the protections afforded to clients of Peel Hunt nor for providing advice in relation to the contents of, or any matter referred to in, this Announcement or any transaction or arrangement referred to herein. Neither Peel Hunt nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Peel Hunt in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein, any transaction or arrangement referred to herein, or otherwise.

This announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to, and does not, constitute, or form part of, an offer to sell or an invitation to purchase any securities or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to the Acquisition or otherwise, nor shall there be any purchase, sale, issuance or transfer of securities of Inspecs or such solicitation in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. The Acquisition will be implemented solely pursuant to the terms of the Offer Document (or if the Acquisition is implemented by way of a Scheme, the Scheme Document) which, together with the form of acceptance and election, contains the full terms and conditions of the Acquisition, including details of how to accept the Takeover Offer. Any response in relation to the Acquisition should be made only on the basis of the information contained in the Offer Document (or if the Acquisition is implemented by way of a Scheme, the Scheme Document).

This announcement has been prepared for the purpose of complying with English law and the Takeover Code and the information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have been disclosed if this Announcement had been prepared in accordance with the laws or jurisdictions outside the United Kingdom.

This announcement does not constitute a prospectus, prospectus equivalent document or exempted document.

Inspecs and Bidco urge Inspecs Shareholders to read the Offer Document because it contains important information relating to the Acquisition.

The statements contained in this Announcement are made as at the date of this Announcement, unless some other time is specified in relation to them, and publication of this Announcement shall not give rise to any implication that there has been no change in the facts set forth in this Announcement since such date.

If you are in any doubt about the contents of this Announcement or the action you should take, you are recommended to seek your own independent financial advice immediately from your stockbroker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or independent financial adviser duly authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) if you are resident in the United Kingdom or, if not, from another appropriately authorised independent financial adviser.

Overseas Shareholders

The release, publication or distribution of this Announcement in or into jurisdictions other than the UK may be restricted by law and therefore any persons who are subject to the law of any jurisdiction other than the UK should inform themselves of, and observe, any applicable legal or regulatory requirements. Any failure to comply with such requirements may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the companies and persons involved in the Acquisition disclaim any responsibility or liability for the violation of such restrictions by any person. This announcement has been prepared in accordance with and for the purpose of complying with English law, the Takeover Code, the AIM Rules, the Market Abuse Regulation and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have been prepared in accordance with the laws of jurisdictions outside England and Wales.

The availability of the Acquisition to Inspecs Shareholders who are not resident in and citizens of the UK may be affected by the laws of the relevant jurisdictions in which they are located or of which they are citizens. Persons who are not resident in the UK should inform themselves of, and observe, any applicable legal or regulatory requirements of their jurisdictions. Any person (including, without limitation, nominees, trustees and custodians) who would, or otherwise intends to, forward this Announcement, the Offer Document or any accompanying document to any jurisdiction outside the UK should refrain from doing so and seek appropriate professional advice before taking any action. Any failure to comply with the applicable restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the companies and persons involved in the Acquisition disclaim any responsibility or liability for the violation of such restrictions by any person. Further details in relation to Overseas Shareholders are included in the Offer Document.

Copies of this Announcement and any formal documentation relating to the Acquisition are not being, and must not be, directly or indirectly, mailed or otherwise forwarded, distributed or sent in or into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction where to do so would violate the laws in that jurisdiction and persons receiving such documents (including, without limitation, agents, custodians, nominees and trustees) must not mail or otherwise forward, distribute or send the same in or into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction where to do so would violate the laws in that jurisdiction. Unless otherwise permitted by applicable law and regulation, the Takeover Offer may not be made directly or indirectly, in, into, from, or by the use of mails or any means or instrumentality (including, but not limited to, facsimile, e-mail or other electronic transmission, telex or telephone) of interstate or foreign commerce of, or of any facility of a national, state or other securities exchange of, any Restricted Jurisdiction and the Takeover Offer may not be capable of acceptance by any such use, means, instrumentality or facilities.

Further details in relation to Overseas Shareholders are contained in the Offer Document.

Notice to US holders of Inspecs Shares

The Takeover Offer relates to shares of an English company and is proposed to be effected by means of a contractual takeover offer pursuant to the Code and the laws of the United Kingdom. The companies involved in the Takeover Offer are not US companies and are considered "foreign private issuers" for purposes of applicable US securities laws.

The Cash Offer is being made in the US pursuant to all applicable laws and regulations, including, to the extent applicable, Section 14(e) and Regulation 14E under the US Exchange Act and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of the Code. Accordingly, the Takeover Offer will be subject to disclosure and other procedural requirements, including with respect to withdrawal rights, offer timetable, settlement procedures and timing of payments that are different from those applicable under US domestic tender offer procedures and law. The Takeover Offer is being made in the US by Bidco and no-one else.

Furthermore, the payment and settlement procedure with respect to the Takeover Offer will comply with the relevant United Kingdom rules, which differ from US payment and settlement procedures, particularly with regard to the date of payment of consideration.

Inspecs Shareholders located or resident in the US or who are otherwise US persons will not be permitted to elect to receive the Alternative Offer. The Alternative Offer is not being made in the US, and any purported election to receive Consideration Securities pursuant to the Alternative Offer by Inspecs Shareholders from the US, or which, at the sole discretion of Bidco, appear to be made in respect of Inspecs Shares beneficially held by persons located or resident in the US or who otherwise appear to be US persons will not be accepted. Accordingly, Inspecs Shareholders located or resident in the US or who are otherwise US persons who elect to receive the Alternative Offer will be deemed to have accepted the Cash Offer and will receive cash pursuant to the Cash Offer, and no Consideration Securities will be issued to any such Inspecs Shareholder. The Consideration Securities have not been and will not be registered under the US Exchange Act or under US securities laws, and will not be listed on any stock exchange in the US, and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in, into or from the US Neither the US Securities and Exchange Commission nor any US state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the Alternative Offer, the Consideration Securities or determined that this Announcement is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence.

Non-US Inspecs Shareholders will be deemed, by electing receipt of the Consideration Securities pursuant to the Alternative Offer, to represent and warrant, on behalf of themselves and any person on whose behalf they beneficially hold their Inspecs Shares, that they: (i) are not located or resident in the US or otherwise a US person; and (ii) are not electing receipt of the Alternative Offer with a view to, or for offer or sale of Consideration Securities in connection with, any distribution thereof (within the meaning of the US Exchange Act) in the US or to US persons.

The receipt of cash by a US Inspecs Shareholder as consideration for the transfer of its, his or her Inspecs Shares pursuant to the Takeover Offer will likely be a taxable transaction for US federal income tax purposes and under applicable US state and local, as well as foreign and other, tax laws. Each US Inspecs Shareholder is urged to consult their independent professional adviser immediately regarding the tax consequences of the Takeover Offer applicable to them.

Some or all of Inspecs' officers and directors reside outside the US, and some or all of its assets are or may be located in jurisdictions outside the US. Therefore, investors may have difficulty effecting service of process within the US upon those persons or recovering against Inspecs or its officers or directors on judgments of US courts, including judgments based upon the civil liability provisions of US securities laws. Further, it may be difficult to compel a non-US company and its affiliates to subject themselves to a US court's judgment. It may not be possible to sue Inspecs or its officers or directors in a non-US court for violations of the US securities laws.

Financial information relating to Inspecs that is included in this Announcement has been or will have been prepared in accordance with IFRS and may not be comparable to the financial information of US companies or companies whose financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the US. In accordance with normal UK practice, Bidco or its nominees or their brokers (acting as agents), may from time to time make certain purchases of, or arrangements to purchase, shares or other securities of Inspecs outside of the US, other than pursuant to the Offer, until the date on which the Takeover Offer becomes Effective, lapses or is otherwise withdrawn, in compliance with applicable laws, including the US securities laws. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Any information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase shall be disclosed as required in the UK, shall be reported to the Regulatory Information Service and shall be available on the London Stock Exchange website at www.londonstockexchange.com.

In addition, Bidco, its affiliates, their advisors, and the nominees or brokers (acting as agents) may make certain purchases of, or arrangements to purchase, shares in Inspecs outside the Offer, such as in open market purchases or privately negotiated purchases, during the period in which the Takeover Offer remains open for acceptance. If such purchases or arrangements to purchase were to be made, they would be made outside the US and would comply with applicable law, including United Kingdom laws and the US Exchange Act. Any such purchases by Bidco or its affiliates will not be made at prices higher than the price of the Takeover Offer provided in this Announcement unless the price of the Acquisition is increased accordingly. Any information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase shall be disclosed as required under United Kingdom laws and will be available to all investors (including US investors) via the Regulatory Information Service on www.londonstockexchange.com.

Forward looking statements

This document (including information incorporated by reference into this Announcement), may contain certain "forward-looking statements" with respect to Bidco or Inspecs. Statements made regarding the Takeover Offer and Acquisition, and other information to be published by Bidco and/or Inspecs, contain statements which are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are prospective in nature and not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections of the Bidco Directors and/or Inspecs about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements contained in this Announcement include statements with respect to the expected effects of the Acquisition, including in relation to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Inspecs, the Wider Inspecs Group and certain plans and objectives of Bidco and the Wider Bidco Group with respect thereto and other statements other than historical facts. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts and may use words such as "anticipate", "target", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "intend", "plan", "budget", "scheduled", "goal", "believe", "hope", "aims", "continue", "will", "may", "should", "would", "could", or other words of similar meaning. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by Inspecs and/or Bidco in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions, future developments and other factors they believe appropriate. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainty and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such, because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may occur in the future. Although Bidco and/or Inspecs believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct and you are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as at the date of this Announcement. Neither Bidco nor Inspecs assumes any obligation to update or correct the information contained in this Announcement (whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise), except as required by applicable law.

There are a number of factors which could affect the future operations of Inspecs, the Wider Inspecs Group, Bidco and/or the Wider Bidco Group and that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the ability to complete the Acquisition; the ability to obtain requisite regulatory and shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of the Conditions on the proposed terms; changes in the global, political, economic, business and competitive environments and in market and regulatory forces; changes in future exchange and interest rates; changes in tax rates; future business combinations or dispositions; changes in general and economic business conditions; changes in the behaviour of other market participants; the anticipated benefits of the Acquisition not being realised as a result of changes in general economic and market conditions in the countries in which Bidco and Inspecs operate; weak, volatile or illiquid capital and/or credit markets; changes in the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which Bidco and Inspecs operate; and changes in laws or in supervisory expectations or requirements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected, estimated or projected in the forward-looking statements. If any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialises or if any one or more of the assumptions proves incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Such forward-looking statements should therefore be construed in the light of such factors.

Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this Announcement. Neither Bidco nor Inspecs nor any of their respective associates or directors, officers or advisers, provides any representation, warranty, assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements in this Announcement will actually occur. Given the risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place any reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Other than in accordance with their legal or regulatory obligations, neither Bidco nor Inspecs is under any obligation, and Bidco and Inspecs expressly disclaim any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Dealing and Opening Position Disclosure Requirements

Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Takeover Code, any person who is interested in 1 per cent. or more of any class of relevant securities of an offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror (being any offeror other than an offeror in respect of which it has been announced that its offer is, or is likely to be, solely in cash) must make an Opening Position Disclosure following the commencement of the offer period and, if later, following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. An Opening Position Disclosure must contain details of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s). An Opening Position Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(a) of the Takeover Code applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th business day following the commencement of the offer period and, if appropriate, by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th business day following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. Relevant persons who deal in the relevant securities of the offeree company or of a securities exchange offeror prior to the deadline for making an Opening Position Disclosure must instead make a Dealing Disclosure.

Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Takeover Code, any person who is, or becomes, interested in 1 per cent. or more of any class of relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror must make a Dealing Disclosure if the person deals in any relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror. A Dealing Disclosure must contain details of the dealing concerned and of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s), save to the extent that these details have previously been disclosed under Rule 8. A Dealing Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(b) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the business day following the date of the relevant dealing.

If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire or control an interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a securities exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.

Opening Position Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company and by any offeror and Dealing Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company, by any offeror and by any persons acting in concert with any of them (see Rules 8.1, 8.2 and 8.4).

Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose relevant securities Opening Position Disclosures and Dealing Disclosures must be made can be found in the Disclosure Table on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk, including details of the number of relevant securities in issue, when the offer period commenced and when any offeror was first identified. You should contact the Panel's Market Surveillance Unit on [phone] if you are in any doubt as to whether you are required to make an Opening Position Disclosure or a Dealing Disclosure.

Publication on a website

In accordance with Rule 26.1 of the Takeover Code, a copy of this Announcement and the documents required to be published by Rule 26 of the Takeover Code will be made available, subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted Jurisdictions, on the website of Risk Capital Partners at www.riskcapitalpartners.co.uk/offer-for-inspecs-group-plc/documents/ and on Inspecs' website at www.inspecs.com/investor-relations by no later than 12 noon (London time) on the Business Day following this Announcement. For the avoidance of doubt, neither the content of these websites nor of any website accessible from hyperlinks set out in this Announcement is incorporated by reference or forms part of this Announcement.

No profit forecasts, estimates or quantified financial benefits statements

No statement in this Announcement is intended as, or is to be construed as, a profit forecast, profit estimate or quantified financial benefits statement for any period and no statement in this Announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings or earnings per share for Inspecs for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings or earnings per share for Inspecs.

Requesting hard copy documents

In accordance with Rule 30.3 of the Takeover Code, Inspecs Shareholders, persons with information rights and participants in the Inspecs Share Plans may request a hard copy of this Announcement by contacting Inspecs' registrars, Equiniti Limited, during business hours on [phone].  Please note that lines are open between 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. (UK time) Monday to Friday (except public holidays in England and Wales). For deaf and speech impaired customers, Equiniti welcome calls via Relay UK. Please see www.relayuk.bt.com for more information. Alternatively, a request may be submitted in writing to Equiniti Limited, Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN99 6DA, with an address to which the hard copy may be sent. In accordance with Rule 30.3 of the Takeover Code, such persons may also request that all future documents, announcements and information to be sent to them in relation to the Acquisition should be in hard copy form.

Electronic communications

Please be aware that addresses, electronic addresses and certain other information provided by Inspecs Shareholders, persons with information rights and other relevant persons for the receipt of communications from Inspecs may be provided to Bidco during the offer period as required under Section 4 of Appendix 4 of the Takeover Code to comply with Rule 2.11(c) of the Takeover Code.

Rounding

Certain figures included in this Announcement have been subjected to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown for the same category presented in different tables may vary slightly and figures shown as totals in certain tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.

General

If the Takeover Offer becomes or is declared unconditional and sufficient acceptances are received, Bidco intends to exercise its rights to apply the provisions of Chapter 3 of Part 28 of the Companies Act so as to acquire compulsorily the remaining Inspecs Shares in respect of which the Takeover Offer has not been accepted.

Investors should be aware that Bidco may purchase Inspecs Shares otherwise than under the Takeover Offer, including pursuant to privately negotiated purchases.

Rule 2.9 of the Takeover Code

For the purposes of Rule 2.9 of the Takeover Code, Inspecs confirms that, as at the Latest Practicable Date, it had in issue 101,671,525 ordinary shares of £0.01 each admitted to trading on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. Inspecs does not hold any ordinary shares in treasury. The ISIN for the ordinary shares is GB00BK6JPP03 and the LEI is 2138008Z4S4DHR6NE933.

 

END