Dimensional Fund Advisors Disclose Multiple Large Shareholdings in UK Firms

Several disclosures have been made by investment advisors AXA Investment Managers and Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. regarding their interests and short positions in relevant securities related to takeover offers. AXA Investment Managers disclosed ownership of over 4.2 million shares but does not have discretion over voting decisions for a portion of these shares. Dimensional Fund Advisors, acting as an investment advisor for its affiliates, repeatedly clarified that it disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares reported in multiple Form 8.3 disclosures, with voting discretion not held for certain subsets of shares ranging from approximately 18,000 to over 138,000. These disclosures comply with the requirements of the Takeover Code, including full transparency about nominee and vehicle companies, trusts, and any derivative positions or agreements relating to the securities. The filings emphasize the importance of reporting all interests and short positions, including any indemnity or option arrangements that might influence dealing decisions. Collectively, these reports provide critical information about institutional investors' stakes and potential influence in ongoing or possible takeover bids.