Herbert Smith Freehills advises three FTSE 100 companies on share buyback programmes

Herbert Smith Freehills has supported three FTSE 100 companies on their share buyback programmes which were announced earlier today:

• Airtel Africa plc on its US$100 million programme;
• Associated British Foods plc on the second tranche of its £500 million programme; and
• Pearson plc on its £200 million programme.

The Herbert Smith Freehills team advising these clients comprised partner and UK Head of Corporate Governance Advisory Gareth Sykes, senior associate Laura Ackroyd and associate Hannah Whitney. Tax advice was provided by partner Aurell Taussig and senior associate Pindy Gainda.

Gareth Sykes commented: "Our Corporate Governance Advisory team has extensive experience supporting our listed company clients on the full spectrum of corporate governance issues, including returns of value to shareholders, and we are delighted to be advising Airtel Africa, Associated British Foods and Pearson on their respective share buyback programmes announced today."

Herbert Smith Freehills' Corporate Governance Advisory team in the UK is ranked in Tier 1 for Corporate Governance in the Legal 500 UK rankings and advises the largest number of UK listed companies as main corporate adviser, according to the latest Adviser Rankings Limited law firm adviser rankings (February 2024).