[6-K] ASTRAZENECA PLC Current Report (Foreign Issuer)
AstraZeneca is asking shareholders to approve a Harmonised Listing Structure that would directly list AstraZeneca Shares on the NYSE while keeping listings on the London Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stockholm. The proposal requires terminating the existing ADR programme, migrating settlement from CREST to DTC, and adopting amended articles to enable issuance of AstraZeneca DIs and, for certain restricted holdings, depositary receipts. The Board unanimously recommends the Resolution. The company highlights growth from $24.7bn revenue in 2015 to $54.1bn in 2024, core operating profit from $6.9bn to $16.9bn and core R&D spend from $5.6bn to $12.2bn; the US accounted for 43% of 2024 revenue and is forecast to be ~50% by 2030. Key dates: General Meeting 3 November 2025 and expected implementation by 2 February 2026.
AstraZeneca chiede agli azionisti di approvare una Struttura di Listing Omogenea che quoterebbe direttamente le Azioni AstraZeneca sul NYSE, mantenendo le quotazioni sulla London Stock Exchange e Nasdaq Stockholm. La proposta prevede la cessazione dell'attuale programma ADR, la migrazione della compensazione/sistemazione da CREST a DTC e l'adozione di statuti modificati per permettere l'emissione di AstraZeneca DI e, per determinate partecipazioni soggette a restrizioni, ricevute di deposito. Il Consiglio raccomanda all'unanimità la Risoluzione. L'azienda evidenzia una crescita dei ricavi da 24,7 miliardi di dollari nel 2015 a 54,1 miliardi nel 2024, l'utile operativo principale da 6,9 miliardi a 16,9 miliardi e la spesa core per R&D da 5,6 miliardi a 12,2 miliardi; gli Stati Uniti hanno rappresentato il 43% dei ricavi nel 2024 e si prevede che raggiungeranno circa il 50% entro il 2030. Date chiave: Assemblea Generale il 3 novembre 2025 e implementazione prevista entro il 2 febbraio 2026.
AstraZeneca está pidiendo a los accionistas que aprueben una Estructura de Listado Armonizada que listaría directamente las Acciones de AstraZeneca en la NYSE, manteniendo las cotizaciones en la London Stock Exchange y Nasdaq Stockholm. La propuesta requiere terminar el actual programa ADR, migrar la liquidación de CREST a DTC y adoptar estatutos enmendados para permitir la emisión de DI de AstraZeneca y, para ciertas participaciones restringidas, recibos de depósito. La Junta recomienda unánimemente la Resolución. La compañía destaca el crecimiento de ingresos de 24,7 mil millones de dólares en 2015 a 54,1 mil millones en 2024, de beneficio operativo central de 6,9 mil millones a 16,9 mil millones y de gasto en I+D central de 5,6 mil millones a 12,2 mil millones; Estados Unidos representó el 43% de los ingresos en 2024 y se prevé que sea ~50% para 2030. Fechas clave: Junta General 3 de noviembre de 2025 y expected implementación para el 2 de febrero de 2026.
AstraZeneca는 주주들에게 NYSE에 AstraZeneca 주가를 직접 상장하면서도 런던 증권거래소와 Nasdaq Stockholm의 상장을 유지하는 조화된 상장 구조를 승인해 달라고 요청합니다. 이 제안은 기존 ADR 프로그램 종료, CREST에서 DTC로 결제 이전, 그리고 AstraZeneca DI 발행을 가능하게 하는 수정된 정관 채택을 필요로 하며, 특정 제한 보유분에 대해서는 예치 증권 수령치를 허용합니다. 이사회는 만장일치로 결의안을 권고합니다. 회사 측은 2015년 매출 247억 달러에서 2024년 541억 달러로, 코어 영업이익 69억 달러에서 169억 달러로, 코어 연구개발 지출 56억 달러에서 122억 달러로 성장했다고 강조하며, 2024년 매출의 43%를 미국이 차지했고 2030년에는 약 50%에 이를 것으로 전망합니다. 주요 일정: 2025년 11월 3일 총회 및 2026년 2월 2일 예정 이행.
AstraZeneca demande aux actionnaires d approuver une Structure de Listing Harmonisée qui permettrait d’inscrire directement les actions AstraZeneca sur le NYSE tout en maintenant les cotations sur le London Stock Exchange et Nasdaq Stockholm. La proposition nécessite la résiliation du programme ADR existant, la migration du règlement des transactions de CREST vers DTC et l’adoption de statuts modifiés pour permettre l’émission de DIs AstraZeneca et, pour certaines positions restreintes, des reçus de dépôt. Le Conseil recommande à l’unanimité la Résolution. L’entreprise met en avant une croissance des revenus de 24,7 milliards de dollars en 2015 à 54,1 milliards en 2024, du bénéfice opérationnel de base de 6,9 à 16,9 milliards et des dépenses de R&D de base de 5,6 à 12,2 milliards; les États‑Unis représentaient 43 % des revenus en 2024 et devraient atteindre environ 50 % d’ici 2030. Dates clés : Assemblée Générale le 3 novembre 2025 et mise en œuvre prévue d’ici le 2 février 2026.
AstraZeneca bittet die Aktionäre, eine Harmonisierte Listing-Struktur zu genehmigen, die AstraZeneca-Aktien direkt an der NYSE listen würde, während die Listings an der London Stock Exchange und Nasdaq Stockholm beibehalten würden. Der Vorschlag erfordert die Beendigung des bestehenden ADR-Programms, die Migration der Abwicklung von CREST zu DTC und die Annahme geänderter Satzungen zur Ermöglichung der Emission von AstraZeneca DI und für bestimmte eingeschränkte Bestände Depositary Receipts. Der Vorstand empfiehlt die Resolution einstimmig. Das Unternehmen hebt ein Wachstum der Einnahmen von 24,7 Mrd. USD im Jahr 2015 auf 54,1 Mrd. USD im Jahr 2024 hervor, den operativen Kerngewinn von 6,9 Mrd. USD auf 16,9 Mrd. USD und die Kernf&E-Ausgaben von 5,6 Mrd. USD auf 12,2 Mrd. USD; die USA machten 2024 rund 43% der Einnahmen aus und sollen bis 2030 voraussichtlich ca. 50% erreichen. Wichtige Termine: Hauptversammlung am 3. November 2025 und voraussichtliche Umsetzung bis zum 2. Februar 2026.
AstraZeneca يطلب من المساهمين الموافقة على بنية إدراج موحدة ستدرج أسهم AstraZeneca مباشرة في بورصة نيويورك (NYSE) مع الحفاظ على الإدراج في لندن ستوك إكستشينج وناسداك ستوكهولم. تقضي المقترح بإنهاء برنامج ADR الحالي، ونقل تسوية المعاملات من CREST إلى DTC، واعتماد مواد نظامية معدلة تسمح بإصدار AstraZeneca DI وبالنسبة لبعض الحيازات المقيدة، شهادات الإيداع. المجلس يوصي بالموافقة على القرار بالإجماع. تؤكد الشركة نمو الإيرادات من 24.7 مليار دولار في 2015 إلى 54.1 مليار دولار في 2024، والأرباح الأساسية من 6.9 مليار دولار إلى 16.9 مليار دولار، وإنفاق البحث والتطوير الأساسي من 5.6 مليار دولار إلى 12.2 مليار دولار؛ الولايات المتحدة شكلت 43% من إيرادات 2024 ومن المتوقع أن تكون حوالي 50% بحلول 2030. التواريخ الرئيسية: الاجتماع العام في 3 نوفمبر 2025 والتنفيذ المتوقع بحلول 2 فبراير 2026.
阿斯利康 正要求股东批准一项统一上市结构,该结构将使阿斯利康股票直接在NYSE上市,同时维持在伦敦证券交易所和纳斯达克斯德哥尔摩的上市。该提案需要终止现有的ADR计划、将清算从CREST迁移至DTC,并通过修订章程以允许发行阿斯利康DI,对于某些受限持有还允许托管凭证。董事会一致推荐通过该决议。公司强调收入从2015年的247亿美元增至2024年的541亿美元,核心营业利润从69亿美元增至169亿美元,核心研发支出从56亿美元增至122亿美元;美国在2024年的收入占比为43%,预计到2030年将接近50%。关键日期:股东大会定于2025年11月3日,预计于2026年2月2日实施。
- Direct NYSE listing expected to widen access to US institutional and retail investors
- Consolidation of US listings (equity and US bond listings on the NYSE) simplifies US regulatory oversight
- Board unanimous recommendation and preservation of UK incorporation, tax residency and governance
- HMRC clearance that transfers into DTC at the Effective Time are not subject to UK stamp duty or SDRT
- Termination of ADR programme will require operational changes for ADS holders, including exchanges and possible cashing of fractional entitlements
- Settlement migration introduces new mechanics (AstraZeneca DIs, CSN Facility, Election Agent custody) that may impose fees and process steps for some shareholders
- CSN Non-Eligible Certificated Shareholders face a holding-period process and potential administrative burdens if they do not elect an exit during the Holding Period
- Transfers back into DTC after the Effective Time (or from certificated form) may be subject to UK stamp duty or SDRT at 1.5% in certain circumstances
Insights
TL;DR: A material structural change aimed at widening US investor access and centralising US trading and bond listings.
The Harmonised Listing Structure is a significant corporate-market-structure move: direct NYSE listing plus settlement migration to DTC aligns trading venue and settlement with the largest liquidity pool. This may increase US institutional and retail accessibility to AZN shares and consolidate US bond and equity regulation under a single US exchange. Operational impacts are substantive (ADR termination, DI issuance, registrar change) but the company states no change to economic rights (excluding fractional ADS entitlements). The proposal is conditional on a 75% shareholder vote and includes practical arrangements for different holder types (CSN, certificated, ADS holders) and HMRC clearance for transfers at the Effective Time.
TL;DR: Governance and legal status in the UK will be retained while adapting listings and settlement to US systems.
The documentation emphasises that AstraZeneca will remain UK incorporated, tax resident and subject to UK governance codes and the City Code on Takeovers despite the NYSE direct listing. The proposed articles introduce entrenched provisions for DTC-held shares and DI mechanics, poll voting while shares are in DTC, and obligations tied to new depositary arrangements. Shareholder approval is required and the Board unanimously recommends the change, reflecting management support and detailed transition governance, including custodial and election-agent mechanisms for different shareholder groups.
AstraZeneca chiede agli azionisti di approvare una Struttura di Listing Omogenea che quoterebbe direttamente le Azioni AstraZeneca sul NYSE, mantenendo le quotazioni sulla London Stock Exchange e Nasdaq Stockholm. La proposta prevede la cessazione dell'attuale programma ADR, la migrazione della compensazione/sistemazione da CREST a DTC e l'adozione di statuti modificati per permettere l'emissione di AstraZeneca DI e, per determinate partecipazioni soggette a restrizioni, ricevute di deposito. Il Consiglio raccomanda all'unanimità la Risoluzione. L'azienda evidenzia una crescita dei ricavi da 24,7 miliardi di dollari nel 2015 a 54,1 miliardi nel 2024, l'utile operativo principale da 6,9 miliardi a 16,9 miliardi e la spesa core per R&D da 5,6 miliardi a 12,2 miliardi; gli Stati Uniti hanno rappresentato il 43% dei ricavi nel 2024 e si prevede che raggiungeranno circa il 50% entro il 2030. Date chiave: Assemblea Generale il 3 novembre 2025 e implementazione prevista entro il 2 febbraio 2026.
AstraZeneca está pidiendo a los accionistas que aprueben una Estructura de Listado Armonizada que listaría directamente las Acciones de AstraZeneca en la NYSE, manteniendo las cotizaciones en la London Stock Exchange y Nasdaq Stockholm. La propuesta requiere terminar el actual programa ADR, migrar la liquidación de CREST a DTC y adoptar estatutos enmendados para permitir la emisión de DI de AstraZeneca y, para ciertas participaciones restringidas, recibos de depósito. La Junta recomienda unánimemente la Resolución. La compañía destaca el crecimiento de ingresos de 24,7 mil millones de dólares en 2015 a 54,1 mil millones en 2024, de beneficio operativo central de 6,9 mil millones a 16,9 mil millones y de gasto en I+D central de 5,6 mil millones a 12,2 mil millones; Estados Unidos representó el 43% de los ingresos en 2024 y se prevé que sea ~50% para 2030. Fechas clave: Junta General 3 de noviembre de 2025 y expected implementación para el 2 de febrero de 2026.
AstraZeneca는 주주들에게 NYSE에 AstraZeneca 주가를 직접 상장하면서도 런던 증권거래소와 Nasdaq Stockholm의 상장을 유지하는 조화된 상장 구조를 승인해 달라고 요청합니다. 이 제안은 기존 ADR 프로그램 종료, CREST에서 DTC로 결제 이전, 그리고 AstraZeneca DI 발행을 가능하게 하는 수정된 정관 채택을 필요로 하며, 특정 제한 보유분에 대해서는 예치 증권 수령치를 허용합니다. 이사회는 만장일치로 결의안을 권고합니다. 회사 측은 2015년 매출 247억 달러에서 2024년 541억 달러로, 코어 영업이익 69억 달러에서 169억 달러로, 코어 연구개발 지출 56억 달러에서 122억 달러로 성장했다고 강조하며, 2024년 매출의 43%를 미국이 차지했고 2030년에는 약 50%에 이를 것으로 전망합니다. 주요 일정: 2025년 11월 3일 총회 및 2026년 2월 2일 예정 이행.
AstraZeneca demande aux actionnaires d approuver une Structure de Listing Harmonisée qui permettrait d’inscrire directement les actions AstraZeneca sur le NYSE tout en maintenant les cotations sur le London Stock Exchange et Nasdaq Stockholm. La proposition nécessite la résiliation du programme ADR existant, la migration du règlement des transactions de CREST vers DTC et l’adoption de statuts modifiés pour permettre l’émission de DIs AstraZeneca et, pour certaines positions restreintes, des reçus de dépôt. Le Conseil recommande à l’unanimité la Résolution. L’entreprise met en avant une croissance des revenus de 24,7 milliards de dollars en 2015 à 54,1 milliards en 2024, du bénéfice opérationnel de base de 6,9 à 16,9 milliards et des dépenses de R&D de base de 5,6 à 12,2 milliards; les États‑Unis représentaient 43 % des revenus en 2024 et devraient atteindre environ 50 % d’ici 2030. Dates clés : Assemblée Générale le 3 novembre 2025 et mise en œuvre prévue d’ici le 2 février 2026.
AstraZeneca bittet die Aktionäre, eine Harmonisierte Listing-Struktur zu genehmigen, die AstraZeneca-Aktien direkt an der NYSE listen würde, während die Listings an der London Stock Exchange und Nasdaq Stockholm beibehalten würden. Der Vorschlag erfordert die Beendigung des bestehenden ADR-Programms, die Migration der Abwicklung von CREST zu DTC und die Annahme geänderter Satzungen zur Ermöglichung der Emission von AstraZeneca DI und für bestimmte eingeschränkte Bestände Depositary Receipts. Der Vorstand empfiehlt die Resolution einstimmig. Das Unternehmen hebt ein Wachstum der Einnahmen von 24,7 Mrd. USD im Jahr 2015 auf 54,1 Mrd. USD im Jahr 2024 hervor, den operativen Kerngewinn von 6,9 Mrd. USD auf 16,9 Mrd. USD und die Kernf&E-Ausgaben von 5,6 Mrd. USD auf 12,2 Mrd. USD; die USA machten 2024 rund 43% der Einnahmen aus und sollen bis 2030 voraussichtlich ca. 50% erreichen. Wichtige Termine: Hauptversammlung am 3. November 2025 und voraussichtliche Umsetzung bis zum 2. Februar 2026.
Washington, D.C. 20549
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Cambridge CB2 0AA
United Kingdom
![[MISSING IMAGE: lg_astrazeneca-4c.jpg]](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000901832/000110465925094039/lg_astrazeneca-4c.jpg)
a direct listing of AstraZeneca Shares on the NYSE
CLAUSE
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EXPECTED TIMETABLE OF PRINCIPAL EVENTS
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IMPORTANT NOTICES
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ACTION TO BE TAKEN
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PART I LETTER FROM THE CHAIR OF AstraZeneca PLC
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PART II EXPLANATION OF THE PROPOSALS TO IMPLEMENT THE HARMONISED LISTING STRUCTURE
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PART III SETTLEMENT AND DEALINGS IN AstraZeneca SHARES FOLLOWING THE SETTLEMENT SYSTEM MIGRATION
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PART IV CERTAIN TAXATION MATTERS
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PART V PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE EXISTING ARTICLES
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PART VI DEFINITIONS
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PART VII NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING
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Event
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Expected time/date(1)
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Publication of this Circular | | | 29 September 2025 | |
Posting of this Circular and Notice of General Meeting, the Forms of Proxy, CSN voting forms and voting instruction cards
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| | 30 September 2025 | |
Latest time and date for receipt of Forms of Proxy, online proxy appointments and CREST electronic proxy appointment instruction
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2:30 p.m. (GMT) on
30 October 2025(2) |
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Voting Record Time for the General Meeting | | |
6:30 p.m. (GMT) on
30 October 2025(3) |
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General Meeting
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2:30 p.m. (GMT)
on 3 November 2025 |
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Expected date for termination of ADR Programme, delisting of AstraZeneca ADSs and cancellation of the listing and trading of AstraZeneca US Bonds on Nasdaq
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| | 2 February 2026 | |
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Expected time and date for commencement of trading in AstraZeneca Shares and AstraZeneca US Bonds on the NYSE
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By 8:00 a.m. (ET)
on 2 February 2026 |
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Expected date for the issuance of AstraZeneca DIs to relevant CREST participant accounts
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On or around 2 February 2026
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Expected date for the issuance of statements of entitlement for existing CSN Eligible Certificated Shareholders and CSN Participants
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By no later than 16 February 2026
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LETTER FROM THE CHAIR OF AstraZeneca PLC
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Registered office:
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Michel Demaré (Non-Executive Chair)
Pascal Soriot (Chief Executive Officer) Aradhana Sarin (Chief Financial Officer) Philip Broadley (Senior Independent Director) Euan Ashley (Non-Executive Director) Birgit Conix (Non-Executive Director) Karen Knudsen (Non-Executive Director) Rene Haas (Non-Executive Director) Diana Layfield (Non-Executive Director) Anna Manz (Non-Executive Director) Sherilyn McCoy (Non-Executive Director) Tony Mok (Non-Executive Director) Nazneen Rahman (Non-Executive Director) Marcus Wallenberg (Non-Executive Director) |
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AstraZeneca PLC
1 Francis Crick Avenue Cambridge Biomedical Campus Cambridge United Kingdom CB2 0AA |
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![[MISSING IMAGE: sg_micheldemare-bw.jpg]](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000901832/000110465925094039/sg_micheldemare-bw.jpg)
Chair
AstraZeneca PLC
EXPLANATION OF THE PROPOSALS TO IMPLEMENT THE HARMONISED LISTING
STRUCTURE
SETTLEMENT AND DEALINGS IN ASTRAZENECA SHARES
FOLLOWING THE SETTLEMENT SYSTEM MIGRATION
CERTAIN TAXATION MATTERS
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE EXISTING ARTICLES
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New Articles ref.
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Explanation for proposed amendment
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| | Article 2 (Definitions) | | | |
New definitions have been inserted in Article 2 and certain existing definitions have been amended. Save as expressly set out below, these changes are required to refer to the various entities and steps involved in the Settlement System Migration.
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| | Article 3 (Construction) | | | |
Certain changes are required to reflect the fact that the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 will no longer apply following implementation of the Harmonised Listing Structure. Consequential amendments have also been proposed to relevant definitions in Article 2 and to Article 6.3(d).
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Article 40 (Method of voting to apply for so long as Ordinary Shares held in DTC)
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Insertion of a new Article (as an entrenched provision) requiring voting at a general meeting to be decided on a poll for so long as any AstraZeneca Shares are held in DTC. A poll means that a Shareholder has one vote for every AstraZeneca Share held and the votes of all Shareholders who submit a proxy form in advance of the meeting are counted, even if the Shareholder does not participate in the meeting. Consequential changes have been proposed to Articles 42, 43 and 46.
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| | Article 54.4 (Obligations of Approved Depositaries) | | | |
Clarification that provision by the Approved Depositary (as defined in the New Articles) of information pursuant to a request made under section 793 of the Companies Act will be at the Company’s expense.
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Article 59 (Appointment of proxy: form)
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Amendments to provide that proxy appointments relating to AstraZeneca Shares held in the name of the DTC Nominee to be in a form and manner approved by the Board, which may include a voting instruction form provided by a third party.
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Clarification that DTC and the DTC Nominee will not maintain a register or system to record appointed proxies.
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Article 149.1 (Transfer of DTC Eligible London Listed Shares and CSN Eligible Certificated Shares)
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Inclusion of a new Article to effect the following transactions in respect of each DTC Eligible London Listed Share or CSN Eligible Certificated Share at the Effective Time:
(a) the automatic transfer of each such AstraZeneca Share to the DTC Nominee by first transferring such AstraZeneca Shares to the DR Depositary Nominee as set out in Article 149.8;
(b) the automatic cancellation of any outstanding share certificates in respect thereof;
(c) the recording of the DTC Nominee as the registered holder of each such AstraZeneca Share and crediting of a book entry interest in respect of each such AstraZeneca Share to the DI Custodian as custodian for the DI Depositary; and
(d) in respect of DTC Eligible London Listed Shares, the issuance by the DI Depositary to the relevant Shareholders (or, in the case of such AstraZeneca Shares held in the CSN Facility, to Computershare Company Nominees Limited (or such other entity as the CSN Operator may nominate) of AstraZeneca DIs representing such AstraZeneca Shares on a one for one basis. The new Article 149.1 also specifies that the relevant Shareholder will be bound by the terms of the DI
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New Articles ref.
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Explanation for proposed amendment
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Deed which governs the relationship between the DI Depositary and the holders of AstraZeneca DIs and is available on request (see paragraph 2(a) of Part III (Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares following the Settlement System Migration) of this document) and the CSN Terms and Conditions (where applicable).
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| | New Article 149.2 (Transfer of CSN Eligible Certificated Shares) | | | |
Inclusion of a new Article providing that Article 149.1 applies to the transfer of CSN Eligible Certificated Shares, save that any AstraZeneca DI which is issued in respect of any CSN Eligible Certificated Share shall be issued to the CSN Nominee as nominee for the CSN Operator and the relevant Shareholder shall be bound by the CSN Terms and Conditions annexed to this document in addition to the terms of the DI Deed, each as amended from time to time.
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New Article 149.3 (Transfer of CSN Non-Eligible Certificated Shares)
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Inclusion of a new Article to effect the following transactions in respect of each CSN Non-Eligible Certificated Share at the Effective Time:
(a) the automatic transfer of each such CSN Non-Eligible Certificated Share to the DTC Nominee by first transferring such CSN Non-Eligible Certificated Shares to the DR Depositary Nominee as nominee for the DR Depositary as set out in Article 149.8;
(b) the automatic cancellation of any outstanding share certificates in respect thereof; and
(c) the recording of the DTC Nominee as the registered holder of each such CSN Non-Eligible Certificated Share and crediting of a book entry interest in respect of each such CSN Non-Eligible Certificated Share to CTCNA as election agent for the relevant Shareholder for a period not expected to exceed 180 calendar days under the custody arrangements described in this document.
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New Article 149.4 (Transfer of DTC Eligible Swedish Listed Shares)
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Inclusion of a new Article to effect the following transactions in respect of each DTC Eligible Swedish Listed Share at the Effective Time:
(a) the automatic transfer of each such DTC Eligible Swedish Listed Share to the DTC Nominee by first transferring such DTC Eligible Swedish Listed Shares to the DR Depositary Nominee as set out in Article 149.8; and
(b) the recording of the DTC Nominee as the registered holder of each such DTC Eligible Swedish Listed Share and crediting of a book entry interest in respect of each such DTC Eligible Swedish Listed Share to Euroclear Bank SA/NV as custodian for Euroclear Sweden under the arrangements described in this document.
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| | New Article 149.5 (Transfer of Affiliate Shares) | | | |
Inclusion of a new Article 149.5 to effect the following transactions in respect of each Affiliate Share at the Effective Time:
(a) the automatic transfer of each such Affiliate Share to the DR Depositary Nominee;
(b) the automatic cancellation of any outstanding share certificates; and
(c) the recording of the DR Depositary Nominee as the registered holder of each such Affiliate Share and issuance by the DR Depositary to (or for the benefit of) each such Affiliate Shareholder, AstraZeneca DRs representing such Affiliate Shares on a one for one basis. The new Article 149.5 also provides that each such Shareholder shall be bound by the terms of the DR Terms which govern the relationship between the DR Depositary and the holders of AstraZeneca DRs.
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New Article 149.6 (Transfer of Cede ADS Shares and Other ADS Shares and cancellation of ADSs)
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Inclusion of a new Article to effect the following transactions in respect of each Cede ADS Share or Other ADS Share (in each case other than Affiliate Shares) represented by registered AstraZeneca ADSs at the Effective Time:
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New Articles ref.
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Explanation for proposed amendment
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(a) with respect to the Cede ADS Shares:
(i) the automatic transfer of each such Cede ADS Shares to the DTC Nominee by first transferring such Cede ADS Shares to the DR Depositary Nominee as set out in Article 149.8;
(ii) the recording of the DTC Nominee as the registered holder of such number of Cede ADS Shares as is equal (save in respect of fractional entitlements, as described below) to the number of Cede ADS Shares which the AstraZeneca ADSs represent and crediting of a book entry interest in respect of each such Cede ADS Share to the DTC participants who held interests in AstraZeneca ADSs through DTC; and
(iii) the debiting of book entry interests in the AstraZeneca ADSs representing the Cede ADS Shares and cancellation of the relevant AstraZeneca ADSs;
(b) with respect to the Other ADS Shares:
(i) the automatic transfer of each such Other ADS Share to the DTC Nominee by first transferring such Other ADS Shares to the DR Depositary Nominee as nominee for the DR Depositary as set out in Article 149.8;
(ii) the automatic cancellation of any outstanding share certificates in respect thereof; and
(iii) the transfer of AstraZeneca Shares to and the recording of the DTC Nominee as the registered holder of each such Other ADS Share and crediting of a book entry interest in respect of each such Other ADS Share to the DR Depositary as custodian and election agent for the relevant Shareholder for a period not expected to exceed 180 calendar days under the custody arrangements described in this document; and
(c) persons whose direct or indirect holding of AstraZeneca ADSs cannot be exchanged for an exact number of AstraZeneca Shares (and who would otherwise be left with a fractional entitlement) will not be allocated fractions of AstraZeneca Shares and instead, the fractions of AstraZeneca Shares will be aggregated and the whole number of AstraZeneca Shares represented thereby will be sold by CTCNA, as AstraZeneca’s transfer agent, in the open market with the net cash proceeds from the sale thereof being distributed to any holders entitled thereto on a pro-rata basis.
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New Article 149.7 (No change to shareholders’ mandates, preferences, elections and instructions)
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Inclusion of a new Article confirming that, to the extent possible, all mandates, preferences, elections and instructions as to the payment currency of dividends, notices and other communications in force immediately prior to the Effective Time relating to AstraZeneca Shares will, unless and until revoked or amended, be deemed as (and continue to be) valid and remain unchanged following the Effective Time.
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New Article 149.8 (Appointment of agents to give effect to the Harmonised Listing Structure)
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Inclusion of a new Article permitting the Company to appoint any person as attorney and/or agent for a Shareholder to execute and deliver as transferor a form of register removal, transfer or instructions of transfer on behalf of the Shareholder (or any subsequent holders or nominees) and do all such other things and execute and deliver all such documents as may in the opinion of the Company or attorney or agent, be necessary or desirable to give effect to the arrangements in Article 149 (including effecting the transfer of AstraZeneca Shares to the DR Depositary Nominee (as nominee for the DR Depositary) prior to the onward inter-systems transfer from the DR Depositary Nominee to the DTC Nominee.
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DEFINITIONS
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“ADR Depositary”
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JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as depositary for the AstraZeneca ADSs representing AstraZeneca Shares under the AstraZeneca ADR facility;
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“ADR Programme”
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the American Depositary Receipts programme operated pursuant to the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated as of 6 February 2025, by and among (i) the Company (ii) the ADR Depositary and (iii) all registered holders and beneficial owners of AstraZeneca ADSs evidenced by AstraZeneca ADRs issued thereunder;
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“Affiliate Shareholder”
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any person who holds Affiliate Shares (and Affiliate Shareholders will be notified of their designation as such);
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“Affiliate Shares”
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AstraZeneca Shares held by any Affiliate Shareholder immediately prior to the Effective Time (including AstraZeneca Shares represented by AstraZeneca ADSs immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Harmonised Listing Structure) which are, or are identified by the Company to CTCNA as to be treated as, restricted securities for the purposes of US federal securities laws;
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“AstraZeneca” or “Company”
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AstraZeneca PLC, a company limited by shares and incorporated in the United Kingdom with registered number 02723534;
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“AstraZeneca ADRs”
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has the meaning given to it in paragraph 1 (Overview of existing arrangements in respect of AstraZeneca’s listed securities) of Part III (Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares following the Settlement System Migration) of this document;
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“AstraZeneca ADSs”
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has the meaning given to it in paragraph 1 (Overview of existing arrangements in respect of AstraZeneca’s listed securities) of Part III (Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares following the Settlement System Migration) of this document;
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“AstraZeneca DI”
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a depositary interest issued through CREST by the DI Depositary representing a beneficial interest in an AstraZeneca Share;
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“AstraZeneca DRs”
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has the meaning given to it in paragraph 2 (Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares following the Settlement System Migration) of Part II (Explanation of the proposals to implement the Harmonised Listing Structure) of this document;
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“AstraZeneca Group”
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has the meaning given to it in paragraph 2 (No incorporation of websites) of the section of this document titled “Important Notices”;
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“AstraZeneca Share Plans”
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means the AstraZeneca All-Employee Share Plan, the AstraZeneca Deferred Bonus Plan, the AstraZeneca Extended Incentive Plan, the AstraZeneca Global Restricted Stock Plan, the AstraZeneca Performance Share Plan 2020, the AstraZeneca Restricted Share Plan and the AstraZeneca Savings Related Share Option Scheme;
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“AstraZeneca Shares”
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the fully paid ordinary shares of US$0.25 in the capital of AstraZeneca from time to time;
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“AstraZeneca US Bonds”
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has the meaning given to it in paragraph 1 (Summary of principal steps required to effect the Harmonised Listing Structure) of Part II (Explanation of the proposals to implement the Harmonised Listing Structure) of this document;
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“Board”
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the board of directors of AstraZeneca at the time of this document;
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“Cede ADS Shares”
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has the meaning given to it in paragraph 2(e) of Part III (Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares following the Settlement System Migration) of this document;
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“certificated” or “in certificated form”
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refers to a share or other security which is not in uncertificated form;
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“CREST”
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the system for the paperless settlement of trades in securities and the holding of uncertificated securities in accordance with the CREST Regulations operated by Euroclear UK & International Limited;
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“CREST Manual”
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the manual, as amended from time to time, produced by Euroclear UK & International Limited describing the CREST system, and supplied by Euroclear UK & International Limited to users and participants thereof;
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“CREST Regulations”
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the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 of the United Kingdom (SI 2001/3755), as amended from time to time;
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“CSN Eligible Certificated Shares”
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| |
has the meaning given to it in paragraph 2 (c)(i) (Changes to Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares at the Effective Time) of Part III (Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares following the Settlement System Migration);
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“CSN Facility”
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the corporate sponsored nominee facility arranged by AstraZeneca, currently operated by Equiniti Financial Services Limited, and which shall, at the Effective Time, be operated by Computershare Investor Services PLC;
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“CSN Nominee”
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| | Computershare Company Nominees Limited; | |
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“CSN Non-Eligible Certificated Shares”
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DTC Eligible Certificated Shares held by Shareholders resident in Non-Permitted Jurisdictions;
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“CSN Operator”
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Computershare Investor Services PLC, as operator of the CSN Facility;
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“CSN Participant”
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a holder of an interest in AstraZeneca Shares through the CSN Facility;
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“CSN Permitted Jurisdiction”
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a jurisdiction in which participation in the CSN Facility is permitted being, at the Latest Practicable Date: Argentina, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Guinea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Isle of Man, Jersey, Mexico, Namibia, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom and countries within the European Economic Area;
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“CSN Terms and Conditions”
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the terms and conditions under which Computershare Investor Services PLC shall provide the CSN Facility, as amended from time to time, a copy of which is annexed to this document;
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“CTCNA”
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| | Computershare Trust Company N.A.; | |
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“DI Custodian”
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| |
has the meaning given to it in paragraph 2(a) (DTC Eligible London Listed Shares) of Part III (Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares following the Settlement System Migration) of this document;
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“DI Deed”
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has the meaning given to it in paragraph 2(a) (DTC Eligible London Listed Shares) of Part III (Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares following the Settlement System Migration) of this document;
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“DI Depositary”
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has the meaning given to it in paragraph 2(a) (DTC Eligible London Listed Shares) of Part III (Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares following the Settlement System Migration) of this document;
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“DR Depositary”
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CTCNA, as described in paragraph 2(a) (DTC Eligible London Listed Shares) of Part III (Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares following the Settlement System Migration) of this document;
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“DR Depositary Nominee”
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| | GTU Ops, Inc. as nominee for the DR Depositary; | |
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“DTC”
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| | The Depository Trust Company; | |
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“DTC Eligible Certificated Shares”
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AstraZeneca Shares held in certificated form other than Affiliate Shares;
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“DTC Eligible London Listed Shares”
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| |
all of the uncertificated London Listed Shares held within CREST immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than any such uncertificated London Listed Shares which are either: (i) DTC Eligible Swedish Listed Shares; or (ii) Affiliate Shares;
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“DTC Eligible Swedish Listed Shares”
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| |
all of the Swedish Listed Shares that are issued and outstanding at the Effective Time, other than Swedish Listed Shares which are Affiliate Shares;
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“DTC Eligible Uncertificated Shareholders”
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| |
has the meaning given to it in paragraph 2(a) of Part III (Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares following the Settlement System Migration) of this document;
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“DTC Nominee”
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| | Cede & Co., as nominee for DTC; | |
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“Effective Time”
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| |
the effective time of implementation of the Harmonised Listing Structure;
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“Election Agent”
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CTCNA, as described in Part III (Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares following the Settlement System Migration) of this document;
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“Election Agent Custody Exit Event”
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| |
has the meaning given to it in paragraph 2(c)(ii) of Part III (Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares following the Settlement System Migration) of this document;
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“Equiniti”
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| | Equiniti Limited; | |
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“Euroclear Sweden”
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| | Euroclear Sweden AB; | |
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“Existing Articles”
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| | means the existing articles of association of AstraZeneca; | |
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“Form of Proxy”
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| |
the form of proxy for use at the General Meeting which accompanies this document;
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“General Meeting”
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the digitally-enabled general meeting of AstraZeneca to be held at 2:30 p.m. (GMT) on 3 November 2025 pursuant to the Notice of Meeting set out in Part VII (Notice of General Meeting) of this document and any adjourned meeting thereof;
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“Group”
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AstraZeneca PLC and its subsidiaries and subsidiary undertakings;
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“Harmonised Listing Structure”
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has the meaning given to it in Part I (Letter from the Chair of AstraZeneca PLC) of this document;
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“HMRC”
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| | His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs; | |
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“Holding Period”
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the period not to exceed 180 calendar days following the Effective Time (unless otherwise agreed between AstraZeneca and CTCNA and communicated to the CSN Non-Eligible Certificated Shareholders and registered AstraZeneca ADS holders) for which CTCNA, as election agent, will hold AstraZeneca Shares as custodian for the CSN Non-Eligible Certificated Shareholders and registered AstraZeneca ADS holders;
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“Latest Practicable Date”
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| |
6:00 p.m. (UK time) on 25 September 2025, being the last practicable date prior to publication of this document;
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“London Listed Shares”
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| |
has the meaning given to it in paragraph 1 (Overview of existing arrangements in respect of AstraZeneca’s listed securities) of Part III (Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares following the Settlement System Migration) of this document;
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“London Stock Exchange”
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the London Stock Exchange Group plc or the market conducted by it, as the context requires;
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“Nasdaq Stockholm”
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| | the Nasdaq Stockholm AB; | |
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“Nasdaq”
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| | the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC; | |
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“New Articles”
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| |
the amended articles of association of AstraZeneca proposed for approval by Shareholders at the General Meeting pursuant to the Resolution;
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“Non-Permitted Jurisdictions”
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| | any jurisdiction other than a CSN Permitted Jurisdiction; | |
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“Notice” or “Notice of General Meeting”
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| |
the notice convening the General Meeting, set out in Part VII (Notice of General Meeting) of this document;
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“NYSE”
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| | The New York Stock Exchange; | |
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“Other ADS Shares”
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| |
has the meaning given to it in paragraph 2(e) of Part III (Settlement and Dealings in AstraZeneca Shares following the Settlement System Migration) of this document;
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“pounds sterling”
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| | the lawful currency of the United Kingdom; | |
| “Register” or “Register of Members” | | |
the register of members of the Company;
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“Resolution”
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the resolution to be proposed at the General Meeting as set out in the Notice of General Meeting;
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“SDRT”
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| | UK stamp duty reserve tax; | |
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“Settlement System Migration”
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| |
has the meaning given to it in paragraph 1 (Summary of principal steps required to effect the Harmonised Listing Structure) of Part II (Explanation of the proposals to implement the Harmonised Listing Structure) of this document;
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“Shareholder”
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a holder of AstraZeneca Shares (excluding any AstraZeneca Shares held in treasury);
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“subsidiary undertaking”
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| |
a subsidiary undertaking as that term is defined in section 1162 of the Companies Act 2006;
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“Swedish Listed Shares”
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all of the AstraZeneca Shares held within CREST by Euroclear Sweden AB as custodian for the underlying Shareholders as may be traded on Nasdaq Stockholm;
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“uncertificated” or “in uncertificated form”
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refers to a share or other security recorded on the relevant register of the share or security concerned as being held in uncertificated form;
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“United Kingdom” or “UK”
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| | the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; | |
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“United States” or “US”
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| |
the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any state of the United States of America and the District of Columbia and all other areas subject to its jurisdiction;
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“US dollars” or “$”
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| | the lawful currency of the US; | |
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“US Holder”
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| |
a beneficial owner of AstraZeneca Shares or AstraZeneca ADSs that is, for US federal income tax purposes: (i) a citizen or individual resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) a trust subject to the control of one or more US persons and the primary supervision of a US court; or (iv) an estate the income of which is subject to US federal income taxation regardless of its source; and
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“Voting Record Time”
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| | 6:30 p.m. (GMT) on 30 October 2025. | |
NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING
![[MISSING IMAGE: sg_matthewbowden-bw.jpg]](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000901832/000110465925094039/sg_matthewbowden-bw.jpg)
Company Secretary
1 Francis Crick Avenue
Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Cambridge
United Kingdom
CB2 0AA
![[MISSING IMAGE: lg_computershare-bw.jpg]](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000901832/000110465925094039/lg_computershare-bw.jpg)
CSN TERMS AND CONDITIONS
![[MISSING IMAGE: lg_computershare-bw.jpg]](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000901832/000110465925094039/lg_computershare-bw.jpg)
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“Account”
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| |
means the account managed by our Nominee who shall use it to hold Securities on your behalf;
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“Business Day”
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| | means any day on which the London Stock Exchange (“LSE”) is open for business; | |
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“Company”
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| |
means the company in which we hold Securities on your behalf and any other company it has control of or that is controlled by the same people who also control the company, as the context requires;
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“CSD”
|
| |
means a central securities depository which is a computer-based system enabling securities to be held and transferred electronically. Relevant depositories include CREST in the UK, the Depository Trust Company in the USA, Nominatif Pur in France and Issuer Sponsored Subregister in Australia;
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“FCA”
|
| | means the UK Financial Conduct Authority; | |
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“FCA Rules”
|
| | means the rules, guidance and principles set out in the FCA Handbook; | |
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“Nominee”
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| |
means one of our group companies which we may nominate to provide the Service, and whose business shall consist solely of acting as a nominee holder of shares or other securities on behalf of others. This company shall initially be Computershare Company Nominees Limited;
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“Security”
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| | means financial instruments issued by the Company which may include: | |
| | | |
•
stock, or shares which are a unit of share capital;
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|
| | | |
•
depository interests or CREST Depository Interests which represent shares and can be held and settled electronically through a CSD; and
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| | | |
•
debenture, loan note, right, warrant, or any other type of financial instrument.
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| | | | and “Securities” shall mean any one or combination of these. | |
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“us”, “we”, “our” or
“Computershare” |
| |
means Computershare Investor Services PLC (Company No: 3498808) whose registered address is The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS13 8AE, Financial Services Register No. 188534;
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“you”
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| |
means the person holding an interest in the Security. Where our Nominee holds your Security for more than one person, references to “you” in these terms and conditions are to be treated as references to each joint holder jointly and severally.
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![[MISSING IMAGE: lg_computershare-bw.jpg]](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000901832/000110465925094039/lg_computershare-bw.jpg)
operate
![[MISSING IMAGE: lg_computershare-bw.jpg]](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000901832/000110465925094039/lg_computershare-bw.jpg)
![[MISSING IMAGE: lg_computershare-bw.jpg]](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000901832/000110465925094039/lg_computershare-bw.jpg)
![[MISSING IMAGE: lg_computershare-bw.jpg]](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000901832/000110465925094039/lg_computershare-bw.jpg)
The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road,
Bristol BS99 6ZZ
![[MISSING IMAGE: lg_computershare-bw.jpg]](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000901832/000110465925094039/lg_computershare-bw.jpg)
![[MISSING IMAGE: lg_computershare-bw.jpg]](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000901832/000110465925094039/lg_computershare-bw.jpg)
25-26326-11
| | | | ASTRAZENECA PLC | | |||
| | | | By: | | |
/s/ Matthew Bowden
Name: Matthew Bowden
Title: Company Secretary |
|