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[6-K] PEARSON PLC Current Report (Foreign Issuer)

Filing Impact
(Neutral)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
6-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Pearson plc reports that Artisan Partners Limited Partnership has notified it of a change in major holdings. Artisan, acting as a discretionary investment manager, now holds 72,267,456 voting rights in Pearson, representing 12.02% of the company’s voting rights, up from a previously notified 11.006052%.

The notification states that the voting rights are held via several custodian banks and that there are no additional voting rights held through financial instruments. The threshold was crossed on 24 June 2026, and Pearson was notified on 26 June 2026.

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Insights

Artisan’s stake in Pearson rises to just over 12% of voting rights.

Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now controls 72,267,456 Pearson voting rights, or 12.02%. This moves its holding further above the major-shareholder disclosure threshold and modestly concentrates ownership in a single institutional investor.

The filing confirms that these voting rights are attached to shares, with no additional exposure via derivatives or similar financial instruments. The position is held on a discretionary investment management basis, meaning Artisan exercises voting rights without a fixed end date.

This kind of incremental increase is generally seen as a routine portfolio adjustment by a large asset manager. Future company filings may show whether Artisan’s percentage holding continues to change or stabilizes around this level, which would further clarify its long-term ownership stance.

Voting rights held 72,267,456 voting rights Held by Artisan Partners Limited Partnership
Current voting stake 12.02% Artisan’s percentage of Pearson voting rights
Previous voting stake 11.006052% Position of previous notification
Threshold crossing date 24-Jun-2026 Date major holding threshold was crossed or reached
Issuer notification date 26-Jun-2026 Date Pearson was notified of change in holdings
Proxy voting percentage 12.02% Voting rights held by Artisan as proxy holder
TR-1 regulatory
"TR-1: Standard form for notification of major holdings"
A TR-1 is a financial form used by investors to report significant ownership stakes in a company, typically when they acquire or dispose of a large number of shares. It helps keep the market informed about major shareholders and potential changes in control, allowing other investors to make better-informed decisions. This transparency encourages fair trading and reduces surprises related to ownership shifts.
voting rights financial
"Total number of voting rights held in issuer"
Voting rights are the ability of shareholders to have a say in important company decisions, like choosing leaders or approving big changes. They matter because they give owners a voice in how the company is run, similar to how voters influence elections, ensuring the company acts in shareholders’ interests.
financial instruments financial
"Financial Instruments according to (DTR5.3.1R.(1) (a))"
Financial instruments are assets or contracts that hold monetary value and can be bought, sold, or traded. They serve as tools for investors to grow, protect, or transfer money, much like how a ticket or voucher can be used to access goods or services. These instruments help individuals and organizations manage financial goals and risks across different markets and economic conditions.
discretionary investment manager financial
"Voting rights held as a discretionary investment manager with no determined end date"
proxy voting regulatory
"In case of proxy voting Name of the proxy holder"
Proxy voting is a process that allows investors to have their voting power on company decisions exercised by someone else if they cannot attend meetings in person. It ensures that their opinions are still represented, similar to authorizing someone else to vote on their behalf at an election. This helps investors influence company actions even when they cannot be physically present.
major holdings regulatory
"Standard form for notification of major holdings"
Major holdings are the largest assets—such as specific stocks, bonds, cash positions, or other investments—that make up a significant share of a fund’s or investor’s portfolio. They matter because these big positions largely determine performance and risk; like the star players on a team, they can swing returns and reveal whether an investment is heavily concentrated in a particular company, industry, or strategy.
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Learn about SEC filing dates

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 6-K
 
 
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the month of June 2026
 
 
PEARSON plc
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
N/A
 
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
 
80 Strand
London, England WC2R 0RL
44-20-7010-2000
(Address of principal executive office)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
 
 
 
Form 20-F X                                                Form 40-F
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
 
Yes                                              No X
 
 
 
 
 
TR-1: Standard form for notification of major holdings
 
1. Issuer Details
ISIN
GB0006776081
Issuer Name
PEARSON PLC
UK or Non-UK Issuer
UK
2. Reason for Notification
An acquisition or disposal of voting rights
3. Details of person subject to the notification obligation
Name
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership
City of registered office (if applicable)
 
Country of registered office (if applicable)
US
4. Details of the shareholder
Name
City of registered office
Country of registered office
Bank of New York 
New York City
United States
Brown Brothers Harriman 
Boston
United States
JPMorgan Chase 
Dallas
United States
Mellon Bank 
Pittsburgh
United States
Northern Trust 
Chicago
United States
State Street Bank 
Boston
United States
5. Date on which the threshold was crossed or reached
24-Jun-2026
6. Date on which Issuer notified
26-Jun-2026
7. Total positions of person(s) subject to the notification obligation
 
% of voting rights attached to shares (total of 8.A)
% of voting rights through financial instruments (total of 8.B 1 + 8.B 2)
Total of both in % (8.A + 8.B)
Total number of voting rights held in issuer
Resulting situation on the date on which threshold was crossed or reached
12.020000
0.000000
12.020000
72267456
Position of previous notification (if applicable)
11.006052
0.000000
11.006052
 
8. Notified details of the resulting situation on the date on which the threshold was crossed or reached
8A. Voting rights attached to shares
Class/Type of shares ISIN code(if possible)
Number of direct voting rights (DTR5.1)
Number of indirect voting rights (DTR5.2.1)
% of direct voting rights (DTR5.1)
% of indirect voting rights (DTR5.2.1)
GB0006776081
 
72267456
 
12.020000
Sub Total 8.A
72267456
12.020000%
 
8B1. Financial Instruments according to (DTR5.3.1R.(1) (a))
Type of financial instrument
Expiration date
Exercise/conversion period
Number of voting rights that may be acquired if the instrument is exercised/converted
% of voting rights
 
 
 
 
 
Sub Total 8.B1
 
 
 
8B2. Financial Instruments with similar economic effect according to (DTR5.3.1R.(1) (b))
Type of financial instrument
Expiration date
Exercise/conversion period
Physical or cash settlement
Number of voting rights
% of voting rights
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sub Total 8.B2
 
 
 
9. Information in relation to the person subject to the notification obligation
2. Full chain of controlled undertakings through which the voting rights and/or the financial instruments are effectively held starting with the ultimate controlling natural person or legal entities (please add additional rows as necessary)
Ultimate controlling person
Name of controlled undertaking
% of voting rights if it equals or is higher than the notifiable threshold
% of voting rights through financial instruments if it equals or is higher than the notifiable threshold
Total of both if it equals or is higher than the notifiable threshold
Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc. 
Artisan Partners Holdings LP
 
 
 
Artisan Partners Holdings LP 
Artisan Partners Investments GP LLC
 
 
 
Artisan Partners Investments GP LLC 
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership



Artisan Partners Limited Partnership 
 
12.020000
0.000000
12.020000%
10. In case of proxy voting
Name of the proxy holder
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership
The number and % of voting rights held
72,267,456 voting rights and 12.02%
The date until which the voting rights will be held
 
If date does not apply, explain below
Voting rights held as a discretionary investment manager with no determined end date
11. Additional Information
 
12. Date of Completion
26-Jun-2026
13. Place Of Completion
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURE
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
PEARSON plc
 
 
Date: 29 June 2026
 
 
By: /s/ CHRISTIE WOLSTENCROFT
 
 
 
------------------------------------
 
Christie Wolstencroft
 
Senior Assistant Company Secretary

FAQ

What major shareholding change in Pearson (PSO) is disclosed?

Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now holds 72,267,456 voting rights in Pearson, equal to 12.02% of voting rights. This reflects an increase from a previously notified 11.006052% holding, making Artisan a significant institutional shareholder in the company.

Who is the major shareholder increasing its stake in Pearson (PSO)?

The filing identifies Artisan Partners Limited Partnership as the entity increasing its voting stake in Pearson. Artisan acts as a discretionary investment manager, holding Pearson shares through several custodian banks, and now controls 12.02% of the company’s voting rights.

How many Pearson voting rights does Artisan Partners control?

Artisan Partners Limited Partnership controls 72,267,456 Pearson voting rights. This position corresponds to 12.02% of the company’s total voting rights and is held as a discretionary investment mandate, without a specified end date for holding these voting rights.

When did Artisan Partners cross the new voting rights threshold in Pearson?

The threshold was crossed or reached on 24 June 2026. Pearson was then notified on 26 June 2026, in line with major shareholding disclosure rules, and this information was subsequently furnished in the company’s Form 6-K report to investors.

Does Artisan hold Pearson exposure through financial instruments?

The notification shows no Pearson voting rights held through financial instruments. Sections 8.B1 and 8.B2, which cover derivatives and similar instruments, report no additional voting rights, indicating Artisan’s exposure comes solely from voting rights attached to Pearson shares.

How are Artisan’s Pearson shares held across custodians?

Artisan’s Pearson shares are held through several custodian banks, including Bank of New York, Brown Brothers Harriman, JPMorgan Chase, Mellon Bank, Northern Trust, and State Street Bank. These institutions act as registered holders while Artisan retains discretionary investment management authority.