STOCK TITAN

[S-8 POS] Verona Pharma plc SEC Filing

Filing Impact
(Low)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
S-8 POS

Verona Pharma plc filed a post-effective amendment to register employee equity under multiple past S-8 registrations. The document lists several registration numbers that together add specific blocks of Ordinary Shares to existing share‑award plans, including recent additions of 28,127,576 and 34,745,648 Ordinary Shares. These filings preserve the company’s ability to grant awards under its EMI, Unapproved Share Option Scheme and the 2017 Incentive Award Plan (and its Second Amended and Restated form).

Verona Pharma plc ha presentato un emendamento post‑efficacia per registrare l'equity dei dipendenti sotto multiple registrazioni S-8 passate. Il documento elenca diversi numeri di registrazione che, nel loro insieme, aggiungono blocchi specifici di azioni ordinarie ai piani esistenti di assegnazione azioni, inclusi i recenti rilievi di 28,127,576 azioni ordinarie e 34,745,648 azioni ordinarie. Questi filing preservano la capacità della società di concedere premi ai sensi del EMI, dello Unapproved Share Option Scheme e del 2017 Incentive Award Plan (e della sua forma Second Amended and Restated).

Verona Pharma plc presentó una enmienda posterior a la eficacia para registrar el capital de los empleados bajo múltiples registros S-8 anteriores. El documento enumera varios números de registro que, entre todos, añaden bloques específicos de Acciones Ordinarias a los planes de otorgamiento de acciones existentes, incluyendo las recientes adiciones de 28,127,576 y 34,745,648 Acciones Ordinarias. Estas presentaciones preservan la capacidad de la empresa para otorgar premios en virtud del EMI, del Unapproved Share Option Scheme y del 2017 Incentive Award Plan (y su forma Second Amended and Restated).

Verona Pharma plc은 과거의 여러 S-8 등록에 따라 직원의 지분을 등록하기 위한 효과 이후의 수정안을 제출했습니다. 문서는 기존 주식 보상 계획에 특정 블록의 보통주를 추가하는 여러 등록 번호를 나열하고 있으며, 최근 추가로 28,127,576주와 34,745,648주가 포함되어 있습니다. 이 서류는 EMI, Unapproved Share Option Scheme, 및 2017 Incentive Award Plan(및 그 Second Amended and Restated 형식)에 따라 보상을 부여할 수 있는 회사의 능력을 보존합니다.

Verona Pharma plc a déposé un amendement post‑effet pour enregistrer l’equité des employés sous plusieurs enregistrements S-8 passés. Le document répertorie plusieurs numéros d'enregistrement qui, ensemble, ajoutent des blocs spécifiques d'Actions Ordinaires aux plans d'attribution d'actions existants, y compris les ajouts récents de 28,127,576 et 34,745,648 Actions Ordinaires. Ces dépôts préservent la capacité de l'entreprise à accorder des primes en vertu du EMI, du Unapproved Share Option Scheme et du 2017 Incentive Award Plan (et de sa forme Second Amended and Restated).

Verona Pharma plc hat eine nachträgliche Wirkungsänderung eingereicht, um Mitarbeiterbeteiligungen unter mehreren früheren S-8‑Registrierungen zu registrieren. Das Dokument listet mehrere Registrierungsnummern auf, die gemeinsam bestimmte Blöcke von Stammaktien zu bestehenden Aktienzuteilungsplänen hinzufügen, einschließlich der jüngsten Zusatzungen von 28,127,576 und 34,745,648 Stammaktien. Diese Einreichungen bewahren die Fähigkeit des Unternehmens, Zuwendungen gemäß EMI, Unapproved Share Option Scheme und dem 2017 Incentive Award Plan (und seiner Second Amended and Restated‑Fassung) zu gewähren.

Verona Pharma plc قدمت تعديلًا بعد الفعالية لتسجيل حقوق الموظفين في الأسهم تحت عدة تسجيلات S-8 سابقة. يسرد المستند عدة أرقام تسجيل معًا تضيف كتلًا محددة من الأسهم العادية إلى خطط منح الأسهم القائمة، بما في ذلك الإضافات الأخيرة لـ 28,127,576 و 34,745,648 من الأسهم العادية. تحافظ هذه الملفات على قدرة الشركة على منح الجوائز وفقًا لـ EMI، وUnapproved Share Option Scheme، وخطة الجوائز التحفيزية لعام 2017 (ولشكلها Second Amended and Restated).

Verona Pharma plc 已提交一项生效后的修订案,以在多项过往的 S-8 登记下登记员工股权。该文件列出若干登记编号,共同向现有股票奖励计划添加特定数量的普通股块,包括最近新增的 28,127,576 股和 34,745,648 股普通股。这些备案保留公司按照 EMI、Unapproved Share Option Scheme 和 2017 Incentive Award Plan(及其 Second Amended and Restated 形式)发放奖励的能力。

Positive
  • Maintains equity award capacity by registering additional Ordinary Shares under multiple S-8 filings
  • Recent sizable registrations of 34,745,648 and 28,127,576 Ordinary Shares increase flexibility for compensation
Negative
  • Potential dilution to existing shareholders if registered shares are issued as awards
  • No financial detail is provided on outstanding awards or the fraction of registered shares already granted

Insights

S-8 registrations expand the active pool for employee awards.

The listed registration numbers reflect stepwise additions of Ordinary Shares for use under several equity plans, maintaining capacity to issue options and awards to employees and directors. That administrative action is procedural but necessary to support compensation programs.

Key dependencies include future grant practices and outstanding award conversion rates; stakeholders should note the specific recent additions of 34,745,648 and 28,127,576 shares as near‑term, monitorable figures.

Verona Pharma plc ha presentato un emendamento post‑efficacia per registrare l'equity dei dipendenti sotto multiple registrazioni S-8 passate. Il documento elenca diversi numeri di registrazione che, nel loro insieme, aggiungono blocchi specifici di azioni ordinarie ai piani esistenti di assegnazione azioni, inclusi i recenti rilievi di 28,127,576 azioni ordinarie e 34,745,648 azioni ordinarie. Questi filing preservano la capacità della società di concedere premi ai sensi del EMI, dello Unapproved Share Option Scheme e del 2017 Incentive Award Plan (e della sua forma Second Amended and Restated).

Verona Pharma plc presentó una enmienda posterior a la eficacia para registrar el capital de los empleados bajo múltiples registros S-8 anteriores. El documento enumera varios números de registro que, entre todos, añaden bloques específicos de Acciones Ordinarias a los planes de otorgamiento de acciones existentes, incluyendo las recientes adiciones de 28,127,576 y 34,745,648 Acciones Ordinarias. Estas presentaciones preservan la capacidad de la empresa para otorgar premios en virtud del EMI, del Unapproved Share Option Scheme y del 2017 Incentive Award Plan (y su forma Second Amended and Restated).

Verona Pharma plc은 과거의 여러 S-8 등록에 따라 직원의 지분을 등록하기 위한 효과 이후의 수정안을 제출했습니다. 문서는 기존 주식 보상 계획에 특정 블록의 보통주를 추가하는 여러 등록 번호를 나열하고 있으며, 최근 추가로 28,127,576주와 34,745,648주가 포함되어 있습니다. 이 서류는 EMI, Unapproved Share Option Scheme, 및 2017 Incentive Award Plan(및 그 Second Amended and Restated 형식)에 따라 보상을 부여할 수 있는 회사의 능력을 보존합니다.

Verona Pharma plc a déposé un amendement post‑effet pour enregistrer l’equité des employés sous plusieurs enregistrements S-8 passés. Le document répertorie plusieurs numéros d'enregistrement qui, ensemble, ajoutent des blocs spécifiques d'Actions Ordinaires aux plans d'attribution d'actions existants, y compris les ajouts récents de 28,127,576 et 34,745,648 Actions Ordinaires. Ces dépôts préservent la capacité de l'entreprise à accorder des primes en vertu du EMI, du Unapproved Share Option Scheme et du 2017 Incentive Award Plan (et de sa forme Second Amended and Restated).

Verona Pharma plc hat eine nachträgliche Wirkungsänderung eingereicht, um Mitarbeiterbeteiligungen unter mehreren früheren S-8‑Registrierungen zu registrieren. Das Dokument listet mehrere Registrierungsnummern auf, die gemeinsam bestimmte Blöcke von Stammaktien zu bestehenden Aktienzuteilungsplänen hinzufügen, einschließlich der jüngsten Zusatzungen von 28,127,576 und 34,745,648 Stammaktien. Diese Einreichungen bewahren die Fähigkeit des Unternehmens, Zuwendungen gemäß EMI, Unapproved Share Option Scheme und dem 2017 Incentive Award Plan (und seiner Second Amended and Restated‑Fassung) zu gewähren.

 

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 7, 2025

 

Registration No. 333-217521

Registration No. 333-237926

Registration No. 333-248199

Registration No. 333-268389

Registration No. 333-271764

Registration No. 333-279298

Registration No. 333-285347

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-217521

Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-237926

Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-248199

Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-268389

Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-271764

Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-279298

Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-285347

 

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Verona Pharma plc

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

United Kingdom   98-1489389

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

3 More London Riverside

London SE1 2RE

United Kingdom

+44 203 283 4200

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

 

VERONA PHARMA PLC UNAPPROVED SHARE OPTION SCHEME

VERONA PHARMA PLC EMI OPTION SCHEME

VERONA PHARMA PLC 2017 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN

VERONA PHARMA PLC SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED 2017 INCENTIVE AWARD PLAN

(Full titles of the plans)

 

Cogency Global Inc.

122 East 42nd Street, 18th Floor

New York, New York 10168

(800) 221-0102

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

 

Peter N. Handrinos

Latham & Watkins LLP

200 Clarendon Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

(617) 948-6000

     

James Inness

Latham & Watkins LLP

99 Bishopsgate

London EC2M 3XF

United Kingdom

+44 20 7710-1000

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   x   Accelerated filer   ¨
       
Non-accelerated filer   ¨   Smaller reporting company   ¨
       
        Emerging growth company   ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ¨

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEREGISTRATION OF SECURITIES

 

These post-effective amendments (the “Post-Effective Amendments”), filed by Verona Pharma plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the “Company”), remove from registration all ordinary shares, nominal value £0.05 per share, of the Company (the “Ordinary Shares”) previously registered under the following Registration Statements on Form S-8 filed by the Company (the “Registration Statements”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pertaining to the registration of the Ordinary Shares:

 

·Registration No. 333-217521, which was previously filed with the SEC on April 28, 2017, registering 214,000 Ordinary Shares under the Verona Pharma plc EMI Option Scheme, 2,590,000 Ordinary Shares under the Verona Pharma plc Unapproved Share Option Scheme and 14,333,000 Ordinary Shares under the Verona Pharma plc 2017 Incentive Award Plan;

 

·Registration No. 333-237926, which was previously filed with the SEC on April 30, 2020, registering an additional 11,998,660 Ordinary Shares under the Verona Pharma plc 2017 Incentive Award Plan;

 

·Registration No. 333-248199, which was previously filed with the SEC on August 20, 2020, registering an additional 65,102,504 Ordinary Shares under the Verona Pharma plc 2017 Incentive Award Plan;

 

·Registration No. 333-268389, which was previously filed with the SEC on November 15, 2022, registering an additional 17,132,312 Ordinary Shares under the Verona Pharma plc 2017 Incentive Award Plan;

 

·Registration No. 333-271764, which was previously filed with the SEC on May 9, 2023, registering an additional 24,000,000 Ordinary Shares under the Verona Pharma plc Second Amended and Restated 2017 Incentive Award Plan;

 

·Registration No. 333-279298, which was previously filed with the SEC on May 10, 2024, registering an additional 34,745,648 Ordinary Shares under the Verona Pharma plc Second Amended and Restated 2017 Incentive Award Plan; and

 

·Registration No. 333-285347, which was previously filed with the SEC on February 27, 2025, registering an additional 28,127,576 Ordinary Shares under the Verona Pharma plc Second Amended and Restated 2017 Incentive Award Plan.

 

On July 8, 2025, the Company entered into a transaction agreement (the “Transaction Agreement”) with Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company (“Parent”) and Vol Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Bidco”), pursuant to which Bidco agreed to acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of the Company (the “Transaction”) by means of a court-sanctioned English law scheme of arrangement (the “Scheme of Arrangement”) under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006. On October 6, 2025, the High Court of Justice of England and Wales (the “Court”) sanctioned the Scheme of Arrangement at a public hearing convened by the Court and the Company. On October 7, 2025, Merck and Bidco consummated the Transaction in accordance with the Transaction Agreement and the Scheme of Arrangement.

 

As a result of the Transaction, the Company has terminated all offerings of the Company’s securities registered pursuant to its existing registration statements under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including the Registration Statements. The Company, by filing these Post-Effective Amendments, hereby terminates the effectiveness of the Registration Statements and removes from registration any and all plan interests and any and all securities registered for issuance under the Registration Statements that remain unsold as of the date hereof. This filing is made in accordance with an undertaking made by the Company in each of the Registration Statements to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any securities that had been registered for issuance that remain unsold at the termination of the relevant offering.

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused these Post-Effective Amendments to the Registration Statements on Form S-8 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of London, United Kingdom on October 7, 2025.

 

 

  VERONA PHARMA PLC
     
  By: /s/ Benjamin Lucas
    Name: Benjamin Lucas
    Title: Principal Executive Officer and Director

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, these Post-Effective Amendments to the Registration Statements have been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature   Capacity   Date
/s/ Benjamin Lucas   Principal Executive Officer and Director   October 7, 2025
Benjamin Lucas        
         
/s/ Ebru Can Temucin   Principal Accounting Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Director   October 7, 2025
Ebru Can Temucin        

  

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED U.S. REPRESENTATIVE OF REGISTRANT

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of Verona Pharma plc, has signed these Post-Effective Amendments to the Registration Statements on Form S-8, in the City of New York, State of New York, on October 7, 2025.

 

COGENCY GLOBAL INC.

(Authorized Representative in the United States)

 

 

By: /s/ Colleen A. De Vries  
  Name: Colleen A. De Vries  
   Title: Senior Vice President on behalf of Cogency Global Inc.  

 

 

 

 

 

FAQ

What did Verona Pharma (VRNA) register in this S-8 filing?

The filing lists multiple S-8 registrations that add blocks of Ordinary Shares for employee equity plans, including registrations of 34,745,648 and 28,127,576 Ordinary Shares.

Which equity plans are affected by the S-8 registrations?

The registrations cover the EMI Option Scheme, the Unapproved Share Option Scheme, the 2017 Incentive Award Plan and its Second Amended and Restated 2017 Incentive Award Plan.

Does the filing show how many of the registered shares have been issued?

No. The document lists registered share amounts by registration number and date but does not state how many registered shares remain unissued.

Are there recent dates tied to these registrations I should note?

Yes. Registration filings cited include dates such as May 10, 2024 and February 27, 2025, which correspond to the larger listed share blocks.

Will these S-8 registrations directly change the company’s financial statements?

Not by themselves. S-8 registrations authorize future award issuances; any accounting impact occurs when awards are granted, vested or exercised, which is not shown here.
Verona Pharma

NASDAQ:VRNA

VRNA Rankings

VRNA Latest News

VRNA Latest SEC Filings

VRNA Stock Data

9.19B
73.30M
4.89%
95.18%
2.32%
Biotechnology
Pharmaceutical Preparations
Link
United Kingdom
LONDON