Company Announcements

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO ANY RESTRICTED JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

20 May 2022

RECOMMENDED CASH AND SHARE ACQUISITION

OF

M&C SAATCHI PLC

BY

NEXT FIFTEEN COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PLC

TO BE EFFECTED BY MEANS OF A SCHEME OF ARRANGEMENT UNDER PART 26 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

1.          Introduction

The Board of Next Fifteen and the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors are pleased to announce that they have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended cash and share acquisition by which the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of M&C Saatchi will be acquired by Next Fifteen, to be effected by means of a court sanctioned scheme of arrangement between M&C Saatchi and the M&C Saatchi Shareholders under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006 (the "Acquisition").

2.          The Acquisition

Under the terms of the Acquisition, which will be subject to the Conditions and other terms set out in this Announcement and to the full terms and conditions which will be set out in the Scheme Document, M&C Saatchi Shareholders will be entitled to receive:

The Acquisition values each M&C Saatchi share at 247.2 pence (the "Acquisition Price") and the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of M&C Saatchi at approximately £310.1 million on a fully diluted basis (the "Acquisition Value") based on the Closing Price per Next Fifteen Share on the Last Practicable Date of 1,266.0 pence.

The Acquisition Price represents a premium of approximately:

The Acquisition Value represents:

Following completion of the Acquisition, M&C Saatchi Shareholders will own approximately  17.3 per cent. of the Enlarged Group on a fully diluted basis.

The M&C Saatchi Independent Directors are recommending the terms of the Acquisition and consider it superior to the terms of the ADV Offer which they have unanimously rejected. Accordingly the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors urge M&C Saatchi Shareholders to take no action in respect of the ADV Offer.

If M&C Saatchi announces, declares or pays any dividend or any other distribution to M&C Saatchi Shareholders on or after the date of this Announcement, Next Fifteen reserves the right to make an equivalent reduction in the terms of the Acquisition.

The New Next Fifteen Shares will be issued credited as fully paid and will rank pari passu in all respects with the Next Fifteen Shares in issue at the time the New Next Fifteen Shares are issued pursuant to the Acquisition, including the right to receive and retain dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid by reference to a record date falling after the Effective Date. Applications will be made to the London Stock Exchange for the New Next Fifteen Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM.

In the event that the Acquisition is to be implemented by way of a takeover offer (as defined in Part 28 of the Companies Act 2006), the M&C Saatchi Shares will be acquired pursuant to the Offer fully paid and free from all liens, charges, equitable interests, encumbrances and rights of pre-emption and any other interests of any nature whatsoever and together with all rights attaching thereto.

3.          Background to and reasons for the Acquisition

The Board of Next Fifteen believes the Acquisition has strong strategic and financial rationale. This is a highly compelling opportunity to combine Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi and establish a truly global platform in the digital marketing and consulting sectors, a platform that leverages top-flight creativity, technology, data, business consulting and digital marketing to deliver meaningful change for the enlarged client base. Next Fifteen's four segments, Customer Insight, Customer Engagement, Customer Delivery and Business Transformation, represent a £1 trillion revenue global market opportunity.

Next Fifteen's vision is to build a growth consultancy that combines specialist capabilities with global scale. The Board of Next Fifteen believes that the successful business models for the foreseeable future will be purpose-driven, driving meaningful change, and that creativity will be a key differentiator in creating and delivering them. The Board of Next Fifteen believes that this creates a viable alternative for customers not well served by the big four consulting and marketing services groups.

A combination bringing together highly complementary strengths and strategies

Expected to be an earnings accretive transaction creating a business of significant global scale

Bringing together two highly talented organisations led by experienced senior management teams

Significant benefits for clients across the Enlarged Group

4.          Unanimous recommendations

Unanimous recommendation of the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors

The M&C Saatchi Independent Directors, who have been so advised by Numis and Liberum as to the financial terms of the Acquisition, consider the terms of the Acquisition to be fair and reasonable. In providing their financial advice to the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors, Numis and Liberum have taken into account the commercial assessments of the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors. Liberum is providing independent financial advice to the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors for the purposes of Rule 3 of the Takeover Code.

Accordingly, the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors intend unanimously to recommend that M&C Saatchi Shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme at the M&C Saatchi Court Meeting and the resolutions relating to the Acquisition at the M&C Saatchi General Meeting (or in the event that the Acquisition is implemented by way of an Offer, to accept or procure acceptance of such Offer) as the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors who hold M&C Saatchi Shares have irrevocably undertaken to do or procure in respect of their own beneficial holdings of 752,627 M&C Saatchi Shares in aggregate and representing approximately 0.6 per cent. of M&C Saatchi's issued share capital on the Last Practicable Date. Further details of these irrevocable undertakings are set out in Appendix 3 to this Announcement.

Unanimous recommendation of the Board of Next Fifteen

Next Fifteen will be required to seek the approval of the Next Fifteen Shareholders at the Next Fifteen General Meeting to issue the New Next Fifteen Shares. As such the Acquisition will be conditional on the approval of the Next Fifteen Shareholders of the issuance of the New Next Fifteen Shares at the Next Fifteen General Meeting. The Next Fifteen Directors consider the Acquisition to be in the best interests of Next Fifteen and the Next Fifteen Shareholders as a whole and intend unanimously to recommend that Next Fifteen Shareholders vote in favour of the resolution to be proposed at the Next Fifteen General Meeting which will be convened in connection with the Acquisition, as they have irrevocably undertaken to do, or procure, in respect of their own beneficial holdings of 5,471,416 Next Fifteen Shares representing, in aggregate, approximately 5.6 per cent. of Next Fifteen's ordinary share capital in issue on the Last Practicable Date.

Further details of the irrevocable undertakings are set out in Appendix 3 to this Announcement.

5.          Background to and reasons for the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors' recommendation

At its Capital Markets Day in January 2021, the new leadership team at M&C Saatchi set out its strategy and operating model alongside medium-term financial targets. This customer-focused strategy sought to address changing client needs whilst improving operational efficiency and simplifying the M&C Saatchi business into five specialist divisions. The strategy was designed to enhance M&C Saatchi's proven expertise in providing digital and connected marketing solutions to its clients globally.

In the period since, M&C Saatchi has delivered a strong trading performance resulting in eight positive trading updates reflecting new client wins and contracts alongside the delivery of operational efficiencies.

On 29 April 2022, M&C Saatchi announced its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2021 which demonstrated an exceptional turnaround, including record headline operating profit. Highlights for the period included:

The M&C Saatchi Independent Directors believe that this consistently robust financial performance through 2021 demonstrates that M&C Saatchi's standalone strategy is delivering strong trading momentum supported by a positive market backdrop. In conjunction with the 2021 audited results, M&C Saatchi also announced that trading continued to be strong in the first quarter of 2022 and that headline profit before tax for the years ending 31 December 2022 and 31 December 2023 (together, the "FY22 and FY23 Profit Forecasts") is expected to be in the region of £31.0 million and £41.0 million, respectively. The FY22 and FY23 Profit Forecasts are included at Appendix 4 of this Announcement. These forecasts are materially in excess of the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors' previous expectations and reflect M&C Saatchi's increasing momentum and the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors' strong confidence in the standalone future and prospects of M&C Saatchi.

As previously announced by M&C Saatchi on 6 January 2022, M&C Saatchi received a preliminary approach from ADV and since then the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors received three unsolicited conditional proposals from ADV. The M&C Saatchi Independent Directors considered that each of the unsolicited conditional proposals undervalued M&C Saatchi and its prospects and was therefore not recommendable. In addition, the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors believed that the proposal from ADV immediately transferred value from M&C Saatchi Shareholders to ADV Shareholders and did not recognise the fundamental growth potential of M&C Saatchi and its clients' needs. Furthermore, it lacked support from M&C Saatchi(at that time consisting of 19 individuals who lead the key business lines responsible for M&C Saatchi's revenue) presenting significant risk to talent and client base, and therefore future performance.

However, the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors, having consulted with M&C Saatchi's largest shareholders, agreed to engage with ADV in order that M&C Saatchi Shareholders had the opportunity to be presented with a firm proposal from ADV. On 17 May 2022, ADV announced its firm intention to make an offer for M&C Saatchi. Under the revised offer, M&C Saatchi Shareholders would receive 2.043 new ADV Shares and 40 pence in cash or 2.530 new ADV Shares implying a total value of 207.5 pence per M&C Saatchi Share based on the Closing price of an ADV Share of 82.0 pence on 16 May 2022. The M&C Saatchi Independent Directors, believing the revised offer significantly undervalues the business and prospects of M&C Saatchi, confirmed their unanimous and unequivocal rejection of ADV's revised offer.

In addition, and, alongside the discussions with ADV, the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors together with their financial advisers approached a limited number of parties with a view to soliciting an alternative, more attractive proposal that was in the best interests of M&C Saatchi Shareholders and M&C Saatchi's other key stakeholders.  It is this process that has culminated in today's announcement by Next Fifteen of its firm intention to make an offer for M&C Saatchi, recommended by the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors.

The M&C Saatchi Independent Directors believe that a combination with Next Fifteen strengthens the M&C Saatchi proposition with a number of complementary product offerings and increased geographic reach, which will be for the benefit of M&C Saatchi stakeholders as a whole. Next Fifteen's and M&C Saatchi's geographic presence are highly complementary with strong brands in countries across the globe. In addition, both M&C Saatchi and Next Fifteen have distinct blue-chip client bases with the potential to expand and broaden the range of services offered as the Enlarged Group. The M&C Saatchi Independent Directors further believe that the Enlarged Group will be able to accelerate M&C Saatchi's ambitions across all business specialisms and geographies and that the M&C Saatchi Group will be able to benefit both from existing technology solutions within Next Fifteen and from further investment across a significantly expanded group to drive new opportunities and services.

The M&C Saatchi Independent Directors are also confident that there will be further revenue opportunities, as part of the Enlarged Group and from the execution of the M&C Saatchi strategy.

The M&C Saatchi Independent Directors believe that growth will increasingly come from cross-specialism and cross-border opportunities. In 2022 M&C Saatchi launched two new service offerings: sustainability communications (M&C Saatchi LIFE) and digital innovation (Thread), and it continues to deepen data capability by scaling its global data platform and consultancy. Next Fifteen has considerable expertise in these higher growth and margin services, which M&C Saatchi clients could benefit from. Additionally, Next Fifteen's strategy is also underpinned by its strong track record of acquiring selective, high-performance businesses, including most recently its largest acquisition to date of Engine UK in March 2022, instead of pursuing M&A driven by financial engineering.

There is also potential to drive further efficiencies through accelerating centralisation of group functions including IT, Finance and HR. Whilst the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors remain confident that M&C Saatchi's standalone strategy can deliver attractive returns for M&C Saatchi Shareholders as an independent company, they recognise that there are risks to, as well as uncertainty as to the timing and the delivery of, these returns.

The Acquisition provides M&C Saatchi Shareholders with the opportunity to benefit in the potential future upside of the Enlarged Group through the New Next Fifteen Share component and from increased liquidity as part of a larger group.

Furthermore, the offer of 0.1637 New Next Fifteen Shares for each M&C Saatchi Share and 40 pence in cash for each M&C Saatchi Share implies (based on the Closing Price of a Next Fifteen Share on the Last Practicable Date) a total value of 247.2 pence per M&C Saatchi Share, representing a premium of approximately:

As a business with creativity at its core, M&C Saatchi's employees and M&C Saatchi's culture are central to its ongoing success and executing against its strategy. The M&C Saatchi Independent Directors recognise the strong support for the Acquisition from its Excom (consisting of 18 individuals who lead the key business lines responsible for M&C Saatchi's revenue), who have met with Next Fifteen and have expressed unanimous support for the Acquisition and the potential for the Acquisition to facilitate further growth across M&C Saatchi's specialisms.

Accordingly, following careful consideration, the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors unanimously intend to recommend M&C Saatchi Shareholders to vote in favour of the Scheme at the M&C Saatchi Court Meeting and resolutions relating to the Acquisition at the M&C Saatchi General Meeting, as the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors have irrevocably committed to do in respect of their M&C Saatchi Shares.

6.          Information relating to M&C Saatchi

M&C Saatchi is a public limited company incorporated in England and Wales whose shares are admitted to the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

M&C Saatchi focuses on creative marketing, advertising and communications, connecting specialist expertise through data and technology to deliver meaningful change. Its multi-discipline offering ranges from demand creation using data analytics, brand strategy, experience and innovation, through to multi-channel creative communications involving advertising, sponsorship, brand reputation, personalisation, brand experience, talent and influencer management, and performance media. M&C Saatchi's customers include Adidas, The Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Costa Coffee, Heineken, Nando's, Optus, and UNICEF.

Delivering creative, strategic and data-led services across specialisms and global regions, the global interdisciplinary team blends cutting-edge data expertise with diverse thinking and creativity. This is done through M&C Saatchi's breadth of specialist marketing and communications talent and capabilities which stretch across the entire digital landscape and customer journey.

At its Capital Markets Day in January 2021, M&C Saatchi set out a new strategy and operating model alongside medium-term financial targets. This customer-focused strategy sought to address changing client needs whilst improving operational efficiency and simplifying the M&C Saatchi Group's business into five connected specialisms. The strategy was designed to enhance M&C Saatchi's proven reputation in providing digital and connected marketing solutions to capitalise on client demand.

The business now operates through five connected specialisms, all of which benefit from its "Central Fuel" which provides talent and capabilities in data and technology, digital innovation, sustainability and its "Growth Team". The five connected specialisms are:

7.          Information relating to Next Fifteen

Next Fifteen is an AIM-traded tech and data-driven growth consultancy with operations in Europe, North America and across Asia Pacific. The Next Fifteen Group has a strong track record of creating and acquiring high-performance businesses. For acquired businesses it offers an opportunity to take advantage of the Next Fifteen Group's global operational infrastructure and centralised resources to accelerate their growth. The Next Fifteen Group has long-term customer relationships with many of the world's leading companies including Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, IBM, American Express, Procter & Gamble, Dell, Intuit and Salesforce.

The Next Fifteen Group operates across four segments, each of which describes how it helps customers grow in different ways: customer insight helps them understand their opportunities and challenges; customer engagement optimises their reputation and digital assets; customer delivery helps them connect with customers to drive sales; and business transformation helps maximise long-term value through corporate positioning, business design and the development of new ventures.

Next Fifteen's long-term strategy includes continuing to invest in: processes and systems to support its increasing scale; bolt-on acquisitions in the following areas: eCommerce, paid media expansion, data analytics, ABM, demand/lead generation and strategic consulting; and growth in APAC and EMEA.

8.          Current trading

Next Fifteen

Next Fifteen released its final results for the year ended 31 January 2022 on 5 April 2022, which included the following statements in relation to its current trading and outlook:

Overall, revenue growth has continued to be strong, helped by the strength of the US dollar. For the three-month period to 30 April 2022, the Next Fifteen Group's total revenues increased by approximately 68 per cent. compared with the same period last year, to £130 million, with organic revenue growth of approximately 37 per cent. Adjusted profit before tax for the same three-month period to 30 April 2022 is also ahead of management expectations.

Performance has been strong across all four areas of the Next Fifteen Group, with each segment showing encouraging organic revenue growth of at least 15 per cent. in the three months to 30 April 2022. Next Fifteen's businesses in the US have been performing above expectations, the onboarding of Engine has been progressing well and the new Mach49 contract, announced on 23 February 2022, is off to an encouraging start.

M&C Saatchi

On 29 April 2022, M&C Saatchi announced its record results for the year ended 31 December 2021 (FY21). It also reported strong momentum into 2022 and forecast headline profit before tax expected to be in the region of £31.0 million and £41.0 million for the years ending 31 December 2022 and 2023 respectively. Further details are included in the paragraph entitled "Background to and reasons for the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors' recommendation" of this Announcement.

9.          Management, employees, branding and locations

Next Fifteen's strategic plans for M&C Saatchi

Next Fifteen recognises that M&C Saatchi is a people based business and, as such, attaches great importance to retaining the skills, knowledge and expertise of M&C Saatchi's existing management and employees. Next Fifteen believes that M&C Saatchi's management and employees will be important to the success of, and will benefit from enhanced opportunities as part of, the Enlarged Group. Next Fifteen recognises the power and potential of the M&C Saatchi brand and the importance of investment in accelerating its growth. Most of the M&C Saatchi businesses will continue to operate under their existing brands, although a small number of M&C Saatchi and Next Fifteen brands may be combined in the future if the commercial case for doing so is compelling.

Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi have had some initial, high level planning discussions regarding the integration of M&C Saatchi into the Enlarged Group. Next Fifteen intends to undertake a detailed evaluation of M&C Saatchi and its operations, to be completed within six months of the completion of the Acquisition, in order to develop a detailed integration plan. Preliminary analysis carried out by Next Fifteen to date has indicated the potential to maintain the existing operations of M&C Saatchi whilst realising some cost savings for the Enlarged Group through the removal of administrative costs associated with M&C Saatchi's current status as a listed company, which will cease to be required following completion of the Acquisition, and in areas where there is an overlap of function (for example head office and central functions). This may involve some limited headcount reduction, although no specific plans have been formulated by Next Fifteen to date and this will form part of the evaluation referred to above. The implementation of the detailed integration plan is not expected to have a material impact on the businesses of Next Fifteen.

The integration of the Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi businesses will be led by an integration team comprised of key Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi personnel.

Board, management and employees

Next Fifteen has given assurances to the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors that the existing contractual and statutory employment rights of M&C Saatchi's existing management and employees will be safeguarded in accordance with applicable law and that Next Fifteen does not envisage any material change in the conditions of employment of M&C Saatchi employees following the Scheme becoming effective.

Save in respect of the potential reductions in M&C Saatchi employee headcount referred to above, Next Fifteen does not intend to make any material change to the balance of skills and functions of M&C Saatchi Group employees and management.

M&C Saatchi does not operate any defined benefit pension schemes. Next Fifteen does not intend to make any changes to the benefits provided by M&C Saatchi's defined contribution pension schemes and intends for the employer to continue to make contributions in line with the current arrangements.

Next Fifteen is pleased to confirm that Moray MacLennan, M&C Saatchi's Chief Executive Officer, has agreed to remain in his role at M&C Saatchi within the Enlarged Group following the Effective Date. It is intended that all the non-executive directors of M&C Saatchi will cease to be directors of M&C Saatchi immediately following the Effective Date. 

Management incentivisation arrangements

Next Fifteen has not entered into, and has not had discussions on proposals to enter into, any form of incentivisation arrangements with members of the M&C Saatchi Group's management, nor will it have any such discussions before completion of the Acquisition.  It is Next Fifteen's intention to put in place appropriate management incentivisation arrangements following completion of the Acquisition.

Headquarters, locations and fixed assets

Subject to finalisation of its integration plans and evaluation of the M&C Saatchi Group following completion of the Acquisition, Next Fifteen confirms that it has no plans to (i) change the principal locations of M&C Saatchi's businesses, or (ii) redeploy any of M&C Saatchi's fixed assets.  M&C Saatchi's head office in London will be maintained and Next Fifteen will continue to review the continuing property needs of the Enlarged Group as property leases approach the end of their terms. It is expected that the material M&C Saatchi leases which expire over the next twelve months will be renewed, with the exception of 15 Golden Square, London.

Trading facilities

The M&C Saatchi Shares are currently admitted to trading on AIM. As set out below, it is intended that an application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for the cancellation of the trading of the M&C Saatchi Shares on AIM, to take effect on or shortly after the Effective Date. As soon as practicable after that, it is intended that M&C Saatchi will be re-registered as a private limited company under the relevant provisions of the Companies Act.

No statements in this paragraph 9 constitute "post-offer undertakings" for the purposes of Rule 19.5 of the Takeover Code.

10.        Financing

The cash consideration payable under the Acquisition is approximately £50.2 million on a fully diluted basis. Next Fifteen has entered into an amendment and restatement agreement, amending and restating an existing facility agreement with its current banks, HSBC and Bank of Ireland on 20 May 2022 (the existing facility agreement as amended and restated being the "Restated Facilities Agreement"). The total amount available under the Restated Facilities Agreement is £150 million, an increase of £70 million. As at 31 January 2022, Next Fifteen had net cash of £35.7 million and as at 31 December 2021, M&C Saatchi had net cash of £34.4 million.

Further details in respect of the Restated Facilities Agreement and these financing arrangements will be included in the Scheme Document.

Smith Square Partners, financial adviser to Next Fifteen, is satisfied that sufficient resources are available to Next Fifteen to enable it to satisfy, in full, the cash consideration payable to M&C Saatchi Shareholders under the terms of the Acquisition.

11.        Offer related Arrangements

12.        Irrevocable undertakings

The M&C Saatchi Independent Directors have irrevocably undertaken to vote in favour of the Scheme in respect of their own beneficial holdings totalling 752,627 M&C Saatchi Shares, representing in aggregate approximately 0.6 per cent. of M&C Saatchi's issued share capital as at the Last Practicable Date.

Those Next Fifteen Directors who hold Next Fifteen Shares have irrevocably undertaken to vote in favour of the resolution to be proposed at the Next Fifteen General Meeting in respect of their own beneficial holdings totalling 5,471,416 Next Fifteen Shares, representing in aggregate approximately 5.6 per cent of Next Fifteen's issued share capital as at the Last Practicable Date.

Further details of the irrevocable undertakings are set out in Appendix 3 to this Announcement.

Next Fifteen intends to engage with M&C Saatchi Shareholders in the coming days to seek their support for the Acquisition.

13.        Conditions and Scheme of Arrangement

Appendix 1 to this Announcement sets out the Conditions and further terms to which the Acquisition will be subject, including the approval of the Scheme by the Scheme Shareholders, the sanction of the Scheme by the Court and the approval of Next Fifteen Shareholders to the allotment and issue of the New Next Fifteen Shares. The Conditions include those relating to UK CMA merger control approval, and regulatory approvals under the UK NSIA, the US CFIUS regime and the Australian foreign investment regulatory framework as further described in Part A of Appendix 1 to this Announcement. The Scheme is expected to become effective in the second half of 2022, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the Conditions and certain further terms set out in Appendix 1 to this Announcement.

It is intended that the Acquisition will be effected by a court sanctioned scheme of arrangement of M&C Saatchi, between M&C Saatchi and the M&C Saatchi Shareholders, under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006.

Under the Scheme, the Scheme Shares held by Scheme Shareholders will be transferred to Next Fifteen in consideration for which Scheme Shareholders will receive the Consideration on the basis set out in paragraph 2 of this Announcement.

The Acquisition will be subject to the Conditions and further terms and conditions referred to in Appendix 1 to this Announcement and to be set out in the Scheme Document.

To become effective, the Scheme requires the approval of Scheme Shareholders by the passing of a resolution at the M&C Saatchi Court Meeting. The resolution must be approved by a majority in number of the Scheme Shareholders present and voting (and entitled to vote), either in person or by proxy, representing not less than 75 per cent. in value of the Scheme Shares voted by such Scheme Shareholders. In addition, a special resolution must be passed at the M&C Saatchi General Meeting to deal with certain ancillary matters, which requires the approval of M&C Saatchi Shareholders representing at least 75 per cent. of the votes cast at the M&C Saatchi General Meeting (either in person or by proxy). The M&C Saatchi General Meeting will be held immediately after the M&C Saatchi Court Meeting.

The M&C Saatchi Meetings are to be held no later than the 22nd day after the expected date of the M&C Saatchi Meetings to be set out in the Scheme Document in due course (or such later date as may be agreed between M&C Saatchi and Next Fifteen).

Following the M&C Saatchi Meetings, the Scheme must be sanctioned by the Court no later than the 22nd day after the expected date of the Scheme Court Hearing to be set out in the Scheme Document in due course (or such later date as may be agreed between M&C Saatchi and Next Fifteen). The Scheme will only become effective once a copy of the Scheme Court Order is delivered to the Registrar of Companies.

Upon the Scheme becoming effective, it will be binding on all M&C Saatchi Shareholders, irrespective of whether or not they attended or voted at the M&C Saatchi Meetings and the Consideration will be despatched by Next Fifteen to Scheme Shareholders no later than 14 days after the Effective Date.

The Scheme Document will include full details of the Scheme, together with notices of the M&C Saatchi Court Meeting and the M&C Saatchi General Meeting and the expected timetable, and will specify the action to be taken by Scheme Shareholders.

The Scheme will be governed by English law and will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Courts. The Scheme will be subject to the applicable requirements of the Takeover Code, the Panel, the London Stock Exchange and the FCA.

14.        Indicative timing

The timing of implementation of the Acquisition will be dependent upon a number of factors including the availability of the Court and receipt of merger control and regulatory approvals. However, it is expected that the posting of the Scheme Document and the Next Fifteen Circular will occur within 28 days of this Announcement unless otherwise agreed by the Panel. Subject to satisfaction or waiver of the relevant Conditions, the Scheme is expected to become effective in the second half of 2022.

15.        Next Fifteen Shareholder approval

Next Fifteen will be required to seek the approval of Next Fifteen Shareholders at the Next Fifteen General Meeting to issue the New Next Fifteen Shares.

Next Fifteen will prepare and send to Next Fifteen Shareholders the Next Fifteen Circular, which will include a notice convening the Next Fifteen General Meeting. The Acquisition is conditional on, among other things, the Next Fifteen Resolution being passed by the requisite majority of Next Fifteen Shareholders at the Next Fifteen General Meeting.

It is expected that the Next Fifteen Circular will be posted to Next Fifteen Shareholders at the same time as the Scheme Document is posted to M&C Saatchi Shareholders.

16.        Admission of New Next Fifteen Shares

Application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for the New Next Fifteen Shares to be admitted to trading on AIM. It is expected that Admission will become effective and that dealings for normal settlement in the New Next Fifteen Shares will commence at 8.00 am on the first Business Day following the Effective Date.

17.        Cancellation of admission to trading and re-registration

It is intended that dealings in M&C Saatchi Shares should be suspended shortly prior to the Effective Date, at a time to be set out in the Scheme Document. It is further intended that an application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for the cancellation of the trading of the M&C Saatchi Shares on AIM, to take effect on or shortly after the Effective Date.

Share certificates in respect of the M&C Saatchi Shares will cease to be valid and should be destroyed on the first Business Day following the Effective Date.

In addition, entitlements held within the CREST system to the M&C Saatchi Shares will be cancelled on the first Business Day following the Effective Date.

18.        Share Schemes

Participants in the M&C Saatchi Share Schemes and certain participants in the M&C Saatchi Put Option Schemes will be contacted regarding the effect of the Acquisition on their rights under these schemes and provided with further details concerning the proposals which will be made to them in due course. Details of the proposals will be set out in the Scheme Document or, as the case may be, the Offer Document and in separate letters to be sent to participants in the share schemes.

19.        Disclosure of interests

20.        Documents available for inspection

Copies of the following documents will, by no later than 12 noon on 23 May 2022, be published on Next Fifteen's website at www.next15.com/investors/ and on M&C Saatchi's website at www.mcsaatchiplc.com:

21.        General

Next Fifteen reserves the right, subject to the terms of the Cooperation Agreement and with the consent of the Panel, to implement the Acquisition by way of a Takeover Offer for M&C Saatchi Shares rather than the Scheme. In such event, such Takeover Offer will (unless otherwise required by the Panel) be implemented on the same terms, as far as applicable, as those which would apply to the Scheme and subject to the amendments referred to in Part C of Appendix 1 to this Announcement. 

If the Acquisition is effected by way of an Offer and such Offer becomes or is declared unconditional in all respects and sufficient acceptances are received, Next Fifteen intends to: (i) request the London Stock Exchange cancels trading in M&C Saatchi Shares on AIM; and (ii) exercise its rights to apply the provisions of Chapter 3 of Part 28 of the Companies Act 2006 to acquire compulsorily the remaining M&C Saatchi Shares in respect of which the Offer has not been accepted.

Each of Numis, Liberum, BDO, Berenberg and Smith Square Partners has given and not withdrawn their consent to the publication of this Announcement with the inclusion herein of references to their opinions and names in the form and context in which they are included.

Further information

This Announcement is for information purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute or form part of an offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase, or otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to the Acquisition or otherwise nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities of Next Fifteen or M&C Saatchi pursuant to the Acquisition in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable laws. The Acquisition will be implemented solely pursuant to the terms of the Scheme Document (or, in the event that the Acquisition is to be implemented by means of an Offer, the Offer Document), which will contain the full terms and conditions of the Acquisition, including details of how to vote in respect of the Acquisition. Any decision in respect of, or other response to, the Acquisition should be made on the basis of the information contained in the Scheme Document.

Next Fifteen will prepare the Next Fifteen Circular to be distributed to Next Fifteen Shareholders. M&C Saatchi and Next Fifteen urge M&C Saatchi Shareholders to read the Scheme Document carefully when it becomes available because it will contain important information in relation to the Acquisition, the New Next Fifteen Shares and the Enlarged Group. Next Fifteen urges Next Fifteen Shareholders to read the Next Fifteen Circular carefully when it becomes available. Any vote in respect of resolutions to be proposed at the M&C Saatchi Meetings or the Next Fifteen General Meeting to approve the Acquisition, the Scheme or related matters, should be made only on the basis of the information contained in the Scheme Document (in the case of the M&C Saatchi Shareholders), and the Next Fifteen Circular (in the case of the Next Fifteen Shareholders).

This Announcement does not constitute a prospectus or prospectus equivalent document.

Information relating to M&C Saatchi Shareholders

Please be aware that addresses, electronic addresses and certain other information provided by M&C Saatchi Shareholders, persons with information rights and other relevant persons for the receipt of communications from M&C Saatchi may be provided to Next Fifteen during the Offer Period as required under Section 4 of Appendix 4 of the Takeover Code.

Overseas jurisdictions

The release, publication or distribution of this Announcement in or into jurisdictions other than the United Kingdom may be restricted by law and therefore any persons who are subject to the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United Kingdom should inform themselves about, and observe any applicable legal or regulatory requirements. In particular, the ability of persons who are not resident in the United Kingdom to vote their M&C Saatchi Shares with respect to the Scheme at the M&C Saatchi Court Meeting, or to execute and deliver forms of proxy appointing another to vote at the M&C Saatchi Court Meeting on their behalf, may be affected by the laws of the relevant jurisdictions in which they are located. Any failure to comply with the applicable restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law the companies and persons involved in the Acquisition disclaim any responsibility or liability for the violation of such restrictions by any person. This Announcement has been prepared for the purpose of complying with English law and the Takeover Code and the information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have been disclosed if this Announcement had been prepared in accordance with the laws of jurisdictions outside the United Kingdom.

Unless otherwise determined by Next Fifteen or required by the Takeover Code, and permitted by applicable law and regulation, the availability of New Next Fifteen Shares to be issued pursuant to the Acquisition to M&C Saatchi Shareholders will not be made available, directly or indirectly, in, into or from a Restricted Jurisdiction where to do so would violate the laws in that jurisdiction and no person may vote in favour of the Acquisition by any such use, means, instrumentality or form within a Restricted Jurisdiction or any other jurisdiction if to do so would constitute a violation of the laws of that jurisdiction. Accordingly, copies of this Announcement and any formal documentation relating to the Acquisition are not being, and must not be, directly or indirectly, mailed or otherwise forwarded, distributed or sent in or into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction or any other jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the laws of that jurisdiction, and persons receiving such documents (including custodians, nominees and trustees) must not mail or otherwise forward, distribute or send such documents in or into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction. Doing so may render invalid any related purported vote in respect of the Acquisition. If the Acquisition is implemented by way of an Offer (unless otherwise permitted by applicable law and regulation), the Offer may not be made directly or indirectly, in or into, or by the use of mails or any means or instrumentality (including, but not limited to, facsimile, e-mail or other electronic transmission or telephone) of interstate or foreign commerce of, or of any facility of a national, state or other securities exchange of any Restricted Jurisdiction and the Offer may not be capable of acceptance by any such use, means, instrumentality or facilities or from within any Restricted Jurisdiction.

The availability of New Next Fifteen Shares pursuant to the Acquisition to M&C Saatchi Shareholders who are not resident in the United Kingdom or the ability of those persons to hold such shares may be affected by the laws or regulatory requirements of the relevant jurisdictions in which they are resident. Persons who are not resident in the United Kingdom should inform themselves of, and observe, any applicable legal or regulatory requirements. M&C Saatchi Shareholders who are in doubt about such matters should consult an appropriate independent professional adviser in the relevant jurisdiction without delay.

Further details in relation to M&C Saatchi Shareholders in overseas jurisdictions will be contained in the Scheme Document.

The Acquisition will be subject to the applicable requirements of the Takeover Code, the Panel, the London Stock Exchange and the FCA.

Additional information for US investors

The Acquisition relates to the shares of a company incorporated in England and Wales and is proposed to be effected by means of a scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006 that will be governed by the laws of England and Wales. A transaction effected by means of a scheme of arrangement is not subject to the tender offer rules or the proxy solicitation rules under the US Exchange Act. Accordingly, the Acquisition is subject to the disclosure requirements and practices applicable in the United Kingdom to schemes of arrangement which differ from the disclosure requirements of United States tender offer and proxy solicitation rules. If, in the future, Next Fifteen exercises the right to implement the Acquisition by way of an Offer and determines to extend the Offer into the United States, the Acquisition will be made in compliance with applicable United States laws and regulations. Financial information included in this Announcement and the Scheme Documentation has been or will have been prepared in accordance with accounting standards applicable in the United Kingdom that may not be comparable to financial information of US companies or companies whose financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

It may be difficult for US holders of M&C Saatchi Shares to enforce their rights and any claim arising out of the US federal laws, since M&C Saatchi and Next Fifteen are located in a non-US jurisdiction, and some or all of their officers and directors may be residents of a non-US jurisdiction. US holders of M&C Saatchi Shares may not be able to sue a non-US company or its officers or directors in a non-US court for violations of the US securities laws. Further, it may be difficult to compel a non-US company and its affiliates to subject themselves to a US court's judgement.

The New Next Fifteen Shares to be issued pursuant to the Scheme have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the US Securities Act and such other laws. The Acquisition is intended to be carried out under a scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006 (which requires the approval of the Scheme Shareholders). If so, it is expected that any New Next Fifteen Shares to be issued pursuant to the Scheme to M&C Saatchi Shareholders will be issued in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the US Securities Act, provided by Section 3(a)(10) thereof. The New Next Fifteen Shares issued pursuant to the Scheme will not be registered under any US state securities laws and may only be issued to persons resident in a state pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the securities laws of such state.

Important notices relating to Financial Advisers

Numis, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for M&C Saatchi as joint financial adviser and joint broker and for Next Fifteen as nominated adviser and broker and no one else in connection with the Acquisition and will not be responsible to anyone other than M&C Saatchi or Next Fifteen for providing the protections afforded to clients of Numis nor for providing advice in relation to the Acquisition or any other matters referred to in this Announcement. Neither Numis nor any of its affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Numis in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise.

Liberum Capital Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for M&C Saatchi as nominated adviser and broker and no one else in connection with the Acquisition and will not be responsible to anyone other than M&C Saatchi for providing the protections afforded to clients of Liberum Capital Limited nor for providing advice in relation to the Acquisition or any other matters referred to in this Announcement. Neither Liberum Capital Limited nor any of its affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Liberum Capital Limited in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise.

Smith Square Partners LLP, which is authorised and regulated by the FCA in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for Next Fifteen and no one else in connection with the Acquisition and other matters set out in this Announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Next Fifteen for providing the protections afforded to clients of Smith Square Partners, or for providing advice in connection with the Acquisition or any matter referred to herein. Neither Smith Square Partners nor any of its affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Smith Square Partners in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise.

Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG, London Branch ("Berenberg"), which is authorised and regulated by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and is deemed authorised and regulated by the FCA in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for Next Fifteen and no one else in connection with the Acquisition and other matters set out in this Announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Next Fifteen for providing the protections afforded to clients of Berenberg, or for providing advice in connection with the Acquisition or any matter referred to herein. Neither Berenberg nor any of its affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Berenberg in connection with this Announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise.

Cautionary note regarding forward looking statements

This Announcement (including information incorporated by reference into this Announcement), oral statements regarding the Acquisition and other information published by Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi contain certain forward looking statements with respect to the financial condition, strategies, objectives, results of operations and businesses of Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi and their respective groups and certain plans and objectives with respect to the Enlarged Group. These forward looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward looking statements are prospective in nature and are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections of the management of Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi about future events, and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward looking statements. The forward looking statements contained in this Announcement include statements relating to the expected effects of the Acquisition on Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi, the expected timing and scope of the Acquisition and other statements other than historical facts. Forward looking statements often use words such as "anticipate", "target", "expect", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "goal", "believe", "hope", "aims", "continue", "will", "may", "should", "would", "could", or other words of similar meaning. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by Next Fifteen, and/or M&C Saatchi in light of their experience and their perception of historical trends, current conditions, future developments and other factors they believe appropriate. By their nature, forward looking statements involve risk and uncertainty, because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and the factors described in the context of such forward looking statements in this Announcement could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward looking statements. Although it is believed that the expectations reflected in such forward looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct and readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward looking statements.

There are several factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements are changes in the global, political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory forces, future exchange and interest rates, changes in tax rates and future business acquisitions or dispositions. For a discussion of important factors which could cause actual results to differ from forward looking statements in relation to the Next Fifteen Group or the M&C Saatchi Group, refer to the annual report and accounts of the Next Fifteen Group for the financial year ended 31 January 2022 and of the M&C Saatchi Group for the financial year ended 31 December 2021, respectively.

Each forward looking statement speaks only as at the date of this Announcement. Neither Next Fifteen nor M&C Saatchi, nor their respective groups assumes any obligation to update or correct the information contained in this Announcement (whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise), except as required by applicable law.

Certain figures included in this Announcement have been subjected to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown for the same category presented in different tables may vary slightly and figures shown as totals in certain tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.

Right to switch to a Takeover Offer

Next Fifteen shall be entitled, subject to the terms of the Cooperation Agreement and with the consent of the Panel, to implement the Acquisition by way of a Takeover Offer for M&C Saatchi Shares rather than the Scheme. In such event, such Takeover Offer will (unless otherwise required by the Panel) be implemented on the same terms, as far as applicable, as those which would apply to the Scheme and subject to the amendments referred to in Part C of Appendix 1 to this Announcement.

No profit forecasts or estimates

Other than the FY22 and FY23 Profit Forecasts, which are referred to in Paragraph 5 entitled "Background to and reasons for the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors' recommendation" and included in Appendix 4 of this Announcement, no statement in this Announcement (including any statement of estimated synergies) is intended as a profit forecast or estimate for any period and no statement in this Announcement should be interpreted to mean that earnings or earnings per share or dividend per share for Next Fifteen, M&C Saatchi or the Enlarged Group, as appropriate, for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed the historical published earnings or earnings per share or dividend per share for Next Fifteen, M&C Saatchi or the Enlarged Group as appropriate.

Rule 2.9 disclosures

In accordance with Rule 2.9 of the Takeover Code, Next Fifteen confirms that as at the close of business on the Last Practicable Date its issued share capital consisted of 97,960,557 ordinary shares of 2.5 pence each (excluding shares held in treasury). The International Securities Identification Number ("ISIN")  for Next Fifteen's ordinary shares is GB0030026057.

In accordance with Rule 2.9 of the Takeover Code, M&C Saatchi confirms that as at close of business on the Last Practicable Date its issued share capital consisted of 122,743,435 M&C Saatchi Shares with 485,970 M&C Saatchi Shares held in treasury. The total number of voting rights in M&C Saatchi is therefore 122,257,465. The ISIN for M&C Saatchi Shares is GB00B01F7T14.

Dealing and Opening Position Disclosure requirements

Under Rule 8.3(a) of the Takeover Code, any person who is interested in one per cent. or more of any class of relevant securities of an offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror (being any offeror other than an offeror in respect of which it has been announced that its offer is, or is likely to be, solely in cash) must make an Opening Position Disclosure following the commencement of the Offer Period and, if later, following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified.

An Opening Position Disclosure must contain details of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s). An Opening Position Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(a) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th Business Day following the commencement of the Offer Period and, if appropriate, by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the 10th Business Day following the announcement in which any securities exchange offeror is first identified. Relevant persons who deal in the relevant securities of the offeree company or of a securities exchange offeror prior to the deadline for making an Opening Position Disclosure must instead make a Dealing Disclosure.

Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Takeover Code, any person who is, or becomes, interested in one per cent. or more of any class of relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror must make a Dealing Disclosure if the person deals in any relevant securities of the offeree company or of any securities exchange offeror. A Dealing Disclosure must contain details of the dealing concerned and of the person's interests and short positions in, and rights to subscribe for, any relevant securities of each of (i) the offeree company and (ii) any securities exchange offeror(s), save to the extent that these details have previously been disclosed under Rule 8. A Dealing Disclosure by a person to whom Rule 8.3(b) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (London time) on the Business Day following the date of the relevant dealing. If two or more persons act together pursuant to an agreement or understanding, whether formal or informal, to acquire or control an interest in relevant securities of an offeree company or a securities exchange offeror, they will be deemed to be a single person for the purpose of Rule 8.3.

Opening Position Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company and by any offeror and Dealing Disclosures must also be made by the offeree company, by any offeror and by any persons acting in concert with any of them (see Rules 8.1, 8.2 and 8.4). Details of the offeree and offeror companies in respect of whose relevant securities Opening Position Disclosures and Dealing Disclosures must be made can be found in the Disclosure Table on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk, including details of the number of relevant securities in issue, when the Offer Period commenced and when any offeror was first identified. You should contact the Panel's Market Surveillance Unit on +44 20 7638 0129 if you are in any doubt as to whether you are required to make an Opening Position Disclosure or a Dealing Disclosure.

Publication on website and availability of hard copies

A copy of this Announcement is and will be available, subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted Jurisdictions, for inspection on Next Fifteen's website www.next15.com/investors/ and on M&C Saatchi's website www.mcsaatchiplc.com by no later than 12 noon (London time) on the Business Day following this Announcement. For the avoidance of doubt, the contents of the websites referred to in this Announcement are not incorporated into and do not form part of this Announcement.

Next Fifteen Shareholders may request a hard copy of this Announcement by contacting Next Fifteen's registrars, Link Group, 0371 664 0300. Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. From overseas please call +44 (0)371 664 0300. Calls from outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate. Lines are open between 9.00 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales.

M&C Saatchi Shareholders and persons with information rights may request a hard copy of this Announcement by contacting M&C Saatchi's registrars, Computershare Investor Services PLC during business hours on 0370 889 4044 (or if calling from outside the UK +44 (0)370 889 4044) or by submitting a request in writing at The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road, Bristol BS13 8AE. Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate. Lines are open between 9am - 5.30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays in England and Wales).

If you are in any doubt about the contents of this Announcement or the action you should take, you are recommended to seek your own independent financial advice immediately from your stockbroker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or independent financial adviser duly authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) if you are resident in the United Kingdom or, if not, from another appropriately authorised independent financial adviser.

appendix 1

APPENDIX 1

CONDITIONS TO AND CERTAIN FURTHER TERMS OF THE SCHEME AND THE ACQUISITION

Part A:       Conditions to the Scheme and Acquisition

1.          The Acquisition will be conditional upon the Scheme becoming unconditional and becoming Effective, subject to the provisions of the Takeover Code, by no later than 11:59 p.m. on the Long Stop Date, or such later date (if any) as Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi may agree, with the consent of the Panel, and the Court may allow.

2.          Conditions of the Scheme

The Scheme will be conditional upon:

(a)      its approval by a majority in number representing not less than 75 per cent. in value of the Scheme Shareholders (or the relevant class or classes thereof, if applicable) present and voting (and entitled to vote), whether in person or by proxy, at the M&C Saatchi Court Meeting and at any separate class meeting which may be required by the Court or at any adjournment of any such meeting;

(b)      all resolutions necessary to approve and implement the Scheme being duly passed by the requisite majority or majorities at the M&C Saatchi General Meeting or at any adjournment of that meeting;

(c)      the M&C Saatchi Court Meeting and M&C Saatchi General Meeting being held on or before the 22nd day after the expected date of such meetings to be set out in the Scheme Document in due course (or such later date, if any, as Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi may agree, with the consent of the Panel, and the Court may allow);

(d)      the sanction of the Scheme by the Court with or without modification (but subject to any such modification being acceptable to Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi);

(e)      the Scheme Court Hearing being held on or before the 22nd day after the expected date of the Scheme Court Hearing to be set out in the Scheme Document in due course (or such later date (if any) as Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi may agree (with the consent of the Panel) and the Court may approve, if such approval is required); and

(f)       a copy of the Court Order being delivered for registration to the Registrar of Companies.

3.          In addition, Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi have agreed that the Acquisition will be conditional upon the following conditions and, accordingly, the necessary actions to make the Scheme effective will not be taken unless the following Conditions (as amended if appropriate) have been satisfied or, where relevant, waived:

(a)      Next Fifteen Shareholder approval

The passing at the Next Fifteen General Meeting (or at any adjournment thereof) of such resolution or resolutions as are necessary to approve, implement and effect the Acquisition including a resolution or resolutions to authorise the allotment of New Next Fifteen Shares pursuant to the Acquisition (as such resolutions shall be set out in the Next Fifteen Circular in due course);

(b)      Admission to trading

The London Stock Exchange having acknowledged to Next Fifteen or its Nomad (and such acknowledgement not having been withdrawn) that the New Next Fifteen Shares will be admitted to trading on AIM;

(c)      Regulatory clearances

(i)       The CMA:

(A)      following a decision to open a phase 1 merger review in relation to the Acquisition, deciding, on terms reasonably satisfactory to Next Fifteen, not to refer the Acquisition nor any matter arising from or relating to the Acquisition to the chair of the CMA for the constitution of a group under Schedule 4 to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (a "Phase 2 CMA Reference"); or

(B)      as at the date on which all other Conditions (with the exception of sanction of the Scheme by the Court and registration of the Court Order pursuant to paragraphs 2(e) and 2(f) of this Part A of this Appendix 1) of the Acquisition are satisfied or waived:

(aa)    not having requested submission of a Merger Notice or commenced a phase 1 merger review by indicating that the statutory review period in which the CMA has to decide whether to make a Phase 2 CMA Reference under section 34ZA of the Enterprise Act 2002 has begun; or

(bb)    having responded to a briefing paper in writing that it has no further questions in relation to the Acquisition (and has not otherwise opened an inquiry, or indicated that it is still investigating whether to open an inquiry).

(ii)      Pursuant to the UK National Security and Investment Act 2021 ("NSIA"), a notification having been accepted by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (the "Secretary of State") and the Secretary of State either:

(A)      confirming that no further action will be taken in relation to the Acquisition; or

(B)      making a final order in relation to the Acquisition on terms satisfactory to Next Fifteen that it is not prohibited (and to the extent relevant, any conditions or obligations contained in such an order necessary for completion of the Acquisition having been satisfied or complied with).

(iii)      If Next Fifteen reasonably considers it necessary, or (following full consultation with M&C Saatchi in good faith) reasonably considers it highly desirable to give notice to the Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth) ("FATA") in respect of the Acquisition, the occurrence of one of the following events ("FIRB Condition"):

(A)      Next Fifteen receiving a written notice under the FATA, by or on behalf of the Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia (or the Treasurer's delegate) ("Treasurer") stating, or to the effect that, the Treasurer does not object to the Acquisition, with the notice of no objection being either unconditional or subject only to: (i) the FIRB Tax Conditions; and/or (ii) other conditions which are reasonably acceptable to Next Fifteen; or

(B)      to the extent that any notification has already been made under the FATA in connection with the Acquisition:

(aa)    the Treasurer (or the Treasurer's delegate) having notified Next Fifteen in writing that the notification may be withdrawn; and

(bb)    such notification having been withdrawn; and

(cc)    the Acquisition being capable of completion without breaching applicable law or regulation; or

(C)      the Treasurer becoming precluded from exercising any power to make an order under Division 2 of Part 3 of FATA in relation to the Acquisition; or

(D)      if an interim order is made under section 68 of the FATA in respect of the Acquisition, the subsequent period for making a final order prohibiting the Acquisition elapsing without a final order being made.

(iv)     Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi having submitted a joint voluntary notice of the Acquisition to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States ("CFIUS"), and having received a written notification issued by CFIUS that it has concluded its review (or, if applicable, investigation) under section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (as amended) (the "DPA") and that:

(A)      the Acquisition is not a "covered transaction" pursuant to the DPA; or

(B)      there are no unresolved national security concerns (which may include mitigation measures reasonable to Next Fifteen) with respect to the Acquisition and CFIUS has concluded all action.

(d)      General Third Party clearances

(i)       Other than in respect of paragraphs 3(c)(i) to (iv) of this Part A of Appendix 1, no government or governmental, quasi- governmental, supranational, statutory, regulatory, environmental or investigative body, court, trade agency, association, institution or any other body or person whatsoever in any jurisdiction (each a "Third Party") having given notice of a decision to take, institute, implement or threaten any action, proceeding, suit, investigation, enquiry or reference, or enacted, made or proposed any statute, regulation, decision or order, or having taken any other steps which would or might reasonably be expected to:

(A)      require, prevent or delay the divestiture, or materially alter the terms envisaged for any proposed divestiture by any member of the Wider Next Fifteen Group or any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group of all or any portion of their respective businesses, assets or property or impose any limitation on the ability of any of them to conduct their respective businesses (or any of them) or to own any of their respective assets or properties or any part thereof which, in any such case, is material in the context of the Wider Next Fifteen Group or the Wider M&C Saatchi Group, in either case taken as a whole;

(B)      require, prevent or delay the divestiture by any member of the Wider Next Fifteen Group of any shares, securities or other interests in any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group;

(C)      impose any material limitation on, or result in a delay in, the ability of any member of the Wider Next Fifteen Group directly or indirectly to acquire or to hold or to exercise effectively, directly or indirectly, any rights of ownership in respect of shares or loans or securities convertible into shares or any other securities (or the equivalent) in any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group or to exercise management control over any such member;

(D)      otherwise adversely affect the business, assets, profits or prospects of any member of the Wider Next Fifteen Group or of any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group to an extent which is material in the context of the Wider Next Fifteen Group or the Wider M&C Saatchi Group, in either case taken as a whole;

(E)      make the Acquisition or its implementation or the acquisition or proposed acquisition by Next Fifteen or any member of the Wider Next Fifteen Group of any shares or other securities in, or control of M&C Saatchi void, illegal, and/or unenforceable under the laws of any relevant jurisdiction, or otherwise, directly or indirectly, restrain, restrict, prohibit, delay or otherwise adversely interfere with the same, or impose additional conditions or obligations with respect thereto, or otherwise challenge or interfere therewith;

(F)      except pursuant to the implementation of the Scheme or, if applicable, Chapter 3 of Part 28 of the Companies Act, require any member of the Wider Next Fifteen Group or the Wider M&C Saatchi Group to offer to acquire any shares or other securities (or the equivalent) or interest in any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group or the Wider Next Fifteen Group owned by any third party;

(G)      impose any limitation on, or result in any delay of, the ability of any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group or the Wider Next Fifteen Group to integrate or co-ordinate its business, or any part of it, with the businesses of any other member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group or the Wider Next Fifteen Group in a manner which is adverse to and material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group or the Wider Next Fifteen Group, in each case taken as a whole or in the context of the Acquisition; or

(H)      result in any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group  ceasing to be able to carry on business under any name under which it presently does so,

and all applicable waiting and other time periods during which any such Third Party could institute, implement or threaten any such action, proceeding, suit, investigation, enquiry or reference or any other step under the laws of any jurisdiction in respect of the Acquisition or the acquisition or proposed acquisition of any M&C Saatchi Shares having expired, lapsed or been terminated;

(ii)      other than in respect of paragraphs 3(c)(i) to (iv) of this Part A of Appendix 1, all necessary filings or applications having been made in connection with the Acquisition and all relevant waiting periods and other time periods (including any extensions thereof) under any applicable legislation or regulation of any jurisdiction having expired, lapsed or been terminated and all material statutory or regulatory obligations in any jurisdiction having been complied with in connection with the Acquisition or the acquisition by any member of the Wider Next Fifteen Group of any shares or other securities in, or control of, M&C Saatchi in each case where the direct consequence of any failure to make any such filing or application or to wait for the expiry, lapse or termination of any such waiting or other time period or the failure to comply with any such statutory or regulatory obligation would be unlawful in any relevant jurisdiction or would give rise to a material risk of having a material adverse effect on the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole or the ability of Next Fifteen to implement the Acquisition;

(iii)      all authorisations, orders, recognitions, grants, consents, licences, confirmations, clearances, permissions and approvals reasonably necessary or appropriate for or in respect of the Acquisition or the proposed acquisition of any shares or other securities in, or control of, M&C Saatchi by any member of the Wider Next Fifteen Group in connection with the Acquisition having been obtained in terms and in a form reasonably satisfactory to Next Fifteen from all appropriate Third Parties or persons with whom any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group has entered into contractual arrangements and all such authorisations, orders, recognitions, grants, consents, licences, confirmations, clearances, permissions and approvals together with all material authorisations orders, recognitions, grants, licences, confirmations, clearances, permissions and approvals necessary or appropriate to carry on the business of any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group on a basis similar in all material respects to the basis on which it is conducted as at the date of this Announcement, remaining in full force and effect, in each case where the absence of any such authorisation, order, recognition, grant, licence, confirmation, clearance, permission or approval would give rise to a material risk of having a material adverse effect on the Wider Next Fifteen Group or Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole and all material filings necessary for such purpose have been made and there being no notice or intimation of any intention to revoke or not to renew any of the same at the time at which the Acquisition becomes otherwise unconditional and all necessary statutory or regulatory obligations in any jurisdiction having been complied with where any such failure to make a filing or notice of intention so received would give rise to a material risk of having a material adverse effect on the Wider Next Fifteen Group taken as a whole;

(e)      Certain matters arising as a result of any arrangement, agreement etc.

Save as Disclosed, there being no provision of any agreement, arrangement, licence, permit or other instrument to which any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group is a party or by or to which any such member or any of its assets may be bound, entitled or subject, which in consequence of the Acquisition or the proposed acquisition by any member of the Wider Next Fifteen Group of any shares or other securities in M&C Saatchi or because of a change in the control or management of M&C Saatchi or otherwise, would or might reasonably be expected to result in (in each case to an extent which is material and adverse in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group as a whole, or in the context of the Acquisition):

(i)       any moneys borrowed by or any other indebtedness (actual or contingent) of, or grant available to any such member, being or becoming repayable or capable of being declared repayable immediately or earlier than their or its stated maturity date or repayment date or the ability of any such member to borrow moneys or incur any indebtedness being withdrawn or inhibited or being capable of becoming or being withdrawn or inhibited;

(ii)      any such agreement, arrangement, licence, permit or instrument or the rights, liabilities, obligations or interests of any such member thereunder being terminated or adversely modified or adversely affected or any onerous obligation or liability arising or any adverse action being taken or arising thereunder;

(iii)      any assets or interests of any such member being or falling to be disposed of or charged or any right arising under which any such asset or interest could be required to be disposed of or charged otherwise than in the ordinary course of business;

(iv)     the creation or enforcement of any mortgage, charge or other security interest over the whole or any part of the business, property or assets of any such member;

(v)      the rights, liabilities, obligations or interests of any such member in, or the business of any such member with, any person, firm or body (or any arrangement or arrangements relating to any such interest or business) being terminated, adversely modified or adversely affected;

(vi)     the value of any such member or its financial or trading position or prospects being prejudiced or adversely affected;

(vii)     any such member ceasing to be able to carry on business under any name under which it presently does so; or

(viii)    the creation of any liability, actual or contingent, by any such member other than trade creditors or other liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business,

and no event having occurred which, under any provision of any agreement, arrangement, licence, permit or other instrument to which any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group is a party or by or to which any such member or any of its assets may be bound, entitled or subject, would or might reasonably be expected to result in any of the events or circumstances as are referred to in sub-paragraphs (i) to (viii) of this Condition (in each case to the extent which is material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole);

(f)       Certain events occurring since 31 December 2021

Save as Disclosed, no member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group having, since 31 December 2021:

(i)       save as between M&C Saatchi and wholly owned subsidiaries of M&C Saatchi or for M&C Saatchi Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of options or vesting of awards granted under the M&C Saatchi Share Schemes, issued, authorised or proposed the issue of additional shares of any class;

(ii)      save as between M&C Saatchi and wholly owned subsidiaries of M&C Saatchi, or for the grant of options or awards under the M&C Saatchi Share Schemes, issued or agreed to issue, authorised or proposed the issue of securities convertible into shares of any class or rights, warrants or options to subscribe for, or acquire, any such shares or convertible securities;

(iii)      other than or to M&C Saatchi or another member of the M&C Saatchi Group, recommended, declared, paid or made or proposed to recommend, declare, pay or make any bonus issue, dividend or other distribution whether payable in cash or otherwise;

(iv)     save for intra-M&C Saatchi Group transactions, merged or demerged with any body corporate or acquired or disposed of or transferred, mortgaged or charged or created any security interest over any assets or any right, title or interest in any asset (including shares and trade investments) or authorised or proposed or announced any intention to propose any merger, demerger, acquisition or disposal, transfer, mortgage, charge or security interest, in each case, (i) other than in the ordinary course of business and (ii) to an extent which is material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole;

(v)      save for intra-M&C Saatchi Group transactions, made or authorised or proposed or announced an intention to propose any change in its loan capital in each case, to the extent which is material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole;

(vi)     issued, authorised or proposed the issue of any debentures or (save for intra-M&C Saatchi Group transactions), save in the ordinary course of business, incurred or increased any indebtedness or become subject to any guarantee or contingent liability in each case which is material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole;

(vii)     purchased, redeemed or repaid or announced any proposal to purchase, redeem or repay any of its own shares or other securities or reduced or, save in respect to the matters mentioned in sub-paragraph (i) above, made any other change to any part of its share capital, in each case, to the extent which is material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole;

(viii)    other than pursuant to the Acquisition (and except for transactions between M&C Saatchi and its wholly owned subsidiaries or between such wholly owned subsidiaries of M&C Saatchi) implemented, or authorised, proposed or announced its intention to implement, any reconstruction, amalgamation, scheme, commitment or other transaction or arrangement otherwise than in the ordinary course of business;

(ix)     entered into or changed to a material extent the terms of any contract with any director or senior executive save for salary increases, bonuses or variations of terms in the ordinary course;

(x)      entered into or varied or authorised, proposed or announced its intention to enter into or vary any contract, transaction or commitment (whether in respect of capital expenditure or otherwise) which is of a long term, onerous or unusual nature or magnitude or which is or is reasonably likely to be restrictive on the businesses of any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group or which involves or could reasonably be expected to involve an obligation of such a nature or magnitude other than in the ordinary course of business, in any such case to an extent which is material or would reasonably likely to be material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole;

(xi)     (other than in respect of a member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group which is dormant and was solvent at the relevant time) taken any corporate action or had any legal proceedings started or threatened in writing against it for its winding up, dissolution or reorganisation or for the appointment of a receiver, administrative receiver, administrator, trustee or similar officer of all or any material part of its assets or revenues or any analogous proceedings in any jurisdiction or had any such person appointed, and in each such case, to the extent which is material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole;

(xii)     (other than in respect of any claims between M&C Saatchi and its wholly owned subsidiaries or between such wholly owned subsidiaries) waived or compromised any claim otherwise than in the ordinary course of business and in any case which is material or would reasonably likely to be material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole;

(xiii)    except as disclosed on publicly available registers, made any material alteration to its memorandum or articles of association or other incorporation documents (in each case, other than pursuant to the resolution(s) to be proposed at the M&C Saatchi General Meeting);

(xiv)    been unable, or admitted in writing that it is unable, to pay its debts or commenced negotiations with one or more of its creditors with a view to rescheduling or restructuring any of its indebtedness, or having stopped or suspended (or threatened to stop or suspend) payment of its debts generally or ceased or threatened to cease carrying on all or a substantial part of its business which is material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole or in the context of the Acquisition;

(xv)    entered into any contract, commitment, arrangement or agreement or passed any resolution or made any offer (which remains open for acceptance) with respect to or announced any intention to, or to propose to, effect any of the transactions, matters or events referred to in this Condition;

(xvi)    having made or agreed or consented to any material change to:

(A)      the terms of the trust deeds constituting the pension scheme(s) established by any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group for its directors, employees or their dependents;

(B)      the contributions payable to any such scheme(s) or to the benefits which accrue or to the pensions which are payable thereunder;

(C)      the basis on which qualification for, or accrual or entitlement to, such benefits or pensions are calculated or determined; or

(D)      the basis upon which the liabilities (including pensions) of such pension schemes are funded, valued or made,

in each case, to the extent which is material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole and otherwise than as required by law;

(xvii)   proposed, agreed to provide or modified the terms of the M&C Saatchi Share Schemes or any share option scheme, incentive scheme or other benefit constituting a material change relating to the employment or termination of employment of a material category of persons employed by the Wider M&C Saatchi Group or which constitutes a material change to the terms or conditions of employment of any senior employee of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group, save as agreed by the Panel or by Next Fifteen; or

(xviii)  having taken (or agreed or proposed to take) any action which requires, or would require, the consent of the Panel or the approval of M&C Saatchi Shareholders in general meeting in accordance with, or as contemplated by, Rule 21.1 of the Takeover Code except with the consent of Next Fifteen.

(g)      No adverse change, litigation or regulatory enquiry

Save as Disclosed, since 31 December 2021:

(i)       no adverse change or deterioration having occurred in the business, assets, financial or trading position or profits or prospects of any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group to an extent which, in any such case, is material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole and no circumstances have arisen which would or might reasonably be expected to result in any such adverse change;

(ii)      (other than as a result of or in connection with the Acquisition), no litigation, arbitration proceedings, prosecution or other legal proceedings to which any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group is or may become a party (whether as a claimant, defendant or otherwise) and no investigation by complaint or reference to any Third Party against or in respect of any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group having been instituted announced or threatened by or against or remaining outstanding in respect of any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group which in any such case, would reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect that is material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole;

(iii)      no contingent or other liability having arisen or become apparent to Next Fifteen (other than in the ordinary course of business) which is reasonably likely to adversely affect the business, assets, financial or trading position or profits or prospects or operational performance of any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group to an extent which is material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole; and

(iv)     no member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group having conducted its business in breach of any applicable laws and regulations and which in any case is material and adverse in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole or material and adverse in the context of the Acquisition.

(h)      No withdrawal, cancellation, termination or modification of licence

Save as Disclosed, no steps having been taken which are likely to result in the withdrawal, cancellation, termination or modification of any licence held by any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group which is necessary to carry on its business on a basis similar in all material respects to the basis on which it is conducted as at the date of this Announcement, and the withdrawal, cancellation, termination or modification of which would, or might reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole;

(i)       No discovery of certain matters

(i)       Save as Disclosed, Next Fifteen not having discovered:

(A)      that any financial, business or other information concerning the Wider M&C Saatchi Group as contained in the information publicly disclosed at any time prior to this Announcement by or on behalf of any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group is materially misleading and which was not subsequently corrected before the date of this Announcement by disclosure by or on behalf of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group through the publication of an announcement via a Regulatory Information Service or otherwise, contains a material misrepresentation of fact or omits to state a fact necessary to make that information not misleading, in each case, to the extent which is material and adverse in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole;

(B)      that any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group is subject to any liability (actual or contingent), and which is not disclosed in the Annual Report and Accounts of the M&C Saatchi Group for the financial year ended 31 December 2021 and in each case, to the extent which is material and adverse in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole; or

(C)      any information which affects the import of any information disclosed at any time prior to this Announcement by or on behalf of any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group to any member of the Wider Next Fifteen Group and which is material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole;

(ii)      Save as Disclosed, Next Fifteen not having discovered:

(A)      that any past or present member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group has not complied with any applicable legislation or regulations of any jurisdiction with regard to the use, treatment, handling, storage, transport, release, disposal, discharge, spillage, leak or emission of any waste or hazardous substance or any substance likely to impair the environment or harm human health, or otherwise relating to environmental matters or the health and safety of any person, or that there has otherwise been any such use, treatment, handling, storage, transport, release, disposal, discharge, spillage, leak or emission (whether or not this constituted a non‑compliance by any person with any legislation or regulations and wherever the same may have taken place) which, in any case, would be likely to give rise to any liability (whether actual or contingent) or cost on the part of any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group which in any case is material in the context of the M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole; or

(B)      that there is, or is likely to be, any liability, whether actual or contingent, to make good, repair, reinstate or clean up any property now or previously owned, occupied or made use of by any past or present member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group or any other property or any controlled waters under any environmental legislation, regulation, notice, circular, order or other lawful requirement of any relevant authority or third party or otherwise which in any case is material in the context of the M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole;

(j)       Anti-corruption, sanctions and criminal property

Save as Disclosed, Next Fifteen not having discovered that:

(i)       any past or present member, director, officer or employee of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group is or has at any time engaged in any activity, practice or conduct which would constitute an offence under the Bribery Act 2010, the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or any other applicable anti-corruption or anti-bribery legislation; or (b) any person that performs or has performed services for or on behalf of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group is or has at any time engaged in any activity, practice or conduct in connection with the performance of such services which would constitute an offence under the Bribery Act 2010, the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 or any other applicable anti-corruption or anti-bribery legislation; or

(ii)      any material asset of any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group constitutes criminal property as defined by section 340(3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (but disregarding paragraph (b) of that definition) or under any other applicable law, rule, or regulation concerning money laundering or proceeds of crime or any member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group is found to have engaged in activities constituting money laundering under any applicable law, rule, or regulation concerning money laundering; or

(iii)      any past or present member, director, officer or employee of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group has engaged in any business with, made any investments in, made any funds or assets available to or received any funds or assets from: (a) any government, entity or individual in respect of which US or European Union persons, or persons operating in those territories, are prohibited from engaging in activities or doing business, or from receiving or making available funds or economic resources, by US, UK or European Union laws or regulations, including the economic sanctions administered by the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control, or HM Treasury & Customs; or (b) any government, entity or individual targeted by any of the economic sanctions of the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union or any of its member states, in each case to an extent which is material in the context of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group taken as a whole; or

(iv)     any past or present member, director, officer or employee of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group:

(A)      has engaged in conduct which would violate any relevant anti-terrorism laws, rules, or regulations, including but not limited to the US Anti-Terrorism Act;

(B)      has engaged in conduct which would violate any relevant anti-boycott law, rule, or regulation or any applicable export controls, including but not limited to the Export Administration Regulations administered and enforced by the US Department of Commerce or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations administered and enforced by the US Department of State;

(C)      has engaged in conduct which would violate any relevant laws, rules, or regulations concerning human rights, including but not limited to any law, rule, or regulation concerning false imprisonment, torture or other cruel and unusual punishment, or child labour; or

(D)      is debarred or otherwise rendered ineligible to bid for or to perform contracts for or with any government, governmental instrumentality, or international organisation or found to have violated any applicable law, rule, or regulation concerning government contracting or public procurement; or

(v)      no member of the Wider M&C Saatchi Group being engaged in any transaction which would cause Next Fifteen to be in breach of any applicable law or regulation upon completion of the Acquisition, including but not limited to the economic sanctions of the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control, or HM Treasury & Customs, or any other relevant government authority, entity or individual targeted by any of the economic sanctions of the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union or any of its member states.

Part B: Waiver and Invocation of the Conditions

Part C: Implementation by way of Offer

Next Fifteen reserves the right, with the consent of the Panel and in accordance with the terms of the Cooperation Agreement, to implement the Acquisition by way of a takeover offer (as defined in Part 28 of the Companies Act 2006). In such event, such Acquisition will be implemented on the same terms, so far as applicable, as those which would apply to the Scheme, subject to appropriate amendments, including (without limitation and subject to the consent of the Panel) an acceptance condition that is set at 90 per cent. (or such lesser percentage, as Next Fifteen may decide after, to the extent necessary, consultation with the Panel, being in any case more than 50 per cent.) of the M&C Saatchi Shares) (i) in nominal value of the shares to which such Offer relates; and (ii) of the voting rights attached to those shares, and that is subject to the Next Fifteen and/or (with the consent of the Panel) any of its wholly owned subsidiaries having acquired or agreed to acquire, whether pursuant to the Acquisition or otherwise, M&C Saatchi Shares carrying more than 50 per cent. of the voting rights normally exercisable at a general meeting of M&C Saatchi, including, for this purpose, any such voting rights attaching to M&C Saatchi Shares that are unconditionally allotted or issued before the takeover offer becomes or is declared unconditional as to acceptances, whether pursuant to the exercise of any outstanding subscription or conversion rights or otherwise. Further, if sufficient acceptances of such takeover offer are received and/or sufficient M&C Saatchi Shares are otherwise acquired, it would be the intention of Next Fifteen to apply the provisions of the Companies Act to acquire compulsorily any outstanding M&C Saatchi Shares to which such takeover offer relates. The availability of the Acquisition to persons not resident in the United Kingdom may be affected by the laws of the relevant jurisdictions. Persons who are not resident in the United Kingdom should inform themselves about and observe any applicable requirements.

Part D: Certain further terms of the Acquisition

appendix 2

APPENDIX 2

SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND BASES OF CALCULATION

In this Announcement, unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, the following bases and sources have been used.

appendix 3

APPENDIX 3

DETAILS OF DIRECTOR IRREVOCABLE UNDERTAKINGS

Director irrevocable undertakings

*excluding any treasury shares

The undertakings from the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors will lapse and cease to have effect if: (i) the Announcement is not released by 5 p.m. on 27 May 2022 or such later date as Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi may in writing agree, (ii) if Next Fifteen announces, with the consent of the Panel, that it does not intend to proceed with the Acquisition and no new, revised or replacement acquisition (to which this undertaking applies) is announced in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Takeover Code at the same time, (iii) if the Offer or Scheme lapses or is withdrawn and no new, revised or replacement acquisition (to which this undertaking applies) is announced in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Takeover Code at the same time, (iv) if the Scheme has not become effective in accordance with its terms or the Offer has not been declared unconditional in all respects on or before the Long Stop Date (as defined in the Announcement), or (v) if any other offer for M&C Saatchi becomes or is declared unconditional in all respects.

*excluding any treasury shares

The undertakings from the Next Fifteen directors will lapse and cease to have effect if (i) the Announcement is not released by 5 p.m. on 27 May 2022 or such later time and/or date as Next Fifteen and M&C Saatchi may agree, (ii) the Acquisition has not completed prior to the Long Stop Date, (iii) Next Fifteen announces, with the consent of the Panel, that it does not intend to proceed with the Acquisition and no new, revised or replacement Acquisition (to which this undertaking applies) is announced in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Takeover Code at the same time; or (iv) the Offer or Scheme lapses or is withdrawn and no new, revised or replacement Acquisition (to which this undertaking applies) is announced in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Takeover Code at the same time.

appendix 4

M&C SAATCHI PROFIT FORECAST

Part A

Paragraph 5 of this Announcement (Background to and reasons for the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors' recommendation) contains statements referring to M&C Saatchi's profit forecast for FY22 (the "M&C Saatchi FY22 Profit Forecast") and FY23 (the "M&C Saatchi FY23 Profit Forecast") which was issued on 29 April 2022 (together, the "M&C Saatchi Profit Forecast").

A copy of the M&C Saatchi Profit Forecast is set out below:

"Further to the Company's trading update announcement on 21 January 2022 and the announcement of the Company's final results for the year ended 31 December 2021 ("FY21") announced separately today (the "Results Announcement"), the Company is pleased to announce M&C Saatchi's projections for the years ending 31 December 2022 ("FY22") and 2023 ("FY23").

The Company has delivered continued record performance in FY21 as demonstrated by seven consecutive positive trading updates since January 2021, and as detailed in the Results Announcement where the Company has reported headline profit before tax of £27.3m, ahead of its expectations and over a 200% increase on the prior year.

Taking into account the robust financial performance delivered in 2021 and the strong momentum in 2022 so far, M&C Saatchi is now forecasting headline profit before tax in the region of:

These forecasts evidence the future potential of the business, comprising expected revenue growth from existing clients and new client wins, coupled with further simplification under the accelerated Company strategy. Further details are set out in the appendix to this announcement.

The Company remains highly confident in its ability to create material value for its shareholders."

Further information on the bases of belief supporting the M&C Saatchi Profit Forecast, including the principal assumptions and sources of information, is set out below.

Bases of preparation

The M&C Saatchi Independent Directors prepared the FY22 Profit Forecast and FY23 Profit Forecast on the basis of the management accounts for FY21, a detailed forecast for the period to 31 December 2022 and, in the case of the FY23 Profit Forecast, M&C Saatchi's five-year business plan for the period to 31 December 2026. The FY22 Profit Forecast and FY23 Profit Forecast exclude any ongoing or expected transaction costs applicable to any  offer, any other associated accounting impacts as a direct result of any offer or any disruption or impact as a direct result of any offer.

Assumptions

The M&C Saatchi Profit Forecast are based on the assumptions listed below:

1.   Factors outside the influence of the Independent Directors:

2.   Factors within the influence of the Independent Directors

Independent Directors' Confirmation and Reports

The FY22 Profit Forecast and FY23 Profit Forecast constitute profit forecasts under Rule 28.1(a) of the Takeover Code.

1.   FY22 Profit Forecast

BDO LLP ("BDO"), as reporting accountant to M&C Saatchi, and Numis and Liberum, as financial advisers to M&C Saatchi, each provided a report in respect of the FY22 Profit Forecast as required under Rule 28.1(a) of the Takeover Code. Copies of these reports are included in Part B and C respectively of this Appendix.

In accordance with the requirements of Rule 27.2(d) of the Takeover Code, the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors confirm that the FY22 Profit Forecast remains valid as at the date of this Announcement and that BDO, Numis and Liberum have confirmed that their reports included in Part B and C respectively of this Appendix continue to apply in respect of the FY22 Profit Forecast.

Each of BDO, Numis and Liberum has given and has not withdrawn its consent to the inclusion of its report in the form and context in which it is included.

2.   FY23 Profit Forecast

The FY23 Profit Forecast constitutes a profit forecast under Rule 28.1(a) of the Takeover Code. However, in accordance with Rule 28.2 of the Takeover Code, the Takeover Panel granted M&C Saatchi a dispensation from the requirement to include reports from reporting accountants and its financial advisers in relation to the FY23 Profit Forecast because it is for a financial period ending more than 15 months from the date it was announced, which is the date on which it was first published.

The M&C Saatchi Independent Directors confirm that the FY23 Profit Forecast was properly compiled on the basis of the assumptions set out above and was prepared on a basis consistent with M&C Saatchi's accounting policies used in M&C Saatchi's audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021 and in accordance with IFRS.

In accordance with the requirements of Rule 27.2(d) of the Takeover Code, the M&C Saatchi Independent Directors confirm that the FY23 Profit Forecast remains valid as at the date of this Announcement.

Part B

Report from BDO

BDO LLP

55 Baker Street

London

W1U 7EU

29 April 2022

The Independent Directors

M&C Saatchi Plc

36 Golden Square

London

W1F 9EE

Numis Securities Limited

45 Gresham Street

London

EC2V 7BF

Liberum Capital Limited

Ropemaker Place

Level 12

25 Ropemaker Street

London

EC2Y 9LY

Dear Sir or Madam

We report on the forecast of headline profit before tax of M&C Saatchi Plc (the "Company") and its subsidiaries (together the "Group") for the year ending 31 December 2022 (the "FY22 Profit Forecast"). The FY22 Profit Forecast, and the material assumptions upon which it is based, are set out in Part A of the appendix of the "Issue of Profit Forecasts" announcement (the "Announcement").

Opinion

In our opinion, the FY22 Profit Forecast has been properly compiled on the basis stated and the basis of accounting used is consistent with the Company's accounting policies.

The FY22 Profit Forecast has been made in the context of the disclosures in Part A of the appendix to this announcement setting out the principal assumptions supporting the FY22 Profit Forecast.

This report is required by Rule 28.1(a)(i) of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Takeover Code") and is given for the purpose of complying with that requirement and for no other purpose.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the independent directors of the Company (the "Independent Directors") to prepare the FY22 Profit Forecast in accordance with the requirements of Rule 28 of the Takeover Code.

It is our responsibility to form an opinion, as required by Rule 28.1(a)(i) of the Takeover Code, as to the proper compilation of the FY22 Profit Forecast and to report that opinion to you as to whether the FY22 Profit Forecast has been properly compiled on the basis stated and the basis of accounting used is consistent with the Company's accounting policies.

Save for any responsibility which we may have to those persons to whom this report is expressly addressed and to the shareholders of the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by the law we do not assume any responsibility and will not accept any liability to any other person for any loss suffered by any such other person as a result of, arising out of, or in connection with this report or our statement, required by and given solely for the purposes of complying with Rule 23.2 of the Takeover Code, consenting to its inclusion in the  Announcement.

Basis of preparation of the FY22 Profit Forecast

The FY22 Profit Forecast has been prepared on the basis stated in Part A of the appendix of the Announcement.

The FY22 Profit Forecast is required to be presented on a basis consistent with the accounting policies of the Group.

Basis of opinion

We conducted our work in accordance with Standards for Investment Reporting issued by the Financial Reporting Council of the United Kingdom.  We are independent in accordance with the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard as applied to Investment Circular Reporting Engagements, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

Our work included considering whether the FY22 Profit Forecast has been accurately computed based upon the disclosed assumptions and the accounting policies of the Group.  Whilst the assumptions upon which the FY22 Profit Forecast are based are solely the responsibility of the Independent Directors, we considered whether anything came to our attention to indicate that any of the assumptions adopted by the Independent Directors which, in our opinion, are necessary for a proper understanding of the FY22 Profit Forecast have not been disclosed and whether any material assumption made by the Independent Directors appears to us to be unrealistic.

We planned and performed our work so as to obtain the information and explanations we considered necessary in order to provide us with reasonable assurance that the FY22 Profit Forecast has been properly compiled on the basis stated.

Our work has not been carried out in accordance with auditing or other standards and practices generally accepted in the United States of America or other jurisdictions outside the United Kingdom and accordingly should not be relied upon as if it had been carried out in accordance with those standards and practices.

Since the FY22 Profit Forecast and the assumptions on which it is based relate to the future and may therefore be affected by unforeseen events, we express no opinion as to whether the actual profits achieved will correspond to those shown in the FY22 Profit Forecast and the differences may be material.

Yours faithfully

BDO LLP

Chartered Accountants

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).

Part C

Report from Numis and Liberum

The Board of Independent Directors (the "Independent Directors")

M&C Saatchi plc

36 Golden Square

London

W1F 9EE

29 April 2022

Report on the profit forecast of M&C Saatchi plc (M&C Saatchi)

Dear Independent Directors,

We refer to the profit forecast comprising a forecast of headline profit before tax of M&C Saatchi for the year ended 31 December 2022 (the "FY22 Profit Forecast"), for which the Independent Directors are solely responsible under Rule 28.3 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "City Code"). The FY22 Profit Forecast and the basis on which it is prepared, are set out in Part A of the appendix to the announcement entitled "Issue of Profit Forecasts" (the "Announcement").

We have discussed the FY22 Profit Forecast (including the bases and assumptions on which they are made), with the Independent Directors and those employees of M&C Saatchi who prepared the FY22 Profit Forecast as well as BDO LLP in their role as reporting accountants in respect of the FY22 Profit Forecast. The FY22 Profit Forecast is subject to uncertainty and our work did not involve an independent examination, or verification, of any of the financial or other information underlying the FY22 Profit Forecast.

We have relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all the financial and other information provided to us by or on behalf of M&C Saatchi, or otherwise discussed with or reviewed by us in connection with the FY22 Profit Forecast, and we have assumed such accuracy and completeness for the purposes of providing this letter. You have confirmed to us that all information relevant to the FY22 Profit Forecast has been disclosed to us. We do not express any view as to the achievability of the FY22 Profit Forecast, whether on the basis identified by the Independent Directors in the disclosures in Part A of the appendix to the Announcement, or otherwise.

We have also reviewed the work carried out by BDO LLP on the FY22 Profit Forecast and have discussed with them the opinion addressed to you and us on this matter and which is set out in Part B of the appendix to the Announcement.

On the basis of the foregoing, we consider that the FY22 Profit Forecast, for which you as the Independent Directors are solely responsible, has been prepared with due care and consideration.

This letter is provided to you solely having regard to the requirements of, and in connection with, Rule 28.1(a)(ii) of the City Code and for no other purpose. We accept no responsibility to M&C Saatchi, its shareholders or to any person other than the Independent Directors in respect of the contents of this letter. Each of Numis Securities Limited and Liberum Capital Limited are acting exclusively as financial adviser to M&C Saatchi and no one else. No person other than the Independent Directors can rely on the contents of, or the work undertaken in connection with, this letter, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, we exclude and disclaim all liability (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) to any other person, in respect of this letter, its contents or the work undertaken in connection  with this letter or any of the results or conclusions that may be derived from this letter or any written or oral information provided in connection with this letter, and any such liability is expressly disclaimed except to the extent that such liability cannot be exclude by law.

Yours faithfully,

appendix 5

DEFINITIONS

All times referred to are London time unless otherwise stated.

All references to "GBP", "pence", "sterling" or "£" are to the lawful currency of the United Kingdom.

All references to statutory provision or law or to any order or regulation shall be construed as a reference to that provision, law, order or regulation as extended, modified, replaced or re-enacted from time to time and all statutory instruments, regulations and orders from time to time made thereunder or deriving validity therefrom.