Share capital and dividends

Details of the changes in the authorised and called-up share capital are set out in notes 26 and 28.

For details of proposed resolutions, see the explanatory notes attached to the notice of the annual general meeting.

The company has received notice from The Capital Group Companies, Inc., under section 198 of the Companies Act 1985, that on 31 December 1998 it and its affiliates together held in their capacity as investment managers 76.4 million ordinary shares in Reuters (5.7% of the issued share capital) and on 12 February 1999 their holding was 75.5 million ordinary shares (5.3%).

Reuters Founders Share Company Limited has held the Founders Share since it was issued on 18 February 1998 (and held the Founders Share in Reuters Holdings PLC from 9 May 1984 until 18 February 1998).

The company is not a close company within the meaning of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.

An interim dividend of 3.4p per ordinary share was paid on 8 September 1998. The directors recommend a final dividend of 11.0p per ordinary share giving a total of 14.4p per ordinary share for the year (1997 – 13.0p). Subject to shareholders’ approval at the annual general meeting, the final dividend will be paid on 26 April 1999 to members on its register at the close of business on 19 March 1999.