Octopus AIM VCT plc (OOA), a venture capital trust investing in AIM-quoted companies, has announced the purchase and cancellation of 1,300,158 ordinary shares of 1p each at a price of 38.2883p per share, executed on 22 October 2026. The transaction reduces the company's issued share capital and updates the total voting rights figure used by shareholders for disclosure calculations under FCA rules. Following the cancellation, the company's issued share capital stands at 248,349,415 ordinary shares. The move is consistent with VCT share buyback activity aimed at managing liquidity for exiting shareholders.

Key Points

  • Octopus AIM VCT plc (OOA), a venture capital trust focused on AIM-quoted growth companies
  • The company purchased and cancelled 1,300,158 ordinary shares of 1p each on 22 October 2026
  • Shares were acquired at 38.2883p per share; issued share capital now stands at 248,349,415 ordinary shares
  • Investors should monitor further buyback announcements and any updates to net asset value per share

Octopus AIM VCT Cancels 1,300,158 Shares at 38.2883p on 22 October 2026

The announcement confirms that Octopus AIM VCT plc purchased for cancellation 1,300,158 ordinary shares of 1p each at a price of 38.2883p per share on 22 October 2026. The total cost of the buyback was not disclosed in the announcement. Share cancellations of this type are a routine feature of VCT management, typically used to provide an exit route for shareholders who wish to realise their investment without selling on the open market, where liquidity in smaller VCT vehicles can be limited. The transaction directly reduces the total number of shares in issue.

Issued Share Capital Reduced to 248,349,415 Ordinary Shares Following Cancellation

Following completion of the transaction, Octopus AIM VCT's issued share capital and total voting rights stand at 248,349,415 ordinary shares. This updated figure is relevant to shareholders and institutional investors who must determine whether their holdings trigger disclosure obligations under the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. Under those rules, the post-transaction share count serves as the denominator for calculating proportional interests. Investors holding or approaching notifiable thresholds should use this revised figure when assessing their reporting requirements to the FCA.

Octopus AIM VCT's AIM-Focused Investment Strategy and VCT Sector Context

Octopus AIM VCT plc operates as a venture capital trust, a structure that invests predominantly in smaller, growth-focused companies quoted on the AIM market. VCTs are subject to specific HMRC qualifying conditions and offer tax advantages to eligible investors in exchange for holding shares for a minimum period. Share buyback programmes are a standard mechanism in the VCT sector, allowing trusts to support secondary market liquidity. The company is administered by Octopus Company Secretarial Services Limited, with Ronan Goggin named as the contact in the disclosure. The company's LEI is 213800C5JHJUQLAFP619.