Frequently asked questions

 

What are the contact details for the company's Registrars?

Computershare Investor Services PLC
P.O. Box 82
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol
BS99 6ZZ

Dedicated Northern Foods shareholder helpline Tel: 0870 702 0134

Email - web.queries@computershare.co.uk

Website: www-uk.computershare.com/investor

How do I notify a change of address?

When you change address it is important to inform Computershare Investor Services PLC, the company's Registrars, as soon as possible to ensure you receive all shareholder communications and dividends. Please download the Change of Address form available on the Registrar's website at www-uk.computershare.com/investor. Alternatively, you can send a letter to the Registrars, which should include the following:

• Your name in full, as shown on your share certificates
• Your previous address
• Your new address
• Your shareholder reference number (this can be found on any share certificate or tax voucher). You should not return any certificates you may hold.

The letter should be sent to Computershare at the address above.

You can also change your address online by registering for Investor Centre at 
www-uk.computershare.com/investor

For security reasons, the Registrars cannot accept address changes over the telephone or by e-mail.

How can I buy shares in Northern Foods?

The purchase of shares must be done through a stockbroker or, alternatively, your high street bank may be able to assist. The names of local stockbrokers may be found in the yellow pages of your local telephone directory.

You can also buy or sell Northern Foods shares via our Registrars Computershare Investor Services PLC. Shareholders can either telephone 0870 703 0084 or log on to the website at www-uk.computershare.com/investor

I have lost my share certificate(s), how can I get a replacement?

If you have not changed address you should contact the Registrars, Computershare Investor Services PLC, giving them details of your full name and address, together with details of the missing certificates and number of shares involved. The Registrars will then issue you with a Letter of Indemnity for completion. Please note that this may attract a charge, depending on the value of the certificates in question. If you have changed address it will be necessary to write to the Registrars giving them details of your full name, previous address and your new address before they can issue a Letter of Indemnity.

The letter should be sent to Computershare at the address above.

I have more than one shareholding on the register. How can I get them combined?

If there is a slight difference in your address this may be corrected by contacting the Registrars on the dedicated Northern Foods shareholder helpline Tel: 0870 702 0134.

However, if there is a difference in your name between the holdings, it will be necessary to write to the Registrars, submitting share certificates for correction which will be returned to you. Please note certificates are valuable and it is recommended that you use Registered Mail or equivalent.

The letter should be sent to Computershare at the address above.

I have a lot of share certificates - can I consolidate them into one certificate?

You will need to write to the company's Registrars asking them to consolidate your certificates into one. You will need to send them all certificates for cancellation. Please note certificates are valuable and it is recommended that you use Registered Mail or equivalent.

The letter should be sent to Computershare at the address above.

Do I still have shares in the company?

If you have a shareholder reference number you can check your holding on
www-uk.computershare.com/investor

If you do not have a shareholder reference number you can telephone the dedicated Northern Foods shareholder helpline Tel: 0870 702 0134.

I have several uncashed dividend cheques which I have failed to present within 6 months of issue - how do I obtain duplicates?

You can send the uncashed dividend cheques to Computershare Investor Services PLC at the address above and they will validate them to enable you to cash them.

I do not appear to have received a copy of the report and accounts or any dividend cheques for some time - why?

The Registrars may hold incorrect address details for you. Please contact the Registrars at the address above who will be able to assist you.

I have misplaced my tax voucher - can I obtain a duplicate?

Historical details of your dividend payments can be viewed on the Registrars’ website free of charge.

The Registrars can issue a duplicate tax voucher, but an administration charge will be made for this service. For details of charges please contact: Computershare at the address above. 

If I have power of attorney can I transfer my spouse's holding into my own name?

Yes. You will need to complete, sign and date a stock transfer form. This form can be downloaded from the Registrars’ website at www-uk.computershare.com/investor.

Once completed please send the following to the address above. 

• Stock transfer form
• Power of attorney
• Share certificates

Please note certificates are valuable and it is recommended that you use Registered Mail or equivalent.

I used to have shares in a company which was taken over by Northern Foods - what happened to my shares?

Please contact the Dissentient Section at Computershare at the address above.

They will be able to inform you whether your name appears on the Dissentient Register and will advise you of any further action necessary on your part.

Can I transfer my shareholding into the name of my spouse?

Yes. You will need to complete a stock transfer form. This form can be downloaded from the Registrars’ website at www-uk.computershare.com/investor.

Once completed please send the following to the address above. 

• Stock transfer form
• Share certificates

Please note certificates are valuable and it is recommended that you use Registered Mail or equivalent.

I wish to have my dividends paid directly into my bank account - how do I do this?

You may find it useful to download and complete the form 'Change Dividend Mandate Instruction' - on the Registrars’ website; www-uk.computershare.com/investor or you can change your details online by registering for Investor Centre at the same website.

Please send completed form to the address above.

What is the base cost of a Northern Foods share following the demerger of Express Dairies, for capital gains tax purposes?

The base cost of a Northern Foods ordinary share at 31 March 1982 for capital gains tax purposes is 75.8p. This figure is the adjusted price to reflect the effect of the rights issue in January 1992, the one-for-one capitalisation issue in August of the same year, and the demerger of Express Dairies plc on 30 March 1998.

Any gain arising on disposal may also need to be adjusted to take account of indexation allowances and, since these adjustments will depend on individual circumstances, shareholders are recommended to consult their financial advisers.

What do I do if I want to receive shareholder information electronically rather than through the post?

Log onto Computershare’s website at www-uk.computershare.com/investor and follow instructions to register for communication by email. To de-register follow the instructions on the website and you will revert to receiving shareholder information in hard copy format.

I have not received a copy of the latest Annual report

The Company has taken advantage of the provisions under the Companies Act 2006 which allows the use of the website to communicate with shareholders as an alternative to receiving hard copies.  A resolution to this effect was passed at the Company's Annual general meeting in 2007.   It was implemented in November 2007 by shareholders being offered the choice of receiving communications from the Company, either via the website or by way of hard copy.  If no response was received the shareholder was deemed to have accepted communication via the Company's website.

If you would like a hard copy of the Annual report, please contact the registrar on the dedicated shareholder information line: 0870 702 0134. If you wish to receive future Company communications in hard copy you will also need to inform the registrar.