17 March 2025

Hansard Global plc

(Hansard)

Hansard Global plc today announces the death (at the age of 97) of its founder, controlling shareholder (under the Leonard Polonsky Revocable Trust) and President, Dr Leonard Polonsky CBE.  Dr Polonsky died on Friday 14^th March at his home in New York surrounded by loved ones.

Dr Polonsky began working in financial services in New York in 1955, gaining experience of working in Rome, Frankfurt and Zurich, before establishing Liberty Life Assurance Company Limited in London in 1970. Hansard Global plc, its successor, has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 2006.

A keen philanthropist, Dr Polonsky's legacy will live on through the Polonsky Foundation, a UK-registered charity which supports higher education, cultural heritage and the arts in the UK, the USA, Israel and Europe.

Dr Polonsky's commitment to giving back was recognised in 2013, when he was named a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for charitable services by HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Known for his charm and creativity, his tireless enthusiasm for Hansard's business and industry, and his deep interest in Hansard's people, Dr Polonsky lived a remarkably full life, earning the respect and admiration of business colleagues, academics and philanthropic beneficiaries across the world.

The Leonard Polonsky Revocable Trust continues to hold Dr Polonsky's shares in the company and is now the controlling shareholder. This Trust was established in 2018 to provide for the orderly control of the shares in the event of Dr Polonsky's death or incapacity.

Policyholders, advisers, employees and all other key stakeholders of the business are assured that, despite this sad news, Hansard will continue to operate as usual.

The management and staff of Hansard share their deepest condolences with Dr Polonsky's family and friends at this sad time.

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of the UK version of the market abuse regulation (EU no. 596/2014) as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European union (withdrawal) act 2018 (UK MAR)

Enquiries:

Hansard Global plc                                                                         +44 (0) 1624 688000

Thomas Morfett, Group CEO

Hazel Stewart, Company Secretary

Email: Investor-relations@hansard.com

LEI number: 213800ZJ9F2EA3Q24K05

Notes to editors:

·    Hansard Global plc is the holding company of the Hansard group of companies. The Company was listed on the London Stock exchange in December 2006. The Group is a specialist long-term savings provider, based in the Isle of Man.

·    The Group offers a range of flexible and tax-efficient investment products within a life assurance policy wrapper, designed to appeal to affluent, international investors.

·    The Group utilises a controlled cost distribution model via a network of independent financial advisors and the retail operations of certain financial institutions who provide access to their clients in more than 170 countries. The Group's distribution model is supported by Hansard OnLine, a multi-language internet platform, and is scalable.

·    The principal geographic markets in which the Group currently services contract holders and financial advisers are the Middle East & Africa, the Far East and Latin America. These markets are served by Hansard International Limited and Hansard Worldwide Limited.

·    Hansard Europe dac previously operated in Western Europe but closed to new business with effect from 30 June 2013.

·    The Group's objective is to grow by attracting new business and positioning itself to adapt rapidly to market trends and conditions. The scalability and flexibility of the Group's operations allow it to enter or develop new geographic markets and exploit growth opportunities withing existing markets without the need for significant further investment.