BMK Benchmark Holdings Plc

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of United Kingdom domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended by virtue of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

12 December 2024

Benchmark Holdings plc

("Benchmark" or the "Company")

Chairman Appointment

The Company announces the appointment of Tripp Lane as Chairman with effect from 17^th December 2024, following the General Meeting on 16th December to approve the sale of the Genetics business as announced on 25 November 2024. Peter George will retire from the Board on Tripp's appointment and will ensure an orderly handover.

Tripp Lane is a founding partner of Delancey Cove LLC, an advisory firm focused on transitional governance and management of both private and public companies across all stages of their life cycle. 

Prior to founding Delancey Cove LLC, Tripp invested in public and private debt and equity markets at BlueMountain Capital LLC in London and at Apax Partners in London and New York.

Tripp Lane, incoming Chairman commented:

 "I am delighted to join the Board of Benchmark as Chairman, and I am excited to work with the management team and the board on the next stage of the Company's journey"

Peter George, retiring Chairman, commented:

"It has been an honour and privilege to serve both as Executive and Non-Executive Chair at Benchmark. Staff and Management have been of the highest calibre which made it easier. I have also served with many dedicated Non-Executive Directors over the years, and I thank them for their support and the support of our investors. I would like to pay particular thanks to Trond Williksen, Septima Maguire and Susan Searle who have been outstanding."

Trond Williksen, CEO, commented

"On behalf of the Board and the Management team at Benchmark I would like to thank Peter George for his outstanding leadership through the past six years overseeing the transformation of Benchmark starting with a comprehensive restructuring in 2020 through to an organisational change programme and the Strategic Review this year resulting in value realisation for shareholders."  

"I welcome Tripp who is well placed to take the Company through the next phase of value realisation for our shareholders".

The following information is disclosed in accordance with Rule 17 and paragraph (g) of Schedule 2 of the AIM Rules for Companies in connection with the appointment of Nathan "Tripp" Lane to the Board of the Company:

Nathan 'Tripp' Lane (aged 47) has held the following directorships and/or partnerships in the past five years.

·      Nathan served on the board of Cengage Learning GP 1 LLC from 11 April to 23 August 2013. Cengage Learning GP I LLC, the general partner of Cengage Learning Holdings II, LP, filed for Chapter 11 reorganisation on 2 July 2013. Cengage, a global provider of educational content, technology, and services, confirmed a reorganisation plan on 14 March 2014, after settling with certain creditors.

·      Nathan was appointed to the board of Matrix Holdco LLC, the controlling entity of Mobileum, Inc., on 20 December 2023. Matrix Holdco LLC, a provider of analytics solutions for telecom operators, filed for Chapter 11 reorganisation on 23 July 2024. The company emerged from Chapter 11 on 12 September 2024, at which point Nathan resigned from the board.

Nathan has no beneficial interest in the equity securities of Benchmark Holdings plc.

There is no further information to be disclosed in relation to Nathan Lane's appointment pursuant to AIM Rule 17 or Schedule Two, paragraph (g) (i)-(viii) of the AIM Rules for Companies.

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