Marks and Spencer plc. is one of the most successful retailers in the UK. It was founded by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer, with the first shop opening in Leeds in 1884. It has 703 stores throughout the UK and a further 361 shops overseas. Its two main product areas are clothing a luxury food. In 1998 it hit a major milestone when it became the first British retailer to make a pre-tax profit of more than £1 billion.
Marks & Spencer Plc. is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is in the FTSE 100 share index. Ordinary 25p shares ISIN: GB0031274896 / SEDOL 3127489
Fun Fact: Michael Marks was a Polish Jew working in Leeds. In 1884 he was lent £5 to set up a Penny Bazaar in the Kirkgate Market. A year later Marks invited Tom Spencer to be his business partner and they started opening new market stalls all over the North West.
International shops are operated under franchise, although stores in Ireland and Hong Kong are operated by Marks and Spencer.
Marks and Spencer failed to please the Canadian market. It opened 47 stores in 1973 but by 1999 had closed them all. Canadians never saw the brand as anything more than a place for the elderly to buy clothes and have tea.
Takeovers and Acquisitions
In 1988 M&S acquired Brooks Brothers and Kings Super Markets, both American stores. However, they were both sold in later years.
In 2004 Arcadia Group and BHS attempted to takeover Marks and Spencer. At the time the company had been suffering a downturn in sales. Sir Philip Green was behind the takeover, making his second attempt to takeover the business after a failed hostile takeover in 1999. The bid was cancelled as he could not get shareholder approval.
Company Registrar
General shareholder queries should be sent to the registrar:
Equiniti Limited
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN99 6DA
Telephone: 0845 609 0810
Web: www.Equiniti.com
Company Details
Marks and Spencer Group plc
Waterside House
35 North Wharf Road
London
W2 1NW
Tel: 020 7935 4422
Registered Number: 4256886
Place of Registration: England and Wales
Investor Relations - Majda Rainer: 020 8718 1563
Email enquiries: investorrelations@marks-and-spencer.com
Shares and Dividends
Dividends are paid direct into shareholder bank accounts. Marks & Spencer provide a dividend reinvestment plan. Call the shareholder helpline on 0845 609 0810 for more information.
Recent Dividend Payments:
| Ex-Date | Record Date | Payment Date | Dividend Amount (p per share) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Nov 2012 | 16 Nov 2012 | 11 Jan 2013 | tbc |
| 30 May 2012 | 1 June 2012 | 13 July 2012 | 10.8p |
| 16 Nov 2011 | 18 Nov 2011 | 13 Jan 2012 | 6.2p |
| 1 June 2011 | 3 June 2011 | 15 July 2011 | 10.8p |
| 17 Nov 2010 | 19 Nov 2010 | 14 Jan 2011 | 6.2p |
| 2 June 2010 | 4 June 2010 | 16 July 2010 | 9.5p |
Previous dividend payments: corporate.marksandspencer.com/investors/shareholder/yourdividends/dividends_history
Shareholder Information
M&S provide a comprehensive FAQ page if you have questions regarding your shares. It covered everything from what to do if you lose your share certificate to information on tax vouchers, managing the shares of deceased shareholders and how to update your personal details.
