Proposed merger – Janus Henderson UK & Irish Smaller Companies fund

BACKGROUND TO THE MERGER

Janus Henderson Investors (“Janus Henderson”) has proposed that it intends to merge its Janus Henderson UK & Irish Smaller Companies fund ("the merging fund") into the Janus Henderson UK Smaller Companies fund. This is currently subject to approval by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), after which the vote will be subject to a shareholder vote via Extraordinary General Meeting. 

We have decided not to accept the proposed merger and instead will switch holdings into the Schroder UK Smaller Companies fund (the “receiving fund”), which we feature in the existing fund range. As this is more similar to the merging fund, it allows investors to continue to access the UK Equity Mid/Small cap sector.

FUNDS AVAILABLE IN OUR DEFINED FUND RANGE PRODUCTS

We have closed the merging fund to new business and switches in with immediate effect. Existing investors in the fund can continue to invest in the fund until Tuesday 16 March 2021, after which point holdings will be automatically switched, and any regular premium allocation redirected, into the receiving fund. 

We have written to plan owners, or their appointed investment adviser, impacted by the merger informing them of the action we have taken and their option for switching to a new fund if they prefer. Servicing financial advisers will receive a sample of the letter for their information. Samples of these letters can be found opposite. 

ACTION TO BE TAKEN FOR OPEN-ARCHITECTURE PLAN OWNERS

Portfolio bond investors with units in the merging fund will automatically transfer into the Janus Henderson UK Smaller Companies fund on the merger date. If Plan owners do not wish to invest in this fund, they can complete a dealing instruction and send it to us before the dealing cut-off date or, if registered for online dealing, complete a deal online in our Online Service Centre. 

For more information about Janus Henderson Investors visit www.janushenderson.com/lupi