SThree Extends Circle8 Takeover Deadline on Revised Cash Offer

SThree plc has extended Circle8 Group Inc.'s takeover deadline by 14 days following an improved all-cash buyout proposal, pushing the new decision date to October 21, 2026. The board granted the extra time after receiving the revised terms on Tuesday.

The Panel on Takeovers and Mergers consented to the extension, setting a new deadline of 5:00 p.m. London time on October 21, 2026, for Circle8 to either announce a firm intention to make an offer or walk away under UK takeover rules.

SThree first disclosed its receipt of an acquisition approach from Circle8 regarding a possible all-cash offer for the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital on September 9, 2026. The discussions remain ongoing as both parties evaluate the revised financial terms.

Transaction Pre-Conditions

Despite the revised proposal and extended timeline, the potential acquisition remains subject to several important pre-conditions before a formal offer can be tabled.

• Completion of confirmatory due diligence by Circle8
• Confirmation of financing arrangements for the transaction
• Agreement on formal transaction documentation between both boards

There is no certainty that a firm offer will ultimately be made for the company, nor as to the final terms on which any offer might be structured.