Diageo PLC - London-based brewer and distiller with brands including Guinness, Baileys, Tanqueray, Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff and Captain Morgan - Begins fourth and final phase of previously announced return of capital programme. Total programme, announced in July 2019, worth GBP4.5 billion. Fourth phase worth GBP640 million. Enters non-discretionary agreement with Merrill Lynch International to enable company to complete the buyback. Agreement will start on Tuesday and finish no later than February next year. Purpose of repurchases is to reduce share capital of company. All shares repurchased under agreement will be cancelled.

Current stock price: 3,647.00 pence, up 1.4% on Tuesday

12-month change: down 0.3%

By Chris Dorrell; chrisdorrell@alliancenews.com

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