Guardian Capital Secures Court Approval for Acquisition Plan

Guardian Capital Group Limited has received final court approval for its acquisition plan, following a special resolution overwhelmingly approved by shareholders. On October 28, 2025, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice granted a final order approving the plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). This plan will see **Desjardins Global Asset Management Inc.**, an affiliate of Desjardins Group, acquire all issued and outstanding Common and Class A shares of Guardian for **C$68.00** per share in cash.

The approval comes after a special meeting held on October 23, 2025, where shareholders expressed strong support for the arrangement. The acquisition is aimed at enhancing Guardian’s capacity to serve its clients and expand its market presence.

Details of the Arrangement

Completion of the acquisition remains contingent upon fulfilling certain conditions outlined in the arrangement agreement, which was initially established on August 28, 2025. These conditions include obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, particularly under the Competition Act (Canada). If regulatory approvals are secured and other closing conditions are met, the transaction is expected to finalize in the first half of 2026.

As of June 30, 2025, Guardian Capital managed **C$164.1 billion** in total client assets and held a proprietary investment portfolio valued at **C$1.25 billion**. Established in 1962, Guardian has built a reputation for steady growth and strong client relationships, underscoring its core values of authenticity, integrity, stability, and trustworthiness.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking information according to Canadian securities laws, which may involve expectations related to future operations, financial results, and business strategies. Statements regarding anticipated regulatory approvals and transaction completion are particularly relevant in this context.

Investors should exercise caution regarding forward-looking information, as actual results and future events may differ significantly from those anticipated. Factors contributing to potential discrepancies include economic conditions, market competition, and regulatory environments, among others. Guardian has provided comprehensive risk factors in its disclosure materials available on SEDAR+.

For further inquiries, stakeholders can reach out to Guardian Capital Investor Relations at [email protected] or contact Mark Noble for media inquiries at [email protected].

This acquisition represents a critical step in Guardian’s strategic plan to enhance its investment management capabilities, thereby reinforcing its position within the global financial services industry.