Loblaw Companies Limited has established an automatic share purchase plan (ASPP) to acquire common shares of EQB Inc., following the sale of President’s Choice Bank to EQB. The plan allows a broker to purchase shares on Loblaw's behalf when it is not in possession of material non-public information, adhering to TSX and Canadian securities laws. The initiative underscores Loblaw's continued strategic relationship with EQB post-transaction.

Under the ASPP, the broker may buy EQB common shares up to a maximum aggregate limit. This cap is defined as the lesser of 10,600,000 shares or 24.90% of EQB's total issued and outstanding shares at any given time. This limit aggregates with the 8,457,601 EQB common shares Loblaw acquired prior to the broker agreement. The plan will terminate once this maximum amount is reached or if terminated earlier under its terms.

The Ontario Securities Commission, acting as principal regulator, has granted exemptive relief for normal course market purchases. This relief permits Loblaw and its affiliates to exclude 7,237,601 EQB common shares—issued to Loblaw upon the closing of EQB's acquisition of PC Financial—from ownership calculations. This exclusion applies to the 12-month period preceding any relevant purchase date.

Outside the ASPP's effective period, Loblaw retains the discretion to purchase EQB common shares as permitted by applicable law. The company is Canada's largest retailer, operating over 2,800 locations and employing more than 220,000 people across its corporate and franchise network.

Key Plan Parameters

Loblaw Companies Limited is scheduled to release its financial results for the second quarter of 2026 on July 30, 2026, at approximately 6:30 a.m. ET. The announcement will provide investors with an update on the retailer's performance during the three-month period. Following the release, the company will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. ET to review the outcomes.

Conference Call Details

Investors can access the live event through an audio webcast available in the "Investor" section of loblaw.ca, where pre-registration is offered. Alternatively, participants may join via telephone by dialing (647) 932-3411 or the toll-free number (800) 715-9871. An archived replay of the webcast will be accessible for 12 months following the event.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited operates as Canada’s food and pharmacy leader and the nation’s largest retailer. The company offers a wide range of products and services, including grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, financial services, and wireless mobile products. With more than 2,800 corporate, franchised, and Associate-owned locations, the organization employs over 220,000 full- and part-time staff.

The retailer's portfolio includes more than 1,100 grocery stores spanning various price points, full-service pharmacies at nearly 1,400 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix locations, and approximately 500 in-store pharmacies. Key proprietary brands include Life Brand, Farmer’s Market, no name, and President’s Choice. The company also provides PC Financial services and Joe Fresh apparel.