NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 7.Administrative expenses | | | | | | | | | | | Three months ended | | Nine months ended | | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | | | 2026 | | 2025(a) | | 2026 | | 2025(a) | | | $'m | | $'m | | $'m | | $'m | | | | | | | | | | Staff costs(b) | | 85.0 | | 38.2 | | 244.2 | | 121.3 | Net loss allowance on trade receivables | | 0.1 | | 11.8 | | 4.5 | | 13.5 | Professional fees(c) | | 19.2 | | 0.4 | | 55.5 | | 18.6 | Facilities, short-term rental and upkeep | | 7.8 | | 7.4 | | 23.8 | | 21.9 | Travel costs | | 2.3 | | 2.6 | | 7.5 | | 7.5 | Depreciation | | 1.8 | | 2.0 | | 4.7 | | 6.2 | Amortization | | 0.1 | | 0.2 | | 0.6 | | 0.7 | Net gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets | | (1.0) | | (2.0) | | (4.2) | | (5.3) | Operating taxes | | — | | 0.1 | | 0.3 | | 0.3 | Business combination costs | | 10.4 | | 0.1 | | 25.1 | | 1.3 | Net impairment reversal of withholding tax receivables(d) | | (2.3) | | (24.9) | | (1.8) | | (37.8) | Other | | 4.6 | | 3.7 | | 14.1 | | 12.5 | | | 128.0 | | 39.6 | | 374.3 | | 160.7 |
| (a) | The results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2025 have been re-presented to reflect the results of the Latam segment as a discontinued operation. See note 21.1 for more information. |
| (b) | Includes amounts related to key management personnel (excluding Non-Executive directors) and share-based payment expense. The amount for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026 includes accelerated charges of $10.1 million and $35.8 million respectively for share-based payment expenses and long-term employee benefits of $39.0 million and $96.4 million respectively that result from changes in expected vesting periods and estimated amounts expected to be settled following the February 2026 agreement by the Group to enter into a merger agreement to be acquired by MTN Group Limited. |
| (c) | Further advisor fees of up to $42.0 million, not included within the above, are contingently payable dependent on the closing of the planned merger agreement with MTN Group Limited. |
| (d) | Withholding tax receivables are assessed for recoverability based on a five year cash flow projection and an analysis of the utilization of withholding tax balances in settlement of future income tax liabilities. See note 13 for more information. |
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