FAQ
See also roadshow FAQ
How do I sell some shares?
You can sell shares from the 1998, 2000 and 2002 issues via our appointed trustees, HBOS (Telephone: 020 8676 2571).
Who are HBOS?
HBOS have been appointed by THALES to run the UK Employee shareholder programme.
What has happened to Mourant?
Part of Mourant (Mourant Equity Compensation Solutions) has been sold to Halifax Employee Share Services, a division of HBOS plc. This has no impact on the UK Employee shareholder programme.
Who do I contact if I can't find out the answer to my question?
You should first contact your local TUES representative. If they can't answer your question, you can contact Plan Administrator at HBOS on 020 8676 2571.
What do I need to complete on my Tax Return for my Thales shares?
TUES has produced an explanatory note to provide guidance.
Do I need to complete a tax form for such a small amount of foreign dividend?
This is discussed on the Inland Revenue site but shareholders should consult their tax office for clarification.
Who do I inform if I change address?
You must inform HBOS of any changes using the Change of Circumstance form here.
What is French withholding tax and how do I recover it?
For shares obtained under the 1998 and 2000 schemes, French withholding tax is the tax deducted by the French Tax Authorities from a dividend before it is transferred overseas to non-resident investors. A portion of the withholding from the gross dividend can be reclaimed by non-French residents provided that you fill in a claim form (in QUADRUPLICATE) which is validated by your local tax office and then submitted via HBOS to Société Générale, the French bank involved, who can then obtain and transfer the refund. Note that there is a bank charge incurred in recovering the tax which is deducted from the recovered tax. The recovery of the tax is likely to take at LEAST 24 months. We have been advised that it is uneconomic for shareholders with less than 20 shares to reclaim the witholding tax as the cost of recovery exceeds the recovered tax.
Who do I contact about my stock options?
See here.
Who do I contact if a shareholder dies?
Interested parties should contact HBOS or Thales Corporate at Weybridge (Mike Seabrook, michael.seabrook@thalesgroup.com, tel 01932-824 893) in the first instance.
What can I do if I am made redundant?
See here
Are Thales shares foreign assets when considered as part of your estate?
No. Your shares are held by HBOS as trustee/Custodian in the UK. HBOS's name appears on the share register held by Societe Generale in France as it is only they who can sell the shares. In case of death of a shareholder, a copy of the death certificate and letters of administration should be sufficient to either sell or transfer the shares to the beneficiary. This can be performed in the UK by HBOS. In this case (i.e Thales shares obtained through one of the employee shareholder schemes), it should not be necessary for your will to be proved in France.
Any guidance on financial education with regards share holding?
See here
When is the shareprice updated and why is it sometimes not updated?
The closing shareprice is updated by the webmaster at 20:30 each weekday. Occasionally this does not happen because he is on holiday. If the shareprice is not being updated, look at the Thales website which will provide the current price in Euros.
