Experian has announced new plans to launch a $1bn share buyback programme.

The data analytics and technology provider said it had continued to trade “strongly”, and that it is expecting to end this financial year in a “favourable” leverage position.

Experian, which provides credit reporting, decision analytics and marketing services for both consumers and businesses, said that its trading performance had enable it to continue investing in the company while also returning excess capital to shareholders.

The company revealed that the purpose of the programme is to reduce the number of shares in issue and to meet obligations arising from employee share plans which total an estimated $200m.

Experian confirmed that it has entered an engagement with JP Morgan over with the first tranche of the share buyback programme, which is to commence immediately.

“We see opportunity to drive additional shareholder value through the introduction of increased share repurchases,” a statement from Experian said. “Our medium-term financial framework, capital allocation framework and dividend policy are all unchanged.”

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