3rd May 2011 18:25
Cosalt plc
("Cosalt" or "the Group")
Results for the 14 months ended 31 December 2010
·; Announced proposed sale of the UK and continental Marine operations for £31 million (net proceeds £27 million), subject to shareholder approval
·; Introduced a new, more focused strategy, as a specialist provider of critical safety equipment and related services to the Offshore Oil and Gas and Renewables sectors.
·; Proceeds from the proposed sale of the Marine operations will be used to reduce Group borrowings and stabilise its financial position
·; Results for this announcement are for a 14 month period following the change of year end to 31 December 2010; prior period comparatives are for the 12 months ended 1 November 2009
·; Group sales of £112 million (2009: £108 million); operating profit of £2.3 million (2009: £8.6 million) before special items
·; Loss before tax of £0.8 million (2009: £5.5 million profit) before special items of £28.7 million (2009: £8.8 million) of which £17.4 million were non-cash items
·; New contract wins in the period with Siemens, Acergy and Shell demonstrate the underlying need for the Group's services, against backdrop of challenging trading conditions
Mark Lejman, Chief Executive, commented:
"The proposed sale of Marine which will be unanimously recommended by the Directors, will enable us to adopt a new more focused strategy on the Offshore Oil and Gas and Renewables sector. It will also provide us with a stable financial position from which to do so. Whilst trading conditions during early 2011 continued to be challenging, there are signs of an improvement, with a recent strengthening of the order pipeline and our Offshore, Workwear and Renewables businesses are trading broadly in line with the Board's expectations. Whilst considerable work remains, the Group now has an opportunity to build upon these foundations and develop the business."
ENQUIRIES:
Cosalt plc (www.cosalt.com) Tel: +44 (0)1472 725100
Mark Lejman, Chief Executive
Evolution Securities Tel: +44(0)113 243 1619
Joanne Lake / Peter Steel
Cardew Group Tel: +44 (0)20 7930 0777
Tim Robertson / James Milton
01 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Overview
Chairman's Statement
Due to the change in the Company's year end, this report covers a period of 14 months to 31 December 2010. It has been a time of significant change for the business as we commence a new, more focused strategy, as a specialist provider of critical safety equipment and related services to the Offshore Oil and Gas and Renewables Sector.
As part of this strategy, today we have also announced the proposed sale of the Company's UK and continental Marine operations to Survitec Group for £31 million in cash (£27 million after adjusting for working capital levels at completion and transaction costs). If approved by shareholders at the General Meeting scheduled later in June, the Company will be refocused on its established Offshore business and the recently launched Renewables business and will also retain its Workwear specialist clothing business. In addition, the proceeds from the Disposal will be critical to reducing Group borrowings and stabilising the Group's financial position. The Directors will be unanimously recommending the proposed transaction to shareholders. A separate announcement was made to the stock exchange today and a circular will be sent to shareholders in due course.
During the period, the Company succeeded in securing a number of important new contracts which will form the basis of the future growth of the business. Most notably, our Workwear business secured a major contract with a consortium of Fire Brigades in the South East of England, the Renewables division commenced operations with a contract with Siemens (discussed in the Chief Executive's Review below) and the Offshore division gained important wins with Acergy and Shell.
In September 2010, the Group announced an internal review into the operating practices of the Offshore division. The review uncovered a shortfall in stock and work in progress. The Group is currently pursuing a claim through the Scottish Courts against the parties responsible for part of the shortfall and is seeking damages against Calum Melville and Stuart Melville (previous employees of the Group) and companies associated with them for losses suffered by the Group as a consequence of an alleged fraud, including the costs the Group has incurred in relation to this matter.
Discovering and subsequently dealing with the alleged fraud was firstly extremely disappointing and then has proved to be, in particular dealing with the litigation, an arduous and unpleasant task and a significant distraction for management.
Results
The underlying need for our specialist services and products is unchanged but, in line with trends in the wider economic environment, our customers have frequently continued to delay or defer decisions where possible, which is reflected in our overall financial performance.
Total revenues in the 14 month period to 31 December 2010 were £112 million and for the 12 month period to 1 November 2009 revenues were £108 million showing that this has been a difficult period with sales only slightly ahead, despite the additional two months of trading.
In the period under review, the Company generated an operating profit of £2.3 million before special items and a loss before tax of £0.8 million, excluding special items of £28.7 million. Special items of £28.2 million have been charged against operating profit. Details of the special items are: one-off non-cash impairment against intangible fixed assets £14.7 million; other non-cash write downs of intangible fixed assets £2.7 million; stock and work in progress shortfall and associated litigation costs £4.6 million; other reorganisation costs, including the closure of the Italian office £5.4 million and write down of investment properties of £0.8 million.
The special item of £0.5 million relating to financing costs represents renegotiating bank facilities (both fees paid to banks and professional fees).
The funds generated from the proposed sale of the Marine division will be key to stabilising the Group's financial position. It is intended that the net proceeds will be used to reduce net indebtedness which, as at 31 December 2010, stood at £24.3 million. Subject to completion of the Marine businesses disposal the Group has agreed with the Group's banks amended and restated facilities totalling £11.4 million, comprising a revolving credit and ancillary facility. As substantial shareholders in Cosalt, Sovereign Holding and I have also agreed to subscribe for £2.0 million (£1.0 million each) unsecured loan notes to be issued by the Company. The Board believes the new facilities will be sufficient to finance the ongoing working capital funding requirements of the Group, as well as the Workwear business' South East Fire Service contract. The implications of the disposal not proceeding are considered further in Note 1(a) to the accounts under 'Going Concern'.
The Board has concluded that it will not be recommending that a final dividend be paid.
We also intend to take further actions to improve the continuing Group's financial position, including measures aimed at reducing indebtedness and strengthening the balance sheet. To that end, the Board has identified a number of freehold and long leasehold properties which are surplus to ongoing requirements. I have also agreed to provide up to £1.5 million of additional funding to the Group prior to completion of the disposal. This funding will be provided by way of unsecured loans and unsecured loan notes on terms the Board considers to be commercial. We have also identified a number of areas where we can realise significant cost-savings.
In addition, the Company has agreed with the Trustees of the Cosalt Pension Scheme that the continuing Group will not be required to make any ongoing contributions to reducing the deficit in the Cosalt Pension Scheme for a period of up to 18 months from March 2011. The deficit in the pension scheme according to International Accounting Standards has reduced to £9.1 million as at 31 December 2010 (2009: £11.8 million), as a result of improved investment values, increased bond yields and referring to CPI rather than RPI as the inflation measure to determine
02 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Chairman's Statementcontinued
Pension increases where applicable. Addressing the pension deficit continues to be of primary importance for the Group.
During the course of the year, Ken Murray and Maurice White were appointed to the Board as Non-Executive Directors. Calum Melville resigned and Simon Gilbert stepped down from the Board due to other commitments on his time. I would like to thank Simon for his contribution and also re-iterate our welcome to Ken and Maurice joining the Board.
Outlook
The sale of the Marine business will enable the Company to stabilise its financial position and adopt a new more focused strategy on the Offshore Oil and Gas and Renewables Sector. Whilst trading conditions during early 2011 in our Offshore division's core markets have continued to be challenging, we are now seeing signs of an improvement, with a recent strengthening of the order pipeline and this operation, as well as the Group's Workwear and Renewable activities are trading broadly in line with the Board's expectations. There is considerable work still to do but the Company will now have an opportunity to put in place solid foundations upon which to develop the business.
David RossChairman3 May 2011
03 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Overview
Chief Executive's Review
In a challenging business environment, during a period that has also seen considerable internal change at Cosalt, we have focused on maintaining the quality of provision of our safety products and services within our key Offshore market and organised the sale, subject to shareholder approval, of our Marine division. This will enable Cosalt to focus in future on its already established presence in the Oil and Gas market, as well as the Offshore Wind Sector through our newly established Renewable Energy arm. The Company will also intend to provide safety-focused Workwear to each of these sectors, building on its existing activities in this area.
In common with many other sectors of the economy, market conditions in the Offshore and Marine industries have been challenging over the past 18 months. Macroeconomic uncertainties and low oil prices led to significantly reduced activity as clients re-examined their investment plans and sought ways to reduce costs whilst maintaining margins.
The 20 April 2010 oil spillage in the Gulf of Mexico was a difficult time for the whole industry but one which served to re-focus the entire Offshore oil sector's attention on the absolute primacy of safety on rigs. The oil companies are taking this opportunity to re-examine every aspect of their operational procedures, with particular emphasis on safety and equipment maintenance programmes. There is undoubtedly a role for those at the leading edge of supplying safety products and services to the Sector to demonstrate the value they add through the breadth of their experience and their expertise.
Against this backdrop, I can report that we have kept a rigid focus on five key strategic objectives to underpin plans for the recovery and long-term growth of the Group.
> Our position as the "gold standard" specialist provider of critical safety equipment.
> Downward pressure on costs and overheads.
> Concentration on growth areas such as the Offshore renewable energy Sector and specific niche product areas such as the supply and maintenance of a new generation of lifeboats.
> Supporting customers international development into emerging markets including West Africa, Kazakhstan and Brazil.
> Expansion and consolidation of customer base.
Cosalt Offshore
Cosalt Offshore supplies, inspects, tests, maintains and manages a wide range of safety equipment, from portable lifting and working-at-height equipment, gas detection and breathing apparatus and powered hand tools to lifeboats and liferafts, for the Offshore oil and gas industry. We also provide a range of inspection services for Offshore fixed platforms and portable rigs operating out of three sites at Aberdeen, Lowestoft and Stavanger. The business employs 300 specialist engineering staff and provides a pan-North Sea supply of goods and services to the oil and gas industry.
For the 14 month period ended 31 December 2010, Cosalt Offshore reported turnover of £42.1 million (12 months 2009: £44.2 million) and operating profit before special items of £2.1 million (12 months 2009: £5.3 million).
We retained and increased business from our existing client base, as well as winning some major contracts with new clients, including two contracts with leading seabed to surface engineering company, Acergy, worth an estimated £3 million per annum, to supply and manage all its new subsea lifting equipment in the UK and Norwegian sectors of the North Sea. We also extended our long-term collaboration with Sparrows for the supply of services to key customers such as BP.
Our lifeboat supply and servicing business, launched in 2008, continues to grow and represents an area of significant potential expansion in the period ahead. Cosalt has been working with key operators in the industry and regulators to draw up new international regulations covering the design and specifications of a new generation of lifeboat. We have won several important new contracts in this area with BP, Talisman and Chevron worth a combined £0.9 million.
Management issues at our Aberdeen operation during the year have been very time consuming. As previously announced we became aware of some doubtful transactions that took place within the Offshore division and a stock shortfall was subsequently identified. The Company is now pursuing claims through the Scottish courts and will update the market further as and when required. We would like to thank both the Aberdeen management and staff for pulling together to get through such a difficult period and their focus is now on the future. The senior management team has been strengthened with the recent appointment of Rob Buchan as the new CEO of the Offshore Division and Runar Blakstad as Managing Director of the Norwegian operation and we believe their combined expertise will aid future growth.
There are prospects for a continued improvement in market conditions during 2011, with increased activity levels generally within the Offshore oil and gas sectors, both in the North Sea and further afield, and consolidation recently in the Sector with a merger between Subsea7 and Acergy and the proposed acquisition of PSN by Wood Group. These four major players are existing clients of Cosalt and we are looking to supply their needs as they seek ever higher standards of quality and safety from a smaller number of reliable partner suppliers.
Cosalt Renewables
We believe that supplying services and equipment to the UK Renewables industry from our existing geographical bases can be an area of significant growth for Cosalt. In July 2010, Cosalt established Cosalt Wind Energy (CWE) as a separate business, coming under the umbrella of Cosalt Renewables. CWE has secured a framework agreement with Siemens, the largest supplier of Offshore wind turbines, for the installation and servicing of turbines as well as the safety training of their Offshore operatives. Operating in partnership with Danish specialist, APRO, our aim is to establish CWE as a "turnkey" partner for both turbine suppliers and wind farm operators, able to supply the full range of services and ancillary equipment they need.
04/Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Chief Executive's Review continued
Cosalt Marine
Cosalt Marine comprises four main business units - UK Marine, Continental Marine, Crewsaver and Workwear- and supplies goods and services to the international freight shipping and cruise industries. The Division performed in line with the Board's expectations in 2010, meeting all of its key targets. For the period under review turnover was £69.9 million (12 months 2009: £63.6 million) whilst operating profit before special items was £3.1 million (12 months 2009: £4.9 million). The Division's focus throughout 2010 was on improving returns within the business, securing new contracts with existing and new customers, and on extending our product offering, including a range of state-of-the-art lifejackets and hi-vis clothing. We have today signed an agreement with Survitec Group to sell Cosalt Marine, with the exception of the Workwear business which will continue as part of the Group.
Cosalt Workwear
The Workwear business won a number of important contracts during the year. This included a new framework agreement with the Fire & Rescue Service in South East and Eastern England, with potential to generate revenue in excess of £30 million over eight years, for the supply of fire tunics, over-trousers, hoods, helmets, boots and gloves and a contract to provide the North West Fire & Rescue service with new fire tunics and over-trousers. There were also two new contracts in the rail Sector, including an extension with Network Rail to supply protective clothing to 18,000 employees and a three-year contract with Babcock Rail to provide a range of protective equipment for the company's workforce nationwide.
People
The Board believes that the commitment and expertise of our people make them one of the most talented teams in the Sector. To everyone in the Cosalt team I express my thanks for the outstanding contribution they make to the Company.
Mark LejmanChief Executive3 May 2011
05 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Overview
Financial Review
Results
The revenue for the Group from continuing operations was £112.0 million for the 14 month period ending 31 December 2010 compared to £107.8 million from the previous year. Although the revenue has increased, the comparative figure of £99 million for the year to October 2010 shows that the actual turnover has decreased as a result of the market issues described in the Chairman's Statement and the Chief Executive's Review.
Operating profit
Operating profit before special items reduced from £8.6 million to £2.3 million. This reflects the difficult economic environment which has put volumes and margins under pressure, as well as the management issues in the Aberdeen business. Overhead costs have remained within expectations.
Finance costs
Financing costs are principally interest (including interest rate hedges) on bank debt and the financing cost of the defined benefit pension schemes.
The financing costs for bank borrowings was £2.4 million, a reduction over the prior period of £2.5 million. This reflects the reduced borrowings throughout the period and the increase in the length of the reporting period by two months.
Details of the financing cost to the pension scheme are set out in note 25.
Special items
Details of the special items are set out in notes 3 and 5 to the accounts.
Special items of £28.2 million have been charged against operating profit. Details of the special items are: one-off non-cash impairment against intangible fixed assets £14.7 million; other non-cash write-downs of intangible fixed assets £2.7 million; the current year's stock and work in progress shortfall and associated litigation costs £4.6 million; other reorganisation costs, including the closure of the Italian office £5.4 million and write down of investment properties of £0.8 million.
The special item of £0.5 million relating to financing costs represents renegotiating bank facilities (both fees paid to banks and professional fees).
Tax
The income tax credit charge on the loss before taxation (excluding special items) is £2.4 million. Cash tax payments in the year were £0.2 million.
Based on the loss before tax, after special items the tax credit for the current year is £3.4 million.
Earnings per share
The diluted earnings per share from continued operations, before special items, were a loss of 0.78p (2009: 4.17p).
The diluted earnings per share from total operations after special items represented a loss of 6.44p (2009: a loss of 2.93p).
Dividend
No dividend has been proposed for 2010. The Board intends that Cosalt will resume dividend payments, when the markets have stabilised and they believe it is prudent to do so, taking into account the Group's earnings, cash flow and balance sheet position.
Balance sheet
Shareholders' funds
The consolidated shareholders' funds are £25.1 million (2009: £49.4 million). The decrease is primarily due to the loss for the period which is significantly due to the impairment of intangible assets.
Bank facility
Details of the Company's bank facility arrangements are included in the Corporate Governance report under the heading of "Going Concern" on page 11.
Interest rate and foreign exchange risk management
In order to provide protection against significant interest rate changes, as reported in the previous year's accounts, the board purchased a cap in 2008. The amount covered by the cap reduces in line with repayments on the then term loan. A floor transaction was taken out at the same time and on the same basis in order to minimise the upfront premium for this cover. As part of the refinancing done in the previous year two additional hedging instruments have been taken out that are relatively immaterial to the cap referred to earlier.
The Group takes out a series of forward exchange contracts to cover purchases overseas - principally US dollars. In addition the Group carries a euro loan to cover the balance sheet risk as a natural hedge against its investment in the European Marine business.
06 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Review continued
Cash flow
The movement in net debt can be summarised set out in the table below:
£m | £m | |||
09/10 | 08/09 | |||
From operations | (1.8 | ) | (6.3 | ) |
Taxes paid | (0.2 | ) | (2.0 | ) |
Net cash from operating activities | (2.0 | ) | (8.3 | ) |
Acquisitions | (0.2 | ) | - | |
Net cash from other investing activities | (3.5 | ) | - | |
Proceeds from share placings | 0.0 | 17.3 | ||
Movement in loans | 5.9 | (9.4 | ) | |
Net cash from other financing activities | (0.4 | ) | (0.4 | ) |
Net cash movement | (0.2 | ) | (0.8 | ) |
Movement in loans | (5.9 | ) | 9.4 | |
Other | 0.6 | (0.4 | ) | |
Opening net debt | (18.6 | ) | (26.8 | ) |
Closing net debt | (24.3 | ) | (18.6 | ) |
£m | £m | |||
09/10 | 08/09 | |||
Profit before tax | (29.4 | ) | (3.3 | ) |
Depreciation | 2.8 | 2.2 | ||
Amortisation and impairment | 17.9 | 3.8 | ||
Inventories | 2.7 | 0.5 | ||
Debtors | 4.6 | 5.1 | ||
Payables | (0.5 | ) | (14.4 | ) |
Other | 0.1 | (0.2 | ) | |
Total | (1.8 | ) | (6.3 | ) |
Defined benefit schemes
The Group has one significant and a number of small defined benefit schemes.
The deficit at 31 December (net of tax) is £6.6 million (2009: £8.5 million). The movement principally relates to the investment performance exceeding the expected return in the period and referring to CPI rather than RPI as the inflation measure to determine pension increases where applicable.
The main Group scheme was closed to future accrual on 31 December 2006 and all current members were offered membership of a defined contribution scheme. The Group was making payments of £100,000 per month to the Trustees to reduce the deficit. As part of the Group's refinancing the pension scheme trustees have agreed, subject to completion of the sale of the Marine business, that these monthly contributions will cease for 18 months from March 2011.
The Board, together with the Trustees, continues to investigate the feasibility of other possible actions that could be taken to manage or reduce the pension scheme deficit and further updates on this area will be provided as appropriate.
Neil Carrick
Director
3 May 2011
07 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Corporate Governance
Directors' Report
The Directors present their report with the accounts for the 14 month period ended 31 December 2010.
Business review
The results for the period to 31 December 2010 reflect our progress in challenging market conditions and during a period of considerable internal change. Further details can be found in the Chief Executive's Review on page 3 and key performance indicators on page 18.
Details of the financial results can be found in the Financial Review on pages 5 and 6.
The loss on continuing operations after tax, financing costs and special items was £26.0 million, (£2.6 million in the 12 month period in 2009).
Dividends
No dividends were paid in the period, (2009: nil).
Fixed assets
In note 12 on page 44, information is provided on assets used by the Group which are subject to lease agreements.
Investment properties are stated at fair value after undertaking professional valuations.
Share and loan capital
There were no changes in share capital during the Period.
As at 30 March 2011 the Company had 404,403,397 Ordinary Shares of 1p each in issue. Save for the treasury shares and some shares held under the Performance Share Plan these Ordinary Shares carry equal rights to dividends, voting and return of capital on the Winding up of the Company. There are no restrictions on the transfer of securities in the Company and there are no restrictions on any voting rights other than those prescribed by law, nor is the Company aware of any arrangement between holders of its shares which may result in restrictions of the transfer of securities or voting rights.
Details of outstanding awards under the Cosalt plc Share Option Scheme and the Performance Share Plan are set out within the Remuneration Report on page 13. The Cosalt Employee Share Trust purchases shares to be granted to Senior Directors and Senior Executives via our long-term incentive schemes and subject to the achievement of performance targets. At 30 March 2011 the Trust held 483,346 Ordinary Shares in the Company. No dividends are payable on these shares until they vest.
As at 30 March 2011 the Trust held 28,096 of the 50,250 issued unquoted 7.50% preference shares in the Company. The rights attached to these shares are as follows:
(i) in priority to ordinary shareholders, to a fixed cumulative preference dividend at a rate of 7.50% per annum;
(ii) on a return of capital on a Winding up, will carry the right to repayment of capital together with a sum equal to any arrears of dividend in priority to the rights of ordinary shareholders; and
(iii) to attend and vote at a general meeting of the Company only in certain limited circumstances where the special rights attaching to these shares might be varied or their interest affected.
Articles of Association
The Company's Articles of Association give powers to the Board to appoint Directors. Specific rules regarding the re-election of the Directors are set out in the Corporate Governance report on page 9.
The Board of Directors may exercise all powers of the Company subject to the provisions or relevant statutes and the Company's Memorandum and Articles of Association. These include specific provisions and restrictions regarding the Company's power to borrow money. Powers relating to the issuing and buying back of shares are included in the Articles of Association and such authorities are renewed by shareholders each year at the Annual General Meeting.
The Articles of Association may be amended by Special Resolution of the shareholders.
As permitted by the Companies Act 2006, the Company has indemnified each of the Directors.
Directors
The membership of the Board is shown on page 9.
Mr Y Ophir stands for re-election as a Director, as he retires by rotation in accordance with the Company's articles of association.
Mr M Lejman stands for re-election as a Director, as he retires by rotation in accordance with the Company's articles of association.
Mr N Carrick stands for re-election as a Director, as he retires by rotation in accordance with the Company's articles of association.
Mr K Murray having been appointed as a Non-Executive Director since the last annual General meeting offers himself for re-election.
Mr N R Carrick and Mr M T Reynolds have rolling Service Contracts with Cosalt plc which are terminable upon one year's notice. Mr Lejman has a rolling Service Contract with Cosalt Plc which is terminable upon one year's notice, except for the period until 23 September 2011, when this period is reduced to six months for Notice by the Company.
08 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Directors' Report continued
Directors interests in shares
31 Dec | 1 Nov | ||||
2010 | 2009 | ||||
Ordinary Shares | 1p share | 1p share | |||
D P J Ross | 60,998,069 | 60,998,069 | |||
N R Carrick | 16,158 | 16,158 | |||
M Lejman | 5,135,012 | 5,135,012 | |||
M T Reynolds | 494,566 | 494,566 | |||
Y Ophir | - | - | |||
M A White (appointed 06.01.2010) | - | n/a | |||
K Murray (appointed 27.09.2010) | - | n/a | |||
C Melville (resigned 06.09.2010) | n/a | - | |||
S Gilbert (resigned 09.12.2010) | n/a | - |
All shareholdings are beneficial unless otherwise stated. Details of Directors' options may also be found in the report by the Remuneration Committee on pages 15 and 16.
There were no contracts of significance, during or at the end of the financial period, in which a Director of the Company was materially interested.
Substantial shareholdings
As at 30 March 2011 Sovereign Holding Ltd hold 74,032,710 shares (18.31%); Mr D Ross holds 60,998,069 shares (15.08%); Progressive Investments Ltd own 41,457,000 shares (10.25%); Hanover Investments Ltd hold 25,184,178 shares (6.23%); Barclayshare Nominees hold 20,788,475 shares (5.14%); TD Waterhouse hold 19,095,500 shares (4.72%); Gartmore Investments hold 18,348,742 shares (4.54%).
Other shareholdings
Mr N R Carrick is a trustee of a trust which has powers to acquire 7.50% preference shares of the Company. These shares, of which there are 50,250 in issue, are unquoted. At 30 March 2011 the Trust has acquired a total of 28,096 and will continue to acquire these shares as and when they are offered.
Community support and charitable donations
Charitable donations made by the Group during the period amounted to £7,613.
Employees
Details of the number of employees by business are shown in note 7 on page 39.
By various means, efforts are made to encourage employee involvement in the Group and to disseminate information to increase awareness of its activities and the decisions taken which affect employees' interests.
Supplier payment policy
It is the policy of the Company and its UK subsidiaries to establish, individually, terms of payment with suppliers when agreeing the terms of business rather than operating a standard code.
The aim is to despatch cheques to settle undisputed accounts on the due date, or where other means of payment are used, to deliver funds as if payment had been made by cheque. If payment is not made by the due date, it is made as soon as reasonably possible after the due date.
The number of days' purchases outstanding at the end of the financial year was 72 days for the Group and 92 days for the Company.
Key Risks
Key markets
The Cosalt businesses are well positioned to benefit from potential growth in their redefined market sectors. However, a substantial downturn in one or more of these key markets could have a material adverse impact on the Group. The Offshore businesses are affected by the international oil price.
Fluctuations in foreign currency
Many of the Cosalt businesses import a substantial amount of their products or raw material and hence have an exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, most notably the US dollar and the euro. In addition, particularly with Europe and Norway, there are increasing revenues in foreign currency. Whilst the Group seeks to mitigate the impact of these on the net cash flow, adverse movements in foreign currencies relative to sterling may lead to significant adverse movements in profitability and the Group balance sheet.
Safety issues
Because of the markets in which we operate and the customers we provide services and products to, we must (and do) place every emphasis on the safety of our products and services. We therefore control safety both externally and internally and it is treated as an absolute priority, with stringent monitoring and testing and the highest level of training for our staff.
Liquidity
It is essential that the Group has adequate loans and bank facilities in place to cover general business needs, and in particular the funding required for the South East contract. The Group manages its liquidity requirements by careful monitoring of all scheduled outflows and by ensuring it has sufficient loan and working capital facilities where necessary. Further relevant details are provided in the Going Concern section on page 11.
Fluctuations in revenue and expenses
The Group is subject to a number of external factors beyond its control such as general economic conditions, adverse movements in interest rates, seasonal and cyclical changes in revenue and legislative changes, which could result in significant variations in the operating results from period to period. In addition, the strategic changes taking place in the Group may result in acquisitions and disposals of businesses, which would significantly alter the Group's revenue and operating position.
Final Salary Pension Plan
The Group has an obligation to fund Final Salary Pension Plans and this creates an exposure to interest rates, inflation, investment returns and the longevity of the Plan members. The Group has eliminated these risks for future service by the closure of the Plan to future accrual from 31 December 2006.
09 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Corporate Governance
The Company has established a Pensions Review Committee who is continuing to consider ways to improve the investment strategy of the pension fund as well as ways to mitigate and manage liability. The Committee is taking expert external advice.
Whilst the risks noted above have been identified from the risk reviews undertaken throughout the Group, they do not comprise all the risks associated with the Group and there may be additional risks which have either been identified as not material or which are presently unknown which may have an adverse effect on the Group's businesses.
Forward-looking statements
This Annual Report may contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations of, and assumptions and forecast made by, Group management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to substantial differences between the actual future results, financial situation development or performance of the Group and the estimates and historical results given herein. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date of this document. The Group accepts no obligation to publicly revise or update these forward-looking statements or adjust them to future events or developments, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally required.
Disclosure of information to Auditors
The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this Directors' report confirm that, so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's Auditors are unaware; and each Director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a Director to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's Auditors are aware of that information.
Auditors
The Auditors, KPMG Audit Plc, have expressed their willingness to continue in office. In accordance with Section 487 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution for their appointment will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.
Cosalt plc is registered in England and Wales under registration number 019628.
Corporate Governance
This report explains the Board's application of the Principles of Good Governance contained in the Combined Code on Corporate Governance.
In this report the Board has adopted the "comply or explain" principle, setting out where the Group does not fully comply with the Code's recommendations and giving reasons for such non-compliance.
The Board
The Board consists of three Executive and four Non-Executive Directors and the role of Chairman and Chief Executive are clearly defined and separate. Mr White is the senior independent Non-Executive Director.
In accordance with the Articles of Association, one-third of the Board is required to retire by rotation each year. In addition any Director appointed during the year will stand for re-election at the next Annual General Meeting.
The Board has considered threats to independence and related safeguards and concluded that Mr Ophir (who is connected to Sovereign Holding Ltd) and Mr Ross, despite being significant shareholders or associated with significant shareholders, are still able to exercise independent judgement. The Board considers that Mr White and Mr Murray are fully independent.
The Board is responsible to shareholders for the proper management of the Group and for the Group's system of corporate governance. It reviews trading performance forecasts and strategy and agrees future plans. The Non-Executive Chairman, Mr Ross, is responsible for the running of the Board. Executive responsibility for the running of the Company's business rests with three Executive Directors, Mr Lejman, Mr Reynolds and Mr Carrick. The Directors are provided with regular information on the Company's performance and activities and meet on a regular basis. The Company has a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved for the Board's decision. The Board met 23 times during the period and Directors' attendance at Board meetings was as follows:
Director | Percentage | ||
D Ross | 96% | ||
M Lejman | 100% | ||
N Carrick | 100% | ||
Y Ophir | 87% | ||
M Reynolds | 96% | ||
M White | 80% | ||
K Murray | 71% | ||
C Melville | 77% | ||
S Gilbert | 75% |
Messrs. Gilbert and Melville resigned during the period and Messrs Murray and White were appointed during the period. The Non-Executive Directors periodically visit different parts of the Group and meet the local management. Through this procedure, the Board is able to retain full control of the Group, determining strategy and monitoring performance of objectives and compliance with policies. Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary and may also take independent professional advice at the Company's expense. Appropriate training is available for all Directors as required. Executive and Non-Executive Directors are formally appointed by the Board on the recommendation of the Nominations Committee.
Non-Executive Directors are appointed for a specific term and their re-election is, along with all other Directors, submitted to the shareholders in General Meeting on a rotational basis at least once every three years and at the first opportunity after their initial appointment. Non-Executive Directors do not benefit from share options or pension provisions.
10 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Directors' Report continued
Board Evaluation
The Board conducts regular evaluations of its own performance and that of its Committees as well as that of individual Directors and the Chairman. The evaluations consist of questionnaires.
The results of the evaluations are studied and discussed in detail by the Board as a whole. Any resulting actions are then acted upon during the forthcoming year. No serious or significant issues have been identified during the period.
Board Committees
The Audit Committee of the Board is chaired by Mr Murray and consists of Messrs. Ophir, White and Ross. Mr Murray was appointed on 27 September 2010. Mr Ross chaired the Committee prior to Mr Murray's appointment.
The Audit Committee has formal terms of reference which are available from the Company Secretary. Its main responsibilities are to review the integrity of the financial statements and announcements relating to the Group's performance and review the scope and findings of the Group's external Auditors and the Group's accounting controls and procedures through regular monitoring of operating units' controls. The Committee is also responsible for making recommendations to the Board in relation to the appointment of the external Auditor. During the financial period the Committee has reviewed the effectiveness of the external audit process and the audit strategy proposed by KPMG Audit Plc.
The Committee has met with the external Auditors to review their independence procedures and received a letter from KPMG Audit Plc confirming that, in their opinion, they remained independent. The Committee has also reviewed the expertise, resources and qualifications of the external Auditor and approved the proposed audit fee for the 2010 audit. The Group also uses KPMG for non-audit work, principally tax advice and due diligence, but the Committee and Board do not feel this undermines the Auditors' independence at all, as these are headed by different teams and senior managers, and the cost benefits in terms of the Auditors' knowledge of the Group's businesses are significant. This balance remains under ongoing review by the Audit Committee, and by regular dialogue with KPMG's senior team. The Committee has recommended to the Board that it proposes to shareholders that KPMG Audit Plc continue as the Company's external Auditor and a resolution to that effect is included in the notice of meeting for this year's Annual General Meeting. The Committee met prior to the Board Meeting at which the interim financial statements and the Annual Report and Accounts were approved.
The Committee considered reports from the external Auditor as well as the status of the Group's risk management and reporting processes, in addition to the accounting policies and financial reporting issues and judgements.
The Committee has been heavily involved in the investigation in Aberdeen into a significant stock shortfall following the suspension of Calum and Stuart Melville from the Offshore business. The investigation was as a result of a whistleblowing incident.
The Committee is reviewing the Company's whistleblowing arrangements as part of wider arrangements to comply with the forthcoming Bribery and Corruption Act.
The Audit Committee met twice during the period and the meetings were attended by all of the Members of the Committee. All Members were provided with reports in advance on which they were able to ask questions before the meetings.
The membership of the Remuneration Committee and its terms of reference are set out in the Remuneration Report as set out on pages 13 to 16.
The Nominations Committee consists of Mr White as Chairman and Messrs. Ophir, Murray and Ross. Mr White and Mr Murray were appointed during the period. The Committee met twice during the period and makes recommendations to the Board on Directors' appointments. Meetings were attended by all members.
The Annual General Meeting will be held on 22 June 2011. Full details of the meeting arrangements and all the proposed resolutions can be found in the separate Notice of Meeting at the back of this document.
Internal controls
The Board is responsible for the Group's system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. The system is designed to manage rather than eliminate risks and therefore can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.
The Group has formally implemented a process to identify, evaluate and manage the Group's significant risks. The principal elements of the internal control system, which are in accordance with the Turnbull guidance and which were in force both during the period covered by the financial statements and to the date of signing the accounts, are described below.
The Board has put in place a reporting structure where operating and financial responsibility is clearly defined and, where appropriate, delegated to the divisional management. This allows the Group to obtain maximum benefit from their skill in the relevant business Sector. Identification and assessment of the risks inherent in each operating unit is carried out on a regular basis by the management of the individual business units and is discussed at monthly management meetings. On a quarterly basis, they are discussed at Senior Executive Meetings involving the CEO and CFO. The Board reviews a Group Risk Report and individual business Risk Reports every six months. In addition, any significant matters identified are brought to the attention of the Board at the earliest opportunity without waiting for the scheduled review.
11 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Corporate Governance
The Group operates a comprehensive budgeting and financial reporting system. Annual budgets are approved by the Board and actual results are formally reviewed against budget and the prior year every month. Divisional Management reports monthly to the Board on their performance and any significant variances from budget and make revisions to forecasts as appropriate. Borrowings are controlled centrally and cash projections are prepared and monitored on a daily basis, if required, to ensure that the Group has adequate funds and resources for the foreseeable future.
Procedures and authorisation levels for all expenditure incurred throughout the Group have been clearly defined. However, when the investigation into the alleged fraud in Aberdeen was discovered, it became clear that some procedures had been overridden. As a result of this investigations were carried out around the rest of the business and formal procedures are being both reviewed and updated to ensure robust controls are in place. Further details regarding the alleged fraud in Aberdeen and the subsequent claim being pursued by the Company can be found in both the Chairman's Statement and the CEO's Review.
The external Auditors, in carrying out their work in order to express an opinion on the financial statements, review and test the systems of internal financial control and the information contained in the financial statements. They report on weaknesses found when meeting with the Audit Committee. The Company does not have a specific internal audit function, however it carefully monitors the process of internal audit and both the Audit Committee and the external auditors.
Going concern
As highlighted in the Chairman's statement on page 1 of the annual report, the Directors have proposed the disposal of the Marine operations. If approval is granted by the shareholders at the general meeting, and pre completion conditions are satisfied, the net proceeds will be utilised to reduce the Group's borrowings.
The Group meets its day to day working capital requirements through a revolving credit facility and longer-term funding through a term loan. Following the identification of an inventory shortfall in the Offshore division, the Group's banks waived a number of covenant tests in 2010 and in 2011, pending the finalisation of revised facilities and also deferred a planned repayment of £3 million due on 31 January 2011 and extended a further £4 million under the existing multi-currency revolving credit facility. Whilst the borrowing facilities are not due for renewal until March 2012, the Directors have agreed with the Group's banks amended and restated facilities to December 2012 on terms similar to those currently in place, subject to the Marine business disposal completing by 22 July 2011.
As a condition of these arrangements, two of Cosalt's substantial shareholders, David Ross and Sovereign Holding, have agreed to provide certain guarantees to the Company's banks and the Company will issue, subject only to Completion of the disposal, Loan Notes totalling up to £3.5 million to these shareholders.
The Group's forecasts and projections are prepared under the assumption that the Marine business disposal is approved and the revised banking facilities are in place. These forecasts and projections, taking into account sensitivities around operational performance, show that the Group will be able to operate within the facilities and covenant tests for the foreseeable future.
The Directors have concluded that the possibility that all required approvals for the Marine business disposal may not be obtained and that, were they not to be, additional or alternative sources of finance would be required, represent material uncertainties that cast significant doubt upon the Group's and Company's ability to continue as a going concern and that, therefore, the Group and Company may be unable to continue realising their assets and discharging their liabilities in the normal course of business. Nevertheless, the Directors have reasonable expectation that the sale will be approved by shareholders and other pre-completion conditions will be satisfied by 22 July 2011, with the consequent completion of the amended and restated banking facilities and associated reduction in borrowings. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual financial statements. Further details are provided in the basis of preparation in note 1 to the financial statements.
Relations with Shareholders
The Company, principally through the CEO and CFO, maintains a regular dialogue with its major shareholders, institutional shareholders and financial analysts, particularly following the interim and preliminary results announcements. The Chairman makes himself available for these regular investor meetings if requested to do so. The Non-Executive Directors and the remainder of the Board are kept informed of the view of shareholders by regular reports from the CEO and CFO and independent feedback reports from brokers and the Group's financial PR Company. They also receive copies of independent research and brokers notes when published. The Company's Annual General Meeting is used as the main opportunity for the Directors to communicate with private investors. The Group maintains a website which provides additional information for shareholders. At all General Meetings, the Chairman indicates the level of proxies received on all the resolutions following the vote by the meeting. This information is also published on our website.
Statement of Compliance with the Combined Code
The Directors believe the Company has complied with the provisions set out in Section 1 of the Combined Code, except for the issues noted previously in respect of internal audit and internal control.
Statement of Directors' responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and the financial statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Group and Parent Company financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare Group and Parent Company financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, they are required to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and have elected to prepare the Parent Company financial statements in accordance with UK
12 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Directors' Report continued
Accounting Standards and applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Under Company law, the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and Parent Company and of their profit or loss for that period. In preparing each of the Group and Parent Company financial statements, the Directors are required to:
> select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
> make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
> for the Group financial statements, state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU; and
> for the Parent Company financial statements, state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Parent Company financial statements.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Parent Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Parent Company and enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also responsible for preparing a Directors' Report, Directors' Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance Statement that complies with that law and those regulations.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Directors' responsibility statement pursuant to the Disclosure and Transparency Rules
Each of the Directors, who are named on page 8 confirm that, to the best of each person's knowledge and belief:
> the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and
> the Directors' report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.
By order of the Board
N R CarrickCompany Secretary3 May 2011
13 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Corporate Governance
Remuneration Report to the Members ofCosalt plc
The parts of this report which are subject to audit are indicated with an asterisk.
Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee is chaired by Mr White and consists of Messrs. Ophir, Murray and Ross. Mr White was appointed as Chairman on 26 January 2011, following the resignation of Mr Gilbert in December 2010. The Committee met three times during the year with all Committee Members in attendance. The Committee determines the remuneration of Directors and Senior Executives and makes recommendations to the main Board in connection with the various share incentive schemes. In framing its remuneration policy, the Committee has given full consideration to Section B of the Combined Code and the report has been prepared in accordance with the Directors' Remuneration Reporting Regulations 2002. As required by these Regulations, a resolution to approve the report will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.
Remuneration policyBasic policyThe remuneration policy is designed to attract, retain and incentivise Senior Executives with the appropriate managerial and professional expertise to realise the Group's business objectives.
Remuneration packages consist of fixed elements of basic salary, pension entitlements and benefits in kind, typically a car or car allowance and private health insurance, plus performance related elements from time to time such as annual Bonus Scheme and participation in the Performance Share Plan. Bonus payments and benefits do not form part of pensionable salary.
In setting basic salaries and fees for the Directors and senior executives, the Remuneration Committee has used market data on remuneration levels in companies which it considers to be comparable in the broad business sectors in which the Group operates and by reference to market capitalisation and annual turnover. It also takes into account the general pay and conditions within the rest of the Group in determining those salaries and fees.
The remuneration of the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors is determined by the Board. No individual takes part in the discussion or decision regarding their own remuneration.
Annual performance related bonus schemePerformance payments are based upon a combination of profit and working capital targets linked to base salaries. Targets are agreed each year with the Remuneration Committee.
Share Option SchemesTwo Executive Share Option Schemes and Long-Term Incentive Plans were set up in January 1997. The Committee had made regular awards of options to Executive Directors and other Senior Executives. The schemes expired in February 2007 and accordingly no further options will be issued under the schemes.
Performance criteria have been applied to all options. Options will not be exercisable until the Company's earnings per share have grown by 2% per annum above the Retail Price Index, over a rolling three-year period. This target is considered to be realistic, and was chosen to align performance with the objective of corporate profit growth.
A deferred bonus plan involving the issue of matching shares to Executives was introduced in March 2006, but so far no awards have been made under this Scheme.
A Performance Share Plan ("the PSP") was introduced following approval by Shareholders at the AGM in March 2007. It provides for awards of either nil (or nominal) cost share options or restricted shares. Awards of nil cost options were made during 2008 to Directors and Senior Executives. The Remuneration Committee set a performance target in respect of these options over a fixed three-year period ending in October 2011, that the annual adjusted EPS must increase (between 5% and 13% plus RPI). An award of nil cost options were made to Directors and Senior Executives in March 2010. These are due to vest in 2013. The performance target was set by the Remuneration Committee, is measured over a three-year period, and measures on a ratio of 50%/50% growth in EPS (between 5% and 15% plus RPI) and Total Shareholder Return (TSR). Once again, this target was considered to be realistic and appropriate, and to align the performance with the corporate strategy.
No options were exercised during the period. No awards have vested during the period.
The Cosalt 2009 Company Share Option Plan ("the CSOP") was approved by shareholders at the general meeting on 1 September 2009, and the first award of options was made to Directors and Senior Executives in March 2010. These are due to vest in 2013. The performance target was set by the Remuneration Committee, is measured over a three-year period, and measures on a ratio of 50%/50% growth in EPS (between 5% and 15% plus RPI) and TSR. This target was selected to tie in with the criteria of the PSP grant which was awarded at the same time. The options were awarded in accordance with the scheme rules and were not gifted (conditionally or unconditionally) to any participant.
No options were exercised during the period. No awards have vested during the period.
14 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Remuneration report to the Members of Cosalt plccontinued
Directors' remuneration*
The remuneration of the individual Directors is set out below:
Performance | Taxable | 2010 | 2009 | ||||
Salary | related bonus | benefits | Fees | Total | Total | ||
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | ||
N R Carrick | 187 | - | 26 | - | 213 | 198 | |
J A B Kelly1 | - | - | - | 5 | 5 | 30 | |
D W Hobdey2 | - | - | - | 5 | 5 | 62 | |
D P J Ross | - | - | - | 76 | 76 | 36 | |
M Lejman | 292 | - | 14 | - | 306 | 255 | |
Y Ophir | - | - | - | 32 | 32 | 28 | |
M T Reynolds | 275 | - | 6 | - | 281 | 237 | |
C Melville3 | 198 | - | 6 | - | 204 | - | |
S Gilbert4 | - | - | - | 33 | 33 | - | |
M A White5 | - | - | - | 30 | 30 | - | |
K Murray6 | - | - | - | 11 | 11 | - |
1 Resigned 6 January 2010.
2 Resigned 30 November 2009.
3 Resigned 6 September 2010.
4 Resigned 9 December 2010.
5 Appointed 6 January 2010.
6 Appointed 27 September 2010.
Mr Lejman is the highest paid Director. Total remuneration, including pension contributions of £5,000, amounted to £311,000 (2009: £255,000).
Pension rights*
Mr Carrick participated in the Group's Defined Benefits Pension Scheme on the same terms as other Executives and Staff until its closure to future accrual on 31 December 2006.
Pension entitlements and corresponding transfer value changes during the year of the Executive Directors who were Members of the Defined Benefit Scheme were as follows:
Accrued | Accrued | Increase in | Transfer | Transfer | ||
pension at | pension at | accrued | value at | value at | ||
1 Nov 09 | 31 Dec 10 | pension | 31 Dec 10 | 1 Nov 09 | ||
£pa | £pa | £pa | £ | £ | ||
N R Carrick* | 20,336 | 20,066 | 15 | 373,341 | 340,336 |
* The GN11 transfer values for N R Carrick include the value of transferred in benefits from previous schemes. These amounts are not included within the accrued pension.
The change in the transfer value includes the effect of fluctuations in the transfer value due to factors beyond the control of the Company and Directors such as stock market movements and gilt yields.
The GN11 transfer values disclosed above do not represent a sum paid or payable to the individual Director. Instead they represent a potential liability of the pension scheme. The Trustees are currently reducing any transfer values from the Scheme due to the Scheme deficit based upon actuarial calculations.
Mr Carrick received a contribution of 7% of his salary per annum to a personal pension arrangement. Messrs. Lejman and Reynolds received 12% of their annual salary to their pension arrangements.
15 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Corporate Governance
Performance graph
The following graph shows the Company's performance, measured by total shareholder return (TSR) compared with the performance of the FTSE All Share Index also measured by TSR. TSR is defined as share growth and reinvested dividend. The FTSE All Share Index has been selected for comparison as it represents a broad equity index without the inherent volatility of the FTSE Fledgling Index.
Executive Share Option Scheme*
Number of Options during the year | |||||||||
Date from | |||||||||
At | which | ||||||||
Name | At 1 Nov 09 | Granted | Exercised | Lapsed | 31 Dec 10 | Exercise price | exercisable | Expiry date | |
N R Carrick | 20,127 | - | - | 20,127 | - | 346.5p | 04.08.2006 | 03.08.2010 | |
73 | - | - | - | 73 | 346.5p | 04.08.2006 | 03.08.2013 | ||
20,204 | - | - | - | 20,204 | 309p | 01.07.2007 | 30.06.2011 | ||
26,770 | - | - | - | 26,770 | 269p | 01.08.2008 | 31.07.2012 | ||
Total | 67,174 | - | - | 20,127 | 47,047 | ||||
M Lejman | - | 342,857 | - | - | 342,857 | 8.75p | 10.03.2013 | 09.03.2020 | |
M T Reynolds | - | 342,857 | - | - | 342,857 | 8.75p | 10.03.2013 | 09.03.2020 | |
N R Carrick | - | 294,000 | - | - | 294,000 | 8.75p | 10.03.2013 | 09.03.2020 | |
C Melville | - | 342,857 | - | 342,857 | - | 8.75p | 10.03.2013 | 09.03.2020 |
16 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Remuneration report to the Members of Cosalt plccontinued
Performance Share Plan*
Nil cost | Date | |||||||
Restricted | options | At | Market | shares | ||||
Name | Date of grant | shares granted | granted | Lapsed | 31 Dec 10 | price at grant | vest* | |
M Lejman | 27.07.2008 | - | 210,084 | - | 210,084 | 238p | 31.10.2011 | |
N R Carrick | 27.07.2008 | - | 60,924 | - | 60,924 | 238p | 31.10.2011 | |
M T Reynolds | 13.08.2008 | - | 91,768 | - | 91,768 | 244p | 31.10.2011 | |
C Melville | 27.08.2008 | - | 26,261 | 26,261 | - | 238p | 31.10.2011 | |
M Lejman | 10.03.2010 | - | 1,127,143 | - | 1,127,143 | 8.75p | 08.04.2013 | |
M T Reynolds | 10.03.2010 | - | 637,143 | - | 637,143 | 8.75p | 08.04.2013 | |
C Melville | 10.03.2010 | - | 637,143 | 637,143 | - | 8.75p | 08.04.2013 |
* Performance criteria must be met before vesting occurs.
The market price of the shares at 31 December 2010 was 3.38p and the range during the period year was 3.38p to 11.25p.
The report was approved by the Board of Directors on 3 May 2011 and has been signed on its behalf by:
N R Carrick
Company Secretary
3 May 2011
17 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Corporate Governance
Our responsibilities
Our people
Throughout the business, our ethos is one through which we methodically and expertly strive to deliver failsafe solutions to protect the lives of people operating in hostile environments. We are firmly of the opinion that our employees are our key resource. It is through them, their commitment and expertise that we will achieve our corporate objectives.
Diversity
We have a presence in principal ports across the UK, Norway and in Continental Europe. Each location has its unique culture with subtly differing identities reflecting our diverse locations, nationalities and the wide range of customers we serve. Our aim is to ensure that we capitalise on the opportunities that having a diverse workforce offers us and that our workforce reflects the diversity of our locations.
Recruitment & Training
We aim to recruit and retain the best people in the business. Period. From technical engineers, designers and on-site service personnel to business development and sales staff, the composition of our workforce, therefore, evolves to reflect the broadening nature of our work. Our aim is to provide fulfilling and enriching careers and in support of this, we offer our employees a comprehensive range of training opportunities, from compliance training for front-line engineers, through intensive health and safety qualifications for line managers to advanced sales training.
As one of our initiatives, we established Cosalt Compliance, a specialist business unit within the company which focuses on the delivery of technical excellence to our customers in both off and onshore Marine environments. To this end, we have people with the requisite technical skills to provide leading-edge practical safety and operational solutions in what is a highly regulated environment.
Environment
We endeavour to achieve a high standard of environmental performance and to reflect society's environmental priorities through our products and services.
Our policy is to:
> comply rigorously with environmental legislation, regulation and other codes of practice (such as industry initiatives) and plan ahead for future requirements;
> monitor, evaluate and continuously improve environmental performance;
> respond to the environmental needs and concerns of local communities wherever possible;
> strive towards sustainability, balancing today's needs with those of the future;
> improve employee awareness of environmental issues and encourage the sharing of experience and expertise amongst our businesses;
> minimise any adverse environmental impacts of the Company's activities; and
> conserve resources by reducing waste and by recycling of materials wherever this is appropriate and economically practicable.
The policy is intended to provide a framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives and targets. It is applied as the minimum standard across our business. Where individual businesses identify a need for additional, more stretching requirements, they are encouraged to build upon this policy. This helps us to maintain standards without restricting the development of any division.
Social and community
Wherever possible within their respective financial constraints, the Group's businesses support a range of charitable and community projects consistent with the Company's interests.
Health and safety
The Company is committed to maintaining a working environment and practices which are safe, without risk to health and afford due consideration to the welfare of employees and other persons who are or may be affected by Company activities. This policy is applicable to all divisions and locations within Cosalt and is complemented by additional operational Health and Safety Policies at divisional level.
Cosalt's Health and Safety policy is implemented through:
> ensuring that divisional Health and Safety policies and appropriate arrangements for Health and Safety are in place, communicated, understood and implemented effectively;
> ensuring that a safe working environment and safe systems of work are in place;
> ensuring the provision of adequate training, instruction and supervision for all employees in respect of health, safety, welfare and general systems of work;
> ensuring controlled safe practices are in use for the handling, storage, processing and movement of materials and goods;
> periodic review of policy, procedures, practices and statistics to ensure acceptable standards are maintained and to further reduce health, safety and welfare risks where appropriate; and
> compliance with relevant health, safety and welfare legislation and Codes of Practice.
The paramount importance of Health and Safety matters is regularly communicated to all employees. In addition, all staff are required to attend regular safety training programmes relevant to their operational roles within the Company.
The Board regularly reviews the Group-wide implementation of this policy and any other health and safety matters brought to its attention. Where deemed necessary, the Board of Directors will instigate appropriate corrective actions through divisional and/or safety management initiatives and will ensure that such actions are effective.
18 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Our responsibilities continued
It should be noted that the increase in the number of accidents per 100 employees is because of two reasons: the reporting period is 14 months whereas last year it was for a 12 month period; and a change in our reporting process for "Near Misses".
KPIs
REVENUE (£m)
HEADLINE OPERATING PROFIT* (£m)
HEADLINE EPS* (PENCE)
NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS PER 100 EMPLOYEES
* Before special items.
Please note that the KPIs cover a 14 month period for 2010 and a 53 week period in 2008 and 2009.
19 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Corporate Governance
Independent Auditor's report to the Members of Cosalt plc
We have audited the financial statements of Cosalt plc for the 14 month period ended 31 December 2010 set out on pages 20 to 71. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Parent Company financial statements is applicable law and UK Accounting Standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Respective responsibilities of Directors and Auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors' Responsibilities Statement set out on pages 11 and 12, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit, and express an opinion on, the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board's (APB's) Ethical Standards for Auditors.
Scope of the audit of the financial statements
A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the APB's website at www.frc.org.uk/apb/scope/private.cfm.
Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion:
> the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's and of the Parent Company's affairs as at 31 December 2010 and of the Group's loss for the 14 months then ended;
> the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU;
> the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice;
> the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006; and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:
> the part of the Directors' Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006; and
> the information given in the Directors' Report for the financial period for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
> adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
> the Parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors' Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
> certain disclosures of Directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
> we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:
> the Directors' statement, set out on page 11, in relation to going concern; and
> the part of the Corporate Governance Statement on page 11 relating to the Company's compliance with the nine provisions of the June 2008 Combined Code specified for our review; and
> certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board on Directors' remuneration.
Emphasis of matter - going concern
In forming our opinion on the financial statements, which is not qualified, we have considered the adequacy of the disclosure made in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements concerning the Group's and Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Company has agreed revised banking facilities which will expire in December 2012, but which are subject to the sale of the Marine business, which is itself subject to approval from the Shareholders and other pre-completion approvals. Should the business sale not complete the Directors would need to seek to extend existing facilities with the Company's banks or to seek additional or alternative funding. These conditions, along with other matters described in Note 1, indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt on the Group's and Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
David Morritt (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of KPMG Audit Plc, Statutory AuditorChartered Accountants
1 The Embankment
Neville Street
Leeds
LS1 4DW
3 May 2011
20 /Cosalt plc / Annual report & financial statements 2010
Consolidated income statement
for the 14 month period ended 31 December 2010
Before | Special | After | Before | Special | After | ||||||||||
special items | items* | special items | special items | items* | special items | ||||||||||
14 months | 14 months | 14 months | 53 weeks | 53 weeks | 53 weeks | ||||||||||
ended | ended | ended | ended | ended | ended | ||||||||||
31 Dec 2010 | 31 Dec 2010 | 31 Dec 2010 | 1 Nov 2009 | 1 Nov 2009 | 1 Nov 2009 | ||||||||||
Notes | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||||||||
Revenue | 2 | 111,989 | - | 111,989 | 107,827 | - | 107,827 | ||||||||
Operating profit/(loss) | 3 | 2,309 | (28,153 | ) | (25,844 | ) | 8,568 | (7,086 | ) | 1,482 | |||||
Financial income | 6 | 66 | - | 66 | 18 | - | 18 | ||||||||
Financing costs | 5 | (3,168 | ) | (499 | ) | (3,667 | ) | (3,092 | ) | (1,758 | ) | (4,850 | ) | ||
(Loss)/profit before taxation | (793 | ) | (28,652 | ) | (29,445 | ) | 5,494 | (8,844 | ) | (3,350 | ) | ||||
Income tax (expense)/credit | 8 | (2,351 | ) | 5,747 | 3,396 | (1,785 | ) | 2,548 | 763 | ||||||
(Loss)/profit for the financial period | (3,144 | ) | (22,905 | ) | (26,049 | ) | 3,709 | (6,296 | ) | (2,587 | ) | ||||
Attributable to: | |||||||||||||||
Equity shareholders | (3,130 | ) | (22,905 | ) | (26,035 | ) | 3,709 | (6,296 | ) | (2,587 | ) | ||||
Non-controlling interests | (14 | ) | - | (14 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||
(Loss)/profit for the financial period | (3,144 | ) | (22,905 | ) | (26,049 | ) | 3,709 | (6,296 | ) | (2,587 | ) | ||||
Earnings per share | |||||||||||||||
Basic | (0.78 | )p | - | (6.44 | )p | 4.20 | p | - | (2.93 | )p | |||||
Diluted | (0.78 | )p | - | (6.44 | )p | 4.17 | p | - | (2.93 | )p |
* Special items relate to gains and losses on disposal of surplus properties and revaluation of investment properties, amortisation and impairment of acquisition intangibles and exceptional costs relating to reorganisation, redundancy, re-banking, refinancing, abortive acquisitions, share-based payments and LTIP costs, technical compliance costs and the inventory shortfall and associated litigation costs.
21 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the 14 month period ended 31 December 2010
14 months | 53 weeks | ||||||
ended | ended | ||||||
31 Dec 10 | 1 Nov 09 | ||||||
Notes | £000 | £000 | |||||
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges net of recycling | 503 | (1,224 | ) | ||||
Currency translation differences | 96 | 1,812 | |||||
Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit scheme | 25 | 1,662 | (5,941 | ) | |||
Taxation on items taken directly to equity | (537 | ) | 1,518 | ||||
Property revaluation | - | 614 | |||||
Net income/(expense) recognised directly in equity | 1,724 | (3,221 | ) | ||||
Loss for the financial period | (26,049 | ) | (2,587 | ) | |||
Total comprehensive income for the period | (24,325 | ) | (5,808 | ) | |||
Attributable to: | |||||||
Equity holders of the parent | (24,311 | ) | (5,808 | ) | |||
Non-controlling interests | (14 | ) | - | ||||
Total comprehensive income for the period | (24,325 | ) | (5,808 | ) |
22 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Consolidated balance sheet
as at 31 December 2010
As at | As at | ||||||
31 Dec 10 | 1 Nov 09 | ||||||
Notes | £000 | £000 | |||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Non-current assets | |||||||
Intangible assets - goodwill | 11 | 33,388 | 34,581 | ||||
Intangible assets - customer contracts and relationships | 11 | 469 | 16,226 | ||||
Intangible assets - computer software | 11 | 1,056 | 1,100 | ||||
Investment properties | 12 | 2,015 | 3,540 | ||||
Property plant and equipment | 12 | 10,308 | 9,402 | ||||
Investments | 13 | 225 | 350 | ||||
Deferred tax assets | 17 | 3,644 | 4,477 | ||||
51,105 | 69,676 | ||||||
Current assets | |||||||
Inventories | 14 | 16,199 | 18,887 | ||||
Trade and other receivables | 15 | 16,057 | 22,300 | ||||
Corporation tax recoverable | - | 1,976 | |||||
Derivative financial assets | 16 | 62 | 35 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 1,267 | 1,493 | |||||
33,585 | 44,691 | ||||||
Total assets | 84,690 | 114,367 | |||||
LIABILITIES | |||||||
Non-current liabilities | |||||||
Interest bearing loans and borrowings | 18 | 18,143 | 16,253 | ||||
Deferred tax liabilities | 17 | 130 | 4,559 | ||||
Deferred Government grants | 6 | 6 | |||||
Provisions | 20 | - | - | ||||
Retirement benefit obligations | 25 | 9,065 | 11,759 | ||||
27,344 | 32,577 | ||||||
Current liabilities | |||||||
Interest bearing loans and borrowings | 18 | 7,384 | 3,869 | ||||
Corporation tax payable | 226 | 1,601 | |||||
Provisions | 20 | 145 | 177 | ||||
Trade and other payables | 19 | 23,935 | 25,721 | ||||
Derivative financial liabilities | 16 | 542 | 1,018 | ||||
32,232 | 32,386 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 59,576 | 64,963 | |||||
Net assets | 25,114 | 49,404 | |||||
EQUITY | |||||||
Share capital | 21 | 10,336 | 10,336 | ||||
Share premium account | 48,115 | 48,115 | |||||
Merger reserve | 22 | 7,586 | 7,586 | ||||
Other reserves | 22 | 1,148 | 1,148 | ||||
Translation reserve | 22 | 2,765 | 2,669 | ||||
Hedging reserve | 22 | (480 | ) | (983 | ) | ||
Retained losses | (44,342 | ) | (19,467 | ) | |||
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent | 25,128 | 49,404 | |||||
Non-controlling interests | (14 | ) | - | ||||
Total equity | 25,114 | 49,404 |
The accounts were approved by the Board of Directors on 3 May 2011 and signed on its behalf by:
M Lejman | N R Carrick |
Director | Director |
The notes on pages 25 to 60 form part of these consolidated financial statements.
23 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the 14 month period ended 31 December 2010
Sharecapital£000 | Sharepremium£000 | Mergerreserve£000 | Otherreserves£000 | Translationreserve£000 | Hedgingreserve£000 | Retainedearnings£000 | Total£000 | |||||
Balance brought forward at 26 October 2008 | 6,587 | 34,558 | 7,586 | 1,148 | 857 | 241 | (13,422 | ) | 37,555 | |||
Loss for the financial year | - | - | - | - | - | - | (2,587 | ) | (2,587 | ) | ||
Property revaluation | - | - | - | - | - | - | 614 | 614 | ||||
Shares issued in year | 3,749 | 13,557 | - | - | - | - | - | 17,306 | ||||
Share option charge | - | - | - | - | - | - | 56 | 56 | ||||
Currency translation differences(net of tax) | - | - | - | - | 1,812 | - | - | 1,812 | ||||
Change in value of hedged items | - | - | - | - | - | (1,224 | ) | - | (1,224 | ) | ||
Movement in pension deficit and taxation thereon | - | - | - | - | - | - | (4,128 | ) | (4,128 | ) | ||
Balance as at 1 November 2009 | 10,336 | 48,115 | 7,586 | 1,148 | 2,669 | (983 | ) | (19,467 | ) | 49,404 | ||
Loss for the financial period | - | - | - | - | - | - | (26,035 | ) | (26,035 | ) | ||
Share option charge | - | - | - | - | - | - | 35 | 35 | ||||
Currency translation differences(net of tax) | - | - | - | - | 96 | - | - | 96 | ||||
Change in value of hedged items | - | - | - | - | - | 503 | - | 503 | ||||
Movement in pension deficit and taxation thereon | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1,125 | 1,125 | ||||
Balance as at 31 December 2010 | 10,336 | 48,115 | 7,586 | 1,148 | 2,765 | (480 | ) | (44,342 | ) | 25,128 |
24 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Consolidated cash flow statement
for the 14 month period ended 31 December 2010
Notes | 14 monthsended31 Dec 10£000 | 53 weeksended1 Nov 09£000 | |||
Cash flows from operations | |||||
Loss for the financial period | (26,049 | ) | (2,587 | ) | |
Adjustments for: | |||||
Income tax credit | (3,396 | ) | (763 | ) | |
Depreciation | 12 | 2,804 | 2,213 | ||
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets | 11 | 17,929 | 3,768 | ||
Deferred Government grants released | - | (1 | ) | ||
Net finance costs | 3,601 | 4,832 | |||
Share-based payment charge | 35 | 56 | |||
Investment property losses | 750 | 335 | |||
Pension contributions in excess of charge | (502 | ) | (1,200 | ) | |
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | 11 | 49 | |||
Cash flow before changes in working capital and provisions | (4,817 | ) | 6,702 | ||
Decrease in inventories | 2,688 | 497 | |||
Decrease in trade and other receivables | 4,646 | 5,100 | |||
Decrease in trade and other payables | (524 | ) | (14,378 | ) | |
(Decrease)/Increase in provisions | (32 | ) | 62 | ||
Net cash from operations | 1,961 | (2,017 | ) | ||
Interest received | 67 | 179 | |||
Interest paid | (3,801 | ) | (4,335 | ) | |
Interest element of finance lease rentals | (63 | ) | (55 | ) | |
Dividends paid on preference shares | (2 | ) | (4 | ) | |
Income tax | (172 | ) | (2,038 | ) | |
Net cash from operating activities | (2,010 | ) | (8,270 | ) | |
Cash flows from investing activities | |||||
Acquisition of subsidiaries net of cash acquired | 26 | (209 | ) | - | |
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary undertakings | - | 1,896 | |||
Sale of investments | 125 | 150 | |||
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | 1,268 | 1,104 | |||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (4,325 | ) | (2,488 | ) | |
Purchase of intangible assets - software | (453 | ) | (665 | ) | |
Purchase of intangible assets - other intangibles | (56 | ) | - | ||
Net cash outflow from investing activities | (3,650 | ) | (3 | ) | |
Cash flows from financing activities | |||||
Finance lease principal payments | (434 | ) | (447 | ) | |
Exercise of share options and share placings | - | 17,330 | |||
New loan | 8,437 | 36,920 | |||
Repayment of bank borrowings | (2,551 | ) | (46,366 | ) | |
Net cash from financing activities | 5,452 | 7,437 | |||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (208 | ) | (836 | ) | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 1,493 | 2,171 | |||
Effects of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held | (18 | ) | 158 | ||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 1,267 | 1,493 | |||
Cash | 1,267 | 1,493 | |||
Overdrafts | - | - | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | 1,267 | 1,493 |
25 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
Notes to the accounts
1. Significant accounting policies
Cosalt plc ("the Company") is a company domiciled in England. The Consolidated financial statements of the Company for the 14 months ended 31 December 2010 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as "the Group"). The Parent Company financial statements present information about the Company as a separate entity and not about its Group.
The financial statements were authorised for issue by the Directors on 3 May 2011.
Change of accounting reference date
The Board believes that it makes good commercial sense to align the Company's year end with that of many of its customers and suppliers. Consequently the Company's accounting reference date has been changed from 31 October 2010 to 31 December 2010. The comparative amounts disclosed are for the 53 weeks ended 1 November 2009.
Statement of compliance
The Consolidated financial statements have been prepared and approved in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU ("Adopted IFRSs"). The Company has elected to continue to prepare its Parent Company financial statements in accordance with UK GAAP, these are presented on pages 61 to 71.
a) Basis of preparation
The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, rounded to the nearest thousand. They are prepared on the historical cost basis except that the following assets and liabilities are stated at their fair value: derivative financial instruments and investment properties.
The accounting reference date of subsidiary undertakings differs to the holding company being 31 October 2010. The Board does not consider it appropriate given the additional time and expense in changing the subsidiary undertakings' accounting reference date for 2010 and in some jurisdictions this is not possible after the period has ended. However, the subsidiaries have prepared additional accounts for consolidation purposes as at 31 December 2010. It is the Board's intention that all subsidiary companies will have co-terminus accounting reference dates at 31 December 2011.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Adopted IFRSs requires Management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or if in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, which the directors believe to be appropriate for the reasons set out below.
As highlighted in the Chairman's statement on page 1 of the annual report, the Directors have proposed the disposal of the Marine operations to Survitec Group for £31 million in cash. If approval is granted by the shareholders at the general meeting in June 2011, and pre completion conditions are satisfied (see below) the net proceeds of approximately £27 million will be utilised to reduce the Group's borrowings.
Completion of the disposal is conditional upon certain pre-completion approvals, including:
> anti-trust clearance being obtained, where necessary;
> approval by shareholders of the disposal in a general meeting;
> certain consents to the change of control of the Marine businesses having been obtained;
> consent having been obtained from the relevant landlords in respect of the assignment of certain leases; and
> clearance for the disposal from the Pensions Regulator in relation to the Cosalt Plc Retirement Benefits Scheme and the Scottish English and European Textiles Retirement Benefit Scheme, having been obtained in a form satisfactory to the company and Survitec.
26 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
1. Significant accounting policies continued
The Group meets its day to day working capital requirements through a revolving credit facility and longer-term funding through a term loan. The economic environment is challenging, as the results for the period to 31 December 2010 reflect. The Directors are encouraged by the new contract wins in the Offshore division and Workwear business and expect improved trading performance in these businesses in the year ending 31 December 2011.
Following the identification of an inventory shortfall in the Offshore division, the Group's banks waived a number of covenant tests in 2010 and in 2011, pending the finalisation of revised facilities. The Group's banks also deferred a planned repayment of £3m borrowing facilities due on 31 January 2011 and extended a further £4m under the existing multi-currency revolving credit facility.
Whilst the borrowing facilities are not due for renewal until March 2012, the Directors have agreed with the Group's banks amended and extended facilities to 31 December 2012 on terms similar to those currently in place, subject to the Marine business disposal completing by 22 July 2011.
These facilities comprise a multi-currency revolving credit facility and ancilliary facilities (comprising of credit, bonds, guarantees, foreign exchange and other facilities) of up to £11.4 million to fund working capital requirements, including funding the specific investment required under the Company's framework agreement with the certain fire brigades in the South East of England.
These revised arrangements contain a new suite of covenants, to be tested quarterly at the end of March, June, September and December for the duration of the facilities.
As a condition of these arrangements, two of Cosalt's substantial shareholders, David Ross and Sovereign Holding Ltd, have agreed to provide guarantees to the Company's banks totalling £4.6 million and £1.2 million respectively over amounts drawn by the Continuing Group under these facilities.
In addition to, and as a further condition of, these arrangements, the Company will issue, subject only to Completion of the disposal, Loan Notes totalling £2.0 million to Sovereign Holding Ltd and David Ross (£1.0 million each). The Loan Notes will be unsecured, and carry an annual coupon rate equal to LIBOR and are repayable in full by 18 months from date of issue.
David Ross has also agreed to provide up to £1.5 million of additional funding to the Group prior to completion of the disposal. This funding will be provided by way of unsecured loans and unsecured loan notes on terms the Board considers to be commercial.
The Group's forecasts and projections are prepared under the assumption that the Marine business disposal is approved and the revised banking facilities are in place. These forecasts and projections, taking into account sensitivities around operational performance, show that the Group will be able to operate within the facilities and covenant tests for the foreseeable future.
However, if the disposal does not complete by 22 July 2011, there can be no guarantee that the Group's lenders will continue to waive existing covenant tests and the £3 million due under the Term Loan Facility and the outstanding amount under the recent £4 million extension to the revolving credit facility would immediately fall due for repayment. Although there can be no certainty of this, the Directors have no reason to believe that bank support would not continue pending delayed completion of the disposal.
The Board of Directors will be unanimously recommending that Shareholders vote in favour of the disposal Resolution to be proposed at the General Meeting, as the Directors intend to do in respect of their own beneficial holdings amounting, in aggregate, to 140,660,357 Ordinary Shares, representing 34.8 per cent of the Company's issued share capital.
27 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
1. Significant accounting policies continued
The Board of Directors is currently taking or, following completion, intends to take further actions with a view to improving the Continuing Group's financial position, including measures aimed at reducing indebtedness and strengthening its balance sheet. Such actions could include:
> Disposal of non-core properties.
> The Board has identified a number of freehold and long leasehold properties owned by the Continuing Group which are considered peripheral to its core activities or surplus to its ongoing requirements and which it is likely to consider disposing of.
> Continuation of cost reduction exercise.
> The Board has identified a number of areas where it believes the Continuing Group can realise significant cost-savings and is presently implementing this cost reduction exercise.
> Cosalt Plc Retirement Benefits Scheme.
The Company has agreed with the Trustees of the Cosalt Plc Retirement Benefits Scheme that the Continuing Group will not be required to make any ongoing contributions to reducing the deficit in the Cosalt Plc Retirement Benefits Scheme for a period of up to 18 months following Completion of the sale. The Company has identified other measures that could potentially be taken to manage the deficit in the Cosalt Plc Retirement Benefits Scheme more efficiently or to reduce it further, which the Company is investigating.
Should the Marine business disposal not be approved, or the amended and restated banking facilities not be completed, the Directors would then immediately need to agree a grace period with the Group's banks within which to negotiate a waiver of the event of default or new debt facilities. Provided that the Directors are able to agree a grace period, in the absence of new debt facilities being extended by the banks, the Company would seek alternative debt or equity funding from one or more of its Shareholders or further support from an existing or new lender or new equity investors in order to fund the working capital requirements of the Company and Group.
The Directors have concluded that the possibility that all required approvals for the Marine business disposal may not be obtained and that, were they not to be, additional or alternative sources of finance would be required, represent material uncertainties that cast significant doubt upon the Group's and the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and that, therefore, the Group and Company may be unable to continue realising their assets and discharging their liabilities in the normal course of business. Nevertheless, the Directors have reasonable expectation that the sale will be approved by shareholders and other pre-completion conditions will be satisfied by 22 July 2011, with the consequent completion of the amended and restated banking facilities and associated reduction in borrowings. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual financial statements.
b) Basis of consolidation
The Consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries). Control exists when the Group has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible are taken into account. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the Consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases.
All intra-Group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.
c) Business combinations
The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the purchase method. The cost of the acquisition is measured at the aggregate of the fair values, at the date control passes of equity instruments issued, of assets given, less liabilities incurred or assumed, plus (for acquisitions prior to 1 November 2009) any costs directly attributable to the business combination. For acquisitions after 1 November 2009 directly attributable acquisition costs are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they are incurred. The acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition under IFRS 3 Business Combinations are recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date.
d) Goodwill
Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the Group's interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired. Goodwill is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses, measured annually (see page 42).
On disposal of a subsidiary, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.
28 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
1. Significant accounting policies continued
e) Other intangible assets
(a) Computer software costs
Acquired computer software licences and software development costs, are capitalised and amortised over the shorter of their estimated useful lives and the contracted term.
(b) Other intangible assets
Customer and supplier contracts and relationships:
Customer and supplier relationships are measured as the present value of cash flows attributable to the relationship after deduction of appropriate contributory assets charges. The relationship is amortised over its expected useful life, typically 6-12 years on either a straight line basis or reducing balance as appropriate.
f) Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of Group entities at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at that date. The foreign currency gain or loss on monetary items is the difference between amortised cost in the functional currency at the beginning of the period, adjusted for effective interest and payments during the period, and the amortised cost in foreign currency translated at the exchange rate at the end of the period. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are measured at fair value are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date that the fair value was determined. Foreign currency differences arising on retranslation are recognised in profit or loss, except for differences arising on the retranslation of available-for-sale equity instruments, a financial liability designated as a hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation, or qualifying cash flow hedges, which are recognised directly in equity.
g) Foreign operations
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition, are translated to euro at exchange rates at the reporting date.
Foreign currency differences are recognised directly in equity. Since 1 November 2004, the Group's date of transition to IFRSs, such differences have been recognised in the translation reserve (TR). When a foreign operation is disposed of, in part or in full, the relevant amount in the TR is transferred to profit or loss.
Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from a monetary item receivable from or payable to a foreign operation, the settlement of which is neither planned nor likely in the foreseeable future, are considered to form part of a net investment in a foreign operation and are recognised directly in equity in the TR.
h) Hedge of net investment in foreign operation
Foreign currency differences arising on the retranslation of a financial liability designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation are recognised directly in equity, in the translation reserve, to the extent that the hedge is effective. To the extent that the hedge is ineffective, such differences are recognised in profit or loss. When the hedged part of a net investment is disposed of, the associated cumulative amount in equity is transferred to profit or loss as an adjustment to the profit or loss on disposal.
i) Operating profit and special items
In order for users of the accounts to better understand the underlying performance of the Group, the Board have separately disclosed transactions which, whilst falling within the ordinary activities of the Group, are, by virtue of their size or incidence, considered to be one-off in nature.
Such items include; gains and losses on disposal of surplus properties and revaluation of investment properties, amortisation and impairment of acquisition intangibles and exceptional costs relating to reorganisation, redundancy, re-banking, refinancing, abortive acquisitions, share-based payments and LTIP costs, technical compliance costs and the inventory shortfall and associated litigation costs.
j) Employee benefits
The Group operates several occupational pension schemes, of both the defined benefit and defined contribution type.
29 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
1. Significant accounting policies continued
(a) Defined contribution pension schemes
Contributions to the Group's defined contribution schemes are recognised as an Employee benefit expense when they fall due. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that they result in either a cash refund or reduction in future payments. Outstanding contributions are recognised as a liability within accruals.
(b) Defined benefit pension scheme
The liability recognised in the balance sheet for the Group's defined benefit pension scheme is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date, less the fair value of the scheme assets. The defined benefit obligation is calculated by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method and by discounting the estimated future cash flows using interest rates on high quality corporate bonds that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related pension liability. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the scheme. Pension expense for the Group's defined benefit schemes is recognised as follows:
1. Within operating profit:
> current service cost - representing the increase in the present value of the defined benefit obligation resulting from employee service in the current period;
> past service cost - representing the increase in the present value of the defined benefit obligation resulting from employee service in prior periods, which arises from changes made to the benefits under the scheme in the current period. To the extent that the changes to benefits vest immediately, past service costs are recognised immediately, otherwise they are recognised on a straight line basis over the vesting period;
> gains and losses arising on settlements and curtailments - where the item that gave rise to the settlement or curtailment is recognised within operating profit.
2. Within financing costs:
> interest cost on the liabilities of the scheme - calculated by reference to the scheme liabilities and discount rate at the beginning of the period and allowing for changes in liabilities during the period; and
> expected return on the assets of the scheme - calculated by reference to the scheme assets and long-term expected rate of return at the beginning of the period and allowing for changes in assets during the period.
3. Within the statement of recognised income and expense:
> actuarial gains and losses arising on the assets and liabilities of the scheme.
The Group previously adopted the amendment to IAS 19 and full actuarial gains or losses are recognised direct to equity.
(c) Share-based payments
Equity settled share-based payments are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non-market based vesting conditions) at the date of grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group's estimate of the shares that will eventually vest, with a corresponding increase in equity.
For share options where there are no market based vesting conditions, fair value is measured using the Black-Scholes pricing model.
k) Taxation
The current tax is based on taxable profit for the period and any adjustments to tax in respect of previous periods. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax is recognised on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
30 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
1. Significant accounting policies continued
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is charged or credited to the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities or when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.
l) Property, plant and equipment
Freehold land and buildings are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
Other assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.
Subsequent costs are capitalised only when it is probable that they will result in future economic benefits flowing to the Group and when they can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance expenditure is charged to the income statement in the period in which it is incurred.
Freehold land is not depreciated as it has an indefinite life.
Depreciation on other assets is calculated using the straight-line method to write off their cost less their residual value over their estimated useful lives as follows:
Freehold property | 2% |
Buildings on land leased short-term tenancy agreements | 2% |
Leasehold land and buildings | over the expected term of the lease |
Plant and machinery (excluding leased garments) | 5-20% |
Vehicles | 20-25% |
Leased garments | 20-50% |
Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets or, where shorter, over the term of the relevant lease.
Residual values and estimated useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at least at each financial period end.
An asset's carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset's carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.
Gains and losses arising on disposals are determined by comparing net sales proceeds with carrying amount and are recognised in the income statement in the period of the disposal.
m) Investment properties
Investment properties are held to yield rentals and are carried at fair value.
An external, independent valuer, having an appropriate recognised professional qualification and recent experience in the location and category of property being valued, values the portfolio every year.
Any gain or loss arising from a change in fair value is recognised in profit or loss.
31 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
1. Significant accounting policies continuedn) Impairment of tangible and intangible assets(a) GoodwillFor the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the cash-generating units expected to benefit from the combination. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently, when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired.
If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. The recoverable amount is the higher of the cashgenerating units fair value, less costs of sale and value in use. The value in use is determined from the discounted present values of future cash flows arising from the cash-generating unit.
An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent period.
(b) Other tangible and intangible assetsAt each balance sheet date, the Group reviews the carrying amount of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent, if any, of the impairment loss. Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The recoverable amount is the higher of the cash-generating units fair value, less costs of sale and value in use. The value in use is determined from the discounted present values of future cash flows arising from the assets of the cash-generating unit.
Reversal of an impairment loss for tangible and intangible assets other than goodwill is recognised immediately in the income statement to the extent that the original impairment loss was recognised in the income statement.
(c) Financial assetsA financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired.
A financial asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicated that one or more events have had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset.
An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate. An impairment loss in respect of an available-for-sale financial asset is calculated by reference to its fair value.
Individual significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.
All impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss. Any cumulative loss in respect of an available-for-sale financial asset recognised previously in equity is transferred to profit or loss.
An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised. For financial assets measured at amortised cost and available-for-sale financial assets that are debt securities, the reversal is recognised in profit or loss. For available-for-sale financial assets that are equity securities, the reversal is recognised directly in equity.
o) Leases
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
(a) Finance leases
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the Group at their fair value at the inception of the lease or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Financecharges are charged to the income statement.
32 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
1. Significant accounting policies continued(b) Operating leasesRentals payable under operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to enter into an operating lease are also spread on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
(c) Rental garmentsGarments hired out under rental contracts where the Group retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership are capitalised and accounted for as operating leases. The garments are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (typically two to five years). Revenue from these rental contracts accrues on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract.
p) Financial instruments(a) Trade receivablesTrade receivables are initially measured at fair value, do not carry any interest, and are reduced by appropriate provisions for estimated irrecoverable amounts. Such provisions are recognised in the income statement.
(b) Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
(c) Trade payablesTrade payables are not interest bearing and are initially measured at their fair value, thereafter amortised cost.
(d) BorrowingsBank overdrafts, short-term futures and interest bearing loans are initially measured at fair value, and obligations under finance leases are dealt with in accordance with the Group's policy on leases (note o). These items are subsequently carried at an amortised cost.
(e) Equity instrumentsEquity instruments issued are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.
(f) Financial liabilities and equityFinancial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into.
Financial instruments issued by the Group are treated as equity (i.e. forming part of Shareholders' funds) only to the extent that they meet the following conditions:
> they include no contractual obligation to deliver cash or other financial assets or to exchange financial assets or financial liabilities;
> under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the Group; and
> where the instrument will or may be settled in the Company's own equity instruments, it is either a non-derivative that includes no obligation to deliver a variable number of the Company's own equity instruments or is a derivative that will be settled by the Company exchanging a fixed amount of cash or other financial instrument for a fixed number of its own equity instruments.
Dividends on non-equity shares are recognised as a liability and expensed on an accrual basis. Equity dividends are recognised as a liability in the period in which they are paid or approved by Shareholders, and recorded directly in equity.
33 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
1. Significant accounting policies continued(g) Derivative financial instrumentsDerivative financial instruments are recognised at fair value. The gain or loss on re-measurement to fair value is recognised immediately in profit or loss. However, where derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, recognition of any resultant gain or loss depends on the nature of the item being hedged.
Forward exchange contracts are valued at their quoted market price at the balance sheet date.
Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the variability of cash flows of a recognised asset or liability or highly probable forecast transactions, the effective part of any gain or loss on the derivative financial instrument is recognised directly in the hedging reserve. Any ineffective portion of the hedge is recognised immediately in the income statement.
If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. Any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument in equity remains there until the forecast transaction occurs.
q) ProvisionsProvisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that the Group will be required to settle that obligation. Provisions are measured at the Directors' best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet date, and are discounted to present value where the effect is material.
r) InventoriesInventories are stated at the lower of cost including an appropriate proportion of production overheads and net realisable values.
s) Government grantsCapital grants received for additions to buildings and plant are taken to deferred income and are released to the income statement in instalments relating to the relevant asset lives.
Other grants are recognised in the profit and loss account in the same period as the related expenditure.
t) Revenue recognitionRevenue from the sale of goods and services is recognised in the income statement when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer. Where transactions are incomplete at the balance sheet date revenue is recognised in the income statement in proportion to the stage of completion.
No revenue is recognised if there are significant uncertainties regarding recovery of the consideration due, associated costs for the possible return of goods, or if there is continuing managerial involvement with goods.
The Directors have considered the following new standards and interpretations issued by the IASB and IFRIC which have become effective for the first time in the period ended 31 December 2010:
> Revised IFRS 3 "Business Combinations" (mandatory for the year commencing on or after 1 July 2009). This provides comprehensive revision on applying the acquisition method of accounting. Changes include the requirement that transaction costs must be expensed when they are incurred and do not form part of the acquisition price. Contingent consideration is required to be recognised at fair value even if it is not deemed to be probable of payment at the date of acquisition. All subsequent changes in debt contingent consideration are recognised in the Income Statement rather than against goodwill as it is deemed to be a liability recognised under IAS 32/39. These changes have no material effect on the financial statements for the period as there were no material acquisitions in the period.
> Amendments IAS 27 "Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements" (mandatory for the year commencing on or after 1 July 2009). The amendments to IAS 27 reflect changes to the accounting for non-controlling (minority) interests and deal primarily with the accounting for changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries after control is obtained, the accounting for the loss of control of subsidiaries and the allocation of profit or loss to controlling and non-controlling interests in a subsidiary. These changes have had no material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements for the period.
34 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
1. Significant accounting policies continued
> Amendments to IAS 39 "Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement: Eligible Hedged Items" (mandatory for the year commencing on or after 1 July 2009). The amendments to IAS 39 clarify how to apply existing principles in determining eligible hedged risks and portions. These changes have had no material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
> Amendments to IAS 39 "Reclassification of Financial Assets: Effective Date and Transition" (mandatory for the year commencing on or after 1 July 2009). These changes have had no material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
> Improvements to IFRSs (issued 16 April 2009) (adoption dates vary but certain improvements are mandatory for the year commencing on or after 1 July 2009). On 16 April 2009 the IASB published the Improvements to IFRSs 2009. The Improvements to IFRSs 2009 is the result of the IASB's second annual improvements project (AIP). This project has involved the IASB accumulating throughout the year what it believes are non-urgent but necessary improvements to IFRSs and then processing these amendments collectively. The Improvements to IFRSs 2009 contains 15 amendments to 12 standards. These changes have had no material effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
A number of standards have been endorsed but, in respect of the period ended 31 December 2010, are not yet effective. None of these are expected to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
2. Segment reporting
(a) Business segments
IFRS 8 "Operating Segments" requires segmental information to be presented on the same basis as used for internal management reporting. For these purposes the Group has three reportable segments, Marine, Workwear and Offshore. In addition to these business segments, the costs of central management and any assets and liabilities which are not readily allocated to the business segments are reported as Head Office/unallocated. The Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) for the purposes of IFRS 8 is the Board of Directors. Each month the financial results of segments are reported to the CODM and this information is used to assess the performance of the Group. The CODM considers operating profit as the most appropriate measure of segment profit.
The reporting format is determined to be Business as the Group's risks and returns are predominantly affected by differences in the products and services provided by these different activities. The operating business segments are organised and managed separately. The principal activities of these segments are:
Marine: | Inspection, service and repair of liferafts, lifeboats and lifejackets. |
Inspection and service of on-board fire safety equipment. | |
Inspection, service and repair of lifting equipment and tools. | |
Sale of wire and fibre ropes. | |
Workwear: | Sale, maintenance and hire of Workwear. |
Offshore: | Inspection, service and repair of liferafts, lifeboats and lifejackets. |
Inspection, service and repair of lifting equipment. | |
Inspection and maintenance of hydraulic equipment. | |
Inspection, maintenance and hire of working at height equipment. |
Both the Marine and Offshore segments include businesses based in continental Europe; Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain in Marine; Norway in Offshore. These businesses are reported together to the Board because their operational and business risks are largely the same as the corresponding Marine and Offshore businesses operated in the UK.
Formerly the Group reported two business segments, Marine and Offshore, with Workwear being reported in the Marine business segment. However, following the adoption of IFRS8 the Directors believe that it is more meaningful to receive results reported over three business segments with Workwear as a segment separate to Marine. Consequently, the Group has taken the option, granted under IFRS8, to disclose the 2010 results on both the new and old basis.
35 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
2. Segment reporting continued
14 month period ended 31 Dec 10Continuing operations | ||||||||||
Head Office/ | ||||||||||
Workwear | Marine | Offshore | unallocated | Total | ||||||
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | ||||||
Revenue | 12,301 | 57,592 | 42,096 | - | 111,989 | |||||
Operating profit/(loss) before special items | 315 | 2,807 | 2,063 | (2,876 | ) | 2,309 | ||||
Special items | (17 | ) | (1,268 | ) | (7,260 | ) | (19,608 | ) | (28,153 | ) |
Operating profit/(loss) | 298 | 1,539 | (5,197 | ) | (22,484 | ) | (25,844 | ) | ||
Net financing costs | - | (57 | ) | 7 | (3,551 | ) | (3,601 | ) | ||
Profit/(loss) before taxation | 298 | 1,482 | (5,190 | ) | (26,035 | ) | (29,445 | ) | ||
Tax on profit/(loss) | (243 | ) | (1,237 | ) | 960 | 3,916 | 3,396 | |||
Total assets | 8,632 | 32,747 | 39,140 | 4,171 | 84,690 | |||||
Total liabilities | (3,996 | ) | (9,433 | ) | (6,927 | ) | (39,220 | ) | (59,576 | ) |
Total net assets | 4,636 | 23,314 | 32,213 | (35,049 | ) | 25,114 | ||||
Capital expenditure | 537 | 1,061 | 2,262 | 167 | 4,027 | |||||
Additions of intangible assets | - | - | 511 | - | 511 | |||||
Depreciation | 823 | 1,032 | 862 | 87 | 2,804 | |||||
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets | 169 | 731 | 17,029 | - | 17,929 |
14 month period ended 31 Dec 10Continuing operations | ||||||||
Head Office/ | ||||||||
Marine | Offshore | unallocated | Total | |||||
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||||
Revenue | 69,893 | 42,096 | - | 111,989 | ||||
Operating profit/(loss) before special items | 3,122 | 2,063 | (2,876 | ) | 2,309 | |||
Special items | (1,285 | ) | (7,260 | ) | (19,608 | ) | (28,153 | ) |
Operating profit/(loss) | 1,837 | (5,197 | ) | (22,484 | ) | (25,844 | ) | |
Net financing costs | (57 | ) | 7 | (3,551 | ) | (3,601 | ) | |
Profit/(loss) before taxation | 1,780 | (5,190 | ) | (26,035 | ) | (29,445 | ) | |
Tax on profit/(loss) | (1,480 | ) | 960 | 3,916 | 3,396 | |||
Total assets | 41,379 | 39,140 | 4,171 | 84,690 | ||||
Total liabilities | (13,429 | ) | (6,927 | ) | (39,220 | ) | (59,576 | ) |
Total net assets | 27,950 | 32,213 | (35,049 | ) | 25,114 | |||
Capital expenditure | 1,598 | 2,262 | 167 | 4,027 | ||||
Additions of intangible assets | - | 511 | - | 511 | ||||
Depreciation | 1,855 | 862 | 87 | 2,804 | ||||
Amortisation of intangible assets | 900 | 17,029 | - | 17,929 |
36 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
2. Segment reporting continued
53 weeks ended 1 Nov 09Continuing operations | ||||||||
Head Office/ | ||||||||
Marine | Offshore | unallocated | Total | |||||
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||||
Revenue | 63,603 | 44,224 | - | 107,827 | ||||
Operating profit/(loss) before special items | 4,860 | 5,317 | (1,609 | ) | 8,568 | |||
Special items | (1,682 | ) | (963 | ) | (4,441 | ) | (7,086 | ) |
Operating profit/(loss) | 3,178 | 4,354 | (6,050 | ) | 1,482 | |||
Net financing costs | (124 | ) | 42 | (4,750 | ) | (4,832 | ) | |
Profit/(loss) before taxation | 3,054 | 4,396 | (10,800 | ) | (3,350 | ) | ||
Tax on profit/(loss) | (1,457 | ) | (487 | ) | 2,707 | 763 | ||
Total assets | 45,830 | 62,850 | 5,687 | 114,367 | ||||
Total liabilities | (13,515 | ) | (14,750 | ) | (36,698 | ) | (64,963 | ) |
Total net assets | 32,315 | 48,100 | (31,011 | ) | 49,404 | |||
Capital expenditure | 2,179 | 760 | 56 | 2,995 | ||||
Additions of intangible fixed assets | - | 248 | - | 248 | ||||
Depreciation | 1,447 | 750 | 66 | 2,263 | ||||
Amortisation of intangible assets | 1,680 | 2,082 | 6 | 3,768 |
Operating profits are shown before Head Office charges.
·; Unallocated assets and liabilities principally represent investment properties, taxation, dividends, and pension scheme liability.
Transactions between business segments are carried out at arms length.
No individual customer or group of customers represent more than 10% of Group revenue.
(b) Geographical segments
Segment information for the 14 months ended 31 December 2010 and the year ended 1 November 2009 is as follows:
Revenue | Assets | Capital | |||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | ||||
UK | 70,346 | 69,208 | 70,197 | 78,415 | 3,610 | 1,581 | |||
Rest of Europe | 41,643 | 38,619 | 14,493 | 35,952 | 417 | 1,414 | |||
Total | 111,989 | 107,827 | 84,690 | 114,367 | 4,027 | 2,995 |
Included in assets above are non-current assets held in the UK of £48,409,000 (2009: £65,282,000) and £2,706,000 (2009: £3,196,000) held in the rest of Europe.
Revenue is based on the region in which the customer is located. Total assets and capital expenditure are based on the region in which the assets are located.
37 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
3. Operating profit/(loss)
Operating profit/(loss) has been arrived at after charging/(crediting):
2010 | 2009 | |||||
Group total | Group total | |||||
£000 | £000 | |||||
Change in stocks of finished goods and work in progress | 1,815 | (1,811 | ) | |||
Other operating income | (320 | ) | (317 | ) | ||
Raw materials and consumables | 57,760 | 58,956 | ||||
Other external charges | 12,552 | 8,775 | ||||
Operating lease charges | ||||||
- plant | 849 | 877 | ||||
- other | 2,074 | 2,132 | ||||
Staff costs (note 7) | 31,596 | 27,720 | ||||
Amortisation of intangible fixed assets (note 11) | 550 | 714 | ||||
Depreciation of owned assets | 2,550 | 1,933 | ||||
Depreciation of assets held under finance leases | 254 | 280 | ||||
109,680 | 99,259 | |||||
Special items | ||||||
Staff costs - redundancy (note 7) | 201 | 1,259 | ||||
Staff costs - pensions (note 7) | - | 50 | ||||
Other external charges - other reorganisation costs | 2,692 | 2,152 | ||||
Asset write offs on closure | - | 50 | ||||
Inventory write downs and onerous contracts | 1,725 | 130 | ||||
Share -based payments (note 7) | 35 | 56 | ||||
Amortisation of acquired intangibles (note 11) | 2,679 | 3,054 | ||||
Impairment of goodwill and customer and supplier contracts and relationships (note 11) | 14,700 | - | ||||
Technical compliance costs | 752 | - | ||||
Write downs and associated costs arising from alleged fraud | 4,619 | - | ||||
Loss on revaluation of investment properties | 750 | 335 | ||||
28,153 | 7,086 | |||||
137,833 | 106,345 |
The impairment of the goodwill, and customer and supplier contracts and relationships, in the Cash-Generating Units (CGU) of GTC Group and Myhre Maritime arose due to the downgrading of short-and medium-term profit projections following a review of market conditions.
The carrying value of the goodwill in respect of GTC Group has been impaired by £1,005,000 (2009: £nil) and that of Myhre Maritime by £485,000 (2009: £nil). The carrying value of customer and supplier contracts and relationships in respect of GTC group has been impaired by £9,195,000 (2009: £nil) and that of Myhre Maritime by £4,015,000 (2009: £nil).
38 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
4. Auditors' remuneration
Auditors' remuneration is included within other external charges and consists of the following:
2010 | 2009 | ||||||
£000 | £000 | ||||||
Audit of these financial statements | 166 | 60 | |||||
Audit of subsidiaries pursuant to such legislation | 249 | 146 | |||||
Other services relating to taxation | 137 | 67 | |||||
Services relating to information technology | 43 | - | |||||
Services relating to litigation | 155 | - | |||||
Services relating to corporate finance | 635 | - | |||||
All other services | 324 | 152 | |||||
1,709 | 425 |
Amounts paid to the Company's auditors and their associates in respect of services to the Company, other than the audit of the Company's financial statements, have not been disclosed as the information is required instead to be disclosed on a consolidated basis.
5. Financing costs
2010 | 2009 | ||||||
£000 | £000 | ||||||
Bank borrowings | 2,388 | 2,488 | |||||
Finance lease | 63 | 55 | |||||
On shares classified as financial liabilities | - | 4 | |||||
Pension scheme | 553 | 738 | |||||
Other interest | 164 | (193 | ) | ||||
Other interest - special items | - | 523 | |||||
Refinancing costs - special items | 499 | 1,235 | |||||
3,667 | 4,850 | ||||||
6. Financial income | |||||||
2010 | 2009 | ||||||
£000 | £000 | ||||||
Interest receivable | 66 | 18 | |||||
7. Directors and Employees | |||||||
Total | Total | ||||||
2010 | 2009 | ||||||
£000 | £000 | ||||||
Staff costs: | |||||||
Wages and salaries | 27,323 | 25,138 | |||||
Share-based payments | 35 | 56 | |||||
Social security costs | 3,302 | 2,944 | |||||
Other pension costs | 971 | 891 | |||||
31,631 | 29,029 | ||||||
The division of Staff costs in arriving at operating profit is as follows: | |||||||
2010 | 2009 | ||||||
£000 | £000 | ||||||
Normal costs | 31,631 | 27,720 | |||||
Pensions - special items | - | 50 | |||||
Redundancy costs - special items | 201 | 1,259 | |||||
31,832 | 29,029 |
39 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
7. Directors and Employeescontinued
The average number of employees of the Group during the period was:
2010 | 2009 | ||||
Number | Number | ||||
Head Office and Directors | 11 | 10 | |||
Marine UK | 409 | 416 | |||
Marine Europe | 126 | 137 | |||
Offshore UK | 234 | 228 | |||
Offshore Europe | 30 | 31 | |||
810 | 822 |
Details of Directors' emoluments and interests are given in the Remuneration report on pages 13 to 16.
8. Income tax expense
2010 | 2009 | ||||||
£000 | £000 | ||||||
Current tax expense | |||||||
Current period | - | (597 | ) | ||||
Adjustments in respect of prior years | 193 | 439 | |||||
193 | (158 | ) | |||||
Overseas tax | 578 | 605 | |||||
771 | 447 | ||||||
Deferred tax expense | |||||||
Origination and reversal of temporary differences | |||||||
Current period | (4,327 | ) | (1,053 | ) | |||
Adjustments in respect of prior years | 160 | (157 | ) | ||||
Total tax credit | (3,396 | ) | (763 | ) |
Reconciliation of effective tax rate
2010 | 2010 | 2009 | 2009 | ||||||||
% | £000 | % | £000 | ||||||||
(Loss)/profit before taxation | - | (29,445 | ) | - | (3,350 | ) | |||||
Tax using domestic corporation tax rate | (28.0 | ) | (8,245 | ) | (28.0 | ) | (938 | ) | |||
Effect of overseas tax rates | 0.1 | 43 | (1.9 | ) | (65 | ) | |||||
Net items not taxable | 5.2 | 1,504 | (0.3 | ) | (12 | ) | |||||
Revaluation of investment properties | 0.7 | 210 | 1.7 | 58 | |||||||
Capital disposal covered by capital losses | - | 10 | 5.0 | 169 | |||||||
Losses not recoverable | 9.4 | 2,763 | - | - | |||||||
Re-measurement of deferred tax balances | (0.1 | ) | (34 | ) | - | - | |||||
Adjustments in respect of prior years | 1.2 | 353 | 0.7 | 25 | |||||||
(11.5 | ) | (3,396 | ) | (22.8 | ) | (763 | ) |
Deferred tax recognised directly in equity
2010 | 2009 | ||||||
£000 | £000 | ||||||
Relating to actuarial (gains)/losses on pension schemes | (537 | ) | 1,518 |
The Emergency Budget on 22 June 2010 announced that the UK corporation tax rate will reduce from 28% to 24% over a period of four years from 2011. The first reduction in the UK corporation tax rate from 28% to 27% was enacted on 27 July 2010 and will be effective from 1 April 2011.
The budget on 23 March 2011 announced further measures to reduce the UK corporation tax rate to 23% by 2014. An additional reduction of 1% will decrease the rate of UK corporation tax from 28% to 26% with effect from 1 April 2011.
40 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
8. Income tax expense continuedThese changes will reduce the company's future current tax charge accordingly. The measurement of deferred tax is based upon the expected change in rate to 27% as enacted at the balance sheet date.
If the rate change to 26% has been substantively enacted on or before the balance sheet date it would have had the effect of reducing the deferred tax asset recognised at the date by £33,000. It has not yet been possible to quantify the full anticipated effect of the announced further 3% rate reduction, although this will further reduce the Company's future current tax charge (and reduce the Company's deferred tax assets accordingly).
9. Earnings per shareBasic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the period.
Diluted earnings per share calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the period (adjusted for the effects of potentially dilutive options). Losses on basic earnings per share cannot be diluted and so where a loss has arisen this has not been diluted in calculating the diluted earnings per share.
The Group has only one category of dilutive potential Ordinary Shares which is that of share options granted to Employees.
2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||||
Basic | Potentiallydilutive shareoptions | Diluted | Basic | Potentiallydilutive shareoptions | Diluted | ||||||||
Profit after tax (£000) | |||||||||||||
Headline figure | (3,144 | ) | - | (3,144 | ) | 3,709 | - | 3,709 | |||||
Statutory figure | (26,049 | ) | - | (26,049 | ) | (2,587 | ) | - | (2,587 | ) | |||
Weighted average number of shares (thousands) | 404,403 | 5,990 | 410,393 | 88,387 | 555 | 88,942 | |||||||
Earnings per share | |||||||||||||
Headline figure | (0.78 | ) | - | (0.78 | ) | 4.20 | (0.03 | ) | 4.17 | ||||
Statutory figure | (6.44 | ) | - | (6.44 | ) | (2.93 | ) | - | (2.93 | ) |
The total number of shares in issue at 31 December 2010 was 404,403,397.
There have been no transactions involving Ordinary Shares or potential Ordinary Shares between the reporting date and the date of approval of these financial statements which would significantly change the earnings per share calculations shown above.
10. Reconciliation of headline information to statutory information
2010£000 | 2009£000 | |||
Headline operating profit before tax and special items | 2,309 | 8,568 | ||
Reorganisation cost (see note 3) | (2,924 | ) | (3,511 | ) |
Share-based payment | (35 | ) | (56 | ) |
Loss on revaluation of investment properties | (750 | ) | (335 | ) |
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles | (2,648 | ) | (3,054 | ) |
Impairment charge | (14,700 | ) | - | |
Technical compliance costs | (752 | ) | - | |
Write downs and associated costs arising from alleged fraud | (4,619 | ) | - | |
Inventory write downs and onerous contracts | (1,725 | ) | (130 | ) |
Statutory operating (loss)/profit before tax | (25,844 | ) | 1,482 | |
Financial income | 66 | 18 | ||
Financing costs | (3,667 | ) | (4,850 | ) |
Statutory loss before tax | (29,445 | ) | (3,350 | ) |
41 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
11. Intangible assets
Goodwill£000 | Customerand suppliercontracts andrelationships£000 | Computersoftware£000 | Total£000 | |||||
Cost | ||||||||
At 26 October 2008 | 33,417 | 21,361 | 2,402 | 57,180 | ||||
Additions - acquired | 248 | - | 771 | 1,019 | ||||
Additions - internally generated | - | - | 149 | 149 | ||||
Disposals | - | - | (44 | ) | (44 | ) | ||
Exchange differences | 1,274 | 1,123 | 14 | 2,411 | ||||
At 1 November 2009 | 34,939 | 22,484 | 3,292 | 60,715 | ||||
Additions - acquired | 439 | - | 281 | 720 | ||||
Additions - internally generated | - | - | 230 | 230 | ||||
Disposals | - | - | (104 | ) | (104 | ) | ||
Exchange differences | (141 | ) | 88 | (8 | ) | (61 | ) | |
At 31 December 2010 | 35,237 | 22,572 | 3,691 | 61,500 | ||||
Accumulated amortisation | ||||||||
At 26 October 2008 | 358 | 2,932 | 1,508 | 4,798 | ||||
Amortisation charge for the year | - | 3,054 | 714 | 3,768 | ||||
Disposals | - | - | (44 | ) | (44 | ) | ||
Exchange differences | - | 272 | 14 | 286 | ||||
At 1 November 2009 | 358 | 6,258 | 2,192 | 8,808 | ||||
Amortisation charge for the period | - | 2,679 | 550 | 3,229 | ||||
Disposals | - | - | (101 | ) | (101 | ) | ||
Impairment charge | 1,491 | 13,209 | - | 14,700 | ||||
Exchange differences | - | (43 | ) | (6 | ) | (49 | ) | |
At 31 December 2010 | 1,849 | 22,103 | 2,635 | 26,587 | ||||
Net book value | ||||||||
At 31 December 2010 | 33,388 | 469 | 1,056 | 34,913 | ||||
At 1 November 2009 | 34,581 | 16,226 | 1,100 | 51,907 | ||||
At 26 October 2008 | 33,059 | 18,429 | 894 | 52,382 |
GoodwillAs at 31 December 2010, the Consolidated balance sheet included Goodwill of £33,388,000. Goodwill is allocated to the Group's cash-generating units, or groups of cash-generating units, that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination that gave rise to the goodwill as follows:
Cash-Generating Units (CGU) | Business segment | 2010£000 | 2009£000 | |
GTC Group | Offshore | 16,281 | 17,287 | |
Bofort SSM | Marine | 7,855 | 8,179 | |
Marine safety | Marine | 1,823 | 1,823 | |
Safety Workwear | Workwear | 827 | 827 | |
Myhre Maritime | Offshore | 6,163 | 6,465 | |
Cosalt Wind Energy | Offshore | 439 | - | |
33,388 | 34,581 |
42 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
11. Intangible assets continuedImpairment tests for cash-generating units containing goodwillGoodwill arising on business combinations is not amortised, being reviewed for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill may be impaired. Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to cash-generating units.
The recoverable amount of each CGU is based on value in use calculations. Five year financial forecasts have been prepared by the local management at CGUs and these forecasts have been approved and adopted by Group management. The principal components of these forecasts; sales volumes, selling prices and costs are based upon recent history and expected future changes in operating conditions. The cash flow projections beyond five years have been extrapolated using an estimated growth rate of 2.7% - 3.1% (2009: 2% - 3%) and are appropriate because these are long-term businesses. The growth rates used are consistent with the long-term average growth rates for the countries in which the CGUs are located. Cash flows are discounted using the Group's pre-tax weighted average cost of capital which is adjusted for CGU risk factors resulting in rates of 16.4% - 19.5% (2009: 16.4% - 19.5%).
The impairment of goodwill per cash-generating unit is: GTC Group £1,005,000 (2009: £nil), Myhre Maritime £485,000 (2009: £nil). These cash-generating units are included within the Offshore business segment in note 2. The accumulated goodwill impairment of CGUs is: GTC Group £1,005,000 (2009: £nil), Myhre Maritime £485,000 (2009: £nil).
If actual sales were below forecast by 5% then the impairment charge for goodwill would have been £2,700,000 higher for GTC Group and £800,000 higher for Myhre Maritime.
Customer and supplier contracts and relationshipsThe intangible assets are allocated to CGUs according to the contracts and relationships held.
Impairment tests for customer and supplier contracts and relationshipsValuation of acquired intangible assets has been performed according to accepted standards. Methods are applied to isolate the value of each intangible asset separately from the other assets of the business.
Customer relationships and contracts are valued based upon expected future cash flows arising from those that existed at the acquisition date, after allowing for inflationary growth and a natural rate of attrition. Contributory charges from other assets are taken into account where appropriate, with the pre tax cash flows that then arise being discounted back to their present value. The discount rates applied range from 16.4% to 19.5% (2009: 16.4% - 19.5%).
The impairment of customer and supplier contracts and relationships per cash-generating unit is: GTC Group £9,195,000 (2009: £nil), Myhre Maritime £4,015,000 (2009: £nil). These cash-generating units are included within the Offshore business segment in note 2. The accumulated impairment of customer and supplier contracts and relationships per cash-generating unit is: GTC Group £9,195,000 (2009: £nil), Myhre Maritime £4,015,000 (2009: £nil).
43 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
12. Tangible fixed assets
Short | Freehold | ||||||||||
Freehold | leasehold | investment | |||||||||
properties | properties | properties | Plant | Total | |||||||
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||||||
Cost and valuation | |||||||||||
At 26 October 2008 | 2,250 | 1,687 | 3,100 | 18,604 | 25,641 | ||||||
Additions | 56 | 327 | - | 2,350 | 2,733 | ||||||
Revaluations and adjustments | (823 | ) | - | 440 | 468 | 85 | |||||
Disposals | - | (80 | ) | - | (3,350 | ) | (3,430 | ) | |||
Exchange differences | - | 19 | - | 585 | 604 | ||||||
At 1 November 2009 | 1,483 | 1,953 | 3,540 | 18,657 | 25,633 | ||||||
Aggregate depreciation | |||||||||||
At 26 October 2008 | 839 | 677 | - | 11,445 | 12,961 | ||||||
Amount charged to profit and loss account | 38 | 79 | - | 2,096 | 2,213 | ||||||
Revaluations and adjustments | (368 | ) | - | - | 68 | (300 | ) | ||||
On disposals | - | (80 | ) | - | (2,404 | ) | (2,484 | ) | |||
Exchange differences | - | - | - | 301 | 301 | ||||||
At 1 November 2009 | 509 | 676 | - | 11,506 | 12,691 | ||||||
Net book values | |||||||||||
At 1 November 2009 | 974 | 1,277 | 3,540 | 7,151 | 12,942 | ||||||
At 26 October 2008 | 1,411 | 1,010 | 3,100 | 7,159 | 12,680 | ||||||
Cost and valuation | |||||||||||
At 1 November 2009 | 1,483 | 1,953 | 3,540 | 18,657 | 25,633 | ||||||
Additions | - | 287 | - | 3,740 | 4,027 | ||||||
Revaluations and adjustments | - | - | (750 | ) | - | (750 | ) | ||||
Disposals | - | - | (775 | ) | (954 | ) | (1,729 | ) | |||
Exchange differences | (14 | ) | - | (190 | ) | (204 | ) | ||||
At 31 December 2010 | 1,483 | 2,226 | 2,015 | 21,253 | 26,977 | ||||||
Aggregate depreciation | |||||||||||
At 1 November 2009 | 509 | 676 | - | 11,506 | 12,691 | ||||||
Amount charged to profit and loss account | 62 | 85 | - | 2,657 | 2,804 | ||||||
On disposals | - | - | - | (749 | ) | (749 | ) | ||||
Exchange differences | - | (8 | ) | - | (84 | ) | (92 | ) | |||
At 31 December 2010 | 571 | 753 | - | 13,330 | 14,654 | ||||||
Net book values | |||||||||||
At 31 December 2010 | 912 | 1,473 | 2,015 | 7,923 | 12,323 | ||||||
At 1 November 2009 | 974 | 1,277 | 3,540 | 7,151 | 12,942 |
(a) Valuations of trading properties in 1988 were at open market value on an existing use basis.
(b) Short leaseholds are those with a term of under 50 years to run Plant includes vehicles.
(c) Group assets costing £8,497,041 (2009: £5,727,000) have been fully depreciated and are still in use.
(d) Group plant includes assets at cost of £19,416,000 (2009: £16,989,000) and accumulated depreciation of £13,495,000 (2009: £11,882,000) which are leased to third parties and have generated income of £9,400,000 (2009: £8,127,000) during the period.
44 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
12. Tangible fixed assets continued
The following tangible fixed assets held under finance leases are included in Plant:
2010 | 2009 | ||||
£000 | £000 | ||||
Cost | 2,984 | 3,190 | |||
Depreciation | 1,580 | 1,444 | |||
Net book values | 1,404 | 1,746 |
The depreciable amount of trading properties is:
Short | |||||
Freehold | leasehold | ||||
£000 | £000 | ||||
31 December 2010 | |||||
1 November 2009 | 1,419 | 2,109 |
Future capital expenditure
2010 | 2009 | ||||
£000 | £000 | ||||
Contracted for but not provided for in the accounts | - | - |
Investment properties
The Group holds investment properties with a fair value of £2,015,000 as at 31 December 2010 (1 November 2009: £3,540,000). The properties were revalued by PPH Commercial at market value and in accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Appraisal and Valuation Standards (5th Edition). Following the revaluations a loss of £750,000 has been recognised in the period to 31 December 2010 (year to 1 November 2009: loss £335,000). If investment properties had not been revalued they would have been included at a cost of £3,070,000 (1 November 2009: £3,338,000).
13. Investments
2010 | 2009 | ||||
£000 | £000 | ||||
Other investments | 225 | 350 |
Other investments consist of preference shares held in respect of the Knox business disposed of in November 2004 (2009: preference shares in respect of Knox).
14. Inventories
2010 | 2009 | ||||
£000 | £000 | ||||
Raw materials | 2,588 | 3,461 | |||
Work in progress | 813 | 2,743 | |||
Finished goods and goods for resale | 12,798 | 12,683 | |||
16,199 | 18,887 |
Inventories are presented net of provision for inventory write downs, based on management's estimate of the net realisable value of inventories. The cumulative effect of those write downs was to reduce inventories by £4,164,000 (2009: £2,580,000). The amount credited to the income statement in the period in respect of write downs net of credits for reversals was £359,000 (2009: £343,000). The cost of inventories recognised as an expense in the period was £59,575,000 (2009: £57,145,000)
45 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
15. Trade and other receivables
2010 | 2009 | ||||
£000 | £000 | ||||
Trade receivables | 13,365 | 18,317 | |||
Other receivables and prepayments | 2,692 | 3,983 | |||
16,057 | 22,300 |
Trade receivables are presented net of provisions for impairment of £800,000 (2009: £995,000) estimated by management based on previous experience of default.
The ageing of trade receivables not impaired based on due date is as follows:
2010 | 2009 | ||||
£000 | £000 | ||||
Current | 7,553 | 11,215 | |||
Up to 30 days overdue | 3,670 | 3,323 | |||
Between 30 and 90 days overdue | 1,627 | 3,020 | |||
Over 90 days overdue | 515 | 759 | |||
13,365 | 18,317 |
Trade and other receivables are non-interest bearing and there is no material difference between the carrying amount and fair value.
16. Derivative financial instruments
Assets | Liabilities | Net | |||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | ||||||||
Forward foreign currency contracts | 62 | 35 | - | - | 62 | 35 | |||||||
Interest rate cap and floor | - | - | (542 | ) | (1,018 | ) | (542 | ) | (1,018 | ) | |||
62 | 35 | (542 | ) | (1,018 | ) | (480 | ) | (983 | ) |
The fair value of derivative financial instruments is equal to the carrying value. The fair value of forward foreign currency contracts represents the gain or loss resulting from translation of those contracts at forward rates applicable at the balance sheet date compared to actual contract rates. The fair value of interest rate cap and floor contracts, represent the market value of a comparable instrument at the balance sheet date.
17. Deferred taxation
Recognised deferred taxation assets and liabilities:
Assets | Liabilities | Net | |||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | ||||||||
Intangible assets | - | - | (130 | ) | (4,559 | ) | (130 | ) | (4,559 | ) | |||
Property, plant and equipment | 441 | 546 | - | - | 441 | 546 | |||||||
Employee benefits | 2,443 | 3,267 | - | - | 2,443 | 3,267 | |||||||
Other items | 760 | 664 | - | - | 760 | 664 | |||||||
Tax assets/(liabilities) | 3,644 | 4,477 | (130 | ) | (4,559 | ) | 3,514 | (82 | ) |
The deferred taxation asset of £2,443,000 (2009: £3,267,000) in relation to Employee benefits is in respect of the liability for the defined benefit obligations of £9,065,000 (2009: £11,759,000) (note 25 on page 55) calculated at 27% (2009: 28%). Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of capital losses of £1,754,000 in 2007.
46 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
17. Deferred taxation continued
Movement in net deferred tax assets/(liabilities) are as follows:
Property, | Retirement | |||||||||
plant and | Intangible | benefit | Other | |||||||
equipment | assets | obligations | items | Total | ||||||
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | ||||||
At 26 October 2008 | 277 | (5,166 | ) | 1,747 | 564 | (2,578 | ) | |||
Credited to income statement | 261 | 849 | - | 100 | 1,210 | |||||
Credited to equity | - | - | 1,518 | - | 1,518 | |||||
Exchange differences | 8 | (242 | ) | 2 | - | (232 | ) | |||
At 1 November 2009 | 546 | (4,559 | ) | 3,267 | 664 | (82 | ) | |||
At 1 November 2009 | 546 | (4,559 | ) | 3,267 | 664 | (82 | ) | |||
Credited/(charged) to income statement | (107 | ) | 4,467 | (287 | ) | 94 | 4,167 | |||
Charged to equity | - | - | (537 | ) | - | (537 | ) | |||
Exchange differences | 2 | (38 | ) | - | 2 | (34 | ) | |||
At 31 December 2010 | 441 | (130 | ) | 2,443 | 760 | 3,514 |
18. Interest bearing loans and borrowings
This note provides information about the contractual terms of the Group's interest bearing loans and borrowings. For more information about the Group's exposure to interest rate and foreign currency risk, see page 49.
2010 | 2009 | ||
£000 | £000 | ||
Non-current liabilities | |||
Secured bank loans | 17,693 | 15,421 | |
Shares classified as liabilities | 50 | 50 | |
Finance lease liabilities | 400 | 782 | |
18,143 | 16,253 | ||
Current liabilities | |||
Current portion of secured bank loans | 7,117 | 3,509 | |
Finance lease liabilities | 267 | 360 | |
7,384 | 3,869 |
Terms and debt repayment schedule as at 31 December 2010
Fixed or | Effective | Less than | ||||||||
variable | interest | Total | 1 year | 1 to 2 years | 2 to 3 years | 3 to 4 years | 5 years + | |||
rate | rate % | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||
Secured bank loans | Variable | 5.17 | 24,810 | 7,117 | 17,526 | 61 | 54 | 52 | ||
Finance lease liabilities | Fixed | 5.75 | 667 | 267 | 196 | 186 | 18 | - | ||
25,477 | 7,384 | 17,722 | 247 | 72 | 52 |
Terms and debt repayment schedule as at 1 November 2009
Fixed or | Effective | Less than | ||||||||
variable | interest | Total | 1 year | 1 to 2 years | 2 to 3 years | 3 to 4 years | 5 years + | |||
rate | rate % | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||
Secured bank loans | Variable | 5.65 | 18,929 | 3,509 | 7,609 | 7,799 | 11 | 1 | ||
Finance lease liabilities | Fixed | 5.75 | 1,143 | 360 | 322 | 197 | 200 | 64 | ||
20,072 | 3,869 | 7,931 | 7,996 | 211 | 65 |
47 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
18. Interest bearing loans and borrowings continued
Bank loans
The Group's banks have agreed, subject to the completion of the disposal, to amend and restate the existing borrowing facilities to provide facilities totalling £11.4 million on terms similar to those currently in place and at a margin of 5% above LIBOR. Under the new arrangements, these facilities will expire in December 2012. These facilities comprise a multi-currency revolving credit facility to fund annual working capital requirements and ancilliary facilities comprising letters of credit, bonds, guarantees foreign exchange and other facilities.
These bank borrowings will be secured by a debenture over the Group's assets. The Trustees of the Cosalt plc Retirement Benefits Plan and shareholders who will make loans to the Group will also share in the security.
Financial instruments
The Group operations are primarily financed from retained earnings, bank finance and leasing. In addition, the Group adjusts its capital structure as required to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern which may include the adjustment of the dividend, raising equity from shareholders or selling assets. It is the Group's policy not to trade in or enter into speculative transactions. Following the placing and open offer on 2 September 2009 the Group amended the secured committed facilities to £33 million consisting of revolving credit facilities with maturity in March 2012 and Term facilities with scheduled repayments through to March 2012.
Debt is principally raised centrally and the Group aims to maintain a balance between flexibility and continuity of funding by having a range of maturities on its borrowings.
The Group's policy is to maintain a mixture of floating and fixed rate borrowings. In order to provide protection against significant interest rate rises in the future, the Board purchased a cap. The amount covered by the cap reduces in line with the repayments on the term loan. A floor transaction was taken out at the same time and on the same basis in order to minimise the upfront premium for this cover. The Group's exposure to foreign currency fluctuations has increased with the acquisition of businesses in mainland Europe and Norway in recent years. The Group's policy is to eliminate currency exposure by the use of forward currency contracts and foreign currency borrowings as a natural hedge against foreign investment value.
Financial risk management
(a) Credit Risk
The Group's exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying amount of financial assets recognised at the balance sheet date which are set out below:
2010 | 2009 | ||
£000 | £000 | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 1,267 | 1,493 | |
Trade receivables | 13,365 | 18,317 | |
Other investments | 225 | 350 | |
14,857 | 20,160 |
Potential customers are credit checked prior to an account being created for them and before any orders for product are accepted and processed. All debts are closely controlled and monitored by management. The Group continuously monitors defaults of customers and other counterparties and incorporates this information into its credit risk controls. The Group policy is to deal only with credit worthy companies.
Management considers that all the above financial assets that are not impaired for each of the reporting dates under review are of good credit quality, including those that are past due.
The Group's financial assets are secured by debentures under its banking arrangements at the period-end date of 31 December 2010.
In respect of trade and other receivables, the Group is not exposed to any significant credit risk exposure to any single counterparty or any group of counterparties having similar characteristics.
The credit risk for liquid funds is not considered significant, since the counterparty is a reputable bank with a high quality external credit rating.
48 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
18. Interest bearing loans and borrowings continued
(b) Liquidity Risk
The Group manages its liquidity needs by carefully monitoring all scheduled cash outflows. Through a process of cash flow forecasting, daily and weekly monitoring and monthly review the Group monitors working capital and capital expenditure requirements. Liquidity risk is further managed by the agreement of term loans and working capital facilities, when necessary.
Less than | ||||||||
Total | 1 year | 1 to 2 years | 2 to 3 years | 3 to 4 years | 4 to 5 years | 5 years + | ||
31 December 2010 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |
Non-derivative financial liabilities | ||||||||
Secured borrowings | 28,626 | 9,232 | 19,205 | 73 | 61 | 55 | - | |
Finance lease liabilities | 720 | 297 | 212 | 193 | 18 | - | - | |
Trade and other payables | 23,906 | 23,756 | 150 | - | - | - | - | |
Derivative financial liabilities | ||||||||
Interest rate cap and floor | 542 | 521 | 21 | - | - | - | - | |
53,794 | 33,806 | 19,588 | 266 | 79 | 55 | - |
Total | Less than1 year | 1 to 2 years | 2 to 3 years | 3 to 4 years | 4 to 5 years | 5 years + | ||
1 November 2009 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |
Non-derivative financial liabilities | ||||||||
Secured borrowings | 22,305 | 5,121 | 9,094 | 8,077 | 12 | 1 | - | |
Finance lease liabilities | 1,267 | 416 | 357 | 218 | 210 | 66 | - | |
Trade and other payables | 25,939 | 24,366 | 1,266 | 307 | - | - | - | |
Derivative financial liabilities | ||||||||
Interest rate cap and floor | 1,018 | 539 | 479 | - | - | - | - | |
50,529 | 30,442 | 11,196 | 8,602 | 222 | 67 | - |
The figures above include the contractual undiscounted payments and interest and will therefore not necessarily tie back to the figures disclosed in the accounts.
The Group has recently renegotiated its banking facilities, the maturity profile of the Group's external borrowings at 31 December 2010 are shown on page 46.
The Group had undrawn committed borrowing facilities, under its three-year facilities agreement at 31 December 2010 of £3,326,000 (2009: £11,449,000).
The current facilities are subject to quarterly covenant tests. These tests cover, leverage, fixed charge and cash flow. The leverage covenant is a requirement to maintain a ratio of net debt to annualised EBITDA (excluding special items) of less than 2.5. The fixed charge cover covenant is a requirement to maintain a ratio of the previous 12 months EBITDA (excluding special items) plus operating rent underlying net interest plus operating rent of greater than 2 times. The cash flow covenant is a requirement to maintain a ratio of underlying net cash flow to underlying debt service of at least 1.1 times.
The Group has received waivers where the covenants have not been met.
The new facilities which have been agreed, subject to the completion of the disposals, include covenants to be tested quarterly over leverage, asset cover, interest cover and facility utilisation.
49 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
18. Interest bearing loans and borrowings continued
(c) Interest Rate Risk
The Group finances its operations through a combination of shareholders funds and when appropriate, bank loans and overdrafts. The interest rate profile of the Group's interest bearing financial instruments is shown on page 46.
Fair value hierarchy
The table below analyses financial instruments, measured at fair value, into a fair value hierarchy based upon the valuation techniques used to determine fair value.
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly(i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||
31 December 2010 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||||||||
Derivative financial assets | - | 62 | - | 62 | |||||||||
Derivative financial liabilities | - | (542 | ) | - | (542 | ) | |||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||
1 November 2009 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||||||||
Derivative financial assets | - | 35 | - | 35 | |||||||||
Derivative financial liabilities | - | (1,018 | ) | - | (1,018 | ) |
Sensitivity Analysis
A change of 100 basis points in interest rates at the reporting date would change profit and loss by the amounts shown below, this analysis assumes all other variables, including foreign exchange rates remain constant.
2010 | 2009 | |||||
£000 | £000 | |||||
100 basis points in interest rates | 264 | 186 |
(d) Foreign Currency Risk
The Group faces currency exposure on trading transactions undertaken by its subsidiaries in foreign currencies. The Group coordinates the hedging of specific exposures by taking out forward foreign exchange contracts, against its anticipated known sales and purchases. The decision to hedge is influenced by the size of exposure, the certainty of it arising, the trading and market position of the subsidiary in which the exposure arises and the current exchange rate. All of the forward exchange contracts have maturities of less than one year after the balance sheet date. Where necessary, the forward contracts are rolled over at maturity.
The Group classifies its forward exchange contracts as cash flow hedges and states them at fair value and adjusts them against the hedging reserve on an ongoing basis.
The Group's exposure to forward exchange contracts, measured at fair value, is as follows:
2010 | 2009 | |||||
£000 | £000 | |||||
Forward contracts | 62 | 35 |
The Group's balance sheet translation exposure is managed by substantially matching currency assets with currency borrowings. The Group has borrowings denominated in Euros, which are matched against similar denominated assets.
Sensitivity Analysis
In managing interest rate and currency risks the Group aims to reduce the impact of short-term fluctuations over the Group's earnings. Over the longer term, however, permanent changes in foreign exchange and interest rates would impact on consolidated earnings.
50 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accountscontinued
18. Interest bearing loans and borrowings continued
(e) Capital Risk Management
The Group's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group's ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns to Shareholders and benefits to other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt. The Group monitors capital on the basis of the following indicators:
Gearing ratio
2010 | 2009 | ||||||
£000 | £000 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 1,267 | 1,493 | |||||
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt | (7,384 | ) | (3,869 | ) | |||
Long-term debt | (18,143 | ) | (16,253 | ) | |||
Net debt | (24,260 | ) | (18,629 | ) | |||
Total Shareholders' equity | 25,128 | 49,404 | |||||
Gearing ratio | 96.5% | 37.7% | |||||
Gearing comprises net debt divided by total equity. | |||||||
Net debt to EBITDA ratio | |||||||
2010 | 2009 | ||||||
£000 | £000 | ||||||
Net debt | (24,260 | ) | (18,629 | ) | |||
Operating (loss)/profit | (25,844 | ) | 1,482 | ||||
Special items | 28,153 | 7,086 | |||||
Depreciation and amortisation | 3,354 | 2,927 | |||||
EBITDA | 5,663 | 11,495 | |||||
Net debt to EBITDA ratio | 4.3 | 1.6 | |||||
Net debt to EBITDA comprises net debt divided by operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and special items. | |||||||
Interest cover | |||||||
2010 | 2009 | ||||||
£000 | £000 | ||||||
Operating profit before amortisation of intangible assets acquired and special items | 2,309 | 8,568 | |||||
Net interest payable on bank overdrafts and loans, other loans and bank interest receivable | (3,601 | ) | (4,832 | ) | |||
Interest cover (times) | 0.64 | 1.77 |
Interest cover comprises operating profit before amortisation of intangible assets acquired and special items divided by net interest payable on bank overdrafts and loans, other loans and bank interest receivable.
51 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
18. Interest bearing loans and borrowings continued
Fair value of financial instruments (2010)
At 31 Dec 10 | |||||||
Book | Fair | ||||||
amount | value | ||||||
£000 | £000 | ||||||
Other investments | 225 | 225 | |||||
Cash | 1,267 | 1,267 | |||||
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt | (7,384 | ) | (7,384 | ) | |||
Long-term debt | (18,143 | ) | (16,140 | ) | |||
Interest rate cap and floor | (542 | ) | (542 | ) | |||
Forward contracts | 62 | 62 | |||||
Trade receivables | 13,365 | 13,365 | |||||
Trade payables | (13,864 | ) | (13,864 | ) | |||
Total financial instruments | (25,014 | ) | (23,011 | ) | |||
Fair value of financial instruments (2009) | |||||||
At 1 Nov 09 | |||||||
Book | Fair | ||||||
amount | value | ||||||
£000 | £000 | ||||||
Other investments | 350 | 350 | |||||
Cash | 1,493 | 1,493 | |||||
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt | (3,869 | ) | (3,869 | ) | |||
Long-term debt | (16,253 | ) | (14,777 | ) | |||
Interest rate cap and floor | (1,018 | ) | (1,018 | ) | |||
Forward contracts | 35 | 35 | |||||
Trade receivables | 18,317 | 18,317 | |||||
Trade payables | (13,893 | ) | (13,893 | ) | |||
Total financial instruments | (14,838 | ) | (13,362 | ) |
£1,918,000 (2009: £1,457,000) of the cash at bank and in hand is held in foreign currency deposits and is subject to banking set offs.
The assumptions used to estimate fair values are as follows:
(i) for cash and short-term debt the book value approximates to fair value due to the short maturity period;
(ii) the fair value of long-term debt has been calculated by discounting the estimated cash flows at the appropriate market discount rate at the balance sheet date;
(iii) the fair values of the interest rate cap and floor and forward contracts are the market values at the balance sheet date.
19. Trade and other payables
2010 | 2009 | ||||||
£000 | £000 | ||||||
Trade payables | 13,864 | 13,893 | |||||
Non trade payables and accrued expenses | 10,071 | 11,828 | |||||
23,935 | 25,721 |
52 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
20. Provisions
Otherprovisions£000 | Total £000 | |||
At 1 November 2009 | 177 | 177 | ||
Utilised | (91 | ) | (91 | ) |
Charged to the income statement during the period | 59 | 59 | ||
At 31 December 2010 | 145 | 145 | ||
Due within one year | 145 | 145 |
Provisions represent the best estimate of obligations at the balance sheet date. Other provisions comprise rectification, warranty and site closure costs.
21. Called up share capital
Issued and fully paid | ||||
2010£000 | 2009£000 | |||
7.50% Cumulative Preference Shares of £1 each | 50 | 50 | ||
Ordinary Shares of 1p each | 4,044 | 4,044 | ||
Treasury Shares | (2 | ) | (2 | ) |
Deferred Ordinary Shares of 24p each | 6,337 | 6,337 | ||
Treasury Shares | (43 | ) | (43 | ) |
10,386 | 10,386 | |||
Shares classified as liabilities | 50 | 50 | ||
Shares classified in Shareholders' funds | 10,336 | 10,336 | ||
10,386 | 10,386 |
7.50% Cumulative Preference Shareholders (non-equity interests) have the following rights:
(i) in priority to ordinary shareholders, to a fixed cumulative preference dividend at a rate of 7.50% per annum;
(ii) on a return of capital on a Winding up, will carry the right to repayment of capital together with a sum equal to any arrears of dividend in priority to the rights of ordinary shareholders; and
(iii) to attend and vote at a general meeting of the Company only in certain limited circumstances where the special rights attaching to these shares might be varied or their interest affected.
The deferred shares are subject to the following restrictions:
(i) they do not entitle their holder to receive any dividend or other distribution;
(ii) they do not entitle their holder to receive a share certificate in respect of the relevant shareholding, except as required by law;
(iii) they do not entitle their holder to receive notice of, nor attend, speak or vote at, any general meeting of the Company;
(iv) they only entitle their holder on a return of capital on a Winding-up (but not otherwise) only to the repayment of the amount paid up on that share but only after payment of the amounts entitled to be paid to the holders of preference shares, the capital paid up on each Ordinary Share and the further payment of £10,000,000 on each Ordinary Share;
(v) do not entitle their holder to any further participation in the capital, profits or assets of the Company; and
(vi) they can only be transferred only on prior written consent of the Directors of the Company.
The Company also has the power to transfer deferred shares, for nil consideration, to a Company appointed trustee or to cancel the shares without making payment to the holder.
53 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
21. Called up share capital continuedShare-based paymentsThe Group operated an Inland Revenue approved and an unapproved share option plan the details of which are provided below. Both Plans have now reached their 10-year life and no further options will be granted under these arrangements. In accordance with IFRS 2, only costs relating to options issued after 7 November 2002 and not vested at 1 January 2005 have been charged to the income statement.
A deferred bonus plan was approved in 2006 whereby eligible employees are able to take up to 100% of their post-tax bonus in the form of Ordinary Shares and, subject to certain performance criteria, matching shares are awarded after a three-year performance period. No awards have yet been made under these arrangements.
The Performance Share Plan (PSP) was approved by shareholders at the 2006 Annual General Meeting. Options have been granted in the financial year as detailed in the table below.
The Cosalt 2009 Company Share Options Plan was approved by shareholders on 1 September 2009. Options have been granted in the financial year as detailed in the table below.
The Performance Share Plan provides for nil (or nominal) cost share options or restricted shares (where the shares are forfeited if performance conditions are not met) to be issued in any financial year up to 100% of basic salary. In circumstances deemed exceptional by the Remuneration Committee this can be increased to 200%. Awards are subject to the achievement of performance targets measured over a fixed period of three financial years determined by the Remuneration Committee.
Share options and nil cost options have been issued in previous years to senior management, including the Executive Directors, and also regional Management of the operating businesses. Vesting of share option awards is dependent on performance criteria as set out in the Remuneration Report.
Share options and restricted shares have been valued by an external third party using the binominal option-pricing model, based on publicly available market data at the time of grant, which the Directors consider to be the most appropriate method of determining fair value.
Reconciliations of share options outstanding during each period, under each type of share option is as follows:
Share options 2010 | Share options 2009 | ||||||||
Share options | Numberof shareoptions | Weightedaverageexerciseprice | Numberof shareoptions | Weightedaverageexerciseprice | |||||
Outstanding at the beginning of the period | 152,426 | 295.9p | 184,866 | 294.8p | |||||
Granted during the period | - | - | - | - | |||||
Lapsed during the period | (45,266 | ) | 346.5p | (32,440 | ) | 289.5p | |||
Exercised during the period | - | - | - | - | |||||
Outstanding at the end of the period | 107,160 | 279.8p | 152,426 | 295.9p | |||||
Exercisable at the end of the period | - | - | - | - |
The options outstanding at 31 December 2010 have a range of exercise price of 222.5p to 346.5p and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 0.5 years.
PSP | PSP2010 | PSP2009 | ||
Outstanding at the beginning of the period | 554,564 | 612,804 | ||
Restricted shares issued during the period | - | - | ||
Lapsed/forfeited during the period | (52,522 | ) | (58,240 | ) |
Outstanding at the end of the period | 502,042 | 554,564 |
52 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
21. Called up share capital continued
PSP nil cost | PSP nil cost2010 | PSP nil cost2009 | ||
Outstanding at the beginning of the period | - | - | ||
Granted during the period | 3,502,228 | - | ||
Lapsed/forfeited during the period | (784,143 | ) | - | |
Outstanding at the end of the period | 2,718,085 | - |
CSOP | CSOP2010 | CSOP2009 | ||
Outstanding at the beginning of the period | - | - | ||
Granted during the period | 3,553,772 | - | ||
Lapsed/forfeited during the period | (783,857 | ) | - | |
Outstanding at the end of the period | 2,769,915 | - |
The inputs into the Black-Scholes pricing model were as follows:
PSP | CSOP | PSP | ||||||||||
2010 | 2010 | 2008 | 2008 | 2007 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||
Grant date | 10 March | 10 March | 13 August | 21 July | 26 October | 17 April | 1 August | |||||
Risk free interest rate | 1.93% | 1.93% | 4.5% | 4.5% | 4.5% | 5.9% | 5.0% | |||||
Exercise price | - | 8.75p | - | - | - | - | 292.0p | |||||
Share price at date of grant | 8.75p | 8.75p | 244.5p | 243.0p | 368.5 | 378.7p | 292.0p | |||||
Expected dividend yield | 0.0% | 0.0% | 4.5% | 4.5% | 4.5% | 4.5% | 5.8% | |||||
Expected life | 3 years | 3 years | 3.75 years | 3.75 years | 3.75 years | 5 years | 6 years | |||||
Vesting period | 3 years | 3 years | 3.75 years | 3.75 years | 3.75 years | 3 years | 5 years | |||||
Expected volatility | 55% | 55% | 30% | 30% | 30% | 26% | 20% | |||||
Fair value of option | 4.38p | 2.76p | 206.5p | 205.3p | 311.3p | 332.6p | 33.17p |
Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Group's share price over various timescales.
The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on best estimates to reflect exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.
In 2010 the Group recognised a total charge of £35,000 (2009: charge £56,000) in relation to equity-settled share-based payment transactions which are included in special items within operating profits.
22. ReservesA consolidated statement of changes in equity is shown on page 23.
Other reservesOther reserves consist of a Capital Redemption Reserve £814,000, a Capital Reserve £197,000 and a pre-acquisition profit and loss reserve £137,000.
Merger reserveThe merger reserve arose on the acquisition of the GTC group in 2007 and represents the premium on shares issued as part of the consideration.
Translation reserveThe translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries together with those from the translation of liabilities that hedge the Group's net investment in foreign subsidiaries.
55 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
22. Reserves continued
Hedging reserve
The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net charge in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments related to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.
23. Contingent liabilities
Cosalt plc has guaranteed leasing and other arrangements of subsidiary undertakings in the ordinary course of business.
24. Operating leases
The future minimum lease payments of commitments due under non-cancellable operating leases are:
(i) Land and buildings
2010 | 2009 | ||
£000 | £000 | ||
Within one year | 2,421 | 2,140 | |
Between two and five years | 5,565 | 5,887 | |
In five years or more | 1,579 | 1,549 | |
9,565 | 9,576 |
(ii) Plant
2010 | 2009 | ||
£000 | £000 | ||
Within one year | 242 | 2,712 | |
Between two and five years | 612 | 289 | |
In five years or more | 106 | - | |
960 | 3,001 | ||
Total leases | 10,525 | 12,577 |
The majority of leases of land and buildings are subject to rent reviews.
(iii) Operating lease receivables
The Group both rents out its investment properties and also sub-lets various leased buildings under operating leases.
At the Balance Sheet date, the following future minimum lease payments are contractually receivable from tenants:
2010 | 2009 | ||
£000 | £000 | ||
Within one year | 20 | 20 | |
Between two and five years | - | - | |
After five years | - | - | |
Total minimum lease payments | 20 | 20 |
25. Retirement benefit obligations
The Group operates a number of defined benefit post-retirement schemes in various countries. The scheme assets are held in separate trustee administered funds. The cost of the schemes and contributions to funding are assessed on advice of independent qualified actuaries using the projected unit method.
The principal scheme is the Cosalt plc Retirement Benefit plan in the UK. The disclosures include the effects of the other arrangements which in aggregate amount to 1% of the total deficit at 31 December 2010 (2009: 1%).
As at 31 December 2010, the principal assumption adopted regarding the life expectancy of Members was in line with PA92 (YOB=1965) mc rated up 1 year for deferred and active members and PA92 (YOB=1935) mc rated up 1 year for pensioners. This equates to an average life expectancy from age 65 for male deferreds/actives of 22.4 years and an average life expectancy from age 65 for male pensioners of 21.2 years.
56 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
25. Retirement benefit obligations continued
The assets of the principal defined benefit scheme have been calculated at fair value and the liabilities, at each Balance Sheet date under IAS 19 (revised), have been calculated based on the following financial assumptions:
31 December | 1 November | ||
2010 | 2009 | ||
% pa | % pa | ||
Discount rate | 5.5 | 5.7 | |
General pay increases | n/a | n/a | |
RPI inflation | 3.5 | 3.6 | |
CPI inflation | 2.8 | n/a | |
Pension increases - Limited Price Indexation | 3.4 | 3.5 | |
Expected return on Scheme assets | |||
Equities | 7.5 | 8.2 | |
Bonds | 5.5 | 4.7 | |
Cash | 4.0 | 4.0 | |
Property | 6.6 | 7.2 |
The major categories of Scheme assets as a percentage of the total fair value of Scheme assets are as follows:
2010 | 2009 | ||
% | % | ||
Equities | 44.6 | 43.4 | |
Bonds | 50.2 | 50.8 | |
Property | 5.0 | 4.8 | |
Cash | 0.2 | 1.0 |
The amounts recognised in income are as follows:
2010 | 2009 | |||
£000 | £000 | |||
Interest cost | 2,823 | 2,343 | ||
Expected return on Scheme assets | (2,348 | ) | (1,605 | ) |
Current service cost | 78 | - | ||
Total interest cost | 553 | 738 | ||
Actuarial (gain)/loss | (1,662 | ) | 5,941 | |
Total (credit)/debit recognised in the SOCI in the period | (1,662 | ) | 5,941 | |
Total defined benefit Scheme (gains)/losses recognised in the period | (1,109 | ) | 6,679 |
The overall expected rate of return on Scheme assets is a weighted average of the individual expected rates of return on each asset class.
The cumulative credit to the SOCI (Statement of Comprehensive Income) since the adoption of IAS 19 (revised) is £0.4 million (2009: debit of £0.7 million).
2010 | 2009 | ||
£000 | £000 | ||
Expected return on Scheme assets | 2,348 | 1,605 | |
Actuarial gain on Scheme assets | 1,778 | 6,158 | |
Actual return on Scheme assets | 4,126 | 7,763 |
57 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
25. Retirement benefit obligations continued
The amounts included in the Balance Sheet arising from the Group's obligation in respect of its defined benefit scheme are as follows:
2010 | 2009 | |||
£000 | £000 | |||
Present value of funded obligations | 46,101 | 45,400 | ||
Fair value of Scheme assets | (37,036 | ) | (33,641 | ) |
Deficit in the Scheme and net liability in the balance sheet | 9,065 | 11,759 |
A deferred tax asset totalling £2.44 million (2009: £3.27 million) has been recognised on the balance sheet in relation to the net pension obligation.
Movement in the liability recognised on the Balance Sheet is as follows:
2010 | 2009 | |||
£000 | £000 | |||
At 1 November 2009 | 11,759 | 6,280 | ||
Total expenses - as shown above | (1,109 | ) | 6,679 | |
Company contributions paid in the period | (1,585 | ) | (1,200 | ) |
At 31 December 2010 | 9,065 | 11,759 |
Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation were as follows:
2010 | 2009 | |||
£000 | £000 | |||
At 1 November 2009 | 45,400 | 32,954 | ||
Interest cost | 2,823 | 2,343 | ||
Current service cost | 78 | - | ||
Payroll tax | (20 | ) | - | |
Actuarial losses | 116 | 12,099 | ||
Benefits paid | (2,291 | ) | (1,996 | ) |
Exchange differences | (5 | ) | - | |
At 31 December 2010 | 46,101 | 45,400 |
In response to the statement issued on 8 July 2010 by the Minister for Pensions regarding the Government's intention to use the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rather than the Retail Prices Index (RPI) as the inflation measure to determine pension increases linked to statutory indices, the Directors have had regard to the Accounting Standard Board's Urgent Issues Task Force Information Sheet No. 48 which they believe is appropriate guidance to apply under IAS 19. The Directors have reviewed the rules of the Scheme and concluded that it is appropriate to regard the change from RPI to CPI as a change in actuarial assumptions in respect of deferred pension payment entitlements. The resulting reduction in the present value of Scheme liabilities of £1,000,000 arising from this change in actuarial assumptions is recorded as an actuarial gain in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
Changes in the fair value of Scheme assets were as follows:
2010 | 2009 | |||
£000 | £000 | |||
At 1 November 2009 | 33,641 | 26,674 | ||
Expected return | 2,348 | 1,605 | ||
Actuarial gains on assets | 1,778 | 6,158 | ||
Contributions | 1,585 | 1,200 | ||
Benefits paid | (2,291 | ) | (1,996 | ) |
Exchange differences | (25 | ) | - | |
At 31 December 2010 | 37,036 | 33,641 |
58 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
25. Retirement benefit obligations continued
A four year history of experience adjustments is as follows:
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | ||||||
Present value of defined benefit obligation | (46,101 | ) | (45,400 | ) | (32,954 | ) | (41,529 | ) | |
Fair value of Scheme assets | 37,036 | 33,641 | 26,674 | 32,733 | |||||
Deficit in Scheme | (9,065 | ) | (11,759 | ) | (6,280 | ) | (8,796 | ) | |
Experience adjustments on Scheme liabilities | 9 | (50 | ) | - | 766 | ||||
Percentage of Scheme liabilities | 0.0 | % | 0.1 | % | 0.0 | % | 1.8 | % | |
Experience adjustments on Scheme assets | 1,707 | 3,499 | (7,597 | ) | (1,374 | ) | |||
Percentage of Scheme assets | 4.6 | % | 10.4 | % | 28.5 | % | 4.2 | % |
The expected employer contributions to the defined benefit scheme during 2011 are £400,000.
26. Acquisitions
The Board has intended for some time to develop a presence in the renewable energy Sector where its experience in Offshore lifting and testing could be utilised, particularly on Offshore Wind farms. To realise these aims the Company has entered into an ownership arrangement with a Danish engineering company, APRO through the following acquisition.
On 27 July 2010 the Group acquired 80% of the Ordinary Share capital and associated voting rights of Project4Wind Limited, which changed its name to Cosalt Wind Energy Limited on 4 August 2010 from APRO. The consideration and cash flows of this acquisition are summarised below.
Total | |||
£000 | |||
Net identifiable assets and liabilities | |||
Goodwill on acquisition | 439 | ||
Consideration payable | 439 | ||
Satisfied by | |||
Cash consideration | 209 | ||
Deferred consideration | 230 | ||
439 | |||
Net cash | |||
Cash consideration | 209 |
From the date of acquisition Cosalt Wind Energy contributed £963,000 to Group revenue and £70,000 to Group losses after deducting minority interests of £14,000.
The purchase of Cosalt Wind Energy Limited includes deferred consideration. The amount of deferred consideration payable is dependent upon the trading results of the company for the year ended 31 December 2011 up to a maximum of £430,000. The Directors' estimates indicate that the fair value of the amount payable is likely to be in the region of £230,000.
59 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
27. Related party transactions
Detailed disclosure of the individual remuneration of Board Members is included in the Remuneration Report on pages 13 to 16.
Mr Melville was a Director of the Company between 30 November 2009 and 2 September 2010. During the period a subsidiary undertaking paid property rents and property related fees of £550,000 to companies which Mr Melville has a material interest.
There have been no other transactions between Key Management Personnel and the Group.
The Company has entered into transactions with its subsidiary undertakings in respect of the following:
> Internal funding loans.
> Provision of Group services (including senior management, IT, accounting, marketing and purchasing services).
Recharges are made to subsidiary undertakings for Group loans based on funding provided at an interest rate linked to the prevailing base rate. No recharges are made in respect of balances due to or from otherwise dormant subsidiaries.
Recharges are made for Group services based on utilisation of those services.
In addition to these services the Company acts as a buying agent for certain Group purchases, such as insurance.
These are recharged based on utilisation by the subsidiary undertaking.
The amount outstanding from subsidiary undertakings to the Company at 31 December 2010 totalled £28 million (2009: £34 million). Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings by the Company at 31 December 2010 totalled £3 million (2009: £3 million).
The Company provides the Group's defined benefit pension scheme. Expected service costs are charged to the operating businesses at cost. There is no contractual arrangement or stated policy relating to the charge. Experience and actuarial gains and losses are recognised in the Company.
The Company has had no expense in respect of bad or doubtful debts of subsidiary undertakings in the period (2009: £nil).
Cosalt Wind Energy Limited is 20% owned by APRO (see note 26). In the period to 31 December 2010 Cosalt Wind Energy Limited made purchases to the value of £650,000 from APRO, the major element of which the cost of engineers who were hired out to a client by the company. At 31 December 2010 the amount owed to APRO was £504,000.
28. Accounting estimates and judgements
Management discussed with the Audit Committee the development, selection and disclosure of the Group's critical accounting policies and estimates and the application of these policies and estimates.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
Note 11 contains information about the assumptions and their risk factors relating to goodwill impairment. In note 18 detailed analysis is given of the foreign exchange exposure of the Group and risks in relation to foreign exchange movements.
Pension assumptions
The assumptions used are the best estimates from a range of possible assumptions which due to the timescales may not necessarily be borne out in practice. Assumptions include inflation, future salary increases, discount rates and mortality rates.
Deferred taxation
The likelihood that assets are receivable is based on assumptions of future actions.
Critical accounting judgements in applying the Group's accounting policies
Certain critical accounting judgements in applying the Group's accounting policies are described below.
Investment property
Investment properties are valued at fair value based upon professional valuations. Given the Group's strategy for development and its progress, a revaluation model is appropriate.
60 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the accounts continued
28. Accounting estimates and judgements continued
Provisions
The Group's reorganisation provisions are based on the best information available at the balance sheet date. However future costs are only estimates which may differ from those actually incurred.
Finance and operating leases
The inception of the leases of the Group took place many years ago. They are combined leases of land and buildings. It is not possible to obtain a reliable estimate of the split of the fair values of the lease interest between land and buildings at inception. Therefore, in determining lease classification the Group evaluated whether both parts are clearly operating leases or finance leases. Firstly, land title does not pass. Secondly, because the rent paid to the landlord for the building is increased to market rent at regular intervals, and the Group does not participate in the residual value of the building it is judged that substantially all the risks and rewards of the building are with the landlord. Based on these qualitative factors it is concluded that the leases are operating leases.
Intangible assets
The valuation of intangible assets is based on a number of assumptions which includes future discounted cash flows in respect of customer and supplier relationships over the expected useful lives of those relationships.
29. Group entities
The principal subsidiary undertakings at 31 December 2010 were as follows:
Proportion | |||||
of issued | |||||
Ordinary | |||||
Company | Country of incorporation | Shares held | |||
Cosalt International Limited | United Kingdom | 100 | |||
GTC Holdings Limited* | United Kingdom | 100 | |||
GTC Group Limited* | United Kingdom | 100 | |||
Cosalt GmbH** | Germany | 100 | |||
Cosalt NV** | Belgium | 100 | |||
Cosalt BV** | Netherlands | 100 | |||
Cosalt Sistemas Maritima SL** | Spain | 100 | |||
Cosalt Srl** | Italy | 100 | |||
Cosalt Offshore Norway A/S | Norway | 100 | |||
Cosalt Wind Energy Limited | United Kingdom | 80 |
All subsidiary undertakings are consolidated within the Consolidated financial statements.
A list of all subsidiary undertakings will be included in the Company's annual return to Companies House.
* Subsidiary companies acquired with the GTC Group acquisition.
** Subsidiary companies acquired with the Bofort and SSM acquisitions.
61 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
Company balance sheet
31 December 2010 | 1 November 2009 | |||||||||||
Notes | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | ||||||||
Fixed assets | ||||||||||||
Tangible fixed assets | 31 | 3,649 | 5,096 | |||||||||
Investments | 32 | 37,720 | 56,619 | |||||||||
41,369 | 61,715 | |||||||||||
Current assets | ||||||||||||
Debtors | 33 | 31,223 | 36,686 | |||||||||
Bank and cash balances | 1 | - | ||||||||||
Derivative financial assets | 36 | 62 | 35 | |||||||||
31,286 | 36,721 | |||||||||||
Creditors | ||||||||||||
Amounts falling due within one year | 34 | 19,139 | 15,471 | |||||||||
Derivative financial liabilities | 36 | 542 | 1,018 | |||||||||
19,681 | 16,489 | |||||||||||
Net current assets | 11,605 | 20,232 | ||||||||||
Total assets less current liabilities | 52,974 | 81,947 | ||||||||||
Creditors | ||||||||||||
Amounts falling due after more than one year | 35 | 17,517 | 19,862 | |||||||||
35,457 | 62,085 | |||||||||||
Provisions for liabilities | 37 | 986 | 728 | |||||||||
Deferred income | ||||||||||||
Grants not yet credited to profit | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||
992 | 734 | |||||||||||
Net assets | 34,465 | 61,351 | ||||||||||
Capital and reserves | ||||||||||||
Called up share capital | 38 | 10,336 | 10,336 | |||||||||
Share premium account | 39 | 48,114 | 48,114 | |||||||||
Merger reserve | 39 | 7,586 | 7,586 | |||||||||
Revaluation reserve | 39 | 621 | 1,232 | |||||||||
Investment property revaluation reserve | 39 | 66 | 120 | |||||||||
Translation reserve | 39 | (1,335 | ) | (1,580 | ) | |||||||
Hedging reserve | 39 | (480 | ) | (983 | ) | |||||||
Other reserves | 39 | 814 | 814 | |||||||||
Profit and loss account | 39 | (31,257 | ) | (4,288 | ) | |||||||
Shareholders' funds | 34,465 | 61,351 |
The accounts were approved by the Board of Directors on 3 May 2011 and signed on its behalf by:
N R Carrick M LejmanDirector Director
The notes on pages 63 to 71 form part of these Company financial statements.
62 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Company reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds
for the 14 months ended 31 December 2010
2010 | 2009 | ||||||
£000 | £000 | ||||||
Retained loss for the financial period | (27,004 | ) | (7,880 | ) | |||
Share option charge | 35 | 56 | |||||
Shares issued | - | 17,336 | |||||
Treasury shares | - | (31 | ) | ||||
Revaluation of investment properties | (54 | ) | (335 | ) | |||
Revaluation of trading properties | (611 | ) | 614 | ||||
Currency translation difference | 245 | (736 | ) | ||||
Derivative financial instruments | 503 | (1,224 | ) | ||||
Net (decrease)/increase in shareholders' funds for period | (26,886 | ) | 7,800 | ||||
Opening shareholders' funds | 61,351 | 53,551 | |||||
Closing shareholders' funds | 34,465 | 61,351 |
The notes on pages 63 to 71 form part of these Company financial statements.
63 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
Notes to the Company financial statements
30. Statement of accounting policies
The following paragraphs summarise the main accounting policies of the Company, which have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the Company's financial statements.
Basis of preparation
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention modified to include the revaluation of freehold and leasehold properties including investment properties at market value and in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Companies Act 2006 except as stated below under "tangible fixed assets and depreciation". In addition, derivative financial instruments are stated at their fair value. As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 the profit and loss account of the Company is not presented.
Under FRS 1 the Company is exempt from the requirement to prepare a cash flow statement on the grounds that the Consolidated cash flows for all Group companies are included within the Consolidated financial statements.
As these Parent Company financial statements are presented together with the Consolidated financial statements, the Company has taken advantage of the exemption contained in FRS 8 and has therefore not disclosed transactions or balances with wholly owned subsidiaries which form part of the Group. The Consolidated financial statements of Cosalt plc within which this Company is included are set out on pages 20 to 60.
Going concern
The Directors believe that the going concern basis of preparation remains appropriate. The reasons supporting this opinion and details of Group banking arrangements are set out in note 1 on page 25 and note 18 on page 46.
Investments
Fixed asset investments are stated at cost less provision for impairment where appropriate. The Directors consider annually whether a provision against the value of investments on an individual basis is required. Such provisions are charged in the profit and loss account in the year.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
In accordance with Statement of Standard Accounting Practice No 19 Accounting for investment properties:
i) investment properties are revalued annually at open market values (determined in accordance with the Guidance Notes on the valuation of assets issued by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). Surpluses and deficits arising and the aggregate surplus or deficit is transferred to the revaluation reserve except that any permanent diminution in the value of an investment property is taken to the profit and loss account for the year; and
ii) no depreciation or amortisation is provided in respect of freehold investment properties and leasehold investment properties with over 20 years to run.
This treatment, as regards certain of the Company's investment properties, may be a departure from the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 concerning depreciation of fixed assets. However, these properties are not held for consumption but for investment and the Directors consider that systematic annual depreciation would be inappropriate. The accounting policy adopted is therefore necessary for the accounts to give a true and fair view. Depreciation or amortisation is only one of the many factors reflected in the annual valuation and the amount which might otherwise have been shown cannot be separately identified or quantified.
Fixed assets are stated at cost, except that the Group has applied the provisions of FRS 15 and retained the book values of freehold and leasehold land and buildings which reflect the valuations up to August 2000. The valuations have not been updated since that date.
Tangible fixed assets, except freehold land and investment properties, are depreciated on a straight line basis at annual rates which vary depending on the type of asset but which are generally:
Freehold buildings | 2% | |
Buildings on land leased from Associated British Ports | ||
on short-term tenancy agreements | 2% | |
Other leasehold land and buildings | At rates based on life of lease | |
Plant and machinery | 5%-20% | |
Motor vehicles | 20%-25% |
64 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the Company financial statements continued
30. Statement of accounting policies continued
Assets subject to finance leases giving rights approximating to ownership are treated as though they have been purchased outright and are included in tangible fixed assets at a value equal to the present value of the minimum lease payments to be made during the term of the lease. The total amount of the future obligations is included in creditors. The amount included in tangible fixed assets is written off over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the term of the lease.
The rental costs of all operating leases is charged to the profit and loss account or straight line basis over the lives of the leases.
Profit or loss arising on the sale of properties represents the difference between the net carrying amount and proceeds of sale.
Government grants
Capital grants received for additions to buildings and plant are taken to deferred income and are released to profit and loss account in instalments relating to the relevant asset lives.
Other grants are recognised in the profit and loss account in the same period as the related expenditure.
Deferred taxation
The charge for taxation is based on the profit for the year and takes into account taxation deferred because of timing differences between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes. Deferred tax is recognised, without discounting, in respect of all timing differences between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes which have arisen but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except as otherwise required by FRS 19.
Pension costs
The Company participates in a Group wide pension scheme providing benefits based on final pensionable pay. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Company. The Company is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the scheme on a consistent and reasonable basis and therefore, as required by FRS 17 "Retirement benefits", accounts for the scheme as if it were a defined contribution scheme. As a result, the amount charged to the profit and loss account represents the contributions payable to the scheme in respect of the accounting period.
For defined contribution schemes all contributions are charged directly to the profit and loss account in the periods in which they are payable.
Foreign currency
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded using the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. The exchange difference arising on the translation of investments in foreign operations is taken to reserves to the extent that there is an effective hedge in place. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated using the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date and the gains or losses on translation are included in the profit and loss account.
Share-based payments
Equity settled share-based payments are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non market based vesting conditions) at the date of grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Company's estimate of the shares that will eventually vest.
For share options where there are no market-based vesting conditions, fair value is measured using the Black-Scholes pricing model.
Share capital
(i) Share capital
Share capital is classified as equity if it is non-redeemable and any dividends are discretionary, or is redeemable but only at the Company's option. Dividends on share capital are classified as a liability if it is redeemable on a specific date or at the option of the Shareholders or if dividend payments are not discretionary. Dividends thereon are recognised in the Consolidated income statement as a financial expense.
(ii) Dividends
Dividends on non-equity shares are recognised as a liability at the date and expensed on an accruals basis. Equity dividends are recognised as a liability in the period in which they are paid or approved by Shareholders and recorded directly in equity.
65 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
30. Statement of accounting policies continued
Financial guarantees
Where the Company enters into financial guarantee contracts to guarantee the indebtedness of other companies within the Group, the Company considers these to be insurance arrangements, and accounts for them as such. In this respect the Company treats the guarantee contracts as a contingent liability until payment under the guarantee becomes probable.
Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments are recognised at fair value. The gain or loss on re-measurement to fair value is recognised immediately in profit or loss. However, where derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, recognition of any resultant gain or loss depends on the nature of the item being hedged.
Contingent consideration
Any contingent consideration payable is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, it is not re-measured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.
31. Tangible fixed assets
Freehold | Shortleasehold | Freeholdinvestment | ||||||||
properties | properties | properties | Plant | Total | ||||||
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | ||||||
Cost and valuation | ||||||||||
At 1 November 2009 | 1,433 | 1,009 | 3,540 | 118 | 6,100 | |||||
Additions | - | - | - | 166 | 166 | |||||
Revaluation | - | - | (750 | ) | - | (750 | ) | |||
Disposals | - | - | (775 | ) | - | (775 | ) | |||
At 31 December 2010 | 1,433 | 1,009 | 2,015 | 284 | 4,741 | |||||
Aggregate depreciation | ||||||||||
At 1 November 2009 | 458 | 459 | - | 87 | 1,004 | |||||
Amount charged to profit and loss account | 62 | - | - | 26 | 88 | |||||
At 31 December 2010 | 520 | 459 | - | 113 | 1,092 | |||||
Net book values | ||||||||||
At 31 December 2010 | 913 | 550 | 2,015 | 171 | 3,649 | |||||
At 1 November 2009 | 975 | 550 | 3,540 | 31 | 5,096 |
(a) Short leaseholds are those with a term of under 50 years to run. Plant includes vehicles.
(b) Company assets costing £161,000 (2009: £144,000) have been fully depreciated and are still in use.
(c) On the adoption of FRS 15 in August 2000 the book value of land and buildings has been retained at the valuation at this date.
The following tangible fixed assets held under finance leases are included in plant:
2010 | 2009 | |||
£000 | £000 | |||
Cost | 41 | 41 | ||
Depreciation | (22 | ) | (9 | ) |
Net book values | 19 | 32 |
66 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the Company financial statements continued
31. Tangible fixed assets continued
If land and buildings had not been revalued subsequent to 1978, they would have been included at the following amounts:
2010 | 2009 | ||
£000 | £000 | ||
At valuation or cost at 31 December 1978 | 1,984 | 1,984 | |
Subsequent additions at cost | 2,803 | 2,803 | |
At 27 August 2000 | 4,787 | 4,787 | |
Accumulated depreciation | 903 | 852 | |
3,884 | 3,935 |
The Group also valued its land and buildings in 1971, 1973 and 1978. In the opinion of the Directors unreasonable expense and delay would be incurred in obtaining the original cost of the assets valued in those years.
The depreciable amount of trading properties is:
Short | |||
Freehold | leasehold | ||
£000 | £000 | ||
31 December 2010 | 1,419 | 909 | |
1 November 2009 | 1,419 | 909 | |
Future capital expenditure | |||
2010 | 2009 | ||
£000 | £000 | ||
Contracted for but not provided for in the accounts | - | - |
Investment properties
The Company holds investment properties with a fair value of £2,015,000 as at 31 December 2010 (1 November 2009: £3,540,000). The properties were revalued by PPH Commercial at market value and in accordance with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Appraisal and Valuation Standards (5th edition). Following the revaluation a reduction of £750,000 has been recognised in the period to 31 December 2010 (period to 1 November 2009: reduction £335,000).
32. Investments
2010 | 2009 | ||
£000 | £000 | ||
Shares in subsidiary undertakings at cost | 66,613 | 66,272 | |
Less amounts written off | 29,118 | 10,003 | |
Investment in shares of subsidiary undertakings | 37,495 | 56,269 | |
Other investments | 225 | 350 | |
37,720 | 56,619 |
The movement in costs and amounts written off are as follows:
2010 | 2009 | |||
£000 | £000 | |||
At 1 November 2009 | 66,272 | 65,456 | ||
Additions | 439 | 816 | ||
Disposals | (98 | ) | - | |
At 31 December 2010 | 66,613 | 66,272 | ||
Amounts written off | ||||
At 1 November 2009 | 10,003 | 3,772 | ||
Charge to profit and loss account | 19,115 | 6,231 | ||
At 31 December 2010 | 29,118 | 10,003 | ||
Net book value | 37,495 | 56,269 |
67 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
32. Investments continuedThe carrying value of investments is reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate their carrying amount may not be recoverable. The impairment review comprises a comparison of the investment with its recoverable amount (the higher of net realisable value and value in use). To the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, an impairment charge is recognised. Value in use calculations are based on Board approved profit forecasts and the resulting cash flows are discounted using the Group's pre-tax weighted average cost of capital, which is adjusted for CGU risk factors resulting in rates of 16.4%-19.5% (2009: 16.4%-19.5%). Cash flows are extrapolated beyond their term (of between 1 and 5 years) using an estimated growth rate of 2.7%-3.1% (2009: 2%-3%) and are appropriate because these are long-term businesses. The growth rates used are consistent with the long-term average growth rates for the countries in which the CGUs are located.
Details of the principal subsidiary undertakings, including those acquired during the period, are shown in the Group entities note 29.
33. Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
2010£000 | 2009£000 | ||
Trade debtors | 24 | 46 | |
Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings less provisions | 28,568 | 33,743 | |
Corporation tax | 2,053 | 2,278 | |
Other taxation recoverable | - | 295 | |
Other debtors | 374 | 215 | |
Prepayments and accrued income | 204 | 109 | |
31,223 | 36,686 |
34. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2010£000 | 2009£000 | ||
Loans other than from banks | 557 | 557 | |
Bank loans and overdrafts | 10,125 | 5,143 | |
10,682 | 5,700 | ||
Trade creditors | 587 | 709 | |
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings | 2,856 | 2,678 | |
Other taxation payable | 347 | 207 | |
Social security | 185 | 224 | |
Other creditors | 1,937 | 3,612 | |
Accruals and deferred income | 2,545 | 2,325 | |
Obligations under finance leases (note 41) | - | 16 | |
19,139 | 15,471 |
35. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2010£000 | 2009£000 | ||
Bank loans | 17,467 | 19,812 | |
Preference shares | 50 | 50 | |
17,517 | 19,862 |
7.50% Cumulative Preference Shareholders (non-equity interests) have the following rights:
(i) in priority to ordinary shareholders, to a fixed cumulative preference dividend at a rate of 7.50% per annum;
(ii) on a return of capital on a Winding up, will carry the right to repayment of capital together with a sum equal to any arrears of dividend in priority to the rights of ordinary shareholders;
(iii) to attend and vote at a general meeting of the Company only in certain limited circumstances where the special rights attaching to these shares might be varied or their interest affected.
68 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the Company financial statements continued
35. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year continued
2010£000 | 2009£000 | ||
Analysis of gross borrowings | |||
Loans repayable within 5 years: | |||
Unsecured loans | |||
Undated debenture held by a subsidiary undertaking, interest at 12% deferred | 557 | 557 | |
2009/2012 at 3.75% above bank base rate | - | 5,100 | |
557 | 5,657 | ||
Total loans | 557 | 5,657 | |
Bank overdrafts/revolving credit facility | 27,592 | 19,855 | |
Total gross borrowings | 28,149 | 25,512 | |
Repayment of gross borrowings | |||
Bank borrowings | |||
Between two and five years | - | 13,855 | |
Between one and two years | 17,467 | 7,600 | |
Within one year or on demand | 10,125 | 3,500 | |
Gross bank borrowings | 27,592 | 24,955 | |
Other loans | |||
Between two and five years | - | - | |
Between one and two years | - | - | |
Within one year or on demand | 557 | 557 | |
Gross other borrowings | 557 | 557 | |
Total gross borrowings | 28,149 | 25,512 | |
Net borrowings | |||
Gross borrowings | 28,149 | 25,512 | |
Cash at bank and in hand | 1 | - | |
28,148 | 25,512 |
36. Derivative financial instruments
Assets | Liabilities | Net | |||||||||||
2010£000 | 2009£000 | 2010£000 | 2009£000 | 2010£000 | 2009£000 | ||||||||
Forward foreign currency contracts | 62 | 35 | - | - | 62 | 35 | |||||||
Interest rate cap and floor | - | - | (542 | ) | (1,018 | ) | (542 | ) | (1,018 | ) | |||
62 | 35 | (542 | ) | (1,018 | ) | (480 | ) | (983 | ) |
The fair value of derivative financial instruments is equal to the carrying value. The fair value of forward foreign currency contracts represents the gain or loss resulting from translation of those contracts at forward rates applicable at the balance sheet date compared to actual contract rates. The fair value of interest rate cap and floor contracts represent the market value of a comparable instrument at the balance sheet date.
69 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
37. Provisions for liabilities
Deferredtaxation£000 | ||
At 1 November 2009 | 728 | |
Deferred taxation | 258 | |
At 31 December 2010 | 986 |
Analysis of deferred taxation:
2010£000 | 2009£000 | |||
Accelerated capital allowances | 187 | 188 | ||
Other timing differences | (132 | ) | (132 | ) |
Retirement benefit obligations | 931 | 672 | ||
986 | 728 |
38. Called up share capital
Issued and fully paid | ||||
2010£000 | 2009£000 | |||
7.50% Cumulative Preference Shares of £1 each | 50 | 50 | ||
Ordinary Shares of 1p each | 4,044 | 4,044 | ||
Treasury shares | (2 | ) | (2 | ) |
Deferred Ordinary Shares of 24p each | 6,337 | 6,337 | ||
Treasury shares | (43 | ) | (43 | ) |
10,386 | 10,386 | |||
Shares classified as liabilities | 50 | 50 | ||
Shares classified in Shareholders' funds | 10,336 | 10,336 | ||
10,386 | 10,386 |
Details of the rights attached to the 7.50% Cumulative Preference share and the 24p deferred Ordinary Shares are shown in note 21 on page 52.
39. Reserves
Investment | |||||||||||||||
Share | property | Profit | |||||||||||||
premium | Merger | Revaluation | revaluation | Translation | Hedging | Other | and loss | ||||||||
account | reserve | reserve | reserve | reserve | reserve | reserves | account | Total | |||||||
£000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |||||||
At 1 November 2009 | 48,114 | 7,586 | 1,232 | 120 | (1,580 | ) | (983 | ) | 814 | (4,288 | ) | 51,015 | |||
Currency translation differences | - | - | - | - | 245 | - | - | - | 245 | ||||||
Derivative financial Instruments | - | - | - | - | - | 503 | - | - | 503 | ||||||
Shares issued | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||
Share option charge | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 35 | 35 | ||||||
Revaluations | - | - | (611 | ) | (54 | ) | - | - | - | - | (665 | ) | |||
Loss for the financial Period | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (27,004 | ) | (27,004 | ) | ||||
At 31 December 2010 | 48,114 | 7,586 | 621 | 66 | (1,335 | ) | (480 | ) | 814 | (31,257 | ) | 24,129 |
Other reserves include Capital Redemption Reserve £814,000 (2009: £814,000).
Details of share-based payment arrangements are shown in the Group Share Capital note 21 on page 52.
70 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notes to the Company financial statements continued
40. Contingent liabilities
2010£000 | 2009£000 | ||
(a) Under guarantee of overdrafts and loans of subsidiary undertakings | - | - | |
(b) Deferred interest under a debenture held by a subsidiary undertaking | 2,401 | 2,334 | |
(c) Cosalt plc has also guaranteed leasing and other arrangements of subsidiary undertakings in the ordinary course of business |
41. Leasing obligations(a) Future commitments due under finance leases are:
2010£000 | 2009£000 | ||
Within one year | - | 16 | |
Between two and five years | - | - | |
- | 16 | ||
Less: future finance charges | - | - | |
- | 16 | ||
Shown in creditors as: | |||
Amounts falling due within one year | - | 16 | |
Amounts falling due after more than one year | - | - | |
- | 16 |
(b) Annual commitments due under non-cancellable operating leases are:
2010£000 | 2009£000 | ||
(i) Land and buildings: | |||
Leases which expire within one year | - | 84 | |
Between two and five years | 305 | 170 | |
305 | 254 | ||
(ii) Plant: | |||
Leases which expire within one year | 15 | 4 | |
Between two and five years | - | 8 | |
15 | 12 |
The majority of leases of land and buildings are subject to rent reviews.
42. Pension schemeThe Company is a member of the Group's pension scheme, details of which are given in note 25.
It is not practical for the Company to identify its share of the scheme assets and liabilities on a consistent and reasonable basis. Accordingly as permitted by FRS 17, "Retirement benefits", the Scheme has been accounted for in these Company financial statements as if the Scheme was a defined contribution scheme.
The latest full actuarial valuation was carried out as at December 2006 and was updated for FRS 17 purposes to 31 December 2010 by a qualified independent actuary. Certain Employees are Members of a Company defined contribution scheme which invests funds in which the contributions for each individual member are separately identifiable and the benefits calculated accordingly.
71 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
43. Related party transactions
Detailed disclosure of the individual remuneration of Board Members is included in the Remuneration Report on pages 13 to 16.
Mr Melville was a Director of the Company between 30 November 2009 and 2 September 2010. During the period a subsidiary undertaking paid property rents and property related fees of £550,000 to companies which Mr Melville has a material interest.
There have been no other transactions between Key Management Personnel and the Group.
The Company has entered into transactions with its subsidiary undertakings in respect of the following:
> Internal funding loans.
> Provision of Group services (including senior management, IT, accounting, marketing and purchasing services).
Recharges are made to subsidiary undertakings for Group loans based on funding provided at an interest rate linked to the prevailing base rate. No recharges are made in respect of balances due to or from otherwise dormant subsidiaries.
Recharges are made for Group services based on utilisation of those services.
In addition to these services the Company acts as a buying agent for certain Group purchases, such as insurance.
These are recharged based on utilisation by the subsidiary undertaking.
The amount outstanding from subsidiary undertakings to the Company at 31 December 2010 totalled £28 million (2009: £34 million). Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings by the Company at 31 December 2010 totalled £3 million (2009: £3 million).
The Company provides the Group's defined benefit pension scheme. Expected service costs are charged to the operating businesses at cost. There is no contractual arrangement or stated policy relating to the charge. Experience and actuarial gains and losses are recognised in the Company.
The Company has had no expense in respect of bad or doubtful debts of subsidiary undertakings in the period (2009: £nil).
Cosalt Wind Energy Limited is 20% owned by APRO (see note 26). At 31 December 2010 £226,000 was owed by Cosalt Wind Energy Limited to Cosalt plc and £13,000 was owed to other subsidiaries.
72 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the one hundred and thirty-eighth Annual General Meeting ("the AGM") of Cosalt plc ("the Company") will be held at the offices of Cardew Group Ltd, 12 Suffolk Street, London, SW1Y 4HG of the Company on 22 June 2011 at 1.30pm for the following purposes:
Ordinary BusinessTo consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions which will be proposed as ordinary resolutions:
1. To receive the audited annual accounts of the Company for the 14 month period ended 31 December 2010 together with the Directors' Report and the Auditor's Report on those annual accounts and that section of the Remuneration Report subject to audit.
2. To approve the Directors' Remuneration Report for the period ended 31 December 2010.
3. To re-elect Mr Y Ophir as a Director, who retires by rotation in accordance with the Company's articles of association.
4. To re-elect Mr M Lejman as a Director, who retires by rotation in accordance with the Company's articles of association.
5. To re-elect Mr N Carrick as a Director, who retires by rotation in accordance with the Company's articles of association.
6. To elect Mr K Murray as a Director, who having been appointed since the last Annual General Meeting, offers himself for election in accordance with the Company's articles of association.
7. To re-appoint KPMG Audit plc as auditors of the Company to hold office from the conclusion of this Annual General Meeting until the conclusion of the next general meeting at which accounts are laid before the Company.
8. To authorise the Directors to determine the remuneration of the auditors.
Special BusinessTo consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions of which resolution 9 will be proposed as an ordinary resolution and resolutions 10 and 11 will be proposed as special resolutions.
9. That, in substitution for any equivalent authorities and powers granted to the Directors prior to the passing of this resolution, the Directors be and they are generally and unconditionally authorised pursuant to Section 551, Companies Act 2006 ("the Act");
9.1 to exercise all powers of the Company to allot shares in the Company, and grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares of the Company (such shares, and rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares of the Company being "relevant securities") up to an aggregate nominal amount of £1,348,011.32, and further
9.2 to allot equity securities (as defined in Section 560 of the Act) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £2,696,022.64 (such amount to be reduced by the nominal amount of any allotments or grants made under paragraph 9.1 above in connection with an offer by way of rights issue;
a. in favour of holders of Ordinary Shares in the capital of the Company, where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of all such holders are proportionate (as nearly as practicable) to the respective number of Ordinary Shares in the capital of the Company held by them; and
b. to holders of any other equity securities as required by the rights of those securities or as the Directors otherwise consider necessary,
but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal, regulatory or practical problems arising under the laws or requirements of any overseas territory or by virtue of shares being represented by depository receipts or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or any other matter whatsoever, provided that, unless previously revoked, varied or extended, this authority shall expire on the earlier of the date falling 18 months
73 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
after the date of the passing of this resolution and the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company, except that the Company may at any time before such expiry make an offer or agreement which would or might require relevant securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors may allot relevant securities in pursuance of such an offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired.
10. That if resolution 9 is passed the Directors be and they are empowered pursuant to Section 570(1) of the Act to allot equity securities (as defined in Section 560(1) of the Act) of the Company wholly for cash pursuant to the authority of the Directors under Section 551 of the Act conferred by resolution 9 above, and/or by way of a sale of treasury shares for cash (by virtue of Section 573 of the Act), in each case as if Section 561(1) of the Act did not apply to such allotment provided that:
10.1 the power conferred by this resolution shall be limited to:
a) the allotment of equity securities and sale of treasury shares for cash in connection with an offer of, or invitation to apply for, equity securities (but in the case of the authority granted under paragraph 9.1a of resolution 9, by way of a rights issue only):
(i) in favour of holders of Ordinary Shares in the capital of the Company, where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of all such holders are proportionate (as nearly as practicable) to the respective number of Ordinary Shares in the capital of the Company held by them; and
(ii) to holders of any other equity securities as required by the rights of those securities or as the Directors otherwise consider necessary,
but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may deem necessary or expedient to deal with treasury shares, fractional entitlements or legal, regulatory or practical problems arising under the laws or requirements of any overseas territory or by virtue of shares being represented by depository receipts or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or any other matter whatsoever; and
b) in the case of the authority granted under paragraph 9.1 of resolution 9 above and/or in the case of any sale of treasury shares for cash, the allotment, otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph a) above, of equity securities or sale of treasury shares up to an aggregate nominal value equal to £202,201.70.
unless previously revoked, varied or extended, this power shall expire on the earlier of the date falling 18 months after the date of the passing of this resolution and the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company except that the Company may before the expiry of this power make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted (and treasury shares to be sold) after such expiry and the Directors may allot equity securities (and sell treasury shares) in pursuance of such an offer or agreement as if this power had not expired.
11. That a general meeting of the Company, other than an annual general meeting, may be called on not less than 14 clear days' notice.
By Order of the Board | Dated: 3 May 2011 |
Neil CarrickCompany Secretary
Registered Office:Origin 4,Genesis ParkOrigin WayGrimsby DN37 9TZ
74 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Notice of Annual General Meeting continued
Notes:
1. Only those members registered in the register of members of the Company at 6.00pm on 20 June 2011 (or if the AGM is adjourned, 48 hours before the time fixed for the adjourned AGM) shall be entitled to attend and vote at the AGM in respect of the number of shares registered in their name at that time. Any changes to the register of members after such time shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at the AGM.
2. If you wish to attend the AGM in person you may be asked to produce proof of identity before being admitted to the Meeting. Any one of the following forms of proof of identity shall be acceptable: (a) a valid photo driving licence; (b) a valid passport; and (c) an original share certificate in respect of the relevant holder's shares in the Company.
3. A member who is entitled to attend, speak and vote at the AGM may appoint a proxy to attend, speak and vote instead of him. A member may appoint more than one proxy provided each proxy is appointed to exercise rights attached to different shares (so a member must have more than one share to be able to appoint more than one proxy). A proxy need not be a member of the Company but must attend the AGM in order to represent you. A proxy must vote in accordance with any instructions given by the member by whom the proxy is appointed. Appointing a proxy will not prevent a member from attending in person and voting at the AGM (although voting in person at the AGM will terminate the proxy appointment). A proxy form is enclosed. The notes to the proxy form include instructions on how to appoint the Chairman of the AGM or another person as a proxy. You can only appoint a proxy using the procedures set out in these Notes and in the notes to the proxy form.
4. To be valid, a proxy form, and the original or duly certified copy of the power of attorney or other authority (if any) under which it is signed or authenticated, should reach the Company's registrar, Capita Registrars 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TU, by no later than 1.30pm on 20 June 2011.
5. Members can submit a proxy form electronically by accessing the Company's registrars website at www.capitashareportal.com, logging in and selecting the "Proxy Voting" link. If you have not previously registered for electronic communications, you will first be asked to register as a new user, for which you will require your investor (which can be found on the enclosed proxy form, or your share certificate).
If you submit your proxy form via the internet it should reach the registrar by 1.30pm on 20 June 2011. Should you complete your proxy form electronically and then post a hard copy, the form that arrives last will be counted to the exclusion of instructions received earlier, whether electronic or posted. Please refer to the terms and conditions of the service on the website.
6. CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST proxy appointment service may do so for the Meeting (and any adjournment thereof) by following the procedures described in the CREST Manual. CREST personal members or other CREST sponsored members (and those CREST members who have appointed a voting service provider) should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider, who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf.
In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made by means of CREST to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a "CREST Proxy Instruction") must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited's ("Euroclear") specifications and must contain the information required for such instructions, as described in the CREST Manual. The message (regardless of whether it relates to the appointment of a proxy, the revocation of a proxy appointment or to an amendment to the instruction given to a previously appointed proxy) must, in order to be valid, be transmitted so as to be received by the Company's agent (ID RA10) by the latest time(s) for receipt of proxy appointments specified in note 4 above. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the timestamp applied to the message by the CREST Applications Host) from which the Company's agent is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time any change of instructions to proxies appointed through CREST should be communicated to the appointee through other means.
CREST members (and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers) should note that Euroclear does not make available special procedures in CREST for any particular messages. Normal system timings and limitations will therefore apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take (or if the CREST member is a CREST personal member or sponsored member or has appointed a voting service provider, to procure that his CREST sponsor or voting service provider takes) such action as shall be necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted by means of the CREST system by any particular time. In this connection, CREST members (and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers) are referred, in particular, to those sections of the CREST Manual (available at www.euroclear.com/CREST) concerning practical limitations of the CREST system and timings.
The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (as amended).
You may not use any electronic address provided either in this Notice of AGM or in any related documents (including the proxy form) to communicate with the Company for any purposes other than those expressly stated.
7. In the case of joint holders of shares, the vote of the first named in the register of members who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of other joint holders.
8. The following information is available at www.cosalt.com(1) The matters set out in this Notice of AGM; (2) the total numbers of shares in the Company, and shares in each class, in respect of which members are entitled to exercise voting rights at the AGM, (3) the totals of the voting rights that members are entitled to exercise at the AGM, in respect of the shares of each class; and (4) members' statements, members' resolutions and members' matters of business received by the Company after the first date on which notice of the AGM was given.
9. If you are a person who has been nominated by a member to enjoy information rights in accordance with section 146 of the Companies Act 2006, notes 3 to 5 above does not apply to you (as the rights described in these Notes can only be exercised by members of the Company) but you may have a right under an agreement between you and the member by whom you were nominated to be appointed or to have someone else appointed, as a proxy for the meeting. If you have no such right or do not wish to exercise it, you may have a right under such an agreement to give instructions to the member as to the exercise of voting rights.
10. If a member has exercised the right, pursuant to the Company's articles of association and section 145 of the Companies Act 2006, to nominate another person to exercise the right to attend, speak or vote at the AGM or appoint a proxy for the AGM, then that nominee shall have those rights to the exclusion of the member.
11. A member that is a company or other organisation not having a physical presence cannot attend in person but can appoint someone to represent it. This can be done in one of two ways: either by the appointment of a proxy (described in notes 3 to 5 above); or of a corporate representative. Members considering the appointment of a corporate representative should check their own legal position, the Company's articles of association and the relevant provision of the Companies Act 2006.
12. Members attending the AGM have the right to ask, and, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, the Company must cause to be answered, any questions relating to the business being dealt with at the AGM.
75 /Cosalt plc /Annual report & financial statements 2010
Financial Statements
13. As at 5pm on 15 April 2011, the Company's issued share capital comprised 404,403,397 Ordinary Shares of 1p nominal value each and 50,000 cumulative preference shares of £1.00 each and 26,403,397 deferred shares of 24p each. Each Ordinary Share or Preference Share carries the right to one vote at a general meeting of the Company.
14. It is possible that, pursuant to requests made by members of the Company under section 527 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company may be required to publish on a website a statement setting out any matter relating to: (a) the audit of the Company's accounts (including the auditor's report and the conduct of the audit) that are to be laid before the AGM; or (b) any circumstance connected with an auditor of the Company ceasing to hold office since the previous meeting at which annual accounts and reports were laid in accordance with section 437 of the Companies Act 2006. The Company may not require the members requesting any such website publication to pay its expenses in complying with sections 527 or 528 of the Companies Act 2006. Where the Company is required to place a statement on a website under section 527 of the Companies Act 2006, it must forward the statement to the Company's auditor not later than the time when it makes the statement available on the website. The business which may be dealt with at the AGM includes any statement that the Company has been required under section 527 of the Companies Act 2006 to publish on a website.
15. In accordance with section 338 of the Companies Act 2006, a member or members of the Company may (provided that the criteria set out in section 338(3) of the Companies Act 2006 are met) require the Company to give to members notice of a resolution which may properly be moved and is intended to be moved at the AGM, provided that: (a) the resolution must not be, if passed, ineffective (whether by reason of inconsistency with any enactment or the Company's constitution or otherwise); and (b) the resolution must not be defamatory of any person, frivolous or vexatious. Such a request may be in hard copy form or in electronic form, must be authenticated by the person or persons making it, must identify the resolution of which notice is to be given and must be received by the Company not later than six weeks before the AGM, or, if later, the time at which notice is given of the AGM. (In the foregoing sentence, the terms "hard copy form", "electronic form" and "authenticated" bear their respective meanings set out in the Companies Act 2006 in relation to a communication, or a document or information sent or supplied, to a company.)
16. In accordance with section 338A of the Companies Act 2006, a member or members of the Company may (provided that the criteria set out in section 338A(3) of the Companies Act 2006 are met) require the Company to include in the business to be dealt with at the AGM a matter (other than a proposed resolution) which may properly be included in the business of the AGM, provided that the matter is not defamatory of any person, frivolous or vexatious. A request may be in hard copy form or electronic form, must identify the matter to be included in the business, must be accompanied by a statement setting out the grounds for the request, must be authenticated by the person or persons making it and must be received by the Company not later than 6 weeks before the AGM, or, if later, the time at which notice is given of the AGM. (In the foregoing sentence, the terms "hard copy form", "electronic form" and "authenticated" bear the respective meanings set out in the Companies Act 2006 in relation to a communication, or a document or information sent or supplied, to a company.)
17. The following documents are available for inspection at the registered office of the Company during the usual business hours on any weekday (Saturday, Sunday or public holidays excluded) from the date of this notice until the conclusion of the AGM and will also be available for inspection at the place of the AGM from 1pm on the day of the AGM until its conclusion:
(a) Copies of the Executive Directors' service contracts
(b) Copies of letters of appointment of the Non-Executive Directors
Related Shares:
CSLT.L