TIDMESO TIDMEC.P TIDMEO.P
RNS Number : 6631Z
EPE Special Opportunities PLC
11 March 2013
11 March 2013
EPE Special Opportunities plc
Audited Results for the year ended 31 January 2013
The Board of EPE Special Opportunities plc are pleased to
announce the Company's Audited Results for the year ended 31
January 2013.
Highlights for the year:
-- Total capital increase in net assets of GBP2 million
translated to a 15.4% increase in net asset value per share as at
31 January 2013 of 102.92 pence per share (31 January 2012: 89.19
pence per share).
-- The portfolio has performed and held up well, despite the
economic environment, with the majority of companies trading in
line or ahead of budget.
-- Nexus performed comfortably ahead of budget and continued to
leverage its wholly owned manufacturing facility to win new
business and improve margins. Outlook for 2013 could see
significant double-digit organic sales and EBITDA growth which
could be augmented by its acquisition strategy.
-- Whittard of Chelsea performed strongly and is expecting its
premium positioning strategy, international and wholesale to
support the delivery of significantly improved margins in 2013.
-- Palatinate Schools completed the refinancing of ESO 1 LP's GBP3.6 million mezzanine loans.
-- Indicia completed the acquisition of Evolving leading to a
combined business of a scale attractive to potential buyers.
-- The Company has continued to repurchase Convertible Loan
Notes ("CLNs") ahead of the redemption date on 31 December 2015.
Currently 6,062,490 CLNs remain in issue excluding the bought in
CLNs now held in treasury.
-- Given the current economic conditions, no new transactions
have been pursued in the period under review. However, these
conditions are expected to yield opportunities for new special
situations, growth, buy out, PIPE (Private Investment in Public
Equity) and secondary portfolio / LP position investments at
attractive pricing over the forthcoming twelve months.
-- The Board do not recommend a dividend for the year in order
to preserve liquidity in view of the volatile economic and market
environment and to retain the necessary cash reserves to remain an
attractive buyer of well-priced investment opportunities as they
arise.
Geoffrey Vero, Chairman, commented: "Given the poor economic
backdrop, we are pleased with the performance of the portfolio and
the progress made in the last twelve months. We remain cautious of
the prospects for the UK economy in 2013, but optimistic that the
Company's portfolio will continue to perform. Whilst current
economic conditions remain challenging for the portfolio, they
present opportunities to acquire high quality assets at low price
points and the Company remains in a good position to take advantage
of these opportunities."
Enquiries:
Numis Securities Ltd
+44 (0) 20 7260 1000 Nominated Advisor Stuart Skinner
Corporate Broker Charles Farquhar
EPIC Private Equity LLP
+44 (0) 20 7269 8862 James Henderson
IoMA
+44 (0) 16 2468 1250 Philip Scales
Cardew Group
+44 (0) 20 7930 0777 Richard Spiegelberg / Alexandra
Stoneham
Chairman's Statement
The twelve months to January 2013 continued to present
challenging economic conditions for the Company. The UK economy
contracted in the first half of 2012, officially sending the UK
into a double dip recession, before unexpectedly bouncing back
somewhat in the third quarter, perhaps buoyed by the London
Olympics. However, UK domestic trends remain poor. Although on the
one hand unemployment has been decreasing all year, exports have
increased and so has discretionary income; on the other hand, weak
business and consumer lending figures, alongside muted investment
trends, indicate the positive third quarter is unlikely to be
sustained. The UK's exposure to the international markets, through
its strong financial and services sectors, means that any future
growth will be correlated with international expansion.
Unfortunately however, uncertainty around the Eurozone continues to
worry the markets, and until there is a satisfactory solution to
this crisis, it is unlikely that there will be any significant
positive improvement in UK growth figures and in consequence the
sovereign rating has recently reduced.
Given these unattractive economic conditions, the Company has
not pursued any new transactions in 2012. However, these conditions
could yet provide opportunities in the coming year in terms of
special and distressed situations, two areas of the Company's
investment strategy. The portfolio has performed and held up well,
despite the economic environment, with the majority of companies
trading in line or ahead of budget.
It has been an encouraging and strong year for the Company's two
largest investments, Nexus Industries and Whittard of Chelsea.
Nexus finished the year comfortably ahead of budget and has
continued to leverage its wholly-owned manufacturing facility to
win new business and improve margins. Looking ahead to 2013, Nexus
is budgeting significant double-digit organic sales and EBITDA
growth which could be augmented by its acquisition strategy.
Whittard of Chelsea performed strongly in the year to 31 December
2012 and is expecting its premium positioning strategy,
international and wholesale to support the delivery of
significantly improved margins in 2013. It is likely that best
value for both of these investments can be achieved by holding them
for the medium-to-long term to give both the Investment Advisor and
the respective management teams time to capitalise on the strong
platforms they have created to date.
Your Board remain cautious of the prospects for the UK economy
in 2013, but optimistic that the Company's portfolio will continue
to perform.
The Company has continued to repurchase Convertible Loan Notes
("CLNs") ahead of the redemption date on 31 December 2015.
Accordingly, there are currently 6,062,490 CLNs remaining in issue
excluding the bought in CLNs now held in treasury. On this basis
the 31 January 2013 Net Asset Valuation of 102.92 pence implies
Gross Cover of the CLNs has moved from 4.5x to 9.7x. The Directors
of the Company view the early redemption of the CLNs and the
increased implied asset cover as a positive event.
The total capital increase in net assets was GBP2 million, which
translated to a net asset value per share as at 31 January 2013 for
the Group of 102.92 pence, an increase of 15.4 per cent on the net
asset value of per share of 89.19 pence as at 31 January 2012.
As in past years the Board do not recommend a dividend for the
year ended 31 January 2013 in order to preserve liquidity in view
of the volatile economic and market environment and to retain the
necessary cash reserves to fully take on well-priced investment
opportunities as they arise.
I would like to extend my thanks to the Investment Advisor, EPIC
Private Equity LLP ("EPE"), as well as my fellow Directors and
professional advisors, for their concerted efforts over the last
twelve months. I look forward to once again updating you on
developments at the half year point.
Geoffrey Vero
Chairman
8 March 2013
Investment Advisor's Report
In the twelve month period since 31 January 2012, the Investment
Advisor has focused on maintaining and creating value from within
the existing portfolios held by the Company and the Fund, whilst at
the same time seeking out new opportunities by way of platform or
bolt-on investment opportunities. Structurally, any new investments
will be made via ESO Investments 2 LP, in which the Company is the
sole investor. In addition, the Investment Advisor continues to
undertake cost saving and revenue improvement measures in investee
companies to increase the value of the current portfolio. It also
actively engages in bringing quality management to businesses to
add value and improve performance.
The underlying portfolio has performed broadly in line with
expectations since January 2012, with a number of companies
finishing their financial years to 31 December 2012 ahead of
budget. Nexus finished the year ahead of budget, thanks in part to
its 250,000 sq.ft factory in China and strong export and retail
sales, despite challenging retail conditions. Meanwhile, Indicia
performed below budget in 2012, although the sales pipeline for
2013 is encouraging, with transformational clients, including the
Co-op. ITV have recently appointed Indicia as its lead agency on a
three year contract. In January 2013, Indicia completed the
acquisition of Evolving, an existing investment, which will be
fully integrated to form one enlarged company. The strategic and
commercial rationale for the acquisition is strong and the
expectation is that the combined business will be significantly
more attractive. Elsewhere, Palatinate Schools completed the
refinancing of ESO 1 LP's GBP3.6 million mezzanine loans. This
business will continue to seek growth via increased capacity and
pupil numbers. Bighead and Process Components have both delivered
below budget sales, with Bighead also delivering below budget
EBITDA, but Process Components delivering above budget EBITDA
figures in the most recently completed financial years to 31
December 2012 and 30 June 2012 respectively. Both businesses will
continue to invest in sales initiatives moving forward.
Whittard of Chelsea has made significant progress since January
2012. Retail like-for-like sales are flat compared to 2011 but on
significantly stronger gross margins as the strategy to cease
discounting and drive the premium position of the brand begins to
gain traction. Growth in web and UK wholesale activities continues,
with gross margins in web also up on 2011. Moving forward, the
company will continue to focus on diversifying its UK retail
operation with the planned expansion of its international and
wholesale operations.
The net asset value per share as at 31 January 2013 for the
Company was 102.92 pence, calculated on the basis of 28.2 million
ordinary shares. Investment highlights from the inception of the
Company (16 September 2003) to date include:
-- deployed GBP65 million of capital and returned over GBP46
million to the Company in capital and income;
-- generated gross income of GBP16 million;
-- paid dividends of GBP5 million;
-- the underlying portfolio, as at 31 January 2013, is valued at a gross 2.5x money multiple.
The UK economy remains depressed. Domestically, although the
housing and mortgage market is marginally improving, any boost to
consumption will be subdued by the lack of growth in unsecured
lending to households. Inflation, one of the few positive economic
indicators for the better part of 2012, reached a low in September
before increasing again, driven by higher food prices, rising
energy bills and tuition fee increases. Given the poor outlook
currently, it is accepted that until there is a successful joint
effort from the government and the private sector, growth will
remain muted. The Company therefore continues to focus on
consolidation with a view to preserving value in its core
investments.
Whilst current economic conditions remain demanding for the
Company's underlying portfolio, they may provide opportunities to
acquire high quality assets at relatively low price points and
opportunities continue to be assessed.
Investment Strategy
The Investment Advisor believes that the current economic
environment continues to create a wide range of investment
opportunities. As a result, the Investment Advisor continues to use
proprietary deal sourcing approaches to source these opportunities,
as well as engaging actively with the wider restructuring and
advisory community to communicate the Company's investment
strategy. The Company seeks to target growth and buyout
opportunities, as well as special situations and distressed
transactions, making investments where it believes pricing to be
attractive and the potential for value creation strong. The Company
will continue to target the following types of investments:
-- Growth, Buyout and Pre-IPO opportunities: leveraging the
Investment Advisor's investment experience, contacts and ability.
The Company is particularly focussed on making investments in
sectors where the opportunity exists to create a unique asset via
the consolidation of a number of smaller companies, taking
advantage of the lack of liquidity in the SME market and the
attraction to secondary buyers of larger operations.
-- Special Situations: investment opportunities where the
Investment Advisor believes that assets are undervalued due to
specific, event-driven circumstances and where asset-backing may be
available and the opportunity exists for recovery and significant
upside. Target companies may or may not be distressed as a result
of the situation. The Investment Advisor will aim to use its
restructuring and refinancing expertise to resolve the situation
and achieve a controlling position in the target company. The
Company seeks to acquire distressed debt, undervalued equity or the
assets of target businesses in solvent or insolvent situations.
-- Private Investment in Public Equities (PIPEs): the Company
may consider making investments in a number of smaller quoted
companies, primarily ones whose shares are admitted to AIM. The
Company will either seek to acquire and de-list the target company
or make an investment in the ordinary equity of a quoted target
company. The Company may offer ordinary shares in the Company as
all or part of the consideration for such investments.
-- Secondary portfolios / LP positions (Secondary or Primary) /
EPE Funds: the Company is able, through EPE's Placement business,
to invest as a limited partner in various Private Equity funds on
substantially improved terms. On occasion, the Company will seek to
take advantage of these commitments. The EPE skill-set and
experience is well suited to the requirements of co-investing in
funds.
The Company will consider most industry sectors, including
consumer, retail, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare,
support services and media industries. The Company partners with
management and entrepreneurs to maximise value by combining
financial and operational expertise in each investment.
The Company will seek to invest between GBP2 million and GBP10
million in a range of debt and equity instruments with a view to
generating returns through both yield and capital gain. Whilst in
general the Company aims to take controlling equity positions, it
may seek to develop companies as a minority investor. Occasionally
the Board may authorise investments of less than GBP2 million. For
investments larger than GBP5 million, the Company may seek
co-investment from third parties.
Portfolio Diversification
The Company's current portfolio, as at 31 January 2013, is
diversified by sector and instrument as follows:
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
Sector %
------------------- -----
Retail 22%
Engineering 17%
Distribution 29%
Education 12%
Business Services 17%
Healthcare 3%
-------------------
Total 100%
------------------- -----
INSTRUMENT DIVERSIFICATION
Instrument %
------------------- -----
Mezzanine Loans 12%
Shareholder Loans 47%
Equity 41%
-------------------
Total 100%
------------------- -----
Current Portfolio: ESO Investments (PC) LLP
Process Components
Process Components is an engineering parts and equipment
supplier to the powder processing industries, primarily food,
agriculture and pharmaceuticals. The business was formed in June
2009 and since then has demonstrated substantial year-on-year
growth, doubling EBITDA in that time. A programme of investment in
new product development, sales and marketing is expected to drive
further growth over the short to medium term. Customers are blue
chip global manufacturers, and the business has been growing its
international supply operations, seeking to expand its
infrastructure from the US and Europe into Asia with the opening of
a new office in the region. The business is also seeking to grow
via acquisition and targeting suppliers of adjacent products.
Current Portfolio: ESO Investments 1 LP
Nexus Industries
Nexus Industries ("Nexus") is a manufacturer and distributor of
electrical accessories in the UK, operating under the brand names
Masterplug and British General, supplying both the retail and
wholesale markets. The business had a strong 2012, despite the
current market conditions, with substantial year-on-year growth
driven by the retail and international divisions. Organic sales
growth and margin improvements are expected to be driven by the
wholly-owned production facility located in mainland China.
International expansion is a major focus for the business, with
penetration growing in the US, China and Australasia. Nexus is also
working on acquiring complementary businesses in both adjacent
product categories and new geographies. The Investment Advisor is
of the view that maximum value will be achieved from Nexus by
holding for the medium to long term, giving the management team the
opportunity to implement the organic and acquisition-led growth
strategies.
Palatinate Schools
Palatinate Schools ("Palatinate") operates a group of private
preparatory, pre-preparatory and nursery schools based in Central
London. The schools have good prestige value and pupil growth is
anticipated to remain robust, which is expected to sustain
profitability. The business completed the financial year to 31
August 2012 on budget, and is forecasting good growth in 2013. The
focus remains to drive organic growth via improved branding and
advertising, and to retain pupils up to the age of 13. During the
course of 2012, Palatinate completed the redemption of its senior
debt and mezzanine facilities, repaying a GBP14.8 million bank
mortgage debt and ESO 1 LP's mezzanine loans of GBP3.6 million.
Indicia
Indicia is a direct marketing business focussed on database and
multi-channel analytics. Indicia was formed through the acquisition
and consolidation of three separate businesses and is currently
initiating a partnership with a larger US agency. Although the
business completed the year to December 2012 behind budget, the
sales pipeline for 2013 is encouraging, with transformational
clients, including the Co-op. ITV has recently appointed Indicia as
its lead agency on a three year contract. In January, Indicia
completed the acquisition of Evolving, which will be fully
integrated to form one enlarged company.
Whittard of Chelsea
Whittard of Chelsea is a specialist retailer of tea and coffee.
The Investment Advisor has focussed on developing the Whittard of
Chelsea brand by growing the online, wholesale and franchise
channels. The strategy has driven a very strong turnaround in
profitability since the date of investment. The cessation of
discounting and focus on the premium positioning of the brand this
year has achieved a significant improvement in gross margins. The
Investment Advisor is of the view that maximum value will be
achieved from Whittard of Chelsea by holding for the medium to long
term, giving the management team the opportunity to build on the
platform created by the successful turnaround and achieve
significant growth in both turnover and profitability.
Bighead Bonding Fasteners
Bighead Bonding Fasteners ("Bighead") is a specialist
engineering business manufacturing specialist load-spreading
fasteners and fixings for composites, plastics and traditional
materials. Trading in 2011 grew significantly from 2010 in both
sales and EBITDA. 2012 has seen maintained sales and profitability.
The Company continues to invest in sales and process engineering to
secure and support future growth, particularly focussed on the
Automotive sector. The Investment Advisor, over the long-term, aims
to replicate Bighead's local success in high-end niche applications
by establishing an international network of distributors for the
Company's products and to focus resources on the growth in
lightweight technologies. The Company continues to seek new
distribution and technology partners to facilitate growth.
Pharmacy2U
Pharmacy2U is an online pharmacy business, delivering National
Health Service and private prescriptions direct to the home using
an innovative, in-house developed technology, Electronic
Prescription Service ("EPSr2").
Valuation Methodology
The Company values its investments with reference to the BVCA
guidelines which state that portfolio companies should be valued on
an EBITDA multiple basis using publicly quoted comparables and/or
transaction comparables, then discounting the equity value by an
appropriate percentage to account for marketability considerations.
Cost may be considered as fair value in some cases but assets will
always be held at fair value, whether this is at, above or below
cost, and the value of such assets is reviewed periodically to
ensure that such is the case.
The Investment Advisor intends to announce an estimated net
asset value per ordinary share on a monthly basis following a
review of the valuation of the Company's investments. The Company
continues to endeavour to comply with industry standards and the
Fund is now applying the International Private Equity and Venture
Capital Valuation Guidelines. For consistency the Board will
consider adopting these guidelines going forward where appropriate.
The Company believes that there is unlikely to be any material
effect on the valuation process as a result of such a change. The
Investment Advisor adopts a conservative approach to valuation with
reference to the aforementioned methodology but also having regard
for ongoing volatile market conditions, particularly in the UK
retail sector, and credit restraints.
Report of the Directors
Principal activity
The Company was incorporated in the Isle of Man as an AIM listed
public company limited by shares under the Laws with registered
number 108834C on 25 July 2003. During the year the Company
re-registered under the Isle of Man Companies Act 2006, with
registration number 008597V.
The principal activity of the Company and its subsidiaries
(together "the Group") and its associate is to arrange income
yielding financing for growth, buyout and special situations and
holding the investments with a view to exiting in due course at a
profit.
Incorporation
The Company was incorporated on 25 July 2003. The Company's
registered office is:
IOMA House, Hope Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 1AP, British
Isles.
Details of subsidiaries are provided in note 24.
Results of the financial year
Results for the year are set out in the Consolidated Statements
of Comprehensive Income and in the Consolidated and Company
Statements of Changes in Equity.
Dividends
The Board does not recommend a dividend in relation to the
current year (see note 9 for further details).
Corporate Governance Principles
As an Isle of Man registered company and under the AIM rules for
companies, the Company is not required to comply with the UK
Corporate Governance Code published by the Financial Reporting
Council ("Code"). The Directors, however, place a high degree of
importance on ensuring that the Company maintains high standards of
Corporate Governance and have therefore adopted the spirit of the
Code to the extent that they consider appropriate, taking into
account the size of the Company and nature of its operations. This
includes a periodic internal evaluation of board performance.
The Board holds at least four meetings annually and has
established audit and investment committees. The Board does not
intend to establish remuneration and nomination committees given
the current composition of the Board and the nature of the
Company's operations. The Board reviews annually the remuneration
of the Directors and agrees on the level of Directors' fees.
Composition of the Board
The Board currently comprises four non-executive members all of
whom are independent non-executive directors. Geoffrey Vero is
Chairman of the Company, Clive Spears is the Chairman of the Risk
and Audit Committee and Nicholas Wilson is Chairman of the
Investment Committee.
Risk and Audit Committee
The activities of the Risk and Audit Committee continued,
members of which are Clive Spears (Chairman of the Committee) and
all the other Directors. The Risk and Audit Committee provides a
forum through which the Company's external auditors report to the
Board.
The Risk and Audit Committee meets twice a year, at a minimum,
and is responsible for considering the appointment and fee of the
external auditors and for agreeing the scope of the audit and
reviewing its findings. It is responsible for monitoring compliance
with accounting and legal requirements, ensuring that an effective
system of internal controls in maintained and for reviewing annual
and interim financial statements of the Company before their
submission for approval by the Board. The Risk and Audit Committee
has adopted and complied with the extended terms of reference
implemented on the Company's readmission in August 2010.
The Board is satisfied that the Risk and Audit Committee
contains members with sufficient recent and relevant financial
experience.
Investment Committee
The Board established an Investment Committee, which comprises
Nicholas Wilson (Chairman of the Committee) and all the other
Directors. The purpose of this committee is to review the portfolio
of the Company and evaluate the performance of the Investment
Advisor.
The Board is satisfied that the Investment Committee contains
members with sufficient recent and relevant financial
experience.
Significant holdings
Significant shareholdings are analysed at the end of this
document. The Directors are not aware of any other holdings greater
than 3% of issued shares.
Directors
The Directors of the Company holding office during the financial
year and to date are:
Mr. G.O. Vero (Chairman)
Mr. R.B.M. Quayle
Mr. C.L. Spears
Mr. N.V. Wilson
Secretary
The secretary of the Company holding office for the financial
year ended 31 January 2013 was Mr. P.P. Scales.
Staff
At 31 January 2013 the Group employed no staff (2012: none).
Auditors
Our Auditors, KPMG Audit LLC, being eligible, have expressed
their willingness to continue in office.
On behalf of the Board
Nicholas Wilson
Director
8 March 2013
Statement of Directors' Responsibilities in respect of the
Directors' Report and the Financial Statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Directors'
Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable
law and regulations. In addition, the Directors have elected to
prepare the financial statements in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards, as adopted by the EU.
The financial statements are required to give a true and fair
view of the state of affairs of the Group and Parent Company and of
the profit or loss of the Company for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are
required to:
-- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-- state whether they have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards, as adopted by the EU;
and
-- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and Parent
Company will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Parent
Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any
time its financial position. 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.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity
of the corporate and financial information included on the
Company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and
dissemination of financial statements may differ from one
jurisdiction to another.
Report of the Independent Auditors, KPMG Audit LLC, to members
of EPE Special Opportunities plc
We have audited the financial statements of EPE Special
Opportunities plc for the year ended 31 January 2013 which comprise
the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the
Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Assets and
Liabilities, the Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of
Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and the
related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been
applied in their preparation is applicable law and International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), as adopted by the EU.
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body.
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 page 12, the Directors are responsible for the
preparation of financial statements that 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
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from
material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This
includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are
appropriate to the Group's circumstances and have been consistently
applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant
accounting estimates made by the Directors; and the overall
presentation of the financial statements.
Opinion on the financial statements
In our opinion the financial statements:
-- give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's and
Parent Company's affairs as at 31 January 2013 and of the Group's
and Parent Company's profit for the year then ended; and
-- have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs, as adopted by the EU.
KPMG Audit LLC
Heritage Court,
41 Athol Street,
Douglas,
Isle of Man, IM99 1HN
8 March 2013
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 31 January 2013
31 January 31 January
2013 2012
Revenue Capital Total Total
Note GBP GBP GBP GBP
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -----------
Income
Rental income (12,243) - (12,243) 63,800
4 Interest income 3,157 - 3,157 -
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -----------
Total income (9,086) - (9,086) 63,800
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -----------
Expenses
Investment advisor's
5 fees (216,667) - (216,667) -
5 Administration fees (54,133) - (54,133) (40,628)
6 Directors' fees (126,500) - (126,500) (102,500)
Directors' and Officers'
insurance (7,412) - (7,412) (7,590)
Professional fees (52,443) - (52,443) (62,990)
Board meeting and
travel expenses (6,490) - (6,490) (10,136)
Auditors' remuneration (32,952) - (32,952) (27,730)
Bank charges (960) - (960) (347)
Irrecoverable VAT (100,863) - (100,863) (124,288)
Share based payment
7 expense (14,092) - (14,092) -
Sundry expenses (11,256) - (11,256) (40,232)
Nominated advisor
and broker fees (40,357) - (40,357) (26,257)
Total expenses (664,125) - (664,125) (442,698)
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -----------
Net income/(expense) (673,211) - (673,211) (378,898)
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -----------
Gains/(losses) on
investments
Share of profit of
equity accounted investees - 4,013,103 4,013,103 3,398,565
Gain on buy-back of
16 convertible loan notes - 135,879 135,879 638,779
Revaluation of investment
property - (27,840) (27,840) (15,302)
Gain for the year
on investments - 4,121,142 4,121,142 4,022,042
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -----------
Finance charges
Interest on mortgage
loan (16,869) - (16,869) (26,595)
Interest on convertible
16 loan note instruments (504,819) - (504,819) (704,566)
Profit/(loss) for
the year before taxation (1,194,899) 4,121,142 2,926,243 2,911,983
8 Taxation - - - (8,453)
----------
Profit/(loss) for
the year (1,194,899) 4,121,142 2,926,243 2,903,530
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -----------
Other comprehensive
income - - - -
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -----------
Total comprehensive
income/(loss) (1,194,899) 4,121,142 2,926,243 2,903,530
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -----------
Basic earnings/(loss)
per ordinary share
18 (pence) (4.06) 14.02 9.95 9.44
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -----------
Diluted earnings/(loss)
per ordinary share
18 (pence) (4.02) 13.87 9.85 9.77
---------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- -----------
The total column of this statement represents the Group
Statement of Comprehensive Income, prepared in accordance with
IFRSs. The Supplementary revenue and capital return columns are
prepared in accordance with the Board of Directors' agreed
principles. All items derive from continuing activities.
The notes form an integral part of these financial
statements
Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities
At 31 January 2013
31 January 31 January
2013 2012
Note GBP GBP
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Non-current assets
10 Investment property - 455,416
Investments in equity accounted
10 investees 28,736,582 28,405,400
Loans to equity accounted
10,14 investees and related companies 1,854,227 2,117,929
30,590,809 30,978,745
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Current assets
13 Cash and cash equivalents 4,417,775 5,894,547
Trade and other receivables 66,486 97,028
4,484,261 5,991,575
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Current liabilities
15 Trade and other payables (53,074) (2,019,308)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
(53,074) (2,019,308)
----------------------------------
Net current assets 4,431,187 3,972,267
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Non-current liabilities
16 Convertible loan note instruments (5,977,377) (7,335,342)
10 Bank loan - (455,416)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
(5,977,377) (7,790,758)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Net assets 29,044,619 27,160,254
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Equity
17 Share capital 1,540,146 1,540,146
17 Share premium 1,815,385 1,815,385
Capital reserve (4,265,892) (8,387,034)
Revenue reserve 29,950,543 32,187,320
Capital redemption reserve 4,437 4,437
Total equity 29,044,619 27,160,254
Net asset value per share
19 (pence) 102.92 89.19
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors
on 8 March 2013 and signed on its behalf by:
Clive Spears Nicholas Wilson
Director Director
The notes form an integral part of these financial
statements
Company Statement of Assets and Liabilities
At 31 January 2013
31 January 31 January
2013 2012
Note GBP GBP
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Non-current assets
Investments in equity accounted
10,11 investees 28,736,582 28,405,400
Investment in subsidiary
at fair value through profit
11 or loss - 670
12 Loan to subsidiary 65,316 45,655
Loans to equity accounted
14 investees and related companies 1,854,227 2,117,929
30,656,125 30,569,654
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Current assets
13 Cash and cash equivalents 4,411,069 5,879,231
Trade and other receivables 69,045 55,210
4,480,114 5,934,441
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Current liabilities
15 Trade and other payables (44,671) (2,008,499)
(44,671) (2,008,499)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Net current assets 4,435,443 3,925,942
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Non-current liabilities
Investment in subsidiary
at fair value through profit
10 or loss (69,572) -
16 Convertible loan note instruments (5,977,377) (7,335,342)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
(6,046,949) (7,335,342)
----------------------------------
Net assets 29,044,619 27,160,254
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Equity
17 Share capital 1,540,146 1,540,146
17 Share premium 1,815,385 1,815,385
Capital reserve (4,915,598) (8,994,388)
Revenue reserve 30,600,249 32,794,674
Capital redemption reserve 4,437 4,437
Total equity 29,044,619 27,160,254
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors
on 8 March 2013 and signed on its behalf by:
Clive Spears Nicholas Wilson
Director Director
The notes form an integral part of these financial
statements
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 January 2013
Year ended 31 January 2013
Share capital Share premium Capital Capital Revenue Total
redemption reserve reserve
reserve
Note GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ------------
Balance at 1
February 2012 1,540,146 1,815,385 4,437 (8,387,034) 32,187,320 27,160,254
Total
comprehensive
income for
the year - - - 4,121,142 (1,194,899) 2,926,243
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ------------
Contributions
by and
distributions
to owners
Share based
payment
7 charge - - - - 14,092 14,092
Cash received
from JSOP
participants - - - - 17,671 17,671
Purchase of
treasury
17 shares - - - - (1,073,641) (1,073,641)
Total
transactions
with owners - - - - (1,041,878) (1,041,878)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ------------
Balance at 31
January 2013 1,540,146 1,815,385 4,437 (4,265,892) 29,950,543 29,044,619
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ------------
Year ended 31 January 2012
Share Share Capital Capital Revenue Total
capital premium redemption reserve reserve
reserve
Note GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
---------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
Balance at 1
February 2011 1,544,583 1,815,385 - (12,409,076) 33,449,457 24,400,349
Total comprehensive
income for the
year - - - 4,022,042 (1,118,512) 2,903,530
---------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
Contributions
by and distributions
to owners
Cancellation
of treasury
shares (4,437) - 4,437 - - -
Purchase of
17 treasury shares - - - - (143,625) (143,625)
Total transactions
with owners (4,437) - 4,437 - (143,625) (143,625)
---------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
Balance at 31
January 2012 1,540,146 1,815,385 4,437 (8,387,034) 32,187,320 27,160,254
---------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
The notes form an integral part of these financial
statements
Company Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 January 2013
Year ended 31 January 2013
Share capital Share premium Capital Capital Revenue Total
redemption reserve reserve
reserve
Note GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ------------
Balance at 1
February 2012 1,540,146 1,815,385 4,437 (8,994,388) 32,794,674 27,160,254
Total
comprehensive
income for
the year - - 4,078,790 (1,152,547) 2,926,243
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ------------
Contributions
by and
distributions
to owners
Share based
payment
7 charge - - - - 14,092 14,092
Cash received
from JSOP
participants - - - - 17,671 17,671
Purchase of
treasury
17 shares - - - - (1,073,641) (1,073,641)
Total
transactions
with owners - - - - (1,041,878) (1,041,878)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ------------
Balance at 31
January 2013 1,540,146 1,815,385 4,437 (4,915,598) 30,600,249 29,044,619
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ------------
Year ended 31 January 2012
Share Share Capital Capital Revenue Total
capital premium redemption reserve reserve
reserve
Note GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
---------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
Balance at 1
February 2011 1,544,583 1,815,385 (13,039,533) 34,079,914 24,400,349
Total comprehensive
income for the
year - - 4,045,145 (1,141,615) 2,903,530
---------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
Contributions
by and distributions
to owners
Cancellation
of treasury shares (4,437) - 4,437 - -
Purchase of treasury
17 shares - - - - (143,625) (143,625)
Total transactions
with owners (4,437) - 4,437 - (143,625) (143,625)
---------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
Balance at 31
January 2012 1,540,146 1,815,385 4,437 (8,994,388) 32,794,674 27,160,254
---------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------- ------------ -----------
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 January 2013
31 January 31 January
2013 2012
Note GBP GBP
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Operating activities
Rental income received 33,750 53,167
Interest income received 3,157 -
Expenses paid (732,225) (620,981)
Net cash used in operating
20 activities (695,318) (567,814)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Investing activities
Receipts on disposal of
equipment - 20,000
Loan repayments from investee
companies 117,273 -
Portfolio acquisition costs
paid - (443,265)
Receipts from associates
and related companies - 751,759
Capital distribution from
10 associate 3,681,921 3,780,000
Net cash generated from
investing activities 3,799,194 4,108,494
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Financing activities
Mortgage loan interest
paid (24,709) (26,595)
Part payment of mortgage
loan - (15,302)
Convertible loan note interest
paid (505,067) (963,422)
Convertible loan note repurchases (2,994,902) -
17 Purchase of treasury shares (1,073,641) (143,625)
Share ownership scheme
participation 17,671 -
Net cash used in financing
activities (4,580,648) (1,148,944)
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
(Decrease)/increase in
cash and cash equivalents (1,476,772) 2,391,736
Cash and cash equivalents
at start of year 5,894,547 3,502,811
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents
13 at end of year 4,417,775 5,894,547
---------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 January 2013
1. Operations
The Company was incorporated in the Isle of Man as an AIM listed
public company limited by shares under the Laws with registered
number 108834C on 25 July 2003. During the year the Company
re-registered under the Isle of Man Companies Act 2006, with
registration number 008597V. The Company's ordinary shares are
listed on the Alternative Investment Market ("AIM") and the Plus
Stock Exchange ("PLUS"). The Company raised GBP30 million by a
placing of ordinary shares at 100 pence per share. In 2009 the
Company raised an additional GBP5 million by a placing of ordinary
shares at 5 pence per share. During the year ended 31 January 2011
the Company issued a further GBP2.4 million in share capital.
The Company has two wholly owned subsidiary companies and has
interests in two partnerships that are accounted for as associates.
The partnerships comprise one limited liability partnership and one
limited partnership. The Company also has an interest in a third
partnership, ESO Investments 2 LP, through which new investments
will be made. As at 31 January 2013, ESO Investments 2 LP had made
no investments.
The principal activity of the Company and its subsidiaries
(together "the Group") and its associates is to arrange income
yielding financing for growth, buyout and special situations and
holding the investments and its associates with a view to exiting
in due course at a profit.
The consolidated financial statements comprise the results of
the Company and its subsidiaries (the "Group") and its associates
(see Notes 3(a) and 24).
The Company has no employees.
2. Basis of Preparation
a. Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and
interpretations as adopted by the European Union ("EU") and
applicable legal and regulatory requirements of Isle of Man law and
reflect the following policies, which have been adopted and applied
consistently.
The Company has early adopted the amendments to IFRS 10
Investment Entities (issued October 2012) along with the
consolidation suite of standards, namely: IFRS 11 Joint
Arrangements, IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities,
IAS 27 (revised) and IAS 28 (revised). The amendments to IFRS 10
require investment entities to state controlled portfolio entities
at fair value under IAS 39 instead of consolidating such
subsidiaries.
The Company reports in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the
EU, as required by the AIM rules. The amendments to IFRS 10 have
not yet been endorsed by the EU. However, the Company has received
a derogation from AIM to enable it to early adopt the amendments.
This early adoption has had no effect on the results or net asset
position of the Group for the current and preceding years.
The consolidated financial statements were authorised for issue
by the Board of Directors on 8 March 2013.
b. Basis of measurement
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the
historical cost basis except for investment property which is
measured at fair value. As from 16 January 2013 the subsidiary
controlled by the Company, EPIC Reconstruction Property Company II
Limited, which owned the investment property, was
deconsolidated.
c. Functional and presentation currency
These consolidated financial statements are presented in
Sterling, which is the Company's functional currency. All financial
information presented in Sterling has been rounded to the nearest
pound.
d. Use of estimates and judgements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRSs
requires Directors and the Investment Advisor to make judgements,
estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies
and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and
expense. 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.
The Directors have, to the best of their ability given the
continuing uncertainty in the global economy, provided as true and
fair a view as is possible under the circumstances. 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 in the period of the revision and future
periods if the revision affects both current and future
periods.
Judgements made by Directors and the Investment Advisor in the
application of IFRSs that have a significant effect on the
financial statements and estimates with a significant risk of
material adjustments in the next year relate to impairment
provisioning in connection with secured loans and valuations of
unquoted equity investments held by associates. Due to the current
market conditions, the level of estimation required in the
valuation of unquoted equity investments and impairment provisions
is increased due to a lack of reliable quoted market comparables
and recent transaction comparables (Notes 10 and 21).
3. Significant accounting policies
a. Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are those enterprises controlled by the Company.
Control exists when the Company has the power, directly or
indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an
enterprise so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The
financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the
consolidated financial statements from the date that control
commences until the date that control ceases.
The Company holds interests in ESO Investments 1 LP and ESO
Investments (PC) LLP, which are managed and controlled by EPIC
Private Equity LLP for the benefit of the Company and the other
members. The Company has the power to appoint members to the
investment committee of ESO Investments 1 LP and ESO Investments
(PC) LLP but does not have the ability to direct the activities of
ESO Investments 1 LP and ESO Investments (PC) LLP. The Directors
consider that ESO Investments 1 LP and ESO Investments (PC) LLP do
not meet the definition of subsidiaries. These entities are instead
treated as associates.
Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income
and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated
in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealised
gains arising from transactions with equity accounted investees are
eliminated against the investment to the extent of the Group's
interest in the investee. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the
same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is
no evidence of impairment.
Associates
Associates are those enterprises over which the Company has
significant influence, and which are neither subsidiaries nor an
interest in a joint venture. Significant influence is exerted when
the Company has the power to participate in the financial and
operating policy decision of the investee, but is not in control or
joint control over those policies.
The Company applies the equity method in accounting for
associates. The investment is initially measured at cost and the
carrying amount is increased or decreased to recognise the
Company's share of the associate's profit or loss. Accounting
policies of associates are aligned with those of the Group.
b. Segmental reporting
The Directors are of the opinion that the Group is engaged in a
single segment of business and geographic area being arranging
financing for growth, buyout and special situations in the United
Kingdom. Information presented to the Board of Directors for the
purpose of decision making is based on this single segment.
c. Income
Interest income is recognised as it accrues in profit or loss,
using the effective interest method. Dividend income is accounted
for when the right to receive such income is established.
d. Expenses
All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis.
e. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash comprises current deposits with banks. Cash equivalents are
short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible
to known amounts of cash, are subject to an insignificant risk of
changes in value and are held for the purposes of meeting
short-term cash commitments rather than for investments or other
purposes.
f. Investments
i. Classification
Equity and preference share investments, including those held by
associates, have been designated at fair value through profit and
loss.
Financial assets that are designated as loans and receivables
comprise loans and accrued interest and other receivables.
ii. Recognition
The Group recognises financial assets and financial liabilities
on the date it becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the
instrument.
iii. Measurement
Equity and preference share investments, including those held by
associates, are stated at fair value. Loans and receivables are
stated at amortised cost less any impairment losses.
The Investment Advisor determines asset values using BVCA
guidelines and other valuation methods with reference to the
valuation principles of IAS 39. As all investments are unquoted,
the valuation principles adopted are classified as Level 3 in the
IFRS 7 fair value hierarchy. BVCA guidelines recommend the use of
comparable quoted company metrics and comparable transaction
metrics to determine an appropriate enterprise value, to which a
marketability discount is applied given the illiquid nature of
private equity investments. The Investment Advisor also seeks to
confirm value using discounted cash flow and other methods of
valuation, and by applying a range approach. The Investment Advisor
then seeks to determine whether holding the investment at cost is
appropriate given the implied value, or whether an adjustment
should be made to achieve fair value: whether this be in the form
of an impairment or a write-up.
Fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged,
or a liability settled, between knowledgeable, willing parties in
an arm's length transaction. IAS 39 provides a hierarchy to be used
in determining the fair value for a financial instrument.
Quoted market prices in an active market are the best evidence
of fair value and should be used, where they exist, to measure the
financial instrument. If a market for a financial instrument is not
active, an entity establishes fair value by using a valuation
technique that makes maximum use of market inputs and includes
recent arm's length market transactions, reference to the current
fair value of another instrument that is substantially the same,
discounted cash flow analysis, and option pricing models. An
acceptable valuation technique incorporates all factors that market
participants would consider in setting a price and is consistent
with accepted economic methodologies for pricing financial
instruments. If there is no active market for an equity instrument
and the range of reasonable fair values is significant and these
estimates cannot be made reliably, then an entity must measure the
equity instrument at cost less impairment.
Amortised cost is calculated using the effective interest
method. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly
discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts through the
expected life of the financial instrument to the net carrying
amount of the financial asset or liability. Financial assets that
are not carried at fair value though profit and loss are subject to
an impairment test for loans to portfolio companies the impairment
test is undertaken as part of the assessment of the fair value of
the enterprise value of the related business, as described above.
If expected life cannot be determined reliably, then the
contractual life is used.
In the Company Statement of Assets and Liabilities the
investments in subsidiaries and associates are stated at fair
value, based on the net assets of the subsidiaries and associates
respectively.
iv. Impairment
Financial assets that are stated at cost or amortised cost are
reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is
objective evidence of impairment. If any such indication exists, an
impairment loss is recognised in the profit or loss as the
difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present
value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the financial
asset's original effective interest rate.
If in a subsequent period the amount of an impairment loss
recognised on a financial asset carried at amortised cost decreases
and the decrease can be linked objectively to an event occurring
after the write-down, the write-down is reversed through the profit
or loss.
v. Derecognition
The Company derecognises a financial asset when the contractual
rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or it
transfers the financial asset and the transfer qualifies for
derecognition in accordance with IAS 39.
The Company uses the weighted average method to determine
realised gains and losses on derecognition.
A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation
specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expired.
g. Investment property
Investment property was stated at fair value determined annually
by the Directors. Any gain or loss arising from a change in fair
value was recognised in the profit or loss. Rental income from
investment property was accounted for on an accruals basis.
Property interests held under operating leases for investment
purposes are classified and accounted for as investment property.
During the year the investment property was disposed of.
h. Share capital
Ordinary share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs
directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares and share
options are recognised as a deduction from equity, net of any tax
effects.
Repurchase of share capital (treasury shares)
When share capital recognised as equity is repurchased, the
amount of the consideration paid, which includes directly
attributable costs, net of any tax effects, is recognised as a
deduction from equity. Repurchased shares are classified as
treasury shares and are presented as a deduction from total equity.
When treasury shares are sold or reissued subsequently, the amount
received is recognised as an increase in equity, and the resulting
surplus or deficit on the transaction is transferred to/from
retained earnings.
i. Compound financial instruments
Compound financial instruments issued by the Group comprise
convertible loan note instruments that can be converted to share
capital at the option of the holder, and the number of shares to be
issued does not vary with changes in their fair value.
The liability component of a compound financial instrument is
recognised initially at the fair value of a similar liability that
does not have an equity conversion option. The equity component is
recognised initially at the difference between fair value of the
compound financial instrument as a whole and the fair value of the
liability component. Any directly attributable transaction costs
are allocated to the liability and equity components in proportion
to their initial carrying amounts.
Subsequent to initial recognition, the liability component of a
compound financial instrument is measured at amortised cost using
the effective interest method. The equity component of a compound
financial instrument is not re-measured subsequent to initial
recognition.
Interest, dividends, losses and gains in relation to the
financial liability are recognised in profit or loss. Distributions
to the equity holders are recognised in equity net of any tax
benefits.
j. EPIC Private Equity Employee Benefit Trust ("EBT Trust")
As the Company is deemed to have control of its EBT Trust, it is
treated as a subsidiary and consolidated for the purposes of the
Group accounts. The EBT's assets (other than investments in the
Company's shares), liabilities, income and expenses are included on
a line-by-line basis in the Group financial statements. The EBT's
investment in the Company's shares is deducted from shareholders'
funds in the Group balance sheet as if they were treasury shares
(see note 7).
Share Based Payments
Certain employees (including directors) of the Group receive
remuneration in the form of equity settled share-based payment
transactions, through a Joint Share Ownership Plan ("JSOP").
Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value
at the date of grant .The fair value is determined based on the
share price of the equity instrument at the grant date. The fair
value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled
share-based payment is expensed on a straight-line basis over the
vesting period, based on the Group's estimate of the number of
shares that will eventually vest. The instruments are subject to a
three year service vesting condition from the grant date, and their
fair value is recognised as an employee benefit expense with a
corresponding increase in retained earnings within equity over the
vesting period.
Contributions received from employees as part of the JSOP
arrangement are recognised directly in equity.
k. Future changes in accounting policies
IASB (International Accounting Standards Board) and IFRIC
(International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee) have
issued the following standards and interpretations with an
effective date after the date of these financial statements:
New/Revised International Financial European Union
Reporting Standards (IAS/IFRS) Effective date
(accounting
periods
commencing
on or after)
---------------------------------------------- -----------------
IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements 1 July 2012
- Amendments to revise the way other
comprehensive income is presented (June
2011)
IAS 19 Employee Benefits - Amendment
resulting from the Post-Employment 1 January 2013
Benefits and Termination Benefits projects
(as amended in June 2011)
IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial 1 January 2013
Statements - Reissued as IAS 27 Separate
Financial Statements (as amended in
May 2011)
IAS 28 Investments in Associates - 1 January 2013
Reissued as IAS 28 Investments in Associates
and Joint Ventures (as amended in May
2011)
IAS 32 Financial Instruments Presentation 1 January 2014
- Amendments to application guidance
on the offsetting of financial assets
and financial liabilities (December
2011)
IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures 1 January 2013
- Amendments enhancing disclosures
about offsetting of financial assets
and financial liabilities (December
2011)
IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures 1 January 2015
- Amendments requiring disclosures
about the initial applicable of IFRS
9 (December 2011)
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments - Classification 1 January 2015
and measurement of financial assets
(as amended in December 2011)
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments - Accounting 1 January 2015
for financial liabilities and derecognition
(as amended in December 2011)
IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements 1 January 2013
(May 2011)
IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements (May 2011) 1 January 2013
IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in 1 January 2013
Other Entities (May 2011)
IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement (May 1 January 2013
2011)
---------------------------------------------- -----------------
The Directors are currently considering the impact that the
application of IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement, will have on the
financial statements. They currently believe its application will
impact disclosures in the financial statements but not the carrying
value of investments. It is likely that greater detail will be
required regarding the valuation methodologies for unquoted
investments, held by associates.
The Directors do not expect the adoption of the other standards
and interpretations to have a material impact on the Group's
financial statements in the period of initial application.
4. Interest income
2013 2012
GBP GBP
-------------- ------ -----
Cash balances 3,157 -
--------------
Total 3,157 -
-------------- ------ -----
5. Investment advisory, administration and performance fees
Investment advisory fees
EPE Special Opportunities plc
The investment advisory fee payable to EPIC Private Equity LLP
was, until 31 August 2010, calculated at 2% of the Group's Net
Asset Value ("NAV"), with a minimum of GBP325,000 payable per
annum. On 31 August 2010, the Investment Advisor agreed to waive
the fee from the Company for a period of two years in return for a
priority profit share paid from ESO Investments 1 LP, as detailed
below. Consequently the payment of fees has resumed at a rate of 2%
per annum of the Company's NAV (including its share of the Fund)
plus VAT. The charge for the current year was GBP216,667 (2012:
GBPnil).
ESO Investments 1 LP
On the completion of the creation of ESO Investments 1 LP ("the
partnership" on 31 August 2010, the Investment Advisor agreed to
waive entitlement to management fees from the Company and ESO
Investments LLP in exchange for a fixed priority profit share paid
by the partnership of GBP800,000 per annum for the first two years
(a year being calculated as ending on 31 August), GBP500,000 for
the third year and GBP350,000 for the fourth and fifth years,
thereafter in any subsequent period of the Partnership, such amount
as may be agreed between the Partners.
ESO Investments LLP
On 31 August 2010 the Investment Advisor agreed to waive the fee
from ESO Investments LLP in return for a priority profit share paid
from the partnership as detailed above.
Administration fees
On 30 November 2007 the Group entered into an agreement with
IOMA Fund and Investment Management Limited ("IOMA"), for the
provision of administration, registration and secretarial services.
IOMA delegated the provision of accounting services to EHM
International Limited. The fee is payable at a rate of 0.15% per
annum of the Group's NAV.
Performance fees
EPE Special Opportunities plc
The Investment Advisory Agreement, with EPIC Private Equity LLP
above also provides for the provision of a performance fee. The fee
is payable if the Total Return (taken as NAV plus dividends
distributed) is equal to at least 8% per annum from the date of
admission of the Company's shares to AIM, based on the funds raised
through the placing of shares and compounded annually. No
performance fee has accrued for the year ended 31 January 2013
(2012: GBPnil).
Carried interest in ESO Investments 1 LP
The distribution policy of ESO Investments 1 LP includes a
carried interest portion retained for the Investment Advisor such
that, for each investor where a hurdle of 8% per annum has been
achieved, the carry vehicle of the Investment Advisor is entitled
to receive 20% of the increase in that investor's investment. For
the period ended 31 January 2013 GBP1,315,264 (2012: GBP465,388)
has been credited to the carry account of the Investment Advisor in
the records of ESO Investments 1 LP.
Carried interest in ESO Investments (PC) LLP
The Investment Advisor is entitled to receive 20% of the profits
ESO Investments (PC) LLP where a hurdle of 8% has been achieved
over the initial value of the investment. For the period ended 31
January 2013 GBP2,722 (2012: GBP749,103) has been credited to the
Investment Advisor.
6. Directors' fees
2013 2012
GBP GBP
---------------------- -------- --------
G.O. Vero (Chairman) 32,000 25,000
R.B.M. Quayle 30,000 25,000
C.L. Spears 32,000 25,000
N.V. Wilson 30,000 25,000
---------------------- -------- --------
Sub-total 124,000 100,000
---------------------- -------- --------
P. Scales 2,500 2,500
Total 126,500 102,500
---------------------- -------- --------
Note: P. Scales is Company Secretary and a director of EPIC
Reconstruction Property Company II Ltd.
7. Share based payment expense
The cost of equity settled transactions with employees is
measured by reference to the fair value at the date on which they
are granted. The fair value is determined based on the share price
of the equity instrument at the grant date.
The EBT Trust was created to award shares to eligible employees
as part of the Joint Share Ownership Plan ("JSOP"). Participants
are awarded a certain number of shares ("Matching Shares") which
vest after 3 years of service. In order to receive their Matching
Share allocation participants are required to purchase shares in
the Company on the open market ("Bought Shares"). The participant
will then be entitled to acquire a joint ownership interest in the
Matching Shares for the payment of a nominal amount, on the basis
of one joint ownership interest in one Matching Share for every
Bought Share they acquire in the relevant award period.
The EBT Trust holds the Matching Shares jointly with the
participant until the award vests.
During the year, 301,041 number of Bought Shares were acquired
by eligible participants under the JSOP. The same number of
Matching Shares was also acquired by the EBT Trust and are held in
the EBT Trust at year end.
The amount expensed in the income statement has been calculated
by reference to the grant date fair value of the equity instrument
and the estimated number of equity instruments to be issued after
the vesting period, less the nominal amount paid for the joint
ownership interest in the Matching Shares. The total expense
recognised on the share based payments during the year amounts to
GBP14,092 (2012: nil).
8. Taxation
The Company is Isle of Man tax resident. The Company is subject
to 0% income tax (2012: 0%).
EPIC Reconstruction Property Company II Limited is resident in
England and Wales and subject to corporation tax at the standard UK
corporation tax rate of 20% (2012: 20%).
The limited liability partnerships and Limited Partnerships are
transparent for tax purposes and tax is paid by the partners.
9. Dividends paid and proposed
No dividends were paid or proposed for the year ended 31 January
2013 (2012: GBPnil).
10. Non-current assets
2013 2012
-------------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------
Group Company Group Company
GBP GBP GBP GBP
-------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Investment property - - 455,416 -
Financial assets
Investment in subsidiary - - - 670
Investments in equity
accounted investees 28,736,582 28,736,582 28,405,400 28,405,400
Loans to associates
and related companies
(note 13) 1,854,227 1,854,227 2,117,929 2,117,929
Loan to subsidiary - 65,316 - 45,655
30,590,809 30,656,125 30,978,745 30,569,654
-------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Investment in equity accounted investees/associates
The Investment Advisor has applied appropriate valuation methods
with reference to BVCA guidelines and the valuation principles of
IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, with
regard to the underlying investments held by the equity accounted
investees.
Investments in equity accounted investees comprise the
investment in ESO Investments 1 LP and ESO Investments (PC) LLP
(formerly ESO Investments 2 LLP) which are stated at cost plus the
share of remaining profit and loss to date. The equity accounted
investees have accounted for their equity investments at fair
value.
During the year, the Company received GBP3,681,921 (2012:
GBP3,780,000) from ESO Investments 1 LP. The movements in the
equity accounted investees during the year are as follows:
ESO Investments ESO Investments
1 LP (PC) LLP Total
GBP GBP GBP
----------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ------------
Investment in equity
accounted investees
Opening balance 25,275,510 3,129,890 28,405,400
Share of profit from
equity accounted investees 3,945,791 67,312 4,013,103
Distribution from
equity accounted investee (3,681,921) - (3,681,921)
25,539,380 3,197,202 28,736,582
----------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ------------
Summary financial information for equity accounted investees as
at 31 January 2013 is as follows:
31 January 2013 31 January 2012
------------------- --------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
ESO ESO Investments Total ESO Investments ESO Investments Total
Investments 1 LP (PC) 1 LP
(PC) LLP
LLP
------------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------ ---------------- ---------------- ------------
GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
Non-current
assets 4,500,000 38,058,325 42,558,325 4,500,000 35,522,074 40,022,074
Current
assets 100 5,053,476 5,053,576 100 7,648,418 7,648,518
Total assets 4,500,100 43,111,801 47,611,901 4,500,100 43,170,492 47,670,592
------------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------ ---------------- ---------------- ------------
Current
liabilities (550,972) (1,313,485) (1,864,457) (621,007) (2,104,093) (2,725,100)
Total liabilities (550,972) (1,313,485) (1,864,457) (621,007) (2,104,093) (2,725,100)
------------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------ ---------------- ---------------- ------------
Group's
share of
net assets 3,197,202 25,539,380 28,736,582 3,129,890 25,275,510 28,405,400
------------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------ ---------------- ---------------- ------------
Income 26,149 2,330,911 2,357,060 225,493 3,247,728 3,473,221
Gains on
investments 55,144 5,160,596 5,215,740 2,528,750 105,484 2,634,234
Expenses (11,258) (240,238) (251,496) (2,484) (226,560) (229,044)
Profit 70,035 7,251,269 7,321,304 2,751,759 3,126,652 5,878,411
------------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------ ---------------- ---------------- ------------
Group's
share of
profit 67,312 3,945,791 4,013,103 2,002,656 1,395,909 3,398,565
------------------- ------------- ---------------- ------------ ---------------- ---------------- ------------
The Company also has control over the following underlying
investee companies but these companies have not been consolidated
on the basis of the early adoption of the amendments to IFRS
10:
Country Equity percentage
of incorporation held at
year end
--------------------- ------------------- ------------------
Whittard of Chelsea UK 85.3%
Past Times Web UK 100.0%
Process Components UK 85.0%
Make it Rain UK 50.1%
------------------- ------------------
Key terms of LP Agreement for ESO Investments 1 LP
Profits or losses are credited or debited to each Member's
account to reflect the distributions payable to each Member were
the LP to be liquidated at its statement of financial position
value.
Prior to the First Hurdle Point (being the point at which each
member has received repayment of the loans advanced and a Hurdle
amount being 8% per annum on the loan balances) distributions shall
be made as;
-- 37% to DES Holdings IV(A) LLC
-- 63% to EPE Special Opportunities plc
At the First Hurdle Point for an investor an amount equal to 25%
of the Hurdle shall be credited from that investor to EPE Carry LP.
After the First Hurdle Point distributions shall be as stated above
less 20% which shall be credited to EPE Carry LP until the Second
Hurdle Point.
At the Second Hurdle Point, (being the point at which DES
Holdings IV(A) LLC has received 1.5 times its loans advanced)
distributions shall be made as;
-- 25% to DES Holdings IV(A) LLC
-- 75% to EPE Special Opportunities plc
Subject to a 20% allocation to EPE Carry LP in the event that
the First Hurdle Point has been reached.
At the Third Hurdle Point, (being the point at which DES
Holdings IV(A) LLC has received 2 times its loans advanced)
distributions shall be made as;
-- 18% to DES Holdings IV(A) LLC
-- 82% to EPE Special Opportunities plc
Subject to a 20% allocation to EPE Carry LP in the event that
the Second Hurdle Point has been reached.
11. Financial assets and liabilities
2013 2012
------------------------------ -------------------------- --------------------------
Group Company Group Company
GBP GBP GBP GBP
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Assets
Financial assets at
fair value through
profit or loss - designated
on initial recognition
Investment in subsidiary
at fair value - - - 670
Investments in equity
accounted investees 28,736,582 28,736,582 28,405,400 28,405,400
Financial assets at
amortised cost
Loans and receivables
and cash balances 6,338,488 6,399,657 8,109,504 8,098,025
Total financial assets 35,075,070 35,136,239 36,514,904 36,504,095
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Liabilities
Financial liabilities
measured at amortised
cost
Other financial liabilities (53,074) (44,671) (2,474,724) (2,008,499)
Convertible loan note
instruments (5,977,377) (5,977,377) (7,335,342) (7,335,342)
Financial liabilities
at fair value through
profit or loss - designated
on initial recognition
Investment in subsidiary
at fair value - (69,572) - -
Total financial liabilities (6,030,451) (6,091,620) (9,810,066) (9,343,841)
------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
12. Loan to subsidiary
2013 2012
GBP GBP
-------------------------------------- ------- -------
EPIC Reconstruction Property Company
II Limited 65,316 45,655
65,316 45,655
-------------------------------------- ------- -------
The loan to the subsidiary is unsecured, interest free and not
subject to any fixed repayment terms.
13. Cash and cash equivalents
2013 2012
Group Company Group Company
GBP GBP GBP GBP
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Current and call accounts 4,417,775 4,411,069 5,894,547 5,879,231
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
4,417,775 4,411,069 5,894,547 5,879,231
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
The current and call accounts have been classified as cash and
cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
14. Loans to equity accounted investees and related parties
2013 2012 2013 2012
Group Group Company Company
GBP GBP GBP GBP
------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
ESO Investments (PC)
LLP 549,172 621,007 549,172 621,007
ESO Investments 1
LP 805,055 938,381 805,055 938,381
EPIC Structured Finance
Limited 500,000 558,541 500,000 558,541
1,854,227 2,117,929 1,854,227 2,117,929
------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
The loans to equity accounted investees and related companies
are unsecured, interest free and not subject to any fixed repayment
terms.
15. Trade and other payables
2013 2012
Group Company Group Company
GBP GBP GBP GBP
------------------------ ------- -------- ---------- ----------
Accrued administration
fee 18,000 18,000 5,006 5,006
Accrued audit fee 16,589 12,040 21,070 18,320
Accrued professional
fee 5,592 1,738 16,319 8,260
Convertible loan note
buy-back (note 16) 1,977 1,977 1,955,246 1,955,246
Accrued Directors'
fees 10,916 10,916 21,667 21,667
Total 53,074 44,671 2,019,308 2,008,499
------------------------ ------- -------- ---------- ----------
16. Non-current liabilities
Convertible loan note instruments were issued on 31 August 2010
to The Equity Partnership Investment Company plc. The amount
issued, net of issue costs was GBP9,870,304. The notes carry
interest at 7.5% per annum and are convertible at the option of the
holder at a price of 170 pence per ordinary share. The convertible
shares fall under the definition of compound financial instruments
within IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation. On issue of the
loan notes, the Directors were required to assess the elements of
equity and liability contained with the compound instrument. The
Directors consider that the instrument has no equity element and
therefore the whole instrument was treated as a liability.
Issue costs of GBP129,696 were offset against the value of the
convertible loan note instruments and are being amortised over the
life of the instrument at an effective interest rate of 0.24% per
annum. A total of GBP36,652 was expensed in the year ended 31
January 2013 (2012: GBP48,937).
The convertible loan notes are repayable on 31 December 2015
unless the shareholders of the Company pass a resolution on or
before 30 September 2015 for the continuation of the Company beyond
31 December 2016, in which case the final repayment date shall be
31 December 2016, but each Noteholder has the right to require the
redemption of some or all of his notes on 31 December 2015 by
providing the Company written notice up to the close of business on
30 November 2015. On 19 September 2012 the Company repurchased
GBP1,343,485 of the convertible loan note instrument for a total
consideration of GBP1,039,656 giving rise to a gain recognised in
the statement of comprehensive income of GBP135,879. After this
transaction there are GBP6,062,490 convertible loan notes in issue.
The total interest expensed on the convertible loan notes for the
year is GBP504,819 (2012: GBP704,566). This includes the
amortisation of the issue costs.
17. Share capital
2013 2012
------------------------ -----------------------
Number GBP Number GBP
--------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------
Authorised share capital
Ordinary shares of
5p each 33,000,000 1,650,000 33,000,000 1,650,000
--------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------
Called up, allotted
and fully paid
Ordinary shares of
5p each 30,802,911 1,540,146 30,802,911 1,540,146
Ordinary shares of
5p each held in treasury (2,583,551) - (351,271) -
--------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------
28,219,360 1,540,146 30,451,640 1,540,146
--------------------------- ------------ ---------- ----------- ----------
During the year ended 31 January 2013 the Company purchased
2,232,280 (2012: 351,271) shares at a weighted average price of
48.10 pence per share (2012: 40.89).
At the year end 1,022,720 of the above treasury shares were held
by the EBT Trust (note 7) (2012: nil).
Share premium
The share premium arose on the issue of the ordinary shares and
represented the difference between the price at which the shares
were issued and the par value (5 pence).
18. Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share (pence)
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit
for the Group and Company for the year attributable to the ordinary
shareholders of GBP2,926,243 (2012: GBP2,903,530) divided by the
weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year of
29,403,897 after excluding treasury shares (2012: 30,732,408
shares).
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit
for the Group and Company for the year attributable to ordinary
shareholders of GBP2,926,243 (2012: GBP2,903,530) divided by the
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the
year, as adjusted for the effects of all dilutive potential
ordinary shares of 29,704,938 after excluding treasury shares
(2012: 30,451,640 shares).
19. Net asset value per share (pence)
The Group and Company net asset value per share is based on the
net assets of the Group and Company at the year end of
GBP29,044,619 (2012: GBP27,160,254) divided by the shares in issue
at the end of the year of 28,219,360 after excluding treasury
shares (2012: 30,451,640).
The Group and Company diluted net asset value per share of
101.84 pence, is based on the net assets of the Group and the
Company at the year end of GBP29,044,619 (2012: GBP27,160,254)
divided by the shares in issue at the end of the year, as adjusted
for the effects of dilutive potential ordinary shares of
28,520,401, after excluding treasury shares (2012: 30,451,640).
20. Net cash used in operating activities
Reconciliation of net investment income/expense to net cash used
in operating activities:
2013 2012
GBP GBP
----------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Net investment expense (673,211) (378,898)
Movement in trade and other receivables 30,542 (66,895)
Movement in trade and other payables (52,649) (122,021)
----------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Net cash used in operating activities (695,318) (567,814)
----------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
21. Financial instruments
The Group's financial instruments comprise:
-- Investments in unlisted companies held by associates, comprising equity and loans.
-- Cash and cash equivalents, bank loan and convertible loan note instruments; and
-- Accrued interest and trade and other receivables, accrued expenses and sundry creditors.
Financial risk management objectives and policies
The main risks arising from the Group's financial instruments
are liquidity risk, credit risk, market price risk and interest
rate risk. None of those risks are hedged. These risks arise
through directly held financial instruments and through the
indirect exposures created by the underlying financial instruments
in the associates. These risks are managed by the Directors in
conjunction with the Investment Advisor. The Investment Advisor is
responsible for day to day management.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter
difficulty in meeting the obligations associated with its financial
liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another
financial asset. The Group's liquid assets comprise cash and cash
equivalents and trade and other receivables, which are readily
realisable and a term deposit account.
Residual contractual maturities of financial liabilities:
31 January Less 3 months
2013 than 1 - to 1 1 - Over No stated
1 Month 3 Months year 5 years 5 years maturity
GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
----------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
Financial
liabilities
Trade and
other payables 53,074 - - - - -
Convertible
loan note
instruments - - - 5,977,377 - -
Bank loan - - - - - -
---------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total 53,074 - - 5,977,377 - -
----------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
31 January Less 3 months
2012 than 1 - to 1 1 - Over No stated
1 Month 3 Months year 5 years 5 years maturity
GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
----------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
Financial
liabilities
Trade and
other payables 2,019,308 - - - - -
Convertible
loan note
instruments - - - 7,335,342 - -
Bank loan - - - - 455,416 -
---------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
Total 2,019,308 - - 7,335,342 455,416 -
----------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or counterparty will be
unable or unwilling to meet a commitment that it has entered into
with the Group.
The Group, through its interests in associates, had advanced
loans to a number of private companies which exposes the Group to
significant credit risk. The loans are advanced to unquoted private
companies, which have no credit risk rating. They are entered into
as part of the investment strategy of the Group and its associates
and credit risk is managed by taking security where available
(typically a floating charge) and the Investment Advisor taking an
active role in the management of the borrowing companies.
Although the Investment Advisor looks to set realistic repayment
schedules, it does not necessarily view a portfolio company not
repaying on time and in full as 'underperforming' and seeks to
monitor each portfolio company on a case-by-case basis. However, in
all cases the Investment Advisor reserves the right to exercise
step in rights. In addition to the repayment of loans advanced, the
Group and associates will often arrange additional preference share
structures and take significant equity stakes so as to create
shareholder value. It is the performance on the combination of all
securities including third party debt that determines the Group's
view of each investment.
At the reporting date, the Group's financial assets exposed to
credit risk amounted to the following:
2013 2012
GBP GBP
------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents 4,417,775 5,894,547
Trade and other receivables 66,486 97,028
Loans to equity accounted investees
and related companies 1,854,227 2,117,929
Total 6,338,488 8,109,504
------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Cash balances are placed with HSBC Bank plc and Barclays Bank
plc.
Market price risk
Market price risk is the risk that the value of a financial
instrument will fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices
(other than those arising from interest rate risk or currency
risk). The Group is exposed to a market price risk via its equity
investments held via its interests in equity accounted investees,
which are stated at fair value.
Market price risk sensitivity
The Group is exposed to market price risk with regard to its
investment in the partnerships, which own equity interests in a
number of unquoted companies which are stated at fair value.
Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk through its
investment in the equity accounted investees and on its cash
balances. The equity accounted investees provide loans to portfolio
companies. Most of the loans are at fixed rates. Cash balances earn
interest at variable rates. The convertible loan note instruments
carry fixed interest rates.
The table below summarises the Group's exposure to interest rate
risks. It includes the Group's financial assets and liabilities at
the earlier of contractual re-pricing or maturity date, measured by
the carrying values of assets and liabilities:
31 January Less 3 months Non-
2013 than 1 - - 1 1 - Over interest
1 month 3 months year 5 years 5 years bearing Total
Assets GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
-------------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------- ------------
Loans and
receivables
Loans to equity
accounted
investees
and related
companies - - - - - 1,854,227 1,854,227
Trade and
other receivables 2,999 - - - - 63,487 66,486
Cash and cash
equivalents 4,417,775 - - - - - 4,417,775
Total financial
assets 4,420,774 - - - - 1,917,714 6,338,488
-------------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------- ------------
Liabilities
Financial
liabilities
measured at
amortised
cost
Trade and
other payables - - - - - (53,074) (53,074)
Convertible
loan note
instruments - - - (5,977,377) - - (5,977,377)
Bank loan - - - - - - -
-------------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------- ------------
Total financial
liabilities - - - (5,977,377) - (53,074) (6,030,451)
-------------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------- ------------
Total interest
rate sensitivity
gap 4,420,774 - - (5,977,377) - - -
-------------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------- ------------
31 January Less 3 months Non-
2012 than 1 - - 1 1 - Over interest
1 month 3 months year 5 years 5 years bearing Total
Assets GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
-------------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ------------
Loans and
receivables
Loans to equity
accounted
investees
and related
companies - - - - - 2,117,929 2,117,929
Trade and
other receivables 15,893 - - - - 81,135 97,028
Cash and cash
equivalents 5,894,547 - - - - - 5,894,547
Total financial
assets 5,910,440 - - - - 2,199,064 8,109,504
-------------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ------------
Liabilities
Financial
liabilities
measured at
amortised
cost
Trade and
other payables - - - - - (2,019,308) (2,019,308)
Convertible
loan note
instruments - - - (7,335,342) - - (7,335,342)
Bank loan - - - - (455,416) - (455,416)
-------------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ------------
Total financial
liabilities - - - (7,335,342) (455,416) (2,019,308) (9,810,066)
-------------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ------------
Total interest
rate sensitivity
gap 5,910,440 - - (7,335,342) (455,416) - -
-------------------- ---------- ---------- --------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ------------
Interest rate sensitivity
The Group is exposed to market interest rate risk only via its
cash balances. A sensitivity analysis has not been provided as it
is not considered significant to Group performance.
Currency risk
The Group has no exposure to currency risk as it has no
non-sterling assets or liabilities.
Fair values
Financial instruments are considered to be stated at fair
value.
22. Directors' interests
Four of the Directors have interests in the shares of the
Company as at 31 January 2013 (2012: two). Geoffrey Vero holds
60,620 ordinary shares (2012: 40,000). Nicholas Wilson holds 50,931
ordinary shares (2012: 20,000). Robert Quayle holds 30,612 ordinary
shares (2012: nil). Clive Spears holds 30,612 ordinary shares
(2012: nil).
23. Related parties
Mr Geoffrey Vero is a non-executive Director of Numis
Corporation plc and a former non-executive Director of Numis
Securities Limited, the Nominated Advisors, Brokers and Placing
Agent to the Company. Broker fees of GBP40,357 (2012: GBP26,257)
were payable to Numis Securities Limited.
24. Subsidiary companies
On 30 December 2004, the Company incorporated EPIC
Reconstruction Property Company II Limited in England and Wales,
with paid up share capital of GBP1. On 16 January 2013 the Group
lost control of this subsidiary and it was deconsolidated from this
date.
On 29 October 2005, the Company incorporated EPIC Reconstruction
Property Company (IOM) Limited, in the Isle of Man.
25. Financial commitments and guarantees
Under the terms of the limited partnership agreement the Company
is committed to provide a maximum of GBP2.0 million additional
investment to ESO Investments 1 LP.
26. Subsequent events
There were no significant subsequent events.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
FR SFSESSFDSEDD
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