Annual Results for the year ended 31 December 2011
Matrix Income & Growth VCT plc
Annual Results Announcement for the year ended 31 December 2011
Investment Objective
Matrix Income & Growth VCT plc ("the VCT" or "MIG VCT") is a Venture Capital
Trust ("VCT") listed on the London Stock Exchange. Its investment portfolio,
which invests primarily in established and profitable unquoted companies, is
managed by Matrix Private Equity Partners LLP ("MPEP").
The Company's objective is to provide investors with a regular income stream
by way of tax-free dividends generated from income and capital returns.
Financial Highlights
Merger with Matrix Income & Growth 3 VCT plc ("MIG 3 VCT")
The Company acquired the net assets and liabilities of MIG 3 VCT on
20 May 2010. At that date, the net assets of the merged VCT were £34.1
million, which have increased to £40.7 million at 31 December 2011.
Following the Merger, MIG 3 VCT shareholders were issued with approximately
1.0655 MIG VCT ordinary shares for each former MIG 3 VCT share. By way of
illustration, a shareholder who previously held 10,000 MIG 3 VCT shares
now holds 10,655 shares in the Company.
Performance Summary
The net asset value (NAV) per share of the Company at 31 December 2011 was
95.6 pence
To help Shareholders understand the recent past performance of their investment
comparative data is shown below. Total return (NAV basis) comprises NAV per
share plus cumulative dividends paid per share:-
MIG VCT fundraising Net NAV Net Total return Share Total
assets per cumulative (NAV basis) price 2 expense
Share dividends per ratio
paid per share to
share shareholders
since launch
(£m) (p) (p) (p) (p)
MIG VCT (2004/05)
As at 31 December 2011 1 40.7 95.6 26.8 122.4 78.8 3.0%
As at 31 December 2010 1 38.5 96.7 21.3 118.0 84.0 3.3% 4
As at 31 December 2009 17.0 83.3 16.3 99.6 57.0 3.7%
MIG 3 VCT (2005/06)
As at 31 December 2011 1 - 101.9 15.4 117.3 - 3 -
As at 31 December 2010 1 - 103.0 9.5 112.5 - 3 -
As at 31 December 2009 17.5 90.0 5.5 95.5 63.0 3.6%
1 The data at 31 December 2011 shows the return on an initial subscription price at the date
of inception of each fundraising taken from the next table divided by £10,000. The
data at 31 December 2010 has been calculated on a similar basis.
2 Source: London Stock Exchange.
3 Former MIG 3 VCT shareholders now hold approx 1.0655 shares in MIG VCT for every one
MIG 3 VCT share previously held. Shareholders should refer to the share price
for MIG VCT in the lines above
4 The TER at 31 December 2010 includes running costs in respect of MIG 3 VCT for
the period up to 19 May 2010. Therefore, the reduced figure of 3.0% in 2011 shows the
beneficial impact of the Merger. Excluding these running costs as part of the calculation
would give an adjusted TER of 2.7%.
Return before and after income tax relief
The tables below show the total returns (NAV basis) at 31 December 2011 for MIG VCT
Shareholders who invested £10,000 in each fundraising.
MIG VCT fundraising Linked
MIG MIG 3 VCT
VCT VCT Offer 1
2004/05 2005/06 2010/11
Original investment £10,000 (£) 10,000 10,000 10,000
Issue price (p) 100.0 100.0 100.4 2
Number of shares held post merger/Linked VCT Offer 10,000 10,655 9,957
Rate of income tax relief % 40% 40% 30%
Cost net of income tax relief (£) 6,000 6,000 7,000
NAV at 31 December 2011 (£) 9,559 10,185 9,518
Dividends paid to shareholders since subscription (£) 2,680 1,541 548 3
Total return (NAV basis) to shareholders since subscription (£) 12,239 11,726 10,066
Profit before income tax relief (£) 2,239 1,726 66
Profit after income tax relief 4 (£) 6,239 5,726 3,066
1 This column shows the data for the MIG VCT shares only, received under the Linked
VCT Offer
2 Average issue price
3 All shareholders who invested in the Linked VCT Offer, except those who received
their shares in the last allotment on 6 July 2011, received the dividend of 5 pence per share paid
on 27 May 2011.
4 Total return (NAV basis) minus cost net of income tax relief.
Liquidity and discount management
The Company holds approximately £13.2 million in
readily realisable assets that are available for further investments,
dividends and share buybacks. The discount for the Company's shares at 31
December 2011 was 10.3% based on the NAV per share at 30 September 2011 of
87.87 pence, which was the latest published figure at that time.
Dividend history
Dividends paid in each year since launch
In respect of year ended Payment date MIG VCT MIG 3 Linked VCT
VCT 1 Offer 2
(p) per share (p) per (p) per share
share
31 December 2011 (interim) 15 September 2011 0.50 0.53 0.50
31 December 2010 27 May 2011 5.00 5.33 5.00
31 December 2009 (interim) 21 April 2010 5.00 4.00 -
31 December 2008 15 May 2009 1.00 0.80 -
31 December 2008 (interim) 11 September 2008 3.30 1.00 -
31 December 2007 21 May 2008 7.80 1.50 -
31 December 2007 (interim) 20 September 2007 1.00 1.00 -
31 December 2006 18 May 2007 1.40 1.25 -
31 December 2006 (interim) 14 September 2006 0.80 - -
31 December 2005 16 May 2006 0.70 - -
31 December 2005 (interim) 27 September 2005 0.30 - -
Cumulative dividends paid 26.80 15.41 5.50
1 The dividends paid since the Merger on 20 May 2010 to former MIG 3 VCT
shareholders have been adjusted by the Merger conversion ratio of 1.0655.
2 From MIG VCT shares only.
Dividends paid include distributions from both income and capital.
Dividends proposed
A final dividend of 6.25 pence per share, comprising 5.00 pence
from capital and 1.25 pence from income, will be recommended to Shareholders
at the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held on 10 May 2012 to be
paid on 22 May 2012 to Shareholders on the Register on 11 May 2012.
Chairman's Statement
I am pleased to present the annual results of Matrix Income &
Growth VCT plc for the year to 31 December 2011.
Overview
The year under review was dominated by continuing uncertainty about
and fragility in the UK economy. A number of factors contributed to this
including the sovereign debt crisis in the Eurozone and continued downward
pressure on public sector expenditure and a rise in inflation in the UK.
Against this backdrop, the quoted UK equity market as represented
by the FTSE All-Share Index was very volatile and ended the year down 3.5% on
a total return basis. Bearing in mind that many of the portfolio companies are
valued by reference to the performance of companies trading in similar sectors
within the FTSE All-Share Index, it is encouraging to note that the Company's
NAV total return rose by 3.7%.
Performance
The total return (NAV basis) per share, including dividends paid to
date, is now 122.4 pence (2010: 118.0 pence), an increase over the year of
3.7% (2010: 18.5%). This compares with the initial NAV per share, net of
initial costs, of 94.5 pence representing a positive total return (NAV basis)
per share since inception of 29.5% (2010: 24.9%).
Taking into account initial tax relief, investors have seen an overall gain on
investment cost of 104.0% since the launch of the Company on a net investment
cost of 60 pence per share.
Former MIG 3 VCT Shareholders may refer to the tables included in
the Financial Highlights above for information on the performance of their
original investment including dividend payments.
New investment and portfolio review
The upturn in dealflow in the second half of 2010 continued into
2011. Three new investments were completed during the year under review to
support the management buyouts ("MBOs") of Motorclean Group Limited, Equip
Outdoor Technologies Limited and EMaC Limited. The Company's existing
investments in the acquisition vehicles Fullfield and Vanir were used in
respect of the Motorclean and EMaC investments.
Further investments were made into ASL to support the acquisition
of the assets of a similar company, Transcribe Copier Systems Limited and into
Monsal as part of a £1.75 million facility to support the turnaround of that
company.
Three loan stocks held by the Company totalling £2.5 million in
value were fully repaid during the year (including any premiums due).
Repayments were received from Iglu.com Holidays, Vectair and MachineWorks.
In January 2011, the VCT realised its entire investment in Campden
Media for a cash consideration of £836,294, representing 85.8% of the total
investment cost of £975,000. Taking into account interest received, the
overall gain on this investment was a disappointing 4.2%.
In December 2011, the VCT made a partial disposal of its investment
in DiGiCo to ISIS Equity Partners. The VCT has received total cash proceeds of
£5.9 million over the life of this investment representing a three times cash
return to date. In addition, the VCT continues to hold a residual loan stock
and small equity investment in this company, valued in total at £2.6 million.
A number of the investee companies continued to trade well, notably
DiGiCo, ATG Media and Iglu.com Holidays. Other companies were still
endeavouring to recover from the effects of the 2008/09 recession. Plastic
Surgeon returned a modest profit after a period of weak trading and Youngman
fully repaid its bank debt and so is well-positioned to benefit from any
upturn in its markets. Blaze Signs reported improved results demonstrating a
sound recovery during the year. PXP, however, continues to be valued at nil
although a further small investment into this company has been approved.
Further details of these investments and the year's other
transactions can be found in the Investment Manager's Review below.
Review of Results
The Company returned a profit for the year of £1,663,621 (2010:
£6,321,656), comprised of a revenue profit of £963,571 (2010: £313,297) and a
capital profit of £700,050 (2010: £6,008,359). Last year's capital profit
reflected a large increase of £6,527,412 in the valuation of the portfolio,
which was not repeated this year. However, net income more than trebled from
£313,297 to £963,571, mainly due to a rise in gross income from £934,890 to
£1,681,991.
Although this increase in gross income was flattered to the extent
of £141,427 by the first time inclusion of a full year's income attributable
to Matrix Income & Growth 3 VCT plc, like-for-like income rose strongly due to
higher loan stock interest and dividends being received from investee
companies. Interest from new loan stock investments outweighed the interest
foregone on loan stock redemptions while several investee companies resumed
servicing their current loan interest. These factors caused loan stock
interest to rise from £700,647 to £1,184,015. Dividends from investee
companies more than doubled from £194,226 to £425,919. DiGiCo's dividend
nearly doubled and there were also sizeable dividends from ATG Media and
Lightworks.
On the negative side, revenue from the Company's cash balances
remained at low levels due to the extremely low interest rate environment.
This also affected loan stocks where the interest is linked to variable
interest rates. In addition some investee companies were still not servicing
their loans.
Meanwhile expenses were lower in 2011 compared with 2010,
principally as this year contained no merger costs which were £69,089 last
year and because some costs previously treated as administration costs are now
part of investment management fees, which are partly charged to the capital
account.
Dividends
Your Directors are pleased to recommend a final dividend in respect
of 2011 of a total of 6.25 pence (2010: 5.00 pence) per share comprising 5.00
pence (2010: 4.50 pence) per share from Capital and 1.25 pence (2010: 0.50
pence) per share from income.
Subject to Shareholder approval, this dividend will be paid on 22
May 2012 to Shareholders on the Register on 11 May 2012. This payment would
bring cumulative dividends paid since inception to 33.05 pence per share
(2010: 26.30 pence). Once approved, this would bring dividends for 2011 to
6.75 pence per share (2010: 5.00 pence) in total.
Investment in qualifying holdings
In order to comply with VCT tax legislation, the Company must meet
the target set by HMRC of investing 70% of total funds raised in qualifying
unquoted and AiM quoted companies ("the 70% test"). At 31 December 2011, the
Company was 72.7% invested in qualifying companies (based upon the tax values,
which differ from the values given in the Investment Portfolio Summary below).
This figure is, however, before taking account of the disposal of DiGiCo which
will reduce the percentage below 70%. In accordance with HMRC rules, the
Company is allowed six months from the date of a realisation to meet the 70%
test and the Board has taken steps to restore the position post year-end.
Share buybacks
During the year ended 31 December 2011, the Company bought back
2,681,786 of its own shares (2010: 1,270,092 of which 33,525 were bought back
by MIG VCT and 103,995 were bought back by MIG3 VCT prior to the Merger) at an
average price of 82.45 pence per share and a total cost of £2,222,097
including expenses (2010: £951,784). These shares, representing 6.7% of the
issued share capital of the Company at the beginning of the year, were
subsequently cancelled by the Company.
Purchases were made at discounts to the latest published NAVs per
share ranging between 10 - 14% (2010: 10-38%). The discount at which shares
were bought back has significantly narrowed and stabilised since mid 2010.
This reflects the Board's current policy which is to seek to maintain the
discount at which the Company's shares trade at around 10%. Ongoing
Shareholders, of course, benefit from the difference between the Net Asset
Value and the price at which the shares are bought back and cancelled.
The Company's shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and as
such they should be sold in the same way as any other quoted company through a
stockbroker. However, to ensure that they obtain the best price, Shareholders
wishing to sell their shares are advised to contact the Company's stockbroker,
Matrix Corporate Capital by telephoning 020 3206 7176/7 before agreeing a
price with their stockbroker. Shareholders are also advised to discuss their
individual tax position with their financial adviser before deciding to sell
their shares.
Merger with Matrix Income & Growth 3 VCT plc
The Company has continued to benefit from the merger of the Company
with Matrix Income & Growth 3 VCT in May 2010 both in terms of cost savings
and more efficient administration. A total of £150,000 of costs previously
incurred by both separate VCTs has been saved since the Merger, comparing the
2009 financial year for both former VCTs with this year's costs. This
represents 0.4% of net assets at the date of the Merger. Added to estimated
savings for the second six months of 2010, we therefore continue to anticipate
that the full costs of the Merger will be recovered within two years.
Fundraising
The Company is participating in a linked fundraising with The
Income & Growth VCT plc and Matrix Income & Growth 4 VCT plc which was
launched on 20 January 2012 to raise up to £21 million across the three VCTs.
The funds raised for the VCT of up to £7 million will further improve the
Company's liquidity, enable the VCT to continue to take advantage of the
expected favourable conditions for new investment, support the Company's share
buyback policy and mean that its fixed running costs will be spread over a
larger asset base. Details of the Offer have been posted to Shareholders. This
Offer has been well received and a total of £1.7 million has been raised to
date for the Company.
The Offer will remain open until 30 April 2012 (5 April 2012 in
respect of the current tax year) although the Directors of the three VCTs
reserve the right to extend the closing date at their discretion.
Change of ownership at Matrix Private Equity Partners
Since April 2004, the Company's Manager MPEP has been owned jointly
by its executive partners and Matrix Group Limited ("Matrix"). On 12 January
2012, the executive partners reached agreement to acquire Matrix's interest in
the business and this will lead to the Manager becoming a wholly independent
owner-managed firm. The acquisition is subject to approval from the FSA of the
change of control in MPEP and is expected to be completed on or around 30 June
2012.
The Company's arrangements with MPEP, in particular its investment
strategy and services, are not expected to change. The Directors look forward
to continuing to work with MPEP to provide attractive long term returns on
your VCT investment, whilst reserving the Company's rights under the
investment management agreement.
Subject to the acquisition being completed, it is currently the
intention that MPEP will leave its offices at One Vine Street and that both
its name and the name of the VCT will be changed.
Communication with shareholders
We aim to communicate regularly with our Shareholders. In addition
to the Half-Yearly and Annual Reports, Shareholders receive a twice-yearly
Matrix VCT Newsletter from the Manager, approved by the Board. The May AGM
will provide a useful platform for the Board to meet Shareholders and exchange
views. Your Board welcomes your attendance at General Meetings to give you the
opportunity to meet your Directors and representatives of the Manager.
The Manager held a second successful investor
workshop in January 2012. The workshop provided a forum for about 100 Matrix
VCT Shareholders to hear presentations from the Manager about its investment
activity in greater depth and from a successful entrepreneur of one of the
portfolio companies. It is intended that this will be an annual event, to
which all Shareholders will be invited.
Outlook
The outlook for the UK economy remains highly uncertain. The rise
in inflation in 2011 increased the pressure on consumers and the small
businesses that service them. Despite this difficult environment, the majority
of companies in the portfolio continue to trade profitably and several are
reporting results ahead of their budget and prior year. However, the Manager
expects that there may be companies in our portfolio which may find the
challenges of the economic climate testing in the short term as the public
sector cuts begin to take effect and the economy struggles to achieve
permanent positive growth.
We expect the VCT to have sufficient liquidity after this year's
fundraising to ensure it is well-placed to take advantage of new investment
opportunities as well as supporting existing investee companies to respond to
the difficult times that may lie ahead. The Board believes that the portfolio
is well-positioned to provide growth in value over the medium-term and that
the VCT's strategy of investing primarily in MBOs and structuring investments
to include loan stock will continue to mitigate downside risk.
Finally, I would like to express my thanks to all Shareholders for
their continuing support of the Company.
Keith Niven
Chairman
Investment Policy
The VCT's policy is to invest primarily in a diversified portfolio
of UK unquoted companies. Investments are usually structured as part loan and
part equity in order to generate regular income and to generate capital gains
from realisations.
Investments are made selectively across a number of sectors,
primarily in management buyout transactions ("MBOs") i.e. to support incumbent
management teams in acquiring the business they manage but do not own.
Investments are primarily made in companies that are established and
profitable.
Uninvested funds are held in cash and low risk money market funds.
UK companies
The funds raised by the VCT after 6 April 2006 are subject to the
£7 million gross assets test for an investment to be VCT qualifying. Pre 6
April 2006, the companies in which investments were made must have had no more
than £15 million of gross assets at the time of investment to be classed as a
VCT qualifying holding.
VCT regulation
The investment policy is designed to ensure that the VCT continues
to qualify and is approved as a VCT by HMRC. Amongst other conditions, the VCT
may not invest more than 15% of its investments in a single company and must
have at least 70% by value of its investments throughout the period in shares
or securities comprised in VCT qualifying holdings, of which a minimum overall
of 30% by value must be in ordinary shares which carry no preferential rights
(save as may be permitted under VCT rules). In addition, although the VCT can
invest less than 30% of an investment in a specific company in ordinary shares
it must have at least 10% by value of its total investments in each VCT
qualifying company in ordinary shares which carry no preferential rights (save
as may be permitted under VCT rules).
The VCT regulations in respect of funds raised after 6 April 2011
changed, such that 70% of qualifying investments must be invested in equity.
Asset mix
MIG VCT holds its liquid funds in a portfolio of readily realisable
interest-bearing investments and deposits. The investment portfolio of
qualifying investments has been built up over time with the aim of investing
and maintaining around 80% of net funds raised in qualifying investments.
Risk diversification and maximum exposures
Risk is spread by investing in a number of different businesses
across different industry sectors. To reduce the risk of high exposure to
equities, each qualifying investment is structured to maximise the amount
which may be invested in loan stock. Initial investments in VCT qualifying
companies are, subject to formal approval from the MIG VCT Board, generally
made in amounts ranging from £200,000 to £1 million at cost. No holding in any
one company will represent more than 10% of the value of the VCT's investments
at the time of investment. Ongoing monitoring of each investment is carried
out by the Manager generally through taking a seat on the board of each VCT
qualifying company.
Co-investment
The VCT aims to invest in larger more mature unquoted companies
through investing alongside three other VCTs advised by MPEP with a similar
investment policy. This enables the VCT to participate in combined investments
by the Manager of up to £5 million.
Borrowing
The VCT has never borrowed and has no current plans to undertake
any borrowing.
Management
The Board has overall responsibility for the VCT's affairs
including the determination of its investment policy. Investment and
divestment proposals are originated, negotiated and recommended by the Manager
and are then subject to formal approval by the Directors.
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Impact of possible change to the VCT tax rules on the VCT's
Investment Policy
Changes to the VCT tax legislation, which may be introduced with
effect from 6 April 2012 as part of the Finance Bill 2012, were published in
the Budget on 21 March 2012. The exact changes have not yet been finalised and
will be subject to state aid approval. If implemented, the current proposals
could impact on the Company's Investment Policy as follows:
(1) The size of companies in which investment can be made is proposed to be
increased £15 million immediately before and £16 million immediately after the investment.
(2) The number of permitted employees for an investee company is proposed to be
increased from 50 to 250.
(3) The amount of investment a VCT may make into a particular company within a
twelve month rolling period is proposed to be increased from £1 million to £5 million.
(4) If the proposals are adopted in their current form it may no longer be possible
for the Manager to carry out certain types of MBO transactions. If this turns out to be the
case, the Company still intends to use other types of MBO transactions and therefore does not
anticipate that this change will have a significant impact on the Company's Investment Policy.
It is currently proposed that this change, if implemented, will not apply to funds raised up to
5 April 2012
Principal risks, management and regulatory environment
The Board believes that the principal risks faced by the Company
are:
Economic risk - events such as an economic recession and movement
in interest rates could affect trading conditions for smaller companies and
consequently the value of the Company's qualifying investments.
Loss of approval as a Venture Capital Trust - the Company must
comply with section 274 of the Income Tax Act 2007 which allows it to be
exempted from capital gains tax on investment gains. Any breach of these rules
may lead to the Company losing its approval as a VCT, qualifying Shareholders
who have not held their shares for the designated holding period having to
repay the income tax relief they obtained and future dividends paid by the
Company becoming subject to tax. The Company would also lose its exemption
from corporation tax on capital gains. If the proposals in the draft Finance
Act 2012 are adopted in their current form it may no longer be possible for
the Manager to carry out certain types of MBO transactions involving share
acquisitions. If this turns out to be the case, the Company still intends to
use other types of MBO transactions and therefore does not anticipate that
this change will have a significant impact on the Company's investment policy.
Investment and strategic risk - inappropriate strategy or
consistently weak VCT qualifying investment recommendations might lead to
under performance and poor returns to Shareholders.
Regulatory risk - the Company is required to comply with the
Companies Acts, the rules of the UK Listing Authority and United Kingdom
Accounting Standards. Breach of any of these might lead to suspension of the
Company's Stock Exchange listing, financial penalties or a qualified audit
report.
Financial and operating risk - inadequate controls might lead to
misappropriation of assets. Inappropriate accounting policies might lead to
misreporting or beaches of regulations. Failure of the Manager's accounting
systems or disruption to its business might lead to an inability to provide
accurate reporting and monitoring.
Market risk - Investment in unquoted companies, by its nature,
involves a higher degree of risk than investment in companies traded on the
London Stock Exchange main market. In particular, smaller companies often have
limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent for
their management on a smaller number of key individuals.
Asset liquidity risk - The Company's investments may be difficult
to realise especially in the current economic climate.
Market liquidity risk - Shareholders may find it difficult to sell
their shares at a price which is close to the net asset value.
Credit/counterparty risk - A counterparty may fail to discharge an
obligation or commitment that it has entered into with the Company.
The Board seeks to mitigate the internal risks by setting policy
and by undertaking a key risk management review at each quarterly Board
meeting. Performance is regularly reviewed and assurances in respect of
adequate internal controls and key risks are sought and received from the
Manager on a six monthly basis. In the mitigation and management of these
risks, the Board applies rigorously the principles detailed in the AIC Code of
Corporate Governance. The Board also has a share buy back policy to try to
mitigate the Market Liquidity risk. This policy is reviewed at each quarterly
Board Meeting.
Investment Manager's Review
Overview
We continue to be encouraged by the positive signs that we have
seen in our investment market both in terms of making investments and in
achieving realisations. There has been a clear upward trend in deal flow
during the latter half of the year under review and we have seen a higher
number of better priced, profitable, well-positioned and cash generative
businesses seeking investment.
We believe that this is due to two important converging factors
which have combined to make our level of investment in the latter half of 2011
the highest for several years. Firstly, the continuing flat level of activity
in the economy has led to greater realism amongst vendors regarding the value
of their companies, leading to more realistic pricing. Secondly, our ability
to invest significant levels of capital in a market lacking bank funding means
that management buyout ("MBO") teams are increasingly turning to us as a
source of deliverable, long-term finance.
Furthermore, we are finding that there is trade interest, as well
as enthusiasm from private equity investors, in the type of businesses in
which we have invested, creating some interesting exit opportunities.
We believe that the VCT's strategy of investing in modestly-geared
MBO opportunities, supporting highly motivated management teams, focusing on
acquiring established, profitable, positive cashflow businesses and investing
partly in income yielding loan stocks substantially increases the degree of
downside protection to Shareholders' capital.
New investment
Three new investments have been completed during the year under
review totalling £4.9 million, two of which used the VCT's existing
investments of £1 million each in the acquisition vehicles Fullfield and
Vanir.
In the first of these in July 2011, the VCT invested a further
£840,384 into the acquisition vehicle Fullfield to enable it to support the
MBO of Motorclean Group Limited, a provider of vehicle cleaning and valet
services to the car dealership market, bringing the VCT's investment in this
company to £1.8 million.
Secondly, the VCT made an investment of £1,298,031 to provide
mezzanine finance as part of a £7.8m transaction to support the acquisition of
the international intellectual property and assets of Lowe Alpine Srl from
administration in Italy by Equip Outdoor Technologies Limited, a company
specialising in owning and distributing brands focused on the outdoor sector.
The new company is called EOTH Limited.
In the final new investment made during the year, the VCT invested
a further £762,336 into the acquisition vehicle Vanir to support the MBO of
EMaC Limited, the UK's leading provider of outsourced service plans to
franchised dealers in the automotive sector, bringing the VCT's investment in
this company to £1.8 million.
Our Operating Partner programme continues to pursue an active
search for investment opportunities and two of the acquisition companies
successfully identified promising businesses during the year, as described
above. However, in December 2011, Bladon Castle repaid its loan stock and
ceased its activity as it had been unable to execute a transaction within an
acceptable period of time. Accordingly, at the year-end no acquisition
vehicles were left in this VCT. However, the research undertaken by Bladon
Castle will not be lost as we will continue to work with our operating
partners in new vehicles in which this VCT has invested after the year-end.
Each of these acquisition vehicles is headed by an experienced Chairman,
well-known to us, who is working closely with us in seeking to identify and
complete investments in specific sectors relevant to their industry knowledge
and experience. We have established these companies to provide time for us to
identify and invest in suitable target companies at sufficiently attractive
prices.
Follow-on investment
We have worked even more closely with our investee companies during
the downturn in the economy to support and encourage them to make the
necessary changes to ensure that they were well-placed to withstand the
economic contraction. It is indicative of the success of these measures that
Monsal is the only investment in the portfolio that has required further
working capital funding during the year under review. Earlier in the year,
Monsal was experiencing completion delays on an existing contract and in the
commissioning of new contracts. These delays led to a requirement for
additional funding and, following careful consideration, your Company approved
a further loan stock investment of up to £293,000 as part of a £1.75 million
fundraising alongside other Matrix VCTs and other shareholders. Three tranches
of this new funding round, totalling £117,226, have been drawn down to date in
separate tranches in July and August 2011; these investments are held at cost.
The terms of this new investment round provided for it to rank ahead of the
existing investment. With this additional funding, Monsal now has the ability
to pursue a number of major contracts in the waste and water sector which will
make the potential for recovery of value in the original investment a more
realistic prospect. Encouragingly, since approval of this facility Monsal has
materially advanced its negotiations on a number of new contracts.
The VCT made a follow-on investment of £622,466 in March 2011 into
ASL to help fund the acquisition of Transcribe Copier Systems Limited,
bringing the VCT's current investment in this company to £1,912,946.
Realisations
We are pleased to report that a number of companies in the
portfolio continue to be strongly cash generative, and some have fully repaid
their loan stock during the year to 31 December 2011, returning a total of
£2.5 million (including premiums where relevant) to the VCT. The payments
received were: £1,418,444 from Iglu.com Holidays in February 2011; £506,074
from Vectair in March 2011; and £556,108 from MachineWorks in April 2011.
In January 2011, the VCT realised its entire investment in Campden
Media for a cash consideration of £836,294, representing 85.8% of the total
investment cost of £975,000. Together with interest paid over the life of the
investment, the total cash return to the VCT was £1,016,150, representing
104.2% of cost.
In December 2011 the VCT made a partial realisation of its
investment in DiGiCo through a sale to ISIS Equity Partners. This realisation
increased the total cash proceeds received by the Company over the life of the
investment by £4.2 million to £5.9 million, representing a 3.1 times cash
return on the Company's original investment of £1.9 million. In addition, the
VCT retains a 4.6% equity stake, and new loan stock in DiGiCo valued at £2.6
million at the date of completion of the transaction. The total return to date
thus equates to approximately £8.5 million; a 4.5 times return on the VCT's
original cost. DiGiCo is a leading manufacturer and distributor of sound
mixing consoles used at major corporate and sporting events worldwide. Its
sustained strong profit growth since investment has been largely driven by
product development and a series of successful launches. DiGiCo is a good
example of how a properly financed business with strong management and a
market-leading product can develop a niche opportunity and grow significant
value.
Portfolio review
The portfolio at 31 December 2011 comprised 25 (2010: 24)
investments with a cost of £27.1 million and valued at £27.4 million.
The portfolio's performance as a whole continues to be robust. Some
investee companies, of which DiGiCo, Iglu.com Holidays and ATG Media have been
the most notable, have increased sales and profits despite the challenges of
the economic environment.
Of the new investments made during the year, Fullfield (Motorclean)
and Ingleby (EMaC) have made a strong start. Fullfield in particular is
performing in line with its investment plan. EOTH (Rab and Lowe Alpine),
however, has experienced a lower level of growth than expected since
investment, reflecting the recent problems affecting the retail leisure goods
sector.
Iglu.com Holidays continues to perform strongly and is now valued
significantly above cost following out-performance of its business plans at
the time of investment. DiGiCo and ATG Media experienced increased trading and
profitability which has contributed to their higher unrealised valuations.
Focus Pharma continues to trade well, although it ended its financial year
slightly behind a stretching budget. It launched two new products during 2011
and expects to progress further with several further product launches planned
for 2012.
Other companies are still endeavouring to recover fully from the
effects of the 2008-9 recession. Activity in the construction and house
building sectors remains well below historical levels and this continues to
affect the performance of PXP and Plastic Surgeon. PXP continues to be valued
at nil although a small additional investment into this company has been
approved. Although Youngman has now fully repaid its bank debt, demand for its
products remains volatile and difficult to predict. Blaze Signs has made an
impressive recovery from the depths of the recession but profitability remains
well-below peak levels. Westway has experienced less favourable trading but
remains solidly profitable and with strong customer relationships. ASL has now
integrated Transcribe and is looking at further acquisitions.
Elsewhere the position is mixed but perhaps less positive than in
the prior year. RDL has had a disappointing first year with delays in placing
contract staff in its core pharmaceuticals market. Faversham is streamlining
its operations and continues to make steady progress.
Of the VCT's investments more directly exposed to the consumer, CB
Imports has continued to advance its position in a difficult floristry
supplies market and has started its trading year strongly. Racoon is
generating solid profitability.
British International has experienced a disappointing year after
record profitability in 2010 achieved on the back of high activity in oil and
gas support work. The oil support work in the Falklands ended in May and has
not been replaced by other contracts. In addition the long-term decline in
passenger numbers on the Penzance to Isles of Scilly passenger route has
continued. Your investment is, however, well underpinned by the company's
assets.
In March 2011, VSI completed a demerger of its two constituent
businesses and the VCT now holds equivalent investment in two companies,
Lightworks Software Limited and Machineworks Software Limited. As part of the
agreement Machineworks assumed all of VSI's loan stock which it repaid in
April. The remaining investment in Machineworks in particular is valued
considerably above cost.
Investment outlook
The outlook for the UK economy is uncertain, but we have been
encouraged by developments in the last year in our market sector. Although the
coming months are likely to prove more testing as the public sector cuts begin
to take effect and the economy struggles to stabilise its faltering growth, we
consider that good quality companies, prudently financed and capable of
maintaining competitive advantage, still have the potential to succeed in this
environment.
The difficult economic outlook and the volatility in the quoted
markets will inevitably continue to have an impact on the unrealised
valuations of the companies in the portfolio. However, we believe that the
portfolio overall is resilient and essentially of high value which will be
released in the long term. Our strategy of investing primarily in MBOs and
structuring investments to include loan stock will continue to mitigate
downside risk.
The funds raised in the current fundraising will enhance the
significant levels of uninvested cash retained by the Company and ensure that
the VCT is in a strong position to support portfolio companies should the need
arise and to invest in attractive new opportunities. Alongside this, the
Manager is conscious of the need to ensure that investee companies take
appropriate actions to respond to the challenging environment ahead.
Details of the Company's ten largest investments by value as at 31
December 2011 are set out below.
ATG Media Holdings Limited
www.antiquestradegazette.com
Total Ordinary shares Preference shares Loan stock
Cost £1,486,000 £531,000 £2,000 £953,000
Valuation £2,923,000 £1,876,000 £2,000 £1,045,000
Basis of valuation: Earnings multiple
Equity % held and voting rights: 14.0%
Business: Publisher and on-line auction platform
operator
Location: London
History: Management buyout via acquisition vehicle
Income receivable, recognised for the year: £146,915
Audited financial information:
Year ended Turnover Operating profit Net assets
30 September 2010 £7,215,000 £1,261,000 £2,506,000
Newincco 1124 Limited (non-qualifying) (DiGiCo)
www.digiconsoles.com
Total Ordinary shares Preference shares Loan stock
Cost £2,593,000 £5,000 - £2,588,000
Valuation £2,593,000 £5,000 - £2,588,000
Basis of valuation: Price of recent investment
Equity % held and voting rights: 4.6% (fully diluted)
Business: Designer and manufacturer of digital sound
mixing consoles
Location: Chessington, Surrey
History: Management buyout
Income receivable, recognised for the year: £284,188
Audited financial information:
Year ended Turnover Operating profit Net assets
31 December 2010 £18,757,000 £5,501,000 £8,909,000
British International Holdings Limited
www.islesofscillyhelicopter.com
Total Ordinary shares Preference shares Loan stock
Cost £2,026,000 £225,000 £1,000 £1,800,000
Valuation £2,261,000 £nil £nil £2,261,000
Basis of valuation: Earnings multiple
Equity % held and voting rights: 17.5%
Business: Helicopter service operator
Location: Sherborne, Dorset
History: Management buyout
Income receivable, recognised for the year: £47,805
Basis of valuation: Earnings multiple
Audited financial information:
Year ended Turnover Operating profit Net assets
31 December 2010 £19,350,000 £3,315,000 £4,017,000
CB Imports Group Limited (Country baskets)
www.countrybaskets.co.uk
Total Ordinary shares Preference shares Loan stock
Cost £2,000,000 £350,000 - £1,650,000
Valuation £2,058,000 £58,000 - £2,000,000
Basis of valuation: Earnings multiple
Equity % held and voting rights: 11.6% (fully diluted)
Business: Importer and distributor of artificial
flowers and floral sundries
Location: East Ardsley, West Yorkshire
History: Management buyout via acquisition vehicle
Income receivable, recognised for the year: £163,069
Audited financial information:
Year ended Turnover Operating profit Net assets
31 December 2010 £21,197,000 £755,000 £4,259,000
The financial information quoted above relates to the operating subsidiary, CB Imports
Limited.
Blaze Signs Holdings Limited
www.blaze-signs.com
Total Ordinary Preference shares Loan stock
shares
Cost £1,700,000 £472,000 £20,000 £1,208,000
Valuation £1,948,000 £178,000 £24,000 £1,746,000
Basis of valuation: Earnings multiple
Equity % held and voting rights: 20.8%
Business: Manufacturer and installer of signs
Location: Broadstairs, Kent
History: Management buyout
Income receivable, recognised for the year: £149,107
Audited financial information:
Year ended Turnover Operating profit Net assets
31 March 2011 £20,127,000 £1,889,000 £2,937,000
Fullfield Limited (Motorclean)
www.motorclean.net
Total Ordinary Preference shares Loan stock
shares
Cost £1,840,000 £583,000 - £1,257,000
Valuation £1,840,000 £583,000 - £1,257,000
Basis of valuation: Cost
Equity % held and voting rights: 12.6%
Business: Provider of vehicle cleaning and valet
services
Location: Laindon, Essex
History: Management buyout
Income receivable, recognised for the year: £79,727
Audited financial information: First audited accounts since investment
will be for
the year ended 30 November 2011
Iglu.com Holidays Limited
www.iglu.com
Total Ordinary Preference shares Loan stock
shares
Cost £217,000 £214,000 £3,000 -
Valuation £1,795,000 £1,792,000 £3,000 -
Basis of valuation: Earnings multiple
Equity % held and voting rights: 11.6%
Business: On-line ski and cruise travel agent
Location: Wimbledon
History: Management buyout via acquisition vehicle
Income receivable, recognised for the year: £10,037
Audited financial information:
Year ended Turnover Operating profit Net assets
31 May 2011 £72,924,000 £1,448,000 £1,213,000
Ingleby (1879) Limited
www.emac.co.uk
Total Ordinary Preference shares Loan stock
shares
Cost £1,762,000 £529,000 £1,000 £1,232,000
Valuation £1,762,000 £529,000 £1,000 £1,232,000
Basis of valuation: Cost
Equity % held and voting rights: 8.8% (fully diluted)
Business: Provider of service plans for the motor trade
Location: Crewe
History: Management buyout
Income receivable, recognised for the year: £24,753
Audited financial information: First audited accounts since investment
will be for the year ended 31 December 2011
ASL Technology Holdings Limited
www.aslplc.co.uk
Total Ordinary Preference shares Loan stock
shares
Cost £1,913,000 £452,000 - £1,461,000
Valuation £1,742,000 £nil - £1,742,000
Basis of valuation: Earnings multiple
Equity % held and voting rights: 10.3% (fully diluted)
Business: Supplier of printer and photocopier services
Location: Cambridge
History: Management buyout via acquisition vehicle
Income receivable, recognised for the year: £133,151
Audited financial information: First audited accounts since investment
will be for the year ended 30 September 2011
Focus Pharma Holdings Limited
www.focuspharmaceuticals.co.uk
Total Ordinary Preference shares Loan stock
shares
Cost £1,370,000 £385,000 £2,000 £983,000
Valuation £1,543,000 £366,000 £2,000 £1,175,000
Basis of valuation: Earnings multiple
Equity % held and voting rights: 5.1%
Business: Licensor and distributor of generic
pharmaceuticals
Location: Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire
History: Management buyout
Income receivable, recognised for the year: £103,599
Audited financial information:
Year ended Turnover Operating profit Net assets
31 December 2010 £24,429,000 £1,507,000 £3,342,000
Further details of the investments in the Company's portfolio may be found on the Manager's website:
www.matrixpep.co.uk.
Note: Operating profit is stated before charging amortisation of goodwill where appropriate for all
investee companies.
Investment Portfolio Summary
as at 31 December 2011
Market sector Date of Total Valuation % value % of equity
initial book of net held by
investment cost assets funds
advised by
MPEP*
£'000 £'000
Qualifying investments
AIM quoted investments
Omega Diagnostics Group plc Health care Dec-10 305 261 0.6% 9.8%
In-vitro diagnostics for food equipment and
intolerance, autoimmune services
diseases and infectious diseases
------- --------- -------- ---------
305 261 0.6% 9.8%
Unquoted investments
ATG Media Holdings Limited Media Oct-08 1,486 2,923 7.2% 38.4%
Publisher and on-line auction
platform operator
CB Imports Group Limited General retailers Dec-07 2,000 2,058 5.1% 23.2%
(Country Baskets)
Importer and distributor of
artificial flowers and floral
sundries.
Blaze Signs Holdings Limited Support services Apr-06 1,700 1,948 4.8% 52.5%
Manufacturer and installer of
signs
Fullfield Limited Support services Jul-11 1,840 1,840 4.5% 41.0%
(Motorclean)
Provider of vehicle Cleaning
and valet services
Iglu.com Holidays Limited General retailers Dec-09 217 1,795 4.4% 35.0%
On-line ski and cruise travel
agent
Ingleby (1879) Limited (EMaC) Support services Oct-08 1,762 1,762 4.3% 30.0%
Provider of service plans for
the motor trade
ASL Technology Holdings Support services Mar-08 1,913 1,742 4.3% 34.0%
Limited
Printer and photocopier
services
British International Support services Jun-06 1,683 1,625 4.0% 34.9%
Holdings Limited
Helicopter service operator
Focus Pharma Holdings Limited Pharmaceuticals Oct-07 1,370 1,543 3.8% 12.7%
Licensor and distributer of
generic pharmaceuticals
RDL Corporation Limited Support services Oct-07 1,558 1,301 3.2% 45.2%
Recruitment consultant for
the pharmaceutical, business
intelligence and IT
industries
EOTH Limited (Rab and Lowe General retailers Oct-11 1,000 1,000 2.5% 8.0%
Alpine)
Branded outdoor equipment and
clothing
Westway Services Holdings Support services Jun-09 603 825 2.0% 13.0%
(2010) Limited
Installation, service and
maintenance of air
conditioning systems
Machineworks Software Limited Software and Apr-06 223 720 1.8% 45.0%
Provider of software for CAM computer
and machine tool vendors services
Youngman Group Limited Support services Oct-05 1,000 701 1.7% 29.7%
Manufacturer of ladders and
access towers
Faversham House Holdings Media Dec-10 527 416 1.0% 31.4%
Limited
Publisher, exhibition
organiser and operator of websites
Racoon International Holdings Personal goods Dec-06 1,213 393 1.0% 49.0%
Limited
Supplier of hair extensions,
hair care products and training
The Plastic Surgeon Holdings Support services Apr-08 478 353 0.9% 30.0%
Limited
Supplier of snagging and
finishing services to the
domestic and commercial property
markets
Vectair Holdings Limited Support services Jan-06 139 333 0.8% 24.0%
Designer and distributor of
washroom products
Lightworks Software Limited Software and Apr-06 223 236 0.6% 45.0%
Provider of software for CAD computer
vendors services
Monsal Holdings Limited Support services Dec-07 1,299 117 0.3% 27.7%
Supplier of engineering
services to the water and
waste sectors
PXP Holdings Limited Construction Dec-06 1,164 - 0.0% 37.3%
(Pinewood Structures) and building
supplier of timber-frames for materials
buildings
Legion Group plc Support services Aug-05 150 - 0.0% 2.9%
(in administration)
Provider of manned guarding,
mobile patrolling, and alarm
response services
Watchgate Limited Support services Nov-11 1 - 0.0% 100.0%
Holding company -------- -------- --------
23,549 23,631 58.2%
-------- -------- --------
-------- -------- --------
Total qualifying investments 23,854 23,892 58.8%
-------- -------- --------
Non-qualifying investments
Newincco 1124 Limited Technology, Jul-07 2,593 2,593 6.4% 11.0%
(DiGiCo) hardware and
Designer and manufacturer of equipment
digital sound mixing consoles
British International Support Nov-09 343 636 1.6%
Holdings Limited services
EOTH Limited (Rab and Lowe Oct-11 298 298 0.7%
Alpine) General retailers
-------- -------- --------
Total portfolio investments 27,088 27,419 67.5%
-------- -------- --------
Current investments
SWIP Global Liquidity Fund plc 2,466 2,466 6.1%
(Scottish Widows)**
Fidelity Institutional Cash Fund plc** 2,207 2,207 5.4%
GS Funds plc (Goldman Sachs) ** 1,931 1,931 4.7%
Global Treasury Funds plc 1,898 1,898 4.7%
(Royal Bank of Scotland)**
Institutional Cash Series plc 1,496 1,496 3.7%
(BlackRock)**
Institutional Cash Series plc 852 852 2.1%
(Blackrock, formerly BGI)**
Insight Liquidity Funds plc 274 274 0.7%
(HBOS)**
-------- -------- --------
Total investments 38,212 38,543 94.9%
-------- -------- --------
Cash at NatWest Bank plc 2,085 5.0%
Other assets 329 0.8%
Current liabilities (231) (0.7)%
-------- -------- --------
Net assets 40,726 100.00%
-------- -------- --------
* The other funds advised by MPEP include Matrix Income & Growth 2 VCT plc, Matrix Income & Growth 4 VCT plc
and The Income & Growth VCT plc.
** Disclosed as Current investments within Current assets in the Balance Sheet below.
Statement of Directors' Responsibilities in respect of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Directors' Report, the Directors' Remuneration Report
and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. They are also
responsible for ensuring that the Annual Report includes information required by the Listing Rules of
the Financial Services Authority.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that
law the Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law).
Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied
that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the 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 judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume
that the Company will continue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and
explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial
position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with
the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence
for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of 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 in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of the financial
statements and other information included in annual reports may differ from legislation in other
jurisdictions.
The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that:
(a) the financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with UK
Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice and the 2009 Statement of Recommended Practice, `Financial
Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts' (SORP),give a true
and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and the profit of
the Company; and
(b) the management report, comprising the Chairman's Statement, Investment Manager's
Review, Investment Portfolio Summary and Directors' Report includes a fair review of the
development and performance of the business and the position of the Company, together with
a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors:
Keith Niven
Chairman
Income Statement
for the year ended 31 December 2011
Year ended 31 December 2011 Year ended 31 December 2010
Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
£ £ £ £ £ £
Unrealised gains on investments - 688,724 688,724 - 6,527,412 6,527,412
Realised gains/(losses) on - 520,219 520,219 - (75,045) (75,045)
investments
Income 1,681,991 - 1,681,991 934,890 - 934,890
Investment management fees (230,025) (690,074) (920,099) (164,619) (493,859) (658,478)
Other expenses (307,214) - (307,214) (338,661) - (338,661)
Merger costs - - - (69,089) - (69,089)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Profit on ordinary activities before 1,144,752 518,869 1,663,621 362,521 5,958,508 6,321,029
taxation
Tax on profit on ordinary activities (181,181) 181,181 - (49,224) 49,851 627
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Profit for the year 963,571 700,050 1,663,621 313,297 6,008,359 6,321,656
Basic and diluted earnings per 2.25p 1.64p 3.89p 0.95p 18.30p 19.25p
ordinary share
All the items in the above statement derive from continuing operations of the Company.
There were no other recognised gains or losses in the year.
The total column is the profit and loss account of the Company.
Other than revaluation movements arising on investments held at fair value
through the profit and loss account, there were no differences between the
return as stated above and at historical cost.
Balance Sheet
as at 31 December 2011
31 December 2011 31 December 2010
£ £
Fixed assets
Investments at fair value 27,418,790 31,043,002
Current assets
Debtors and prepayments 329,659 231,222
Current investments 11,123,681 7,466,137
Cash at bank 2,085,082 114,672
--------- ---------
13,538,422 7,812,031
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (231,037) (404,126)
--------- ---------
Net current assets 13,307,385 7,407,905
--------- ---------
Net assets 40,726,175 38,450,907
--------- ---------
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 426,061 397,795
Capital redemption reserve 56,182 29,364
Share premium account 22,034,106 16,852,849
Revaluation reserve 3,455,913 4,290,333
Special distributable reserve 11,161,745 16,423,246
Profit and loss account 3,592,168 457,320
--------- ---------
Equity shareholders' funds 40,726,175 38,450,907
--------- ---------
Basic and diluted net asset value per Ordinary
Share 95.59p 96.66p
Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders' Funds
for the year ended 31 December 2011
Year ended Year ended
31 December 2011 31 December 2010
£ £
Opening shareholders' funds 38,450,907 16,979,370
Net share capital subscribed for in the year 5,236,341 -
Net share capital bought back in the year (2,222,097) (890,013)
Shares issued upon merger with Matrix Income
& Growth 3 VCT plc - 17,111,545
Stamp duty on shares issued upon merger with
Matrix
Income & Growth 3 VCT plc - (52,975)
Profit for the year 1,663,621 6,321,656
Dividends paid in year (2,402,597) (1,018,676)
--------- ---------
Closing shareholders' funds 40,726,175 38,450,907
--------- ---------
Cash Flow Statement
for the year ended 31 December 2011
Year ended Year ended
31 December 2011 31 December 2010
£ £ £ £
Operating activities
Investment income received 1,577,644 827,488
VAT received and interest thereon 3,873 -
Investment management fees paid (920,099) (587,816)
Other cash payments (322,439) (461,372)
Payment of merger costs of the Company (9,555) (78,636)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash inflow/(outflow) 329,424 (300,336)
from operating activities
Investing activities
Acquisitions of investments (3,645,194) (1,124,409)
Disposals of investments 8,478,349 1,123,942
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash inflow/(outflow) 4,833,155 (467)
from investing activities
Taxation
Taxation paid - -
Equity dividends
Payment of dividends (2,402,597) (1,018,676)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Cash inflow/(outflow) before liquid 2,759,982 (1,319,479)
resource management and financing
Management of liquid resources
Increase in current investments (3,657,544) (2,288,567)
Financing
Share capital raised 5,236,341 -
Cash received on acquisition of net - 4,561,289
assets from Matrix Income & Growth 3
VCT plc
Stamp duty on shares issued to acquire - (52,975)
net assets of Matrix Income & Growth 3
VCT plc
Payments to meet merger cost of Matrix - (133,191)
Income & Growth 3 VCT plc
Share capital bought back (2,368,369) (698,658)
-------- -------- -------- --------
2,867,972 3,676,465
-------- -------- -------- --------
Increase in cash for the year 1,970,410 68,419
-------- -------- -------- --------
Notes
1. Basis of accounting
This announcement of the annual results of the Company for the year
ended 31 December 2011 has been prepared using accounting policies consistent
with those adopted in the full audited annual accounts which have been
prepared under UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP) and the
Statement of Recommended Practice, `Financial Statements of Investment Trust
Companies and Venture Capital Trusts' ("SORP") issued by the Association of
Investment Companies in January 2009.
2. Income
2011 2010
£ £
Income from bank deposits 12,879 367
Income from investments
- from equities 425,919 194,226
- from overseas based OEICs 59,178 35,779
- from loan stock 1,184,015 700,647
--------- ---------
1,669,112 930,652
--------- ---------
Other income - 3,871
--------- ---------
Total income 1,681,991 934,890
--------- ---------
Total income comprises
Dividends 485,097 230,005
Interest 1,196,894 701,014
Other income - 3,871
--------- ---------
1,681,991 934,890
--------- ---------
Income from investments comprises
Listed overseas securities 59,178 35,779
Unlisted UK securities 425,919 194,226
Loan stock interest 1,184,015 700,647
--------- ---------
1,669,112 930,652
--------- ---------
Total loan stock interest due but not recognised in the year was £514,475
(2010: £457,084).
3. Basic and diluted earnings per share
2011 2010
£ £
Total earnings after taxation: 1,663,621 6,321,656
Basic and diluted earnings per share (note a) 3.89p 19.25p
Revenue profit from ordinary activities after taxation 963,571 313,297
Basic and diluted revenue earnings per share (note b) 2.25p 0.95p
Net unrealised capital gains on investments 688,724 6,527,412
Net realised capital gains/(losses) on investments 520,219 ( 75,045)
Capital management fees less taxation ( 508,893) ( 444,008)
--------- ---------
Total capital earnings 700,050 6,008,359
Basic and diluted capital earnings per share (note c) 1.64p 18.30p
Weighted average number of shares in issue in the year 42,820,660 32,833,601
Notes
a) Basic earnings per share is total profit after taxation divided by the
weighted average
number of shares in issue.
b) Revenue earnings per share is the revenue profit after taxation divided by
the weighted
average number of shares in issue.
c) Capital earnings per share is the total capital profit after taxation
divided by the weighted
average number of shares in issue.
d) There are no instruments that will increase the number of shares in issue in
future.
Accordingly, the above figures currently represent both basic and diluted
earnings per
share.
4. Dividends paid and payable
The directors have recommended a final dividend in respect of the
year ended 31 December 2011 of 6.25 pence per share, comprising 5.0 pence from
capital and 1.25 pence from income. If approved at the Annual General Meeting
the dividend will be paid on 22 May 2012 to shareholders on the Register on 11
May 2012.
5. Basic and diluted net asset value per share
Net asset value per Ordinary share is based on
net assets at the end of the year, and on 42,606,052 (2010: 39,779,546)
Ordinary Shares, being the number of Ordinary Shares in issue on that date.
6. Related party transactions
Onging related party transactions
Bridget Guérin is a shareholder (0.3%) of Matrix Group Limited,
which owns 100% of the equity of MPE Partners Limited which has a 50% interest
in Matrix Private Equity Partners LLP ('MPEP'), the Company's Investment
Manager. Further information on the investment management agreement and the
fees paid during the year is included in Note 3 of the published accounts.
Following a re-organisation of the Matrix group of companies, MPEP
now provides administration services under the terms of an investment
management agreement dated 20 May 2010 as disclosed in Note 3 of the published
accounts. The revised annual fee is 2% of net assets plus £126,225 per annum,
the latter inclusive of VAT and subject to increase in RPI. Matrix Securities
Limited previously provided Company Secretarial and Accountancy Services to
the Company under agreements dated 9 July 2004 for a fee of £nil (2010:
£35,590) in the period. At the year-end £nil (2010: £7) was due to Matrix
Securities Limited.
Matrix Group Limited also owns Matrix CC Limited, which has a 97%
interest in Matrix Corporate Capital LLP ("MCC"), the Company's Corporate
Broker. Eleven (2010: nine) share buybacks were undertaken by MCC on the
Company's instruction, costing £2,222,097 (2010: £890,013). Fees of £14,400
(2010: £15,863) were paid to MCC during the year and there was £45,082 (2010:
£190,399) due to MCC at the year-end in respect of a purchase by the Company
of 56,394 of its own shares on 21 December 2011.
Each of the Directors holds a small number of shares, representing
less than 0.02% of the issued share capital in each case, in each of Matrix
Income & Growth 4 VCT plc and The Income & Growth VCT plc which are both also
managed by MPEP.
Post year-end related party transactions
On 12 January 2012, MPEP's executive partners, being the holders of
the other 50% interest in MPEP, have agreed to purchase the 50% interest held
by MPE Partners Limited, which transaction is due to complete on 30 June 2012.
As part of the arrangements for the Matrix VCTs Linked Offer
launched on 20 January 2012 ("the Offer"), the Company has agreed to pay
Matrix Private Equity Partners, the Company's Manager the sum of 5.5% of the
gross proceeds by way of a promoter's fee out of which MPEP will pay all of
the expenses of the Offer (excluding trail commission to financial
intermediaries which will continue to be paid by the Company), including the
Sponsor's fee below.
In addition, the Company has also appointed Matrix Corporate
Capital as sponsor to the Offer at a fee based on 0.12% of funds raised. An
additional charge will also be made across the three VCTs in the Offer of
£1,500 per supplementary prospectus issued. The agreement includes a "cap" of
£15,000 per company.
These last two transactions are both deemed to be related party transactions
under the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority.
7. Post balance sheet events
On 27 January 2012, Fullfield Limited (Motorclean) made a part repayment of
the A loan stock realising proceeds of £122,692.
On 30 January 2012, Focus Pharma Holdings Limited made a part repayment of
loan stock realising proceeds of £390,753.
On 8 March 2012, the Company bought back 425,000 of its own Ordinary Shares
at 79 pence per share, for cancellation.
On 8 March 2012, under the Linked Offer for Subscription launched
on 20 January 2012, 1,763,460 ordinary shares were allotted at a price of
100.12 pence per share raising net funds of £1,689,584.
On 20 March 2012, the Company made separate investments of £1 million into
each of the acquisition vehicles, Almsworthy Trading Limited,
Culbone Trading Limited, Madacombe Trading Limited and Sawrey Limited.
8. Financial Information
The financial information set out in these statements does not constitute the
Company's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2011 in terms of
section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 but is derived from those accounts.
Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2011 will be delivered to
Companies House following the Company's Annual General Meeting.
The auditors have reported on those accounts: their report was unqualified and
did not contain a statement under Section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.
9. Annual Report
The Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2011 will shortly
be made available on the Company's website: www.migvct.co.uk. and Shareholders
will be notified of this by email or post or sent a hard copy in the post in
accordance with their instructions. Copies will be available thereafter to
members of the public from the Company's registered office.
10. Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held at 2.30 pm on Thursday, 10 May 2012
at the offices of Matrix Group Limited, One Vine Street, London W1J 0AH.
Contact details for further enquiries:
Robert Brittain of Matrix Private Equity Partners LLP (the Company
Secretary) on 020 3206 7000 or by e-mail to mig@matrixgroup.co.uk
Mark Wignall or Mike Walker at Matrix Private Equity Partners LLP
(the Investment Manager), on 020 3206 7000 or by e-mail to
info@matrixpep.co.uk.