Acquisition & Final Results
EmdexTrade PLC
15 April 2005
15 April 2005
EmdexTrade Plc
Acquisition of CCH Europe GmbH
and
Announcement of Results
Acquisition of CCH Europe GmbH ('CCH Europe')
The Board of Emdex today announces that Emdex has conditionally agreed to
acquire CCH Europe GmbH, a company which specialises in the purchase of short
term trade receivables on a fully secured credit insured basis. Eren Nil, an
executive director of the Company, is also interested in CCH Europe. The
transaction is classified under the AIM rules as a related party transaction and
requires approval of shareholders under the Companies Act 1985 because it
involves the acquisition of an asset of the requisite value from a Director.
A circular is being despatched to shareholders today containing details of the
acquisition. Copies of the Circular will be available free of charge during
normal business hours on weekdays (excluding public holidays) from the date of
this announcement until 15 May 2005 from the offices of Nabarro Wells & Co
Limited, Saddlers House, Gutter Lane, Cheapside, London EC2V 6HS
Information on CCH Europe and the Acquisition
CCH Europe, which is based in Germany, was formed in 2001 with the intention of
focussing on a perceived need for financing short term receivables originating
from Turkish exporters into international markets. The shares in CCH Europe are
held by Mr Eren Nil and his brother, Mr Emir Nil.
The audited accounts of CCH Europe for the year ended 31 December 2003 show a
turnover of €1,190,450 (£815,377) and a loss for the financial year of €421,711
(£288,843). Net assets were €453,684 ( £310,742) at 31 December 2003.(£1.00 = €
1.46)
The business of CCH Europe complements that of Emdex and the acquisition is
viewed by the Board of Emdex as an excellent opportunity to substantially grow
the enlarged business of Emdex.
The consideration for the Acquisition will be satisfied by the issue of
39,682,539 new Ordinary Shares (the 'Consideration Shares'), which at the
closing mid-market price as at 14 April 2005 (being the latest practicable date
prior to the publication of this announcement) of 3.0 p per Ordinary Shares
values the acquisition at £1,190,476. As Eren Nil, a director and substantial
shareholder in Emdex, is also a shareholder in CCH Europe, the Acquisition is
conditional upon the approval of Shareholders and is also conditional upon
admission of the Consideration Shares to trading on AIM.
Eren Nil and Emir Nil own all of the issued share capital of CCH Europe and they
will receive as consideration 26,455,026 Consideration Shares and 13,227,513
Consideration Shares, respectively. Following the acquisition, Eren Nil will
own 63,859,470 Ordinary Shares, representing 75.9 per cent of Emdex's issued
ordinary share capital as enlarged by the Acquisition. Following the
Acquisition, Emir Nil will own 13,227,513 Ordinary Shares, representing 15.72
per cent of Emdex's issued ordinary share capital as enlarged by the
Acquisition.
The Consideration Shares represent 47 per cent. of the enlarged share capital,
and the Directors believe that the business of CCH compliments that of Emdex and
provides an excellent opportunity to substantially grow the enlarged business.
There are no new directors joining the board and CCH will continue for the time
being to be run from Dusseldorf.
As Eren Nil is a director of the Company the AIM Rules deem the acquisition of
CCH Europe to be a related party transaction. The independent directors of
Emdex, having consulted with their nominated adviser, Nabarro Wells, consider
the terms of the acquisition to be fair and reasonable insofar as the
shareholders of Emdex are concerned.
Change of name
In line with the Group's new direction, the Company is proposing to change its
name from EmdexTrade plc to CCH International plc.
Admission to AIM
Application will be made, conditional on the passing of the Resolutions at the
EGM referred to below, for the Consideration Shares to be admitted to trading on
AIM with effect from 11 May 2005.
Extraordinary General Meeting
An Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company to approve, inter alia, the
acquisition and the change of name will be held at 10.15 a.m. (or immediately
following the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting whichever is the later)
on 10 May 2005.
Announcement of Results for the year ended 31 October 2004
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at 10.00 a.m. on 10 May
2005 at the offices of Field Fisher Waterhouse, 35 Vine Street, London EC3N 2AA.
An extract from the report and accounts to 31 October 2004 follows:
Chairman's Report
This has been a significant year for EmdexTrade PLC, in that we have posted a
profit for the first time since incorporation. The modest profit for the year
of £37,116 marks, I believe, a turning point for the company and is the outcome
of a rationalisation of the group and a determined cost reduction programme.
The profit for the year compares with a loss of £392,030 for the previous year.
Underlying this turnaround is the beginning of a transformation process and your
Board is dedicated to seeing this process through. Much needs to be done and I
am grateful to our investors who have supported us over a difficult period.
Last summer I reported that your Board was determined to exploit opportunities
to enhance shareholder value and I am now pleased to announce that we have
agreed, subject to shareholder approval, to acquire a 100% interest in CCH
Europe GmbH, a Dusseldorf based company controlled by Eren Nil, which
specialises in financing trade receivables on a fully secured credit insured
basis. That company offers synergies that will compliment your company's plans
to move forward with a strategy of controlled profitable growth.
I believe that the year ending 31 October 2005 offers promising opportunities
and I expect that our strategy will deliver shareholder value in the near term.
Ian Salter
Chairman
15 April 2005
Managing Director's report
Trading performance
This year has been one of substantial progress and development following a
review of the company's strategy. Although there was a 41% decline in turnover
to £992,193, the gross profit from this increased by 22% to £451,495, reflecting
the improved quality of the trading activity.
As a result of our cost reduction programme, the company posted a profit for the
year of £37,116 compared with a loss for the previous year of £392,030. As the
Chairman has mentioned, we believe that this turnaround marks a trend of
improved results which will come from controlled profitable growth going
forward.
Priorities
The Company's priority remains delivering shareholder value by growing sales in
the trade finance market at a sustainable cost level. We have developed a
strong alliance with CCH Europe GmbH, and believe that the acquisition of this
company will help develop our business and improve performance.
Summary
We believe that we have now created a platform for future growth and
profitability which we are confident will help us restore shareholder value.
Eren Nil
Managing Director
15 April 2005
EMDEXTRADE PLC
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004
2004 2003
Note £ £
TURNOVER 2 992,193 1,679,238
Cost of sales (540,698) (1,308,778)
----------- -----------
GROSS PROFIT 451,495 370,460
Administrative expenses (412,698) (747,072)
----------- -----------
OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS) 3 38,797 (376,612)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 6 - (9,162)
----------- -----------
38,797 (385,774)
Interest receivable 145 165
Interest payable and similar
charges 7 (1,826) (6,358)
----------- -----------
PROFIT/(LOSS) ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES 37,116 (391,967)
BEFORE TAXATION
Tax on profit/(loss) on ordinary
activities 8 - (63)
----------- -----------
RETAINED PROFIT/(LOSS) FOR THE
FINANCIAL YEAR 37,116 (392,030)
Balance brought forward (925,730) (533,700)
----------- -----------
Balance carried forward (888,614) (925,730)
=========== ===========
Earnings per share (pence) 9 0.08 (0.97)
=========== ===========
All of the activities of the company are classed as continuing.
The company has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the
year as set out above.
EMDEXTRADE PLC
BALANCE SHEET
31 OCTOBER 2004
2004 2003
Note £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 10 228,913 344,084
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 11 310,346 321,173
Cash at bank 119,320 30,742
----------- -----------
429,666 351,915
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due 12 85,134 159,670
within one year ----------- -----------
NET CURRENT ASSETS 344,532 192,245
----------- -----------
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 573,445 536,329
=========== ===========
CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Called-up share capital 15 1,044,444 1,044,444
Share premium account 417,615 417,615
Profit and loss account (888,614) (925,730)
----------- -----------
573,445 536,329
=========== ===========
SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS: 16
Equity (26,555) (63,671)
Non-equity 600,000 600,000
----------- -----------
573,445 536,329
=========== ===========
EMDEXTRADE PLC
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004
2004 2003
Note £ £ £ £
NET CASH INFLOW/(OUTFLOW) FROM 90,259 (358,412)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
RETURNS ON INVESTMENTS AND
SERVICING OF FINANCE
Interest received 145 165
Interest paid (1,826) (6,358)
----------- -----------
NET CASH OUTFLOW FROM RETURNS ON (1,681) (6,193)
INVESTMENTS AND SERVICING OF FINANCE
TAXATION - (63)
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND FINANCIAL INVESTMENT
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets - (56,142)
Receipts from sale of investment - 101,578
----------- -----------
NET CASH INFLOW FOR CAPITAL
EXPENDITURE AND FINANCIAL INVESTMENT - 45,436
----------- -----------
CASH INFLOW/(OUTFLOW) BEFORE 88,578 (319,232)
FINANCING
FINANCING
Tax refund in respect of cost of share - 6,052
issued
Loan subsequently converted to shares - 300,000
----------- -----------
NET CASH INFLOW FROM FINANCING - 306,052
----------- -----------
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH 18 88,578 (13,180)
=========== ===========
RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS) TO NET CASH
INFLOW/(OUTFLOW) FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
2004 2003
£ £
Operating profit/(loss) 38,797 (376,612)
Depreciation 115,171 114,094
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 10,827 (210,518)
(Decrease)/increase in creditors (74,536) 114,624
----------- -----------
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from
operating activities 90,259 (358,412)
=========== ===========
EMDEXTRADE PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2004
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(i) Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost
convention, and in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
(ii) Turnover
The turnover shown in the profit and loss account represents amounts
invoiced during the year, exclusive of Value Added Tax.
(iii)Fixed assets
All fixed assets are initially recorded at cost.
(iv) Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset,
less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of
that asset as follows:
Computer Equipment - 33% straight line method
As detailed in Financial Reporting Standard 11 'Impairment of fixed
assets', adjustments are made to asset values if events indicate that
the carrying value of the fixed assets may not be recoverable and that
impairment may have occurred. The accounting policy in respect of the
website development is detailed in 'Website development costs'.
(v) Foreign currencies
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are
translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the
balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at
the rate ruling at the date of the transaction. All differences are
taken to profit and loss account.
(vi) Website development costs
The company capitalises all external costs and those internal costs,
which otherwise would not have been incurred, directly attributable to
developing its website. The directors estimate that the period over
which development costs will be amortised will be 4 years from the
date of the completion.
The company has adopted the accounting policy detailed in Urgent
Issues Task Force 29 'Website development costs' for the treatment of
costs associated with the development of the website. All development
and design costs have been capitalised. All other costs associated
with the website have been charged to the profit and loss accounts as
incurred.
2. TURNOVER
All the company's turnover and profit/loss before taxation arose from the
company's principal activities, namely the arranging and brokering of trade
obligations.
Certain of the transactions entered into by the company involved other
companies over which certain directors had significant influence (see
note 13).
The company operates in the following geographical segments:
Turnover by origin:
2004 2003
£ £
United Kingdom 992,193 1,679,238
============ ============
Turnover by destination:
2004 2003
£ £
South America 269,429 496,740
Middle East 722,764 1,182,498
------------ ------------
992,193 1,679,238
============ ============
Profit/Loss on ordinary activities after taxation:
2004 2003
£ £
United Kingdom 37,116 (392,030)
============ ============
Net assets
2004 2003
£ £
United Kingdom 573,445 536,329
============ ============
3. OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS)
Operating profit/(loss) is stated after charging:
2004 2003
£ £
Depreciation of owned fixed assets 115,171 114,094
Auditors' remuneration
- as auditors 17,700 23,553
- for other services - 2,105
Net loss on foreign currency
translation 49,242 10,586
============ ============
4. PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
The aggregate payroll costs of the above were:
2004 2003
£ £
Wages and salaries 41,242 227,622
Social security costs 2,593 2,505
------------ ------------
43,835 230,127
============ ============
£16,243 of the wages and salaries costs relates to filter staff costs.
Number of employees
There were no employees during the year apart from the 6 (2003 - 6)
directors.
5. DIRECTORS' EMOLUMENTS
The directors' aggregate emoluments in respect of qualifying services were:
2004 2003
£ £
Emoluments receivable 24,999 116,057
============ ============
None of the 6 (2003 - 6) directors are accruing retirement benefits under
pension schemes in respect of qualifying services.
6. LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF FIXED ASSETS
2004 2003
£ £
Loss on disposal of fixed assets - (9,162)
============ ============
7. INTEREST PAYABLE AND SIMILAR CHARGES
2004 2003
£ £
Interest payable on bank borrowing - 4,181
Other similar charges payable 1,826 2,177
------------ ------------
1,826 6,358
============ ============
8. TAXATION ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES
(a) Analysis of charge in the year
2004 2003
£ £
Current tax:
UK Corporation tax based on the
results for the year at 30%
(2003 - 30%) - 63
------------ ------------
Total current tax - 63
============ ============
The company has trading losses of £ 1,072,324 (2003 - £1,214,935) that
are available to offset future taxable profits. The company also has fixed
asset timing differences of £ 227,805 (2003 - £57,873). A deferred tax
asset has not been recognised in respect of these amounts as they will be
recoverable only to the extent that the company has sufficient future
taxable profits.
(b) Factors affecting current tax charge
The tax assessed on the profit/(loss) on ordinary activities for the
year is lower than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of
30% (2003 - 30%).
2004 2003
£ £
Profit/(loss) on ordinary
activities before taxation 37,116 (391,967)
============ ============
Profit/(loss)on ordinary
activities by rate of tax 11,135 (117,590)
Expenses not deductible for
tax purposes - 4,081
Capital allowances for period in
excess of depreciation 34,440 16,638
Utilisation of tax losses (45,532) -
Tax chargeable at lower rates (43) -
Expenses in excess of taxable
income - 96,934
------------ ------------
Total current tax (note 8(a)) - 63
============ ============
9. EARNINGS PER SHARE
2004 2003
pence pence
Earnings per ordinary share 0.08 (0.97)
============ ============
The calculation of basic earning per ordinary share is based on a profit
after tax of £37,116 (2003 - loss £392,030) and 44,444,444 (2003 -
40,109,589) ordinary shares, being the weighted average number of shares in
issue during the year ended 31 October 2004.
Basic and diluted shares are the same because the share option on 800,000
ordinary shares of 1p each was exercisable at the price per share in excess
of the average fair value of the ordinary shares for the period ended 31
October 2004. The option lapsed on 31 December 2004.
10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Computer Website
equipment development Total
£ £ £
COST
At 1 November 2003 and 31 October 2004 5,546 453,815 459,361
============ ============ ============
DEPRECIATION
At 1 November 2003 2,920 112,357 115,277
Charge for the year 1,688 113,483 115,171
------------ ------------ ------------
At 31 October 2004 4,608 225,840 230,448
============ ============ ============
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 October 2004 938 227,975 228,913
============ ============ ============
At 31 October 2003 2,626 341,458 344,084
============ ============ ============
11. DEBTORS
2004 2003
£ £
Trade debtors 180,277 -
Other debtors 105,649 305,492
Prepayments and accrued income 24,420 15,681
------------ ------------
310,346 321,173
============ ============
The debtors above include the following amounts falling due after more
than one year:
2004 2003
£ £
Trade debtors 180,277 -
Other debtors 100,423 98,983
------------ ------------
280,700 98,983
============ ============
Other debtors represent an amount due from CCH Europe GmbH, a company
controlled by Eren Nil.
12. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year
2004 2003
£ £
Trade creditors 28,531 67,351
Other taxation and social security 1,329 1,329
Other creditors 7,673 40,615
Accruals and deferred income 47,601 50,375
------------ ------------
85,134 159,670
============ ============
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The following related party transactions occurred during the period:
(i) Patrick Kennedy
During the period the company purchased accountancy services of
£30,425 (2003- £8,090) and other services of £50,965 (2003 - £16,388)
from PK Partners LLP. No monies were outstanding as at 31 October
2004.
Patrick Kennedy, a director of EmdexTrade PLC, is a member in PK
Partners LLP.
(ii) Eren Nil
During the period the company paid £nil (2003 - £692,036) in
commissions to Erem International. The company also paid £462,127
(2003 - £508,688) in commissions to Erem Finance & Investment
Consultants E.C. These commissions relate to gross fee income of
£832,758 (2003 - £778,167). No monies were outstanding as at
31 October 2004.
As at 31 October 2004, an amount of £100,423 (2003 - £296,948) was due
from CCH Europe GmbH.
Erem International, Erem Finance & Investment Consultants E.C. and CCH
Europe GmbH are companies controlled by Eren Nil.
(iii)CCH Europe GmbH
The company has agreed on 13 April 2005 to acquire CCH Europe GmbH, a
company specialising in the purchase of short term trade receivables
on a fully secured credit insured basis. The acquisition of the entire
capital of CCH Europe GmbH will be effected by the issue to the
vendors of 39,682,539 new ordinary shares. Eren Nil and his brother
Emir Nil own all of the issued share capital of CCH Europe GmbH and
the acquisition is conditional upon shareholder approval at an EGM
scheduled to take place on 10 May 2005.
(iv) Nabucca (London) Limited
During the period the company paid £5,464 (2003 - £nil) in commissions
to Nabucca (London) Limited. No monies were outstanding as at
31 October 2004.
Stephen Wiggans is a director of both EmdexTrade Plc and Nabucca
(London) Limited.
14. CONTROL
The company considers Eren Nil to be the Ultimate controlling party of
EmdexTrade PLC. As at 31 October 2004, he owned 84.16% (2003 - 84.16%) of
the issued share capital and is a director of the company.
15. SHARE CAPITAL
Authorised share capital:
2004 2003
£ £
1,000,000,000 Ordinary shares of £0.01 each 10,000,000 10,000,000
40,000,000 Deferred 'A' shares of £0.01 each 400,000 400,000
20,000,000 Deferred 'B' shares of £0.01 each 200,000 200,000
------------ ------------
10,600,000 10,600,000
============ ============
Allotted, called up and fully paid:
2004 2003
Number £ Number £
Ordinary shares of £0.01 each 44,444,444 444,444 44,444,444 444,444
Deferred 'A' shares of £0.01 each 40,000,000 400,000 40,000,000 400,000
Deferred 'B' shares of £0.01 each 20,000,000 200,000 20,000,000 200,000
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
104,444,444 1,044,444 104,444,444 1,044,444
============ ============ ============ ============
Deferred 'A' shares and Deferred 'B' shares are no longer convertible.
The deferred 'A' and 'B' shares have no voting rights or entitlement
to dividends. On distribution of assets on a winding up or return of other
capital, the deferred shareholders, after repayment of the ordinary shares
at par and the payment of £100 on each ordinary share, are entitled to
receive a sum equal to the capital paid up on the deferred shares held by
them.
The company had issued a share option on 800,000 ordinary shares of 1p
each to its nominated advisors Nabarro Wells & Co Limited. The option was
exercisable at any time up to and including 31 December 2004 at a
subscription price of 10p. No accounting entries have been made for this
option as it had no intrinsic value at the grant date. The option was not
exercised and has lapsed since the year end.
16. RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS
EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS
2004 2003
£ £ £ £
Profit/(Loss) for the financial year 37,116 (392,030)
New equity share capital subscribed - 44,444
Net premium on new share capital - 261,608
subscribed
------------ ------------
- 306,052
------------ ------------
Net addition/(reduction) to 37,116 (85,978)
shareholders' equity (deficit)/
funds
Opening shareholders' equity (deficit)/funds (63,671) 22,307
------------ ------------
Closing shareholders' equity deficit (26,555) (63,671)
============ ============
NON-EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS
Opening and closing shareholders'
non-equity funds 600,000 600,000
============ ============
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 573,445 536,329
============ ============
17. Financial instruments
The company's financial instruments comprise cash, its deferred share
capital and various items such as debtors and creditors that arise directly
from its operations. The company has not entered into derivative
transactions nor does it trade in financial instruments as a matter of
policy. The main risks arising from the company's financial instruments are
interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. At the year end the company
did not have any borrowings and the deferred shares have no repayment
terms. Accordingly, the company does not have a liquidity risk.
The company is financed by share capital, and its assets consist of
debtors and cash balances held as a mixture of current and deposit accounts
and currency accounts, as appropriate to the company's operational needs.
The company has transactional currency exposures as its income is expected
to arise in US Dollars, while its expenses are expected to be payable in
US Dollars and £ Sterling.
It is not the company's policy to protect the company's sterling balance
sheet or transactional exposures from movements in exchange rates.
With the exception of the analysis of currency exposures, the disclosure
below excludes short-term debtors and creditors.
Financial assets
The interest rate risk and currency profile of the financial assets of
the company as at 31 October 2004 is as follows:
2004
US Dollar £ Sterling Total
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand
-Fixed interest rate - - -
-Floating interest rate - 14,466 14,466
-Non-interest bearing 104,854 - 104,854
Amount falling due after more
than one year and included
in the debtors 100,423 - 100,423
------------ ------------ ------------
205,277 14,466 219,743
============ ============ ============
2003
US Dollar £ Sterling Total
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand
-Fixed interest rate - - -
-Floating interest rate - 2,681 2,681
-Non-interest bearing 28,061 - 28,061
Amount falling due after more
than one year and included
in the debtors 98,983 - 98,983
------------ ------------ ------------
127,044 2,681 129,725
============ ============ ============
Financial liabilities
The company's only financial liability as at 31 October 2004 and as at
31 October 2003 is its non equity financial share capital, details of which
are in note 15.
Fair value of financial assets and liabilities
With the exception of the deferred share capital, for all of the financial
assets and financial liabilities above, fair value equates to book value.
In respect of the deferred share capital, with a book value of £600,000,
the fair value is nil.
Currency exposure
The company's net foreign currency monetary assets exposure is £262,454
(2003 - £144,513) in respect of US dollars assets and liabilities
(functional currency sterling.)
18. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET FUNDS
2004 2003
£ £
Increase/(Decrease) in cash in the period 88,578 (13,180)
------------ ------------
Movement in net funds in the period 88,578 (13,180)
============ ============
Net funds at 1 November 2003 30,742 43,922
------------ ------------
Net funds at 31 October 2004 119,320 30,742
============ ============
ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS
At At
1 Nov 2003 Cash flows 31 Oct 2004
£ £ £
Net cash:
Cash in hand and at bank 30,742 88,578 119,320
------------ ------------ ------------
Net funds 30,742 88,578 119,320
============ ============ ============
Further information:-
Company
Finance Director - Patrick Kennedy
Tel:- 020 8334 9953
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
AR