Final Results
Dolphin Capital Investors Limited
18 March 2008
18 March 2008
Dolphin Capital Investors Limited (DCI.L)
Preliminary results for the year to 31 December 2007
DOLPHIN RECORDS 107% RISE IN 2007 NAV AND EXCELLENT PROGRESS ACROSS ITS
OPERATIONS
Dolphin Capital Investors Limited ('Dolphin' or the 'Company'), the leading
investor in the residential resort sector in south-east Europe and the largest
real estate investment company currently listed on AIM, announces its results
for the year to 31 December 2007.
Highlights of the year include:
• Total Net Asset Value ('NAV') of the Company of €1,691 million before
deferred income tax liabilities ('DITL') (31 December 2006: €552 million;
30 June 2007: €1,295 million); total NAV of €1,524 million after DITL (31
December 2006: €509 million; 30 June 2007: €1,161 million)
• NAV per share of 227p and 205p before and after DITL, up 107% and 103%
respectively (31 December 2006: 110p and 101p; 30 June 2007: 167p and
150p). Cash adjusted NAV per share before DITL of 239p, up 74%
(31 December 2006: 137p)
• Profit before tax of €574 million (31 December 2006: €110 million; 30 June
2007: €212 million), resulting in fully diluted earnings per share of
€1.24
• NAV uplift driven primarily by the inclusion of all assets of Cyprus'
largest holiday home developer, Aristo Developers Plc ('Aristo'),
following the successful acquisition via a public offer in April 2007, and
a strong uplift in the valuations of existing projects due to operational
and zoning advances
• Healthy growth in Aristo's financial performance during 2007, with a 3%
increase in home sales at €167 million (€162 million in 2006)
corresponding to a 6% increase in holiday home units at 646 (610 in 2006)
and a 7% increase in profit after tax of €26 million (€24 million in 2006)
• Successful completion of third fundraising of €450 million in June 2007
• Robust balance sheet of €2.4 billion of total assets with only €297
million of financial debt and a pro-forma cash balance of €318 million
• Active investment programme, consolidating the Company's track record of
rapid capital deployment, establishing the Company as what is believed to
be the largest seafront development landowner in Greece and Cyprus and
bringing the total land portfolio to circa 48 million m2 (2006: 16 million
m2) and the number of large-scale resorts within the portfolio to 14
(2006: 8), with more than 60 smaller projects within Aristo:
o Two acquisitions in Greece
o Completion of first investments in Croatia and Turkey
o First investment outside core investment region through the
acquisition of Playa Grande Golf Resort in the Dominican Republic
o Purchase of minority stakes in Venus Rock, Kilada Hills, Lavender
Bay, Seascape Hills and Scorpio Bay
o Additional adjacent plots acquired in Kilada Hills, Seascape Hills,
Sitia Bay, Lavender Bay and Eagle Pine
• Significant progress with the design, branding and permitting of most of
the Company's major projects during the year
Commenting, Andreas N Papageorghiou, Chairman of Dolphin Capital Investors,
said:
'I am pleased to report significant achievements in Dolphin's second full year
of operations. The key acquisitions executed in 2007, along with record Aristo
sales and profit numbers, the continued progress in the design, planning and
permitting of the core residential resort projects and the attractive investment
pipeline pave the way for an exciting and successful 2008. I am confident that
the team at Dolphin Capital Partners will continue to meet the market challenges
and create significant NAV growth in the coming year.'
Miltos Kambourides, founder and Managing Partner of Dolphin Capital Partners,
commented:
'Over the past year Dolphin has maintained its rapid pace of growth and
generated substantial shareholder value. Since admission to trading on AIM only
two years ago, the Company has recorded a 3.5x increase in NAV per share before
DITL, buoyed in large part by strategic investments and permitting advances
across the entire portfolio.
Dolphin continues to sustain a significant competitive advantage in its target
region. In late 2008, we expect to commence construction of the Company's first
large-scale, master-planned residential resort developments in Greece and
Cyprus. We look forward to the future with considerable excitement and
confidence.'
For further information, please contact:
Dolphin Capital Partners
Miltos E. Kambourides miltos@dolphincp.com
Pierre A. Charalambides pierre@dolphincp.com
Financial Dynamics
(Financial PR)
Stephanie Highett/Nicole Marino
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7831 3113
Grant Thornton Corporate Finance
(Nominated Adviser)
Philip Secrett
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7383 5100
Panmure Gordon
(Broker)
Richard Gray/Dominic Morley/Andrew Potts
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7459 3600
Notes to editors
Overview
Dolphin Capital Investors is the leading investor in the residential resort
sector in the eastern Mediterranean and the largest real estate investment
company listed on AIM by market capitalisation.
Dolphin's investment model is focused on generating strong capital growth
through investing in early-stage, large-scale, leisure-integrated residential
resorts primarily in south-east Europe, targeting holiday and retirement home
buyers from northern Europe, Russia and the Middle East. The Company partners
with some of the world's most recognised architects, golf course designers and
hotel operators for the creation of sophisticated projects and, since April
2007, benefits from the development expertise of Dolphin's largest investment,
Aristo, one of south-east Europe's most experienced holiday home developers.
Since inception in 2005, Dolphin has raised €859 million of equity funds, has
established a track record of rapid capital deployment and significant NAV
creation, while adhering to stringent risk management and acquisition criteria,
and has grown to become one of the largest private seafront landowners in Greece
and Cyprus.
The Company's portfolio currently comprises 14 large-scale, leisure-integrated
residential resorts under development in Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Turkey and the
Dominican Republic and more than 60 smaller holiday home projects through Aristo
in Greece and Cyprus.
Dolphin is managed by Dolphin Capital Partners ('DCP' or the 'Investment
Manager'), an independent private equity management firm that specialises in
real estate investments in south-east Europe.
Key highlights in Dolphin's evolution
Q3 2005 - Dolphin founded with €5 million of seed capital
Q4 2005 - Dolphin admitted to trading on AIM, raising €104 million
Q1 2006 - Dolphin executes first investment in Greece (Kilada Hills Golf Resort)
Q2 2006 - Dolphin follows on with first investment in Cyprus (Apollo Heights
Polo Resort) and an additional acquisition in Greece (Scorpio Bay Resort)
Q3 2006 - Continued investment activity in Greece (Amanmila Resort, Lavender Bay
Golf Resort)
Q4 2006 - Secondary AIM fundraise of an additional €300 million
- Dolphin completes first acquisition in Crete (Sitia Bay Golf Resort)
and partners for a second time in Greece with Aman Resorts in its
newly executed Seascape Hills Resort
Q1 2007 - Dolphin makes first investment in Croatia (Livka Bay Resort)
Q2 2007 - Dolphin purchases 85% stake in Aristo
- Third AIM fundraise of an additional €450 million
Q3 2007 - Dolphin purchases a 60% stake in Plaka Bay Resort
Q4 2007 - Dolphin acquires site on the island of Tzia
- Dolphin makes first investment in Turkey (LaVanta and Port Kundu
Resorts)
- Dolphin makes first investment outside south-east Mediterranean, with
acquisition of Playa Grande Golf Resort in the Dominican Republic
- Minority buy-out and significant zoning improvements for Venus Rock
Golf Resort
Typical project characteristics
• Coastal land sites typically more than 100 hectares (1 million m2)
in size with visible development potential
• Surrounded by unspoilt natural environment and in close proximity to
areas of historical and cultural significance
• Easily accessible for both local and international travelers alike
• Master-planned as sophisticated residential resorts integrated with
leisure components such as golf, hotel, spa, marina and other leisure
activities
• Branded and managed by world-renowned, luxury operators
• Targeting affluent holiday/retirement home buyers from northern
Europe, Russia and the Middle East
Investment proposition
Create strong NAV growth by acquiring undervalued seafront sites and
transforming them into fully permitted, high-end, premium-branded development
projects
• Acquisitions:
o Identify and acquire undervalued large developable sites with strong
value appreciation potential
o Use tax efficient holding structures to minimise capital gains tax
• Design and branding:
o Employ internationally acclaimed master-planners, architects, and
designers to create world-class products
o Partner with luxury operators and marketers to create highest quality
branding
• Development capability:
o Leverage on the expertise of Aristo and other local developers
o Obtain construction permits through a well-planned process
o Appoint the most credible construction firms on a turn-key basis
through tender offers
Competitive advantages
• First-mover advantage in the region allows for optimal selection of sites,
often off-market, under limited competitive pricing pressure
• Portfolio synergies through economies of scale and expertise transfer in
design, management, operations, marketing and financing
• Solid business fundamentals, gross assets over €2.4 billion, with
financial debt only representing 12% of gross assets
• Multiple options for exit at various stages of each project; key driver is
to create and crystallise shareholder value
• Dedicated investment manager with extensive local knowledge, international
network and ability to overcome the high barriers to entry in the targeted
markets
Chairman's Statement
2007 was a year of extraordinary growth for the Company. After successfully
raising an additional €450 million of equity funds in June 2007, Dolphin became
the largest real estate investment company listed on AIM. A strong run of
investment activity also saw continued expansion in the Company's land
portfolio, which grew from 16 million m2 in December 2006 to 48 million m2 as at
31 December 2007. Most importantly, the Company's total NAV over the same
reporting period grew from €552 million to €1,691 million before DITL and from
€509 million to €1,524 million after DITL.*
Accordingly, the NAV per share figures at 31 December 2007 stand at 227p (€3.08)
and 205p (€2.78) before and after DITL respectively**, implying a 107% and 103%
annual increase over the 31 December 2006 reported figures. When adjusting for
the uninvested cash, the NAV per share before DITL is 239p (€3.25) corresponding
to an uplift of 74% over 2006.
Dolphin made a strong start to the year with the Company's first investment in
Croatia. The most significant investment of the year was the acquisition in
April 2007 of an 85% stake in Aristo. This transaction allowed Dolphin to
acquire one of the region's largest private landowners and leading residential
developers, markedly strengthening the Company's portfolio and development
capabilities.
Shortly thereafter, Dolphin made its first foray in the growing Turkish holiday
home market, with investments in two holiday home projects near Antalya. In
Greece, two major sites were acquired in Crete and on the island of Tzia,
alongside the ongoing expansion of the majority of the Company's core
residential resort projects.
Finally, the year closed with Dolphin's first venture outside south-east Europe:
a landmark transaction in the Dominican Republic which is expected to become the
island's first Aman-branded resort.
The key acquisitions executed in 2007, along with record Aristo sales and profit
numbers, the continued progress in the design, planning and permitting of the
core residential resort projects and an attractive investment pipeline pave the
way for an exciting and successful 2008. I am confident that the team at Dolphin
Capital Partners will continue to meet the market challenges and create
significant NAV growth in the coming year.
Andreas N Papageorghiou
Chairman
18 March 2008
* The NAV figures include the €439 million net placing proceeds of the June 2007
fundraise.
** Number of shares (inclusive of shares issued from exercise of warrants) -
549,036,141.
Investment Manager's Report
Another year of strong growth
We are very pleased to report that in its second full year of operations Dolphin
has continued to maintain its rapid pace of growth and generate shareholder
value. Since admission to trading on AIM only two years ago, the Company has
recorded an increase of 3.5x in its NAV per share before DITL, buoyed in large
part by strategic investments and permitting advances across the entire
portfolio. Over the past six months alone, NAV before DITL increased by €396
million (or 31%) from €1,295 million as at 30 June 2007 to €1,691 million as at
31 December 2007, driven primarily by:
• The rezoning of 123 hectares of Venus Rock Golf Resort ('Venus Rock ')
that added 111,000 m2 of buildable potential;
• The receipt of water permits for the two golf course developments within
Venus Rock and for one in Eagle Pine Golf Resort ('Eagle Pine'), in total
representing close to 300,000 m2 of residential real estate;
• The Company's acquisition of the remaining minority stakes in Venus Rock,
Kilada Hills Golf Resort ('Kilada Hills'), Lavender Bay Golf Resort
('Lavender Bay') and Seascape Hills Resort ('Seascape Hills');
• The increase in the freehold development potential for Lavender Bay
through the award of a government certification relating to a 38-hectare
area of the site;
• New site acquisitions such as Kea Resort ('Kea') on the island of Tzia,
Playa Grande Golf Resort ('Playa Grande'), Plaka Bay Resort ('Plaka Bay')
and various others in Cyprus as well as land expansion for Kilada Hills,
Seascape Hills, Lavender Bay and Sitia Bay Golf Resort ('Sitia Bay');
• Strong sales and operating profit by Aristo; and
• Land value appreciation in several locations across Greece and Cyprus.
As the NAV per share is quoted in Pounds Sterling, it should also be noted that
c. 10% of the absolute increase in the quoted NAV per share figures is
attributable to the depreciation of the Pound Sterling against the Euro over the
second half of 2007.
Central to the Company's success are the solid business fundamentals that
include:
• total assets of approximately €2.4 billion as at 31 December 2007;
• low gearing, with debt of approximately €297 million;
• a strong pro-forma cash balance of €318 million as at 31 December 2007*;
and
• a strong home sales performance by Aristo throughout 2007, which generated
€26 million of operating profit after tax, excluding revaluation gains and
DITL.
As an example of our confidence in the future growth potential of Dolphin, we
purchased 33.7 million shares in the Company through Silver Capital Holdings, an
investment vehicle 50% owned by ourselves. When added to the 3.2 million shares
already owned and the 31.5 million shares to be awarded from the 2007 warrant
scheme (for further details, please refer to the Finance Director's Report), the
Investment Manager will control a total of 68 million shares (12%), of which 52
million shares (9%) are indirectly owned, representing one of the largest
shareholders in the Company and firmly aligning our interests to those of the
Company's remaining shareholders.
Key personnel additions have also been undertaken to ensure that the DCP team is
best placed to continue to deliver on its strategic objectives and thereby
enhance shareholder value. The number of professionals at DCP has grown to more
than 25, including the notable recent appointment of Michael Tsirikos,
previously Tax Managing Partner at Deloitte Greece, to become DCP's Chief
Operating Officer. Team expansion has occurred across the acquisitions, asset
management and accounting departments, all functions that support Dolphin's
investment and development strategy through the next phase of its growth and
evolution.
*Adjusted for the payable Aristo management incentive fee of €73 million for
2007.
A growing market
Underpinned by solid business fundamentals and a strengthened team of industry
professionals, Dolphin is strongly positioned to capitalise on a continually
growing global tourism industry. In 2007, world tourism statistics exceeded all
expectations, with a record 898 million arrivals, a 6% increase over 2006
according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Of the additional 52
million international tourist arrivals, Europe claims by far the strongest
market, totalling 480 million tourists in 2007, with destinations such as Turkey
and Greece recording double digit growth rates of 18% and 12% respectively,
proof of the increasing popularity of the region.
Along with the dramatic increase in global tourism, the luxury goods and
services industry (Source: Barclays Wealth, December 2007) is expected to
continue to evolve with increasing numbers of aspirational and wealthy
consumers. In spite of the recent credit market difficulties, the global luxury
market is forecasted to grow by 5.8% during 2008 (Source: Sanford Bernstein)
with future expansion expected to come from a growing network of high net worth
individuals ('HNWIs'), in particular from emerging markets. According to
research, HNWIs in the top income brackets grew almost 11% over the last five
years, whilst the wealth of emerging markets' billionaires has increased from
11% of global billionaires' wealth to 28% over the past six years. Global travel
volumes remain on an upward track, with the highest 3% tourist spend accounting
for 20% of all tourism expenditure, according to a survey by ILTM, and expected
to rise by up to 9% per annum until 2009 in the UK alone.
Through the Company's ownership of what the Investment Manager believes to be
some of the most pristine coastal land sites in south-east Europe and beyond, as
well as its partnerships with some of the world's most recognised luxury
operating brands in the sector, we believe Dolphin is well positioned to capture
the increasing demand for luxury holiday home products which appears
particularly popular amongst traditional and new emerging markets such as
Russian and Middle-Eastern customers who are not currently affected by the
recent credit crisis. Since the year end, Dolphin has made continued strides in
expanding its network of operating partners. In addition to having concluded
three agreements with Aman Resorts and three agreements with GHM Hotels, term
sheets have recently been signed with Oberoi Hotels and Resorts and Kempinski
Hotels, whilst negotiations are advancing with numerous other luxury brands for
Dolphin's remaining major residential resort projects.
New investments
Dolphin's investment activity has been brisk, continuing a track-record of rapid
capital deployment and successful geographical expansion. Invested and committed
funds as at 31 December 2007 amounted to €539 million and €693 million
respectively. A notable €437 million and €492 million was invested and committed
in new project acquisitions during 2007 respectively, which enabled the Company
to:
• Consolidate its presence in Greece through:
o the acquisitions of Plaka Bay and Kea;
o land expansion in its largest developments such as Kilada Hills,
Seascape Hills, Lavender Bay and Sitia Bay; and
o the execution of minority buy-outs with respect to Scorpio Bay,
Kilada Hills, Seascape Hills and Lavender Bay where the Company is
now the sole owner.
• Become the largest private landowner and holiday home developer in Cyprus,
through the acquisition of an 85% stake in Aristo, the leading Cypriot
developer. This was a transformational event for the Company, serving to
double its land holdings and integrating leading development expertise,
local market knowledge and significant operational synergies into Dolphin
as the Company continues to build upon its in-house sales and development
platform for its Greek and Cypriot projects alike. Aristo's securing of an
€85 million debt facility in August 2007 has further boosted the Company's
acquisition activities in Cyprus, with the purchase of prime land in
strategic locations in the districts of Paphos and Limassol, most notably
an 87-hectare site adjacent to the existing Eagle Pine development, and
the purchase of the 13% minority stake in Venus Rock, Aristo's flagship
asset and currently Dolphin's largest and most valuable project.
• Complete the first acquisitions in Croatia and Turkey through the
investments in Livka Bay Resort ('Livka Bay'), on the island of Solta,
Croatia and Port Kundu Resort ('Port Kundu') and LaVanta Resort
('LaVanta'), in Antalya, Turkey.
• Execute the first landmark transaction outside south-east Europe through
the acquisition of what is set to become the Dominican Republic's first
Aman Resort. Playa Grande is the first acquisition within the 5%
investment allocation for projects outside of Dolphin's core investment
region, following the amendment in the Company's investment policy at the
latest fundraise in June 2007.
In the first two months of 2008, the Company has continued its positive run of
investment activity with:
• The divestment of one of Aristo's non-core assets through the sale of
Aristo's 60% stake in A&A Super Aphrodite Waterpark (the 'Waterpark') at
an 11x profit multiple.
• The buy-out of Dolphin's 10% minority partners in Livka Bay.
Development progress
Dolphin made significant strides through 2007 in the design, planning and
permitting of its existing projects, all of which contributed to considerable
value uplifts in Dolphin's year end numbers.
Particular highlights included:
• Kilada Hills and Seascape Hills received the approval of the preliminary
environmental impact study for their latest designs and their respective
tourist suitability permits from the Greek National Tourist Organisation
for the GHM and Aman hotel components respectively.
• Lavender Bay expanded its potential for the project's freehold residential
buildable m2, based on a government certificate relating to a 38-hectare
portion of the site. The awards of the 2013 Mediterranean Games to the
nearby cities of Volos and Larissa, whose golfing events are expected to
be hosted at Lavender Bay, are also expected to fast-track the project's
permitting process, with award of the final environmental permit in
relation to the project's hotel, desalination and wastewater treatment
plants expected imminently.
• Approvals of the water applications for Venus Rock and Eagle Pine,
typically the penultimate planning milestone before construction permits
are granted.
• Favourable amendments to the zoning status of Venus Rock, allowing
for the conversion of 56 hectares of land from agricultural to residential
for holiday home use with a 25% building coefficient and the conversion of
43 hectares from forest to agricultural land. The project also benefits
from the change in use and increase in building coefficient on 7 and 17
hectares that allow for the development of commercial facilities and
hotel/residential units with a 25% building coefficient respectively.
• Significant permitting milestones for Port Kundu, with final zoning
permits for Phase I achieved in October and final construction permits
expected in the near term. Meanwhile, Dolphin's second Turkish project,
LaVanta Resort, is already in the construction phase, having already
completed the first phase shell works and half of the first phase
pre-sales.
So far in 2008, the Company has also seen further development progress that is
to be noted and which is expected to favourably impact future NAV:
• The approval of the Urban Plan for Livka Bay's first phase hotel,
residential and marina components by the Ministry of Environmental
Protection, Planning and Construction.
• Approval of the final Environmental Impact Study for the GHM Hotel
of Kilada Hills.
Aristo
2007 marked a successful and evolutionary year for Aristo. Since the acquisition
in April 2007 and under Dolphin's direction, Aristo has focused on restructuring
and product-upgrading initiatives, set to maximise efficiency and profitability.
The company has also been working hard on integrating the cross-functional sales
and development teams in Aristo's Cyprus and Greece operations.
As highlighted in previous announcements, a considerable emphasis continues to
be placed on re-branding and re-positioning efforts aimed at facilitating the
upgrade of some of Aristo's larger and more valuable development projects. The
services of experienced branding consultancy firms have been sought over the
recent months, with an immediate focus on the corporate Aristo profile and the
Venus Rock development. Residential sales in the latter were put on hold while
EDSA was appointed to make significant improvements to the project's
master-plan, which has now been finalised and submitted for permitting approval.
Architectural concepts for Venus Rock are currently being formulated by leading
design firm Robert A.M. Stern Architects who have also been commissioned to
design the beachfront commercial area of the development as well as the new club
house. Furthermore, the profile of the project's golf component has been
substantially elevated with the appointment of British golf legend Tony Jacklin
to lead the design of the two new 18-hole golf courses.
Cutting-edge design development efforts also continue for some of Aristo's
smaller scale developments. Porphyrios Associates and Scott Brownrigg are only a
few of the award-wining firms that are currently engaged in such projects,
namely Pissouri Panorama and St. George's development at the company's Paphos
central plot respectively.
The effort to strengthen the Athens-based Aristo team is ongoing with the
recruitment of a number of key professionals and the upgrading of its systems
and facilities. The strategic aim is to replicate the success in Cyprus and
create the leading holiday home development company in Greece. In addition to
managing the development of a range of Dolphin's major residential resort
projects, Aristo is making progress on a number of medium-scale, holiday home
projects such as a 27-hectare site in Douneika, Western Peloponnesus, for which
the permitting process has commenced, and the Remvi project in Syros, a
development of 44 seafront villas. The approval of final construction permits
for 20 of the residential units in this project has already been obtained and
sales will be launched shortly.
In addition to a wide selection of 60+ holiday home projects currently on sale,
Aristo has in its pipeline of new releases a number of attractive projects which
will allow the company to maintain its leading position in the market. Apart
from the very exciting and large-scale golf developments at Venus Rock and Eagle
Pine, the following table presents a selection of holiday home projects
currently under planning by Aristo in Greece and Cyprus:
Residential
Land site buildable
(hectares) (m2)
Aristo Hellas
Tsilivi* 11 56,000
Douneika 27 42,000
Syros 1 4,798
Aristo Cyprus
Pissouri Panorama 11 21,000
Magioko - Paphos 11 21,000
St. George - Paphos 15 85,000
Paphorama - Paphos 2 9,000
GTR - Paphos 14 30,000
Beachfront - Polis 6 10,600
Agnades - Polis 3 5,200
Residential - Polis 2 19,300
Riviera Beach Villas - Polis 2 3,462
Melanda Plot - Pissouri 6 12,400
Total 111 319,760
* 50% owned.
Aristo's financial performance in 2007 was also very positive. Total holiday
home sales were reported at €167 million, up by 3% over 2006 with 646
corresponding units sold versus 610 over the course of 2006. The company's
operating cash position also remains strong, with higher reported operating
profit after tax up by 7% (over 2006) at €26 million. In the first two months of
2008, the company also recorded a 14% increase in total unit sales over the
corresponding period in 2007, driven by higher selling prices of the order of
26% albeit with lower unit sales volume. Aristo is further expected to drive
organic growth through attractive bank financing. It should be noted that the
cost of bank debt for Aristo was decreased by 10bps in 2007 to 5.9%.
These results are particularly encouraging when one considers (i) the withdrawal
from pre-sales of Aristo's major projects, namely Venus Rock as well as the
smaller Aristo projects such as Pissouri Panorama and St. George, in order to
redesign them and maximise future selling prices and (ii) the relative slowdown
of holiday home sales to the UK market. The decrease in sales to UK purchasers
was largely offset by winning new clients from the rapidly expanding Russian
market. In particular, Aristo's sales to Russian home purchasers increased from
15% of total turnover in 2006 to 27% in 2007, while those to the British
decreased from 70% to 49%. In an effort to diversify its potential client-base
and secure sales against potential future market difficulties, Aristo is in the
process of strengthening its presence in these new target markets with plans to
open additional regional offices in Russia as well as new offices in the Ukraine
over the coming months, while its network of associates in central and northern
Europe is continuously being expanded.
In early 2008, Dolphin divested one of Aristo's non-core assets, through the
sale of its 60% stake in the Waterpark, for a net cash consideration of €5
million. The transaction was executed on the basis of an enterprise value for
the Waterpark of €14 million. This compares favourably with the last reported
enterprise value based on Colliers' valuation of €2.8 million and the allocated
acquisition value of €1.3 million, in turn representing profit multiples of 5x
and 11x respectively. This transaction is consistent with Dolphin's
restructuring initiatives set out for Aristo following the acquisition.
Finally, Aristo's delisting process is expected to be finalised during the
course of Q2 2008, following the activation of Dolphin Capital Atlantis' ('DCA')
right to squeeze out the remaining shareholders. DCA, an 85%-owned Dolphin
subsidiary and the holding company of Aristo, currently holds a 99.1% stake in
Aristo and upon completion of the squeeze-out process will become the sole owner
of Aristo.
Dolphin Capital Foundation
The Company envisions further progress in charitable activities over the coming
year through the Dolphin Capital Foundation ('DCF'), a non-profit charitable
entity dedicated to assisting the surrounding regional communities and
environments where Dolphin invests. Part of the progressive donation of up to €2
million for DCF charitable projects, approved by the Board of Directors in 2007,
was put to good use over the past 12 months. Amongst DCF's key contributions
was the donation of environmental maintenance equipment to the areas of Kilada
Hills and Sitia Bay, with delivery of the equipment to occur by early summer
2008. Planned contributions are further set to materialise in Dolphin's Lavender
Bay over the coming months. It must also be noted that Aristo made very
significant donations to the aid effort for the regions of Greece which were
devastated by forest fires in the summer of 2007.
Investment Portfolio
Land site Dolphin Dolphin Dolphin
(hectares) (% stake) Investment Commitment
29 Feb 2008 (€m) 29 Feb 2008 (€m)
Greece 1,812 176 275
Kilada 250 100 78 85
Seascape Hills 89 100 33 50
Lavender Bay 306 100 15 46
Scorpio Bay 172 100 11 16
Amanmila 200 25 - 50 2 5
Sitia Bay 250 77 13 24
Branded Hotels 1 80 3 5
Plaka Bay 440 60 7 26
Tsilivi - Aristo 11 85 2 2
Douneika - Aristo 27 85 1 1
Other - Aristo 2 85 <1 <1
Kea 65 100 11 15
Cyprus 2,192 333 337
Apollo Heights 469 100 17 21
Venus Rock - Aristo 1,000 85 138 138
Eagle Pine - Aristo 303 85 35 35
Magioko - Aristo 11 85 5 5
Other - Aristo 410 85 137 137
Croatia
Livka Bay 62 100 18 30
Turkey 12 12 29
Kundu 4 80 8 23
LaVanta 8 60 4 5
Americas
Playa Grande 720 70 12 22
TOTAL 4,797 550 693
Portfolio Review by Country
South-east Europe, Dolphin's core target region, continues to present an
enticing investment story. All four targeted countries, Greece, Cyprus, Croatia
and Turkey remain supported by strong supply/demand fundamentals, limited
competition and high barriers to entry. The continuing favourable macroeconomic
and demographic trends combined with increasing regional governmental support
for an emerging residential resort sector add further strength to Dolphin's
investment case. The recent portfolio extension in the Dominican Republic, set
within the 5% allocation limitations beyond the Company's core investment
region, represents an opportunity to create significant value in markets which
we believe exhibit similar growth opportunities to those in south-east Europe.
All countries where Dolphin holds investments and/or is looking to invest, share
the common characteristics of offering unspoilt landscapes, unique natural
settings, a wide range of sightseeing and other leisure activities and some of
the most attractive coastlines in the world.
Greece
Market overview
Greece's economy maintains its strong footing. GDP growth continued to be solid
with a rate of 3.6% reported over 2007 (Source: National Statistical Service of
Greece). Not surprisingly, tourism, one of the main sources of Greece's national
wealth with an annual contribution of more than 18% to GNP, maintained its
record performance (Source: Greek National Tourist Organization). The past year
saw tourist arrivals grow to over 16 million representing a 12% increase and
providing a 3% rise in tourism-related foreign exchange revenues. This was one
of the best performances by a European country in this year's overall 6%
increase in global tourist arrivals (Source: Association of Greek Tourist
Enterprises).
In addition to the tourist industry, the property market is also emerging as a
significant driver of GDP growth, spurred on by the government's ongoing
commitment to creating an investment friendly legislative environment that is
expected to maintain stability in the economy and continue to favour the ongoing
development of Dolphin's projects.
Having been re-elected in the parliamentary elections held in September 2007,
the governing New Democracy party recently announced a series of tax reforms
that should serve to simplify and liberalise the Greek property market and
result in significant property value uplifts. Amongst others, the new reforms
include the abolishment of the 7-11% property transfer tax on first homes up to
200 m2, the abolishment of a complex annual progressive ownership tax on high
value properties and the introduction of an annual uniform property ownership
tax. The latter changes work to the advantage of prospective wealthy property
buyers in Greece, as they would now face a uniform 0.1% tax on the objective
value of the property versus a previous minimum rate of 0.3% which went as high
as 0.8%. Furthermore, another positive change that should be noted is the
reduction of inheritance tax from progressive rates as high as 20% down to 1%,
which again should be of benefit to prospective property buyers (both Greek and
foreign) since their successors would be faced with a much lower tax burden.
Finally the commitment made by the government regarding the introduction of a
new zoning plan in 2007 aimed at facilitating the creation of integrated
residential resorts is partially fulfilled. After many years of anticipation,
the national zoning plan was approved by the Ministerial Council in February
2008 and is paving the way for the introduction of a tailored tourist zoning
plan that would facilitate the development of large-scale integrated resorts. We
welcome these initiatives and continue to monitor their progress closely.
Kilada Hills Golf Resort:
Kilada Hills was Dolphin's first investment. Land acquisitions began in early
2006 and, in September of the same year, the project obtained full construction
permits for an 18-hole golf course and a resort of 47,000 buildable m2 over 80
hectares, based on plans that were first conceived by Mark Potiriadis, the
project's original development partner.
Just a two-hour drive from Athens International Airport, the project is located
in the vicinity of Porto Heli, and across from the island of Spetses, two of
Greece's most popular locations for luxurious second homes. To upgrade the
original design and enhance the market positioning, an agreement was reached
with GHM Hotels (www.ghmhotels.com) to operate their first hotel in Greece on
the site that has now been extended to just over 250 hectares. Furthermore,
world-renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International
(www.denniston.com.my) and legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus (www.nicklaus.com)
were appointed to design the resort and the golf course respectively. The final
master-plan coordination has now been completed and DCP is confident that Kilada
Hills will become a world-class destination which will boast Greece's first
signature golf course. Jack Nicklaus stated about the development: 'We have a
wonderful canvas on which to create the golf course at Kilada Hills which will
be one of the finest in Southeast Europe and set a high bar for golf throughout
Greece.'
Significant permitting progress has also been made during the year, notably with
the approval of the Environmental Impact Study for the GHM hotel in March 2008,
which now opens the way for submission for final construction permits. A
revision of the existing construction permit and environmental approval for the
golf course is also being undertaken to accommodate for the new golf course
routing and master-plan.
Finally, in December 2007 Dolphin acquired the 10% stake held by its single
minority partner in Kilada Hills to raise its holding to 100%.
Seascape Hills Golf Resort:
Seascape Hills is a site of striking natural beauty, offering hilltop 360-degree
panoramic sea views and an unspoilt beachfront. It also benefits from its
proximity to Kilada Hills. Ed Tuttle was appointed as designer, armed with the
experience gained from designing multiple Aman resorts (www.amanresorts.com),
including Amapury, Amanjena, Amanbagh and Amangani. His vision is to merge the
Aman concept with the rich culture and natural beauty of Greece.
In its first stage, the project is expected to comprise a hilltop Aman hotel
with 38 guest pavilions, restaurants, spa and library. Furthermore, at least 40
Aman Villas are planned around the hotel site.
Throughout 2007, project expansion continued with over 32 hectares of additional
land acquired, brining the total area to 89 hectares, including the acquisition
of a stunning beachfront site which is planned for an exclusive Aman beach club
and seafront villas.
The project was granted environmental pre-approval and tourism board suitability
approval in December and is in the closing stages of final environmental
approval, the penultimate milestone before construction permits are received.
In December 2007 Dolphin acquired the 1% stake held by its single minority
partner in Seascape Hills to raise its holding to 100%.
In reference to the Seascape Hills development, architect Ed Tuttle said: 'The
design principles of this resort are based on combining elements of classical
Greek architecture with a modern touch and technology. Having spent many years
in this region of Greece makes me particularly enthusiastic about bringing this
resort to life.'
Lavender Bay Golf Resort:
Lavender Bay is situated inside a magnificent bay within the Pagasetic Gulf,
nestled within a deep forest which guarantees a natural buffer for what is set
to become an exclusive development. The site is also conveniently located 10
minutes from Nea Achialos International Airport.
Dolphin acquired the site in July 2006. Since then, the project has been
expanded, with the acquisition of an additional 12 hectares, bringing the total
land held to 306 hectares as at end of February 2008. Progress on the site
continues with regards to design and permitting. The Preliminary Environmental
Impact Study for the hotel and spa has been approved, along with Tourist
Suitability permits. The final Environmental Impact Study has also been
submitted and is presently in the final stages of review, paving the way for
final construction permit approval in the near term. Of paramount importance has
also been the recent added potential for the development of freehold residential
space totalling approximately 90,000 buildable m2, following a recent government
certificate relating to a 38-hectare area of the site. The project's permitting
process is also set to be expedited following the recent announcement of the
nearby cities of Volos and Larissa hosting the 2013 Mediterranean Games.
In addition to the appointment of renowned golfer and golf course designer Gary
Player (www.garyplayer.com) to create an 18-hole Gary Player Signature Golf
Course, a memorandum of understanding has recently been signed with Kempinski
Hotels (www.kempinski.com) to operate a circa 250 room hotel and approximately
40,000 m2 of branded residential units.
Legendary golfer and golf course designer Gary Player commented on the Lavender
Bay development: 'Lavender Bay represents a tremendous opportunity to build a
world class facility in Greece. I am honoured and excited with the prospect of
designing the venue that could house the golf event of the 2013 Mediterranean
Games.'
In December 2007, Dolphin acquired the 3% stake held by its single minority
partner in Lavender Bay to raise its present holding to 100%.
Scorpio Bay Resort:
Scorpio Bay Resort is located on a stunning peninsula looking into the bay of
Scorponeri and across the island of Evoia. The site benefits greatly from the
close proximity to Athens, as it is a mere one-hour drive from Athens
International Airport and the ski slopes of Mount Parnassos.
John Heah, the appointed award-winning architect, who is also the designer of
Amanmila, has created his first concept plans for the 172-hectare site.
The initial plan is for the development of 60 resort suites along with branded
and unbranded villas. The first phase of development is expected to total
approximately 80,000 buildable m2.
Throughout the year discussions have taken place with various hotel operators in
order to appoint the most suitable brand for the site. This resulted in the
Company signing a memorandum of understanding with luxury operator Oberoi Hotels
and Resorts (www.oberoihotels.com) to operate the resort and the branded
residences. Following these discussions, the initial design brief was altered
and a revised environmental application is currently being drafted.
P.R.S. Oberoi, founder and president of The Oberoi Group said of Scorpio Bay: '
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to be working with Dolphin to create our
first resort in Greece set within the stunning topography of Scorpio Bay. We
look forward to bringing our characteristic attention to detail and emphasis on
service to create a distinctive and ideal resort only an hour's drive from
Athens.'
Sitia Bay Golf Resort:
Conveniently located only 10 minutes from Sitia International Airport, Sitia
Bay's natural landscape combines a sea-level peninsula with a stunning hilltop
plateau. WATG (www.watg.com), the famed resort architectural firm has been
appointed to master-plan the entire project as well as to design the hotel.
Nicklaus Design has also been selected to design an 18-hole golf course.
The project itself is expected to include a hotel of up to 250 rooms, a spa, an
85-berth marina and multiple freehold residential units divided between seafront
and golf-front, a portion of which are expected to be branded by the hotel
operator.
To date the Environmental Impact Study for the hotel, marina, and spa has been
approved, while WATG and the local design team are finalising the architectural
plans to progress to the final stages of permitting. The master-plan for the
seafront community has been submitted to the relevant authorities, with
preliminary approval expected imminently, while the golf course has received
preliminary environmental approval.
Additional progress over the year includes the acquisition of adjacent land
parcels, bringing the total land owned by the company to just under 250
hectares, and significant advances in the discussions with some of the world's
leading hotel operators. A final decision on the operator is expected to be
made in the coming months.
Plaka Bay Resort:
Located on the eastern most tip of Crete, Plaka Bay spans over a 440- hectare
peninsula which reaches out to sea level in the north west side overlooking a
closed gulf. Furthermore the eastern and southern areas meet the sea with
dramatic cliffs, providing magnificent views.
The project is situated only 45 minutes from Sitia International Airport and
Sitia Bay Golf Resort. The project is also only 15 minutes from a large golf
resort community planned in the area which, together with Sitia Bay, will make
this region of Crete a very attractive golf destination.
Hart Howerton (www.harthowerton.com) has provided preliminary master-plans for
the project and the local design team has been appointed to progress the
permitting process of the project. The project is being developed jointly with
J&P Development (www.jpdevelopment.gr), a subsidiary of one of the region's
largest construction groups, the principal owners of which are 40% shareholders
in the project.
Several world-class hotel operators have toured the site and an appointment is
expected within 2008 with HVS International (www.hvs.com) commissioned to assist
in the selection process.
The project is expected to comprise over 120,000 m2 of residential development,
including potentially two five-star hotels and an 18-hole golf course along with
other leisure facilities.
Amanmila Resort:
Amanmila Resort is located on a secluded peninsula on the northern tip of the
island of Milos, only a short drive away from the island's main port and
airport. The project is being jointly developed with Aman Resorts
(www.amanresorts.com), S&B, and John Heah, who has progressed work on the
master-plan and hotel design.
The two-phased development will, in its first phase, include a 40-room Aman
Hotel and 40 residential villas spread over a 65-hectare portion of the site,
while an additional hotel and residential units are planned for the second
phase.
The project land transfer procedure has been partially completed and should be
finalised as soon as pending administrative steps related to state rights have
been undertaken. All environmental permitting documents are in place to be
submitted once all final land contracts have been completed.
Aman Resorts' founder and chairman Adrian Zecha said of the Amanmila
development: 'We are excited to be working with Dolphin on the first Aman Resort
in the Aegean Sea. We look forward to setting the standard for resorts in the
region.'
Kea Resort:
In Q4 2007, the Company acquired a site on the island of Tzia (or Kea as it is
also known) which is located 25 nautical miles from Lavrion harbour which is in
turn a 25-minute drive from Athens International Airport. The popular island is
one of the closest islands to Athens and an established location for second
homes with many Athenians.
The site spans 65 hectares and, once fully developed, is expected to have a low
density mix of a hotel and residential units, overlooking a bay situated in the
western side of the island.
The development concept is currently being finalised and the preliminary
documents have been collated for impending submission for environmental
pre-approval. The selection process for the operator has also commenced.
Cyprus
Market overview
2007 represented another prosperous year for Cyprus' growing economy. The
island's GDP grew at a rate of 4.4% over the past year, buoyed by a 5.9%
increase in tourism revenue which totalled c. €1.9 billion for 2007 (Source:
Financial Times, November 2007). Furthermore, tourist arrivals remained steady
as the country surpassed the 2.4 million mark for the third consecutive year
(Source: Cyprus Ministry of Tourism), with further strengthening expected over
the coming years as the government's strategic promotion of golf tourism,
through the development of up to 14 golf courses each with up to 100,000 m2 of
buildable freehold real estate, continues.
The property market in Cyprus also continues to contribute to the strengthening
of the economy. The island has seen increased demand for property by foreign
investors as a result of its accession to the European Union, which has seen all
restrictions for Europeans living and working on the island lifted. The
transition to the Euro as the main currency on 1 January 2008 and the transition
into the Schengen treaty of nations later in the year are also expected to boost
demand for property as greater numbers of investors are expected to take
advantage of the subsequent lower interest rates over the long run. We note
however that, alongside the dependence of the island's property market to UK
buyers, the decision by the Cypriot Central Bank to strictly monitor housing
loans whereby customers are forced to make an equity contribution of 40% also
has the potential to negatively affect future holiday home demand.
The recent elections of February 2008 nonetheless provide great hope for the
long sought after reunification of the island. Left-wing leader Demetris
Christofias won Cyprus' presidential election earning 53.4% of the vote on the
promise of unifying the island which has been divided since 1974. These positive
political developments, combined with the increasing integration with the EU,
provide a strong platform for further economic prosperity.
Venus Rock Golf Resort
Venus Rock Golf Resort is Dolphin's most valuable asset and represents probably
Europe's largest seafront golf-integrated residential resort. It is the direct
neighbour of Aphrodite Hills, the region's first golf-integrated resort, which
was recently acquired by RREEF. The full development potential of the site is
expected to include over 3,000 residential units, at least two golf courses, a
commercial centre, a resort hotel and marina.
Significant advances were made with regards to the project's design over the
past year. Tony Jacklin (www.jacklindesigngroup.com) has worked together with
Austrian golf architect Hans-Georg Erhardt to design the two government licensed
18-hole golf courses which can operate as a spectacular 36-hole signature golf
course in the valley that currently houses the island's first golf course, the
Secret Valley Golf Course. In addition, EDSA (www.edsaplan.com) has completed
the master-plan for the project and elements of the landscaping and hardscaping
work are now underway. New York based architect, Robert AM Stern (www.ramsa.com)
has also been appointed and has made significant progress with the design of the
24,000m2 seafront commercial centre and the apartments and town homes within the
residential portions of the project.
The project has also made continued strides with regards to permitting over the
past year. Recent favourable amendments to its zoning status announced by the
Cyprus government resulted in the conversion of approximately 56 hectares of
land from agricultural to residential for holiday-home use with a 25% building
coefficient. At the same time, 43 hectares were converted from forest to
agricultural land and 24 hectares received an increased building coefficient
that should allow for the development of extended hotel and residential units as
well as commercial facilities on the beachfront area.
All master-plans have been submitted and final approvals are expected,
subsequent to the recent receipt of the project's water permits for the two golf
courses that are currently envisioned for the site.
In December 2007, DCA acquired a 13% minority stake in Venus Rock. This
transaction, which generated considerable NAV uplift, brings DCA's total
shareholding in the project to 99%.
Eagle Pine Golf Resort
Eagle Pine Golf Resort is located only 3 km from Apollo Heights and
approximately 25 km from Venus Rock. The project is expected to be a
master-planned, golf-integrated residential development with up to 100,000 m2 of
buildable residential development area and a landbank of 48 hectares, destined
for future expansion of the resort. The site has secured a licence for one golf
course from the Cyprus government, in addition to the recent approval of its
water permits, with final construction permits expected in the very short term.
The master-plan, which was prepared by EDSA and which includes designs for the
golf course from Graham Marsh and Hans-Georg Erhardt, has been submitted and is
awaiting final approval. In addition, famed architect Porphyrios and Associates
has been appointed as architect for the project.
Apollo Heights Polo Resort
Situated between Limassol and Paphos, Apollo Heights covers a 469-hectare area
of unique natural beauty with pleasant sea views. The site also contains a
gorge and an ancient Roman road which runs through the property.
Master-planners EDSA and Tony Jacklin have worked together to create a
master-plan which is intended to include a premier residential resort integrated
with polo, equestrian facilities, and an 18-hole Tony Jacklin Signature Golf
Course. Furthermore, they have also worked to integrate within the master-plan
some of the contiguous surrounding areas which are controlled by the British
Sovereign base with already existing golf and polo courses.
As the project is located next to the British Sovereign Base of Episkopi,
consent of both the British Base administration and the Cyprus government are
required to permit development. Positive news has recently been given from the
British side indicating that development may be permitted soon.
Croatia
Market Overview
Croatia's macro-economic situation continues to be positive, supported by GDP
growth at 5.7% in 2007, political stability, low inflation figures and strong
central bank policies regarding the regulation of credit growth (Source:
Croatian Bureau of Statistics).
The country's tourist industry also remains in a period of growth, with an
increase in tourist arrivals of 6% over the past year to a total of 10.8
million, and a c. €7 billion contribution to the Croatian economy, a 10%
increase year over year (Source: Croatian Tourist Board).
Despite this generally positive investment environment and Dolphin's continued
steady progress of its single investment in the country, we are taking a
moderately cautious stance towards further investments in the Croatian market in
the short term. While the development of the nation's golf industry continues
to be a priority for the government, land ownership and zoning issues have
hindered progress on the 52 golf courses foreseen for development, with few
courses currently under construction (Source: Website - Region of Istriana).
Furthermore, Croatia's property market is providing fewer low-priced, early
stage investment opportunities for Dolphin. Land prices increased significantly
in 2007 with few signs of decline, all the more as the country expects to see
increased foreign investment as it continues to work towards EU membership.
Finally, Croatia's political situation is expected to be more tenuous in the
immediate future. Following elections in November 2007, the Croatian Democratic
Union (HDZ) government remains in power. However in its second mandate, it is
expected to face stronger opposition and to have to fulfil expensive promises it
has made to its coalition partners. In addition to these challenges, Croatia
still grapples with the complex laws and regulations which have historically
caused developments to stall and which may serve to derail the government's
aspirations for encouraging foreign investment into the country.
Livka Bay Resort
The Livka Bay project spans 62 hectares within a bay in the south-eastern tip of
the island of Solta, Croatia and is less than 30 minutes from Split
International Airport by boat.
GHM Hotels will operate the resort which is being designed by Denniston
International. The master-plan is set to include a luxury hotel, apartments,
free standing villas, a spa, a 160-berth marina, a beach club and other
supporting recreational, sports and retail facilities.
Very recently, both the project's Zoning and Urban Plan were approved. Final
Environmental Impact Study approval is expected shortly, which should enable the
submission of location and building permits.
It is important to note that, in addition to the zoning progress made, the water
and power requirements for the project have also been addressed and relevant
permits have been approved.
Hans Jenni of GHM Hotels recently commented on Livka Bay: 'GHM Hotels is very
excited by the prospect of working with Dolphin to operate what will be one of
the first luxury resorts in Croatia in an island setting of striking natural
beauty.'
Turkey
Market Overview
Turkey is in the midst of the single longest period of uninterrupted growth in
its history. Its surging economic growth is in part driven by the desire of its
governing party, AKP, to increase GDP per capita by 75% by the year 2013. GDP
has increased by 122% in the last four years, representing a real value of $400
billion USD. In 2007 alone, Turkey's GDP grew at a rate of 5.2% and is forecast
to remain solid through 2008 (Source: Financial Times, November, 2007).
Tourism is one key component contributing to the country's economic surge. In
2007, tourist arrivals increased by 18% with 23.3 million travellers choosing to
make Turkey their destination of choice. Turkey benefits from a steady influx of
German and Russian tourists, with 3.97 million and 2.4 million tourists visiting
the country in 2007 respectively and a growing trend of US arrivals through
cruises (Source: Turkish Statistical Institute).
We note however that Turkey's coastal areas have seen a significant increase in
land prices, which like in Croatia makes the entry point for Dolphin less
attractive. Furthermore, Turkey has been known for inconsistency in its law
making procedures as was witnessed in the recent decision by the country's high
court to cancel a law allowing the sale of property to international companies.
The ruling may cost the country up to $4 billion, undermining years of effort to
create a more attractive environment for foreign investors and signaling the
country's vulnerability to and dependence on the western economy. Nonetheless,
the Turkish market remains strategic and we continue to review a number of
additional investment opportunities with a variety of large-scale developers.
Antalya Projects
Dolphin is currently developing two projects in Turkey in partnership with Kemer
(www.kemergroup.com), who remains one of the most experienced developers in
Turkey, having developed the first and most upscale golf resort community near
Istanbul, the Kemer Golf and Country Club. The two projects, Port Kundu Resort
and LaVanta Resort, are both situated in the region of Antalya, the Turkish
coast's most popular destination with foreigners.
Port Kundu Resort represents a riverfront residential community surrounded by
water canals along the banks of the Aksu River near the city of Antalya. The
multi-phased development could ultimately be spread over a 23-hectare site, with
a residential development of up to 120,000 m2. The first phase is expected to
comprise 80 detached, semi-detached and townhouse units spread over 40,000m2.
Zoning approval for that phase has been granted and all documents have been
filed for final construction permits.
Meanwhile, LaVanta Resort is a development of over 25,000 buildable m2 hilltop
residential real estate in the outskirts of the seaside town of Kalkan and will
comprise 200 villas and townhouses. The fully permitted LaVanta has already
achieved more than 30 units of pre-sales, only five months into construction.
Dominican Republic
Market overview
The Dominican Republic represents an emerging market with significant prospects
for further economic progress. Since the recession in 2003-04, the economy has
experienced a solid turnaround, with GDP for 2006 and 2007 growing at a rate of
10.7% and 7.2% respectively (Source: CIA website).
Tourism has been a key contributor to the country's economic rebound, with three
million travelers received in 2007, by far surpassing all other Caribbean
islands. In addition, the number of visitors to the Dominican Republic from the
US remains steady, with more than one million for the second consecutive year.
There are presently 19 golf courses with oceanfront fairways designed by
renowned golfers and golf course architects such as Pete Dye, P.B. Dye, Jack
Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones, Gary Player, Tom Fazio and Nick
Faldo (Source: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism).
Furthermore, the government has also been heavily investing in the country's
infrastructure. The Tourism Ministry is rebuilding the Dominican Republic's
most important public beaches in Puerto Plata, Cabarete, Boca Chica and Juan
Dolio, with the funds from the $5 tax increase on tourists entering the country
(Source: Euromonitor website).
The recent success of existing residential resorts in the country such as Casa
de Campo, Punta Cana, Cap Cana and Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort, which have
witnessed record high selling prices of $7,000-15,000 per buildable m2 and
$750-1,500 per m2 of land, is also contributing to a growing tourist sector.
With the Dollar at historic lows against the Euro and the credit markets in the
US in disarray, we continue to review and take advantage of very attractive
entry opportunities in the Dominican Republic and the central American region,
as the medium term prospects appear very strong.
Playa Grande Golf Resort
Playa Grande Resort (www.playagrande.com) represents a spectacular 720-hectare
site situated between the towns of Cabrera and Rio San Juan, each approximately
8 km away. It has more than 8 km of coastline and possesses two of the most
extraordinary beaches of the north coast of the Dominican Republic, Playa Grande
and Playa Navio. Puerto Plata, the closest international airport, is just over
an hour away by car.
The project is already revered in the golf community due to its spectacular golf
course, which is one of the last courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and
which received accolades for its masterful design and the unparalleled interplay
between the high cliff-lines and Atlantic Ocean to the north and the beautiful
green mountains that frame it to the South. Rees Jones, son of the original
architect, (www.reesjonesinc.com) has been appointed to upgrade and redesign
portions of the golf course at Playa Grande, with the goal of bringing it into
the lists of the top 50 international courses.
The master-plan is expected to comprise a luxury seafront residential resort
with a 40-room Aman hotel, 40 Aman villas, a five-star golf hotel with up to 200
rooms most likely to be operated by GHM Hotels, approximately 350 hilltop and
golf and seafront residential units as well as approximately 74 villas to be
master-planned and developed as an integral part of the resort by the existing
investor group. To date a governmental umbrella permit for the entire
development has been secured, in essence securing the project's environmental
impact approval and land use. As a result, only individual construction permits
remain to be issued for each portion of the project once the detailed designs
have been completed. Hart Howerton has been appointed to prepare the
master-plan, while world-renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston
International has been appointed to design the two hotels.
Renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy recently noted the following regarding
Playa Grande: 'This peaceful parcel of land promises to house architecture that
will stand integrated into the wealth of the local, social, cultural and
physical environment. It will provide all the ingredients for an amazing holiday
destination.'
Outlook
Dolphin continues to maintain a significant competitive advantage in its target
region at a time when challenging financial market conditions have made it
increasingly difficult for competitors to raise funds and/or overcome the
region's high barriers to entry.
We look forward to commencing construction of Dolphin's first luxury
master-planned residential resort developments in Greece and Cyprus in late
2008, only two years after the Company's first land acquisition.
To continue our growth, we remain focused on achieving the following goals
during 2008:
• commit the remaining funds before the end of the first half of 2008 in
carefully selected pipeline investment opportunities, consistent with
previous announcements;
• re-evaluate the prospects for further penetration in Croatia and Turkey
and explore a possible investment in the Sicilian market;
• apply the Company's investment allocation to markets outside south-east
Europe in attractive opportunities with renowned operating partners;
• expand Dolphin's network of partners (developers, master-planners,
architects, golf designers, operators, marketers, debt capital providers);
• continue to support the communities and environments where Dolphin invests
through Dolphin Capital Foundation; and
• continue to enhance the Company's NAV and create shareholder value.
We look forward to the future with considerable excitement and confidence.
Miltos Kambourides Pierre Charalambides
Managing Partner Partner
Dolphin Capital Partners Dolphin Capital Partners
Finance Director's Report
Exceptional NAV growth
As at 31 December 2007, Dolphin invested a total €539 million which generated a
total NAV before DITL excluding cash of €1,407 million, implying a return on
capital of 2.6x over a weighted period of 15 months. Earnings per share ('EPS')
for 2007 was 91p compared to 68p in 2006. The cash adjusted NAV per share figure
was reported at 239p, recording an uplift of 74% over 2006. The NAV uplift
during 2007 was driven primarily by:
• The valuation of new investments executed during the course of 2007.
These include the Aristo portfolio, which claims the highest valuation
uplift for Dolphin since the acquisition in April 2007, Kea and Plaka Bay
in Greece, the two Antalya projects in Turkey, Livka Bay in Croatia and
Playa Grande in the Dominican Republic.
• The revaluation of all real estate assets of the company since their
latest valuation within 2007, buoyed by:
• a series of new land acquisitions during the course of 2007 in Kilada
Hills, Seascape Hills, Sitia Bay, Lavender Bay and Amanmila;
• zoning and permitting progress for a number of projects with notable
milestones achieved during 2007 at Lavender Bay, Kilada Hills,
Seascape Hills, Venus Rock and Eagle Pine (as detailed further within
the Investment Manager's Report);
• minority purchases in Kilada Hills, Lavender Bay, Seacape Hills,
Scorpio Bay and Venus Rock; and
• an increased availability of favourable market comparables evidenced
across the portfolio in both Greece and Cyprus.
€ £ Uplift Since Uplift Since
31-Dec-06 30- Jun-07
Total NAV before DITL (millions) 1,691 1,246 na 43%
Total NAV after DITL (millions) 1,524 1,123 na 44%
NAV per diluted share before DITL 3.08 227p 107% 36%
NAV per diluted share after DITL 2.78 205p 103% 36%
Cash adjusted NAV per diluted share before DITL 3.25 239p 74% na
Note: 1. NAV is fully diluted for warrant shares of 31.5 million granted to the
Investment Manager. The undiluted NAV per share figures before and
after DITL correspond to 241p (€3.27) and 217p (€2.94) respectively.
2. GBP/Euro rate of 0.73688 as at 31 December 2007.
3. Cash adjusted NAV is calculated by subtracting (i) Dolphin's
uninvested cash as at 31 December 2007 (including the payable Aristo
management incentive fee for 2007 on a pro-forma basis) and (ii) the
corresponding number of shares based on the latest issue price of 170p
in June 2007.
The NAV figures shown in the table above are reported on a diluted basis, taking
into account the exercise of the 31.5 million over-performance warrant shares by
the Investment Manager structured into the over-performance incentive scheme in
conjunction with the October 2006 placing and amended in the third fundraising
in June 2007. More specifically, DCP had been granted a performance incentive
designed to reward the Investment Manager if the Company achieved exceptional
growth in its NAV during the period from 7 October 2006 (being the date of the
October 2006 placing) to 31 December 2007. The achievement of this additional
incentive was predicated upon the NAV growth over this period outperforming a
simple hurdle rate of 30% (the 'Super Hurdle'). In the event of this
performance, DCP was granted the right to subscribe (at par value of €0.01) for
such number of further common Shares as equals 10% of the value of the NAV
growth over the Super Hurdle divided by €1.34 (the 'Warrant Grant'). Under the
terms of the over-performance warrant deed, DCP had also agreed that any common
shares subscribed for pursuant to the Warrant Grant would be subject to a
lock-up requirement for a period of two years from the date of subscription.
Further to the latest fundraise, the Company and DCP agreed to vary the
over-performance warrant deed by increasing the Super Hurdle to include the
gross proceeds of €450 million of the June 2007 placing multiplied by 1.11,
which results in the equivalent of the 30% original Super Hurdle for the
remaining period. Based on the above, and taking the NAV after DITL figure for
2007 of €1,524 million, the NAV growth recorded during the period from 7 October
2006 and until 31 December 2007 amounted to €423 million over and above the
Super Hurdle of €1,101 million. The Investment Manager is in turn entitled to
subscribe for 10% of this NAV growth divided by the strike price of €1.34,
amounting to the reported 31.5 million over-performance warrant shares which are
expected to be issued on 24 March 2008 and admitted to AIM by the end of March
2008.
It should be noted however that the NAV figures do not take into account the
potential payment of the Investment Manager's performance fee, calculated as 20%
of the net realised cash profits from each project only after achieving a hurdle
of 8% annual compounded return and 50% of which can only be released from the
escrow account upon the date that cumulative distributions by the Company first
exceed the aggregate of €109 million (being the funds raised as at admission to
AIM in December 2005) plus €300 million (being the proceeds of the October 2006
placing) plus an amount equal to 50% of the gross proceeds of the June 2007
placing, each amount being increased by the applicable 8% annual compounding
hurdle rate as from the date the relevant funds were raised.
Furthermore, the reported DITL of €167 million was calculated based on the
current fair market value of the land acquired as reported by Colliers, and are
applicable only in the event of a direct sale of land or assets. The sale of
land is anticipated to take effect through the sale of shares of the holding
SPVs and, as such, most of the DITL are not expected to materialise or become
payable. The NAV before DITL is therefore considered by the Investment Manager
as the more representative figure.
A very robust balance sheet
Dolphin's financial performance in its second full year of operations has been
particularly strong. The Company's total asset base has grown to approximately
€2.5 billion with minimal gearing of only €297 million.
The fair market value of Dolphin's real estate portfolio (both freehold and
leasehold interests) as at 31 December 2007 was reported by Colliers at €1.967
million, assuming 100% ownership. After deducting minority interests of €200
million and other net liabilities of €438 million, the fair market value of
Dolphin's real estate assets amounts to €1,329 million.
Current assets are €438 million (after deducting Trading Properties of €356
million which are included in Investments), made up of a cash balance of €397
million and €36 million of other receivables.
Liabilities total €680 million, including €167 million DITL (which as already
explained above the Investment Manager believes are unlikely to materialise),
€297 million of Interest-bearing loans and Finance lease obligations and €216
million of other payables, comprising of the Aristo management incentive fee (as
detailed in the Aristo financials section below), advances from customers
relating to Aristo's contractual construction works in progress and deferred
Dolphin land payments.
The net profit for the year was reported at €574 million resulting in a fully
diluted earnings per share of €1.24.
Aristo financials
2007 was yet another strong financial year for Aristo. Gross reported turnover
(under IFRS) reported a 2% decrease on 2006 figures, attributable to a lower
rate of delivery of units sold within the year. The company nonetheless recorded
an increased profit after tax figure reported at c. €26 million versus €24
million in 2006, excluding gains from revaluation and related deferred income
tax liabilities. This corresponds to a c. 7% gain that is mainly to be
attributed to increased gross profit margins (from 43% in 2006 to 48% in 2007),
which more than offset increases in:
• administrative expenses (25% from €14 million to €17 million); and
• higher interest expense on the back of increased bank leverage from €153
million to €196 million (at the operational Aristo Cyprus level), although
the average interest rate charged by banks fell by 10 basis points from 6%
to 5.9%.
Aristo's post tax profit performance was as a result of significant value
creation within the company over the past year, generated by its larger
integrated developments in Cyprus. In particular, the more mature golf assets of
Venus Rock and Eagle Pine achieved value enhancing permitting milestones over
the second half of 2007, notably with the zoning amendments at Venus Rock and
the approval of water permits for both projects. Pursuant to the note 16.4 of
the Consolidated Financial Statements within the Company's interim report,
Theodoros Aristodemou, Dolphin's 15% minority partner in Aristo, is entitled to
a management incentive fee equal to 20% of the value uplift created post the
company acquisition for most of the areas within the Venus Rock and Eagle Pine
sites. As at 31 December 2007, the performance fee payable is €73 million, which
has already been deducted in the calculation of Dolphin's reported NAV figures.
Dolphin continues to track the performance of each Aristo business unit through
its cost allocation exercise of assigning the company acquisition cost across
the company's main assets according to their pro-rate net equity value. Since
the acquisition in April 2007, Aristo and related entities have drawn down c.
€50 million of the €85 million refinancing facility obtained from Bank of Cyprus
in August 2007. Aristo has furthermore completed the divestment of the
Waterpark. Both of these events have resulted in a proportional decrease in the
cost basis of the individual Aristo assets.
Cash management
Cash is held in overnight deposits and short-term fixed accounts at our
custodian bank, Anglo Irish Bank Corporation pending investment in Dolphin
projects. Approximately 10% of the €450 million equity funds raised in June 2007
has been re-invested in a AAA-rated money market fund, managed by Goldman Sachs
Asset Management.
Panos Katsavos
Finance Director
Dolphin Capital Partners
Financial Review
Consolidated Income Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2007
From 7 June 2005 to
31 December 2007 31 December 2006
€'000 €'000
Gain on disposal of investment in subsidiary - 7,955
Valuation gain on investment property 446,875 44,516
Other operating profits 20,443 -
Total operating profits 467,318 52,471
Investment manager fees (12,902) (3,816)
Management incentive fees (73,468) -
Professional fees (10,390) (1,909)
Other expenses (20,682) (2,586)
Total operating and other expenses (117,442) (8,311)
Net operating profit before net financial income 349,876 44,160
Financial income 12,090 4,058
Financial expense (9,366) (377)
Net financial income 2,724 3,681
Excess of fair value over cost arising on acquisitions 358,341 78,179
Profit before taxation 710,941 126,020
Taxation (31,284) (10,525)
Profit for the period 679,657 115,495
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company 574,483 110,324
Minority interest 105,174 5,171
Profit for the period 679,657 115,495
Basic earnings per share (€) 1.33 1.01
Fully diluted earnings per share (€) 1.24 1.01
Consolidated Balance Sheet
As at 31 December 2007
31 December 2007 31 December 2006
€'000 €'000
Assets
Investment property 1,549,034 278,017
Property, plant & equipment 52,233 165
Investment in associate 9,594 -
Goodwill 600 -
Deferred tax asset 2,157 520
Other non-current assets 1,255
Total non-current assets 1,614,873 278,702
Trading properties 356,219 19,900
Loans receivable 550 6,500
Receivables and other assets 35,164 7,570
Cash and cash equivalents 396,910 292,929
Total current assets 788,843 326,899
Total assets 2,403,716 605,601
Equity
Share capital 5,175 3,395
Share premium 833,359 395,335
Translation reserve 630 -
Retained earnings 684,807 110,324
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Company 1,523,971 509,054
Minority interest 200,112 31,898
Total equity 1,724,083 540,952
Liabilities
Interest-bearing loans 224,553 2,500
Finance lease obligation 8,875 4,532
Deferred tax liability 167,241 43,372
Other non-current liabilities 12,318 -
Total non-current liabilities 412,987 50,404
Interest - bearing loans 63,028 1,029
Finance lease obligation 259 122
Trade and other payables 201,913 12,951
Tax payable 1,446 143
Total current liabilities 266,646 14,245
Total liabilities 679,633 64,649
Total equity & liabilities 2,403,716 605,601
Net asset value per share (€ per share) 2.94 1.50
Diluted net asset value per share (€ per share) 2.78 1.50
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 December 2007
Share Share Translation Retained Minority Total
capital premium reserve earnings interest
Total equity
€'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000
Balance at 7 June 2005 50 4,950 - - 5,000 - 5,000
Shares issued 3,345 400,791 - - 404,136 - 404,136
Placing costs - (10,406) - - (10,406) - (10,406)
Profit for the period - - 110,324 110,324 5,171 115,495
Minority interest on - - - - 26,727 26,727
acquisitions
Balance at 31 December 2006 3,395 395,335 - 110,324 509,054 31,898 540,952
Balance at 1 January 2007 3,395 395,335 - 110,324 509,054 31,898 540,952
Shares issued 1,780 448,220 - - 450,000 - 450,000
Placing costs -- (10,196) - - (10,196) - (10,196)
Profit for the period - - 574,483 574,483 105,174 679,657
Minority interest on - - - - 57,841 57,841
acquisitions
Minority interest on capital
increases of
subsidiaries - - - - 5,127 5,127
Foreign currency translation - 630 - 630 72 702
difference
Balance at 31 December 2007 5,175 833,359 630 684,807 1.523,971 200,112 1,724,083
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2007
From 1 January 2007 From 7 June 2005
31 December 2007 to 31 December 2006
€'000 €'000
Operating activities
Profit before taxation 710,941 126,020
Adjustments for:
Excess of fair value over cost arising on acquisitions (358,341) (78,179)
Depreciation charge 1,014 3
Foreign currency exchange difference 702 -
Gain on disposal of investment in subsidiary - (7,955)
Valuation gain on investment property (446,875) (44,516)
Share of results of associate (447) -
Interest income (11,921) (4,058)
Interest expense 8,068 290
Operating loss before changes in working capital (96,859) (8,395)
Increase in receivables and other assets (28,849) (1,553)
Increase in other current liabilities 21,877 -
Increase in trade and other payables 114,161 12,949
Decrease/(Increase) in loans receivable 5,950 (6,500)
Cash flows generated from operations 16,280 (3,499)
Interest paid (8,068) (261)
Interest received 11,921 2,801
Cash flows generated from/(used) in operating activities 20,133 (959)
Investing activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired (278,204) (65,278)
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment 15,085 (53)
Increase in trading properties 14,718 -
Acquisition of investment property (189,351) (57,011)
Proceeds from disposal of investment in subsidiary - 18,000
Cash flows generated from/(used) in investing activities (437,752) (104,342)
Financing activities
Proceeds from the issue of share capital 450,000 409,136
Payment of placing costs (10,196) (10,406)
Net repayment of interest-bearing loans 58,391 (500)
Cash flows from financing activities 498,195 398,230
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 80,576 292,929
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 292,929 -
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year/period 373,505 292,929
For the purpose of the consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash
equivalents consist of the following:
Cash in hand and at bank 396,910 292,929
Bank overdrafts (23,405) -
Cash and cash equivalents 373,505 292,929
Financial Review
The accounting policies applied are the same as those used last year.
1. Basis of preparation
a. Statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European
Union (EU).
b. Basis of measurement
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical
cost convention, with the exception of property (trading properties only on a
business combination) and investments at fair value through profit or loss which
are stated at their fair values.
c. Adoption of new and revised IFRSs
As from 1 January 2007, the Company adopted all the IFRSs and International
Accounting Standards (IAS), which are relevant to its operations. The adoption
of these Standards did not have a material effect on the financial statements.
The following Standards, Amendments to Standards and Interpretations had been
issued but are not yet effective for the year ended 31 December 2007:
(i) Standards and Interpretations adopted by the EU
• IFRS 8: 'Operating Segments' (effective for annual periods
beginning on or after 1 January 2009). The application of the standard is not
expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial statements of the
Company.
• IFRIC 11: 'IFRS 2: Group and Treasury Share Transactions'
(effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 March 2007). The
application of the interpretation is not expected to have an impact on the
consolidated financial statements of the Company.
(ii) Standards and Interpretations not adopted by the EU
• IAS 1 (revised): 'Presentation of Financial Statements: A Revised
Presentation' (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January
2009). The application of the standard is not expected to have an impact on the
consolidated financial statements of the Company.
• IAS 23 (revised): 'Borrowing Costs' (effective for annual periods
beginning on or after 1 January 2009). The application of the standard is not
expected to have an impact on the financial statements of the Company.
• IFRIC 12: 'Service Concession Arrangements' (effective for annual
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2008). The application of the
interpretation is not expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial
statements of the Company.
• IFRIC 13: 'Customer Loyalty Programmes' (effective for annual
periods beginning on or after 1 July 2008). The application of the
interpretation is not expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial
statements of the Company.
• IFRIC 14 IAS 19: 'The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum
Funding Requirements and their interaction' (effective for annual periods on or
after 1 January 2008). The application of the interpretation is not expected to
have an impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
d. Use of estimates and judgements
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRSs
requires from Management the exercise of judgment, to make estimates and
assumptions that influence the application of accounting principles and the
related amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates
and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and various other
factors that are deemed to be reasonable based on knowledge available at that
time. Actual results may deviate from such estimates.
In particular, information about significant areas of estimation, uncertainty
and critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most
significant effect on the amount recognised in the financial statements are
described below:
Work in progress
Work in progress is stated at cost plus any attributable profit less any
foreseeable losses and less amounts received or receivable as progress payments.
The cost of work in progress includes materials, labour and direct expenses plus
attributable overheads based on a normal level of activity. The Company uses its
judgement to select a variety of methods and make assumptions that are mainly
based on market conditions existing at each balance sheet date.
Revenue recognition
The Company applies the provisions of IAS18 for accounting for revenue from sale
of developed property, under which income and cost of sales are recognised upon
delivery and when substantially all risks have been transferred to the buyer.
Provision for bad and doubtful debts
The Company reviews its trade and other receivables for evidence of their
recoverability. Such evidence includes the customer's payment record and the
customer's overall financial position. If indications of irrecoverability exist,
the recoverable amount is estimated and a respective provision for bad and
doubtful debts is made. The amount of the provision is charged through the
consolidated income statement. The review of credit risk is continuous and the
methodology and assumptions used for estimating the provision are reviewed
regularly and adjusted accordingly.
Income taxes
Significant judgement is required in determining the provision for income taxes.
There are transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination
is uncertain during the ordinary course of business. The Company recognises
liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates of whether
additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is
different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will
impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such
determination is made.
Fair value of property
The fair value of property is determined by using valuation techniques. The
Directors have appointed Colliers International, an internationally recognised
firm of surveyors to conduct valuations of the Company's acquired properties to
determine their fair market value. These valuations are prepared in accordance
with generally accepted appraisal standards, as set out by the American Society
of Appraisers (the 'ASA'), and in conformity with the Uniform Standards of
Professional Appraisal Practice of the Appraisal Foundation and the Principles
of Appraisal Practice and Code of Ethics of the ASA and RICS (the 'Royal
Institute of Chartered Surveyors'). Furthermore, the valuations are conducted
on an 'as is condition' and on an open market comparative basis. Property
valuations are prepared at the end of June and December of each year. The
Company reserves the right to undertake quarterly valuations on selected
projects, where it seems necessary.
Impairment of intangible asset
Intangible assets are initially recorded at acquisition cost and are amortised
on a straight-line basis over their useful economic life. Intangible assets that
are acquired through a business combination are initially recorded at fair value
at the date of acquisition. Intangible assets with indefinite useful life are
reviewed for impairment at least once per year. The impairment test is performed
using the discounted cash flows expected to be generated through the use of the
intangible assets, using a discount rate that reflects the current market
estimations and the risks associated with the asset. When it is impractical to
estimate the recoverable amount of an asset, the Company estimates the
recoverable amount of the cash generating unit in which the asset belongs to.
Impairment of Goodwill
Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the value in
use of the cash generating units of the Company on which the goodwill has been
allocated. The value in use calculation requires the Company to estimate the
future cash flows expected to arise from the cash-generating units using a
suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value.
e. Functional and presentation currency
The consolidated financial statements are presented in euro (€), which is the
functional currency of the Company, rounded to the nearest thousand.
2. Determination of fair values
A number of the Company's accounting policies and disclosures require the
determination of fair value, for both financial and non-financial assets and
liabilities. Fair values have been determined for measurement and / or
disclosure purposes based on the following methods
Property, plant and equipment
The fair value of land and buildings classified as property, plant and equipment
is based on market values. The market value of property is the estimated amount
for which a property could be exchanged on the date of valuation between a
willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm's length transaction after proper
marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and
without compulsion. The market value of land and buildings classified as
property, plant and equipment is based on the appraisal reports provided by
independent property valuers.
Investment property
An external, independent valuation company, having appropriate recognised
professional qualifications and recent experience in the location and category
of property being valued, values the Company's investment property every six
months. The fair values are based on market values, being the estimated amount
for which a property could be exchanged on the date of the valuation between a
willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm's length transaction after proper
marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and
without compulsion.
Trading properties
The fair value of trading properties acquired in a business combination is
determined based on its estimated selling price in the ordinary course of
business less the estimated costs of completion and sale, and a reasonable
profit margin based on the effort required to complete and sell the inventories.
Investment in equity securities
The fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss is
determined by reference to their quoted bid price at the reporting date. If the
market for a financial asset is not active (and for unlisted securities), the
Company establishes fair value by using valuation techniques. These include the
use of recent arm's length transactions, reference to other instruments that are
substantially the same and discounted cash flow analysis, making maximum use of
market inputs and relying as little as possible on entity specific inputs.
Equity investments for which fair values cannot be measured reliably are
recognised at cost less impairment.
Trade and other receivables
The fair value of trade and other receivables, excluding construction work in
process, is estimated as the present value of future cash flows, discounted at
the market rate of interest at the reporting date.
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Fair value, which is determined for disclosure purposes, is calculated based on
the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at the
market rate of interest at the reporting date. For finance leases the market
rate of interest is determined by reference to similar lease agreements.
3. Significant company holdings
The Company's most significant company holdings are the following:
Country of Shareholding
Name incorporation Interest
Scorpio Bay Holdings Limited Cyprus 100.00%
Scorpio Bay Resorts S.A. Greece 100.00%
Latirus Enterprises Limited Cyprus 80.00%
Iktinos Techniki Touristiki S.A. Greece 77.30%
Xscape Limited Cyprus 100.00%
Golfing Developments S.A. Greece 100.00%
MindCompass Overseas Limited Cyprus 100.00%
MindCompass Overseas S.A. Greece 100.00%
Mindcompass Overseas Two S.A. Greece 100.00%
Ergotex Services Limited Cyprus 100.00%
D.C. Apollo Heights Polo and Country Resort Ltd Cyprus 100.00%
Symboula Estates Ltd Cyprus 100.00%
DolphinCI Fourteen Limited Cyprus 100.00%
Eidikou Skopou Dekatessera S.A. Greece 100.00%
Portoheli Hotel and Marina S.A. Greece 80.00%
Dolphin Capital Atlantis Limited Cyprus 85.00%
Aristo Developers plc Cyprus 84.23%
Azurna Uvala D.o.o. Croatia 90.00%
Eastern Crete Development Company (Greece) S.A. Greece 60.00%
Alexandra Beach Tourist Enterprises S.A. Greece 42,12%
DolphinLux 1 Sarl Luxemburg 100.00%
DolphinLux 2 Sarl Luxemburg 100.00%
Pasakoy Yapi ve Turizm AS Turkey 80.00%
Kalkan Yapi ve Turizm AS Turkey 60.00%
DCI Holdings Five Limited BVIs 100.00%
DCI Holdings Seven Limited BVIs 70.00%
Playa Grande Holdings Inc. Dominican Republic 70.00%
4. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to
equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares in
issue during the year.
From 1 January 2007 From 7 June 2005
to 31 December 2007 to 31 December 2006
'000 '000
Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company (€) 574,483 110,324
Number of weighted average common shares in issue 431,163 109,096
Basic earnings per share (€ per share) 1.33 1.01
Weighted average number of common shares
31 December 2007 31 December 2006
'000 '000
Issued common shares at the beginning of the year/period 339,460 5,000
Effect of shares issued during the year/period 91,703 104,096
Weighted average number of common shares at the end of the year/period 431,163 109,096
Diluted earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the number of common
shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential shares. The
Company has one category of dilutive potential common shares: warrants. The
number of shares calculated above is compared with the number of shares that
would have been issued assuming the exercise of the warrants.
From 1 January 2007 From 7 June 2005
to 31 December 2007 to 31 December 2006
Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company (€'000) 574,483 110,324
Weighted average number of common shares in issue ('000) 431,163 109,096
Effect of potential conversion of warrants ('000) 31,535 -
Weighted average number of common shares for diluted earnings per 462,698 109,096
share ('000)
Fully diluted earnings per shares (€ per share) 1.24 1.01
5. Investment property
31 December 2007 31 December 2006
€'000 €'000
At beginning of year/period 278,017 -
Additions through:
direct acquisitions 189,918 57,565
acquisition of subsidiary companies 634,791 175,936
Disposals (567) -
1,102,159 233,501
Fair value adjustment 446,875 44,516
At end of year/period 1,549,034 278,017
6. Trading properties
31 December 2007 31 December 2006
€'000 €'000
At beginning of year/period 19,900 -
Additions 381 -
Disposals and other movement (15,098)
Additions through acquisition of subsidiaries 351,036 19,900
At end of year/period 356,219 19,900
7. Receivables and other assets
31 December 2007 31 December 2006
Accrued interest receivable 189 1,257
Pre-contract advances for land acquisitions - 1,951
Investments at fair value through profit or loss 617 -
Investment manager fee prepayments 4,295 2,045
Other current assets 4,158 -
Other receivables and prepayments 25,905 2,317
Total 35,164 7,570
8. Cash and cash equivalents
31 December 2007 31 December 2006
€'000 €'000
Bank balances 191,156 53,193
Money market funds 45,746 -
One-week deposit 96,642 -
One-month fixed deposits 33,236 14,927
Two-month fixed deposits 30,113 61,149
Three-month fixed deposits 17 163,660
Cash and cash equivalents 396,910 292,929
The average interest rate on the above bank balances for the year ended 31
December 2007 was 4.00% (as at 31 December 2006: 3.21%).
9. Share capital and premium
Authorised share capital
'000 31 December 2007 '000 31 December 2006
of shares €'000 of shares €'000
Common shares of €0.01 each 2,000,000 20,000 500,000 5,000
Movement in share capital and premium
'000 Share capital Share premium
of shares €'000 €'000
Capital at 7 June 2005 5,000 50 4,950
Shares issued from AIM primary placement on 8 December 2005 104,000 1,040 102,960
Placement costs on AIM primary placement - - (3,411)
Shares issued from exercise of warrants on 9 October 2006 12,500 125 -
Shares issued from AIM secondary placement on 9 October 2006 217,960 2,180 297,831
Placement costs on AIM secondary placement - - (6,995)
Capital at 31 December 2006 339,460 3,395 395,335
Capital at 1 January 2007 339,460 3,395 395,335
Shares issued from AIM third placement on 27 June 2007 178,041 1,780 448,220
Placement costs on AIM third placement - - (10,196)
Capital at 31 December 2007 517,501 5,175 833,359
Warrants
The number of shares will increase due to the right of potential conversion of
warrants, granted to the Investment Manager by the Warrant Deed.
In conjunction with the secondary placing on 7 October 2006, the Investment
Manager was granted an additional over performance incentive designed to reward
the Investment Manager if the Company achieves exceptional growth in its net
asset value during the period from the date of the Placing to 31 December 2007.
The achievement of this additional incentive is predicated upon the Company's
net asset value growth over this period out-performing a hurdle rate of 30% (the
'Super Hurdle'). In the event of this over performance, the Investment Manager
will be granted the right to subscribe (at par value of €0,01) for such number
of further common shares as equals 10% of the value of the net asset value
growth over the Super Hurdle divided by €1.34. The Investment Manager has
agreed that any common shares subscribed for pursuant to the Warrant Proposal
will be subject to a lock-up requirement for a period of two years from the date
of subscription.
The Company and the Investment Manager have agreed to vary the Over-performance
Warrant Deed by increasing the Super Hurdle to include the gross proceeds of the
third fund raising multiplied by 1.11, which results in the equivalent of the
30% original Super Hurdle for the remaining period.
In addition, the Company and the Investment Manager have agreed a further
variation to the Over Performance Warrant Deed under which, for the period from
1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008, the Investment Manager is to be granted a
further one-off over-performance warrant entitlement to reward exceptional
growth. The hurdle for the 2008 Warrant Deed is the net asset value per common
share on 31 December 2007 multiplied by 1.3 (the 'Second Super Hurdle'). In the
event that this Second Super Hurdle is met, the Investment Manager would be
granted the right to subscribe (at par value of €0.01) for such number of
further common shares as equals 10% of the excess net asset value achieved by
the Company by the end of 2008 divided by net asset value per common share on 31
December 2007 multiplied by 1.3. These new common shares subscribed for would
be subject to the same lock-up requirement as for the common shares subscribed
for under the initial Warrant Grant.
Translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from
the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations whose
functional currency was other than the euro.
Dividends
A Cypriot subsidiary of the Company, Aristo Developers plc, has declared total
dividends during the year in the amount of €13,847 thousand. Out of this
amount, only €438 thousand were paid to the minority shareholders of the
Company.
10. Interest-bearing loans
Total Within one year Within two to five years More than five years
2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006
€'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000
Loans in euro 115,062 3,529 14,806 1,029 6,657 2,500 93,599 -
Loans in Cyprus pounds 126,191 - 24,817 - 75,155 - 26,219 -
Loans in United States dollars 22,923 - - - - - 22,923 -
Bank overdrafts in Cyprus pounds 23,405 - 23,405 - - - - -
Total 287,581 3,529 63,028 1,029 81,812 2,500 142,741 -
Interest rates
As at 31 December 2007, the Company's interest-bearing loans had the following
interest rates:
• Loans in euro were based on Euribor and their margins ranged between
0.95% to 2.25%.
• Loans in Cyprus pounds ranged between 5.75% to 6.17%.
• Bank overdrafts in Cyprus pounds ranged between 5.5% to 6.57%.
• Loans in United States dollars had interest rates between 6.00% to
8.46%.
As at 31 December 2006, the Company had only one loan in euro whose interest
rate was based on Euribor plus margin of 2.20%.
Securities
As at 31 December 2007, the Company's interest-bearing loans were secured as
follows:
• Mortgages against the immovable property of Aristo Developers plc,
pledging of shares of Aristo subsidiaries and a floating charge on
Aristo's inventory in the amount of €1.7 million.
• Pledging of all the shares of DCI Holdings Two Ltd who owns the shares
in Aristo.
• Mortgages against the immovable property of the Dominican Republic's
subsidiary, Playa Grande Holdings Inc.
• Mortgages against the immovable property of the Croatian subsidiary,
Azurna Uvala D.o.o.
11. Trade and other payables
31 December 2007 31 December 2006
€'000 €'000
Trade payables 30,583 11,040
Land creditors 15,032 -
Incentive fee payable 73,468 -
Other payables and accrued expenses 82,830 1,911
Total 201,913 12,951
12. Net asset value per share
31 December 2007 31 December 2006
'000 '000
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Company (€) 1,523,971 509,054
Number of common shares in issue at end of year/period 517,501 339,460
Net asset value per share (€ per share) 2.94 1.50
Number of common shares in issue at end of year/period 517,501 339,460
Effect of potential conversion of warrants 31,535 -
549,036 339,460
Diluted net asset value per share (€ per share) 2.78 1.50
13. Related party transactions
13.1 Directors of the Company
Miltos Kambourides is the founder and managing partner of the Investment
Manager.
The interests of the Directors, all of which are beneficial, in the issued share
capital of the Company as at 31 December 2007 were as follows:
Shares
'000
Miltos Kambourides (indirect holding) 8,924*
Nicholas Moy 50
Roger Lane - Smith 45
Andreas Papageorghiou 5
*As at 17 January 2008, the number of shares indirectly held by Mr. Miltos
Kambourides increased to 15,039 thousand and will further increase due to the
right of potential conversion of warrants.
Save as disclosed, none of the Directors had any interest during the year in any
material contract for the provision of services which was significant to the
business of the Company.
13.2 Investment Manager fees
Annual fees
The Investment Manager is entitled to an annual management fee of 2% of the
equity funds defined as follows:
• €109 million; plus
• The gross proceeds of further equity issues; plus
• Realised net profits less any amounts distributed to shareholders.
In addition, the Company shall reimburse the Investment Manager for any
professional fees or other costs incurred on behalf of the Company at its
request for services or advice. Annual management fees paid during the
twelve-month period ended 31 December 2007 amounted to €12,902 thousand.
Performance fees
The Investment Manager is entitled to a performance fee based on the net
realised cash profits made by the Company subject to the Company receiving the '
Relevant Investment Amount' which is defined as an amount equal to:
(i) the total cost of the investment; plus
(ii) a hurdle amount equal to an annualised percentage return of 8% compounded
for each year or fraction of a year during which such investment is held (the
'Hurdle'); plus
(iii) a sum equal to the amount of any realised losses and/or write-downs in
respect of any other investment which has not already been taken into account in
determining the Investment Manager's entitlement to a performance fee.
In the event that the Company has received distributions from an investment
equal to the Relevant Investment Amount, any subsequent net realised cash
profits arising shall be distributed in the following order or priority:
(i) first, 60% to the Investment Manager and 40% to the Company until the
Investment Manager shall have received an amount equal to 20% of such profits;
and
(ii) second, 80% to the Company and 20% to the Investment Manager,
such that the Investment Manager shall receive a total performance fee
equivalent to 20% of the net realised cash profits.
The performance fee payment is subject to the following escrow and clawback
provisions:
Escrow
The escrow arrangements for the payment of performance fees payable to the
Investment Manager have been amended to take into account the proceeds of the
AIM third placement. The following table displays the current escrow
arrangements.
Escrow Amended terms
Up to €109 million returned 50% of overall performance fee held in
escrow
Up to €109 million plus the cumulative hurdle returned 25% of any performance fee held in escrow
After the return of €409 million post-hurdle, plus the return of All performance fees released from escrow
50% of €450 million post-hurdle
Clawback
If on the earlier of (i) disposal of the Company's interest in a relevant
investment or (ii) 1 August 2015, the proceeds realised from that investment are
less than the Relevant Investment Amount, the Investment Manager shall pay to
the Company an amount equivalent to the difference between the proceeds realised
and the Relevant Investment Amount. The payment of the clawback is subject to
the maximum amount payable by the Investment Manager not exceeding the aggregate
performance fees (net of tax) previously received by the Investment Manager in
relation to other investments.
13.3 Directors' remuneration
Each director is paid €15 thousand p.a., except for Mr. Roger Lane-Smith who is
paid €45 thousand p.a. and Messrs Achilleoudis and Kambourides who have waived
their fees. Total fees and expenses paid to the Directors for the year ended 31
December 2007 were as follows:
From 1 January 2007 From 7 June 2005
to 31 December 2007 to 31 December 2006
€'000 €'000
Andreas Papageorghiou 15.0 20.5
Cem Duna 15.0 20.5
Nicholas Moy 15.0 20.5
Roger Lane - Smith 45.0 13.1
Total 90.0 74.6
13.4 Shareholder and development agreements
Shareholder agreements
DolphinLux One S.a.r.l., a subsidiary of the Company, has signed a shareholder
agreement with the minority shareholders of Pasakoy Yapi ve Turizm A.S.. Under
its current terms, DolphinLux One S.a.r.l. has acquired 80% of the shares of the
project Kundu, by paying the former majority shareholder the purchase price
proportionally, given that the minority shareholder will be successful in, among
others, acquiring additional specific plots and obtaining construction permits
The agreement assumes drag along rights for the DolphinLux entity and tag along
rights for the minority shareholder in the event of an offer for acquisition of
the shares of the company. The agreement also included a put option for the
other minority shareholder, under which he could exercise the right to sell his
stake at a predefined price until the end of February 2008.
DolphinLux Two S.a.r.l., a subsidiary of the Company, has signed a shareholder
agreement with the minority shareholders of Kalkan Yapi ve Turizm A,S,. Under
its current terms, DolphinLux Two S.a.r.l. has acquired 60% of the shares of the
project LaVanta, through participating in a share capital increase. The
agreement assumes drag along rights for the DolphinLux entity and tag along
rights for the minority shareholder in the event of an offer for acquisition of
the shares of the company The agreement also included a put option for one of
the minority shareholders, under which he could exercise the right to sell his
stake at a predefined price until the end of February 2008.
DolphinCI 22 Limited, a subsidiary of the Company, has signed a shareholder
agreement with the minority shareholder of Eastern Crete Development Company SA.
DolphinCI 22 Limited has acquired 60% of the shares of project Plaka Bay by
paying the former majority shareholder the part of the purchase price upon
closing and the remainder will be paid in the event the minority shareholder is
successful in, among others, acquiring additional specific plots and obtaining
construction permits.
Dolphinci Twelve Limited, a subsidiary of the Company, has signed a shareholder
agreement with the minority shareholder of Livka Bay. Under its current terms,
Dolphinci Twelve Limited has acquired 90% of the shares of the project Livka Bay
(Single Purpose Vehicle Four Limited) by paying the minority shareholder the
purchase price proportionally, given that the minority shareholder will be
successful in obtaining, among others, certain agreed zoning approvals and
location and construction permits. The shares of the company are held in an
escrow account.
Dolphinci Thirteen Limited, a subsidiary of the Company, has signed a
shareholder agreement with the minority shareholder of Iktinos. Under its
current terms, Dolphinci Thirteen Limited has acquired 80% of the shares of
Latirus Enterprises Limited by paying the minority shareholder the purchase
price proportionally, given that the minority shareholder will be successful in,
among others, acquiring additional specific plots and obtaining construction
permits.
DCI Holdings One Limited (DCI One), a subsidiary of the Company, has signed a
shareholders agreement with the minority shareholder of DCI Holdings Two Limited
(DCI Two), Mr. Theodoros Aristodemou (TA), CEO of Aristo Developers plc
(Aristo).
Under its current terms:
a) DCI Two will not issue any new shares without first offering to each of the
other parties hereto pro rata and in the event a party fails to participate its
shareholding will be diluted accordingly based on a valuation at least equal to
the latest annually reported NAV per Aristo share as reported in the
consolidated accounts.
b) DCI One retains first refusal rights should the minority shareholder decide
to sell his shares
c) DCI Two has drag along rights into a partial or full sale, while TA has tag
along rights in the event of a sale by DCI One.
d) After the two-year period from the execution of the agreement, the minority
shareholder has the right to sell its shares to DCI One (put option) while DCI
One retains the right to buy the shares (call option), at prices specified in
the agreement.
Development agreements
Azurna, a subsidiary of the Company, has signed a development management
agreement with the minority shareholder of Livka Bay under the terms of which
the minority shareholder undertakes to assist Azurna to obtain all permits
required to enable the development of the project, to negotiate on acquisition
of plots, to conduct technical due diligence, administer any financing put in
place as well as to select advisors, consultants and contractor(s) for the
project. According to the aforementioned agreement, the development manager is
entitled to an annual fee of €1.0 million.
Eastern Crete Development Company SA, a subsidiary of the Company, has signed a
development management agreement with a company related to minority shareholder
of Plaka Bay under the terms of which this company undertakes to assist Eastern
Crete Development Company SA to obtain all permits required to enable the
development of the project as well as to select advisors, consultants, etc.,
during the pre-construction phases. The development manager receives an annual
fee.
Subject to obtaining the necessary permits, DCI Holdings Seven Ltd is obliged to
construct the infrastructure on the land retained by DR Beachfront Real Estate
LLC (the 'Seller') and to deliver to the Seller four villas designed by Aman
Resorts, one of the minority shareholders of the Playa Grande project.
13.5 Service agreement
Following the acquisition of Aristo Developers plc, a Service agreement was
signed by DCI One, DCI Two and TA. The latter is entitled to receive annually a
net after taxes amount equal to 20% of the NAV Uplift (the 'Management Incentive
Fee'), which shall be created from Aristo Developers plc's four potential
golf-integrated residential developments (the 'Relevant Projects'), within Venus
Rock and Eagle Pine and which shall be calculated during the Pre-development
Phase of each Relevant Project, defined to start from 5 April 2007 and end on
the day that the Relevant Project receives planning permission for a golf course
with integrated freehold residential real-estate of 100,00 m2.
The Management Incentive Fee is calculated annually starting from the 31st of
December 2007 and is based on the Relevant Projects' valuation as at the 31st
day of December of each year which is determined, each year, by an independent
third party valuer and is payable to TA at the latest by the 30th of April of
the following year. The Management Incentive Fee is payable for each Relevant
Project as long as the project is within its Pre-development Phase and the last
relevant valuation for the NAV Uplift is the one following the end of the
projects' Pre-development Phase. The Management Incentive Fee is provided for a
maximum period of four years, unless an extension applies for a Relevant
Project.
The NAV Uplift is the sum of the individual NAV uplifts generated from the
Relevant Projects during each project's Pre-development Phase versus their book
value or versus their NAV of the previous year. NAV is defined as the gross
asset value less any financial debt allocated or charged to the Relevant
Projects less the corresponding deferred tax liabilities, calculated separately
for each Relevant Project as at the 31st day of December of each year. Any
financial debt allocated or charged on the Relevant Projects whose proceeds were
not invested or used for the benefit of the Relevant Projects is not deducted
from this calculation.
The Current Book Value of the Relevant Projects is agreed to be the net book
value as included in the audited consolidated financial statements of Aristo as
at 31 December 2006.
As of 31 December 2007, the Management Incentive Fee is estimated to be € 73,468
thousand.
13.6 Other related parties
During the year, the Company incurred the following related party transactions
with the following entities:
Company or related party €'000 Nature of transaction
Roots Development S.A. 283 Project management services in relation to the Kilada Hills project
Roots Development S.A. 307 Project management services in relation to the Lavender Bay project
Roots Development S.A. 257 Project management services in relation to the Seascape Hills project
Roots Development Limited 30 Project management services in relation to the Kilada Hills project
Ergotex Parks Limited 318 Project management services in relation to the Kilada Hills project
Ergotex Parks Limited 50 Project management services in relation to the Seascape Hills project
Virtus Finance S.A. 750 Project management services in relation to the Livka Bay project
Elemata B.V. 1,111 Financing from the minority shareholder of Livka Bay project
Virtus Investments B.V. 33 Provision of financing from the minority shareholder of Livka Bay project
Virtus Investments B.V. 550 Provision of financing to the minority shareholder of Livka Bay project
Kemer Yapi ve Turizm A.S. 2,038 Provision of financing to the minority shareholder of LaVanta & Kundu projects
Kemer Yapi ve Turizm A.S. 7,323 Amount payable for purchase of land from minority shareholder for Kundu
project
Gordion Investment Limited 1,153 Provision of financing from minority shareholder of LaVanta project
Fonton Limited 3,692 Provision of financing to the minority shareholder of Playa Grande project
Blue Capital Holdings Limited 738 Provision of financing to the minority shareholder of Playa Grande project
The above transactions are based on written agreements that were entered into on
an arm's length basis.
14. Business combinations
To view the following table, follow the link below:
http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/3234q_-2008-3-18.pdf
15. Commitments
On 31 December 2007, the Company had commitments on the following projects:
Remaining
Investment as at commitments as at
Country Commitment 31 December 2007 31 December 2007
€'000.000 €'000.000 €'000.000
Kilada Hills Greece 85.0 77.1 7.9
Scorpio Bay Greece 16.0 10.4 5.6
Apollo Heights Cyprus 21.4 16.7 4.7
Amanmila Greece 5.0 1.7 3.3
Lavender Hills Greece 46.0 13.8 32.2
Sitia Bay Greece 24.0 12.5 11.5
Plaka Bay Greece 26.0 6.5 19.5
Tzia Greece 14.5 11.2 3.3
Seascape Hills Greece 50.0 33.1 16.9
Livka Bay Croatia 30.0 10.6 19.4
Rebranded Hotels Greece 5.0 2.9 2.1
Kundu Turkey 23.2 7.9 15.3
LaVanta Turkey 5.4 4.0 1.4
Playa Grande Dominican Republic 22.2 11.5 10.7
Atlantis Cyprus 319.1 319.1 0.0
Total 692.8 539.0 153.8
16. Contingent liabilities
In connection with the acquisition of Playa Grande Holdings Inc., US$1 million
has been withheld from the cash consideration, and will not be paid to the
Sellers (DR Beachfront Real Estate LLC) unless a US$2 million discount to the
repayment of a loan with the local Central Bank is obtained. If the discount is
lower, the amount will be adjusted downwards based on a set formula defined in
the Sale and Purchase Agreement.
Kalkan Yapi ve Turizm A.S. purchased the land for project LaVanta from the
minority shareholder Kemer Yapi ve Turizm A.S. There is a pledge amounting to
€17,7 million for the land purchased from Kemer Yapi Turizm A.S ('Kemer') by
Tekfenbank in exchange for the loan granted to Kemer for the acquisition of the
land for project LaVanta.
Aristo Developers plc had contingent liabilities in respect of bank guarantees
arising in the ordinary course of business from which management does not
anticipate that material liability will arise. These guarantees amount to €18.9
million.
If investment properties, inventories and property, plant and equipment were
sold at their fair market value, this would have given rise to a payable
performance fee to the Investment Manager of approximately €142 million.
In addition to the tax liabilities that have already been provided for in the
consolidated financial statements based on existing evidence, there is a
possibility that additional tax liabilities may arise after the examination of
the tax and other matters of of the Company.
17. Post balance sheet events
The Company had the following post balance sheet events:
On 25 February 2008, the minority shareholder of Kalkan Yapi ve Turizm exercised
his put option to sell his stake in the entity, 19%, to the remaining two
shareholders, DolphinLux One S.a.r.l. and Kemer Yapi ve Turism. Each of the
latter, will acquire 50% of the shares by paying the purchase price within sixty
days of notification of the exercise of the put option.
On 28 February 2008, the minority shareholder of Kundu Yapi ve Turizm exercised
his put option to sell his stake in the entity, 4%, to the remaining two
shareholders, DolphinLux One S.a.r.l. and Kemer Yapi ve Turism. Each of the
latter, will acquire 50% of the shares by paying the purchase price within sixty
days of notification of the exercise of the put option.
On 1 March 2008, Eastern Crete Development Company SA, a subsidiary of the
Company, signed a development management agreement with a company related to
minority shareholder of Plaka Bay under the terms of which this company
undertakes to assist Eastern Crete Development Company SA to obtain all permits
required to enable the development of the project as well as to select advisors,
consultants, etc., during the pre-construction phases. The development manager
will receive an annual fee.
On 3 March 2008, the Company acquired the remaining 10% in Azurna Uvala D.o.o.
for the amount of €1.123 thousand, increasing its shareholding from 90% to 100%.
The Company has also agreed with Virtus Investments B.V. and Elemata B.V. to pay
them an amount of €6.521 thousand in full settlement of all future payments for
the first phase of the Livka project in accordance with their Shareholders
Agreement and an amount of €170 thousand in full settlement of a shareholder
loan relating to the first phase of the Livka project.
Under the Shareholders Agreement between DCI Holdings Five Limited (the DCI
holding entity) and Fonton Limited (the Aman resorts holding entity), Fonton
Limited is entitled to a stake of up to 25% in the joint venture which has
acquired Playa Grande Holdings. Fonton Limited has been granted an option, which
will expire on 31 March 2008, to acquire 25% in the joint venture by
contributing its proportionate share of the consideration ($5.8 million). Fonton
Limited has expressed its intention to exercise this option and has already
contributed an amount of $1m towards this end. Unless the remaining $4.8m,
granted to Fonton Limited in the form of a loan facility with DCI Holdings Five
Limited, are repaid by 31March 2008, the shareholding of Fonton Limited in the
joint venture will be marked down accordingly.
Under the Shareholders Agreement between DCI Holdings Five Limited (the DCI
holding entity) and Blue Capital Limited, Blue Capital Limited is entitled to a
stake of up to 5% in the joint venture which has acquired Playa Grande Holdings
Inc. Blue Capital Limited had been granted an option, which would expire on 31
March 2008, to acquire 5% in the joint venture by contributing its proportionate
share of the consideration (US$1.1 million). Blue Capital Limited exercised the
aforementioned option by contributing the aforementioned amount on January 11,
2008.
On 17 January 2008, the Company disposed its 60% shareholding interest in its
Cypriot subsidiary, A & A Super Aphrodite Park Limited, for the amount of €5.2
million. The shareholding interest of the Company in A & A Super Aphrodite Park
Limited, whose principal activity was the ownership and operation of a
waterpark, was sold to the other two shareholders of this company.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange