Preliminary Results
RTS NetWorks Group PLC
13 June 2001
13 June 2001
RTS NETWORKS GROUP PLC
('RTS NetWorks' or 'the Group')
Preliminary Results for the sixteen months ended 31 December 2000
The Board of RTS NetWorks, provider of next-generation e- and m-
business solutions, announces its first Preliminary Results since
the company floated on AIM.
Highlights
* The Group achieved turnover of £6.074 million with revenue growing
by 45 per cent. in the second half of 2000 over the previous seven
months.
* The Group focus is now on the sale and licensing of software
products to complement the customised development and consultancy
business.
* During the period the Group's client list grew threefold to
include: Amadeus, Cannes Exhibition Centre, Colt Telecom, Conseil
General des Alpes-Maritimes, Conventum Bank, Distractions,
Entertainment UK (Kingfisher Group), FIM Bankers, Finnish Ministry of
Finance, Finnish Post Office, France Telecom, Granada, Helsinki City,
Lagardere, Merck Sharpe & Dohme, Motorola, Nissan, Nokia Networks,
Powerhouse, Reuters, Rivals, Tesco, Thames Water, Total/Fina/Elf, TNT
and the US National Guard.
* A major launch of products and components for multi-channel
usage has started including RTSe Investor Framework, Commerce
Management Suite, Synchronicity CMS Version 2, and XML Site Kit.
* The Company has built and strengthened strategic partnerships with
operators, manufacturers and software companies, including the
selection by IBM as one of only 13 m-commerce partners in Europe.
Bernard Fisher, Chairman, commented: 'Our business model is
evolving from consulting and service revenues towards the sale and
licensing of software products. The intended impact will be to
increase our margins, develop services for more customers with the
same resources and generate recurring revenue through licensing
and maintenance.'
For further information please contact:
RTS NetWorks Group PLC 020 7749 5000
Bernard Fisher, Chairman
Square Mile BSMG Worldwide 020 7601 1000
Nick Oborne/Sally Lewis
13 June 2001
RTS NETWORKS GROUP PLC
('RTS NetWorks' or 'the Group')
Preliminary Results for the sixteen months ended 31 December 2000
Chairman's Statement
We entered 2000, our first full year of trading on the Alternative
Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange with a strategy:
* to build up the Group;
* to invest in emerging technologies;
* to lay the groundwork for profitability in 2001/2; and
* prepare the Group for sustainable longer term growth.
Market conditions have had an impact on our trading and operations,
but these fluctuations were not totally unexpected. I am pleased
to report that I believe we are still largely on track in achieving
our objectives, albeit over a slightly longer timeframe:
Building the Group: We have integrated 12 businesses in four
countries, with the implementation of common management and
reporting systems, technical infrastructure and tools.
New technology: At the time of flotation, Internet development was
an immature market, and wireless solutions were little more than a
concept. Not only have we developed a substantial competence in
multi-channel applications, but have built an impressive library of
software components and products, acquiring solid client references
in major vertical markets.
Profitability: Following initial investment in integration and
Research & Development (R&D), the objective has always been to bring
the Group progressively closer to underlying profitability. A
general market slowdown in the fourth quarter of 2000 impacted short-
term revenues, but has not caused us to modify this objective. Out
of R&D and client projects, we have developed four product lines and
a software library of over 100 documented components. These will be
used to improve efficiency and margin and provide customers with
even more cost-effective, flexible and timely solutions in an ever
more rapidly evolving marketplace.
Growth: Since admission to AIM our client base has grown threefold
and we have won several contracts in excess of £250,000. Market
conditions have led us to be more cautious in our plans for growth
through mergers and acquisitions, although we anticipate that these
conditions may create some opportunities for acquisitions. We
continue to plan for growth, both organic and through mergers and
acquisitions where they can be accretive to earnings or where they
improve the Group's geographic footprint or services to our
international customers.
Financial highlights
The Group achieved turnover for the period of £6.1 million with
expenditure of £15.0 million resulting in a net operating loss of
£8.9 million before goodwill amortisation and impairment of
intangible fixed assets. In the second half of 2000, revenues grew
45% over the previous seven months. Further details can be found in
the Financial Review.
Outlook
We believe that the second half of 2001 will be a turning point for
the Group.
We have begun a launch of software products and components,
principally developed last year, including Investor Framework,
Commerce Management Suite, Synchronicity CMS Version 2, and XML Site
Kit. Our products are now all being designed with 'multi-channel'
usage: for PC's, handheld phones and other devices.
Our business model is evolving from consulting and service revenues
towards the sale and licensing of software products. The intended
impact will be to increase our margins, develop services for more
customers with the same resources and generate recurring revenue
through licensing and maintenance.
In the first quarter of 2001, we signed significant orders in the
portal and wireless sectors of our market place. We believe our
selection by IBM as one of only 13 strategic m-commerce partners
worldwide, alongside much larger corporations, confirms our position
in the industry. This year we will further extend our wireless
skills, currently strongest in Finland, across all our business and
product lines. Revenues in the first quarter of 2001 grew more than
70% over the same period last year, with 20% organically and 50%
through acquisitions.
While we have won two large contracts in France, the pipeline of new
business in that territory remains weak and a review of French
operations is in hand.
I would like to thank all our investors for their continued support
in a year of change and consolidation. I also extend the Board's
thanks to our talented managers and staff, whose skills and
dedication have shaped and enhanced our reputation.
Bernard Fisher
Chairman
12 June 2001
Review of Operations
Overview
Following a first half largely dedicated to the integration of 12
businesses that we acquired both at the time of flotation on the
Alternative Investment Market and thereafter, the priorities of
2000 were to:
* build our client base, in particular to increase the size and
value of projects;
* develop our alliance programme: a smaller number of partners, but
for higher expected commercial return;
* increase the profitability of operations and projects;
* focus the Company's R&D into clearly identified vertical markets,
with a planned launch for products and components; and
* progress our wireless business from the early adopter stage
(demo's and prototypes) to that of major projects.
Commercial base and partnerships
Demand for our components and services continued to grow during
the period and our client base has grown more than threefold.
During the second half of 2000, the growth rate slowed as clients
approached us with larger, more strategic projects. The impact of
this trend was announced in December 2000. Despite this, the
Group achieved revenue growth during the second half of 2000 of
45% over the previous seven months.
Our client list now includes:
Amadeus, Cannes Exhibition Centre, Colt Telecom, Conseil General
des Alpes-Maritimes, Conventum Bank, Distractions, Entertainment
UK (Kingfisher Group), FIM Bankers, Finnish Ministry of Finance,
Finnish Post Office, France Telecom, Granada, Helsinki City,
Lagardere, Merck Sharpe & Dohme, Motorola, Nissan, Nokia Networks,
Powerhouse, Reuters, Rivals, Tesco, Thames Water, Total/Fina/Elf,
TNT and the US National Guard.
We have worked to strengthen and exploit key alliances resulting
in IBM selecting RTSe as a strategic partner in their mobile-
commerce initiative. We continue to be an active member of the
influential industry forum and contribute to the setting of
standards for the wireless industry. Additionally our partner and
alliance network, focused on wireless initiatives, now includes:
BEA, Brokat, HP Mobile Bazaar, IBM, Microsoft Windows Mobile
Solutions Programme, Nokia, Oracle, and Sybase.
Projects completed during the period of particular interest
include:
Financial Solutions:
* Conventum: A Finnish financial institution for which we developed
an Initial Public Offering system providing Internet subscriptions for
private investors, from the RTSe Investor Framework suite. Built to
withstand high volumes, the system also features full integration to
the Finnish Internet banks for instant payment.
* Leonia Bank market information system: RTSe provided a complete
online market information service which is fully integrated into
Leonia's Internet Bank and Online Trading System. The service is also
integrated into the Helsinki Stock Exchange and international market
information providers for stock market, currency and interest rates.
Historical graphs and real-time and delayed quotes also feature.
Commerce Management:
* Tesco: RTSe has been helping Tesco determine its wireless
strategy.
* Thames Water: New Wave Online, a fully-enabled e-commerce site,
built with our Commerce Management components.
www.newwaveonline.co.uk.
Content Management:
* Golf Wits Portal: By building RTSe Synchronicity Content
Management System into this service, non-technical site managers can
easily update content as and when they like. www.golfwits.com
* Minor League Baseball portal: The RTSe Synchronicity Content
Management System allows the organisation to update information daily,
resulting in more current, accurate content.
* Rivals.com: The sports portal ranked the stickiest site on the
Internet (Sticky means users stay on the site for longer than on other
sites). www.alliancesports.com.
Entertainment:
* Distractions: An award winning mobile entertainment portal,
developed and built with RTSe's multi-channel content management
system. The portal offers single and multi-player games, quick-hit
entertainment, points and community building tools. Now benefiting
from new commercial agreements with KPN, BT Cellnet Genie as well as
Granada Media Group. www.distractions.co.uk
* Pori Jazz: A web and wireless portal for the annual jazz festival
includes content and event information which can be forwarded to mobile
phones. This project incorporated RTSe's skills in e-commerce, content
management and wireless. www.porijazz.com.
R&D and intellectual assets
During the course of the period, RTSe strengthened the value of
the Group's intellectual property in financial services, retail
and business to business commerce and competence in mobile (m-
commerce and m-business) and content management.
Products and components developed during the period include:
Financial Solutions
* Portfolio Management: Stores transaction history for user
portfolio, generates reports and charts performance;
* Market Information: Presents a variety of information from any
stock exchange including price, volume, news, plus graphic and analysis
tools utilising 'push' technology so users do not have to refresh
screens for the latest information.
Commerce Management
* HDi: Management system for logistics and workflow of fulfilment,
delivery and installation;
* E-commerce: Integrated suite of e-commerce components with
supporting content and data maintenance systems;
* Instore: Customer service oriented Point of Sale system.
Content Management
* A complete content management system, handling content processes
and workflow, for multiple contributors and websites. Version 2 of
Synchronicity CMS includes XML functionality, and was released in the
US in May;
* RTSe XML Site Kit: quick to structure and build, and easy to
manage, with an intuitive interface.
Wireless
* Wireless Investor: Real time market information systems for mobile
devices, such as cell phones or personal organisers;
* Outlook Bridge: Wireless interface to MS Outlook through corporate
intranets;
* Route WAP: Wireless application providing interactive routing and
directions;
* Wireless Timetable: Wireless application to access and search
timetable information; and
* Wireless Enterprise Management: Wireless access to time sheet and
resource management applications.
Wireless extensions to all our product lines are currently in
development.
Thanks to judicious technology choices made in 2000, and
investment in research and development, RTSe is well-positioned to
meet the needs of corporations for multi-channel services (web,
wireless and Digi-TV), that are expected to see high growth in
2001 and beyond.
Awards and accolades
Our position as an industry leader was confirmed with the
following awards which demonstrate our understanding and
innovation in multiple channel delivery:
* Distractions wireless entertainment project. Winner of the first
W@P Forum award for best use of WAP in a consumer application;
* Helsinki City Library project. Winner of the first Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation Access to Learning Award, for innovation in
setting standards in reducing segregation through technology.
Speakers from RTSe were invited to present at a number of industry
events, including the London Stock Exchange, on utilising the
Internet for improving Investor Relations.
Integration
RTS NetWorks achieved the effective integration of the 12
businesses that provide the nucleus of its skills:
RTSe Finland Oy formed from three technology companies: IT
consultant and software developer Avercom (1998); database
integrators Bitwise (1998) and financial solutions provider CGS
(1998). RTSe Finland is based in in Espoo (Helsinki) and forms
the technology centre of the Group.
RTSe France formed from Internet consulting company Acces
Consultants (2000); technology solutions and systems integrators
Insys Sud (1999) and Microsoft certified solution provider Ove
(1999). Development and delivery operations are based in Sophia
Antipolis (Nice), with sales and client support in Paris. The
level of activities in France has not met expectations.
RTSe UK formed from four companies providing digital services: web
agency Cega Limited (1999), design and concepts company
Brainstormers Web Factory Limited (2000), database developer Boxer
IT Limited (2000) and retail and logistics systems specialist
Axida Limited (2000). Product and solution development work is
centred in Kingston upon Hull, with design, concept work and
client support in London
RTSe USA commenced trading in December 1999, after acquiring the
SMMS (Spatial Metadata Management System) technology division of
RTS Enabling Technology, Inc. This is not a core activity of the
Group and is being divested. July 2000 saw the acquisition of
Synchronicity, Inc., specialists in database-driven interactive
portals, e-commerce and web content management.
Group management and processes
RTS NetWorks' policy has been to impose a flexible framework for
common processes and reporting across the Group. Within this
framework, business units are given considerable autonomy, to
serve their markets according to local requirements.
The central management structure has been kept small. Its role is
to set strategy guidelines, pursue mergers and acquisitions, and
co-ordinate R&D, marketing and communication.
Competencies and skills
Staff currently number around 170 people, with approximately 70%
in production (development, design and consultancy) and the
remainder in sales, marketing and administration. Over 80% of
staff in Finland, France and the US (and over 60% in the UK)
have university degrees or equivalent engineering diplomas.
Training, professional development and balanced financial incentives are key
factors in the recruitment and retention of quality staff.
Market conditions
As reported by many other companies, the end of 2000 saw a
slowdown in new project signoff. RTS NetWorks recognised the
trend and took action to reduce the cost base as of Q1 2001 and
sharpen the focus of the business to concentrate on core skills
and key clients.
Looking forward
The operational effort towards profitability remained on course
during the first quarter of 2001 with the receipt of a number of
significant orders, efficiencies gained as a result of the
integrations, as well as industry recognition in our selection as
a strategic m-commerce partner for IBM. Revenues in the first
quarter of 2001 were considerably higher than the same period last
year.
The priority of our Business Plan is to accelerate the drive to
profitability through:
* increasing revenues through targeted campaigns and a strengthened
direct sales force;
* evolving the business model from project fees to licence revenues;
* expansion of our partner network programme;
* strengthened marketing; and
* further reductions in the cost base, whilst retaining the capacity
for expansion.
Financial Review
Turnover and operating loss
Turnover for the sixteen months ended 31 December 2000 was £6.1
million, a significant increase over the pro forma results for the
period to 30 September 1999, published in the AIM prospectus, and
achieved through organic growth and acquisitions.
The operating loss for the period before impairment of intangible
fixed assets and amortisation of goodwill was £8.9 million. In
December 2000, the decision was made to downsize operations in all
the operating units as a result of a market downturn. Accordingly
a restructuring provision of £688,000 was raised and is included
within the operating loss figure. After deducting an exceptional
charge of £8.0 million for impairment of intangible fixed assets
and goodwill amortisation of £2.9 million, the Group made a net
loss on ordinary activities of £19.7 million.
Loss per share
The basic loss per share after impairment of intangible fixed
assets and before goodwill amortisation was 24.29p.
Cash flow and borrowing facilities
The net cash outflow from operating activities was £9.8 million.
The Group ended the period with £1.4 million cash on hand and
borrowings of £224,000, resulting in net funds of £1.2 million.
During the period the Company raised £15.0 million in cash from
the issue of share capital after expenses. Significant cash
outgoings include £3.5 million on acquisitions, £1.5 million on
capital expenditure and the remaining £8.6 million on servicing
working capital requirements.
The Company raised a further £1.5 million in January 2001 by means
of a private equity placing and also secured a loan facility of
£1.5 million from Robotic Technology Systems PLC, its former
parent company. The Group drew down £500,000 of this facility in
January 2001. This facility was effectively frozen and replaced in
June 2001 by a new facility made available to the Group by Robotic
Technology Systems PLC, whereby the Group could borrow up to £1.0
million as a subordinated loan, repayable in December 2005.
Funding and Report of the auditors
In addition, the Company is currently in negotiation with regard
to procuring further funding by way of equity investment and/or a
subordinated long term loan facility. The directors are of the
opinion that sufficient funding will be received to ensure that
the Company, and the Group, can continue in operational existence
for the foreseeable future and accordingly the financial
statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. Whilst
reference is made by the auditors to the uncertainties regarding
future funding, their auditor's opinion has not been qualified in
this respect.
Acquisitions
In line with our corporate objective, we have continued to invest
in new businesses both in the UK and overseas. Acquisitions
during the period include Boxer IT Limited, Axida Limited, and
Synchronicity, Inc..
Boxer IT Limited
Boxer IT Limited, a UK web developer, was acquired in April 2000
for £187,000, satisfied by shares and a cash payment of £22,000.
Axida Limited
In July 2000, the Group acquired Axida Limited for a maximum
consideration, payable to the vendors of Axida, of £6.2 million.
This was satisfied by the issue of 3,319,502 new RTS NetWorks
ordinary shares at 108.45p each for a value of £3.6 million and a
placing of 1,575,000 new ordinary shares at 100p each on behalf of
the vendors. A further £1 million in RTS NetWorks ordinary shares (to be
issued at 108.45p per share) will become payable to the vendors of Axida,
the business having achieved its post acquisition financial targets.
Synchronicity, Inc. ('Synchronicity')
The consideration payable to the vendors of Synchronicity is a
maximum of £4.25 million. Of this amount £3.25 million was
satisfied by the issue of 2,688,394 new RTS NetWorks ordinary
shares at 121p each of which 350,000 new ordinary shares were
placed at 100p each on behalf of the vendors.
A further £1 million in RTS NetWorks ordinary shares (at the
prevailing market price at time of issue) may become payable to
the vendors dependent on the future performance of Synchronicity.
Carrying value of fixed asset investments
Fixed asset investments comprise both investments in the shares of
subsidiaries and fixed asset loans made to the subsidiaries since
they were acquired.
We reviewed the value of the Group's fixed asset investments as at
31 December 2000 for impairment in value. The subsidiary companies
acquired by the Group in the period were recorded on the Company's
balance sheet at cost on the date of acquisition being the
aggregate of the market value of shares issued, shares to be
issued and cash paid for the business acquired.
However, in line with the general downturn in the technology
sector and the subsequent fall in share prices, it is the Board's
belief that, at the present time, there have been appropriate
adjustments made to the carrying values of the fixed asset
investments. Consequently the Company has provided for impairment
in the carrying value of fixed asset investments of £10.9 million.
This has the effect of reducing the net book value of fixed asset
investments (comprising both the investment in shares and the
loans) of the Company to £15.5 million and creating an exceptional
loss to the Company of £10.9 million.
Intangible assets
The Company has adopted a policy to amortise the goodwill arising
on the acquisition of subsidiaries and businesses over a period of
5 years.
At 31 December 2000, the Company reviewed the net book value of
its intangible assets for impairment in value in conjunction with
a review of the carrying values of the Company's fixed asset
investments.
In line with the above reduction in the carrying value of the
Company's fixed asset investments, the Board recognises that there
has also been impairment in the value of its recognisable
goodwill. Accordingly, in addition to the goodwill amortisation
for the period the Group has taken an impairment charge of £8.0
million.
Foreign currency risks
The Group has significant overseas investments that operate in
France, Finland and the USA. Their revenues and expenses are
denominated exclusively in their respective local currencies. The
Group maintains a policy that only minimal bank balances are held
locally and the Group bank account holding all surplus cash and
bank balances are maintained in the UK.
For further information please contact:
RTS NetWorks Group PLC 020 7749 5000
Bernard Fisher, Chairman
Square Mile BSMG Worldwide 020 7601 1000
Nick Oborne/Sally Lewis
Group profit and loss account
for the 16 month period ended 31 December 2000
==============================================================================
Before
goodwill Goodwill
amortisation amortisation Total
£'000 £'000 £'000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Turnover
Continuing operations 5,537 - 5,537
Acquisitions 537 - 537
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6,074 - 6,074
Cost of sales (4,746) - (4,746)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 1,328 - 1,328
Administrative expenses
Other administrative expenses (10,277) (2,936) (13,213)
Impairment of intangible fixed assets (7,976) - (7,976)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total administrative expenses (18,253) (2,936) (21,189)
Operating loss (16,925) (2,936) (19,861)
Continuing operations (14,870) (2,426) (17,296)
Acquisitions (2,055) (510) (2,565)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(16,925) (2,936) (19,861)
Interest receivable 202 - 202
Interest payable (27) - (27)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss on ordinary activities before taxation (16,750) (2,936) (19,686)
Tax on loss on ordinary activities - - -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss on ordinary activities after taxation (16,750) (2,936) (19,686)
==============================================================================
Loss per share - Basic and diluted 24.29p 4.26p 28.55p
==============================================================================
The Company has taken advantage of exemptions under section 230
Companies Act 1985 not to publish its own profit and loss account
for the period.
Group statement of total recognised gains and losses
==============================================================================
for the 16 month period ended 31 December 2000 £'000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss for the financial period (19,686)
Exchange adjustments (189)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total recognised gains and losses for the period (19,875)
==============================================================================
Reconciliations of movements in equity shareholders' funds
==============================================================================
Group
for the 16 month period ended 31 December 2000 £'000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total recognised gains and losses for the period (19,875)
Equity shares issued 906
Premium on equity shares issued (net of expenses) 28,209
Shares to be issued in respect of acquisitions 1,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in shareholders' funds 10,240
Opening equity shareholders' funds -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity shareholders' funds as at 31 December 2000 10,240
==============================================================================
Balance sheet
==============================================================================
as at 31 December 2000 £'000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 9,000
Tangible assets 1,159
Investments 162
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10,321
Current assets
Stocks 219
Debtors due within on year 1,399
Debtors due after more than one year 164
Cash at bank and in hand 1,444
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,226
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (2,468)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net current assets 758
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets less current liabilities 11,079
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year (51)
Provisions for liabilities and charges (788)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets 10,240
==============================================================================
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 906
Share premium account 18,153
Shares to be issued 1,000
Merger reserve 10,056
Profit and loss account (19,875)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity shareholders' funds 10,240
==============================================================================
Approved by the Board on 12 June 2001.
Group cash flow statement
==============================================================================
for the 16 month period ended 31 December 2000 £'000 £'000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash outflow from operating activities (9,773)
Returns on investments and servicing of finance
Interest received 202
Interest paid (13)
Interest element of finance lease payments (14)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash inflow from returns on investments and
servicing of finance 175
Capital expenditure and financial investment
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (1,111)
Purchase of intangible fixed assets (312)
Purchase of fixed asset investments (27)
Proceeds from the sale of tangible fixed assets 14
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash outflow from capital expenditure and
financial investment (1,436)
Acquisitions
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings (3,504)
Cash acquired with subsidiary undertakings 1,132
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash outflow from acquisitions (2,372)
Net cash outflow before financing (13,406)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing
Issue of ordinary share capital 15,876
Share issue costs (918)
Repayment of loans (38)
Capital element of finance lease payments (47)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash inflow from financing 14,873
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase in cash in the period 1,467
==============================================================================
Reconciliation to net cash £'000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash at the start of the period -
Increase in net cash 1,467
Borrowings acquired with subsidiaries (309)
Movements in borrowings 85
Exchange adjustments (23)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash at 31 December 2000 1,220
==============================================================================
Notes to the accounts:
1. Basis of preparation
The financial information set out above does not constitute
accounts under section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The results
for the sixteen months ended 31 December 2000 are extracts from
the Group accounts which will be delivered to the Registrar of
Companies following the Company's Extraordinary General Meeting.
The Company is currently in negotiation with regard to procuring
further funding by way of equity investment and/or a subordinated
long term loan facility. The directors are of the opinion that
sufficient funding will be received to ensure that the Company,
and the Group, can continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future and accordingly the financial statements have
been prepared on a going concern basis. Whilst reference is made
by the auditors to the uncertainties regarding future funding, the
auditor's Opinion has not been qualified in this respect.
2. Loss per share
Earnings per ordinary share have been calculated using the
weighted average number of shares in issue during the period. For
basic earnings per share, the weighted average number of equity
shares in issue is 68,964,459 and the earnings being losses after
tax are £19,686,000.
Diluted earnings per share is not relevant as the Group has
incurred a loss for the period.
3. RTS Networks will not be paying a dividend in respect of the
sixteen months ended 31 December 2000.
4. Copies of the 2000 Report and Accounts will be sent to
shareholders in due course. Further copies will be available from
the registered office of the Company, 44 Phipps Hatch Lane,
Enfield, Middlesex, EN2 OHN.