Half-yearly Report
Arsenal Holdings plc
Results for the six months ended 30 November 2014
ARSENAL ANNOUNCE HALF YEAR RESULTS
* Turnover from football increased to £148.5 million (2013 - £135.9 million)
with strong growth in commercial activity driven by the new kit partnership
with PUMA.
* Significant investment in the squad with a record level of expenditure on
player acquisitions (£93.7 million) which has in turn resulted in a higher
amortisation and higher wage costs in the profit and loss account.
* Profit on sale of player registrations amounted to £26.7 million which was
significantly higher than the prior period comparative (2013 - £6.1 million).
* Minimal activity during this half year in the Property side of the Group.
* Group recorded an overall profit before tax of £11.1 million (2013 - loss
of £2.2 million).
* The Group has no short-term debt and its cash reserves, excluding the
balances designated as debt service reserves, amounted £138.8 million (2013
- £120.6 million).
* The liabilities for player acquisitions are in part payable in instalments
and transfer creditors rose to £82.8 million (2013 - £37.9 million).
* Overall result for the year expected to be fully compliant with all of the
requirements of both the Premier League and UEFA financial regulatory
regimes.
Commenting on the results for the six months, the Club's Chairman, Sir Chips
Keswick, said:
"Our commitment to investment in the squad was evidenced by a record level of
expenditure on players joining the Club. Crucially, this investment remains at
a level which is consistent with our principle of affordability and which is
financially sustainable in accordance with the applicable regulatory regimes.
On the field, the team has produced some strong results and the squad is
looking fit and better balanced. However, we need to find our best form on a
more consistent basis as we approach, what I hope will be, an exciting end to
the season."
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
We enter the final phase of this season in a strong position on and off the
pitch.
As you will see from the financial results, which are considered in more detail
in the Financial Review section of this report, the Group has reported an
overall profit for the half year.
This has been made possible by our continued commercial momentum. The PUMA
partnership has made a very strong start and we have also made further
additions to our roster of Official and Regional partnerships. In addition, we
have established a retail presence in Indonesia in partnership with MAP Active,
an on-line store in China in association with Venue Retail International and
continued to invest in our retail operations at home.
On the field, the team has produced some strong results and the squad is
looking fit and better balanced. However, we need to find our best form on a
more consistent basis as we approach, what I hope will be, an exciting end to
the season.
It has been particularly rewarding to see the recent emergence into the first
team squad of Francis Coquelin and Hector Bellerin. Francis is a great example
to everyone of what can happen if you are patient and dedicated. He thoroughly
deserves all the accolades currently heading in his direction. Hector is
another young player who has shown tremendous application and effort and he is
growing in confidence game by game.
The progress of both players is testimony to the philosophy of the Board, our
majority owner Stan Kroenke and manager Arsène Wenger. In an era when many are
seeking short term results and instant action, we remain true to our principles
of investing in the future by continuing to sign outstanding international
talent while developing our own.
We have assembled and developed a young squad, with many of the first team aged
25 years or under, secured to long term contracts which will allow them to grow
together. In addition, we are excited by the prospects that a number of our
younger players can make the step up to the First Team in the next couple of
seasons.
Our commitment to investment in the squad was evidenced by a record level of
expenditure on players joining during the summer with the acquisitions of Calum
Chambers, Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina, Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck. The
recent acquisition of defender Gabriel from Villarreal will take our total
transfer expenditure for the year to well in excess of £100 million. This
substantial investment has inevitably led to increased amortisation and wage
costs in our profit and loss account but, crucially, this remains at a level
which is consistent with our principle of affordability and which is
financially sustainable in accordance with the requirements of the applicable
regulatory regimes.
This season has seen the Club and the entire football family mark the centenary
of the end of the First World War. There have been many poignant events across
the country and I know our Under-19 squad was particularly moved by a visit to
a war cemetery during their Champions Youth League trip to Brussels in the
autumn.
Our work through the Arsenal Foundation continues to thrive and once again
players, staff and supporters showed their generosity towards our dedicated
match-day in December, raising some £220,000. The money raised continues to
help us deliver work that transforms young peoples' lives here in London and
further afield and we are grateful for everyone's contribution.
Making a difference in our community has always been central to what we stand
for as a Club and 2015 marks the 30th anniversary of the formal establishment
of our Arsenal in the Community programme. That team has been led for many
years by our own Alan Sefton who was very deservedly awarded an MBE in the
Queen's New Year's Honours list. We all send him our congratulations and look
forward to seeing the team's work develop further as we move closer to opening
a new Arsenal in the Community centre in the spring which will provide
important facilities for us to develop activities for local people.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The financial results for the six months ended 30 November 2014 show further
growth in the Group's revenues driven by the commencement of our kit
partnership with PUMA. The total turnover from football was £148.5 million
compared with £135.9 million for the same period last year.
These improved commercial revenues and the underlying strong financial position
have allowed us to make further significant investments into the Club's playing
resources. Additions to player registrations in the first half of the year were
£93.7 million and these additions, together with certain contract extensions,
have driven both a higher amortisation charge in the profit and loss account
and a higher wage bill.
The final main feature of the half year results is the gain of £26.7 million
(2013 - £6.1 million) made from the sale of players and from realising the
value of an option the Club held in relation to the registration of former
player, Carlos Vela.
The overall result for the period was a profit before tax of £11.1 million as
compared to a loss of £2.2 million for the first half last year.
2014 2013
£m £m
Turnover
Football 148.5 135.9
Property development 0.3 2.0
Total turnover 148.8 137.9
Operating profits*
Football* 21.9 22.2
Property development 0.1 0.7
Total operating profit* 22.0 22.9
Player trading 1.4 (12.6)
Depreciation and (6.5) (6.4)
amortisation of goodwill
Joint venture 0.5 0.4
Net finance charges (6.3) (6.5)
Profit / (loss) before tax 11.1 (2.2)
*= operating profits before depreciation and player trading costs
Broadcasting was again the largest source of income at £53.0 million (2013 - £
52.0 million). The similar level of TV income is to be expected given we are in
the second season of three for the current Premier League broadcasting
contracts and the final year of the existing UEFA contracts.
Looking beyond the current year, UEFA's successful marketing of Champions
League broadcast and commercial rights for its next three year cycle (including
BT's purchase of exclusive UK rights) should drive further growth in values for
the participating English clubs from next season. The expected underlying
revenue growth may be slightly offset by a weaker Euro. The Premier League has
recently announced a significant uplift in the value achieved for the UK TV
rights for the three seasons commencing 2016/17. The process of tendering the
international rights has yet to fully commence. An investigation into the sale
of live broadcast rights in the UK is currently being undertaken by OFCOM the
outcome of which cannot be predicted at this early stage.
Our combined Commercial and Retail revenues rose sharply and at £52.3 million
(2013 - £38.4 million) fell only just below the total for broadcasting. Growth
of 36% on top of 39% in the prior period demonstrates a significant step
forward although, inevitably, this growth rate will now slow as we have our key
partnerships with Emirates and PUMA in place for the medium term.
Our new kit partnership with PUMA has made an excellent start with a really
positive impact on our retail and licensing businesses. In addition, we
benefited from a major re-fit of our flagship Armoury store which was completed
to coincide with the launch of the new PUMA kits at the start of July.
We can also report good progress in terms of secondary partnerships, adding
Capital Bank and Markets.com to the seven new deals and renewals previously
reported for 2014/15 and bringing the Club's total number of current
partnerships up to 25. The previously reported new partnerships being with
Vitality, Europcar, Cooper and Hansa (new deals) and BT, Citroen and Indesit
(renewals)
Match day revenue includes the match fees received in respect of our pre-season
matches and overseas tours. Although there was time to stage another very
successful and well attended Emirates Cup, last summer's World Cup meant the
window for participating in pre-season activity was truncated, resulting in a
single overseas fixture, against New York Red Bulls. As a consequence match day
revenue was lower at £42.9 million (2013 - £45.0 million). Match day revenue
remains weighted to the second half of the financial year and at 30 November we
had played 11 (2013 - 11) of the 27 home fixtures we are so far certain of
playing for the full season.
Operating costs for the football side of the business were increased to £126.2
million (2013 - £113.2 million). Our new signings, together with certain player
contract extensions, mean that higher football wage costs are the most
significant factor behind this increase. It is worth repeating that having the
resources to grow our wage bill in a rational and responsible manner actually
represents a positive outcome in line with our objectives of achieving more
on-field success for the Club. Outside player wage costs we also increased the
level of expenditure in our football support and coaching staff and in certain
other key areas such as youth development. Increased revenue activity,
particularly within the retail business, has led to an up-lift to our direct
costs of sales.
In contrast to football, activity in the Group's property business was very
quiet with revenue of £0.3 million (2013 - £2.0 million) and operating profit
of £0.1 million (2013 - £0.7 million), mainly from the rental of certain
retained commercial units, such as the gym at Highbury Square. The timing of
sale for the remaining major property sites, on Hornsey Road and Holloway Road,
is tied to the resolution of the underlying planning consents.
Player trading, which resulted in a surplus of £1.4 million (2013 - deficit of
£12.6 million), has, as usual, played a fairly key role in differentiating the
overall financial result against its prior period comparative. Player sales,
including Thomas Vermaelen, generated a profit of £26.7 million (2013 - £6.1
million); also included within this heading is the net proceeds of cancelling
an option which the Club held to reacquire the registration of former player
Carlos Vela. This was a substantially higher profit than that achieved in the
prior period and was only partially offset by an increased charge for
amortisation of player registrations, which amounted to £25.6 million (2013 - £
19.3 million).
The book value of player registrations (intangible fixed assets) has been
increased significantly to £181.3 million, from £115.0 million as at 31 May
2014, mainly as a result of the player acquisitions to which we have already
referred.
In cash terms, as the liabilities for these acquisitions are in part payable in
instalments, the net outlay on transfers for the period was £30.7 million (2013
- £12.7 million). This meant that the Group has actually slightly improved its
already strong cash position with balances at 30 November amounting to £161.5
million (2013 - £143.5 million), inclusive of debt service reserve balances,
which are not available for football purposes, of £22.8 million (2013 - £22.8
million). However, in contrast, the amount owing on transfers was increased to
£82.8 million (2013 - £37.9 million).
The Group enters into a number of transactions, relating mainly to its
participation in European competition (UEFA Champions League distributions are
paid in €) and player transfers, which create exposure to movements or
volatility in foreign exchange, including €. The Group monitors this foreign
exchange exposure on a continuous basis and will usually hedge any significant
exposure in its currency receivables and payables.
SUMMARY
The Group's overall after tax profit for the six months was £10.1 million (2013
- profit of £2.8 million).
As always, the actual outcome for the second half will be strongly influenced
by the extent of progress in the knock-out competitions and final Premier
League position. We expect the overall result for the year to be fully
compliant with all of the requirements of both the Premier League and UEFA
financial fair play rules.
Looking ahead to next season we have recently announced that we will not be
making any increase in ticket prices. This will be the sixth season since the
move to Emirates Stadium that prices have been held.
In closing I should thank everyone for their support so far this season. The
atmosphere at Emirates Stadium has been terrific and the support at every away
game has, as ever, been first class. Keep backing the team and enjoy the rest
of the season.
Sir Chips Keswick
Chairman
27 February 2015
Arsenal Holdings Plc
Consolidated profit and loss account
For the six months ended 30 November 2014
Six months
to 30 Year ended
November 31 May
Six months to 30 November 2014 2013 2014
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Operations
excluding
player Player
trading trading Total Total Total
Notes £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Turnover of the Group 149,959 258 150,217 139,149 304,267
including its share of
joint ventures
Share of turnover of (1,449) - (1,449) (1,214) (2,395)
joint ventures
________ ________ _______ ________ ________
Group turnover 4 148,510 258 148,768 137,935 301,872
Operating expenses
- other (132,935) - (132,935) (120,862) (251,736)
- amortisation of player - (25,560) (25,560) (19,284) (40,072)
registrations
Total operating expenses (132,935) (25,560) (158,495) (140,146) (291,808)
________ ________ _______ ________ ________
Operating profit/(loss) 15,575 (25,302) (9,727) (2,211) 10,064
Share of operating 470 - 470 405 710
profit of joint venture
Profit on disposal of - 26,740 26,740 6,120 6,912
player registrations
________ ________ _______ ________ ________
Profit on ordinary 16,045 1,438 17,483 4,314 17,686
activities before net
finance charges
________ ________
Net finance charges (6,337) (6,490) (13,018)
________ ________ ________
Profit/(loss) on
ordinary activities
before taxation 11,146 (2,176) 4,668
Taxation (1,084) 4,988 2,603
________ ________ ________
Profit after taxation
retained for
the financial period 10,062 2,812 7,271
________ ________ ________
Earnings per share 5 £161.72 £45.20 £116.87
________ ________ ________
All trading resulted from continuing operations.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
Arsenal Holdings Plc
Consolidated balance sheet
At 30 November 2014
Notes 30 November 31 May
2014 2013 2014
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
£'000 £'000 £'000
Fixed assets
Goodwill 1,285 1,711 1,498
Tangible assets 419,931 418,826 421,402
Intangible assets 6 181,269 130,001 114,986
Investment in joint venture 3,943 3,340 3,571
________ ________ ________
606,428 553,878 541,457
________ ________ ________
Current assets
Stock - Development properties 9,843 12,467 9,849
Stock - Retail merchandise 4,169 2,426 4,935
Debtors - Due within one year 52,922 59,572 65,642
Debtors - Due after one year 10,624 9,741 4,861
Cash and short-term deposits 7 161,546 143,474 207,878
________ ________ ________
239,104 227,680 293,165
Creditors: Amounts falling due (198,146) (167,486) (203,032)
within one year
________ ________ ________
Net current assets 40,958 60,194 90,133
________ ________ ________
Total assets less current 647,386 614,072 631,590
liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due after (274,346) (251,881) (266,478)
more than one year
Provisions for liabilities (52,355) (56,029) (54,494)
________ ________ ________
Net assets 320,685 306,162 310,618
________ ________ ________
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 62 62 62
Share premium 29,997 29,997 29,997
Merger reserve 26,699 26,699 26,699
Profit and loss account 8 263,927 249,404 253,860
________ ________ ________
Shareholders' funds 9 320,685 306,162 310,618
________ ________ ________
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this consolidated balance sheet.
Arsenal Holdings Plc
Consolidated cash flow statement
For the six months ended 30 November 2014
Six months to 30 November Year ended
31 May
2014 2013 2014
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
£'000 £'000 £'000
Net cash inflow from operating activities 5,490 20,129 96,169
Player registrations (30,667) (12,728) (11,121)
Returns on investment and servicing of (6,018) (6,227) (12,409)
finance
Taxation (996) 58 (2,445)
Capital expenditure (6,867) (4,316) (8,873)
________ ________ ________
Cash (outflow)/inflow before financing (39,058) (3,084) 61,321
Financing (7,274) (6,899) (6,900)
Management of liquid resources 42,689 24,283 (39,781)
________ ________ ________
Change in cash in the period (3,643) 14,300 14,640
Change in short-term deposits (42,689) (24,283) 39,781
________ ________ ________
(Decrease)/increase in cash and short-term (46,332) (9,983) 54,421
deposits
________ ________ ________
Arsenal Holdings Plc
Notes to the cash flow statement
Six months to 30 November Year ended
31 May
2014 2013 2014
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
£'000 £'000 £'000
a) Reconciliation of operating resultto net
cash inflow/(outflow)from operating
activities
Operating (loss)/profit (9,727) (2,211) 10,064
Loss/(profit) on disposal of tangible fixed 297 (9) (140)
assets
Amortisation of goodwill 213 213 426
Depreciation (net of grant amortisation) 6,554 6,211 12,418
Amortisation of player registrations 25,560 19,284 40,072
Decrease/(increase) in stock 772 225 (2,472)
Decrease in debtors 17,574 17,033 9,657
(Decrease)/increase in creditors (35,753) (20,617) 26,144
________ ________ ________
Net cash inflow from operating activities 5,490 20,129 96,169
________ ________ ________
b) Reconciliation of net cash flow to
movement in net debt
(Decrease)/increase in cash and short term (46,332) (9,983) 54,421
deposits
Cash outflow from decrease in debt 7,274 6,899 6,900
________ ________ ________
Change in net debt resulting from cash flows (39,058) (3,084) 61,321
Increase in debt resulting from non cash (337) (341) (677)
changes
Net debt at start of period (32,577) (93,221) (93,221)
________ ________ ________
Net debt at close of period (71,972) (96,646) (32,577)
________ ________ ________
c) Analysis of changes in net debt
At 1 June Non cash Cash At 30 November
2014 changes flows 2014
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Cash at bank and in hand 80,555 - (3,643) 76,912
Short-term deposits 127,323 - (42,689) 84,634
_______ _______ _______ _______
207,878 - (46,332) 161,546
Debt due within one year ( (6,704) (7,678) 7,274 (7,108)
bonds)
Debt due after more than one (205,921) 7,530 - (198,391)
year (bonds)
Debt due after more than one
year
(debenture subscriptions) (27,830) (189) - (28,019)
_______ _______ _______ _______
Net debt (32,577) (337) (39,058) (71,972)
_______ _______ _______ _______
Non cash changes represent £288,000 in respect of the amortisation of costs of
raising finance, £189,000 in respect of rolled up, unpaid debenture interest
for the period less £140,000 in respect of amortisation of the premium on
certain of the Group's interest rate swaps.
d) Gross cash flows
Six months to 30 November Year ended
31 May
2014 2013 2014
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
£'000 £'000 £'000
Player registrations:
Payments for purchase of players (48,568) (35,054) (40,419)
Receipts from sale of players 17,901 22,326 29,298
_______ _______ _______
(30,667) (12,728) (11,121)
_______ _______ _______
Returns on investment and servicing of
finance:
Interest received 540 418 862
Interest paid (6,558) (6,645) (13,271)
_______ _______ _______
(6,018) (6,227) (12,409)
_______ _______ _______
Capital expenditure:
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets (6,890) (4,326) (9,019)
Receipts from sale of tangible fixed assets 23 10 146
_______ _______ _______
(6,867) (4,316) (8,873)
_______ _______ _______
Financing:
Repayment of borrowings (7,274) (6,899) (6,900)
_______ _______ _______
Total debt repayment (7,274) (6,899) (6,900)
_______ _______ _______
Arsenal Holdings Plc
Notes to the interim accounts
30 November 2014
1 Basis of preparation of Group financial statements
The Group financial statements consolidate the assets, liabilities and results
of the company and its subsidiary undertakings made up to 30 November 2014. The
Group has two classes of business - the principal activity of operating a
professional football club and property development.
The interim results have been prepared, in accordance with United Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, on the same basis and using the same
accounting policies as those used in the preparation of the full year's
accounts to 31 May 2014. The status of the Group's financing arrangements is
summarised in the Chairman's Statement. The directors have a reasonable
expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational
existence for the foreseeable future and the financial statements continue to
be prepared on the going concern basis.
2 Significant accounting policies
Income recognition
Gate and other match day revenue is recognised over the period of the football
season as games are played and events are staged. Sponsorship and similar
commercial income is recognised over the duration of the respective contracts.
The fixed element of broadcasting revenues is recognised over the duration of
the football season whilst facility fees for live coverage or highlights are
taken when earned at the point of broadcast. Merit awards are accounted for
only when known at the end of the financial period. UEFA pool distributions
relating to participation in the Champions League are spread over the matches
played in the competition whilst distributions relating to match performance
are taken when earned; these distributions are classified as broadcasting
revenues. Fees receivable in respect of the loan of players are included in
turnover over the period of the loan.
Income from the sale of development properties is recognised on legal
completion of the relevant sale contract. Where elements of the sale price are
subject to retentions by the purchaser the retained element of the sale price
is not recognised until such time as all of the conditions relating to the
retention have been satisfied.
Player registrations
The costs associated with acquiring players' registrations or extending their
contracts, including agents' fees, are capitalised and amortised, in equal
instalments, over the period of the respective players' contracts. Where a
contract life is renegotiated the unamortised costs, together with the new
costs relating to the contract extension, are amortised over the term of the
new contract. Where the acquisition of a player registration involves a
non-cash consideration, such as an exchange for another player registration,
the transaction is accounted for using an estimate of market value for the
non-cash consideration. Under the conditions of certain transfer agreements or
contract renegotiations, further fees will be payable in the event of the
players concerned making a certain number of First Team appearances or on the
occurrence of certain other specified future events. Liabilities in respect of
these additional fees are accounted for, as provisions, when it becomes
probable that the number of appearances will be achieved or the specified
future events will occur. The additional costs are capitalised and amortised as
set out above.
3 Segmental analysis
Class of business Football
Six months to 30 November Year ended
31 May
2014 2013 2014
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
£'000 £'000 £'000
Turnover 148,498 135,958 298,658
_______ _______ _______
Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before 10,780 (3,111) 3,817
taxation
_______ _______ _______
Segment net assets 282,150 268,111 272,449
_______ _______ _______
Class of business Property development
Six months to 30 November Year ended
31 May
2014 2013 2014
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
£'000 £'000 £'000
Turnover 270 1,977 3,214
_______ _______ _______
Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 366 935 851
_______ _______ _______
Segment net assets 38,535 38,051 38,169
_______ _______ _______
Class of business Group
Six months to 30 November Year ended
31 May
2014 2013 2014
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
£'000 £'000 £'000
Turnover 148,768 137,935 301,872
_______ _______ _______
Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before 11,146 (2,176) 4,668
taxation
_______ _______ _______
Net assets 320,685 306,162 310,618
_______ _______ _______
4 Turnover
Six months to 30 November Year ended
31 May
2014 2013 2014
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
£'000 £'000 £'000
Gate and other match day revenues 42,939 44,961 100,229
Player trading 258 540 513
Broadcasting 52,992 52,025 120,762
Retail and licensing income 14,212 10,389 17,938
Commercial 38,097 28,043 59,216
Property development 270 1,977 3,214
_______ _______ _______
148,768 137,935 301,872
_______ _______ _______
5 Earnings per share
The calculation of earnings per share is based on the profit for the period
divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue being 62,217
(period to 30 November 2013 - 62,217 shares and year to 31 May 2014 - 62,217
shares).
6 Intangible fixed assets
£'000
Cost of player registrations
At 1 June 2014 249,265
Additions 93,684
Disposals (34,101)
_______
At 30 November 2014 308,848
_______
Amortisation of player registrations
At 1 June 2014 134,279
Charge for the period 25,560
Disposals (32,260)
_______
At 30 November 2014 127,579
_______
Net book amount
At 30 November 2014 181,269
_______
At 31 May 2014 114,986
_______
7 Cash at bank and in hand
30 November 31 May
2014 2013 2014
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
£'000 £'000 £'000
Debt service reserve accounts 22,781 22,831 34,557
Other accounts 138,765 120,643 173,321
_______ _______ _______
161,546 143,474 207,878
_______ _______ _______
The Group is required under the terms of its fixed and floating rate bonds to
maintain specified amounts on bank deposit as security against future payments
of interest and principal. Accordingly the use of these debt service reserve
accounts is restricted to that purpose. Included in other accounts is a balance
of £0.2 million (30 November 2013 £0.5 million and 31 May 2014 £0.3 million)
which is held in connection with the site works at Queensland Road. The use of
this deposit is restricted to that purpose and Newlon Housing Trust is a joint
signatory.
The Group uses short-term bank treasury deposits as a means of maximising the
interest earned on its cash balances.
30 November 31 May
2014 2013 2014
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
£'000 £'000 £'000
Cash at bank and in hand 76,912 80,215 80,555
Short-term deposits 84,634 63,259 127,323
_______ _______ _______
161,546 143,474 207,878
_______ _______ _______
8 Profit and loss account
30 November 31 May
2014 2013 2014
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
£'000 £'000 £'000
At start of period 253,860 246,597 246,597
Profit for the period 10,062 2,812 7,271
Exchange difference 5 (5) (8)
__________ __________ __________
Balance at end of period 263,927 249,404 253,860
__________ __________ __________
9 Reconciliation of shareholders' funds
30 November 31 May
2014 2013 2014
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
£'000 £'000 £'000
Opening shareholders' funds 310,618 303,355 303,355
Profit for the period 10,062 2,812 7,271
Exchange difference 5 (5) (8)
__________ __________ __________
Closing shareholders' funds 320,685 306,162 310,618
__________ __________ __________
10 Additional information
a) The interim financial statements do not constitute statutory financial
statements within the meaning of Section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. The
financial information for the year ended 31 May 2014 has been extracted from
the statutory accounts for the year then ended which have been filed with the
Registrar of Companies. The audit report on these accounts was unqualified and
did not contain any statements under Section 498 (2) or (3) Companies Act 2006.
b) These results will be announced to ICAP Securities & Derivatives Exchange
(ISDX Growth Market) on 27 February 2015 and posted to all shareholders on the
register at 26 February 2015. Copies of this interim report will be available
from the company's registered office at Highbury House, 75 Drayton Park, London
N5 1BU.
c) These interim results have been reviewed by the Group's auditors, Deloitte
LLP, who have issued a review report on the results.