Half Yearly Report

RNS Number : 5936Q
JZ Capital Partners Ltd
16 October 2013
 



 

 

JZ CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD

 

INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE 6 MONTHS ENDING 31 AUGUST 2013

 


16 October 2013

JZ Capital Partners (JZCP), the London listed private equity fund which invests in high quality US and European micro cap companies, announces its interim results for the six-month period ended 31 August 2013.

Results Highlights

·           3.4% NAV Total Return including:

§ NAV of US$641.7 million (FYE 28/02/13: US$630.2 million)

§ NAV per share of US$9.87 (FYE 28/02/13: US$9.69)

§ Distribution of 15 cents per share paid in June 2013

·           Interim dividend of 14.5 cents per share declared for the period (H1 2012: 14 cents per share)

·           NAV growth in 17 of the past 18 quarters

·           Solid three-year total shareholder returns of 78.5%

Investment Activity

·           US$69.3 million of proceeds from three realizations and refinancings

Realized US$38.6 million from the sale of US manufacturer Horsburgh and Scott

Refinanced US$26.4 million of JZCP-held investments in the ISS (Industrial Services) vertical

Refinanced US$7.9 million of HAAS TMC subordinated debt, at par

 

·           US$80.2 million invested in seven companies in the US and Europe

€5.0m for 70% of One World Packaging in April 2013

£9.5 million for 36% of Winn Group in August 2013

€7.7 million for 25.2% of Fidor Bank AG in August 2013

Four new US real estate properties acquired through an experienced manager

 

·           Strong balance sheet with liquid securities of US$79.3 million or 12% of NAV

David Zalaznick, JZCP's Founder and Investment Adviser, said: "We are very pleased with JZCP's performance which has delivered NAV growth for 17 of the past 18 quarters. Our underlying portfolio companies continue to generate superior returns for our shareholders and demonstrate our expertise in investing in the micro cap sector.

 

"We have also continued to apply our rigorous investment principles to partner with an experienced management team to build a portfolio of US real estate which we expect to significantly contribute to NAV growth in the future.

 

"We are well positioned with a strong balance sheet and a long pipeline of realization and investment opportunities and look to the future with confidence."

 

There will be an analyst and investor presentation to discuss JZCP's recent financial performance and portfolio developments at 9.30am at the offices of FTI Consulting, 26 Southampton Buildings, London WC2A 1PB. The meeting can also be accessed by dialling +44 (0)20 3427 1916 (UK) or +1 646 254 3388 (US) with the participant access code 1537085.

 

Those analysts and investors wishing to attend or to dial into the meeting are asked to register by contacting Tom Willetts on +44(0)20 7269 7175 or tom.willetts@fticonsulting.com.

 

For Further Information:

 

Ed Berry/ Tom Willetts                                               +44 (0)20 7269 7297/ 7175

FTI Consulting

 

Andrew Maiden                                                           +44 (0) 1481 745368

JZ Capital Partners

 

David Zalaznick                                                           +1 212 572 0800

Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc.

 

About JZCP

JZCP is a London and Channel Islands listed private equity fund which invests in high quality US and European micro-cap companies. Its objective is to achieve a superior overall return comprised of a current yield and significant capital appreciation. JZCP receives investment advice from Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc ("JZAI") which is led by David Zalaznick and Jay Jordan. They have worked together for 30 years and are supported by teams of investment professionals in New York, Chicago, London and Madrid. JZAI's experts work with the existing management of micro cap companies to help build better businesses, create value and deliver strong returns to our investors. JZCP also invests in mezzanine loans, first and second lien investments and other publicly traded securities. For more information please visit www.jzcp.com

 

Chairman's Statement

 

I am pleased to report the results of JZ Capital Partners Limited ("JZCP" or the "Company") for the six-month period ended 31 August 2013.

 

Performance

It has been another steady performance from the underlying portfolio during the first six months of the year, a period that has been characterised by continued economic uncertainty amidst early signs of recovery in the US and Eurozone.

Central bank stimulus programmes heralded a strong rally during the first two months of the year as investors increased their appetite for risk. However, the strong gains in equity markets were partially offset by increased volatility in Europe due to the expected tapering of these programmes and the continued weakness of European economies.

However, the nascent recovery in the US has been reflected in the more steady performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and equity markets across Europe have also held steady as the Eurozone emerged from an 18 month recession during the second quarter.

Against this uneven economic background, the underlying investments in the core portfolio performed well. The Company's NAV grew 1.9% from US$9.69 to US$9.87 at the end of the period and total NAV return (NAV appreciation and reinvested dividends) rose 3.4%. This marks the 17th quarter of positive NAV growth out of the last 18 quarterly periods. The Company continues to provide solid long-term shareholder return performance of 78.5% over the three years to 31 August 2013, compared to 57.4% from the Russell 1000 and 22.7% from the FTSE 100.

Portfolio Update

Following the heightened level of investment activity during the second half of last year, JZAI, our Investment Adviser and Manager, has focused on improving the performance and operational efficiency of existing assets in the core US micro cap portfolio. This has been complemented by three investments in the European micro cap portfolio and a small number of realizations. 


Micro cap investments remain the Company's strategic focus. Micro cap acquisitions and investments during the period totalled US$25.6 million and at the end of the period the core portfolio comprised 38 companies operating in six industries.

The Board is pleased that during the period both private investments and the quoted values of its listed investments have increased in the US and Europe. While the value of our private investments rose 1%, the largest contribution to NAV growth came from Factor Energia, the Spanish energy reseller, which contributed 14 cents per share. The gains of this company and others were partially offset by decreases across a small number of portfolio businesses including Xacom, the telecoms provider (4 cents).

The Company's NAV growth is testament to the portfolio's increased geographical diversification. European investments now constitute 18.5% of investments and now include six companies in Spain which are operating well despite the country's difficult economic conditions. During the period, the Company acquired 52.5% in One World Packaging, a Spanish manufacturer of pulp-based biodegradable food trays.

 

The Board was also pleased that JZCP extended the focus of the European portfolio to the UK with a co-investment in Winn Group, a successful UK legal services firm and claims management business, and to Germany with an investment in Fidor Bank AG, an innovative and fast growing online German bank. The Company continues to explore attractive investment opportunities in Europe through its investment in the EuroMicrocap Fund.

 

JZCP has also continued its strategy of investing in retail and residential property interests in New York to create additional value for shareholders. The Company invested US$22.5 million in the acquisition of four additional retail and residential properties in rapidly growing districts to bring the total number of properties in the portfolio to seven. In addition to capital appreciation, the projected long-term cash flows generated by this portfolio will help support our dividend policy, which is to distribute an amount equal to 3 per cent of NAV, annually.

The Company's only gearing is through its zero dividend preference shares. The Board will from 2014 have the Company's portfolio managed to ensure there is sufficient cash available to repay the ZDPS in absence of any other refinancing proposal prior to the June 2016 redemption date. To help with this, a modest proportion of the portfolio is already invested in gilts.

Distributions

In accordance with our stated policy to distribute annually an amount equal to 3 per cent of NAV, the Directors have declared an Interim Dividend of 14.5 cents per share for the six months ended 31 August 2013, compared to 14.0 cents for the period ended 31 August 2012. This implies an annualised yield as at 31 August 2013 of 3.95%.

Board

On behalf of all of the JZCP's Directors, I look forward to welcoming Chris Waldron, who we have invited to join the Board as a non-executive director.

 

Outlook

I am pleased with the progress the Company has made during the first half of the year amid the challenging economic environment.  The Board is encouraged by the healthy pipeline of attractive investments and the potential for significant value creation through improving the operational efficiency of the US portfolio. The Board believes the Company is well positioned to use its large cash reserves to take advantage of opportunities to acquire high quality companies at reasonable prices in both the US and Europe.

David Macfarlane

Chairman

15 October 2013

Directors' Responsibilities

 

Statement of Directors' Responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company for that period and which are in accordance with applicable laws and interim financial reporting standards. In preparing those Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements the Directors are required to:

 

·     Select suitable accountingpolicies and apply them consistently;

·     Present  information  including  accounting  policies,  in  a  manner  that  provides  relevant,  reliable,  comparable  and  understandable information;

·     Make judgements and estimates that are reasonableand prudent;

·     State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any materialdepartures disclosed and explainedin the Financial Statements; and

·     Prepare the financialstatements on the going concern basisunless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continuein business.

 

The Directorsconfirm that they have complied with these requirements in preparing the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, "Interim FinancialReporting" as adoptedby the European Union.

 

Responsibility Statement of the Directors in Respect of the FinancialStatements

 

Each of the Directors confirms to the best of each person's knowledge and belief that:

·     this set of Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the European Union;

·     the Condensed Interim Report and Consolidated Financial  Statements  includes  information  detailed  in  the  Chairman's  statement  and Investment Adviser's Report and Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements which provides a fair review of the information required by:

 

(i)      DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred for the period from 1 March 2013 to 31 August 2013 and their impact on the condensed set of interim consolidated financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year: and

 

(ii)     DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the period from 1 March 2013 to 31 August 2013 and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the Company during that period.

 

Going concern and principal risks and uncertainties

The Directors do not consider that the principal risks and uncertainties have changed since the publication of the annual report and accounts for the year ended 28 February 2013 (as explained within note 20 on pages 56-68 of the annual report). The Directors continue to monitor the risks to the Company. These risks include the Company's exposure to Euro and Sterling currencies and the impact of austerity measures being adopted in countries within which the Company invests.

The Directors consider the Company has adequate financial resources, in view of its holding in cash and cash equivalents and liquid investments, and the income streams deriving from its investments and believe that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks successfully to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis.

 

Approved by the Board of Directors and agreed on behalf of the Board on 15 October 2013.

 

 

 

David Macfarlane                                                                             Patrick Firth

                                                                                   

Investment Adviser's Report

Dear Fellow Shareholders

 

JZCP had an active investment period for the six months ending 31 August 2013, investing US$72.6 million, while realizing US$69.3million though the sale of a US micro cap business, and the refinancing of securities and mezzanine investments.

 

Even after deducting a 15 cent dividend, our NAV continued to grow and increased 1.9% from US$9.69 on 28 February 2013 to US$9.87 on 31 August 2013. The total NAV return (NAV appreciation and reinvested dividends) was 3.4% for the six months. We are pleased to report that JZCP has provided consistent NAV growth for 17 out of the past 18 quarters.

 

JZCP's financial position remains strong.  Our liquidity (cash on hand) as of 31 August 2013 was US$79.3 million or 12% of our NAV. In addition we have US$152.1 million of publicly traded securities, government securities, equities and bank debt on our balance sheet which is 24% of NAV. We have no outstanding debt and our only long term obligations are our Zero Dividend Preference shares which accrete to US$122.5 million due in June 2016.

 

Our micro cap portfolio is valued at 7.1x EBITDA after a 26% marketability discount.  The underlying leverage senior to JZCP's position in our US micro cap portfolio grew slightly to 2.0x EBITDA, as we financed US$25.2 million of debt for our ISS (Industrial Solutions) vertical by refinancing JZCP's investment with a senior credit facility.  Our European microcap portfolio is levered under 2.0x EBITDA.

 

As many of you know, one of the tenets of our investment strategy is to pay reasonable entry prices for our investments. The average purchase price for the US micro cap portfolio is 5.9x EBITDA, while the cash multiples paid for the European portfolio was 3.5x. Six of the eight European companies are in Spain; we expect outsized returns from these businesses to more than compensate for the increased risk in investing in a distressed economy of a major industrialized country.

 

Our NAV growth continues to be driven by our diversified micro cap portfolio.  In the U.S., we currently have 31 businesses across six different business sectors.  The addition of three microcap acquisitions in Europe brings the total to eight diverse businesses in Spain, Germany, and the U.K.  In addition, the principles of our investment strategy have been applied to building a real estate portfolio of residential and retail properties in the US. We are backing an experienced team to buy and redevelop properties in up-and-coming neighborhoods in Brooklyn, NY; early indications are that this portfolio will significantly contribute to NAV growth in the future.

 

Please remember that due to realizations in 2010-2012, 72% of our portfolio is less than three years old, while we have held only 8% for 3 - 5 years.

 

NAV Growth 

For the six months ending 31 August 2013, JZCP's net assets increased from US$9.69 per share to US$10.02, a 3.4% increase (before the 15 cent dividend paid in the period). The chart below shows the source of this change:

 

Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share as of 28 February 2013


US$9.69

- Change in Private Investments


     0.14

+ Change in Public Investments


     0.06

+ Income from Investments


       0.30

+ Escrows Received


       0.02

- ZDP Dividend Accrual


     (0.05)

- Fees and Expenses


     (0.12)

+/- Other


       (0.02)

Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share (Before Dividends)


  US$10.02

- Dividends Paid


     (0.15)

Net Asset Value per Ordinary Share as of 31 August 2013


    US$9.87

 

The 14 cent increase in the Private Investments is primarily due to increases in earnings in Factor Energia, our Spanish energy reseller (14 cents), Milestone Aviation, the helicopter leasing business (7 cents), Nationwide studios, the pre-school photography company (4 cents), and the increase in value of the first real estate property we purchased in early 2012 (3 cents).  In addition, NAV growth was aided by Grupo Ombuds, the Spanish personal security and facilities management business (2 cents), and Salter Laboratories, our disposable respiratory products business (2 cents).

 

These increases were offset by a 4 cent decrease in the NAV of Xacom, the Spanish telecom products business, as sales of new products have proved slower than expected.  We wrote down MEDS our healthcare eligibility company by 3 cents as the business has been harder to manage than planned.  Medicare's recently announced 41% decrease in the price of power wheelchairs has forced our power "legacy" wheelchair company, Hoveround, to once again retool, requiring a writedown of 4 cents. Finally, the value of one of compressor entities in our ISS (Industrial Services) vertical was reduced by 3 cents as a combination of management issues and a move to purchasing supplies on the internet has hurt margins.

 

A positive movement in Safety Insurance, our publicly-traded company, accounted primarily for the 6 cents increase in our Public Investments.

 

Returns

The chart below summarizes the NAV and total shareholder returns over the last three months, year and three years.

 



As of 31/8/2013


Since 31/5/2013


Since 28/2/2013


Since 31/8/2012


Since 31/8/2010























Share Price (in GBP)


£4.75


£4.89


£5.00


£3.52


£2.94

Dividends Paid (in US cents)


              -  


15.0¢


15.0¢


29.0¢


78.5¢

Total Shareholder Return


              -  


            (1.0%)


          (3.2%)


41.2%


78.5%












NAV / Share (in USD)


$9.87


$9.9


$9.69


$9.38


$7.44

NAV Total Returns


              -  


1.2%


3.4%


8.4%


43.2%












NAV to Market Price Discount


26%


25%


22%


41%


39%












Russell 1000


              -  


0.5%


8.1%


17.3%


57.4%

FTSE 100


              -  


            (2.6%)


0.8%


12.3%


22.7%

 

Despite our conservatively valued portfolio, the market continues to undervalue our assets, a recurring trend across much of the listed private equity sector.

 

Portfolio Summary

Below is a summary of JZCP's assets as of 31 August 2013 compared with the position as of 28 February 2013 fiscal year-end, six months ago.

 

(US$000's, except for number of investments)





Investments as of 31/8/2013


31/08/2013


28/02/2013


 Change  %

US Micro Cap Portfolio


32


299,477


342,567


      (12.6%)

European Investments


8


137,159


107,463


27.6%

Mezzanine Investments


3


3,713


11,294


      (67.1%)

Real Estate


7


57,820


30,860


85.8%

Other


5


10,780


11,080


        (3.3%)

Total Private Investments


55


$508,949


$503,264


1.0%












Listed Equity


2


58,716


55,069


6.6%

Bank Debt


1


11,769


11,690


0.7%

Listed Corporate Bonds


3


41,316


26,450


56.2%

Cash




79,324


102,740


      (22.8%)

UK Treasury Gilts




40,241


31,809


26.5%

Total Listed Investments (including cash)


6


$231,366


$227,758


1.6%












Total Investments and Cash


61


$740,315


$731,022


1.2%

 

US Micro Cap Portfolio

Following a very active investment period prior to this period, we have focused the past six months on ensuring the US microcap portfolio investments are running as effectively as possible. In our five verticals, for example, we added a significant amount of expenses and have spent a lot of time upgrading management, expanding sales forces and enhancing systems to position these businesses for their anticipated growth. 

 

In March 2013 we sold Horsburgh and Scott, one of our US micro cap investments that makes large diameter gears which we acquired in November 2007. Over time, we realized US$38.6 million on our US$21.8 million investment, for a 1.8x multiple of capital invested and a 13% IRR.  Given that we had been writing this investment up over time, there was a negligible effect on NAV.

 

We also refinanced US$26.4 million of JZCP-held investments in our ISS (Industrial Services) vertical with a senior debt facility. ISS's underlying businesses has experienced sufficient earnings growth, organically and through strategic acquisitions to achieve this partial realization.

 

European Investments

During the six months ending 31 August 2013 we added three new European micro cap investments which brings our total European portfolio to eight businesses. Please note that the descriptions below are for the entire Euro Micro Cap 2010, LP (EMC). JZCP owns 75% of EMC.  

 

One World Packaging is a Spanish business which manufactures disposable trays for the food service industry in Europe. Its proprietary product is unique in that outperforms plastic and is biodegradable. The Company plans to sell to large food manufacturers and distributors in European countries which value the environmentally sound and sustainable nature of its products. EMC purchased 70% of One World for €5.0m in April 2013 and will support the company's development. 

EMC has co-invested £9.5 million to acquire 36% of the Winn Group, a successful UK legal services firm specializing in personal injury cases and claims management.  It also provides replacement car hire, credit repair advice and medical treatment services. The Winn Group was founded in 2002 and employs nearly 300 people in Newcastle.  The Winn Group is well positioned to benefit from the rapid consolidation of the personal injury sector in the UK due to its efficient business model. EMC's investment will further enhance its strong growth trajectory. The Winn Group generated revenues of £40 million in the year to 31 March 2013.

 

EMC has also invested €7.7 million to acquire 25.2% of Fidor Bank AG, an innovative and fast growing online German bank. It was founded in 2003 and is one of the only banks in Europe to allow customers to transfer money through social media. It also provides deposit and savings accounts, foreign exchange transactions, a credit card and crowdfunding, which enables small businesses to secure finance from individual lenders. The bank's deposits in the year to 31 March 2013 have almost doubled and EMC's investment and experience will help Fidor Bank to expand globally. Fidor Bank currently has 200,000 customers and is listed on the Open Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

 

Other Assets

Our mezzanine portfolio continues to be realized, with the refinancing of US$7.9 million of HAAS TMC subordinated debt, at par. We are still holding PETCO stock that was a yield enhancement to a mezzanine investment, the debt of which was paid off.

 

JZCP's real estate portfolio has grown considerably with the purchase of financial interests in four new properties in up-and-coming sections of Brooklyn, New York.  We now own interests in seven properties in Brooklyn, via our investment in JZCP Realty.  Our real estate partner is RedSky Capital, an experienced team who invests, develops and operates properties in increasingly sought after areas of Brooklyn.All of these locations have several things in common. We bought these properties in neighborhoods with strong demographics for what we believe are very reasonable prices. They have the potential to create significant value following redevelopment and retenanting.

 

The first is essentially a square block on Bedford Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn which is a major retail area.  JZCP's investment for this property was US$14.9 million.  This is both a retail and residential property and has begun to sign leases with new tenants. Construction will begin shortly on its renovation.

 

JZCP also invested US$3.5 million in a freestanding building just across the street from the new Barclays Center and a major railroad terminal.  This will be a retail property leased by one tenant, most likely sports related.

 

The third investment is on the Fulton Mall, the third most trafficked retail street in New York City.  JZCP invested US$14.5 million for three buildings which will be combined when fully developed into a retail and residential building. 

 

JZCP invested $14.3 million in three properties on Flatbush Avenue, for both retail and residential use.  Near the Barclays Center, these properties are well situated to take advantage of the influx of higher-end shoppers and residents.

 

Finally, JZCP invested US$8.2 million for a property on Driggs Avenue, which is adjacent to our Bedford Street property.  This will be a mixed use property and will take advantage of the influx of "Manhattanites" looking for better value than in Manhattan, yet with the energy and excitement of Williamsburg.

 

We also have deposits on several other Brooklyn properties under letter of intent and are proceeding with due diligence.

 

 

 

Balance Sheet

 

Below is a summary of our balance sheet:

 

(US$000's)






31/08/2013


 28/2/2013

Cash






79,324


102,740

UK Treasury Gilts






40,241


31,809

Listed Equity






58,715


55,069

Listed Corporate Bonds






41,316


26,450

Bank Debt






11,767


11,690

Private Investments






508,952


503,264

Other Assets






550


552

Total Assets






$740,865


$731,574

 - Liabilities






       (4,048)


     (11,553)

 - Zero Dividend Preferred Shares






     (95,156)


     (89,839)

Net Asset Value






$641,661


$630,182










 

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

As an investment fund, our principal risks are those that are associated with our investment portfolio. Given the nature of the portfolio, the principal risks are associated with the financial and operating performance of the underlying investments, along with market risk associated with the publicly listed equities.

 

Outlook

We are value oriented investors and pursue opportunities where we can invest at below market multiples. Our returns are a combination of growth in the underlying business and the multiple expansions on exit - that has been the case historically and we think will continue to be what drives our NAV.

 

We believe JZCP's strong balance sheet will enable us to take advantage of investment opportunities.  We have a robust pipeline and look forward to the second half of this fiscal year, putting your (and our) money to work in a diverse portfolio of reasonably priced assets.

 

As always, thank you for your confidence in our investment strategy.  Please feel free to contact us with any ideas that might be beneficial to JZCP.

Yours faithfully,

 

Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc.

 

15 October 2013

 

Valuation Policy

 

Principles of valuation

In valuing investments in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, the Directors follow a number of general principles as detailed in the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Association ("IPEVCA") guidelines.

 

Investments are valued according to one of the following methods:

 

i)

Mezzanine loans


Investments are generally valued at amortised cost except where there is deemed to be impairment in value which indicates that a provision should be made. Mezzanine loans are classified in the Statement of Financial Position as loans and receivables and are accounted for at amortised cost using the effective interest method less accumulated impairment allowances in accordance with IFRS.

 





The Company assesses at each reporting date whether a financial asset or group of financial assets classified as loans and receivables is impaired. Evidence of impairment may include indications that the debtor or a group of debtors is experiencing significant financial difficulty, default or delinquency in interest or principal payments, the probability that they will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation and where observable data indicates that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows, such as changes in arrears or economic conditions that correlate with defaults. If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the net present value of expected cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.


ii)

Unquoted preferred shares, micro cap loans, unquoted equities and equity related securities




Unquoted preferred shares, micro cap loans, unquoted equities and equity related securities investments are classified in the Statement of Financial Position as Investments at fair value through profit or loss. These investments are typically valued by reference to their enterprise value, which is generally calculated by applying an appropriate multiple to the last twelve months' earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA").  In determining the multiple, the Directors consider inter alia, where practical, the multiples used in recent transactions in comparable unquoted companies, previous valuation multiples used and where appropriate, multiples of comparable publicly traded companies.  In accordance with IPEVCA guidelines, a marketability discount is applied which reflects the discount that in the opinion of the Directors, market participants would apply in a transaction in the investment in question.

 



In respect of unquoted preferred shares and micro cap loans the Company values these investments by reference to the attributable enterprise value as the exit strategy in respect to these investments would be a one tranche disposal together with the equity component. The fair value of the investment is determined by reference to the attributable enterprise value (this is calculated by a multiple of EBITDA reduced by senior debt and marketability discount) covering the aggregate of the unquoted equity, unquoted preferred shares and debt instruments invested in the underlying company. The increase of the fair value of the aggregate investment is reflected through the unquoted equity component of the investment and a decrease in the fair value is reflected across all financial instruments invested in an underlying company.



(iii)

Traded loans


Traded loans including first and second lien term securities are valued by reference to the last recent indicative bid price from recognised market makers. These investments are classified in the Statement of Financial Position as Investments at fair value through profit or loss.




(iv)

Listed investments


Listed investments are valued at the last quoted bid price. These investments are classified in the Statement of Financial Position as Investments at fair value through profit or loss.

 

 

Investment Portfolio






















Carrying Value











Directors


Including







JZCP


Historical


Valuation at


Accrued Interest







Book


Book


31 August


31 August


Percentage of portfolio




cost*


cost**


2013


2013



Company


US$'000


US$'000


US$'000


US$'000



%















US Micro Cap Portfolio


























US Micro Cap Verticals


























Industrial Service Solutions













BAY VALVE SERVICES                                      Provider of industrial valve services and repair throughout the Western U.S. Bay Valve is a subsidiary of ISS #2, part of Industrial Services business


       11,257


        11,257


        11,327


          11,610



1.8


ISS COMPRESSORS INDUSTRIES, INC.          Acquiror of industrial air compressor services and repair companies. ISS Compressors Industries, Inc., which owns Worthington Compressor (combination of Southern Parts & Engineering Company and Gator Compressor) and National Compressors, is a subsidiary of ISS #2, part of Industrial Services business


         6,902


          6,902


          3,517


           3,610



0.5


MADISON SMITH MACHINE & TOOL COMPANY
Provider of industrial motor services and repair services to manufacturing plants operating in a variety of end markets


         4,776


          4,776


          5,906


           6,035



0.9


ISS MOTORS INDUSTRIES, INC.
Acquiror of industrial motor services and repair companies. ISS Motors Industries, Inc., which owns Pennsylvania Electric Motor Services and RAM Industrial Services, Inc., is a subsidiary of Industrial Service Solutions


         6,182


          6,182


          6,228


           6,385



1.0















Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management













MEDS HOLDINGS, INC.
An outsourced provider of patient benefit eligibility, enrollment and revenue recovery services to hospitals and health systems. Meds Holdings is a subsidiary of Bolder Healthcare Solutions, LLC


       13,289


        13,289


        11,785


          12,207



1.8















Sensors Solutions













AMPTEK, INC.
Designer and manufacturer of instrumentation used in numerous non-destructive testing and elemental analysis applications. Amptek, Inc. is a subsidiary of Sensors Solutions Holdings                                       


       13,908


        13,908


        20,845


          21,560



3.1


NIELSEN-KELLERMAN
Designer and manufacturer of weather, wind and timing measurement instruments and devices. Nielsen-Kellerman is a subsidiary of Sensors Solutions Holdings


         2,614


          2,614


          4,169


           4,382



0.7















Testing Services













ACCUTEST HOLDINGS, INC.                               Provision of environmental testing laboratories to the US market


       36,978


        33,517


        27,398


          29,593



4.5


ARGUS GROUP HOLDINGS
Sells, rents and services safety and testing equipment to a variety of industries. Argus Group Holdings is a subsidiary of Testing Services Holdings


         8,381


          8,381


          8,588


           8,953



1.4


GALSON LABORATORIES
Provider of analytical air testing services as well as industrial hygiene rental equipment. Galson Laboratories is a subsidiary of Testing Services Holdings


         2,672


          2,672


          9,737


           9,963



1.5















Water Services













TWH INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRIES, INC. Environmental infrastructure company that provides technology to facilitate repair of underground pipes and other infrastructure. TWH Infrastructure Industries, Inc., which owns LMK Enterprises and Perma-Liner Industries, is a subsidiary of Triwater Holdings


       15,617


        15,617


        16,292


          16,870



2.6


TWH WATER TREATMENT INDUSTRIES, INC. Provider of water treatment supplies and services. TWH Water Treatment Industries, Inc., which owns Nashville Chemical & Equipment and Klenzoid Canada Company / Eldon Water, Inc., is a subsidiary of Triwater Holdings


       18,437


        18,437


        21,387


          22,182



3.4




























Total US Micro Cap Verticals


141,013


 137,552


147,179


  153,350



23.2















US Micro Cap Co-investments













JUSTRITE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
A manufacturer of industrial safety products


         4,428


          4,428


          5,977


           6,215



0.9


MEDPLAST/UPG HOLDINGS                              Manufacturer of plastic medical components


       17,344


        17,344


        18,017


          18,642



2.8


MILESTONE AVIATION GROUP, INC.
Finance provider for helicopter and private jet owners


       15,138


        15,138


        21,667


          22,676



3.4


NEW VITALITY HOLDINGS, INC.
Direct-to-consumer provider of nutritional supplements and personal care products


         3,280


          3,280


          7,944


           8,169



1.3


PC HELPS SUPPORT LLC
Provider of outsourced IT support and training services


         9,020


          9,020


          9,280


           9,837



1.5


SALTER LABS, INC.
Developer and manufacturer of respiratory medical products and equipment for the homecare, hospital, and sleep disorder markets   


       19,163


        19,163


        14,473


          15,254



2.3


SUZO HAPP GROUP                                         Designer, manufacturer and distributor of components for the global gaming, amusement and industrial markets


         5,509


          5,509


          5,509


           5,509



0.8






























 73,882


   73,882


   82,867


    86,302



13.0















US Micro Cap Other













ISS#1, LLC
Manufacturer of industrial gears


              31


              31


              31


                31



0.0


CHINA DENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.                          Acquiror of China-based dental laboratories                                                                         


         1,377


          1,377


          1,648


           1,757



0.3


DENTAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION
Operator of dental laboratories


       34,454


        28,691


        27,367


          28,522



4.3


ETX HOLDINGS, INC. ***                                       Provider of services to the auto after sales market


            392


             392


             688


              721



0.1


HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS HOLDINGS, INC.***    Designer and manufacturer of motorised vehicles


         9,442


        17,637


        16,913


          17,805



2.7


NATIONWIDE STUDIOS, INC.                          Processer of digital photos for preschoolers


       16,132


        16,132


          8,722


           9,016



1.4


NTT ACQUISITION CORP.***
Technical education and training


              -  


             894


               -  


                -  



0.0


US LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS, LLC
A
cquiror of food product manufacturers or distributors


            945


             945


          1,116


           1,190



0.2


TIGER INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC.***
Provider of temporary staff and computer training


            300


             400


             300


              300



0.0


US SANITATION, LLC
Acquiror of janitorial and sanitorial product distributors and related chemical manufacturers and blenders


            425


             425


             455


              483



0.1









































Total US Micro Cap Other


  63,498


   66,924


57,240


59,825



9.1









































Total US Micro Cap Portfolio


278,393


 278,358


287,286


   299,477



45.3















European Micro Cap Portfolio













EUROMICROCAP FUND 2010, LP
Acquiror of Europe-based micro cap companies


       82,228


        82,228


      113,297


        113,297



17.2


DOCOUT, S.L.                                                     Provider of digitalisation, document processing and storage services


         2,777


          2,777


          2,650


           2,962



0.4


GRUPO OMBUDS                                               Provider of personal security and asset protection


       16,770


        16,770


        15,920


          18,551



2.8


ORO DIRECT                             
Buyer and seller of precious metals


         1,275


          1,275


          1,319


           1,537



0.2


XACOM COMUNICACIONES SL                                                            Supplier of telecom products and technologies


            780


             780


             791


              812



0.1




























Total European Micro Cap Portfolio


103,830


 103,830


 133,977


   137,159



20.7















Mezzanine Portfolio













GED HOLDINGS, INC.                                    Manufacturer of windows


              -  


          6,100


             305


              305



0.0


METPAR INDUSTRIES, INC.                              Manufacturer of restroom partitions


         6,454


          7,754


             716


              750



0.1


PETCO ANIMAL SUPPLIES, INC.
Retailer of pet food, supplies and services


         1,237


          1,237


          2,658


           2,658



0.4




























Total Mezzanine Porfolio


    7,691


   15,091


    3,679


      3,713



0.5















Bank Debt: Second Lien Portfolio













DEKKO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Distributor of electrical sub-components


       11,418


        11,368


        11,660


          11,769



1.8




























Total Bank Debt


  11,418


   11,368


   11,660


    11,769



1.8















Listed Investments













Equities













SAFETY INSURANCE GROUP, INC.****
Provider of automobile insurance


       42,223


          6,816


        58,007


          58,007



8.8


UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.****
Vocational training in the automotive and marine fields


            835


              15


             709


              709



0.1




























Total Listed Equity Investments


  43,058


    6,831


  58,716


    58,716



8.9




























UK Gilts













UK treasury 2% - maturity 22.01.2016


       40,732


        40,732


        40,156


          40,241



6.1




























Total UK Gilts


  40,732


  40,732


  40,156


    40,241



6.1















Corporate Bonds













HSBC Finance Corp, 15.01.2014


         4,868


          4,868


          5,001


           5,004



0.8


JP Morgan Chase Bank NA, 30.05.2017


 22,028


  22,028


  21,971


          21,972



3.3


ING Bank NA, 03.07.2017


       14,445


        14,445


        14,316


          14,340



2.2




























Total Corporate Bonds


  41,341


   41,341


   41,288


    41,316



6.3















Real Estate













JZCP REALTY ***

Facilitates JZCP's investment in US real estate


       55,181


        55,181


        57,325


          57,820



8.8




























Total Real Estate Investments


  55,181


   55,181


   57,325


57,820



8.8















Other













BSM ENGENHARIA S.A.
Brazilian-based provider of supply chain logistics, infrastructure services and equipment rental

   6,115


    6,115


   4,650


      4,650



0.7


CONSTITUENT CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
Asset management company that primarily manages smaller endowments and pension funds

         2,667


          2,667


          2,667


           2,667



0.4


JZ INTERNATIONAL, LLC****
Fund of European LBO investments


         1,620


             660


          1,620


           1,620



0.2


JZ PALATINE CO-INVESTMENT, LLC
Invests in distressed debt


         1,843


          1,843


          1,843


           1,843



0.3




























Total Other


  12,245


   11,285


   10,780


    10,780



1.6









































Total - Portfolio


667,771


 637,899


 644,867


   660,991



     100















Zero Dividend Preference shares






 


(95,156)


















Cash and other net assets








          75,826












































Net assets attributable to Ordinary shares






   641,661































 

* Book cost to JZCP equating to transfer value as at 1 July 2008 upon the liquidation of JZEP and adjusted for subsequent transactions. The book cost excludes the transfer value and subsequent Payment In Kind ("PIK") investments.

**Original book cost incurred by JZEP/JZCP adjusted for subsequent transactions. The book cost represents cash outflows and excludes PIK investments.

*** JZCP owns 100% of the shares and voting rights of JZCP Realty Fund, Ltd.  The Condensed Interim Financial Statements include the results of JZCP Realty Fund, Ltd.

**** Legacy Investments. Legacy investments are excluded from the calculation of capital and income incentive fees.

 

Mezzanine Portfolio includes common stock with a carrying value of US$2,713,000 these investments are classified as Investments at fair value through profit or loss.

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the Period from 1 March 2013 to 31 August 2013

 


Six month period from 1 March 2013 to 31 August 2013

Six month period from 1 March 2012 to 31 August 2012



Revenue

Capital


Total

Revenue

Capital


Total



return

return



return

return




Notes

US$'000

US$'000


US$'000

US$'000

US$'000


US$'000











Income




















Net gain on investments at fair value through profit or loss

      5

            -

     7,546


          7,546

              -

     2,653


        2,653











(Net impairment)/net write back of impairments on loans and receivables

      6

            -

        (25)


             (25)

              -

        597


           597











Share of associate's net income/(expense)

    11

            -

     5,930


          5,930

              -

    (2,443)


       (2,443)











Realisations from investments held in escrow accounts


            -

     1,265


          1,265

              -

     2,145


        2,145











Net foreign currency exchange (losses)/gains


            -

    (2,093)


         (2,093)

              -

        345


           345











Investment income

      7

    20,161

            -


        20,161

     19,882

            -


       19,882











Bank and deposit interest


        105

            -


            105

         187

            -


           187























   20,266

   12,623


       32,889

    20,069

    3,297


      23,366











Expenses










Investment Adviser's base fee

      9

(5,574)

            -


         (5,574)

(5,323)

            -


       (5,323)

Investment Adviser's capital incentive fee

      9

            -

(807)


           (807)

              -

(4,966)


       (4,966)

Administrative expenses

      9

(1,322)

            -


         (1,322)

(1,285)

            -


       (1,285)

Share class restructuring costs

      9

            -

            -


                 -

              -

    (1,608)


       (1,608)























(6,896)

(807)


(7,703)

(6,608)

(6,574)


(13,182)











Operating profit/(loss)


13,370

11,816


25,186

13,461

(3,277)


10,184











Finance costs










Finance costs in respect of Zero Dividend Preference shares

      8

            -

(3,528)


         (3,528)

              -

(3,410)


       (3,410)





















Profit/(loss) before taxation


13,370

8,288


21,658

13,461

(6,687)


6,774











Withholding taxes

    10

(426)

            -


(426)

(644)

            -


(644)































Profit/(loss) for the period


12,944

8,288


21,232

12,817

(6,687)


6,130































Weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue during period

    13



65,018,607



65,018,607











Basic and diluted profit/(loss) per Ordinary share using the weighted average number of Ordinary shares in issue during the period


19.91c

12.75c


32.66c

19.71c

(10.28)c


9.43c

 

All items in the above statement are derived from continuing operations.

The profit for the period is attributable to the Ordinary shareholders of the Company.

The format of the Income Statement follows the recommendations of the AIC Statement of Recommended Practice.

The "Total" column of this statement represents the Company's Unaudited  Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, prepared in accordance with IFRS.

There was no comprehensive income other than the profit for the year.

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at31 August 2013




31 August


28 February




2013


2013


 Notes


US$'000


US$'000







Assets






Non-current assets






Investments at fair value through profit or loss

 11


        546,694


       531,950

Investment in associate

 11


        113,297


         87,567

Investments classified as loans and receivables

 11


            1,000


           8,765




        660,991


       628,282







Current assets






Cash, cash equivalents and cash held on deposit



          79,324


       102,740

Other receivables



               550


              552




          79,874


       103,292







Total assets



        740,865


       731,574







Liabilities






Current liabilities






Other payables



            4,048


         11,553

Non-current liabilities






Zero Dividend Preference shares

 12


          95,156


         89,839

Total liabilities



          99,204


       101,392







Equity






Stated capital account



        149,269


       149,269

Distributable reserve



        353,528


       353,528

Capital reserve



          58,800


         50,512

Revenue reserve



          80,064


         76,873







Total equity



        641,661


       630,182




 


 

Total liabilities and equity



        740,865


       731,574













Number of Ordinary shares in issue at year end

 13


    65,018,607


   65,018,607







Net asset value per Ordinary share



US$ 9.87


US$ 9.69

 

These unaudited consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 15 October 2013. They were signed on its behalf by:

 

David Macfarlane

Patrick Firth



 

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 

For the Period from 1 March 2013 to 31 August 2013

 



Share













Capital


Distributable


Capital Reserve


Revenue





Account


Reserve


Realised


Unrealised


Reserve


Total


Notes

US$'000


US$'000


US$'000


US$'000


US$'000


US$'000














Balance as at 1 March 2013

149,269


353,528


92,834


(42,322)


76,873


630,182



























Profit for the period

            -


              -


4,220


4,068


12,944


21,232



























Dividends paid

22

            -


              -


          -


            -


   (9,753)


    (9,753)





















































Balance at 31 August 2013

149,269


353,528


97,054


(38,254)


80,064


641,661














 

 

Comparative for the period from 1 March 2012 to 31 August 2012


Share












Capital


Distributable


Capital Reserve


Revenue




Account


Reserve


Realised


Unrealised


Reserve


Total


US$'000


US$'000


US$'000


US$'000


US$'000


US$'000













Balance at 1 March 2012

149,269


    353,528


  68,107


   (26,332)


  70,890


615,462













Profit/(loss) for the period

            -


              -


   7,505


   (14,192)


12,817


6,130













Dividends paid

            -


              -


          -


            -


 (12,027)


  (12,027)





































Balance at 31 August 2012

  149,269


    353,528


  75,612


   (40,524)


  71,680


 609,565













 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the Period from 1 March 2013 to 31 August 2013

 




Six month period from 1 March 2013 to 31 August 2013


Six month period from 1 March 2012 to 31 August 2012











Notes

US$'000


US$'000







Operating activities











Net cash outflow from operating activities

17

                 (6,382)


(4,764)







Cash outflow for purchase of investments


(64,005)


(119,624)







Cash outflow for capital calls by the EuroMicrocap Fund 2010, LP


(19,800)


                (13,275)













Cash outflow for purchase of corporate bonds/UK gilts


(22,747)


(57,288)







Cash outflow for fixed deposits and money market funds


                       -  


                (18,259)







Cash inflow from repayment and disposal of investments


99,271


68,136







Cash inflow for fixed deposits and money market funds


                       -  


                 10,841



















Net cash outflow before financing activities


               (13,663)


            (134,233)







Financing activity











Dividends paid to shareholders


(9,753)


(12,027)







Net cash outflow from financing activities


                 (9,753)


              (12,027)







Decrease in cash and cash equivalents


               (23,416)


            (146,260)













Reconciliation of net cash flow to movements in cash and cash equivalents



Cash and cash equivalents at 1 March


102,740


194,513

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents as above


               (23,416)


              (146,260)







Cash and cash equivalents at period end


79,324


48,253







Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1.  General Information

JZ Capital Partners Limited (the "Company") is a Guernsey domiciled closed-ended investment company which was incorporated in Guernsey on 14 April 2008 under The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 1994. The Company is now subject to The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. The Company's Share Capital consists of Ordinary shares and Zero Dividend Preference ("ZDP") shares. The Ordinary shares and ZDP shares were admitted  to trading on the London Stock Exchange's Specialist Fund Market ("SFM") and were admitted to listing on the Channel Islands Stock Exchange ("CISX") on 31 July 2012.

 

The Company was granted consent on 8 May 2008 by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission under The Control of Borrowing (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Ordinance,1959 to raise up to £300,000,000 by the issue of shares.

 

The Company is classed as an authorised fund under The Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 1987.

 

The Company's corporate objective is to create a portfolio of investments in businesses primarily in the United States, providing a superior overall return comprised of a current yield and significant capital appreciation. The Company's present strategies include investments in micro cap buyouts, mezzanine loans (sometimes with equity participations) and high yield securities, senior secured debt and second lien loans, real estate and other debt and equity opportunities, including distressed debt and structured financings, derivatives and opportunistic purchase of publicly traded securities.

 

The Company has no direct employees. For its services the Investment Adviser receives a management fee and is also entitled to performance related fees (note 9). The Company has no ownership interest in the Investment Adviser. During the period under review the Company was administered by Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited. Prior to 1 September 2012 the Company was administered by Butterfield Fulcrum Group (Guernsey) Limited (note 9).

 

The financial statements are presented in US$'000 except where otherwise indicated.

 

2.  Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been consistently applied during the period, unless otherwise stated.

 

Statement of Compliance

The Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the period 1 March 2013 to 31 August 2013 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the EU, together with applicable legal and regulatory requirements of Guernsey Law and the Listing Rules of the CISX and SFM. The Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements do not include all the information and disclosure required in the annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the annual report and audited financial statements at 28 February 2013.

 

Basis of Preparation

The Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost or amortised cost basis, modified by the revaluation of certain financial instruments designated at Fair value through Profit or Loss upon initial recognition. The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements are consistent with the accounting policies stated in note 2 of the annual financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2013, with the exception noted in the prior period presentation note  below and for the adoption of the new standards and interpretations effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013 which had no impact on the financial position or performance of the Company.

 

- IAS 34 - Interim Financial Reporting (amendments) - (effective 1 January, 2013)

- IFRS 13 - Fair Value Measurement - (effective 1 January, 2013)

 

IFRS 13 establishes a single source of guidance under IFRS for all fair value measurements. IFRS 13 does not change when an entity is required to use fair value, but rather provides guidance on how to measure fair value under IFRS when fair value is required or permitted. IFRS 13 also requires specific disclosures on fair values, some of which replace existing disclosure requirements, thereby affecting the Interim Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements. The Company provides these disclosures in Note 14.

 

The preparation of condensed interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with IAS 34, "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the EU, requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Basis of Consolidation

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and JZCP Realty Fund, Ltd a Cayman Islands company.  JZCP Realty Fund, Ltd was incorporated with the purpose of facilitating the purchase of the Company's real estate investments.  The Company owns 100% of the share capital of JZCP Realty Fund, Ltd.

 

Prior Period Presentation

As stated above, the condensed interim consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of JZCP Realty Fund, Ltd.  In the previous financial reporting year, JZ Realty Fund, Ltd  was accounted for as an investment at fair value through profit or loss on the Statement of Financial Position and movements in fair value were accounted for as net gains on investments at fair value through profit or loss in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Had JZCP Realty Fund, Ltd been accounted for on a consolidated basis, the following line items on the Statement of Comprehensive Income would have been affected:

                                                                                                            US$000's

Investment income



297

Administrative expenses


(115)

Net gain on investments at fair value through profit or loss

182

 

In the opinion of the Directors there would have been no overall impact in the prior period financial statements.

 

3.  Segment information

The Investment Manager is responsible for allocating resources available to the Company in accordance with the overall business strategies as set out in the Investment Guidelines of the Company. The Company has been organised into the following segments:

 

• Portfolio of US micro cap investments

• Portfolio of European micro cap investments

• Portfolio of Mezzanine investments

• Portfolio of Bank debt

• Portfolio of Listed investments

• Portfolio of Real Estate investments

• Portfolio of Other investments

The investment objective of each segment is to achieve consistent medium-term returns from the investments in each segment while safeguarding capital by investing in a diversified portfolio.

 

For the period from 1 March 2013 to 31 August 2013

 




Micro Cap

Micro Cap

Mezzanine

Bank

Listed

Real

Other

Total




US

European

Portfolio

Debt

Investments

Estate

Investments





US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000












Interest revenue


     15,950

         987

       163

        658

              -

        495

             -

     18,253

Dividend revenue



             -

             -

            -

            -

       1,402

            -

             -

       1,402

Net gain/(loss) on investments at fair value through profit or loss


1,143

1,140

       184

            -

       3,646

     2,143

(800)

       7,456

Share of associate's net expense


             -

      5,930

            -

            -

              -

            -

             -

       5,930

Net write back of impairments on loans and receivables

             -

             -

        (25)

            -

              -

            -

             -

          (25)

Investment Adviser's base fee

(2,252)

(1,031)

(28)

(89)

(1,059)

(435)

(84)

      (4,978)

Investment Adviser's capital incentive fee1

(807)

             -

            -

            -

              -

            -

             -

        (807)












Total segmental operating profit

     14,034

      7,026

       294

        569

       3,989

     2,203

     (884)

     27,231












 

For the period from 1 March 2012 to 31 August 2012

 




Micro Cap

Micro Cap

Mezzanine

Bank

Listed

Real

Other

Total




US

European

Portfolio

Debt

Investments

Estate

Investments





US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000












Interest revenue



     13,396

         665

     1,670

     1,415

              -

            -

             -

     17,146

Dividend revenue



             -

             -

            -

            -

       2,148

            -

             -

       2,148

Net gain/(loss) on investments at fair value through profit or loss


     (2,212)

        (881)

         67

        562

3,438

            -

        (745)

         229

Share of associate's net income


             -

     (2,443)

            -

            -

              -

            -

             -

      (2,443)

Net write back of impairments on loans and receivables

             -

             -

597

            -

              -

            -

             -

         597

Investment Adviser's base fee

     (2,180)

        (748)

      (194)

       (243)

         (492)

       (157)

          (66)

      (4,080)

Investment Adviser's capital incentive fee1

        (303)

             -

      (651)

            -

      (3,928)

            -

             -

      (4,882)












Total segmental operating profit

      8,701

     (3,407)

     1,489

     1,734

       1,166

       (157)

        (811)

       8,715












 

1The capital incentive fee is allocated across segments where a realised or unrealised gain or loss has occurred. Segments with realised or unrealised losses are allocated a credit pro rata to the size of the loss and segments with realised or unrealised gains are allocated a charge pro rata to the size of the gain.

 

At 31 August 2013

 



Micro Cap

Micro Cap

Mezzanine

Bank

Listed

Real

Other

Total



US

European

Portfolio

Debt

Investments

Estate

Investments




US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

Investments at fair value through profit or loss

299,477

     23,862

2,713

11,769

58,716

    57,820

10,780

465,137

Investments classified as loans and receivables

             -

             -

1,000

            -

              -

            -

             -

1,000

Investment in associate

             -

113,297

            -

            -

              -

            -

             -

113,297

Other receivables


             -

             -

            -

            -

          486

            -

             -

         486

Other payables and accrued expenses

     (1,443)

        (291)

          (8)

        (25)

      (1,303)

       (123)

          (24)

      (3,217)





















Total segmental net assets

298,034

136,868

3,705

11,744

57,899

57,697

10,756

576,703











 

 

At 28 February 2013

 



Micro Cap

Micro Cap

Mezzanine

Bank

Listed

Real

Other

Total



US

European

Portfolio

Debt

Investments

Estate

Investments




US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

Investments at fair value through profit or loss

342,566

19,896

2,530

11,690

55,069

    30,860

11,080

473,691

Investments classified as loans and receivables

             -

             -

8,765

            -

              -

            -

             -

8,765

Investment in associate

             -

87,567

            -

            -

              -

            -

             -

87,567

Other receivables


             -

             -

            -

            -

          486

            -

             -

486

Other payables and accrued expenses

     (1,664)

(105)

      (823)

        (11)

      (7,338)

            -

             -

(9,941)





















Total segmental net assets

340,902

107,358

10,472

11,679

48,217

30,860

11,080

560,568











 

Certain income and expenditure is not considered part of the performance of an individual segment. This includes net foreign exchange gains, interest on cash, finance costs, custodian and administration fees, directors' fees and other general expenses.

 

The following table provides a reconciliation between net reportable segment income and operating profits.

 











Period ended


Period ended











31/08/2013


31/08/2012











US$ '000


US$ '000














Net reportable segment profit








    27,231


       8,715

Net gains on treasury gilts and corporate bonds



          89


       2,424

Realised gains on investments held in escrow accounts



     1,265


       2,145

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)








    (2,093)


         345

Interest on treasury gilts and corporate bonds





        506


         588

Interest on cash










        105


         187

Fees payable to investment adviser based on non segmental assets

       (596)


      (1,327)

Expenses not attributable to segments







    (1,321)


(1,285)

Share class restructuring costs








            -


      (1,608)














Operating profit







    25,186


     10,184














 

Other receivables and prepayments are not considered to be part of individual segment assets. Certain liabilities are not considered to be part of the net assets of an individual segment. These include custodian and administration fees payable, directors' fees payable and other payables and accrued expenses.

 

The following table provides a reconciliation between total net segment assets and total net assets.

 









31/08/2013



28/02/13









US$ '000



US$ '000













Total net segmental assets







  576,703



   560,568













Non segmental assets and liabilities:









Treasury gilts








    40,241



     31,809

Corporate bonds






    41,316



     26,450

Cash and cash equivalents







    79,324



   102,740

Other receivables and prepayments




          64



           66

Zero Dividend Preference Shares






  (95,156)



    (89,839)

Other payables and accrued expenses





       (831)



      (1,612)

























Total non segmental net assets






    64,958



     69,614

Total net assets








641,661



630,182

 

4. Critical Accounting Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

 

The following are the key assumptions and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year:

 

Fair value of investments at fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL")

Certain investments are classified as FVTPL, and valued accordingly, as disclosed in Note 2 of the annual financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2013 and the valuation policy. The key source of estimation uncertainty is on the valuation of unquoted equities and equity-related securities.

 

In reaching its valuation of the unquoted equities and equity-related securities the key judgements the Board have to make relate to the selection of the multiples and the discount factors used in the valuation models.

 

Loans and receivables

Certain investments are classified as Loans and Receivables, and valued accordingly, as disclosed in Note 2 of the annual financial statements for the year ending 28 February 2013 and the valuation policy. The key estimation is the impairment review and the key assumptions are as disclosed in Note 2.

 

Investment in associate

The policies applied in accounting for the Company's associate require significant judgement. Full details are disclosed in Note 2c of the annual statements for the year ended 28 February 2013.

 

5.  Net gains on investments at fair value through profit or loss

 




Period ended


Period ended




31/08/2013


31/08/2012




US$ '000


US$ '000







Net movement in unrealised gains/(losses) in the period

7,810


         1,038







Proceeds from investments realised



91,687


67,452

Proceeds from investments repaid



7,583


                -

Cost of investments realised



(88,079)


(52,810)

Cost of investments repaid



(7,584)


-

Realised gains (proceeds less cost to JZCP)



3,607


14,642







Total gains in prior periods now realised



(3,871)


(13,027)













Total realised (losses)/gains in the period



          (264)


         1,615



















Total gain on investments in the period



           7,546


         2,653







 

6.  Net write back of impairments/(impairments) on loans and receivables

 







Period ended


Period ended







31/08/2013


31/08/2012







US$ '000


US$ '000

Impairments on loans and receivables

(25)


            (87)

Proceeds from investments previously written off






                  -


684

Proceeds from investments repaid






7,583            


                -

Cost of investments repaid






         (7,583)


                -










Net realised gain






                  -


684










Net write back of impairments/(impairments) on loans and receivables




(25)


597










 

7. Investment income

 






Period ended


Period ended






31/08/2013


31/08/2012






US$ '000


US$ '000









Income from investments classified as FVTPL





19,998


18,221

Income from investments classified as loans and receivables



163


1,661






















20,161


19,882









Income for the period ended 31 August 2013



Preference Dividend

Loan note

Other


Dividends

PIK


Cash

PIK


Cash

Interest


US$ '000

US$ '000


US$ '000

US$ '000


US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000











US micro cap portfolio

               -

   7,025


    193

    4,668


     4,064

             -

European micro cap portfolio

                  -

             -


         -

           -


        987

                  -

Mezzanine portfolio

               -

          -


         -

         25


        138

            -

Bank debt

              -

          -


         -

           -


            -

        658

Listed investments

       1,402

         -


         -

           -


            -

            -

Treasury gilts and corporate bonds

                  -

             -


         -

           -


            -

              506

Real estate

              -

         -


         -

      495


            -

             -









                  

               


       1,402

   7,025


    193

    5,188


     5,189

     1,164











 

Income for the period ended 31 August 2012


Preference Dividend

Loan note

Other



Dividends

PIK

Cash

PIK

Cash

Interest

Total


US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000









US micro cap portfolio

              -

      6,124

         -

    3,956

  3,316

           -

 13,396

European micro cap portfolio

             -

             -

         -

           -

     665

            -

      665

Mezzanine portfolio

              -

             9

         -

       195

   1,466

            -

    1,670

Bank debt

              -

             -

         -

           -

            -

    1,415

   1,415

Listed investments

       2,148

             -

         -

           -

            -

           -

   2,148

Treasury gilts

              -

             -

         -

           -

            -

      588

      588










       2,148

6,133

-

  4,151

   5,447

    2,003

 19,882









 

Interest on unlisted investments totalling US$5,148,248 (year ended 28 February 2013: US$9,575,000) has not been recognised in accordance with the Company's accounting and valuation policy.

 

8.   Finance costs

 








Period ended


Period ended








31/08/2013


31/08/2012








US$ '000


US$ '000











Zero Dividend Preference shares

              3,528


3,410




























              3,528


3,410











 

Finance costs arising are allocated to the statement of comprehensive income using the effective interest rate method. The rights and entitlements of the ZDP shares, which are accounted for at amortised cost are described in note 12.

 

9.   Expenses

 





Period ended


Period ended





31/08/2013


31/08/2012





US$ '000


US$ '000








Investment Adviser's base fee




5,574


5,323

Investment Adviser's capital incentive fee



807


4,966



















6,381


10,289








Administrative expenses:







  Legal and professional fees




446


473

  Other expenses




421


286

  Directors' remuneration




160


190

  Accounting, secretarial and administration fees



150


211

  Auditors' remuneration




111


113

  Custodian fees




34


12



















1,322


1,285








Other:







  Share class restructuring costs




                     -


              1,608





























Total expenses




7,703


13,182








 

Directors fees

The Chairman is entitled to a  fee of US$140,000 per annum. Each of the other Directors are entitled to a fee of US$60,000 per annum. For the period ended 31 August 2013 total Directors' fees included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income were US$160,000 (period ended 31 August 2012: US$190,000), of this amount US$54,000 was outstanding at the period end (28 February 2013: US$62,000) and included within other payables.

 

Investment Advisory and Performance fees

The Company entered into an investment advisory and management agreement with Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc (the "Investment Adviser") in May 2008 which was then amended and restated on 20 May 2009 and again on 23 December 2010 (the "Advisory Agreement").

 

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser is entitled to a base management fee and to an incentive fee. The base management fee is an amount equal to 1.5 per cent. per annum of the average total assets under management of the Company less those assets identified by the Company as being excluded from the base management fee, under the terms of the agreement. The base management fee is payable quarterly in arrears; the agreement provides that payments in advance on account of the base management fee will be made.

 

For the period 1 March 2013 to 31 August 2013, total investment advisory and management expenses, based on the average total assets of the Company, were included in the Statement of Comprehensive Income of US$5,574,000 (31 August 2012: US$5,323,000). Of this amount US$1,574,000 (28 February 2013: US$715,000) was outstanding at the period end and is included within Other Payables.

 

The incentive fee has two parts. The first part is calculated by reference to the net investment income of the Company ("Income Incentive fee") and is payable quarterly in arrears provided that the net investment income for the quarter exceeds 2 per cent of the average of the net asset value of the Company for that quarter (the "hurdle") (8 per cent. annualised). The fee is an amount equal to (a) 100 per cent of that proportion of the net investment income for the quarter as exceeds the hurdle, up to an amount equal to a hurdle of 2.5%, and (b) 20 per cent. of the net investment income of the Company above a hurdle of 2.5% in any quarter. Change in the valuation of income related (PIK) investments are also classed as an increase or decrease to investment income. Investments categorised as legacy investments and other assets identified by the Company as being excluded are excluded from the calculation of the fee. A true-up calculation is also prepared at the end of each financial year to determine if further fees are payable to the investment adviser or if any amounts are recoverable from future income incentive fees.

 

For the period ended 31 August 2013 there was no income incentive fee (31 August 2012: US$Nil).

 

The second part of the incentive fee is calculated by reference to the net realised capital gains ("Capital Gains Incentive fee") of the Company and is equal to: 20 per cent. of the realised capital gains of the Company for each financial year less all realised capital losses of the Company for the year less (b) the aggregate of all previous capital gains incentive fees paid by the Company to the Investment Adviser. The capital gains incentive is payable in arrears within 90 days of the fiscal year end. Investments categorised as legacy investments and assets of the Euro Microcap Fund 2010, LP are excluded from the calculation of the fee.

 

The Company provides for a capital gains incentive fee based on cumulative net realised and unrealised investments gains. For the period ended 31 August 2013 US$807,000 (31 August 2012: US$4,966,000) is payable to the Investment Advisor in relation to the capital gains incentive fee.

 

The Advisory agreement may be terminated by the Company or the Investment Advisor upon not less than two and one-half years' (i.e. 913 days') prior notice (or such lesser period as may be agreed by the Company and Investment Adviser).

 

Administration fees

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited was appointed as Administrator to the Company on 1 September 2012. The Administrator is entitled to a fee payable quarterly in arrears. Fees payable to the Administrator are fixed for the three years from the date of appointment and are then subsequently subject to an annual fee review.

 

Auditors' remuneration

All of the auditors' remuneration relates to the annual audit and half year review report.

 

10.Taxation

For both 2013 and 2012 the Company applied for and was granted exempt status for Guernsey tax purposes under the terms of The Income Tax (Zero 10) (Guernsey) Law, 2007.

 

For the period ended 31 August 2013 the Company incurred withholding tax of US$426,000 (31 August 2012: US$644,000) on dividend income from listed investments.

 

11.  Investments

Categories of financialinstruments

 




Listed


Unlisted


Carrying Value




31/08/2013


31/08/2013


31/08/2013




US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000









Fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)


           140,273


           406,421


           546,694

Investment in  associate



                     -


           113,297


           113,297

Loans and receivables



                     -


              1,000


              1,000




















           140,273


           520,718


           660,991












Listed


Unlisted


Total




31/08/2013


31/08/2013


31/08/2013




US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000

Book cost at 1 March 2013



102,384


541,869


644,253

Purchases in period



22,747


64,005


86,752

Capital calls during period



                     -


19,800


19,800

Payment in kind ("PIK")



                     -


5,452


5,452

Proceeds from investments disposed/realised


                     -


(99,271)


(99,271)

Realised gains on disposal



                     -


3,575


3,575

















Book cost at 31 August 2013



125,131


535,430


660,561

Unrealised gains/(losses) at 31 August 2013


15,029


(30,855)


(15,826)

Accrued interest at 31 August 2013



                 113


           16,143


            16,256

















Carrying value at 31 August 2013



          140,273


          520,718


          660,991









 




Listed


Unlisted


Carrying Value




28/02/2013


28/02/2013


28/02/2013




US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000









Fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)


113,328


418,622


531,950

Loans and receivables



                     -


8,765


8,765

Investment in an associate



                     -


87,567


87,567




















113,328


514,954


628,282




























Listed


Unlisted


Total




28/02/2013


28/02/2013


28/02/2013




US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000

Book cost at 1 March 2012



132,577


381,086


513,663

Purchases in year



79,316


174,607


253,923

Capital calls during year



                     -


13,275


13,275

Payment in kind ("PIK")



                     -


21,466


21,466

Proceeds from investments disposed/realised

(129,934)


(56,457)


(186,391)

Realised gains on disposal



20,425


7,892


28,317

















Book cost at 28 February 2013



102,384


541,869


644,253

Unrealised gains/(losses) at 28 February 2013

10,877


(36,016)


(25,139)

Accrued interest at 28 February 2013



67


9,101


9,168

















Carrying value at 28 February 2013



113,328


514,954


628,282









 

The above book cost is the cost to JZCP equating to the transfer value as at 1 July 2008 upon the liquidation of JZEP and adjusted for subsequent transactions.

The cost of PIK investments is deemed to be interest not received in cash but settled by the issue of further securities when that interest has been recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

 

Investment in associate

At 31 August 2013 the Company had one associate carrying on business which affects the profits and assets of the Company. The Company's associate consists solely of a limited partnership interest directly held in the Partnership.

Entity

Principal activity



% Interest















EuroMicrocap Fund 2010, LP

Acquiror of Europe-based microcap companies

75%

 

The Company's share of the aggregated financial information of the equity accounted associate is set out below. The balance as at 31 August 2013 includes the share of results and net assets in the associate.





31/08/2013


31/08/2012





US$ '000


US$ '000








Share of result in associate




              5,930


(2,443)















Non current assets




119,316


79,950

Current (liabilities)/assets




         (6,019)


832















Share of limited partner's interest in associate



113,297


80,782








 

12.   Zero Dividend Preference ("ZDP") shares

 








31/08/2013


28/02/2013








US$ '000


US$ '000











ZDP shares issued 22 June 2009










Amortised cost at 1 March


89,839


87,281

Finance costs allocated to statement of comprehensive income


              3,528


7,007

Unrealised currency loss/(gain) on translation during the period/ year


              1,789


           (4,449)





















Amortised cost at period/year end


95,156


89,839





















Total number of ZDP shares in issue


20,707,141


20,707,141

 

ZDP shares were issued on 22 June 2009 at a price of 215.80 pence and are designed to provide a pre-determined final capital entitlement of 369.84 pence on 22 June 2016 which ranks behind the Company's creditors but in priority to the capital entitlements of the Ordinary shares. The ZDP shares carry no entitlement to income and the whole of their return will therefore take the form of capital. The capital appreciation of approximately 8% per annum is calculated monthly. In certain circumstances, ZDP shares carry the right to vote at general meetings of the Company as detailed in the Company's Memorandum of Articles and Incorporation. Issue costs are deducted from the cost of the liability and allocated to the statement of comprehensive income over the life of the ZDP shares.

 

13.Share Capital

Authorised Capital

Unlimited number of ordinary shares of no par value.

 

Ordinary shares - Issued Capital



31/08/2013


28/02/2013


Number of shares

Number of shares

Balance at 1 March


     65,018,607


      37,319,238

Converted from Limited Voting Ordinary shares


                     -


      27,699,369







Total ordinary shares in issue



     65,018,607


      65,018,607













Limited Voting Ordinary shares - Issued Capital







31/08/2013


28/02/2013


Number of shares

Number of shares

Balance at 1 March


                     -


27,699,369

Converted to Ordinary shares



                     -


(27,699,369)







Total limited voting ordinary shares in issue


                     -


                     -







Total shares in issue



65,018,607


65,018,607







 

On 3 July 2012 a shareholder resolution was passed which approved the conversion of all of the Limited Voting Ordinary ("LVO") shares into Ordinary shares on the basis that one LVO share would convert into one Ordinary share. A further resolution was passed approving the proposed transfer of the listing of the Ordinary shares to the London Stock Exchange's Specialist Fund Market ("SFM"). The move to this structure removes a structural inadequacy that had restricted the Company's ability to accommodate US investors and is more appropriate to the Company's mix of investors.

 

On 31 July 2012 the Company announced the cancellation of the listing of its Ordinary shares on the premium segment of the Official List and trading on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities. Subsequently the Company's shares were admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange's Specialist Fund Market ("SFM").The Company also announced the admission to listing on the Channel Islands Stock Exchange ("CISX").

LVO shares were issued so that certain of the Company's existing Shareholders and certain new US investors could participate in the Ordinary Share Issue without causing the Company to be treated as a US domestic company for the purposes of US securities laws and/or a CFC for US tax purposes. LVO Shares were identical to, and ranked pari passu in all respects with, the New Ordinary shares except that the LVO Shares only carried a limited entitlement to vote in respect of the appointment or removal of Directors and did not carry any entitlement to vote in respect of certain other matters. The LVO shares were not listed and were not admitted to trade on or through the facilities of the London Stock Exchange.

 

The Ordinary shares carry a right to receive the profits of the Company available for distribution by dividend and resolved to be distributed by way of dividend to be made at such time as determined by the Directors.

 

In addition to receiving the income distributed, the Ordinary shares are entitled to the net assets of the Company on a winding up, after all liabilities have been settled and the entitlement of the ZDP shares have been met. In addition, holders of Ordinary shares will be entitled on a winding up to receive any accumulated but unpaid revenue reserves of the Company, subject to all creditors having been paid out in full but in priority to the entitlements of the ZDP shares. Any distribution of revenue reserves on a winding up is currently expected to be made by way of a final special dividend prior to the Company's eventual liquidation.

 

Holders of Ordinary shares have the rights to receive notice of, to attend and to vote at all general meetings of the Company.

 

14.  Fair values

 

The Company classifies fair value measurements of its financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The financial assets valued at fair value through profit or loss are analysed in a fair value hierarchy based on the following levels:

 

• Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1).

• Those involving inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (level 2).

• Those involving inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (level 3).

 

The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorised in its entirety is determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For this purpose, the significance of an input is assessed against the fair value measurement in its entirety. If a fair value measurement uses observable inputs that require significant adjustment based on unobservable inputs, that measurement is a level 3 measurement. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgement, considering factors specific to the asset or liability.

 

The determination of what constitutes 'observable' requires significant judgement by the Company. The Company considers observable data to be that market data that is readily available, regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable, not proprietary, and provided by independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant market.

 

The following table shows financial instruments recognised at fair value, analysed between those whose fair value is based on:

 

Financial assets at 31 August 2013

Level 1


Level 2


Level 3


Total





US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000


US$ '000

Financial assets designated at fair value through profit or loss at inception:
















Listed Securities




140,273


                     -


                     -


140,273

Bank debt




                -


                     -


11,769


11,769

Mezzanine portfolio




                -


                     -


2,713


2,713

US Micro Cap portfolio




                -


                     -


299,477


299,477

European Micro Cap portfolio




                -


                     -


23,862


23,862

Real Estate portfolio




                -


                     -


57,820


57,820

Other




                -


                     -


10,780


10,780





140,273


                     -


406,421


           546,694

 

When fair values of listed equity and debt securities at the reporting date are based on quoted market prices or binding dealer price quotations (bid prices for long positions), without any deduction for transaction costs, the instruments are included within Level 1 of the hierarchy.

 

The fair values of Bank debt which is provided by a broker is classified as Level 2. The fair value of bank debt which is derived from unobservable data is classified as Level 3.

 

The fair values of investments in the Micro Cap, Legacy and Mezzanine portfolios for which there are no active market, are calculated using a valuation model which is accepted in the industry. The model calculates the fair value by applying an appropriate multiple (based on comparable quoted companies, recent acquisition prices and quotes) to the Company's last twelve months EBITDA and deducting a market liquidity discount. The multiples used and marketability discount are classified as unobservable inputs therefore investments are classified as Level 3.

 

Transfers between levels

There were no transfers between the levels of hierarchy of financial assets recognised at fair value within the period ended 31 August 2013 and 28 February 2013.

 

The following table shows a reconciliation of all movements in the fair value of financial instruments categorised within Level 3 between the beginning and the end of the reporting period.

 

At 31 August 2013



Bank

Mezzanine

US Micro

Euro Micro

Real





Debt

Portfolio

Cap Portfolio

Cap Portfolio

Estate

Other

Level 3



US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000










At 1 March 2013


     11,690

       2,529

      342,566

         19,896

        30,861

     11,080

       418,622

Purchases


              -

              -

       28,756

           2,755

        31,994

          500

         64,005

PIK adjusted for fair value


            70

              -

         5,382

                  -

                 -


          5,452

Cost of investments repaid or sold

              -

              -

(84,014)

                  -

         (7,673)

              -

        (91,687)

Net gains and losses recognised in statement of comprehensive income

              -

         337

1088

              219

          2,143

         (800)

          2,987

Movement in accrued interest recognised in statement of comprehensive income

             9

        (153)

         5,699

              992

             495

              -

          7,042



















At 31 August 2013


   11,769

       2,713

      299,477

         23,862

     57,820

     10,780

  406,421



















 

 

The following table details the revenues and net gains included within the statement of comprehensive income for investments classified at Level 3 which were held during the period.

 

At 31 August 2013











Bank

Mezzanine

US Micro

Euro Micro

Real





Debt

Portfolio

Cap Portfolio

Cap Portfolio

Estate

Other

Level 3



US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

US$ '000

Interest and other revenue


          658

         163

       15,950

              987

             495

              -

         18,253

Net loss on investments at fair value through profit or loss

              -

         337

         1,088

              219

          2,143

         (800)

          2,987








2,987












        658

         500

     17,038

         1,206

        2,638

       (800)

       24,227



















 

 

For the investments measured at Level 3 at the reporting date, the Company adjusted the default rate, and discount rate assumptions within a range of reasonably possible alternatives. The extent of the adjustment varied according to the characteristics of each security.

 

The potential effect of using reasonably possible alternative assumptions for valuing financial instruments classified as Level 3 at the reporting date would reduce the fair value by up to US$18,886,000 or increase the fair value by US$18,886,000

 

The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities measured at amortised cost are determined as follows:

 

- The fair value of the Zero Dividend Preference shares is deemed to be their quoted market price. As at 31 August 2013 the ask price was £3.12 (28 February 2013: £3.24 per share) the total fair value of the ZDP shares was US$99,939,000 (28 February 2013 :US$89,839,000) which is US$4,783,000 higher (28 February 2013: US$12,002,000 higher) than the liability recorded in the Statement of Financial Position.

 

The carrying amounts of loans and receivables are recorded at amortised cost using the effective interest method in the financial statements. The fair value of loans and receivables at 31 August 2013 was US$1,000,000 (28 February 2013: US$7,834,000).

 

The carrying amounts of trade receivables and trade payables are deemed to be their fair value due to their short term nature.

 

The Company has certain financial instruments that are recorded at fair value using valuation techniques such as earnings multiple model derived either from acquisition/purchase information or observable market data from comparable companies. In some cases an adjustment is made to the acquisition/purchase multiple to reflect the underlying growth of the investment. These are adjusted to reflect counter party credit risk and limitations in the model.

 

For the financial instruments whose fair value is estimated using valuation techniques with no market observable inputs, the net unrealised amount recorded in the statement of comprehensive income in the period due to changes in the inputs amounts to gains of US$2,940,000 (28 February 2013: gains of  US$2,558,000).

 

The table below analyses the Company's concentration of private investments by industrial distribution and the effect on the net assets attributable to shareholders and on the increase/(decrease) in profit for the year due to a reasonably possible change in the value of unobservable inputs. In practice, the actual trading results may differ from the sensitivity analysis below and the difference could be material.

 

Industry

Carrying Value


Percentage of total private investments


Unobservable inputs

Ranges

Effect on the net assets attributable to shareholders


31/08/2013


31/08/2013




31/08/2013




US$ '000




US$ '000









US micro cap portfolio

299,179


76%


EBITDA Multiple

10% /-10%

18,374/(18,374)

European micro cap portfolio

23,861


6%


EBITDA Multiple

10% /-10%

-

Real estate

57,819


14%


Purchase Multiple

10% /-10%

-

Mezzanine portfolio

3,013


1%


EBITDA Multiple

10% /-10%

512/(512)

Bank debt

11,769


3%


EBITDA Multiple

10% /-10%

-

Other

10,780


3%


EBITDA Multiple

10% /-10%

-


















406,421


100%




18,886/(18,886)









 

15.Basic andDiluted Earnings per share

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing the earnings for the period by the weighted average number of Ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

 

For the periods ended 31 August 2013 and 31 August 2012 the weighted average number of Ordinary shares (including Limited Voting Ordinary shares) outstanding during the period was 65,018,607.

 

16.Net Asset Value Per Share

 

The net asset value per Ordinary share of US$9.87 (28 February 2013: US$9.69) is based on the net assets at the period end of US$641,661,000 (28 February 2013: US$630,182,000) and on 65,018,607 (28 February 2013: 65,018,607) Ordinary shares, being the number of Ordinary shares in issue at the period end.

 

17.Notes to the Cash Flow Statement

Reconciliation of the profit for the period to net cash outflow from operating activities



Period ended


Period ended



31/08/2013


31/08/2012



US$ '000


US$ '000






Profit for the period


21,232


6,130

Decrease/(increase) in other receivables

2


(261)

Decrease in other payables


(7,505)


(1,532)

Net movement in unrealised gains on investments

(7,254)


           (1,038)

Impairments on loans and receivables

25


              (597)

Share of associate's (income)/expense


      (5,930)


2,443

Adjustment for foreign currency exchange losses/(gains) on ZDP Shares


1,789


(280)

Realised gain on investments


271


(1,615)

Increase in accrued interest on investments and adjustment for interest received as PIK

(12,540)


(11,424)

Finance costs in respect of Zero Dividend Preference shares


       3,528


3,410











Net cash outflow from operating activities

(6,382)


(4,764)






 

18.Commitments

 

At 31 August 2013 JZCP had the following financial commitments outstanding in relation to fund investments:



31/08/2013


28/02/2013



US$ '000


US$ '000






EuroMicrocap Fund 2010, LP (related party)


           272


         20,072

Constituent Capital Management, LLC


       12,333


         12,833

Acon AEP Co-Invest (Suzo), LP


         4,491


           5,042

Grua, LP (BSM Engenharia S.A.)


         2,085


           2,085













       19,181


         40,032






 

19.Related Party Transactions

In 2007, JZEP invested US$250,000 in ETX Holdings, Inc. which was a spin off from Jordan Auto Aftermarket Holdings, Inc., a former co-investment with The Jordan Company. The investment was subsequently transferred to JZCP as part of the in specie transfer dated 1 July 2008. A further US$142,000 has subsequently been invested in ETX Holdings, Inc. At 31 August 2013, the investment was valued at US$688,000 (28 February 2013: US$671,000).

 

At 31 August 2013, JZCP has invested US$82,228,000 (28 February 2013: US$62,248,000 in the EuroMicrocap Fund 2010 LP ("The Europe Fund"). At 31 August 2013 the investment was valued at US$113,297,000 (28 February 2013: US$87,567,000). The Europe Fund is managed by JZAM LLC ("JZAM"), an affiliate of JZAI, JZCP's investment manager. JZAI and JZAM were each founded by David Zalaznick and Jay Jordan.

 

The Company has invested with The Resolute Fund, which is managed by the Jordan Company, a company in which David Zalaznick and Jay Jordan are Managing Principals. At 31 August 2013, the investments co-invested totalled US$24,334,000. During the year ended 28 February 2013, JZCP received total proceeds of US$76,576,000 from the sale of  investments co-invested with the Resolute Fund.

 

The Company has invested with Fund A, a Limited Partnership in a number of US micro cap buyouts. Fund A is managed by JZAI. At 31 August 2013, the total amount of these co-investments was US$123,804,942 (28 February 2013: US$117,700,275) of the total amount of the co-investment US$96,099,904 (28 February 2013: US$96,099,904) was invested by the Company and US$27,705,038 (28 February 2013:US$21,600,371) was invested by Fund A. 

 

Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc. ("JZAI"), a US based company, provides advisory services to the board of Directors of the Company in exchange for management fees, paid quarterly. Fees paid by the Company to the Investment Adviser are detailed in Note 9.

 

The Directors' remuneration is disclosed in Note 9.

 

20.Controlling Party

 

The issued shares of the Company are owned by a number of parties, and therefore, in the opinion of the Directors, there is no ultimate controlling party of the Company, as defined by IAS 24 - Related Party Disclosures.

 

21.Contingent assets

 

a) Amounts held in escrow accounts

Investments have been disposed by the Company, of which the consideration given included contractual terms requiring that a percentage was held in an escrow account pending resolution of any indemnifiable claims that may arise. At 31 August 2013 the Company has assessed that the fair value of these escrow accounts are nil as it is not reasonably probable that they will be realised by the Company.

 

As at 31 August 2013, the Company had the following contingent assets held in escrow accounts which had not been recognised as assets of the Company:

 

Company




Amount in Escrow





31/08/2013


28/02/2013





US$'000


US$'000








GHW (G&H Wire)




883


2,609

Advanced Chemistry & Technology, Inc.




1,613


1,613

Wound Care Solutions, LLC




1,421


1,573

N&B Industries, Inc.




776


776

Apparel Ventures, Inc.




428


428

Dantom Systems, Inc.




15


15

Recycled Holdings Corporation




1,913


1,300












7,049


8,314








 

During the period US$1,265,000 (31 August 2012: US$2,145,000) was realised relating to the escrow accounts of the Company.

 

b) Income incentive fee

 

The Company has a contingent asset of US$4,409,700 (28 February 2013: US$4,409,700) relating to an income incentive fee which was paid on account to the Investment Adviser during the year ended 29 February 2012. Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement the amount paid in that year is repayable to the Company as the required annual hurdle was not met. The amount is repayable on termination of the Advisory Agreement or offset against any future income incentive fees payable. As neither a date for the termination of the Advisory Agreement or the event of any future income incentive fees becoming payable can be predicted the amount is treated as a contingent asset.

 

22.Dividends paid and proposed

In accordance with the Company's dividend policy, it is the Directors' intention for the year ending 28 February 2013 and thereafter to distribute approximately 3% of the Company's net assets in the form of dividends paid in US dollars (Shareholders can elect to receive dividends in Sterling). Prior to the new policy, the Directors have distributed substantially all of the Company's net cash income (after expenses) in the form of dividends.

 

For the year ended 28 February 2013 an interim dividend of 14.0 cents per Ordinary share (total US$9,102,605) was paid on 5 November 2012.

 

A second dividend for the year ended 28 February 2013 of 15.00 cents per Ordinary share (total US$9,752,791) was paid on 14 June 2013.

 

An interim dividend of 14.5 cents per Ordinary share (total US$9,427,698) was declared by the Board on 15 October 2013 and will be paid on 13 November 2013.

 

23. Subsequent events

 

These financial statements were approved for issuance by the Board on 15 October 2013. Subsequent events have been evaluated until this date.

 

Independent Review Report to JZ Capital Partners Limited

Introduction

 

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the six month period ended 31 August 2013 which comprise the unaudited consolidated statement of comprehensive income, unaudited consolidated statement of financial position, unaudited consolidated statement of changes in equity, unaudited consolidated statement of cash flows and the related notes 1 to 23. We have read the other information contained in the condensed interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of interim consolidated financial statements.

 

This report is made solely to the company in accordance with guidance contained in International Standards on Review Engagements 2410 (UK and Ireland) "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.

 

Directors' Responsibilities

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the period from 1 March 2013 to 31 August 2013 are the responsibility of, and have been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

 

As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union.

 

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim financial reporting' as adopted by the European Union.

 

Our Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed interim consolidated financial statements based on our review.

 

Scope of Review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

 

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed consolidated financial statements for the period from 1 March 2013 to 31 August 2013 are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

 

Ernst & Young LLP

Guernsey, Channel Islands

15 October 2013

 

Notes:

1.         The maintenance and integrity of the JZ Capital Partners Limited website is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditor does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially presented on the website.

 

2.          Legislation in Guernsey governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

 

 

Investment Adviser


US Bankers

The Investment Adviser to JZ Capital Partners Limited
("JZCP") is Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc., ("JZAI") a company beneficially owned by John (Jay) W Jordan II and David W Zalaznick. The company was formed for the purpose of advising the Board of JZCP on investments in leveraged securities, primarily related to private equity transactions. JZAI has offices in New York and Chicago.


HSBC Bank USA NA


452 Fifth Avenue


New York NY 10018




(Also provides custodian services to JZ Capital Partners


Limited under the terms of a Custody Agreement).







 

                                                                                                                    GuernseyBankers


  Northern Trust (Guernsey) Limited

Jordan/Zalaznick Advisers, Inc.                                                         PO Box 71

767 Fifth Avenue                                                                                     Trafalgar Court

New York NY 10153                                                                               Les Banques

St Peter Port

Registered Office                                                                                  Guernsey GY1 3DA

PO Box 255

Trafalgar Court                                                                                        Independent Auditor

Les Banques                                                                                           Ernst & Young LLP

St Peter Port                                                                                             PO Box 9

Guernsey GY1 3QL                                                                                Royal Chambers

St Julian's Avenue JZ Capital Partners Limited is registered in Guernsey                                      St Peter Port Number 48761                                                                                                                   Guernsey GY1 4AF

 

Administrator, Registrar and Secretary                                          UK Solicitors Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services                                      Ashurst LLP (Guernsey) Limited                                                                                                                   Broadwalk House

PO Box 255                                                                                              5 Appold Street

Trafalgar Court                                                                                        London EC2A 2HA

Les Banques

St Peter Port                                                                                             US Lawyers

Guernsey GY1 3QL                                                                                Monge LawFirm, PLLC

333 West Trade Street

UK Transfer and Paying Agent                                                           Charlotte, NC 28202 Equiniti Limited

Aspect House                                                                                          Mayer Brown LLP

Spencer Road                                                                                         214 North Tryon Street

Lancing                                                                                                     Suite 3800

West Sussex BN99 62X                                                                        Charlotte NC 28202

 

Winston & Strawn LLP 35 West Wacker Drive Chicago IL 60601-9703

 

Guernsey Lawyers

Mourant Ozannes

P.O Box 186

1 Le Marchant Street St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 4HP

 

Financial Adviser and Broker JP Morgan Cazenove Limited 20 Moorgate

London EC2R 6DA

                                                                                                          

Board of Directors

 

David Macfarlane (Chairman)1

Mr Macfarlane was appointed to the Board of JZCP in April 2008 as Chairman and a non-executive Director. Until 2002 he was a Senior Corporate Partner at Ashurst. He was a non-executive Director of the Platinum Investment Trust Plc from 2002 until January 2007.

Patrick Firth2

Mr Firth was appointed to the Board of JZCP in April 2008. He is also a Director of a number of offshore funds and management companies, including BH Credit Catalysts Limited and ICG-Longbow Senior Secured UK Property Debt Investments Limited. He is Chairman of GLI Finance Limited. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. He is a resident of Guernsey.

James Jordan

Mr Jordan was appointed to the Board of JZCP in April 2008. He is a private investor, who until 30 June 2005 was Managing Director of Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder Advisers, LLC, a New York based firm of asset managers. He is a non-executive Director of the First Eagle Funds and of Alpha Trust Andromeda Investment Trust S.A.

Tanja Tibaldi

Ms Tibaldi was appointed to the Board of JZCP in April 2008. She was on the board of JZ Equity Partners Plc from January 2005 until the company's liquidation on 1 July 2008. She was Managing Director at Fairway Investment Partners, a Swiss asset management company where she was responsible for the Group's marketing and co-managed two fund of funds. Previously she was an executive at the Swiss Stock Exchange and currently serves on the board of several private companies.

1Chairman of the nominations committee of which all Directorsare members.

2Chairman of the audit committee of which all Directors are members.

Useful Information for Shareholders

Listing

JZCP Ordinary and Zero Dividend Preference shares are listed on the Official List of the Financial Services Authority of the UK, and are admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange Specialist fund market for listed securities. The ticker symbols are "JZCP" and "JZCN" respectively.+

 

The prices of the Ordinary and Zero Dividend Preference shares are shown in the Financial Times under "Investment Companies - Ordinary Income Shares" and "Investment Companies - Zero Dividend Preference Shares" as "JZ Capital" respectively.

 

  Financial diary

Results for the year ended 28 February 2014


May 2014

Annual General Meeting


June 2014

Interim report for the six months to 31 August 2014


October 2014

 

In accordance with the Transparency Directive JZCP will be issuing an Interim Management Statement for the quarters ending  30 November 2013 and 31 May 2014. These Statements will be sent to the market via RNS within six weeks from the end of the appropriate quarter, and will be posted on JZCP's website at the same time, or soon thereafter.

 

Payment of dividends

Cash dividends will be sent by cheque to the first-named shareholder on the register of members at their registered address, together with a tax voucher. At shareholders' request, where they have elected to receive dividend proceeds in GBP Sterling, the dividend may instead be paid direct into the shareholder's bank account through the Bankers' Automated Clearing System. Payments will be paid in US dollars unless the shareholder elects to receive the dividend in Sterling. Existing elections can be changed by contacting the Company's Transfer and Paying Agent, Equiniti Limited on +44 (0) 121 415 7047.

 

Share dealing

Investors wishing to buy or sell shares in the Company may do so through a stockbroker. Most banks also offer this service.

 

Internet address

The Company: www.jzcp.com

 

ISIN/SEDOL numbers

The ISIN code/SEDOL (Stock Exchange Daily Official List) numbers of the Company's Ordinary shares are BB00B403HK58/B403HK5 and the numbers of the Zero Dividend Preference shares are GG00B40B7X85/B40B7X8.

 

Share register enquiries

The Company's UK Transfer and Paying Agent, Equiniti Limited, maintains the share registers. In event of queries regarding your holding, please contact the Registrar on 0871 384 2265, calls to this number cost 8p per minute from a BT landline, other providers' costs may vary. Lines are open 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday to Friday, If calling from overseas +44 (0) 121 415 7047 or access their website at www.equiniti.com. Changes of name or address must be notified in writing to the Transfer and Paying Agent.

 

Nominee share code

Where notification has been provided in advance, the Company will arrange for copies of shareholder communications to be provided to the operators of nominee accounts. Nominee investors may attend general meetings and speak at meetings when invited to do so by the Chairman.

 

Documents available for inspection

The following documents will be available at the registered office of the Company during usual business hours on any weekday until the date of the Annual General Meeting and at the place of the meeting for a period of fifteen minutes prior to and during the meeting:

 

(a) the Register of Directors' Interests in the share capital of the Company;

(b) the Articles of Incorporation of the Company; and

(c) the terms of appointment of the Directors.

 

Warning to shareholders - Boiler Room Scams

'In recent years, many companies have become aware that their shareholders have been targeted by unauthorised overseas-based brokers selling what turn out to be non-existent or high risk shares, or expressing a wish to buy their shares.

 

If you are offered, for example, unsolicited investment advice, discounted JZCP shares or a premium price for the JZCP shares you own, you should take these steps before handing over any money: 

 

• Make sure you get the correct name of the person or organisation

•Check that they are properly authorised by the FCA before getting involved by visiting http://www.fca.org.uk/firms/systems-reporting/register  

•Report the matter to the FCA by calling 0800 111 6768

•If the calls persist, hang up

•More detailed information on this can be found on the Money Advice Service website www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

 

US Investors

General

 

The Company's Articles contain provisions allowing the Directors to decline to register a person as a holder of any class of ordinary shares or other securities of the Company or to require the transfer of those securities (including by way of a disposal effected by the Company itself) if they believe that the person:

 

(A) is a "US person" (as defined in Regulation S under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended) and not a "qualified purchaser" (as defined in the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended);

 

(B) is a "Benefit Plan Investor" (as described under "Prohibition on Benefit Plan Investors and Restrictions on Non-ERISA Plan" below); or

 

(C) is, or is related to, a citizen or resident of the United States, a US partnership, a US corporation or a certain type of estate or trust and that ownership of any class of ordinary shares or any other equity securities of the Company by the person would materially increase the risk that the Company could be or become a "controlled foreign corporation" (as described under "US Tax Matters" below").

 

In addition, the Directors may require any holder of any class of ordinary shares or other securities of the Company to show to their satisfaction whether or not the holder is a person described in paragraphs (A), (B) or (C) above.

 

US Securities Laws

The Company (a) is not subject to the reporting requirements of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and does not intend to become subject to such reporting requirements and (b) is not registered as an investment company under the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and investors in the Company are not subject to the protections provided by the 1940 Act.

 

Prohibition on Benefit Plan Investors and Restrictions on Non-ERISA Plans

 

Investment in the Company by "Benefit Plan Investors" is prohibited so that the assets of the Company will not be deemed to constitute "plan assets" of a "Benefit Plan Investor". The term "Benefit Plan Investor" shall have the meaning contained in Section 3(42) of the US Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), and includes (a) an "employee benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA that is subject to Part 4 of Title I of ERISA; (b) a "plan" described in Section 4975(e)(1) of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), that is subject to Section 4975 of the Code; and (c) an entity whose underlying assets include "plan assets" by reason of an employee benefit plan's or a plan's investment in such entity. For purposes of the foregoing, a "Benefit Plan Investor" does not include a governmental plan (as defined in Section 3(32) of ERISA), a non-US plan (as defined in Section 4(b)(4) of ERISA) or a church plan (as defined in Section 3(33) of ERISA) that has not elected to be subject to ERISA.

 

Each purchaser and subsequent transferee of any class of ordinary shares (or any other class of equity interest in the Company) will be required to represent, warrant and covenant, or will be deemed to have represented, warranted and covenanted that it is not, and is not acting on behalf of or with the assets of a, Benefit Plan Investor to acquire such ordinary shares (or any other class of equity interest in the Company).

 

Under the Articles, the directors have the power to require the sale or transfer of the Company's securities in order to avoid the assets of the Company being treated as "plan assets" for the purposes of ERISA.

 

The fiduciary provisions of pension codes applicable to governmental plans, non-US plans or other employee benefit plans or retirement arrangements that are not subject to ERISA (collectively, "Non-ERISA Plans") may impose limitations on investment in the Company. Fiduciaries of Non-ERISA Plans, in consultation with their advisors, should consider, to the extent applicable, the impact of such fiduciary rules and regulations on an investment in the Company. Among other considerations, the fiduciary of a Non-ERISA Plan should take into account the composition of the Non-ERISA Plan's portfolio with respect to diversification; the cash flow needs of the Non-ERISA Plan and the effects thereon of the illiquidity of the investment; the economic terms of the Non- ERISA Plan's investment in the Company; the Non-ERISA Plan's funding objectives; the tax effects of the investment and the tax and other risks associated with the investment; the fact that the investors in the Company are expected to consist of a diverse group of investors (including taxable, tax-exempt, domestic and foreign entities) and the fact that the management of the Company will not take the particular objectives of any investors or class of investors into account.

 

Non-ERISA Plan fiduciaries should also take into account the fact that, while the Company's board of directors and its investment advisor will have certain general fiduciary duties to the Company, the board and the investment advisor will not have any direct fiduciary relationship with or duty to any investor, either with respect to its investment in Shares or with respect to the management and investment of the assets of the Company. Similarly, it is intended that the assets of the Company will not be considered plan assets of any Non-ERISA Plan or be subject to any fiduciary or investment restrictions that may exist under pension codes specifically applicable to such Non-ERISA Plans. Each Non-ERISA Plan will be required to acknowledge and agree in connection with its investment in any securities to the foregoing status of the Company, the board and the investment advisor that there is no rule, regulation or requirement applicable to such investor that is inconsistent with the foregoing description of the Company, the board and the investment advisor.

 

Each purchaser or transferee that is a Non-ERISA Plan will be deemed to have represented, warranted and covenanted as follows:

(a) The Non-ERISA Plan is not a Benefit Plan Investor;

(b) The decision to commit assets of the Non-ERISA Plan for investment in the Company was made by fiduciaries independent of the Company, the Board, the Investment Advisor and any of their respective agents, representatives or affiliates, which fiduciaries (i) are duly authorized to make such investment decision and have not relied on any advice or recommendations of the Company, the Board, the Investment Advisor or any of their respective agents, representatives or affiliates and (ii) in consultation with their advisers, have carefully considered the impact of any applicable federal, state or local law on an investment in the Company;

 

(c) None of the Company, the Board, the Investment Advisor or any of their respective agents, representatives or affiliates has exercised any discretionary authority or control with respect to the Non-ERISA Plan's investment in the Company, nor has the Company, the Board, the Investment Advisor or any of their respective agents, representatives or affiliates rendered individualized investment advice to the Non-ERISA Plan based upon the Non-ERISA Plan's investment policies or strategies, overall portfolio composition or diversification with respect to its commitment to invest in the Company and the investment program thereunder; and

 

(d) It acknowledges and agrees that it is intended that the Company will not hold plan assets of the Non-ERISA Plan and that none of the Company, the Board, the Investment Advisor or any of their respective agents, representatives or affiliates will be acting as a fiduciary to the Non-ERISA Plan under any applicable federal, state or local law governing the Non-ERISA Plan, with respect to either (i) the Non-ERISA Plan's purchase or retention of its investment in the Company or (ii) the management or operation of the business or assets of the Company. It also confirms that there is no rule, regulation, or requirement applicable to such purchaser or transferee that is inconsistent with the foregoing description of the Company, the Board and the Investment Advisor.

 

US Tax Matters

This discussion does not constitute tax advice and is not intended to be a substitute for tax advice and planning. Prospective holders of the Company's securities must consult their own tax advisers concerning the US federal, state and local income tax and estate tax consequences in their particular situations of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of any of the Company's securities, as well as any consequences under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

 

The Company's directors are entitled to decline to register a person as, or to require such person to cease to be, a holder of any class of ordinary shares or other equity securities of the Company if they believe that: such person is, or is related to, a citizen or resident of the United States, a US partnership, a US corporation or a certain type of estate or trust and that ownership of any class of ordinary shares or any other equity securities of the Company by such person would materially increase the risk that the Company could be or become a "controlled foreign corporation" (a "CFC").

 

In general, a foreign corporation is treated as a "CFC" only if its "US shareholders" collectively own more than 50% of the total combined voting power or total value of the corporation's stock. A "US shareholder" means any US person who owns, directly or indirectly through foreign entities, or is considered to own (by application of certain constructive ownership rules), 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of a foreign corporation, such as the Company.

 

There is a risk that the Company will decline to register a person as, or to require such person to cease to be, a holder of the Company's the Company if the Company could be or become a CFC. The Company's treatment as a CFC could have adverse tax consequences for US taxpayers.

 

The Company is expected to be treated as a "passive foreign investment company" ("PFIC"). The Company's treatment as a PFIC is likely to have adverse tax consequences for US taxpayers.

 

The taxation of a US taxpayer's investment in the Company's securities is highly complex. Prospective holders of the Company's securities must consult their own tax advisers concerning the US federal, state and local income tax and estate tax consequences in their particular situations of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of any of the Company's securities, as well as any consequences under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

 

 

 


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
IR GGGBAUUPWGQA
UK 100

Latest directors dealings