Final Results
Interregnum PLC
27 October 2005
Thursday, 27 October 2005
Interregnum plc
Financial results for the 12 months ended 30 June 2005
Financial highlights
• Group turnover up 112% to £7.98m (2004: £3.77m)
• Operating losses stabilised at £1.55m (2004: £1.53m)
• Losses before tax reduced by 34% to £0.43m (2004: £0.65m)
• Value of portfolio up 55% to £7.16m (2004: £4.62m)
• Revenues for Interregnum's core investment and advisory business up 118%
to £1.35m (2004: £0.62m)
Corporate highlights:
• Continued focus on acquiring majority stakes in businesses; acquisition
of AVM, an audio visual solutions provider, in January 2005; AVM
like-for-like revenues up 58% for the five months to June 2005
• Significant progress in strategy of combining companies to create a
major player focused on audio visual solutions to major corporates;
acquisition of certain assets from ITM Group Ltd by Interregnum's
subsidiary company AVM in May 2005; further acquisition of VMC, a video
conferencing systems provider, by AVM post the year-end
• Merger of Interregnum subsidiaries IWH and CDS with Red-M Communications
to create significant secure wireless communications group in April 2005;
Interregnum has 46% share holding in combined business
• Appointment as key advisor to DestiNY USA, an estimated US$20 billion
initiative to create America's most visited leisure destination based on
the use of innovative technologies
• Eight new investments in the period totalling £1.5m including Red-M,
Future Route, AVM and Oilcats
• Strengthening of Corporate Finance advisory capabilities with the
appointment of four new Managing Directors during the period; Interregnum
has an advisory team of 17 professionals.
Commenting on the results, Ken Olisa, Chairman of Interregnum, said:
'The last year has seen the tech sector continue to regain positive momentum.
Interregnum Group revenues grew by 112% from £3.77m to £7.98m, our operating
losses stabilised at £1.55m and the key measure of our value added - total
recognised gains and losses - has also stabilised.
'As a technology merchant bank our mission is to 'Transform technology into
wealth'. We do this in a variety of ways - buying, selling, advising, investing
in and operating companies across the technology spectrum - anything where our
intellectual capital, network and access to financial capital can help create
value.
'In the last year, the value of our core business' revenues grew as well as
those of our subsidiaries (Yospace, AVM and CDS). Importantly, in addition to
the overall revenue increase of 112%, the value of our portfolio increased too.
The core Interregnum revenues rose by 118% to £1.35m and the company's portfolio
is now valued at £7.16m up 55% on the year before.
'The market for technology will continue to favour our mix of activities over
the coming year and our plan is to grow organically in each of our main
activities while demonstrating our ability to add value by disposing of one or
more of our assets. At the same time we will remain vigilant for any scale
building opportunities that can take advantage of our assets.'
-Ends-
For further information:
Interregnum 020 7494 3080
Ken Olisa, Chairman & CEO
Martin Cooper, Finance Director
Merlin 020 7653 6620
Vanessa Maydon Mob 07802 961902
Rebecca Penney Mob 07795 108178
Attached: Chairman's Statement
Consolidated Profit & Loss Account
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Company Balance Sheet
Consolidated Statement of Cash flows
Chairman's statement
In the following Q&A, Ken Olisa provides his analysis of Interregnum's year to
30 June 2005 and the prospects for the year ahead.
Q: The markets seem to be being kinder to technology stocks - is thisa
sustainable phenomenon or a flash in the pan?
A: The last year has seen the tech sector continue to regain positive momentum.
The fundamental driver of this is the global move towards the use of the
internet to conduct business, where we are seeing an explosion in the number of
potentially interconnected devices taking advantage of the widespread access to
data and users - what we call the 'Age of Ubiquity'. We are witnessing the early
stages of a highly disruptive period as each new family of devices threatens an
existing business.
As a result, large established companies are implementing defensive strategies
by gaining scale through mergers and acquisitions. At the same time these
organisations are sourcing competitive solutions to meet market needs by
acquiring smaller innovative companies at the other end of the spectrum, both of
which has resulted in an increase in transaction activity.One dark cloud on the
horizon is the reducing level of capital available from professional VCs around
Europe. However a consequence of this is that early stage companies are both
more open to advice than in boom times and, equally, they are willing to explore
innovative approaches to growing their value from more reasonably priced
expectations.
These effects - consolidation at the top end through to an urgency to establish
a market presence among smaller companies - provide Interregnum with a fertile
environment which we expect to be sustained for years to come.
Q: In what way is this improving climate having an effect on your results?
A: As you will have noted in the Highlights section, Interregnum Group revenues
grew by 112% from £3.77m to £7.98m, our operating losses stabilised at £1.55m
and the key measure of our value added - total recognised gains and losses - has
also stabilised.
Q: But that revenue growth was due in large part to companies that you have
acquired - what's happening to the underlying business?
A: To talk of an 'underlying business' is to miss what we mean when we describe
ourselves as a technology merchant bank.
To clarify things, let me describe what we do. As a technology merchant bank our
mission is to 'Transform technology into wealth'. We do this in a variety of
ways - buying, selling, advising, investing in and operating companies across
the technology spectrum - anything where our intellectual capital, network and
access to financial capital can help create value.
The Interregnum Group consists of three elements: 1) the core investment and
advisory business, 2) the subsidiaries directly controlled by us during the year
and 3) a portfolio of minority holdings in other companies.
Our financial results include the first two of these and the increase in the
value of the portfolio of holdings is included in the total recognised gains and
losses.
In the last year, the value of our core business' revenues grew as well as those
of our subsidiaries (Yospace, AVM and CDS). Importantly, in addition to the
overall revenue increase of 112%, the value of our portfolio increased too. The
core Interregnum revenues rose by 118% to £1.35m and the company's portfolio is
now valued at £7.16m up 55% on the year before.
Q: Staying with the numbers - you say the operating losses have 'stabilised'.
This sounds good, but you had previously said it was the intention to get this
part of the business to break even - not stabilise its losses. When will this
be?
A: The summary numbers do not yet fully reflect the major changes which we have
made in the fee-earning advisory part of our business. During the period, seven
new people were recruited which has significantly enhanced both the quality and
quantity of our fee-earning capability and has resulted in second half revenue
growth. Since year end, that growth has continued, exemplified by the
significant advisory fees of £700k which we generated from a large transaction
which completed in October 2005. The additions to this team have genuinely
transformed it, which is why I remain confident that we will reach operational
profitability during the current financial year - our previously stated plan.
Q: OK, to get the structure clear, the core Interregnum does what?
A: We buy, sell, advise, invest in and operate technology companies.
Q: Does 'buy and sell' mean the same as M&A - mergers and acquisitions?
A: Yes - we do this both for our clients and on our own account. Using our
network of technology and business contacts, our deep knowledge of the industry
and our tried and tested methodologies, we have worked for buyers and sellers in
Europe and the US.
Q: Can you give some examples of buying and/or selling transactions?
A: During the last year we have worked for clients in the UK, Czech Republic,
Italy and the USA. In January 2005 we acquired Audio Visual Machines (AVM) for
ourselves and subsequently they purchased the assets of ITM Group Ltd (ITM). We
led the sale of Chevin to Florida-based Allen Systems Group (ASG) on behalf of
their venture capital owner, MTI, and, shortly after the year end, we sold a UK
plc's high technology portfolio to a secondary private equity fund.
Q: And outside of M&A activity?
A: For over a decade, since Interregnum's foundation in 1992, we have also acted
as a trusted advisor to ambitious IT entrepreneurs and their investors.
During the last financial year we have provided a range of advisory services,
assisting clients, amongst other things, to develop strategies, raise funds,
build partnerships and value their assets. Companies with whom we have worked
are as diverse as AIM-listed Petards (AIM: PED) to DestiNY USA - the 21st
century technology cluster being developed as part of an estimated US$20 billion
initiative in Upstate New York. At DestiNY, we are working on IP
commercialisation projects as well as providing financial advice and support and
valuation methodologies.
Q: You have very little investment firepower - how are you able to invest?
A: We do have limited capital resources of our own which we have generally used
to acquire control of businesses which we intend to operate, of which AVM and
The Video Meeting Company (VMC) are the most recent examples. The main source of
capital for other deals, on which we have advised, comes from external sources -
mainly high net worth individuals - from whom we have successfully raised over
£4m during the year. In these relationships our approach is to charge an
arrangement fee and a share of the profits earned by our partners when the
investment is realised.
Q: And finally, you also run businesses directly - how does that fit with your
role as a venture capitalist?
A: Firstly, we are not a venture capitalist, we are a technology merchant bank.
Where we do make VC-like investments, we ensure that, through the shareholder
agreements and board structure, we can exert significant influence over the
business strategy and its execution of the portfolio company. And where we can,
we prefer to have majority ownership of our investments - they become operating
subsidiaries of Interregnum. Currently we have two such subsidiaries, Yospace
and AVM, having sold CDS to Red-M in 2005.
Q: Yospace and AVM - what do they do and how are they performing?
A: Yospace (www.yospace.com) is a software developer providing solutions to
mobile operators such as Orange, Vodafone and 3. They have two core products:
handset emulators and the MCP (Media Communications Platform) to enable MMS
(multi media messaging system) applications to be developed. The handset
emulation division helps the mobile operators' call centres to minimise costs by
helping representatives to deal with functionality questions efficiently and
without the need to have a version of every handset available for each call
centre operator. MMS enabled applications form an important bridge between
second and third generation mobile telephone use.
AVM (www.avmachines.com) is a systems integrator specialising in the
installation of complex video conferencing and audiovisual solutions for major
corporations such as Pfizer and BP.
As you will see from the detailed accounts, Yospace turned in flat revenues in
year under review on disappointing sales of the MCP products following a delay
to the implementation of a large contract with a major mobile phone company. The
good news is that this project has now commenced and we expect to see revenue
growth from Yospace in the current financial year.
AVM had a good year having been acquired by the Group in January 2005. AVM's
revenues were £1.89m (for the five months to June 2005) which was an increase of
58% on the same period last year. Boosted by the subsequent acquisition of ITM,
AVM concluded the year under review on an upward trajectory and we are confident
that the recent merger with VMC will accelerate that growth.
Q: And what is the future for these subsidiaries - do you intend to become a
diversified technology conglomerate?
A: No. As a technology merchant bank, we intend to build value in all of our
assets and to exit them when appropriate either via a trade sale or a flotation.
Q: Just as your business seems to be travelling in the right direction you are
growing in the US - isn't this a risky diversion?
A: The planners behind DestiNY USA (www.destinyusa.com) intend it to become
America's most visited leisure destination based on the use of innovative
technologies ranging from IT and communications through to renewable energy.
Interregnum has been appointed as a key advisor and we enjoy a very constructive
relationship with the project's leaders. While to have such a dominant client is
not without its risks, the DestiNY project has already proved financially
beneficial to us and our strong relationship there provides a springboard for
our expansion into the US market.
Q: Where's the value in Interregnum?
A: Interregnum's value comes from three parts of the business: the fee-earning
advisory activity, our operating subsidiaries (such as AVM and Yospace) and our
portfolio of investments. I have discussed the value of our advisory business
and operating subsidiaries above.
In the software sector it is usual for companies to be valued on a multiple of
sales. The multiple can range from the low single digits to very much higher as
the sale of Skype to eBay showed recently. The following table compares the
portfolio's present value using BVCA guidelines) with its value were we to use 1
and 2 times each company's revenue.
This approach can only provide a rough and prudent valuation - for example
highly profitable businesses such as Respond would attract a far higher multiple
- but it does provide an indication of the portfolio's potential on disposal.
Portfolio table
-------- ---------- ---------- --- -----------
30 June 2005 30 June 2005 Revenue
Holding BVCA multiple
value 1X 2X
Company % £000 £000 £000
AVM 77% 530 5,000 10,000
Yospace 54% 840 1,230 2,460
Red-M 46% 1,210 2,160 4,320
Metapraxis 18% 300 504 1,008
Respond 20% 3,280 1,180 2,360
Adaptive 15% 450 408 816
---------- ------ -------
6,610 10,482 20,964
========== ====== =======
--------- ---------- ---------- --- ------- --------
Q: As ever, you sound very upbeat and the news all sounds positive. Did anything
go wrong last year?
A: Ah that's a very British question! But not an unreasonable one. And yes, not
everything did go as well as we had hoped. A great disappointment was the failed
IPO of Red-M. In 2004, we acquired CDS, a consultancy specialising in designing
wireless infrastructure systems for the mobile phone operators and large
landlords such as BAA. We successfully repositioned CDS to take advantage of the
explosion in wireless usage by focusing its business on what is known as 'Total
Airspace Management'. In April 2005, we merged it with a wireless security
company, Red-M, which was owned principally by the leading venture capitalists,
Apax and Amadeus. The plan was to list the combined company on AIM and in so
doing, to raise sufficient funds to see it through to profitability.
Unfortunately, market conditions forced the flotation to be aborted.
Q: And what happens to CDS/Red-M now - will it go bust?
A: Despite the aborted flotation, the value inherent in Red-M has not changed.
We are currently negotiating a further private round of investment which should
provide it with sufficient funds to proceed to profitability. The vision for the
company - Total Airspace Management - remains demonstrably relevant, and once
Red-M has secured its financing I believe that our asset will grow in value,
returning a profit to Interregnum.
Q: What's your prognosis for the next 12 months?
A: The market for technology will continue to favour our mix of activities over
the coming year and our plan is to grow organically in each of our main
activities while demonstrating our ability to add value by disposing of one or
more of our assets. At the same time we will remain vigilant for any scale
building opportunities that can take advantage of our assets.
Thank you.
INTERREGNUM PLC
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005
Continuing Operations Discontinued
Existing Acquisitions Operations Total Total
2005 2005 2005 2005 2004
Notes £ £ £ £ £
Turnover 3 2,261,244 1,891,737 3,828,634 7,981,615 3,773,470
Cost of 3 - (1,090,443) (1,201,375) (2,291,818) (746,035)
sales
Gross profit 2,261,244 801,294 2,627,259 5,689,797 3,027,435
Administrative
expenses 3 (4,125,590) (661,845) (2,564,290) (7,351,725) (4,675,699)
Other
operating
income 3 108,198 - - 108,198 108,313
Operating
(loss)/profit (1,756,148) 139,449 62,969 (1,553,730) (1,539,951)
Profit on sale
of investments 4,434 574,663
Release of prior year provision against investments 1,271,819 344,880
Amounts written off investments (98,716) (95,261)
Net interest(payable)/receivable (58,687) 62,536
Loss on ordinary activities Before taxation (434,880) (653,133)
Taxation 30,300 102,336
Loss on ordinary activities after taxation (404,580) (550,797)
Minority interest - equity 49,028 126,978
Loss retained for the financial year transferred from reserves (355,552) (423,819)
Loss per share - basic and diluted (0.38p) (0.56p)
INTERREGNUM PLC
UNAUDITED NOTE OF HISTORICAL COST PROFITS AND LOSSES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005
2005 2004
£ £
Loss on ordinary activities before taxation (434,880) (653,133)
Realisation of revaluation gains from previous years - 551,755
Historical cost loss on ordinary activities before
taxation (434,880) (101,378)
Historical cost (loss)/profit for year retained after
taxation and minority interest (355,552) 127,936
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005
2005 2004
£ £
Loss for the financial year attributable to members of
the parent company (355,552) (423,819)
Unrealised surplus on revaluation of fixed asset
investments 953,305 451,933
Write-down of previous revaluation of fixed asset
investments (256,896) -
Temporary diminution in value of fixed asset
investments (360,290) -
Total recognised (losses)/gains relating to the year (19,433) 28,114
INTERREGNUM PLC
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 JUNE 2005
2005 2004
Notes £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Intangible assets 863,324 1,651,234
Tangible assets 617,484 386,062
Investments 4 5,648,003 2,280,843
7,128,811 4,318,139
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock 160,637 -
Debtors 2,038,681 2,143,567
Cash at bank and in 886,456 2,859,146
hand
3,085,774 5,002,713
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within
one year (including (3,296,519) (1,915,638)
convertible debt)
NET CURRENT (210,745) 3,087,075
(LIABILITIES)/
ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 6,918,066 7,405,214
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after
more than one year 5
(including convertible debt) (825,274) (1,280,833)
PROVISION FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES (3,944) -
NET ASSETS 6,088,848 6,124,381
CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Called up share capital 4,621,263 4,621,263
Share premium account 19,430,496 19,430,496
Revaluation reserve 789,290 400,634
Merger reserve (2,406,655) (2,406,655)
Profit and loss account (16,159,905) (15,751,816)
EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 6,274,489 6,293,922
MINORITY INTERESTS (EQUITY) (185,641) (169,541)
TOTAL FUNDS EMPLOYED 6,088,848 6,124,381
INTERREGNUM PLC
UNAUDITED COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 30 JUNE 2005
2005 2004
Notes £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 136,397 175,236
Investments 4 7,164,975 4,624,417
7,301,372 4,799,653
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 928,691 1,070,336
Cash at bank and in 595,918 2,593,012
hand
1,524,609 3,663,348
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due (1,903,948) (796,563)
within one year (including
convertible debt)
NET CURRENT (LIABILITIES)/ASSETS (379,339) 2,866,785
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 6,922,033 7,666,438
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after more than
one year (including 5 (150,000) (1,200,000)
convertible debt)
NET ASSETS 6,772,033 6,466,438
CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Called up share capital 4,621,263 4,621,263
Share premium account 19,430,496 19,430,496
Revaluation reserve 218,754 400,634
Profit and loss account (17,498,480) (17,985,955)
EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS 6,772,033 6,466,438
INTERREGNUM PLC
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005
2005 2004
£ £
Net cash flow from operating activities (1,086,852) (1,492,524)
Returns on investments and
servicing of finance 235,543 102,855
Taxation 96,724 24,089
Capital expenditure and financial investment (862,582) 890,028
Acquisitions and disposals (471,714) (685,312)
Cash outflow before financing (2,088,881) (1,160,864)
Financing (110,814) 2,726,230
(Decrease)/increase in cash (2,199,695) 1,565,366
RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET FUNDS
2005 2004
£ £
(Decrease)/increase in cash in the year (2,199,695) 1,565,366
Decrease/(increase) in debt and lease financing 110,814 (1,371,121)
Loans and finance leases acquired/(disposed of)
with subsidiaries (162,743) (18,918)
Loan stock issued on acquisition of subsidiary (300,000) (400,000)
Movement in net funds (2,551,624) (224,673)
Net funds at 1 July 2004 952,867 1,177,540
Net funds at 30 June 2005 (1,598,757) 952,867
INTERREGNUM PLC
UNAUDITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2005
1 Summary accounts
The summary results for the year ended 30 June, 2005 does not constitute
statutory accounts within the meaning of s240 of the Companies Act 1985.
The full statutory accounts which will be available to shareholders
shortly, have not been reported on by the Company's auditors and have
not been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. Full accounts in
respect of the year ended 30 June 2004 have been delivered to the
Registrar of Companies and the Auditors report on those accounts was
unqualified
2 Accounting polices
(a) Basis of preparation
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost
convention modified to include the revaluation of fixed asset
investments and freehold land and buildings, and in accordance with
applicable accounting standards.
Going concern
The Company's balance sheet shows that the cash balance has fallen from
£2,593,012 to £595,918 during the year and the Company has loans of
£1,350,000 due to be repaid within the next twelve months. The holder
of the convertible loan note of £1,200,000 has agreed to extend the loan
repayment date to 31 October 2006. Also the company has generated
positive cash flow since the year.
A cash flow forecast ('the forecast') has been prepared for the next
twelve months which shows that the Company is anticipated to remain
within its available cash resources and is able to settle its
liabilities as they fall due. Based on the information currently
available to them, the directors believe that the cash flow forecast is
realistic and achievable. Accordingly, the accounts are prepared on a
going concern basis.
Unlisted investments
The Group and Company balance sheets include a balance of £1,209,000
within investments in respect of loans to and shares held in an investee
company. The investee company is currently in the process of a
fundraising exercise which is intended to generate sufficient cash to
enable it tocontinue to trade for the foreseeable future. Should the
investee company not be successful in raising the funds required it
would not be able to continue to trade and adjustments would be required
to write down the investment in the accounts to its recoverable amount.
The Group and Company balance sheets also include an amount of £447,724
in respect of a loan to another investee company. This company does not
currently have sufficient cash flow or assets to repay the loans but the
trade in this investee company has recently been improving and the
directors of Interregnum PLC believe that it is a reasonable expectation
that this investee company will be able to generate sufficient cash flow
and profits in the future to repay this debt. Accordingly, no provision
has been included in the accounts against the carrying value of the
loan.
Investments in subsidiaries and intellectual property
The Group balance sheet includes intellectual property valued at
£388,549 and goodwill of £68,200, and the Company balance sheet includes
loans to subsidiaries of £861,229 in respect of the investment in a
subsidiary. This subsidiary does not currently have sufficient cash
resources to enable it to continue to trade for the foreseeable future.
However, the subsidiary has recently signed a new contract with a major
customer which, taken together with its ongoing business and other
expected additionalinvestments, the directors believe will generate
sufficient income to enable the Company to continue to trade and to
settle its liabilities as they fall due.
However, the precise timing of the cash receipts under this new contract
is subject to uncertainty and the ability of third parties to provide
further funds is also subject to a number of uncertainties.
Should the subsidiary not be able to continue as a going concern,
adjustments would be required to record additional liabilities and to
write down assets to their recoverable amount. It is not practical to
quantify these possible adjustments.
Trade debtors
The Group and Company balance sheets include trade debtors of
approximately £182,000, which have not been received from customers since
the year end as, in some cases, the debtors are in the process of raising
additional funds. The directors of Interregnum PLC believe that the debtor
companies will have sufficient funds to repay the debts and, accordingly,
no provision has been included within the accounts against the carrying
value of these debts.
(b) Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate those of Interregnum PLC
and all of its subsidiary undertakings for the year. Subsidiaries acquired
and disposed of during the year are consolidated and deconsolidated from
the date that control passes. Subsidiaries acquired are accounted for
using the acquisition method of accounting. The difference between the
acquisition cost of the shares in the subsidiary and the fair value of the
separable net assets acquired is carried as goodwill.
In accordance with the exemption allowed by section 230 of the Companies
Act 1985, the Company profit and loss account is not presented.
(c) Goodwill
Positive goodwill arising on acquisitions is capitalised, classified as an
asset on the balance sheet, and amortised on a straight line basis over
its useful economic life up to a presumed maximum of 20 years. Goodwill
arising on recent acquisitions has been written off over 10 years. It is
reviewed for impairment at the end of the first full financial year
following the acquisition and in other periods if events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
(d) Intangible assets
Intangible assets acquired as part of an acquisition of a business are
capitalised separately from goodwill if the fair value can be measured
reliably on initial recognition. Intangible assets created within the
business are not capitalised.
Intangible assets are amortised on a straight line basis over their
estimated useful lives up to a maximum of 10 years. The carrying value of
intangible assets is reviewed for impairment at the end of the first full
year following acquisition and in other periods if events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. A
discount factor of 30% has been applied to the cash flows in measuring the
value in use of the intellectual property and goodwill within Yospace.
(e) Depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at net book value. Depreciation is
provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write each
asset down to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life,
as follows:
Freehold buildings - 2% per annum straight line
Short leasehold improvements - 15% per annum straight line
Fixtures, fittings and computer - 15%-33% per annum straight line
equipment
Plant and machinery - 33% per annum straight line
Motor vehicles - 25-33% per annum straight line
The carrying values of tangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment
if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not
be recoverable.
(f) Fixed asset investments
Fixed asset investments, comprising equity shares, share options and loans are
stated at cost or valuation and in accordance with the 'Guidelines for the
valuation and disclosure of venture capital portfolios' published by the British
Venture Capital Association effective August 2003 on the following basis:
* Early stage investments: these are investments in immature companies,
including seed, start-up and early stage investments. Such investments
are valued at cost less any provision considered necessary, until no
longer viewed as early stage or unless a significant transaction
involving an independent third party at arm's length values the
investment at a materially different value.
* Development stage investments: such investments are in mature companies
having a maintainable trend of sustainable profits and from which an exit,
by way of flotation or trade sale, can be reasonably foreseen. An
investment at this stage is periodically revalued by reference to open
market value.
Valuation will usually be by one of four methods as indicated:
i) At cost for at least one period unless such a basis is
unsustainable;
ii) On a third party basis based on the price at which a
subsequent issue of capital is made involving a significant
investment by a new investor;
iii) On an earnings basis by applying a discounted price/earnings
ratio to profit after taxation, either before or after interest;
or
iv) On a net asset basis, again applying a discount to reflect the
illiquidity of the investment.
* Quoted investments: such investments are valued using the quoted mid
market price, discounted if the shares are subject to any particular
restrictions or are significant in relation to the issued share capital
of a small quoted company.
* Share options are subject to vesting and other conditions set out in
the options agreements. The valuation is based on the intrinsic value
of all share options that have vested. This is the difference between
the market value of shares at the balance sheet date and the exercise
price. A review of permanent diminution in value is undertaken by
reference to funding, investment or offers in progress after the balance
sheet date. No adjustment is made for any uplift in value after the
balance sheet date.
Investments in subsidiaries are held at cost less provision for impairment.
(g) Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date
of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the
balance sheet date. All differences are taken to the profit and loss account.
(h) Leasing and hire purchase agreements
Assets held under finance leases and hire purchase contracts, which are those
where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset have
passed to the Group, are capitalised in the balance sheet and are depreciated
over their useful lives.
The interest element of the rental obligations is charged to the profit and loss
account over the period of the lease and represents a constant proportion of the
balance of capital repayments outstanding.
Rentals payable and receivable under operating leases are charged or credited to
the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the lease term.
(i) Deferred taxation
Deferred taxation is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have
originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions or
events have occurred at that date that will result in an obligation to pay more,
or right to pay less or to receive more tax, with the following exceptions:
* Provision is made for tax on gains arising from the revaluation (and
similar fair value adjustments) of fixed assets, or gains on disposal
of fixed assets that have been rolled over into replacement assets, only
to the extent that, at the balance sheet date, there is a binding
agreement to dispose of the assets concerned. However, no provision is
made where, on the basis of all available evidence at the balance sheet
date, it is more likely than not that the taxable gain will be rolled over
into replacement assets and charged to tax only where the replacement assets
are sold.
* Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that the directors
consider that it is more likely than not that there will be suitable
taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing
differences can be deducted.
Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are
expected to apply in the periods in which timing differences reverse, based on
tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
(j) Pensions
The Company contributes 3% of employees' gross salary into personal pension
funds of their choice. The costs of providing pension contributions for
employees are charged to the profit and loss account as incurred.
(k) Turnover
Turnover from advisory business represents the amount derived from the provision
of completed work to clients during the year. Contingency fees (including
investment fees) are recognised on completion of the contingent event.
Software licence fees are recognised on delivery of the software licence. For
bespoke projects income is recognised on acceptance of the software or hardware
installation by the client. Software and hardware support income is recognised
evenly over the period of the support agreement.
Mobile and wireless consultancy is recognised on customer acceptance of the
completed report.
Turnover from the design, supply and installation of audio visual systems is
recognised as contract activity progresses by reference to the value of work
performed.
(l) Research and development
Research and development expenditure is charged to the profit and loss account
as incurred.
(m) Stock
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs of finished
goods and work in progress include overheads appropriate to the stage of
manufacture. Net realisable value is based upon estimated selling price less
further costs expected to be incurred to completion and disposal. Provision is
made for obsolete and slow-moving items.
(n) Long term contracts
Amounts recoverable on long term contracts, which are included in debtors, are
stated at the net sales value of the work done after provisions for
contingencies and anticipated future losses on contracts, less amounts received
as progress payments on account. Excess progress payments are included in
creditors as payments on account.
3 TURNOVER AND SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS
Turnover and loss by origin were sourced from the UK. The Group
operated in four classes of business during the year as noted below.
Turnover by destination is as follows: 2005 2004
£ £
UK 7,342,289 3,289,356
Other European countries 71,525 439,922
USA and Canada 444,651 27,824
Other 123,150 16,368
7,981,615 3,773,470
Loss on ordinary
activities before taxation
Turnover and minority interest Net assets
2005 2004 2005 2004 2005 2004
£ £ £ £ £ £
Continuing operations:
Investment and
advisory 1,351,612 624,948 (145,163) (355,494) 6,767,762 6,040,514
Less: inter
segmental
sales (325,000) (65,100) - - - -
Software
development, 1,234,632 1,236,808 (478,698) (369,578) (777,494) (370,257)
support and
marketing
Acquisitions:
Design,
supply 1,891,737 - 125,864 - 98,580 -
and
installation
of audio
visual
systems
---------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
4,152,981 1,796,656 (497,997) (725,072) 6,088,848 5,670,257
Discontinued
operations: 3,828,634 1,976,814 63,117 71,939 - 454,124
Mobile and
wireless
Consultancy
---------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
7,981,615 3,773,470 (434,880) (653,133) 6,088,848 6,124,381
---------- --------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
The analysis of operating profit/(loss) between continuing and discontinued operations is set out below:
2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2004 2004
Continuing operations Discontinuing Total Continuing Discontinuing Total
Total
Existing Acquisitions
£ £ £ £ £ £ £
Turnover 2,261,244 1,891,737 3,828,634 7,981,615 1,796,656 1,976,814 3,773,470
Cost of sales - (1,090,443) (1,201,375) (2,291,818) - (746,035) (746,035)
Gross profit 2,261,244 801,294 2,627,259 5,689,797 1,796,656 1,230,779 3,027,435
Admini-
strative
expenses (4,125,590) (661,845) (2,564,290) (7,351,725) (3,568,711) (1,106,988) (4,675,699)
Other operating
income 108,198 - - 108,198 108,313 - 108,313
Operating
profit/
(loss) (1,756,148) 139,449 62,969 (1,553,730) (1,663,742) 123,791 (1,539,951)
4 INVESTMENTS
Group
Unlisted shares Listed shares Loans Total
£ £ £ £
Cost or valuation
At 1 July 2004 1,856,543 86,205 2,524,961 4,467,709
Reclassification 1,210,992 - (1,210,992) -
Transfer on 987,556 - 140,000 1,127,556
deconsolidation of
former subsidiary (note 23 (e))
Additions 463,716 - 270,000 733,716
Disposals (11,897) - - (11,897)
Revaluations 953,305 - - 953,305
Eliminated on (11,043) - - (11,043)
liquidation
At 30 June 2005 5,449,172 86,205 1,723,969 7,259,346
Amounts provided
At 1 July 2004 1,084,442 - 1,102,424 2,186,866
Released during the year (378,071) - (893,748) (1,271,819)
Provided during the year 587,632 84,433 44,197 716,262
Disposal (8,923) - - (8,923)
Eliminated on (11,043) - - (11,043
liquidation
At 30 June 2005 1,274,037 84,433 252,873 1,611,343
Net book value
At 30 June 2005 4,175,135 1,772 1,471,096 5,648,003
At 1 July 2004 772,101 86,205 1,422,537 2,280,843
Previous impairment losses in respect of investments have been reversed
during the year due to the improved performance of the companies concerned.
On an historical cost basis, these fixed asset investments would
have been included as follows:
2005 2004
£ £
Unlisted investments 4,624,449 3,890,118
Listed investments - market value 1,772 1,772
The estimated taxation on the potential capital gain if sold at
valuation is £nil since there are sufficient capital losses
available to offset any potential gains.
Company
Subsidiary Unlisted shares Listed shares Loans Total
undertakings
£ £ £ £ £
Cost or valuation
At 1 July 2004 1,719,210 1,904,425 86,205 3,148,343 6,858,183
Reclassification (1,558,092) 2,768,102 - (1,210,010) -
Transfer from debtors - - - 140,399 140,399
Additions 532,091 463,356 - 469,000 1,464,447
Disposals - (11,897) - - (11,897)
Revaluations - 953,305 - - 953,305
Eliminated on - (11,043) - - (11,043)
liquidation
At 30 June 2005 693,209 6,066,248 86,205 2,547,732 9,393,394
Amounts provided
At 1 July 2004 - 1,131,342 - 1,102,424 2,233,766
Released during the year - (378,071) - (893,748) (1,271,819)
Provided during the year - 1,157,808 84,433 44,197 1,286,438
Disposals - (8,923) - - (8,923)
Eliminated on liquidation - (11,043) - - (11,043)
At 30 June 2005 - 1,891,113 84,433 252,873 2,228,419
Net book value
At 30 June 2005 693,209 4,175,135 1,772 2,294,859 7,164,975
At 30 June 2004 1,719,210 773,083 86,205 2,045,919 4,624,417
Previous impairment losses in respect of investments have been reversed during
the year due to the improved performances of the companies concerned.
4 INVESTMENTS (Continued)
On an historical cost basis, these fixed asset
investments would have been included as follows:
2005 2004
£ £
Unlisted investments 6,141,421 6,282,353
Listed investments 1,772 1,772
The estimated taxation on the potential capital gain if sold at valuation is £nil
since there are sufficient capital losses available to offset any potential
gains.
Subsidiary undertakings
Name of subsidiary Class of Proportion held Nature of
holding directly business
Interregnum Investment Partners Ordinary 100% Fund managers
Limited
Interregnum Advisory Partners Ordinary 100% Advisory
Limited services
Yospace Technologies Limited* Ordinary 54% Provision of
wireless
software
Audio Visual Machines Limited Ordinary 77% Audio visual
solutions
Provider
* On a fully diluted basis Interregnum PLC owns 47% of Yospace Technologies
Limited.
5 LOANS
Group Company
2005 2004 2005 2004
£ £ £ £
Amounts falling due:
In one year or less 1,432,934 614,383 1,350,000 400,000
or on demand
In more than one 405,768 1,210,000 150,000 1,200,000
year but not more
than two years
In more than two 175,120 30,000 - -
years but not more
than five years
In more than five 244,386 40,833 - -
years
2,258,208 1,895,216 1,500,000 1,600,000
Less: Included in (1,432,934) (614,383) (1,350,000) (400,000)
creditors: amounts
falling due within
one year
825,274 1,280,833 150,000 1,200,000
Included within loans is an amount of £240,620 (2004: £204,383) relating to loan
notes in Yospace Technologies Limited secured over the assets of Yospace
Technologies Limited. The loan attracts interest at the higher rate of 8% per
annum or LIBOR plus 5% per annum and is repayable on 13 April 2007 with a
repayment premium equal to 100% of the nominal value of the loan notes issued.
Included within loans is £51,794 falling due within one year and £465,794
falling due after one year which are repayable in equal monthly instalments of
between £833.33 and £3,657. Interest is charged at between 5.1% and 3.5% above
the Barclays Bank PLC base rate. £266,880 of the balance is secured by a first
legal charge over the freehold property of Audio Visual Machines Limited.
£198,914 is secured by way of a fixed and floating charge over the assets of
Yospace Technologies Limited.
Interregnum PLC has issued £1,500,000 of debentures, £1,200,000 of which relates
to floating rate Unsecured Convertible Loan Notes issued at par, and £300,000
relates to 6% unsecured loan notes issued at par.
The Unsecured Convertible Loan Notes carry interest at the rate of 2 per cent
above Barclays Bank PLC's base rate from time to time. They can be redeemed by
the Company at any time within two years of their issue and are required to be
redeemed at par together with outstanding interest by the Company on their
maturity date being the second anniversary of the date of their issue of 8 March
2004. On redemption, the Company is required to issue warrants ('Warrants') over
ordinary shares in respect of each £1 of Convertible Stock redeemed. The
Warrants are exercisable within 3 years from their issue at 15 pence per
ordinary share. Subsequent to the year end the redemption date of these loan
notes was extended to 31 October 2006.
The Unsecured Convertible Loan Notes can be converted by the holder at any time
prior to the maturity date (unless previously redeemed by the Company) at a rate
of 6.6667 new ordinary shares for each £1 of Convertible Loan Note.
In the event that the Company has not redeemed all of the unconverted
Convertible Loan Notes by or on the maturity date the holder of the Convertible
Loan Notes will have the right to convert all of the outstanding Convertible
Loan Notes at a rate of 20 ordinary shares for each £1 of Convertible Loan Note
outstanding.
The 6% unsecured loan notes can be redeemed by the Company at any time up to the
final redemption date at par. The Company is required to redeem £150,000 of the
loan notes on 26 January 2006 and the remaining £150,000 on 26 July 2006.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange