Final Results

RNS Number : 5036P
Park Plaza Hotels Limited
26 March 2009
 



26 March 2009



PARK PLAZA HOTELS LIMITED

('Park Plaza' or the 'Group')


Preliminary Results for the year ending 31 December 2008


Park Plaza Hotels Limited the owneroperator and franchisor of hotels in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa today reports results for the 12 months ended 31 December 2008


Summary



Financial Statistics for the year ended 31 December1

 


2008

Unaudited proforma
2007

 



Occupancy

79.8%

82.4%

Average Room Rate

€113.9

€118.8

RevPAR

€90.3

 € 97.1

Total Revenue

€93.4 million

€97.0 million

EBITDA2

€24.7 million

€28.4 million


1.

Park Plaza Hotels Limited was incorporated and registered in Guernsey on 14 June 2007. However, the merger of Euro Sea Group and acquisition of Park Plaza Group did not take place until 17 July 2007. Therefore, all 2007 figures in this statement up to and including the Income Statement Comparison to Proforma 2007 Income Statement are unaudited proforma figures and have been calculated as if the company had been incorporated and the merger and acquisition taken place on 31 December 2006.

2.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation


Solid financial performance against backdrop of significantly deteriorating trading conditions in the second half


Reported revenue affected by the 14% reduction in average Sterling to Euro exchange rate, as UK hotels account for approximately 40% of Group revenue


Hotels in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands outperformed their local markets again (Source: TRI Hospitality December 2008)



-

United Kingdom: Underlying RevPAR for owned and co-owned hotels up by 2.5% vs. 1.2% for the London market as a whole



-

The Netherlands: RevPAR for Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam down only 1.4% vs. 8.5% decline for the Amsterdam market as a whole 


EBITDA primarily affected by Sterling devaluation, on-going difficult markets in Germany and Hungary and costs incurred in relation to transactions completed during the year


Excellent progress made towards expanding the Group's portfolio in 2008:



-

Increased shareholding in the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London project to 100%; on schedule for 2010 opening



-

Opened Park Plaza County Hall London in February 



-

Agreed joint venture with Reuben Brothers to develop UK's first art'otel in Hoxton, London



-

Acquired shareholding and agreed management contract in a Croatian company that owns a large resort on the Istrian coast 



-

Extended franchise agreement in Morocco to include a new art'otel in Marrakech



-

Signed management contract with Ferens Management Ltd for a chain of new hotels in Russia; expected to be developed from 2010 onwards


  Commenting on the results, Boris Ivesha, Chief Executive Officer of Park Plaza said: 


'The Group has delivered a solid financial performance in 2008 against a background of global economic and financial turmoil which affected performance in the second half. We also made excellent progress in the year towards our goal of having 8,000 rooms in the portfolio by 2010 and we now have up to 6,070 rooms in our development pipeline.


Since the beginning of 2009 trading conditions have continued to be difficult in our markets and we continue to anticipate that this year will be very challenging.  Nonetheless, I believe the quality of our portfolio, our expertise in managing through difficult markets and our strategic partnership with Carlson, through which we benefit from global marketing, reservation and distribution systems, provide strong levers for the year ahead.'



Enquiries:


Park Plaza Hotels


Boris Ivesha, Chief Executive Officer

Tel: +44 (0)20 7034 4800

Chen Moravsky, Chief Financial Officer 

Tel: +31 (0)20 717 8603



Hudson Sandler 

Tel: +44 (0)20 7796 4133

Jessica Rouleau / Wendy Baker / Fran Read


  Overview of 2008


The Group delivered a solid financial performance in 2008 against a backdrop of significantly deteriorating economic and trading conditions in the second half of the year. We are also pleased to report that our hotels in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands again outperformed their local markets in 2008. This performance was achieved thanks to the operational expertise of our management and marketing teams, through further leveraging the benefits of our strategic partnership with the Carlson Hotels network and keeping tight control over the Group's cost base.


The Group made excellent progress toward the achievement of its goal to have over 8,000 rooms in its portfolio by 2010.  Amongst the transactions completed during the year are the increase in the Group's shareholding in the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London project to 100%, a joint venture agreement with the Reuben Brothers to develop the United Kingdom's first art'otel in London and the acquisition of a shareholding and management contract in a Croatian company that owns a large resort on the Istrian coast of Croatia.  In addition, we opened the Park Plaza County Hall London, extended our franchise agreement in Morocco and signed a management contract for a chain of new hotels in Russia, expected to be developed from 2010 onwards.


Financial Performance


Total revenue for the year was €93.4 million (2007: €97.0 million). Reported revenues were affected by the 14% reduction in the average Sterling to Euro exchange rate during the year, as our hotels in the United Kingdom account for approximately 40% of the Group's total hotel revenue.  


Reported Group RevPAR for the year was €90.3 (2007: €97.1) reflecting both the impact of Sterling devaluation and the increasingly challenging trading environment, particularly in the second half of the year. On a constant currency basis, Group RevPAR increased by 1.4%.


In the United Kingdom, RevPAR for our London hotels was €127.5 (2007: €144.6). Our hotels outperformed the London market (Source: TRI Report December 2008) and on a constant currency basis RevPAR increased by 2.5%. This was achieved through stable occupancy and a slight improvement in average room rates.  


In the Netherlands, RevPAR was €113.2 (2007: €112.5) with occupancy and average room rates remaining stable. This performance was achieved despite a decline in occupancy rates in the Dutch hotel market as a whole, particularly in Amsterdam where RevPAR for the industry declined by 8.5% during the year (Source: TRI Hospitality Report December 2008).  


As previously reported, oversupply of hotel rooms in Germany and Hungary has impacted performance, particularly in Dresden and Budapest. RevPAR for the Group's hotels in these countries was €48.8 (2007: €51.7), with a 7.8% decline in occupancy rates partially offset by a 2.4% increase in average room rates.  


Our Management and Holdings operation performed well with revenue up 26% to €9.3 million (2007: €7.4 million). This increase was due primarily to strong trading at Park Plaza County Hall London and contributions from our operations in Croatia. It was achieved despite the negative exchange rate impact on our UK management fees.  


Group EBITDA was €24.7 million (2007: €28.4 million), primarily as a result of the devaluation in Sterling during the year. EBITDA was also affected by the performance of our hotels in Germany and Hungary, the costs incurred in relation to the transactions that were completed in 2008 and the full year costs related to our status as a listed company. 


Reported profit before tax was €7.9 million (2007: €22.1 million), after negative goodwill adjustments of €6.5 million and impairment charges of 2.3 million.  Excluding these adjustments, the Group's 2008 underlying profit before tax was €3.7 million (2007: underlying loss before tax €0.1 million).  Additional detail on the negative goodwill and impairment adjustments can be found in Notes 3 and in the financial statements.


Basic earnings per share for the period were €0.19 (2007: €0.78). Details on the calculation of earnings per share are provided in Note 6 in the financial statements.


As at 31 December 2008, net debt was €282.3 million (as at 30 June 2008: €267.9 million), and the Group had €54.6 million of liquid assets, of which cash and cash equivalents were €33 million (as at 30 June 2008: €60.1 million) and UK Treasury bond investments maturing on 31 March 2009 were €21.6 million (as at 30 June 2008: nil). The movement in the net debt position is primarily a result of increased current liabilities for the financing of construction of the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London project. 818 of the 1,021 rooms have been sold and the €53.6 million of deposits received are held on the balance sheet as restricted deposits which are excluded from the €54.6 million liquid assets above. The financing for this project is secured against these sales. The remainder of the change in the cash position results from the devaluation in the Sterling. The Board reviews the Group's financial resources as a matter of course and is confident that the Group has adequate resources to meet its on-going requirements.


The Group's €42.3 million banking facility for three of its owned/co-owned Dutch properties matures in September.  The Group intends to refinance this facility and is currently in discussions with the lenders. A further update will be provided as appropriate.


Dividend 


In light of current market and trading conditions, the Board does not believe it is prudent to commence payment of a dividend.  


Review of Operations


The United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Germany are currently the principal markets in which Park Plaza operates.


The United Kingdom


Hotel Operations: Key Operating Statistics



Euro (€)

GBP (£)


Year ended 
31 Dec 2008

Year ended 
31 Dec 2007

Year ended 
31 Dec 2008

Year ended 
31 Dec 2007



(Unaudited proforma)








Occupancy

85.0%

84.8%

85.0%

84.8%

Average Room Rate

€153.9

€173.6

£120.3

£119.2

RevPAR

€127.5

€144.6

£101.8

£99.3

Total Revenue

€33.2 million

€37.7 million

£26.5 million

£25.8 million

EBITDA

€10.3 million

€12.7 million

£8.3 million

£8.7 million


Although the London market remained strong during the first half, the effects of the global economic recession and financial crisis led to a very difficult trading environment in the second half, especially in the last quarter.  The Group's owned and co-owned hotels in London outperformed the market as a whole, growing underlying RevPAR by 2.5% to £101.8 (2007: £99.3). RevPAR for the London market as a whole was up 1.2% (Source: TRI Hospitality December 2008). On a reported basis, performance was affected by the 14% reduction in the average Sterling to Euro exchange rate during the year.  


The new management team appointed to our conferencing and banqueting business in 2007 delivered a 3.7% increase in underlying revenue for 2008. This improvement was achieved through a number of operational changes, including the introduction of hotel specific sales teams for meetings and events. This change led to a more tailored approach to marketing and reservations, which proved successful. The rate of year on year revenue growth slowed during the last quarter, as the economic environment has led to a later booking trend and lower average spend on food and beverage.  Several initiatives have been put in place to address this change in the booking pattern, such as a relaxation in cancellation policies and incentives for early booking.


The Netherlands


Hotel Operations: Key Operating Statistics


 

Year ended 
31 D
ec 2008

Year ended 
31 Dec 
2007

 



Occupancy

89.5%

88.9%

Average Room Rate

125.9

126.8

RevPAR

113.2

112.5

Total Revenue

22.9 million

€22.4 million

EBITDA

8.4 million

€8.2 million


The global economic slowdown affected the Dutch hotel market more quickly than the UK market, with occupancy and average room rates coming under pressure from the end of the first half, especially in Amsterdam. Notwithstanding difficult trading conditions, the Group's hotels in The Netherlands continued to outperform their competitive sets. RevPAR increased slightly to €113.2 (2007: €112.5), as a result of an improvement in occupancy.  


Amsterdam was one of the worst affected European markets in 2008, with RevPAR declining by 8.5% (Source: TRI Hospitality December 2008). In this context, we were very pleased with the performance of the Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam which maintained an exceptional 96% occupancy rate. Although this hotel did not achieve the same level of average room rates for the year, RevPAR declined by only 1.4%.  


The Park Plaza Utrecht also significantly outperformed its competitive set. RevPAR increased by 6.7%, as a result of an 11.4% increase in average room rates. The impact, during the second half, of room closures whilst 40 of the hotel's 120 rooms were completely refurbished was more than offset by higher room rates achieved after these rooms were re-opened. RevPAR for the competitive set in Utrecht dropped 6.1% during the year. (Source: STR Global 2009)


At the Park Plaza Mandarin Eindhoven, the refurbishment of rooms and the lobby area that took place during the first half contributed to a 2.3% increase in RevPAR for the year and improvements in food and beverage spend.  

  Germany and Hungary


Hotel Operations: Key Operating Statistics


  

Year ende
31 D
ec 2008

Year ended 
31 D
ec2007

 



Occupancy

70.9%

76.9%

Average Room Rate

69.2

67.6

RevPAR

48.8

51.7

Total Revenue

€27.9

€29.6

EBITDA

€(1.4) million 

€(293,000) 

 

As anticipated at the time of our interim results, the oversupply in Germany continued to affect all cities in which the Group operates during the second half.  RevPAR for Germany and Hungary was €48.8 (2007: €51.7) due to lower occupancy in our German hotels. 


Amidst this very difficult market, Park Plaza Prenzlauer Berg Berlin increased RevPAR by 11.8% to €38.0 (2007: €34.0). This was the result of a successful initiative to attract corporate business whilst reducing the number of leisure group clients which led to a 15.6% increase in average room rates.  


In Dresden oversupply is the main driver behind a 7.2% reduction in city wide occupancy rates (Source: Fairmas GmbH 2009).  For the Group's hotels, this situation has been compounded by the effect that economic slowdown is having on corporate clients, in particular.  Revenues from our Dresden hotels dropped by 16.5%, although the art'otel delivered better occupancy and average room rates than the local market (Source: Fairmas GmbH 2009).  


Although the Budapest market as a whole experienced a recovery during the first half of the year, the second half proved particularly difficult leading to a 5.6% drop in RevPAR for the year (Source: STR Global 2009).  Our Budapest art'otel outperformed the market due to its excellent location and product offering, with RevPAR declining 1.5%. 


Management and Holdings Operation


 

Year ended 
31 D
ec 2008

Year ended 
31 D
ec 2007

 



Total Revenue

9.3 million

€7.4 million

EBITDA

7.4 million

€7.7 million

 

Total revenue from our managed and franchised hotels increased by 26% to €9.3 million (2007: €7.4 million).  This reflects contributions from the new Park Plaza County Hall London, which has significantly exceeded expectations since it opened in February 2008. It also includes contributions from management fees in Croatia and a small fee from our joint venture project in Russia.  


Notwithstanding the substantial increase in revenue from new projects during the year, EBITDA was €7.4 million (2007: €7.7 million).  As noted at the time of our interim results, this result is related to the costs associated with multiple transactions completed during the year in Russia, Croatia and the United Kingdom, the Sterling to Euro exchange rate that affects our managed hotels in the United Kingdom and the central costs incurred from our status as a listed company, which were not incurred for the full year in 2007.   Development Pipeline


During the year we continued to work towards our target of having over 8,000 rooms in our portfolio by 2010.  A number of transactions were completed during the first half and we continued to progress the development of these and other projects in the remainder of the year.  In 2009, we will continue refurbishment plans for the portfolio, although in light of current market conditions, we will be re-visiting opening schedules for our new hotels in order to optimise capital investment and returns. 


United Kingdom:  We are extremely pleased with progress made at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London project which has been 100% owned by the Group since February. This prestigious apart-hotel will be one of the largest hotel openings in the United Kingdom for 40 years and construction of the project is running on schedule and to budget for its 2010 opening. 


The General Manager, Marketing Director and sales teams were all put in place during the year. As a result of our already active pre-marketing of this property's rooms to potential guests, we have had an encouraging level of enquiries primarily relating to the state of the art conferencing and events facilities. 


Despite the current economic environment, we are also extremely encouraged that in addition to the 818 rooms already sold to investors, offers have been made for a number of additional rooms in the past month. This has been achieved without any active marketing of the rooms to potential investors or the requirement to discount prices.  


London's first art'otel will be located in Hoxton and is being developed through a 50:50 joint venture created by the Group and the Reuben Brothers in March.  370 rooms are expected to be added to our portfolio through this project and good progress was made on the design of plans during 2008. Feedback on these from the local authorities has been positive and we anticipate moving the planning process forward in 2009, aiming to have all permissions in place by the end of the year. 


Croatia:  In March, the Group acquired a 20% stake in Bora, which owns approximately 74% of Arenaturist d.d., a Croatian listed company which is the 100% owner of three private companies that together own eight hotels and five apartment complexes in and around Pula on the Istrian coast of Croatia. This transaction added an additional 2,800 rooms to Park Plaza's portfolio. The Group has also won the management contracts for these properties for an initial 20 year period


Since we took over management of Arenaturist's properties in the summer, we have put in place a number of initiatives to improve the operations and appeal of this property in preparation for the 2009 Summer season. In partnership with our co-investors, Goldman Sachs, we have appointed a new Board and senior management, including a Director who, most recently, was Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Isrotel, one of Israel's leading hotel and resort companies. A new Director of Sales & Marketing has also joined Arenaturist from Sol Melia, where she was responsible for the repositioning of their resort in Umag, Istria. In addition we have significantly upgraded the property management and internal financial systems, as well as investing in restaurant refurbishments and staff training and development.  


Work has also been progressed on plans and designs for the redevelopment of these properties.  We are currently in dialogue with the local authorities and are working towards obtaining planning permission by the end of 2009. 


Russia:  In April, the Group signed an agreement with Ferens Management Ltd to operate a chain of new hotels in Russia under 20 year management contracts. These hotels are expected to be established from 2010 onwards under the Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts brand. Market conditions in Russia have deteriorated significantly since this agreement was signed. Therefore whilst we have continued to actively review sites, project time-lines have been revised to account for the changed economic backdrop.

   Current and committed projects: 


Project

Location

Operating structure

No of rooms

Expected to open

art'otel cologne

CologneGermany

Operating lease

220

2009

art'otel marrakech

MarrakechMorocco

Franchise agreement

70

2009

Park Plaza Marrakech

MarrakechMorocco

Franchise agreement

114

2009

art'otel london hoxton 

LondonUK

Joint venture / Management contract

370

Planning application to be submitted 2009

Redevelopment of eight hotels and five apartments

Croatia

Management contract and equity investment

2,800*

2009 onwards

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London

London
UK

Owned 

1,021**

2010

art'otel amsterdam

AmsterdamThe Netherlands

Co-owned

100

2010

Park Plaza Nuremberg

NurembergGermany

Owned

175

2010

Chain of new hotels 

Russia

Management contract

3,500-4,000

2010 onwards






Number of rooms in development pipeline 



Up to 6,070


Current number of rooms



7,102


Total number of rooms expected by 
31 December 2012



Up to 13,172



*

Park Plaza currently manages and operates 2,800 rooms in Croatia which have been included in the current number of rooms in the Group's portfolio. They have not been included in the calculation of rooms in the development pipeline

**

of which 818 rooms have already been sold to investors

  Current Trading and Outlook


Since the beginning of 2009 trading conditions have continued to be difficult in our markets.  As previously indicated, the global economic downturn has reduced visibility and continues to put pressure on occupancy and average room rates. As a result, we continue to anticipate that 2009 will be a very challenging year for the industry.


Clearly, the Group is not immune from these market conditions. Nonetheless, since the beginning of 2009, RevPAR at our hotels in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands has continued to outperform that of the local markets.  


The London hotel market has continued to be challenging with revenue for the first two months of the year down 12.5% (Source: TRI Hospitality Report February 2009). For the first 12 weeks of the year the Group's hotels in the United Kingdom have achieved revenue that is broadly flat. EBITDA during this period has improved slightly compared to the first 12 weeks of last year, having benefited from the cost control initiatives we have put in place. 


The Dutch market has remained extremely weak since the beginning of the year. Occupancy rates in Amsterdam for January were 50.4% (Source: STR Global January 2009) and some market participants estimate that occupancy rates remain at this level.  The Group's hotels have continued to outperform in terms of occupancy relative to the market and are growing market share. Nonetheless revenue and EBITDA for the first 12 weeks of the year are down in the order of 20-25% on the comparative period last year


IGermany and Hungary revenue for the Group's hotels is flat compared to the first 12 weeks of last year.  Revenues from our management and holdings operation are marginally lower for the first 12 weeks of the year.


We continue to be focused on stringent management of our cost base and in adapting our marketing and selling strategies to mitigate the slowdown in the markets. We believe our performance since the beginning of the year is testament to the quality of our portfolio, our expertise in managing through difficult markets and the importance of our strategic relationship with the Carlson network. Our membership in this network provides the Group with access to Carlson's large-scale and effective marketing programmes, reservation and distribution systems, a significant advantage not enjoyed by smaller hotel companies.


We are also well advanced in achieving our 2010 room target and are actively working towards the completion of refurbishments and important projects in our development pipeline, including the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London project, the art'otel london hoxton and our Croatian project. These projects will all contribute to growing the longer term prospects of the Group. Although 2009 will be a difficult year, we believe the Group is well positioned to efficiently manage its operations and development projects and achieve further progress during the year ahead.

  Owned / co-owned Hotels - Selected Unaudited Operational and Financial Statistics 


The following table provides certain summary operating statistics for Park Plaza's owned and co-owned, operated and managed hotels for the periods indicated. These data have been extracted from Park Plaza's unaudited management accounts and may therefore not be comparable to Park Plaza's results in the consolidated financial statements over the periods shown or to be expected for any future period.


  

No. of rooms

Occupancy

ADR

RevPAR

 


 

Jan-Dec

Jan - Dec

Jan-Dec

Jan - Dec

Jan- Dec

Jan -   Dec

 

 

2008

2007

2008

2007

2008

2007

 

 



Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam

306

96%

96%

145

149

140

142

Park Plaza Vondelpark,

Amsterdam

138

85%

81%

102

105

86

82

Park Plaza Utrecht

Utrecht

120

80%

83%

117

105

95

89

Park Plaza Mandarin Eindhoven

102

87%

85%

102

100

88

86

Park Plaza Riverbank

London

394

84%

82%

134

152

110

122

Plaza on the River

London

66

78%

79%

248

311

185

241

Park Plaza Victoria

London

299

87%

88%

157

169

134

148

Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes

London

119

85%

89%

167

182

139

159

  Owned / co-owned Hotels - Selected Unaudited Operational and Financial Statistics 


The following table provides certain summary operating statistics for Park Plaza's owned and co-owned, operated and managed hotels for the periods indicated. These data have been extracted from Park Plaza's unaudited management accounts and may therefore not be comparable to Park Plaza's results in the consolidated financial statements over the periods shown or to be expected for any future period.


 

Total Revenue

GOP

EBITDA

 

Jan-Dec

Jan - Dec

Jan-

Dec

Jan - Dec

Jan-

Dec

Jan - Dec

 

2008

2007

2008

2007

2008

2007

 

€ '000

€ '000

€ '000

€ '000

€ '000

€ '000

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam

10,746

10,920

4,630

4,960

3,817

4,106

Park Plaza Vondelpark,

Amsterdam

4,661

4,033

2,093

1,630

1,687

1,102

Park Plaza Utrecht

3,280

3,254

1,525

1,538

1,281

1,318

Park Plaza Mandarin Eindhoven

4,258

4,173

1,901

2,000

1,582

1,689

Park Plaza Riverbank

London

12,878

16,982

6,293

7,055

3,754

4,892

Plaza on the River

London

4,581

3,296

1,707

2,321

1,491

2,027

Park Plaza Victoria

London

11,338

12,278

4,630

5,720

4,265

4,483

Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes

London

4,378

5,117

1,900

2,324

823

1,316


  INCOME STATEMENT 2008 COMPARISON TO PROFORMA PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT 2007






Year ended 

31 December





2008


2007*





€ '000 








Revenues




93,385 


97,058 

Operating expenses




(57,528)


(57,677)








EBITDAR




35,857 


39,381 

Rental expenses




(11,200)


(11,007)








EBITDA




24,657 


28,374 

Depreciation and amortisation




(9,050)


(9,353)








EBIT




15,607 


19,021 








Financial expenses




(17,537)


(22,715) 

Financial income




6,684 


3,690 

Share in loss of associate




(1,037)


(40)

Other income




6,507 


22,184 

Other expenses




(2,284)


- 








Profit before tax




7,940 


22,140 

Income tax expense (benefit) 




27 


(923)








Profit for the year




7,913 


23,063 









* unaudited proforma results  CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS 






Year ended 

31 December





2008


2007





€ '000 (except earnings per share)








Revenues




93,385 


75,039 

Operating expenses




(57,528)


(44,503)








EBITDAR




35,857 


30,536 

Rental expenses




(11,200)


(6,102)








EBITDA




24,657 


24,434 

Depreciation and amortisation




(9,050)


(7,252)








EBIT




15,607 


17,182 








Financial expenses




(17,537)


(20,831)

Financial income




6,684 


3,782 

Share in loss of associate




(1,037)


(40)

Other income




6,507 


22,184 

Other expenses




(2,284)


- 








Profit before tax




7,940 


22,277 

Income tax expense (benefit) 




27 


(21)








Profit for the year




7,913 


22,298 








Basic and diluted earnings per share (in Euro)




0.19 


0.78 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 






31 December





2008


2007





€ '000








ASSETS














NON-CURRENT ASSETS:







Intangible assets




53,297


56,993

Property, plant and equipment




157,472


170,848

Prepaid leasehold payments




15,834


20,621

Investment in associate




22,680


9,109

Other non-current financial assets




1,288


*) 4,549












250,571


262,120








CURRENT ASSETS:







Inventories under construction




226,892


-

Restricted deposits




52,780


646

Inventories




520


578

Other current financial assets




23,852


-

Trade receivables




11,520


10,634

Other receivables and prepayments




4,957


*) 3,319

Cash and cash equivalents




33,065


119,376












353,586


134,553








Total assets




604,157


396,673


*)    Reclassified - due to misclassification of deposits in the amount of 842,000 to long-term.


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 






31 December





2008


2007





€ '000

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES














EQUITY:







Issued capital




- 


- 

Share premium 




199,031 


195,894 

Other reserve




(220)


- 

Foreign currency translation reserve




(32,169)


(11,009)

Hedging reserve




(6,381)


1,759 

Accumulated deficit




(13,464)


(21,377)








Total equity




146,797 


165,267 








NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:







Bank borrowings




124,065 


177,912 

Other liabilities




33,382 


2,607 

Deferred income taxes




9,970 


2,061 












167,417 


182,580 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:







Trade payables




9,594 


4,502 

Deposits received from unit holders




53,580 



Other payables and accruals




13,050 


15,668 

Bank borrowings




213,719 


28,656 












289,943 


48,826 








Total liabilities




457,360 


231,406 








Total equity and liabilities




604,157 


396,673 


Adopted on: 25 March 2009


Chen Moravsky, Chief Financial Officer

Boris Ivesha, President and Chief Executive Officer


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS




Year ended 31 December



2008


2007



€ '000

Cash flows from operating activities:










Profit for the year


7,913 


22,298 

Adjustment to reconcile profit to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (a)


(83,267)


(17,466)






Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities


(75,354)


4,832 






Cash flows from investing activities:










Purchase of property, plant and equipment


(5,818)


(8,637)

Net change in cash upon acquisition of the Park Plaza Group (b)


- 


6,735 

Net change in cash upon disposal of joint venture (e)


- 


14,930 

Net change in cash upon acquisition of Marlbray (c)


(13,756)


- 

Net change in cash upon acquisition of Aspirations (d)


(14,589)


- 

Loans to an associate


(22,094)


- 

Investment in associate


(745)


- 

Net change in restricted deposits


(2,268)


-

Net change in short term deposits


- 


3,459 

Investment in UK bonds


(23,681)


- 

Investment in marketable shares


(3,013)


- 

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash


(212)


375 






Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities


(86,176)


16,862 






Cash flows from financing activities: 










Proceeds from issuance of new shares


- 


116,490 

Dividend distribution


- 


(15,000)

Proceeds from long-term loans


20,017 


720 

Repayment of long-term loans


(21,860)


(3,068)

Increase in short-term credit, net


89,004 


67 

Repayment of loans from related parties


- 


687 






Net cash provided by financing activities


87,161 


99,896 






Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


(74,369)


121,590 

Net foreign exchange differences of cash and cash equivalents


(11,942)


(8,426)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year


119,376 


6,212 






Cash and cash equivalents at end of year


33,065 


119,376 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS





Year ended 31 December




2008


2007




€ '000







(a)

Adjustment to reconcile profit to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: 












Gain on sale of investments


- 


(9,148)


Share in loss of associate


1,037 


40 


Negative goodwill on acquisition of Park Plaza Group


- 


(13,036)


Negative goodwill on acquisition of Marlbray


(6,500)


- 


Interest on loan to an associate


(665)


- 


Deferred income taxes


(362)


682 


Depreciation and amortisation


10,206 


9,360 


Share-based payments


16 


68 


Impairment of property plant and equipment


1,257 


-


Impairment of art'otel rights


1,027 


-


Interest on deposit (net)


2,414 


-








Changes in operating assets and liabilities:












Increase in inventories under construction


(87,274)


-


Decrease (increase) in inventories


20 


(65)


Decrease (increase) in trade and other receivables


(2,037)


199 


Decrease in trade and other payables


(2,406)


(5,566)










(83,267)


(17,466)







(b)

Net change in cash upon acquisition of the Park Plaza Group:












Current assets (excluding cash and cash equivalents)


- 


(12,922)


Current liabilities


- 


29,889 


Non-current assets


- 


(112,734)


Non-current liabilities


- 


28,531 


Fair value of the shares issued as consideration for acquisition


- 


60,935 


Negative goodwill


- 


13,036 










- 


6,735 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS





Year ended 31 December




2008


2007




€ '000

(c)

Net change in cash upon acquisition of Marlbray:












Current assets (excluding cash and cash equivalents)


(229,394)


- 


Current liabilities


164,904 


- 


Non-current assets


(603)


- 


Non-current liabilities


41,687 


- 


Revaluation of existing interest upon acquisition 


29 




Fair value of the shares issued as consideration for acquisition 


3,121 


- 


Negative goodwill


6,500 


- 








Net change in cash


(13,756)


- 







(d)

Net change in cash upon acquisition of Aspirations:












Current assets (excluding cash and cash equivalents)


88 


- 


Current liabilities


(88)


- 


Non-current assets


(14,589)


- 








Net change in cash


(14,589)


- 







(e)

Net change in cash upon disposal of joint venture:












Current assets (excluding cash and cash equivalents)


- 


307 


Current liabilities


- 


(104)


Non-current assets


- 


5,579 


Non-current liabilities


- 


- 


Gain on sale


- 


9,148 










- 


14,930 







(f)

Supplemental disclosure of cash flows:












Cash paid during the year:






Income taxes


201 


294 








Interest


11,964 


13,009 








Cash received during the year:












Interest 


4,839 


2,996 

(g)

Significant non-cash transactions:












Shares issued to acquire the Park Plaza Group


- 


60,935 








Shares issued to acquire intangibles


- 


4,000 








Shares issued to acquire Marlbray


3,121 


- 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1:-  GENERAL


The Company was incorporated and registered in Guernsey on June 14, 2007. 


The Company through its subsidiaries owns, operates and franchises, hotels in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa predominantly under the Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts and art'otel brands.


On July 14, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the Euro Sea Group. For periods prior to the legal formation of the Company, the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of Euro Sea Group were consolidated in preparing the financial statements. Also on July 14, 2007, as part of the IPO, the Euro Sea Group acquired 100% of the voting shares of Park Plaza Hotels Europe Holding B.V., its subsidiaries and other investments ('Park Plaza Group'). As of this date the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the Park Plaza Group were included in the consolidated financial statements.


Global liquidity crisis


The ongoing global liquidity crisis which commenced in the middle of 2007 has resulted in, among other things, a lower level of capital market funding, lower liquidity levels across the banking sector, and, at times, higher interbank lending rates and very high volatility in stock markets. The uncertainties in the global financial markets have also led to bank failures and bank rescues in the United States of AmericaWestern EuropeRussia and elsewhere. Indeed the full extent of the impact of the ongoing financial crisis is proving to be impossible to anticipate or completely guard against.


In response to this global economic crisis, the Board of Directors has undertaken a recent and thorough review of the Group's forecasts and associated risks. These forecasts extend for a period of one year from 31 December 2008. As part of the review, the Board verified the Group's compliance with the loan covenants as set forth in its debt facilities and considered the liquidity risk arising from the maturities of its loans.


The Group is financed using debt instruments with a range of maturities. The Group's borrowings (net of interest hedges) are repayable as follows:


Loan

EUR Million

Maturity




Dutch Portfolio

42.3

September 2009

Development art'otel amsterdam

7.0

November 2009

Development Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London

163.0 *

Completion expected 2010

London Portfolio

104.8

February 2011 **

Park Plaza Vondelpark, Amsterdam

21.0

September 2013



*

Part of a £221 million (€ 232 million) facility agreement to fund the development of Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London (1,021 room apart-hotel). The Loan Facility Agreement is repayable in full on the earlier of: (a) 30 business days of the date of Practical Completion, which is expected in 2010; and (b) the Final Maturity Date, being 19 April 2011

**

The Company has an option, providing certain covenants are met, to extend the loan term by 24 months (i.e. February 2013)

  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1:-  GENERAL (cont.)


Two of the Group's loans funding the Dutch portfolio are maturing during 2009. The credit markets and funding environment were unfavourable in 2008 and are currently continuing to be so in 2009. However, the Board believes the Group will be able to secure refinancing for this well established, performing portfolio, which is currently leveraged at approximately 50% of its most recent performance valuation.


In 2009, as in prior years, the Group ensures that there is sufficient capital in order to meet short-term business requirements, after taking into account cash flows from operations and the Group's holdings of liquid assets. According to budgets, all of the hotels are expected to have enough working capital to continue their operations and generate enough operating profit to serve their financial obligations. The Group has adequate resources to continue its operations for the foreseeable future, even in the remote scenario in which the Group will have to re-finance its Dutch portfolio loans due in 2009 from its own capital.


Management believes it is taking all the necessary measures to support the sustainability and growth of the Company's business in the current economic circumstances. Given these circumstances, the Board has held detailed discussions around the concept of going concern. Following these discussions and based on the review disclosed above, the Board has come to the conclusion that there are no uncertainties regarding the Group's ability to continue as a going concern.



NOTE 2:-  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


a

Basis of preparation:




The consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Group's annual financial statements as at December 31, 2007.


b

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the annual consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 except for the following:



Inventories under construction


Inventories under construction are measured at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Cost of inventories includes direct identifiable construction costs, indirect costs and capitalised borrowing costs. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.


Acquisitions of joint ventures that are not business combinations

On the day of acquisition of joint venture and operations, the Company assesses whether business is acquired in accordance with IFRS 3. A business generally consists of inputs, processes applied to those inputs, and resulting outputs that are, or will be, used to generate revenues. If goodwill is present, the transferred set of activities and assets shall be presumed to be a business. When no business is acquired, according to IFRS 3, the consideration is allocated between the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired on the basis of relative fair values, without allocating to goodwill or deferred taxes.

  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 3:-  BUSINESS COMBINATION


ACQUISITION OF MARLBRAY LTD


In February 2008, Euro Sea Hotels N.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired 67% of the shares of Marlbray Ltd. ('Marlbray'), increasing the Group's ownership interest in Marlbray to 100%. Marlbray is the owner of the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (Londonproject, anticipated opening is in the first half of 2010 (see Note 11 in the 2008 annual financial statements).


The fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of Marlbray as at the date of acquisition (based on an independent appraisal) and the corresponding carrying amounts immediately before the acquisition are:




Fair value

recognised on 

acquisition


Previous 

carrying 

amount



€'000






Inventories under construction


184,226 


140,369 

Restricted deposits


52,854 


52,843 

Other current assets and receivables


1,660 


1,660 

Cash and cash equivalents


456 


456 








239,196 


195,328 






Bank borrowings


102,577 


102,577 

Shareholders loan



620 

Other financial liabilities


84,701 


78,567 

Deferred income taxes


10,563 


Trade payables


1,563 


1,563 

Other payables and accruals


7,192 


7,192 

 Liability to Irish Nationwide Building Society



5,339 








206,596 


195,858 








32,600 


(530)

Carrying amount of investment in Marlbray as an associate


(8,738)



Revaluation of existing interest upon acquisition 


(29)



Negative goodwill on acquisition


(6,500) 








Total consideration


17,333 




The total consideration for the 67% interest acquired, in the amount of 7.33 million, consists of £10.6 million (14.2 million) in cash and the issue of 735,000 Ordinary shares of the Company (490,000 of which were issued to the sellers of Marlbray). The market price of the shares on the date of acquisition was £3.16 (4.24). As part of the considerationthe Company funded the repayment of approximately £472,000 (631,000of loans made to Marlbray by the selling shareholders and a fee payable by Marlbray to Irish Nationwide Building Society (which provided finance for the early stages of the project) which was satisfied by approximately £3.2 million (4.3 million) in cash and the issue of 245,000 Ordinary shares.


From the date of the acquisition the contribution of Marlbray to the net profit of the Group is not material. If the combination had taken place at the beginning of the year, the net profit of the Group would be €346,000 lower. Marlbray does not generate revenue as the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London apart-hotel is still under construction.

  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 4:-  OTHER ACQUISITIONS


a)

ACQUISITION OF WH/DMREF BORA BV




In April 2008, Euro Sea Hotels N.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired 20% of the shares of WM/DMREF Bora B.V. ('Bora') from a group of real estate investment funds. Bora currently owns approximately 74% of Arenaturist d.d., a public company listed on the Zagreb (Croatia) Stock Exchange, and 100% of three related private companies. These companies together own eight hotels and five apartment complexes in and around Pula on the Istrian coast of Croatia. As part of the transaction, the Company is also acquiring 20% of the debt currently provided to Bora by its shareholders. 



The total consideration of the acquisition, including the debt being acquired, is € 22.4 million, which was funded by the Company from its existing cash resources. 



The investment in Bora is accounted for under the equity method in accordance with IAS 28.




b)

ACQUISITION OF ASPIRATIONS LTD




In March 2008, Apex Holdings (UK) Limited ('Apex'), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired 50% of the issued share capital of Aspirations Limited ('Aspirations'), the owner of a site (Hoxton, London) on which the Company plans to develop a new apart-hotel under the 'art'otel' brand. 



The consideration for the 50% interest in Aspirations was £ 3.0 million (€ 3.9 million) in cash. In addition, Apex advanced a loan of approximately £ 8.0 million (€ 10.4 million) to Aspirations. Following completion, Aspirations will be indebted to each of its shareholders for the same amount and on the same terms. The consideration for the shares and the loan from Apex to Aspirations was funded by the Company from its existing cash resources. Park Plaza Hotels Europe B.V. (a subsidiary of the Company) has entered into an agreement with Aspirations to operate and manage the hotel for an initial term of 20 years from the opening of the hotel onwards. 


The Group reports its interest in Aspiration using proportionate consolidation.


  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 5:-  IMPAIRMENT TESTING OF INTANGIBLE AND TANGIBLE ASSETS


Intangible assets


The recoverable amounts of the intangible assets have been determined by an independent valuer based on value in use calculations using cash flow projections for the relevant cash generating units from financial budgets approved by senior management covering a five-year period. The pre-tax discount rate applied to cash flow projections is 9.5% and cash flows beyond the 5-year period are extrapolated using a 2.5% growth rate.


In 2008, the Group recorded an impairment loss in the amount of €1.03 million which is included in other expenses.


Property, plant and equipment


The recoverable amount of property, plant and equipment has been determined based on internal value in use calculations using discounted cash flow projections for the relevant cash generating units. These projections are based on financial budgets approved by senior management covering a five-year period. The pre-tax discount rate applied to cash flow projections is 9.7% and cash flows beyond the 5-year period are extrapolated using growth rate of 2.0-2.5%. In 2008, the Group recorded an impairment loss in the amount of €1.26 million which is included in other expenses.



NOTE 6:-    EARNINGS PER SHARE


The following reflects the income and share data used in the basic earnings per share computations:




Year ended 31 December



2008


2007



€ '000






Profit (loss) 


7,913


22,298






Weighted average number of Ordinary shares outstanding


41,558


28,611


Potentially dilutive instruments (share options) have not been included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they are anti-dilutive for all periods presented

  NOTE 7:-  SEGMENTS


The segment reporting format is determined to be geographical segments as the Group's risks and rates of return are affected predominantly by the location of the Group's hotels.




Year ended 31 December 2008



The Netherlands


Germany


U.K.


Hungary


Adjustments and eliminations


Consolidated



€000














Total revenue


22,981


23,515


33,272


5,101


8,516


93,385














Segment results


4,316


(1,979)


(4,719)


(406)


10,278


7,940




Year ended 31 December 2007



The Netherlands


Germany


U.K.


Hungary


Adjustments and eliminations


Consolidated



€000














Total revenue


20,903


12,857


34,867


2,723


3,689


75,039














Segment results


7,608


250


(4,463)


146


18,736


22,277



ASSETS


The increase of the assets of the Company is mainly due to the increase of assets in the UK resulting from the acquisitions as disclosed in Note 3 and 4. 



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