Interim Results
Liberty PLC
25 September 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25th September 2007
LIBERTY PLC:
INTERIM RESULTS FOR SIX MONTHS TO 30 JUNE 2007
• New Chief Executive joined 1 July 2007 and additional appointments to
executive management team:
o New Human Resources and Change Director appointed from Maybourne Group
o Director of Internet, Supply Chain and Retail Merchandising joins from
Harrods
• Further advance in total Group revenue to £20.5m - up from £20.0m in
comparable period
• Flagship store sales advanced 1.9% to £16.5m
o Menswear increased sales by 28% to £2.1m
o Accessories sales rose by 7% to £3.5m
o Liberty of London luxury brand sales up 23% to £1.2m
• Further strengthening of Liberty balance sheet through upward valuation of
Great Marlborough Street store to £37m from £35m
• Pre-tax losses of £2.2m, against £1.6m, reflecting increased brand investment
of £1.6m
• Independent Liberty of London shop leased in Sloane Street - anticipated
Spring 2008 opening
'We believe Liberty is entering a new era where it is re-capturing the ethos and
desire to provide cutting edge design in a luxury retail environment for which
the Company was once synonymous. Our objective over the next 12 months is to
firmly establish this framework enabling Liberty, which will be led by the
Liberty of London brand, to become a byword for luxury retailing.
'I passionately believe we are establishing a great team and an increasingly
recognised luxury brand with enormous potential. Therefore, I am confident that
we can continue to build on our established foundations and move to the next
stage in our growth strategy. With that in mind I believe the future is
exciting,'
Richard Balfour-Lynn, Chairman.
Contact Details:
Richard Balfour-Lynn, Chairman , Liberty Plc 020 7706 2121
Geoffroy de la Bourdonnaye, Chief Executive, Liberty Plc 020 7734 1234
Baron Phillips, Baron Phillips Associates 020 7920 3161
Nicola Marrin , Seymour Pierce 020 7107 8000
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT AND BUSINESS REVIEW
for the six months ended 30th June 2007
I am pleased to report further progress at Liberty as we continue our strategy
of re-positioning the business into a highly focused luxury goods retailer.
Over the six months to 30 June 2007 sales have continued to grow, especially
within our Liberty of London luxury brand, and we have made great strides in
restructuring the management team that will help us meet our key objective of
making Liberty a global brand.
The increased success of our Liberty of London label, which saw its total sales
within the flagship store rise by 23% to £1.2m, is extremely encouraging and is
beginning to define how we believe Liberty will look and feel in the future. As
part of this process we are examining every aspect of the flagship store so that
all products sold will reflect the luxury goods approach that we are achieving
with the Liberty of London brand. This improving product mix should be another
driver to our successful transformation of the business.
To help achieve this we have made, and continue to make, significant management
appointments. The first has been the appointment of Geoffroy de la Bourdonnaye
as Chief Executive who joined us in July from Christian Lacroix where he was
instrumental in reviving and developing that established brand. Geoffroy brings
a wealth of brand management and development experience to Liberty. He is
already having a significant impact and is beginning to restructure Liberty's
senior management to enable the business to deliver its objective of becoming a
globally recognised luxury goods retailer.
Earlier this month, we announced the appointment of Sara Edwards as Human
Resources and Change Director. Sara is a highly regarded Senior HR Executive
within the hospitality industry and understands how to refocus a team to deliver
service within a luxury goods environment. This will involve major change across
the whole Liberty Group to drive improved service delivery, management
performance and overall financial results. We have also recently announced the
appointment of Guy Hipwell as Director of Internet, Supply Chain and Retail
Merchandising. Guy will develop Liberty's e-commerce offer to reflect the
growing international awareness of the Liberty of London luxury brand,
streamlining the supply chain and leading the merchandising function. Guy joined
Liberty from Harrods where he had contributed significantly to the development
of its merchandising and e-commerce offer.
Retailing continues to reflect the polarisation that we have seen over the past
couple of years. Successful retailers are those who focus on specific areas of
the market. At Liberty we are aiming firmly at the luxury goods market and this
is attracting those consumers seeking quality and good design in a retail
destination environment.
We continue to invest heavily in our luxury brand, Liberty of London, as we look
to capitalise on the global demand for well-designed and high value products.
Apart from continuing to expand the label's range of products, we are also
beginning to introduce Liberty of London to a wider, more international
audience. We have shown our Liberty of London menswear range at the Milan
fashion week earlier in the year and later this month we are taking our Liberty
of London womens' accessories and swimwear range to Paris. As a result the label
will start being seen in the world's luxury stores enabling us to build a far
wider platform of brand recognition and awareness.
In the UK we have already taken two key steps in the development of the brand.
First, we have created Liberty of London's own dedicated space within the
flagship store. With specifically trained and recruited staff, this area,
located in the central atrium, is already proving very popular among customers.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, we have leased a shop in the prime
Knightsbridge end of Sloane Street for no premium and at advantageous rental
level to ourselves. This is planned to open in Spring 2008 and will be a
stand-alone Liberty of London retail unit enabling us to showcase our product
range in a prime shopping environment. It will also help us to establish a
benchmark not only for how Liberty of London retail units will look and operate,
but also help us establish the design and feel we believe necessary to bring the
flagship store up to a similar level.
Our fabrics business is also enjoying a new lease of life. As referred to in my
previous statements, our 50:50 Japanese joint venture is coming to an end and
therefore in the future we will be able to incorporate all of these results into
a new wholly owned subsidiary. The remaining business will continue to be
managed from the UK, where we are already identifying new markets for our fabric
as well as diversifying into new base cloths and special designs. At the same
time we are re-introducing our range of Liberty silks, for which the Company was
once noted, and we see important growth potential in this area of our business.
Revenue from our fabrics division improved by 4% to £6.6m, despite the impact of
a weak Yen against Sterling, and contributed an operating profit of £1.5m for
the period. As the changes we have implemented begin to take effect, we
anticipate this division will grow markedly over the medium term, contributing
an increasing level of pre-tax profits to the group.
Overall total net sales at the flagship store including concessions improved to
£16.5m for the six months to 30 June 2007 from £16.2m this time last year. Some
of our key drivers over the period included menswear which recorded a 28%
increase in sales to almost £2.1m, while accessories' sales rose by almost 7% to
£3.5m. However ladieswear endured tougher trading conditions and sales dipped 4%
to £3.9m while our Home department delivered sales of £4.2m, down 3% against the
corresponding period ended 30th June 2006.
Across the entire Liberty business, revenue for the six months to 30th June 2007
increased slightly to £20.5m, against £20.0m for the same period last year,
while gross profits were £9.5m against £9.1m last time. Pre-tax losses for the
half-year were £2.2m compared to a loss of £1.6m a year ago, reflecting an
increased investment in the brand of £1.6m, up from £1.1m in the comparable
period a year ago. As a result, the loss per share was 11.7p against 9.0p last
time.
Liberty's balance sheet has been further strengthened by an increase in the Red
Book value of our flagship store in Great Marlborough Street. This has risen to
a gross property value of £39.2m, which after assumed purchaser's costs of
£2.2m, translates into a value for accounts purposes of £37m, up from £35m at
31st December 2006. As a result, Liberty's net assets are now £51.2m against
£43.1m a year ago.
We believe Liberty is entering a new era where it is re-capturing the ethos and
desire to provide cutting edge design in a luxury retail environment for which
the Company was once synonymous. Our objective over the next 12 months is to
firmly establish this framework enabling Liberty, which will be led by the
Liberty of London brand, to become a byword for luxury retailing. This will be
reflected in not only the products we sell, but also how we present and sell
them, together with the service our customers receive, whether in the store or
our on-line shop.
In the current market it is hard to be completely certain of the future, but I
passionately believe we are establishing a great team and an increasingly
recognised luxury brand with enormous potential. We are intent on achieving our
goals and attracting new talent to the business. Contrary to certain press
opinion, I would also like to confirm that we have held no discussions
concerning the sale of the business during the period and none are currently in
progress. We are committed to taking Liberty into the next stage of its
development and creating a truly global luxury brand.
I am confident that we can continue to build on our established foundations and
to move to the next stage in our growth strategy. With that in mind I believe
the future for Liberty is exciting.
Richard Balfour-Lynn
Chairman
Liberty Plc
25th September 2007
LIBERTY PLC OPERATING REVIEW
for the six months ended 30th June 2007
During the six months ended 30th June 2007, Liberty Plc has continued its
transformation into a dynamic retail destination, underpinned by a strong and
expanding retail brand. The historical trading and balance sheet performance of
Liberty Plc are summarised below:-
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30th June 30th June 31st December
2007 2006 2006
Financial performance £'000 £'000 £'000
Total revenue 20,531 19,976 44,012
EBITDA before brand expenditure 295 202 1,311
Operating loss before brand expenditure (591) (539) (180)
Brand expenditure (1,554) (1,085) (1,971)
Recognised income and expense -------- -------- --------
204 617 8,955
-------- -------- --------
30th June 30th June 31st December
2007 2006 2006
Balance sheet composition £'000 £'000 £'000
Intangible asset - brand 18,200 18,200 18,200
Property, plant and equipment 38,811 30,082 36,587
Net debt (7,270) (882) (1,191)
Net assets 51,223 43,113 51,141
Equity shareholders' funds per share -------- -------- --------
219p 183p 219p
-------- -------- --------
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (unaudited)
for the six months ended 30th June 2007
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30th June 30th June 31st
December
2007 2006 2006
Notes £'000 £'000 £'000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue 2 20,531 19,976 44,012
Cost of sales (11,052) (10,922) (24,000)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 9,479 9,054 20,012
Selling and distribution (10,600) (9,506) (19,952)
Administrative expenses (1,304) (1,454) (2,784)
Other operating income 280 282 573
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating loss (2,145) (1,624) (2,151)
Finance income 33 15 33
Finance expense (133) - (192)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss before taxation (2,245) (1,609) (2,310)
Taxation 3 (192) (238) (437)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss for the period 2 (2,437) (1,847) (2,747)
==================================================================================
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the (2,655) (2,043) (3,115)
Company
Minority interests 218 196 368
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss for the period (2,437) (1,847) (2,747)
==================================================================================
Loss per share (basic and diluted) 4 (11.7p) (9.0p) (13.8p)
==================================================================================
All results relate to continuing operations. The notes on pages 11 to 33 form
part of these accounts.
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30th June 30th June 31st December
2007 2006 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealised gains on property revaluations 1,490 1,012 7,183
net of tax
Actuarial gain on defined benefit pension 1,255 1,500 4,714
schemes net of tax
Effective portion of changes in fair value (46) - -
of derivative financial hedges
Net foreign exchange translation (58) (48) (195)
differences
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income and expense recognised directly to 2,641 2,464 11,702
equity
Loss for the period (2,437) (1,847) (2,747)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total recognised income and expense for 204 617 8,955
the period
===================================================================================
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the Company (14) 421 8,587
Minority interests 218 196 368
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total recognised income and expense for 204 617 8,955
the period
===================================================================================
Total recognised income and expense 0.0p 1.9p 38.0p
attributable to shareholders of Liberty
Plc in pence per share (note 4)
===================================================================================
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (unaudited)
at 30th June 2007
30th June 30th June 31st
December
2007 2006
2006
Notes £'000 £'000 £'000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-current assets
Intangible asset 18,200 18,200 18,200
Property, plant and equipment 6 38,811 30,082 36,587
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
57,011 48,282 54,787
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current assets
Inventories 7,232 7,073 7,489
Trade and other receivables 6,696 6,928 5,997
Cash and cash equivalents 1,171 - 1,020
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15,099 14,001 14,506
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets 72,110 62,283 69,293
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 8 (10,439) (11,298) (12,562)
Tax payable 9 (184) (356) (135)
Overdrafts 10 (8,441) (882) (2,211)
Derivative financial instruments (46) - -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(19,110) (12,536) (14,908)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-current liabilities
Employee benefits 5 (97) (4,938) (1,548)
Other provisions 11 (1,680) (1,696) (1,696)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1,777) (6,634) (3,244)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities (20,877) (19,170) (18,152)
==================================================================================
Net assets 51,223 43,113 51,141
==================================================================================
Equity
Called up share capital 6,036 6,036 6,036
Revaluation reserve 12 14,090 6,430 12,600
Hedging reserve 12 (46) - -
Translation reserve 12 (96) 90 (38)
Merger reserve 12 61,503 61,503 61,503
Retained earnings 12 (31,939) (32,783) (30,601)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity attributable to 49,548 41,276 49,500
shareholders
of the Company
Minority interests 1,675 1,837 1,641
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total equity 51,223 43,113 51,141
==================================================================================
The notes on pages 11 to 33 form part of these accounts.
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT (unaudited)
for the six months ended 30th June 2007
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30th June 30th June 31st
December
2007 2006 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss for the period (2,437) (1,847) (2,747)
Adjustments for non-cash items
Taxation 192 238 437
Finance cost 133 - 192
Finance income (33) (15) (33)
Depreciation and amortisation 939 741 1,491
Currency translation differences (73) (88) (172)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from operations before changes in (1,279) (971) (832)
working capital
Change in inventories 258 (241) (653)
Change in trade and other receivables 193 56 999
Change in trade and other payables (3,299) (2,553) (1,680)
Change in provisions and employee benefits 62 49 104
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash generated from operations (4,065) (3,660) (2,062)
Interest paid (277) - (195)
Tax paid (143) 49 (370)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash from operating activities (4,485) (3,611) (2,627)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received 174 39 33
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (1,673) (1,202) (2,287)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash from investing activities (1,499) (1,163) (2,254)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Payments to minority interests (95) - (202)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in financing activities (95) - (202)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (6,079) (4,774) (5,083)
Opening cash and cash equivalents (1,191) 3,892 3,892
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Closing cash and cash equivalents (7,270) (882) (1,191)
=================================================================================
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparation
The Group accounts for the six months ended 30th June 2007 have been prepared
and approved by the Directors in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU ('Adopted IFRS'). These are the first
set of audited consolidated accounts of Liberty Plc to be presented under
Adopted IFRS.
The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been
applied consistently to all periods presented in these Group accounts and in
preparing an opening IFRS balance sheet at 1st July 2005 for the purposes of the
transition to Adopted IFRS.
The adoption of IFRS has no effect on the underlying operations of the Group,
its strategy and management, nor on the cash flows derived from the Group's
business operations. These standards do, however, affect the way in which such
activities are presented in the Group accounts.
IFRIC 8: Scope of IFRS 2 Share-based Payment. This standard addresses the
accounting for share-based payment transactions in which some or all of goods or
services received cannot be specifically identified. For the six months ended
30th June 2007 there is no material impact on the Group accounts.
The most significant impact on the Liberty Group accounts have been set out in
detail in note 14 to the accounts.
The accounts are prepared on the historical cost basis except that the following
assets and liabilities are stated at their fair value:
• Investment and operational properties;
• Derivative financial instruments.
The comparative figures for the financial year ended 31 December 2006 are not
the company's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts, which
were prepared under UK GAAP, have been reported on by the company's auditors and
delivered to the registrar of companies. The report of the auditors was (i)
unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the
auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and
(iii) did not contain a statement under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies
Act 1985.
Transition to Adopted IFRS
An explanation of how the transition to Adopted IFRS has affected the reported
financial performance, positions and cash flows of the Group is set out in
detail in note 14 to the accounts. The Group is preparing its accounts in
accordance with Adopted IFRS for the first time in the accounts for the six
months ended 30th June 2007 and has applied IFRS 1 - 'First Time Adoption of
International Financial Reporting Standards'. In accordance with IFRS 1, the
Group has taken advantage of the following exemptions at 1st July 2005, the date
of transition to IFRS:
• Business combinations occurring prior to transition have not been
restated;
• Share options granted before 7th November 2002 or vested prior to 1st
January 2005 have not been recognised in accordance with IFRS 2;
• Cumulative translation differences for all foreign operations have been
set to zero at 1st July 2005.
The Group has applied IAS 32 and 39 retrospectively to the comparative
information in the accounts, refer to note 14 for further details.
Where necessary, adjustments are made to the information included in the
accounts of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies in line with those
used by the Group and so reflect that information on a consistent basis with the
rest of the Group.
Use of estimates and judgements
The preparation of accounts requires management to make judgements, estimates
and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the
reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may
differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed
on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the
period in which the estimate is revised and in any future periods affected.
In particular, information about significant areas of estimation, uncertainty
and critical judgements in applying accounting policies that have the most
significant effect on the amount recognised in the financial statements are
described in the following notes:
• Note 5 - pensions
• Note 6 - property, plant and equipment
Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group
has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating
policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing
control, potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible
are taken into account. The accounts of subsidiaries are included in the
consolidated accounts from the date that control commences until the date that
control ceases.
Minority interests
Dilution gains and losses on increases in minority interest, where no change of
control results, are recognised directly in equity.
Brands
In accordance with IFRS 3, brands acquired by the Group are initially included
in the accounts at their fair value. The Directors consider that the Group's
brands have indefinite lives due to the durability of their underlying
businesses which has been demonstrated over many years. Accordingly, the brands
have not been amortised but have instead been subject to an impairment
assessment conducted at each financial year end. Where this reveals a surplus,
the value of the brand is retained, where it reveals a deficit, the brand is
written down and the deficit is charged to the income statement. Subsequent
expenditure on brands is recognised in the income statement when incurred. Under
IFRS, from December 2007 the Group's brand will be valued and held at amortised
cost.
Property, plant and equipment
Land and buildings held for use in the production or supply of goods or
services, or for administrative purposes, are stated in the balance sheet at
their revalued amounts, being the fair value, determined from market-based
evidence and appraisals undertaken by professional valuers at the balance sheet
date.
Any revaluation increase arising on the revaluation of such land and buildings
is credited to the revaluation reserve within equity, except to the extent that
it reverses a revaluation decrease for the same asset previously recognised as
an expense, in which case the increase is credited to the income statement to
the extent of the decrease previously charged. A decrease in carrying amount
arising on the revaluation of such land and buildings is charged as an expense
in the income statement to the extent that it exceeds the balance, if any, held
in the revaluation reserve relating to previous revaluations of that asset.
Depreciation on revalued buildings is charged as an operating expense to the
income statement. On a subsequent sale or retirement of a revalued property, the
attributable revaluation surplus remaining in the revaluation reserve is
transferred directly to accumulated profits.
Leasehold improvements relating to operating leases are carried at cost, less
any recognised impairment loss. Cost includes professional fees and, for
qualifying assets, borrowing costs capitalised in accordance with the Group's
accounting policy. Depreciation of properties in the course of construction is
provided on the same basis as other property assets, in that it commences when
the assets are ready for their intended use.
Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost or valuation of property,
plant and equipment, other than land and property under construction, over their
estimated useful lives, using the straight line method, over the following
periods:-
Freehold operational property 100 years
Air conditioning and lifts or plant forming part of 5 to 10 years
the property
Fixtures and equipment 5 to 10 years
IT equipment 3 to 7 years
The gain or loss on the disposal or retirement of a property, plant and
equipment is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the
carrying amount of the asset at the date of disposal or retirement, and is
recognised in income.
Impairment
The carrying amounts of the Group's assets other than inventories and deferred
tax assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is
any indication of impairment. Specifically, an impairment test is undertaken on
the Group's intangible asset, its brand which has an indefinite useful life. If
any such indication exists, the asset's recoverable amount is estimated.
For goodwill, assets that have an indefinite useful life, and intangible assets
that are not yet available for use, the recoverable amount is estimated at each
balance sheet date.
An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its
cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are
recognised in the income statement.
Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated
first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to cash-generating
units and then to reduce the carrying amount of other assets in the unit on a
pro-rata basis. A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of
assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash
inflows from other assets or groups of assets.
Leases
Operating leases are not recognised in the Group balance sheet, except that r
entals payable and incentive fees received under operating leases are charged/
amortised to income on a straight-line basis over the entire term of the
relevant lease.
Investment in subsidiary companies
The Company is a holding company, which holds shares in its subsidiaries at cost
less any impairment. The subsidiary undertakings of the Company are all engaged
in retail activities, wholesaling activities, property and related activities,
or act as intermediary holding companies for such operations.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost
comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those
overheads that have been incurred in bringing inventories to their present
location and condition. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling
price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in
marketing, selling and distribution.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits. Bank
overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group's
cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the
purpose only of the statement of cash flows.
Debt and financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the Group's balance
sheet when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the
instrument.
Under IFRS, our policy with regard to subsequent measurement of our financial
instruments is that they will be valued and held at amortised cost.
Trade receivables
Trade receivables do not carry any interest and are stated at their fair value
as reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts.
Trade payables
Trade payables do not carry any interest and are stated at their fair value.
Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
The Group's activities expose it primarily to the financial risk of changes in
exchange rates. The Group uses derivative financial instruments in order to
hedge these exposures. These instruments provide an enhanced foreign exchange
rate and allow participation in favourable movements in the US dollar and the
Euro exchange rates. However, the Group is obligated to purchase currency at a
lower rate should rates rise above a predetermined upper barrier. The Group does
not use derivative instruments for speculative purposes.
Changes in the fair values of derivative financial instruments that are
designated and effective as hedges of future cash flows are recognised directly
in equity and the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income
statement. If the cash flow hedge of a firm commitment or a forecast transaction
results in the recognition of an asset or a liability, then, at the time the
asset or liability is recognised, the associated gains or losses on the
derivative that had previously been recognised in equity are included in the
initial measurement of the asset or liability. For hedges that do not result in
the recognition of an asset or a liability, amounts deferred in equity are
recognised in the income statement in the same period in which the hedged item
affects net income.
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that do not
qualify for hedge accounting are recognised in the income statement as they
arise.
Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold,
terminated, exercised or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At that time,
any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is
retained in equity until the forecasted transaction occurs. If a hedged
transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss
recognised in equity is transferred to net profit or loss for the period.
Provisions
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present
legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable
that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation.
If the effect is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected
future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of
the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the
liability.
Foreign currency
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign exchange rate
ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at
the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. Foreign exchange differences
arising on transactions are recognised in the income statement. Non-monetary
assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a
foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the
transaction. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies that are stated at fair value are translated at a foreign exchange
rates ruling at the dates the fair value was determined.
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair
value adjustments arising on consolidation, are translated at foreign exchange
rates ruling at the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses of foreign
operations are translated at an average rate for the period where this rate
approximates to the foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates of the
transactions.
Exchange differences arising from the translation of foreign operations, and of
related qualifying hedges, are taken directly to the translation reserve. They
are released into the income statement upon disposal.
Revenue
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or
receivable and represents, the amounts charged to customers for goods and
services provided by the Group, net of discounts and VAT.
Interest income is accrued on a time basis by reference to the principal
outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable.
Retirement benefit costs
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an
expense as they fall due.
For defined benefit retirement benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits
is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial valuations
conducted every three years. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full
in the period in which they occur. They are recognised outside the income
statement and presented in the statement of recognised income and expense.
The retirement benefit obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents the
present value of the defined benefit obligation as adjusted for unrecognised
past service cost, and as reduced by the fair value of scheme assets. Any asset
resulting from this calculation is limited to past service cost, plus the
present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the
plan.
Share-based payment transactions
The Company's share option programme allows certain employees to acquire shares
in the Company. The fair value of options granted is recognised as an employee
expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at
grant date and spread over the period during which the employees become
unconditionally entitled to the options. The fair value of the options granted
is measured using an option valuation model, taking into account the terms and
conditions upon which the options were granted.
The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of
share options that vest except where forfeiture is due only to share prices not
achieving the threshold for vesting
Corporation tax and deferred taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred
tax.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the period. Taxable
profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because it
excludes items of income and expense that are taxable in other years and it
further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group's
liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted
or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax is the tax that is expected to be payable or recoverable on
differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the
accounts and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable
profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred
tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences
and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that
taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences
can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary
difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets
and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the
accounting profit.
Corporation tax and deferred taxation (continued)
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for temporary differences arising on
investments in subsidiaries, except where the Group is able to control the
reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary
difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet
date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient
taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be
recovered.
The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of
realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities,
using tax rates enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is charged or
credited in the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or
credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with
in equity.
Dividends
Dividends that have been approved by shareholders at previous Annual General
Meetings are included within liabilities. Dividends proposed at the balance
sheet date that are subject to approval by shareholders at the annual general
meeting are not included as a liability in the current period's accounts.
New standards and interpretations not yet adopted
A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are not
yet effective for the six months to 30th June 2007, and have not been applied in
preparing these consolidated accounts. The principal standards that may effect
the future presentation of these accounts are as follows:-
IFRS 7: Financial Instruments: Disclosures and the Amendment to IAS 1
Presentation of Financial Statements: Capital Disclosures. This standard
requires disclosures about the significance of financial instruments for an
entity's financial position and performance, and qualitative and quantitative
disclosures on the nature and extent of risks. IFRS 7 and amended IAS 1, which
become mandatory for the Group's accounts for the year ended 31st December 2007,
will require additional disclosures with respect to Group's financial
instruments and share capital. The Board has not yet determined the full effect
of the interpretation of this standard but it does not expect it to result in
any material adjustment.
IFRIC 11: Scope of IFRS 2 Group and Treasury Share transactions. This standard
provides guidance on applying IFRS 2 in three circumstances: when share-based
payments involve an entity's own equity instruments, where a parent grants
rights to its equity instruments or where a subsidiary grants rights to equity
instruments of its parent to employees. The board does not consider application
of this standard to have a material impact on these accounts. The standard will
be implemented in the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2008.
2. SEGMENTAL REPORTING - BUSINESS DIVISIONS
Segmental information is presented in respect of the Group's businesses and
geographical segments. The primary format is based on the Group's management and
internal reporting structure.
Segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a
segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis.
Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm's length basis. Unallocated items
comprise mainly central loans and borrowings and related expenses, corporate
assets (primarily the Company's head office operations) and tax assets and
liabilities.
Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the period to
acquire property, plant and equipment.
The segmental analysis of operations reflects the structure of the Group. Retail
includes the UK retail operations at Regent Street and Heathrow but does not
include Liberty of London branded product which is detailed separately. Fabric
includes the results of the UK and Japanese fabric businesses.
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30th June 30th June 31st December
2007 2006 2006
Total external revenue £'000 £'000 £'000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By class of business:
Retail 13,870 13,606 32,025
Fabric 6,649 6,370 11,974
Brand 12 - 13
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20,531 19,976 44,012
=================================================================================
By geographical origin:
United Kingdom 17,925 16,905 39,036
Japan 2,606 3,071 4,976
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20,531 19,976 44,012
=================================================================================
By geographical destination:
United Kingdom 14,307 14,164 33,367
Japan 2,735 3,077 4,976
Other 3,489 2,735 5,669
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20,531 19,976 44,012
=================================================================================
Loss for the period
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By class of business:
Retail (1,914) (1,991) (2,884)
Fabric 1,477 1,452 2,704
Brand (1,708) (1,085) (1,971)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating loss (2,145) (1,624) (2,151)
Net finance costs (100) 15 (159)
Income tax expense (192) (238) (437)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2,437) (1,847) (2,747)
=================================================================================
By geographical origin:
United Kingdom (2,718) (2,321) (3,228)
Japan 573 697 1,077
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating loss (2,145) (1,624) (2,151)
Net finance costs (100) 15 (159)
Income tax expense (192) (238) (437)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2,437) (1,847) (2,747)
=================================================================================
30th June 30th June 31st December
2007 2006 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
Net assets
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By class of business:
Retail 42,792 34,936 42,494
Fabric 9,601 8,177 8,647
Brand (1,170) - -
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51,223 43,113 51,141
=================================================================================
By geographical origin:
United Kingdom 49,002 40,542 48,973
Japan 2,221 2,571 2,168
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51,223 43,113 51,141
=================================================================================
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30th June 30th June 31st December
2007 2006 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
Capital expenditure
By class of business:
Retail 924 1,202 2,227
Fabric 719 - 60
Brand 30 - -
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,673 1,202 2,287
=================================================================================
Depreciation and amortisation
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By class of business:
Retail (883) (737) (1,525)
Fabric (3) (4) 34
Brand (53) - -
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(939) (741) (1,491)
=================================================================================
Cash balances and bank loans are allocated to Retail as this division utilises
the cash balances and buildings against which debt is secured.
Concession revenue
Sales from concession departments are shown on a commission only basis. Gross
revenue of concession departments was as follows:
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30th June 30th June 31st December
2007 2006 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
Gross revenue of concession departments 3,371 3,569 7,589
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. TAXATION
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30th June 30th June 31st
December
2007 2006 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The current taxation for the period arose
as follows:-
UK Corporation tax
Adjustment in respect of prior periods - - -
following agreement of tax liabilities
Foreign tax
Withholding tax written off - (13) (36)
Adjustment in respect of prior year - - (51)
periods
Japanese tax on Japanese profits (192) (225) (350)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxation (192) (238) (437)
===============================================================================
No deferred tax was required to be recognised in the Consolidated Income
Statement during the six months ended 30th June 2007.
The taxation has been reduced from the amount that would arise from applying the
prevailing corporation tax rate to the profit/(loss) before taxation in the
consolidated income statement as follows:-
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30th June 30th June 31st
December
2007 2006 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UK corporation tax credit at 30% for each 674 483 693
period on the loss before taxation in
consolidated income statement
Excess of capital allowances claimed over (282) (222) (447)
depreciation charged
Expenditure permanently disallowed for (564) (470) (570)
taxation purposes and unrelieved tax losses
Taxation on overseas earnings at higher (20) (16) (26)
rate than UK corporation tax
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total corporation tax and similar taxes (192) (225) (350)
charge for the period
Withholding tax written off - (13) (36)
Adjustment in respect of prior periods - - (51)
following agreement of tax liabilities
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxation (192) (238) (437)
================================================================================
After deducting all deferred tax liabilities, the Group had unrelieved capital
expenditure and interest payments from current and prior periods of
approximately £28m at 30th June 2007. At the same date, it had net trading
losses carried forward in certain parts of the Group of approximately £34m.
4. LOSS PER SHARE AND RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE PER SHARE
Loss per share
The loss per share figures are calculated by dividing the loss attributable to
equity shareholders of the Company for the period, by the weighted average
number of ordinary shares in issue during the period, as follows:-
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30th June 30th June 31st
December
2007 2006 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss for the period attributable to (2,655) (2,043) (3,115)
equity shareholders of the Company £'000
Weighted average number of ordinary 22,603 22,603 22,603
shares in issue during the period '000
Loss per share (basic and diluted) Pence (11.7p) (9.0p) (13.8p)
Recognised income and expense per share
The figures for recognised income and expense attributable to shareholders of
the Company in pence per share are calculated by dividing the recognised income
and expense attributable to equity shareholders of the Company for the period,
by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period, as
follows:-
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30th June 30th June 31st
December
2007 2006 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recognised income and expense for (14) 421 8,587
the period attributable to equity
shareholders of the Company £'000
Weighted average number of ordinary 22,603 22,603 22,603
shares in issue during the period
'000
Recognised income and expense
attributable to equity Shareholders
of the Company, in pence per share Pence 0.0p 1.9p 38.0p
5. PENSIONS
Overall summary
Liberty operates a defined contribution pension scheme and two defined benefit
pension schemes. One of the defined benefit schemes is for certain UK employees
of its wholly owned subsidiary Liberty Retail Plc. This scheme has been closed
to new entrants since February 2001 and was closed to future benefit accrual
with effect from 1st January 2007. The other scheme is a minor pension
arrangement for the Japanese subsidiary of Liberty Retail Plc.
The assets of all pension schemes of the Group are held in separate trust
administered funds. The total pension charge of the Group for the six months
ended 30th June 2007 was £68,000. At 30th June 2007, £30,000 was due by the
Group to the UK pension scheme, which was paid shortly after the period end.
Defined benefit pension schemes
The contribution rate to the defined benefit schemes is determined by an
independent qualified actuary, using the projected unit method, on the basis of
triennial valuations. A full actuarial valuation was carried out at 2nd June
2006 by the scheme's actuary.
For the UK defined benefit scheme, which is closed to new entrants, the current
service cost is expected to increase as members of the scheme approach
retirement. As the scheme is closed to future benefit accrual, there is no
expected contribution rate for future years calculated by reference to
contribution earnings of participating earnings. The contribution for future
years for the UK Scheme, payable by Liberty Plc, is expected to be approximately
£360,000 per annum.
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
30th June 30th June 31st
December
2007 2006 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary
Cumulative net (liability) of UK Scheme (124) (4,993) (1,593)
Cumulative net asset/(liability) of
Japanese Scheme 27 55 45
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total present value of employee benefits (97) (4,938) (1,548)
================================================================================
6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Freehold Property Fixtures & equipment Total
£'000 £'000 £'000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost or valuation
At 1st January 2007 32,148 11,345 43,493
Additions - 1,673 1,673
Revaluation 1,309 - 1,309
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At 30th June 2007 33,457 13,018 46,475
================================================================================
Depreciation
At 1st January 2006 - (6,906) (6,906)
Charge for period (181) (758) (939)
Revaluation 181 - 181
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At 30th June 2007 - (7,664) (7,664)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Book Value
at 30th June 2007 33,457 5,354 38,811
================================================================================
Freehold Property Fixtures & equipment Total
£'000 £'000 £'000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost or valuation
At 1st January 2006 25,356 9,030 34,386
Additions 172 1,030 1,202
Revaluation 832 - 832
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At 30th June 2006 26,360 10,060 36,420
=================================================================================
Depreciation
At 1st January 2006 - (5,777) (5,777)
Charge for period (180) (561) (741)
Revaluation 180 - 180
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At 30th June 2006 - (6,338) (6,338)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net book value
at 30th June 2006 26,360 3,722 30,082
=================================================================================
Freehold Property Fixtures & equipment Total
£'000 £'000 £'000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost or valuation
At 1st July 2005 24,608 8,516 33,124
Additions 11 2,829 2,840
Revaluation 7,529 - 7,529
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At 31st December 2006 32,148 11,345 43,493
================================================================================
Depreciation
At 1st July 2005 - (5,215) (5,215)
Charge for the period (543) (1,691) (2,234)
Revaluation 543 - 543
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At 31st December 2006 - (6,906) (6,906)
================================================================================
Net book value
at 31st December 2006 32,148 4,439 36,587
================================================================================
Valuation
The Group's property, plant and equipment is all located in the United Kingdom.
The Group's Operational property was valued at 30th June 2007 by qualified
professional valuers working for the company of DTZ Debenham Tie Leung,
Chartered Surveyors, ('DTZ'), acting in the capacity of External Valuers. All
such valuers are Chartered Surveyors, being members of the Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors ('RICS').
The valuation was carried out in accordance with the RICS Appraisal and
Valuation Standards 5th Edition ('the Manual') and the property was valued on
the basis of Market Value of the Properties. Market Value is defined in the
Manual as the estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the date
of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm's length
transaction after proper marketing, where the parties had each acted
knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion. The DTZ valuation is not
qualified by any reference to existing or alternative use and implies the value
to which a property will derive, having regard to its most valuable use.
The valuation includes the land and buildings; the trade fixtures, fittings,
furniture, furnishings and equipment; the market's perception of the trading
potential excluding personal goodwill; and an assumed ability to renew existing
licences, consents, certificates and permits. The value excludes consumables and
stock in trade. The valuation excludes any goodwill associated with the
management by the Company or its subsidiaries.
The valuation of the property totalled £37m. This includes fixtures and
equipment with a net book value of £3.5m at 30th June 2007 which are carried at
the lower of cost and realisable value in the table above.
7. DEFERRED TAXATION
The deferred taxation liabilities/(assets) at 30th June 2007 and at the previous
period ends arose as follows:-
30th June 30th June 31st December
2007 2006 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provided
Short term timing differences 62 62 62
Accelerated capital allowances (62) (62) (62)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax liability provided at period end - - -
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unprovided
Short term timing differences - - -
Accelerated capital allowances (6,630) (6,803) (6,653)
Trading tax losses (10,057) (8,165) (10,728)
Potential tax on property surplus 330 - -
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax liability unprovided at
period end (16,357) (14,968) (17,381)
===============================================================================
After deducting all deferred tax liabilities, the Group had unrelieved capital
expenditure from current and prior periods of approximately £21m at 30 June
2007. At the same date, it had net trading losses carried forwards of
approximately £34m. These gross tax assets totalling £55m are reflected at the
current rate of 30% in the deferred tax asset of £16m referred to above. Due to
the uncertainty as to the timing and use of these net tax assets, they have not
been recognised as an asset in the consolidated balance sheet at 30 June 2007 or
31 December 2006. No charges or credits were made in the Consolidated Income
Statement in respect of deferred taxation during the periods referred to above.
8. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
30th June 30th June 31st December
2007 2006 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trade payables 6,609 6,360 7,851
Amounts due to related parties 140 145 -
Other payables 391 503 981
Accruals 2,569 3,483 2,539
PAYE, NIC and VAT 620 752 1,109
Non-equity dividend payable 110 55 82
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10,439 11,298 12,562
=================================================================================
The amounts due to related parties are transactions between the Group and its
immediate parent, MWB Retail Stores Shareholder Limited, which owns 68.3% of the
Group's issued ordinary share capital.
9. TAX PAYABLE
30th June 30th June 31st December
2007 2006 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporation tax 184 356 135
================================================================================
10. CURRENT LIABILITIES - OVERDRAFT
30th June 30th June 31st December
2007 2006 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank overdraft 8,441 882 2,211
================================================================================
11. NON - CURRENT LIABILITIES
30th June 30th June 31st December
2007 2006 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other provisions 1,680 1,696 1,696
================================================================================
12. MOVEMENT ON RESERVES
Revaluation Hedging Translation Merger Retained
reserve reserve reserve reserve earnings
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
At 1st January 2007 12,600 - (38) 61,503 (30,601)
Movements during period:
Retained loss for the - - - - (2,655)
period
Write back of option cost - - - - 62
through equity
Revaluation surplus 1,490 - - - -
Actuarial gain on defined - - - - 1,255
benefit pension scheme
Change in fair value of - (46) - - -
financial derivatives
Currency translation and
other differences - - (58) - -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At 30th June 2007 14,090 (46) (96) 61,503 (31,939)
================================================================================
There was no movement in the merger reserve during the six months ended 30th
June 2007.
13. EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS OF LIBERTY PLC IN PENCE PER SHARE
The Equity attributable to shareholders of Liberty Plc in pence per share is
calculated by dividing the Equity attributable to shareholders of Liberty Plc at
each period end by the number of ordinary shares in issue at such period end.
The relevant figures are as follows:-
30th June 30th June 31st December
2007 2006 2006
Equity attributable to shareholders of
Liberty Plc per consolidated balance
sheet on page 9 of the accounts £'000 49,548 41,276 49,500
Number of ordinary shares in issue at '000 22,603 22,603 22,603
period end
Equity attributable to shareholders of
Liberty Plc in pence per share
Pence 219p 183p 219p
14. EXPLANATION OF TRANSITION TO IFRS
As stated in Note 1, these accounts are the first consolidated accounts of the
Group that have been presented under Adopted IFRS.
The accounting policies in Note 1 have been applied consistently in preparing
the consolidated accounts for the six months ended 30th June 2007, together with
the comparative information for the six months ended 30th June 2006 and year
ended 31st December 2006 which are set out in this document. The same policies
have also been applied in the preparation of an opening IFRS balance sheet at
1st July 2005, the Group's date of transition.
In preparing the opening IFRS balance sheet and the comparative information for
the year ended 31st December 2006, the Board has adjusted amounts reported
previously in its accounts for the periods then ended which had been prepared in
accordance with UK GAAP.
An explanation of how the transition from previous UK GAAP to IFRS has affected
the Group's reported financial position and its reported financial performance
is set out in the following tables and the notes that accompany these tables.
(i) IAS 39 - Financial Instruments. This Standard requires exchange rate hedges
to be recorded at fair value in the accounts. This is in contrast to UK GAAP
which generally only required these items to be recorded at cost, with the fair
value disclosed by way of note. Under IFRS, to the extent that such derivatives
are effective hedges, changes in fair value are recognised through equity
reserves. To the extent that such derivatives are ineffective hedges, changes in
fair value are recognised in the income statement. The adoption increase
retained earnings and reduced hedging reserve by £46,000, £nil, and £nil at 30th
June 2007, 30th June 2006, and 31st December 2006 respectively. There is no
impact on total equity at any of these dates.
(ii) IFRS 2 - Share Based Payments. This Standard requires the fair value of
share options at the date of grant to be charged over the vesting period of the
grant; this affects the recording of options. Implementation of this Standard
resulted in a charge of £62,000, £49,000, and £104,000 at 30th June 2007, 30th
June 2006, and 31st December 2006 respectively. There is no impact on equity at
any of these dates.
(iii) IAS 39 - Employee Benefits. Under UK GAAP, the Group measured pension
commitments and other related benefits in accordance with FRS 17 - Retirement
Benefits. Under IFRS, the Group measures pension commitments in accordance with
the amended IAS 19. IAS 19 is similar to FRS 17 in that it adopts a balance
sheet approach, bringing the surplus/deficit of the pension scheme onto the
balance sheet. However, FRS 17 dictates that all actuarial gains and losses are
to be recognised directly in reserves, whereas IAS 19 includes an alternative
option allowing actuarial against and losses to be held on the balance sheet and
released to the income statement over a period of time. Liberty plc has elected
not to adopt this alternative option.
As there is no impact on equity only reconciliations of consolidated income
statements have been given in this note.
Reconciliation of consolidated income Previously IFRS 2 Restated
statement for the year ended 31st reported Share based under IFRS
December 2006 (unaudited) under payments
UK GAAP
£'000 £'000 £'000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue 44,012 - 44,012
Cost of sales (24,000) - (24,000)
Gross profit 20,012 - 20,012
Selling and Distribution costs (19,952) - (19,952)
Administration expenses (2,680) (104) (2,784)
Other operating income 573 - 573
Operating loss (2,047) (104) (2,151)
Finance income 33 - 33
Finance expense (192) - (192)
Loss before tax (2,206) (104) (2,310)
Taxation (437) - (437)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss for the year (2,643) (104) (2,747)
====================================================================================
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the Company (3,011) (104) (3,115)
Minority interests 368 - 368
Loss for the year (2,643) (104) (2,747)
Basic and diluted loss per share - pence (13.3p) (0.5p) (13.8p)
Reconciliation of consolidated income Previously IFRS 2 Restated
statement for the six months ended 30th reported Share based under IFRS
June 2006 (unaudited) under payments
UK GAAP
£'000 £'000 £'000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue 19,976 - 19,976
Cost of sales (10,922) - (10,922)
Gross profit 9,054 - 9,054
Selling and Distribution costs (9,506) - (9,506)
Administration expenses (1,405) (49) (1,454)
Other operating income 282 - 282
Operating loss (1,575) (49) (1,624)
Finance income 15 - 15
Finance expense - - -
Loss before tax (1,560) (49) (1,609)
Taxation (238) - (238)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss for the period (1,798) (49) (1,847)
====================================================================================
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders of the Company (1,994) (49) (2,043)
Minority interests 196 - 196
Loss for the period (1,798) (49) (1,847)
Basic and diluted loss per share - pence (8.8p) (0.2p) (9.0p)
15. ACCOUNTS AND INTERIM REPORT
These unaudited interim accounts of Liberty PLC for the six months ended 30th
June 2007, the unaudited interim accounts of the Group for the six months ended
30th June 2006, and the audited accounts of the Group for the eighteen months
ended 31st December 2006, are available from the Company Secretary, Filex
Services Limited at the Company's registered office of 179 Great Portland
Street, London W1W 5LS.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange