Final Results - Year Ended 30 September 1999
Electra Investment Trust PLC
20 January 2000
ELECTRA INVESTMENT TRUST PLC
Preliminary Results for year ended 30 September 1999
* Net asset value per share up 40.7 per cent to £9.51 as at 30 September
1999 (1998: £6.76 per share)
* Unaudited net asset value per share of £11.52 as at 31 December 1999
* Completion of Tender Offer for 40 per cent of the share capital
* Plans for further return of capital during first six months of 2000
* Net borrowings reduced to £199m as at 31 December 1999
Commenting on the results, Michael Stoddart, Chairman of Electra Investment
Trust, said:
'The 40.7 per cent growth in net asset value to £9.51 per share is a very
satisfactory result. Once again Electra maintained its excellent performance
record in 1999, outperforming the key FTSE All-Share and the FTSE SmallCap
benchmark indices which over the same period rose by 20.5 per cent and 34.8
per cent respectively. This strong investment performance is all the more
noteworthy as it was achieved during a year of substantial change for Electra.
'The unaudited net asset value at 31 December 1999 reflected a continuation of
the strong performance mainly as a result of two Far Eastern technology
stocks.
'The Board's strategy to maximise shareholder value in the short term, through
an orderly realisation of the portfolio over the next five years, was approved
by shareholders in April. The subsequent Tender Offer for 40 per cent of the
share capital repaid £544m to shareholders. We have already made significant
progress in reducing the level of bank borrowings put in place to finance the
Tender Offer and reconstruction costs. In April these borrowings amounted to
£588m. Net bank borrowings had been reduced to £288m at 30 September and to
£199m at 31 December.
'The Board's current task is to continue the programme of creating value for
shareholders through successful realisations and returns of capital. I
anticipate being able to announce details of proposals for a further return of
capital during the summer at the AGM on 1 March.'
For further information:
Michael Stoddart, Chairman, Electra Investment Trust PLC 020 7831 6464
Hugh Mumford, Chief Executive, Electra Partners Limited 020 7831 6464
Stephen Breslin, Brunswick Group Limited 020 7404 5959
30 September 30 September 31 December
1999 1998 1999
Unaudited adjusted net asset
value
per share £9.51 £6.76 £11.52
Increase since 30 September
1998 40.68 per cent
Increase in FTSE All-Share
Index since
30 September 1998 20.53 per cent
Increase in FTSE SmallCap
Index since
30 September 1998 34.84 per cent
Unaudited adjusted net assets at 30 September 1999 comprise net assets of
£987,460,000 (30 September 1998: £1,145,319,000) per the Consolidated Balance
Sheet, and £nil in respect of the interest in Electra Kingsway Holdings
Limited (30 September 1998: £25,095,000).
The unaudited adjusted net asset value per share at 31 December 1999 was
£11.52, reflecting purchases and sales of investments, currency movements and
changes in value of the listed portfolio. The unlisted portfolio was not
revalued at 31 December 1999 except where securities were valued by reference
to quoted prices.
A copy of the Chairman's Statement, Portfolio Reviews and the Preliminary
Announcement are attached.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Review of the Year
The year to 30 September 1999 was one of substantial change for Electra and
its shareholders. In April, approval was given at an Extraordinary General
Meeting to the Board's proposals for a programme to maximise value for
shareholders in the short term. Shareholders endorsed the Board's proposals
for an orderly realisation of the portfolio over a five year period together
with further returns of capital to shareholders within two years. As a result,
a Tender Offer for 40 per cent of the share capital at £7.86 per share,
amounting to £544 million, was completed. At the same time the 3i bid for
Electra lapsed.
Results
At 30 September 1999 the adjusted net asset value per share was £9.51 compared
with £6.76 per share at 30 September 1998, an increase of 41 per cent. This is
an excellent result and very much in line with the Board's own expectations in
March 1999 when the restructuring proposals were announced. The unlisted
portfolio contributed a major portion of the strong performance which compares
favourably with both the FTSE All-Share Index and the FTSE SmallCap Index
which increased by 20.5 per cent and 34.8 per cent respectively over the year.
The unaudited adjusted net asset value per share at 31 December 1999 was
£11.52 reflecting purchases and sales of investments, currency movements and
changes in value of the listed portfolio since 30 September 1999. Included in
this unaudited figure are Moser Baer and Locus, two Far Eastern technology
investments acquired in the last thirteen months which now have values
substantially in excess of cost. Acquired at a cost of £14.5 million, the two
investments were included at a value of £53.5 million in the net asset value
at 30 September 1999. Partial sales of these two investments in the three
months since 30 September 1999 generated proceeds of £42 million. The residual
holdings were valued at £178 million at 31 December 1999 after reflecting a 30
per cent discount to the quoted market prices in India and South Korea. This
discount was applied in accordance with our established valuation policy to
reflect the volatility of these stock markets and dealing restrictions on
Electra's shareholdings. The unlisted portfolio was not revalued at 31
December 1999 except where investments were valued by reference to quoted
prices.
Unlisted Portfolio
The unlisted portfolio was valued at 30 September 1999 on a basis which is
consistent with previous valuation statements. The first four month period of
the financial year was an active time for new unlisted investments with over
£200 million invested and committed. I believe these investments were well
timed and acquired on attractive terms due to the uncertain period in the buy-
out market which occurred during the last quarter of 1998. Unlisted
realisations amounted to £419 million in total over the year. Since April 1999
new investment activity has been confined to follow on investments in
portfolio companies where the Board believes that significant incremental
value can be achieved by committing further capital.
Listed Portfolio
The listed portfolio had a successful year in terms of investment performance.
It appreciated in capital value by £69 million over the year and has continued
to perform strongly since the year end. Realisations from the portfolio
generated £192 million of net proceeds used to reduce bank borrowings over the
year.
Banking Arrangements
In my letter dated 17 March 1999 I stated that the Board believed that Electra
had significant cash generation potential. In April 1999 a £750 million credit
facility was arranged of which £588 million was utilised to finance the Tender
Offer and reconstruction costs. Net bank borrowings had been reduced to £288
million at 30 September 1999 and to £199 million at 31 December 1999.
Dividends
As foreshadowed in March 1999 no dividend will be paid in respect of the year
ended 30 September 1999. The Board considers it unlikely that dividends will
be paid in the foreseeable future.
The Manager
As I informed shareholders in my Interim Statement, Electra completed the
acquisition of the 50 per cent interest in its Manager, from the Robert
Fleming Group in April 1999. Subsequent to the year end, Electra sold 100 per
cent of the Manager and its business to a new venture established by senior
executives of the Manager for cash and other assets valued in aggregate at
£33.5 million, together with further payments depending on the success of
fund-raising and the ongoing profitability of Electra Partners. The sale
agreement included a new contract with Electra Partners for the management of
Electra.
The Board
I would like to express my thanks to our United States Director, Stephen
Robert, who retired on 1 October 1999. Stephen provided a great deal of
expertise on the American investment scene where Electra has a substantial
portfolio.
In last year's Statement I indicated that it was my intention to retire at the
February 1999 Annual General Meeting. At the time of the 3i bid your Board
asked me to remain as Chairman for a further period which I agreed to do. It
is now my intention to retire on 30 April 2000 and I am delighted to say that
Brian Williamson, the Deputy Chairman, will succeed me as Chairman.
The year to 30 September 1999 was a demanding period for my colleagues on the
Board and for the senior executives of Electra Partners. I am grateful for
their hard work on your Company's behalf and for the achievement of such
excellent results.
Track Record and Future
Shares in Electra were listed in February 1976 at a price equivalent to 29p
per share. This is to be compared with a price of 987.5p at the end of
December 1999 representing a multiplier of 34 times over nearly 24 years and
an internal rate of return of 20 per cent on the assumption that net dividends
were re-invested in further shares. The Board's current task is to continue
the programme of creating value for shareholders through successful
realisations and returns of capital. To this end, I anticipate being able to
announce at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 1 March 2000 proposals
for a further return of capital to shareholders during the summer.
OVERALL PORTFOLIO CHANGES
Summary of Changes to Overall Portfolio
Year ended 30 September 1999
Valuation
at 30 Sept New Net capital Valuation at
1998 investment Sales appreciation 30 Sept 1999
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Unlisted 878,168 241,956 (419,311) 339,682 1,040,495
Listed 255,561 13,731 (205,297) 69,078 133,073
-------- ------- --------- -------- ---------
Total
Portfolio 1,133,729 255,687 (624,608) 408,760 1,173,568
--------- -------- --------- -------- ----------
At 30 September 1999, Electra's investment portfolio was valued at £1,174
million of which 89 per cent was invested in unlisted securities. As a result
of the change of investment policy approved by shareholders in April 1999,
sales of investments for the year ended 30 September 1999 exceeded purchases
of new investments by £369 million.
Over the year the portfolio recorded net capital appreciation of £409 million,
an increase of 36% on the opening portfolio. This strong capital appreciation
more than offsets the level of disinvestment with the result that the overall
portfolio increased in value over the year.
UNLISTED PORTFOLIO REVIEW
Summary
The year to 30 September 1999 proved to be a highly successful year for
Electra's unlisted activities despite the disruption caused by the unsolicited
bid from 3i and the subsequent change in investment policy. From 15 April
1999, the date of Electra's Extraordinary General Meeting, new investments
were restricted to existing commitments and to investments made to enhance the
value of existing portfolio companies. In addition a commitment was made to
realise the unlisted portfolio over the following five years.
In accordance with this policy, investment for the year was restricted to £242
million - of which only £36 million was invested after 15 April 1999. In
contrast, sales of investments reached a record level of £419 million of which
£319 million was achieved in the period after 15 April 1999. Net disinvestment
from the unlisted portfolio following the change of investment policy amounted
to £283 million.
The high level of sales provided the basis for a strong investment performance
and over the year the unlisted portfolio appreciated by 39 per cent recording
net gains of £340 million.
At the year end the unlisted portfolio was valued at £1,040 million, compared
with £878 million a year earlier. This increase of £162 million arose from net
appreciation of £340 million offset by a net disinvestment of £178 million.
New Investments
During the year to 30 September 1999, a total of £242 million was invested in
portfolio companies. Reflecting the change in investment policy, the level of
investment dropped sharply in the second half of the year to £36 million. This
amount included two new investments in the USA where a total of £10.5 million
was invested in Network Health and Millennium Healthcare. The balance of
investment represented follow-on investments in relation to twelve portfolio
companies, the most significant of which comprised a commitment to invest an
additional £8 million in Invicta to enable further tennis centres to be built.
At 30 September 1999 commitments to existing portfolio companies amounted to
£34 million and commitments to specialist investment funds amounted to £80
million.
The six month period to 31 March 1999 was a time of relatively high investment
activity with total investment amounting to £206 million of which £167 million
was invested in nine new portfolio companies. These included significant
investments in Inchcape Shipping Services, Capital Safety Group, Allflex and
Agricola Holdings - all management buy-outs. It also included two investments
in the technology sector, Moser Baer in India and Locus in South Korea, which
both subsequently achieved highly successful stock market listings.
New Acquisitions
Country of Cost
Incorporation Type ofSecurity £'000
Inchcape Shipping Services UK Equity and loan 40,326
Capital Safety Group UK Equity and loan 30,264
Allflex UK Equity and loan 23,098
Safety-Kleen Europe UK Equity and loan 22,267
Agricola Holdings UK Equity and loan 18,300
Morrison EF UK Equity and loan 10,766
Locus South Korea Equity 9,634
Special Product Company USA Equity and loan 8,199
Network Health USA Equity and loan 7,878
Moser Baer India Equity and loan 4,895
Millennium Healthcare USA Equity and loan 2,581
---- --------------- ------
178,208
Realisations
Realisations for the year to 30 September 1999 reached a record level of £419
million with realisations of £100 million in the first half of the year and
£319 million in the second half. The acceleration of the sales process in the
second half reflected a very favourable climate for disposals particularly to
financial buyers.
The most significant sale was that of PHS which was sold to a financial buyer
and provided proceeds to Electra of £119 million. This investment was
purchased in 1995 at a cost of £20.5 million and the sale proceeds represented
a multiple on cost of almost six times in a four year period. Another major
disposal involved The Stationery Office which was acquired for an original
cost of £27.1 million. This investment was restructured during the year into
four independent companies. The publishing business was sold to a financial
buyer for £58 million and the three remaining companies were valued at the
year end at £24.9 million. Other portfolio companies disposed of during the
second half of the year included WAP Reinigungssysteme, the first major
disposal in Germany, the pump and plant hire business of SLD, Hygisne Medica
and Dolcis.
During the year 15 companies were sold wholly or in part from the portfolio
generating proceeds of £320 million. Sales of listed securities previously
subject to dealing restrictions realised £37 million of which CEC, a Nasdaq
listed company, accounted for £12 million. A further £62 million was received
from the redemption of loan investments in portfolio companies.
Major Realisations - (part 1)
Country of Type of Security Proceeds
Company Incorporation £'000
PHS UK Equity and loan 118,812
The Stationery Office UK Equity and loan 58,256
WAP Reinigungssysteme Germany Equity and loan 38,002
Vendcrown UK Equity and loan 12,023
SLD UK Equity and loan 23,031
Supermercados Norte Argentina Equity and loan 9,754
Hygiene Medica France Equity and loan 17,976
Dolcis UK Equity 13,309
Virgin Rail UK Equity and loan 10,383
--- -------------- --------
301,546
* Adjusted for subsequent purchases
Major Realisations - (part 2)
Directors' Directors'
valuation of valuation of
holding at holding at
30 Sept 1999 Total 30 Sept 1998 Cost
Company £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
PHS - 118,812 48,192 20,458
The Stationery
Office 24,900 83,156 48,400 27,115
WAP
Reinigungssysteme 3,967 41,969 10,907 10,329
Vendcrown 26,000 38,023 *22,792 *16,851
SLD 12,200 35,231 35,200 25,712
Supermercados
Norte 13,358 23,112 16,123 5,978
Hygiene Medica - 17,976 10,719 9,951
Dolcis - 13,309 7,009 7,009
Virgin Rail - 10,383 10,807 3,011
-------- ------- -------- -------
80,425 381,971 210,149 126,414
* Adjusted for subsequent purchases
Performance
During the year to 30 September 1999, the unlisted portfolio performed
strongly with an overall net capital appreciation of £340 million, an increase
of 39 per cent. This performance reflected the underlying strength of many
companies in the portfolio and included significant realised gains in respect
of PHS, The Stationery Office and WAP Reinigungssysteme. Approximately two
thirds of the total gains recorded during the year were either realised or
resulted from open market valuations. Of the remaining gains, £46 million
arose as a result of first time re-valuations of portfolio companies,
particularly in respect of Swifty Serve and Lofland, and £66 million was added
as unrealised appreciation notably in respect of holdings in International
Computers (India), Vendcrown, HMY and Amtico.
Largest Valuation Changes
Company £'000 Increase per
cent
PHS 70,620 146.5
The Stationery Office 34,756 71.8
WAP Reinigungssysteme 31,062 284.8
Locus 20,726 215.1
Moser Baer 18,219 372.2
International Computers (India) 17,227 244.0
Vendcrown 15,231 69.2
HMY 14,197 150.2
Amtico 12,850 64.6
Swifty Serve 12,613 85.7
Provisions for diminution in value of investments amounted to £41 million and
related to 14 portfolio companies.
Of particular note was the strong performance of two Far Eastern technology
companies - Moser Baer based in India and Locus in South Korea. In December
1998 Electra invested £4.9 million in Moser Baer, a company quoted on the
Bombay Stock Exchange. The investment is freely convertible into ordinary
shares and at 30 September 1999 was valued at £23.1 million. Electra invested
£9.6 million in Locus in January 1999. At 30 September 1999 the investment was
valued at £30.4 million and the company was listed on Kosdaq in December 1999.
In the three month period since 30 September 1999 partial sales of these two
investments generated proceeds of £42 million and the residual holdings were
valued by the Directors at £178 million at 31 December 1999. This valuation
reflects a 30% discount to the quoted prices in India and South Korea to
reflect the volatility of these stock markets and the dealing restrictions on
Electra's shareholdings.
Prospects
At 30 September 1999, Electra's unlisted investment portfolio consisted of
investments in over 100 companies of which 80 per cent by value have been held
in the portfolio for a period of less than three years. The portfolio
therefore consists of a blend of new and maturing investments. The climate for
the realisation of investments remains favourable and this fact, together with
the age profile of the portfolio, should ensure that realisations from the
portfolio continue at a steady rate. Excellent progress has so far been made
towards the realisation of the entire portfolio over a five year period. In
the current economic environment we believe this excellent progress will be
maintained.
LISTED PORTFOLIO REVIEW
The listed portfolio started the year with a valuation of £256 million, wholly
invested in the UK with a weighting orientated towards smaller companies.
During the year sales of £205 million and purchases of £14 million were made
and the portfolio was valued at £133 million at 30 September 1999. Overall the
portfolio appreciated by £69 million, of which £45 million had been realised
by the year end.
The strong performance was mainly due to the improved rating of the smaller
company sector and to two significant takeovers, namely Astec (BSR) and Stakis
which increased by 97 per cent and 69 per cent respectively from the values at
the start of the year. Astec (BSR) was acquired by Emerson Electric and Stakis
by Hilton Group, formerly Ladbrokes. The largest unrealised gains were from
Osmetech which increased by 701 per cent, Tradepoint by 681 per cent and Euro
Sales Finance by 155 per cent. Osmetech rose after a successful rights issue
and a reappraisal of its sensor technology business. Tradepoint benefited from
an investment in the company by a consortium of investment banks, lead by
Instinet, with the aim of creating a European trading platform. Euro Sales
Finance provides sales finance to small companies and is forecast to grow at
over 50 per cent per annum over the next two years. Clyde Blowers, the most
significant realised gain during the year, was sold when the company was taken
private by its management. The most disappointing performance over the year
was from Corporate Services, which fell in value by 40 per cent.
The three largest holdings in the portfolio at the year end were Candover
which was valued at £19.9 million, Bioglan Pharma at £9.7 million and Kier at
£6.1 million. Candover announced an uplift in its net asset value of 11.2 per
cent in its interim results, outperforming the FTSE All-Share Index over the
year. Shares in Bioglan rose by 80 per cent over the year and we were able to
realise 39 per cent of our shareholding in September at a substantial uplift
against cost. Kier again surprised the market with a set of good trading
results.
The listed portfolio will continue to be actively managed with a view to
realising the remainder of the portfolio within five years.
10 Largest Disposals
Valuation of
holding at 30 Performance Cost at
Sept 1998 during year Proceeds 30 Sept 1998
Company £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Hays 10,566 1,575 12,141 445
Stakis 7,096 4,920 12,016 4,117
Astec (BSR) *5,715 5,525 11,240 *7,929
Pillar Property 9,167 1,803 10,970 11,504
Nestor Healthcare 8,475 1,039 9,514 2,049
Kingfisher 7,094 1,956 9,050 3,718
Glaxo Wellcome 7,779 1,125 8,904 2,870
Vodafone *4,851 3,244 8,095 2,683
JJB 7,094 287 7,381 9,655
Dixons *5,277 1,752 7,029 *2,702
------ ------ ------ ------
73,114 23,226 96,340 47,672
* Adjusted for subsequent purchases
Consolidated Statement of Total Return
(incorporating the Revenue Account) - (part 1)
For the year ended 30 September 1999
Revenue Capital Total
£'000 £'000 £'000
Gains/(losses) on
investments:
Realised - 198,991 198,991
Unrealised - 198,617 198,617
Gains/(losses) on
revaluation of foreign
currencies:
Realised - 2,862 2,862
Unrealised - 4,495 4,495
------- ------- --------
- 404,965 404,965
Income of the investment
trust 45,429 - 45,429
Income of subsidiary
undertakings 1,443 - 1,443
Expenses:
Priority profit share
paid to General Partners (13,082) - (13,082)
Management fee (3,350) - (3,350)
Other expenses (18,346) - (18,346)
Reversal of income
accruals (2,442) - (2,442)
------- ----- --------
Net Return before Finance
Costs and Taxation 9,652 404,965 414,617
Interest payable and
similar charges (18,078) - (18,078)
Income from interest in
associated undertaking 4,816 - 4,816
------- ------- ---------
Return on Ordinary
Activities before
Taxation (3,610) 404,965 401,355
Taxation on ordinary
activities (2,119) - (2,119)
------- -------- --------
Return on Ordinary
Activities after Taxation (5,729) 404,965 399,236
Ordinary dividend - - -
------- -------- --------
Transfers (from)/to
Reserves for the Year (5,729) 404,965 399,236
Exchange differences
arising on consolidation 224 171 395
-------- -------- --------
Net Transfers (from)/to
Reserves for the Year (5,505) 405,136 399,631
------- ------- --------
Return to Shareholders
per Ordinary Share (4.04p) 285.59p 281.55p
------- ------- -------
The amounts dealt with in the Consolidated Statement of Total Return are all
derived from continuing activities except income from interest in associated
undertaking £4,816,000 (1998: £4,981,000) less taxation on ordinary activities
of £816,000 (1998: £1,499,000), attributable to the interest in the associated
undertaking.
Consolidated Statement of Total Return
(incorporating the Revenue Account) - (part 2)
For the year ended 30 September 1998
Revenue Capital Total
£'000 £'000 £'000
Gains/(losses) on
investments:
Realised - 75,100 75,100
Unrealised - (15,594) (15,594)
Gains/(losses) on
revaluation of foreign
currencies:
Realised - (141) (141)
Unrealised - 3,709 3,709
---- ------ ------
- 63,074 63,074
Income of the investment
trust 50,531 - 50,531
Income of subsidiary
undertakings 3,709 - 3,709
Expenses:
Priority profit share paid
to General Partners (7,336) (7,336) (14,672)
Management fee - - -
Other expenses (3,255) - (3,255)
Reversal of income
accruals (5,275) - (5,275)
------- ------ -------
Net Return before Finance
Costs and Taxation 38,374 55,738 94,112
Interest payable and
similar charges (4,421) (4,421) (8,842)
Income from interest in
associated undertaking 4,981 - 4,981
------- ------- --------
Return on Ordinary
Activities before Taxation 38,934 51,317 90,251
Taxation on ordinary
activities (11,187) 3,841 (7,346)
-------- ------ -------
Return on Ordinary
Activities after Taxation 27,747 55,158 82,905
Ordinary dividend (19,344) - (19,344)
-------- ------- ---------
Transfers (from)/to
Reserves for the Year 8,403 55,158 63,561
Exchange differences
arising on consolidation (259) (785) (1,044)
------ ------ -------
Net Transfers (from)/to
Reserves for the Year 8,144 54,373 62,517
------ ------- -------
Return to Shareholders per
Ordinary Share 16.03p 31.86p 47.89p
------- ------- -------
The amounts dealt with in the Consolidated Statement of Total Return are all
derived from continuing activities except income from interest in associated
undertaking £4,816,000 (1998: £4,981,000) less taxation on ordinary activities
of £816,000 (1998: £1,499,000), attributable to the interest in the associated
undertaking.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
As at 30 Sept 1999 As at 30 Sept 1998
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Fixed Assets
Investments:
Associated Undertaking 9,033 5,532
Unlisted 1,040,495 878,168
Listed 133,073 255,561
---------- --------
1,182,601 1,139,261
Current Assets
Debtors 35,969 29,843
Investments 26,567 2,826
Cash at bank and in hand 39,607 205,269
------- --------
102,143 237,938
------- --------
Current Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year 8,896 20,270
------- -------
Net Current Assets 93,247 217,668
------- --------
Total Assets less Current
Liabilities 1,275,848 1,356,929
Creditors: amounts falling due
after more than one year 288,388 211,610
--------- ---------
Net Assets 987,460 1,145,319
--------- ---------
Capital & Reserves
Called-up share capital 25,965 43,275
Share premium 24,147 24,147
Capital redemption reserve 17,310 -
Realised capital profits 719,319 958,494
Unrealised capital profits 157,596 70,775
Revenue profits 43,123 48,628
------- -------
961,495 1,102,044
-------- ---------
Total Equity Shareholders'
Funds 987,460 1,145,319
------- ---------
Reconciliation of Total Shareholders' Funds
Year to 30 Year to 30
Sept 1999 Sept 1998
£'000 £'000
Total Return 399,236 82,905
Ordinary dividend - (19,344)
------- --------
399,236 63,561
Exchange differences arising on
consolidation 395 (1,044)
Repurchase of own shares (540,180) -
Nominal value of own shares repurchased (17,310) -
-------- -------
Movements in Total Equity Shareholders'
Funds (157,859) 62,517
Total equity Shareholders' Funds at 1
October 1,145,319 1,082,802
--------- ----------
Total Equity Shareholders' Funds at 30
September 987,460 1,145,319
--------- ----------
The figures and financial information for the year ended 30 September 1999 do
not constitute the statutory financial statements for that year. Those
financial statements have not yet been delivered to the Registrar, nor have
the Auditors yet reported on them. The figures and financial information for
the year ended 30 September 1998 do not constitute the statutory financial
statements for that year. Those financial statements have been delivered to
the Registrar and included the Auditors' report which was unqualified and did
not contain a statement under either section 237(2) or section 237(3) of the
Companies Act 1985.
The Report and Accounts will be sent to shareholders in late January 2000 and
will thereafter be available from the Company's registered office at 65
Kingsway, London WC2B 6QT. The Annual General Meeting will be held on
Wednesday 1 March 2000 in the Fitzalan & Arundel Suites at the Howard Hotel,
Temple Place, London WC2R 2PR at 12 Noon.