RNS Number : 3167G
Associated British Engineering PLC
28 June 2012
Company Number: 00110663
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2012
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
CONTENTS Page
Financial highlights 1
Chairman's statement 2
Directors' report 3
Report of the independent auditor - Group 6
Group accounting policies 7
Group income statement 13
Group statement of comprehensive income 13
Group balance sheet 14
Group statement of changes in equity 15
Group cash flow statement 16
Notes to the Group financial statements 17
Report of the independent auditor - Company 30
Principal accounting policies - Company 31
Company balance sheet 33
Notes to the company financial statements 34
Statement of directors' responsibilities 39
Corporate governance report 40
Directors' remuneration report 43
Directors, registered office and advisers 45
The Directors' Report on pages 3 to 5 and the Directors' Remuneration Report on pages 43 and 44 have each been drawn up in accordance with the requirements of English law and liability in respect thereof is also governed by English law. In particular, the responsibility of the directors for these reports is owed solely to Associated British Engineering plc.
The directors submit to the members their Report and Accounts for the Group for the year ended 31 March 2012. Pages 1 to 5 and 39 to 45, including the Financial Highlights, Chairman's Statement, Directors' Report, Corporate Governance Report, Directors' Remuneration Report and the Directors, Registered Office and Advisers page form part of the Report of the Directors.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
REVENUE
3,342
4,102
OPERATING PROFIT
529
842
(LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION
(629)
226
NET ASSETS
3,567
2,769
BASIC EARNINGS PER 2.5p (2011: £2) ORDINARY SHARE
(47p)
-
EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS PER 2.5p (2011: £2) ORDINARY SHARE
£1.74
£2.11
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
The Group's operating profit fell from £842,000 in the previous year to £529,000 in the year to 31 March 2012. This decrease in profitability was largely due to a fall in revenue. The turnover of the Group's only operating subsidiary, British Polar Engines Ltd (BPE), fell from £4.1m to £3.3m in the year to 31 March 2012. This follows an exceptional previous year and management should be congratulated on a satisfactory performance. The BPE business by its nature remains volatile and subject to the vagaries of the offshore oil drilling market and world demand generally.
I mentioned in my 2011 Chairman's Statement that the Board was considering how best to deal with the preference shares in order to improve the Company's capital structure to enable future corporate transactions to be considered. I am pleased to say that your Board has implemented measures enabling the Company to cancel the 7% preference shares, redeem the 8% preference shares and settle all outstanding preference share dividend arrears.
This was achieved through:
· an open offer of ordinary shares to raise £350,000 to redeem in full the 8% preference shares and associated dividend arrears;
· the cancellation of the 7% preference shares;
· the reduction of a portion of share premium account to permit the issue of loan notes to the 7% preference shareholders in respect of their principal and ordinary shares in settlement of dividend arrears;
· the sub division of each existing £2 ordinary share into one new ordinary share of 2.5p and one deferred share of £1.975.
The increase in finance related expenditure reflects the costs associated with the above capital restructuring exercise.
It is your Board's opinion that these measures leave the Company with a more attractive capital structure which should enable future corporate transactions to be considered more readily. The Board will finalise its planned capital restructuring during the current financial year.
The IAS 19 Pension Valuation has resulted in a significant decrease in the pension deficit for BPE, a positive and welcome outcome. A payment of £250,000 during the year into the pension scheme, over and above regular employer contributions, also contributed towards the reduction in the deficit. The actuarial deficit was £975,000 at 31 March 2012 (£1,852,000 at 31 March 2011).
A new non-executive director, Andrew Beaumont, was appointed during the year and I am confident he will complement and add to the existing skill sets of the Board.
The Board continues to keep central costs at a low level and seeks to identify a suitable corporate transaction to take the Group forward.
D A H Brown
Chairman
27 June 2012
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
The directors submit their report and audited accounts for the year ended 31 March 2012.
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY
During the year the Company has acted as a parent undertaking for a subsidiary engaged in diesel and related engineering activities and for a second, dormant subsidiary. Details of the trading subsidiary are set out in note 23.
BUSINESS REVIEW AND PRINCIPAL RISKS FACING THE BUSINESS
A review of the business and of events during the year is contained in the Chairman's Statement.
The Group's only operating business is its subsidiary British Polar Engines Limited. Business activity in the sector in which BPE operates has in recent years been buoyed by sales to the oil services business as a result of high demand in the oil services support industry.
The trading outlook for BPE continues to be unpredictable and the Company is exposed to both volatile pricing and periodic cyclical swings. A glance at the record of the trading results over the last decade demonstrates both revenue and operating profit increasing and declining according to the business cycle of the oil sector. The Group's income stream fluctuates from period to period because the Group's principal activity involves the purchase and manufacture of spare engine parts and associated services and is subject to variable demand. Therefore ongoing trading levels cannot be forecast reliably and are subject to variation at short notice.
The economic downturn generally, and in our area of operation specifically, will impact on the income and performance of the Group. In response to this the Directors aim to keep abreast of the economic climate and business strategy will be continually reviewed and updated to deal with changes. At worst, a sharp decline in the oil service sector could result in the Group making a loss though early identification of the trend will mitigate the quantum of this.
Further consideration of risks and uncertainties in respect of financial instruments that face the Group and Company is contained in note 19 to the Group financial statements.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
The Group uses various indicators to monitor its progress. Sales, service and production are continually monitored against set monthly budgets to compare and improve upon gross profit and operating profit margins. Budgets are set on a monthly and annual basis but the directors have not enhanced the disclosures in this regard as one key transaction stalling could have a significant impact on the feasibility of the budget meaning that such disclosures are not considered useful to users of the accounts.
The Group reviews the Pension Fund liability, the key assumptions underpinning the actuarial valuation and the minimum funding requirement on a continual basis. The key assumptions underpinning the actuarial valuation are reviewed and compared with industry norms; there were no notable variances from the prior year.
There is nothing to report on environmental, employee, social and community matters or essential contractual or other arrangements.
RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS
The Group's loss after tax, including the one off impact of the share restructuring exercise, amounted to £657,000. In the year to 31 March 2011 the Group's profit after tax, including a finance charge recognised in respect of the Company's preference shares, was in a breakeven position. The directors are unable to recommend a dividend on the ordinary shares for the year (2011: nil per ordinary share).
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Details of corporate governance, which is part of this report for the year to 31 March 2012, are disclosed in the corporate governance report.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
DIRECTORS' REPORT (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
DIRECTORS
The names of the directors who served during any part of the period from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 are:
Mr D A H Brown
Chairman
Mr S J Cockburn
Non-Executive Director
Mr C Weinberg
Non-Executive Director
Mr A R Beaumont (appointed 21 December 2011)
Non-Executive Director
Biographical details of the directors are set out on page 45.
In accordance with the Articles of Association Mr C Weinberg retires by rotation and, being eligible, offers himself for re-election.
SUBSTANTIAL HOLDINGS
As at 11 June 2012 the Company had been notified of the following substantial interests, in excess of 3%, in the issued ordinary share capital of the Company:
W B Nominees Limited
15.2%
Pershing Keen Nominees Limited (BFCLT)
12.1%
Fiske Nominees Limited (FISKPOOL)
8.9%
Rupert Anthony Pearce-Gould Esq
7.5%
Rulegale Nominees Limited (JAMSCLT)
5.1%
The Investment Company PLC
4.9%
L R Nominees Limited (NOMINEE)
4.9%
BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN SIGNIFICANT CONTRACTS
None of the directors had a material interest in any contract of significance to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries was party during the year.
BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN THE SHARE CAPITAL OF THE COMPANY
The beneficial interests of the directors, their spouses and children in the share capital of the Company according to the register kept by the Company as at 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012 were as follows:
8 per cent cumulative
Ordinary shares of
7 per cent cumulative
redeemable preference
2.5p £2
preference shares of £1 each
shares of £1 each
2012
2011
2012
2011
2012
2011
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
Mr D A H Brown
89,312
2,146
-
-
-
-
Mr S J Cockburn
72,237
1,250
-
55,314
-
2,000
Mr C Weinberg
111,916
19,991
-
-
-
-
At the relevant dates Mr S J Cockburn had a non-beneficial interest in 80,859 ordinary shares.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
DIRECTORS' REPORT (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
No director had any interest in the shares of any subsidiary. No share options were held by any of the directors at 31 March 2012 or 31 March 2011.
Since 31 March 2012 and up to and including 31 May 2012 there have been no changes in the directors' interests in the share capital of the Company.
CREDITOR PAYMENT POLICY
The Company's current policy concerning the payment of the majority of its trade creditors is to follow the Better Payment Practice Code co-ordinated by the Better Payment Practice Group. For other suppliers the Company's policy is to:
(a) settle the terms of payment with those suppliers when agreeing the terms of each transaction;
(b) ensure that those suppliers are made aware of the terms of payment by inclusion of the relevant terms in contracts; and
(c) pay in accordance with its contractual and other legal obligations.
Wherever possible the subsidiary follows the same policy. The average number of days which the Company took to pay creditors was 30 days (2011: 30 days).
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The Group uses various financial instruments and these include cash, equity investments, loan stock and various others, such as trade receivables and trade payables which arise directly from its operations. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance for the Group's operations.
The structure of the Group's and Company's capital, at nominal value, is as follows:
No. in issue
Nominal
Total
% of
Value
Value
Capital
£
£
%
Ordinary shares
2,048,990
2.5p
51,225
1.9
Deferred shares
1,313,427
£1.975
2,594,018
98.1
=========
======
==========
======
Further details of the policies adopted by the Group in respect of the financial risk management are included within note 19 to the Group financial statements.
CHARITABLE AND POLITICAL DONATIONS
The Group made no political or charitable donations during the year (2011: £nil).
DISABLED PERSONS
It is the Group's policy to give sympathetic consideration to the recruitment, continuing employment, training, career development and promotion of disabled persons.
AUDITOR
Grant Thornton UK LLP have expressed willingness to continue in office. In accordance with section 489 (4) of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution to reappoint Grant Thornton UK LLP will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.
By order of the Board
For and on behalf of haysmacintyre Company Secretaries Limited
Company Secretary
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
We have audited the Group financial statements of Associated British Engineering plc for the year ended 31 March 2012 which comprise the Group accounting policies, the Group income statement, the Group statement of comprehensive income, the Group balance sheet, the Group statement of changes in equity, the Group cash flow statement and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors' Responsibilities set out on page 39, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the Group financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the Group financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board's (APB's) Ethical Standards for Auditors.
Scope of the audit of the financial statements
A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the APB's website at www.frc.org.uk/apb/scope/private.cfm.
Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the Group financial statements:
§ give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's affairs as at 31 March 2012 and of its loss for the year then ended;
§ have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and
§ have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the Directors' Report for the financial year for which the Group financial statements are prepared is consistent with the Group financial statements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
§ certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
§ we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Under the Listing Rules, we are required to review:
§ the directors' statement, set out on page 42, in relation to going concern; and
§ the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Company's compliance with the nine provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (June 2010) specified for our review; and
§ certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board on directors' remuneration.
Other matter
We have reported separately on the parent Company financial statements of Associated British Engineering plc for the year ended 31 March 2012 and on the information in the Directors' Remuneration Report that is described as having been audited.
Nicholas Watson
Senior Statutory Auditor
for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP
Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants
Oxford
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
GROUP ACCOUNTING POLICIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
BASIS OF PREPARATION
The Company is incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006.
These Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU. The policies set out below have been consistently applied to all the years presented.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using accounting policies specified by those IFRSs that are in effect at the end of the reporting period (31 March 2012) or which have been adopted early.
NEWLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following Standards and Interpretations which have not been applied in these financial statements were in issue but not yet effective:
· IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements (amendment effective 1 July 2012)
· IAS16 Property Plant & equipment (amendments effective from 1 January 2013)
· IAS 19 Employee Benefits (amendment effective from 1 January 2013)
· IAS 27 Separate Financial Statements (amendments effective from 1 January 2013)
· IAS 32 Financial Instruments Presentation (amendment effective 1 January 2014)
· IAS 34 Interim Finance Reporting (Revised 2011) (amendments effective from 1 January 2013)
· IFRS 7 Financial Instruments (amendments effective 1 January 2013)
· IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective from 1 January 2015).
· IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements (effective from 1 January 2013)
· IFRS11 Joint arrangements (effective from 1 January 2013)
· IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interest in other entities (effective from 1 January 2013)
· IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement (effective from 1 January 2013)
The directors anticipate that the adoption of the above Standards and Interpretations in future periods will have no material impact on the financial statements of the Group.
STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS EFECTIVE FOR THE FIRST TIME
IFRIC 14 minimum funding requirements (amendment effective 1 January 2011) provides further interpretation of the interaction between IAS19 requirements and any 'minimum funding requirements' (which is believed to include the UK's Statutory Funding Objective). As a result IFRIC 14 has implications for the excess/shortfall disclosed under IAS 19.
For the purpose of these financial statements the directors do not believe IFRIC 14 has a material impact on the accounts as they believe that it is appropriate to assume that the Company can always recover pension surplus either by reducing contributions in respect of future accruals for active members or more generally that any surplus will be returned to the Employer when the last member dies. There is no surplus as at 31 March 2012.
IFRIC 19 extinguishing financial liabilities with equity instruments provides guidance on the accounting for the extinguishment of a financial liability by the issue of equity instruments. Under IFRIC 19, equity instruments issued under such arrangement will be measured at their fair value, and any difference between carrying amount of the financial liability extinguished and the consideration paid will be recognised in the profit or loss.
The application of IFRIC 19 has affected the accounting of the share restructuring transaction (refer to note 7 and note 15) in the current year. As required by IFRIC 19, the settlement of amounts in lieu of the outstanding dividends on the cumulative 7% preference shares by way of new ordinary 2.5p shares was measured using the fair of the shares. This resulted in an additional amount of £39,000 (being the difference between the fair value of shares and transaction value) being recognised as a loss in the income statement.
IAS 24 related party disclosures (as revised in 2009) has been revised, changing the definition of a related party. The application of the revised definition of related parties has not resulted in the identification of related parties that were not identified as related parties under the previous standard.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
GROUP ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
GOING CONCERN
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. There have been no changes to accounting policies in the year. The most notable accounting event has been the recent restructuring of the Company's capital base and the decrease in the pension scheme deficit based on this year's actuarial forecast and referred to in the Chairman's Statement. The Directors have agreed a revised schedule of the contributions to eliminate the deficit on the ABE Pension Fund over thirteen years starting from the year ended 31 March 2010. Based on the Group's budgets and cash forecasts, the board considers that the Group has sufficient resources to meet all necessary outgoings and to enable it to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The Group financial statements incorporate the financial statements of Associated British Engineering plc and its subsidiary undertakings to 31 March each year. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in full. The Group financial statements include the results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year from or to the effective date of acquisition or disposal.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration receivable by the Group for goods supplied and services provided, excluding value added tax and trade discounts. Revenue from the sale of spare parts is recognised when the goods are dispatched or, if under a bill and hold arrangement, when they are available for despatch to a specific customer. Revenue from the sale of engines is recognised in accordance with the performance of contractual terms and specifically when the engines have been satisfactorily tested in accordance with contractual terms. Revenue from servicing and repair work is recognised when the work is completed.
ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
Management are required, in accordance with IFRS, to exercise judgement and to make estimates and assumptions regarding the application of accounting policies and the resulting effect on reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and a review of current conditions prevailing at the time but actual results may differ from these estimates. Any such revision is recognised in the financial statements in the period in which the change in circumstance is detected.
Accounting Judgements
The key areas where management have exercised judgement in the year, and the thought processes undertaken, are as follows:
Pension Scheme
The Directors are in regular contact with the Trustees of the pension scheme in connection with three keys areas where judgement is exercised; the assumptions underpinning the actuarial valuation, continued negotiations regarding the pension scheme and in relation to the payment plan. The Directors then assess the relevant estimates and assumptions made to ensure that where possible, all statutory obligations are met.
In evaluating the assumptions underpinning the actuarial valuation the Directors have sought the professional advice of a firm of actuaries who prepare the valuation according to industry standards and norms. During the year under review an actuarial gain of £643,000 (2011: £413,000 gain) was recognised in the Group accounts.
The assumptions underpinning the actuarial valuation are disclosed further in note 17 to the Group financial statements.
Preference shares
The Group was funded by a combination of equity and debt instruments, the latter representing 555,000 7% £1 cumulative preference shares and 157,395 8% £1 cumulative redeemable preference shares, with a total nominal value of £712,395.
During the year, a capital restructuring exercise led to the redemption in full of the 8% preference shares and cancellation of the 7% Preference Shares, including the associated arrears of dividends.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
GROUP ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS (continued)
Preference shares
International Financial Reporting Standards require these instruments to be carried at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method and these were held at an amortised cost of £276,000 prior to the restructuring of the capital base. The Directors made estimates in relation to the expected future profitability of the Group, the effect of actuarial movements relating to the pension scheme, and receipt of dividends from subsidiary companies in arriving at amortised cost of the preference share capital. Similar estimates were made when discounting the cash flows relating to the dividend arrears from £611,000 to £210,000.
Loan notes
The Group is also funded by £555,000 of loan notes with a 6% per annum coupon rate. The loan notes were issued as part of the share restructuring exercise referred to above. IAS 39 states that financial liabilities should initially be recognised at fair value. The directors are of the opinion that the coupon rate is a market rate of return and therefore the loan notes have been recognised at their transaction cost of £555,000 which is considered to be the same as their fair value.
Deferred tax
Please refer to Taxation Policy below and note 20.
Accounting Estimates
The accounting estimate having an impact on carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the reporting period is as follows:
Inventories
Inventories held by the Group consist of raw material (mainly components), work in progress (manufactured engine parts) and finished goods (both purchased and manufactured engine parts). A specific provision is made, on a 100% basis, for all stock lines that are obsolete or slow moving for periods in excess of four years. A general provision is made of 5%, 12.5%, 25% and 50% over all stock lines that have not moved for one, two, three and four years respectively.
The inventory provision at the year end amounted to £2,080,000 (2011: £1,957,000). The gross value of inventories at the year end is £3,169,000 (2011: £3,216,000).
The directors review their assumptions and accounting estimates, along with the accounting policies adopted in preparing these financial statements, on a regular basis and recognise any change in the period in which circumstances vary.
INVENTORIES AND IMPAIRMENT OF INVENTORIES
Inventories of raw materials, work in progress and finished goods are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Work in progress and finished goods include an appropriate allocation of overheads.
Cost is on a first in, first out basis. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the normal course of business, less estimated costs of completion and provision is made for obsolete, slow moving and defective inventories.
LEASED ASSETS
Leases of property and plant and equipment, where the Group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership, are classified as finance leases. Assets held under finance leases are capitalised at lease inception at the lower of the asset's fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Obligations related to finance leases, net of finance charges in respect of future periods, are included as appropriate within borrowings. The interest element of the finance cost is charged to the income statement over the life of the lease so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The property, plant or equipment is depreciated on the same basis as owned plant and equipment or over the life of the lease, if shorter.
Leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as operating leases. Operating lease rentals (net of any related lease incentives) are charged against profit on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
GROUP ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less depreciation and any impairment in value. Freehold land is not depreciated. Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of all property, plant and equipment less its residual value by annual instalments over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
Freehold buildings 5 per cent
Plant and machinery 7½- 33⅓ per cent
These useful lives and residual values are reviewed in each financial period.
Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets or where shorter, over the term of the relevant lease. The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised as income.
The carrying values of property, plant and machinery are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. If any such indication exists, and where the carrying values exceed the estimated recoverable amount, the assets or cash generating units are written down to their recoverable amounts.
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 year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible 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 provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. The deferred tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction, other than a business combination, that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit nor loss. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled.
Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.
FOREIGN CURRENCIES
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. All exchange differences are dealt with through the income statement.
RETIREMENT BENEFIT COSTS
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. Payments made to state-managed retirement benefit schemes are dealt with as payments to defined contribution schemes where the Group's obligations under the schemes are equivalent to those arising in a defined contribution retirement benefit scheme.
For defined benefit retirement schemes, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the period in which they occur. They are recognised outside profit or loss and presented in the Group statement of comprehensive income.
Past service cost is recognised immediately to the extent that the benefits are already vested, and otherwise is amortised on a straight-line basis over the average period until the benefits become vested.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
GROUP ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
RETIREMENT BENEFIT COSTS (continued)
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 cumulative unrecognised past service cost, plus the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the plan.
The Group has recognised the actuarial losses and gains immediately within the Statement of Comprehensive Income in accordance with the provisions stated within IAS 19 'Employee benefits'.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet comprise cash at bank and in hand and short term deposits with a maturity of three months or less which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into.
Where the contractual obligations of financial instruments (including share capital) are equivalent to a similar debt instrument, those financial instruments are classed as financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are presented as such in the balance sheet. Finance costs and gains or losses relating to financial liabilities are included in the income statement. Finance costs are calculated so as to produce a constant rate of charge on the outstanding liability.
Where none of the contractual terms of share capital meet the definition of a financial liability then this is classed as an equity instrument. Dividends and distributions relating to equity instruments are debited direct to equity.
Further analysis of the Group's financial instruments, and the relevant exposure to risks and uncertainties, is stated in note 19 below and the various classifications of financial assets and liabilities are identified and explained.
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are originally recognised at fair value. Subsequent measurement is at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. A provision against trade receivables is made when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due to it in accordance with the original terms of those receivables. The total of bad and doubtful debts at the year end was £7,000 (2011: £3,000). Trade receivables and cash and cash equivalents are classified as loans and receivables.
Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are originally recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs. Subsequent measurement is at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
Investments in securities
Investments are recognised and derecognised on a trade date where a purchase or sale of an investment is under a contract whose terms require delivery of the investment within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially measured at fair value, with all transaction costs being written off to the income statement as incurred.
Investments are classified as held for trading and are measured at subsequent reporting dates at fair value. Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value of held for trading financial assets are included in the net profit or loss for the period. At the year end an adjustment of £20,000 (decrease) was made to align the investments in securities with their fair value.
Cumulative preference shares
Cumulative preference shares are measured subsequent to initial recognition at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Where the Group revises its estimates of cash payments, the carrying amount of the financial liability is adjusted to reflect actual and revised estimated cash flows. The Group recalculates the carrying amount by computing the present value of the estimated future cash flows at the financial instruments' original effective interest rate. The adjustment is recognised as income or expense in the income statement. Refer to Note 15 for further details.
Loan notes
Loan notes have initially been recognised at their fair value and will subsequently be held at amortised cost.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
GROUP ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
SHARE BASED PAYMENTS AND SHARE OPTIONS
Former employees of the Group have received remuneration in the form of share based payment transactions, whereby employees render services in exchange for rights over shares ('equity settled transactions'). The cost of these transactions is measured by reference to their fair value at the date at which the options are granted. The fair value is determined by using the Black-Scholes Option pricing model. There has been no charge recognised with respect to the share options as all those in issue fall outside the scope of IFRS 2, having been granted before November 2002.
IMPAIRMENT OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
At each balance sheet date the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its property, plant and equipment to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (cash-generating unit) in prior years.
SEGMENTAL REPORTING
The standard requires financial information to be disclosed in the financial statements in the same format in which it is disclosed to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief decision-maker has been identified as the Board, at which level strategic decisions are made.
EQUITY AND RESERVES
Share capital represents the nominal value of shares that have been issued except for the preference shares classified as debt.
Deferred shares represents shares arising from the sub-division of ordinary shares of £2.
Share premium includes any premiums received on issue of share capital. Any transaction costs associated with the issuing of shares are deducted from share premium, net of any related income tax benefits.
Retained earnings include all current and prior period retained profits and losses.
Other reserves relate to movements not classified in any of the reserves detailed above.
All transactions with owners of the parent are recorded separately within equity.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
GROUP INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
Note
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
REVENUE
1
3,342
4,102
Operating costs
2
(2,813)
(3,260)
-------------
-------------
OPERATING PROFIT
529
842
Finance expense
7
(1,188)
(641)
Finance income
7
30
25
-------------
-------------
(LOSS)/PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION
(629)
226
Taxation
8
(28)
(226)
-------------
-------------
(LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE YEAR ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY
HOLDERS OF THE PARENT COMPANY
(657)
-
======
======
EARNINGS PER SHARE ON (LOSS)/PROFIT FOR THE YEAR
ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE PARENT COMPANY
BASIC AND DILUTED
9
(47p)
-
======
======
GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
(Loss)/profit for the year
(657)
-
------------
-------------
Other comprehensive income
Actuarial gains on retirement benefit obligation
17
643
413
-----------
-------------
Other comprehensive income for the year
643
413
------------
-------------
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/INCOME FOR THE YEAR
(14)
413
======
======
All activities are classified as continuing.
The accounting policies on pages 7 to 12 and the notes on pages 17 to 29 form part of these accounts.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC Company Number: 00110663
GROUP BALANCE SHEET
31 MARCH 2012
2012
2011
Note
£'000
£'000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
10
68
98
-------------
-------------
Current assets
Inventories
12
1,089
1,259
Trade and other receivables
13
510
750
Held for trading investments
14
69
97
Cash and cash equivalents
4,031
3,945
-------------
-------------
5,699
6,051
-------------
-------------
Total assets
5,767
6,149
======
======
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Called up share capital
15
51
2,627
Deferred shares
15
2,594
-
Share premium account
5,370
5,038
Other components of equity
11
11
Retained earnings
(4,459)
(4,907)
--------------
--------------
Equity attributable to the Company's Equity shareholders
3,567
2,769
-------------
-------------
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Retirement benefit obligation
17b
975
1,852
Cumulative preference shares
18
-
467
Loan notes
18
555
-
-------------
-------------
1,530
2,319
-------------
-------------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
18
642
837
Obligations under finance leases
18
-
-
Current tax liabilities
28
224
-------------
-------------
670
1,061
-------------
-------------
Total liabilities
2,200
3,380
-------------
-------------
Total equity and liabilities
5,767
6,149
======
======
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 27 June 2012
and were signed below on its behalf by:
C Weinberg
Director
The accounting policies on pages 7 to 12 and the notes on pages 17 to 29 form part of these accounts.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
Share capital
Share premium
Deferred shares
Other reserve
Retained earnings
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Balance at 1 April 2010
2,627
5,038
-
11
(5,320)
2,356
Profit for the year
-
-
-
-
-
-
Other comprehensive income
Actuarial gain in defined benefit plan
-
-
-
-
413
413
--------------
--------------
----------------
--------------
---------------
---------------
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
-
413
413
--------------
--------------
--------------
--------------
---------------
---------------
Balance at 31 March 2011
2,627
5,038
-
11
(4,907)
2,769
--------------
--------------
---------------
--------------
---------------
---------------
Loss for the year
-
-
-
-
(657)
(657)
Other comprehensive income
Actuarial gain in defined benefit plan
-
-
-
-
643
643
--------------
--------------
---------------
--------------
---------------
---------------
Total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
-
(14)
(14)
--------------
--------------
---------------
--------------
---------------
---------------
Capital restructuring
(2,576)
332
2,594
-
462
812
Balance at 31 March 2012
51
5,370
2,594
11
(4,459)
3,567
======
======
======
======
=======
======
The accounting policies on pages 7 to 12 and the notes on pages 17 to 29 form part of these accounts.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (used in)/generated from operations
(20)
1,028
Interest received
30
25
Interest paid
(2)
(2)
-----------------
-----------------
Net cash from operating activities
8
1,051
-----------------
-----------------
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of equipment
10
-
Purchase of equipment
(5)
(35)
Sale proceeds from trading investments
30
15
-----------------
-----------------
Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities
35
(20)
-----------------
-----------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash raised from open offer of shares
43
-
Repayments of obligations under finance leases
-
(1)
-----------------
-----------------
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities
43
(1)
-----------------
-----------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
86
1,030
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
3,945
2,915
-----------------
----------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
4,031
3,945
=========
========
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
(Loss) / profit before taxation
(629)
226
Adjustments for:
Depreciation
35
73
Interest income
(30)
(25)
Finance expense
858
469
Pension scheme interest expense
156
172
Cash paid in excess of current service cost
(390)
(134)
Profit on disposal of equipment
(9)
-
Loss on disposal of Held for Trading investments
32
-
Changes in working capital:
Decrease in inventories
170
157
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables
240
(130)
(Decrease)/increase in payables
(217)
205
Increase in investments
(12)
17
------------
------------
204
1,030
Taxes paid
(224)
(2)
------------
------------
Cash (used in)/generated from operations
(20)
1,028
=====
======
See note 21 for details of cash not available for use.
The accounting policies on pages 7 to 12 and the notes on pages 17 to 29 form part of these accounts.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - GROUP
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
1. SEGMENTAL REPORTING
The following table shows an analysis of the Group's external sales by geographical market:
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
United Kingdom
1,234
1,719
Europe
1,356
1,484
Far East and Australasia
317
480
Africa
125
150
North and South America
279
191
Middle East
26
39
Russia
5
39
-------------
-------------
3,342
4,102
======
======
All of the above revenue arises from diesel and related engineering activities and originates in the United Kingdom.
In the year ended 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2011 all of the assets held by the Group were located in the United Kingdom and all capital expenditure was incurred within the United Kingdom.
Operating segments
The following segment information has been prepared in accordance with IFRS 8, "Operating Segments", which defines requirements for the disclosure of financial information of an entity's operating segments.
The Board consider the Group on an individual company basis. Reports by individual companies are used by the chief decision-maker in the Group. Significant operating segments are Associated British Engineering Plc and British Polar Engines Limited.
The Group's operations are located in the United Kingdom. Any transactions between business units are on normal commercial terms and conditions.
British Polar Engines Limited's activities consist of the manufacture and supply of diesel engines and spare parts for diesel engines together with associated repair work.
Associated British Engineering Plc is the Group holding company.
Year to 31 March 2012
Associated British Engineering Plc
British Polar Engines Limited
Consolidated
£'000
£'000
£'000
External sales
-
3,342
3,342
------------
------------
-----------
Segment result (PBIT)
(236)
765
529
-------------
------------
Net finance expenses
(1,158)
Taxation
(28)
--------
Profit after tax
(657)
=====
Other information
Capital additions
-
5
5
Balance sheet
Segment assets
343
5,424
5,767
======
======
======
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - GROUP (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
1. SEGMENTAL REPORTING (continued)
Year to 31 March 2011
Associated British Engineering Plc
British Polar Engines Limited
Consolidated
£'000
£'000
£'000
External sales
-
4,102
4,102
----------
-------------
------------
Segment result (PBIT)
(249)
1,091
842
----------
----------
Net finance expenses
(616)
Taxation
(226)
----------
Profit after tax
-
=====
Other information
Capital additions
-
35
35
Balance sheet
Segment assets
503
5,646
6,149
=====
======
======
There were three customers who each contributed more than 10% of the total Group revenue for the year ended 31 March 2012 (2011: three customers).
2.
OPERATING COSTS
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Changes in inventories
170
157
Raw materials used
1,368
1,404
Staff costs
1,231
1,211
Depreciation and amortisation
35
72
Other expenses
9
416
-------------
-------------
2,813
3,260
======
======
3.
OPERATING PROFIT
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting)
Depreciation on owned assets
35
72
Depreciation on assets held under finance leases
-
1
Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the Company's annual accounts:
PLC audit costs
22
20
The audit of the Company's subsidiaries pursuant to legislation
20
20
Tax services
-
2
Operating lease rental on plant and machinery
37
30
Operating lease rental on land and buildings
-
-
Foreign exchange gain
(8)
(2)
======
======
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - GROUP (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
4.
STAFF COSTS AND EMPLOYEES
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Wages and salaries
917
1,026
Social security costs
103
100
Other pension costs
114
85
-------------
-------------
1,134
1,211
======
======
The average monthly number of persons employed by the Group during the year was:
2012
2011
Number
Number
By activity
Production
9
11
Administration
17
16
-------------
-------------
26
27
======
=====
5.
DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION
Directors received emoluments of £35,000 (2011: £35,000). Further details can be found on page 44.
6.
KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Remuneration of Group directors
35
35
======
======
The Group made no pension contributions in respect of Group directors during the year ended 31 March 2012 or 31 March 2011.
7.
NET FINANCE EXPENSE
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Interest on obligations under finance leases
2
2
Borrowings at amortised cost:
7% Cumulative preference dividend
6
159
7% Cumulative preference share capital
8
206
8% Cumulative redeemable preference dividend
2
43
8% Cumulative redeemable preference share capital
2
59
Redemption / cancellation of preference shares *
840
-
Costs of redemption / cancellation of preference shares *
172
-
----------
----------
Interest expenses for borrowings at amortised cost
1,032
467
Pension interest cost less expected return on scheme assets
156
172
------------
----------
1,188
641
Interest receivable on cash and cash equivalents
(30)
(25)
-------------
----------
1,158
616
======
=====
* These relate to the loss and legal/professional costs associated with the redemption of preference shares, associated dividend arrears and the capital restructuring exercise as detailed in note 15. These costs are considered to be one off in nature.
See note 15 for details of the preference shares and associated dividends.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - GROUP (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
8.
TAXATION
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
The tax charge is set out below:
Current tax:
United Kingdom corporation tax at 26% (2011: 28%)
28
223
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of previous year
-
3
--------
---------
Total current tax and tax on profit on ordinary activities
28
226
====
=====
The tax assessed for the period is different from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 26% (2011: 28%). The differences are explained as follows:
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities before tax
(629)
226
----------------
----------------
(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of
Corporation tax in the UK of 26% (2011: 28%)
(163)
63
Effects of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
375
175
Tax losses and advance corporation tax relief (ACT)
(15)
(19)
Adjustment to tax in respect of previous year
-
3
Other differences
(162)
-
Capital allowances for the period in excess of depreciation
(7)
4
----------------
----------------
Total tax for period
28
226
=======
========
The Group has trading losses of approximately £1.2 million (2011: £1.2 million), surplus advance corporation tax relief of approximately £865,000 (2011: £879,000) and capital losses of £9.2 million (2011: £9.2 million). These are available to set against future taxable profits, taxation liabilities and capital gains respectively. The trading losses are available to be used against future profits arising from the same trade within Associated British Engineering plc. These amounts are subject to agreement with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.
9.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
The calculation of earnings per ordinary share is based on the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year.
2012
2011
Weighted
Weighted
Average
Per shares
Average
Per shares
Loss
number of
amount
Profit
Number of
amount
£'000
Shares
pence
£'000
Shares
Pence
Basic and diluted earnings per share
(657)
1,387,787
(47)
-
1,313,427
-
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
=========
.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - GROUP (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
10.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Freehold
land and
Plant and
buildings
machinery
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
COST
At 1 April 2011
689
1,406
2,095
Additions
-
5
5
Disposals
-
(130)
(130)
----------------
-------------------
-------------------
At 31 March 2012
689
1,281
1,970
----------------
-------------------
-------------------
ACUMMULATED DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2011
676
1,321
1,997
Charge for year
13
22
35
Eliminated on disposals
-
(130)
(130)
----------------
-------------------
-------------------
At 31 March 2012
689
1,213
1,902
----------------
-------------------
-------------------
CARRYING AMOUNTS
At 31 March 2012
-
68
68
========
========
==========
At 31 March 2011
13
85
98
========
========
==========
11.
CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
At 31 March 2012 the Group had capital commitments of £Nil (2011: £Nil).
12.
INVENTORIES
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Raw materials
138
113
Work in progress
140
111
Finished goods
811
1,035
-------------
-------------
1,089
1,259
======
======
The closing inventory balance of £3,169,000 (2011: £3,216,000) is stated net of provisions of £2,080,000 (2011: £1,957,000). There was an increase in provision of £123,000 in relation to slow moving stock.
13.
TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Trade receivables
376
637
Other receivables
-
27
Prepayments and accrued income
134
86
-----------
-----------
510
750
=====
=====
The Group has no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread over a large number of customers. At the year end a provision against the trade receivables balance amounts to £7,385 (2011: £3,000 provision).
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - GROUP (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
14.
HELD FOR TRADING INVESTMENTS
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Listed Securities
69
97
====
===
Financial assets at
fair value through profit or loss
£
Opening balance
97
Additions
12
Net loss recognised
(32)
Disposals
(8)
----------
Closing balance
69
=====
Gains or losses on held for trading investments are presented within the operating costs heading.
The fair value of the equity investments held is calculated by reference to the quoted market price at the year end.
15.
CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Nominal value:
Allotted and fully paid:
2,048,990 ordinary shares of £0.025 each
51
2,627
1,313,427 deferred shares of £1.975 each
2,594
-
555,000 7% cumulative preference shares of £1 each
-
555
157,395 8% cumulative redeemable preference shares of £1 each
-
157
-------------
-------------
2,645
3,339
======
======
Carrying value:
Equity shares:
2,040,000 ordinary shares of £0.025 each
51
2,627
======
======
Shares classed as financial liabilities
555,000 7% Cumulative preference shares of £1 each
-
206
157,395 8% Cumulative redeemable preference shares of £1 each
-
59
======
======
The preference shares were redeemed in the year. The following related transactions also took place:
· An underwritten open offer to raise £350,247 before expenses. This was applied to redeem in full and cancel the 8% Preference Shares, including the arrears of dividend;
· The cancellation of the 7% Preference Shares and a reduction of a portion of share premium account so as to permit the issue to the 7% Preference Shareholders of Loan Notes in respect of their principal and Settlement Shares in respect of their arrears of dividend;
· The sub-division of each existing Ordinary Share of £2 into one New Ordinary Share of 2.5p and one Deferred Share of £1.975, in order to enable the Open Offer Share to be issued at the price of £1 (which is below the current nominal value of the Existing Ordinary Shares of £2).
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - GROUP (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
15. CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL (continued)
The structure of the Group and Company's capital is as follows:
Number
Number
of ordinary shares
Ordinary shares £'000
of deferred shares
Deferred shares £'000
Share premium £'000
Balance at 1 April 2011 (£2 shares)
1,313,427
2,627
-
-
5,038
Subdivision of shares (as above)
-
(2,594)
1,313,427
2,594
-
Issue of ordinary shares of £0.025 each
735,563
18
-
-
794
Cancellation of share premium
-
-
-
-
(462)
Balance at 31 March 2012 (£0.025 / £1.975 shares)
2,048,990
51
1,313,427
2,594
5,370
Further to the Extraordinary General Meeting held on 1 September 1999 the ordinary shares have 200 votes per share.
The new deferred shares do not have voting rights and do not carry any entitlement to attend general meetings of the Company; they are not admitted to any Stock Exchange and carry a right to participate in any return of capital once an amount of £100 has been paid in respect of each new ordinary share.
The 7% cumulative preference shares and 8% cumulative redeemable preference shares were classified as debt under IAS 32, as disclosed in note 18.
In accordance with IAS 39 the 7% cumulative preference shares and the 8% cumulative redeemable preference shares were carried in the financial statements at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, reflecting conditions existing at the balance sheet date.
Under IAS 32 the preference dividends were disclosed as a finance expense and any arrears included within payables as disclosed in note 18. IAS 39 also permits the total of accumulated arrears of dividends to be discounted.
16.
SHARE BASED PAYMENTS
The Company operates an Executive Share Option Scheme (ESOP) under which options are granted with the guidance of the remuneration committee. Options are granted with a fixed exercise price equal to the market price of the shares under option at the date of the grant. The contractual life of an option is 10 years. Options granted under the ESOP will become exercisable on the third anniversary of the date of the grant. There were no unexercised share options at the end of the year as all share options have lapsed.
17. RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES
Previously the Group operated a defined benefit pension scheme, holding the assets in a separate trustee administered fund ("the ABE Pension Fund"). The required contributions were assessed with the advice of an independent qualified actuary using the projected unit credit method. The Group also has a designated Group personal pension plan which meets stakeholder requirements.
In the year ended 31 March 2009 the Company came to agreement with the Trustees of the scheme and a resolution was approved whereby the Group is no longer liable for its previously recognised retirement obligations for the ABE section of the fund. The elimination of the ABE section resulted in an elimination of £3,047,000 of the opening obligation which was reflected through the Statement of Comprehensive Income. The remaining obligation relates to the BPE section of the scheme and is summarised below:
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - GROUP (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
17.
RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES (continued)
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
(a)
Pension cost (recognised in Income Statement)
Operating charge
Current service cost
60
76
---------------
---------------
Total operating charge
60
76
--------------
--------------
Other finance charges
Interest on pension scheme liabilities
359
363
Expected return on pension scheme assets
(203)
(191)
---------------
---------------
Net finance charge
156
172
---------------
---------------
Total pension cost recognised in the Income Statement
216
248
=======
=======
(b)
Benefit liability
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Present value of funded obligations
6,451
6,577
6,663
5,142
4,606
Fair value of plan assets
(5,476)
(4,725)
(4,436)
(3,725)
(3,543)
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
---------------
Net liability
975
1,852
2,227
1,417
1,063
=======
=======
=======
=======
=======
The major categories of plan assets are as follows:
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Equities
738
730
Bonds
4,499
3,915
Cash
239
80
--------------
--------------
5,476
4,725
=======
=======
(c)
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of the year
6,577
6,663
Current service cost
60
76
Interest cost
359
363
Actuarial losses/(gains)
(337)
(318)
Contributions by plan participants
13
14
Benefits paid
(221)
(221)
---------------
---------------
Benefit obligation at end of the year
6,451
6,577
=======
=======
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - GROUP (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
17.
RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES (continued)
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
(d)
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year
4,725
4,436
Expected return on plan assets
203
191
Actuarial gains/(losses) on plan assets
306
95
Contributions made by employer
450
210
Contributions by plan participants
13
14
Benefits paid
(221)
(221)
---------------
---------------
Fair value of plan assets at end of the year
5,476
4,725
=======
=======
The cumulative amount of actuarial gain recognised in the Group statement of comprehensive income is £3,527,000 (2011: £2,884,000). The actuarial gain for the year recognised in the Group statement of comprehensive income is £643,000 (2011: £413,000).
The expected long term return on cash is determined by reference to current and expected long-term bank base rates. The expected return on bonds is determined by reference to United Kingdom long dated gilt and bond yields at the balance sheet date. The expected rate of return on equities have been determined by setting an appropriate risk premium above gilt/bond yields having regard to market conditions at the balance sheet date. The expected rates have then all been reduced to reflect the level of anticipated future expenses.
The expected long term rates of return (net of expenses) are as follows:
2012
2011
% per annum
% per annum
Equities
6.1
6.3
Bonds
3.9
3.9
Cash
0.5
3.9
------------
------------
Overall rate of return for the plan
3.5
4.3
=======
======
The actual return on the plan assets over the year ended 31 March 2012 was £509,000 (2011: £286,000).
(e)
Principal actuarial assumptions
2012
2011
Inflation
3.2
3.6
Rate of increase in pensionable salaries
2.5
3.6
Discount rate
4.9
5.5
Pension in payment increases
2.2
3.5
Revaluation rate for deferred pensioners
2.2
3.6
Pre retirement mortality
PNMAOO, MC 1% PNFAOO, MC 1%
AM92,-5 (males) AF92,-5 (females)
Post retirement mortality
PNMAOO, MC 1%
PMA92 (males)
PNFAOO, MC 1%
PFA92 (females)
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - GROUP (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
17.
RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES (continued)
(f)
History of experience gains and losses
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
(a) Amount (£'000)
306
95
519
(403)
(116)
(b) Percentage of scheme assets
6%
1%
12%
(11)%
(3)%
(ii) Experience (gains) and losses on scheme liabilities
(a) Amount (£'000)
2
92
(20)
10
25
(b) Percentage of present value of scheme liabilities
0%
4%
0%
0%
1%
The best estimate of contributions to be paid by the Group to the plan for the period beginning after 31 March 2012 is £201,000.
18.
PAYABLES
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Current
Obligations under finance leases
-
-
Trade payables
266
339
Other taxation and social security
36
39
Other payables
42
46
Accruals and deferred income
298
413
-----------------
-----------------
642
837
========
========
Non-current
555,000 7% cumulative preference shares of £1 each
-
206
157,395 8% cumulative preference shares of £1 each
-
59
Dividends payable in respect of 7% cumulative preference shares
-
159
Dividends payable in respect of 8% cumulative preference shares
-
43
Loan notes
555
-
-----------------
-----------------
555
467
========
========
The loan notes and net finance lease obligations are due:
In one year or less
-
-
Between two and three years
555
-
----------------
----------------
555
-
========
========
All current payables are expected to mature within a period of 6 months. The loan notes will become redeemable on a change of control in respect of the Company if earlier than the third anniversary of the date of issue.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - GROUP (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
19. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Group's financial instruments comprise cash, loan stock, and various items, such as trade and other receivables, held for trading investments and trade and other payables that arise directly from its operations. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to finance the Group's operations. At 31 March 2012 the Group has cash balances of £4,031,000 (2011: £3,945,000) and no bank overdraft (2011: £Nil). No sensitivity analysis to movements in interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates has been included as the board do not consider such information to be material.
RISKS
The main risks arising from the Group's financial instruments are market risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. Market risk includes price commodity risk, foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk. The Group has limited exposure to foreign exchange risk and also has no loans, only loan notes with a fixed coupon rate of 6% and therefore the analysis given below excludes these two items.
A significant risk that is also not considered below is that of the Group's pension funds. This is discussed in depth throughout the financial statements, and more specifically in Note 17, and has therefore not been further analysed below but is a key risk to the future of the Group. The Board meets on a regular basis to discuss the various funds and investment opportunities with each other and the Trustees.
The Board reviews and agrees policies for managing each of the above risks and they are summarised overleaf and in the accounting polices to the Group financial statements. These policies have been consistently applied throughout the period.
COMMODITY PRICE RISK
The Group is dependent upon its suppliers to effectively operate a 'just in time' stock management system, which is utilised to mitigate high warehousing costs. There is the potential to leave the Group exposed to 'stock out' or shortages but the Group has not experienced stock difficulties of this nature in the current or prior year and does not envisage this going forward, due to its strong supplier relations.
When prices are advantageous a strategic decision may be taken to increase a stock level which mitigates the issue of price commodity risk. There are a number of suppliers used, each with various contractual terms, and therefore the Board do not consider this a significant risk.
LIQUIDITY RISK
The Group's liquidity is dependent on the cash balances available and it is the Group's policy to place surplus cash on deposit to ensure as high a rate of return as possible. The maturity profile of the Group's loan notes and finance lease liabilities is set out in note 18.
CREDIT RISK
The Group's principal financial assets are cash deposits and trade and other receivables. The credit risk associated with the cash is limited as the counterparties have high credit ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies. The principal credit risk arises therefore from its trade and other receivables.
In order to manage credit risk the directors of the subsidiary company set limits for customers based on a combination of payment history and third party credit references. Credit limits are reviewed by the subsidiary's directors on a regular basis in conjunction with debt ageing and collection history. In 2012 and 2011 there were no concentrations of credit risk, with exposure being spread over a large number of customers, with over 200 customers at the year end.
At the year end the Group's top five customers comprised 19% of the year end trade receivables. The Board consider their strong customer relations to be strength rather than a risk as they are the preferred suppliers to these customers.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - GROUP (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
19. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
CREDIT RISK (continued)
Where appropriate, the subsidiary company requests payment or part-payment in advance of shipment which generally covers the cost of the goods. In connection with the trade receivables, there is a risk of warranty claims, which the subsidiary company tries to minimise. The carrying value of the trade receivables represents the maximum credit risk exposure and therefore sensitivity analysis has not been performed.
Collection procedures in relation to receivables are initiated once the credit terms are exceeded and trade receivables both due and not yet due are reviewed on a line by line basis, with adequate provision being made against period end balances where appropriate. During the year an additional provision of £5,000 has been included in the financial statements.
Current financial assets past due date and not impaired amount to 3% (£13,275) and are considered recoverable and stated at their amortised cost. At the year end 90% (£345,767) of the financial assets are not past due and 6% are aged greater than 90 days. These amounted to £25,000 and £7,000 have been provided for.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The directors consider that the fair values of the Group's financial instruments at 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2011 were not materially different from their book values. The coupon rate of the loan notes is a market rate of return and therefore the loan notes have been recognised at their transaction value of £555,000 which is considered to be their fair value.
20.
DEFERRED TAXATION
There is no unprovided deferred taxation liability at 31 March 2012 or 31 March 2011.
The directors consider that there are currently no plans for the distribution of the retained reserves of the overseas subsidiary that would give rise to a UK corporation tax liability. Consequently no deferred tax provision has been made.
No provision has been made for the potential deferred tax assets on the trading losses carried forward as they are not sufficiently certain to crystallise in the foreseeable future, with future pension obligations deemed to exceed the potential future cash inflows. This assumption will be revisited on an annual basis or as and when circumstances change. The amounts not recognised (all of which have been calculated at 26% (2011: 26%)) are set out below:
Group
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Arising from trading losses
324
324
Arising from capital losses
2,392
2,392
Arising from pension deficit
253
482
-------------
-------------
2,969
3,198
======
======
21.
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
a)
Banker's indemnities
30
30
====
====
The indemnities relate to provision of services such as letters of credit or international guarantees by the bank.
b) There were no other contingent liabilities at 31 March 2012 or 31 March 2011.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - GROUP (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
22.
COMMITMENTS UNDER OPERATING LEASES
At 31 March the Group had the following commitments under non-cancellable operating leases:
Other
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Within one year
32
14
Between two and five years inclusive
36
21
-------------
------------
68
35
======
======
23. SUBSIDIARIES
At 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2011 the Company held 100% of the share capital of the following subsidiaries:
Capital of Share Capital
Proportion held by the parent
Country of incorporation
Nature of Business
British Polar Engines Limited
Ordinary
100%
Great Britain
Manufacture and supply of diesel engines, associated servicing and sale of spare parts
Danway Limited
Ordinary
100%
Cayman Islands
Dormant
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
We have audited the Parent Company financial statements of Associated British Engineering plc for the year ended 31 March 2012 which comprise the principal accounting policies, the Company balance sheet and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors' Responsibilities set out on page 39, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the parent Company financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the parent Company financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board's (APB's) Ethical Standards for Auditors.
Scope of the audit of the financial statements
A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the APB's website at www.frc.org.uk/apb/scope/private.cfm.
Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the parent Company financial statements:
· give a true and fair view of the state of the Company's affairs as at 31 March 2012;
· have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
· have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:
· the part of the Directors' Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006; and
· the information given in the Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the parent Company financial statements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
· adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
· the Parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors' Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
· certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
· we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Other matter
We have reported separately on the Group financial statements of Associated British Engineering plc for the year ended 31 March 2012.
Nicholas Watson
Senior Statutory Auditor
for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP
Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants
Oxford
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES - COMPANY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
BASIS OF PREPARATION
The Company accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable UK accounting standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The summary of the principal accounting policies, which have been applied consistently, is set out below. The policies have remained unchanged from the previous year.
BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
The accounts are prepared on the historical cost basis, modified to include the revaluation of current asset investments.
GOING CONCERN
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. There have been no changes to accounting policies in the year. The most notable accounting event has been the decrease in the pension scheme deficit based on this year's actuarial forecast and mentioned in the Chairman's Statement. The Directors have agreed a revised schedule of the contributions to eliminate the deficit on the ABE Pension Fund over thirteen years starting from the year ended 31 March 2010. Based on the Group's budgets and cash forecasts, the board considers that the Group has sufficient resources to meet all necessary outgoings and to enable it to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Freehold land is not depreciated. Other fixed assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives at the following annual rates to cost:
Freehold buildings 5 per cent
Computer equipment 20 per cent
DEFERRED TAXATION
Deferred tax is recognised on an undiscounted basis on all timing differences where the transactions or events that give the Company an obligation to pay more tax in the future, or a right to pay less tax in the future, have occurred by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets are recognised when it is more likely than not that they will be recovered. Deferred tax is measured using rates of tax that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
FOREIGN CURRENCIES
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the year end date. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Any exchange gains or losses are credited or charged to the profit and loss account in the year in which they arise.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into.
Where the contractual obligations of financial instruments (including share capital) are equivalent to a similar debt instrument, those financial instruments are classed as financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are presented as such in the balance sheet. Finance costs and gains or losses relating to financial liabilities are included in the profit and loss account. Finance costs are calculated so as to produce a constant rate of charge on the outstanding liability.
Where none of the contractual terms of share capital meet the definition of a financial liability then this is classed as an equity instrument. Dividends and distributions relating to equity instruments are debited direct to equity.
Trade and other debtors
Trade and other debtors are originally recognised at fair value. A provision against trade debtors is made when there is objective evidence that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due to it in accordance the original terms of those receivables. There is no general or specific provision for bad and doubtful debts at year end. Trade debtors and cash and cash equivalents are classified as loans and receivables.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES - COMPANY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
Trade and other creditors
Trade and other creditors are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs and are subsequently held at amortised cost.
Cumulative preference shares
Cumulative preference shares are measured subsequent to initial recognition at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Where the Company revises its estimates of cash payments, the carrying amount of the financial liability is adjusted to reflect actual and revised estimated cash flows. The Company recalculates the carrying amount by computing the present value of the estimated future cash flows at the financial instruments' original effective interest rate. The adjustment is recognised as income or expense in profit or loss. At the year end date all preference shares had either been cancelled or redeemed.
Loan notes
The Group is also funded by £555,000 of loan notes with a 6% per annum coupon rate. The loan notes were issued as part of the share restructuring exercise referred to above. The directors are of the opinion that the coupon rate is a market rate of return and therefore the loan notes have been recognised at their transaction cost of £555,000 which is considered to be the same as their fair value. The loan notes are subsequently held at amortised cost.
INVESTMENTS
Fixed asset investments in subsidiaries are included at cost less amounts written off.
Current asset investments are held for trading and are recognised and derecognised on a trade date where a purchase or sale of an investment is under a contract whose terms require delivery of the investment within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are measured at market value, with all transaction costs being written off to the profit & loss account as incurred.
SHARE BASED PAYMENTS AND SHARE OPTIONS
Former employees of the Group have received remuneration in the form of share based payment transactions, whereby employees render services in exchange for rights over shares ('equity settled transactions'). The cost of these transactions is measured by reference to their fair value at the date at which the options are granted. The fair value is determined by using the Black-Scholes Option pricing model. There has been no charge recognised with respect to the share options as all those in issue fall outside the scope of FRS 20, having been granted before November 2002.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC Company Number: 00110663
COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2012
2012
2011
Note
£'000
£'000
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
3
319
349
Investments
5
2,484
2,484
-------------
-------------
2,803
2,833
------------
------------
CURRENT ASSETS
Investments
6
99
102
Debtors
7
16
14
Cash at bank and in hand
227
370
-------------
-------------
342
486
Creditors - amounts falling due within one year
8
(909)
(959)
-------------
-------------
Net current liabilities
(567)
(473)
------------
------------
Total assets less current liabilities
2,236
2,360
Creditors - amounts falling due after more than one year
8
(2,847)
(2,759)
-------------
-------------
(611)
(399)
======
======
CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Called up share capital
10
51
2,627
Deferred shares
10
2,594
-
Share premium account
12
5,370
5,038
Other reserve
212
212
Profit and loss account
12
(8,838)
(8,276)
-------------
-------------
SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS
(611)
(399)
======
======
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 27 June 2012 and were signed below on its behalf by:
C Weinberg
Director
The accounting policies on pages 31 and 32 and the notes on pages 34 to 38 form part of these accounts.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - COMPANY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
1.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Directors (note 2) and employees
49
46
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets: owned
30
32
======
======
2.
DIRECTORS
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Remuneration in respect of directors was as follows:
Remuneration
35
35
======
======
The average number of employees, including directors, during the year was 5 (2011: 4). More detailed information concerning directors' remuneration is shown in the Directors' Remuneration Report.
3.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Computer
Freehold land
equipment
and buildings
Total
£'000
£'000
£'000
COST
At 1 April 2011
2
607
609
Additions
-
-
-
---------
--------------
-------------
At 31 March 2012
2
607
609
---------
--------------
-------------
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2011
-
260
260
Charge for the year
1
29
30
---------
--------------
-------------
At 31 March 2012
1
289
290
---------
--------------
-------------
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2012
1
318
319
=====
======
======
At 31 March 2011
2
347
349
=====
======
======
4.
CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
At 31 March 2012 the Company had no capital commitments (2011: £Nil).
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - COMPANY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
5.
FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
Subsidiary
Undertakings
COST
£'000
At 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012
3,406
-------------
Amounts written off
At 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012
922
-------------
Net book amount at 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012
2,484
======
The subsidiary undertakings, both of which are wholly owned, are:
Company
Activity
Country of incorporation
British Polar Engines Limited
Engineering
Great Britain
Danway Limited
Non-trading
Cayman Islands
The investment in British Polar Engines Limited was fully provided at 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2011.
6
CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Equities
69
97
Cash on deposit
30
5
-------------
-------------
99
102
======
======
7.
DEBTORS
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Prepayments and accrued income
16
14
-------------
-------------
16
14
======
======
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - COMPANY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
8.
CREDITORS
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Amounts falling due within one year
Amounts due to group undertakings
815
815
Other creditors
18
18
Accruals and deferred income
74
124
Corporation tax
2
2
-------------
-------------
909
959
======
======
Amounts falling due after one year
2012
2012
£'000
£'000
Amounts due to group undertakings
2,292
2,292
Financial liabilities (see note 10)
-
467
Loan notes
555
-
-------------
-------------
2,847
2,759
======
======
The loan notes will be redeemed by the third anniversary of the date of issue or on a change of control in respect of the Company, if earlier.
9.
DEFERRED TAXATION
There is no unprovided deferred taxation liability at 31 March 2012 or 31 March 2011.
The directors consider that there are currently no plans for the distribution of the retained reserves of the overseas subsidiary that would give rise to a UK corporation tax liability. Consequently no deferred tax provision has been made. No provision has been made for the potential deferred tax assets on the trading losses carried forward as they are not sufficiently certain to crystallise in the foreseeable future. The amounts not recognised (all of which have been calculated at 26% (2011: 26%)) are set out below:
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Arising from trading losses
338
324
Arising from capital losses
2,319
2,319
-------------
-------------
2,657
2,643
======
======
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - COMPANY (Continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
10.
CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL
2012
2011
£'000
£'000
Nominal value:
Allotted and fully paid:
2,048,990 ordinary shares of £0.025 each
51
2,627
1,313,427 deferred shares of £1.975 each share premium
2,594
-
555,000 7% cumulative preference shares of £1 each
-
555
157,395 8% cumulative redeemable preference shares of £1 each
-
157
-------------
-------------
2,645
3,339
======
======
Carrying value:
Equity shares:
2,040,000 ordinary shares of £0.025 each
51
2,627
======
======
Shares classed as financial liabilities
555,000 7% Cumulative preference shares of £1 each
-
206
157,395 8% Cumulative redeemable preference shares of £1 each
-
59
======
======
The preference shares were redeemed in the year. The following related transactions also took place:
· An underwritten open offer to raise £350,247 before expenses. This was applied to redeem in full and cancel the 8% Preference Shares, including the arrears of dividend;
· the cancellation of the 7% Preference Shares and a reduction of a portion of share premium account so as to permit the issue to the 7% Preference Shareholders of Loan Notes in respect of their principal and Settlement Shares in respect of their arrears of dividend.
· the sub-division of each existing Ordinary Share of £2 into one New Ordinary Share of 2.5p and one Deferred Share of £1.975, in order to enable the Open Offer Share to be issued at the price of £1 (which is below the current nominal value of the Existing Ordinary Shares of £2).
Further to the Extraordinary General Meeting held on 1 September 1999 the ordinary shares have 200 votes per share.
The new deferred shares do not have voting rights and do not carry any entitlement to attend general meetings of the Company; they are not admitted to any Stock Exchange and carry a right to participate in any return of capital once an amount of £100 has been paid in respect of each new ordinary share.
The 7% cumulative preference shares and 8% cumulative redeemable preference shares were classified as debt under FRS 25.
In accordance with FRS 26 the 7% cumulative preference shares and the 8% cumulative redeemable preference shares were carried in the financial statements at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, reflecting conditions existing at the balance sheet date.
Under FRS 25 the preference dividends were disclosed as a finance expense and any arrears included within payables. FRS 26 also permits the total of accumulated arrears of dividends to be discounted.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - COMPANY (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012
11. SHARE BASED PAYMENTS
The Company operates an Executive Share Option Scheme (ESOP) under which options are granted with the guidance of the remuneration committee. Options are granted with a fixed exercise price equal to the market price of the shares under option at the date of the grant. The contractual life of an option is 10 years. Options granted under the ESOP will become exercisable on the third anniversary of the date of the grant. There were no unexercised share options at the end of the year as all share options have lapsed.
12.
RESERVES
£'000
£'000
Profit and loss
Share premium
At 1 April 2011
(8,276)
5,038
Share premium reduction
462
(462)
Issue of ordinary shares of £0.025 each
-
794
Loss for the year
(1,024)
-
-------------
-------------
At 31 March 2012
(8,838)
5,370
======
======
There were no movements in other reserves during the year. As permitted by the Companies Act 2006, the Company's profit and loss account has not been included in these accounts. The Company's loss for the financial year was £1,024,000 (2011: £721,000).
13. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
There were no contingent liabilities at 31 March 2012 or 31 March 2011.
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption conferred by FRS 8 with regard to disclosing transactions with wholly-owned subsidiaries on the grounds that the results of the subsidiaries are included in the publicly available consolidated financial statements of Associated British Engineering plc.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES
The directors are responsible for preparing the Directors' Report, the Remuneration Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors are required to prepare Group financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as adopted by the European Union (IFRSs), and have elected to prepare the Parent Company financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable laws). Under Company Law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs and profit or loss of the Company and Group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
· select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
· make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent
· state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements
· prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and Group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements and the remuneration report comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The directors confirm that:
· so far as each director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditor is unaware; and
· the directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.
The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
To the best of my knowledge:
· the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and
· the management report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.
C Weinberg
Director
27 June 2012
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
(AS REFERRED TO IN THE DIRECTORS' REPORT)
In accordance with the requirements of the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority, set out below are details of the Company's corporate governance arrangements, including a statement as to how the Company applies the principles of Section 1 of the UK Corporate Governance Code, together with a statement regarding its compliance with specific provisions. Whilst welcoming the principles contained within the Code, the Board considers that it should be recognised that what may be appropriate for a large Company may not necessarily be so appropriate for a smaller company and the Company's current circumstances. As a result, the Company has been in compliance throughout the year with the provisions set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code with the following exceptions:-
· The division of responsibilities between the roles of chairman and chief executive have not been clearly established, set out in writing and agreed by the Board. This is contrary to provision A.2.1;
· The Company does not have a Nomination Committee, this is contrary to provisions B2.1-B2.2;
· The non-executive directors of the Company have not been appointed for specific terms as required by provision B2.3;
· There is no formal training programme for new Directors on joining the Board. This is contrary to provision B4.2;
· The Board has not undertaken a formal and rigorous annual evaluation of its own performance and the individual Directors. This is contrary to provision B.6.1.
Board of Directors
The Board comprises four Non-Executive Directors, as detailed in the Directors' report.
In common with other organisations of a similar size, the Directors review all the transactions and activities of the business. The Board of Directors is responsible for formulating strategy and monitoring financial performance. The Directors are in frequent contact throughout the year in connection with the Group's business, meet as required and also attend one formal Board meeting. The strategies proposed by management of the subsidiary are fully discussed, critically examined against the best and long term interests of not only the shareholders, but also employees, customers, suppliers and various communities within which the Group operates. During the year, all four serving Directors were in attendance at the Board meeting.
The Board retains full responsibility for the direction and control of the Group and has a formal schedule of matters in respect of which decisions are reserved to it, covering key areas including strategy formulation, acquisitions or disposals, approval of the budget for the subsidiary, financial results, board appointments and proposals for dividend payments.
The Board has full and timely access to relevant information throughout the Group.
All Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary, who is responsible to the Board for ensuring that Board procedures are compiled with. There is also formal agreed procedure for Directors in the furtherance of their duties to take independent professional advice as necessary at the Company's expense.
The business address of each of the Directors is 9 High Street, Little Eversden, Cambridge CB23 1HE.
The Board is supported by a senior management team which includes the following individuals:
Stewart Davis (64), managing director of BPE. Stewart has worked for BPE for 49 years, and is qualified as a mechanical engineer. As Sales Director from 1985 he was responsible for negotiating major naval contracts with international governments for the supply of spare parts and technical support for vessels supplied by the Ministry of Defence. He was appointed Managing Director in 2007.
Rupert Pearce Gould (60), chairman of BPE. Rupert is a chartered accountant and has served as an executive director and chairman in both the public and private sector. He has been chairman of BPE since 2000.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
Non-Executive Directors
The biographies of the Directors appear on page 45 and show considerable and varied experience in the business world and the City. The Board has appointed Andrew Beaumont as a senior independent non-executive director. There have been no changes in the other significant commitments of the Chairman.
All Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary, who is responsible to the Board for ensuring that Board procedures are complied with. There is also a formal agreed procedure for Directors in the furtherance of their duties to take independent professional advice as necessary at the Company's expense.
Under the Company's Articles of Association, at least one third of the Directors retire from office each year. The retiring Director is eligible for re-election.
The role of Non-Executive Directors is a vital element of corporate accountability. Due to the small size of the Board and because there are no full time Executive Directors, the Non-Executive Directors do carry out certain limited specific executive responsibilities.
Nomination
Appointment to Executive Director would be fully discussed by the Chairman and the two Non-Executive Directors. Potential new Non-Executive Directors are proposed by all the members of the Board in the light of the Company's business requirements and the need to have a balanced Board. Possible candidates are discussed amongst all Directors before any approach is made to them.
Audit
The Company's audit committee comprises of Mr Andrew Beaumont (Chairman) and Mr Colin Weinberg. The audit committee is to meet at least twice a year to monitor the financial reporting process, including its annual and interim accounts; the effectiveness of the Company's internal controls and risk management systems; statutory audit of the annual and consolidated accounts; and to review and monitor the independence of the statutory auditor and provision of additional services to the Group.
Remuneration
The Company's remuneration committee comprises Mr Andrew Beaumont (Chairman) and Mr Stephen Cockburn. The remuneration committee is to meet at least twice a year and has as its remit the determination and review of, amongst others, the remuneration of executive directors and any share incentive plans adopted, or be adopted, by the Company.
Communication with Shareholders
The Board believes it is important to respond adequately to the queries of both private and institutional shareholders. The Group responds throughout the year to correspondence from shareholders on a wide variety of issues.
The Chairman's Statement in the Annual Report contains a business review. An interim business review is also provided with the half yearly announcement. The Chairman is available to shareholders at any time to discuss strategy and governance matters.
The Board seeks to ensure that its report and accounts and other financial statements provide a clear assessment of the Group's business. All shareholders have the opportunity to ask questions and express their views at the Company's Annual General Meeting, at which all Directors are available to take questions.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
AUDIT AND INTERNAL CONTROL
The directors are responsible for the Group's system of internal control and reviewing its effectiveness. These controls can only ever provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that assets are safeguarded against material misstatement or loss, that proper accounting records are maintained, and that the information used internally, or for publication, is accurate and reliable. The key procedures, which exist to provide external control, are as follows -
- clearly defined organisation structures with segregation of duties wherever practicable. Operating and financial responsibilities for the subsidiary Company are delegated to the subsidiary's Board and there are limits which apply to capital expenditure and significant contracts
- a regular review is undertaken to assess the risks facing the trading subsidiary and to enhance the systems which manage the risk identified. Local management establishes control procedures for each of the risks identified and reports whether the key controls have operated effectively
- agreement of Group short term financial objectives and business plans
- review by the Board of monthly Group Financial Statements and monitoring of results against budget. The Board attends regular Board meetings of the subsidiary
- Board control over treasury, taxation, legal, insurance and personnel issues
- The acquisition or disposal of a business may not be completed without the approval of the Board.
- The operational responsibility for preparing the consolidated accounts is delegated to a third party service provider with the Board retaining responsibility for overall content, presentation and final review of the consolidated accounts.
Through these mechanisms, Group performance is continually monitored, risks identified in a timely manner, their financial implication assessed, control procedure re-evaluated and corrective actions agreed and implemented.
The Board believes that it is not currently appropriate for the Company to maintain an internal audit function due to the size of the Group.
The Board consider the independence and objectivity of the external auditor on an annual basis, with particular regard to non-audit services. The split between audit and non-audit fees for the year and information on the nature of the non-audit fees appear in note 3 to the financial statements. There were no non-audit fees incurred from the auditor during the year. The Board also receive an annual confirmation of independence from the auditors.
GOING CONCERN
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. There have been no changes to accounting policies in the year. The most notable accounting event has been the decrease in the pension scheme deficit based on this year's actuarial forecast and mentioned in the Chairman's Statement. The Directors have agreed a revised schedule of the contributions to eliminate the deficit on the ABE Pension Fund over thirteen years starting from the year ended 31 March 2010. Based on the Group's budgets and cash forecasts, the board considers that the Group has sufficient resources to meet all necessary outgoings and to enable it to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
C Weinberg
Director
27 June 2012
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION REPORT
This Report contains the information required by the Companies Act 2006 and the relevant parts of the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority and Schedule B to the UK Corporate Governance Code ("the Code").
The following report is not audited except where specified.
The Board is satisfied that the Company has complied throughout the period with the Code concerning its remuneration policy except as noted above that the members of the Board comprise the remuneration committee are not independent non-executives as required by the Code.
In setting the policy for the Group's senior management it considers a number of factors including:
(a) the basic salaries and benefits available in comparable companies;
(b) the need to attract and retain personnel of an appropriate calibre; and
(c) the need to ensure individuals' commitment to the continued success of the Group by means of incentive schemes.
Total Shareholder Return (TSR)
Source: Yahoo UK finance
The graph above shows ABE's TSR performance compared to the FTSE All Share index over the past five years. TSR is defined as share price growth plus reinvested dividends. This provides a basis for comparison with a relevant equity index.
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION REPORT
REMUNERATION POLICY FOR NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
The non-executive directors each receive a fee for their services, which is agreed by the Board after reviewing comparable organisations and appointments. None of the non-executive directors receive a pension or other benefits from the Company, nor do they participate in any bonus or incentive schemes or share option schemes.
The non-executive directors do not have service contracts with the Company. In accordance with the Articles of Association, each director retires from office at the third annual general meeting after the annual general meeting at which he was last elected. A retiring director is eligible for re-election.
REMUNERATION POLICY FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
The Company has no executive directors.
AUDITED INFORMATION
DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION
2012
2011
Total
Total
£'000
£'000
Mr D A H Brown
15
15
Mr S J Cockburn
10
10
Mr C Weinberg
10
10
Mr A Beaumont
-
-
--------
--------
35
35
====
====
Directors' remuneration relates to fees. No current director received any pension entitlements from the Group in respect of the years ended 31 March 2012 and 2011. No director waived emoluments in respect of the years ended 31 March 2012 and 2011.
The Statement of Directors' responsibilities, Corporate Governance report and the Directors' Remuneration report on pages 40 to 45 form part of the Directors' report to the parent Company only financial statements,
On behalf of the Board
C Weinberg
Director
27 June 2012
ASSOCIATED BRITISH ENGINEERING PLC
DIRECTORS AND ADVISERS
The Board comprises four directors:
DAVID BROWN (59) became a non-executive director on 22 March 2000 and became Chairman on 11 November 2002. He is a consultant to a major industrial Group in Ukraine, working on mergers and acquisition and financing transactions. He is also managing director of Sabre Development Management Limited, carrying out real estate development and financing focused on Russia. He has previously been a company secretary and director of two fully listed companies and general counsel on the Canary Wharf Development. He is a non-practising qualified solicitor.
STEPHEN COCKBURN (72) has been a non-executive director since 1979. He is a non-executive director of AIM-listed Fiske plc since September 1999 and he is managing director of The Investment Company plc.
COLIN WEINBERG (63) became a non-executive director on 10 November 2003. He was a member of the London Stock Exchange from 1980 to 1987 and was admitted to fellowship of the Securities Institute in 1995. He was previously a non-executive director of Peckham Building Society, and currently works for a major industrial Group in Ukraine, working as advisor on mergers and acquisitions and financing transactions.
ANDREW BEAUMONT (52) was appointed a non-executive director on 21 December 2011. He is a director of Aldbury Associates Limited, a business which provides company secretarial services. His past experience includes having been a director of Independent Registrars Group Limited (IRG), and working in Russia for part of the Overseas Aid Development Agency as a British consultant to the governing body for regulating Registrars (PARTAD).
SECRETARY & REGISTERED OFFICE
BANKERS
haysmacintyre Company Secretaries Limited
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
Fairfax House
5th Floor
15 Fulwood Place
Tay House
London
300 Bath Street
WC1V 6AY
Glasgow
Registered No. 110663
G2 4RS
Tel No: 020 7969 5500
AUDITOR
CORPORATE ADVISERS
Grant Thornton UK LLP
Fladgate LLP
3140 Rowan Place John Smith Drive
25 North Row London
Oxford
W1K 6DJ
OX4 2WB
REGISTRARS
Beaumont Cornish Limited
Computershare Investor Services plc
2nd Floor
The Pavilions
Bowman House
Bridgwater Road
29 Wilson Street
Bristol
London
BS13 8AE
EC2M 2SJ
SOLICITORS
Heald
Ashton House
495 Silbury Boulevard
Milton Keynes
MK9 2AH
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
FR SEMEDWFESEDM
