-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, DIBVd3mk0ONVy+2x5CdUC/MUl28sLqtWU0LZZwC4e1+SLU4G6mtbJQjoSN1Yzm+E qRuXdn+6UmX11dlMHupLYA== 0001193125-05-014904.txt : 20050131 0001193125-05-014904.hdr.sgml : 20050131 20050131115532 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-05-014904 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 20-F/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20031129 FILED AS OF DATE: 20050131 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20050131 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001067944 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-GROCERY STORES [5411] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FISCAL YEAR END: 1130 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 20-F/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-09268 FILM NUMBER: 05560548 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ELIZABETH HOUSE STREET 2: DUKE STREET CITY: WOKING STATE: X0 ZIP: 00000 BUSINESS PHONE: 441277372916 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: TM HOUSE ANDREWS ROAD STREET 2: BRENTWOOD ESSEX CM15 98 CITY: LONDON STATE: X0 ZIP: 00000 20-F/A 1 d20fa.htm AMENDMENT NO.1 TO FORM 20-F Amendment No.1 to Form 20-F
Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 20-F/A

AMENDMENT No. 1

 

(Mark One)

 

¨ Registration statement pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

or

 

x Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended November 29, 2003

 

or

 

¨ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from                  to                

 

Commission file number 333-9268

 

TM Group Holdings PLC

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

England and Wales

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation)

 

TM House, Ashwells Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 9ST, England

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

        Title of each class        


 

        Name of each exchange on which registered        


None   None

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

 

11% Senior Notes Due May 15, 2008,

 

12¼% Senior Subordinated Notes Due May 15, 2008

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

 

Ordinary Shares of 1p each 21,234,550

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes x No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

 

Item 17 ¨ Item 18 x

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Name


        Page

Table of Contents

   2

Explanatory Note

   3
Item 3.    Key Information    4
Item 15.    Controls and Procedures    13
Item 18    Financial Statements    14
Item 19.    Exhibits    14

 

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

Pursuant to Rule 12b-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, TM Group Holdings Plc (the “Company”) hereby amends its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended November 29, 2003 as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2004 (the “Original Filing”) by setting forth the following amendments to Item 18 of the Original Filing:

 

    The restatement of Note 29 of Notes to the Financial Statements to reflect an additional difference between UK GAAP and US GAAP, concerning gains arising from property sale and operating leaseback transactions;

 

    The inclusion of an updated report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that refers to the amended Note 29.

 

This Form 20-F/A also amends the Selected Financial Data in Item 3. “Key Information”, Item 15. “Controls and Procedures” and the list of Item 19. “Exhibits” to reflect the filing of new certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and furnishing of new certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

The restatement in Note 29 relates to the treatment under US GAAP of gains arising from property sale and operating leaseback transactions. Under US GAAP, such gains are recognised in proportion to the gross rental charged over the lease term. Under UK GAAP, gains arising from property sale and operating leaseback transactions are recognised in the period of the transaction. Previously, the Company accounted for gains arising from property sale and operating leaseback transactions under US GAAP using the same method as under UK GAAP. The effect of the restatement on the Company’s US GAAP financial statements is to decrease gains on property sale and operating leaseback transactions and thus increase net loss or decrease net income. The decrease in net income increases shareholder’s deficit. The restatement increases the net loss as reported under US GAAP in Fiscal 2002 by £0.5 million and reduces net income in Fiscal 2003 by £2.5 million. Shareholder’s deficit as reported under US GAAP is increased by £0.5 million in Fiscal 2002 and £3.0 million in Fiscal 2003.

 

There are no changes to the Company’s financial statements and related notes prepared in accordance with UK GAAP.

 

Other than as expressly set forth above, this Form 20-F/A does not, and does not purport to, amend, update or restate the information in any other item of the Original Filing or reflect any events that have occurred after the date on which such annual report was filed.

 

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Item 3. Key Information

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following selected consolidated financial data for the 52 weeks ended November 24, 2001, the 53 weeks ended November 30, 2002 and the 52 weeks ended November 29, 2003, and at November 30, 2002 and November 29, 2003, are derived from the Company’s audited financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 20-F. The selected consolidated financial data for the 52 weeks ended November 27, 1999 and November 25, 2000 and at November 27, 1999, November 25, 2000 and November 24, 2001, are derived from audited financial statements not included herein. These financial statements have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent auditors.

 

The Company’s Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with UK GAAP, which differs in certain respects from US GAAP. See Note 29 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

The selected financial data set forth overleaf should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Financial Statements and Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” included elsewhere in this Form 20-F.

 

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     52 weeks ended

   

53 weeks

ended


   

52 weeks

ended


 
     November 27,
1999


    November 25,
2000


   

Restated (i)

November 24,
2001


   

Restated (i)(ii)

November 30,
2002


   

Restated (ii)

November 29,
2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Income Statement Data

                              

Amounts in accordance with UK GAAP

                              

Sales

                              

Retailing

   691,181     672,197     661,050     664,461     635,453  

Discontinued operations

   206,262     199,221     42,792     —       —    
    

 

 

 

 

Total sales

   897,443     871,418     703,842     664,461     635,453  

Cost of sales

   (660,537 )   (639,878 )   (524,220 )   (502,974 )   (472,952 )

Selling and distribution costs

   (174,987 )   (168,201 )   (136,368 )   (125,157 )   (127,968 )

Administrative expenses

   (23,763 )   (24,372 )   (19,740 )   (18,063 )   (15,882 )

Business re-structuring

   (1,783 )   —       —       (759 )   —    
    

 

 

 

 

Operating profit

   36,373     38,967     23,514     17,508     18,651  

Profit on fixed asset disposals

   305     1,509     3,137     3,907     3,908  
    

 

 

 

 

Profit before interest, taxation And sale of businesses

   36,678     40,476     26,651     21,415     22,559  
    

 

 

 

 

Retailing

   24,487     29,015     27,541     25,480     25,912  

Central costs

   (2,613 )   (2,686 )   (2,993 )   (3,306 )   (3,353 )
    

 

 

 

 

Total continuing operations

   21,874     26,329     24,548     22,174     22,559  

Discontinued operations

   16,587     14,147     2,103     —       —    

Business re-structuring

   (1,783 )   —       —       (759 )   —    
    

 

 

 

 

Total profit before interest, taxation and sale of businesses

   36,678     40,476     26,651     21,415     22,559  
    

 

 

 

 

Profit on sale of businesses

   —       —       51,507     —       —    
    

 

 

 

 

Profit before interest and taxation

   36,678     40,476     78,158     21,415     22,559  

Net interest expense

   (31,860 )   (36,135 )   (21,274 )   (20,532 )   (12,094 )
    

 

 

 

 

Profit before taxation

   4,818     4,341     56,884     883     10,465  

Taxation

   —       (504 )   (605 )   (139 )   (2,021 )
    

 

 

 

 

Profit for the period

   4,818     3,837     56,279     744     8,444  
    

 

 

 

 

Amounts in accordance with US GAAP

                              

Net income/(loss) for the period (iii)

                              

Continuing operations as previously reported

   (13,819 )   (14,948 )   169     (4,682 )   4,366  

Restatement relating to deferral of gains on property sale and operating leaseback transactions

   —       —       —       (481 )   (2,494 )
    

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

   12,766     12,507     63,273     —       —    
    

 

 

 

 

Total as restated

   (1,053 )   (2,441 )   63,442     (5,163 )   1,872  
    

 

 

 

 

 

(i) The Company has revised the presentation of sales arising from the processing of electronic phone top-up transactions, to reflect only the commission earned on these transactions. This has no effect on operating profit.

 

(ii) The Company has restated its US GAAP net income/(loss) for the period in recognition of an additional difference between UK GAAP and US GAAP concerning gains arising from property sale and operating leaseback transactions. See Note 29 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

(iii) In calculating net income/(loss) in accordance with US GAAP, certain Company charges (such as interest expense) have not been allocated to the discontinued operations and instead have been wholly allocated to continuing operations, as management has not considered such allocation to be meaningful.

 

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    November 27,
1999


    November 25,
2000


    November 24,
2001


    Restated (i)
November 30,
2002


   

Restated (i)

November 29,
2003


 
    (£ thousands)  

Balance Sheet Data

                             

Amounts in accordance with UK GAAP

                             

Intangible assets – goodwill

  2,502     5,751     4,816     6,718     7,533  

Tangible assets

  69,078     74,650     53,880     50,826     47,728  

Inventories

  54,505     49,553     34,790     34,378     34,115  

Total current assets

  115,431     118,872     175,780     80,957     87,761  

Total assets

  187,011     199,273     234,476     138,501     143,022  

Long-term debt

  218,264     233,349     205,089     144,470     136,240  

Total debt

  219,193     235,144     205,379     144,470     136,240  

Capital stock

  212     212     212     212     212  

Shareholder’s deficit

  (168,214 )   (166,215 )   (68,229 )   (89,635 )   (81,191 )

Amounts in accordance with US GAAP

                             

Intangible assets

  113,330     109,966     75,067     72,736     73,858  

Tangible assets

  69,078     74,650     53,880     50,826     47,728  

Other non-current assets

  24,940     24,497     21,351     2,479     2,023  

Inventories

  54,505     49,553     34,790     34,378     34,115  

Total current assets

  115,431     118,872     178,394     87,301     95,005  

Total assets

  322,779     327,985     328,692     213,342     218,614  

Long-term debt

  224,587     238,790     209,113     146,949     138,263  

Total debt

  225,516     240,585     209,403     146,949     138,263  

Capital stock

  212     212     212     212     212  

Shareholder’s equity (deficit) as restated (i)

  (43,425 )   (47,861 )   15,911     (38,650 )   (34,865 )

Number of equity shares (000s)

  21,235     21,235     21,235     21,235     21,235  

(i) The Company has restated its US GAAP Shareholder’s equity (deficit) in recognition of an additional difference between UK GAAP and US GAAP, concerning gains arising from property sale and operating leaseback transactions. See Note 29 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

Exchange Rates

 

The following table sets out, for the periods and dates indicated, certain information regarding the Noon Buying Rate for pounds sterling, expressed in US dollars per £1.00.

 

Fiscal Year


   At Period End

   Average(1)

   High

   Low

1999

   1.6062    1.6186    1.6885    1.5515

2000

   1.3997    1.5224    1.6520    1.3997

2001

   1.4095    1.4416    1.5045    1.3730

2002

   1.5515    1.4892    1.5915    1.4874

2003

   1.7101    1.6304    1.7219    1.5500
       High

   Low

September 2003

     1.6642    1.5732

October 2003

     1.7025    1.6598

November 2003

     1.7219    1.6693

December 2003

     1.7842    1.7200

January 2004

     1.8511    1.7902

February 2004

     1.9045    1.8182

March 2004 (through March 24, 2004)

     1.8680    1.7943

(1) The average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last trading day of each full month during the fiscal year.

 

The Noon Buying Rate is the City of New York rate for cable transfers in pounds sterling as announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. On March 24, 2004, the latest practicable date prior to filing this report, the rate was $1.8351 = £1.00. The US dollar liability under the Senior Notes has been translated at $1.7101 = £1.00 being the representative US dollar/UK sterling exchange rate on November 29, 2003 (November 30, 2002 $1.5515 = £1.00, November 24, 2001 $1.4100 = £1.00).

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Substantial Leverage and Debt Service Requirements

 

As of November 29, 2003, the Company’s consolidated long-term indebtedness, calculated in accordance with UK GAAP, was £136.2 million. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries may incur additional indebtedness in the future, subject to limitations imposed by the Indentures and the instruments governing the Company’s other indebtedness.

 

While the Company’s profit before interest and taxation for its continuing business has been reasonably stable in each of the last three years, its ability to improve its operating performance and financial results will depend upon economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond its control, including fluctuations in interest rates and general economic conditions in the United Kingdom. There can be no assurance that the Company will generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service the debt of the Company. If the Company is unable to generate sufficient operating cash flow in the future to service its debt, it may be required to sell assets or to obtain additional financing. There can be no assurance that any such sales of assets or additional financing could be achieved.

 

The level of debt of the Company will have several important effects on its future operations, including the following: (a) the Company will have significant cash requirements to service debt, reducing funds available for operations and future business opportunities, including strategic acquisitions, and increasing the vulnerability of the Company to adverse general economic and industry conditions; (b) the Company may be restricted in the future from obtaining additional financing, whether for acquisitions, C-store conversions, tobacco pre-purchases or other competitive activity and working capital or other purposes; and (c) the Company will be required to comply with restrictions contained in the Indentures and the instruments governing the Company’s working capital facilities.

 

In June 2003, the Company renewed its agreement with HBOS (formerly the Bank of Scotland) for the granting of working capital facilities of £20 million, as permitted by covenants in the Notes. This annually renewable agreement grants HBOS a charge over certain assets of the Company as security.

 

Holding Company Structure, Subordination and Other Considerations

 

The Holding Company has no operations of its own. As a result, it is wholly dependent on dividends and inter-company payments (either advances or repayments) from its subsidiaries, the payment of which is limited by law. In addition, the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries to pay dividends and make inter-company advances to the Company depends on their earnings. The Company’s subsidiaries have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due under the Notes or to make funds available to the Company to enable it to pay any amounts due under the Notes. Generally, claims of creditors of a subsidiary, including trade creditors, secured creditors and creditors holding indebtedness and guarantees issued by the subsidiary, and claims of preference shareholders (if any) of the subsidiary, will have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of the subsidiary over the claims of the creditors of its parent company. The Notes therefore are effectively subordinated to creditors (including trade creditors) and preference shareholders (if any) of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. As of November 29, 2003, the Company had approximately £85.8 million of such liabilities, including £68.1 million due to trade creditors.

 

The Senior Subordinated Notes are also contractually subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Notes. In the event of a winding up of the Company, the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, the Senior Subordinated Notes is subordinated in right of payment, as set forth in the Senior Subordinated Note Indenture, to the prior payment in full in cash or cash equivalents of all amounts due in respect of the Senior Notes. Accordingly, if any distribution is made in the winding up of the Company to the Senior Subordinated Note Trustee or to holders of Senior Subordinated Notes at a time when not all amounts due in respect of the Senior Notes have been paid in full in cash or cash equivalents, the Senior Subordinated Note Trustee or the holders of the Senior Subordinated Notes, as the case may be, are required to hold such distribution in trust for the holders of the Senior Notes and to pay it over to the Senior Note Trustee on behalf of the holders of the Senior Notes as their interests may appear.

 

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The ability of the direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company to pay dividends and make other payments to the Company may be restricted by, among other things, applicable corporate and other laws and regulations and by the terms of agreements to which such companies become subject.

 

Rights of Secured Creditors under Insolvency Laws

 

The procedural and substantive provisions of UK insolvency and administrative laws generally are more favourable to secured creditors than comparable provisions of United States law and afford debtors and unsecured creditors only limited protection from the rights of secured creditors. As a result, the ability of the holders of the Notes to protect their interests in the Company may be more limited than under United States laws. Under UK insolvency law, the liabilities of the Company in respect of the Notes would be paid in the event of a liquidation or similar proceeding after payment of all secured indebtedness of the Company and certain other creditors which are entitled to priority under UK law. The latter include creditors in respect of (i) amounts owed to the UK Inland Revenue, (ii) amounts owed to UK Customs and Excise in respect of value added tax and certain other taxes and duties, (iii) amounts owed in respect of UK social security contributions, (iv) amounts owed in respect of occupational pension schemes and (v) certain amounts owed to employees.

 

Reduced Demand for Tobacco Products - Relaxation on Personal Imports

 

The Company is a significant retailer of tobacco products in the United Kingdom, with tobacco accounting for approximately 30 per cent of its revenues from continuing operations in Fiscal 2003. The tobacco industry, both in the United Kingdom and abroad, has faced, and continues to face, a number of issues that may adversely affect demand for tobacco products, the volume of sales, operating revenues, cash flows, operating profit and financial position of the Company. In the United Kingdom, these issues include: actual and proposed regulatory controls at both the EU and UK level, excise tax increases, proposed governmental and voluntary private bans and restrictions on smoking (including in places and in buildings permitting public access), recent actual restrictions on tobacco marketing, advertising and sales, increased assertions of adverse health effects associated with both smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (“ETS”), legislation or other governmental action seeking to ascribe to tobacco manufacturers responsibility for any adverse health effects associated with both smoking and exposure to ETS, the diminishing social acceptance of smoking, increased pressure from anti-smoking groups, unfavourable press reports, governmental investigations, and increased smoking and ill-health litigation, including private plaintiff class action litigation. See “—Effect of UK Government Tobacco Regulation and UK Litigation” and “Item 4. Information on the Company—Regulation and Litigation”.

 

Cigarettes and other tobacco products are subject to substantial duties in the United Kingdom and in general, these duties and other cigarette-regulated taxes levied by the government have been increasing. Currently, these duties and taxes represent up to 80 per cent of the recommended retail price for such products sold in the United Kingdom. In the Company’s experience, past increases in duties and similar taxes have had an adverse effect on sales of cigarettes. In October 2002, the UK Government relaxed its guideline restrictions on the personal imports of tobacco products. Any future increases in duties and taxes or further relaxation of import restrictions, the extent of which cannot be predicted, could result in sales volume declines for the cigarette industry, and might cause the Company’s sales of tobacco products to shift from the premium segment to the discount segment on which the retailers earn a lower margin. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—The Tobacco Market”.

 

Although it is difficult to predict the precise nature of any future legislation or litigation in the United Kingdom, or regulation at EU level, the Company believes that the various existing restrictions and regulations, in particular the significant increase in regulatory activity in the last few years, together with substantial increases in excise duties on smoking tobacco products, have had, and are likely to continue to have, a detrimental effect on the sales of tobacco products. Given the fact that tobacco related products

 

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account for such a high proportion of the Company’s total revenues, any substantial decrease in sales of tobacco products may have a material adverse effect on the turnover, profit and financial condition of the Company. Future profitability will depend on how the Company manages any decreases in revenues due to reduced sales of tobacco products and how it continues to maintain its operating margins, despite any such decrease in sales. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Regulation and Litigation”.

 

Effect of UK Government Tobacco Regulation and UK Litigation

 

Reports with respect to the possible harmful physical effects of cigarette smoking have been publicised for many years, and the sale, promotion and use of cigarettes continues to be subject to increasing governmental regulation in the United Kingdom and the European Union. The UK Government has an aim to reduce smoking in the United Kingdom and, on December 10, 1998, the Government issued a position paper known as a “White Paper” (“Smoking Kills—A White Paper on Tobacco”) (“the White Paper”) that set out a concerted programme of action to achieve this aim. The Government has invested and continues to invest in a number of initiatives to implement its plan of action, such as media campaigns designed to shift attitudes and programmes to help smokers quit smoking.

 

The Government is continuing its comprehensive strategy on reducing smoking and improving public health. Most recently, at the beginning of March 2004, the Government began a new consultation on improving public health, one of the central tenets of which is the reduction of levels of smoking. Accordingly, the Government is consulting on a number of issues related to achieving its aim of reducing levels of smoking. Some of the measures it has considered, is considering or has implemented to control smoking include: continuing to make smoking more expensive through taxation, reducing exposure to environmental tobacco smoke by encouraging employers and others to provide a smoke-free environment for non-smokers and banning smoking in public service buildings and on public transport, ending advertising and promotion of cigarettes, enforcing the prohibition on sale of cigarettes to minors, raising the price of tobacco each year to discourage people from smoking and providing information on the health risks of smoking.

 

A number of substantial restrictions on the marketing, advertising, product design and consumption of cigarettes have been introduced by Government regulation. For example, the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 came into force on February 14, 2003. The Act makes it an offence to: publish tobacco advertisements in the United Kingdom; devise or distribute a tobacco advertisement in the United Kingdom, whether in electronic or other form; display tobacco products or their prices in a place or website where tobacco products are offered for sale if the display does not comply with such requirements as may be specified in regulations; distribute free to the public any product or coupon with the purpose of promoting a tobacco product; be a party to a sponsorship agreement if the purpose or effect of that agreement is to promote tobacco products in the United Kingdom. Legislative restrictions on the marketing, advertising, product design and consumption of cigarettes have had an adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations in recent years and are expected to continue to adversely affect results of operations in the future.

 

Parties seeking damages for illnesses claimed to have resulted from tobacco consumption have sued tobacco manufacturers in the United Kingdom, including the Company’s suppliers. The Company is not a party to any smoking and related ill-health litigation in any jurisdiction. However, there can be no guarantee that such actions will not arise in the future. In addition, although the Company is currently only a retailer of tobacco products, Forbuoys’ previous sale of cigarettes under its own brand name, although manufactured by another company, as well as the Company’s activities as a tobacco retailer, could potentially subject the Company to future litigation. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Regulation and Litigation”.

 

It is difficult to determine the precise impact of regulatory initiatives or the outcome of any related litigation, or to predict precisely what further other EU or UK legislation, regulations, directives or initiatives will be implemented or adopted relating to the manufacturing, advertising, sale or use of cigarettes, or to the tobacco industry generally. However, recent legislation is likely to affect the Company and, in particular, if any or all of the current initiatives were to be implemented, the volume, operating revenues, cash flows and

 

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operating profit of the Company could be materially adversely affected, in amounts that cannot be determined.

 

Competition

 

The markets in which the Company operates in the United Kingdom are highly competitive. The Company competes with a broad array of stores, supermarkets, petrol retailers, high street shops and food and beverage service providers. The Company has from time to time experienced significant competitive pressures from competitors in the businesses in which it operates. As a result, the Company’s ability to increase prices is limited.

 

The Company’s competitors have varying abilities to withstand changes in market conditions. Some of its competitors are divisions of larger companies with greater financial and other resources than the Company. The Company’s ability to compete effectively will require continuous efforts by the Company in the development of its store portfolio, cost rationalisations and investment in technology. As described above (see “— Substantial Leverage and Debt Service Requirements”), the Company will be limited in its ability to incur additional indebtedness and there can be no assurance that the Company will have sufficient financial resources to respond to these competitive pressures or that it will be successful in otherwise realising or maintaining any of its competitive advantages.

 

Reliance on Distributors and Manufacturers

 

The Company’s arrangements with its distributors are evidenced by written agreements with general terms. TM Retail has secured long-term contracts with Palmer & Harvey McLane Limited, which provides many of the products sold in its stores, Imperial Tobacco Group PLC for tobacco gantries and Carlton Cards for its greeting cards. To date, the Company has not experienced the cancellation of any significant supply or distribution contract. However, there can be no assurance that distributors will not terminate their relationships with the Company or that the Company’s suppliers or distributors will continue to provide trade credit or to renew or continue their contracts on terms as favourable as those currently in effect.

 

Control of Company; Potential Conflict of Interests

 

The Institutional Investors (as defined herein) own all of the outstanding “B” ordinary shares and 97.7 per cent of the outstanding “C” ordinary shares of Thistledove (see Item 7 “Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions”), constituting approximately 72 per cent of the current issued ordinary share capital of Thistledove. They have the ability to exercise control over the Board of Directors of the Company. In addition, the Institutional Investors have the right to appoint at least two Directors of Thistledove. In the event that circumstances arise in which the interests of the Institutional Investors or the shareholders of Thistledove as a whole conflict with the holders of the Notes, such as if Thistledove were to encounter financial difficulties or were unable to pay its debts as they mature, the holders of the Notes could be disadvantaged by the actions that the Institutional Investors may seek to pursue. In addition, the shareholders and management may cause the Company to pursue acquisitions, divestitures, financings or other transactions that could enhance the value of their equity investment, even though such transactions might involve risks to the holders of the Notes.

 

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Dependence on Certain Employees

 

Each of the Company’s executive officers has responsibility for an important segment of the Company’s operations. The loss of any such person’s services could be detrimental to the Company’s operations, although the Company believes that it has adequate depth at all levels of management. To ensure continuity of management, the Company has entered into service agreements with Mr. Lancaster, Mr. Cox and Mr. Saunders (the “Executive Directors”), and the Company has also obtained “Key Man” life insurance policies on the first two of these Executive Directors.

 

Uncertainty of United Kingdom Participation in European Monetary Union

 

Pursuant to the Treaty establishing the European Community (as amended by the Treaty on European Union) (the “Treaty”), European economic and monetary union (“EMU”) occurred in three stages, the third of which began on January 1, 1999, when the value of the European Currency Unit (the “ecu”) as against the currencies of the member states participating in the third stage was irrevocably fixed and the ecu became a currency in its own right. The European Council named this currency the “euro”.

 

If the United Kingdom joins EMU, outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes will be re-denominated and/or become payable in euros. Any re-denomination will be effected in accordance with applicable law. The United Kingdom is not currently participating in EMU and it is not clear whether or on what terms the United Kingdom would be permitted to participate at some later time. The current policy of the UK Government is that any decision to join EMU will only be taken after a national referendum. There can be no prediction as to whether the United Kingdom will participate in EMU or as to the rate of exchange at which pounds sterling would be converted into euros, if at all. In addition, there can be no determination as to the likely impact on the rate of exchange between pounds sterling and US dollars of a decision by the United Kingdom to decline participation in EMU.

 

Foreign Exchange Risks

 

The Company will make payments in respect of the Senior Subordinated Notes in pounds sterling (or euros, should the United Kingdom join EMU). Fluctuations in the exchange rate between pounds sterling (or the euro, as the case may be) and US dollars may therefore adversely affect the US dollar equivalent of any pound sterling or euro denominated payments made in respect of the Senior Subordinated Notes.

 

Currency Translation Risks Relating to the Senior Notes

 

At the start of Fiscal 2003, the Company had a series of options to purchase a total of $125 million (and sell pounds sterling) at the rate of $1.55 = £1.00 ($100 million) and $1.60 = £1.00 ($25 million). These options expired in May 2003.

 

As of November 29, 2003 the Company had a similar option on $125 million at the rate of $1.59 = £1.00 which expired during March 2004.

 

A further option on $145 million was purchased during March 2004 at the rate of $1.7025 = £1.00.

 

The Company could still be exposed to material currency translation fluctuations upon the expiration of its latest option on July 2, 2004. Although the Company may seek to enter into a further set of hedging arrangements, there can be no assurance that it will, or will be able to do so on commercially attractive terms. Not obtaining such hedging arrangements (or, in the alternative, not redeeming the Senior Notes on or before July 2, 2004) could result in foreign currency translation losses that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and earnings.

 

The Company’s foreign exchange forward contract for the purchase of US dollar amounts equal to the total of the first ten interest payments on the Senior Notes also expired in May 2003. Management has not yet determined whether to enter into any hedging arrangements with respect to future interest payments. Failure by the Company to enter into any hedging arrangements with respect to these interest payments or,

 

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in the alternative, to redeem the Notes, would further expose the Company to potential exchange rate fluctuations relating to the Senior Notes, which also could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and earnings.

 

Pension obligations

 

According to recent actuarial valuations, the projected liabilities of the Company’s pension schemes exceed the projected realisable value of their assets. This has already impacted on cash flows and is expected to do so in the future.

 

National Minimum Wage

 

The introduction of the national minimum wage in 2000 by the UK Government has already had an adverse impact on the Company’s operating costs. Further imposed increases could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and earnings.

 

Sub-Post Offices

 

The UK Government is phasing in changes to the means by which it dispenses pensions and benefits, which could lead to reduced customer levels at Post Offices located in the Company’s stores. These Post Offices are perceived to have a beneficial effect on the Company’s financial position through the ‘footfall’ they create. Any scaling down of these activities could adversely affect the Company’s financial position and earnings.

 

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Item 15. Controls and Procedures

 

As of November 29, 2003, management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Finance Director, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon, and as of the date of, that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Finance Director concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective, in all material respects, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarised and reported as and when required, subject to the following:

 

The Company’s auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, identified an error in respect of the Company’s accounting for property sale and operating leaseback transactions under US GAAP. Consequently, the Company has restated, under US GAAP, the gains arising from property sale and operating leaseback transactions that were previously recognised in the year of the transaction, as discussed more fully in Note 29 of Notes to the Financial Statements. This resulted in the Company restating its Fiscal 2002 and Fiscal 2003 US GAAP net income (loss) and shareholders’ deficit. There are no changes to the Company’s Fiscal 2002 and Fiscal 2003 financial statements and related notes prepared in accordance with UK GAAP.

 

In January 2005, the Company’s auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, reported to TM Group Holdings PLC’s audit committee and management that Ernst & Young LLP considered that there was insufficient knowledge and experience of US GAAP in the Company’s corporate accounting department and that Ernst & Young considered this matter to be a reportable condition (as defined under standards adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) representing a material weakness in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. Ernst & Young LLP has provided an unqualified audit report on the Company’s financial statements for Fiscal 2002 and Fiscal 2003.

 

In order to address this weakness, management are currently reviewing their resources and considering the changes necessary to remediate this deficiency and to improve the US GAAP reporting process.

 

Subject to the foregoing, since November 29, 2003 there have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal financial controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal financial controls.

 

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Item 18. Financial Statements

 

The following consolidated financial statements and related schedule, together with the report thereon of Ernst & Young LLP, are filed as part of this annual report:

 

     Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-1

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts for the 52 weeks ended November 24, 2001, the 53 weeks ended November 30, 2002 and the 52 weeks ended November 29, 2003

   F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets at November, 30 2002 and November 29, 2003

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder’s Funds for the 52 weeks ended November 24, 2001, the 53 weeks ended November 30, 2002 and the 52 weeks ended November 29, 2003

   F-4

Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for the 52 weeks ended November 24, 2001, the 53 weeks ended November 30, 2002 and the 52 weeks ended November 29, 2003

   F-5

Notes to the Financial Statements

   F-6

Schedule for the 52 weeks ended November 24, 2001, the 53 weeks ended November 30, 2002 and the 52 weeks ended November 29, 2003 Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

   S-1

 

Item 19. Exhibits

 

1.1    Articles of Association of TM Group Holdings PLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Amendment No.3 to the registration statement of TM Group Holdings PLC submitted on Form F-4 on February 24, 1999 (File No. 333-9268)).
2.1    Indenture, dated as of May 14, 1998, between TM Group Holdings PLC and Bankers Trust Company, London Branch, as Trustee, in respect of TM Group Holdings PLC’s 11% Senior Notes due May 15, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Amendment to the registration statement of TM Group Holdings PLC submitted on Form F-4 on June 19, 1999 (File No. 333-9268)).
2.2    Indenture, dated as of May 14, 1998, between TM Group Holdings PLC and Bankers Trust Company, London Branch, as Trustee, in respect of TM Group Holdings PLC’s 12¼% Senior Subordinated Notes due May 15, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the registration statement of TM Group Holdings PLC submitted on Form F-4 on April 30, 1999 (File No. 333-9268)).
4.1    Agreement for the sale and purchase of TM Group Limited and its subsidiaries, dated as of July 20, 2001, between TM Group Holdings PLC, Compass Group, UK and Ireland Limited, James Lancaster and Russell Cox (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Annual Report of TM Group Holdings PLC submitted on Form 20-F on March 20, 2001 (File No. 333-9268))
8.    List of principal subsidiaries (Previously filed as exhibit 8 to the Original Filing)
12.1    Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer as required by Rule 13a – 14(a) or Rule 15d – 14(a) (Filed herewith).
12.2    Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer as required by Rule 13a – 14(a) or Rule 15d – 14(a) (Filed herewith).
13.1    Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer as required by Rule 13a – 14(b) or Rule 15d – 14(b) (Furnished herewith).
13.2    Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer as required by Rule 13a - 14(b) or Rule 15d - 14(b) (Furnished herewith).

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorised the undersigned to sign this amendment of its annual report on its behalf.

 

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC (REGISTRANT)

By:

 

/s/    JONATHAN MILLER


Name:

  Jonathan Miller

Title:

  Chief Financial Officer
     

 

JANUARY 31, 2005


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TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To The Board of Directors

TM Group Holdings PLC

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of TM Group Holdings PLC at November 30, 2002 and November 29, 2003, and the related consolidated profit and loss accounts and consolidated statements of total recognised gains and losses, changes in Shareholder’s funds and cash flows for the 52 weeks ended November 24, 2001, the 53 weeks ended November 30, 2002 and the 52 weeks ended November 29, 2003. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 18. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with United Kingdom auditing standards and United States generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of TM Group Holdings PLC at November 30, 2002 and November 29, 2003, and the consolidated results of its operations and its consolidated cash flows for the 52 weeks ended November 24, 2001, the 53 weeks ended November 30, 2002 and the 52 weeks ended November 29, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom which differ in certain respects from those generally accepted in the United States (see Note 29 of Notes to the Financial Statements). Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
ERNST & YOUNG LLP

 

London, England

March 26, 2004, except for

Note 29, Differences between United Kingdom and

United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles,

as to which the date is

January 31, 2005

 

F -1-


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TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS

 

     Notes

   52 weeks
ended
(Restated) (i)
November 24,
2001


    53 weeks
ended
(Restated) (i)
November 30,
2002


    52 weeks
ended
November 29,
2003


 
          (£ thousands)  

Sales

   3                   

Continuing operations

        661,050     664,461     635,453  

Discontinued operations

        42,792     —       —    
         

 

 

          703,842     664,461     635,453  

Cost of sales

        (524,220 )   (502,974 )   (472,952 )
         

 

 

Gross profit

        179,622     161,487     162,501  
         

 

 

Selling and distribution costs

        (136,368 )   (125,157 )   (127,968 )

Administrative expenses before exceptional items

        (19,740 )   (18,063 )   (15,882 )

exceptional items

   4    —       (759 )   —    
         

 

 

          (156,108 )   (143,979 )   (143,850 )
         

 

 

Operating profit:

                       

Continuing operations

   5    21,535     17,508     18,651  

Discontinued operations

        1,979     —       —    
         

 

 

          23,514     17,508     18,651  
         

 

 

Profit on sale of fixed assets:

                       

Continuing operations

        3,013     3,907     3,908  

Discontinued operations

        124     —       —    
         

 

 

          3,137     3,907     3,908  
         

 

 

Profit on sale of discontinued operations

   6    51,507     —       —    

Profit before interest and taxation:

 

 

Continuing operations

        24,548     21,415     22,559  

Discontinued operations

        53,610     —       —    
          78,158     21,415     22,559  

Net interest payable and similar charges

   9    (21,274 )   (20,532 )   (12,094 )
         

 

 

Profit before taxation

        56,884     883     10,465  

Taxation

   10    (605 )   (139 )   (2,021 )
         

 

 

Profit for the period(ii)

        56,279     744     8,444  

Equity dividends

   11    —       (22,450 )   —    
         

 

 

Profit/(loss) retained for the period(iii)

        56,279     (21,706 )   8,444  
         

 

 


(i) The Company has revised the presentation of sales arising from the processing of electronic phone top-up transactions, to reflect only the commission earned on these transactions. Further details are set out in note 2.

 

(ii) A summary of the significant adjustments to profit for the period that would be required if US generally accepted accounting principles were to be applied instead of those generally accepted in the United Kingdom is set out in Note 29 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

(iii) The Company has no recognised gains or losses other than the profit shown in the profit and loss account, and therefore no separate statement of total recognised gains and losses has been presented.

 

THE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

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TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     Notes

   November 30,
2002


    November 29,
2003


 
          (£ thousands)  

Fixed assets

                 

Goodwill

   12    6,718     7,533  

Tangible assets

   13    50,826     47,728  
         

 

          57,544     55,261  
         

 

Current assets

                 

Inventories

   15    34,378     34,115  

Debtors

   16    22,389     27,844  

Other current assets

   17    2,780     177  

Cash at bank and in hand

        21,410     25,625  
         

 

          80,957     87,761  
         

 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

                 

Trade creditors

        (67,216 )   (68,091 )

Other liabilities

   18    (12,972 )   (17,026 )
         

 

          (80,188 )   (85,117 )
         

 

Net current assets

        769     2,644  
         

 

Total assets less current liabilities

        58,313     57,905  
         

 

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

                 

Loans

   19    (144,470 )   (136,240 )

Other liabilities

        (767 )   (697 )
    
  

 

          (145,237 )   (136,937 )
         

 

Provisions for liabilities and charges

   21    (2,711 )   (2,159 )
         

 

Net liabilities

        (89,635 )   (81,191 )
         

 

Capital and reserves(i)

                 

Called up share capital

        212     212  

Share premium account

        20,527     20,527  

Other reserves

        (59,892 )   (59,892 )

Profit and loss account

        (50,482 )   (42,038 )
         

 

Equity shareholder’s funds (deficit)

        (89,635 )   (81,191 )
         

 


(i) A summary of the significant adjustments to capital and reserves that would be required if US generally accepted accounting principles were to be applied instead of those generally accepted in the United Kingdom is set out in Note 29 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

THE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

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TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER’S FUNDS

 

Share Capital

 

     Equity Shares

    

Ordinary

Shares of

1p each


     (Number)    (£)
     (in thousands)

Authorised

         

Balance at November 26, 2000, November 24, 2001, November 30, 2002 and November 29, 2003

   26,235    262
    
  

Issued

         

Balance at November 26, 2000, November 24, 2001, November 30, 2002 and November 29, 2003

   21,235    212
    
  

 

Shareholder’s Funds

 

    

Share

capital


   Share
Premium
Account (i)


  

Other

reserves (i)


   

Profit and

loss
account (ii)


   

Total

Shareholder’s

funds


 
     (£ thousands)  

Balance at November 26, 2000

   212    20,527    (59,892 )   (127,062 )   (166,215 )

Profit for the period

   —      —      —       56,279     56,279  

Goodwill previously written off in respect of disposals

   —      —      —       41,707     41,707  
    
  
  

 

 

Balance at November 24, 2001

   212    20,527    (59,892 )   (29,076 )   (68,229 )

Profit for the period

   —      —      —       744     744  

Goodwill previously written off in respect of disposals

   —      —      —       300     300  

Dividends paid and proposed

   —      —      —       (22,450 )   (22,450 )
    
  
  

 

 

Balance at November 30, 2002

   212    20,527    (59,892 )   (50,482 )   (89,635 )

Profit for the period

   —      —      —       8,444     8,444  
    
  
  

 

 

Balance at November 29, 2003

   212    20,527    (59,892 )   (42,038 )   (81,191 )
    
  
  

 

 


(i) Share premium account and other reserves are not distributable. A capital redemption reserve of £50,000 is included with Other Reserves.

 

(ii) Profit and loss account includes £92,552,000 (2002: £92,552,000, 2001: £92,852,000) goodwill written off.

 

THE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

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TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS

 

     Notes

 

52 weeks

ended

November 24,

2001


   

53 weeks

ended

November 30,
2002


   

52 weeks

ended

November 29,
2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Net cash inflow from operating activities

   23   28,159     19,617     24,970  

Returns on investments and servicing of finance

                      

Interest received

       2,186     2,352     219  

Interest paid

       (23,744 )   (23,209 )   (16,460 )

Premia on redemption of loans and Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes

       —       (1,950 )   —    

Finance lease interest

       (4 )   —       —    
        

 

 

         (21,562 )   (22,807 )   (16,241 )
        

 

 

Taxation

                      

Corporation tax refunded/(paid)

       178     (1,691 )   311  
        

 

 

Capital expenditure and financial investment

                      

Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets

       (13,537 )   (8,686 )   (8,764 )

Receipts from sale of tangible fixed assets

       4,827     5,692     6,817  
        

 

 

         (8,710 )   (2,994 )   (1,947 )
        

 

 

Acquisitions and disposals

                      

Receipts from sale of businesses

   14   109,549     2,458     1,250  

Cash disposed of with businesses

       (1,836 )   —       —    

Purchase of businesses

   14   (1,829 )   (2,520 )   (2,676 )
        

 

 

         105,884     (62 )   (1,426 )
        

 

 

Management of liquid resources

                      

(Increase)/decrease in short-term deposits

       (82,637 )   83,394     (1,262 )
        

 

 

Equity dividends paid

       —       (22,450 )   —    
        

 

 

Net cash inflow before financing

       21,312     53,007     4,405  

Financing

                      

Redemption of Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes

   23   —       (21,486 )   —    

Repayment of loans

   23   (30,192 )   (30,287 )   —    

Purchase of hedging instruments

       —       —       (1,452 )

Repayment of capital element of finance lease rentals

   23   (103 )   (3 )   —    
        

 

 

         (30,295 )   (51,776 )   (1,452 )
        

 

 

(Decrease)/increase in cash (excluding short-term deposits)

   23   (8,983 )   1,231     2,953  
        

 

 


The significant differences between the cash flow statements presented above and those required under US generally accepted accounting principles are set out in Note 29 of Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

THE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

F -5-


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TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. The Company

 

On May 14, 1998, TM Group Holdings PLC (“the Company”) acquired the whole of the issued share capital of TM Group Holdings Limited (which was then renamed TM Group Limited) (“Limited”) in return for the issue of new shares in itself and the payment of cash to the shareholders of Limited (the “May Recapitalisation”). On that date the Company sold $175 million of 11% Senior Notes Due 2008 and £55 million of Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2008, a proportion of the net proceeds of which were used to fund the cash payments to the shareholders of Limited. The acquisition of Limited by the Company has been accounted for as a group reorganisation using merger accounting principles and, accordingly, the historical amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements of Limited have been carried over into the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

 

On November 28, 1998, a subsidiary of the Company acquired the entire issued share capital of Tog Limited. As part of the financing of that acquisition, the entire issued share capital of the Company was acquired by Thistledove Limited, which subscribed 20,734,550 “B” ordinary shares in Holdings at £1 each (the “November Recapitalisation”).

 

2. Accounting Policies

 

Accounting convention

 

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable United Kingdom accounting standards.

 

The Company has revised the presentation of turnover arising from the processing of electronic phone top-up transactions, to reflect only the commission earned on these transactions. This change has no impact on profit or on the balance sheet. The comparative figures for turnover and cost of sales have been adjusted accordingly, resulting in a reduction in turnover and cost of sales of £27,313,000 for the period ended November 30, 2002 and £2,073,000 for the period ended November 24, 2001.

 

Revenue recognition

 

Retailing — Sales are recognised as they are made. Revenue from the sale of instant lottery tickets and mobile phone vouchers is recognised gross as part of sales. Commission from the sale of on-line lottery tickets and electronic phone top-ups is recognised within sales.

 

Beverage and snack vending — Sales were recognised when product was sold from a vending machine or delivered to a customer in the case of wholesale deliveries. Machine sales were recognised on delivery. Maintenance revenue relating to vending machines was recognised over the period of the contracts in respect of long-term contracts and on completion of a technical repair in other cases.

 

Cigarette vending — Sales were recognised when the cash in vending machines was collected or product was delivered to the customer in the case of wholesale deliveries.

 

Basis of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements consolidate the accounts of TM Group Holdings PLC and all its subsidiary undertakings (together, the “Group”) drawn up on November 24, 2001, November 30, 2002 and November 29, 2003.

 

 

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TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

2. Accounting Policies (continued)

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using merger accounting principles, reflecting the fact that the ownership and control of the Group remained with the same shareholders after the May 1998 and November 1998 Recapitalisations. Schedule 4A to the Companies Act 1985 and Financial Reporting Standard 6, “Acquisitions and Mergers”, require business combinations, which include a substantial cash element to be accounted for using acquisition accounting principles. The use of acquisition accounting would give rise to goodwill on consolidation. As there was no arm’s length acquisition price in the recapitalisation, the resulting goodwill would not be a meaningful amount. In addition, as there was no external acquiring party, such goodwill would in effect be self-generated goodwill. In the opinion of the directors, the acquisition method of accounting would not result in a true and fair view of either the results of operations or financial position of the Group. No quantification of this departure is given as to do so would be misleading.

 

All subsidiaries acquired since May 1998 have been included in the consolidated financial statements using the acquisition method of accounting.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to November 28, 1998 was set off directly against reserves. Goodwill previously eliminated against reserves has not been reinstated on implementation of Financial Reporting Standard 10 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” (“FRS10”).

 

Positive goodwill arising on acquisitions since November 28, 1998 is capitalised, classified as an asset on the balance sheet and amortised on a straight-line basis over its useful economic life up to a presumed maximum of 20 years. It is reviewed for impairment at the end of the first full financial year following the acquisition and in other periods if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

 

If a subsidiary or business is subsequently sold or closed, any goodwill arising on acquisition that was written off directly to reserves or that has not been amortised through the profit and loss account is reviewed for impairment and if such goodwill is not considered to be attached to the continuing business it is taken into account in determining the profit or loss on sale or closure.

 

Depreciation

 

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets less their estimated residual values on a straight-line basis over the expected useful economic lives of the assets concerned. Principal rates used for this purpose are:

 

Land and buildings

         

Freehold (including land where it is not separately identifiable)

   –      50 years

Long leaseholds improvements

   –      50 years

Short leaseholds improvements –shops

   –      10 years

                                                      –other

   –      the term of the lease

Leasehold premiums

   –      the unexpired portion of the lease

Plant and machinery

         

Motor vehicles

   –      4 years

Computer equipment

   –      between 3 and 6 yrs

Furniture and fittings

   –      between 5 and 10 yrs

 

The carrying value of tangible fixed assets is reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

 

 

F -7-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

2. Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Stocks

 

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost of goods for resale is calculated for each category of stock by reducing the net selling price by the attributable average gross margin. Net realisable value is the price at which the stocks can be realised in the normal course of the business.

 

Volume rebates

 

Volume discounts receivable from manufacturers are recognised as a credit to cost of sales in the period in which the stock to which the volume discounts apply is sold.

 

Taxation

 

Current tax is provided at amounts expected to be paid using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted, or substantively enacted, at the balance sheet date.

 

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions or events have occurred at that date that will result in an obligation to pay more or a right to pay less or to receive more tax.

 

Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that the Directors consider that it is more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted.

 

Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which timing differences reverse, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

 

Foreign currencies

 

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rates of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities, including the Senior Notes, denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date or if appropriate at the forward contract rate. All differences on translation are taken to the profit and loss account.

 

The Group manages its exposure to foreign currency fluctuation by the use of options and forward foreign currency contracts. Premiums paid on entering into options are marked to market at the end of each period and the resulting gain or loss is expensed in the profit and loss account.

 

Capital instruments

 

Shares are included in shareholder’s funds. Other instruments are classified as liabilities if they contain an obligation to transfer economic benefits and if not they are included in shareholder’s funds. The finance cost recognised in the profit and loss account in respect of capital instruments other than equity shares is allocated to periods over the term of the instrument at a constant rate on the carrying amount.

 

Derivative instruments

 

The Group considers its derivative instruments qualify for hedge accounting when certain criteria are met.

 

Forward foreign currency contracts

 

The criteria for forward foreign currency contracts are:

 

  the instrument must be related to a foreign currency asset or liability that is likely to crystallise and whose characteristics have been identified,

 

  it must involve the same currency as the hedged item, and

 

  it must reduce the risk of foreign currency exchange movements on the Group’s operations.

 

F -8-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

2. Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Leases

 

Costs in respect of operating leases are charged on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease agreements which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of an asset, are treated as if they had been purchased outright. The assets are included in fixed assets and the capital element of the leasing commitments is shown as obligations under finance leases. The lease rentals are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The capital element is applied to reduce the outstanding obligations and the interest element is charged against profit so as to give a constant periodic rate of charge on the remaining balance outstanding at each accounting period. Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over the shorter of the lease terms and the useful lives of equivalent owned assets.

 

Pensions

 

The Group operates two defined benefit pension schemes, in addition to several defined contribution schemes, which require contributions to be made to separately administered funds. The cost of contributions to the defined benefit schemes are charged in the profit and loss account so as to spread the cost of pensions over the employees’ working lives within the Group. The regular cost is attributed to individual years using the projected unit credit method. Variations in pension cost, which are identified as a result of actuarial valuations, are amortised over the average expected remaining working lives of employees in proportion to their expected payroll costs. Differences between the amounts funded and the amounts charged in the profit and loss account are treated as either accruals or prepayments in the balance sheet. Actuarial valuations are undertaken periodically. Additional disclosures have been made in accordance with the transitional requirements of FRS 17—Retirement Benefits.

 

Advertising

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported sales, expenses, assets and liabilities. Actual amounts could differ from such estimates.

 

F -9-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

3. Segmental Analysis

 

    

Restated

52 weeks

ended

November 24,
2001


   

Restated

53 weeks

ended

November 30,
2002


   

52 weeks

ended

November 29,

2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Sales

                  

Continuing operations

                  

Retailing

   661,050     664,461     635,453  

Discontinued operations

                  

Cigarette vending

   5,812     —       —    

Beverage and snack vending

   36,980     —       —    
    

 

 

     703,842     664,461     635,453  
    

 

 

Cost of sales

                  

Continuing operations

                  

Retailing

   (504,038 )   (502,974 )   (472,952 )

Discontinued operations

                  

Cigarette vending

   (4,591 )   —       —    

Beverage and snack vending

   (15,591 )   —       —    
    

 

 

     (524,220 )   (502,974 )   (472,952 )
    

 

 

Selling, distribution and advertising costs

                  

Continuing operations

                  

Retailing

   (118,178 )   (125,157 )   (127,968 )

Discontinued operations

                  

Cigarette vending

   (1,103 )   —       —    

Beverage and snack vending

   (17,087 )   —       —    
    

 

 

     (136,368 )   (125,157 )   (127,968 )
    

 

 

Administrative expenses

                  

Continuing operations

                  

Retailing

   (14,306 )   (14,775 )   (12,526 )

Central

   (2,993 )   (3,288 )   (3,356 )

Discontinued operations

                  

Cigarette vending

   —       —       —    

Beverage and snack vending

   (2,441 )   —       —    
    

 

 

     (19,740 )   (18,063 )   (15,882 )
    

 

 

Profit/(loss) before interest & taxation

                  

Continuing operations

                  

Retailing

   24,528     21,555     22,007  

Central costs

   (2,993 )   (3,288 )   (3,356 )
    

 

 

     21,535     18,267     18,651  

Discontinued operations

                  

Cigarette vending

   118     —       —    

Beverage and snack vending

   1,861     —       —    
    

 

 

     23,514     18,267     18,651  

Profit on sale of fixed assets

   3,137     3,907     3,908  

Profit on disposal of businesses

   51,507     —       —    

Business restructuring

   —       (759 )   —    
    

 

 

     78,158     21,415     22,559  
    

 

 

Capital expenditure

                  

Continuing operations

                  

Retailing

   10,832     8,686     8,757  

Central

   131     —       7  
    

 

 

     10,963     8,686     8,764  

Discontinued operations

                  

Cigarette vending

   —       —       —    

Beverage and snack vending

   2,574     —       —    
    

 

 

     13,537     8,686     8,764  
    

 

 

Depreciation and amortisation

                  

Continuing operations

                  

Retailing

   9,874     10,669     10,471  

Central

   78     61     63  
    

 

 

     9,952     10,730     10,534  

Discontinued operations

                  

Cigarette vending

   102     —       —    

Beverage and snack vending

   2,265     —       —    
    

 

 

     12,319     10,730     10,534  
    

 

 

 

 

F -10-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

Net Assets

 

     November 30,
2002


    November 29,
2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Allocated net assets

            

Retailing

   26,573     25,542  

Unallocated net liabilities

   (116,208 )   (106,733 )
    

 

     (89,635 )   (81,191 )
    

 

Unallocated net liabilities comprise

            

Fixed assets

   125     92  

Pension (liability)/asset

   1,753     5,612  

Other debtors

   4,088     2,695  

Other current assets

   2,780     177  

Cash at bank and in hand

   21,410     25,625  

Corporation tax

   (1,373 )   (2,789 )

Deferred taxation

   976     60  

Other creditors and accruals

   (1,497 )   (1,965 )

Bank and other loans

   (144,470 )   (136,240 )
    

 

     (116,208 )   (106,733 )
    

 

Total Assets             
     November 30,
2002


    November 29,
2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Continuing operations

            

Retailing

   107,369     108,761  

Central

   31,132     34,261  
    

 

     138,501     143,022  
    

 

 

4. Operating Exceptional Item

 

    

52 weeks

ended

November 24,

2001


  

53 weeks

ended
November 30,

2002


  

52 weeks

ended

November 29,

2003


     (£ thousands)

Redundancies

   —      759    —  
    
  
  

 

Redundancy costs arose in the restructuring of the TM Retail business.

 

5. Operating Profit

 

Operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting):

 

    

52 weeks

ended

November 24,

2001


   

53 weeks

ended

November 30,

2002


   

52 weeks

ended

November 29,

2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Advertising

   52     47     32  

Auditors’ remuneration

                  

— audit services

   195     215     240  

— non-audit services

   257     258     432  

Amortisation of goodwill

   223     257     398  

Depreciation of owned assets

   11,960     10,454     10,136  

Depreciation of assets held under finance leases

   136     19     —    

Operating lease payments

                  

— land and buildings

   24,897     25,580     26,387  

— plant and machinery

   455     15     8  

Operating lease income

                  

— land and buildings

   (3,345 )   (3,421 )   (3,655 )

 

F -11-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

6. Profit on Sale of Discontinued Operations

 

    

52 weeks

ended

November 24,

2001


  

53 weeks

ended

November 30,

2002


  

52 weeks

ended

November 29,

2003


     (£ thousands)

Profit on sale of Mayfair business of TM Vending Ltd (note 14)

   14,576    —      —  

Profit on sale of TM Group Ltd and subsidiaries (note 14)

   36,931    —      —  
    
  
  
     51,507    —      —  
    
  
  

 

7. Directors’ Remuneration

 

    

52 weeks

ended

November 24,

2001


  

53 weeks

ended

November 30,

2002


  

52 weeks

ended

November 29,

2003


     (£ thousands)

Emoluments

   1,463    945    1,620

Company contribution to money purchase pension scheme

   —      —      101

Amounts paid to third parties for services of directors

   40    41    42
    
  
  
     1,503    986    1,763
    
  
  

 

Three directors were members of the Group’s defined benefit pension scheme until February 2003. For the remainder of the period, there were two (2002: three; 2001: three).

 

The remuneration, excluding pension contributions, of the highest paid director for the 52 weeks ended November 29, 2003 was £854,000 and his accrued pension benefit was £46,475. The remuneration, excluding pension contributions, of the highest paid director for the 53 weeks ended November 30, 2002 was £399,000 and his accrued pension benefit was £272,565. The remuneration, excluding pension contributions, of the highest paid director for the 52 weeks ended November 24, 2001 was £608,000 and his accrued pension benefit was £227,900.

 

Company contributions for one director were made to a money purchase scheme (2002: none; 2001: none).

 

8. Staff Costs

 

    

52 weeks

ended

November 24,

2001


  

53 weeks

ended

November 30,

2002


  

52 weeks

ended

November 29,

2003


     (£ thousands)

Wages and salaries

   85,264    79,820    79,110

Social security costs

   4,921    4,417    4,784

Other pension costs

   1,190    819    641
    
  
  
     91,375    85,056    84,535
    
  
  

 

The above staff costs exclude directors’ emoluments

 

The average weekly number of employees during the period excluding directors was as follows:

 

    

52 weeks

ended

November 24,

2001


  

53 weeks

ended

November 30,

2002


  

52 weeks

ended

November 29,

2003


     (number)

Continuing businesses

              

Retailing

   10,962    10,530    10,397

Central

   6    6    4
    
  
  

Discontinued businesses

              

Beverage and snack vending

   626    —      —  

Cigarette vending

   14    —      —  
    
  
  
     11,608    10,536    10,401
    
  
  

 

F -12-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

9. Net Interest Payable and Similar Charges

 

    

52 weeks

ended

November 24,

2001


   

53 weeks

ended

November 30,

2002


   

52 weeks

ended
November 29,

2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Interest receivable

Third parties

   (2,186 )   (2,352 )   (219 )
    

 

 

Interest payable

Bank loans and overdrafts

   2,510     92     94  

Other loans

   23,408     21,984     16,819  

Premia on redemption of loans and Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes

   —       1,950     —    

Finance charges payable under finance leases

   4     —       —    
    

 

 

     25,922     24,026     16,913  
    

 

 

Similar charges

                  

Gain on retranslation of Senior Notes

   (887 )   (9,398 )   (8,686 )

Gain on redemption of Senior Notes

   —       (1,280 )   —    

Revaluation and write off of currency options

   (1,684 )   9,507     4,055  

Unwinding of discount included in provisions

   109     29     31  
    

 

 

     (2,462 )   (1,142 )   (4,600 )
    

 

 

Net interest payable and similar charges

   21,274     20,532     12,094  
    

 

 

 

10. Taxation

 

Analysis of tax (credit)/charge in the period:

 

   

52 weeks

ended

November 24,

2001


   

53 weeks

ended

November 30,

2002


   

52 weeks

ended

November 29,

2003


 
    (£ thousands)  

Current tax:

                 

Current tax on income for the period

  1,250     608     1,774  

Adjustments in respect of prior periods

  —       (71 )   (669 )
   

 

 

    1,250     537     1,105  
   

 

 

Deferred tax:

                 

Origination and reversal of timing differences

  1,117     (874 )   970  

Adjustments in respect of prior periods

  (1,762 )   476     (54 )
   

 

 

    (645 )   (398 )   916  
   

 

 

Total tax on profit on ordinary activities

  605     139     2,021  
   

 

 

 

Factors affecting current tax charge:

 

The difference between the UK statutory rate and the actual current tax rate is reconciled as follows:

 

    

52 weeks

ended

November 24,

2001


   

53 weeks

ended

November 30,

2002


   

52 weeks

ended

November 29,

2003


 
     %     %     %  

UK statutory rate

   30.0     30.0     30.0  

Disallowed expenses and non-taxable income

   (25.8 )   (60.1 )   (3.8 )

Adjustments in respect of previous periods

   —       (8.1 )   (6.4 )

Deferred tax recognised

   (2.0 )   99.0     (9.2 )
    

 

 

Total current tax charge

   2.2     60.8     10.6  
    

 

 

 

F -13-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

10. Taxation (continued)

 

A reconciliation of the UK statutory rate of corporation tax applicable for the Group to the total tax rate is as follows:

 

   

52 weeks

ended

November 24,

2001


   

53 weeks

ended

November 30,

2002


   

52 weeks

ended

November 29,

2003


 
    %     %     %  

UK statutory rate

  30.0     30.0     30.0  

Non-tax deductible depreciation of fixed assets

  1.3     74.4     6.8  

Permanent differences

  (1.8 )   11.7     1.9  

Non-taxable profit in respect of disposals

  (25.3 )   (146.1 )   (12.5 )

Prior year adjustments

  (3.1 )   45.8     (6.9 )
   

 

 

Effective tax rate

  1.1     15.8     19.3  
   

 

 

 

Factors that may affect future tax charges:

 

There are estimated capital losses of £10,000,000 that may be available against future gains. In the event that the Group makes profits on capital disposals, an unrecognised deferred tax asset of approximately £3,000,000 would be available to offset against such tax liabilities.

 

The tax on profit on sale of fixed assets is nil (2002: nil; 2001: nil).

 

The movements in the provision for deferred taxation during the period are as follows:

 

    November 30,
2002


    November 29,
2003


 
    (£ thousands)  

At the beginning of the period

  (110 )   (976 )

(Credit)/charge for the period

  (398 )   916  

Transfer to corporation tax

  (468 )   —    
   

 

At the end of the period

  (976 )   (60 )
   

 

 

The deferred tax asset comprises:

 

     52 weeks
ended
November 24,
2001


    53 weeks
ended
November 30,
2002


    52 weeks
ended
November 29,
2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

(Decelerated)/accelerated capital allowances

   (114 )   (964 )   42  

Other timing differences

   4     (12 )   (102 )
    

 

 

Total asset included in debtors

   (110 )   (976 )   (60 )
    

 

 

 

11. Dividends

 

   

52 weeks

ended

November 24,

2001


 

53 weeks

ended

November 30,

2002


 

52 weeks

ended

November 29,

2003


    (£ thousands)
             

Ordinary dividends to parent company - paid

  —     22,450   —  
   
 
 

 

F -14-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

12. Intangible Fixed Assets

 

Goodwill    (£ thousands)

 

Cost:

      

At November 25, 2001

   5,176  

Additions

   2,183  

Disposals

   (34 )
    

At November 30, 2002

   7,325  

Additions

   1,245  

Disposals

   (37 )
    

At November 29, 2003

   8,533  
    

Amortisation:

      

At November 25, 2001

   360  

Provided during the year

   257  

Disposals

   (10 )
    

At November 30, 2002

   607  

Provided during the year

   398  

Disposals

   (5 )
    

At November 29, 2003

   1,000  
    

Net book value:

      

At November 30, 2002

   6,718  
    

At November 29, 2003

   7,533  
    

 

Goodwill arising on acquisitions is being amortised evenly over the directors’ estimate of the useful economic life of 20 years.

 

13. Tangible Fixed Assets

 

    

Land and

Buildings


   

Plant and

machinery


    Total

 
     (£ thousands)  

Cost

                  

At November 25, 2001

   21,063     56,688     77,751  

Additions

   2,699     5,987     8,686  

Acquisitions

   —       194     194  

Disposals

   (1,785 )   (2,539 )   (4,324 )
    

 

 

At November 30, 2002

   21,977     60,330     82,307  

Additions

   2,101     6,663     8,764  

Acquisitions

   975     176     1,151  

Disposals

   (2,998 )   (1,866 )   (4,864 )
    

 

 

At November 29, 2003

   22,055     65,303     87,358  
    

 

 

Depreciation

                  

At November 25, 2001

   3,117     20,754     23,871  

Charge for the period

   2,175     8,298     10,473  

Disposals

   (866 )   (1,997 )   (2,863 )
    

 

 

At November 30, 2002

   4,426     27,055     31,481  

Charge for the period

   2,368     7,768     10,136  

Disposals

   (689 )   (1,298 )   (1,987 )
    

 

 

At November 29, 2003

   6,105     33,525     39,630  
    

 

 

Net book value

                  

At November 30, 2002

   17,551     33,275     50,826  
    

 

 

At November 29, 2003

   15,950     31,778     47,728  
    

 

 

 

F -15-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

13. Tangible Fixed Assets (continued)

 

The net book value of land and buildings comprises:

 

     Freehold

  

Long

Leasehold


  

Short

leasehold


   Total

     (£ thousands)

At November 30, 2002

   7,473    1,189    8,889    17,551
    
  
  
  

At November 29, 2003

   6,518    1,096    8,336    15,950
    
  
  
  

 

14. Acquisitions and Disposals

 

During Fiscal 2001, Fiscal 2002 and Fiscal 2003, the Group made a number of small acquisitions, none of which was considered material to the Group, an analysis of which is shown below:

 

   

52 weeks

ended

November 24,

2001


 

53 weeks

ended

November 30,

2002


 

52 weeks

ended

November 29,

2003


    (£ thousands)

Net assets at the date of acquisition Tangible fixed assets

  112   194   1,151

Inventories

  228   143   280
   
 
 
    340   337   1,431

Goodwill arising on acquisition

  1,489   2,183   1,245
   
 
 
    1,829   2,520   2,676
   
 
 

Discharged by:

           

Cash paid

  1,829   2,520   2,676
   
 
 

 

During Fiscal 2001, the Group disposed of the Mayfair Services business of TM Vending Limited, TM Group Limited, Vendepac Limited and its subsidiary companies. The disposals are summarised as follows:

 

     (£ thousands)

 

Net assets disposed of:

      

Tangible fixed assets

   20,633  

Goodwill (including amounts previously eliminated against reserves)

   43,908  

Stock

   13,830  

Debtors

   10,414  

Creditors

   (23,957 )

Cash

   1,836  
    

     66,664  

Pension scheme surplus released

   (2,414 )

Profit on disposal (note 5)

   51,507  
    

     115,757  
    

Satisfied by:

      

Cash

   112,155  

Deferred consideration

   6.208  

Disposal costs

   (2,606 )
    

     115,757  
    

 

During Fiscal 2003, the Group received £1,250,000 of the deferred consideration in respect of the disposal of the Mayfair business in Fiscal 2001. Additional deferred consideration of £2,500,000 in relation to the disposal of the Mayfair business is included in other debtors of which £1,250,000 is due after more than one year (note 16).

 

 

F -16-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

15. Inventories

 

    November 30,
2002


  November 29,
2003


    (£ thousands)

Goods for resale

  34,378   34,115
   
 

 

The directors consider that the replacement value of inventories does not materially differ from the book value shown above.

 

16. Debtors

 

    November 30,
2002


  November 29,
2003


    (£ thousands)

Trade debtors

  2,823   3,169

Other debtors

  13,090   15,896

Pension asset

  1,753   5,612

Deferred taxation

  976   60

Pre-payments

  3,747   3,107
   
 
    22,389   27,844
   
 

Due within one year

  17,160   20,922

Other debtors due after more than one year

  5,229   6,922
   
 
    22,389   27,844
   
 

 

Trade debtors at November 29, 2003 are shown net of provisions for bad and doubtful debts of £175,000 (2002: £182,000).

 

17. Other Current Assets

 

    November 30,
2002


  November 29,
2003


    (£ thousands)

Currency options

  2,780   177
   
 

 

18. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

 

    November 30,
2002


  November 29,
2003


    (£ thousands)

Other liabilities:

       

Amount owed to parent undertaking

  18   269

Group relief payable

  36   33

Corporation tax

  1,337   2,756

Taxation and social security

  1,208   2,909

Other creditors

  5,122   3,022

Accruals

  5,251   8,037
   
 
    12,972   17,026
   
 

 

 

F -17-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

19. Loans

 

    November 30,
2002


    November 29,
2003


 
    (£ thousands)  

Bank and other loans repayable otherwise than by instalments

           

$145.3 million 11% Senior Notes due May 15, 2008

  93,649     84,963  

£53.3 million 12.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due May 15, 2008

  53,300     53,300  
   

 

    146,949     138,263  

Less: unamortised issue costs

  (2,479 )   (2,023 )
   

 

Total borrowings

  144,470     136,240  
   

 

 

The $145,297,000 Senior Notes due in May 2008 have been translated at November 29, 2003 at the rate of $1.7101 = £1 (2002: $1.5515). Interest on the Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes is payable half-yearly. These Notes are redeemable in whole or in part at the option of the Company. They are unsecured and rank pari passu with any existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of the Company and senior to all existing and future subordinated debt of the Company, but are subordinate to all liabilities in the subsidiaries of the Company.

 

Maturity of Debt

 

    November 30,
2002


    November 29,
2003


 
    (£ thousands)  

Amounts falling due:

           

In more than two years but not more than five years

  —       138,263  

In more than five years

  146,949     —    
   

 

    146,949     138,263  

Less: unamortised issue costs

  (2,479 )   (2,023 )
   

 

Total borrowings

  144,470     136,240  
   

 

 

20. Financial Risk Management

 

Derivatives and other financial instruments

 

The Group’s principal financial instruments, other than derivatives, comprise loans, cash and short-term deposits. The main purpose of these financial instruments is to raise finance for the Group’s operations. The Group has various other financial instruments, such as trade debtors and trade creditors that arise directly from its operations.

 

The Group also enters into derivative transactions (principally currency options and forward currency contracts). The purpose is to manage the currency risks arising from the Group’s operations and its sources of finance.

 

It is, and has been throughout the period under review, the Group’s policy that no trading in financial instruments shall be undertaken.

 

The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are liquidity risk and foreign currency risk. The board reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks and they are summarised below.

 

The disclosures below include short-term debtors and creditors and exclude un-amortised finance costs.

 

Interest rate risk

 

All financial liabilities on which interest is paid are at fixed rates, with no interest rate swaps or caps during the period.

 

 

F -18-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

20. Financial Risk Management (continued)

 

Interest rate risk profile of financial liabilities

 

The interest rate profile of the financial liabilities of the Group was as follows:

 

     Fixed rate
financial
liabilities


   Floating
rate
financial
liabilities


   Financial
liabilities on
which no
interest is
paid


   Total

     (£ thousands)

As at November 30, 2002

                   

Sterling

   53,300    —      81,085    134,385

US dollar

   93,649    —      —      93,649
    
  
  
  
     146,949    —      81,085    228,034
    
  
  
  

As at November 29, 2003

                   

Sterling

   53,300    —      82,275    135,575

US dollar

   84,963    —      —      84,963
    
  
  
  
     138,263    —      82,275    220,538
    
  
  
  

 

     Fixed rate financial liabilities

 

Financial

liabilities on

which no interest
is paid


    

Weighted

average interest
rate

%


   Weighted average
period for which
rate is fixed
(years)


 

Weighted

average period
until maturity

(years)


As at November 30, 2002

             

Sterling

   12.25    5.50   0.41

US dollar

   11.00    5.50   —  
    
  
 
     11.45    5.50   0.41
    
  
 

As at November 29, 2003

             

Sterling

   12.25    4.50   0.38

US dollar

   11.00    4.50   —  
    
  
 
     11.45    4.50   0.38
    
  
 

 

Interest rate risk profile of financial assets

 

The interest rate profile of the financial assets of the Group was as follows:

 

     Fixed rate
financial
assets


   Floating
rate
financial
assets


   Financial
assets on
which no
interest
is earned


   Total

     (£ thousands)

As at November 30, 2002

                   

Sterling

   —      21,410    18,693    40,103
    
  
  
  

As at November 29, 2003

                   

Sterling

   —      25,625    19,242    44,867
    
  
  
  

 

Floating rate financial assets comprise cash deposits on money market deposit at call that earn interest at commercial rates. The weighted average period for financial assets on which no interest is earned is 0.3 years (2002: 0.3 years).

 

F -19-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

20. Financial Risk Management (continued)

 

Liquidity risk

 

The Group’s objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of overdrafts, loans and finance leases.

 

Short-term flexibility has been achieved through borrowing facilities in the operating subsidiaries. Under this arrangement, the Company’s subsidiaries had an undrawn Revolving Credit Facility of £20,000,000 available at November 29, 2003 of which £5,000,000 was allocated as an overdraft facility. These facilities are renewable annually.

 

Foreign currency risk

 

As a result of US dollar denominated borrowings of $145,297,000 and interest payments thereon, the Group’s balance sheet and profit and loss account can be significantly affected by movements in the US dollar/sterling exchange rates. The Group has partially mitigated the effect of this currency exposure by purchasing options to buy US dollars. In managing its currency exposures, the group’s objectives are to maintain a low cost of borrowing and to retain some potential for currency-related appreciation while hedging against currency depreciation.

 

Since May 1998, the Group had acquired a series of options, exercisable on May 13, 2003, to purchase US dollars at a rate between $1.55 = £1.00 and $1.60 = £1.00. The level of US borrowings covered by the options was $150,000,000. These options were not exercised and therefore lapsed during the period.

 

On May 14, 2003, the Group acquired an option, exercisable on November 13, 2003, to purchase US dollars at the rate of $1.55 = £1.00 which covered US borrowings of $125,000,000. At the expiration of this option, the Group acquired a replacement option, exercisable on March 15, 2004, to purchase US dollars at the rate of $1.59 = £1.00 which also covers US borrowings of $125,000,000. A further option to purchase $145,000,000 at the rate of $1.7025 = £1 was acquired during March 2004 which expires on July 2, 2004.

 

The Group had also entered into forward foreign currency contracts for the purchase, at rates varying from $1.5891 = £1.00 to $1.6177 = £1.00, of US dollar amounts equal to the total of the first ten half-yearly interest payments on the senior notes, for settlement on each interest payment date between November 1998 and May 2003. These forward foreign currency contracts were accounted for as hedges in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy and expired in May 2003. In October and November 2003 further forward currency contracts at rates of $1.6459 = £1.00 and $1.67 = £1.00 were taken out and used for the November 2003 interest payment on the senior notes. There were no outstanding contracts at the period end and therefore no unrecognised gains or losses.

 

The Group could still be exposed to material currency translation fluctuation in relation to the uncovered US borrowings of $297,000, the half yearly interest payments on the senior notes and, in any event, upon the expiration of the remaining option on July 2, 2004. The Group will continue to review its hedging arrangements and may amend them if it can do so on commercially attractive terms.

 

Maturity of financial liabilities

 

The maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities was as follows:

 

    November 30,
2002


  November 29,
2003


    (£ thousands)

In one year or less, or on demand

  78,312   79,980

In more than one year but not more than two

  1,255   1,086

In more than two years, but no more than three

  127   101

In more than three years, but no more than four

  127   101

In more than four years, but not more than five

  126   138,363

In more than five years

  148,087   907
   
 
    228,034   220,538
   
 

 

F -20-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

20. Financial Risk Management (continued)

 

Borrowing facilities

 

The Group has certain borrowing facilities available to it for general working capital requirements, none of which were drawn at November 29, 2003 (2002 - nil). Expiration of these facilities is as follows:

 

     November 30,
2002


   November 29,
2003


     (£ thousands)

In one year or less

   20,000    20,000
    
  

 

Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities

 

Set out below is a comparison by category of book values and fair values of all the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities:

 

     At November 30, 2002

    At November 29, 2003

 
     Book Value

    Fair Value

    Book value

    Fair value

 
     (£ thousands)  

Primary financial instruments

                        

Financial liabilities

                        

Short-term creditors

   (77,607 )   (77,607 )   (79,419 )   (79,419 )

Long-term borrowings

   (146,949 )   (146,459 )   (138,263 )   (141,863 )

Long-term creditors

   (767 )   (767 )   (697 )   (697 )

Provisions

   (2,711 )   (2,711 )   (2,159 )   (2,159 )
    

 

 

 

     (228,034 )   (227,544 )   (220,538 )   (224,138 )
    

 

 

 

Financial assets

                        

Currency Options

   2,780     2,780     177     177  

Short-term debtors

   13,413     13,413     17,815     17,815  

Long-term debtors

   2,500     2,500     1,250     1,250  

Cash and short-term deposits

   21,410     21,410     25,625     25,625  
    

 

 

 

     40,103     40,103     44,867     44,867  
    

 

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments held to hedge currency exposure

 

     At November 30, 2002

   At November 29, 2003

     Book Value

   Fair Value

   Book value

   Fair value

     (£ thousands)

Forward foreign currency contracts

   —      199    —      —  

 

Market values have been used to determine the fair value of the forward foreign currency contracts, the $145,297,000 11% Senior Notes, the £53,300,000 12.25% Senior Subordinated Notes and the currency options. For all other instruments, any differences between fair value and book value are not considered to be material.

 

F -21-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

20. Financial Risk Management (continued)

 

Hedges

 

Unrecognised gains and losses on financial instruments used for hedging are as follows:

 

     Gains

   Losses

   Total

     (£ thousands)

As at November 30, 2002

              

Gains and losses unrecognised at November 30, 2002

   199    —      199
    
  
  

Gains and losses expected to be recognised in the profit and loss account in the period to November 29, 2003

   199    —      199
    
  
  

Gains and losses included in the profit and loss account that arose in previous periods

   2,083    —      2,083
    
  
  

 

There were no unrecognised gains or losses on financial instruments used for hedging as at November 29, 2003.

 

There has been a recognised loss of £109,000 during Fiscal 2003 relating to the financial instruments held at November 30, 2002.

 

21. Provisions for Liabilities and Charges

 

     Dilapidations

   

Onerous

Contracts


    Other

    Total

 
     (£ thousands)  

At November 26, 2000

   1,277     3,202     9     4,488  

Released during the period

   (21 )   (124 )   —       (145 )

Unwinding of discount included in provisions

   8     101     —       109  

Utilised during the period

   (231 )   (1,052 )   (5 )   (1,288 )
    

 

 

 

At November 24, 2001

   1,033     2,127     4     3,164  

Charged/(released) during the period

   3     (16 )   —       (13 )

Unwinding of discount included in provisions

   9     20     —       29  

Utilised during the period

   (248 )   (217 )   (4 )   (469 )
    

 

 

 

At November 30, 2002

   797     1,914     —       2,711  

Charged/(released) during the period

   236     (214 )   —       22  

Unwinding of discount included in provisions

   6     25     —       31  

Utilised during the period

   (327 )   (278 )   —       (605 )
    

 

 

 

At November 29, 2003

   712     1,447     —       2,159  
    

 

 

 

 

Onerous contracts

 

A provision is recognised for the rent due less estimated rent receivable until the anticipated disposal of a vacant property. In addition, provision has been made for excess rent over market rent on leasehold properties as part of fair value assessments made on acquisition. It is expected that most of these costs will be incurred during the next five years.

 

Dilapidations

 

A provision is recognised for the expected cost of dilapidation that has occurred in respect of leasehold properties. It is expected that most of these costs will be incurred during the next five years.

 

 

F -22-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

22. Other Financial Commitments

 

     November 30,
2002


   November 29,
2003


     (£ thousands)

Capital commitments

         

Contracted but not provided for

   72    821
    
  

Annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases

         

Land and buildings leases expiring:

         

Within one year

   543    952

Between two and five years

   7,126    7,481

After more than five years

   15,086    14,768
    
  
     22,755    23,201

Other leases expiring:

         

Between two and five years

   —      116
    
  
     22,755    23,317
    
  

 

The aggregate payments, for which there are commitments under operating leases fall due as follows:

 

     November 29, 2003

     Land and
Buildings


   Other

     (£ thousands)

Within one year

   23,201    116

Between one and two years

   21,513    116

Between two and three years

   19,572    58

Between three and four years

   17,626    —  

Between four and five years

   15,920    —  

After five years

   91,009    —  
    
  
     188,841    290
    
  

 

23. Cash Flow Statements

 

    

52 weeks

ended

November 24,

2001


   

53 weeks

ended

November 30,

2002


   

52 weeks

ended

November 29,

2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt

                  

(Decrease)/increase in cash in the period

   (8,983 )   1,231     2,953  

Increase/(decrease) in short-term deposits

   82,637     (83,394 )   1,262  

Repayment of loans

   30,192     51,773     —    

Repayment of lease financing

   103     3     —    
    

 

 

Change in net debt resulting from cash flows

   103,949     (30,387 )   4,215  

Change in net debt resulting from exchange movement

   887     10,678     8,686  

Movement in un-amortised finance costs

   (1,417 )   (1,545 )   (456 )
    

 

 

Movement in net debt in the period

   103,419     (21,254 )   12,445  

Net debt at the beginning of the period

   (205,225 )   (101,806 )   (123,060 )
    

 

 

Net debt at the end of the period

   (101,806 )   (123,060 )   (110,615 )
    

 

 

Comprising:

                  

Cash at bank and in hand

   103,573     21,410     25,625  

Loans due after one year

   (187,052 )   (137,111 )   (137,567 )

Exchange differences arising on retranslation of Senior Notes

   (18,037 )   (7,359 )   1,327  

Loans due within one year

   (287 )   —       —    

Finance leases

   (3 )   —       —    
    

 

 

     (101,806 )   (123,060 )   (110,615 )
    

 

 

 

F -23-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

23. Cash Flow Statements (continued)

 

    

52 weeks

ended

November 24,

2001


   

53 weeks

ended

November 30,

2002


   

52 weeks

ended

November 29,

2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities

                  

Operating profit

   23,514     17,508     18,651  

Depreciation and amortisation charge

   12,319     10,730     10,534  

Decrease in provisions

   (1,433 )   (482 )   (583 )

Decrease in inventories

   1,161     555     543  

Decrease/(increase) in debtors

   (429 )   1,149     (7,621 )

(Decrease)/increase in creditors

   (6,973 )   (9,843 )   3,446  
    

 

 

Net cash inflow from operating activities

   28,159     19,617     24,970  
    

 

 

Analysis of changes in loan financing during the period

                  

At the beginning of the period

   235,038     205,376     144,470  

Redemption of Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes

   —       (21,486 )   —    

Repayment of loans

   (30,192 )   (30,287 )   —    

Movement in exchange differences

   (887 )   (10,678 )   (8,686 )

Movement in un-amortised finance costs

   1,417     1,545     456  
    

 

 

At the end of the period

   205,376     144,470     136,240  
    

 

 

Analysis of changes in finance leases during the period

                  

At the beginning of the period

   106     3     —    

Capital element of finance lease rental payments

   (103 )   (3 )   —    
    

 

 

At the end of the period

   3     —       —    
    

 

 

 

24. Pension Commitments

 

The Group continues to account for pensions in accordance with SSAP 24.

 

The Group operates two defined benefit pension schemes in the United Kingdom, the TM Group Pension Scheme and the TM Pension Plan. Full actuarial valuations of the schemes are carried out in accordance with legislative requirements. The last full valuations of the schemes were carried out at March 31, 2002 (TM Group Pension Scheme) and April 30, 2002 (TM Pension Plan).

 

The contributions to the schemes during the year were determined with the advice of independent qualified actuaries on the basis of triennial valuations using the projected unit method. The principal assumptions made for the last full SSAP 24 valuations for the purpose of determining pension costs are:

 

    

TM Group

Pension Scheme


 

TM Pension

Plan


Rate of return on investments

        

Before retirement

   7.7%   7.7%

In retirement

   7.7%   7.7%

Rate of salary increases

   3.8%   3.7%

Rate of pension increases

   2.7%   2.6%

Date of latest valuation

   March 31, 2002   April 30, 2002

Market value of schemes’ assets at latest valuation

   £54.9m   £24.3m

 

F -24-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

24. Pension Commitments (continued)

 

Using the above assumptions, the actuarial value of the schemes’ assets at the last full valuation date represented the following percentages of the benefits for each scheme that had accrued to the members based on service to that date allowing for assumed future salary increases:

 

    

TM Group Pension

Scheme


  

TM Pension

Plan


     %    %

Percentage of benefits

   108    95

 

Additional contributions will continue to be made in order to reduce the deficiency in the TM Pension Plan, following the last full valuation in April 2002.

 

Movements in the Group pension asset throughout the period may be summarised as follows:

 

    

November 30,

2002


   

November 29,

2003


 
     £000     £000  

Balance at the beginning of the period

   1,391     1,753  

Funding

   1,181     4,500  

Charged during the period

   (819 )   (641 )
    

 

Balance at the end of the period

   1,753     5,612  
    

 

 

The agreed contribution level for future years, following the latest actuarial valuation of the schemes, is £3,000,000 increasing annually by price inflation. At the next actuarial valuation, the contribution level will be reassessed.

 

Both schemes are closed to new entrants.

 

Under the transitional rules of FRS 17 – Retirement Benefits – certain additional disclosures are required in the financial statements, which are set out below. The disclosures are based upon the last full valuations of the schemes, which were carried out at March 31, 2002 (TM Group Pension Scheme) and April 30, 2002 (TM Pension Plan) and have been updated to November 29, 2003 by qualified independent actuaries, using revised assumptions that are consistent with the requirements of FRS 17.

 

Main financial assumptions:

 

     November 30, 2002

   November 29, 2003

    

TM Group

Pension

Scheme


  

TM Pension

Plan


  

TM Group

Pension

Scheme


  

TM Pension

Plan


     %pa    %pa    %pa    %pa

Inflation

   2.3    2.3    2.8    2.8

Rate of general long-term increase in salaries

   3.3    3.3    3.8    3.8

Rate of increase to pensions in payment

                   

Post April 5, 1997

   2.3    2.3    2.8    2.7

Pre April 6, 1997

   0.0    2.3    0.0    2.7

Discount rate of scheme liabilities

   5.7    5.7    5.6    5.6

 

F -25-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

24. Pension Commitments (continued)

 

Expected return on assets:

 

    

Long Term rate of return

expected at


  

Value at

November 30, 2002


   

Value at

November 29, 2003


 
     November 30,
2002


   November 29,
2003


   TM Group
Pension
Scheme


    TM Pension
Plan


    TM Group
Pension
Scheme


    TM Pension
Plan


 
     (% pa)    (£ millions)  

Equities

   7.7    8.0    42.1     14.5     40.6     16.4  

Property

   6.7    7.0    —       —       2.7     —    

Government bonds

   4.7    5.0    7.8     6.4     1.7     6.8  

Corporate bonds

   5.2    5.5    —       —       2.3     —    

Other

   4.2    4.5    0.9     —       0.5     —    
              

 

 

 

Total market value of assets

             50.8     20.9     47.8     23.2  

Present value of scheme liabilities

             (62.4 )   (28.9 )   (58.5 )   (31.5 )
              

 

 

 

Deficit in scheme

             (11.6 )   (8.0 )   (10.7 )   (8.3 )

Related deferred tax asset

             3.5     2.4     3.2     2.5  
              

 

 

 

Net pension liability

             (8.1 )   (5.6 )   (7.5 )   (5.8 )
              

 

 

 

 

The following amounts would have been charged/(credited) to operating profit as follows:

 

    

53 weeks ended

November 30, 2002


  

52 weeks ended

November 29, 2003


    

TM Group

Pension

Scheme


  

TM Pension

Plan


  

TM Group

Pension

Scheme


   

TM Pension

Plan


     (£ millions)

Current service cost

   1.0    0.5    0.8     0.4

Settlement profit

   —      —      (1.8 )   —  
    
  
  

 

Total operating charge/(income)

   1.0    0.5    (1.0 )   0.4
    
  
  

 

 

The following amounts would have been credited/(charged) to other finance income as follows:

 

    

53 weeks ended

November 30, 2002


   

52 weeks ended

November 29, 2003


 
    

TM Group

Pension

Scheme


   

TM Pension

Plan


   

TM Group

Pension

Scheme


   

TM Pension

Plan


 
     (£ millions)  

Expected return on pension scheme assets

   4.3     1.6     3.6     1.4  

Interest on pension scheme liabilities

   (4.0 )   (1.6 )   (3.4 )   (1.6 )
    

 

 

 

Total other finance income/(charge)

   0.3     —       0.2     (0.2 )
    

 

 

 

 

The following amounts would have been recognised in the statement of total recognised gains and losses as follows:

 

    

53 weeks ended

November 30, 2002


   

52 weeks ended

November 29, 2003


 
    

TM Group

Pension

Scheme


   

TM Pension

Plan


   

TM Group

Pension

Scheme


   

TM Pension

Plan


 
     (£ millions)  

Actual return less expected return on pension scheme assets

   (12.0 )   (4.3 )   (0.1 )   0.6  

Experience gains and losses arising on the present value of scheme liabilities

   3.7     1.1     (0.4 )   0.3  

Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of scheme liabilities

   5.8     0.6     (2.8 )   (2.1 )
    

 

 

 

Actuarial loss recognised in the statement of total recognised gains and losses

   (2.5 )   (2.6 )   (3.3 )   (1.2 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

F -26-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

24. Pension Commitments (continued)

 

Analysis of movement in deficit during the period:

 

   

53 weeks ended

November 30, 2002


   

52 weeks ended

November 29, 2003


 
   

TM Group

Pension

Scheme


   

TM Pension

Plan


   

TM Group

Pension

Scheme


   

TM Pension

Plan


 
    (£ millions)  

Opening balance

  (9.1 )   (5.4 )   (11.6 )   (8.0 )

Total operating (charge)/income

  (1.0 )   (0.5 )   1.0     (0.4 )

Total other finance income/(charge)

  0.3     —       0.2     (0.2 )

Actuarial loss

  (2.5 )   (2.6 )   (3.3 )   (1.2 )

Contributions

  0.7     0.5     3.0     1.5  
   

 

 

 

Closing balance

  (11.6 )   (8.0 )   (10.7 )   (8.3 )
   

 

 

 

 

History of experience gains and losses:

 

    

53 weeks ended

November 30, 2002


   

52 weeks ended

November 29, 2003


 
    

TM Group

Pension

Scheme


   

TM Pension

Plan


   

TM Group

Pension

Scheme


   

TM Pension

Plan


 

Difference between expected and actual return on pension scheme assets

                        

Amount (£ millions)

   (12.0 )   (4.3 )   (0.1 )   0.6  

Percentage of scheme assets

   23.6 %   20.6 %   0.2 %   2.6 %

Experience gains and losses arising on the present value of scheme liabilities

                        

Amount (£ millions)

   3.7     1.1     (0.4 )   0.3  

Percentage of the present value of scheme liabilities

   5.9 %   3.8 %   0.7 %   1.0 %

Total actuarial loss recognised in statement of total recognised gains and losses

                        

Amount (£ millions)

   (2.5 )   (2.6 )   (3.3 )   (1.2 )

Percentage of the present value of scheme liabilities

   4.0 %   9.0 %   5.7 %   3.8 %

 

Reconciliation of net liabilities and reserves under FRS 17:

 

    

November 30,

2002


   

November 29,

2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Net liabilities as stated in balance sheet

   (89,635 )   (81,191 )

SSAP 24 balance after deferred taxation

   (1,227 )   (3,928 )

FRS 17 balance after deferred taxation

   (13,700 )   (13,300 )
    

 

Net liabilities as adjusted for FRS 17

   (104,562 )   (98,419 )
    

 

Profit and loss reserve as stated in balance sheet

   (50,482 )   (42,038 )

SSAP 24 balance after deferred taxation

   (1,227 )   (3,928 )

FRS 17 balance after deferred taxation

   (13,700 )   (13,300 )
    

 

Profit and loss reserve as adjusted for FRS 17

   (65,409 )   (59,266 )
    

 

 

25. Related Party Transactions

 

There were no related party transactions during Fiscal 2003. In Fiscal 2002, the holding company, Thistledove Limited, redeemed the whole of the Unsecured 7% Loan Notes 2008. J Lancaster and A R Cox, directors of TM Group Holdings PLC, received £148,896 and £74,449 respectively during that period in respect of this transaction.

 

26. Contingent Liabilities

 

The Group did not have any material contingent liabilities at November 29, 2003. Certain subsidiaries of the Company have assigned UK property leases in the normal course of business. Should the assignees fail to fulfil any obligations in respect of these leases, members of the Group may be liable for those defaults. The number of such claims arising to date has been small, and the liability, which is charged to the profit and loss as it arises, has not been material.

 

F -27-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

27. Companies Act 1985

 

These financial statements do not comprise the Group’s “statutory accounts” within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985 of Great Britain. Statutory accounts for the 52 weeks ended November 24, 2001 and for the 53 weeks ended November 30, 2002, have been, and statutory accounts for the 52 weeks ended November 29, 2003 will be, delivered to the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales. The auditors’ reports on such accounts were unqualified.

 

28. New Accounting Standards

 

FRS 17, ‘Retirement Benefits’, issued in November 2000, is fully effective for accounting periods starting on or after January 1, 2005. Certain of the disclosure requirements are, however, effective for periods prior to the January 2005 deadline and those required are given in Note 24 to the Financial Statements. The standard requires that financial statements reflect at fair values the assets and liabilities arising from an employer’s retirement benefit obligations and related funding. The operating costs of providing retirement benefits are recognised in the period in which they are earned together with any related finance costs and changes in the value of the related assets and liabilities. Had FRS 17 been implemented at November 29, 2003, the Group would have reported a pension liability net of deferred taxation of £13.3 million, which compares with the pension asset net of deferred taxation of £3.9 million recorded in the Financial Statements under the existing rules. The impact of FRS 17 on profit and loss reserves would have been to reduce those reserves by £17.2 million.

 

29. Differences between United Kingdom and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

 

The Group’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom (“UK GAAP”), which differ from US generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”). The significant differences as they apply to the Group are described below.

 

Pension costs

 

Under UK GAAP, the Group provides for the cost of retirement benefits based upon consistent percentages of employees’ pensionable pay as recommended by independent qualified actuaries. US GAAP require that projected benefit obligation (pension liability) be matched against the fair value of the plan’s assets and be adjusted to reflect any unrecognised obligation or asset in determining the pension cost or credit for the year. In addition, under US GAAP where the value of plan assets is below the value of the liabilities valued on an accumulated benefit obligation basis, the deficit on this basis would be recognised immediately through other comprehensive income or as an intangible asset, to the extent of any unrecognised prior service cost.

 

Deferred debt issue costs

 

Under UK GAAP, costs of issuing debt finance are presented as a deduction from the carrying amount of debt finance to which they relate. Under US GAAP these deferred issue costs would be included in non-current assets.

 

Purchase accounting

 

Under US GAAP, the restructuring provisions, primarily consisting of redundancy and store closure costs, made at the time of the MBO would not have been permitted as they did not meet the criteria for recognition set forth in EITF 95-3. These amounts would have been expensed as incurred. The goodwill arising under US GAAP on the MBO would have been reduced accordingly.

 

In addition, under US GAAP the goodwill arising would have been reduced to the extent the asset arising with respect to pension costs at the date of acquisition under US GAAP was higher than that arising under UK GAAP.

 

F -28-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

29. Differences between United Kingdom and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (continued)

 

Discontinued operations

 

The operations of Mayfair and Vendepac have been treated as discontinued under both UK GAAP and US GAAP. However, unlike under UK GAAP, the result of discontinued operations is reported under US GAAP as one line, being net income for the period together with the profit on disposal of those operations.

 

Goodwill

 

Under UK GAAP, goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to November 28, 1998 was set off directly against reserves. Goodwill arising on acquisitions since November 28, 1998 is capitalised, classified as an asset on the balance sheet and amortised on a straight-line basis over its useful economic life up to a presumed maximum of 20 years. It is reviewed for impairment at the end of the first full financial year following the acquisition and in other periods if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If a subsidiary or business is subsequently sold or closed, any goodwill arising on acquisition that was written off directly to reserves or that has not been amortised through the profit and loss account is reviewed for impairment and if such goodwill is not considered to be attached to the continuing business it is taken into account in determining the profit or loss on sale or closure.

 

Under US GAAP, goodwill purchased prior to 2002 would have been capitalised and amortised over its estimated useful life not exceeding 40 years. The Group has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 142 (“SFAS 142”) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for the period ended November 29, 2003. SFAS 142 requires that goodwill is not amortised, but is tested at least annually for impairment. The Group has performed the review at the start of the financial period (December 1, 2002) and at the end of Fiscal 2003. No impairment has resulted from these tests.

 

Under US GAAP, the benefit of acquired tax losses not previously recognised at the date of acquisition is credited as an adjustment to goodwill rather than taken to the profit and loss account as a reduction of the tax charge.

 

Provisions

 

Under UK GAAP, provisions are discounted where the effect of the time value of money is material. Under US GAAP a provision should only be discounted where the aggregate amount of the liability and the timing of future cash payments are fixed or reliably determinable. On this basis, the discounting of provisions relating to dilapidations is not permitted under US GAAP.

 

Accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities

 

The Group adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended from November 26, 2000. This Statement requires that all derivatives be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value of these derivatives would be accounted for based on the use of the derivative and whether the instrument qualified for hedge accounting, as defined under the Statement.

 

Changes in the fair value of derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, to the extent that they are effective as hedges, are recorded in other comprehensive income net of deferred taxes. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not qualifying as hedges are reported in net income, consistent with the treatment under UK GAAP.

 

F -29-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

29. Differences between United Kingdom and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (continued)

 

The adoption of this Statement resulted in the Group recording, with effect from November 26, 2000, a cumulative net transition adjustment gain of £2,650,000, net of tax, in cumulative other comprehensive income and an increase in current assets to record the fair value of the forward foreign currency contracts and interest rate swaps of the same amount. During the period ended November 29, 2003, the Group recognised a net loss of £139,000, net of tax, in other comprehensive income in respect of these changes. These cash flow hedges qualify for hedge accounting. The currency options held by the Group are not considered to be effective hedges and do not qualify for hedge accounting. Changes in their market value have therefore been taken to the income statement consistent with the treatment under UK GAAP.

 

Profit on sale of businesses and fixed assets

 

Certain exceptional items are shown on the face of the profit and loss account after operating profit. These items are gains on the sale of businesses and fixed assets. Under US GAAP these items, to the extent recognised, are included within operating profit or other income. Under UK GAAP, gains arising from property sale and operating leaseback transactions are recognised in the period of the transaction. Under US GAAP, such gains are recognised in proportion to the gross rental charged over the lease term.

 

The following is a summary of the significant adjustments to profit for the year and shareholder’s funds which would be required if US GAAP were to be applied instead of UK GAAP.

 

Profit for the period

 

     52 weeks
ended
November 24,
2001


   

Restated(i)

53 weeks

ended
November 30,
2002


   

Restated(i)

52 weeks

ended
November 29,
2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Profit for the period as reported in the consolidated profit and loss account under UK GAAP

   56,279     744     8,444  

Adjustments

                  

Pension costs

   (1,729 )   (1,862 )   (6,403 )

Amortisation of goodwill

   (5,202 )   (4,210 )   398  

Profit on property sale and operating leaseback transactions

   —       (481 )   (2,494 )

Goodwill in respect of disposals

   12,945     66     —    

Dilapidations provisions

   900     31     8  

Deferred taxation on adjustments

   249     549     1,919  
    

 

 

Net income/(loss) for the period as adjusted to accord with US GAAP

   63,442     (5,163 )   1,872  
    

 

 

Comprising:                   

Net income/(loss) for the period as adjusted to accord with US GAAP, as previously reported

   63,442     (4,682 )   4,366  

Restatement relating to deferral of gains on property sale and operating leaseback transactions (i)

   —       (481 )   (2,494 )
    

 

 

Net income/(loss) for the period as adjusted to accord with US GAAP, as restated

   63,442     (5,163 )   1,872  
    

 

 


(i) The restatement relates to the treatment under US GAAP of gains arising from property sale and operating leaseback transactions. Under US GAAP, such gains are recognised in proportion to the gross rental charged over the lease term. Under UK GAAP, gains arising from property sale and operating leaseback transactions are recognised in the period of the transaction. Previously, the Company accounted for gains arising from property sale and operating leaseback transactions under US GAAP using the same method as under UK GAAP. The effect of the restatement on the Company’s US GAAP financial statements is to decrease gains on property sale and operating leaseback transactions and thus increase net loss or decrease net income.

 

F -30-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

29. Differences between United Kingdom and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (continued)

 

Comprehensive income

 

Comprehensive income under US GAAP is as follows:

 

     52 weeks
ended
November 24,
2001


   

Restated(i)

53 weeks
ended
November 30,
2002


   

Restated(i)

52 weeks
ended
November 29,
2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Net income/(loss) for the period as adjusted to accord with US GAAP

   63,442     (5,163 )   1,872  

Other comprehensive income:

                  

Pension (costs)/credit net of tax at 30%

   —       (25,257 )   2,052  

Change in fair value of derivatives net of tax at 30%

   (820 )   (1,691 )   (139 )

Cumulative effect on prior periods of adoption of FAS 133 net of tax at 30%

   2,650     —       —    
    

 

 

     1,830     (26,948 )   1,913  
    

 

 

Comprehensive income/(loss)

   65,272     (32,111 )   3,785  
    

 

 

 

Movements in other comprehensive income amounts (net of related tax) are as follows:

 

     52 weeks
ended
November 24,
2001


    53 weeks
ended
November 30,
2002


    52 weeks
ended
November 29,
2003


 
Movement in Fair Value of Derivatives    (£ thousands)  

At beginning of period

   —       1,830     139  

Effect on adoption of FAS 133

   2,650     —       —    

Losses during the period

   (820 )   (1,691 )   (139 )
    

 

 

At end of period

   1,830     139     —    
    

 

 

Minimum pension accrual

                  

At beginning of period

   —       —       (25,257 )

Movement in the period

   —       (25,257 )   2,052  
    

 

 

At end of period

   —       (25,257 )   (23,205 )
    

 

 

Total

                  

At beginning of period

   —       1,830     (25,118 )

Effect on adoption of FAS133

   2,650     —       —    

Movement in the period

   (820 )   (26,948 )   1,913  
    

 

 

At end of period

   1,830     (25,118 )   (23,205 )
    

 

 

 

F -31-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

29. Differences between United Kingdom and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (continued)

 

Shareholder’s funds

 

     Restated(i)
November 30,
2002


   

Restated(i)

November 29,
2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Shareholder’s funds (deficit) as reported in the consolidated balance sheet under UK GAAP

   (89,635 )   (81,191 )
    

 

Adjustments

            

Intangible fixed assets — goodwill Cost

   85,585     65,205  

Accumulated amortisation

   (19,778 )   1,000  
    

 

Net

   65,807     66,205  
    

 

Other intangible asset – pensions

   211     120  

Current assets - derivatives

   199     —    

Debtors due after more than one year:

            

Deferred issue costs

   2,479     2,023  

Pension accrual

   (20,827 )   (24,207 )

Dilapidations provisions

   (69 )   (61 )

Current liabilities:

            

Deferred gains on property sale and operating leaseback transactions

   (36 )   (202 )

Deferred taxation

            

On adjustments

   6,145     7,244  

Creditors due after more than one year:

            

Deferred issue costs

   (2,479 )   (2,023 )

Deferred gains on property sale and operating leaseback transactions

   (445 )   (2,773 )
    

 

Shareholder’s equity (deficit) as adjusted to accord with US GAAP

   (38,650 )   (34,865 )
    

 

Comprising:

            

Shareholder’s equity (deficit) as adjusted to accord with US GAAP, as previously reported

   (38,169 )   (31,890 )

Restatement relating to deferral of gains on property sale and leaseback transactions

   (481 )   (2,975 )
    

 

Shareholder’s equity (deficit) as adjusted to accord with US GAAP, as restated

   (38,650 )   (34,865 )
    

 


(i) The restatement relates to the treatment under US GAAP of gains arising from property sale and operating leaseback transactions. Under US GAAP, such gains are recognised in proportion to the gross rental charged over the lease term. Under UK GAAP, gains arising from property sale and operating leaseback transactions are recognised in the period of the transaction. Previously, the Company accounted for gains arising from property sale and operating leaseback transactions under US GAAP using the same method as under UK GAAP. The effect of the restatement on the Company’s US GAAP financial statements is to decrease gains on property sale and operating leaseback transactions and thus decrease shareholder’s equity (increase shareholder’s deficit).

 

Reconciliation of movement in Shareholder’s funds under US GAAP

 

    

Restated(i)

November 29,

2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Shareholder’s equity (deficit) as adjusted to accord with US GAAP at beginning of the period

   (38,650 )

Income for the period available for equity shareholders as adjusted to accord with US GAAP

   1,872  

Movement in other comprehensive income during period

   1,913  
    

Shareholder’s equity (deficit) as adjusted to accord with US GAAP at end of the period

   (34,865 )
    

 

F -32-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

29. Differences between United Kingdom and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (continued)

 

Consolidated statement of cash flows

 

The consolidated statements of cash flows prepared under UK GAAP present substantially the same information as those required under US GAAP but they differ, however, with regard to classification of items within the statements and as regards the definition of cash under UK GAAP and cash and cash equivalents under US GAAP.

 

Under US GAAP, cash and cash equivalents include short-term highly liquid investments but do not include bank overdrafts. Under UK GAAP, cash flows are presented separately for operating activities, returns on investments and servicing of finance, taxation and capital expenditure and financial investment, acquisitions, equity dividends and management of liquid resources and financing. US GAAP, however, require only three categories of cash flow activity to be reported: operating, investing and financing. Cash flows from taxation and returns on investments and servicing of finance shown under UK GAAP would, with the exception of dividends paid to minority shareholders, be included as operating activities under US GAAP. The payment of dividends would be included as a financing activity under US GAAP. Under US GAAP capital expenditure and financial investment and acquisitions are reported within investing activities.

 

The categories of cash flow activity under US GAAP can be summarised as follows:

 

   

52 weeks

ended
November 24,
2001


   

53 weeks

ended
November 30,
2002


   

52 weeks

ended
November 29,
2003


 
    (£ thousands)  

Cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

  6,775     (4,881 )   9,040  

Cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities

  97,174     (3,056 )   (3,373 )

Cash outflow from financing activities

  (30,295 )   (74,226 )   (1,452 )
   

 

 

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  73,654     (82,163 )   4,215  

Cash and cash equivalents at: beginning of the period

  29,919     103,573     21,410  
   

 

 

end of the period

  103,573     21,410     25,625  
   

 

 

Additional information required by US GAAP in respect of the Group’s pension plans                  
The pension cost for these plans computed in accordance with the requirements of US GAAP comprises:                  
    52 weeks
ended
November 24,
2001


    53 weeks
ended
November 30,
2002


    52 weeks
ended
November 29,
2003


 
    (£ thousands)  

Service cost

  2,425     1,641     1,672  

Interest cost

  4,786     4,599     5,462  

Actual return on plan assets

  (6,720 )   (5,539 )   (4,764 )

Net amortisation and deferral

  18     1,395     3,791  

Effect of settlement

  (4 )   585     883  
   

 

 

Net periodic pension cost

  505     2,681     7,044  
   

 

 

The major assumptions used in computing the pension cost were:                  
   

November 24,

2001


    November 30,
2002


    November 29,
2003


 

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

  6.50 %   6.70 %   6.60 %

Discount rate

  5.50 %   5.70 %   5.60 %

Expected long-term rate of earnings increases

  4.25 %   4.25 %   4.75 %

 

 

F -33-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

29. Differences between United Kingdom and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (continued)

 

The funding of the Group’s plans is as follows:

 

    

November 30,

2002


    November 29,
2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Accumulated benefit obligation (all vested)

   90,748     89,414  
    

 

Fair value of plan assets

   71,674     70,819  

Projected benefit obligation

   (98,029 )   (97,475 )
    

 

Plan assets in deficit of projected benefit obligation

   (26,355 )   (26,656 )

Unrecognised prior service cost

   211     120  

Unrecognised net loss

   43,978     41,696  
    

 

Prepaid pension cost

   17,834     15,160  
    

 

 

The assets of these plans principally comprise United Kingdom and other listed equities, property investments, bank deposits and UK Government index-linked stocks.

 

Reconciliation of plans’ projected benefit obligations is as follows:

 

     53 weeks ended
November 30,
2002


    52 weeks ended
November 29,
2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period

   85,412     98,029  

Disposals

   1,036     (6,891 )

Service cost

   1,641     1,672  

Interest cost

   4,599     5,462  

Plan participant contributions

   415     350  

Actuarial loss

   9,545     7,029  

Benefits paid

   (4,619 )   (8,176 )
    

 

Projected benefit obligation at end of period

   98,029     97,475  
    

 

 

Reconciliation of change in fair value of plan assets:

 

     53 weeks ended
November 30,
2002


    52 weeks ended
November 29,
2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period

   86,149     71,674  

Disposals

   (1,231 )   (4,254 )

Actual return on plan assets

   (10,221 )   6,725  

Group contributions

   1,181     4,500  

Plan participant contributions

   415     350  

Benefits paid

   (4,619 )   (8,176 )
    

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of period

   71,674     70,819  
    

 

 

 

F -34-


Table of Contents

TM GROUP HOLDINGS PLC

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

29. Differences between United Kingdom and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (continued)

 

Additional information required by US GAAP in respect of deferred taxation

 

The analysis of the deferred taxation asset required by US GAAP is as follows:

 

    

November 30,

2002


   

November 29,

2003


 
     (£ thousands)  

Deferred taxation liabilities

      

Temporary differences

   (60 )   —    

Deficit of book value against taxation value of fixed assets

   —       (40 )
    

 

     (60 )   (40 )

Deferred taxation assets Excess of book value over taxation value of fixed assets

   962     —    

Pension accrual

   5,659     6,699  

Taxation effect of losses carried forward

   1,979     1,979  

Taxation effect of provisions

   560     645  
    

 

     9,160     9,323  

Less: Valuation allowance

   (1,979 )   (1,979 )
    

 

Net deferred tax asset

   7,121     7,304  
    

 

Of which:

            

Current

   (60 )   —    

Non-current

   7,181     7,304  
    

 

     7,121     7,304  
    

 

 

Concentrations of credit risk

 

Potential concentrations of credit risk to the Group consist principally of short-term cash investments and trade receivables.

 

At November 29, 2003 the Group did not consider there to be any significant concentration of credit risk.

 

New US accounting standards

 

FIN 46 – Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities was issued in January 2003 and subsequently revised in December 2003. It requires additional disclosures to be made in financial statements issued after January 2003 and becomes fully effective for accounting periods ending after March 15, 2004. FIN 46 requires certain third party entities to be consolidated by the Group if the equity investors in the entity do not have either a controlling financial interest or sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional financial support. Management does not believe that this standard will result in any additional entities being consolidated into the Group.

 

 

F -35-

EX-12.1 2 dex121.htm SECTION 302 CERTIFICATE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Section 302 Certificate, Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 12.1 – Section 302 Certificate, Chief Executive Officer

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, James Lancaster, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Amendment No.1 on Form 20-F/A of TM Group Holdings PLC;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this Amendment No.1 does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Amendment No.1;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Amendment No.1, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this Amendment No.1;

 

4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the company and have:

 

  a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Amendment No.1 is being prepared;

 

  b) evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this Amendment No.1 our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Amendment No.1 based on such evaluation; and

 

  c) disclosed in this Amendment No.1 any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the Amendment No.1 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarise and report financial information; and

 

  b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have, or are reasonably likely to have, a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

By:

 

/S/    JAMES LANCASTER


Name:

  James Lancaster

Title:

  Chief Executive Officer

Date:

 

January 31, 2005

EX-12.2 3 dex122.htm SECTION 302 CERTIFICATE, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Section 302 Certificate, Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 12.2 – Section 302 Certificate, Chief Financial Officer

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Jonathan Miller, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this Amendment No.1 on Form 20-F/A of TM Group Holdings PLC;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this Amendment No.1 does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Amendment No.1;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Amendment No.1, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this Amendment No.1;

 

4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the company and have:

 

  a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Amendment No.1 is being prepared;

 

  b) evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this Amendment No.1 our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Amendment No.1 based on such evaluation; and

 

  c) disclosed in this Amendment No.1 any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the Amendment No.1 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarise and report financial information; and

 

  b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have, or are reasonably likely to have, a significant role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

By:

 

/S/    JONATHAN MILLER


Name:

  Jonathan Miller

Title:

  Chief Financial Officer

Date:

 

January 31, 2005

EX-13.1 4 dex131.htm SECTION 906 CERTIFICATE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Section 906 Certificate, Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 13.1 – Section 906 Certificate, Chief Executive Officer

 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Amendment No.1 of TM Group Holdings PLC (the “Company”) on Form 20-F/A for the fiscal year ended November 29, 2003, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Amendment No.1”), I, James Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

 

(1) The Amendment No.1 fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2) The information contained in the Amendment No.1 fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

By:

 

/S/    JAMES LANCASTER


Name:

  James Lancaster

Title:

  Chief Executive Officer

Date:

 

January 31, 2005

EX-13.2 5 dex132.htm SECTION 906 CERTIFICATE, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Section 906 Certificate, Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 13.2 – Section 906 Certificate, Chief Financial Officer

 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Amendment No.1 of TM Group Holdings PLC (the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended November 29, 2003, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Amendment No.1”), I, Jonathan Miller, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

 

(3) The Amendment No.1 fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(4) The information contained in the Amendment No.1 fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

By:

 

/S/    JONATHAN MILLER


Name:

  Jonathan Miller

Title:

  Chief Financial Officer

Date:

 

January 31, 2005

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