1 ss Bondholder information pack Year end 2015 Contents Introduction Business highlights for the year ended 31 December 2015 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of financial condition and results of operations Business R&R Ice Cream plc consolidated financial information
81
Embed
Bondholder information pack Year end 2015 - R&R Ice … · 1 ss Bondholder information pack Year end 2015 Contents Introduction Business highlights for the year ended 31 December
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
1
ss
Bondholder information pack Year end 2015
Contents
Introduction
Business highlights for the year ended 31 December 2015
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of financial condition and results of operations
Business
R&R Ice Cream plc consolidated financial information
2
INTRODUCTION FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Bondholder Information Pack includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. securities laws and
the laws of certain other jurisdictions, which are based on our current expectations and projections about future events. All
statements other than statements of historical facts included in this Bondholder Information Pack including, without limitation,
statements regarding our future financial position, risks and uncertainties related to our business, strategy, capital expenditure,
projected costs and our plans and objectives for future operations, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such
as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “may,” “assume,” “plan,” “intend,” “will,” “should,” “estimate,” “risk,” and similar
expressions or the negatives of these expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based
on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those anticipated by such statements. Factors that could cause such
differences in actual results include:
our inability to address significant changes in consumer preferences;
increased price, or decreased availability, of commodities we use to produce our products;
adverse changes in general economic conditions and/or reductions in consumer spending;
our ability to accurately predict demand for our summer selling season;
inclement weather in the regions in which our ice cream is sold;
our inability to effectively compete in our highly competitive industry;
the size and sophistication of our customers;
the loss of any of our major customers;
our dependence on the value and perception of our brands;
our reliance on licences from third parties;
increased shipping prices or disrupted shipping services;
significant damage to any of our factories;
significant charges incurred due to the closing or divesting of all or a portion of a manufacturing plant or facility;
the shipment of contaminated products or lawsuits relating to product liability;
health concerns which may cause a decreased demand for our products;
the damaged image or reputation of our customers, which could adversely affect the sales of our products;
our failure to comply with existing or future government regulations;
costs and liabilities imposed by environmental regulations;
our inability to retain or attract key personnel;
detrimental fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
our inability to adequately protect our confidential information due to the absence of patent protection;
our inability to successfully integrate our recently acquired businesses;
our inability to maintain adequate infrastructure and resources to support any future gro wth;
adverse economic, social or political conditions in any of the several different countries in which we operate; and
disruptions in our information technology systems.
We disclose important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations under the
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section in this Bondholder
Information Pack. Other sections of this Bondholder Information Pack describe additional factors that could adversely affect
our business, financial condition or results of operations. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing
environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, nor can we
assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may
cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and
uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.
3
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015
Record year for R&R Ice Cream: revenues up 18.3% and EBITDA up 34.1%
- Revenues approaching €1 billion; record EBITDA performance
- Business continues to grow:
- Over 390 genuinely new and innovative products in 2015, over 100 more than in 2014;
- 2014 and 2015 NPD contributed over €150 million to revenues in 2015;
- Branded revenues up from 37% to 46% of group revenue;
- Non-European revenues now account for nearly one-quarter of the group.
- Continual operational improvements:
- In Australia, adopting a similar distribution system to the European model;
- Implemented a new IT system in Poland in Q4: Germany, Italy, South Africa and Poland are
now on the same platform.
Revenue of €991.6 million, up €153.7 million (+18.3%) for the year ended December 31, 2015
- €96.3 million attributable to growth in Peters, reflecting the first full year since acquisition;
- €32.9 million attributable to the post-acquisition trading of R&R South Africa;
- €24.5 million attributable to the European business, with particularly strong growth in our French and
Italian businesses.
Adjusted EBITDA of €187.7 million, up €47.7 million (+34.1%) for the year ended December 31, 2015
- €19.6 million attributable to growth in Peters, reflecting the first full year since acquisition;
- €2.3 million attributable to the post-acquisition trading of R&R South Africa;
- €25.8 million attributable to growth within the European business, of which:
o €5.5 million net positive effect from exchange rates used to translate results from our
businesses in the UK and Australia;
o €20.3 million of earnings growth as a result of the effect of sales growth, operational
efficiencies, the benefits of higher-margin NPD and change in mix towards branded ranges;
- Every country in the group has shown year-on-year EBITDA growth.
Strong profit growth and cash conversion
- Adjusted EBITDA margin up 2.2 percentage points year-on-year, at 18.9%;
- Rate of cash conversion maintained, up marginally from 83% to 85%.
Net debt position of €598.5 million: senior leverage of 3.2 times Adjusted EBITDA
- €108.7 million cash and cash equivalent balances;
- €56.3 million of available revolving facilities, providing liquidity for business development.
Acquired Nestlé’s South African ice cream business for a total consideration of €8.6 million
- Platform for growth in South Africa and across the African continent;
- Executing R&R strategy: to sell more, buy better, and take costs out;
- Acquired iconic Dairy Maid brand, and an exclusive licence for a number of Nestlé’s global brands;
- Progress already made in the manufacturing facilities and cost base;
- Investing for future growth in impulse and retail channels;
- Implemented R&R’s preferred IT platform in eight weeks.
Potential joint venture
- On 5 October 2015, R&R announced that the company is in discussions with Nestlé regarding a
potential joint venture in selected geographies across the world.
Notes
1. Adjusted EBITDA is presented here before parent company or investor management charges. Shown here including the post-acquisition EBITDA of R&R South Africa (€2.3 million).
2. Senior leverage excludes the €253.0 million PIK toggle notes issued by R&R PIK plc, and the hybrid loan between R&R Ice Cream plc and New R&R Ice Cream Limited.
3. Cash conversion defined as Adjusted EBITDA less Capital Expenditure, as a ratio of Adjusted EBITDA.
4
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes
thereto and other financial information included with this document. The statements in this discussion regarding
industry outlook, our expectations regarding our future performance, liquidity and capital resources and other non-
historical statements in this discussion are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are
subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in
the “Forward-Looking Statements” section of this document. Our actual results may differ materially from those
contained in or implied by any forward-looking statements.
Overview
R&R Ice Cream plc (“R&R”) is the third largest global manufacturer of ice cream products and the largest private
label manufacturer in the world. R&R is the second largest take-home ice cream manufacturer in Europe, with leading
market shares in each of the United Kingdom, German, French and Italian ice cream markets. We also have a leading
market share in Australia and South Africa following the acquisition of Peters Food Group Limited (‘Peters’) in June
2014 and the acquisition of Nestlé South Africa’s ice cream business (‘R&R South Africa’) in May 2015.
R&R offers a broad product range of branded and private label ice cream products. We primarily produce take-
home ice cream products, including ice cream tubs and multi-packs of ice cream cones, ice lollies, ice cream sticks
and ice cream desserts, and impulse products, which individuals buy on impulse for immediate consumption. Our
scale, focus on large, stable take-home markets and highly efficient manufacturing operations provide us with key
advantages over our competitors and have allowed us to continue to generate stable earnings and significant free cash
flow through various economic cycles. We believe our broad product range allows us to maintain strong sales volumes
as consumer demand shifts between branded and private label products.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, we generated Adjusted EBITDA of €187.7 million, revenue of €991.6
million and free cash flow before acquisitions and exceptional operating items of €113.4 million.
R&R operates eleven plants located in seven countries, on three continents. Eight of these plants are in the four
largest ice cream markets in Europe (the UK, Germany, France and Italy), which allows us to supply our customers
quickly and efficiently in these markets. Our manufacturing platform benefits from many years of significant capital
investment and footprint rationalisation. Our plants have also benefited from sharing and implementation of best
practices and procedures across our group in order to leverage technological expertise. We believe that our scale and
manufacturing footprint provides us with a competitive advantage over most of our competitors, which are generally
smaller and only offer regional distribution.
With the acquisition of the South African business, we now have a production footprint to serve ice cream markets
in sub-Saharan Africa. Following an acquisition, we make capital investments and implement our best practices in
order to bring such facilities in line with our group-wide standards.
We benefit from a variety of licensed and owned brands, and we have exclusive ice cream product licences with
the world’s largest food company (Nestlé), the world’s largest confectionary company (Mondelēz, formerly Kraft
Foods), and the world’s largest entertainment company (Disney). Strong private label relationships with our customers
provide us with strong opportunities to cross sell our branded products.
In the UK, we produce under licence a number of products under Nestlé’s prominent confectionary brand names,
including Smarties, KitKat, Rolo, Milky Bar and Lion Bar. We have an exclusive licence agreement with Mondelēz
to produce and sell in the UK ice cream products under the Cadbury brands that include Dairy Milk, Crunchie, Cadbury
Caramel and Marvellous Creations (which is a range of super-premium products).
Across Europe, our exclusive licence agreement with Mondelēz enables us to produce and sell ice cream products
under established brand names including Milka, Oreo, Toblerone, Philadelphia and Daim. We also have non-exclusive
access to various Disney licences such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Cars.
Through the Peters acquisition in 2014, we have, amongst others, the iconic Drumstick, Connoisseur, and Peters
Original brands in Australia. The South Africa acquisition incorporated a number of similarly iconic brands
(predominantly on an owned basis, rather than licenced) in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa, such as Dairy
Maid, Country Fresh, Tin Roof, King Cone, Jive, and KitKat.
5
Factors affecting our Business
Seasonality. Our business is seasonal, and a large percentage of our sales are generated between the months of
April and August of each year. As a result of our seasonality, our sales fluctuate from quarter to quarter, which
often affects the comparability of our results between quarterly periods. In 2015, we generated 63% of our sales
between April 1 and September 30 (2014: 70%); the extent of the seasonality was reduced due to the impact of the
contribution of the Australian business. In future we expect to generate an even smaller proportion of sales in these
months due to the counter-seasonality of our Australian and South African businesses. Sales in certain of our
markets are more seasonal than others, based on factors such as weather patterns and consumer preference.
We generally produce most of our products prior to and during our summer selling season, as it is impossible to
produce upon receipt of orders for all customers during the primary selling season. Our inventory levels typically peak
at the end of May, as we generally build our inventory with what we expect to sell in the following three to five weeks,
based on forecast sales, working closely with our customers. We generally produce in advance a higher percentage of
our branded inventory than our private label products as these are not as dependent on the satisfactory conclusion of
the annual contracts prevalent in mainland Europe. If demand levels fluctuate, we can generally increase or decrease
production to bring our stock to our desired levels within approximately three weeks. During our peak production
periods, we purchase large amounts of raw materials, hire additional workers at our facilities as temporary workers
and incur many other costs of our operations that we consider to be variable.
We finance our working capital needs through cash and cash equivalents, revolving credit borrowings and
factoring facilities. Our working capital requirements are typically higher in the first half of each year due to our
build-up of inventory for the summer selling period in Europe. As a result, our revolving credit and factoring
borrowings typically increase from January to June. In July, as we begin to generate cash from early summer season
sales of our ice cream products, we begin to repay our borrowings. In 2012, we put factoring facilities in place in
the UK and France, in 2014 in Germany and in 2015 in Australia, to supplement our Revolving Credit Facility and
cash on hand. These have subsequently been renewed as the agreements have neared expiry.
Changes in Prices of Raw Materials. Raw materials used as ingredients and for packaging account for a
significant portion of our cost of sales. The principal raw materials we use to manufacture our products are cream,
milk, whey protein, sugar, glucose, cocoa, butter, coconut oil and palm oil. Many of the raw materials we use in
our manufacturing processes are commodities and are subject to significant price volatility. Changes in the price of
oil has also had a significant impact on our results each year as it has an impact on the cost of packaging, freight
and the cost of other components that we use in our manufacturing process, such as plastic.
We continue to take actions to reduce overall materials expense and exposure to price fluctuations. We purchase
pursuant to fixed price contracts which set prices for our raw material sales for each year, or for a different fixed
period. We enter into these arrangements when we believe that we can secure favourable prices for our raw materials
for specified future periods. We fix a substantial proportion of the annual cost of our raw materials used for
ingredients and packaging through fixed-price contracts, with the proportion fixed as at December 31, 2015,
representing approximately 64% of our expected raw materials expenditure for 2016.
Dairy products represented 12% of our cost of sales in 2015. Fixed-price contracts do not generally exist for
dairy products. We have previously reduced the amount of dairy fat and increased the amount of vegetable fat in
our ice cream products in order to reduce the effects of volatility in dairy prices on our business. However,
increasing demand for premium ice cream products across all markets is now leading to an increased requirement
for dairy fats.
Weather Trends. Sales of ice cream are generally positively impacted by warm, sunny, dry weather and are
negatively impacted by cool, overcast or rainy weather. Hours of sunshine, temperature and rainfall are the three
most important weather factors during the summer selling season. Our 2015 results in the UK, in particular, were
adversely affected because of unseasonal weather; and in 2014, our results were adversely affected in Italy during
July and much of Europe during August. However, our recent acquisitions in the southern hemisphere spread our
risk related to weather trends.
The majority of our business is in take-home ice cream markets, rather than impulse markets. The only
significant parts of our business involving impulse are the “route” business in Australia (which was acquired in June
2014), and smaller elements of the business in the UK, Poland and South Africa. Trends in take-home ice cream,
such as the introduction of premium products and indulgent flavours (which frequently contain enhancements such
as pieces of confectionery or biscuits), and the resulting increase in home consumption have made ice cream sales
less dependent on warm, sunny, dry weather, as consumers increasingly purchase ice cream as part of their weekly
grocery shopping as opposed to an item purchased on impulse. This is particularly important in countries where the
summer months do not always guarantee warm, sunny or dry weather, such as the UK. Our acquisitions of Eskigel
in Italy, Peters in Australia and Nestlé’s South African ice cream business mean that we are now less dependent on
6
weather patterns in Northern Europe.
We are able to take steps to control our costs during the summer season if we expect weather trends to be
adverse. For example, a portion of our factory workforce across our enterprise is employed on a seasonal basis. We
are able to shorten the work period for our seasonal workers if our product requirements do not meet our projections.
Competition and Market Trends. The ice cream industry is highly competitive, and our products compete based
on a variety of factors, including design, quality, price, customer service and rate of innovation. Levels of
competition and the ability of our competitors to more accurately address consumer tastes, predict trends and
otherwise attract customers through competitive pricing or other factors impact our results of operations. Our
competitors’ ability to identify and encourage changes in consumer trends may impact our decision regarding what
types of ice cream to develop and sell.
Certain actions by our competitors may impact our operating results, such as changes in their pricing or
marketing or levels of promotional sales, which may cause us to take certain actions that impact our profitability,
such as reductions in our prices or increases in our marketing expenditures. Some of our competitors from time to
time reduce their prices significantly in order to enhance their brand recognition. In addition, during more difficult
economic conditions the level and frequency of promotional activity required to stimulate sales is typically greater
than in less difficult economic conditions. The levels at which we are able to price our products are influenced by a
variety of factors, including the quality of the product, cost of production for those products, prices at which our
competitors are selling similar items, price points of products and willingness of our customers to pay for higher
priced items. These factors may limit our ability to respond to such price changes. We have also sought to enhance
our competitive position by increasing our scale, diversifying our products and enhancing and acquiring brands and
brand licences. We have also sought to address the growing trend towards premiumisation of ice cream products in
both the branded and private label markets through our new product development.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates. As a result of our operations in various countries, we generate a significant
portion of our sales and incur a significant portion of our expenses in currencies other than the Euro, including the
British Pound, Australian Dollar, the Polish Zloty and the South African Rand. During 2015, 54% of our reported
revenue was derived from subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the Euro, largely the British Pound and
Australian Dollar. Typically, our costs and the corresponding sales are denominated in the same currency. Sometimes,
however, we are unable to match sales received in foreign currencies with costs paid in the same currency, and our
results of operations are consequently impacted by currency exchange rate fluctuations. Therefore, as and when we
determine it is appropriate and advisable to do so, we seek to mitigate the effect of exchange rate fluctuations through
the use of derivative financial instruments. These are typically less than 12 months in duration, and “vanilla” contracts
such as forward foreign exchange transactions and short-term swaps.
We present our consolidated financial statements in euro. As a result, we must translate the assets, liabilities,
revenue and expenses of all of our operations with a functional currency other than the Euro into Euro at then-
applicable exchange rates. Consequently, increases or decreases in the value of the Euro may affect the value of these
items with respect to our non-Euro businesses in our consolidated financial statements, even if their value has not
changed in their original currency. For example, a stronger Euro will negatively affect the reported results of operations
of the non- Euro businesses and conversely a weaker Euro will improve the reported results of operations of the non-
Euro businesses. These translations could significantly affect the comparability of our results between financial
periods and/or result in significant changes to the carrying value of our assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity.
We record the effects of these translations in our consolidated statement of comprehensive income and expense as
exchange differences on retranslation of foreign operations. During 2015 the Euro to British Pound exchange rate
averaged 1.3771 to 1 compared to an average of 1.2406 to 1 in 2014; and for the year ended December 31, 2015,
the Euro to Australian Dollar exchange rate averaged 0.6769 to 1 Euro, compared to an average during the period
following acquisition (July 1, 2014, to December 31, 2014) of 0.6914 to 1 Euro.
7
A summary of the EUR: GBP exchange rates during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is shown
below: 2015 2014
Average for the period 1.3771 1.2406
Opening balance sheet rate 1.2841 1.2004
Closing balance sheet rate 1.3570 1.2841
A summary of the EUR: Australia Dollar exchange rates during the year ended December 31, 2015 and the six
months ended December 31, 2014 (the period post-acquisition of the Peters business) is shown below: 2015 Six months ended
December 31, 2014
Average for the period 0.6769 0.6914
Opening balance sheet rate 0.6756 0.6926
Closing balance sheet rate 0.6693 0.6756
The results for R&R South Africa have been translated at an average rate of ZAR 14.6598 to 1 Euro for the
eight months post-acquisition (year ended December 31, 2014: not applicable), and the closing balance sheet at a
rate of ZAR 16.9324 (as at December 31, 2014: not applicable).
Acquisitions of Complementary Businesses. We continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities that may
improve our market share and product offerings, reduce costs, or allow us to enter new geographic markets. We
have completed 11 acquisitions since 2007. Following any acquisition, our results of operations will be impacted
by the results of the newly acquired business, debt incurred to acquire the business and expenditures made to
integrate the newly acquired business into our company. In general, when looking to integrate and improve a newly
acquired business, we look to several main areas, summarised as follows: to sell more, to buy better and to take
costs out of the business.
In particular, our plans for acquired businesses involves: (i) reviewing current prices and product engineering
or changing recipes to achieve acceptable margins on products sold; (ii) researching ways to enhance our purchasing
to benefit from economies of scale; (iii) reducing duplicated overhead; (iv) moving production to the most efficient
locations, subject to geography and logistics; (v) sharing knowledge and experience; (vi) creating synergies with
and benefits to the existing businesses; and (vii) improving management of working capital. Many of these
integration measures will require expenditure. When acquiring a business, we believe that the best results are
achieved by reviewing the existing business over the first year and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of that
business. During this period we look to implement the R&R management reporting and key performance indicators
to provide reliable, standardised information. Additionally, we seek to achieve certain improvements, for example,
from the purchase of ingredients at better prices, which we believe are relatively easy to attain due to our scale and
expertise. After a period of observation and understanding, we determine the extent of capital expenditure required
to improve the business, potential further synergies that we believe can be extracted, resources we believe may
enhance the business and any identifiable savings we believe can be achieved.
In June 2014, we acquired Peters. This acquisition delivered numerous benefits including a strong branded
portfolio and the benefit of counter-seasonality which aided in smoothing the Group’s cash flows and enhancing
EBITDA over the course of a financial year, although the seasons in Australia are flatter than in the rest of the
group.
In March 2015, we announced the acquisition of Nestlé’s South African ice cream business. The acquisition
closed in May 2015. The consideration paid was €8.6 million, which included separate sums for the trade and assets
of the business, and certain intellectual property (such as brand trademarks, patents and domain names).
In addition, certain acquisitions have resulted in, and future acquisitions may result in, efficiencies of scale and
therefore provide cost savings across the company. When integrating a newly acquired business, we review the key
production facilities and processes gained with that business to determine if they are duplicative of our current
facilities and production capabilities. Through this review and the resulting combination of duplicative processes,
we are often able to streamline our operations, reduce costs and recognise synergies across our operations.
Announcement of potential joint venture
On 5 October 2015, we announced that R&R is in advanced discussions with Nestlé to set up a new joint
venture covering ice cream based mainly in Europe and Africa. The proposed joint venture will capitalise on the
complementary strengths and innovation expertise of the two companies. It will combine Nestlé’s strong and
8
successful brands and experience in ‘out-of-home’ distribution with R&R’s competitive manufacturing model and
significant presence in retail. At this stage, we have no further update on the potential joint venture, and there is no
effect in these financial statements of the joint venture, aside from certain exceptional costs incurred in 2015 in
relation to the ongoing project. A further announcement will be made in due course, as appropriate.
Retailer Customer and Consumer Preferences. Our revenues are also impacted by our ability to continue to
produce ice cream that is desired by our retailer customers. Retailer customers purchase our private label ice cream
primarily based on price, quality, and ability to deliver products which meet margin targets, ability to deliver our
products on a timely basis and ability to manufacture various types of ice cream in large volumes. Our ability to
meet these demands impacts our ability to sell to new and existing private label customers. In addition, our ability
to effectively sell our branded products to our customers is driven by consumer demand for our products, as a result
of, among other things, our marketing campaigns and the taste and quality of our products.
Impact of Acquisitions
Impact of the Peters Acquisition
Impact of the Peters Acquisition. On June 30, 2014, R&R Ice Cream plc completed the purchase of Peters, one
of Australia’s oldest consumer businesses, from Pacific Equity Partners (‘PEP’) for a total consideration of A$448.1
million (€310.3 million). Peters has a significant portfolio of household name ice creams including Drumstick,
Connoisseur, Peters Original and Maxibon. Peters contributed €199.5 million of revenue and €42.1 million of
Adjusted EBITDA in the year ended December 31, 2015.
Impact of the acquisition of Nestlé South Africa’s ice cream business. In May 2015, we completed the
acquisition of Nestlé South Africa’s ice cream business. The consideration paid was €8.6 million, which included
separate sums for the trade and assets of the business, and certain intellectual property (such as brand trademarks,
patents and domain names). The trading business (known as R&R Ice Cream South Africa Pty Limited) is outside
of the restricted group for security purposes, though its direct holding company (R&R Ice Cream South Africa
Holdings Limited, registered in the UK, and owner of certain of the intellectual property related to R&R Ice Cream
South Africa’s trading business) is part of the restricted group. In the post-acquisition period, the business achieved
sales of €32.9 million and Adjusted EBITDA of €2.3 million in the eight months, post-acquisition, ended December
31, 2015.
Acquisition Accounting
We have accounted for the acquisitions of Peters and R&R Ice Cream South Africa using the acquisition method
of accounting. As a result, the purchase price for each business has been allocated to the tangible and intangible assets
acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair values as of the date of the acquisition.
The excess of the purchase price over these allocations has been assigned to goodwill, which is not amortised for
accounting purposes but is subject to testing for impairment at least annually. The allocation of the purchase price of
the assets acquired has been determined, where appropriate, by external experts. This determination of fair values has
resulted in an increase to our amortisation expense. This relates to our acquired intangible assets because we adjust the
book value of the acquired intangible assets to fair value. Under applicable accounting guidance, we are permitted to
continue to make fair value adjustments until 12 months after the acquisition date. We have evaluated the remaining
depreciable lives of the manufacturing assets to reflect the estimated useful lives for purposes of calculating periodic
depreciation, and we will continue to amortise the intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, unless the
intangible assets are determined to have indefinite lives.
The group carried out a fair value assessment relating to finished goods owned by Peters at acquisition, which
resulted in an uplift to the inventory values as at June 30, 2014, of €3.5 million. The increase to inventory value was
in accordance with accounting standards, which require inventory to be revalued based on estimated selling price, less
costs to complete and to sell, and a reasonable profit margin. During the post-acquisition period to December 31, 2014,
this adjustment resulted in a charge (non-cash) to the consolidated income statement as the inventories were sold. This
was treated as an exceptional item because of its size, one-off nature and to improve comparability of trading
performance between periods.
The group carried out a fair value assessment relating to the opening balance sheet of R&R Ice Cream South
Africa, but made no such adjustments to opening stock balances. Details of the fair value adjustments made to the
opening balance sheet on acquisition are incorporated in note 11 to the accounts.
9
Potential Acquisitions and Financing
We have completed numerous acquisitions in recent years and continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities.
We will also consider obtaining additional licensing agreements that would allow us to sell well-established brand
name products to improve our market share and product offerings.
Components of Revenue and Expenses
Revenue
We generate revenue from the sale of ice cream and related products. We generate sales under contracts with
retailers, and by individual orders through sales personnel and independent brokers. In the UK, we generally enter
into purchase orders or other contracts for sale that have a rolling thirteen-week term. In Germany and France we
generally enter into longer-term contracts, typically for twelve months. In many cases, subject to certain exceptions,
these contracts have fixed prices for products but do not provide for specific volumes to be purchased. Rather, the
terms in the contracts govern individual purchase orders to be delivered to us as required by the retailer. In our
contracts for sale of goods in Germany, certain of our prices for our goods vary based on our costs of raw materials,
allowing us to pass some of our increased costs through to consumers. In Poland, we typically enter into contracts
with distributors and retailers early in the calendar year, fixing pricing and retrospective rebate levels for the coming
summer season. In Italy, relationships with customers are regulated by framework contracts setting quality standards
and payment terms, while other metrics (such as prices, discounts, promotional campaigns and new products) are
negotiated annually. In Australia, there are generally long standing arrangements with grocery customers. These
arrangements are reviewed annually, including the range of products and fixed pricing. Volumes are not specified,
however agreed promotional and marketing activity is undertaken to drive growth with additional incentives provided
to the retailer based on achieving stepped volume growth thresholds. In South Africa, there are generally long
standing arrangements with grocery customers and with distributors. In similar arrangements to Australia, these
arrangements are reviewed annually, including the range of products and fixed pricing, though volumes are not
specified.
Revenues include sales of products less allowances, trade discounts and volume rebates. Revenue from sales
of products is recognised when the significant risks of ownership have been transferred to the buyer (which is
typically when the goods are dispatched). Our relationships with our retailer customers do not include a right of
return for unsold merchandise.
In the year ended December 31, 2015, our ten largest customers by revenue, represented 42% of our sales
(2014: 42%). Transactions with our largest customer accounted for 5.6% of our total revenue in the year ended
December 31, 2015, compared to 6.4% during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Expenses
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales includes directly attributable costs such as material, labour, energy, product-specific
research and development, maintenance and consumables. Our costs of sales are primarily variable in nature based
on the amount of products we are selling at a given time.
Our raw material costs are the primary driver of our cost of sales, accounting for approximately 63% of our
cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 64% for the year ended December 31, 2014 (for
Europe). Personnel expenses, which are salaries and wages, paid to our officers and employees, also significantly
impact our cost of sales, accounting for approximately 13% of our cost of sales for the year ended December 31,
2015 (2014: 13%, of European cost of sales). Our raw material costs and personnel expenses are expected to
continue to be key components of our operating expenses in the future.
Distribution Expenses. Distribution expenses represent the costs associated with the storage and shipping of
our products. These costs include freight, storage and other related distribution costs.
Administrative Expenses. Administrative expenses include sales and marketing but also those costs associated
with support functions, such as finance, human resources, IT, professional fees (legal and accounting) and senior
management, and also include costs relating to impairment and amortisation of intangibles.
Typically, costs of these support functions are salaries and benefits, systems costs, insurance costs and costs of
professional services. Administrative costs are relatively fixed in nature and were 12% of our sales for the year
ended December 31, 2015 compared to 11% for the year ended December 31, 2014. The change in the ratio of
administrative expenses to revenue is largely a result of the cost structure of Peters, which is primarily a branded
business and carries higher overheads servicing a large land mass in Australia. The results for the year ended
December 31, 2015, incorporate a full year of trading results (and such administrative costs), compared to only a
six month period, post-acquisition, in the year ended December 31, 2014.
10
Finance Expenses. Finance expense consists primarily of cash interest expense on financial debt, interest rate
derivative instruments, capital lease and other financing obligations in addition to non-cash interest on loans from
our shareholders.
Income Tax Expenses. Our income tax expense includes UK and non-UK income taxes and is based on pre-tax
income or loss. The effective rate is higher than the income tax rate in our countries of operation because of the non-
deductibility of interest expense on some of our existing related party debt.
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as profit/(loss) for the period before income tax (credit)
charge, net finance expenses, depreciation and amortisation, plus certain additional supplemental adjustments as
described in Note 3 to our financial statements. Adjusted EBITDA for 2013, 2014 and 2015 is stated after any
parent company or investor management charges, unless otherwise disclosed in this document. For further details
of the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA, see note 3 to our financial statements.
11
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods presented, our consolidated statements of operations data. In the
table below and throughout this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations”, our consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015
have been extracted from our audited consolidated financial statements. The information contained in the table
below should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes.
(1) The prior year cost of sales and distribution costs have been restated to reclassify €11.8 million of distribution related costs from cost
of sales to distribution expenses. There is no effect on results from operating activities.
Revenue
Revenue increased €153.7 million or 18.3% to €991.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to €837.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding FX, our revenue increased €130.3 million, or 15.6%. €96.3 million of this increase was attributable to the full year impact of Peters. R&R Ice Cream South Africa, acquired in May 2015 contributed an incremental €32.9 million to our revenues in the year ended December 31, 2015. The remaining increase is due to organic growth within the existing business.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales increased €67.1 million or 11.1% to €670.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to €603.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding FX, our cost of sales increased €58.1 million or 9.8% (excluding exceptional items), or by €50.9 million or 8.4% (including exceptional items). The increase in cost of sales is partly attributable to €55.8 million of incremental costs resulting from including the full year impact of Peters in 2015. Further, our cost of sales for 2015 includes a post-acquisition cost of sales expenses of €24.2 million in relation to R&R Ice Cream South Africa. After eliminating the effect of these two acquisitions, cost of sales reduced by €12.9 million, prior to the effect of FX. The main reason for the reduced level of cost of sales is the effect of operational efficiencies in labour, usage, distribution and energy costs and other input costs.
14
Distribution Expenses
Distribution expenses increased by €15.1 million or 23.7% to €78.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to €63.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding FX, our distribution expenses increased €13.9 million, or 21.8%. The increase is principally attributable to a €12.0 million full year effect of distribution expenses in connection with Peters in 2015 compared to six months in 2014, and to the part-year impact of the South African business in 2015, which contributed an incremental €0.2 million to our distribution expenses.
Administrative Expenses
Administrative expenses increased €22.7 million or 24.5% to €115.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to €92.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding FX, our administrative expenses increased €20.6 million, or 22.3%. As with other cost categories, the increase is principally attributable to the full year effect of €8.6 million (including exceptional items) in relation to expenses in connection with Peters in 2015 compared to six months in 2014, and to the €7.1 million part-year impact of the South African business in 2015. The remaining increase is largely due to a €7.6 million increase in the non-cash impairments and amortisation of intangible assets in 2015.
Finance Expenses
Net finance expenses decreased €21.5 million or 20.2% to €84.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to €106.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding FX, our net finance expenses decreased €21.4 million, or 20.1%. This decrease reflects the exceptional financing cost in 2014 of the group’s refinancing, offset by the negative effect of compounding interest of €2.7 million on our subordinated shareholder loans, an increase in senior secured notes interest costs of €6.7 million (being the cost of additional debt finance in the group, offset by lower interest rates after the mid-2014 refinancing), and lower net charges arising from foreign exchange and derivative instruments losses of €2.3m (non-cash items, i.e. unrealised).
Of the €84.7 million finance charges (2014: €106.1 million), €32.7 million (2014: €30.0 million) relates to non-cash interest on the subordinated shareholder loan.
Income Tax Charge
Income tax charge increased €2.8 million to a €9.4 million charge for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to a €6.6 million charge for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding FX, our income tax charge increased €2.2 million. This increase was principally due to the improvement in underlying profitability of our businesses across Europe and in Australia, the effects of one-off tax deductible costs that the group incurred in 2014 (which were not repeated in 2015) and effects of non-cash movements in deferred tax balances across the group.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA (being EBITDA after taking account of parent company and investor charges) increased €47.9 million or 34.4% to €187.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as compared to €139.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Excluding FX, our Adjusted EBITDA increased €42.2 million, or 30.3%. €19.6 million of this increase was attributable to the full year impact of Peters in 2015 and a further €2.3 million was attributable to the part year impact of R&R South Africa. €20.3 million was attributable to growth in the European business, excluding FX, due to earnings growth as a result of the effect of sales growth, operational efficiencies, the benefits of higher-margin NPD and change in mix towards branded ranges.
Overall, a significant factor in the higher gross margin, higher overhead levels and much increased Adjusted EBITDA margin year-on-year is the effect of Peters. The reason for this is that Peters is a predominantly branded business, which entails a higher level of marketing, advertising and promotional expense, together but with substantially higher gross margins than our European business. There is an additional expense of servicing a large land mass like Australia, which entails higher distribution costs, and its larger impulse business. However, the overall effect of Peters is significantly margin-accretive at gross margin and Adjusted EBITDA margin levels.
15
Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013
The table below presents consolidated statement of income data, including the amount and percentage changes
(1) The cost of sales and distribution costs for the year ending 31 December 2014 were restated in 2015, to reclassify €11.8 million of distribution related costs from cost of sales to distribution expenses. There is no effect on results from operating activities.
Revenue
Revenue increased €157.0 million or 23.1% to €837.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to €680.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Excluding FX, our revenue increased €142.5 million, or 20.9%. €103.3 million of this increase was attributable to the part-year impact of Peters. Fredericks’ sales following the acquisition on July 9, 2013, contributed an incremental €28.1 million to our revenues in the year ended December 31, 2013, although this business was hived up into the UK business in 2014, and separate trading performance data is therefore no longer available. The remaining increase is due to organic growth within the existing business.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales increased €47.1 million or 8.5% to €603.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to €556.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Excluding FX, our cost of sales increased €36.7 million, or 7.2%. The increase in cost of sales is partly attributable to €56.8 million of incremental costs resulting from including the part-year impact of Peters in 2014. Further, our cost of sales for 2014 includes a full year of the costs of Fredericks, whereas in 2013 the figures only included six months of Fredericks cost of sales following its acquisition on July 9, 2013. During 2014 we also benefited from some price efficiencies on various inputs. However, the main reason for the reduced level of cost of sales as a percentage of revenue (i.e. higher gross margin) is the effect of consolidating six months’ trading performance of the high-margin Peters business.
In 2013, we closed three factories, one in the UK, one in Germany and one in France. Together, these closures incurred costs (including impairments) of €24.4 million, accounted for within exceptional items within cost of sales in the year ended December 31, 2013.
16
Distribution Expenses
Distribution expenses increased by €20.2 million or 46.6.% to €63.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to €43.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Excluding FX, our distribution expenses increased €19.5 million, or 54.1%. The increase is principally attributable to a full year of distribution expenses in connection with Fredericks in 2014 compared to six months in 2013, and to the part-year impact of the Peters business in 2014, which contributed an incremental €7.8 million to our distribution expenses.
Administrative Expenses
Administrative expenses increased €25.6 million or 38.2% to €92.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to €66.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Excluding FX, our administrative expenses increased €24.4 million, or 36.5%. As with other cost categories, the increase is principally attributable to a full year of administrative expenses in connection with Fredericks in 2014 compared to six months in 2013, and to the part-year impact of the Peters business in 2014, which contributed an incremental €25.9 million to our administrative expenses – although after excluding the effects of Peters and FX, administrative expenses are lower year-on-year.
Finance Expenses
Net finance expenses increased €43.2 million or 68.7% to €106.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to €62.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Excluding FX, our net finance expenses increased €42.8 million, or 68.1%. This increase reflects compounding interest in the amount of €2.4 million with respect to our subordinated shareholder loans, an increase in net foreign exchange losses of €6.2m (non-cash items, i.e. unrealised), one off exceptional costs of €30.4m in relation to the refinancing of the €350 million senior secured loan notes together with additional interest costs of €8.1m from the additional debt used to support the Peters acquisition. This is all partly offset by €4.7m savings made as a result of the refinancing.
Of the €106.8 million finance charges (2013: €63.8 million), €32.7 million (2013: €29.3 million) relates to non-cash interest on the subordinated shareholder loan.
Income Tax Charge/Credit
Income tax charge increased €13.3 million to a €6.6 million charge for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to a €6.6 million credit for the year ended December 31, 2013. Excluding FX, our income tax charge increased €12.8 million. This increase was principally due to the improvement in underlying profitability of our businesses across Europe and, from mid-2014, in Australia, the effects of one-off tax deductible costs that the group incurred in 2013 (which were not repeated to the same extent in 2014) and effects of non-cash movements in deferred tax balances across the group. Prior year adjustments of €2.6 million relate to the finalisation of UK payments for group relief to intermediate parent undertakings outside of the R&R Ice Cream plc group.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA (after taking account of parent company and investor charges) increased €47.2 million or 51.3% to €139.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to €92.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Excluding FX, our Adjusted EBITDA increased €43.6 million, or 47.4%. €22.5 million of this increase was attributable to the full year impact of Peters in 2014 and a further €3.3 million was attributable to the full year impact of Fredericks. A further €2.2 million results from the organic sales growth with the remaining increase being as a result of cost savings with the significant savings being made from the closure of three factories in 2013 and input price efficiencies, especially on dairy related products and some promotional gains.
Overall, a significant factor in the higher gross margin, higher overhead levels and much increased Adjusted EBITDA margin year-on-year is the effect of Peters. The reason for this is that Peters is a predominantly branded business, which entails a higher level of marketing, advertising and promotional expense, together but with substantially higher gross margins than our European business. There is an additional expense of servicing a large land mass like Australia, which entails higher distribution costs, and its larger impulse business. However, the overall effect of Peters is significantly margin-accretive at gross margin and Adjusted EBITDA margin levels.
17
Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014
The following summarises our primary sources of cash in the periods presented:
OVERVIEWR&R Ice Cream plc (“R&R”) is the third largest global manufacturer of icecream products and the largest private label manufacturer in the world.R&R is the second largest take-home ice cream manufacturer in Europe,with leading market shares in each of the United Kingdom, German, Frenchand Italian ice cream markets. We also have a leading market share inAustralia and South Africa following the acquisition of Peters Food GroupLimited (‘Peters’) in June 2014 and the acquisition of Nestlé South Africa’sice cream business (‘R&R South Africa’) in May 2015.
R&R offers a broad product range of branded and private label ice creamproducts. We primarily produce take-home ice cream products, including icecream tubs and multipacks of ice cream cones, ice lollies, ice cream sticks andice cream desserts, and impulse products, which individuals buy on impulsefor immediate consumption. Our scale, focus on large, stable take-homemarkets and highly efficient manufacturing operations provide us with keyadvantages over our competitors and have allowed us to continue togenerate stable earnings and significant free cash flow through variouseconomic cycles. We believe our broad product range allows us to maintainstrong sales volumes as consumer demand shifts between branded andprivate label products.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, we generated Adjusted EBITDA(a)
of ¤187.7 million, revenue of ¤991.6 million and free cash flow beforeacquisitions and exceptional operating items(a) of ¤113.4 million.
R&R operates eleven plants located in seven countries, on three continents.Eight of these plants are in the four largest ice cream markets in Europe(the UK, Germany, France and Italy), which allows us to supply our customersquickly and efficiently in their markets. Our manufacturing platform benefitsfrom many years of significant capital investment and footprint rationalisation.Our plants have also benefited from sharing and implementation of bestpractices and procedures across our group in order to leverage technologicalexpertise. We believe that our scale and manufacturing footprint provides uswith a competitive advantage over most of our competitors, which aregenerally smaller and only offer regional distribution.
With the acquisition of the South African business, we now have aproduction footprint to serve ice cream markets in sub-Saharan Africa.Following an acquisition, we typically make capital investments andimplement our best practices in order to bring such facilities in line withour group-wide standards.
We benefit from a variety of licensed and owned brands, and we haveexclusive ice cream product licences with the world’s largest food company(Nestlé), the world’s largest confectionery company (Mondelez, formerlyKraft Foods), and the world’s largest entertainment company (Disney).Strong private label relationships with our customers provide us with strongopportunities to cross-sell our branded products.
In the UK, we produce under licence a number of products under Nestlé’sprominent confectionery brand names, including Smarties, KitKat, Milky Barand Lion Bar. We have an exclusive licence agreement with Mondelez toproduce and sell in the UK ice cream products under the Cadbury brandsthat include Dairy Milk, Crunchie, Cadbury Caramel and Marvellous Creations(which is a range of super-premium products).
Across Europe, our exclusive licence agreement with Mondelez enables us toproduce and sell ice cream products under established brand names includingMilka, Oreo, Toblerone, Philadelphia and Daim. We also have non-exclusiveaccess to various Disney licences such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Cars. Note (a): See performance highlights table note on page 3 for definitions of these terms.
Through the Peters acquisition in 2014, we have, amongst others, the iconicDrumstick, Connoisseur, and Peters Original brands in Australia. The SouthAfrica acquisition incorporated a number of similarly iconic brands(predominantly on an owned basis, rather than licensed) in South Africa andacross sub-Saharan Africa, such as Dairy Maid, Country Fresh, Tin Roof, KingCone, Jive and KitKat.
Announcement of potential joint ventureOn 5 October 2015, we announced that R&R is in advanced discussions withNestlé to set up a new joint venture covering ice cream based mainly inEurope and Africa. The proposed joint venture will capitalise on thecomplementary strengths and innovation expertise of the two companies.It will combine Nestlé’s strong and successful brands and experience in‘out-of-home’ distribution with R&R’s competitive manufacturing model andsignificant presence in retail. At this stage, we have no further update on thepotential joint venture, and there is no effect in these financial statementsof the joint venture, aside from certain exceptional costs of ¤1.3 millionincurred in 2015 in relation to the ongoing project. A further announcementwill be made in due course, as appropriate.
PERFORMANCE SUMMARYThe group has continued to deliver much improved trading results in 2015.Turnover increased to ¤991.6 million from ¤837.8 million (or to ¤958.7million excluding the post-acquisition results of R&R South Africa) andAdjusted EBITDA increased to ¤187.7 million from ¤140.0 million (or to¤185.4 million excluding the results of R&R South Africa).
The increase year-on-year is partly as a result of the full year impact ofPeters (acquired in June 2014) and the post-acquisition results of SouthAfrica (acquired in May 2015). It also benefits from a substantialimprovement in trading across central and southern Europe across the 2015summer, efficiencies generated from further operational improvementsacross Europe and a change in mix towards branded products. The group’strading performance has also benefited from the increase in the strength ofGBP to the Euro in the year, benefiting turnover by ¤25.7 million andAdjusted EBITDA by ¤6.0 million although the exchange rates of Australiaand South Africa were below budgeted levels.
The group incurred substantial one-off and exceptional costs in 2013 and2014, as part of a substantial reshaping of the group’s activities and financingstructure. Such exceptional costs reduced substantially in 2015, since themajority of the operational restructuring was conducted in earlier years.However, there has been a smaller amount of restructuring costs thatextended into 2015, though the greater part of exceptional costs in 2015relate to aborted refinancing costs (where the group explored refinancingopportunities) and the early stage costs in relation to the potential merger.
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTSA summary of the results and position of the group is presented below:
2015 2014In thousands of euros ¤000 ¤000Revenue 991,588 837,849
Note (a): EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest charges, taxation, depreciation and amortisation(including impairment charges). Adjusted EBITDA also excludes exceptional items and parentcompany/investor management charges. See note 3. In 2014, Adjusted EBITDA reflects the post-acquisition trading of Peters; and in 2015, reflects the post-acquisition trading of R&R South Africa.
Note (b): Free cash flow before acquisitions and exceptional operating items is defined as net cash flowfrom operating and investing activities excluding the acquisitions of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired)and net cash outflows in respect of exceptional operating items. Free cash categorises PAI funding andgroup funding of PIK Toggle interest within financing cash flows.
TURNOVERThe turnover of the group has increased by ¤153.8 million from ¤837.8million to ¤991.6 million, after taking account of favourable exchange ratemovements on GBP (of ¤27.7 million), with the 2015 average exchange rateof 1.3771EUR:1GBP used to translate the UK business’s performance, versus1.2406EUR:1GBP in 2014. When measured in constant currencies, therevenue growth is as a result of the post-acquisition revenue of South Africa(¤32.9 million), a full year effect of the Peters acquisition (made in June2014, with a positive effect of ¤87.1 million on 2015 results by incorporatinga full year of trading) and organic growth across our European business,particularly in Italy, and France.
By operating segment:
• R&R UK revenues increased by ¤8.0 million, or 3.2% year-on-year, thoughthis includes a positive effect of a movement in our standard reportingexchange rate (¤14.2 million). The UK performed well in its branded offerand achieved improvements from some mix gains and more effectivepromotions. However, a poor summer of inclement weather across theUK for most of the season impacted the market: the UK market declinedby 0.9% in value terms in 2015, and by 2.6% in volumes and, typically,poorer weather sees a higher proportion of sales made on promotion.Nevertheless, the UK increased revenues through the growing discounterand convenience channels and in super-premium, which rose ¤8.3 millionat constant exchange rates.
• R&R France revenues have increased ¤3.8 million, or 2.2% year-on-year.This growth is largely due to an excellent trading performance in abuoyant market in the summer peak, especially across our Mondelez,Disney and Oasis licensed brands. R&R France also grew its contributionof owned brands, year-on-year; in Flipi and Pilpa.
• R&R Germany revenues decreased by ¤10.9 million, or 5.2% year-on-year.The reduction was expected, and is the result of the contract renewalsprocess, in the context of a very competitive German market, and theeffect of R&R’s withdrawal from certain tertiary brands and lower marginbusiness. However, the German summer season was very strong, and R&RGermany grew in its key areas of Mondelez, Landliebe and higher-marginprivate label business.
• R&R Italy revenues increased ¤10.5 million, or 11.1% year-on-year,predominantly in an excellent performance in a vibrant summer season,where R&R Italy outperformed a market that grew 6.5% in value terms.R&R Italy saw growth across its Mondelez and Del Monte business (in abranded business that nearly trebled, from a low base), and, moreparticularly, in private label in the discounters and large retailer channels.
• R&R Poland saw revenues decline ¤1.7 million, or 4.9% year-on-year,much of which was accounted for by reduced intra-group trading (down¤1.4 million), particularly with R&R Germany. However, there was animportant mix effect in Poland, with the share of Mondelez (and thebranded business generally) increasing substantially, despite a weaksummer in variable market conditions.
• R&R Australia saw revenues increase ¤100.3 million on a reportedoperating segment basis (i.e. at constant foreign exchange rates),
¤87.1 million of which was the result of incorporating a full year’s resultsin 2015. The Australian business performed well in a relatively robustmarket, where a slow end to the 2014/2015 Australian summer seasonwas offset by a very strong start to the 2015/2016 summer season, whichhad a very positive effect on trading results in our fourth quarter. This wasparticularly prevalent in the retail channel, while the route (impulse)channel grew, though at a slower rate.
• R&R South Africa contributed post-acquisition revenues of ¤38.6 million(at a budgeted exchange rate), or ¤32.9 million at the average actual ratefor the post-acquisition period. This reflects eight months of trading,though around one-third of revenues were generated in December alone,as the South African market peaked, amidst a market that we estimatewas approximately 16.5% higher, December-on-December. The overalleffect of the South African acquisition will be to further de-seasonalisethe group’s revenue and EBITDA patterns.
ADJUSTED EBITDAThe Adjusted EBITDA of the group increased by ¤47.7 million (or 34.1%) to¤187.7 million from ¤140.0 million. The acquisition of R&R South Africacontributed an additional Adjusted EBITDA of ¤2.3 million to the group; andthe full year effect of incorporating the Peters business added a net ¤15.7million (including some exchange rate effects). Excluding the post-acquisitionperformance of R&R South Africa and the effect of a full year of Peters,Adjusted EBITDA increased by ¤29.7 million (or 21.2%) on a reported basis.
Excluding exceptional items, impairments and amortisation, the group’sgross margin increased to 32.4% from 28.9%. This is due to a number oftrading factors, including:
• The consolidation of an additional six months’ trading of the high-marginPeters business in 2015 (Peters gross margin was 43.8% in 2015,substantially higher than margins in our European business, wheremargins, branded contribution and the cost base are lower);
• A greater share of branded sales across the group, which generallycontribute higher gross margins;
• Earnings growth as a result of the effect of sales growth, operationalefficiencies, the benefits of higher-margin NPD and change in mixtowards branded ranges;
• The effect of exchange rates, from translating into Euros the results ofour UK business from 2015 compared to 2014.
In total, administrative and distribution expenses before exceptional itemsand amortisation increased by ¤35.1 million from ¤130.4 million to ¤165.5million. The acquisition of R&R South Africa has contributed an incremental¤7.3 million to administrative and distribution expenses in the eight monthspost-acquisition; and the full-year effect of consolidating a year of Petersresults contributed an additional ¤24.9 million of administrative anddistribution expenses. The remaining ¤2.8 million of additional administrativeand distribution expenses is mainly due to higher distribution costs incurredas activity levels were higher in our southern European markets and theeffect of exchange rates on the UK’s cost base when translated into Euros.
EXCEPTIONAL OPERATING ITEMSThe group has recognised ¤7.5 million (2014: ¤19.6 million) of exceptionaloperating items. These are set out in note 1 to the accounts. These largelycomprise: costs in relation to an aborted refinancing (¤1.5 million), earlystage costs in relation to the potential merger (¤1.3 million, included in one-off legal fees of ¤2.4 million) and acquisition costs, mainly in relation to theacquisition of R&R South Africa (total: ¤1.5 million).
CASH FLOWSWe generated ¤113.4 million of free cash flow before acquisitions andexceptional operating items in 2015, an increase of ¤51.3 million on 2014.This was driven by the underlying EBITDA growth of ¤47.7 million, togetherwith the impact, only in the 2014 financial year, of the part-year cash flowsrelated to working capital as the Australian business built working capitalbetween the date of acquisition and the year end (with a combined positiveeffect of working capital movements of ¤16.2 million); the effect of lowercash outflows from the settlement of exceptional items connected to previousrestructuring and similar projects; ¤8.4 million additional interest payments(largely driven by additional debt incurred in the acquisition of Peters, forwhich the 2014 figures only covered a six month period), ¤3.0 millionreduction in tax payments and ¤2.4 million additional capital expenditure.
CAPITAL STRUCTUREDuring 2014, we refinanced our previous ¤350 million senior secured noteswith new £315 million senior secured notes and also raised ¤150 million andA$152 million senior secured notes to finance the acquisition of Peters.The refinancing resulted in a saving of ¤8.2 million on an annualised basis(versus the previous annual cost of the notes). The group’s third party netdebt position at 31 December 2015 is ¤598.5 million, which incorporates oursenior secured loan notes, though excludes the ¤398.8 million loan with ourimmediate parent undertaking, offset by cash and liquid resources, thoughexcludes the PIK toggle notes which were issued by R&R PIK PLC, an indirectparent company. Based on Adjusted EBITDA for the year of ¤187.7 million, thegroup has a leverage ratio of 3.2 times, on its secured and unsecured financing.
UNRESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIESIn May 2015, the Company acquired Nestlé’s ice cream business in SouthAfrica for a total consideration of ¤8.6 million (from cash resources), whichincluded separate sums for the trade and assets of the business, and certainintellectual property (such as brand trademarks, patents and domain names).For the purposes of the Company’s existing debt financing, including theindentures governing the Senior Secured Notes and Senior PIK Toggle Notesand Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, the South Africa subsidiary (R&R IceCream South Africa Pty Limited) is an unrestricted subsidiary under theagreements governing our existing debt financing and as a result are notbound by certain terms thereof. The Board believed that the optimal structurefor the acquisition was for this business to remain outside of the restrictedgroup, due to the inherent difference in the balance of risks and rewardsfrom activities in developing economies, such as in sub-Saharan Africa.
A summary of the results and the group’s position, split between theRestricted Group and Unrestricted Subsidiaries, is presented below:
In thousands of euros Restricted Unrestricted 2015 Group Subsidiary TotalRevenue 958,703 32,885 991,588Adjusted EBITDA 186,207 1,531 187,738Total assets 1,179,512 24,699 1,204,211Net (liabilities)/assets (168,932) 5,463 (163,469)
(Note: Adjusted EBITDA differs from the total adjusted EBITDA for R&R South Africa as a result ofroyalties charged on intellectual property from the Restricted Group to its Unrestricted Subsidiary.
Net payments from the Restricted Group to the Unrestricted Subsidiarytotalled ¤9.8 million in the year ended 31 December 2015. There was noincome, expense or cash flow attributable to unrestricted subsidiaries for theyear ended 31 December 2014.
The South African subsidiary is not a “Significant Subsidiary” as defined inthe indentures. The Company presents this analysis solely for the informationof its investors.
LOOKING FORWARDOur goal is to strengthen our position as a leading global manufacturer ofice cream products and increase our profitability. Our strategy includes thefollowing elements:
Drive Growth through Product InnovationNew product development continues to be a key growth driver of revenueacross both branded and retailer branded products. We will continue toleverage the success of Mondelez in France, Germany, Italy and Poland, aswell as the UK, particularly after the strong growth in these markets in2015. Across our markets, we are currently launching a number of excitingproduct innovations which we hope will contribute to significant revenuegrowth in 2016.
Continue to Reduce Costs and Increase EfficiencyAfter the gains from factory consolidation in 2014, and particularly in 2015,we will continue to make targeted investments in order to drive efficiency andreduce our overhead base, all of which will help to deliver EBITDA growth.
Pursue Selective Acquisition OpportunitiesWe plan to continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities to selectivelyacquire businesses that may improve our market share and product offerings,or allow us to enter new geographic markets. In May 2015, we completedthe acquisition of Nestlé South Africa’s ice cream business. In addition, inOctober 2015, we announced that we are in advanced discussions withNestlé to set up a new joint venture covering ice cream. A furtherannouncement will be made in due course, as appropriate.
HEALTH & SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERSWe maintain healthy and safe working conditions on all our sites, measuringagainst targets, our ability to keep staff and visitors safe. We review and aimto continuously improve all aspects of our working environments to ensureour staff and visitors have the safest occupational health and safety standardswe can provide. We aim to operate in an environmentally responsible manneracross all sites in the group, as we regard compliance with relevantenvironmental legislation and regulations as imperative, and the adoption ofresponsible standards where no legislation exists, as an integral part of ourbusiness strategy. Reports from across the group, are presented at ourmonthly board meetings covering health, safety and environmental matters,which include statistics on any accidents and progress in fulfilling targetslinked to continuous improvement, as well as promoting wider awareness ofenvironmental and safety to all employees and visitors. We carry out regularrisk management audits to identify areas for improvement, and to minimisesafety risks. The impact we make on the environment is important to us andwe are committed to continual improvement in environmental and pollutionprevention; this focus has enabled us to reduce our carbon footprint acrossthe group and to reduce the waste going to landfill to less than 2.5% annually.
We recognise that our activities inevitably have an impact on theenvironment. To reduce this we set environmental objectives and targetsrelating to energy reduction (electricity, gas) and water and look to reduceour environmental footprint by reducing our use of energy and water, andreducing waste by prevention, reuse and recycling. These targets aremonitored and reviewed through KPIs.
We have installed a combined heat and power plant in the UK as part of ourtarget to reduce energy costs and to increase the efficiency of our energyusage. We intend to install a similar system on other sites.
In addition we work closely with our customers and brand partners in thedevelopment of our products and assessment of their health impacts,including fat, sugar and salt content. We purchase our raw materials from
sustainable sources and use recycled card and paper where possible. Health,safety and the environment is an area we continue to focus on within thecontext of the market sector we operate in including the development ofhealthier alternatives such as the use of natural juices and frozen yoghurt.
SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY MATTERSWe strive to be a good corporate citizen recognising our responsibility towork in partnership with the communities in which we operate. Each yearwe donate a part of our profits to local charities as well as providingindirect giving in terms of free-of-charge products that charities andcommunities can use to raise funds and we also encourage active employeesupport for their community or chosen charities. As a business we haveselected two main charities that we support, with a strong focus on childrenand young people: Hope and Homes for Children which is an internationalcharity that aims to close orphanages and place children into family homesand The British Bobsleigh Youth programme which supported the youthtraining preparation for the February 2016 Youth Olympics. The business hasprovided our charities with donations totalling over £60,000 during the pastyear alone.
BUSINESS ETHICSWe are committed to conducting our business in an ethically and sociallyresponsible attitude and treating employees, customers, suppliers andshareholders in a fair, open and honest manner. As a business we areregularly audited, by both independent auditors and by our customers;in addition we audit our supply chain to ensure that we are buying frombusinesses who operate in an ethically and socially responsible manner.We encourage staff feedback on any issues they are concerned about,operating an anonymous whistleblowing hotline that gives employees in allbusinesses around the group the chance to report anything they believe isnot meeting our exacting standards.
EMPLOYEESThe group provides channels through which our employees can express viewsand communicate regularly with senior management of the business.We also have a number of employee consultative committees and workscouncils to provide a forum for our employees to air the views of theircolleagues and receive and discuss relevant issues. We conduct annual staffsurveys across the group, in order to ensure that the board and seniormanagers respond to employee feedback this engagement has resulted in avariety of initiatives being implemented which have aided the trust andengagement of employees with the business.
The group is committed to training and development that improvesworkforce capabilities, skills and competencies. We recruit a large number ofyoung people across our business each year, and in many cases support theseyoung people through apprenticeships, work-based training or externalqualifications. We also develop our long-term succession planning by a talentmanagement programme.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (‘KPIs’)In addition to the measures discussed in the performance summary andhighlights, there are a number of key performance indicators used across thegroup on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. These monitor performance ofthe operations compared to budget and forecast. The most significant ofthese are set out below:
KPIs monitored on a daily basis are:
• Production volume
• Sales volume and value
• Order intake
KPIs monitored weekly/monthly are the above plus:
• Sales margins
• Profit and cash generation
• Net debt
• Variances to standard cost
• Food safety and quality
• Health and safety
• Service levels
• Inventory levels
• Market share
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIESThe Directors of the group consider the potential impact of business risks atmonthly Board meetings. Actions to mitigate the risks are also discussed.The more significant risks and uncertainties faced by the group are set outbelow:
• Exchange rates. Given that the group reports in Euros, any strengtheningof the Euro relative to Pounds Sterling and/or the Australian dollar wouldadversely affect the contribution from the UK and/or Australia to groupprofitability. (There is also a similar risk, though substantially smaller, inrespect of the Polish Zloty.) Following the acquisition of R&R SouthAfrica, a corresponding risk also impacts the group in respect of the SouthAfrican Rand. With five currencies in the group, there is an element ofcurrency diversification, reducing the risk.
• Price and supply fluctuations. Whilst we look to hedge most of ourrequirements for a term of up to one year, any unhedged raw materials,including dairy which we can potentially only partially hedge, may presentadditional cost.
• Acquisition strategies. Whilst we undertake detailed due diligence aheadof any acquisition, there is the potential that acquisitions may expose us toadditional unforeseen risk.
• Fire or significant damage to a factory. Whilst production can be switchedto other sites across the group, any significant damage to a factory unitwill cause short-term disruption.
• Seasonality. The ice cream market is characterised by fluctuations in sales,although these largely equalise out over the course of a year. Ice creamsales are inextricably linked with the seasons and therefore any climatechanges have the potential to impact on business. The group has partlyde-seasonalised through our southern hemisphere acquisitions to date.
• Competition in the ice cream industry. The group operates in highlycompetitive markets, often competing with substantial multinationalbusinesses, and with large, profitable retail customers and its failure tocompete effectively could result in a material adverse effect on its results.
• Economic conditions. The group derives the majority of its profits fromsales activity in Germany, France, Italy, the UK and Australia. It is thereforesensitive to fluctuations in the economic conditions of these countries.
The Board has strategies to manage these risks and remains confident in thegroup’s ability to mitigate any significant effect.
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND OBJECTIVESThe group finances its activities with a combination of loan notes,shareholder loan notes, debt factoring, cash and revolving credit facilities.Other financial assets and liabilities arise directly from the group’s operatingactivities. The main risks associated with the group’s financial assets andliabilities are set out as below:
• The group’s functional currency is the Euro. Its UK operation buys certaingoods and sells almost all goods denominated in Sterling. Similarly, theAustralian operation buys certain goods and sells almost all goodsdenominated in Australian dollars. As a result the value of the group’sSterling and Australian dollar revenues, purchases, financial assets andliabilities and cash flows can be affected significantly by movements in theSterling and Australian dollar exchange rates. To a lesser extent, due tothe smaller size of the Polish and South African businesses, this is alsotrue of the Zloty and South African Rand.
• The group’s loan notes are denominated and serviced in Euros, Sterlingand Australian dollars; whilst the group believes that it has put in place aneffective hedging strategy with regard to those liabilities, there remainsthe risk of mismatch between the underlying cash flows, assets andliabilities of the group’s trading subsidiaries and the group’s loan noteliabilities and debt servicing obligations.
• The shareholder loan notes are denominated in Euros and bear interest atfixed rates. Consequently, there is no foreign exchange risk or interest raterisk on these instruments.
The group aims to mitigate liquidity risk by managing cash generation by itsoperations and applying cash collection targets throughout the group.Investment is carefully controlled, with authorisation limits operating up togroup Board level.
Further details of the group’s risk management policy, including hedgingpolicies, are provided on pages 16 and 33 of the annual report.
OWNERSHIP AND BOARD OF DIRECTORSThe group is majority-owned by funds held by, or advised by, PAI PartnersSAS (‘PAI’), a private equity firm headquartered in Paris, France.
PAI is one of the oldest and most experienced private equity firms in Europewith its origins dating back to Paribas Affaires Industrielles, the historicalprincipal investment activity of Paribas, the pan-European merchant bank,which merged with BNP in 1999.
PAI has invested in the group via a corporate structure in Luxembourg. Ourultimate parent undertaking is Riviera Topco Sarl which controls 100% of theshares of R&R Ice Cream plc via a number of intermediate parent companies.
Riviera Topco Sarl acquired R&R Ice Cream plc via a UK holding companystructure of which Riviera Topco Limited is the ultimate UK parent.
BOARD OF DIRECTORSThe Board is responsible for the overall operations of the group, includingthe final approval of the strategic plan, annual budget, changes to thegroup’s financing arrangements, acquisitions and disposals, material contractsand significant capital expenditure.
During the year, the Board comprised the following Directors:
Ibrahim Najafi Chief Executive OfficerAndy Finneran Chief Financial Officer and Company SecretaryOversight is provided by the Board of a parent company (Riviera TopcoLimited), which is represented by:Ian Fraser Non-Executive Director of Riviera Topco Limited (Chairman)Colm O’Sullivan PAI representativeFrédéric Stévenin PAI representativeGaëlle d’Engremont PAI representativeChristopher Afors PAI representativeEugenio Minvielle Non-Executive Director of Riviera Topco Limited (resigned 31 December 2015)
Ibrahim Najafi has served as our Chief Executive Officer since July 2013 andwas previously European Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief OperatingOfficer from June 2009 and 2006, respectively. Prior to that, Mr Najafiserved as Richmond’s operations director from 1999 to 2007 and as thefactory manager at Richmond’s Leeming Bar site from 1998 to 1999. Prior tothat, Mr Najafi served in various factory management roles in the chilledfoods sector.
Andy Finneran has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary sinceour inception. Mr Finneran held a similar position at Richmond from 1995 to2005. Prior to that, Mr Finneran served as Treats’ head of accounting andfinance. Mr Finneran qualified as a chartered accountant (ACA) in 1984.
Ian Fraser was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of the Board on 9October 2014. Mr Fraser is a board member at German auto parts retailerand service provider ATU, and Chairman of the Priory Group until February2016. He was a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the AuditCommittee at Punch Taverns from 2004 to 2012. Mr Fraser was previouslyTrading Director at Safeway, COO of Orange UK, CEO of Enterprise Groupand CEO of the automotive specialist Kwik Fit.
Colm O’Sullivan joined PAI in 2006 and since 2008 he has headed PAI’s UKoffice. Mr O’Sullivan was previously at Deutsche Bank where he spent eightyears in the Financial Sponsors’ group. Prior to this, he spent six years withHambros Bank. He is also currently a non-executive director of VPS and CST.
Frédéric Stévenin joined PAI in 1993 and is responsible for the Food &Consumer Goods and Healthcare sector teams. In 1998, he joined DeutscheBank/Bankers Trust before returning to PAI in June 2011. Prior to this, MrStévenin spent four years with Banque Paribas. He is also a non-executivedirector of Chr. Hansen, Cerba and Marcolin.
Gaëlle d’Engremont joined PAI in 2004 and is a member of the Food &Consumer Goods sector team. Prior to this, Mme. d’Engremont worked forfour years with Casino and two years with Unibail.
Christopher Afors joined PAI in 2008. He has been involved in a number oftransactions including United Biscuits, R&R Ice Cream and VPS. Prior to2008, Mr Afors spent five years with JPMorgan in London working in theM&A and Equity Capital Markets teams.
EXECUTIVE TEAM AND MANAGEMENT BOARDThe Executive team and management board is responsible for the day-to-dayoperations of the group and the development of the group’s businessstrategy and plans for consideration by the Board.
The Executive team and management board comprises the Chief ExecutiveOfficer and Chief Financial Officer, as well the following individuals:
Philip Griffin Chief Marketing Officer
Pietro Monaco Chief Operations Officer
Peter Pickthall Human Resources Director (retired 31 December 2015)
Neil Millan European HR and Group Talent Director
Sam Wrist Integration Director
Michael Fraine Country Head - UK
Fabrice Ducasse Country Head - France
Gotthard Kirchner Country Head - Germany
Antonio Mazzezi Country Head – Italy
Zbigniew Dysko Country Head – Poland
Stephen Audsley Country Head – Australia
Mr Pickthall, who joined the senior management team in 2001, has taken upretirement at the end of the year and his role as HR Director will be takenup by Mr Millan. The Board wishes to place on record its thanks to MrPickthall for his service and commitment to the group over the last 15 years,as the group’s first HR director.
BOARD COMMITTEESThe Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee at a Riviera TopcoLimited level have oversight of the governance of the group.
AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEEThe Audit and Risk Committee consists of Colm O’Sullivan, Gaëlled’Engremont, Christopher Afors and the Chairman, all of whom are on theBoard of Directors of Riviera Topco Limited. It is chaired by Ian Fraser.
The committee meets at least three times a year, at appropriate times in thereporting and audit cycle. In addition, the committee meets at such othertimes as the Board or the committee Chairman requires, or if requested bythe group’s external auditor. Only committee members have the right toattend meetings but, in practice, other individuals, including members of thegroup board and other members of the senior finance team are invited toattend all or part of meetings as and when appropriate to their area ofexpertise. The external auditor also attends certain meetings.
The committee’s responsibilities include overseeing the relationship with theexternal auditor. It meets with them regularly, reviews the audit plan anddiscusses audit findings with them. The committee’s responsibilities alsoinclude the evaluation of management’s risk framework and communicatingthe importance of internal control and the management of risk.
The group changed its auditor from KPMG to PricewaterhouseCoopersfollowing a competitive tender overseen by the Audit Committee. KPMGhas been the group’s auditor since 1998 and the Board wishes to thankKPMG for its service during that period.
REMUNERATION COMMITTEEThe Remuneration Committee consists of Colm O’Sullivan, Frédéric Stéveninand Ian Fraser, all of whom are on the Board of Directors of Riviera TopcoLimited. It is chaired by Colm O’Sullivan.
The committee meets at least twice a year and also at such other times asrequired. Only committee members have the right to attend meetings, butother individuals are invited to attend from time to time, when appropriate.
The committee’s responsibilities include determining and agreeing theannual remuneration of the executive directors and approving the design ofthe group’s annual incentive plans.
The Directors present their report and the audited group financialstatements for the year ended 31 December 2015.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS Future developments for the group and the risks and uncertainties facing thebusiness can be found in the strategic report.
DIVIDENDS The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend (2014: ¤nil).
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT There are ongoing research and development projects at each of the group’slocations, primarily concentrated on new ice cream design and recipes.
EMPLOYEESThe group operates a framework for employee information and consultationin line with the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations2004. Throughout the year the group issues information on its website. InGermany the group works closely with the Works Council and complies withBetriebsverfassungsgesetz (BetrVG) (works constitution act). Further detailsof our employee involvement schemes are included within the StrategicReport.
The group gives full consideration to applications for employment fromdisabled persons where the candidate displays particular aptitudes andabilities are consistent with adequately meeting the requirements of the job.Opportunities are available to disabled employees for training, careerdevelopment and promotion. We seek to continue the employment of, andarrange appropriate training for, any of the group employees who havebecome disabled during the period in which the group employed them.
DIRECTORS
The Directors who served during the year are as follows:
Ibrahim Najafi
Andy Finneran
As permitted by the Articles of Association, each of the Directors has thebenefit of an indemnity, which is a qualifying third-party indemnity asdefined by Section 234 of the Companies Act 2006. The indemnity was inforce throughout the tenure of each Director during the year, and iscurrently in force. The Company also maintains Directors’ and Officers’liability insurance in respect of itself and its Directors. No indemnity isprovided for the Company’s auditors.
FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT Please see the Strategic Report.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORSIn November 2015, following a competitive tender overseen by the AuditCommittee, the Company changed its auditors from KPMG LLP toPricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. In accordance with Section 487 of theCompanies Act 2006, a resolution to reappoint PricewaterhouseCoopersLLP as auditors will be put to the members at the Annual General Meeting.
DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TOTHE AUDITORSThe Directors who were members of the Board at the time of approving theDirectors’ Report are listed on page 7. Having made enquiries of fellowDirectors and of the company’s auditors, each of these confirms that:
• to the best of each Director’s knowledge and belief, there is noinformation relevant to the preparation of their report of which thecompany’s auditors are unaware; and
• each Director has taken all the steps a Director might reasonably beexpected to have taken to be aware of relevant audit information and toestablish that the company’s auditors are aware of that information.
STATEMENTOF DIRECTORS'RESPONSIBILITIESSTATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIESIN RESPECT OF THE ANNUAL REPORT
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and thegroup and parent company financial statements in accordance withapplicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare group and parent companyfinancial statements for each financial year. Under that law they have electedto prepare the group financial statements in accordance with IFRSs asadopted by the EU and applicable law and have elected to prepare theparent company financial statements in accordance with UK AccountingStandards and applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice),including Financial Reporting Standard 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”(FRS101).
Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statementsunless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state ofaffairs of the group and parent company and of the group’s profit or loss forthat period.
In preparing each of the group and parent company financial statements, theDirectors are required to:
• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• for the group financial statements, state whether they have been preparedin accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU;
• for the parent company financial statements, state whether applicable UKAccounting Standards, including FRS101, have been followed, subject toany material departures disclosed and explained in the financialstatements;
• Notify its shareholders in writing about the use of disclosure exemptions,if any, of FRS101 used in the preparation of the financial statements: and
• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it isinappropriate to presume that the group and the parent company willcontinue in business.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records thatare sufficient to show and explain the parent company's transactions anddisclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of theparent company and enable them to ensure that its financial statementscomply with the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility fortaking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets ofthe group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of thecorporate and financial information included on the company’s website.Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination offinancial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE MEMBERSOF R&R ICE CREAM plc
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSOur opinionIn our opinion:
• R&R Ice Cream plc’s group financial statements and company financialstatements (the “financial statements”) give a true and fair view of thestate of the group’s and of the company’s affairs as at 31 December 2015and of the group’s profit and cash flows for the year then ended;
• the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordancewith International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted bythe European Union;
• the company financial statements have been properly prepared inaccordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice;and
• the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with therequirements of the Companies Act 2006.
What we have auditedThe financial statements, included within the Annual Report, comprise:
• the consolidated income statement and consolidated statement ofcomprehensive income for the year then ended;
• the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended;
• the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2015;
• the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended;
• the company only statement of financial position as at 31 December 2015;
• the statement of changes in equity for the year then ended;
• the accounting policies; and
• the notes to the financial statements, which include other explanatoryinformation.
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation ofthe group financial statements is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by theEuropean Union. The financial reporting framework that has been applied inthe preparation of the company financial statements is applicable law andUnited Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally AcceptedAccounting Practice), including FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”.
In applying the financial reporting framework, the Directors have made anumber of subjective judgements, for example in respect of significantaccounting estimates. In making such estimates, they have made assumptionsand considered future events.
OPINION ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006In our opinion:
• the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Reportfor the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared isconsistent with the financial statements.
OTHER MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BYEXCEPTIONAdequacy of accounting records and information and explanations receivedUnder the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in ouropinion:
• we have not received all the information and explanations we require forour audit; or
• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the company, orreturns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches notvisited by us; or
• the company financial statements are not in agreement with theaccounting records and returns.
We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Directors’ remunerationUnder the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in ouropinion, certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law arenot made. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE AUDITOur responsibilities and those of the DirectorsAs explained more fully in the Directors' Responsibility Statement, theDirectors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements andfor being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.
Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financialstatements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards onAuditing (UK and Ireland) (“ISAs (UK & Ireland)”). Those standards require usto comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for thecompany’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 ofthe Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in givingthese opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or toany other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it maycome save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.
What an audit of financial statements involvesWe conducted our audit in accordance with ISAs (UK & Ireland). An auditinvolves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in thefinancial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financialstatements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud orerror. This includes an assessment of:
• whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the group’s and thecompany’s circumstances and have been consistently applied andadequately disclosed;
• the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by theDirectors; and
• the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the Directors’judgements against available evidence, forming our own judgements, andevaluating the disclosures in the financial statements.
We test and examine information, using sampling and other auditingtechniques, to the extent we consider necessary to provide a reasonablebasis for us to draw conclusions. We obtain audit evidence through testingthe effectiveness of controls, substantive procedures or a combination ofboth.
In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in theAnnual Report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financialstatements and to identify any information that is apparently materiallyincorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquiredby us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of anyapparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider theimplications for our report.
Ian Morrison (Senior Statutory Auditor)for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPChartered Accountants and Statutory AuditorsLeeds
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
For the year ended 31 December 2015In thousands of euros Before exceptional items, Exceptional items, Before exceptional items, Exceptional items, amortisation, amortisation, amortisation, amortisation, Restated(b) impairment and impairment and 2015 impairment and impairment and 2014 Note non-cash interest non-cash interest(a) Total non-cash interest non-cash interest(a) Total
Profit/(loss) before income tax 112,538 (69,796) 42,742 75,508 (103,122) (27,614)Income tax charge 10 (9,406) (6,635)Profit/(loss) from continuing operations 33,336 (34,249)
Attributable to:Equity holders of the company 33,336 (34,249)Non-controlling interests - -Profit/(loss) for the year 33,336 (34,249)
Note (a): in order to aid understanding of the financial results, the Directors have presented additional analysis to illustrate the effect of exceptional items, amortisation and impairment of intangible assets andnon-cash interest charges. These items are analysed in detail in note 1.
Note (b): Cost of sales and distribution costs in 2014 have been restated to reclassify ¤11.8 million of distribution related costs from cost of sales to distribution expenses.
The notes on pages 16 to 37 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
For the year ended 31 December 2015In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Profit/(loss) for the year 33,336 (34,249)
Other comprehensive income/(expense)Items that are or may be reclassified to profit or lossExchange differences on retranslation of foreign operations 4,561 7,402Net investment hedging (8,696) (6,899) (4,135) 503Items that will never be reclassified to profit or lossChange in actuarial assumptions in respect of post-employment benefits 57 (647)
Total other comprehensive expense for the year (4,078) (144)Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year 29,258 (34,393)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the year ended 31 December 2015In thousands of euros Equity Currency Accumulated Total share translation losses equity capital reserve
Balance at 1 January 2014 50,886 (17,644) (191,576) (158,334)
Comprehensive expense for the year Loss for the year - - (34,249) (34,249)Exchange differences onretranslation of foreign operations - 7,402 - 7,402Net investment hedging - (6,899) - (6,899)Change in actuarial assumptions in respect of post-employment benefits - - (647) (647)Total comprehensive incomefor the year - 503 34,896 34,393Balance at 31 December 2014 50,886 (17,141) (226,472) (192,727)
Comprehensive expense for the year Profit for the year - - 33,336 33,336Exchange differences onretranslation of foreign operations - 4,561 - 4,561Net investment hedging - (8,696) - (8,696)Change in actuarial assumptions in respect ofpost-employment benefit schemes - - 57 57Total comprehensive incomefor the year - (4,135) 33,393 29,258Balance at 31 December 2015 50,886 (21,276) (193,079) (163,469)
Current assets Inventories 15 94,618 88,205Current tax assets 780 3,127Trade and other receivables 16 168,488 131,899Cash and cash equivalents 17 108,676 36,012 372,562 259,243Assets classified as held for sale 428 436Total current assets 372,990 259,679
Total assets 1,204,211 1,088,071
Equity and liabilities
Equity Equity share capital 18 50,886 50,886Currency translation reserve 18 (21,276) (17,141)Accumulated losses 18 (193,079) (226,472)Total equity attributable to owners of the company (163,469) (192,727)
Current liabilities Financial liabilities 20 5,543 6,102Trade and other payables 22 244,555 214,232Current tax liabilities 3,914 135Provisions 23 6,649 7,918Total current liabilities 260,661 228,387
Total liabilities 1,367,680 1,280,798
Total equity and liabilities 1,204,211 1,088,071
These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 29February 2016 and were signed on its behalf by:
I NajafiDirector
Company number: 05777981
For the year ended 31 December 2015In thousands of euros Note 2015 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Adjusted EBITDA 3 187,738 139,979Adjustments for exceptional items andmanagement charges 3 (8,108) (20,377)Operating cash flow before changesin working capital and provisions 3 179,630 119,602
(Increase)/decrease in inventories (3,325) 1,396Increase in trade and other receivables (8,266) (21,885)Increase in trade and other payables 22,139 22,179Decrease in provisions (1,591) (7,797)Cash generated from operations 188,587 113,495
Cash flows from investing activities Interest received 528 333Proceeds from sale of property, plantand equipment 6 2,857Acquisition of subsidiaries,net of cash acquired (Note (a)) 11 (10,306) (305,767)Acquisition of property, plant andequipment 12 (29,021) (26,666)Acquisition of intangible assets 13 (2,505) (353)Net cash used in investing activities (41,298) (329,596)Net cash flow generated/(used) inoperating and investing activities 96,418 (261,515)
Cash flows from financing activities Redemption of ¤350 million senior secured notes 20 - (373,274)Proceeds from issue of senior secured notes 20 - 639,883Net unrealised foreign exchange losses related to £/A$ senior secured notes (non-cash) - (10,400)Transaction costs related to refinancing 20 - (12,621)Parent company funding - 64,739Funding of parent undertaking’s external PIK Toggle loan note interest (23,403) (23,403)Repayment of borrowings - (1,747)Repayment of finance lease liabilities 21 (799) (1,267)Net cash (used)/from financingactivities (24,202) 281,910
Net increase in cash and cashequivalents 72,216 20,395Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 36,012 12,568Effect of exchange rate fluctuationson cash held 448 3,049Cash and cash equivalents at31 December 17 108,676 36,012
Memorandum:Net cash flow from operating and investing activities 96,418 (261,515)Acquisition of subsidiaries,net of cash acquired (Note (a)) 10,306 305,767Exceptional operating items – cash flows 6,630 17,824Free cash flow before acquisitions and exceptional operating items 113,354 62,076
Note (a): Payments included ¤8.6 million in respect of the acquisition of South Africa and ¤1.7 milliondeferred consideration in respect of Durigon.
NOTES TO THECONSOLIDATEDFINANCIAL STATEMENTSACCOUNTING POLICIES
GENERAL INFORMATIONR&R Ice Cream plc is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled inthe UK. The address of the company’s registered office is Richmond House,Plews Way, Leeming Bar Industrial Estate, Northallerton, North Yorkshire,DL7 9UL. The group is primarily involved in the manufacture and sale of icecream and ice cream related products.The consolidated financial statements of the company as at and for the yearended 31 December 2015 comprise the company and its subsidiaries.BASIS OF PREPARATIONThe consolidated financial statements have been prepared and approved bythe Directors in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standardsas adopted by the European Union (IFRSs) and the Companies Act 2006applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The parent company accountsare presented on pages 38 to 41. The consolidated financial statements havebeen prepared on the historical cost basis except for the revaluation of certainfinancial instruments.The IFRS accounting policies set out below have been applied consistentlyunless otherwise stated to all periods presented in these consolidatedfinancial statements. The accounting policies have been prepared on the basisof the requirements of IFRSs in issue and adopted by the EU and effective at31 December 2015.GOING CONCERNAt 31 December 2015, the group has consolidated net liabilities of ¤163.5million (2014: ¤192.7 million). Net liabilities are typical in private equity backedbusinesses such as the group, largely due to the financing structure adoptedand the rolling up of non-cash interest on parent company loans, which is notpayable until 2110 at the earliest. In addition, included in current liabilities is¤61.6 million (2014: ¤63.7 million) of interest free loans from parentcompanies which, although repayable on demand, in reality are not repayableuntil the exit of PAI Partners SAS. Excluding these current liabilities, thegroup has net current assets of ¤173.5 million (2014: ¤95.0 million). In 2014,the business refinanced, securing loan notes providing certainty over futureinterest charges until 2020. The Directors believe that the reduced rates arecompetitive and reduce the exposure of the business to increases in interestrates for the medium term to almost zero. This gives the Board furthercomfort as to the group’s going concern status, understanding the relatedcash requirements and the lack of additional unknown risk.The Directors have considered this position, together with the group’sbudgets and positive net current assets position, and after making appropriateenquiries, the Directors consider that the group has adequate resources tocontinue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and thereforecontinue to adopt the group going concern basis for the preparation of thefinancial statements.BASIS OF CONSOLIDATIONBusiness combinationsThe group accounts for business combinations using the acquisition methodwhen control is transferred to the group. Subsidiaries are entities controlledby the group. The group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rightsto, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability toaffect those returns through its power over the entity. In assessing control,the group takes into consideration potential voting rights that are currentlyexercisable. The acquisition date is the date on which control is transferred tothe acquirer. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in theconsolidated financial statements from the date that control commences untilthe date that control ceases.The accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed when necessary to
align them with the policies adopted by the group. Losses applicable to thenon-controlling interests in a subsidiary are allocated to the non-controllinginterests even if doing so causes the non-controlling interests to have adeficit balance.The consideration transferred in an acquisition is generally measured at fairvalue, as are the identifiable net assets acquired. Any goodwill that arises istested annually for impairment. Any gain on a bargain purchase is recognisedin profit or loss immediately. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred,except if related to the issue of debt or equity securities.The consideration transferred does not include amounts related to thesettlement of pre-existing relationships. Such amounts are generallyrecognised in profit or loss.Any contingent consideration is measured at fair value at the date ofacquisition. If an obligation to pay contingent consideration that meets thedefinition of a financial instrument is classified as equity, then it is notremeasured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise,subsequent changes in the fair value of contingent consideration arerecognised in profit or loss.If share-based payment awards (replacement awards) are required to beexchanged for awards held by the acquiree’s employees (acquiree’s awards),then all or a portion of the amount of the acquirers replacement awards isincluded in measuring the consideration transferred in the businesscombination. This determination is based on the market-based measure of thereplacement awards compared with the market-based measure of theacquiree’s awards and the extent to which the replacement awards relate topre-combination service.Transactions eliminated on consolidationIntra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income andexpenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated. Unrealisedgains arising from transactions with equity-accounted investees are eliminatedagainst the investment to the extent of the group’s interest in the investee.Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but onlyto the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.Foreign currencyThe functional currency of each group company is the currency of the primaryeconomic environment in which the group company operates.The financial statements are presented in Euros which is the presentationalcurrency of the group.Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into thefunctional currency of each group company at the exchange rate ruling at thedate of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreigncurrencies are translated into Euros at the rate of exchange ruling at thebalance sheet date. Foreign exchange gains and losses arising on thesettlement of such transactions and translation of monetary assets andliabilities are recognised in the income statement.On consolidation, the financial statements of subsidiaries with a functionalcurrency other than Euro are translated into Euros as follows:• The assets and liabilities in their balance sheets plus any goodwill aretranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date.
• The income statements and cash flow statements are translated at theaverage rate of exchange for the year.
• Currency translation movements arising on the translation of the netinvestments in foreign subsidiaries are recognised in the currencytranslation reserve, which is a separate component of equity.
Hedge of a net Investment in foreign operationThe group applies hedge accounting to foreign currency differences arisingbetween the functional currency of the net assets of the UK and Australianoperations and the group’s functional currency (Euro).
To the extent that the hedge is effective, foreign currency differences arisingon the translation of a financial liability designated as a hedge of a netinvestment in a foreign operation are recognised in and accumulated in thecurrency translation reserve; any remaining differences are recognised inprofit or loss. When the hedged net investment is disposed of, the relevantamount in the translation reserve is transferred to profit or loss as part of thegain or loss on disposal.
OTHER ACCOUNTING POLICIESRevenueRevenue from the sale of goods is measured at the fair value of theconsideration received or receivable, net of returns and allowances, tradediscounts and volume rebates. Revenue is recognised when the significantrisks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer (which iswhen the goods are despatched), recovery of the consideration is probable,the associated costs and possible return of goods can be estimated reliably,and there is no continuing management involvement with the goods.
TaxationIncome tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferredtax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extentthat it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it isrecognised in equity.
Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet method, providing fortemporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilitiesfor financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes.Deferred tax is not recognised for the following temporary differences: theinitial recognition of goodwill, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities ina transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neitheraccounting nor taxable profit, and differences relating to investments insubsidiaries and jointly controlled entities to the extent that they probablywill not reverse in the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred taxprovided is based on the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using theprevailing tax rates. The deferred tax balance has not been discounted.
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year,using prevailing tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reportingdate, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
Employee benefitsObligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans arerecognised as an expense in the income statement when they are due.
The group recognises within provisions its obligations in respect of Frenchretirement benefits; Italian termination benefits; Australian employee longservice leave; and in South Africa, the group acquired provisions in respect ofpost-retirement medical benefits for certain employees and, in additioncertain employees are members of the Nestlé South Africa defined benefitpension scheme, for which R&R South Africa are required to contribute.
In general the obligations in respect of the group’s benefits in respect ofthese provisions are calculated based on future benefits earned in return fortheir service in current and prior periods, discounted to present value.The discount rate is the yield at the reporting date on AA credit-rated bondsthat have maturity dates approximating the terms of the group’s obligations.Any actuarial gains or losses are recognised directly in equity.
Share-based paymentsFor cash settled share-based payment transactions, the fair value of theamount payable to the employee is recognised as an expense with acorresponding increase in liabilities. The fair value is initially measured at grantdate and spread over the period during which the employees becomeunconditionally entitled to payment. The fair value is measured based on anoption pricing model taking into account the terms and conditions uponwhich the instruments were granted. The liability is revalued at each balancesheet date and settlement date with any changes to fair value beingrecognised in the Consolidated income statement.For equity settled share-based payment transactions, the fair value of theamount payable to the employee is measured at the date of grant and isrecognised as an expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The fairvalue is based on an option pricing model taking into account the terms andconditions upon which the instruments were granted.Property, plant and equipmentProperty, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulateddepreciation and impairment losses.Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is provided using the straightline method to write off the cost less any estimated residual value, as follows:• Land nil depreciation nil depreciation• Buildings 40-50 years 2%-2.5%• Plant and equipment 3-15 years 6.67%-33.33%Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reassessed at thereporting date.Leased assets Assets financed by means of a finance lease are treated as if they had beenpurchased outright and the corresponding liability to the leasing company isincluded as an obligation under finance leases. Depreciation on such assets ischarged to the income statement, in accordance with the stated accountingpolicy, over the shorter of the lease term or the asset life. The financeelements of payments to leasing companies are calculated so as to achieve aconstant rate of interest on the remaining balance over the lease term, andcharged to the income statement accordingly.Amounts payable under operating leases are charged to operating expenseson a straight line accruals basis over the lease term.Intangible assetsAn intangible asset acquired as part of a business combination is recognisedoutside of goodwill if the assets are separable or arises from contractual orother legal rights and its fair value can be measured reliably. Following initialrecognition, the historic cost model is applied, with intangibles being carriedat cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses.Intangible assets with a finite life have no residual value and are amortised ona straight line basis over their useful lives with charges included in cost ofsales, distribution expenses and administrative expenses as appropriate asfollows:• Customer relationships 10-20 years 5%-10%• Brands and trademarks 20 years 5%• Licences 10-20 years 5%-10%• Recipes 2-3 years 33%-50%• Computer software and development costs 3-10 years 10%-33%The valuation methodologies in arriving at values for intangible assets onacquisition of subsidiaries are as follows:
• Customer relationships - Multi-period excess earnings• Brands and trademarks - Royalty relief • Recipes - Cost to recreateAcquired brands are initially valued using discounted cash flow models.No amortisation on UK, Australian or South African brands is charged as thegroup believes that the value of those brands is maintained indefinitely. Thesebrands are tested annually for impairment. Acquired software licences andsoftware developed in house are capitalised on the basis of the costs incurredto acquire and bring into use the specific software.The carrying value of intangible assets is reviewed for impairment whereverevents or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may notbe recoverable.ImpairmentThe carrying amounts of the group’s assets, other than inventories anddeferred tax assets, are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determinewhether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists,the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated.For goodwill, assets that have an indefinite useful life and intangible assetsthat are not yet available for use, the recoverable amount is estimated at eachbalance sheet date. An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an assetor its cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment lossesare recognised in the Consolidated income statement.Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units (not relatingto other intangible assets specifically) are allocated first to reduce thecarrying amount of any goodwill allocated to cash-generating units and then,to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit on a pro ratabasis. A cash-generating unit is the group of assets identified on acquisitionthat generate cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflowsfrom other assets or groups of assets.The recoverable amount of assets or cash-generating units is the greater oftheir fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, theestimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time valueof money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does notgenerate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount isdetermined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of otherassets, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in theestimates used or a change in market factors used to determine therecoverable amount.An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carryingamount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have beendetermined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss hadbeen recognised.InventoriesInventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Work inprogress comprises direct materials, labour costs, site overheads and otherattributable overheads. Trade and other receivablesTrade and other receivables are held at cost less any impairment in realisablevalue.The group sells certain of its trade receivables through factoring and invoicediscounting arrangements. The majority of these arrangements are without
recourse to the seller. Consequently, these transactions meet IAS 39requirements for asset de-recognition, since the risks and rewards have beensubstantially transferred. Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents are defined as cash balances in hand and at thebank (including short-term cash deposits). The group routinely utilises short-term revolving credit and overdraft facilities as an integral part of its cashmanagement policy. Offset arrangements across the group have been appliedto arrive at the cash figure.Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operationsA non-current asset or a group of assets containing a non-current asset(a disposal group) is classified as held for sale if its carrying amount will berecovered principally through sale rather than through continuing use; it isavailable for immediate sale and sale is highly probable within one year.On initial classification as held for sale, non-current assets and disposalgroups are measured at the lower of previous carrying amount and fair valueless costs to sell with any adjustments taken to profit or loss. The sameapplies to gains and losses on subsequent remeasurement althoughgains are not recognised in excess of any cumulative impairment loss.Any impairment loss on a disposal group is first allocated to goodwill, andthen to remaining assets and liabilities on a pro rata basis, except that no lossis allocated to inventories, financial assets, deferred tax assets, employeebenefit assets and investment property, which continue to be measured inaccordance with the group’s accounting policies.Bank and other borrowingsInterest bearing borrowings, bank and other borrowings are carried atamortised cost. Finance charges, including issue costs, are charged to theincome statement using an effective interest rate method.Trade and other payablesTrade payables on normal terms are not interest bearing and are stated attheir nominal value.ProvisionsA provision is recognised in the balance sheet if, as a result of a past event,the group has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimatedreliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will berequired to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting theexpected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current marketassessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.Operating segmentsAn operating segment is a component of the group that engages in businessactivities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, includingrevenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the group’sother components. The operating segments are determined on a geographicalbasis, which reflects the group’s management and internal reportingstructure. Turnover, including intercompany sales and Adjusted EBITDA, arethe measures which are reviewed regularly by the Management Board of thegroup (considered the Chief Operating Decision Maker under IFRS 8) to makedecisions about resources to be allocated to each segment and to segmentperformance, and for which discrete financial information is available.NON-IFRS MEASURESExceptional itemsThe group presents as exceptional items on the face of the income statementthose material items of income or expense which, because of the nature andexpected infrequency of the events giving rise to them, merit separatepresentation. This allows users of the accounts to better understand the
NOTES TO THECONSOLIDATEDFINANCIAL STATEMENTS(cont.)
elements of financial performance in the year, so as to better assess trends infinancial performance. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Pro forma EBITDAManagement uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to monitor the ongoingperformance of the group. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interestcharges, taxation, depreciation and amortisation. Adjusted EBITDA alsoexcludes any other exceptional items and parent company or investormanagement charges. Pro forma EBITDA also includes an adjustment formanagement’s assessment of pre-acquisition trading performance forbusinesses acquired mid-year. FAIR VALUESDetermination of fair values A number of the group’s accounting policies and disclosures require thedetermination of fair value, for both financial and non-financial assets andliabilities. Fair values have been determined for measurement and/ordisclosure purposes based on the following methods:Property, plant and equipmentThe fair value of property, plant and equipment recognised as a result of abusiness combination is based on market values. The market value of propertyis the estimated amount for which a property could be exchanged on thedate of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’slength transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each actedknowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion. The market value of itemsof plant and equipment is based on the quoted market prices for similar itemsor depreciated replacement cost where quoted market prices are notavailable.Intangible assetsThe fair value of intangible assets is calculated using methods which reflectthe value that the group would have paid for the assets in an arm’s lengthtransaction. Such methods include where appropriate, discounting estimatedfuture net cash flows from the asset and applying multiples to royalty streamsthat could be obtained by licensing the intangible asset.InventoriesThe fair value of inventories acquired in a business combination is determinedbased on its estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less theestimated costs of completion and sale, and a reasonable profit margin basedon the effort required to complete and sell the inventory.Trade and other receivablesThe fair value of trade and other receivables is estimated as the presentvalue of the amounts to be received, determined at appropriate interest ratesless allowance for bad debts. Discounting has not been applied to currentreceivables. Financial instrumentsThe fair value of interest rate and foreign exchange derivatives is theestimated amount that the group would receive or pay to terminate thederivative at the balance sheet date, taking into account current interest ratesand foreign exchange rates and the current creditworthiness of the derivativecounterparties.Trade and other payablesThe fair value of trade and other payables is estimated as the present value ofthe amounts to be paid, determined at appropriate interest rates. Discountinghas not been applied to current payables.Use of estimates and judgementsThe preparation of financial statements requires management to makejudgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported values of
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. The estimates and associatedassumptions are based on historical experience and other judgementsreasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis ofmaking the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that arenot readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from thoseestimates. Significant areas of estimates and judgement for the group are• Measurement of fair value assets and liabilities acquired as part of businesscombinations. Historically, on the acquisition of businesses, significantjudgements are required in respect of the fair value of intangible assets,such as brands and customer relationships, the fair value of property, plantand equipment and other assets. In the year ended 31 December 2015 thefair value of property, plant and equipment acquired in South Africa,included significant judgements in respect of the market value of land andbuildings including assumptions in respect to sales value; and estimates inrespect of the depreciated replacement cost of plant and machinery. In theyear ended 31 December 2014, the brands in Australia were valued basedon the royalty relief method, which included assumptions in respect ofsales, market royalty rates and the application of discount factors (note 11).
• Discount factors and future cash flow projections used in testing forimpairment of assets. At 31 December 2015 the group has ¤42.9 million(31 December 2014; ¤40.1 million) of brands and ¤485.9 million(31 December 2014: ¤476.9 million) of goodwill which are tested annuallyfor impairment. The impairment testing is based on value-in-usecalculations, which include estimates and assumptions in respect of futurecash flows of the group, in particular in respect of future sales, costs,growth rates and terminal values. Judgements are also involved in thecalculation of discount factors by country and for the group (note 13).
• Measurement and recognition of current and deferred tax assets andprovisions. The group is subject to income tax in numerous jurisdictions.Significant judgement is required in determining current tax liabilities andin the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities; and this includesreassessing judgements formed in previous periods when circumstanceschange, such as changes in legislation, dialogue with tax authorities orother factors. Where this is the case, the judgement exercised in thesematters may cause the group to alter balances from the amount initiallyrecognised, and such differences will impact the current and deferredincome tax assets/ liabilities and credit/ charge in the period ofdetermination. Judgement is also required in respect of the utilisation oftax losses. Deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that theirutilisation is supported by future forecasts of profitability (note 14).
Adoption of new and revised standardsThere have been no new accounting standards adopted by the group for thefirst time for the financial year beginning 1 January 2015. The following newstandards, when adopted, may have some effect on the results or presentationof the financial statements:IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts (applicable from 1 January 2017) deals withrevenue recognition. Revenue is recognised when a customer obtains controlof a good or service and has ability to direct its use and obtain the benefits.The group is yet to make a detailed assessment of IFRS 15’s impact but amaterial impact is not anticipated.IFRS 9 Financial instruments (applicable from 1 January 2018) addresses theclassification, measurement, and recognition of financial assets and liabilities.The group is yet to make a detailed assessment of IFRS 9’s full impact onclassifications and disclosure of financial assets and liabilities but a materialimpact is not anticipated.
NOTES TO THECONSOLIDATEDFINANCIAL STATEMENTS(cont.)
20 | R&R ICE CREAM PLC | ANNUAL REPORT
01. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS, AMORTISATION, IMPAIRMENTS AND NON-CASH INTEREST
The table below shows an analysis of the items separately disclosed on the face of the Consolidated income statement.
In thousands of euros 31 December 2015 31 December 2014 Total TotalExceptional operating items One-off legal fees (a) (2,411) (2,628)Restructuring and redundancy costs (b) (2,054) (3,816)Acquisition costs (c) (1,548) (7,245)Aborted refinancing costs (d) (1,460) -Unwind of Peters fair value inventory adjustment - (3,504)Origination costs arising from a change in EU legislation - (2,547)Closure of Carcassonne factory - 691Closure of Durigon factory - (165)Closure of Crossgates factory - (498)Product recall - 135Total exceptional operating items (7,473) (19,577)
Amortisation and impairmentsImpairment of intangible assets (e) (6,227) -Impairment of PPE (e) (1,650) -Closure of Durigon factory - (653)Other impairment - (370)Amortisation of intangible assets (12,988) (12,324)
Total impairments and amortisation (20,865) (13,347)
Total exceptional operating items, impairmentsand amortisation (28,338) (32,924)
Exceptional and non-cash interestAccrued but unpaid interest to parent undertakings (non-cash) (32,657) (29,983)Non-cash net foreign exchange loss (6,592) (7,066)Non-cash amortisation of transaction costs (3,101) (2,752)Non-cash movement in fair value of derivatives 892 52Exceptional cash interest on refinancing of ¤350 million senior secured loan notes - (23,274)Write off of deferred transaction costs on refinancing (non-cash) - (7,175)Total exceptional and non-cash interest (41,458) (70,198)
Total exceptional items and non-cash interest (69,796) (103,122)
In the year ended 31 December 2015 all exceptional operating items, impairments and amortisation have been recognised in administrative expenses.In the year ended 31 December 2014 ¤7.2 million was recognised in cost of sales, ¤0.4 million in distribution costs and ¤25.3 million was recognised inadministrative costs.
(a) One-off legal feesThis represents one-off legal fees which have been classified as exceptionalon the grounds of their magnitude or incidence. These fees include ¤1.3million in respect of early stage costs in relation to a potential merger.In the prior year, the group settled a court action with a former agent ofits Rolland business, resulting in a total cost to the group of ¤1.4 million,including the write down of an historic trade receivable of ¤1.6 million.
(b) Restructuring and redundancy costsIn the year ended 31 December 2015, we continued to incur costs relating torestructuring and redundancies arising from consolidation, and theimplementation of operational improvements, within businesses acquired inprevious years (such as the closure of a distribution centre in Australia),together with a limited number of similar changes within other parts of thebusiness. In the year ended 31 December 2014 costs included ¤2.0 million inrespect of the exit costs related to two senior managers of the group, whichwere recharged by an intermediate parent undertaking Riviera AcquisitionsLimited.
(c) Acquisition costsThis represents due diligence expenses and other professional fees in respectof acquisitions, whether successful or unsuccessful, and related grouprestructurings. During the year ended 31 December 2015, the group incurred¤1.0 million of acquisition costs in respect of its acquisition of Nestlé SouthAfrica’s ice cream business (“R&R South Africa”). In the year ended 31December 2014 the group incurred costs of ¤6.0m in respect of itsacquisition of Peters (see note 11).
(d) Aborted refinancing costsThe group incurred costs in relation to exploring financing options, includinga potential refinancing. This was aborted due to volatility related to the Euroin the credit markets.
(e) Impairment of PPE and intangible assetsThis represents the impairment of PPE and intangible assets following areview of their appropriate useful economic lives.
Peters unwind of fair value inventory adjustmentIn the year ended 31 December 2014 the group carried out a fair valueassessment relating to finished goods owned by Peters at acquisition, whichresulted in an uplift to the inventory values of ¤3.5 million. The increase toinventory value was in accordance with accounting standards, which requireinventory to be revalued based on estimated selling price, less costs to completeand to sell, and a reasonable profit margin. During the post-acquisition periodto 31 December 2014, this adjustment resulted in a charge (non-cash) to theConsolidated income statement as the inventories have been sold. This has beentreated as an exceptional item because of its size, one-off nature and toimprove comparability of trading performance between periods.
Origination costsDuring the year ended 31 December 2014 the group incurred costs of ¤2.5million due to the change in EU regulations in respect of the labelling offood products.
02. OPERATING SEGMENTSThe results of the group under the key management reporting segments asreported to the Management Board of the group are as follows:
In thousands of euros 2015 2014Revenue UK 252,874 244,926 Australia 203,279 103,015 Germany 200,324 211,250 France 176,278 172,432 Italy 105,817 95,278 Poland 33,263 34,981 Intra-group (34,324) (36,339) Sub-total as reported to management 937,511 825,543 South Africa 38,568 - 976,079 825,543 Reconciling item - actual exchange rates(1) 15,909 12,622 Reconciling items - other(2) (400) (316) 991,588 837,849
Adjusted EBITDA after parent company management charges UK 59,244 49,787 Australia 44,120 22,486 Germany 33,012 29,544 France 22,650 17,747 Italy 16,000 13,074 Poland 5,250 4,561 Sub-total as reported to management 180,276 137,199 South Africa 2,715 - 182,991 137,199 Reconciling item - actual exchange rates(1) 4,810 2,614 Reconciling items - other(2) (63) 166 187,738 139,979
Note (1): This item illustrates the impact of translating the results of subsidiaries which report incurrencies other than EUR (GBP, A$, ZAR and PLN) to the average rate for the year under IFRS,rather than the budgeted exchange rate used in the management accounts.Note (2): This item includes presentation differences between the management accounts and thegroup accounts.
Refer to note 3 for a reconciliation of profit for the year to Adjusted EBITDA.In the year ended 31 December 2015 ¤6.5 million of the exceptional itemsand impairments relates to UK, ¤2.6 million relates to France, ¤1.0 millionrelates to Germany, ¤0.7 million relates to Australia, ¤0.2 million relates toItaly, ¤nil million relates to Poland, and ¤4.8 million relates to central costs.In the year ended 31 December 2014, ¤5.0 million of the exceptional itemsand impairments relates to Australia, ¤2.9 million relates to the UK, ¤2.2million relates to Germany, ¤2.8 million relates to France, ¤0.5 million relatesto Poland, ¤0.6 million relates to Italy and ¤6.8 million relates to centralcosts.
All reportable segments deal in the production and sale of ice cream andfrozen confectionery.
Transactions between reportable segments include trading transactions,management recharges and interest recharges. These are accounted for on anarm’s length basis.
Adjustments for:Depreciation of property, plantand equipment 30,400 27,410Amortisation of intangible assets (note 1) 12,988 12,324Impairment of intangible assets (note 1) 6,227 -Impairment of property, plantand equipment (note 1) 1,650 370Impairment of assets held for sale (note 1) - 653Loss on disposal of property,plant and equipment 964 336Operating cash flow before changesin working capital and provisions(‘post exceptional EBITDA’) 179,630 119,602
Adjustments for exceptionaloperating items (note 1) 7,473 19,577Parent company management charges 635 800Adjusted EBITDA before parent company management charges 187,738 139,979
Memo: Reconciliation of results from operating activities to results fromoperating activities before exceptional items and amortisation and AdjustedEBITDA before parent company management charges:
In thousands of euros 2015 2014Result from operating activities 127,401 78,509
Adjustments for:Amortisation of intangible assets 12,988 12,324Impairment of intangible assets 6,227 -Impairment of property, plant and equipment 1,650 370Impairment of assets held for sale - 653Exceptional operating items 7,473 19,577Result from operating activities before exceptional items and amortisation (“EBITA”) 155,739 111,433
Adjustments for:Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 30,400 27,410Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 964 336Parent company management charges 635 800Adjusted EBITDA before parentcompany management charges 187,738 139,979
04. GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS
RevenueSales represent the sale of ice cream and frozen confectionery across thegroup. There are no other significant categories of revenue. The table belowshows the revenue relating to the geographical location of the customer.
In thousands of euros 2015 2014UK 268,323 246,416Australia 199,562 103,278Germany 144,492 155,670France 140,838 139,137Italy 104,110 94,010South Africa 33,043 -Poland 23,426 22,625Spain 20,134 18,554Ireland 12,712 13,075Other EU 36,873 34,816Other Europe 2,632 2,621Rest of the World 5,443 7,647 991,588 837,849
Transactions with our largest customer represent 5.6% (2014: 6%) of totalrevenue. This customer is serviced out of the UK and Poland (2014:Germany).
Non-current assetsThe table below shows the geographic location of non-current assetsexcluding deferred tax assets:
In thousands of euros 2015 2014UK 315,483 306,434Australia 288,715 296,403Germany 66,167 72,856France 60,136 63,587Italy 51,581 50,451Poland 21,742 19,655South Africa 6,127 - 809,951 809,386
05. INCOME STATEMENTS OF ENTITIES ACQUIRED IN THE YEAR
The results of the individual entities acquired in the year which have beenrecognised in the Consolidated income statement are as follows:
Year ended 31 December 2015
In thousands of euros R&R South Africa
Revenue 32,885Cost of sales (23,551)Gross profit 9,334
Distribution expenses (204)Administrative expenses (7,082)Results from operating activities 2,048
The post-acquisition results of the acquisition of Nestlé South Africa’s icecream business (“R&R South Africa”), have been recognised in theConsolidated income statement for the 8 months ended 31 December 2015.R&R South Africa has contributed post-acquisition Adjusted EBITDA of ¤2.3million. Under Nestlé ownership the results of its ice cream business werenot reported separately, as a result, it is not possible to disclose the results ofR&R South Africa on a pro forma basis for the year ended 31 December 2015.
Year ended 31 December 2014
In thousands of euros PetersRevenue 103,278Cost of sales Recurring (56,356)Exceptional (3,503) (59,859)Gross profit 43,419Distribution expenses (7,841)Administrative expensesRecurring (20,439)Exceptional (1,490) (21,929)Results from operating activities 13,649
The post-acquisition results of Peters, acquired on 30 June 2014, wererecognised in the Consolidated income statement. Peters contributed post-acquisition Adjusted EBITDA of ¤22.5 million. In 2014 on a pro forma basisPeters would have contributed Adjusted EBITDA of ¤36.3 million for the fullyear and turnover of ¤187.0 million.
The acquisitions are described in note 11.
06. RESULTS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
This is stated after charging:
In thousands of euros Recurring Non-cash Exceptional 2015 2014 interest (Note 1)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment: - owned assets (note 12) 28,939 - 1,650 30,589 26,448 - assets held under finance leases (note 12) 1,461 - - 1,461 1,332Amortisation ofintangible assets (note 13) 12,988 - 6,227 19,215 12,324Operating lease charges 4,152 - - 4,152 3,119Other exceptional costs (note 1) - - 7,473 7,473 19,577Research and development costs 4,704 - - 4,704 4,335Net foreign exchangeloss (note 9) - 6,592 - 6,592 7,066Impairment of assets held for sale - - - - 653
07. AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION
The group incurred the following amounts to its auditors during the year:
In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Fees payable to the company's auditor forthe audit of the company's annual accounts 41 -
Fees payable to the company's auditor andits associates for other services: The audit of the company's subsidiaries, pursuant to legislation 411 - Tax compliance services 136 - Tax advisory services 57 - Services relating to corporate finance transactions - 9 All other services 9 -
Fees payable to the company's previous auditorfor the audit of the company's annual accounts - 39
Fees payable to the company's previous auditorand its associates for other services: The audit of the company's subsidiaries, pursuant to legislation - 391 Tax compliance services 14 139 Tax advisory services 247 79 Services relating to corporate finance transactions 430 912 All other services 48 80
The average number of employees during the year was made up as follows:
2015 2014 No. No.
Production 2,562 2,647Sales, Marketing and Distribution 555 374Administrative and Other 400 349 3,517 3,370
The geographical location of employees at each year end is as follows:
2015 2014 No. No.
UK 787 784France 500 542Germany 487 503Australia 452 452Italy 222 226South Africa 206 -Poland 279 280 2,933 2,787
Directors’ remunerationIn thousands of euros 2015 2014
Directors’ remuneration 2,136 1,927Aggregate contributions to defined contribution pension schemes 131 167
The Directors are remunerated by Riviera Acquisitions Limited, an intermediateparent of R&R Ice Cream plc. During the year ended 31 December 2015,a recharge of ¤2.3 million (2014: ¤3.7 million) in total was made to thegroup in respect of Directors’ costs. The year ended 31 December 2014included ¤1.4 million in respect of exit costs. The aggregate remuneration ofthe highest paid director was ¤1.3 million (2014: ¤0.9 million). Throughoutthe year, the group made payments into 2 directors’ (2014: 2 directors’)defined contribution pension schemes. Pension contributions in respect ofthe highest paid director was ¤0.05 million (2014: ¤0.1 million).
09. FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSE
In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Finance income Interest income on bank deposits 528 333Gain on derivative financial instrument (non-cash) 1,053 52Net foreign exchange gain (non-cash) 2,118 285 3,699 670Finance expense Interest expense on senior secured loan notes (39,444) (32,727)Accrued but unpaid interest to parentundertakings (non-cash) (32,657) (29,983)Foreign exchange loss (non-cash) (8,710) (7,351)Amortisation of transaction costs (non-cash) (3,101) (2,752)Interest expense on bank overdrafts and loans (2,921) (2,799)Interest on obligations under finance leases (1,364) (732)Loss on derivative financial instrument (non-cash) (161) -Refinancing of 2017 loan notes (cash interest) - (23,274)Write off deferred transaction costs related to refinancing (non-cash) - (7,175) (88,358) (106,793)
Net finance expense (84,659) (106,123)
10. INCOME TAX EXPENSE IN THE INCOME STATEMENT
In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Current tax charge Current year 15,518 5,736Adjustments in respect of prior years (39) 2,568Total current tax charge 15,479 8,304
Deferred tax credit Origination and reversal of temporary differences (2,645) (468)Adjustments for prior years (3,428) (1,201)Total deferred tax credit (note 14) (6,073) (1,669)
Total income tax charge 9,406 6,635
Reconciliation of effective tax rateIn thousands of euros 2015 2014
Profit/(loss) for the year before income tax 42,742 (27,614)
Total income tax using domesticcorporation tax rate of 20.25%(2014: 21.5%) 8,655 (5,937)(Non-taxable income)/non-deductibleexpenses (583) 3,324Impact of change of tax rate ondeferred tax (455) -Losses not recognised in deferredtax provision (48) 6,653Difference between local tax ratesand UK standard rate 5,304 1,228(Over)/Under recovery in prior years- current tax (39) 2,568Adjustments in respect of prior years- deferred tax (3,428) (1,201)
10. INCOME TAX EXPENSE IN THE INCOME STATEMENT (cont.)Current tax charge The total current tax charge of ¤15.5 million (2014: ¤8.3 million) mainlyrelates to corporation tax payable by overseas entities of ¤11.2 million (2014:¤5.4 million) and ¤0.8 million (2014: ¤2.9 million) of UK group relief and¤1.6 million of withholding tax (¤0.7 million).
The blended corporation tax rate of 20.25% represents the UK corporationtax rate of 21% for three months of the year which reduced to 20% on 1April 2015 for the remainder of the year.
Deferred tax creditThe deferred tax credit in 2015 has increased compared to the prior year.This is mainly due to the unwind of deferred tax liabilities related tointangible assets, timing differences in respect of accounting and taxdepreciation, recognition of assets related to employee benefits, offset bythe utilisation of tax losses.
As the deferred tax assets and liabilities should be recognised based on thecorporation tax rates substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, a 19.5%deferred tax rate has been used at 31 December 2015 (31 December 2014:20%), and at the prevailing rates for overseas subsidiaries.
Tax reconciliationThe year-on-year comparison of the items included in the tax reconciliationis difficult due to the following:
• Group operational restructuring and related costs• Impact of acquisitions
In 2014 the losses not recognised in deferred tax provision principally relatedto losses in the UK and Germany. The total losses in respect of the UK were¤6.0 million due to exceptional costs in the year in R&R Ice Cream plc whichare unlikely to be utilised in future years in the company and are notavailable to group relieve to other group companies.
11. ACQUISITIONS OF SUBSIDIARIES
Summary of acquisition cash flowsIn thousands of euros 2015 2014
South Africa acquisition (8,558) -Durigon deferred consideration payment (1,748) -Peters acquisition - (310,268)Cash on Peters acquisition - 4,501Acquisition of subsidiaries,net of cash on acquisition (10,306) (305,767)
Year ended 31 December 2015
Business acquisition - South AfricaOn 4 May 2015, the group acquired Nestlé South Africa’s ice cream businessand certain assets and liabilities for a total consideration of ¤8.6 million.This included ¤3.8 million for the acquisition of certain brands andtrademarks which were acquired separately from the acquisition of the icecream business. The business, based in Johannesburg, manufactures iconicbrands such as Country Fresh, King Cone and Eskimo Pie and is a leader ininnovation with a history of successful launches and strong establishedrelationships in all channels.
The acquisition balance sheet of South Africa is shown below. Fair valueadjustments have been made to certain of the assets and liabilities.
The acquisition had the following effect on the group’s assets and liabilitiesat acquisition date: Pre-acquisition Provisional carrying Fair value fair values onIn thousands of euros amounts adjustments acquisition
Property, plant and equipment 12,098 (8,996) 3,102Intangible assets 3,839 - 3,839Inventories 2,782 (419) 2,363Trade and other receivables 3,477 - 3,477Current liabilities - Trade and other payables (3,212) - (3,212)Provisions (1,011) - (1,011)Net identifiable assets and liabilities 17,973 (9,415) 8,558
Goodwill on acquisition -Total consideration 8,558
Net cash outflow on acquisition (8,558)
Fair value adjustmentsManagement reviewed the fair value of the land and buildings based onmarket values. This included significant judgements in respect to sales value.Plant and machinery have been valued based on depreciated replacementcost.
OtherThe group paid deferred consideration of ¤1.7 million in respect of itsDurigon business acquired in 2011.
NOTES TO THECONSOLIDATEDFINANCIAL STATEMENTS(cont.)
11. ACQUISITIONS OF SUBSIDIARIES (cont.)
Year ended 31 December 2014
Business acquisition - PetersOn 30 June 2014, the group acquired the ordinary share capital of PetersFood Group Limited for a total consideration of A$448.1 million. Peters,based in Mulgrave in Melbourne, manufactures iconic brands such asDrumstick cones and Connoisseur tubs and sticks.
The acquisition balance sheet of Peters is shown below. Fair valueadjustments were made to certain of the assets and liabilities and the excessof cash paid over net identifiable assets and liabilities has been allocated togoodwill.
The acquisition had the following effect on the group’s assets and liabilitiesat acquisition date. The below has, however, been adjusted for a provisionagainst engineering spares stock of ¤0.6 million made during the six monthperiod to 30 June 2015, consequently increasing deferred tax assets by ¤0.2million and goodwill on acquisition by ¤0.4 million.
The acquisition had the following effect on the group’s assets and liabilitiesat acquisition date: Pre-acquisition Fair carrying Fair value values onIn thousands of euros amounts adjustments acquisition
Goodwill on acquisition 205,198Total consideration 310,268
Cash on acquisition 4,501Net cash outflow on acquisition (305,767)
The goodwill recognised on the acquisition is attributable mainly to theability of the group to win new business, including in new markets in thefuture, and the skill and technical talent of the acquired business workforce.
In thousands of euros Assets under Land and buildings Plant and equipment construction Total
Cost or deemed costBalance at 1 January 2014 92,579 119,840 16,583 229,002Acquisitions through business combinations (note 11) 14,060 40,010 741 54,811Other additions 2,217 11,235 13,214 26,666Movement of assets under construction 5,354 16,006 (21,360) -Reclassification - gross up of cost(1) - 6,971 572 7,543Disposals (8,293) (6,467) (359) (15,119)Foreign currency adjustments 1,962 130 772 2,864Balance at 31 December 2014 107,879 187,725 10,163 305,767
Balance at 1 January 2015 107,879 187,725 10,163 305,767Acquisitions through business combinations (note 11) 1,764 1,320 18 3,102Other additions 3,020 6,540 21,797 31,357Movement of assets under construction 808 15,190 (15,998) -Reclassification - gross up of cost(1) 2,283 26,139 (102) 28,320Disposals (5,655) (2,611) (2,768) (11,034)Foreign currency adjustment 2,154 205 151 2,510Balance at 31 December 2015 112,253 234,508 13,261 360,022
Accumulated depreciation and impairment Balance at 1 January 2014 24,385 56,373 348 81,106Depreciation for the year 6,322 21,088 - 27,410Impairment - - 370 370Disposals (8,027) (5,162) (108) (13,297)Reclassification - gross up of depreciation(1) - 7,543 - 7,543Foreign currency adjustment 414 232 (15) 631Balance at 31 December 2014 23,094 80,074 595 103,763
Balance at 1 January 2015 23,094 80,074 595 103,763Depreciation for the year 5,734 24,666 - 30,400Impairment 1,703 - (53) 1,650Disposals (5,655) (2,749) - (8,404)Reclassification - gross up of depreciation(1) 4,260 25,585 - 29,845Foreign currency adjustment 400 26 3 429Balance at 31 December 2015 29,536 127,602 545 157,683
Note (1): As a result of the review of asset registers in the UK in 2015 a gross up adjustment has been made to correct the gross cost and depreciation value of assets held. In 2014 the same exercise was performedin Germany. In addition at 31 December 2015, software with a net book value of ¤1.5 million has been transferred from assets in the course of construction to intangible assets.
Carrying amountsIn thousands of euros Assets under Land and buildings Plant and equipment construction Total
At 1 January 2014 68,194 63,467 16,235 147,896At 31 December 2014 and 1 January 2015 84,785 107,651 9,568 202,004At 31 December 2015 82,717 106,906 12,716 202,339
The net book value of plant and equipment held under finance leases and hire purchase contracts at 31 December 2015 was ¤18.6 million(2014: ¤21.8 million). The total depreciation charged in the year relating to these assets is ¤1.5 million (2014: ¤1.3 million).
Included in land and buildings is ¤4.1 million of land in the UK which is being held as an investment property.
NOTES TO THECONSOLIDATEDFINANCIAL STATEMENTS(cont.)
13. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
In thousands of euros Customer Brands and Licences and Goodwill Relationships Trademarks Recipes Software Total
Cost Balance at 1 January 2014 265,475 93,088 30,325 54,143 7,735 450,766Acquisitions through business combinations (note 11) 205,198 - 39,887 - 4,677 249,762Other additions - - - 3 350 353Foreign currency adjustment 6,232 3,702 (605) 3,291 32 12,652Disposals - - - - (85) (85)Balance at 31 December 2014 476,905 96,790 69,607 57,437 12,709 713,448
Balance at 1 January 2015 476,905 96,790 69,607 57,437 12,709 713,448Acquisitions through business combinations (note 11) - - 3,839 - - 3,839Other additions - - - 4 2,511 2,515Reclassification 602 - - - 1,513 2,115Foreign currency adjustment 8,424 3,225 (1,123) 2,878 (47) 13,357Disposals - - - - (55) (55)Balance at 31 December 2015 485,931 100,015 72,323 60,319 16,631 735,219
Accumulated amortisation and impairment losses Balance at 1 January 2014 - 48,608 18,410 18,520 5,710 91,248Amortisation for the year - 6,600 1,382 3,260 1,082 12,324Disposals - (66) - - (85) (151)Foreign currency adjustment - 1,483 7 1,143 12 2,645Balance at 31 December 2014 - 56,625 19,799 22,923 6,719 106,066
Balance at 1 January 2015 - 56,625 19,799 22,923 6,719 106,066Amortisation for the year - 7,164 851 3,301 1,672 12,988Impairment - - 183 6,044 - 6,227Foreign currency adjustment - 1,325 7 984 10 2,326Balance at 31 December 2015 - 65,114 20,840 33,252 8,401 127,607
Carrying amounts In thousands of euros Customer Brands and Licences and Goodwill Relationships Trademarks Recipes Software Total
At 1 January 2014 265,475 44,480 11,915 35,623 2,025 359,518At 31 December 2014 and 1 January 2015 476,905 40,165 49,808 34,514 5,990 607,382At 31 December 2015 485,931 34,901 51,483 27,067 8,230 607,612
Intangible assets consist of recipes, customer relationships, brands,trademarks and licences acquired through business combinations and areamortised over their useful lives of between 2 and 20 years. UK brands (¤1.0million (2014: ¤1.0 million)), Australian brands (¤38.8 million (2014: ¤39.1million)) and South African brands (¤3.1 million (2014: ¤nil)) are notamortised, as they are considered to have indefinite useful lives. This isbecause there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the asset isexpected to generate net cash inflows for the business. Intangible assets aretested annually to determine whether there is any indication of impairment.Software and development costs are amortised over their useful economiclives of between 3 and 10 years.
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets chargeThe amortisation and impairment of intangible assets charge is recognisedwithin administrative expenses.
Impairment testing for cash-generating units containing goodwillGoodwill acquired through business combinations is monitored at the level ofthe group’s operating segments, which represents the aggregation of thecash-generating units (CGUs) to which it relates.
The aggregate carrying amounts of goodwill allocated to each operatingsegment are as follows:
In thousands of euros Discount factor Carrying amount 2015 2014 2015 2014UK 9.6% 11.5% 191,580 181,284France 11.3% 13.0% 31,125 31,125Germany 10.8% 12.6% 30,877 30,877Australia 11.5% 12.0% 198,344 199,614South Africa 18.5% - - -Italy 10.8% 12.1% 34,005 34,005 Total 485,931 476,905
The group annually tests the recoverable amount of each CGU’s goodwillbalance, based on a value-in-use calculation. Cash flow forecasts are basedon the 2016 budget and a 3-year strategic plan approved by the Board.The growth rates and margins used to estimate future performance arebased on past performance and management’s experience of growth ratesand margins achievable in key markets.
Discount rates used are shown above, pre-tax and reflect the specific risksrelating to each CGU. The key assumptions underpinning the forecasts arebased on anticipated revenue and gross margin into perpetuity, sincemanagement believes this gives a true reflection of the anticipated cashflows of the business. The growth rates used are consistent with the prudentend of the range of assumptions from the group’s annual budget andstrategic planning process.
Terminal value is calculated using a perpetuity growth rate based on the cashflow forecast for 2020. The forecast growth rate used for the years beyondthe strategic plan and for perpetuity is 2%, which management consider doesnot exceed long-term average growth rates for the group’s markets.Management does not currently believe that any reasonably possible changein the key assumptions on which the assessments of recoverable amountshave been based would cause the carrying amount of goodwill to exceed itsrecoverable amount.
Movements in goodwill in the year relate to foreign exchange fluctuationsand the finalisation of fair values in respect of the acquisition of Petersin 2014.
14. DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:
Assets Liabilities Net
In thousands of euros 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014
Note (1): Other items of ¤3.2 million (2014: ¤3.3 million) includes ¤2.6 million (2014: ¤2.0 million) of tax reliefs available from operating in the Mielec Special Economic Zone in Poland.
NOTES TO THECONSOLIDATEDFINANCIAL STATEMENTS(cont.)
15. INVENTORIES
In thousands of euros 2015 2014Raw materials and consumables 24,586 23,199Work in progress 684 1,185Finished goods 69,348 63,821 94,618 88,205
The above amounts are stated net of inventory provisions. The cost ofinventories recognised as an expense and included in cost of sales amountedto ¤558.1 million (2014: ¤496.2 million).
16. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Trade receivables, prepayments and otherdebtors 143,426 130,479Trade and other receivables due from relatedparties (note 31) 25,062 1,420 168,488 131,899
The above receivables are shown net of the following provisions for doubtful debts:
In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Provisions against trade receivables Opening provision against trade receivables 5,516 3,441Provisions acquired in year - 1,362Provision utilised in year (1,106) (1,103)Expensed in year (charged toadministrative expenses) 1,205 1,883Foreign currency adjustment (31) (67)Closing provision for trade receivables 5,584 5,516
Included in the above analysis of receivables are the following amountswhich are past due and for which we have not made any specific provision:
Receivables denominated in currencies other than the functional currencycomprise ¤28.7 million (2014: ¤34.3 million) of receivables denominated inPounds Sterling, ¤0.6 million (2014: ¤0.9 million) of receivables denominatedin Zlotys, ¤51.4 million (2014: ¤47.0 million) of receivables denominated inAustralian Dollars and ¤18.2 million (2014: ¤nil) of receivables denominated inSouth African Rand.
The value of derivatives included in trade receivables, prepayments and otherdebtors is ¤0.6 million (2014: ¤nil).
In the opinion of the directors, the fair value of receivables is equal to theircarrying amount.
17. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Bank balances 108,676 36,012Cash and cash equivalents in the statementof cash flows 108,676 36,012
The bank balance for cash in same day call deposit accounts was ¤nil (2014:¤nil). Cash balances denominated in currencies other than the functionalcurrency comprise ¤0.4 million (2014: ¤0.3 million) denominated in Zlotys,¤37.2 million (2014: ¤8.3 million) denominated in Pounds Sterling, ¤36.0million (2014: ¤7.9 million) denominated in Australian Dollars and ¤7.4million (2014: ¤nil) denominated in South African Rand.
18. RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN CAPITAL AND RESERVES
In thousands of euros Equity Currency share translation Accumulated capital reserve losses Total Balance at 31 December 2014 50,886 (17,141) (226,472) (192,727)Exchange difference onretranslation of foreignoperations - 4,561 - 4,561 Net investment hedging - (8,696) - (8,696)Change in actuarialassumptions in respect ofpost-employment benefits - - 57 57Profit for the year - - 33,336 33,336Balance at 31 December 2015 50,886 (21,276) (193,079) (163,469)
Currency translation reserve The translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arisingfrom the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations andthe company’s net investment in those operations.
The group has applied net investment hedging in respect of its investmentsin the UK, Jersey and Australia by designating its GBP Sterling and A$senior secured loan notes as hedging instruments. Net foreign exchangelosses recognised in the Consolidated profit and loss account have beentransferred to accumulated losses to the extent the value of the seniorsecured loan notes is 100% matched against the value of the subconsolidated net assets of the underlying investments.
19. EQUITY SHARE CAPITAL
In thousands of euros 2015 2014Allotted, called up and fully paid50.9 million (2014: 50.9 million)ordinary shares of ¤1 each 50,886 50,886
This note provides information about the contractual terms of the group’sinterest-bearing loans and borrowings. For more information about thegroup’s exposure to interest rate and foreign currency risk see note 24.
Summary of net debtIn thousands of euros 2015 2014Fixed rate third partySenior secured notes 679,188 657,183Senior secured notes accrued interest 4,932 4,809 684,120 661,992Finance leases 15,586 16,519Other financial liabilities 1,053 538Total fixed rate third party 700,759 679,049Floating rate third partyCash (108,676) (36,012)Factored borrowings (non-recourse) 6,466 5,734Total floating rate third party (102,210) (30,278)Total third party net debt 598,549 648,771OtherPrepaid transaction costs (9,367) (11,755)Parent company loans 398,771 366,113Total net debt 987,953 1,003,129
Reconciliation from financial liabilities to net debtIn thousands of euros 2015 2014
Total financial liabilities 1,090,342 1,033,829Cash (108,676) (36,012)Factored borrowings (non-recourse) 6,466 5,734Derivative financial instruments (179) (422)Total net debt 987,953 1,003,129
Transaction costs¤13.0 million of transaction costs were incurred on the issue of the £315million senior secured loan notes in May 2014 and on the issue of ¤150million and A$152 million senior secured loan notes in June 2014 (seebelow). These costs are being amortised over the life of the senior securedloan notes to 2020.
Issuance of senior secured loan notesOn 14 May 2014, the group refinanced its ¤350 million 2017 senior securedloan notes through the issuance of £315 million new senior secured loannotes due to mature in 2020. These new notes accrue interest at 5.5% whichis payable semi-annually on 15 May and 15 November. The refinancingresulted in the repayment of the ¤350 million nominal value of the notesplus additional costs of ¤23.3 million (see note 1).
On 26 June 2014 the group issued a further ¤150 million and A$152 millionof senior secured loan notes in order to raise funds to acquire Peters (seenote 11). The notes are due to mature in 2020 and accrue interest at 4.75%and 8.25% respectively. The interest is payable semi-annually on 15 May and15 November.
Terms and debt repayment scheduleTerms and conditions of outstanding loans (excluding any derivativesbalances) were as follows:
2015In thousands of euros 31 Dec Interest Year of Carrying Fair Currency Rate Maturity Amount Value
NOTES TO THECONSOLIDATEDFINANCIAL STATEMENTS(cont.)
32 | R&R ICE CREAM PLC | ANNUAL REPORT
20. FINANCIAL LIABILITIES (cont.)
Undrawn facilitiesAt 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014 the group had ¤56.3 million(2014: ¤56.5 million) of undrawn revolving credit facilities and ¤43.7 million(2014: ¤43.3 million) of non-recourse factoring facilities available should theybe required. There are no significant restrictions on the utilisation of therevolving credit facility. Any non-recourse factoring facility drawings arerestricted by the level of debtors outstanding at that time.
21. FINANCE LEASE LIABILITIES
The group has finance leases for some of its plant and machinery.Future minimum lease payments under finance leases are as follows:
In thousands of euros 2015 2014Future minimum payments due: Not later than one year 1,722 2,162After one year but not more than five years 6,674 15,460More than five years 24,415 17,566Less finance charges allocated to future periods (17,225) (18,669)Present value of minimum lease payments 15,586 16,519
The present value of minimum lease payments is analysed as follows:
Not later than one year 447 885After one year but not more than five years 1,657 1,439More than five years 13,482 14,195 15,586 16,519
The effective interest rate on finance leases is 7.5% (2014: 7.5%).
22. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES
In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Trade payables, accrued expenses and other balances 164,539 137,514Trade and other payables due to relatedparties (note 31) 80,016 76,718 244,555 214,232
Payables denominated in currencies other than the functional currency compriseof trade payables, accrued expenses and other payables as follows: ¤37.8 million(2014: ¤34.3 million) in Pounds Sterling, ¤2.5 million (2014: ¤3.0 million) inZlotys, ¤52.1 million (2014: ¤40.1 million) in Australian Dollars and ¤13.6 million(2014: ¤nil) in South African Rand.
23. PROVISIONS
In thousands of euros Employment Factory Legal provisions closures provisions Total
Balance at 1 January 2014 2,831 9,544 400 12,775Provisions acquired during the year 6,404 - - 6,404Provisions made during the year 913 (611) 500 802Provisions used during the year (12) (7,788) - (7,800)Foreign currency adjustment (126) - - (126)Balance at 31 December 2014 10,010 1,145 900 12,055
Balance at 1 January 2015 10,010 1,145 900 12,055Provisions acquired during the year 1,011 - - 1,011Provisions made during the year 2,430 - - 2,430Provisions used during the year (2,413) (609) (900) (3,922)Foreign currency adjustment (184) - - (184)Balance at 31 December 2015 10,854 536 - 11,390
Analysed as:
2015
Payable within one year 6,113 536 - 6,649Payable in more than one year 4,741 - - 4,741 10,854 536 - 11,390
2014
Payable within one year 5,873 1,145 900 7,918Payable in more than one year 4,137 - - 4,137 10,010 1,145 900 12,055
Employment provisions Rolland SAS and Pilpa SAS hold provisions in respect of lump sum paymentson retirement granted to all employees under French law, based on theirseniority in the company, and their current level of remuneration.The remuneration is paid to all employees when they reach retirement age,60 to 65, depending on when they commenced working. Cash outflows fromthis provision are not expected to be significant over the next three years.The balance as at 31 December 2015 was ¤3.1 million (2014: ¤3.1 million).
Until December 2006, Eskigel Srl was required to withhold a percentage ofall employees’ salaries in a provision called Trattamento di Fine Rapporto, orTFR. It is paid to employees when their period of employment ceases. SinceJanuary 2007, following a change of law, a portion of salary is still retainedbut is now paid to the Italian tax authority on a monthly basis. The TFRprovision represents the residual obligation for the benefit accruing toemployees until 31 December 2006. This provision is a long-term employeebenefit scheme. Cash outflows from this provision are not anticipated to besignificant over the next three years. The balance as at 31 December 2015was ¤0.4 million (2014: ¤0.4 million).
In Australia, Peters hold a provision in respect of employee long serviceleave. Employees are entitled to 13 weeks of holiday after 15 years of service.Employees are entitled to a pro rate payment if they leave employmentafter 7 years. The balance as at 31 December 2015 was ¤6.6 million (2014:6.5 million).
In South Africa provisions are recognised in respect of post-retirementmedical benefits for certain employees (31 December 2015: ¤0.7 million).In addition certain employees are members of the Nestlé South Africadefined benefit pension scheme, for which R&R South Africa are requiredto contribute (31 December 2015: ¤56 thousand). Total provisions at31 December 2015 were ¤0.8 million.
Factory closuresIn the year ended 31 December 2013, the group initiated the closure ofthree of its factories. Provision was made for the estimated expected furthercosts of closure. The majority of cash outflows associated with theseprovisions have been realised during 2014 and 2015. It is anticipated that theremaining cash outflows will be during 2016.
Legal provisionsProvisions for legal expenses were connected with previous acquisitions.
24. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The group’s financial assets comprise cash at bank, trade receivables and otherreceivables. The group’s financial liabilities comprise bank and otherborrowings, financial lease obligations and other payables.
Exposure to credit, interest rate and currency risks arises in the normal courseof the group’s business. Derivatives are used to manage exposure tofluctuations in exchange rates.
Credit riskManagement has a credit policy in place and the exposure to credit risk ismonitored on an ongoing basis. Credit evaluations are performed on allcustomers requiring credit over a certain amount. The group does not requirecollateral in respect of financial assets.
At the reporting date there were no significant concentrations of credit risk.The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amountof each financial asset, including derivatives in the balance sheet.
Interest rate riskThe majority of the group’s debt is fixed coupon which means that there is nosignificant exposure to interest rates. Short-term borrowings are used to fundthe business through its peak working capital requirement. Such loans areborrowed at floating interest rates. The exposure on such borrowings is notconsidered significant. Short-term receivables and payables are not exposed tointerest rate risk.
Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on market rates.
Foreign currency riskThe group is exposed to foreign currency risk on sales, purchases andborrowings that are denominated in a currency other than the respectivefunctional currencies of group entities. The currencies giving rise to theserisks are primarily Pounds Sterling (GBP), Australian Dollars (A$), Polish Zlotyand South African Rand (ZAR).
At 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014 the key risk is the group’sborrowings in foreign currency, being the GBP £315.0 million and A$ 152.0million senior secured loan notes. These notes are held in the balance sheetof R&R Ice Cream plc which has a EUR reporting and functional currency.The group’s strategy is that these foreign currency borrowings better matchthe generation of cash flow in the group. In respect of the GBP denominatedloan notes it is expected that they will be largely serviced by the cashgeneration of the group’s UK trading business. Likewise the A$ denominatedloan notes are expected to be serviced by the cash generation of the group’sAustralian business.
The UK and Australian businesses also typically use contracts to mitigateforeign currency exposure on trading. At the 2015 year end, there were 36such contracts outstanding (2014: eleven). The Directors believe that theforeign exchange exposure in this regard does not present a material risk.The net fair value of these contracts at 31 December 2015 was an asset of¤0.4 million (2014: liability of ¤0.4 million).
A movement of +/- 10% in the GBP: EUR exchange rate, with all othervariables held constant would result in a ¤15.5 million (2014: ¤19.5 million)movement in the group’s results and a ¤19.4 million (2014: ¤21.9 million)movement in the group’s equity. A movement of +/- 10% in the A$: EURexchange rate, with all other variables held constant would result in a ¤2.5million (2014: 1.1 million) movement in the group’s results and a ¤3.5 million(2014: ¤1.9 million) movement in the group’s equity.
94% of the UK business’s forecast 2016 Euro trading requirement is hedged(2014: 95% of the UK business’s 2015 Euro trading requirement). 97% of theAustralian business’s forecast Euro trading requirement up to 30 June 2016 ishedged (2014: 65% up to 30 June 2015), with 56% hedged beyond that dateas at 31 December 2015 (2014: nil% up to 31 December 2015), with an overallhedged position of 73% of the Euro requirement to 31 December 2016.
Capital managementOne of the group’s objectives is to safeguard its ability to continue as a goingconcern providing returns to shareholders, through the optimisation of thedebt and equity balance, and to maintain a strong credit rating and headroom.The group manages its capital structure and makes appropriate decisions inlight of the current economic conditions and strategic objectives of the group.
The group’s capital comprises equity and long-term debt. The equity comprisesfully paid up ordinary shares and the long-term debt comprises subordinatedshareholder loans, the senior secured notes and finance leases. Intra-yearfunding requirements are managed through cash, revolving credit facilities andfactoring facilities.
The refinancing in 2014 allowed the group to better match EBITDA and cashflows to its borrowings and debt service obligations, in particular to provide anatural hedge in respect of potential foreign exchange movements.
The group’s policy is to budget sufficient headroom in order to maintaincompliance with the covenant set out in the revolving credit facilityagreement such that any unforeseen circumstances are unlikely to result in abreach of that covenant. Throughout the year, the group has comfortablycomplied with this policy.
There has been no change in the objectives, policies or processes in respect ofcapital management during the years ended 31 December 2015 and 31December 2014.
NOTES TO THECONSOLIDATEDFINANCIAL STATEMENTS(cont.)
34 | R&R ICE CREAM PLC | ANNUAL REPORT
24. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (cont.)
Liquidity riskThe following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including interest payments:
Year ended 31 December 2015In thousands of euros Total Interest Carrying contractual Within 1-2 2-3 3-5 5-10 More than Rate amount cash flows 1 year years years years years 10 years
Year ended 31 December 2014In thousands of euros Total Interest Carrying contractual Within 1-2 2-3 3-5 5-10 More than Rate amount cash flows 1 year years years years years 10 years
Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilitiesSet out below is a comparison by category of carrying amounts and fairvalues of all the group’s financial instruments.
In calculating the fair values of the subordinated shareholder loan above,the Directors have utilised discounted cash flow techniques using the rate ofinterest on the most recently arranged tranche of borrowings as an indicatorof current market rates for this type of debt. In the case of the seniorsecured loan notes and other loans the fair value has been taken from theobserved market value of the listed debt. In the case of the variable rateborrowings the Directors believe that carrying value does not differmaterially from fair value and accordingly no separate valuations wereperformed.
The derivative financial instruments fall into level two of the fair valuehierarchy since their valuation is derived from observable market prices.The deferred consideration falls into level three of the fair value hierarchy.
The fair values of trade and other receivables, trade and other payables andderivatives are the same as the respective book values. At 31 December 2015,¤5.6 million (2014: ¤6.7 million) of factoring balances are shown net withintrade and other receivables.
25. CAPITAL COMMITMENTSCapital commitments at the end of the financial year, for which no provisionhas been made, are as follows:
In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Contracted 6,635 2,814
26. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS
Total commitments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:
In thousands of euros Land and Buildings Other 2015 2014 2015 2014Lease payments: Within one year 2,225 2,211 994 705Within two to five years 7,941 8,017 1,583 1,565In five years or more 26,073 28,315 - - 36,239 38,543 2,577 2,270
27. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
From time to time, in the normal course of trading, the group may becomesubject to claims. The nature of claims means they can take a long time toresolve. It is the group’s policy to investigate claims, and in the event afinancial settlement is considered probable and the amount reliablyestimable, provision is made.
28. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
Riviera Midco SA - Share incentive scheme
As part of the acquisition of the group on 11 July 2013 by PAI Partners,certain senior executives and management of R&R Ice Cream plc wereinvited to take part in a new share incentive scheme. This entitled theindividuals to purchase shares in Riviera Midco SA, an intermediate parentundertaking of R&R Ice Cream plc, and to partake in the future success ofthe group. These shares were paid for up front. There have been furthershare issues during the year ended 31 December 2015 and 2014.
In order to derive any benefit from the shares, the employee must remain anemployee of R&R Ice Cream plc for the duration of Riviera Midco SA’sownership of R&R Ice Cream plc.
This scheme is treated as equity settled. The fair value of the incentive sharesat the date of grant was nil (2014: nil). No charges have therefore beenrecognised in the Consolidated Income Statement in the current or priorperiod.
29. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PENSION PLAN
The group operates a defined contribution pension plan. ¤4.5 million (2014:¤2.5 million) was recognised as an expense in the year relating to the plan.
NOTES TO THECONSOLIDATEDFINANCIAL STATEMENTS(cont.)
36 | R&R ICE CREAM PLC | ANNUAL REPORT
30. GROUP ENTITIES
Significant subsidiaries Principal Country of Ownership interest activity incorporation 2015 2014
Australasian Food Group Pty Ltd(1) See below(2) Australia 100% 100%Creamice Limited(1) Dormant England and Wales 100% 100%Durigon Gelato GmbH(1) See below(2) Germany 100% 100%Eskigel Holding SpA Holding company Italy 100% 100%Eskigel SrL(1) See below(2) Italy 100% 100%Food MezzCo Pty Ltd(1) Holding company Australia 100% 100%Fredericks Dairies Limited(1) See below(2) England and Wales 100% 100%Fredericks Holdings Limited(1) Holding company England and Wales 100% 100%Fredericks Holdings (Guernsey) Limited(1) Holding company Guernsey 100% 100%Kelly’s of Cornwall Limited(1) Holding company England and Wales 100% 100%Kelly’s Cornish Dairy Ices Limited(1) Dormant England and Wales 100% 100%Mulgrave LeaseCo Pty Ltd(1) Lease company Australia 100% 100%New Holdingco Pty Ltd(1) Holding company Australia 100% 100%Nord-Eis die Eisprofis GmbH(1) Dormant Germany 100% 100%R&R Holdings Deutschland GmbH Holding company Germany 100% 100%R&R Holdings France SAS Holding company France 100% 100%R&R Ice Cream Deutschland GmbH(1) See below(2) Germany 100% 100%R&R Ice Cream France SAS(1) See below(2) France 100% 100%R&R Ice Cream Jersey Limited Holding company Jersey 100% 100%R&R Ice Cream South Africa Holding Limited Holding company England and Wales 100% -R&R Ice Cream South Africa (Pty) Limited(1) See below(2) South Africa 100% -R&R Ice Cream UK Limited(1) See below(2) England and Wales 100% 100%R&R Rolland France SAS(1) Holding company France 100% 100%Richmond Foods Limited(1) Holding company England and Wales 100% 100%Richmond Foods (EBT1) Limited(1) Dormant England and Wales 100% 100%Richmond Ice Cream Limited(1) Dormant England and Wales 100% 100%Richmond Operations Limited(1) Dormant England and Wales 100% 100%Richmond Shelf Company Limited Dormant England and Wales 100% 100%Riviera Holdings (Aus) Pty Ltd Holding company Australia 100% 100%Riviera (Aus) Pty Ltd(1) Holding company Australia 100% 100%L’Italiano Ice Cream GmbH(1) See below(2) Germany 100% 100%Paladine SAS(1) See below(2) France 100% 100%Peters Food Group Limited(1) See below(2) Australia 100% 100%Pilpa SAS(1) Dormant France 100% 100%Prima-Eis GmbH(1) Dormant Germany 100% 100%Oldfield’s Ice Cream Limited(1) Dormant England and Wales 100% 100%Rolland SAS(1) See below(2) France 100% 100%Ruby Acquisitions Limited Holding company England and Wales 100% 100%Treats Frozen Confectionery Limited(1) Dormant England and Wales 100% 100%Weidengluck UG & Co. KG(1) Holding company Germany 95% 95%Windsor Creameries Manufacturing Limited(1) Dormant England and Wales 100% 100%Yoomoo International Limited(1) Dormant England and Wales 100% 100%Zielona Budka (Mielec) SpZoo(1) See below(2) Poland 100% 100%
Note (1): These entities are held indirectly.Note (2): The principal activity of all subsidiaries in the group is the production and sale of ice cream and frozen confectionery, unless otherwise stated..
The above ownership interests are all ordinary shares.All controlled entities in the table above have been included in the group consolidation.
Immediate parent undertaking At 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014, the immediate parentcompany of R&R Ice Cream plc was New R&R Ice Cream Limited, a privatecompany incorporated in England and Wales, and its ultimate parentcompany in the UK was Riviera Topco Limited, a company incorporated inEngland and Wales. Ultimate parent undertaking At 31 December 2015 and 2014 the group was owned by PAI Partners SASand funds managed by PAI Partners SAS, a private equity firm based in Paris,France.At 31 December 2015 and 2014 the ultimate parent undertaking of R&R IceCream plc was Riviera Topco Sarl, a company incorporated in Luxembourg.The largest group of undertakings for which group accounts are drawn isRiviera Midco SA, a company incorporated in Luxembourg. Riviera Midco SAis an immediate subsidiary of Riviera Topco Sarl.Related party transactionsThe following balances are outstanding at the end of the reporting period inrelation to transactions with related parties:
In thousands of euros 2015 2014Trade and other receivables R&R PIK PLC 23,135 -New R&R Ice Cream Limited 1,923 1,420Riviera Midco SA 4 -Trade and other receivables due from related parties 25,062 1,420
Trade and other payablesR&R PIK PLC (346) (6,914)New R&R Ice Cream Limited (61,624) (54,813)Riviera Acquisitions Limited (18,046) (14,988)Riviera Topco Limited - (3)Trade and other payables due to related parties (80,016) (76,718)
Loans Loan from parent undertakings (398,771) (366,113)Loan from parent undertakings (398,771) (366,113)
Transactions with related partiesThe following transactions occurred with related parties:
In thousands of euros 2015 2014Interest on loan from parent undertakings (32,657) (29,982)Funding provided by parent undertakings - (64,739)PIK TOGGLE interest paid on behalf ofR&R PIK PLC 23,403 23,403UK group tax relief (1,367) (2,229)Group management recharges (1,206) (287)Other (485) (21) (12,312) (73,855)
At the 2015 year end, the group owed ¤398.7 million in long-term loans andunpaid interest to New R&R Ice Cream Limited. The loan accrues interest at8.92% and is due to mature in 2110.
Outstanding balances other than the above loan are interest free and arerepayable on demand.
Key management personnel compensation Key management personnel compensation comprised short-term employeebenefits of ¤2.3 million (2014: ¤2.0 million). This included ¤0.1 million (2014:¤0.2 million) of pension contributions. In the year ended 31 December 2014an additional ¤1.4 million was incurred in respect of loss of office.Key management personnel are defined as the group directors as at 31December 2015 and 2014.
Fixed assets Investments in subsidiaries 1 643,978 630,334
Current assets Trade and other receivables(includes ¤287.7 million(2014: ¤282.1 million)due after more than one year) 2 366,436 342,477Cash and cash equivalents - - 366,436 342,477
Creditors:Amounts falling due withinone year 3 (108,101) (76,936)
Net current assets 258,335 265,541
Total assets less currentliabilities 902,313 895,875
Creditors:Amounts falling due after more than one year 4 (1,070,743) (1,013,728)Net liabilities (168,430) (117,853)
Capital and reservesCalled up share capital 5 50,886 50,886Profit and loss account (219,316) (168,739)
Total Shareholders’ deficit (168,430) (117,853)
These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 29 February 2016 and were signed on its behalf by:
I NajafiDirector
Company number: 05777981
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITIONFor the year ended 31 December 2015
In thousands of euros Share Accumulated Total capital losses equity
Balance at 1 January 2014 50,886 (88,427) (37,541)Comprehensive expense for the yearLoss for the year - (80,312) (80,312)Total comprehensive expensefor the year - (80,312) (80,312)
Balance at 31 December 2014 50,886 (168,739) (117,853)
Comprehensive expense for the yearLoss for the year - (50,577) (50,577)Total comprehensive expensefor the year - (50,577) (50,577)
Balance at 31 December 2015 50,886 (219,316) (168,430)
BASIS OF PREPARATIONThe company is a private limited company, incorporated and domiciled in theUnited Kingdom.
The financial statements are presented in euros, the company’s functionalcurrency, rounded to the nearest thousand. They are prepared on a goingconcern basis and under the historical cost convention. The principalaccounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statementsare set out below, and, unless otherwise stated, these policies have beenconsistently applied to all the periods presented.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UnitedKingdom Accounting Standards, in particular, Financial Reporting Standard101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS 101) and, the Companies Act 2006(the Act). FRS 101 sets out a reduced disclosure framework for a “qualifyingentity” as defined in the standard which addresses the financial reportingrequirements and disclosure exemptions in the individual financial statementsof qualifying entities that otherwise apply the recognition, measurement anddisclosure requirements of EU-adopted IFRS.
The company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 101. Note 7 givesdetails of the company’s ultimate parent and from where its consolidatedfinancial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS may be obtained.
These are the first financial statements of the company prepared inaccordance with FRS 101. The company’s date of transition to FRS 101 is1 January 2014. The company has notified its shareholders in writing about,and they do no object to, the use of the disclosure exemptions used by thecompany in these financial statements. The amendments had no impact onthe company’s previously adopted accounting policies in accordance with UKGAAP (excluding FRS 101), as explained in Note 6.
The principal disclosure exemptions adopted by the company in accordancewith FRS 101 are as follows:
• Income statement;
• Statement of cash flows;
• IFRS 7 financial instrument disclosures;
• IAS 1 information on management of capital;
• IAS 8 disclosures in respect of new standards and interpretations that havebeen issued but which are not yet effective;
• IAS 24 disclosure of key management personnel compensation;
• IAS 24 disclosures in respect of related party transactions entered intobetween fellow group companies (the company has no other related partytransactions); and
• Roll-forward reconciliations in respect of share capital (IAS 1).
GOING CONCERNAt 31 December 2015, the company has net liabilities of ¤168.4 million (2014:¤117.9 million net liabilities). Net liabilities are typical in private equity backedbusinesses such as the company, largely due to the financing structureadopted and the rolling up of non-cash interest on parent company loans,which is not payable until 2110 at the earliest. Included in current liabilitiesare ¤61.6 million (2014: ¤63.7 million) of interest-free loans from parentcompanies which are repayable on demand, however, in reality these will notbe repaid until exit of PAI Partners SAS. In 2014 the company refinanced itsprevious loan notes, providing certainty over future interest charges until2020. The Directors believe that the rates are competitive and reduce theexposure of the business to increases in interest rates for the medium termto almost zero. This gives the Board further comfort as to the going concernstatus, understanding the related cash requirements and the lack ofadditional unknown risk.
The Directors have considered this position, together with the company andthe group’s budgets and positive net current assets position, and aftermaking appropriate enquiries, the Directors consider that the company hasadequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeablefuture and therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis for thepreparation of the financial statements.
INVESTMENTSInvestments are stated at cost less provision for permanent diminution invalue.
FOREIGN CURRENCIESThe company’s functional currency and presentation currency is the Euro.Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded at the spot rate rulingat the time of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated inforeign currencies are retranslated at the functional currency rate ofexchange ruling at the balance sheet date. All differences are taken to theprofit and loss account.
LOANS AND BORROWINGSAll loans and borrowings are initially recognised at fair value of theconsideration received net of directly attributable transaction costs.After initial recognition, loans and borrowings are subsequently measuredat amortised cost using the effective interest method.
TAXATIONThe charge for taxation is based on the profit for the year and takes intoaccount taxation deferred because of timing differences between thetreatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes. Deferredtax is recognised without discounting, in respect of all timing differencesbetween the treatment of certain items for taxation and accountingpurposes which have arisen but not reversed by the balance sheet date,except as otherwise required by FRS 19. The deferred tax balance has notbeen discounted.
01. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS Shares in SubsidiaryIn thousands of euros undertakings
Cost and Net book valueBalance at 1 January 2015 630,334Additions 13,644
Balance at 31 December 2015 643,978
The list of subsidiaries is disclosed in note 30 of the Consolidated financialstatements.
On 30 April 2015 the company subscribed for 100% of the issued sharecapital of R&R Ice Cream South Africa Holdings Limited for ¤8.9 million.The company subscribed for additional equity shares for a total of ¤4.7million to 31 December 2015. The total investment in equity share capital inthe year ended 31 December 2015 was ¤13.6 million.
On 26 June 2014 the company subscribed for 100% of the issued sharecapital of R&R Ice Cream Jersey Limited and Riviera Holdings (Aus) PtyLimited, for ¤226.5 million (A$327.0 million) and ¤81.2 million (A$117.3million) respectively. On 29 December 2014 R&R Ice Cream Jersey Limiteddeclared a dividend of ¤41.6 million (A$60.0 million) which resulted in areduction in the company’s investment in its Jersey subsidiary. On the sameday the company subscribed for ¤40.5 million (A$ 60.0 million) of additionalshares in Riviera Holdings (Aus) Pty Limited.
Amounts owed by group undertakings 364,104 338,566Transaction costs 886 1,577Prepayments and accrued income 706 810Other debtors 740 1,524
366,436 342,477
Included in the above balances are ¤287.7 million (2014: ¤282.1 million) ofamounts owed by group undertakings and ¤0.9 million (2014: ¤0.9 million)of transaction costs falling due in more than one year.
The amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings include:
• ¤167.5 million (2014: ¤166.7million) of intercompany loans and ¤1.4 million(2014: ¤1.4 million) of accrued interest which bear interest at rates of5.0% to 8.625% (2014: 5.0% to 8.625%), payable twice annually. The capitalon certain of these loans is due for repayment in 2017, or in respect ofnew loans issued in 2014, 2020.
• ¤120.2 million (2014: ¤115.4 million) of structural intra group debt.These loans were refinanced on 31 December 2015. Up until this date theloans accrued interest at 9.0% on a compound basis and were repayableon 31 December 2015. The new loans accrue interest at 5.0%, payabletwice annually and are due for repayment in 2020.
• ¤0.8 million (2014: ¤2.0 million) of intercompany revolving loan whichbears interest at 1.6%, payable monthly with the capital repayable ondemand.
• ¤51.0 million (¤47.0 million) of other non-interest bearing intercompanybalances due from fellow group undertakings.
There are no amounts of unprovided deferred tax.
03. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Bank overdrafts 23,881 7,535Interest accrued on loan notes 4,932 4,809Transaction costs (2,151) (2,187)Accruals and deferred income 2,731 1,664Amounts owed to parent undertakings 74,772 63,670Amounts owed to group undertakings 3,936 1,445
108,101 76,936
The amounts owed to parent undertakings of ¤74.8 million (2014: ¤63.7million) are interest-free loans repayable on demand.
04. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONEYEAR
In thousands of euros 2015 2014
2020 ¤150 million senior secured notes 150,000 150,0002020 £315 million senior secured notes 427,455 404,4922020 A$152 million senior secured notes 101,733 102,691Amounts owed to parent undertakings 398,771 366,113Transaction costs (7,216) (9,568)
1,070,743 1,013,728
As set out in note 20 of the consolidated accounts, on 14 May 2014, thegroup refinanced its ¤350 million senior secured loan notes, due to maturein 2017, through the issuance of £315 million of senior secured loan notesdue to mature in 2020. Further senior secured notes of ¤150 million andA$152 million were issued on 26 June 2014 in order to raise funds to acquirePeters. The notes mature in 2020 and accrue interest at 4.75% and 8.25%respectively. Interest is payable semi-annually on 15 May and 15 November.
The transaction costs incurred on the issue of the 2020 senior secured loannotes are being amortised over the life of the loan notes to 2020, and theunamortised amount of the transaction costs is shown above.
Amounts owed to parent undertakings comprise the capital and accruedinterest on the subordinated shareholder loan payable to New R&R IceCream Limited. This loan accrues compound interest at a fixed rate of 8.92%until the term of the contract expires in 2110, at which point the capital andcumulative interest accrued become payable. Interest on the loan is onlypayable in cash at the company’s option. Prior to maturity, there are nomandatory put or call rights and there are no mandatory redemptionfeatures. Any payments on the loan are subordinated to all other debt claimsof R&R Ice Cream plc.
05. CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL
In thousands of euros 2015 2014
Allotted, called up and fully paid 50.9 million (2014: 50.9 million) ordinary shares of ¤1 each 50,886 50,886
06. CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
No amendments to the company’s accounting policies were necessary as aresult of the transition to FRS 101 with effect from 1 January 2015.
07. ULTIMATE PARENT COMPANY
Immediate parent undertaking At 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014, the immediate parentcompany of R&R Ice Cream plc was New R&R Ice Cream Limited, a privatecompany incorporated in England and Wales, and its ultimate parentcompany in the UK was Riviera Topco Limited, company incorporated inEngland and Wales.
Ultimate parent undertakingAt 31 December 2015 and 2014 the group was owned by PAI Partners SASand funds managed by PAI Partners SAS, a private equity firm based in Paris,France.
At 31 December 2015 and 2014 the ultimate parent undertaking of R&R IceCream plc was Riviera Topco Sarl, a company incorporated in Luxembourg.
The largest group of undertakings for which group accounts are drawn isRiviera Midco SA, a company incorporated in Luxembourg. Riviera Midco SAis an immediate subsidiary of Riviera Topco Sarl.