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Baltic Classifieds Group
Annual Report 2016

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FY2016 Annual Report · Baltic Classifieds Group
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Unlocking Value  
in Interventional 
Medicine

BTG plc Annual Report  
and Accounts 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
BTG is a growing international healthcare 
business. We provide innovative products 
that enable specialist physicians to serve 
their patients better.
We focus on Interventional Medicine 
therapies for cancer, emphysema  
and vascular disorders, and Specialty 
Pharmaceuticals for acute care uses.

Key achievements in 2015/16

April 2015
Commenced direct sales of  
DC Bead® in Europe

May 2015
REVOLENS study in France of 
PneumRx® Endobronchial Coils 
meets primary endpoint

June 2015
First patients in Singapore 
treated with TheraSphere® 

August 2015
Health Canada approves Varithena®

December 2015
RENEW pivotal Phase III study in 
the US of PneumRx® Coils meets 
all endpoints 

January 2016
First patients in South Korea 
treated with TheraSphere® 

February 2016
First patients in the US treated 
with LC Bead LUMI™ 

March 2016
First patients treated with Vistogard®

Successful study using CroFab® 
for the treatment of copperhead 
snake envenomation 

Group financial highlights

Strategic Report 

Revenue

£447.5m +22%

2014/15: £367.8m

Contribution

£165.3m +29%

2014/15: £128.3m

Operating profit1

£93.0m +37%

2014/15: £67.9m

Adjusted EPS1

 21.9p +39%

2014/15: 15.7p

“ We have had a good year 
and we are in a strong 
financial position to 
continue implementing 
our growth strategy.”

Louise Makin
Chief Executive Officer

1  Excluding acquisition adjustments and reorganisation costs

Market overview
Business model
Chairman’s statement
Chief Executive Officer’s review
Business review
Our objectives: progress and priorities
Oncology
Vascular
Pulmonology
Specialty Pharmaceuticals
People and practices
Group financial review
Risk management and principal risks
Viability statement

Governance 

Board of Directors
Corporate Governance report
Audit Committee report
Nomination Committee report 
Directors’ remuneration report
Directors’ report 
Statement of directors’ responsibilities 

01

Strategic 
Report

33

Governance

02
04
06
07
09
10
12
14
16
18
19
22
27
29

34
36
48
52
54
76
78

Financials 

79

Financials

85

80
83
84

Independent auditor’s report
Consolidated income statement
Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income
Consolidated statement of 
financial position
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Consolidated statement of changes 
in equity
Notes to the consolidated 
financial statements
Company financial statements
Statement of financial position
125
Statement of cash flows
Statement of changes in equity
125
Notes to the company financial statements 126
129
Five-year financial record
131
Shareholder information

86
87

124

88

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Market overview

02

Strategic 
Report

Global markets for pharmaceuticals and medical 
devices are expected to increase over the coming years, 
fuelled by population growth, increasing longevity, 
technological advances, consumer empowerment 
and economic expansion. To benefit from these trends, 
healthcare companies must innovate and demonstrate 
value for money to physicians, patients and payers.

Healthcare market trends
The global markets for prescription 
pharmaceuticals and medical devices 
respectively were $743bn and $375bn in 
2014 and are forecast to reach $987bn 
(4.9% CAGR) and $477bn (4.1% CAGR) 
respectively by 20201. In 2014, North 
America accounted for ~45% of global 
pharmaceuticals sales, Europe ~25%, 
Asia Pacific and emerging markets 
~21% and Japan ~9%2. By 2019, 
variations in regional growth rates are 
expected to result in North America 
accounting for ~43% of global 
pharmaceutical sales, Europe ~18%, 
Asia Pacific and emerging markets 
~33% and Japan ~6%3.

BTG’s strategy
Our strategy is to develop leading 
positions in selected market segments 
by providing differentiated medical 
products. We target patient populations 
who are poorly served by existing 
treatment options, and who are cared 
for by specialist physicians with whom 
we can be partners in the drive to 
deliver better healthcare. 

Our products are drugs, devices or 
combinations, and are often 
administered in a dedicated 
procedure; hence we serve our 
specialist physician customers through 
small, highly skilled sales and medical 
teams. We invest in clinical and other 
studies to demonstrate patient benefits 
and cost effectiveness, so that we can 
achieve appropriate market adoption, 
coverage and pricing. By providing 
physicians with new products and 
procedures that they can be confident 
address their patients’ needs, we foster 

strong customer relationships that 
inform our market understanding 
and innovation strategy. 

We operate in two medical areas, 
Interventional Medicine and Specialty 
Pharmaceuticals, and we earn royalties 
from our legacy Licensing activities. 
See pages 4-5 for more information 
on our business model and how we 
are creating value.

Regulation
The healthcare industry is highly 
regulated by governments globally, with 
strict rules overseeing research, clinical 
development, pharmacovigilance, 
manufacturing and commercial activity. 
In the US, EU and Japan, the regulations 
relating to the approval, manufacture 
and distribution of medical products are 
well established. While there are usually 
some modifications each year, which 
are intended to raise overall safety, 
quality and compliance, there have 

In the US, healthcare investment is 
increasing but payers are putting more 
emphasis on the value and clinical 
benefit of treatment options when 
formulating their coverage policies. 
In Europe, low growth is a result 
of government indebtedness and 
austerity programmes putting 
pressure on healthcare budgets. 
In Asia Pacific and emerging markets, 
growing economies are enabling 
governments to spend more on 
healthcare. 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 201603

Strategic 
Report

all of which are niche antidotes that 
treat acute toxicities. In Interventional 
Medicine, our oncology, vascular 
and pulmonology products do 
face competition from products 
manufactured by other public and 
private medical device companies. 
However, all market segments are 
growing, and by having differentiated 
technologies we believe we can maintain 
our position in our chosen segments.

Interventional Medicine
Advances in imaging and device 
technology have enabled the 
development of innovative, precision 
therapies that have the potential to 
improve efficacy and safety and to 
reduce treatment and recovery times. 
One of the first medical disciplines to 
adopt minimally invasive interventions 
was cardiology, where coronary stents 
are routinely implanted instead of 
performing open heart surgery. 
Minimally invasive approaches are 
now being used in many medical areas, 
spurred on by technological advances, 
medical need and the desire to reduce 
in-hospital treatment costs using 
key-hole or even “pin-hole” techniques. 

Our current Interventional Medicine 
portfolio comprises early-stage and 
high-growth products targeting 
the treatment of cancer, vascular 
conditions and lung disease. All of our 
products address unmet needs and have 
significant growth potential. To unlock 
their full value, we are investing in 
product innovation, geographic 
expansion and indication expansion.

Our Specialty Pharmaceuticals and 
Licensing businesses are established 
and provide strong cash flows to fund 
these investments. 

1  EvaluatePharma®: World Preview 2015, Outlook to 2020
2  Statista: Sales of the global pharmaceutical market in 

2014, by region

3  Statista: Projected global pharmaceutical sales for 

2019, by region

been no recent significant changes and 
none are currently anticipated. In Asia 
Pacific and emerging markets, countries 
including China are continuing to 
implement regulatory changes to improve 
quality and oversight of medical 
manufacturers and suppliers.

At BTG we have developed extensive 
quality, pharmacovigilance and 
compliance systems and procedures. 
We also recruit highly skilled and 
experienced employees and provide 
regular training to ensure that we 
comply with all regulatory standards. 
We pay close attention to the future 
regulatory landscape and the potential 
impact of healthcare reforms. This is of 
particular importance when reviewing 
product development or acquisition 
opportunities. Wherever possible, we 
seek guidance and clearance from all 
regulators for studies and pathways 
to product approval. Where we rely on 
partners to gain regulatory approvals, 
we ensure their capabilities and 
compliance systems are appropriate.

Pricing
The industry is facing increased 
pricing pressures globally. In the US, 
there is a strong focus on value, with 
public and private payers making policy 
determinations based on evidence of 
clinical benefit and health economic 

benefits. In Europe, most countries 
have formal mechanisms to decide 
whether and to which patient groups 
approved products should be available 
and at what price. Austerity measures 
mean that governments are seeking to 
control costs, which is placing pressure 
on healthcare companies to reduce 
their prices.

In some Asia Pacific and emerging 
markets increasing healthcare spending 
is providing growth opportunities for 
healthcare companies. However, there 
are significant challenges relating to 
access to healthcare and affordability 
where individuals are required to pay 
or part-pay their healthcare costs.

BTG focuses on innovative, differentiated 
products that advance the treatment 
of underserved patient populations, 
and we invest to demonstrate their value. 
Our therapies are usually used once 
rather than chronically. This helps us to 
gain market acceptance and appropriate 
reimbursement coverage and pricing.

Competition
Our industry is highly competitive. 
Companies compete to attract and 
retain technical and commercial talent, 
to develop and acquire innovative 
products and to gain share in their 
chosen markets and geographies.

We focus on medical areas where we 
can develop leading positions through 
our capability and resources 
to undertake product innovation, 
clinical development and commercial 
expansion. Our strategy involves 
developing a deep understanding of 
our customer needs and being able 
to service them through small, highly 
skilled sales forces.

Currently there are no competing 
products for our four marketed 
Specialty Pharmaceutical products, 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Business model

04

Strategic 
Report

We create value by acquiring, developing, 
manufacturing and commercialising 
specialist medical products that meet the 
needs of our customers and advance the 
treatment of their patients. 

Business model

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Our mission
To bring to market innovative products in specialist areas of 
healthcare in order to serve doctors and their patients better.

Key activities
Key activities include identifying unmet medical needs,  
acquiring and developing innovative products, manufacturing 
those products to the highest standards and selling them  
directly or commercialising through partners.

Our four key objectives

Financial management

Delivering products for our key stakeholders

People and practices

Investing for growth

 Read more on pages 10-11

Customer insight  
We pride ourselves on being a trusted 
partner with our customers. Our 
products are used by specialist 
physicians and we provide training 
and ongoing support for all matters, 
ranging from safe use to reimbursement 
guidance. We also invite proposals 
for funding to explore the use of our 
products in different patient 
populations which helps to inform our 
innovation strategy. These interactions 
give us unique insights into our 
customers and the way they choose to 
treat their patients. We supplement 
insight from our customers with formal 
market research, using the information 
to identify potential new market 
opportunities. These may be 
addressable with our current products 
and technology platforms, or they may 
require us to acquire and/or develop 
new technologies. 

Acquire and develop
BTG has gained a strong reputation for 
value creation through acquisitions and 
in-licensing activities. Our business 
development strategy is focused on 
opportunities that complement our 
current product portfolio, capabilities 
and overall growth strategy with a 
focus on late-stage development and 
marketed products. We typically look 
for opportunities where we can leverage 
our existing capabilities in the field of 
Interventional Medicine or Specialty 
Pharmaceuticals, whether through 
selling products using an established 
sales channel or through a new sales 
team that can be supported by our 
existing commercial infrastructure. 
In all cases we seek to exploit the full 
value of these products by investing 
in development, regulatory approvals 
and commercial activities. 

For all products that we look to acquire, 
we undertake rigorous analysis to 
establish the potential size of the 
market opportunity, product lifecycle 
and competitive threats. We typically 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
 
05

Strategic 
Report

Business segments

Interventional Medicine
Oncology

 Read more on page 12

Vascular

 Read more on page 14

Pulmonology

 Read more on page 16

Specialty Pharmaceuticals

 Read more on page 18

Licensing royalties
 Read more on page 18

Product

Beads

Use

Liver tumours

TheraSphere®

Liver tumours

EkoSonic®

Varithena®

Blood clots

Varicose veins 

PneumRx® Coils

Advanced emphysema

CroFab®

DigiFab®

Voraxaze®

Vistogard®

Zytiga® 

Crotalid envenomation

Digoxin toxicity

High-dose methotrexate toxicity

5-fluorouracil toxicity

Advanced prostate cancer

Two-Part Hip Cup

Hip replacement

Lemtrada™ 

Multiple sclerosis

focus on opportunities where proof 
of concept and the safety/efficacy 
profiles have been established, as this 
is often a lower-risk approach. Having 
identified suitable opportunities, we 
look to differentiate our products from 
others in the medical device sector by 
investing in studies to generate clinical 
data that support their approved use. 
We liaise with clinicians, regulators and 
others to determine the appropriate 
trial designs and our development 
personnel manage these activities 
and oversee the contract research 
organisations involved in conducting 
many of our studies.

Manufacture
We manufacture a number of 
products in-house and use third-party 
contractors to supply key materials 
and services. We have robust quality 
systems, policies, and procedures in 
place to ensure we meet our legal and 
compliance obligations. We put patient 
safety first in meeting and exceeding 
the expectations of our customers 
and regulatory authorities.

In the UK we manufacture Bead 
products and Varithena® at our 
site in Farnham, with Bead product 
development activities also taking 
place at our site in Alzenau, Germany 

and Camberley, UK. TheraSphere® 
is currently manufactured for us 
by Nordion, Inc. in Canada. Our 
EkoSonic® Endovascular System is 
manufactured at our site in Seattle, 
Washington and the PneumRx® Coil 
System is manufactured and 
assembled in-house at our facility 
in Mountain View, California.

We manufacture the ovine polyclonal 
antibodies CroFab® and DigiFab® at 
our plant in Llandysul, Wales. This 
complex supply chain involves raising 
antibodies in dedicated sheep flocks 
in South Australia before processing 
and converting them into bulk 
substance in Wales. The final filling 
and freeze-drying is carried out by 
a third party in the US where the 
products are sold. We continue to 
invest in upgrading our manufacturing 
operations and capabilities to ensure 
we continue to meet all relevant 
standards as they evolve and to provide 
further capacity as the business grows. 

Commercialise
We sell our products directly in the 
US, where we have dedicated sales 
teams for Varithena®, our Interventional 
Oncology products, EkoSonic® and our 
Specialty Pharmaceuticals products. 
Outside the US we also sell certain 

“ We are executing  
our  strategy to  
achieve  sustained, 
profitable  growth.”

Louise Makin
Chief Executive Officer

products on a named patient basis 
where those products are not yet 
approved but meet the required criteria 
to be made available. In Europe we also 
have dedicated sales teams detailing 
our Interventional Oncology products 
and a sales team selling the PneumRx® 
Coils. We are expanding our small sales 
team for EkoSonic® in Europe where the 
majority of sales are made through 
distributors. In Asia we have established 
a direct sales force in Taiwan for our 
Interventional Oncology products and 
elsewhere in the region we use partners. 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Chairman’s statement

06

Strategic 
Report

BTG has continued to perform well,  
delivering a strong financial performance  
and achieving significant milestones  
during the year.

“ We have the strategy, 
talent and resource  
to achieve our  
long-term goals.”

Garry Watts
Chairman

Our risk management process 
continues to evolve. More details 
on our approach can be found in 
the Risk Report on pages 27 to 32. 

Our people
The success of BTG stems from the 
hard work and significant contributions 
of our people. I thank all our employees 
for their professionalism and 
dedication, and my Board colleagues 
for their advice and oversight. I am also 
grateful to our shareholders for their 
feedback and ongoing support.

Outlook
There is real momentum in our 
business. We have the right strategy, 
the talent and the resources to enable 
us to achieve our long-term goals. 
Most importantly, we are in a privileged 
position to help our customers improve 
the treatment of their patients and, 
ultimately, that is what drives everyone 
at BTG. 

Garry Watts
Chairman

I am pleased to report a strong financial 
performance for the year, with double-
digit growth in revenue and profitability. 
The continued delivery of our financial 
targets underpins the investments 
we are making now to deliver on our 
long-term objectives.

We have made significant progress during 
the year in implementing our growth 
strategy. We commenced direct sales 
of DC Bead® in Europe and received 
approval in the US for LC Bead LUMI™, 
which is a significant innovation in the 
locoregional treatment of liver cancer. 
After year-end, we announced the 
acquisition of Galil Medical and its 
portfolio of cryoablation products, 
expanding our Interventional Oncology 
offering into kidney and other cancers, 
and bringing further potential growth 
opportunities. 

Market adoption of the varicose veins 
treatment, Varithena®, has been 
slower than we had anticipated in 
the US. However, feedback from 
customers on the product’s clinical 
performance continues to be positive, 
and reimbursement coverage is 
gradually expanding.

We have completed the integration of 
PneumRx, Inc., the Interventional 
Pulmonology business we acquired last 
year. The successful completion of two 
clinical studies during the year supports 
our expansion plans in the EU and US. 
The FDA approval of Vistogard® added 
a fourth product to our Specialty 
Pharmaceuticals business, highlighting 
our commitment to, and leadership in, 
important antidote therapies. 

Further details of operational progress 
during the year can be found throughout 
this Strategic Report, and a summary 
of performance against our corporate 
objectives is provided on pages 10 to 11.

Governance 
The Board is guided by the principles 
of good corporate governance and 
we operate a robust framework of 
systems and controls to maintain 
high standards throughout the 
Group. As a growing business, we pay 
particular attention to country-specific 
risks and associated relationships with 
partners, suppliers and customers. 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Chief Executive Officer’s review

07

Strategic 
Report

BTG is building a leading position in the fast  
growing area of Interventional Medicine therapies. 
We are motivated by the real difference that these 
minimally invasive products can make to patients.

“ Through our ability  
to fund ongoing 
investments we  
are maximising  
the potential of  
our portfolio.”

Louise Makin
Chief Executive Officer

Canada where we are now also selling 
both products directly.

We made good progress in key Asian 
markets. Our partner in China, SciClone 
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., won its first 
provincial tenders and the first 
patients were treated with DC Bead®. 
TheraSphere® received approval in 
the growing markets of Singapore 
and South Korea whilst in Japan our 
partner Eisai Co., Ltd received expanded 
approval for DC Bead®. 
During the year we received US approval 
for LC Bead LUMI™, a radiopaque bead 
developed in collaboration with the 
imaging specialist Royal Philips. We 
anticipate EU approval in due course. 
We are also exploring other options 
outside of the liver with the development 
of our biodegradable bead, where we 
see potential to enter new markets for 
benign tumours.

After year-end we announced the 
acquisition of Galil Medical, a leader in 
cryoablation. This highly complementary, 
bolt-on acquisition enhances our 
offering to interventional oncologists 
with a suite of cryoablation products that 
are used for the treatment and palliative 
care of kidney and other cancers. 

Strategy for  
sustained growth
Over the past decade BTG has 
successfully transformed from an 
intellectual property commercialisation 
company to a fast growing, specialist 
healthcare business. We have built a 
company that now develops, 
manufactures and sells its own unique 
products to specialist physicians 
through dedicated, efficient sales teams. 

Underpinning our transformation is 
the solid financial foundation that we 
have established through our highly 
cash-generative Specialty 
Pharmaceuticals and Licensing 
businesses. Our strategy is to reinvest 
the cash generated by these businesses 
into our Interventional Medicine 
portfolio. Here we are building a portfolio 
of differentiated, minimally invasive 
therapies that have the potential to 
deliver efficacy and safety benefits to 
patients while reducing hospital stays 
and overall healthcare costs. We focus 
on medical conditions where patients 
are poorly served by existing treatments 
and which therefore offer significant 
growth potential. 

To unlock this potential, we develop 
differentiated therapies, which can 
be medical devices, drugs, or drug-
device combinations, and we invest 
to maximise their value to physicians. 

Executing our strategy
In the past twelve months we have 
achieved some significant milestones 
and we are excited by the prospects 
for the business. 

Interventional Oncology is the first 
area we invested in and is now the 
most advanced demonstration of 
our Interventional Medicine strategy. 
BTG is the only company providing 
both radiation (TheraSphere®) 
and embolising/chemoembolising 
(LC Bead®/DC Bead®) locoregional 
treatments for liver cancer. This 
gives us a unique, patient-focused 
and evidence-based offering 
to interventional oncologist customers.

Double-digit revenue growth this year 
reflects a strong performance by 
TheraSphere® and the continued 
growth of our Beads business, for 
which we commenced direct sales 
in European markets in April 2015. We 
hired our first sales representatives in 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Chief Executive Officer’s review continued

08

Strategic 
Report

Additional indications in treating lung 
and bone metastases could result from 
two studies that are nearing completion. 
Importantly, cryoablation is a platform 
technology and we have the opportunity 
to invest to expand its use into new 
indications and market segments. 
In particular, we will explore the potential 
crossover in call points with our 
PneumRx and EKOS businesses. 

The treatment of cancer continues to 
evolve. More effective treatments mean 
that more people are living longer with 
their cancer and that the management of 
an individual’s cancer is likely to involve 
multiple treatments at different stages 
of disease. Interventional oncologists are 
exploring the potential role of 
locoregional approaches including 
cryoablation and radiation therapy 
alongside existing and developing 
treatment modalities, such as immuno-
oncology. BTG’s unique position as a 
provider of multiple interventional 
therapies means we are well placed to 
take advantage of these trends.
In Interventional Vascular, the EkoSonic® 
blood clot treatment device continues 
to deliver strong growth. There is an 
increasing recognition of the benefits of 
treating blood clots interventionally and 
the annual number of procedures in 
the US is growing strongly – from about 
95,000 when we bought this business in 
2013 to about 140,000 today. Over this 
time we have increased penetration into 
US hospitals, helped by the FDA 
clearance we received in 2014 for the 
treatment of life-threatening pulmonary 
embolism (PE).

Our plans are to build on this leadership 
position in the US and expand our 
presence in Europe and other territories. 
We are also developing a new control unit 
that will enable bilateral treatment of PE 
or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and we 
are adding to the clinical evidence with 
two studies, for which we expect to 
complete patient enrolment this 
financial year.

As we approach two years since 
launching Varithena® in the US 
reimbursed sector, physician interest 
remains high with 792 physicians now 
enrolled in the training programme, up 
from 573 in November 2015, and we 
continue to receive positive feedback 
on its clinical performance. Despite a 
slower start than we had originally 
anticipated, reimbursement for 
Varithena® is gradually improving. 
Approximately 161 million US lives (of 
320 million total US insured lives) are 
now covered by payers who have 

Varithena® on policy, with approximately 
91 million lives covered by insurers who 
have also paid claims at appropriate 
rates. Further progress is anticipated 
during the current financial year.

The number of physicians who are 
regularly reordering, whilst small, is 
increasing, with clinics in geographies 
where there is good insurance coverage 
and clinics that specialise in treating 
advanced venous disease, such as leg 
ulcers, being more likely to reorder. 
We look forward to launching Varithena® 
in Canada and we are continuing to 
progress plans to develop related 
products to treat cosmetic leg veins and 
other venous disorders. 

PneumRx is at an early stage of its 
commercial development. Our medium-
term goals for this business are to 
expand European market adoption and 
reimbursement, using emerging clinical 
data to provide physicians and payers 
with confidence in patient selection, and 
to secure US approval. We have made 
good progress since completing the 
acquisition and continue to be excited 
by the large commercial potential of 
PneumRx and for Interventional 
Pulmonology overall.

In May 2015 the REVOLENS study, 
a trial sponsored by the French Ministry 
of Health, met its primary endpoint. 
We are now seeking national 
reimbursement for the PneumRx® Coils 
in France and anticipate a decision 
during the 2017 calendar year. A decision 
on national reimbursement in Germany 
is also anticipated during 2017. In 
December 2015 we announced positive 
top line data from the US RENEW trial, 
one of the largest randomised controlled 
clinical trials of a medical device in 
patients with severe emphysema. 

Full data were presented at the 
American Thoracic Society meeting in 
May 2016 and published in the Journal of 
the American Medical Association. The 
full data analysis shows that patients 
with heterogeneous or homogeneous 
emphysema and a higher degree of lung 
over-inflation showed the greatest 
improvements in quality of life and 
exercise capacity versus control 
patients. This provides a good basis for 
the development of this therapy, as it will 
help physicians identify those patients 
who are most suitable for treatment with 
the coils.

We are now finalising the clinical module 
of our rolling US regulatory submission in 
the US. As a result of ongoing dialogue 
with the FDA we are adding additional 
usability testing data to a previously 

submitted module, and we now 
anticipate completing our rolling 
Premarket Approval (PMA) submission 
at the end of 2016.

Specialty Pharmaceuticals, which 
comprises a portfolio of unique rescue 
therapies, is an established business that 
delivers on average mid-to-high single 
digit annual revenue growth. In the 
period our partner Wellstat Therapeutics 
Corporation received FDA approval 
for Vistogard®, the only drug to treat 
patients following an overdose of 
the common chemotherapy drug 
5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and first sales 
were achieved in the launch month 
of March 2016. We have created two 
dedicated field forces in order to serve 
our customers more effectively; one 
focusing on the emergency room 
products CroFab® and DigiFab® and the 
other on the oncology antidote products 
Voraxaze® and Vistogard®.

Royalties from our Licensing segment 
provide strong cash flows to help fund 
our investments in other parts of the 
business. A continued strong 
performance from Johnson & Johnson’s 
Zytiga® was supplemented by strong 
growth in Sanofi/Genzyme’s Lemtrada™ 
multiple sclerosis treatment.

Creating the culture  
for success
At BTG we believe that sustainable 
growth requires us to focus both on 
performance and on the way we do 
things. We are guided by our embedded 
values and behaviours, which inform 
our approach to employee recruitment, 
retention and development, to 
interactions with our stakeholders, 
and to corporate development 
activities. See page 20 – People and 
practices for more details. 

Outlook
We are building a great business and 
making good progress in implementing 
our growth strategy. With a strong 
financial underpin and a focus on 
consistent achievement of milestones, 
we are in a good position to develop 
leading positions in our chosen market 
segments. Together, our portfolio, 
capabilities and resources represent a 
scalable platform for long-term, sustained 
growth, and we are confident of delivering 
significant value to all our stakeholders. 

Louise Makin
Chief Executive Officer

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Business review

09

Strategic 
Report

Bringing innovative 
products to market

Our competitive advantage is our dedication to finding 
smart, often unconventional solutions to complex 
medical problems. Many of our products combine 
medicines, device technology and new procedural 
techniques in order to deliver targeted treatments.

Specialty Pharmaceuticals
Our portfolio of four niche antidote products 
are used in the hospital emergency room and 
intensive care unit setting.

Licensing
We receive royalties relating to the sales of 
products subject to our intellectual property.

Our business segments

Interventional Medicine
Oncology
We have two complementary products used 
in the treatment of liver cancer. We recently 
announced the acquisition of Galil Medical 
potentially offering a third modality, 
cryoablation, which is currently used in 
the treatment of tumours in the kidney.

Vascular
We offer a device used to treat severe blood 
clots and we have a novel foam-based 
treatment for varicose veins.

Pulmonology
We manufacture and sell small, shape-
memory metal coils used in the interventional 
treatment of severe emphysema.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Our objectives: progress and priorities

10

Strategic 
Report

The corporate objectives we set to measure the performance 
of the business are grouped within four main categories: 
financial metrics; delivering products for our customers and 
their patients; people and practices and investing for growth.

The financial metrics all measure performance during the year; other objectives often span several years.

Objective

Progress in 2015/16

Priorities set for 2016/17

Key execution risks

Financial management

We monitor a number of financial indicators  
and report on four KPIs that demonstrate 
progress towards our long-term goals. Similar 
KPIs are used  in the Group’s various incentive 
plans (see  pages 54 to 75)
• Revenue
• Contribution
• Operating Profit1
• Adjusted earnings per share1 (EPS)

 For more details see the Financial Review on pages 22 to 26

Delivering products for our 
customers and their patients

Our specialist physician customers and their 
patients are at the heart of everything we do.  
We deliver innovative, differentiated products 
that provide specialist physicians with new 
treatment options to address unmet patient 
needs. We make our products as widely available 
as we can, through regulatory and commercial 
activities that support geographic expansion, 
market adoption and appropriate reimbursement

 For more details see pages 12 to 18

People and practices

As a fast-growing business, we strive to ensure  
that our organisational structure, capabilities and 
systems are scalable and fit for purpose

 For more details see pages 19 to 21

Investing for growth

We are investing in our products and pipeline  
to build a sustainable business and generate 
long-term value for our stakeholders

1  Excluding acquisition adjustments and reorganisation costs
2  See pages 27 to 32 for a full discussion of risks and risk management

• Revenue: £447.5m (2014/15: £367.8m)
• Contribution: £165.3m (2014/15: £128.3m)
• Operating profit1: £93.0m (2014/15: £67.9m)
• Adjusted EPS1: 21.9p (2014/15: 15.7p)

• Interventional Oncology: commenced direct sales of Bead 
products in EU; TheraSphere® approved in Singapore and 
South Korea; first provincial tenders won in China for 
DC Bead®; LC Bead LUMI™ approved in US

• Interventional Vascular: EkoSonic®: increased 

penetration of US hospitals to ~60%, from 40% in 2014. 
Progressing plans for increased EU sales and rest of 
world (RoW) expansion
Varithena®: continued to train physicians and expand 
insurance coverage in US; gained regulatory approval in 
Canada; progressed plans for new indications

• Interventional Pulmonology: met endpoints in REVOLENS 
and RENEW studies of PneumRx® Coils; progressed work 
on PMA modules

• Specialty Pharmaceuticals: Vistogard® received FDA 

approval in December 2015; re-configured US acute sales 
force into emergency care and cancer therapy antidotes to 
optimise customer focus

• Organisational capabilities: Learning and Development 

agenda enhanced to include new Management Development 
Programme; Innovation and Development portfolio prioritised

• Compliance: enhancement of external framework and 

monitoring of partners/suppliers >60% complete

• Quality: global supplier assessment process implemented; 
global regulatory inspection-readiness tools, templates 
and training developed

• Innovation and Development portfolio prioritised to deliver 

a balance of nearer- and longer-term opportunities
• Several in-licensing/M&A opportunities to expand the 

Interventional Medicine and Specialty Pharmaceuticals 
pipelines were assessed

• Increase investment in innovation and development

• Increase Group revenues to £485m-£515m

• Manage investments in commercial infrastructure to deliver 

increase in contribution

• Grow underlying operating profit while increasing Innovation and 

Development investment to support long-term growth

• Increase cash from operations

• Slower growth or reduced sales of early-

stage Interventional Medicine products due 

to competition, poor reimbursement 

coverage or poor uptake by physicians

• Higher than expected cost of sales or 

failure to manage overheads 

• Higher costs associated with innovation 

projects and clinical trial expenses

• Higher working capital requirements

• Interventional Oncology: deliver growth in existing territories; 

• Failure to secure adequate levels of 

launch DC Bead LUMI™ in the EU; expand TheraSphere® availability 

reimbursement for certain products could 

in Asia and South America; continue acceleration of TheraSphere® 

limit physician adoption and product 

Phase III trials; progress biodegradable bead; commence vandetanib 

growth rates

bead studies

• Interventional Vascular: EkoSonic®: build US PE business; implement 

EU commercial plans and develop RoW plans; launch new control 

unit; progress OPTALYSE and ACCESS PTS studies

• Increased competition could hinder the 

adoption of our products and their revenues

• Failure of clinical trials or cancellation of 

planned studies that could potentially limit 

Varithena®: deliver US growth through expanded physician usage 

future regulatory approvals for new products 

and reimbursement coverage; progress new indications; begin 

in wider geographies

sales in Canada

• Interventional Pulmonology: submit PneumRx® Coil US PMA and 

plan US launch; build EU business and progress plans to secure 

full reimbursement in France and Germany

• Specialty Pharmaceuticals: deliver US and RoW revenue growth 

through optimised Oncology and Acute Care sales footprints

• Organisational capabilities: develop talent pool by providing stretch 

• Without the right capabilities and capacity, 

opportunities; identify needs and deliver on recruitment plans

BTG’s growth plans may not be achieved

• Compliance: implement enhanced monitoring, audit, risk and 

remediation plans; provide tools to distributors to help them meet 

• Compliance or Quality failures could result 

in fines and other sanctions, temporary 

BTG requirements

• Quality: implement new Data Integrity Policy across all BTG locations; 

enhance support for expanded distributor and supplier networks

or permanent suspension of product 

availability, reputational damage and 

subsequent loss of revenue

• Efficiently deliver prioritised Innovation and Development 

programme milestones; support pipeline growth through 

externally sourced innovation

• Implement in-licensing/M&A strategy

• Failure to deliver pipeline programmes or 

to expand the portfolio would limit BTG’s 

long-term growth potential

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 201611

Strategic 
Report

Objective

Progress in 2015/16

Priorities set for 2016/17

Key execution risks

Financial management

We monitor a number of financial indicators  

and report on four KPIs that demonstrate 

progress towards our long-term goals. Similar 

KPIs are used  in the Group’s various incentive 

plans (see  pages 54 to 75)

• Revenue

• Contribution

• Operating Profit1

• Adjusted earnings per share1 (EPS)

 For more details see the Financial Review on pages 22 to 26

Delivering products for our 

customers and their patients

Our specialist physician customers and their 

patients are at the heart of everything we do.  

We deliver innovative, differentiated products 

that provide specialist physicians with new 

treatment options to address unmet patient 

needs. We make our products as widely available 

as we can, through regulatory and commercial 

activities that support geographic expansion, 

market adoption and appropriate reimbursement

People and practices

As a fast-growing business, we strive to ensure  

that our organisational structure, capabilities and 

systems are scalable and fit for purpose

 For more details see pages 19 to 21

Investing for growth

We are investing in our products and pipeline  

to build a sustainable business and generate 

long-term value for our stakeholders

• Revenue: £447.5m (2014/15: £367.8m)

• Contribution: £165.3m (2014/15: £128.3m)

• Operating profit1: £93.0m (2014/15: £67.9m)

• Adjusted EPS1: 21.9p (2014/15: 15.7p)

• Interventional Oncology: commenced direct sales of Bead 

products in EU; TheraSphere® approved in Singapore and 

South Korea; first provincial tenders won in China for 

DC Bead®; LC Bead LUMI™ approved in US

• Interventional Vascular: EkoSonic®: increased 

penetration of US hospitals to ~60%, from 40% in 2014. 

Progressing plans for increased EU sales and rest of 

world (RoW) expansion

Varithena®: continued to train physicians and expand 

insurance coverage in US; gained regulatory approval in 

Canada; progressed plans for new indications

• Interventional Pulmonology: met endpoints in REVOLENS 

and RENEW studies of PneumRx® Coils; progressed work 

• Specialty Pharmaceuticals: Vistogard® received FDA 

approval in December 2015; re-configured US acute sales 

force into emergency care and cancer therapy antidotes to 

optimise customer focus

• Organisational capabilities: Learning and Development 

agenda enhanced to include new Management Development 

Programme; Innovation and Development portfolio prioritised

• Compliance: enhancement of external framework and 

monitoring of partners/suppliers >60% complete

• Quality: global supplier assessment process implemented; 

global regulatory inspection-readiness tools, templates 

and training developed

• Innovation and Development portfolio prioritised to deliver 

a balance of nearer- and longer-term opportunities

• Several in-licensing/M&A opportunities to expand the 

Interventional Medicine and Specialty Pharmaceuticals 

pipelines were assessed

• Increase investment in innovation and development

 For more details see pages 12 to 18

on PMA modules

• Increase Group revenues to £485m-£515m
• Manage investments in commercial infrastructure to deliver 

increase in contribution

• Grow underlying operating profit while increasing Innovation and 

Development investment to support long-term growth

• Increase cash from operations

• Slower growth or reduced sales of early-

stage Interventional Medicine products due 
to competition, poor reimbursement 
coverage or poor uptake by physicians
• Higher than expected cost of sales or 

failure to manage overheads 

• Higher costs associated with innovation 

projects and clinical trial expenses
• Higher working capital requirements

• Interventional Oncology: deliver growth in existing territories; 

• Failure to secure adequate levels of 

launch DC Bead LUMI™ in the EU; expand TheraSphere® availability 
in Asia and South America; continue acceleration of TheraSphere® 
Phase III trials; progress biodegradable bead; commence vandetanib 
bead studies

• Interventional Vascular: EkoSonic®: build US PE business; implement 
EU commercial plans and develop RoW plans; launch new control 
unit; progress OPTALYSE and ACCESS PTS studies
Varithena®: deliver US growth through expanded physician usage 
and reimbursement coverage; progress new indications; begin 
sales in Canada

• Interventional Pulmonology: submit PneumRx® Coil US PMA and 
plan US launch; build EU business and progress plans to secure 
full reimbursement in France and Germany

• Specialty Pharmaceuticals: deliver US and RoW revenue growth 
through optimised Oncology and Acute Care sales footprints

reimbursement for certain products could 
limit physician adoption and product 
growth rates

• Increased competition could hinder the 

adoption of our products and their revenues

• Failure of clinical trials or cancellation of 

planned studies that could potentially limit 
future regulatory approvals for new products 
in wider geographies

• Organisational capabilities: develop talent pool by providing stretch 

opportunities; identify needs and deliver on recruitment plans
• Compliance: implement enhanced monitoring, audit, risk and 

remediation plans; provide tools to distributors to help them meet 
BTG requirements

• Quality: implement new Data Integrity Policy across all BTG locations; 
enhance support for expanded distributor and supplier networks

• Without the right capabilities and capacity, 
BTG’s growth plans may not be achieved
• Compliance or Quality failures could result 
in fines and other sanctions, temporary 
or permanent suspension of product 
availability, reputational damage and 
subsequent loss of revenue

• Efficiently deliver prioritised Innovation and Development 
programme milestones; support pipeline growth through 
externally sourced innovation

• Implement in-licensing/M&A strategy

• Failure to deliver pipeline programmes or 
to expand the portfolio would limit BTG’s 
long-term growth potential

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 201612

Strategic 
Report

Interventional
Oncology
Our Interventional Oncology franchise comprises 
three main products that are used in the treatment 
of liver cancer: TheraSphere®, glass microspheres 
that deliver internal radiation therapy, and 
LC Bead® and DC Bead®, our embolisation 
and chemoembolisation polymer beads. 

TheraSphere® is a powerful, well-
tolerated liver cancer therapy that 
consists of millions of small glass 
microspheres (20 to 30 micrometres in 
diameter, or about a third of the width 
of a human hair) containing radioactive 
yttrium-90. 

The Bead products block arteries 
(embolisation), starving tumours of their 
blood supply and nutrients. Drug-
eluting beads also deliver a localised 
dose of a chemotherapeutic drug 
directly to the tumour. Both 
TheraSphere® and Bead products are 
injected by physicians into the main 
artery of the patient’s liver through a 
catheter. This allows the treatment to 
be delivered directly to the tumour via 
blood flow.

About liver cancer
When cancer originates in the liver it is 
called “primary” liver cancer, the most 
common form being hepatocellular 
carcinoma (HCC). 

Potential market size for the 
interventional treatment of liver cancer

147k available patients:
Potential $1.3bn 
global opportunity

BTG target  
2021/22:
$300m - $400m

BTG Sales 
2015/16:

~$140m

This differs from “secondary” liver 
cancer, in which tumours in other 
organs have spread, or metastasised, 
to the liver, such as metastatic 
colorectal cancer (mCRC). 

Unlike most cancers, the cause of 
HCC can often be identified in individual 
patients. High levels of alcohol 
consumption or chronic infections of 
hepatitis B or C cause continual damage 
to the liver and have been shown to be 
risk factors for HCC. This repeated 
damage to the liver can cause scarring 
or cirrhosis which can ultimately lead 
to the development of HCC. Additional 
and rarer causes of HCC include 
autoimmune diseases such as biliary 
cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis.

If diagnosed early, liver tumours can 
be removed and some patients are 
suitable for a transplant. Most liver 
tumours are only diagnosed at a later 
stage, when symptomatic, and they 
may have grown into large, hard-to-
remove tumours that have spread 
widely throughout the liver. By this 
stage the liver may be damaged by both 
the cancer and underlying infections or 
other conditions, which means surgical 
resection is usually no longer an option.

For unresectable tumours, locoregional 
treatments including embolisation, 
chemoembolisation, internal radiation 
therapy and ablation may be used 
to shrink the tumours and delay 
disease progression.

Market potential 
We estimate that the global combined 
annual incidence of HCC and mCRC is 
approximately 1.2 million people, of 
whom we estimate approximately 
147,000 patients would be amenable 
to locoregional treatments taking into 
account access and affordability in 
different countries. This represents 
an approximate $1.3 billion global 
opportunity. In addition, we are exploring 
ways to use our products in non-hepatic 
indications, such as benign tumours like 
uterine fibroids. Our target is to increase 
revenues from approximately $140m 
today to $300m-$400m by our 2021/22 
fiscal year. 

Competition
Although the locoregional treatment 
of liver cancer is a relatively new 
discipline, embolisation and 
transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) 
have become standard treatments for 
unresectable, intermediate-stage HCC 
around the world. Conventional TACE 
(cTACE) involves the administration of 
a compounded oil and drug solution 
emulsion followed by an embolising 
material. LC Bead® competes with a 
small number of commercially available 
beads and DC Bead® competes with 
cTACE and a small number of other 
beads that are capable of being loaded 
with chemotherapeutic drugs. BTG has 
a leading market position in the US and 
EU and we are building our presence 
in Asia. TheraSphere® is one of two 
commercially available selective 
internal radiation products to treat 
liver tumours. 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Investing in clinical data
We invest in clinical studies to support 
the growth of our oncology products. 
We are recruiting patients in two 
randomised controlled clinical trials 
for TheraSphere®, which if successful 
could secure PMAs in the US in both 
HCC and as a second line treatment 
for mCRC in the liver. These indications 
would significantly expand the number 
of patients eligible for our products. 
With the introduction of LC Bead LUMI™, 
we will be conducting a number of 
studies to explore the benefits of 
imageability in tumour embolisation 
procedures. We are also funding a 
number of Investigator Initiated Studies 
to explore the use of our products in 
particular in liver cancer patient 
sub-populations. 

13

Strategic 
Report

Product Innovation
Product innovation is central to 
our Interventional Medicine growth 
strategy. BTG is the first company to 
have a commercially available embolic 
bead that uniquely provides real-time 
visible confirmation of location 
during the embolisation procedure 
and remains visible in follow-up 
scans. This has the potential to 
provide interventional oncologists 
with increased precision and control, 
and to optimise patient treatment. 
We are also exploring other options 
outside of the liver with the 
development of our biodegradable 
bead which has the potential to treat 
patients with benign tumours like 
uterine fibroids.

Galil Medical acquisition
In May 2016 we announced the 
acquisition of Galil Medical, a leader 
in the development of cryoablation. 
This complementary acquisition 
enhances our offering to interventional 
oncologists with products used in the 
treatment of kidney and other tumours. 

Key facts
Liver cancer is the second most prevalent1 cancer worldwide

Asia has the highest incidence of liver cancer per head  
of population, accounting for nearly 50% of the world’s total2

Source:
1  World Health Organisation
2  Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocelluar Carcinoma Gastroenterology, Vol 143, Issue 1, July 2012

Our strategy for growth 
Interventional Oncology is the most 
advanced demonstration of BTG’s 
Interventional Medicine strategy in 
which we are making simultaneous 
investments across three key areas 
to drive growth.

New markets
Expansion into Asia is a key goal for BTG, 
given the high incidence of primary liver 
cancer. To date, we have established a 
hub for commercial, regulatory and 
medical affairs in Hong Kong to develop 
relationships and support our 
regulatory and commercial strategy, 
tailored to each country. In China, which 
alone has over half of all global primary 
liver cancer patients due to the 
high prevalence of hepatitis B, we 
have partnered with SciClone 
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. which sells 
DC Bead®, and in Japan our partner 
Eisai Co. Ltd, sells DC Bead®. BTG sells 
directly through our own sales force in 
Taiwan and works with distributors in 
other parts of the region. As a result 
TheraSphere® is now available in 
Hong Kong, Singapore and South 
Korea and we are progressing plans 
to gain regulatory approvals in other 
Asian countries.

FOCUS ON: 
The Next Generation  
of Embolic  Beads
LC Bead LUMI™ is the first radiopaque 
bead available for the embolisation of 
hypervascular tumours and arteriovenous 
malformations (AVMs). Granted FDA 
clearance in December 2015, it is now 
commercially available in the US.

“The launch of LC Bead LUMI™ has the 
potential to be a real game-changer 
in the field of embolisation. Not only 
does it provide doctors and patients 
with reassurance that the tumour has 
been treated in its entirety, but it allows 
interventional radiologists like me to  
refine treatment as we go, with the 
subsequent prospect of improved 
outcomes for patients.”

Raj Narayanan,  
Associate Professor of Clinical 
Radiology at the University of Miami

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
14

Strategic 
Report

Interventional
Vascular

Within our Interventional Vascular 
portfolio we have two products. 
The EkoSonic® Endovascular System 
is an ultrasonic catheter drug delivery 
device used in the treatment of blood 
clots. Varithena® is used in the 
treatment of varicose veins.

1,000,000

Annual occurrences of DVT, 
PE and PAO in the US*

700,000

Candidates for interventional  
treatment – $1bn market potential

140,000

Current interventional treatments

DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis 
PE– Pulmonary Embolism 
PAO– Peripheral Arterial Occlusion 
*Incidence source: American Heart Association

FOCUS ON: 

Why use EkoSonic®?
• Only device cleared by the FDA  

to treat PE

• Superiority over anticoagulation 
medication without increase in 
bleeding complications 
• Clinical data demonstrating  

favourable risk profile

• Uses up to 70% less thrombolytic
• Faster infusion time

Leading the treatment 
of severe blood clots
There is an increasing recognition of 
the benefits of treating blood clots 
interventionally to prevent further 
complications and readmission to 
hospital. In the US, it is estimated that 
around 1 million people get some form 
of clot each year and of those, about 
70% are amenable to interventional 
treatment. The annual number of 
interventional procedures in the US 
is growing strongly, we estimate 
from about 95,000 in 2013 to over 
140,000 today, and we expect this 
growth to continue.
The EkoSonic® Endovascular System is 
unique in that the ultrasound technology 
speeds lysis (the destruction of red blood 
cells) by unwinding and thinning fibrin 
strands that enmesh a blood clot and 
uses less of the potentially harmful 
thrombolytic agent, often tissue 
plasminogen activator (tPA). This 
acoustic action combined with the 
selective placement of tPA directly into 
the clot can offer safety and efficacy 
advantages compared with standard 
means of administering the 
thrombolytic agent. 

Pulmonary embolism (PE)
The benefits of interventional treatment 
with EkoSonic® have been demonstrated 
in two clinical trials, one of which has 
resulted in it being the only interventional 
device cleared for use by the FDA in PE. 
We are adding to the clinical evidence 
in treating PE with another study, 
OPTALYSE, for which patient recruitment 
is progressing. 

Drivers of future growth
Since we bought the EKOS business in 
2013 we have increased US hospital 
penetration from around 40% to 60%. 
We anticipate this progress continuing 
as we build on our leadership in the 
treatment of PE, where we are seeing 
increased adoption by interventional 
cardiologists. We also have a new, more 
portable control unit in development 
that will enhance usability and enable 
bilateral treatment of PE or DVT. With 
our strategy in place we aim to deliver 
annual sales in the range of $100m- 
$200m by the end of our 2021/22 
financial year.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
15

Strategic 
Report

Varithena®: transforming the 
treatment of varicose veins
It is estimated that there are 
approximately 30 million Americans with 
varicose veins, of whom about 2.5 million 
develop symptoms which qualify them 
to receive reimbursed treatment by their 
healthcare provider. In 2014 there were 
about 750,000 great saphenous vein 
(GSV) procedures and this number is 
expected to grow to more than 1 million 
annual procedures by 2021.

How Varithena® works
Varithena® is a uniform, low-nitrogen, 
polidocanol microfoam, dispensed 
from a proprietary canister device. 
The physician injects a small amount 
of Varithena® into the malfunctioning 
vein through a small tube or a needle. 
It displaces the blood from the vein 
to reach and treat the vein wall; 
the diseased vein collapses and blood 
flow is diverted to healthy veins nearby. 
Treatment is a nonsurgical procedure 
(no incision is required) and usually 
takes less than one hour after which 
patients may resume light activities. 

1

2

FOCUS ON: 
Why varicose  
veins form
1   Tiny valves help the leg veins  
work against gravity to push  
blood back to the heart.

2   But if valves weaken, blood can  

leak backwards and pool, 
resulting in varicose veins.

Competition in the US 
reimbursed sector
Varithena® was launched in the US 
reimbursed sector in August 2014. 
Approximately 70% of reimbursed 
procedures are conducted in 
approximately 1,000 private vein 
clinics with the remainder primarily 
conducted in hospitals. Since 2005, 
most symptomatic varicose vein 
treatments involve a combination of 
heat ablation of the GSV and stab 
phlebectomy of the visible varicosities.
Varithena® is the only product in this 
market sector to receive FDA approval 
based on randomised Phase III trials, 
which demonstrated clinically 
meaningful improvements in both 
the symptoms and appearance of 
varicose veins using patient and 
physician reported outcomes 
instruments. A Varithena® procedure 
requires no sedation or tumescent 
anaesthesia and has no limitation 
on vein anatomy or diameter.

Other recent competitor developments 
to treat the GSV include a product that 
uses a combined rotating catheter tip 
and chemical injection and another 
that uses a glue to close the GSV. If 
patients have associated visible 
varicosities a second procedure such 
as stab phlebectomy would be required 
to treat these, unlike Varithena® which 
is a comprehensive treatment for all 
veins above and below the knee. 

Laying the foundations 
for growth
Varithena® has the potential to 
transform the treatment of varicose 
veins. We are exploring opportunities 
in new geographies with the current 
product and we are progressing plans 
to target new indications, including 
cosmetic veins and other venous 
disorders. These opportunities could 
generate further sales over time. 

Potential market opportunity 
of Varithena® in the US

Prevalence:

~30m

Incidence:

~2.5m

Visited vein clinic:

~1.4m

Treated:

~0.5m

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 201616

Strategic 
Report

Interventional
Pulmonology

The PneumRx® Coil is made of nitinol 
shape-memory metal. Multiple coils 
are used in the procedure.

The PneumRx® Coil is an interventional 
treatment for advanced emphysema, 
a debilitating lung disease that 
affects millions of people globally.

Emphysema is characterised by loss 
of the lung’s natural elastic properties 
and increased lung volume, which 
make breathing difficult. There is no 
cure for this disease and until recently 
there was little doctors could offer other 
than major surgery applicable only to a 
small subset of patients, to remove the 
diseased portion of their lungs. 

“ The coils gather up  
and compress the 
diseased lung tissue 
and re-tension the 
airway network.”

Potential market size for the 
PneumRx® Coil

Prevalence EU5 + US:

10.4m1,2

Emphysema  
GOLD stages III and IV:

5.3m  
US + EU53

Target:

$250m+

1 

2 

3 

 Applying pooled prevalence figure of 1.8% for 
emphysema (Halbert, R, Natoli, J, et al. Global burden of 
COPD: systematic review and meta analysis. Eur Respir J 
2006; 28(3): 523 532) and applying to EU 5 population;

 Trends in COPD (Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema): 
Morbidity and Mortality (Page 12). Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention. National Health Interview Survey 
Raw Data, 1997-2011. Analysis performed by American 
Lung Association Research and Health Education using 
SPSS and SUDAAN software; 

 Assumes ~50% of emphysema patients are GOLD 
stages III and IV (Agusti et al. Characterisation of 
COPD heterogeneity in the ECLIPSE cohort. Resp. 
Res. 2010, 11:122)

Large market potential 
There are very few treatment options 
for the large number of people 
suffering from advanced emphysema. 
It is estimated that there are more than 
5.3 million people in the US and largest 
five EU countries with advanced stage 
emphysema, a chronic obstructive 
pulmonary disease (COPD), resulting in 
a significant health-economic burden 
relating to both in-patient and out-
patient care costs. 

The National Institutes of Health and 
the World Health Organisation use 
the GOLD (Global initiative for chronic 
Obstructive Lung Disease) classification 
to describe the severity of COPDs 
including emphysema. This staging 
system classifies people with COPD 
based on their degree of airflow 
limitation (obstruction) as measured 
during pulmonary function tests. GOLD 
staging uses four categories of severity 
ranging from Stage I (mild) to Stage IV 
(very severe). The PneumRx® Coil has 
clinically demonstrated success in 
improving lung function and quality 
of life in a broad range of patients in 
GOLD stages III and IV.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 201617

Strategic 
Report

Patients treated with the PneumRx® 
Coils showed a statistically significant 
14.6 metre between-group difference 
vs. control patients in change in the 
six minute walk test (6MWT) at 
12 months, which was the study’s 
primary endpoint. 

Importantly, patients treated with the 
PneumRx® Coils exhibited statistically 
significant and clinically meaningful 
improvements vs. control patients at 
12 months in Quality of Life as 
measured by the Saint George 
Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and 
in lung function, as measured by Forced 
Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1). 

Full data were presented at the American 
Thoracic Society meeting in May 2016 
and published in the Journal of the 
American Medical Association. The full 
data analysis shows that patients with 
heterogeneous or homogeneous 
emphysema and a higher degree of lung 
over-inflation demonstrated the greatest 
improvements in quality of life and 
exercise capacity versus control 
patients. This provides a good basis 
for the development of this therapy, 
as it will help physicians identify those 
patients who are most suitable for 
treatment with the coils.

Commercial  
expansion plans
During the year we increased the size 
of our European team in order to build 
on the commercial platform in our key 
markets and take the PneumRx® Coils 
to new treatment centres. Following 
the successful outcome of the RENEW 
study, we are progressing a regulatory 
application with the US FDA, which 
could lead to US PMA approval in 2017.

In Europe we are establishing the most 
effective patient referral pathway by 
engaging with both medical 
pulmonologists and interventional 
pulmonologists, as well as with key 
opinion leaders (KOLs), in order to expand 
the awareness and knowledge of the 
PneumRx® Coils. Our market access 
teams are working with the French 
Ministry of Health to gain full 
reimbursement following the successful 
REVOLENS data. A similar process is 
under way in Germany, and we are also 
working with national regulators to 
expand reimbursement coverage across 
other major European markets. In the 
UK, NICE (National Institute for Health 
and Care Excellence) has granted 
investigational use for the PneumRx® 
Coils and may update this guidance on 
publication of further evidence.

Our target for this franchise is to reach 
$250m in annual sales by the end of 
our 2021/22 financial year. 

How the PneumRx® 
Coil works
The PneumRx® Coils are made of a 
shape-memory material called nitinol, 
common in medical implants like heart 
stents. The coils are pre-programmed 
in a double-loop shape. After being 
straightened for insertion into the lung 
via a bronchoscope, they gather up and 
compress the diseased lung tissue 
surrounding them, re-tensioning the 
airway network, as they recover their 
original shape. The coils are designed 
to improve lung function in three ways:
• compress diseased tissue, which 
provides room for healthier tissue 
to function

• re-tension the lung which may 

enable more efficient contraction 
during the breathing cycle

• tether open small airways, preventing 
airway collapse during exhalation

The coil procedure is performed 
under conscious sedation or general 
anaesthesia. Around ten coils are 
placed in a single lung to tighten the 
entire airway network and a full 
treatment involves two separate 
procedures, one for each side of 
the lung. A procedure typically takes  
30-45 minutes, depending on patient 
anatomy and physician experience.

The PneumRx® Coil received CE mark 
clearance in Europe in 2010 and to date 
our main sales have been concentrated 
in key markets such as Germany, 
Switzerland and Turkey.

Demonstrating clinically 
meaningful results 
In May 2015, the French government 
released top line data from their 
REVOLENS trial which showed that 
the PneumRx® Coils are superior to the 
standard of care for improving exercise 
capacity in patients with severe 
emphysema at 6 months. The results of 
this trial were subsequently published 
in the Journal of the American Medical 
Association (JAMA) in January 2016.

In December 2015 we announced 
the successful outcome of the 
RENEW study, a pivotal US 
randomised controlled clinical trial 
comparing the safety and efficacy 
of the PneumRx® Coil with a medical 
therapy control group in patients with 
severe emphysema. 

The RENEW trial was one of the largest 
randomised controlled clinical trials  
to date of a medical device in patients 
with severe emphysema. The primary 
and secondary endpoints of the study 
were all met. 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 201618

Strategic 
Report

Specialty 
Pharmaceuticals

Our portfolio comprises four niche 
antidote products that are used in 
hospital emergency rooms and intensive 
care units. These acute care products 
typically address conditions with small 
patient populations for which there are 
limited or no existing treatment options. 

We provide antidotes to counteract the 
potentially life-threatening effects 
associated with exposure or overexposure 
to certain toxins. These products are sold 
throughout the US by two dedicated field 
forces and elsewhere in the world by 
our partners, where approved or where 
permitted to be made available on a 
named patient basis. 
CroFab® is currently the only treatment 
for North American crotalid snake 
envenomation on the market for which 
there are on average 5,000 annual 
envenomations. DigiFab® is an antidote 
for the toxic reaction to digoxin, a 
common heart medicine for which  
there are about 16 million annual 
prescriptions and it is estimated that 
around 4% result in a toxic reaction. 

Our cancer therapy drugs include 
Voraxaze®, an antidote to the toxic 
side effects of high dose use of the 
chemotherapeutic agent, methotrexate, 
which affects approximately 200-300 
patients in the US each year. This 
product is also sold outside the US  
on a named-patient basis. 

In December 2015 our partner Wellstat 
Therapeutics Corporation received US 
approval for Vistogard®. This product is an 
antidote for the potentially life-threatening 
side effects of overexposure to the 
chemotherapeutic 5-fluorouracil and we 
currently estimate peak annual sales of 
between $25 million to $35 million. 

FOCUS ON: 

Vistogard® oral 
granules
Vistogard® is the first and only 
treatment for early onset of severe 
5-fluorouracil (5-FU) toxicity. 5-FU is 
a common chemotherapeutic and is 
received by an estimated 250,000 
patients in the US annually. Toxicity 
occurs in approximately 5-10% of 
patients and there are over 1,300 
deaths as a result per annum.

We continue to build value and 
leadership in our portfolio of rescue 
medicines. This year we successfully 
completed a study evaluating the 
use of CroFab® in the treatment of 
envenomations from the Copperhead 
snake, giving physicians greater 
confidence in using our product. We also 
launched our first smartphone app that 
can aid the public and first responders in 
the event of a snakebite.

“ We continue to build 
value and leadership  
in our portfolio of  
rescue medicines.”

Licensing

We receive royalties relating to the 
sales of products that are subject 
to intellectual property licence 
agreements between BTG and various 
partners. These royalties vary but 
usually amount to a single digit 
percentage of our licensee’s sales. 
We then typically share half of what 
we receive with the original source of 
the technology that we acquired or 
in-licensed. These royalties are expected 
to decline over time as patents on 
existing out-licensed products expire. 
Within this segment, royalties from sales 
of Johnson & Johnson’s prostate cancer 
drug Zytiga® are the largest contributor. 

Zytiga® royalties

£118.9m

2014/15: £105.2m
+13%

Lemtrada™ royalties

£19.8m

2014/15: £4.9m

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016People and practices

19

Strategic 
Report

At BTG we value  
the contribution  
of every employee

We invest in developing people, capabilities, 
and systems to meet the needs of our 
growing business in a sustainable and 
responsible way. These investments are 
designed to help us deliver long-term value; 
keeping us efficient, agile and well 
positioned to take advantage of business 
opportunities as they arise.

Additional information about BTG’s commitment to responsible social,  
environmental, and governance practices is available on the  
Responsibility section of our website www.btgplc.com/responsibility. 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016People and practices continued

20

Strategic 
Report

BTG employees1

2015/16

2014/15

Management
Research and production
Sales, administration and business support

99
673
410
1,182

102
518
366
986

benchmarks. Together these tools aim to 
improve operational oversight and the 
overall productivity of our R&D.

Respecting diversity
Our employees come from a variety of 
cultures, experiences and backgrounds. 
They are valued for their varied 
perspectives and judged solely by their 
abilities, behaviour, performance and 
potential. As an Equal Opportunity 
Employer, we consider employees and 
applicants for employment without regard 
to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, 
or protected veteran status and we will not 
discriminate on the basis of disability.

Supporting our  
community
Each year employees at each of our major 
sites choose corporate charities that 
support one of the diseases or conditions 
relevant to BTG, or that benefit the local 
communities where we operate. During 
this fiscal year we donated £27,000 
(2014/15: £41,000) to charitable causes. 
A list of the charities which we supported 
during the financial year can be found on 
our website. 

Health and safety 
Management regularly reviews health and 
safety metrics to ensure we are providing a 
safe work environment for our employees. 
Through a health and safety culture 
programme and increased manager focus, 
we halved our rate of lost time accidents 
as compared to the previous year, with 
an increasing number of employees.

2015/16

2014/15

584 (49%)
73 (36%)
3 (25%)
2 (25%)

522 (47%)
78 (41%)
3 (23%)
2 (25%)

with better tools to manage talent 
development. In addition we have piloted 
a one-year graduate scheme consisting of 
three-month rotations in key areas of the 
business followed by a twelve-month 
placement in a function mutually 
selected by the graduate and BTG. 

Organisational change
This year our R&D function put in place 
new structures, processes, and 
behaviours to align BTG’s portfolio of 
innovation projects to our business 
priorities. This is to ensure that projects 
are managed within resource and budget 
constraints and delivered on time. 

A new Portfolio Review Board provides 
portfolio-wide oversight, helping to 
allocate budget and resource to the most 
promising projects at pre-defined 
milestones. In the coming year, a new 
Enterprise Project Management system 
will provide better visibility of project 
development plans, bringing more rigour 
to project timelines and improving 
resource and capacity planning. We have 
also selected a Clinical Trial Management 
System that, once implemented, will 
standardise tracking and reporting of our 
clinical trials and provide metrics of 
performance against targets and industry 

Data on gender

Number of females who are:

Employees
Senior Managers
Leadership Team Members
Board Directors

Total lost time from accidents and illnesses (days per 100,000 hours worked) 

2015/16
2014/15
Change

0.34
0.69 
-50%

Includes all accidents and illnesses where one or more days are lost. This figure includes accidents where people have 
returned to work and were given alternative duties as they were not able to fulfil their normal roles.

1  Average during the year.

Our people
Every employee working at BTG 
contributes to and shares in our success. 
We look to attract and retain people who 
share our values and exhibit the 
behaviours that our future success 
depends on. As the Group grows, 
organically and through acquisition, we 
invest time, attention and resources in 
maintaining an organisational culture 
that we call our DNA. 

Continuous learning
Our Learning & Development agenda is 
designed to support our growth strategy. 
BTG-specific content on topics such as 
critical thinking help reinforce our DNA 
and preferred ways of working. This year 
we started delivering our Management 
Development Programme in-house in 
order to ensure the content and 
facilitation meets BTG’s specific needs.

An increasing percentage of employees 
took advantage of our Learning & 
Development offerings this year. We 
invested in new ways of delivering this 
content “virtually” to our increasingly 
geographically dispersed workforce. 
Participation in our virtual offerings 
exceeded target levels and are now our 
most popular delivery option. 

Our new mentoring programme pairs high 
potential employees with senior leaders 
from across the business. In its first year 
100% of participants surveyed said they 
would participate again and 81% said the 
program met or exceeded their 
expectations. In 2016 we also began 
enrolling senior leaders in the UK in 
Challenge24, an exclusive leadership 
programme that will introduce them to 
similarly bright and motivated people from 
other sectors to broaden their perspectives 
and encourage collaborative working.

To be sure we have the people and 
capabilities needed as the business 
grows, we established a new succession 
planning process that provides leaders 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 201621

Strategic 
Report

Integrity and ethics
Every BTG employee is trained in our Code 
of Conduct annually to help ensure our 
business operates in accordance with our 
values and meets the requirements of 
our highly regulated industry. The latest 
version of our full Code of Conduct is 
available on our website. Employees are 
expected to take personal responsibility 
for ethical and compliant behaviour and 
to hold contractors and other third parties 
to the same standards. This year the 
compliance team exceeded our targets for 
due diligence reviews of our distributors. 

Management relies on data to ensure the 
effectiveness of our compliance control 
framework, reviewing business unit and 
group level dashboards. This year we have 
been encouraged by a lower number of 
incidents but also by levels of employee 
incident reporting that suggest a culture 
of open and honest communication. 

Our anti-bribery and corruption (ABAC) 
policy prohibits BTG employees, and 
those acting on their behalf, from offering 
anything of value as a bribe or 
inducement to others to make decisions 
that favour BTG’s interests. These policies 
are designed to promote compliance with 
the UK Bribery Act, the US Foreign 
Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and other 
local law equivalents. This year the 
majority of our third party distributors 
were trained on our ABAC policies. 

To ensure the transparency of our 
relationship with healthcare providers, 
BTG collects, tracks, and reports 
payments to healthcare professionals 
and organisations in accordance with the 
US Physician Payment Sunshine Act. 

Protecting human rights 
BTG has publicly committed to 
respecting international standards 
such as the United Nations Universal 
Declaration of Human Rights. In 
anticipation of the UK Modern Slavery 
Act coming into effect, the Board 
approved a Human Rights Statement, 
available on our website, summarising 
the internal standards and controls BTG 
employs to ensure slavery and human 
trafficking is not taking place in our 
business or our supply chain. This 
statement also satisfies the 
requirements of the US California 
Transparency in Supply Chains Act. This 
year we augmented the training provided 
to those in our quality function who audit 
our suppliers in order to help them detect 
practices that could potentially indicate 
human trafficking or slavery.

Environmental impact 
This year our environmental impact 
figures include, for the first time, our 
PneumRx location in California and the 
expansion of our Camberley facility. 
The impact of our increasing footprint 
and production volumes have been 
offset by energy saving projects such 
as the installation of solar panels in 
Australia, upgrading fume cupboards in 
our labs in Farnham, and more energy 
efficient HVAC and lighting in our clean 
rooms in Wales. These efforts have 
contributed to a year-on-year decrease 
in CO2 emissions and electricity usage 
per production unit and per employee. 
The addition of PneumRx has increased 
our use of water and production of waste.

Product quality
We continually enhance the systems, 
processes, and practices that ensure 
the quality of the products we produce. 
This year we began a programme of 
mock inspections at each production site 
designed to pressure test our systems 
and better understand areas of risk in 
advance of actual regulatory inspections 
and audits. Our Quality Management 
System continues to evolve and now 
includes a more efficient, risk-based 
approach to supply chain compliance. 
In the coming year, this system will 
expand to include the acquired EKOS and 
PneumRx facilities. We also plan to carry 
out a data integrity review to ensure we 
have adequate equipment, capabilities 
and experience in this area of increasing 
regulatory interest.

Access and pricing
BTG is thoughtful in how it establishes 
the price of its products. We ensure 
that a product’s price is proportional 
to its value from the points of view of 
healthcare professionals, patients 
and payers, and allows us to continue 
to invest in developing new medical 
products. Where appropriate, BTG 
strives to meet the access needs of 
patients. For example, we have created 
a comprehensive Patient Assistance 
programme for Vistogard®, our newest 
acute care product, ensuring this 
life-saving medicine is available to 
patients regardless of insurance status, 
where financial cost may be a barrier 
to access. 

Environmental Impact

Data

Total CO2 equivalent generated (tonnes)1–5
CO2 equivalent generated (tonnes) scope 11-5
CO2 equivalent generated (tonnes) scope 21-5
Total production units1-5
Total Kg CO2 generated per production unit1-5
Total employees1-5, 8
Total Kg CO2 generated per employee1-5, 8
Total electricity consumed (MWh)1-5
Total electricity consumed per production unit1-5
Total waste from our production and research sites (tonnes)6
Waste recycled6
Hazardous waste – incinerated or other treatment6
Waste to landfill6
Total water consumed production and research sites (m3)7

2015/16

2014/15

% Change

6,349
1,627
4,722
270,436
23
1,370
4,634
8,155
0.0302
575
207
133
235
37,205

6,145
1,367
4,779
234,939
26
1,121
5,481
8,251
0.0351
573
258
114
200
34,123

3
19
-1
15
-10
22
-15
-1
-14
0
-20
17
18
9

Notes
1  GHG protocol used for data. Scope 3 emissions have not been calculated.
2  Covers 100% of BTG controlled operations, third-party manufacturing has not been included in either the carbon dioxide generated or the intensity figures.
3  Data from operational sites with more than 20 employees based on energy bills.
4  Emissions from field based and smaller offices estimated based on average US consumption – as this is where majority are based, 3% of data is estimated.
5  Conversion factors used: Defra/DECC 2015 and government websites.
6  Waste from our manufacturing and research sites in Australia, USA and UK.
7  Water consumption measured at our production sites in Australia, USA and UK.
8  Employee number includes all employees, plus contractors and temporary workers directly supervised by BTG employees.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Group financial review

22

Strategic 
Report

BTG has reported another year of strong 
financial growth. Increasing cash generation 
from the Specialty Pharmaceuticals and 
Licensing businesses has enabled us to 
continue to reinvest in high growth 
opportunities within Interventional Medicine. 

“ This performance 
reflects our increasing 
financial maturity and 
supports the execution 
of our strategy to 
achieve sustained 
profitable growth.”

Rolf Soderstrom
Chief Financial Officer

Ongoing monitoring of our financial KPIs is critical to achieving our long-term goals. 
The metrics we give reflect our maturing financial profile and are aligned with the 
Group’s various incentive plans.

Revenue +22%

Contribution +29%

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

£447.5m

2016

£367.8m

2015

£290.5m

2014

£233.7m

2013

£197.0m

2012

Operating Profit1 +37%

Adjusted EPS1 +39%

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

£93.0m

2016

£67.9m

2015

£62.3m

2014

£69.0m

2013

£54.0m

2012

1  Excluding acquisition adjustments and reorganisation costs

£165.3m

£128.3m

£111.5m

£108.5m

£91.8m

21.9p

15.7p

14.5p

14.5p

11.4p

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Product revenues

Interventional Medicine
Interventional Oncology
Interventional Vascular

Interventional Pulmonology 

Specialty Pharmaceuticals 

Licensing 

Beads/TheraSphere®
EkoSonic®
Varithena®
Total Interventional Vascular
PneumRx® Coil
Total Interventional Medicine

CroFab®
DigiFab®
Voraxaze® 
Vistogard®
Other
Total Specialty Pharmaceuticals

Zytiga®
Lemtrada™
Two-Part Hip Cup
Others 
Total Licensing

Total revenue

1  At constant currency GBP vs USD (1.51 vs 1.61 in prior year)
nm Not meaningful

23

Strategic 
Report

Change
(%)

Change at
CC1
(%)

21
34
–
33
nm
33

10
5
16
nm
nm
10

13
nm
(1)
17
23
22

16
25
–
24
nm
27

2
(1)
11
nm
nm
3

5
nm
(9)
12
14
14

2015/16
£m

91.4
45.4
1.0
46.4
12.4
150.2

67.9
47.0
16.6
1.3
0.3
133.1

118.9
19.8
13.7
11.8
164.2
447.5

2014/15
£m

75.5
33.9
1.0
34.9
2.3
112.7

61.8
44.7
14.3
0.2
0.1
121.1

105.2
4.9
13.8
10.1
134.0
367.8

Revenue
Group revenue increased by 22% to 
£447.5m (2014/15: £367.8m) and by 
14% at constant currency. Given the 
high proportion of US$ denominated 
revenue, movements in the US$ to 
sterling exchange rate influence 
reported revenues. The average rate for 
the year was $1.51 compared to $1.61 in 
the prior year. A five cents movement in 
the dollar exchange rate results in an 
approximate £13m change in Group 
revenues. In the table above we show 
reported product sales and Licensing 
revenues, together with growth rates at 
constant currency.

Interventional Medicine revenues 
were 33% higher at £150.2m 
(2014/15: £112.7m), a 27% increase 
at constant currency.

Our Interventional Medicine portfolio 
comprises different products at varying 
stages of their lifecycle. Within this 
segment the most advanced franchise 
is Interventional Oncology, which 
generated sales of £91.4m (2014/15: 
£75.5m), representing growth of 16% 
at constant currency in line with our 
annual average growth guidance. 
TheraSphere® continues to grow 
strongly. EU Beads revenue was 
impacted by channel disruption 
following the transition from a 
distribution arrangement to direct 
sales in April 2015. 

We expect to realise the full benefits  
of selling Beads directly in Europe in the 
current financial year.

Interventional Vascular revenue 
increased to £46.4m (2014/15: £34.9m), 
representing 24% growth at constant 
currency, driven by another strong 
performance from the EkoSonic®  
blood clot treatment device. Receiving 
FDA clearance for use in the treatment 
of pulmonary embolism in 2014 
has enabled us to increase sales 
significantly in this indication and to 
continue to increase penetration into 
US hospitals. Sales of our varicose  
veins treatment Varithena® were flat as 
we continue to establish a smooth 
reimbursement process. We anticipate 
an increase in physician reordering 
leading to sales growth sometime 
during our 2016/17 financial year. 

The first full year of revenue from the 
PneumRx® Coil, our Interventional 
Pulmonology treatment for advanced 
emphysema, was £12.4m in line with 
revenue in the prior 12 months. This 
primarily reflects a flat performance in 
Germany, which accounts for ~80% of 
sales and where we currently have 
interim reimbursement.

Specialty Pharmaceuticals revenue 
increased to £133.1m (2014/15: £121.1m) 
growing by 3% at constancy currency. 
Sales of the snakebite antivenin 
CroFab® and the digoxin toxicity 

treatment DigiFab® were steady and 
there was double-digit growth from 
Voraxaze®, the treatment for high-dose 
methotrexate toxicity. At the end of the 
period we also recorded our first US 
sales of Vistogard®. 

Licensing revenues grew to £164.2m 
(2014/15: £134.0m), a 14% increase at 
constant currency. Royalties from the 
largest contributor, Johnson & 
Johnson’s treatment for advanced 
prostate cancer Zytiga®, grew to 
£118.9m and were enhanced by a 
one-off back payment of £8.5m during 
the year. Zytiga® royalties would be 
impacted if generic products are 
launched; we believe the earliest date 
for generic entry in the US could be in 
our 2018/19 financial year.

Royalties from Sanofi/Genzyme’s 
Lemtrada™ grew strongly to £19.8m 
following US approval last year. Our 
royalties on Lemtrada™ will cease 
during our 2017/18 financial year 
on patent expiry. Other royalty 
contributors generated £25.5m in total 
and included our final royalties on the 
MRC patents, which amounted to £8.4m.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Group financial review continued

24

Strategic 
Report

Contribution

£165.3m

2014/15: £128.3m
+29%

Contribution margin

37%

2014/15: 35%

Segment contribution margin

69%

Specialty Pharmaceuticals

38%

Licensing

7%

Interventional Medicine

Contribution 

Revenue
Gross profit
SG&A
Contribution

Interventional 
Medicine
£m

Specialty
Pharmaceuticals
£m

150.2
106.4
(96.2)
10.2

133.1
118.0
(25.5)
92.5

Licensing
£m

164.2
82.3
(19.7)
62.6

Total
£m

447.5
306.7
(141.4)
165.3

Gross profit
Gross profit rose by 21% to £306.7m 
(2014/15: £253.1m) giving a gross margin 
of 69% (2014/15: 69%). The blended 
Group gross margin is expected to 
remain steady at around 70% in the 
medium term. 

The Interventional Medicine gross 
margin of 71% (2014/15: 70%) reflects 
a fixed manufacturing cost base for 
the early stage Varithena® and 
PneumRx products, and is expected 
to increase over time as revenues build 
from these products. In Specialty 
Pharmaceuticals the gross margin rose 
to 89% (2014/15: 86%) driven by product 
mix and manufacturing efficiencies. 
Gross margin in Licensing was lower at 
50% (2014/15: 52%) as a result of 
increased revenues from lower margin 
licensing streams. 

Contribution
We define contribution as gross profit 
less selling, general and administrative 
(SG&A) expenditure, which broadly 
reflects the cash generated by the 
business before any investment in 
Research and Development (R&D) or 
capital activities. 

In line with our commercial expansion 
strategy, SG&A increased over the 
year to £141.4m (2014/15: £124.8m). 

The increase in SG&A reflects the full-year 
costs associated with the acquisition of 
PneumRx and increased investment in 
the commercial capabilities of the rest 
of the Interventional Medicine segment. 
Investments include costs associated 
with the US launch of Varithena®, for 
which the US sales force was increased, 
and the commercial expansion of our 
Interventional Oncology products in 
Europe and Asia. 

Contribution increased to £165.3m 
(2014/15: £128.3m) and the Group 
contribution margin increased to  
37% (2014/15: 35%).

The more established Specialty 
Pharmaceuticals and Licensing 
segments have both delivered 
increased contribution margins 
of 69% (2014/15: 65%) and 38% 
(2014/15: 30%) respectively. Whilst 
making investments to support the 
launch of Vistogard® we continue to 
seek operating efficiencies in these 
businesses to maximise cash 
generation and support our 
investments to deliver high growth in 
the Interventional Medicine business. 
We anticipate that the current 
Interventional Medicine contribution 
margin of 7% (2014/15: 8%) will increase 
over time as revenues across the 
portfolio increase. 

Research &  
Development
Research and Development 
investments increased to £77.2m 
(2014/15: £68.3m) in line with the 
expanded innovation and development 
activities, primarily within Interventional 
Medicine, and reflecting a full year of 
PneumRx activities.

Patient enrolment continues into our 
EPOCH and STOP-HCC TheraSphere® 
Phase III trials, which are designed to 
support PMA submissions in the US.  
We took the decision in March 2016 to 
terminate the YES-P study owing to 
slow recruitment and a changed clinical 
environment; investment is being 
reallocated to other growth products. 
We are developing a new control unit 
and software upgrade for EkoSonic® 
and we have made investments in the 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016OPTALYSE and ACCESS PTS studies 
to support further indication expansion 
for this product. Investment continues 
into indication expansion and product 
innovation for Varithena®, and we 
invested in the RENEW study and other 
activities designed to support US 
approval of the PneumRx® Coils. In 
addition to innovation and development 
we invest in providing ongoing 
regulatory, clinical and medical affairs 
support for the expanded portfolio of 
marketed products.

We will continue to invest in Research 
and Development to support pipeline 
opportunities arising from our 
expanding portfolio. 

Operating profit
Operating profit before acquisition 
adjustments and reorganisation costs 
was £93.0m (2014/15: £67.9m) reflecting 
higher revenue growth partially offset by 
increased SG&A and R&D investment. 

Operating profit includes the impact  
of foreign exchange. The £:$ exchange 
rate moved from $1.48 at the beginning 
of the year to $1.44 at the end of the 
year. BTG’s exposure to US$ assets  
and liabilities resulted in a net  
foreign exchange gain of £4.4m  
(2014/15: £6.7m).

Acquisition adjustments include the 
release of the fair value uplift of inventory 
acquired with PneumRx of £1.5m 
(2014/15: £0.9m) and amortisation of 
acquired intangible assets of £35.0m 
(2014/15: £28.4m), which has increased 
as a result of the acquisition of PneumRx 
in January 2015.

Operating profit after acquisition 
adjustments and reorganisation costs 
was £56.5m (2014/15: £34.9m)

Financial expense/income
Net financial income was £1.0m 
(2014/15: net financial expense of 
£8.2m). Included within this are fair 
value adjustments to contingent 
considerations, resulting in an income 
of £1.4m (2014/15: charge of £1.0m). 
This comprises a £12.0m ($20m) credit 
relating to the non-payment of the 
first PneumRx acquisition milestone. 
This was offset by a £10.6m charge 
relating to fair value adjustments to 
other contingent considerations, 
including a £9.0m charge relating to 
increasing the probability of payment 
of the US approval milestone for 
PneumRx following the successful 
completion of the RENEW trial. 
In addition, there was a gain on the 
mark-to-market of foreign exchange 
forward contracts of £1.2m 
(2014/15: loss of £6.2m).

Earnings per share

Profit for year
Add back1: Fair value adjustment on acquired inventory
Amortisation of acquired intangible fixed assets
Acquisition and reorganisation costs
Fair value changes on contingent consideration
Underlying earnings
Underlying profit per share (p)

1  After taking into account the tax effect

Balance sheet 

25

Strategic 
Report

2015/16
£m

2014/15
£m

60.5
0.9
23.6
–
(1.4)
83.6
21.9

33.6
0.6
19.5
3.1
1.0
57.8
15.7

31 March 2016
£m

31 March 2015
£m

851.3
297.5
(176.1)
(125.0)
847.7

838.3
207.6
(171.7)
(115.6)
758.6

Non-current assets
Current assets
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Net assets

Profit before tax  
and taxation
Profit before tax for the year is £57.5m 
(2014/15: £26.7m). Group profits arise 
in the UK, the US and other overseas 
territories and as a consequence the 
effective tax rate is a blend of the varying 
tax rates in different jurisdictions.

In the period the Group has recognised 
a tax credit of £3.0m (2014/15: credit 
of £6.9m) due principally to the 
recognition of historic tax losses relating 
to EKOS, Voraxaze® and PneumRx, 
plus the deferred tax impact of the 
amortisation of intangible assets. The 
Group’s anticipated effective tax rate is 
expected to move towards 27% over the 
medium term once tax losses have been 
fully recognised.

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share were 15.8p 
(2014/15: 9.1p) on a profit after tax of 
£60.5m (2014/15: £33.6m). The adjusted 
earnings per share excluding acquisition 
adjustments and reorganisation costs 
were 21.9p (2014/15: 15.7p) on an 
adjusted profit after tax of £83.6m 
(2014/15: £57.8m).

Balance sheet
Non-current assets
Non-current assets comprise goodwill, 
intangible assets, property, plant and 
equipment, other investments, deferred 
tax assets, employee benefits and 
derivative financial instruments. 
Non-current assets have increased to 
£851.3m, from £838.3m as at 31 March 
2015. The most significant element of 
non-current assets is intangible assets 
of £599.2m (2014/15: £597.9m). 
Changes in the year reflect an increase 
of £23.0m relating to the purchase of 

the residual financial interest in 
Varithena® and changes in foreign 
currency of £15.0m, offset by intangible 
asset amortisation of £38.0m.

The Group’s defined benefit pension 
scheme as measured under IAS19 
Revised – Employee Benefits increased 
to an asset of £19.3m at 31 March 2016 
from £13.2m at 31 March 2015 
principally due to an increase in the 
discount rate used to value the defined 
benefit obligation.

Current assets
Current assets comprise inventories, 
trade and other receivables, cash and 
cash equivalents. Current assets have 
increased to £297.5m, from £207.6m 
at 31 March 2015. Cash and cash 
equivalents have increased from 
£73.8m to £140.4m as a result of 
strong cash generation from the 
businesses. Inventory increased to 
£46.5m (31 March 2015: £40.5m) and 
receivables increased to £106.5m 
(31 March 2015: £91.9m) as a result 
of underlying business growth. 

Non-current liabilities
Non-current liabilities comprise trade 
and other payables, deferred tax liabilities 
and provisions. Non-current liabilities 
increased to £176.1m (31 March 2015: 
£171.7m). This is a result of an increase 
in the probability of payment of the 
PneumRx FDA contingent milestone, 
partially offset by a decrease in the 
deferred tax liability position, due to 
recognising tax losses relating to 
Voraxaze®, EKOS and PneumRx.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Group financial review continued

26

Strategic 
Report

Research and Development 
expenditure

£77.2m

2014/15: £68.3m
+13%
Research and Development

Product innovation

Existing product support

Clinical trials and studies

19%

33%

48%

Cash flow 

Opening cash and cash equivalents
Operating cash flow before working capital
Movement in working capital
Cash generation from operations
Investing activities
Financing, Tax paid and others
Net change in cash
Closing cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities
Current liabilities comprise trade and 
other payables, corporation tax payable 
provisions and derivative instruments. 
In current liabilities, trade and other 
payables increased to £114.8m  
(31 March 2015: £111.0m), reflecting the 
underlying growth of the business.

Contingent liabilities
In July 2014, BTG announced that it 
had received a subpoena from the 
US Department of Justice, seeking 
documents in relation to an investigation 
regarding LC Bead®. The investigation 
covers the period from 2003. BTG 
continues to cooperate fully with this 
investigation. As at 31 March 2016, the 
possibility that a material outflow of 
funds will be required to settle or 
otherwise resolve the investigation was 
more than remote. It was not, however, 
possible to make a reliable estimate of the 
amount that may be required to be paid.

Cash flow 
Cash and cash equivalents were 
£140.4m. The business generated 
£101.8m from operating activities 
(2014/15: £62.7m), reflecting good cash 
generation in the business and 
favourable working capital movements. 
Cash outflow of £29.9m from investing 
activities includes £23.0m for the 
purchase of the residual financial 
interest of Varithena® and continued 

31 March 2016
£m

31 March 2015
£m

73.8
108.0
(6.2)
101.8
(29.9)
(5.3)
66.6
140.4

38.2
73.2
(10.5)
62.7
(158.9)
131.8
35.6
73.8

investment in manufacturing facilities. 
The prior period cash generation reflects 
both the acquisition of PneumRx for 
a net cash outflow of £147.7m and the 
proceeds of a share issue for a cash 
inflow of £147.2m. 

In November 2015 the Group signed a new 
£100m multi-currency revolving credit 
facility with an option to extend by a further 
£100m. This facility has a three-year-term 
that can be extended up to five years and 
replaced the previous £60m facility.

Summary and outlook
Our financial strategy is to deliver 
double-digit compound annual revenue 
growth while maintaining cost discipline 
to enable reinvestment in our capabilities 
and in pipeline opportunities to underpin 
our long-term growth. Our results for the 
year show strong delivery against all 
these objectives which provides the 
foundations to achieve our goal of 
delivering revenues of ~$1.5bn in our 
2021/22 financial year and sustained 
growth thereafter.

Rolf Soderstrom
Chief Financial Officer

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Risk management and principal risks

The system of internal controls utilised 
to identify, assess, manage and mitigate 
the key risks facing the business.

27

Strategic 
Report

Accountability for  
oversight of risk
The Group’s risk management and 
internal control systems are the 
responsibility of the Board of Directors 
which regularly and robustly assesses 
those systems. The goal is to ensure the 
Company is able to identify, assess and 
effectively manage or mitigate existing 
and newly emerging risks. That includes 
oversight of the progress of agreed risk 
mitigation strategies and any changes 
to the materiality of key risks. The Board 
also assess the likelihood and potential 
impact of plausible concurrent risks 
and seeks to ensure that the overall risk 
profile of the Group is appropriate in 
light of its strategy. 

The Board believes it has taken all 
reasonable steps to satisfy themselves 
that the risk management process is 
effective and fit for purpose. Nevertheless, 
as with all risk management processes, 
there remains a degree of uncertainty 
– planned mitigations may not be 
effective and unpredicted risks may 
arise. As a consequence there cannot 
be any guarantee that all risks to the 
business will be successfully identified, 
controlled or mitigated. This is 
particularly the case as the Company 
operates in a relatively high risk sector. 
Risk is also inherent in the Company’s 
growth strategy. 

The specific risks considered by senior 
management and the Board are those 
that are believed could cause the 
Group’s future results, financial condition 
and prospects to differ materially from 
current expectations, including the ability 
to meet the objectives outlined in this 
Strategic Report. The Board believes it 
has taken all material and plausible risks 
into account and, based on that analysis, 
have confirmed the viability of the 
Company over the next three years as set 
out in the viability statement required by 
the 2014 UK Corporate Governance Code 
(see page 29, the Viability Statement).

Risk review process
BTG has a three-year financial plan which 
is updated annually. Performance toward 
that plan is monitored on a monthly basis. 

In addition, the Company has published 
2021/22 goals, including the target of 
reaching $1.5bn in revenues in our 
2021/22 financial year. Those goals have 
been built into the risk management 
process and, as such, form the basis on 
which business risks are measured.

Individuals in the business managing 
discrete risks on a day-to-day basis 
produce and update their business unit 
specific risk registers monthly. These 
registers are consolidated into a Group 
Risk Register which is reviewed at least 
twice-yearly by the Risk Committee. 
That Committee is chaired by the CFO, 
Rolf Soderstrom and comprises senior 
members of staff representing relevant 
parts of the business and key functions 
as well as other members of the 
Leadership Team. The output from the 
Risk Committee is formally reported, 
twice annually, to the Leadership Team 
and the Audit Committee who review the 
processes followed by management in 
identifying and managing risk throughout 
the Group. Included within the reports to 
the Audit Committee is an explanation of 
any material changes in the risks, controls 
or mitigations since the last report. The 
Group Risk Report is also shared and 
discussed with the full Board twice 
annually. Leading indicators of material 
changes in principal risks are monitored 
monthly by the Board via the Operational 
and Financial Review report. In addition, 
as part of the annual strategy review in 
September, the Board considers the key 
risks which could impact the business 
model and strategy over the longer term. 
That broader discussion is informed by 
an annual top down risk review and 
assessment of global macro risks 
undertaken in conjunction with our 
external advisors.

Where appropriate the Audit Committee 
will undertake a deep dive assessment of 
a key risk to better understand its nature 
and to consider available mitigation 
options that could be deployed to better 
manage that risk, together with the costs, 
timelines and likelihood of success of 
those options. This process assists the 
Board in shaping the Group’s risk 
appetite, to ensure it is appropriate in light 
of the Group’s strategy. It also underpins 

the requirement for the Board to take a 
view on the risks which could affect the 
Group’s longer-term viability and 
underpins the preparation of the annual 
Viability Statement. The Board also 
considers new material risks in a timely 
fashion as they arise.

Key enhancements to the process during 
the year sought to further embed risk 
management in day-to-day business  
unit operations.

Governance and risk 
management systems
An integral part of the risk management 
framework is the operation of a number 
of compliance and governance systems, 
each of which comprises a framework of 
policies, processes and procedures 
used to ensure that BTG fulfils all 
tasks required to achieve the desired 
corporate governance objectives. 
Examples include the corporate 
functions such as Internal Audit, 
Compliance, Finance, Legal, Regulatory, 
Research & Development, Quality and 
other assurance groups. These are 
integrated to ensure an overall robust risk 
management and assurance framework.

A number of these systems are required 
by legislation or by authorities governing 
our industry e.g. in the Pharmaceutical 
industry, product quality is governed by 
the principles of Good Manufacturing 
Practice (GMP), enforced by the Food 
and Drug Administration (FDA) in the 
US and Medicines and Healthcare 
Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 
the UK and other equivalent agencies 
in other territories.

These BTG governance systems each have 
a series of Key Performance Indicators 
(KPIs), reviewed by the Leadership Team 
at set intervals and fed into the business 
unit and Group Risk Registers. Non-
conformances are investigated and 
corrective actions defined and tracked to 
completion. These systems aim to ensure 
that risks arising from internal activities 
or those conducted via third parties with 
whom we work do not become material. 
The principal systems are outlined overleaf.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Risk management and principal risks continued

28

Strategic 
Report

Outline of BTG Governance & Risk Management Systems

Functional Area

Summary of KPIs Measured

Product quality control  
and assurance:

Ensuring all products:
• meet applicable specifications, GMP and other regulatory 

requirements

• deliver expected efficacy and safety
• are supported by necessary manufacturing and marketing 

licences in relevant markets

Compliance:

Ensuring compliance by BTG Group and its principal 
commercial partners with applicable laws and regulations 
relating to the conduct of business including, for example, 
the UK Bribery Act, US False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback 
Statute and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other 
regulations to prevent improper conduct, inaccurate 
regulatory submissions, off-label marketing of products, or 
the submission of false claims for reimbursement of products
Finance:

Ensuring:
• the ongoing viability of BTG’s business and adequate 
financial resources to meet our operational and 
strategic objectives

• all BTG employees abide by internal and external 

transaction and reporting standards

• BTG is not subject to serious fraud or misappropriation 

of company assets
Supply chain:

Ensuring:
• products are delivered on time and orders completed
• minimal supply chain interruptions and continuity of supply
• maintenance and management of supply chains such that 

all internal and regulatory standards are met

• Ensuring all products placed on a market meet applicable 
release criteria for the market for which they are intended

• Assessment against internal operating standards and 

procedures and ongoing review of the scope and content 
of the policy framework and procedures

• Testing the effectiveness of training
• FDA/MHRA/Internal audit findings and delivery on 

remediation plans 

• Monitoring customer complaints, for example, product 

failures or adverse events (via a comprehensive 
pharmacovigilence system)

• Monitoring completion of corrective actions for all measures 

reported

• Collection of internal monitoring data and assessment 

against operational targets

• Internal audit findings, auditing of commercial partners 

and delivery on remediation plans

• Monitoring of complaints/queries/allegations to BTG 

reporting systems. Conduct of investigations where required

• Status of training of BTG employees and commercial 

partners

• Internal and external audit findings at BTG businesses 

and commercial partners

• Adherence to budget, delegated authorities and other 
internal financial controls and assurance procedures

• Monitoring of financial transactions
• Monitoring completion of corrective actions for all 

measures reported

• Collection of internal monitoring data and assessment 

against operational targets

• Maintaining adequate inventories (based on risk 

assessments) of raw materials, intermediates and 
finished goods

• Implementation of process and facility improvement plans
• Rigorous monitoring of third party suppliers; dual sourcing 
implemented or being investigated where practicable

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 201629

Strategic 
Report

Functional Area

Summary of KPIs Measured

Environment,  
Health & Safety (EHS): 

Ensuring:
• BTG operations are safe for employees, visitors and the 

public who interact with our business

• we appropriately manage our impact on the environment
• compliance with internal and external regulatory standards
Research & Development (R&D):

Ensuring:
• we protect the safety and data privacy of patients 

participating in our clinical studies and meet all applicable 
laws and regulations with respect to conduct of Research 
and Development (for example the requirements of Good 
Clinical Practice and Good Laboratory Practice)

• we generate adequate data to support 

regulatory submissions and product approvals 
for intended uses

• we define appropriate development plans to meet our 

strategic goals

• we meet project specific and portfolio budgets  

and timelines

Skills and capabilities:
• Ensuring the business attracts, retains and develops 

talented individuals of the calibre and with the capabilities 
needed to deliver on the Group’s operations and strategy

• Investigation of lost time accidents (minimum one day lost) 

and all first aid incidents

• Waste produced
• Carbon footprint
• Water consumption
• Monitoring completion of corrective actions for all measures 

reported

• Assessment against internal operating standards and 

procedures and ongoing review of the scope and content 
of the policy framework and procedures

• Testing of the effectiveness of training
• FDA/MHRA/Internal audit findings and delivery on 

remediation plans. Active monitoring of clinical studies 
and other activities

• Detailed review of project progress against agreed stage 

gate milestones for further funding

• Ongoing review of the portfolio as a whole against wider 

strategic needs

• Assessment processes to define the future capability 
or development needs of the Group in light of strategy 

• Reviewing the competitiveness of Company reward 

programmes and employee benefits

• Ensuring key individuals have adequate ongoing 
development as well as succession plans in place

• Enhancing overall leadership development programmes

Viability statement
The activities of the Group, together 
with the factors likely to affect its 
future development and performance, 
the financial position, its cash flows, 
liquidity position and borrowing 
facilities are described in the Strategic 
Report on pages 22 to 26. The 
Directors have carried out a robust 
assessment of the principal risks 
facing the Group, including those that 
would threaten its business model, 
future performance, solvency or 
liquidity. These risks and the ways 
they are being managed and sought to 
be mitigated by a wide range of actions 
are summarised in this section.

Taking account of the Group’s position 
and principal risks, the Directors 
assess the prospects of the Group 
by reviewing and discussing at least 
once each year the annual forecast, 
the three-year strategic plan and the 
Group risk framework. The Directors 
review and discuss the potential impact 
of each principal risk as well as the risk 
impact of any major events or 
transactions. A three-year period is 
considered appropriate for this 
assessment because:
• it is the period covered by the 

strategic plan; and

• it enables a higher level of confidence, 
even in extreme adverse events. This 
is due to a number of factors such as:

 – the Group has considerable 
financial resources together 
with several established mature 
business units that provide a 
strong financial underpin;
 – strong cash generation by the 

Group’s operations and access to a 
£100m revolving credit facility; and

 – the Group continues to diversify 
its product and geographical 
operations.

Based on the results of this analysis, 
the Directors believe that the Group 
is well placed to manage its business 
risks successfully. The Directors have 
a reasonable expectation that the 
Group will be able to continue in 
operation and meet its liabilities as they 
fall due over the three-year period of 
their assessment.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Risk management and principal risks continued

30

Strategic 
Report

Principal risks
Although not exhaustive, we describe in 
the table below what we believe to be the 
most significant risks that could materially 
affect the Group’s ability to achieve its 
financial goals, operating and strategic 
objectives. While other risks are deemed 
less material at this time, given the nature 
of the Company’s business, risks 
continually change.

As a general risk, the existing and future 
products launched by the Company may 
not be a commercial success depending 
on a number of complex and inter-related 
factors including: the receipt, maintenance 
and the scope of the applicable required 
marketing approvals and clearances 
(and the time and investment required to 
obtain approvals); product acceptance 
by physicians and patients; commercially 
viable levels of product reimbursement 
being established; safety and efficacy 
continuing to be demonstrated; 
the impact of competition and the 
successful enforcement of the Company’s 
intellectual property or defence against 
third party intellectual property rights. 

The pharmaceutical and medical device 
industries are highly competitive and 
require substantial ongoing product 
investment, innovation and development 
to sustain a continuing competitive 
advantage. The Company’s success 
will continue to depend on its ability 
to in-license, acquire or develop new 
products and businesses and to realise the 
expected benefit from such activities by 
the application of resources and effectively 
integrating acquired opportunities into 
the Group. As BTG operates in such a 
highly specialised industry, in order to 
deliver against our strategic objectives 
we require highly skilled and experienced 
employees who are highly sought after by 
our competitors. Challenges in attracting, 
retaining and motivating such employees 
may impact our ability to maintain 
performance levels and to deliver against 
our strategic growth objectives.

We continue to rely on third-party 
contractors for the supply of many key 
materials and services. These processes 
inherently carry risks of failure and loss of 
product and are risks over which the 
Company has a lower degree of control. 

Problems at contractors’ facilities, such 
as technical issues, contamination and 
regulatory actions may lead to delays and 
disruptions or loss of supply or available 
capacity. Some materials and services 
may only be available from one source 
and regulatory requirements may make 
substitution costly, time-consuming or 
commercially unviable. With respect to 
internal manufacturing activity, BTG relies 
on its single site in Wales for supply of 
manufactured antibodies and a single site 
in Farnham, UK, for the manufacture of the 
Beads and Varithena® with the consequent 
possibilities for disruption to, or loss of 
supplies resulting from, technical issues, 
contamination or regulatory actions. BTG’s 
polyclonal antibody products rely on serum 
produced from our sheep flocks in Australia, 
which could be subject to disease 
outbreaks or fire. BTG manufactures its 
EKOS products at a single site in Seattle, 
Washington, USA, and the PneumRx® Coil 
at a single site in San Francisco, California, 
USA, with the consequent possibilities for 
disruption to or loss of supply.

Principal Risks and changes during the course of the year
Risk detail

General mitigation strategy Change in 2015/16

Market Access: securing adequate reimbursement for BTG’s products

BTG may not be able to sell its products profitably 
if reimbursement by third-party payers, including 
government and private health insurers, is limited 
or unavailable. The Group may be subject to price 
limits on reimbursement of products which are 
outside of its control, reducing sales volume or 
prices, negatively impacting Group revenues. This 
is particularly the case in the US where a 
significant proportion of the Group’s revenues are 
derived, and in light of the ongoing US healthcare 
reforms, requiring increased rebates or discounts 
to be provided. Third-party payers are increasingly 
attempting to contain healthcare costs through 
measures that are likely to impact the products 
that BTG is developing.

Ensuring effective advocacy with 
payers based on accurate data and 
analysis to inform reimbursement 
decisions. Ensuring accurate and 
complete submissions.
BTG is seeking to utilise its expanding 
expertise across the portfolio, both 
within and outside the US. R&D 
plans increasingly seek to create the 
data likely to be required to secure 
the desired level of reimbursement 
for the applicable products after 
commercial launch.

2015/2016 

2014/2015 

The Company continues to strengthen its global 
market access (reimbursement) capabilities 
with an ongoing focus on Varithena®. Adequate 
levels of reimbursement continue to be secured 
for Varithena®. In the US, that process has been 
materially slower than originally envisaged and is 
not yet universal, adversely impacting revenue 
growth. Progress continues to be made based on 
learnings to date.
Acceptable progress continues to secure 
appropriate reimbursement for other products 
across the portfolio.
A future focus will be on supporting appropriate 
reimbursement levels for the PneumRx® Coil both 
in EU and in US following approval.
Notwithstanding progress to date, in light of the 
ongoing specific challenges relating to Varithena® 
and a more challenging external environment in 
the industry generally, the overall risk is assessed 
to have increased. 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
Risk detail

General mitigation strategy Change in 2015/16

Obtaining/Maintaining product regulatory approvals

31

Strategic 
Report

An inability to meet existing or new regulations or 
regulatory guidance. This may result in delays or 
failures in bringing products to market, additional 
material costs of development or the imposition 
of restrictions on approval or the sale of a product 
or its manufacture or distribution, including the 
possible withdrawal of a product from the market 
or narrowing of its approval or indicated uses. 
This is particularly the case for drug-eluting 
beads or other combination products in respect 
of which the regulatory requirements may be less 
clear in certain territories. 
The pharmaceutical and device industries are 
highly regulated in relation to the development, 
approval, manufacturing and sale of products.

The Company has expert internal teams 
dedicated to ensuring compliance in 
each of these areas, defining regulatory 
strategies and supporting product 
approvals and maintenance of existing 
product licences.
The process is supported by the 
governance systems defined above and 
monthly monitoring of performance 
against goals and of changes in the 
regulatory landscape. The use of 
external resources such as contract 
clinical research organisations (CROs) 
are being more effectively leveraged.

2015/2016  

2014/2015 

IP/Legal challenges

BTG may be subject to challenges relating to the 
validity of its patents or alleging infringement by 
BTG of intellectual property (IP) rights of others, 
which might result in cessation of BTG product 
sales, litigation and/or settlement costs and/or 
loss of earnings. BTG might elect to sue third 
parties for their infringement of BTG’s IP in order 
to protect current or future product revenue 
streams. Litigation involves significant costs and 
uncertainties. BTG may not be able to secure or 
maintain the necessary IP in relation to products 
acquired or in development, limiting the potential 
to generate value from these products and 
investments. Patent expiries can adversely 
impact the Group’s revenues due to a resultant 
increase in competition.

Maintenance of the IP function 
as a core capability of the Group, 
supplemented by external expertise, 
which monitors third-party patent 
portfolios and patent applications and 
IP rights. Development and 
implementation of BTG patent filing, 
defence and enforcement strategies, 
pursuing litigation or settlement 
strategies where appropriate. Robust 
processes are in place to automate 
patent renewals; internal controls 
established to avoid disclosure of 
patentable material prior to filing 
patent applications and to protect 
know-how.

2015/2016 

2014/2015 

The Regulatory Affairs group was further 
strengthened and restructured during the year.
Discussions with the UK MHRA and BSi continue 
with respect to the reclassification of the 
DC Bead® product in the EU which, if not resolved, 
could reduce the scope of the indicated uses of 
the product, adversely impacting the Group. 
Successful outcomes from the PneumRx RENEW 
study and CroFab® Copperhead snake studies.
There has been a focus during the year on 
preparing the PMA submission to seek US 
approval of the PneumRx® Coil. That is expected 
to be submitted in 2016.
Vistogard® was approved and commercially 
launched in US.
FDA has granted 510k clearance for and the 
Company has commercially launched a new 
product in US, LC Bead LUMI™.
While progress has been made in a number 
of areas, the overall level of risk is deemed 
equivalent to the prior year.

Currently, BTG earns significant royalties from 
sales of Johnson & Johnson’s Zytiga®, which is 
subject to multiple challenges by manufacturers 
of generic versions seeking to enter the US and 
other markets. A third party inter partes review 
challenge of one of the core patents protecting 
Zytiga® has also been commenced in the US. 
In light of the above, generic competition in the 
US may occur as early as the 2018/19 financial 
year in US and 2020/21 financial year in EU when 
the ten-year post-approval data exclusivity 
period ends. In each case generic competition 
would substantially reduce the value of Zytiga® 
and the level of royalties received by BTG. 
Zytiga® will in any event be subject to existing 
and future competition.
BTG successfully defended the CroFab® patent 
against third party challenge.
The commercial exploitation of Varithena® 
may lead to further IP challenges or competition 
requiring the Group to initiate litigation (for 
example against potential generic competitors).
Based on the progress of multiple IP strategies 
the overall risk in this area is assessed to have 
reduced in aggregate over the year.

Key 
Increased risk

Unchanged risk

Decreased risk

High risk

Medium risk

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
Risk management and principal risks continued

32

Strategic 
Report

General mitigation strategy Change in 2015/16

BTG focuses on select opportunities 
addressing specialist segments 
where there are relatively high 
barriers to entry, for example, 
relating to the development and 
manufacturing processes, or the 
need to generate significant supportive 
clinical data to gain approval and 
commercial acceptance. We seek 
to differentiate our products by 
demonstrating, in clinical trials, 
safety and efficacy benefits, or 
greater patient acceptance.

We expanded our interventional oncology 
business into parts of Asia (with direct sales in 
Taiwan and Hong Kong) including China (via 
SciClone).
In Interventional Oncology our previous EU 
distributor of DC Bead® (Terumo) has launched 
a competing chemoembolisation bead product 
in EU, LifePearl®. Our previous US distributor 
(AngioDynamics) has also announced plans to 
launch an embolic bead of their own in the US.

Risk detail

Competition

BTG’s products may face competition from 
products that have superior attributes, including 
better efficacy or side effect profiles, cost less 
to produce or be offered at a lower price than 
BTG’s products.
There are currently no competitive products to 
CroFab®, DigiFab®, Voraxaze® or Vistogard® 
but Instituto Bioclon may launch a competitor 
product to CroFab® around October 2018.
The Interventional Medicine bead products 
compete with products from Merit Medical 
Limited and CeloNova Biosciences, Inc. 
(acquired by Boston Scientific in 2015) and 
TheraSphere® competes with a product from 
Sirtex Medical Limited. 
Varithena® competes with other treatment 
modalities including heat ablation, vein stripping 
and physician-compounded sclerosing foam.
EkoSonic® competes with other interventional 
clot treatment products from US companies like 
Boston Scientific Corporation.
There is a competitor to PneumRx in the form 
of the Pulmonx, Inc. valve.
In Licensing, Zytiga® competes with a number 
of other treatments for prostate cancer including 
Xtandi® (enzalutamide).

2015/2016 

2014/2015 

Healthcare law compliance 

A comprehensive compliance 
programme is in place as referred 
to above. Ongoing monitoring and 
auditing is undertaken to seek to 
ensure any material failures are 
identified where possible and 
remediated. The programme is 
continually reviewed and improved 
to reflect ongoing learnings and 
changes to the external environment.

Extensive laws and regulations relate to how 
BTG markets its products and interacts with its 
customers and payers. Failure to meet applicable 
requirements may result in criminal or civil 
proceedings against the Group, exclusion of 
sale of products in certain territories and 
material financial penalties or other sanctions 
against the Group (or their commercial partners, 
or their respective employees or directors).
Defending actual or alleged violations may 
require significant management time and 
financial commitment, even if not proven.
In July 2014, BTG announced that it had received a 
subpoena from the US Department of Justice, 
seeking documents in relation to an investigation 
regarding LC Bead®, covering the period since 2003.

2015/2016 

2014/2015 

PneumRx commercial and other activities 
have been incorporated into BTG’s global 
compliance programme.
BTG continues to enhance its compliance 
programme. Monitoring data indicates that 
overall the risk is reducing (but not sufficiently to 
change overall risk rating), excluding the potential 
outcome of the US Department of Justice (DOJ) 
investigation with respect to LC Bead® in the US. 
BTG continues to fully cooperate with the DOJ in 
relation to the investigation. At this time it is not 
possible to determine the outcome which 
could potentially include restrictions on how 
BTG conducts its business and the imposition 
of material financial penalties. There can be 
no guarantee that equivalent investigations 
will not arise with respect to other parts of the 
Group or that existing compliance policies and 
procedures will be accepted as adequate by 
investigating agencies.

The Strategic Report was approved by the Board on 16 May 2016.

By order of the Board

Dr Paul Mussenden
Company Secretary

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
 
 
Governance

The Board of Directors  
and our approach to  
corporate governance  
and remuneration.

Board of Directors
Corporate Governance report
Audit Committee report
Nomination Committee report 
Directors’ remuneration report
Directors’ report 
Statement of directors’ responsibilities 

33

Governance

34
36
48
52
54
76
78

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors come  
from a diverse range of 
backgrounds to enable us to 
access a broad knowledge base. 
They define BTG’s strategy and 
oversee governance, risk and 
business performance.

What are the 
responsibilities 
of the Board?
Our Board of Directors is responsible  
for governing the Company and are 
ultimately accountable to our 
shareholders for our activities, strategy 
and performance. Each year we hold an 
Annual General Meeting at which the 
Board provides a report to shareholders  
on the performance of the business,  
what its future plans and strategies are 
and also submit themselves for 
re-election to the Board.

34

Governance

Garry Watts
Chairman

Dame Louise Makin
Chief Executive Officer

Garry Watts, FCA, MBE, joined the 
Board of BTG as non-executive 
Chairman in January 2012. He is 
Chairman of the Nomination 
Committee.

Garry is Chairman of Spire Healthcare 
and of Foxtons Group plc and 
non-executive director of Coca-Cola 
Enterprises, Inc. Until December 2010, 
he was for seven years CEO of SSL 
International plc and before that its 
CFO. Garry is a former partner at KPMG. 
He was previously an executive director 
of Celltech plc and of Medeva plc and a 
non-executive director of Protherics 
PLC. Other roles have included 17 years 
as a member of the UK Medicines and 
Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency 
Supervisory Board.

Louise Makin, MA, PhD (Cantab), MBA, 
DBE, joined BTG as Chief Executive 
Officer in October 2004. She is a 
non-executive director of Intertek Group 
plc and the Woodford Patient Capital 
Trust, and a Trustee of the Outward 
Bound Trust.

From 2001, she was President, 
Biopharmaceuticals Europe of Baxter 
Healthcare, where she was responsible 
for Europe, Africa and the Middle East. 
Louise joined Baxter Healthcare in 2000 
as Vice President, Strategy & Business 
Development Europe. Before joining 
Baxter, she was Director of Global 
Ceramics at English China Clay and 
prior to that she held a variety of roles 
at ICI between 1985 and 1998.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Susan Foden
Non-Executive Director

Giles Kerr
Non-Executive Director

Ian Much
Non-Executive Director

Susan Foden, MA, DPhil, joined BTG as 
a non-executive director in March 2015 
and is a member of the Remuneration 
Committee.

Susan is currently a non-executive 
director with BerGenBio AS, Vectura 
Group plc, Evgen Pharma plc and 
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult and 
is an advisory board member for CD3 
(a joint initiative between Leuven 
University and the European Investment 
Fund). Previously Susan was an Investor 
Director with the venture capital firm 
Merlin Biosciences, CEO of the 
technology transfer company, Cancer 
Research Campaign Technology Ltd 
and Head of Academic Liaison at 
Celltech Ltd and formally served on the 
boards of Cizzle and Source Bioscience.

Giles Kerr, FCA, joined BTG as a 
non-executive director in October 
2007 and is the Company’s Senior 
Independent director. He is Chairman 
of the Audit Committee and a member 
of the Nomination and Remuneration 
Committees. 

Giles is currently the Director of 
Finance with the University of Oxford, 
UK. He is also a Director of Quanta Fluid 
Solutions Ltd, Isis Innovation Ltd, Senior 
plc and PayPoint plc. Previously Giles 
was the Group Finance Director and 
Chief Financial Officer of Amersham 
plc, acquired by GE Healthcare in 2004 
and previously served as director of 
Victrex plc. Prior to his role at Amersham, 
he was a partner with Arthur Andersen 
in the UK. 

Ian Much joined BTG as a non-executive 
director in August 2010. He is Chairman 
of the Remuneration Committee and a 
member of the Audit and Nomination 
Committees.

Ian was Chief Executive of De La Rue plc 
between 1998 and 2004 and Chief 
Executive of T&N plc between 1996 and 
1998. Previous non-executive director 
appointments include Manchester 
United plc, Camelot plc, Admiral plc, 
Senior plc and Chemring Group plc.

35

Governance

Jim O’Shea
Non-Executive Director

Rolf Soderstrom
Chief Financial Officer

Richard Wohanka
Non-Executive Director 

Rolf Soderstrom, BA, ACA, joined BTG 
as Chief Financial Officer in December 
2008 from Protherics PLC, where he 
was Finance Director from August 2007.

From 2004, he was a Divisional Finance 
Director of Cobham plc, managing a 
portfolio of businesses across Europe 
and the USA. From 2000 he was a 
Director of Corporate Finance at 
Cable & Wireless plc. Prior to this, 
he worked in the Corporate Recovery 
and Corporate Finance Department 
of PricewaterhouseCoopers after 
qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. 

Richard Wohanka joined BTG as a 
non-executive director in January 2013 
and is a member of the Audit Committee. 

Richard has more than 20 years 
experience in building asset 
management businesses. He was 
CEO of Union Bancaire Privée Asset 
Management between October 2009 
and June 2012, and from 2001 to 2009 
he was CEO of Fortis Investment 
Management. Richard is a board 
member of the Nuclear Liabilities 
Fund and of Scottish Widows.

Jim O’Shea joined BTG as a non-
executive director in April 2009 and 
he is a member of the Nomination 
Committee.

He is the Chairman of Cardiome Pharma 
Corp, and a director of Prostrakan Group 
Plc, Trevi Therapeutics, Inc and Ocular 
TherapeutixTM Inc and a former Chairman 
of the US National Pharmaceuticals 
Council. From 2007 to 2008, he was Vice 
Chairman of Sepracor, Inc., where he 
was also President and Chief Operating 
Officer from 1999 to 2007. Previously, 
Jim was Senior Vice President of Sales & 
Marketing and Medical Affairs for 
Zeneca Pharmaceuticals (US), a 
business unit of Zeneca Inc. While at 
Zeneca, he held several management 
positions of increasing responsibility in 
international sales and marketing in the 
US and the UK. 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Corporate Governance report

36

Governance

“ BTG’s success is 
fundamentally linked   
to good governance and  
we remain committed  
to high standards in  
all we do.”

Dear Shareholder,
BTG’s success is fundamentally 
linked to good governance. We remain 
committed to achieving high standards 
in all we do and aligning our business 
and processes around a robust 
governance framework. The Board 
retains ultimate accountability for 
governance and we continue to evolve 
our approach and make ongoing 
improvements as part of building a 
successful and sustainable company. 

While building a strong governance 
framework we also try to ensure that 
we take a proportionate approach 
and that our processes remain fit for 
purpose as well as embedded within 
the culture of our organisation. As the 
Group grows, the principles of good 
governance give us the infrastructure 
to achieve our strategic goals. 

The standards of behaviour we require 
from our employees are guided by our 
Code of Conduct. This is further 
embodied in the behaviours and ways of 
working that we call the BTG “DNA” – 
doing what is in the best interests of the 
Group as a whole and striving to deliver 
our values in all we do. We believe these 
core values and ways of working have 
been instrumental in our success to 
date and that retaining them is 
essential to our future success. It is a 
concept we cherish and is a focus in 
how we hire new employees and how we 
develop our next generation of leaders. 

As a Board we have sought to create 
an environment of openness, 
transparency and behaviour that 
matches our core values. This principle 
has, for example, been a focus during 
the establishment of our direct sales 
teams in EU; our operations in Hong 
Kong and Taiwan; and the appointment 
of additional distributors undertaken 
during the year in Asia, Latin America 
and Europe. 

We apply clear governance standards 
and establish processes to provide 
assurance they are operated in 
practice both within our own business 
and that of the partners we  
collaborate with. 

Regular Board meetings concentrate 
on strategic progress and forward 
planning as well as operational issues, 
resulting in well informed debate and 
decision making. In addition, the 
annual Strategy Day is an essential 
part of the Board calendar. In setting 
the Board’s agenda we ensure 
adequate time is given to discussions 
around the development and 
implementation of strategy, having 
regard to our assessment of risk and 
changes in the external environment. 

This process, together with our overall 
risk management framework, was 
embodied in our work to support the 
provision of our Viability Statement as 
required by the 2014 edition of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code (the Code) 
issued by the Financial Reporting 
Council (the Viability Statement is set 
out on page 29). We believe the 
enhanced governance and risk 
management processes introduced  
by the Group in response to the Code 
provide us with an improved 
understanding of the principal risks 
inherent in our business operations 
and strategy, how they are or can be 
mitigated and their potential impact 
on the Group.

As Chairman, I am responsible for 
ensuring the Board operates 
effectively. The balance of the Board  
is regularly reviewed to ensure we 
continue to have the right skills, 
diversity and experience to contribute 
in a fast-changing environment and 
annual Board and Committee 
evaluations are carried out. We will 
continue to challenge ourselves and 
the business in this regard.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Compliance with the UK 
Corporate Governance 
Code (the Code)
In September 2014, the Financial 
Reporting Council (FRC) published 
the 2014 edition of the Code. The Code 
contains broad principles and specific 
provisions which set out standards of 
good practice in relation to leadership, 
effectiveness, remuneration, 
accountability and relations with 
shareholders. Our Corporate 
Governance Report is structured to 
report against these key areas and 
together with the Nomination 
Committee Report, the Audit Committee 
Report and the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report, we describe how we have 
applied the Code’s main principles and 
complied with its provisions. 

Statement of 
Compliance with the 
provisions of the Code
The Board considers that the Group 
has complied fully with the Code 
throughout the year ended 31 March 
2016. The Group has not undertaken 
a tender of audit services but has 
considered carefully the applicable 
regulations regarding audit firm 
rotation and the performance and 
independence of the current auditor 
KPMG LLP, and recommends their 
reappointment. Further details are 
provided on page 50 of the Audit 
Committee Report.

KPMG is required to review certain 
elements of the corporate governance 
statement and to report if those 
disclosures do not reflect the 
Company's compliance (and the 
Company has not instead explained 
why it has not complied) with the 
provisions of the Code specified for the 
auditor's review by the Listing Rules of 
the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

37

Governance

Communication with shareholders  
is vitally important to the Board and 
the CEO and CFO meet with existing 
and potential shareholders 
throughout the year. Ian Much, 
the Remuneration Committee 
Chairman, consulted with a range 
of major shareholders and 
shareholder representatives with 
respect to the proposed changes 
to executive director remuneration 
which are described more fully on 
pages 54 and 55. Communications 
with shareholders are coordinated 
during the year by the Vice President 
of Corporate and Investor Relations, 
who reports directly to the CFO, and 
who himself held meetings with 
numerous shareholders. More details 
can be found on pages 46 and 47.

BTG’s AGM will be held on 14 July 
2016 and the Board will be available 
to meet investors.

Our Corporate Governance Report 
can be found on pages 36 to 47 and 
includes our statement of compliance 
with the Code and its principles on 
page 37. The Directors’ Remuneration 
Report can be found on pages 54 to 75.

Garry Watts
Chairman

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Corporate Governance report continued

Our governance framework 
This report details how the Company has applied the main principles of the Code:

Leadership 

The Board and its Committees

38

Governance

The Board
•  Responsible for the long-term 

success of the Company and overall 
management of the business.

•  Has a schedule of matters 
reserved specifically for its 
decision or approval.

•  Determines governance, strategy 

and risk appetite.

Disclosure Committee
•  Responsible for 

ensuring the Company’s 
compliance with 
applicable transparency 
and disclosure obligations 
including those related to 
the management of price 
sensitive information.

The Leadership Team
•  Chaired by the CEO
•  Members include the CFO 
and senior management 
from different areas 
of the business 
and functions.

•  Responsible for the day-
to-day running of Group 
operations and making 
recommendations to 
the Board on strategy 
and subsequent 
implementation.

•  Ensures the capabilities 
are in place to deliver 
on strategy and 
annual objectives.
•  Ensures the internal 
controls in place to 
manage and assess 
risk are fully complied 
with. This includes 
responsibility for 
maintaining a system to 
ensure that the Group 
is compliant with all 
applicable healthcare 
laws (such as US Federal 
and State requirements) 
that relate to the 
commercial operations 
of the Group.

Risk Committee
•  Responsible for monitoring risks 
throughout the organisation and 
assessing the risk control and 
mitigation measures implemented 
by the Group.

•  Conducting work to support the 

assessment of the Viability Statement 
by the Board.

Internal Audit
•  Testing of the effectiveness of the 

internal control systems.

Audit Committee
•  Assists the Board on oversight of 
financial results, internal control 
and management of risk and 
compliance and maintaining an 
appropriate relationship with the 
external auditor.

Read more on page 48

Remuneration Committee
•  Determines executive director and 
senior management remuneration.

•  Ensures the policy supports the 

strategy by attracting, developing 
and retaining people of the 
appropriate calibre.
Read more on page 54

Nomination Committee
•  Considers the structure, size and 
composition of the Board and 
its Committees to ensure inclusion 
of appropriate experience, diversity 
and expertise.

•  Oversees talent management and 

succession planning for senior roles.

Read more on page 52

Portfolio Review Board and R&D Leadership Team
•  Ensures BTG is investing in its assets efficiently and in relation to opportunities with well-targeted 
business cases where the value to the customer and to BTG is clearly understood and articulated.

•  Oversees the definition of activities and priorities of the R&D Leadership Team.
•  The R&D Leadership Team provides strategic and operational leadership of R&D activities, 

harnessing our combined knowledge and resources, to deliver a balanced pipeline of innovative 
therapies aligned with BTG business priorities.

Operational Leadership Team
•  Responsible for ensuring that the manufacturing and supply chain are tightly controlled and their 
operations are optimised, as far as practicable, meeting all applicable regulatory requirements.

Global Quality Leadership Team
•  Reviews progress with overall Quality Strategy and objectives, this includes inspection 

readiness, QMS effectiveness and enhancements, product delivery on time and to required 
quality, safety and efficacy.

•  Ensures continued regulatory compliance.

Performance Management Review
•  Monthly meeting of the Leadership Team and senior staff to review progress against business 

plans and targets, both financial and operational.

Corporate Responsibility Committee
•  Provides guidance and leadership in regards to social, environmental, and governance issues of 

most relevance to BTG to ensure the Group maintains appropriate standards in this area.

Business Unit Leadership Teams
•  Each business segment has an established leadership team comprising commercial and 

functional capabilities. They are responsible for managing the day to day operations of each 
specific business.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 201639

Governance

The Board of Directors
A Board and Committees meeting 
programme is set annually for core 
activities which forms the basic 
structure of Board operation. Meetings 
are also held on an ad hoc basis as 
needed to respond to important issues 
arising during the year.

While, as a unitary board, the executive 
and non-executive directors are 
collectively responsible for the success 
of the Group and have fiduciary duties 
to shareholders, their roles are strictly 
delineated. The roles of the Chairman 
and Chief Executive are separate and 
distinct and the division of their 
responsibilities is clear. The executive 
directors have direct responsibility for 
the business operations of the Group, 
while the non-executive directors are 
responsible for bringing independent 
and objective judgment to Board 
decisions and the Chairman’s primary 
responsibility is for the effective 
running of the Board. The non-executive 
directors’ duties include helping to 
develop the Group’s strategy, overseeing 
risk, shaping proposals on succession 
planning and constructively challenging 
the executive directors where they 
consider it appropriate.

Key matters reserved specifically 
for the Board include:
Group Strategy and Management
• Reviewing the overall strategic 

development of the Group and setting 
its objectives, direction and policies, 
whilst ensuring the necessary 
financial and human resources 
are in place to support strategy.
• Determining the significant risks 
that the Group is willing to take 
to achieve its strategic aims and 
ensuring effective risk management 
controls are in place.

Financial and Internal Controls
• Setting budgets and long-term plans. 
• Approving major investments, 
acquisitions and disposals, 
major capital expenditure and 
dividend policy.

• Monitoring and reviewing Group and 
management performance and 
making key risk decisions.

• Approval of the Annual Report and 
Accounts, preliminary and interim 
financial and management 
statements, and major public 
announcements.

Effective division of responsibilities

Chairman  
Garry Watts
Chairman since joining the Board on 1 January 2012
Responsible for leading the Board, creating conditions for overall Board and individual director 
effectiveness, promoting constructive debate and for ensuring:
•  A robust decision making process is in place based on all appropriate information being provided 
to the Board in a timely manner. Ensure clear decisions are made, communicated and effected.
•  The Board gives adequate time to the right issues, such as its role in shaping strategy, managing 

risk and ensuring adequate organisational capabilities and capacity.

•  The Board environment is productive and the Board and its Committees have appropriate 
composition and diversity, experience and expertise with regard to the Company’s needs.

•  Board committees are properly structured.
•  The Board discharges its responsibilities with respect to risk management and 

governance generally.

•  Necessary relationships of mutual respect and open communication are fostered between 

executive directors and non-executive directors. Providing support and advice while respecting 
the executive responsibility.

•  Effective communication with shareholders and other stakeholders.
•  Appropriate oversight of business performance.

Executive directors
Louise Makin (CEO)
Rolf Soderstrom (CFO)
Louise Makin is primarily responsible for the running of the Group and for executing the Group 
strategy in line with the risk appetite defined by the Board and the Company values. 

Rolf Soderstrom is responsible for all financial reporting, tax and financial control aspects of the 
Group, providing support to Louise and the wider activities of the Group as required. In addition 
they are both responsible for:
•  Communicating to the Board their views on business issues to improve the standard of Board 

discussion and, prior to final decision on an issue, explaining in a balanced way, any divergence of 
views in the executive team.

•  Providing input to the strategy formulation process to enable an effective and evidence based 

approach and to ensure that the Board is well informed about all aspects of the business and its 
operation which bear on its strategy.

•  Delivering high quality information to the Board to enable it to monitor the performance of the 

whole business including the management of risk, and to make critical decisions.

The Senior Independent Director (SID)
Giles Kerr 
In the role since July 2008
Principally to support the Chairman in his role and to work with him and other directors to resolve 
any significant issues that may arise. Other responsibilities are:
•  Supporting the Chairman’s delivery of objectives, and leading his evaluation.
•  Leading the non-executive directors in the oversight of the Chairman and ensuring there is a 

clear division of responsibility between the Chairman and CEO.

•  Being available to shareholders to express concerns which the normal channels have failed 

to resolve or which would be inappropriate. 

Non-executive directors
Bring wide-ranging skills and experience for the Board to draw on. They provide independent 
judgment and constructively challenge matters such as Company performance, strategy 
and risk management.

Board membership and Committees
• Executive remuneration and 

appointments. Appointment or 
removal of any director or the 
Company Secretary.

Corporate Governance 
• Succession planning, health, safety 
and environmental performance and 
standards of ethical and social 
behaviour.

• Developing robust corporate 

governance, legal, compliance, quality 
and risk management procedures 
aimed at safeguarding the Group’s 
reputation and assets, staff and 
patients and meeting its legal, 
regulatory and other obligations.

• Ensuring the integrity of its financial 
information and business conduct.

• Agreeing and overseeing the 
application of an appropriate 
corporate governance framework.
• Ensuring the proper discharge of the 
Group’s statutory and other legal, 
regulatory and ethical responsibilities.

Board activity during the year
The key areas of Board activity and 
oversight during the year are set out  
on the next page.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Corporate Governance report continued

Board Activity during the year

40

Governance

Strategy
•  Annual strategy day and deep dive 
presentations from each of the 
business units over the year

•  Review of the Varithena® growth 

strategy

•  Go-Direct commercial launch  

in Europe

•  On-going assessment of 

M&A opportunities

•  On-going assessment of  

R&D portfolio 

Business performance
•  Oversight of the financial performance 

of the business

•  Approved the 2016/17 budget and  

three-year plan

•  Reviewed the half-year and annual 

results, announcements and analyst 
presentations

•  Approved the Annual Report and 

Accounts

•  Established a new revolving credit 

facility (RCF)

•  Reviewed and approved material 
litigation and settlement of a 
contractual dispute

Governance  
and shareholders
•  Discussed the outcome of the Board  

and Committees evaluations and agreed 
recommendations

•  Regularly reviewed feedback from 

institutional investors

•  Endorsed the Human Rights statement 

published on the Group’s website
•  Updated the terms of reference 
for the Nomination, Audit and 
Remuneration Committees

The Board

Internal control and risk 
•  Regular review of the risk management 

system; deep dives into specific 
areas, including competition and 
cyber risk. Review of principal risks, 
potential impact and support for the 
Viability Statement. Participation of 
representative Board members in 
the Risk Committee meetings

•  External review of financial 

controls by EY

•  Review of proposed development and 
restructuring plan for Finance group

•  Review of reports from the Audit 

Committee (including summary of 
Internal Audit and Compliance reports)

•  Review of progress of internal 

investigations and the investigation 
being undertaken by the Department 
of Justice in relation to LC Bead®

Leadership and people
•  Discussed the composition of the 

Board and its committees, including 
succession planning

•  Reviewed the enhanced leadership 
development plans of the Group and 
the specific development plans for 
senior talent in the Group, including 
succession planning for senior roles

•  Regular review of hiring of key 

capabilities to the Group deemed 
required for the delivery of the 
future strategy

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Attendance by individual directors at Board and Committee meetings  
since the last Annual Report 

Board & committee composition & attendance

Total number of meetings held
Number of meetings attended
Executive Directors
Louise Makin (CEO)
Rolf Soderstrom (CFO)
Non-Executive Directors
Garry Watts 
Giles Kerr 
Ian Much 
James O’Shea
Richard Wohanka
Susan Foden

Committee 
memberships 

Independent

Board meetings 

Nomination 
Committee

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

None
None

Nom2
Aud2, Rem, Nom
Aud, Rem2, Nom
Nom
Aud
Rem

No
No

n/a
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

7

7/7
7/7

7/7
7/7
7/7
7/7
6/7
7/7

4

n/a
n/a

4/4
3/4
4/4
3/4
n/a
n/a

4

n/a
n/a

n/a
4/4
4/4
n/a
2/4
n/a

6

n/a
n/a

n/a
6/6
6/6
n/a
n/a
6/6

1.  Garry Watts is excluded from the determination of independence by virtue of his role as Chairman of the Group.
2.  Committee Chairman. 

Notes
Richard Wohanka was unable to attend the July Board meeting (and AGM) due to a standing engagement in place prior to his appointment to the Board and Audit Committee meetings in 
November and May due to changes of date. Giles Kerr and James O’Shea did not attend Nomination Committee meetings where their reappointments were discussed.
The external auditor attends the Audit Committee meetings and the remuneration advisers usually attend the Remuneration Committee meetings.
Additional specific Board sub-committee telephone meetings were held as appropriate to approve specific business activities.

41

Governance

  Tenure of non-executive directors and Chairman as at 31 March 2016 

Board by gender

Garry Watts

Giles Kerr

Ian Much

Jim O’Shea

Richard Wohanka

Susan Foden

Years

0

2

4

6

8

4yrs 3m

8yrs 5m

5yrs 7m

7yrs 0m

3yrs 3m

1yr 1m

10

Board composition, 
membership and 
election of directors
The Board currently comprises six 
non-executive directors, including 
the Chairman, and two executive 
directors. There have been no 
changes during the year.

The names and brief biographical 
details of all the current directors are 
set out on pages 34 and 35. The Group 
recognises the importance of diversity, 
including gender diversity, and 25% of 
the members of the Board are women. 
As reported in the Nomination 
Committee report on page 52, the 
Committee reviews Board composition 
on a regular basis to ensure that, as the 
business evolves, the Board continues 
to have the necessary skills and 
experience to support it. 

Details of gender diversity in the Group 
below Board level can be found in 
the People and practices area of the 
strategic report on pages 19 to 21. 

All non-executive Board appointments 
are for three-year terms, subject to 
re-election at each year’s AGM, apart 
from Giles Kerr and James O’Shea, 
who were each reappointed for a 
further one-year term, having both 
served on the Board for more than six 
years. Following the formal evaluation 
process, the Chairman is satisfied 
that each of the directors continues to 
perform effectively and demonstrates 
commitment to their role, including time 
for Board and Committee meetings and 
their other duties. As Giles Kerr will have 
served for 9 years this coming year, 
a process has begun to appoint his 
successor in the role of chair of the 
Audit Committee. 

Male

Female

75%

25%

Balance of directors

Chairman

Executive directors

Non-executive directors

1

2

5

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Corporate Governance report continued

“ The focus is on 
ensuring the Board is 
operating effectively 
and regularly reviews 
its performance.”

42

Governance

Independence
The Board applies a rigorous process 
in order to satisfy itself that its 
non-executive directors remain 
independent. The Board reviews this 
question every year, using its own 
judgment when applying the criteria in 
the Code. Having undertaken this 
review, the Board confirms that all the 
non-executive directors are considered 
to be independent in character and 
judgment. In line with the 
recommendations of the Code, at least 
half the Board, excluding the Chairman, 
are independent non-executive 
directors. Garry Watts was considered 
to be independent at the time of his 
appointment although, in accordance 
with the Code, he is excluded from the 
determination of whether at least half 
the Board are independent non-
executive directors thereafter.

Conflicts of interest
To address the effect of Section 175 of 
the Companies Act 2006, the Group’s 
Articles of Association enable the Board 
to authorise situations that might give 
rise to directors’ conflicts of interest. 
Directors complete a declaration form 
in order to determine whether any 
actual or potential conflicts need 
authorisation. The forms are reviewed 
annually to ensure that the information 
provided is up to date and includes any 
disclosures made during the past year. 

At the March 2016 Board meeting all 
directors were asked to review and 
make any necessary amendments to 
their existing declarations. 

The Company Secretary has reviewed 
the latest declarations and has 
confirmed that no conflicts are believed 
to have arisen. Board members are 
regularly reminded to disclose any 
conflicts should they arise. Any such 
notifications are kept in a conflicts 
register maintained by the Company 
Secretary. Any director who considers 
they may have a potential conflict of 
interest is required to report this to the 
Chairman in the first instance, who may 
consult the Nomination Committee and 
report its findings to the Board.

Effectiveness
Information, training 
and support
In advance of each meeting the directors 
receive an agenda and a full set of 
papers for each item to be discussed via 
a secure Board portal. Directors receive 
sufficiently detailed strategic and 
operational reports. The Board calendar 
includes an annual strategy day and 
senior executives regularly attend 
meetings to enhance the non-executive 
directors’ understanding of the business 
and current issues and to make 
presentations on the results and 
strategies in their areas of responsibility. 
Board meetings are occasionally held at 
different locations in the UK and US 
enabling non-executive directors an 
additional opportunity to visit other 
Company sites. 

When they join the Group, each director 
receives a comprehensive induction. 
The induction process includes written 
information and meetings with a cross 
section of senior managers and is 
tailored to their experience. 

The time commitment of the non-
executive directors depends on the 
number of committees that they are a 
member of but the expectation is that 
they would normally work 
approximately two days per month, 
subject to any increased demand driven 
by business activity.

All directors refresh their knowledge 
regularly through publications and 
conferences and through information 
provided by the Group and its advisers. 
Specific training during the year has 
included updates on compliance, social, 
environmental and ethical matters and 
developing digital healthcare trends.

There is an agreed procedure for 
directors to take independent 
professional advice, if necessary, at the 
Group’s expense. They also have direct 
access to the advice and services of the 
Company Secretary who is responsible 
for ensuring that Board procedures are 
followed. The Group also provides 
appropriate directors’ and officers’ 
liability insurance. 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Board visit to EKOS, Seattle
In September 2015 the Board visited the 
EKOS business in Seattle. Here they met 
with employees in order to gain a greater 
understanding of the business, which 
included a tour of the manufacturing 
facility to see how the ultrasonic devices 
are made. Non-executive directors, 
Ian Much and Richard Wohanka, joined 
two of the EKOS sales team to get an 
insight into their daily interactions with 
physicians. The annual strategy meeting 
and a Board meeting also took place at 
the site. 

Performance evaluation

Key 2015 objectives

Continue evolution of the development 
of the approach to risk management 
including deep dives on key risks and 
top down risk reviews, integrating the 
risk and strategy discussions.

Enhance the annual strategy review with 
additional interim discussions regarding 
specific elements of the strategy.

Continue progression with enhancing 
the capabilities of the Group, including 
those of the Board and having in place 
succession plans for senior staff and 
Board members, taking into account 
the Group’s evolving strategy.

Continue to enhance the induction 
programme for new directors, tailored 
for individual needs.

Performance evaluation 
The Board recognises that an evaluation 
of its performance is an important 
factor in ensuring our continued 
effectiveness and development.

The CEO appraises the performance 
of the CFO and the Chairman and 
non-executive directors, review the 
performance of the CEO. The non-
executive directors, led by the Senior 
Independent Director, with input from 
the executive directors, evaluate the 
performance of the Chairman each 
year. The Committees also review their 
performance and report the results to 
the Chairman and the Board. During 
the year, the non-executive directors 
held a meeting without the executive 
directors in order to discuss the 
performance of the executive 
directors and their management of 
the Group’s affairs.

Progress
• Introduction of an annual top down 

global macro level risk review 
facilitated by the Group’s external 
advisers and reviewing principal risks 
to support the Viability Statement; 
• Further embedding risk management 
into the business operations, reviewed 
on a monthly basis via the 
performance management review 
process and Operational and Financial 
Review report to the Board;

• Additional deep dive risk reviews 
of each business segment and 
specific areas including cyber risk and 
competition risk.

• Interim business segment reviews 

introduced as well as a comprehensive 
bi-annual R&D review. R&D strategy 
review underway.

• Continuation of enhanced leadership 

development plans;

• In depth Board review of capability 
needs monitored monthly via 
Operational and Financial Review.

• Refined by providing more in depth 
business reviews and site visits.

In line with the requirement of the Code 
for an external evaluation at least every 
three years, SCT Consultants Ltd 
carried out the review last year. This 
year the Board and its committees 
carried out an internal review of 
progress against the objectives set 
following last year’s evaluation, as well 
as its overall performance during the 
year through a series of comprehensive 
web-based questionnaires.

43

Governance

Key 2016 objectives

In response to the results 
of this year’s evaluation the 
following Board objectives 
have been set for 2016:
• Continue to focus on the 
identification of key 
strategic options and risks 
and further integration of 
the risk management 
process into the process 
for formation and review 
of strategy; 

• Continue the improvement 
of the risk management 
process and specifically 
the top down risk review as 
well as further definition of 
risk appetite; a continued 
focus on the impact of 
structural changes in the 
healthcare industry 
generally and how ex-US 
markets such as EU and 
Asia operate;

• Further review of the R&D 
strategy of the Group;

• Greater focus on 

contingency plans 
for people and having 
succession plans in place 
for senior staff.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Corporate Governance report continued

Compliance and the review of risk and 
risk management are embedded 
throughout the Group. The Audit 
Committee has reviewed the detailed 
reports on Risk, Internal Audit and 
Compliance and reported its findings to 
the Board (see the Audit Committee 
report on pages 48 to 51 for more 
detail). The Board has reviewed the risk 
management process and confirms 
that ongoing processes and systems 
ensure that the Group continues to be 
compliant with the guidance on internal 
control issued by the Code.

The Group has a system and key 
experts responsible for supporting the 
protection and maintenance of patents 
and other intellectual property rights 
on the products in which BTG has an 
interest. The Group also actively 
monitors its royalty revenue streams 
and from time-to-time will audit its 
major licensees to ensure compliance 
with the terms of the relevant 
agreements.

Delegated authority structures ensure 
that decisions are taken at an 
appropriate level, with an appropriate 
level of input by internal and external 
expert advisers. The delegated 
authority structure prescribes financial 
limits of approval at each level and 
requires decisions with significant 
financial, legal risk or reputational 
impact for the Group to be approved 
by  the Board.

44

Governance

Accountability
Financing reporting 
and internal control
The statement of directors’ 
responsibilities in relation to the 
preparation of the financial statements 
is set out on page 78 and the auditor’s 
statement on the respective 
responsibilities of directors and the 
auditor is included within its report 
set out on pages 80 to 82. 

Communications with shareholders, 
such as results announcements, 
interim reports, annual reports or 
AGM and trading updates, are 
reviewed carefully and approved by 
the Board, or a sub-committee of 
the Board, to ensure they are 
accurate, transparent, balanced and 
understandable in the view they give 
of the Group’s progress and prospects.

The Board has overall responsibility for 
ensuring that the Group maintains an 
adequate system of internal control and 
risk management and for reviewing its 
effectiveness. The Audit Committee, 
on behalf of the Board, undertakes the 
detailed monitoring of the controls, at 
least annually, and reports to the Board 
on its findings. The Board has reviewed 
the system of internal controls including 
financial controls for the year under 
review and up to the date of approval 
of this Annual Report and Accounts. 
Such a system is designed to manage 
rather than eliminate the risk of failure 
to achieve business objectives, and 
can only provide reasonable and not 
absolute assurance against material 
misstatement or loss.

The criteria applied by the directors, 
in judging the effectiveness of these 
controls, are that they allow the 
maximisation of shareholder value 
by exploiting business opportunities 
while ensuring that risks are properly 
identified and managed and the Group’s 
legal, regulatory and other obligations 
are met. The controls are regularly 
reviewed to ensure that they enable the 
proper management of business risks.

To strengthen the control framework of 
the business, the Group has an Internal 
Audit group supported externally by 
PwC. In addition, a review of our internal 
controls was carried out by EY. Further 
information can be found in the Audit 
Committee report on pages 48 to 51.

Structure and reporting
The Group has a well-defined 
management structure with clear lines 
of responsibility and accountability. 
The Board is responsible for setting the 
overall strategy and reviewing the 
performance of the Group. 

The Leadership Team generally meets 
weekly and more formally on a monthly 
basis to review business performance 
measured against annual budgets, 
longer-term plans, an agreed set of 
objectives and performance criteria 
for each business segment. In addition, 
it will assess and respond to issues 
arising across the Group. Forecasts 
are monitored monthly on the basis 
of detailed reviews of progress and 
prospects. Reporting to the Board is 
based on the information provided to 
and reviewed by the Leadership Team 
as well as their assessment and 
recommendations regarding how 
to deliver the Group’s objectives. 
The reports include non-financial as 
well as financial information and a 
review of progress within the 
development portfolio.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Corporate policies, values 
and compliance
All employees receive periodic training 
on the key requirements of BTG’s Code 
of Conduct. It covers all aspects of 
ethics, business practices and 
compliance, including a whistle-blowing 
policy, an anti-bribery and anti-
corruption policy and policies related to 
the ethical conduct of Research and 
Development and interactions with 
doctors and other healthcare 
professionals. Relevant employees 
meet regularly to discuss external 
changes in the regulatory, legal and 
financial environments in which the 
Group operates to ensure it remains 
fully compliant with new legislation and 
best practice. There is a comprehensive 
learning and development programme 
which gives employees the opportunity 
to take part in training covering a wide 
range of skills including those in 
leadership and technology, as well as 
periodic ‘lunch and learn’ sessions to 
update employees on key issues 
affecting the business.

The Board, through the Audit 
Committee, has reviewed the 
effectiveness of the internal controls 
of the Group. The controls described 
above operate and are embedded 
within the day-to-day business. There 
is an ongoing process for identifying, 
evaluating and managing significant 
risks faced by the Group. A reporting 
structure has been in place throughout 
the year up to the date of approval of 
the financial statements and is 
regularly reviewed by the directors and 
is in accordance with the Code. Further 
information is given in the Audit 
Committee report on pages 48 to 51.

BTG places great emphasis on the 
embedded behaviours and values that 
define the Group which have been 
integral in building the organisation to 
date and we believe them to be key for 
continuing success. A companywide 
meeting is held each month where all 
sites join via video conference. Louise 
Makin updates employees on different 
aspects of the business and 
presentations are given by employees 
from all areas of the business.

Related parties and 
conflicts of interest
The Group maintains robust procedures 
to ensure that related party transactions 
and potential conflicts of interest are 
identified, disclosed and managed. 
Directors declare interests in other 
businesses on appointment to the 
Board, as they arise and also complete 
an annual self-certification. Where it is 
identified that a related party 
relationship exists, the Board agrees 
specific additional procedures to 
ensure the effective management of 
potential conflicts of interest.

Giles Kerr, a non-executive director 
of the Board, is also the Director of 
Finance for Oxford University and 
a director of Isis Innovations Limited, 
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oxford 
University. Wholly-owned subsidiaries 
of the Group entered into technology 
commercialisation and revenue sharing 
agreements with these organisations 
prior to Giles Kerr joining the Board. 
The Group has licensed the intellectual 
property rights covered by these 
agreements to independent third-party 
companies that are developing and/or 
selling the licensed products. Under 
these licence agreements, the Group is 
entitled to receive milestone payments 
and/or royalties on sales of the products 
sold by the third-party licensees. 

Under the various revenue sharing 
agreements, the Group pays a share 
of any income it receives to Oxford 
University or Isis Innovations, 
depending on the specific technology 
that generated the income. As the 
revenue sharing agreements do not 
permit these organisations to have 
any input over the commercialisation 
of the licensed products or the amount 
payable under the relevant revenue 
sharing agreement, Giles Kerr is not 
able to influence the amounts received 
in his position outside the Group. As 
Giles has no influence over any aspect 
of these agreements in his role outside 
the Group, the Company considers that 
his independence in relation to the 
Group is not compromised.

To avoid any possible conflict of 
interest, it has been agreed that Giles 
Kerr will not participate in any 
discussions or decisions concerning 
the relevant agreements either within 
the Board or in any other discussions 
or meetings with the executives of 
its subsidiaries.

The Board has considered, and is 
satisfied with, the separation of 
duties and safeguards. 

See note 29 on page 120 for additional 
related party disclosures. 

Market Abuse Directive
The Group has a Disclosure Committee, 
as required by the Market Abuse 
Directive, comprising the CEO, CFO, 
Vice President of Corporate and 
Investor Relations and Company 
Secretary. The Committee reviews 
all significant items of business 
within the Group regularly, and on an 
ad hoc basis if required, and maintains 
an Insider List recording both those 
employed within the Group and at 
external advisers who may have 
access to inside information. 
Whenever individuals are placed on 
or removed from the List they are 
notified accordingly and advised of 
their responsibilities. Systems and 
procedures for maintaining insider lists 
are being updated so that the Group 
can meet the requirements of the new 
Market Abuse Regulation, which 
becomes effective on 3 July 2016. 

Remuneration
The Remuneration Committee has 
responsibility for agreeing remuneration 
policy and the individual remuneration 
of all executive and non-executive 
directors and members of the 
Leadership Team. The Remuneration 
Committee is formed exclusively of 
non-executive directors and its report 
can be found on pages 54 to 75.

45

Governance

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Corporate Governance report continued

46

Governance

Relations with 
Shareholders
Communications with investors is 
given a high priority and the Group 
is committed to regular and open 
dialogue with all current and potential 
shareholders. The main points of 
contact for major shareholders are 
the CEO, the CFO and the Group’s 
Investor Relations team. Meetings with 
investors are principally to ensure a 
common understanding and awareness 
of the Group’s strategy, performance 
and policies and the views of investors 
are regularly communicated back to 
the Board. 

The Investor Relations (IR) department 
acts as the day-to-day contact point 
for investors and analysts. The 
directors receive a report from the 
IR department at each Board meeting 
giving information on material changes 
in shareholdings and any feedback from 

the Group’s brokers and investors. 
Following the twice-yearly results 
announcements and any subsequent 
shareholder meetings held by 
management, detailed feedback 
from external advisers and brokers is 
provided to the Board, outlining the 
views and reactions of investors and 
analysts. This enables the Board to 
develop an understanding of the issues 
and concerns of major shareholders.

The Group formally reports its results 
twice a year with full-year results 
announced in May and interim results 
in November, supplemented by Close 
Period and AGM statements. The CEO 
and CFO give presentations of these 
results to the Group’s institutional 
shareholders, analysts and the media. 
The presentations are broadcast live 
on the internet for the information of all 
shareholders. Extensive information, 
including annual and interim reports 
and all press releases, is published in 

the Investor Relations area on the 
Group’s website (www.btgplc.com/
investors) for access by all shareholders. 
In addition, through the website, 
individuals can register to receive 
electronic copies of all announcements 
on the day they are issued. 

The AGM provides the Board with an 
opportunity to communicate with, and 
answer questions from, private and 
institutional shareholders. The 
Chairmen of the Audit, Nomination and 
Remuneration Committees are 
available at the Annual General Meeting 
to answer questions. 

The Chairman, Senior Independent 
Director and other directors are 
available to meet with major 
shareholders on request. As part of his 
role as the Senior Independent Director, 
Giles Kerr is available to shareholders 
when contact with the executive 
directors or the Chairman may not be 

IR calendar/activity 2015/16

April 2015

May 2015

June 2015

July 2015

September 2015

Investor roadshows:
•  New York/Chicago  

Investor roadshow: 
•  London, Scotland 

(CEO, IR)

(CEO, CFO, IR)

Investor roadshows:
•  New York (CEO, IR)
•  Birmingham (IR) 

Investor roadshows:
•  Frankfurt (IR) 
•  Zurich, Geneva,  

Investor roadshow: 
•  Leeds, Manchester, 

Liverpool (IR)

•  Copenhagen  

& Helsinki (CEO, IR)

(CEO, IR)

•  Annual General 

Meeting

Conferences:
•  Deutsche Bank 

Healthcare, Boston 
(CEO, IR)

Sales briefing: 
•  Deutsche Bank (CEO, 

CFO, IR)

•  JP Morgan Cazenove 

(CEO, CFO, IR)

Conferences: 
•  Jefferies Global 
Healthcare,  
New York (CEO, IR)
•  JP Morgan Cazenove 
Healthcare, London 
(CEO, IR)

Conferences: 
•  JP Morgan Cazenove 
Mid-cap, London 
(CEO, IR)

•  Goldman Sachs 

Medtech, London 
(CEO, IR)

•  Morgan Stanley 

Global Healthcare, 
New York (CEO, IR)

•  BAML Global 
Healthcare,  
London (CEO, IR)

•  Citi Mid-cap,  

London (CEO, IR)

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Investor contact by location

Investor contact by management type

Number of meetings

Attendance

United Kingdom

United States and Canada

Europe

Rest of the World

CEO

CFO

IR

235

66

38

23

34%

13%

53%

appropriate. Garry Watts and Ian Much 
met with major shareholders at their 
request as part of a wider shareholder 
consultation exercise with respect to 
the development of the executive 
director remuneration policy to be 
proposed to shareholders for approval 
at the AGM.

Annual General Meeting
The AGM will be held at 10.30 am on 
Thursday 14 July 2016, at the offices of 
Stephenson Harwood LLP, 1 Finsbury 
Circus, London EC2M 7SH. The Notice 

convening the meeting is distributed 
separately to shareholders at least 
20 working days before the meeting. 
It is also available on the Group’s 
website: www.btgplc.com/investors/
reports-and-presentations. The letter 
accompanying the AGM Notice 
includes details of the resolutions 
and explanatory notes thereon. 

Members of the Group unable to 
attend the meeting may elect to vote 
electronically or using the proxy form 
accompanying the Notice. In order 
to vote electronically, members 

should log on to Capita Asset 
Services’ (BTG’s registrars) website 
(www.capitashareportal.com) and 
follow the instructions on the screen. 
Crest members may send their proxy 
votes to the Company’s registrars 
electronically. 

In line with best practice, the Company 
has introduced mandatory poll voting 
on all resolutions put to the AGM. The 
results of the voting will be disclosed 
and subsequently published in a market 
announcement and on BTG’s website 
following the meeting. 

47

Governance

November 2015

December 2015

January 2016

February 2016

March 2016

Investor roadshows: 
•  London (CEO, CFO, IR) 
•  Paris (CEO, IR)

Conferences: 
•  Jefferies Global 

Healthcare, London 
(CEO, IR)

•  JP Morgan Cazenove 

“Best of British”, 
London (CEO, IR)

Investor roadshows: 
•  Sydney, Melbourne 

Conferences: 
•  JP Morgan Global 

Investor roadshow: 
•  Chicago, New York 

Investor roadshow: 
•  Dublin (IR)

(CFO, IR) 
•  Glasgow,  

Edinburgh (IR)

Conferences: 
•  Deutsche Bank  
EU Healthcare, 
London (CEO, IR)

Healthcare,  
San Francisco  
(CEO, CFO, IR)

Sales briefing: 
•  RBC (CEO, CFO, IR)

(CFO, IR) 

Conferences: 
•  RBC Global 
Healthcare,  
New York (CFO, IR)

Sales briefing: 
•  Stifel (CEO, IR)

Conferences: 
•  Credit Suisse  

EU Healthcare, 
London (CFO, IR)

Sales briefing: 
•  Deutsche Bank  

(CEO, IR)

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016A review of BTG’s internal controls 
and processes was conducted by EY. 
In addition, an internal evaluation 
was undertaken of the external 
auditors (KPMG) and the internal 
audit function (outsourced to PwC). 
The results are described on pages 
50 and 51 respectively.

The Board, after taking advice from 
the Audit Committee, confirmed that 
the annual report and accounts, 
taken as a whole, is fair, balanced 
and understandable and provides 
the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Group’s 
position and performance, business 
model and strategy. 

The following report sets out the 
activities of the Committee over the 
past year and how it has discharged 
its responsibilities.

Giles Kerr
Chairman of the Audit Committee

Audit Committee report

11 European countries and continued 
the steady expansion into Asia with 
the interventional oncology products 
DC Bead® and TheraSphere®. Sales 
were also enhanced by the addition of 
a number of distributors in other EU, 
Asian and Latin American territories. 
Consequently the Committee also 
sought to enhance the distributor 
due diligence, selection, compliance, 
training, monitoring and audit 
programmes, particularly those 
relating to anti-bribery and  
anti-corruption. 

The Committee has continued the 
work commenced last year to 
implement the changes made by 
the 2014 edition of the Corporate 
Governance Code (the Code) 
which apply to the Group for the 
first time this year. The changes 
have strengthened the role of the 
Committee. Throughout the year there 
remained a focus on the approach to 
risk management across the Group, 
driving the process more fully into the 
day to day operations of the business 
units, and also focusing on risks 
external to BTG, in the general 
healthcare industry and at a more 
macro-economic level. Further 
consideration was given to potential 
emergent risks and the integration of 
the risk review process in the 
discussion of longer-term strategy. 
The Code has also introduced the 
requirement for companies to produce 
a Viability Statement to provide 
shareholders with an improved 
understanding of the Board’s view on 
the longer-term viability of the Group. 
The process undertaken and the 
Statement can be found on page 29 of 
the Strategic Report.

48

Governance

Dear Shareholder,
As Chairman of the Audit Committee, 
I am pleased to present our report 
for the year ended 31 March 2016. 
This report details the work of the 
Committee over the past year, fulfilling 
our responsibilities to provide 
effective governance over the Group’s 
financial activities. Our role is to assist 
the Board in carrying out its oversight 
responsibilities in relation to financial 
reporting, internal controls and risk 
management, as well as maintaining 
an appropriate relationship with the 
external auditor.

In order to do this, the Committee 
reviews and, where necessary, seeks 
to enhance the integrity of the Group’s 
internal controls, its financial 
reporting and the way the risks are 
assessed, managed and reported. The 
Committee also oversees compliance 
as well as the performance of both the 
internal and external audit functions. 
The Committee devotes a significant 
part of its time to these areas. The 
highly regulated environment in which 
the Group operates enhances the 
need to ensure our processes remain 
fit for purpose, particularly in light of 
the growth in size, complexity and 
international reach of the Group. 
During the year the Group began direct 
sales of DC Bead® and Bead Block® in 

Committee members

Date of appointment to the Committee

Giles Kerr (Committee Chairman)
Ian Much
Richard Wohanka

6 November 2007
1 November 2010
1 January 2013

There were four Committee meetings during the year, at key times in the Group’s financial reporting and audit calendar. 
Details of attendance can be found on page 41.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Committee composition
The Committee, established by the 
Board, is responsible for monitoring 
all aspects of financial reporting and 
management of risk. The Committee’s 
full terms of reference are available 
on the Group’s website, or from the 
Company Secretary on request.

A review of the Committee was carried 
out during the year. The Board is 
satisfied that the current members 
have the range and depth of financial 
knowledge and experience necessary 
to effectively fulfil their responsibilities. 
The Code requires that the Committee 
has at least one member with recent 
and relevant financial experience, and 
the Board is satisfied that Giles Kerr 
meets these requirements, being a 
Fellow of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants and Director of Finance at 
Oxford University. As Chairman, Giles 
receives additional remuneration to 
compensate him for his additional 
responsibilities, as set out on page 75. 
He is supported by the other members 
who bring substantial experience in 
international business areas, as well as 
financial expertise to the deliberations 
of the Committee, enabling it to work 
effectively and to challenge management. 
More information is given in the directors’ 
biographies on pages 34 and 35.

In light of the fact that Giles Kerr will have 
served as a non-executive director of the 
Group and Chair of the Committee for 
9 years in September, the decision has 
been taken to recruit another non-
executive director to fulfil that role. The 
selection process has begun as outlined 
on page 53. It is anticipated that the new 
appointee will work closely with Giles to 
ensure an effective transition.

Committee meetings
Only members of the Audit Committee 
are entitled to attend meetings, 
however the CEO, CFO, Group Financial 
Controller, Internal Auditor and 
Corporate Risk and Compliance Officer 
are normally invited to attend meetings. 
The external auditor always attends 
Committee meetings. The Company 
Secretary, Paul Mussenden serves as 
secretary to the Committee.

At least once a year, immediately 
following a Committee meeting, a 
meeting is held separately with the 
external and internal auditors to give 
them the opportunity to discuss matters 
without management being present.

Activities
A summary of how the Committee discharged its responsibilities during the year is 
shown below:

Area of review

Activities undertaken

Financial reporting

•  Review of the Group’s half-year and full-year results
•  Consideration of whether the Annual Report and Accounts is fair, balanced 

and understandable

•  Review of external auditor reports on the half-year and full-year results 
•  Consideration of significant accounting issues as detailed on the  

following page

•  Review of prospective changes in accounting standards and their 

potential impact

•  Review of trading updates issued by the Group
•  Assessment of the going concern basis of preparation for the financial 

statements and considering whether there were any material uncertainties 
to the Group’s ability to continue to adopt this basis over a period of at least 
twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements

•  Review of the work underpinning the Viability Statement
•  Advise the Board on the Viability Statement
•  Review of the Group's taxation 
•  Review of External Auditor, including independence
•  Review of the scope, nature and resource planning for half-year review and 

full-year audit

•  Approval of external auditor fees
•  Review (and approval where required) of use of Auditors for non-audit work
•  Review of risk management systems, internal controls and fraud, 

anti-bribery and anti-corruption procedures
•  Review of compliance systems and policies 
•  Review by external auditors of internal controls and processes 
•  Review of the Group’s whistle-blowing policy and any allegations arising 

from it

•  Review of the results of internal compliance monitoring and auditing
•  Review of the Group’s tax affairs
•  EY review of internal controls
•  Review of internal investigations (including the investigation commenced 

by the US Department of Justice in June 2014 with respect to LC Bead®) and 
Internal Investigations Policy

•  Review of the Internal Auditor’s work plan
•  Review of Internal Audit reports produced throughout the year
•  Review of structure and resources of the Internal Audit group
•  Review of the performance of PwC who lead the internal audit function
•  Review of Committee terms of reference
•  Completion of effectiveness review

External auditor

Risk management 
and internal control

Internal audit

Committee governance

49

Governance

Time spent by the Committee 
during the year 

Financial reporting

External audit 
(inc. non-audit services)

Risk management and compliance 
(inc. whistle-blowing)

Internal audit

Governance/policy/other

Tax

20%

18%

26%

16%

11%

9%

Financial reporting
The detailed monitoring of the integrity 
of the annual and half-year results is a 
key role of the Committee and includes 
a review of the significant financial 
reporting judgments contained in them, 
with the aim of ensuring that they 
present a fair and balanced view of the 
Group and comply fully with the relevant 
statutes and accounting standards. 
Where requested by the Board, the 
Committee will advise on whether, 
taken as a whole, the Annual Report 
and Accounts is fair, balanced and 
understandable. As part of this review 
it discusses the audit findings and 
Auditor’s Report with management and 
the External Auditor and considers 
significant judgments and issues 
contained in them as set out on the 
following page. Following this 
discussion the Chairman of the 
Committee reports the results of its 
review to the full Board. The External 
Auditor meets with the non-executive 
directors in the absence of management 
at least twice a year, when the half- and 
full-year results are discussed.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Audit Committee report continued

50

Governance

Significant accounting matters 
The Committee considered the following 
key accounting issues, judgments and 
disclosures during the course of the year:
• Carrying value of Goodwill and 

Intangibles Assets: The Committee 
received and critically reviewed a report 
from management setting out the 
approach to and results of impairment 
testing in accordance with IAS 36. The 
report covered all asset classes, with 
a particular focus on goodwill and 
intangible assets as further disclosed in 
note 12 and the valuation methodology 
including discount rates, assumed 
growth rates and sensitivity analysis 
for these asset classes.

• Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets and 
Liabilities: The Committee reviewed the 
appropriateness of deferred tax asset 
recognition and the movements on 
deferred tax assets and liabilities 
during the year. This included the 
movements arising from the Group’s 
past acquisitions and the assumptions 
made in setting up the deferred tax 
liability on acquired intangibles. No 
acquisition took place this year.

• Investigation and contingent liabilities: 
The Committee received and critically 
reviewed the progress of any relevant 
items and the likelihood and ability to 
estimate any potential outflows 
including the ongoing Department of 
Justice investigation.

• Presentation format of Consolidated 
Income Statement: The Group’s 
Consolidated Income Statement on 
page 83 has, for a number of years, been 
prepared using a three column format 
for each financial year. The Committee 
reviews the appropriateness of this 
disclosure on an annual basis and did 
so once again this year.

• Other matters: During the course of 
the year, the Committee received 
updates from management on Group 
corporate structure, tax strategy, the 
adoption of new accounting standards 
and the potential impact of future 
accounting standards. In particular, 
the Committee discussed the 
potential impacts of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue 
from Contracts with Customers’.

Review of external 
auditor effectiveness, 
independence and 
appointment
The Committee reviews the overall 
performance of the auditor annually 
and approves its terms of engagement 
and remuneration. The Committee and 
senior members of the finance team 
evaluated the external auditor 
performance using a detailed 
questionnaire which included questions 
related to the audit team, the approach, 
communication, audit quality, 
governance, independence and 
interaction with internal audit and 
reporting. The performance of the 
external auditor was deemed 
satisfactory. There is good senior level 
understanding of the business and its 
complexities which permits the auditor 
to exercise good judgment while 
maintaining an efficient process. 
The Committee has discussed with the 
auditor the need to maintain a high level 
of robust challenge to ensure a high 
quality audit.

The Committee discussed and agreed 
the auditor’s proposed work plan prior 
to the commencement of the audit of 
the results for the year to 31 March 2016 
and also reviews the non-audit work 
carried out by the auditor to ensure 
that such services do not impair its 
independence or objectivity. The 
external auditor provided a report 
demonstrating how their independence 
and objectivity is maintained when 
providing non-audit services.

The Committee has a formal policy for 
approving the use of the auditor for 
non-audit work detailing areas where 
the auditors may not be used, areas 
where they may be used subject to the 
agreement of the Committee and areas 
where prior approval is not required. 

Areas where prior approval is not 
required include audit-related services 
as specified in the APB Ethical 
Standards for Auditors and other 
services, that are routine in nature, 
where the fee is not significant in the 
context of the audit fee and where the 
conduct of such services will not 

adversely impact auditor independence 
or objectivity. The Committee is mindful 
of the ongoing consultations regarding 
EU Audit reform and how this will be 
implemented into UK regulation. 

The Committee receives a written 
annual report from management 
summarising the fees paid to the 
auditors for non-audit work and 
whether such services were pre-
approved or specifically approved by 
the Committee. Details of the amounts 
paid to the external auditor for non-
audit services are set out below.

Audit 
Committee 
approval

US tax compliance services
Other compliance related services

Fees
£’000

370
54

Total fees paid to the Group’s auditor, 
KPMG, are shown in note 6 on page 99. 
The Committee believes that the use 
of KPMG was appropriate and efficient 
in the circumstances and that 
independence was preserved. 

Each year, the Committee considers the 
reappointment of the external auditor and 
makes a recommendation to the Board. 
KPMG has been the Group’s sole external 
auditor since the Group listed in 1995 and 
the audit contract has not been put out to 
tender since their appointment. The 
Committee reviews annually whether it is 
an appropriate time to undertake an 
external audit tender and as part of this 
process, also looks at the need for the 
rotation of the audit partner and assesses 
the auditor’s independence. Richard 
Broadbelt has been audit engagement 
partner as from the year ended 
31 March 2014. Following analyses of 
the results of the questionnaire and 
taking into account the complexity of 
the business, the services offered by 
KPMG and their independence, as well 
as guidance issued by the Financial 
Reporting Council (FRC), the Committee 
concluded that it would not be in the 
Group’s interests to commence a tender 
process at this time. Following this 
review, the Board recommends the 
reappointment of KPMG as external 
auditor, and to authorise the directors to 
determine the auditor’s remuneration.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 201651

Governance

Having regard to the transitional 
arrangements under the EU Audit 
reform framework and the Competition 
& Markets Authority (CMA) Order, the 
Group still intends to consider an 
external audit tender, at the latest, 
nearer the time of the next audit partner 
rotation, currently scheduled for 2018. 
The Group may however put the audit 
out for tender before this date. The 
Committee will continue to monitor the 
consultations regarding how the EU 
Regulation will be implemented in the 
UK, and will comply with any new 
applicable requirements.

Risk management 
and internal control 
Ensuring the effectiveness of the 
Group’s risk management and internal 
control systems is the responsibility 
of the full Board. Additional details of 
our approach to risk management and 
the specific principal risks that may 
affect the business are given on pages 
27 to 32 in the Strategic Report.

The Committee, on behalf of the Board, 
undertakes the monitoring and 
assessment of the risk management 
process and internal controls 
effectiveness and reports to the Board 
on its findings twice-yearly. The goal is 
to ensure the Company is able to 
identify, assess and effectively manage 
or mitigate existing and newly emerging 
risks. The Committee’s review focuses 
on financial, operational, anti-bribery, 
regulatory and healthcare law 
compliance risks and controls for the 
year under review and up to the date of 
this Annual Report and Accounts. This 
year the Committee included additional 
measures to consider the key risks 
which could impact the business model 
and strategy over the longer term.

The Committee discharges these duties 
using a combination of reports from 
management, Internal Audit and the 
external auditor reviews. A risk 
management reporting structure has 
been in place throughout the year and 
up to the date of approval of the 
financial statements and is regularly 
reviewed by the directors in accordance 
with the Code. During the year, a 
thorough review of the risk 
management reporting structure took 
place which included a deep dive on 
cyber-security and a top down risk 
review and assessment of global macro 
risks. The overall risk assessment 
structure is designed to manage 
appropriately rather than eliminate the 
risk of failure to achieve business 
objectives, and can only provide 
reasonable and not absolute assurance 
against material misstatement or loss.

The Committee reviews the potential 
impact of material litigation and other 
contingencies, taking into account 
the assessment of internal and 
external legal counsel and other 
advisers as appropriate.

The Group operates a Risk Committee 
which is chaired by the CFO, Rolf 
Soderstrom and comprises senior 
members of staff representing relevant 
parts of the business and key functions 
as well as other members of the 
Leadership Team. The output from the 
Risk Committee is formally reported, 
twice annually, to the Audit Committee 
who reviews the processes followed by 
management in identifying and 
managing risk throughout the Group. 
This Group Risk Report is also shared 
and discussed with the full Board twice 
annually and individual risks may be 
considered by the Board as they arise 
throughout the year. Leading indicators 
of material changes in principal risks are 
monitored monthly by the Board via the 
Operational and Financial Review report.

Whistle-blowing
In line with best practice, the Group 
supports an independent and 
confidential whistle-blowing procedure 
and the Committee is responsible for 
ensuring that arrangements under 
which employees may raise concerns 
about possible improprieties in matters 
of financial performance or other 
matters are operating effectively and 
that appropriate follow-up action takes 
place. Included within the Employee 
Code of Conduct and various employee 
trainings are details of the Group’s 
whistle-blowing policy. 

Anti-bribery and  
anti-corruption policy
The Group has continued to operate its 
anti-bribery and anti-corruption (ABAC) 
policy introduced in 2010 in response to 
the UK Bribery Act 2010. This has 
included the conduct of due diligence 
on existing and new key business 
partners who may act on behalf of the 
Group in higher risk areas of business. 
Further enhancements were completed 
during the year, which included the 
implementation of a more rigorous third 
party questionnaire for higher risk areas, 
the use of interactive technology to 
standardise how the Group collects and 
analyses third party data, and further 
integration of this information into 
business segment analysis to aid a more 
selective application of audit rights. 

Internal audit
The Committee monitored and reviewed 
the work of Internal Audit throughout the 
year. The annual internal audit plan was 

approved by the Committee at the start 
of the year and any subsequent changes 
to that plan have also been approved. 

The  internal audit plan focuses on 
financial controls and compliance 
with healthcare laws. The work carried 
out by Internal Audit did not identify 
any material weaknesses in internal 
controls but included proposals to 
enhance control procedures. The 
Committee monitors management’s 
responses to ensure that control 
improvements are instigated on a timely 
basis. The internal audit function is 
supported by PwC under the direction 
of the Audit Committee.

During the year the Committee evaluated 
the performance of the internal auditor 
using the same methodology applied 
to the external auditor. In general, 
performance of the internal audit group 
was deemed satisfactory. Utilising PwC 
permitted greater access to specialists, 
providing for strong governance advice 
and has resulted in a high quality of 
analysis. To further strengthen internal 
audit in 2016/17 there will be a focus on 
increasing its connection across senior 
members of the business and adding an 
internal audit member to the Group’s 
Risk Committee.

Committee evaluation 
The review of the Committee and  
its effectiveness was internally 
facilitated this year. The results and 
recommendations for improvement 
were reported to the Board. The 
Committee was found to be functioning 
well, with an effective reporting 
relationship with the Board and 
providing a good balance between 
in-depth assessment, diagnosis and 
analysis and a clear practical approach. 
In summary the evaluation supported:
• the continued enhancement and 

development of the Finance Function, 
including the addition of new key 
capabilities and a review of finance 
systems;

• a more detailed review of the 

performance of the auditors as well 
as the internal auditors (already 
completed as described above); and

• continued bedding down of the 

improvements made over the year 
to the risk management process, 
and continuation of the horizon 
scanning externally focused emergent 
risk reviews.

Giles Kerr
Chairman of the Audit Committee

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Nomination Committee report

52

Governance

Dear Shareholder,
I am pleased to present to you the 
report of the Nomination Committee 
for the year ended 31 March 2016. 
Our key objective is to ensure that 
the Board has the appropriate mix 
of skills, experience, knowledge and 
expertise to lead the Group, we also 
help develop and ensure the delivery 
of the Group’s strategy and seek to 
meet our other commitments such as 
the creation of long-term shareholder 
value and to effectively manage risk. 
We regularly review the structure of 
the Board and its Committees against 

the current and future needs of the 
Group, taking into account changes 
in the Group’s business and strategy 
and the environment in which the 
Group operates. 

We will continue to monitor Board  
and Committee composition regularly 
and progress our succession  
planning programme in light of  
our evolving needs. 

Garry Watts
Chairman of the Nomination 
Committee

Committee members

Date of appointment to the Committee

Garry Watts (Committee Chairman)
Giles Kerr
Ian Much
James O’Shea

1 January 2012 
16 July 2008
1 January 2012
13 May 2009

There were four Committee meetings during the year. Details of attendance can be 
found on page 41.

The Committee and its 
membership
The Committee’s full terms of reference, 
reviewed and updated during the year, 
are available on the Group’s website, or 
from the Company Secretary on request. 

Committee meetings
Only members of the Nomination 
Committee have the right to attend 
meetings, however the CEO and other 
directors may attend meetings by 
invitation as may employees or external 
advisors when appropriate and 
necessary. The Company Secretary, 
Paul Mussenden, serves as secretary  
to the Committee.

The key responsibilities of the Committee:
• Keep under review the structure, 
size and composition of the Board 
looking at its balance of skills, 
experience, independence and 
knowledge as well as its diversity 
(including gender diversity) and make 
recommendations to the Board 
on any appropriate changes.

• Identify, via a rigorous and transparent 

procedure, and nominate, for the 
Board’s approval, suitable candidates 
to fill any vacancies for non-executive 
directors and, with the assistance of 
the CEO, executive directors.
• Plan for the orderly succession of 

directors to the Board.

• Recommend to the Board the 

membership and chairmanship of the 
Audit and Remuneration committees.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Appointment process
When considering Board appointments, 
the Committee considers what areas of 
expertise the Board most benefits from 
and accordingly draws up a full 
description of the role, desired skills 
and capabilities. It also considers the 
future needs of the Group. Diversity, 
including gender diversity, plays an 
important part in the process. The 
Group appoints external consultants 
to support the process, ensuring 
appropriate experience of recruiting 
for such roles. 

A rigorous interview and selection 
process is carried out by the Committee 
on behalf of the Board and shortlisted 
candidates will also be interviewed by 
the other non-executive directors and 
the CEO. Taking into account their views 
and the Board’s requirements, the 
Committee will make a 
recommendation to the Board. 

To ensure a full understanding of BTG 
is developed, newly appointed directors 
will undergo a comprehensive induction 
programme. As part of this process 
each new director is given a full briefing 
on the financial and operating history 
of the Group and details of its strategy, 
risk management and governance 
processes, operating plans, budgets 
and forecasts for future years. 
Arrangements are also made for 
them to meet with senior executives 
at both a group and business segment 
level and additional bespoke training 
may be undertaken based on individual 
needs. Site visits are encouraged. A 
review is undertaken of the content of 
recent Board and Committee 
discussions including a range of Board 
reports, minutes and historical actions. 
A briefing on corporate governance and 
directors’ responsibilities will be given 
and the opportunity to attend external 
courses is also available, as it is for 
all directors.

Time spent by the Committee 
during the year 

Composition and balance

Governance/effectiveness

Succession planning and 
re-appointment of directors

33%

11%

56%

Activities
The principal activities during the year 
related to: 
• The reappointment of non-executive 
directors Giles Kerr, Richard Wohanka 
and James O’Shea. Giles and James 
were each reappointed for a further 12 
months, subject to being re-elected at 
the Annual General Meeting, as they 
each had served on the Board for more 
than six years. It is the expectation 
that any non-executive director 
reappointment beyond six years would 
be made on an annual basis. 

• We have commenced a search to seek 

to appoint a new non-executive 
director to the Board who would also 
act as chair of the Audit Committee, 
given that this coming year Giles Kerr 
will have served in that role for 9 years.

• Discussing succession planning 
for the Group’s Leadership team, 
including the CEO and CFO and 
the Group’s senior managers in 
key positions.

• Review of Board capability in the 
context of the annual strategy 
discussion.

• Considering the expertise and 

capabilities as well as the capacity 
required of the Group’s management 
team and wider employee group 
having regard to the Group’s strategy 
and changing needs. As in previous 
years this is an area of focus as the 
business continues to grow and it is 
considered in the context of both 
organic growth and acquisitions. 
Progress to address perceived 
capability gaps is regularly reviewed.

53

Governance

Succession planning
The development of talent below 
Board level is also seen as extremely 
important and an area of focus for the 
Board. BTG continues to build an 
internal leadership pipeline for senior 
roles and the Head of HR updates the 
Board regularly on progress. In addition 
to traditional Management 
Development Programmes, the Group 
has expanded the learning and 
development opportunities for leaders 
of people across the business to give 
them learning opportunities closely 
related to the leadership challenges 
they face on a regular basis. By focusing 
on creating a pool of talented leaders 
we are increasing the probability of 
retaining them through meaningful 
development and career opportunity 
and building the internal capability 
needed to become a FTSE 100 
organisation. 

The Committee also reviews succession 
plans and provisions for emergency 
cover of key managers.

Diversity
The benefits of diversity across all 
areas of the Group are recognised by 
the Board which currently comprises 
75% men and 25% women. However it 
is of the utmost importance that the 
Board continues to provide strong 
leadership and, therefore, will continue 
to appoint only the most appropriate 
candidates. 

The policy on diversity applies across 
all levels of the Group and further 
details can be found in the People and 
practices section on pages 19 to 21.

Committee evaluation
As part of the internal annual Board 
evaluation process, a review of the 
Committee was carried out and it was 
found to be functioning effectively, with 
clear and well-focused processes. The 
ongoing need to continue to focus on 
the assessment of the future 
composition of the Board and its 
capabilities in light of the longer-term 
strategic plans of the Group was 
emphasised. This will be reflected in the 
future work of the Committee, which 
will also include a further review of 
contingency and succession plans for 
key people. 

Garry Watts
Chairman of the Nomination 
Committee

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ Remuneration report

54

Governance

Ian Much

Annual Statement from the 
Remuneration Committee Chairman

Changes for 2016/17
To provide context we note that since 
2010 the value and performance of the 
business has grown significantly, as 
shown in the table below:

31 March 2010
•  Share price 178.3p
•  Turnover £98.5m
•  EPS 4.4p
•  Employees 268

31 March 2016
•  Share price 621.5p
•  Turnover £447.5m
•  EPS 15.8p
•  Employees 1,209

The existing remuneration 
arrangements introduced in 2013 were 
designed to strike an appropriate 
balance between rewarding short-term 
execution whilst encouraging the 
long-term creation of value through 
enhanced rewards for delivery of 
significant value to shareholders. In 
particular they were intended to provide 
additional opportunities for increased 
rewards to the executive directors if 
Group performance was maintained 
over a five rather than just a three-year 
cycle. At that time, the Group had not 
fully achieved its transition from being 
an intellectual property licensing and 
R&D based organisation funded by 
royalties to a commercial company 
driven by its own product sales. The 
Committee wished to ensure that 
management was focused not only on 
the approval and launch of Varithena® 
but the development of longer-term 
value across the portfolio, enhancing 
product development programmes and 
acquisition opportunities which sought 
to consolidate its position as a leader in 
interventional medicine.
Since 2013 Varithena® has been 
launched in the US and the Group has 
made a number of acquisitions (notably 
EKOS, TheraSphere® and PneumRx) 

Dear Shareholder,
I am pleased to present the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report for the year 
ended 31 March 2016.

Overall it has been a positive year for 
the Group and I have taken the 
opportunity to describe below some of 
the major developments which set the 
context within which remuneration 
decisions have been made. 

In light of the significant growth and 
development of the Group over the last 
three years, the Committee has 
undertaken a strategic review of its 
approach to remuneration to ensure it 
remains aligned with the Group’s goal 
of sustainable profitable growth and 
the creation of long-term value for 
our shareholders. The current 
remuneration policy has been in place 
since 2013 and was formally approved 
by shareholders (with 95.1% voting in 
favour) at the 2014 Annual General 
Meeting. At the time of its 
introduction, the Committee 
undertook to formally review the 
policy before the expiry of the current 
Performance Share Plan (PSP) in July 
2016. Having undertaken this review, 
we are proposing a revised policy 
which will take effect from the 
beginning of the current financial 
year, subject to its approval by way 
of a binding shareholder vote at the 
2016 AGM. The Annual Report on 
Remuneration will also be subject 
to an advisory shareholder vote at 
the AGM. 

and expanded commercial operations 
in US, EU and Asia. The Group has, as 
a consequence, successfully continued 
its transformation to become a more 
diverse specialist healthcare company, 
focusing on the exciting area of 
interventional medicine with a range of 
businesses including a number in new 
areas. Over the medium-term, 
management will need to remain 
focused on growing sales and profits in 
the Interventional Medicine business, 
including from Varithena® and the 
development of the PneumRx business. 
Both executive directors now have a 
pipeline of the three-year Core and 
five-year Multiplier awards that will run 
potentially until 2020. The Committee 
therefore believes that it would be 
appropriate to re-balance the incentive 
arrangements so that there is a greater 
focus on successful short-term 
execution while maintaining an 
appropriate focus on longer-term 
shareholder value creation but without 
increasing the overall quantum of 
executive director pay. 

In developing the proposed changes to 
our policy we have consulted with our 
major shareholders and the major 
representative bodies. The vast majority 
were supportive of the proposals which 
are explained in more detail overleaf.

In summary, the new 
policy involves the 
following changes:
• We will simplify the current LTIP 

awards of three-year Core awards and 
five-year Multiplier awards, which 
result in an overall LTIP opportunity of 
300% of salary. This will be replaced 
by a three-year PSP award of up to 
225% of salary. Performance 
measures will remain largely 
unchanged. Subject to approval of the 
new policy, it is intended that the first 
award under the revised LTIP would 
be granted shortly after the 2016 
AGM in July.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016• Future vested PSP awards will be 

subject to a further two-year holding 
period, maintaining the long-term 
nature of the plan. 

• The maximum annual bonus 

opportunity will be increased from 
100% to a maximum of 150% of salary 
with the first 75% of salary of any 
bonus award paid in cash and any 
bonus awarded in excess of 75% of 
salary compulsorily deferred into 
shares to be held for a further three 
years. The deferral would apply 
irrespective of whether or not the 
applicable shareholding guideline has 
been met (currently no bonus deferral 
occurs as the guidelines have been 

met by both executive directors). 
The approach to setting bonus 
performance metrics will be largely 
unchanged and the Committee will 
continue to ensure targets are 
appropriately challenging in light 
of the increased quantum.

• The share ownership guideline for 

the CFO will be increased from 150% 
of salary to 200% of salary to bring his 
guideline into line with current best 
practice. The CEO guideline will remain 
at 250% of salary. As at 31 March 2016, 
Louise Makin’s and Rolf Soderstrom’s 
current shareholdings are worth 
approximately 577% and 298% of 
salary, respectively. 

The impact of these changes on the 
time horizon over which remuneration 
is received is illustrated below. The 
proposed changes will maintain the 
long-term focus of executive director 
remuneration and the headline 
maximum variable pay opportunity 
(as a percentage of salary) will reduce. 
In recognition of this fact and her 
sustained contribution to 
the performance of the Group and 
the increase in the scope of her 
responsibilities over time, we intend 
to implement a one-off realignment 
of Louise Makin’s salary as 
described later in this Statement. 

55

Governance

Impact change diagram 100%

Grant

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Current
(Average time to 
vesting 4 years 
– with roll-over)

Bonus

100%

100% vests  
after 1 year*

100%

LTIP

150% based on 3-year performance

Opportunity to roll-over full award and 
earn up to a further 150% of salary

*  Currently no deferral as shareholding guideline has been achieved

300%

Bonus

150%

First 75% of salary paid in cash and bonus payout  
in excess of this deferred in shares for 3 years

75%

75%

Proposed
(Average time  
to potential  
disposal  
4 years)

LTIP

225% based on 3-year performance

2-year post-vesting holding period

225%

Maximum total 
opportunity  
of 400% of  
base salary

Maximum total 
opportunity  
of 375% of  
base salary

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ Remuneration report continued

The overall review of the year supported 
the assessment that the Group and 
executive directors each met a 
substantial part of their financial and 
operational bonus criteria (paid out in 
cash, 70% of which related to Group 
objectives and 30% of which related to 
individual corporate objectives), which 
will result in a 74.8% bonus payout for 
the executive directors. 

Following on from the review of the 
policy for executive directors, the 
Committee has decided to implement a 
one-off realignment of the CEO’s salary, 
increasing it to £650,000 being a total of 
approximately 11% (comprising an 
exceptional adjustment of 
approximately 8%, plus the 3% average 
increase for BTG employees with effect 
from 1 April, 2016). The combination of 
the reduced variable pay opportunity in 
the new policy with an increase in salary 
results in an overall remuneration 
opportunity for the CEO similar to her 
current total pay. It is anticipated that 
future increases in the CEO’s salary 
during the life of the revised 
remuneration policy would be no higher 
than the average for the wider 
workforce. The CFO’s salary will be 
increased by 3% in line with the average 
increase for BTG employees.

The existing PSP consists of three-year 
Core awards which, to the extent to 
which the awards vest, may be put at risk 
in exchange for an additional five-year 
Multiplier award. The key developments 
during the year were as follows:
• In June 2015, awards were granted 

under the PSP. The Core award element 
of the awards will be capable of vesting 
in June 2018 subject to adjusted EPS 
and relative Total Shareholder Return 
(TSR) performance conditions 
measured over three financial years. 
If the executive directors decide to 
roll-over 50% or 100% of the Core 
awards due to vest in 2018, the 
associated Multiplier award can 
reduce or enhance these awards 
based solely on relative TSR 
performance measured over five 
years to 31 March, 2020

• As disclosed last year, the Core award 
granted in 2012 became capable of 
vesting in June 2015. Both of the 
executive directors elected to roll-over 
100% of the shares that would 
otherwise have vested in order to 
receive an equivalent Multiplier award, 
putting their entire awards at risk for a 
further two years. Vesting of the 2012 
Core and Multiplier awards will be 
assessed in 2017 based on relative 
TSR performance over the full 
five-year period from the grant date 
of the original award.

56

Governance

Review of 
2015/16 outcomes
The Group has continued its strategy 
of both organic and acquisitive growth 
and achieved a number of significant 
milestones during the year. These 
include:
• Continued growth in the 

Interventional Oncology franchise; 
EU sales force now selling Beads and 
TheraSphere® directly; good early 
progress with expansion in Asia 
• Strong growth in sales of EkoSonic®, 

capitalising on the receipt of 
clearance from US FDA for use in the 
treatment of pulmonary embolism

• Varithena® approved by Health 

Canada; steady progress in gaining 
insurance coverage and establishing 
appropriate payment levels in the US 
reimbursed sector

• French government-sponsored 

REVOLENS study of PneumRx® Coils 
achieved primary endpoint; ongoing 
commercial activities to secure wider 
reimbursement in Europe; Positive 
data from RENEW study of 
PneumRx® Coil announced in 
December 2015 where both primary 
and secondary endpoints were met
• Wellstat Therapeutics Corporation 

received FDA approval for 
Vistogard® and BTG commenced 
US commercial sales

• 510k clearance received for 

LC Bead LUMI™ in US

• Good growth in royalties from 

Lemtrada™ following US approval
• Zytiga® revenue boosted by payment 

of backdated royalties.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Structure of the Report
The report is divided into three parts: 
(i) the ‘Annual Statement’ (above) 
summarising the business context in 
which the Committee has operated; 
(ii) the ‘Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
Report’; and (iii) the ‘Annual Report 
on Remuneration’ which provides 
shareholders with details of the major 
decisions made by the Committee and 
the remuneration actually delivered to 
the Group’s directors during the 2015/16 
financial year.

• As a result of BTG’s financial 

performance and sustained growth 
over the last three years, there will be 
100% vesting under the 2013 PSP 
awards, subject to the decision to be 
made by each director whether or not 
to roll-over 50% or 100% of the PSP 
amounts that would otherwise vest, 
in order to receive an equivalent 
Multiplier award. If no such election 
is made, vesting will occur in July 
2016. Vesting will occur in July 2018 
in relation to any part of the award for 
which an election is made

• The Core and Multiplier awards for 
the PSP awards granted in 2011 will 
vest in full in July 2016 as a result of 
relative TSR performance over five 
years from 1 April 2011. Over the full 
five-year performance period, BTG 
achieved a TSR of 175.2%, more than 
120% above the performance of the 
FTSE 250.

We continue to be committed to 
maintaining an open dialogue with 
shareholders and welcome further 
feedback. We hope for the continued 
support of shareholders at the AGM on 
14 July 2016 where you will be invited to 
vote on the 2016 Annual Remuneration 
Report (and this annual statement), 
and the new Remuneration Policy and 
Performance Share Plan.

Ian Much
Remuneration Committee 
Chairman
16 May 2016

57

Governance

Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy Report
This part of our Directors’ remuneration 
report sets out the remuneration policy 
for the Group that has been prepared in 
accordance with Part 4 of Schedule 8 to 
the Large and Medium-sized Companies 
and Groups (Accounts and Reports) 
Regulations 2008 (as amended) and, if 
approved by shareholders at the 2016 
AGM, will apply from the beginning of the 
current financial year until the 2019 AGM.

The Policy enables the Group to offer 
a package of rewards that:
• is sufficiently competitive to enable 
the Group to attract and retain the 
management talent it needs to ensure 
the Group is successful;

• supports the achievement of the 
Group’s strategy by providing the 
potential to receive significant rewards 
linked to the long-term performance 
of  the Group;

• aligns executives with shareholders 

and helps to retain them by delivering 
a significant element of remuneration 
in shares; and

• is flexible enough to cope with the 
Group’s changing needs as it grows 
and the strategy evolves.

The Committee believes that the salary, 
annual bonus with deferral, long-term 
incentives with a five-year time horizon 
from grant to potential sale of vested 
shares, demanding share ownership 
guidelines, and forfeiture provisions, 
together provide a balanced market-
competitive package for the executive 
team which is aligned with shareholder 
interests. The Committee will, however, 
keep the approach under review in order 
to ensure it remains appropriate. 

The specifics of the proposed Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy are as follows.1, 3

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ Remuneration report continued

Summary of proposed Directors’ Remuneration Policy

Element

Purpose and link to strategy Operation

Maximum

Performance targets

Base salary

Provides market 
competitive fixed 
remuneration that takes 
account of individual 
responsibilities, and 
enables the Group to recruit 
and retain executives that 
are capable of delivering the 
Group’s strategic objectives.

Set at a broadly mid-market 
level, salaries are normally 
reviewed annually  
with effect from  
1 April taking account 
of individual responsibilities, 
experience and 
performance.

58

Governance

Benefits

Provide a competitive 
package of benefits that 
assists with attracting and 
retaining employees.

Annual  
bonus

A reward that is linked to the 
Group’s short-term aims 
and value creation 
objectives.

Deferral of part of the bonus 
under the Deferred Share 
Bonus Plan (DSBP) provides 
an  element of lock-in and 
alignment with 
shareholders.

These mainly comprise 
medical benefits and 
permanent health insurance, 
but the components will have 
regard to the market practice 
in the location of any future 
appointment. This could 
include relocation allowances 
or other appropriate benefits.

Any reasonable business 
related expenses (including 
tax thereon) can be 
reimbursed if determined to 
be a taxable benefit.

Executive directors are 
eligible for other benefits 
which are introduced for the 
wider workforce on broadly 
similar terms.
All employees including the 
executive directors 
participate.

Paid as a mix of cash and 
deferred shares under the 
DSBP. From 2016, the first 
75% of salary of any bonus 
will be paid in cash, with any 
bonus paid in excess of 75% 
of salary compulsorily 
deferred into shares 
for three years.

DSBP awards are structured 
as conditional awards 
over shares. From 2016, 
both the cash and deferred 
portion of bonuses are 
subject to clawback 
and malus.6

Dividend equivalents may be 
paid on the shares awarded 
as part of the DSBP.

None, although overall individual and 
corporate performance is a factor 
considered when reviewing salaries. 

Details of the salary review in the period 
are set out on page 74.

N/A

Other than to reflect a 
change in the size and 
complexity of the role or 
Group or to reflect 
experience in the role, 
salary increases will 
normally be no higher than 
the average increases 
taking place across the 
Group (taking into account, 
where appropriate, the 
relevant pay groups).
The quantum of benefits 
will be in line with local 
market practice. The value 
of each benefit is based  
on the cost to the Group 
which may vary from year 
to year.

Maximum of 150% of salary 
for executive directors.

Performance targets for the executive 
directors are set annually by the 
Committee and focus on Group financial 
performance measures such as revenue, 
trading profit, operating cash flow 
(although the Committee has discretion to 
select other measures) and performance 
against a number of corporate and 
individual objectives intended to 
stimulate future growth.

Financial objectives account for the 
majority of the bonus.

Targets are set annually on a sliding scale 
with 50% of maximum bonus potential 
normally payable for on-target 
performance and up to 25% of maximum 
bonus potential payable for performance 
at threshold. 

The Committee has discretion to adjust 
the bonus pay-out if in its opinion, the 
pay-out would not otherwise 
appropriately reflect the performance 
achieved. In addition, the Committee 
must be satisfied that a minimum level of 
financial performance has been achieved 
before any bonus is paid. 

If, in exceptional circumstances, it was 
decided to apply upward discretion, it 
would first be discussed with major 
shareholders and the reasons fully 
disclosed in the annual report on 
remuneration for the relevant year.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Element

Purpose and link to strategy Operation

Maximum

Performance targets

Awards prior to 2016 are subject to 
conditions which are described in the 
annual report on remuneration on pages 
70 and 71.

Awards will be granted subject to 
a combination of financial and  
total shareholder return measures, tested 
over a period of at least three years.

The Committee may introduce or re-weight 
performance measures so that they are 
directly aligned with the Group’s strategic 
objectives for each performance period.

No more than 25% of each element vests 
at median/threshold performance, rising 
to full vesting at upper quartile/stretch 
performance. Details of the targets for 
these awards are provided in the annual 
report on remuneration.

The Committee has the discretion in 
certain circumstances to grant and/or 
settle an award in cash. In practice this 
will only be used in exceptional 
circumstances for executive directors.
N/A

Maximum award of 225% 
of salary.

Defined benefit provision: 
1/60ths accrual up to cap 
(reviewed annually), normal 
retirement age of 60.

Defined contribution 
or cash allowance: up to 
25% of salary. 

59

Governance

Participation limits are 
those set by the relevant  
tax authorities from time  
to time.

N/A4

CEO: 250% of salary.

N/A

CFO: 200% of salary.

Long-term 
incentives

Support the strategy to 
transition the business from 
an R&D-focused specialty 
pharmaceuticals company 
to an earnings-driven 
international specialist 
healthcare company. 

Ensures remuneration 
includes a strong emphasis 
on the delivery of growth, 
sustained financial 
performance and superior 
shareholder returns.

Pension

Provides competitive 
retirement benefits 
that reward sustained 
contribution.

All-employee 
share plans

Encourages employees to 
acquire shares in BTG, 
increasing alignment  
with shareholders.

Shareholding 
guidelines

Provide alignment between 
executives and 
shareholders.

Annual awards of 
performance shares 
are made under the 
PSP, vesting of which 
is subject to the achievement 
of targets measured over a 
minimum of three financial 
years.2,5

Starting with awards 
granted in 2016, a two-year 
holding period applies upon 
vesting of awards, during  
which shares may not be 
sold (other than to pay tax 
and national insurance).

Awards of performance 
shares are subject to 
clawback and malus.6
Executives are entitled to 
receive dividend equivalents 
in respect of vested awards.

For longer serving 
employees: participation in 
contributory defined benefit 
pension arrangements up to 
a scheme specific cap or 
HMRC defined limits.

For more recent hires and 
provision above the cap: 
defined contribution 
pension provision and/or 
cash allowances.
Executive directors can 
participate in BTG’s 
save-as-you-earn scheme 
which is open to all UK 
employees.

A US Internal Revenue 
Service 423 Plan with 
standard terms is operated 
for US employees.
Executive directors are 
required to build significant 
shareholdings in the Group.7
Executive directors may sell 
vesting shares to meet tax 
and national insurance 
liabilities. In addition, 
provided they have achieved 
and continue to meet the 
applicable shareholding 
guideline level, they will be 
permitted to sell shares over 
and above those required to 
meet their tax liabilities and 
national insurance liabilities 
within 30 day periods after 
either (i) the announcement 
of the Group’s results and 
completion of related investor 
roadshow or (ii) the date of 
subsequent vesting of 
shares with respect to the 
period to which those 
results relate (in either 
case subject to agreement 
with the Chairman and any 
other legal restrictions on 
share dealings).

Footnotes 
1 

In line with the Investment Association’s Guidelines on Responsible Investment Disclosure, the Committee will ensure that the incentive structure for executive directors and senior 
management will not raise environmental, social or governance (ESG) risks by inadvertently motivating irresponsible behaviour. More generally, the Committee will ensure that the 
overall remuneration policy does not encourage inappropriate operational risk-taking. 

2  Prior to 2013, awards consisted of a mix of market value share options granted under the ESOP and performance shares granted under the 2006 PSP. Awards granted under the 2006 PSP 

consist of a Core award and a Multiplier award and executive directors are able to roll-over 0%, 50% or 100% of any Core award that would vest in return for a Multiplier award that 
could increase or decrease the value of the Core award, vesting after five years from the date of grant, subject to performance conditions. The full structure of these awards is outlined 
in the policy approved at the 2013 AGM. 

3  A description of how the Group intends to implement the policy set out in this table for 2016 can be found in the Annual Remuneration Report. 
4  All employee share plans do not have performance conditions. Executive directors are eligible to participate in the UK Sharesave Plan on the same terms as other employees. 
5  Copies of the PSP and DSBP plan rules are available on request from the Company Secretary.
6  All awards granted post 1 July 2011 under the DSBP, PSP and ESOP are subject to clawback and malus in the event of a material misstatement of the financial results of the Group for 

the financial year to which an award relates being discovered, an error in the calculation of performance for an award or individual misconduct resulting in dismissal. The same principle 
was adopted in 2015 with respect to the annual bonus.

7  Under the shareholding guidelines the executive directors are not permitted to hold their shares in hedging arrangements or as collateral for loans without the express permission of 

the Board.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ Remuneration report continued

Committee discretions
The Committee operates the Group’s 
variable incentive plans according to 
their respective rules and in accordance 
with HMRC rules where relevant. To 
ensure the efficient administration of 
these plans, the Committee will apply 
certain operational discretions. 
These include the following:
• Selecting the participants in the plans 

on an annual basis;

60

Governance

• Determining the timing of grants of 

awards and/or payment;

• Determining the quantum of awards 

and/or payments (within the limits set 
out in the policy table above);

• Determining the extent of vesting based 
on the assessment of performance;
• Making the appropriate adjustments 
required in certain circumstances 
(e.g. change of control, rights issues, 
corporate restructuring events, and 
special dividends); 

• Determining “good leaver” status for 
incentive plan purposes and applying 
the appropriate treatment; and
• Undertaking the annual review of 

weighting of performance measures, 
and setting targets for the annual 
bonus plan and PSP from year to year.

If an event occurs which results in 
the annual bonus plan or PSP 
performance conditions and/or targets 
being deemed no longer appropriate 
(e.g. a material acquisition or 
divestment) the Committee will have 
the ability in limited circumstances to 
adjust appropriately the measures and/
or targets and alter weightings.

Outstanding share incentive awards 
that remain unvested or unexercised 
at the date of this report, as detailed 
on pages 70 and 71 of the annual report 
on remuneration, remain eligible for 
vesting or exercise based on their 
original award terms.

Remuneration at a glance
The Group’s policy results in a significant 
portion of remuneration received by 
executive directors being dependent on 
Group performance. The chart on the 
following page illustrates how the total 
pay opportunities for the executive 
directors vary under three different 
performance scenarios: minimum, 
on-target and maximum. These charts 
are indicative only, as share price 
movement and dividend accrual have 
been excluded. All assumptions made 
are noted below the chart. 

Choice of performance 
measures and approach to 
target setting
Annual bonus arrangements for the 
executive directors are normally split 
between corporate financial and 
individual non-financial objectives with 
the financial targets normally 
accounting for the majority of the 
bonus. Financial performance targets 
are based on the budget and corporate 
measures and are linked to the 
achievement of annual objectives that 
are consistent with BTG’s longer-term 
growth goals. The Committee reviews 
these KPIs each year and varies them 
as appropriate (including the weighting 
of financial and non-financial targets) 
to reflect the priorities for the business 
in the year ahead. A sliding scale of 
targets is set for each KPI to encourage 
continuous improvement and challenge 
the delivery of stretch performance.  
For each metric, the threshold target 
will normally require the Group to 
maintain or improve on the prior year 
performance with the stretch target 
requiring significant out performance 
above plan. 

For awards to be granted under the 
PSP in 2016, the metrics will be split 
between adjusted EPS and relative 
TSR outperformance of a general 
market index (for the 2016 awards this 
will be against the constituents of 
the FTSE 250), which ensures focus 
on sustainable growth and superior 
returns to shareholders (with the 
weighting between TSR and adjusted 
EPS determined by the Committee 
annually). The choice of financial metric, 
comparator index for TSR and weighting 
between each measure for awards will 
remain under review. TSR is measured 
independently for the Committee by 
New Bridge Street (NBS).

How employees’ pay is 
taken into account in 
setting the remuneration 
of the executive directors
The Committee considers the base 
salaries for the Leadership Team 
and, although it does not directly 
consult with employees regarding 
remuneration policy, it receives 
information on general pay levels 
to ensure that the Committee 
has due regard to salary levels 
across the Group in applying the 
remuneration policy.

BTG’s workforce includes a high 
proportion of highly qualified 
scientists, technicians and 
professionals who are highly sought 
after by competitors. Ensuring that 
levels of remuneration for the general 
workforce are competitive to support 
staff retention, development 
in expanded roles and motivation is 
important to BTG’s ongoing success 
and this is reflected in the level and 
range of salary increases awarded to 
employees. As a result BTG is required 
to benchmark and rebase salaries 
from time-to-time. The average salary 
increase awarded to BTG’s general 
workforce for 2015/16 was 3%. General 
workforce increases, effective June 
2016, will range between 1% and 15%. 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016How executive directors’ 
remuneration policy 
relates to the wider Group
The remuneration policy provides an 
overview of the structure that operates 
for the most senior executives in the 
Group. A lower incentive opportunity 
is available below executive level, 
with specific levels driven by market 
comparators and the impact of the role. 

As explained above, salaries for the 
Group’s wider workforce are 
benchmarked externally against 
comparable companies within the 
sector and wider industry. The Group 
aims to ensure that all employees’ 
salaries are positioned around a 
mid-market level for the role taking 
account of performance and individual 
responsibility. 

Employees are provided with a 
competitive local package of benefits 
that includes participation in the 
Group’s pension arrangements.

All employees are eligible to participate 
in the bonus arrangements with targets 
aligned to the financial performance 
of the Group and their individual 
performance within their specific area 
of responsibility. 

The Group believes that broad-based 
employee participation in share 
schemes is an important alignment tool 
helping to focus employees on 
delivering value for shareholders. 
Other senior staff who are considered 
to have the greatest potential to 
influence Group performance are also 
able to receive awards of long-term 
incentives at a lower maximum 
percentage of salary than the executive 
directors. In addition, share ownership 
guidelines apply to members of BTG’s 
Leadership Team with lower levels of 
holding required (50% of salary) than 
for executive directors. In order to 
encourage wider employee share 
ownership, the Group operates a 
Sharesave Plan in the UK, with an 
international section for employees in 
Australia, Germany and Canada, and a 
Stock Purchase Plan in the US.

  Value of remuneration packages at different levels of performance

£’000s

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

£3,219

45%

30%

£1,634

22%

30%

£781

100%

48%

25%

£1,960

45%

30%

25%

£996

22%

30%

48%

£476

100%

Minimum On-target Maximum
Louise Makin, Chief Executive Officer

Minimum
Rolf Soderstrom, Chief Financial Officer

On-target Maximum

Fixed Pay

Bonus

LTIP

Assumptions 
Minimum = fixed pay only (salary + 
benefits + pension)

On-Target = 50% vesting of the annual 
bonus (75% of salary) and 25% vesting 
of the PSP award (56.25% of salary). 

Maximum = 100% vesting of the annual 
bonus (150% of salary) and 100% vesting 
of the PSP award (225% of salary).
• Salary levels (on which other elements 
of the package are calculated) are 
based on those as at 1 April 2016
• The value of taxable benefits is based 

on the cost of supplying those 
benefits (as disclosed) for the year 
ended 31 March 2016

• Pension levels have been estimated  

at 20% of base salary levels
• The executive directors can  

61

Governance

participate in all employee share 
schemes on the same basis as other 
employees. The value that may be 
received under these schemes is 
subject to tax approved limits. 
For simplicity, the value that may 
be received from participating in 
these schemes has been excluded 
from the above charts

• Amounts have been rounded to the 

nearest £1,000 

• No account has been taken of 

share price growth or dividends 
on vested shares.

How shareholders’ views 
are taken into account
When shaping remuneration policy the 
Remuneration Committee considers 
shareholder feedback received in relation 
to the Annual General Meeting each year 
and guidance from shareholder 
representative bodies more generally. 

The Remuneration Committee engages 
proactively with shareholders, and takes 
seriously their views. When any material 
changes are made to the remuneration 
policy, the Remuneration Committee 
Chairman will inform major shareholders 
of these in advance, and will offer a 
meeting to discuss them.

Details of votes cast for and against 
the resolution to approve last year’s 
Directors’ Remuneration Report and 
matters discussed with shareholders 
during the year are provided in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration.

In developing its proposals for the 
changes to the remuneration policy for 
approval at the 2016 AGM, the 
Committee has engaged with its largest 
shareholders and major representative 
bodies regarding changes to the 
executive directors’ remuneration 
arrangements, in particular the changes 
to the long-term incentive arrangements 
and the repositioning of the CEO’s salary. 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ Remuneration report continued

62

Governance

Approach to recruitment 
and promotions
The remuneration package for a new 
director will be set in accordance with 
the terms of the Group’s approved 
remuneration policy in force at the 
time of appointment but focusing 
on the objective of appointing the 
most appropriate incumbent in the 
right geography. 

The salary for a new executive will be 
set to reflect their skills and experience, 
the Group’s target pay positioning and 
the market rate for the role in the 
relevant location, subject to the overall 
goal of attracting the right candidate. 
Where it is appropriate to do so, salaries 
may be set below the normal market 
rate, with phased increases over the 
first few years as the executive gains 
experience in their new role. 

Benefits and pensions will be in line 
with those offered to other executive 
directors, taking account of local 
market practice with relocation 
expenses provided if necessary. Tax 
equalisation may also be considered 
if an executive is adversely affected by 
taxation due to their employment with 
the Group. Legal fees and other costs 
incurred by the individual may also be 
met by the Group.

The ongoing incentive opportunity 
offered to new recruits will be in line 
with that offered to existing directors. 
Different measures and targets under 
the bonus plan or the PSP may be set 
initially taking account of the 
responsibilities of the individual and the 
point in the financial year at which they 
join. A new employee may be granted 

normal annual PSP awards in the first 
year of employment. In addition the 
Committee may offer additional cash 
and/or share-based elements to assist 
with recruitment (for example to buyout 
existing entitlements) when it considers 
these to be in the best interests of the 
Group and its shareholders. Existing 
arrangements will be used to the extent 
possible (subject to the limits set out in 
the policy) however, the Committee 
retains discretion to use the flexibility 
provided by the Listing Rules to make 
such awards. Such awards/payments 
would take account of remuneration 
relinquished when leaving the former 
employer and would reflect (as far as 
possible) the value, nature and time 
horizons attached to that remuneration 
and the impact of any performance 
conditions. Awards may be granted in 
cash on recruitment if the Group is in a 
prohibited period at the joining date. 
Shareholders will be informed of any 
such awards/payments at the time of 
appointment.

For an internal executive appointment, 
any variable pay element awarded in 
respect of the prior role will be allowed to 
pay out according to its terms, adjusted 
as relevant to take into account the 
appointment. In addition, any other 
ongoing remuneration obligations 
existing prior to appointment may 
continue, provided that they are put 
to shareholders for approval at the 
earliest opportunity. 

For the appointment of a new Chairman 
or non-executive director, the fee 
arrangement would be set in accordance 
with the approved remuneration policy 
in force at that time.

Legacy arrangements
For the avoidance of doubt, authority 
is given to the Group to honour any 
commitments entered into with current 
or former directors (such as the 
payment of a pension or the unwind of 
legacy share schemes) that have been 
disclosed to shareholders in this or any 
previous remuneration reports or 
subsequently agreed in-line with the 
approved policy in force at that time. 
Details of any payments to former 
directors will be set out in the Annual 
Remuneration Report as they arise.

External appointments
The Board believes that it may be 
beneficial to the Group for executives 
to hold non-executive directorships 
outside the Group. Any such 
appointments are subject to approval 
by the Board and the director may retain 
any fees received. Louise Makin 
received fees of £66,333 for being on 
the Board of Intertek Group during the 
year to 31 March 2016 (2015: £65,500) 
and £25,581 for being on the Board of 
Woodford Patient Capital Trust during 
the year to 31 March 2016 (2015: £0). 
Rolf Soderstrom does not currently 
hold any outside directorships.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Service contracts and payments for loss of office 
Executive directors have rolling service contracts, details of which are summarised in the table below: 

Provision

Detailed terms

Contract dates

Louise Makin – 19 October 2004.

Notice period
Termination payment

Rolf Soderstrom – 4 December 2008.
Twelve months from both the Group and from the executive.
The Group may terminate the contracts of the executive directors with immediate effect by 
making a payment in lieu of notice.

With respect to Rolf Soderstrom, any payments made would be determined by reference to 
normal contractual principles with mitigation being applied wherever relevant or appropriate. 
As Louise Makin’s contract was established approximately 12 years ago, it does not provide 
for mitigation. 

 Other than as specifically provided for in the policy with respect to “good leavers” (where for 
example existing Multiplier awards elected for are retained) the directors’ contracts do not 
provide for automatic entitlement to bonus or share-based payments.

Remuneration entitlements Louise Makin’s contract contains the following remuneration related entitlements:

• salary, membership of Group pension scheme or contribution to a personal pension, medical 

benefits and permanent health insurance.

Rolf Soderstrom’s contract contains the following remuneration related entitlements:
• salary, contribution to a personal pension, medical benefits and permanent health insurance.

The Group’s policy on new directors’ 
service contracts is that, in line with the 
best practice provisions of the Code, 
they should be terminable by the Group 
on a maximum of one year’s notice and 
contracts should not provide for 
predetermined compensation in the 
event of termination or provision for 
enhanced payments in the event of a 
takeover of the Group. Provisions 
permitting the Group to make any 
termination payments by instalments, 
and requiring directors to mitigate their 
loss in such circumstances, will be 
included in new contracts. The 
Remuneration Committee will exercise 
discretion in determining whether 
termination payments should be paid by 
instalments, taking account of the reason 
for the departure of the director and their 
prior performance. Other than in gross 
misconduct situations, the Group would 
expect to honour the contractual 
entitlements of terminated directors.

Other than in certain “good leaver” 
circumstances (including, but not limited 
to, redundancy, ill-health or retirement) 
no bonus would be payable unless the 
individual remains employed and is not 
under notice at the payment date. Any 
bonuses paid to a “good leaver” would be 
based on an assessment of their 
individual and the Group’s performance 
over the period, and pro-rated for the 
proportion of the bonus year worked.

With regards to long-term incentive 
awards, the PSP rules provide that other 
than in certain “good leaver” 
circumstances, awards lapse on 
cessation of employment. Where an 
individual is a “good leaver”, the 
Remuneration Committee’s policy for 
future PSP awards will normally be to 
permit awards to remain outstanding 
until the end of the original performance 
period (although it will have discretion to 
allow awards to vest on cessation), 
when a pro-rata reduction will be made 
to take account of the proportion of the 

vesting period that lapsed prior to 
termination of employment, although 
the Committee has discretion to partly 
or completely disapply pro-rating and 
the performance conditions in certain 
circumstances. Multiplier awards 
granted under the PSP approved in 
2013 would not be subject to pro-rating.  
The Remuneration Committee has 
discretion to deem an individual to be 
a “good leaver”. In doing so, it will take 
account of the reason for their departure 
and the performance of the individual. 

Deferred bonus share awards will also 
normally lapse on cessation of 
employment, unless the executive 
director is deemed to be a “good leaver” 
by the Remuneration Committee, as 
referred to above. Unvested deferred 
bonus share awards held by “good 
leavers” will not be time pro-rated. 

63

Governance

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ Remuneration report continued

The Group can pay any statutory redundancy in addition to contractual entitlements and the Committee will have authority 
to settle legal claims against the Group (e.g. for unfair dismissal, discrimination or whistle-blowing) that arise on termination. 
The Committee may also authorise the provision of outplacement services and pay reasonable legal expenses associated 
with the termination.

The non-executive directors do not have service contracts, but have letters of appointment for an initial period of three years, 
which may be renewed by mutual agreement, normally for a further three-year term. The terms of appointment provide for 
a notice period in the event of early termination of six months for the Chairman and three months for other non-executive 
directors, other than if they are not re-elected at an AGM.

Details of contracts and letters of appointment, for directors serving at the date of this report, are as set out below:

64

Governance

Non-executive

Garry Watts
Giles Kerr
Ian Much
James O’Shea
Richard Wohanka
Susan Foden

Date of first appointment

Notice period (months)

Date of expiry of current contract

1 January 2012
1 October 2007
1 August 2010
2 April 2009
1 January 2013
1 March 2015

6
3
3 
3
3 
3

31 December 2017
30 September 2016 
31 July 2016
31 March 2017
31 December 2018
28 February 2018

Non-executive directors’ and Chairman’s fees
The table below summarises the Group’s policy in relation to the fees of non-executive directors.

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum

Performance targets

Takes account of recognised 
practice and set at a level 
that is sufficient to attract 
and retain high-calibre 
non-executives.

Non-executive directors receive fees paid monthly 
in cash and consist of an annual basic fee plus 
additional fees for additional responsibilities such 
as a Committee Chairmanship and the role of 
Senior Independent Director. 

N/A

The maximum 
level of fees is set 
in the Articles of 
Association.

When reviewing fee levels, account is taken 
of market movements in non-executive director 
fees, Board committee responsibilities, 
ongoing time commitments and the general 
economic environment. 

Additional fees may be paid where there is a 
material increase in the time commitment and 
responsibilities required of non-executive directors. 

Fee increases, if applicable, are normally effective 
from 1 April each year. 

Non-executives do not participate in any pension, 
bonus or share incentive plans and do not receive 
any benefits (other than limited benefits relating to 
travel, accommodation and hospitality provided in 
relation to the performance of any directors’ duties 
and any tax thereon).

The Chairman, in consultation with the executive directors, is responsible for proposing changes to the non-executive directors’ 
fees. The Senior Independent Director, in consultation with the executive directors, is responsible for proposing changes to the 
Chairman’s fees. In each case this follows advice on market fee levels supplied by NBS. In proposing such fees, account is also 
taken of the time commitments of the Group’s non-executive directors. The decision on fee changes is taken by the Board as a 
whole. Individual non-executive directors do not take part in discussions on their remuneration.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Annual report on remuneration
This part of the report has been prepared in accordance with Part 3 of Schedule 8 to the Large and Medium-sized Companies 
and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (as amended). The Annual Remuneration Report will be put to an 
advisory shareholder vote at the 2016 AGM. The information on pages 54 to 72 has been audited.

About the Remuneration Committee and its advisers
The Remuneration Committee has been established by the Board and is responsible for executive remuneration.

During the year the Committee reviewed and updated its terms of reference, which are available in full on the Group’s website 
or from the Company Secretary on request.

Members

Other attendees at Remuneration 
Committee meetings

Committee evaluation

Committee advisers

Committee member

Ian Much (Chairman)

Giles Kerr

Date of appointment to the Committee

28 September 2010

3 November 2009

Susan Foden
Details of attendance at meetings are shown in the table on page 41.
The Chairman (Garry Watts), CEO (Louise Makin), CFO (Rolf Soderstrom) and Head 
of HR (Yvonne Rogers) may attend meetings by invitation, other than when their 
own remuneration is being considered. 

1 March 2015

The Company Secretary (Paul Mussenden) serves as secretary to the Committee.
During the year the Committee carried out a review of its effectiveness and the 
results, along with recommendations for improvement, were reported to the 
Board. The Committee was found to be operating effectively, with good oversight, 
engagement and debate of issues. The emphasis would remain on ensuring the 
maintenance of a strong link between remuneration and performance and 
strategy, and aligned with shareholder interests.
The Committee appoints its own advisers as it sees fit and has appointed NBS 
(part of Aon plc) to act as advisers to the Committee and a representative usually 
attends the meetings. NBS is a signatory to the Remuneration Consultant Group’s 
Code of Conduct which sets out guidelines to ensure that its advice is independent 
and free from undue influence. NBS advises the Committee on all remuneration 
issues including the vesting of long-term incentive arrangements. The Committee 
reviews the performance and independence of NBS on an annual basis, and is 
satisfied that it remains independent. 

The Group continues to use NBS to advise on other matters including remuneration 
matters in general. NBS also assists with the total shareholder return (TSR) 
performance measurement and the implementation of employee share schemes 
and, through Aon plc’s Radford brand, provides the Group with advice on matters 
specific to the US employment market. The Group also uses Willis Towers Watson 
and PwC to advise on remuneration issues.

The fees paid to the Committee’s advisers (NBS) in 2015/16 were: £172,816 
(2014/15: £105,521).

65

Governance

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ Remuneration report continued

Single figure for total remuneration (audited)

Executive Directors 
Louise Makin

Rolf Soderstrom

2016
2015
2016
2015

Non-executive Directors
Garry Watts

66

Governance

Giles Kerr

Ian Much

James O’Shea

Richard Wohanka

Susan Foden7

Ex-Directors
Melanie Lee8

Salary/fees1
£’000

Benefits2
£’000

Bonus paid 
in cash1
£’000

Bonus paid 
in shares3
£’000

Long-term
incentives4
£’000

Pension5
£’000

Other6
£’000

Total
remuneration
£’000

586
569
384
373

235
190
65
60
60
55
50
45
50
45
50
4

–
22

1
2
1
2

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

439
509
287
334

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

2,288
395
1,586
293

127
127
77
75

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

3
4
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

3,444
1,606
2,335
1,077

235
190
65
60
60
55
50
45
50
45
50
4

–
22

2016
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015
2016
2015

2016
2015

1  All directors’ fees, salaries and bonuses are subject to UK income tax.
2  Benefits shown above for Louise Makin and Rolf Soderstrom relate principally to the provision of life assurance and medical benefits. In addition, all directors receive limited benefits 

relating to travel, accommodation and hospitality in relation to the performance of their directors’ duties.

3  Element of bonus deferred into the DSBP. 
4  Awards are included in the financial year in which the performance conditions end. The share price used is the three month average share price to the end of the financial year. For 2016 
this figure does not include the 2013 Core PSP award as the Core and Multiplier awards are treated as a single award and the Core award will be shown in 2017 if no election is made and 
both Core and Multiplier in 2018 if an election is made. If 50% of a Core award is rolled over into a Multiplier award 50% of the Core award will be shown in 2017 and the remainder is part of 
the Multiplier award in 2018. The 2015 figure has been restated to reflect the actual share price on the date that the 2012 share options become exercisable (1 June 2015: 709.0p). The LTIP 
figure for 2016 relates to the 6 July 2011 Core and 6 July 2014 Multiplier awards. Share price appreciation over the five-year period to 31 March 2016 contributed materially to the total 
remuneration figure for 2016. Details can be found on page 68. 

 5  Pension consists of a cash supplement in lieu of employer pension contributions following the changes to pension legislation. In addition, for Louise Makin, it includes £39,674 

(2015: £42,108), representing the value of the increase in the year of her pension entitlement in the defined benefit BTG Pension Fund. 

6  Other shows the value of vested Sharesave options.
7  Fees paid to Susan Foden in 2015 were for the period from her appointment to the Board on 1 March 2015.
8   Fees paid to Melanie Lee in 2015 were for the period to her retirement from the Board on 25 September 2014.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Annual bonus for the year to 31 March 2016 (audited)
For the year ended 31 March 2016 bonuses were subject to a maximum of 100% of base salary for executive directors and up to 
75% for other senior staff. 

Bonus targets were set at the start of the financial year for both Louise Makin and Rolf Soderstrom based on the achievement 
of certain objectives. These were the achievement of targets for revenue growth, trading profit, cash generation and individual 
KPIs intended to drive future growth in the business. The Committee set threshold and stretch as well as intermediate targets. 
The bonus is calculated on base salary with a percentage pay out of between 25% at threshold, 50% at on-target and 100% at 
maximum.

The trading profit measure is a normalised measure relating to earnings before amortisation of intangibles, restructuring and 
acquisition costs, group foreign exchange movements and movements in derivatives. The cashflow measure adjusts for 
restructuring and acquisition costs only. The Remuneration Committee may adjust the final outcome upwards or downwards in 
the event that an exceptional event occurs, which, in the Committee’s opinion, materially affected the bonus out-turn. 

During 2015/16 the Committee assessed that adjustments should be made for each of the following: (i) the positive impact 
from the foreign exchange translation; and (ii) the negative impact of the incremental amounts paid to purchase the residual 
financial interest of the originator of the Varithena® foam sclerotherapy technology (Cabrera purchase).

For the financial year to 31 March 2016 they are calculated as follows:

Revenue/profit before tax/operating cash flow
Adjustments to calculate trading profit:
Derivatives and group foreign exchange movements
Amortisation of business combination intangibles
Fair value adjustment on PneumRx inventory
Fair value adjustment on business combination contingent considerations
Adjusted revenue/trading profit/operating cash flow
Remuneration Committee adjustments:
Translational foreign exchange impacts
Cabrera purchase
Adjusted revenue/trading profit/operating cash flow for bonus purposes

The performance achieved against the bonus targets are summarised as follows:

Revenue
£m

447.5

–
–
–
–
447.5

(25.7)
–
421.8

Trading profit
£m

Cashflow
£m

57.5

1.7
35.0
1.5
(1.4)
94.3

(12.4)
2.0
83.9

66.6

–
–
–
–
66.6

–
23.0
89.6

67

Governance

Measure

Corporate Financial Targets
Revenue
Trading profit
Operating cashflow
Individual Corporate Objectives

Louise Makin

Rolf Soderstrom

Pay out – Cash

Pay out – Cash

% of salary

% of salary

10.5%
18%
23.3%
23%

10.5%
18%
23.3%
23%

As a percentage 
of maximum 
bonus 
opportunity

Performance required

Threshold 
(£m)

Target
(£m)

Stretch
(£m)

Actual
(£m)

231/3% 
231/3%
231/3%

410.0
72.5
8.7

425.0
80.5
19.5

441.2
86.7
31.1

421.8
83.9
89.6

30% Covering execution across the business 
segments including relating to R&D and 
Innovation; developing organisational 
capabilities and leadership; and 
progression of the Interventional 
Medicine strategy including early phase 
assets. Individual objectives are not 
disclosed in more detail due to their 
commercial sensitivity.

Total

100%

74.8%

74.8%

The above table shows the financial targets set for the threshold, target and stretch levels.

Deferred share bonus plan awards are structured as conditional awards over shares, to be held for three years. 

The level of deferral under the policy in operation for the 2015 bonus year is dependent on the achievement of the share 
ownership guidelines with no deferral if the guidelines have been met. As both executive directors have achieved the guideline 
levels, bonuses for 2015 have been paid in cash. Following changes to the policy, commencing with the financial year ending 
31 March 2017, the first 75% of salary of any bonus will be paid in cash, with any bonus paid in excess of 75% of salary 
compulsorily deferred into shares for three years, irrespective of whether the applicable shareholding guideline has been met. 

Vesting of LTIP awards 
Core awards granted on 6 July 2011 together with the associated Multiplier awards granted on 6 July 2014 and Core awards 
granted on 17 July 2013 under the Performance Share Plan will vest in July 2016 based on performance to the year ended 
31 March 2016 (subject to a decision by the executive directors to roll-over 50% or 100% of the 2013 Core awards).

The performance conditions and estimated vesting outcomes for these awards are as follows: 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ Remuneration report continued

2011 LTIP – Core and Multiplier (included in single figure for total remuneration)
The Core awards granted in July 2011 were subject to 50% cumulative trading profit and 50% TSR targets over the three years 
to 31 March 2014. All that time, full vesting was achieved on both elements due to performance of £173.4m trading profit 
compared to a stretch target of £101.7m, and TSR performance of 164.2% compared to an upper quartile target of 96.4%. 
Vesting of all Core awards were deferred and put at risk in 2014 and in return each director was eligible to receive Multiplier 
awards, with both elements capable of vesting in July 2016, subject to TSR performance over the five years to 31 March 2016. 
Both the deferred Core awards and the Multiplier awards are expected to vest in full in July 2016 as shown in the tables below: 

68

Governance

Metric

Condition

TSR – 2011 Core  
and Multiplier

Five-year  
comparison with index

TSR has been calculated for the Committee by NBS.

Stretch
Target 100% 
vesting – Core
0% vesting – 
Multiplier

Outperformance 
Target
100% vesting – 
Multiplier

Median 
plus
100%

Median

Threshold Target
0% vesting

Median 
minus
66.66%

Median

Actual BTG

% Vesting

54.7%

175.2%

100%

Number of 
shares at grant

Vesting 
outcome

Number of 
shares to vest

Estimated 
Value*

Value at grant 
of core award**

Value 
attributable 
to share price 
appreciation**

Louise Makin

6 July 2011 Core award
6 July 2014 Multiplier award

Rolf Soderstrom 6 July 2011 Core award

6 July 2014 Multiplier award

149,831
224,746
103,913
155,869

100%
100%
100%
100%

149,831
£915,018
224,746 £1,372,524
103,913
£634,597
155,869
£951,892

£447,845
£671,766
£310,596
£465,892

£467,173
£700,758
£324,001
£486,000

*  Value estimated as not fully vested until 6 July 2016 and is based on the three month average share price to 31 March 2016 of 610.7p per share.
**  Estimated value based on the share price at the date of grant, 6 July 2011, of 298.9p, compared to the estimated realised value at date of vesting due to share price appreciation.

2013 LTIP (not included in single figure for total remuneration)

Metric

Condition

Threshold Target

Stretch Target

Actual*

% Vesting

EPS (50%)

TSR (50%) 

Adjusted EPS in the financial year to  
31 March 2016

17.7p

Three-year comparison with index between  
median and upper quartile

Median
TSR: 37.3%

25.5p

100%

24.1p
Upper 
Quartile

TSR: 73.0% TSR:82.1%
Total Vesting 

100%
100%

TSR has been calculated for the Committee by NBS. 
* 

In accordance with the performance condition, in determining the outcome against the adjusted EPS performance targets the Committee took into account the impact of acquisitions 
completed since the date of grant of the awards. Adjusted EPS has been reduced to reflect the impact of acquisitions that, at the time, were expected to be accretive by 2016; and 
increased to reflect the impact of acquisitions that, at the time, were expected to be dilutive by 2016.

Adjusted EPS
EKOS and TheraSphere
PneumRx
Revised Adjusted EPS 

(p)
21.9
(1.2)
4.8
25.5

Number of 
shares at grant

Vesting 
outcome

Number of 
shares to vest***

Estimated 
Value*

Value at grant of 

Core awards**

Value 
attributable 
to share price 
appreciation**

17 July 2013 PSP
Louise Makin
Rolf Soderstrom 17 July 2013 PSP

208,807
136,864

100% 208,807
100% 136,864

£1,275,184
£835,828

£824,996
£540,750

£450,188
£295,079

*  Value estimated as not fully vested until 17 July 2016 and is based on the three month average share price to 31 March 2016 of 610.7p per share.
**  Estimated value based on the share price at the date of grant, 17 July 2013, of 395.1p compared to the estimated realised value at date of vesting due to share price application.
*** If Core awards are deferred in July 2016, each director will have the Core awards plus the associated Multiplier awards (Louise Makin 417,614 awards and Rolf Soderstrom 273,728 awards) 

subject to a five-year TSR condition.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
 
The 2013 performance share awards are subject to the multiplier mechanism approved by shareholders at the 2013 AGM. 
As a result the number of shares that are capable of vesting under the 2013 PSP this year as a Core award are subject to an 
election by either executive director to forego vesting of 50% or 100% of that award and roll-over the award in return for 
the entitlement to receive a Multiplier award which may increase or decrease the number of shares vesting at year five based 
on relative TSR performance up to the end of that period. This election must be made before the shares vest in July 2016. 
The Core awards will not vest until the expiry of the period within which directors are able to elect to roll-over their awards 
without a valid election having been made. Any Multiplier award will not vest until the period of five years from grant of the 
original Core award. 

LTIP awards made during the year (audited)
On 1 June 2015 and 8 June 2015, the following PSP awards were granted to executive directors.

Type of award

Basis of  
award granted

Share price 
at date of grant

Number of 
shares over 
which award 
was granted

% of shares 
granted that 
vest at threshold 
performance

Face value  
of award  
(£’000)

Vesting 
determined by 
performance over

Louise Makin

2012 Multiplier award

Rolf Soderstrom 2012 Multiplier award

Louise Makin

2015 Core and  
Multiplier award

Rolf Soderstrom 2015 Core and  

Multiplier award

150% of 2012 
conditional 
award
150% of 2012 
conditional 
award
300% of  
salary of 
£586,327*
300% of  
salary of 
£384,310*

709.5p

186,063

0%***

£1,320,117

709.5p

137,961

0%***

£978,833

699.5p

251,462

12.5%**

£1,758,977

699.5p

164,822

12.5%**

£1,152,930

Five financial 
years from 
1 April 2012 
to 31 March 
2017
Core award: 
three 
financial 
years to 31 
March 2018
Multiplier 
award: five 
financial 
years to 31 
March 2020

69

Governance

* 

The 300% conditional award assumes performance that would result in full vesting of the Core award and an election by the executive directors to roll-over 100% of the Core award in 
order to receive the Multiplier award and that the full Multiplier award ultimately vests. 

**  50% of the 2015 award comprises a Core award and the remaining 50% comprises a Multiplier award that can only be received if the executive director puts at risk their Core award 

for a further two years after vesting. 25% of the Core award (i.e. 12.5% of the total award) vests at threshold.

***  These awards have been attached to the 2012 Core award that would otherwise have vested in June 2015. This gives effect to the Multiplier mechanism approved by shareholders at the 

2013 AGM, which provides executive directors with an opportunity to place their 2012 Core awards at risk in return for a matching Multiplier award. Depending on performance against the 
Multiplier performance condition the Core award could be reduced, potentially to zero.

The number of awards under the 2015 Core award that will vest will be determined according to the satisfaction of the following 
performance conditions (each performance condition applies to 50% of a Core award)

Percentage of vesting of 
 that portion of an award*

0%
25%
100%

Adjusted EPS in the financial year 
to 31 March 2018

50% of the Core award
< 23.0p (below threshold)
23.0p (threshold)
30.3p (stretch)

Relative TSR ranking against the 
constituents of the FTSE 250 Index 
(as at 1 April 2015) for the period 
from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2018

50% of the Core award
Below median
Median
Upper quartile

*  Vesting on a straight line basis in between threshold and stretch (EPS) or median and upper quartile (TSR).

If a participant elects to roll-over 50% or 100% of their vested Core awards, participants will receive matching Multiplier 
awards on a one-for-one basis which, together with the vested deferred Core awards, will be subject to a further performance 
condition. Under the Multiplier performance condition, for each 1% of TSR underperformance of the median TSR, the shares 
that vest under the deferred Core award will decrease by 1%, for each 1% of TSR outperformance of the median TSR, the 
shares that vest under the Multiplier award will increase by 1%.

Underperformance/outperformance of the constituents of the FTSE 250 Index 
(as at 1 April 2015) for the period from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2020

Underperformance of 100% or more
Equal to the median
Outperformance of 100% or more

*  Vesting on a straight line basis from 0% to 100%, as set out below.

Number of Core and Multiplier 
awards that will vest*

0%
50%
100%

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Directors’ Remuneration report continued

Outstanding share awards (audited)
The table below sets out details of executive directors’ outstanding share awards (which will vest in future years subject to 
performance and/or continued service).

Exercise price 
(p)/market 
price on date 
of award (p)

At 
1 April 
2015

Granted 
in year

Exercised

Lapsed

Louise Makin

Date of grant/award

Share options
31 July 2009

70

179.25

187,179

Governance

13 July 2010

201.30

199,253

 6 July 2011

298.90

153,320

1 June 2012

386.00

122,288

Sharesave
20 July 2012

320.16

1,124

19 July 2013

289.49

1,243

22 July 2014

498.67

2,165

–

–

–

–

–

–

23 July 2015

504.40

–

713

Total option awards
Performance share 
awards
6 July 20111
1 June 20122
17 July 20133

9 June 2014

6 July 20141
1 June 20152
8 June 2015

Deferred share 
awards
1 June 2012
Total other awards
Total awards

286.60
380.54
395.10
395.10
604.00
604.00
657.50
709.50
699.50
699.50

149,831
124,042
208,807
208,807
141,370
141,370
224,746
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
186,063
125,731
125,731

380.54

54,192

–

54,192

–

–

–

–

1,124

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

At 
31 March 
2016

187,179

199,253

153,320

122,288

Exercise period/
vesting date

Share price on 
exercise (p)

31 July 2012 
to 30 July 2019
13 July 2013 
to 12 July 2020
6 July 2014
to 5 July 2021
1 June 2015 
to 31 May 2022

599.0

–

1,243

2,165

713

1 October 2015 
to 1 April 2016
1 September 2016 
to 1 March 2017
1 September 2017
to 1 March 2018
1 October 2018
to 1 April 2019

666,161

 149,831
124,042
208,807
208,807
141,370
141,370
224,746
186,063
125,731
125,731

–
1,636,498
2,302,659

6 July 2016
1 June 2017
17 July 2016
17 July 2018
9 June 2017
9 June 2019
6 July 2016
1 June 2017
8 June 2018
8 June 2020

1 June 2015

704.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

In 2014, Louise elected to receive a Multiplier award as an alternative to the vesting of the 2011 PSP shares as a Core award and on 6 July 2014 a Multiplier award of 224,746 was granted. 
1 
2 
In 2015, Louise elected to receive a Multiplier award as an alternative to the vesting of the 2012 PSP as a Core award and on 1 June 2015 a Multiplier award of 186,063 was granted.
3  Performance shares awarded in 2013 were subject to an EPS and a relative TSR condition against the FTSE 250 (both of equal weighting). The EPS condition required a threshold 

performance of 17.7p and stretch performance of 24.1p. The relative TSR target required a threshold performance of a median position and a stretch performance of finishing at or above 
upper quartile (with straight line vesting in between these points). 

Footnote
Unless otherwise stated the Group’s TSR will be compared with that of a peer group comprising FTSE 250 companies. 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Exercise price 
(p)/market 
price on date 
of award (p)

At 
1 April 
2015

Granted 
in year

Exercised

Lapsed

Rolf Soderstrom

Date of grant/award

Share options
31 July 2009

179.25

102,649

13 July 2010

201.30

129,514

 6 July 2011

298.90

99,658

1 June 2012

386.00

90,673

Sharesave
19 July 2013

289.49

3,108

–

–

–

–

–

23 July 2015

504.40

–

1,784

Total option awards
Performance share 
awards
6 July 20111
1 June 20122
17 July 20133

9 June 2014

6 July 20141
1 June 20152
8 June 2015

Deferred share 
awards
1 June 2012
Total other awards
Total awards

286.60
380.54
395.10
395.10
604.00
604.00
657.50
709.50
699.50
699.50

103,913
91,974
136,864
136,864
92,661
92,661
155,869
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
137,961
82,411
82,411

380.54

35,225

–

35,225

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

At 
31 March 
2016

102,649

129,514

99,658

90,673

3,108

1,784

427,386

103,913
91,974
136,864
136,864
92,661
92,661
155,869
137,961
82,411
82,411

–
1,113,589
1,540,975

Exercise period/
vesting date

Share price on 
exercise (p)

31 July 2012 
to 30 July 2019
13 July 2013 
to 12 July 2020
6 July 2014 
to 5 July 2021
1 June 2015
to 31 May 2022

1 September 2016 
to 1 March 2017
1 October 2018
to 1 April 2019

6 July 2016
1 June 2015
17 July 2016
17 July 2018
9 June 2017
9 June 2019
6 July 2016
1 June 2017
8 June 2018
8 June 2020

1 June 2015

704.9

71

Governance

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

In 2014, Rolf elected to receive a Multiplier award as an alternative to the vesting of the 2011 PSP shares as a Core award and on 6 July 2014 a Multiplier award of 155,869 was granted.
1 
2 
In 2015, Rolf elected to receive a Multiplier award as an alternative to the vesting of the 2012 PSP as a Core award and on 1 June 2015 a Multiplier award of 137,961 was granted.
3  Performance shares awarded in 2013 were subject to an EPS and a relative TSR condition against the FTSE 250 (both of equal weighting). The EPS condition required a threshold 

performance of 17.7p and stretch performance of 24.1p. The relative TSR target required a threshold performance of a median position and a stretch performance of finishing at or above 
upper quartile (with straight line vesting in between these points). 

Footnote
Unless otherwise stated the Group’s TSR will be compared with that of a peer group comprising FTSE 250 companies. 

Share options and performance shares were granted for nil consideration. The price used for calculating the number of shares 
awarded under the PSP and DSBP was based on the average of the closing share prices over the five days immediately prior to 
the award date. Share options are awarded using the closing mid-market price on the date before grant. Sharesave options 
were granted on the condition that participants agreed to enter into a monthly savings contract.

Awards other than DSBP awards are normally satisfied using new issue shares. The Group’s share plans comply with 
recommended guidelines on dilution limits and the Group has always operated within these limits. Assuming none of the extant 
options lapse and will be exercised and, having included all exercised options, the Group has utilised 3.5% of the 10% in ten 
years and 3.0% of the 5% in ten years in accordance with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) guidance on dilution limits.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ Remuneration report continued

72

Governance

Directors’ pensions (audited) 
Louise Makin is a member of the BTG Pension Fund. The Fund is a contracted-out defined benefit arrangement which provides 
a pension based on an accrual rate of either one sixtieth or one eightieth of basic salary (up to the HMRC Earnings Cap), 
depending on the level of contributions paid by members of 7% or 5% respectively. Members are able to retire at any time from 
age 60 without any actuarial reduction to the pension payable (for Louise Makin this is 2020). Under current legislation, if 
members continue to work beyond age 60, they may continue to pay contributions and enhance their pension entitlement, 
subject to a maximum of 40 years pensionable service. Pension payments post retirement are increased annually by inflation 
for pensionable service earned up to 5 April, 2006 and inflation subject to a ceiling of 2.5% for pensionable service earned after 
that date. Members may take early retirement, once they have reached 55 years of age, although any pension paid will be 
subject to an actuarial reduction. Ill-health retirements may be permitted from an earlier age subject to meeting certain 
medical conditions. In the event of the death of a member, the Fund provides for a spouse’s pension to be payable equal to 
two-thirds of the deceased member’s pension (including any pension exchanged for a retirement lump sum). For current active 
members, a lump sum death benefit equal to four times basic salary (up to the earnings cap) plus refund of the member’s 
contributions is also payable.

During the year Louise Makin contributed £10,458 (2015: £10,206) to the Fund, representing 7% of her salary up to the earnings 
cap and the Group contributed £52,141 (2015: £46,364). 

Louise Makin receives a cash payment in lieu of pension to the value of 20% of base salary over the earnings cap. Rolf 
Soderstrom receives a cash payment in lieu of pension contributions to the aggregate value of 20% of base salary. These 
pension allowances are not subject to bonus or other benefits and are paid less such deductions as are required by law.

Directors’ shareholding and share interests (audited)
Subject to approval of the new policy at the 2016 AGM executive directors will continue to be required to build and maintain a 
holding of Group shares worth at least 250% of salary in the case of the CEO and 200% of salary in the case of the CFO. As at 
the date of this report they have already met such requirements.

Beneficially 
owned at 
31 March 2016 
and at the date 
of this report

544,377 
184,252 

10,000 
–
–
–
26,500
–

Executive Directors

Louise Makin
Rolf Soderstrom
Non-executive Directors
Garry Watts
Giles Kerr 
Ian Much
James O’Shea
Richard Wohanka
Susan Foden

Vested unexercised nil cost options

DSBP

–
–

PSP

–
–

N/A

Vested 
unexercised 
market value 
options

Subject to performance conditions

Options

PSP

Options

DSBP

Guideline 
met?

Yes
Yes 

662,040
422,494

1,636,498
1,113,589

–
–

–
–

Vested unexercised nil cost options count towards the guidelines on the basis of their net of tax value. Market value options do 
not count until such time as they have been exercised.

The Directors are not permitted to hold their shares in hedging arrangements or as collateral for loans without the express 
permission of the Board. None of the directors currently holds or has held their shares in such an arrangement.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 201673

Governance

Percentage increase in the remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer

CEO 
• Salary
• Benefits
• Bonus
Average per UK employee1 
• Salary 
• Benefits
• Bonus2

% change from 
2015 to 2016

3.0%
(19.3)%
(13.8)%

4.4%
(5.1)%
(17.8)%

1  We have an international workforce, however, as Louise Makin is a UK employee, the Committee considers UK employees to be the most relevant comparator group.
2  UK employee bonus based on estimated average payout for 31 March 2016.

Total shareholder return 
The performance of the Group’s ordinary shares compared with the FTSE 250 (the Index) for the seven-year period ended on 
31 March 2016 is shown in the graph below.

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

31 March 2009

31 March 2010

31 March 2011

31 March 2012

31 March 2013

31 March 2014

31 March 2015

31 March 2016

Source: Thomson Reuters

This graph shows the value, by 31 March 2016, of £100 invested in BTG plc on 31 March 2009 compared with the value of £100 invested in the FTSE 250 Index on the 
same date. The other points plotted are the values at intervening financial year-ends.

BTG

FTSE 250

The Group has chosen the Index as a comparator as it believes that it gives shareholders a reasonable comparison with the 
TSR of other equity investments in companies of a broadly similar size across all sectors. The TSR performance has been 
measured by NBS. 

The middle market price of an ordinary share on 31 March 2016 was 621.5p. During the year the share price ranged from a low 
of 520.5p to a high of 787.5p.

Total remuneration for the Chief Executive Officer over time

Total Remuneration (£,000)
Bonus Outturn (%)
LTIP Vesting (%)

2010

1,351
79%
100%

 2011

1,489
70%
89%

2012

1,944
95%
80%

2013

2,073
100%
92%

2014

1,757
82%
100%

2015

1,606
89%
100%

2016

3,444
75%
100%

The chart above shows the total remuneration for the Chief Executive during each of the financial years. The total remuneration 
figure includes the annual bonus and LTIP awards which vested based on performance in those years. The annual bonus and 
LTIP percentages show the payout for each year as a percentage of the maximum. 2016 reflects the vesting of the 2011 Core 
awards and the related 2014 Multiplier award.

Relative importance of spend on pay
The table below illustrates the change in expenditure by the Group on remuneration paid to all the employees of the Group and 
distributions to shareholders from the financial year ended 31 March 2015 to the financial year ended 31 March 2016.

Overall expenditure on pay
Dividend plus share buyback

2016 
(£m)

116.2
nil

2015
(£m)

Percentage 
change

100.2
nil

16%
n/a

These matters were selected to be shown as they represent key distributions by the Group to its stakeholders. The increase in 
expenditure on pay is largely linked to the increase in headcount of the Group in the year through both organic growth and the 
impact of the prior year acquisition of PneumRx.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration report continued

How the policy will be applied in 2016 and onwards

2016 salary review
Average increases for BTG’s UK employees for 2016 were 3%. The executive directors’ salaries were reviewed in March 2016 
and the following increases took effect from 1 April 2016. 

Louise Makin
Rolf Soderstrom

Salary as at 
1 April 2016

Salary as at 
1 April 2015

£650,000
£395,839

£586,327
£384,310

Increase %

10.9%
3%

74

Governance

Louise Makin’s salary has increased to reflect her sustained performance in the role and the increasing size and complexity of 
the business. In order to reposition her salary, it will be increased by 7.9% plus the 3% average increase for BTG employees 
this year. The CFO’s salary has increased in line with the workforce to £395,839.

Performance targets for the annual bonus and LTIP awards to be granted (subject to approval of the new policy)
The bonus opportunity for 2016 will increase to 150% of salary for both directors and for the year 2016/2017, will continue to 
be based on financial (70% of the total bonus) and individual and corporate metrics (30% of the total bonus) as detailed in the 
policy report on page 58. 

The Committee has chosen not to disclose, in advance, the performance targets for the forthcoming year as these include 
items which the Committee considers commercially sensitive. However, the financial metrics will continue to be based on 
three financial metrics, being revenue (1/3 weighting), trading profit (1/3 weighting) and operating cash flow (1/3 weighting). 
Full retrospective disclosure of the financial targets and performance against them will be seen in next year’s Annual 
Remuneration Report. The individual and corporate metrics will also be disclosed to the extent possible given their ongoing 
commercial sensitivity.

Targets for the PSP awards made during 2016/17 will be measured in the final year of the three-year period (the 2018/19 
financial year) and are as follows:

Adjusted EPS in the year ending 
31 March 2019

TSR relative to the constituents of 
the FTSE 250 over 3 financial years ending 
31 March 2019

Percentage of each 
element that vests

Below threshold
Threshold
Between threshold and stretch 25.2p to 32.8p

Less than 25.2p
25.2p

Stretch

32.8p or higher

Less than median
Median
Between median and  
upper quartile 
Upper quartile or higher 
Payouts for performance between Threshold and Stretch 
calculated on a straight line basis

0%
25%
25% to 100% on a straight  
line basis
100%

The Committee considered these to be appropriately stretching targets, having regard to the anticipated expiry of royalty 
licences, ongoing increased investment in R&D and an increase in the Group’s medium term effective tax rate. Targets have 
been set assuming constant currency.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Non-executive director 2016 remuneration
Set out in the table below are the fees paid for the year ended 31 March 2016 and proposed fees for the year ending  
31 March 2017.

Director

Chairman1
Non-executive director2
Senior independent director fee
Audit Committee chairmanship fee
Remuneration Committee chairmanship fee

As from 
1 April 2016
£

235,000
52,000
 5,000
 10,000
 10,000

As from 
1 April 2015
£

235,000
 50,000
 5,000
 10,000
 10,000

% increase

0%
 4%
0%
0%
0%

1  The fee is fixed until 31 December 2017, with no additional fee paid for his role as Chair of the Nomination Committee.
2  The aggregate basic fee paid in the year ended 31 March 2016 was £485,000 with special remuneration of £25,000 paid in total to the Audit and Remuneration Committee Chairmen and 

Senior Independent Director.

Shareholder voting at the Annual General Meeting
At last year’s Annual General Meeting held on 15 July 2015, the following votes were received from shareholders:

Remuneration Report

Percentage of eligible votes

Votes cast in favour 
Votes cast against 
Total votes cast
Abstentions 

317,812,265
1,706,341
319,518,906
644,080

Approval 
This report was approved by the Board on 16 May 2016 and signed on its behalf by

Ian Much
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

99.47%
0.53%
100%

75

Governance

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Directors’ report

76

Governance

In accordance with the Company’s 
articles of association, throughout the 
year the Company has maintained 
insurance cover for its directors and 
officers and those of its subsidiary 
companies under a directors’ and 
officers’ liability policy as permitted by 
sections 232 to 235 of the Companies 
Act 2006. The Company has also, to the 
extent permitted by law, entered into 
separate Deeds of Indemnity in favour 
of each of its directors to provide them 
with appropriate protection with 
respect to potential liabilities arising 
from the discharge of their duties. 
Neither the insurance policy nor the 
indemnities provide cover where the 
relevant director or officer is found to 
have acted fraudulently or intentionally 
breached the law.

Information on directors’ remuneration, 
contracts, options and their beneficial 
interests, including those of their 
immediate families, in the shares of the 
Company are shown in the directors’ 
remuneration report on pages 54 to 75. 
None of the directors had an interest in 
any contract of significance to which 
the Company or any of its subsidiaries 
was party during the year. 

Corporate governance
A report on corporate governance can 
be found on pages 36 to 47.

Environmental matters
Our greenhouse gas emissions have 
been calculated as carbon dioxide 
equivalents, these are disclosed in the 
People and Practices section of the 
strategic report on pages 19 to 21.

The directors present their report 
together with the financial statements 
and the independent auditor’s report for 
the year ended 31 March 2016.

Principal Activity
The principal activity of the Group is 
the business of healthcare: focusing 
on Interventional Medicine therapies 
for liver cancer, emphysema and 
vascular disorders, Specialty 
Pharmaceuticals for acute care uses, 
and a licensing business.

Strategic Report
The Group is required by the Companies 
Act 2006 to set out a fair and balanced 
review of the business, including the 
performance and development of the 
Group during the year and at the year 
end and a description of the principal 
risks it faces. This information is 
contained within the strategic report 
which can be found on pages 2 to 32 
and incorporated into this report by 
reference:
• The Chairman’s Statement on page 6, 
the Chief Executive’s review on pages 
7 and 8 and the Market Overview on 
pages 2 and 3 provide details of the 
Group’s principal activities and 
strategy, its performance during the 
year and its prospects for future 
development opportunities. 

• Details of the principal risks facing the 
Group are set out on pages 27 to 32. 

• Information relating to the 

environment, employees and 
stakeholders, health and safety, 
ethical considerations (including 
reporting of response to the UK 
Modern Slavery Act), charitable 
donations and policies regarding its 
employees is set out on pages 19 to 21. 

This information is prepared solely to 
assist shareholders to assess the 
Group’s overall strategy, the risks 
inherent in it and the potential for the 
strategy to succeed. The directors’ 
report should not be relied on by any 
other person or for any other purpose.

Forward-looking statements contained 
in this report have been made by the 
directors in good faith based on the 
information available to them up to the 
time of their approval of this report and 
such statements should be treated with 
caution due to the uncertainties, 
including economic and business risk 
factors, inherent in them. 

Further information on the Group is 
available on the website:  
www.btgplc.com. Notwithstanding the 
references made in this Annual Report 
to the Group’s website, none of the 
information made available on the 
website constitutes part of, or should be 
deemed to be incorporated by reference 
into, this Annual Report.

Results and dividends
The results for the year and the financial 
position at 31 March 2016 are shown in 
the Consolidated Income Statement on 
page 83 and the Consolidated 
Statement of Financial Position on page 
85. The directors do not recommend the 
payment of a dividend for the year 
(14/15: nil). The results of the Group for 
the year are explained further on pages 
22 to 26. 

Directors and their powers and 
interests
The directors of the Group at the date of 
this report, together with their 
biographical details and dates of 
appointment, are shown on pages 34 
and 35. 

The Board confirms that each of the 
directors who served during the year 
has been formally appraised during the 
period. All the directors continue to 
demonstrate commitment to the Group, 
the Board and to their role. In 
accordance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code (the Code), all 
directors of the Company will stand for 
election or re-election annually. 

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Share capital and shareholders
As at 31 March 2016 the issued share 
capital of the Company was 
£38,299,158, divided into 382,991,577 
shares of 10p each. During the year the 
share capital increased by 1,214,874 
shares due to the exercise and vesting 
of share awards by employees and 
former employees under the Company’s 
employee share schemes. The 
Company has only one class of shares 
and there are no restrictions on voting 
rights or on the holding or transfer of 
these securities. 

Details of the movements in the 
Company’s share capital are shown in 
note 19 to the financial statements on 
page 108. At 31 March 2016, the 
Company had 9,178 shareholders (2015: 
9,361). Further details of shareholdings 
and Company reporting dates may be 
found on page 131. 

The BTG Employee Share Trust holds 
shares in the Company which may be 
used for the benefit of employees. The 
shares held by the Trust have the same 
rights as those held by all other 
shareholders. Further details of the 
Trust are set out in note 24 to the 
financial statements on page 115. 

Details of outstanding share options and 
awards are set out in note 23 to the 
financial statements on pages 112 to 114.

As at 13 May 2016, the Company had 
been notified of the interests held, 
directly or indirectly, in 3% or more of 
the Company’s issued share capital, set 
out in the table above right. 

Articles of association
The Board may exercise all the powers 
of the Company, subject to the 
provisions of relevant statutes, the 
Company’s articles of association (the 
Articles) and any directions given by a 
special resolution of the shareholders. 
The Articles, for instance, contain 
certain specific provisions and 
restrictions regarding the Group’s power 
to borrow money. Powers relating to the 
issuing and buying back of shares are 
included in the Articles and are subject 
to such authorities being approved 
annually by shareholders at the Annual 
General Meeting (AGM). There is no 
current intention of requesting the 
authority to buy back shares of the 
Group. The rules for the election and 
re-election of directors are set out in the 
Articles however in line with the Code, 
the directors will stand for annual 
re-election at the AGM. The articles are 
available on the Group’s website at 
btgplc.com/responsibility/corporate-
governance/

Share capital and shareholders

Invesco Asset Management
Novo A/S
Woodford Investment Management
AXA Investment Managers
M&G Investment Management 
Aviva Investors
Standard Life Investments 
Schroder Investment Management 

Change of control
There are a number of agreements with 
third parties with terms that take effect 
after, or terminate upon, a change of 
control of the Group, such as 
commercial contracts, bank facility 
agreements, guarantees, property 
agreements and employee share plans. 
None of these are considered to be 
significant in terms of their likely impact 
on the business of the Group as a whole. 
Furthermore, the directors are not 
aware of any agreements between the 
Group and its directors or employees 
that provide for compensation for loss 
of office or employment following a 
takeover of the Group.

Research and Development
Research and Development (R&D) is an 
important part of the Group’s activities 
focusing in the areas of Interventional 
Medicine and Specialty Pharmaceuticals. 
The Group spent £77.2m (2014/15: 
£68.3m) on R&D during the year. 

Treasury management
The Group’s policy on the use of financial 
instruments and the management of 
financial risks is set out in note 26 to 
the accounts on pages 116 to 119.

Going concern 
The Group’s business activities 
together with the factors affecting its 
performance, position and future 
development are set out within the 
strategic report on pages 2 to 32 

The directors have reviewed the current 
and projected financial position of the 
Group, making reasonable assumptions 
about future performance and taking 
into account the Group’s cash balances 
and available financial facilities. On the 
basis of this review, and after making 
due enquiries, the directors have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group 
has adequate resources to continue to 
operate for the next twelve months. For 
this reason they continue to adopt the 
going concern basis in preparing the 
financial statements.

Shareholding

% holding

86,084,177
44,173,492
31,574,541
22,418,717
18,706,406
18,652,447
16,018,069
13,566,930

22.48%
11.53%
8.24%
5.85%
4.88%
4.87%
4.18%
3.54%

Viability Statement
In accordance with the 2014 edition 
of the Code, directors are also required 
to provide a broader assessment of 
viability over a longer period. This 
statement, assessing the viability of the 
Group over the three-year period of that 
assessment can be found on page 29 of 
the strategic report.

Political donations 
The Group did not make any political 
donations during the financial year 
(2014/15: nil).

77

Governance

Annual General Meeting
The AGM of the Company will be held at 
10.30 am on 14 July 2016 at the offices 
of Stephenson Harwood LLP, 1 Finsbury 
Circus, London EC2M 7SH. Matters to 
be considered at the meeting include 
resolutions to receive the Annual Report 
and Accounts, to reappoint the auditor 
and re-elect the directors. In addition, 
shareholders will be asked to approve 
the new Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
and the BTG Performance Share Plan 
2016. A summary of the new policy can 
be found in the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report on pages 54 to 75.

Disclosure of information 
to the auditor
The directors who held office at the date 
of approval of this Report confirm that, 
so far as they are each aware, there is 
no relevant audit information of which 
the Group’s auditor is unaware; and 
each director has taken all the steps 
that they ought to have taken as a 
director to make themselves aware of 
any relevant audit information and to 
establish that the Group’s auditor is 
aware of that information.

Auditor
Resolutions will be proposed at the 
forthcoming AGM, to reappoint KPMG 
LLP as auditor and to authorise the 
directors to determine its remuneration.

By order of the Board

Dr Paul Mussenden
Company Secretary
16 May 2016

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Statement of directors’ responsibilities  
in respect of the annual report 2016  
and the financial statements

78

Governance

The directors are responsible for 
keeping adequate accounting records 
that are sufficient to show and explain 
the parent company’s transactions and 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at 
any time the financial position of the 
parent company and enable them to 
ensure that its financial statements 
comply with the Companies Act 2006. 
They have general responsibility for 
taking such steps as are reasonably 
open to them to safeguard the assets of 
the Group and to prevent and detect 
fraud and other irregularities. 

Under applicable law and regulations, 
the directors are also responsible for 
preparing a Strategic Report, Directors’ 
Report, Directors’ Remuneration Report 
and Corporate Governance Statement 
that complies with that law and those 
regulations. 

The directors are responsible for the 
maintenance and integrity of the 
corporate and financial information 
included on the Group’s website. 
Legislation in the UK governing the 
preparation and dissemination of 
financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

The directors are responsible for 
preparing the Annual Report 2016 and 
the Group and parent company 
financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the directors to 
prepare Group and parent company 
financial statements for each financial 
year. Under that law they are required to 
prepare the Group financial statements 
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by 
the EU and applicable law and have 
elected to prepare the parent company 
financial statements on the same basis. 

Under company law the directors must 
not approve the financial statements 
unless they are satisfied that they give a 
true and fair view of the state of affairs 
of the Group and parent company and 
of their profit or loss for that period. In 
preparing each of the Group and parent 
company financial statements, the 
directors are required to: 
• select suitable accounting policies and 

then apply them consistently; 

• make judgments and estimates that 

are reasonable and prudent; 
• state whether they have been 

prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 
adopted by the EU; and 

• prepare the financial statements on 
the going concern basis unless it is 
inappropriate to presume that the 
Group and the parent company will 
continue in business. 

Responsibility statement 
of the directors in 
respect of the annual 
financial report
We confirm that to the best of our 
knowledge:
• the financial statements, prepared in 
accordance with the applicable set of 
accounting standards, give a true and 
fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit or loss of 
the Group and the undertakings 
included in the consolidation taken as 
a whole; and 

• the strategic report includes a fair 
review of the development and 
performance of the business and the 
position of the issuer and the 
undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole, 
together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that 
they face. 

We consider the annual report and 
accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, 
balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the Group’s 
position and performance, business 
model and strategy.

The directors’ report comprising pages 
76 and 77, and including the sections of 
the Annual Report and Accounts 
referred to in these pages, has been 
approved by the Board and signed on its 
behalf by:

Dame Louise Makin
Chief Executive Officer

Rolf Soderstrom
Chief Financial Officer
16 May 2016

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Financials

Financial statements, 
notes and other key data.

Independent auditor’s report
Consolidated income statement
Consolidated statement of  
comprehensive income
Consolidated statement of  
financial position
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Consolidated statement of changes  
in equity
Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements
Company financial statements  
Statement of financial position
Statement of cash flows
Statement of changes in equity
Notes to the company financial statements
Five-year financial record
Shareholder information

79

Financials

80
83
84

85

86
87

88

124

125
125
126
129
131

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Independent auditor’s report  
to the members of BTG plc only

Opinions and conclusions arising from our audit
1. Our opinion on the financial statements is unmodified 
We have audited the financial statements of BTG plc for the year ended 31 March 2016 set out on pages 83 to 128.
In our opinion: 
• the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 March 

2016 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;

• the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 

adopted by the European Union (IFRSs as adopted by the EU);

• the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and as 

applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and

• the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards 

the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

2. Our assessment of risks of material misstatement
In arriving at our audit opinion above on the financial statements the risks of material misstatement that had the greatest 
effect on our audit were as follows:

Recoverability of other intangible assets: £599m (2015: £598m) and goodwill: £188m (2015: £184m).  
Risk vs 2015 .
Refer to page 48 (Audit Committee statement), page 89 (accounting policy) and page 105 (financial disclosures).

The risk:

Our response:

The assessment of the recoverability of other intangible 
assets and goodwill requires significant judgement in 
determining the future prospects and cash flows of the cash 
generating units to which other intangible assets and 
goodwill are allocated.

Due to the challenges in expanding reimbursement coverage 
for Varithena® and PneumRx® Coils and the risk in obtaining 
required clinical and regulatory approvals there is inherent 
uncertainty involved in forecasting and discounting future 
cash flows, which are the basis of the assessment of 
recoverability. The carrying values of other intangible assets 
for Varithena® and PneumRx at 31 March 2016 were £22 
million and £189 million respectively.

80

Financials

In this area our procedures included the following:
• Evaluating the Group’s key assumptions and methodologies, 

in particular those in respect of assets or CGUs where 
impairment indicators exist: Varithena, an early stage asset, 
or where headroom is lower: PneumRx, a more recent 
acquisition and also an early stage asset.

• In particular, we critically challenged the assumed revenue 
projections by reference to those achieved historically, and 
external market data, where available, in terms of market size 
and expectations of market share.

• We used our own valuation specialists to critically challenge 
the discount rates used by the Group and benchmarked to 
those used by an external peer group.

• We critically assessed the other assumptions used by the 
Group using our own assessments and a comparison to 
recent performance in relation to key inputs such as forecast 
revenue over the next three years, operating margins and 
cash flow growth.

• We applied sensitivities to the assumptions used by the 

Group in its impairment calculations to evaluate the impact 
on the headroom for each CGU. This included a consideration 
of the historical accuracy of the Group’s forecasting for 
Varithena since launch and for PneumRx since ownership to 
inform our own assessments noted above.

• To assess the reasonableness of the forecast discounted 

cash flows, we compared the sum of those future cash flows 
to the Group’s market capitalisation.

• We also assessed whether the Group’s disclosures (see Note 
12) about the sensitivity of the outcome of the impairment 
assessment to changes in key assumptions reflected the  
key risks inherent in the valuation of other intangible assets 
and goodwill.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016  
Active government (DOJ) investigation. New risk.
Refer to page 48 (Audit Committee statement), page 89 (accounting policy) and page 115 (financial disclosures).

The risk:

Our response:

In the normal course of business, contingent liabilities may 
arise from government investigations into the Group’s 
compliance with laws and regulations. The amounts 
involved could have a significant impact on the results of the 
Group if the potential exposures were to materialise. 
Management applies significant judgement when 
determining whether, and how much, to provide for such 
investigations. We focused on this area due to the active 
investigation by the US Department of Justice regarding  
LC Bead® covering the period since 2003, the magnitude  
of potential exposure, and the inherent complexity  
and judgement in whether to provide for or disclose  
this exposure.

Having made enquiries of Directors to obtain their view on the 
status of the significant investigations, our principal 
procedures included the following:
• We discussed the nature and status of exposures with 

in-house legal counsel and obtained letters from the Group’s 
external legal counsel to corroborate management’s position 
for significant investigations.

• We considered legal expenses incurred during the year, 

monitored external sources and considered assessments 
made of the probability of adverse outcomes and the 
reliability of estimating any obligation.

• We assessed the appropriateness of provisions recorded in the 

financial statements, or the rationale for not recording a 
provision, and the completeness and accuracy of disclosures in 
respect of contingent liabilities in light of the procedures above.

Recognition of deferred tax assets: Risk vs 2015.
Refer to page 48 (Audit Committee statement), page 89 (accounting policy) and page 101 (financial disclosures).

The risk:

Our response:

The Group has significant tax losses which have been 
acquired as part of business combinations or from past 
business performance. There is inherent uncertainty 
involved assessing both the availability of losses and in 
forecasting future taxable profits, which determines the 
extent to which deferred tax assets are recognised. This is 
one of the key judgmental areas that our audit is 
concentrated on.

Our procedures included the following:
• We evaluated the appropriateness of management’s key 
assumptions and estimates, in particular the likelihood of 
generating sufficient future taxable profits to support the 
recognition of deferred tax assets, in reference to recent 
product launches, performance trends and acquisitions.
• Upon acquisition of EKOS, using KPMG tax specialists, we 

critically assessed the Group’s analysis of the historic losses 
acquired and which of those were impacted by a change of 
control clause. In the current year we reviewed these 
assessments and conclusions for their appropriateness. 
• We assessed whether the Group’s disclosures about the 
sensitivity of the recognition of deferred tax assets to 
reasonably possible changes in key assumptions reflected 
the associated inherent risks.

81

Financials

3. Our application of materiality and an overview of the scope of our audit
Materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole was set at £4.0 million (2015: 6.0 million), determined, as last year,
with reference to a benchmark of Group revenue, of which it represents 0.9% reflecting consensus levels (2015: 1.6%). We 
consider Group revenue to be the most appropriate benchmark as revenue remains a key performance indicator of the group 
monitored by stakeholders. 

We reported to the audit committee any corrected or uncorrected misstatements identified exceeding £0.2m (2015: £0.3m),  
in addition to other identified misstatements that warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

Of the Group’s 25 (2015: 25) reporting components, we subjected 14 (2015:14) to audits for Group reporting purposes and 1 
(2015: 2) to specified risk-focused audit procedures on key working capital captions. The latter was not individually financially 
significant enough to require an audit for Group reporting purposes, but did present specific individual risks that needed to be 
addressed. In aggregate our audit procedures covered 88% (2015: 99%) of total Group revenue; 95% (2015: 96%) of Group profit 
before taxation; and 96% (2015: 99%) of total Group assets.

The group team instructed component auditors as to the significant areas to be covered, including the relevant risks detailed 
above and the information to be reported back. Component materialities were all set, or approved, by the group team, and 
ranged from £0.2m to £3.9m (2015: £0.1m to £5.9m), having regard to the mix of size and risk profile of the Group across the 
components. The group team performed the work on recoverability of other intangible assets and goodwill, active government 
investigation by the US Department of Justice and recognition of deferred tax assets. Of the 15 components noted above, two 
are based in the USA, one in Australia and eight within sites in the UK (England and Wales), these were all audited by KPMG 
component teams. The remaining 4 components were audited by the group team.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Independent auditor’s report  
to the members of BTG plc only (continued)

The group team visited two (2015: three) component locations in the USA and England. Video or telephone conference meetings 
were also held with all component auditors including those that were not physically visited by the group team (Australia and 
Wales). At these visits and meetings, the findings reported to the group team were discussed in more detail, and any further 
work required by the group team was then performed by the component auditor.

4. Our opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 is unmodified 
In our opinion: 
• the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies  

Act 2006; and

• the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements 

are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

5. We have nothing to report on the disclosures of principal risks 
Based on the knowledge we acquired during our audit, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to:
• the Directors’ viability statement on page 29, concerning the principal risks, their management, and, based on that, the 
Directors’ assessment and expectations of the Group’s continuing in operation over the three years to 31 March 2019; or

• the disclosures in Note 1 of the Financial Statements concerning the use of the going concern basis of accounting.

6. We have nothing to report in respect of the matters on which we are required to 
report by exception 
Under ISAs (UK and Ireland) we are required to report to you if, based on the knowledge we acquired during our audit, we have 
identified other information in the annual report that contains a material inconsistency with either that knowledge or the 
financial statements, a material misstatement of fact, or that is otherwise misleading.
In particular, we are required to report to you if:
• we have identified material inconsistencies between the knowledge we acquired during our audit and the directors’ statement 
that they consider that the annual report and financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, business model and 
strategy; or

• the Audit Committee Report does not appropriately address matters communicated by us to the Audit Committee.
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 

received from branches not visited by us; or

• the parent company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in 

agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

• certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:
• the Directors’ Statements, set out on pages 77 and 29, in relation to going concern and longer-term viability; and
• the part of the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 36 to 49 relating to the company’s compliance with the eleven 

82

Financials

provisions of the 2014 UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review.

We have nothing to report in respect of the above responsibilities.

Scope and responsibilities
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 78, the directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. A description of the scope of an 
audit of financial statements is provided on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate.
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, and is subject to important explanations and disclaimers 
regarding our responsibilities, published on our website at www.kpmg.com/uk/auditscopeukco2014a, which are incorporated 
into this report as if set out in full and should be read to provide an understanding of the purpose of this report, the work we 
have undertaken and the basis of our opinions. 

Richard Broadbelt (Senior  Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants 
15 Canada Square 
London 
E14 5GL

16 May 2016

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
 
Consolidated income statement

Year ended 31 March 2016

Year ended 31 March 2015

Results before 
acquisition
adjustments and
reorganisation
costs
£m

Acquisition
adjustments and
reorganisation
costs
£m

447.5
(139.3)
308.2

–
4.4

(141.4)
(137.0)
(77.2)

–
(1.0)
–
93.0
1.4
(1.8)
92.6

–
(1.5)
(1.5)

(35.0)
–

–
(35.0)
–

–
–
–
(36.5)
3.0
(1.6)
(35.1)

Results before
acquisition
adjustments and
reorganisation
costs
£m

Acquisition
adjustments and 
reorganisation
costs 
£m

367.8
(113.8)
254.0

–
6.7

(124.8)
(118.1)
(68.3)

0.3
–
–
67.9
0.1
(7.3)
60.7

–
(0.9)
(0.9)

(28.4)
–

–
(28.4)
–

–
–
(3.7)
(33.0)
–
(1.0)
(34.0)

Total
£m

447.5
(140.8)
306.7

(35.0)
4.4

(141.4)
(172.0)
(77.2)

–
(1.0)
–
56.5
4.4
(3.4)
57.5
3.0
60.5

15.8p
15.6p

Total
£m

367.8
(114.7)
253.1

(28.4)
6.7

(124.8)
(146.5)
(68.3)

0.3
–
(3.7)
34.9
0.1
(8.3)
26.7
6.9
33.6

9.1p
9.0p

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses:
Amortisation of acquired intangible 
assets
Foreign exchange gains
Selling, general and  
administrative expenses
Operating expenses: total
Research and Development
Profit on disposal of property, plant 
and equipment and intangible assets
Other operating expenses
Acquisition and reorganisation costs
Operating profit
Financial income
Financial expense
Profit before tax
Tax credit
Profit for the year

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

Note

4

4

13

5
6
8
9

10

11
11

All activity arose from continuing operations.

83

Financials

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Foreign exchange translation differences
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability asset
Deferred tax on defined benefit pension scheme asset
Other comprehensive income for the year
Total comprehensive income for the year

The notes on pages 88 to 123 form part of these financial statements

Note

19

22

Year ended
31 March
2016
£m

60.5

Year ended
31 March
2015
£m

33.6

18.7

3.3
(1.1)
20.9
81.4

41.6

2.2
(1.8)
42.0
75.6

84

Financials

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Consolidated statement of financial position

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Other investments
Deferred tax asset
Employee benefits
Derivative financial instruments

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Corporation tax receivable
Derivative financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets
EQUITY
Share capital
Share premium
Merger reserve
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial instruments
Corporation tax payable
Provisions

Total liabilities
Total equity and liabilities

Year ended
31 March
2016
£m

Year ended
31 March
2015
£m

Note

12
13
14
15
10
22
21

16
17
10
21
18

19

19

20
10
25

20
21
10
25

187.9
599.2
35.7
1.4
6.8
19.3
1.0
851.3

46.5
106.5
1.8
2.3
140.4
297.5
1,148.8

38.3
434.8
317.8
28.1
28.7
847.7

27.5
147.0
1.6
176.1

114.8
3.0
5.8
1.4
125.0
301.1
1,148.8

183.8
597.9
35.5
3.0
4.9
13.2
–
838.3

40.5
91.9
1.4
–
73.8
207.6
1,045.9

38.2
433.8
317.8
9.4
(40.6)
758.6

17.9
152.4
1.4
171.7

111.0
0.9
3.2
0.5
115.6
287.3
1,045.9

85

Financials

The notes on pages 88 to 123 form part of these financial statements. 

The financial statements were approved by the Board on 16 May 2016 and were signed on its behalf by:

Dame Louise Makin 
Chief Executive Officer 

Rolf Soderstrom
Chief Financial Officer

Registered No. 2670500

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Consolidated statement of cash flows

Profit after tax for the year
Tax credit
Financial income
Financial expense
Operating profit

Adjustments for:

Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Amounts written off investments
Amortisation of intangible assets
Depreciation and impairment on property, plant and equipment
Share-based payments
Pension scheme funding
Fair value adjustments

Cash from operations before movements in working capital

Increase in inventories
Increase in trade and other receivables
Increase in trade and other payables
Increase in provisions
Cash from operations

Corporation tax paid
Net cash inflow from operating activities

Investing activities
Interest paid
Purchases of intangible assets
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Acquisition of businesses net of cash acquired
Other
Net proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds of share issues
Other financing activities 
Net cash inflow from financing activities

86

Financials

Increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at start of year
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Year ended 
31 March
2016
£m

Year ended 
31 March
2015
£m

60.5
(3.0)
(4.4)
3.4
56.5

–
1.6
38.0
6.6
6.7
(2.9)
1.5
108.0

(7.6)
(14.4)
14.7
1.1
101.8

(6.2)
95.6

–
(24.3)
(6.2)
–
0.6
–
(29.9)

1.1
(1.1)
–

65.7
73.8
0.9
140.4

33.6
(6.9)
(0.1)
8.3
34.9

(0.3)
–
29.5
5.5
5.6
(2.9)
0.9
73.2

(11.4)
(14.9)
14.8
1.0
62.7

(15.2)
47.5

(0.1)
(1.4)
(9.8)
(147.7)
–
0.1
(158.9)

147.2
(1.0)
146.2

34.8
38.2
0.8
73.8

Note

10
8
9

15
13
14

22

13
14
31

19

18

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity

At 1 April 2014

Profit for the year
Foreign exchange translation differences
Remeasurements of the net defined benefit 
liability asset
Deferred tax on defined benefit pension 
scheme asset
Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners:
Issue of BTG plc ordinary shares
Movement in shares held by the Trust
Share-based payments
At 31 March 2015

At 1 April 2015

Profit for the year
Foreign exchange translation differences
Remeasurements of the net defined benefit 
liability asset
Deferred tax on defined benefit pension 
scheme asset
Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners:
Issue of BTG plc ordinary shares
Movement in shares held by the Trust
Share-based payments
At 31 March 2016

1  For further details on the merger reserve see note 19.

Share 
capital
£m

36.1

Share 
premium
£m

288.7

Merger 
reserve1
£m

317.8

Other 
reserves
£m

(32.2)

–
–

–

–
–

2.1
–
–
38.2

Share 
capital
£m

38.2

–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–

–
–

145.1
–
–
433.8

Share 
premium
£m

433.8

–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–
317.8

Merger 
reserve1
£m

317.8

–
–

–

–
–

0.1
–
–
38.3

1.0
–
–
434.8

–
–
–
317.8

–
41.6

–

–
41.6

–
–
–
9.4

Other 
reserves
£m

9.4

–
18.7

–

–
18.7

–
–
–
28.1

Retained 
earnings
£m

(80.0)

33.6
–

2.2

 (1.8)
34.0

–
(0.2)
5.6
(40.6)

Retained 
earnings
£m

(40.6)

60.5
–

3.3

 (1.1)
62.7

–
(0.1)
6.7
28.7

Total 
equity
£m

530.4

33.6
41.6

2.2

 (1.8)
75.6

147.2
(0.2)
5.6
758.6

Total 
equity
£m

758.6

60.5
18.7

3.3

 (1.1)
81.4

1.1
(0.1)
6.7
847.7

The notes on pages 88 to 123 form part of these financial statements.

87

Financials

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the consolidated financial statements

1. General information
BTG plc (the ‘Company’) is a company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom and listed on the London Stock 
Exchange. The consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2016 comprise the results of the 
Company and its subsidiary undertakings (together referred to as the ‘Group’) and the Group’s interest in associates.

The financial statements were approved for issue by the Board on 16 May 2016.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies as approved by the Board 
and described below.

Accounting standards adopted in the year
No standards and interpretations issued by the EU adopted in the year had a significant impact on the Group.

Accounting standards issued but not yet effective
No standards and interpretations issued by the EU but not yet effective are expected to have a significant impact on the Group.

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ was issued by the IASB in May 2014, effective for accounting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2018. The Group is currently assessing the impact, if any, of IFRS 15 on the Group’s consolidated 
financial statements.

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ was issued by the IASB in January 2016, effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019.
The Group is currently assessing the impact, if any, of IFRS 16 on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

Going concern basis 
After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources 
to continue in operational existence for the next 12 months. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing the Annual Report and Accounts.

This conclusion has been reached having considered the effect of liquidity risk on the Group’s ability to operate effectively.
Currently, liquidity risk is not considered a significant business risk to the Group given its level of net cash and cash flow 
projections. The Group does not currently require significant levels of debt financing to operate its business. Further details of 
the Group’s policies and objectives around liquidity risk are given in note 26 to the Accounts and are discussed in the Strategic 
Report on pages 2 to 34. The key liquidity risks faced by the Group are considered to be the failure of banks where funds are 
deposited and the failure of key licensees, distribution partners, wholesalers or insurers.

In addition to the liquidity risks considered above, the directors have also considered the following factors when reaching the 
conclusion to continue to adopt the going concern basis:
• The Group’s principal licensees are global industry leaders in their respective fields and the Group’s royalty-generating 

intellectual property consists of a broad portfolio of licensees;

• Many of the Group’s products are life-saving in nature, providing some protection against an uncertain economic outlook; and
• In November 2015, the Group signed a £100m multi-currency revolving credit facility providing access to funds for a period of

three years to November 2018 with the option to extend for a further two years. This facility remains undrawn.

Acquisition adjustments and reorganisation costs
The consolidated income statement includes a separate column to disclose acquisition adjustments and reorganisation costs 
arising on corporate acquisitions. Significant adjustments relate to the acquisitions of:
• PneumRx, Inc. in January 2015;
• EKOS Corporation in July 2013;
• Targeted Therapies Division of Nordion Inc. in July 2013;
• Biocompatibles International plc in January 2011; and
• Protherics PLC in December 2008.
The costs relate to the following:
• Amortisation and impairment arising on intangible assets acquired;
• Transaction costs incurred in relation to the completion of the corporate acquisitions;
• The release of the fair value uplift of inventory acquired;
• Reorganisation costs predominantly comprising acquisition related redundancy programmes, property costs, and asset 

impairments; and

• Fair value adjustments to contingent consideration on corporate acquisitions.

88

Financials

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
2. Significant accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies 
have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

(a)  Basis of accounting and preparation of financial statements
The Group financial statements have been prepared and approved by the directors in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (‘Adopted IFRSs’).

The Group financial statements are presented in sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest £0.1m except where 
otherwise indicated and have been prepared on the historical cost basis modified to include revaluation to fair value of certain 
financial instruments and business combination assets as set out below.

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to 
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements 
and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Judgements made by the directors in the application of these accounting policies that have significant effect on the financial
statements and estimates with a significant risk of material adjustment in future periods are discussed in note 3.

(b)  Basis of consolidation
Subsidiary undertakings
Subsidiary undertakings are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights 
to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the 
entity. The financial statements of subsidiary undertakings are included in the consolidated financial statements from the 
date that control commences until the date that control ceases.

Associates
Associates are those entities in which the Group has significant influence, but not control, over the financial and operating 
policies. The consolidated financial statements include the Group’s proportionate share of the total recognised gains and 
losses of associates on an equity-accounted basis, from the date that significant influence commences until the date that 
significant influence ceases. When the Group’s share of losses exceeds the carrying value of its interest in an associate, the 
Group’s carrying amount is reduced to nil and no further losses are recognised except to the extent that the Group has incurred 
legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of an associate.

Acquisition accounting
The purchase method is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group. The cost of an acquisition is measured 
as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange.
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed are measured initially at their fair values on the 
date of acquisition, irrespective of the extent of any minority interest. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of
the Group’s share of identifiable net assets, including intangible assets acquired, is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of 
acquisition is less than the fair value of the Group’s share of net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised 
directly in the income statement.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring accounting policies used into line 
with those used by the Group.

89

Financials

Merger reserve
A merger reserve is used where more than 90% of the shares in a subsidiary are acquired and the consideration includes the 
issue of new shares by the Company, thereby attracting merger relief under s612 and s613 of the Companies Act 2006.

Translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of 
foreign operations.

Fair value reserve
The fair value reserve includes the cumulative net change in the fair value of available-for-sale investments. If an investment 
suffers impairment due to a prolonged or significant decline in the fair value below acquisition cost, its share of the reserve is 
recycled to the income statement and any further declines in fair value of that investment are no longer charged to the reserve 
but immediately taken to the income statement.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

2. Significant accounting policies continued
Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intragroup balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intragroup transactions, are 
eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealised gains arising from transactions with associates are 
eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the entity. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised 
gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

(c)  Operating segments
An operating segment is defined as a component of the Group (i) that engages in business activities from which it may earn 
revenues and incur expenses; (ii) whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Group’s chief operating decision maker 
(the Leadership Team) to make resource allocation decisions and monitor its performance; and (iii) for which discrete financial 
information is available.

(d)  Foreign currency
(i)  Foreign currency transactions
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary 
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at the foreign exchange rate 
ruling at that date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the income statement. Non-monetary 
assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate 
at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are stated at fair 
value are translated at foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates the fair value was determined. Exchange gains/losses on 
retranslation of foreign currency transactions and balances within trading intercompany balances are recognised in the 
income statement within ‘Operating expenses’.

(ii)  Financial statements of foreign operations
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation, are 
translated into sterling at exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses of foreign operations 
are translated into sterling at rates approximating to the exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions. Foreign 
exchange differences arising on retranslation are recognised directly in the translation reserve.

(iii)  Net investment in foreign operations
Exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations are taken to the translation 
reserve. They are released to the income statement upon disposal of the investment.

90

Financials

(e)  Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments are recognised at fair value and are measured at fair value through the income statement  
on inception. The gain or loss on remeasurement to fair value is recognised immediately in the income statement through 
‘Financial income’ or ‘Financial expense’ as appropriate. 

The fair value of forward exchange contracts is derived from observable inputs from active markets at the balance sheet date.

(f)  Goodwill
All business combinations are accounted for by applying the purchase method. Goodwill represents amounts arising on the 
acquisition of subsidiary undertakings and associates. In respect of business combinations that have occurred since 1 April 
2004, goodwill represents the difference between the cost of the acquisition and the fair value of the identifiable assets,
including intangible assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired.

Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units, being its 
operating segments, and is tested annually for impairment (see 2(m)). In respect of associates, the carrying value of goodwill is 
included in the carrying value of the investment in the associate.

Initial recognition

(g)   Intangible assets 
(i) 
Intangible assets acquired as a result of a business combination are initially recognised at their fair value in accordance with 
IFRS 3 – ‘Business Combinations’.

Other intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. Cost includes the cost of obtaining patent protection for intellectual 
property rights, the cost of acquisition of patents and the costs of the internal patent attorney specific to obtaining the initial
grant of a patent. Income from patents is derived through licensing and other agreements.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
(ii)  Amortisation
Intangible assets are amortised in a manner calculated to write off the cost, on a straight-line basis, over the effective life of 
the asset. In determining the appropriate life of the asset, consideration is given to the expected cash generating life of the 
asset or remaining patent life if different.

The effective life of each class of asset is determined as follows:
• Developed technology: expected cash generating life, taking into account specific product and market characteristics for each 

developed technology;

• Contractual relationships: period to expiry of the contract;
• In-process Research and Development: amortisation is not charged until the asset is generating an economic return, at which 

point the effective life is assessed by reference to the remaining patent life;

• Computer software: the shorter of the licence period and three years;
• Patents: period to patent expiry; and
• Purchase of contractual rights: period to expiry of the contract.
In the event that an intangible asset is no longer used or a patent is abandoned, the balance of unamortised expenditure is 
written off immediately. 

The following useful economic lives are applied:

Developed technology 

Contractual relationships 

In-process Research and Development 

Computer software 

Patents 

Purchase of contractual rights 

2 to 25 years

2 to 15 years

12 to 25 years

3 years

up to 20 years

2 to 10 years

(iii)   Income statement disclosure
Amortisation relating to acquired intangibles is shown on the face of the income statement within Amortisation of acquired 
intangibles. Other amortisation is shown within Cost of sales, Selling, general and administrative expenses or Research  and 
Development.

(iv)  Subsequent expenditure
Expenditure subsequent to the initial acquisition of intangible assets is capitalised only when it increases the future 
economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenditure is expensed as incurred.

Impairment

(v) 
If an intangible asset is considered to have suffered impairment in value it is written down to its estimated recoverable 
amount in accordance with the Group’s policy on impairment (see note 2(m)). 

(h)  Property, plant and equipment
(i)  Owned assets
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses  
(see note 2(m)). 

(ii)  Depreciation
Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis to write assets down to their residual value using 
the following useful economics lives:

91

Financials

Buildings and improvements 

Leasehold improvements  

Plant and machinery 

Furniture and equipment  

Motor vehicles 

Computer hardware  

10 to 20 years

2 to 10 years

3 to 15 years 

2 to 15 years

5 years

3 to 5 years 

Depreciation is not charged until the asset is brought into use. The residual value is reassessed annually.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

2. Significant accounting policies continued
(iii)   Income statement disclosure

Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment is included within Cost of sales, Selling, general and 
administrative expenses or Research and Development in the income statement. 

Profits and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount. These are included in Profit/
loss on sale of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets in the income statement. 

(iv)  Subsequent expenditure
Expenditure subsequent to the initial acquisition of a tangible fixed asset is capitalised only when it is probable that the Group 
will realise future economic benefits from the asset.

Impairment

(v) 
If a tangible asset is considered to have suffered impairment in value it is written down to its estimated recoverable amount in 
accordance with the Group’s policy on impairment (see note 2(m)).

Investments

(i) 
Investments in debt and equity securities held by the Group are stated at fair value, with any resultant gain or loss being 
recognised directly in equity, except for impairment losses and, in the case of monetary items such as debt securities, foreign 
exchange gains and losses which are taken to the income statement. When these investments are no longer recognised as 
assets, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised directly in equity is recognised in the income statement. Where these 
investments are interest-bearing, interest calculated using the effective interest method is recognised in the income 
statement.

Inventories

(j) 
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The first in, first out method of valuation is used. Cost 
comprises materials, direct labour and a share of production overheads appropriate to the relevant stage of production. 
Provision is made for obsolete, slow-moving or defective items where appropriate. Net realisable value is determined at the 
balance sheet date on commercially saleable products based on estimated selling price less all further costs to completion 
and all relevant marketing, selling and distribution costs. 

Inventories  relating to Research and Development projects are fully written down in the income statement unless the Group 
considers it probable to realise economic value from their sale or use. If the circumstances that previously caused these 
inventories to be written down below cost subsequently change and there is clear evidence of an increase in realisable value,
the write down is reversed.

(k)  Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables do not carry interest and are stated at amortised cost less impairment losses (see 2(m)).

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Financials

(l)  Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form 
an integral part of the Group’s cash management and for which the Group has a legal right of set-off are included as a 
component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows.

Cash deposits with a maturity of greater than three months are classified as held to maturity financial assets.

(m)  Impairment
Impairment testing is performed for all assets when there is an indicator of impairment.

In addition, for goodwill and unamortised intangible assets, impairment testing is performed both in the year of acquisition and 
annually at each balance sheet date. An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its 
cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. 

Other specific categories of asset are treated as follows:

(i)  Equity investments
Impairment is deemed to arise when there is a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the equity instrument.
Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.

(ii)  Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are subject to impairment testing at each balance sheet date and whenever there are events 
that indicate that an impairment may have occurred. An impairment loss is recognised if an asset’s carrying amount exceeds 
the greater of its value in use and fair value less costs to sell. Impairment losses are recognised within Cost of sales, Selling,
general and administrative expenses or Research and Development in the income statement.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
(iii)  Amortised intangible assets
Amortised intangible assets are also tested for impairment whenever there are indications that the carrying value may not be 
recoverable. Intangible assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows. Any 
impairment losses are recognised immediately in the income statement. When assessing the recoverable amount of an 
intangible asset the Group uses a risk adjusted discounted cash flow model.

(iv)  Available-for-sale assets
When a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale asset has been recognised directly in equity and there is objective 
evidence that the asset is impaired, the cumulative loss that had been recognised directly in equity is recognised in the income 
statement. The amount of the cumulative loss that is recognised in the income statement is the difference between the 
acquisition cost and current fair value, less any impairment loss on that financial asset previously recognised in the income 
statement.

An impairment loss in respect of an investment in an equity instrument classified as available-for-sale is not reversed through 
the income statement. If the fair value of a debt instrument classified as available-for-sale increases and the increase can be 
objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised in the income statement, the impairment 
loss shall be reversed, with the amount of the reversal recognised in the income statement.

(n)  Government grants
Government grants towards staff retraining costs are recognised as income over the periods in which the related costs are 
incurred and are deducted in reporting the related expense.

Government grants relating to property, plant and equipment are treated as deferred income and released to the income 
statement over the useful lives of the assets concerned.

(o)  Employee benefits
(i)  Defined contribution plans
Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an expense in the income statement as 
incurred. Payments made to state-managed retirement benefit schemes are dealt with in the same manner as payments to 
defined contribution plans where the Group’s obligations under the plans are equivalent to a defined contribution retirement 
benefit plan. The funds of the schemes are independent of the Group’s finances.

(ii)  Defined benefit plan
For the Group’s defined benefit pension plan, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the projected unit credit 
method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date. The assumptions used to determine the 
valuation are shown in note 22. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the period in which they occur. Actuarial
gains and losses are recognised outside the income statement and presented in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income.

Administrative costs of running the scheme are expensed directly in the Income Statement. 

Past service cost is recognised immediately through the Income Statement.

Assets of the pension scheme are held separately from the Group’s assets. 

(iii)  Share-based payments
In accordance with the transition provisions of IFRS 1 (First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards), IFRS 
2 (Share-based Payment) has been applied to all share-based grants made to employees after 7 November 2002 that had not 
vested as of 1 January 2005.

The share option programme allows Group employees to acquire shares of the Company, subject to certain criteria. The fair 
value of options granted is recognised as an expense of employment in the income statement with a corresponding increase in 
equity. The fair value is measured at the date of grant and spread over the period during which the employees become 
unconditionally entitled to the options. The fair value of the options granted is measured using a Black-Scholes model, taking 
into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The amount recognised as an expense in any year 
is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options that vest. However if share options fail to vest due to share prices not
achieving the designated performance threshold for vesting, no such adjustment takes place.

(p)  Provisions and contingent liabilities
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a 
past event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. If the effect is 
material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current 
market assessments of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.

A provision or accrual for onerous contracts is recognised when the expected benefits to be derived by the Group from a 
contract are lower than the unavoidable cost of meeting its obligations under the contract.

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BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

2. Significant accounting policies continued

A charge for reorganisation costs is taken to the income statement when the Group has approved a detailed and formal
reorganisation plan, and the reorganisation has either commenced or the Group has a constructive obligation, for example 
having made an announcement publicly to the employee or the Group as a whole.

A contingent liability is disclosed in the notes to the accounts, but not recognised on the statement of financial position, if a 
material outflow of economic benefit is required to settle a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event where the 
probability of such an outflow is less than probable but more than remote or the liability cannot be reliably estimated.

(q)  Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are not interest bearing and are stated at amortised cost except for contingent considerations which 
are recognised at fair value. Fair value adjustments to contingent considerations are reassessed at subsequent reporting 
periods and adjustments are taken to the income statement when changes to the assumptions are required. 

(r)  Revenue recognition
Revenue represents amounts received or receivable in respect of the sale of products to customers during the year, net of trade 
discounts given and value added tax, and in respect of royalty arrangements.

A description of the various elements of revenue and the associated accounting policies is given below:

(i)  Products 
The Group recognises revenue for product sales when each condition of IAS 18, paragraph 14 is wholly-satisfied. Where sales 
arrangements specify a second element of revenue contingent upon a specified event, this revenue is not recognised until this 
event has occurred and it is certain that the economic benefit triggered by this event will flow to the Group. In cases where 
product is sold to a customer with a right of replacement, the Group views the transaction as a multi-element arrangement  
and a portion of the value from the sale is deferred and allocated to the replacement right based on the fair value of the 
replacement right. Revenue is recognised net of rebates and returns and any trade discounts that may be given from time- 
to-time.

(ii)  Royalties
Revenues from the Group’s licensed programmes are generated following the grant of a license to a third party to undertake 
additional development and commercialisation of a Research and Development programme or other intellectual property rights.

In addition to an upfront payment, BTG may be entitled to additional revenues such as milestone payments or royalties on 
revenues generated by the licensee. Revenues associated with royalty arrangements may in turn be linked to additional 
obligations on BTG. These revenues are accounted for in line with IAS 18 as follows:

Upfront and milestone payments
Non-refundable upfront and milestone payments are recognised as the earnings process is completed. This may result in full 
recognition in the year in which the income is received. However, where the Group has ongoing performance obligations such 
as the delivery of products or services, upfront payments are deferred over the period in which these obligations are satisfied.
Associated costs of performance obligations are expensed in the period to which they relate. In determining the performance 
obligations under the contract, consideration is given as to whether elements of the obligations meet the criteria for separate 
accounting. The Group applies the substantive milestone method in accounting for subsequent milestone payments. 
Milestone payments that are considered substantive are recognised into income in the year in which they are received.
Milestones that do not satisfy the criteria to be considered as substantive are amortised over the remaining period in which the 
Group expects to fulfil its performance obligations under the agreement. The Group considers the following when assessing 
whether a milestone is considered substantive:

1. Are the milestone payments non-refundable?
2. Does the achievement of the milestone involve a degree of risk that was not reasonably assured at the inception of the 

arrangement?

3. Is substantive effort involved in achieving the milestone?
4. Is the amount of the milestone payment reasonable in relation to the effort expended or the risk associated with the 

achievement of the milestone? 

5. How does the time that passes between the payments compare to the effort required to reach the milestone?

Outlicensed product royalties 
Royalty income is generated by sales of products incorporating the Group’s proprietary technology. Royalty revenues are 
recognised once the amounts due can be reliably estimated based on the sale of underlying products and recoverability is 
assured. Where there is insufficient historical data on sales and returns to fulfil these requirements, for example in the case of 
a new product, the royalty revenue will not be recognised until the Group can reliably estimate the underlying sales.

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BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
 
 
(iii)  Sales/assignments of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Outright sales or assignments of IPR are treated as disposals of non-current assets.

(iv)  Revenues received in relation to development programmes
Revenue received in relation to development programmes is recognised based on the percentage of completion of the 
programme. Where payments may be earned in such programmes based on the achievement of uncertain milestones, revenue 
is restricted to the cumulative cash receivable for the programme.

(s)  Research and Development
Research expenditure is charged to the income statement in the period in which it is incurred.

Expenditure incurred on development projects (relating to the design and testing of new or improved products) is recognised as 
intangible assets when it is probable that the project will generate future economic benefit, considering factors including its 
commercial and technological feasibility, status of regulatory approval, and the ability to measure costs reliably. Other 
development expenditures are recognised as an expense as incurred. Development expenditure previously recognised as an 
expense is not recognised as an asset in a subsequent period. Development expenditure that has a finite useful life and which 
has been capitalised is amortised from the commencement of the commercial production of the product on a straight-line 
basis over the period of its expected benefit. No development expenditure has been capitalised in either the current or  
prior year.

Property, plant and equipment used for Research and Development is depreciated in accordance with the Group’s policy and 
the cost is included within ‘Research and Development’ in the income statement.

(t)  Cost of sales
Cost of sales includes the direct costs incurred in manufacturing and bringing products to sale in the market, revenue sharing 
costs, and amortisation of other intangibles.

Revenue sharing costs represent amounts due under royalty arrangements to licensors or assignees of technology and similar 
directly attributable items. Amounts are recognised upon recognition by the Group of amounts due from a licensee. They are 
recognised on an accruals basis in accordance with the individual agreements relating to the relevant technology, in line with 
revenue recognition.

(u)  Leases
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of 
ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are initially recognised as assets of the Group at their fair value or, if lower, at the present 
value of the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease. The corresponding liability to the lessor is 
included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and 
reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance 
charges are charged directly against income. Such assets are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the 
length of the lease. Assets purchased under hire purchase agreements are accounted for similarly, except that these assets 
are depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

Rentals under operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease 
within the appropriate functional expenditure heading.

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(v)  Financial income
Financial income comprises interest income receivable during the year, calculated using the effective interest rate method, 
and fair value adjustments relating to foreign exchange forward contracts, contingent considerations payable upon corporate 
and non-corporate acquisitions.

(w)  Financial expense
Financial expense comprises interest payable during the year, calculated using the effective interest rate method, and fair 
value adjustments relating to foreign exchange forward contracts, contingent considerations payable upon corporate and 
non-corporate acquisitions, other financing costs and borrowings.

(x)  Tax
Tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement except to 
the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at 
the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

2. Significant accounting policies continued

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying 
value of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following 
temporary differences are not provided for: where the deferred tax liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an 
asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the 
accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; and in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in 
subsidiaries and associates, where it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying value of 
assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which 
the asset can be utilised.

(y)  BTG Employee Share Trust
Included within the Group’s financial results are those of the BTG Employee Share Trust, the costs of which are expensed within 
the financial statements of the Trust as incurred.
In the Company accounts the cost of BTG shares held by the Trust is deducted from shareholders’ funds.

(z)  Financial guarantees
Where the Company enters into financial guarantee contracts to guarantee the indebtedness of other companies within its 
Group, the Company considers these to be insurance arrangements, and accounts for them as such. In this respect, the 
Company treats the guarantee contracts as a contingent liability until such time as it becomes probable that the Company will
be required to make a payment under the guarantee.

(aa) Borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently carried at 
amortised cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the 
statement of comprehensive income over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest rate.

3. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
Critical accounting judgements
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, described in note 2, management and the Audit Committee 
discussed and agreed the selection, application and disclosure of the Group’s critical accounting policies and the estimates 
used in the preparation of the accounts.

Acquisitions
Judgements have been made in respect of the identification of intangible assets made on acquisitions based on pre-acquisition 
forecasts, analysis and negotiations. In addition to the judgements and estimates made in establishing the intangible assets 
acquired and their value, in certain instances these assets are in development and are only amortised once the development 
phase has been completed, although these assets are subjected to impairment review in accordance with the accounting policy 
described in note 2(m).
In addition to significant fair value adjustments in relation to intangible assets, the Group has recognised other fair value 
adjustments on assets and liabilities acquired. Each adjustment has been calculated in line with the requirements of IFRS 3 
(revised). The most significant of these relate to:
• Deferred tax; where deferred tax liabilities arising on acquired intangible assets have been recognised which rely on judgement

about the territory in which future profits will be made. Where appropriate an associated deferred tax asset, representing 
management’s estimation of the value of tax losses that would be available to the Group to offset the deferred tax liability (see 
below), has also been recognised;

• Contingent consideration; where the present value of future performance and other milestones are estimated using acquisition 

date trading assumptions and forecasts to assess the likelihood of payments to be made; and 

• Inventory; where inventory acquired has been uplifted in value to be held at estimated selling price less costs to complete, costs 

of disposal and a reasonable profit allowance.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance sheet date, that 
have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next 
financial year are discussed below.

Impairment of goodwill and other intangibles
Determining whether goodwill and other intangibles are impaired requires an estimation of the value in use of the cash-
generating units to which goodwill or other intangible assets have been allocated. The value in use calculation requires 
estimation of future cash flows expected to arise from the cash-generating unit and a suitable discount rate in order to 
calculate present value. There is a risk of a material adverse impact on the income statement should an impairment 
adjustment be required to be reflected in the financial statements. See note 2(m) for further details.

96

Financials

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
Contingent liability
A contingent liability disclosure is made in note 25. In July 2014, the Group announced that it had received a subpoena from the 
US Department of Justice, seeking documents in relation to an investigation regarding LC Bead®. The investigation covers the 
period from 2003. BTG continues to cooperate fully with this investigation. As at 31 March 2016, the possibility that a material
outflow of funds will be required to settle or otherwise resolve the investigation was more than remote. It was not, however,
possible to make a reliable estimate of the amount that may be required to be paid.

Deferred tax
The Group has significant deferred tax assets principally in relation to tax losses. The assets have been recognised on the 
basis that management estimates demonstrate that it is more likely than not that future taxable profit will arise in the 
jurisdictions in which the losses are available, against which the losses can be offset. If actual events differ from 
management’s estimates or the estimates are changed in the future this could have a significant effect on the balance sheet 
net asset position of the Group. In recognising deferred tax assets and liabilities, management has taken into account 
expected changes in tax rates in each relevant jurisdiction.

Pension assumptions
Note 22 details the key actuarial assumptions used to establish the pension funding position. These represent management’s 
best estimates and are chosen based on historic experience and future expectations. Should the discount rate used to 
establish scheme liabilities or the long-term expected rate of return on investment vary significantly then the pension fund 
valuation would be impacted.

4. Operating segments
The Group is aligned behind three reportable segments, being Interventional Medicine, Specialty Pharmaceuticals and 
Licensing.

In assessing performance and making resource allocation decisions, the Leadership Team (which is BTG’s chief operating 
decision-making body) reviews contribution by segment. Contribution is defined as being gross profit less directly attributable 
selling, general and administrative costs (SG&A). The Licensing operating segment includes SG&A relating to the Group’s 
centrally managed support functions and corporate overheads. This reflects the management structure and stewardship of 
the business. No allocation of central overheads is made across the Specialty Pharmaceuticals or Interventional Medicine 
operating segments. Research and Development continues to be managed on a global basis, with investment decisions being 
made by the Leadership Team as a whole. It is not managed by reference to the Group’s operating segments, though each 
programme within the pipeline would ultimately provide revenues for one of the operating segments if successful.

There are no inter-segment transactions that are required to be eliminated on consolidation.

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Contribution
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Foreign exchange gains
Research and Development
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Other operating expenses
Acquisition and reorganisation costs
Operating profit
Financial income
Financial expense
Profit before tax
Tax credit
Profit for the year
Unallocated assets

Year ended 31 March 2016

Interventional
 Medicine1
£m

Specialty
 Pharmaceuticals
£m

150.2
(43.8)
106.4
(96.2)
10.2

133.1
(15.1)
118.0
(25.5)
92.5

Licensing
£m

164.2
(81.9)
82.3
(19.7)
62.6

97

Financials

Total
£m

447.5
(140.8)
306.7
(141.4)
165.3
(35.0)
4.4
(77.2)
–
(1.0)
–
56.5
4.4
(3.4)
57.5
3.0
60.5
1,148.8

1  2016 Cost of sales includes a £1.5m release of a fair value adjustment to inventory purchased on the acquisition of PneumRx Inc. on 7 January 2015 within the Interventional Medicine

segment. This represents the release of a fair value uplift applied to inventory purchased on acquisition recognised through the income statement as the product is sold.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

4. Operating segments continued

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Contribution
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Foreign exchange gains
Research and Development
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Acquisition and reorganisation costs
Operating profit
Financial income
Financial expense
Profit before tax
Tax credit
Profit for the year
Unallocated assets

Year ended 31 March 2015

Interventional
 Medicine1
£m

Specialty
 Pharmaceuticals
£m

112.7
(33.5)
79.2
(70.1)
9.1

121.1
(17.1)
104.0
(24.9)
79.1

Licensing
£m

134.0
(64.1)
69.9
(29.8)
40.1

Total
£m

367.8
(114.7)
253.1
(124.8)
128.3
(28.4)
6.7
(68.3)
0.3
(3.7)
34.9
0.1
(8.3)
26.7
6.9
33.6
1,045.9

1   2015 Cost of sales includes a £0.9m release of a fair value adjustment to inventory purchased on the acquisition of PneumRx, Inc. on 7 January 2015 within the Interventional Medicine

segment. This represents the release of a fair value uplift applied to inventory purchased on acquisition recognised through the income statement as the product is sold.

Revenue analysis
Analysis of revenue, based on the geographical location of customers and the source of revenue is provided below:

Geographical analysis

USA
Europe
Other regions

98

Financials

Revenue from major products and services 

Product sales
Royalties

Year ended
31 March
2016
£m

393.1
42.3
12.1
447.5

Year ended
31 March
2016
£m

283.3
164.2
447.5

Year ended
31 March
2015
£m

327.1
31.1
9.6
367.8

Year ended
31 March
2015
£m

233.8
134.0
367.8

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Major customers
The Group’s products are sold both directly and through distribution agreements in the USA, Europe and Asia Pacific region.
No individual customer generated income in excess of 10% of the Group revenue during the year ended 31 March 2016 or  
31 March 2015.

Products that utilise the Group’s intellectual property rights are sold by licensees. Royalty income is derived from over 50 
licences. One licence individually generated royalty income in excess of 10% of Group revenue of £118.9m (2015: £105.2m).

5. Acquisition and reorganisation costs 

PneumRx, Inc. acquisition costs
Other
Total charge for the year

Year ended
31 March
2016
£m

Year ended
31 March
2015
£m

–
–
–

2.8
0.9
3.7

The Group considers ‘acquisition and reorganisation costs’ to include transaction costs of completing the acquisition and those 
costs resulting directly from decisions to rationalise both operating sites and business operations (see accounting policies in 
note 1).

6. Operating profit
Operating profit has been arrived at after charging/(crediting):

Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets
Net foreign exchange gains
Research and Development expenses
Staff costs
Operating lease rentals payable on property
Acquisition adjustments and reorganisation costs

The analysis of the auditor’s remuneration is as follows:

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for other services:
Audit of the company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation
Audit of Pension scheme trust
Other Audit related assurance services
Taxation compliance services

Year ended
31 March
2016
£m

Year ended
31 March
2015
£m

6.6
38.0
(4.4)
77.2
116.2
2.5
–

5.5
29.5
(6.7)
68.3
100.2
2.5
3.7

Note

14
13

7

5

99

Financials

Year ended
31 March
2016
£'000

Year ended
31 March
2015
£'000

168

290
11
54
370

170

300
11
54
256

A description of the work of the Audit Committee is set out in the corporate governance statement on pages 48 to 51 and 
includes an explanation of how auditor objectivity and independence is safeguarded when non-audit services are provided by 
the auditor.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

7. Staff costs 
Staff costs (including directors’ emoluments and reorganisation costs) are as follows:

Salaries
Social security costs
Defined contribution pension costs
Defined benefit pension costs
Equity-settled transactions

Year ended
31 March
2016
£m

Year ended
31 March
2015
£m

94.0
10.4
5.0
0.1
6.7
116.2

81.3
8.8
4.1
0.4
5.6
100.2

Key management personnel are considered to be the directors and their remuneration is disclosed within the Remuneration 
Report on pages 54 to 75. In addition to the disclosures in the Remuneration Report, the charge to income in respect of 
equity-settled transactions of key management personnel, in accordance with IFRS 2, was £2.6m (2015: £1.9m).

The average number of persons employed by the Group during the year (including executive directors), analysed by category, 
was as follows:

Management
Research and production
Sales, administration and business support

8. Financial income

Interest receivable on money-market and bank deposits
Fair value changes of foreign exchange forward contracts
Fair value changes on contingent considerations
Financial income

Year ended
31 March
2016
Number

Year ended
31 March
2015
Number

99
673
410
1,182

102
518
366
986

Year ended
31 March
2016
£m

Year ended
31 March
2015
£m

0.2
1.2
3.0
4.4

0.1
–
–
0.1

100

Financials

Fair value changes on contingent considerations relate to the PneumRx acquisition and comprise a £12.0m credit relating to 
the non-payment of the first revenue milestone and a £9.0m charge relating to the US regulatory milestone.

9. Financial expense

Fair value changes of foreign exchange forward contracts
Fair value changes on contingent considerations
Others
Financial expense

Year ended
31 March
2016
£m

Year ended
31 March
2015
£m

–
1.7
1.7
3.4

6.2
1.0
1.1
8.3

The Group recognised a fair value expense of £1.6m (2015: £0.1m) related to the contingent milestones for the EKOS acquisition 
within Financial expense.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 201610. Tax
An analysis of the tax credit in the income statement for the year, all relating to current operations, is as follows:

Current tax
UK corporation tax charge
Overseas corporate tax charge
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Total current taxation

Deferred taxation
Deferred tax credit
Adjustment to tax rates
Total deferred taxation
Total tax credit for the year

Year ended
31 March
2016
£m

Year ended
31 March
2015
£m

–
11.7
(2.2)
9.5

(13.8)
1.3
(12.5)
(3.0)

–
12.2
(1.2)
11.0

(17.9)
–
(17.9)
(6.9)

In addition to the tax credit in the income statement, a deferred tax charge of £1.1m (2015: £1.8m charge) has been recognised 
in the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income relating to the deferred tax on the pension fund surplus.

UK corporation tax is calculated at 20% (2015: 21%) of the estimated taxable profit for the year. Taxation for other jurisdictions 
is calculated at the rates prevailing in the respective jurisdictions.

Reconciliation of the effective tax rate: 

Profit before tax
Tax using UK corporation tax rate of 20% (2015: 21%)
Effect of overseas tax rates
Recognition of tax losses1
Change in unrecognised deferred tax assets
Non-deductible expenses
Effect of UK patent box deduction
Intra group transfer of subsidiary undertaking
Adjustment to tax rates
Adjustments in respect of prior years2

Year ended
31 March
2016
£m

Year ended
31 March
2015
£m

57.5
11.5
4.2
(15.2)
(0.4)
–
(4.4)
2.4
1.3
(2.4)
(3.0)

26.7
5.6
2.2
(8.2)
(3.4)
1.4
(3.7)
–
–
(0.8)
(6.9)

1  The increased recognition of historic tax UK and US losses arises from sustained profitability of the related underlying businesses.
2  The prior year adjustment arises mainly from a reassessment of prior year US tax liabilities.

An analysis of amounts included in the Consolidated statement of financial position in respect of income taxes is shown below:

101

Financials

Current assets
UK corporation tax receivable

Current liabilities
Overseas corporate tax payable

Year ended
31 March
2016
£m

Year ended
31 March
2015
£m

1.8
1.8

5.8
5.8

1.4
1.4

3.2
3.2

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

10. Tax continued

Deferred taxation
The movements in the deferred tax asset and liabilities (prior to the offsetting of balances within the same jurisdiction as 
permitted by IAS 12, Income Taxes) during the year are as shown below. The deferred tax asset and liabilities are only offset 
where there is a legally enforceable right of offset and there is an intention to settle the balance net.

Deferred tax asset

Deferred tax asset recognised at 1 April
Income statement credit 
Reclassification
Currency movements
Deferred tax asset recognised at 31 March

2016
£m

4.9
1.3
0.5
0.1
6.8

2015
£m

0.8
4.2
–
(0.1)
4.9

The deferred tax asset relates to tax losses in the UK and short-term timing differences in the UK and Australia. The UK losses 
and timing differences have been recognised using a tax rate of 18-20% (2015: 20%) depending on when they will be used. The 
short-term timing differences in Australia have been recognised using a tax rate of 30% (2015: 30%). The directors are of the 
opinion, based on recent and forecast trading, that the level of profits in the UK and Australia in the forthcoming years will lead 
to the realisation of the respective assets.

Deferred tax liability

At 1 April 2014
Adjustments re prior years
Acquisitions
Income statement credit
Other comprehensive income charge
R&D tax credits
Reclassification
Currency movements
At 31 March 2015
Adjustment re prior years
Income statement credit/(charge)
Other comprehensive income charge
R&D tax credits
Reclassification
Currency movements
At 31 March 2016

102

Financials

Liabilities
Acquired 
intangibles
£m

Liabilities
Pension fund 
surplus
£m

Liabilities
Short-term timing
 differences
£m

Assets
Tax losses
£m

Assets
Short-term timing 
differences
£m

Net deferred
tax liability
£m

(109.2)
–
(73.1)
8.7
–
–
–
(12.6)
(186.2)
0.1
11.2
–
–
–
(5.3)
(180.2)

(2.8)
–
–
–
(1.8)
–
–
–
(4.6)
–
(1.0)
(1.1)
–
–
–
(6.7)

(0.9)
0.1
(0.9)
1.7
–
–
(0.5)
–
(0.5)
–
0.6
–
–
–
–
0.1

20.7
(0.6)
11.0
–
–
–
–
–
31.1
1.0
(1.9)
–
–
–
0.5
30.7

1.8
0.1
–
3.6
–
0.3
0.5
1.5
7.8
0.1
1.1
–
0.2
(0.4)
0.3
9.1

(90.4)
(0.4)
(63.0)
14.0
(1.8)
0.3
–
(11.1)
(152.4)
1.2
10.0
(1.1)
0.2
(0.4)
(4.5)
(147.0)

The deferred tax liability of £147.0m (2015: £152.4m) represents the net position after taking into account the offset of deferred 
tax assets against deferred tax liabilities in each jurisdiction.

The rate of 20% from 1 April 2016 was substantively enacted on 25 March 2015. The rate of 19% from 1 April 2017 and the rate 
of 18% from 1 April 2020 were substantively enacted on 26 October 2015. A proposed rate of 17% from 1 April 2020 was 
announced on 16 March 2016 but has not yet been substantively enacted. These will reduce the Company’s future current tax 
charge accordingly. The UK deferred tax assets and liabilities at 31 March 2016 have been calculated based on the 
substantively enacted rates at which the timing differences are expected to unwind.

Unrecognised tax losses
In addition to the losses on which a deferred tax asset has been recognised, the Group has additional tax losses and other 
timing differences which have arisen principally as a result of the Research and Development. These losses and timing 
differences are shown below. UK tax losses can be carried forward indefinitely.

The US tax losses can be carried forward for 20 years and the first year in which they expire is 2018.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
A deferred tax asset has not been recognised in respect of the losses and timing differences shown below as there is 
uncertainty as to whether such losses and timing differences can be used.

The total amount of tax losses and timing differences not recognised is shown below:

UK tax losses
US tax losses
Deductible temporary differences

11. Earnings per share
The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

Profit for the financial year (£m)

Profit per share (p)
  Basic
  Diluted

Number of shares (m)

Weighted average number of shares – basic
Effect of share options on issue
Weighted average number of shares – diluted 

The basic and diluted earnings per share from underlying earnings are based on the following data:

Profit for the financial year (£m)

Add back:
  Fair value adjustment on acquired inventory(a)
  Amortisation of acquired intangible fixed assets(b)
  Acquisition and reorganisation costs(c)
  Fair values changes on contingent consideration(d)
Underlying earnings

Underlying profit per share (p)
  Basic
  Diluted

Year ended
31 March
2016
£m

59.4
22.4
27.0
108.8

Year ended
31 March
2015
£m

84.1
37.3
21.6
143.0

Year ended
31 March
2016

60.5

Year ended
31 March
2015

33.6

15.8
15.6

9.1
9.0

382.6
5.7
388.3

367.9
5.4
373.3

Year ended
31 March
2016

60.5

Year ended
31 March
2015

33.6

0.9
23.6
–
(1.4)
83.6

21.9
21.5

0.6
19.5
3.1
1.0
57.8

15.7
15.4

103

Financials

Adjustments to profit are shown after taking into account the tax effect of such adjustments on the results as shown in the 
consolidated income statement as follows:

a. 

b. 

c. 

d. 

 In the year ended 31 March 2016 there was £0.6m tax impact (2015: £0.3m) on fair value adjustment of inventory acquired 
of £1.5m (2015: £0.9m).

 The release of deferred tax liability of £11.4m (2015: £8.9m) has been deducted from the amortisation and impairment of 
acquired intangible assets of £35.0m (2015: £28.4m) as shown in the consolidated income statement.

 In the year ended 31 March 2015 there was £0.6m tax impact on reorganisation costs of £3.7m.

 There was no tax impact (2015: nil) on the contingent consideration fair value gain of £3.0m or the fair value loss of £1.6m 
(2015: fair value loss of £1.0m).

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

12. Goodwill

At 1 April 2014
Acquisitions
Exchange differences
At 31 March 2015
Exchange differences
At 31 March 2016
Accumulated impairment losses
At 1 April 2014, 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2016
Net book value at 31 March 2016
Net book value at 1 April 2015
Net book value at 1 April 2014

Note

31

£m

123.6
51.6
8.6
183.8
4.1
187.9

–
187.9 
183.8 
123.6

During the year ended 31 March 2015 additions to Interventional Medicine goodwill of £51.6m related to the acquisition of 
PneumRx, Inc. (see note 31).

Impairment review – goodwill and intangible assets
An impairment review of the carrying value of goodwill and unamortised intangible assets was conducted as at 31 March 2016.

Goodwill arose on the acquisitions of Protherics PLC and Biocompatibles International plc, EKOS Corporation the Targeted 
Therapies Division of Nordion Inc. and PneumRx, Inc. This has been allocated across the Group’s cash generating units, being 
its operating segments (see note 4). Goodwill recognised on acquisitions has been allocated across operating segments in 
proportion to the anticipated benefits of that goodwill on the operating segment, having regard for the assets and liabilities 
acquired. The carrying value of goodwill has been allocated as relating to Interventional Medicine £151.4m (2015: £147.3m), as 
relating to Specialty Pharmaceuticals £16.4m (2015: £16.4m), and in relation to Licensing, £20.1m (2015: £20.1m).

The impairment review required the estimation of the recoverable amount based on the value in use of the underlying cash 
generating unit. Near-term projections are based on the Group’s approved three-year plan. Longer-term projections through to 
the end of an asset’s estimated useful economic life are included due to the long-term nature of pharmaceutical product 
development and product life cycles.

The main assumptions on which the forecast cashflows were based include market opportunity and gross margin for the 
products, individual probability-adjusted cash flow models for all in-process Research and Development and an assessment 
of the net present value of future net royalty income for licensed patents. 

Cash flow projections for all assets were included for a period equal to the estimated useful economic life of the assets. No 
terminal values were applied. All cashflows were discounted back to present value using a pre-tax discount rate of between 
7% (2015: 7%) to 29% (2015: 26%) representing the range of asset classes being tested including established royalty streams,
launched products and in-process Research and Development projects and which takes into account the individual risk 
characteristics of each particular asset and related income stream.

For developed technology, the Group uses its approved three-year budget for near-term sales projections, adjusting for 
expected changes in future conditions, including those anticipated as a result of our knowledge of competitor activity and our 
assessment of future changes in the healthcare industry for long-term projections. 

For contractual relationships, the Group uses the same basic methodology as for developed technology but limits the 
projection period to the appropriate useful economic life of the contractual relationship.

For in-process Research and Development the key assumptions are the probability of product launch, market opportunity and 
overall market size. Industry average statistics are used to assess the probability of product launch, taking in to account the 
stage of development of the asset, the therapeutic area targeted and any known specific characteristics of the asset. Market 
opportunity and overall market size are assessed by reference to independent industry market reports.

In assessing whether there has been an impairment the net present value of future cashflows is compared to the carrying 
value in the accounts.

The Group do not consider that there are any reasonable possible sensitivities that could result in an impairment charge.
The Group have considered the following specific individual sensitivities:
• A 1% increase in the discount rates used would not trigger an impairment;
• A 5% reduction in operating cashflows would not trigger an impairment.

104

Financials

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
  
13. Intangible assets

Note

31

Group

Cost
At 1 April 2014
Acquisitions
Additions 
Disposals 
Currency movements
At 31 March 2015
Additions 
Disposals 
Currency movements
At 31 March 2016
Amortisation
At 1 April 2014
Provided during the year
Write back on disposals
Currency movements
At 31 March 2015
Provided during the year
Write back on disposals
Currency movements
At 31 March 2016
Net book value
At 31 March 2016
At 31 March 2015
At 1 April 2014

Developed
 technology
£m

Contractual 
relationships
£m

In-process 
Research and
Development
£m

Computer 
software
£m

Patents
£m

Purchase of
contractual 
rights
£m

428.5
109.2
–
–
40.1
577.8
–
(0.3)
15.1
592.6

57.4
28.4
–
5.8
91.6
34.7
(0.3)
3.3
129.3

463.3
486.2
371.1

38.6
–
–
–
3.5
42.1
–
(1.0)
1.0
42.1

38.3
–
–
3.5
41.8
0.4
(1.0)
0.9
42.1

–
0.3
0.3

22.3
80.4
–
–
3.1
105.8
–
–
3.2
109.0

5.8
–
–
–
5.8
–
–
–
5.8

103.2
100.0
16.5

1.1
–
0.2
–
0.1
1.4
0.4
–
_
1.8

0.4
0.3
–
–
0.7
0.3
–
–
1.0

0.8
0.7
0.7

13.1
0.3
1.2
–
2.0
16.6
0.9
–
0.7
18.2

10.8
0.6
–
2.0
13.4
0.3
–
1.0
14.7

3.5
3.2
2.3

17.0
–
–
(9.5)
1.0
8.5
23.0
–
0.2
31.7

10.0
0.2
(9.5)
0.3
1.0
2.3
–
–
3.3

28.4
7.5
7.0

Total
£m

520.6
189.9
1.4
(9.5)
49.8
752.2
24.3
(1.3)
20.2
795.4

122.7
29.5
(9.5)
11.6
154.3
38.0
(1.3)
5.2
196.2

599.2
597.9
397.9

Amortisation relating to acquired intangibles of £35.0m (2015: £28.4m) is shown on the face of the income statement within 
Amortisation of acquired intangibles. Other amortisation is shown within Cost of sales, Selling, general and administrative 
expenses or Research and Development.

Developed technology 
Developed technology includes the PneumRx® Coil (Europe) acquired in PneumRx, Inc. (see note 31), EkoSonic® acquired in 
EKOS Corporation, TheraSphere® acquired in the Targeted Therapies Division of Nordion Inc., the antidote assets acquired in 
Protherics PLC comprising principally of the rights to CroFab® and DigiFab® and the bead assets acquired in Biocompatibles 
International plc comprising principally of the rights to the DC Bead® and LC Bead™. The carrying value of individually significant 
assets within developed technology is:

105

Financials

PneumRx® Coil (Europe)
EkoSonic®
TheraSphere®
CroFab®
DigiFab®
DC Bead® and LC Bead®

31 March
2016
£m

104.9
105.5
90.1
66.0
21.3
69.9

Remaining 
amortisation 
period at 
31 March
2016

13.8 years
12.3 years
12.3 years
17.7 years
17.7 years
9.8 years

31 March
2015
£m

108.9
110.5
94.4
67.5
21.8
77.0

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

13. Intangible assets continued

In-process Research and Development 
Acquisition increases to in-process Research and Development includes the PneumRx® Coil (US) acquired in PneumRx, Inc. in 
the year ended 31 March 2015 (see note 31).

PneumRx® Coil (US)
Targeted Therapies Assets

31 March
2016
£m

84.2
18.4

31 March 
2015
£m

81.5
17.8

Purchase of contractual rights
In May 2015, BTG purchased the residual financial interest of the originator of the Varithena® foam sclerotherapy technology 
for a one-off cash payment of £23m, ensuring that the business retains 100% of the future value of Varithena®. This addition 
has been included in purchase of contractual rights and the asset is being amortised through Cost of sales.

Varithena®

14. Property, plant and equipment

106

Financials

Group

Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2014
Acquisitions 
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Currency movements
At 31 March 2015
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Currency movements
At 31 March 2016
Depreciation
At 1 April 2014
Provided during the year
Disposals
Currency movements
At 31 March 2015
Provided during the year
Impairment
Disposals
Currency movements
At 31 March 2016
Net book value at 31 March 2016
Net book value at 31 March 2015
Net book value at 1 April 2014

31 March
2016
£m

21.0

Remaining 
amortisation 
period at 
31 March
2016

31 March
2015
£m

–

9.6 years

Note

31

Leasehold
improvements
£m

Freehold land 
and buildings
£m

Plant and 
machinery, 
furniture and 
equipment
£m

Assets in 
the course of
construction
£m

5.0
–
0.9
–
3.9
0.1
9.9
0.1
–
0.5
–
10.5

1.0
1.1
–
–
2.1
0.7
–
–
0.1
2.9
7.6
7.8
4.0

14.9
–
0.2
–
–
(0.9)
14.2
0.2
–
1.3
0.4
16.1

2.7
0.3
–
(0.2)
2.8
0.9
–
–
–
3.7
12.4
11.4
12.2

17.0
0.3
3.3
(2.4)
3.0
–
21.2
2.4
(1.8)
2.0
0.4
24.2

10.3
4.1
(2.5)
(0.1)
11.8
4.7
0.3
(1.7)
0.3
15.4
8.8
9.4
6.7

8.5
–
5.9
(0.1)
(6.9)
(0.4)
7.0
3.5
–
(3.8)
0.3
7.0

0.1
–
–
–
0.1
–
–
–
–
0.1
6.9
6.9
8.4

Total
£m

45.4
0.3
10.3
(2.5)
–
(1.2)
52.3
6.2
(1.8)
–
1.1
57.8

14.1
5.5
(2.5)
(0.3)
16.8
6.3
0.3
(1.7)
0.4
22.1
35.7
35.5
31.3

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 201615. Other investments

At 1 April
Additions
Impairment charge
At 31 March

2016
£m

3.0
–
(1.6)
1.4

2015
£m

3.0
–
–
3.0

Other investments comprise non-current equity investments that are recorded at fair value at each balance sheet date. The 
fair value of unlisted investments is estimated to be the valuation following the latest round of equity funding. In the absence of 
specific market data the Group determines that cost is equal to fair value.

Where the fair value of an asset is impaired, the impairment charge is recognised in the income statement within ‘other 
operating expenses’, together with any amounts recycled from the fair value reserve (see note 19). These impairments initially 
arise from the prolonged or significant decline in the fair value of the equity investments below acquisition cost, subsequent to 
which any further decline in fair value is immediately taken to the income statement.

16. Inventories

Raw materials and consumables
Work in progress
Finished goods

31 March
2016
£m

16.4
14.7
15.4
46.5

31 March
2015
£m

14.9
10.2
15.4
40.5

In the year ended 31 March 2016 a fair value adjustment of £1.5m was recognised through cost of sales (see note 4) leaving nil
fair value uplift recognised on the acquisition of PneumRx, Inc. remaining (see note 31).

In the year ended 31 March 2015 a fair value adjustment of £0.9m was recognised through cost of sales (see note 4) leaving 
£1.5m fair value uplift recognised on the acquisition of PneumRx, Inc. remaining (see note 31) at 31 March 2015.

Inventory to the value of £3.4m (2015: £3.4m) was written off through Cost of sales.

17. Trade and other receivables

Due within one year
Revenues receivable, net of provisions
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income

31 March
2016
£m

31 March
2015
£m

41.9
12.1
52.5
106.5

38.7
10.6
42.6
91.9

107

Financials

Revenues receivable, net of provisions represents product sales sold both directly and through distribution agreements and 
certain other amounts receivable under licence agreements.

The ageing of these amounts was as follows:

Not past due
0-30 days
31-90 days
> 90 days
Total

2016
Gross
£m

35.0
4.4
1.5
1.7
42.6

2016
Provision
£m

–
–
–
(0.7)
(0.7)

2015
Gross
£m

31.0
4.7
1.3
2.6
39.6

2015
Provision
£m

–
–
(0.2)
(0.7)
(0.9)

Provisions for bad debts of £0.7m (2015: £0.9m) are held to write down the value of doubtful receivables to estimated 
recoverable amounts. The charge for the year to 31 March 2016 in respect of provisions for bad debts was £0.2m  
(2015: £0.4m credit).

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

18. Cash and cash equivalents

Bank balances
Cash and cash equivalents in statement of cash flows

19. Equity
Other reserves are analysed as follows:

At 1 April 2014
Total recognised income and expense
At 31 March 2015
Total recognised income and expense
At 31 March 2016

31 March
2016
£m

140.4
140.4

31 March
2015
£m

73.8
73.8

Translation 
reserve
£m

Fair value 
reserve
£m

 Total other
 reserves
£m

(32.3)
41.6
9.3
18.7
28.0

0.1
–
0.1
–
0.1

(32.2)
41.6
9.4
18.7
28.1

The merger reserve is used where more than 90% of the shares in a subsidiary are acquired and the consideration includes the 
issue of new shares by the Company, thereby attracting merger relief under s612 and s613 of the Companies Act 2006. The 
balance on the merger reserve has arisen through the acquisitions of Biocompatibles International plc on 27 January 2011 and 
Protherics PLC on 4 December 2008 and includes directly attributable costs of issuing shares of £1.1m relating to the 
acquisition of Biocompatibles International plc.

The issued and fully paid share capital of the Company is shown below:

Ordinary shares of 10p each

At 1 April
Issued for cash
At 31 March

Number

381,776,703
1,214,874
382,991,577

2016
£m

Number

38.2 361,586,534
20,190,169
38.3 381,776,703

0.1

2015
£m

36.1
2.1
38.2

The shares issued during the year ended 31 March 2016 were as a result of the exercise of share options.

In December 2014, BTG completed a share placing for a total of 18,867,925 new ordinary shares at a price of 795p per placing 
share, raising proceeds of £150.0m being £145.7m net of expenses. The remainder of shares issued in the prior year were as a 
result of the exercise of share options.

108

Financials

Share options
Details of outstanding share options are set out in note 23. 

20. Trade and other payables

Amounts falling due within one year
Trade payables
Accruals and deferred income
Contingent consideration
Other creditors

Amounts falling due after more than one year
Accruals and deferred income
Contingent consideration

31 March
2016
£m

31 March
2015
£m

Note

26

26

16.0
94.8
–
4.0
114.8

0.3
27.2

27.5

10.8
81.6
15.1
3.5
111.0

0.3
17.6

17.9

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 201621. Derivative financial instruments

Contracts with positive fair values:
Forward foreign exchange contracts due within one year
Forward foreign exchange contracts due after more than one year
Derivative instrument assets

Contracts with negative fair values:
Forward foreign exchange contracts due within one year
Derivative instrument liabilities

31 March
2016
£m

31 March
2015
£m

2.3
1.0
3.3

3.0
3.0

–
–
–

0.9
0.9

The Group utilises foreign currency derivatives to hedge significant future transactions and cash flows. 

At 31 March 2016 the Group had forward contracts to sell US$295m in the period to March 2018 at rates in the range 
£1:US$1.40 – £1:US$1.56. The fair value of these derivative financial instruments was marked to market at 31 March 2016 as an 
asset at £0.3m.

At 31 March 2015 the Group had forward contracts to sell US$237m in the period to March 2016 at rates in the range 
£1:US$1.49 – £1:US$1.51. The fair value of these derivative financial instruments was marked to market at 31 March 2015 as a 
liability at £0.9m.

The fair value gain of £1.2m (2015: loss of £6.2m) for the year associated with these forward contracts was included within 
Financial income (2015: Financial expense).

A 5% strengthening of the US$ against sterling as at 31 March 2016, all other variables being unchanged, would result in a 
decrease of £10.3m within ‘Financial income’ in the income statement and a fair value liability of £10.6m within ‘Derivative 
instruments’ within assets. A 5% weakening of the US$ against sterling would result in a £10.3 m increase in ‘Financial income’
and a fair value asset of £10.0m within ‘Derivative instruments’ within assets.

22. Retirement benefit schemes
Defined benefit scheme
For eligible UK employees the Group operates a funded pension plan providing benefits based on final pensionable 
emoluments. The plan was closed to new entrants as of 1 June 2004. The plan is a registered scheme under the provisions of
Schedule 36 of the Finance Act 2004 and assets are held in a legally separate, trustee-administered fund. The trustees are 
required by law to act in the best interest of the plan participants and are responsible for setting the plan’s investment and 
governance policies. 

The results of the formal valuation of the plan as at 31 March 2013 were updated to the accounting date by an independent 
qualified actuary in accordance with IAS 19. The next formal actuarial valuation will be measured as at 31 March 2016.
The results of this valuation exercise, undertaken by the Trustees of the scheme, are expected in 2017.

The plan exposes the Group to inflation risk, interest rate risk, market investment and longevity risk. The Group is not exposed 
to any unusual, entity specific or plan specific risks. The plan has a history of granting increases to pensions in line with price 
inflation, and these increases are reflected in the measurement of the obligation. 

In July 2010, the government announced its intention that future statutory minimum pension indexation would be measured by 
the Consumer Prices Index, rather than the Retail Prices Index (‘RPI’). The Group continues to value its pension fund liability on 
the basis of RPI. 

The estimated amount of total employer contributions expected to be paid to the plan during 2016/17 is £2.9m (2015/16 
actual: £2.9m).

The IAS 19 position of the plan is generally expected to be different to the triennial funding valuation assessment. The two main 
drivers of this difference are the requirements for prudence in the funding basis (compared to the IAS 19 best-estimate 
principle), and the IAS 19 requirements to use a discount rate based on high quality corporate bonds (compared to a prudent 
expectation of actual asset returns for funding). This can sometimes lead to a situation where the IAS 19 measure shows a 
surplus while the funding measure shows a deficit, with associated deficit recovery contributions payable by the Group.

The Group has taken professional advice and concluded that it has no requirement to adjust the balance sheet in respect of 
either a current surplus or a minimum funding requirement under IFRIC14. This is on the basis that the Group has an 
unconditional right to a refund of a current or projected future surplus at some point in the future. On the basis of the same 
advice the Group does not believe that the conclusion would be affected by the Exposure Draft changes, published on 18 June 
2015, currently being proposed to IFRIC14.

109

Financials

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
  
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

22. Retirement benefit schemes continued

The following table sets out the key IAS 19 assumptions used for the plan:

Retail price inflation 
Discount rate
Life expectancy at age 60 of a male age 60 at the accounting date
Life expectancy at age 60 of a male age 40 at the accounting date

31 March 
2016

31 March
2015

31 March
2014

3.0% p.a.
3.4% p.a.
88.7
91.1

3.1% p.a.
3.2% p.a.
88.5
91.0

3.6% p.a.
4.4% p.a.
88.4
90.8

Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are set based on actuarial advice and in accordance with published 
statistics. The mortality tables used at both year-ends 2016 and 2015 are S1NA tables based on year of birth, with a 
multiplicative adjustment factor to reflect the Group’s assessment of the average current mortality rates of the plan 
members relative to the tables. Amongst the UK population, there is a continuing trend for a generation to live longer than 
the preceding generation, and this has been reflected in the longevity assumption by adopting CMI core projections and also 
incorporating a minimum long-term rate of improvement in longevity of 1.5%/1.25% p.a. for males and females respectively 
in 2016 (2015: 1.5%/1.25% p.a. for males and females respectively).

The following table sets out related IAS 19 assumptions used: 

Pension increases in deferment – RPI inflation
Pension increases in payment – RPI inflation
Pension increases in payment – inflation capped at 2.5%
General salary increases

31 March 
2016

31 March
2015

31 March
2014

3.0% p.a.
3.0% p.a.
2.0% p.a.
3.0% p.a.

3.1% p.a.
3.1% p.a.
2.1% p.a.
3.1% p.a.

3.6% p.a.
3.6% p.a.
2.3% p.a.
3.6% p.a.

The amount included in the statement of financial position arising from the Group’s obligations in respect of the plan is as 
follows:

Present value of defined benefit obligation
Fair value of scheme assets
Net asset recognised in the statement of financial position

31 March 
2016
£m

(119.0)
138.3
19.3

31 March
2015
£m

(124.9)
138.1
13.2

31 March
2014
£m

(110.9)
118.9
8.0

110

Financials

A net asset is presented in the statement of financial position within non-current assets. 

The IAS 19 expense is made up of the current service cost, plan administrative expenses, interest cost on the defined benefit 
obligation and interest income on plans assets, all of which are shown in the change in defined benefit obligation and assets 
tables below. The expense has been included in ‘Operating expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses’.

The allocation of the plan’s assets is as follows:

Equity instruments
Diversified growth funds
Liability driven investment
Absolute return bonds
Illiquid inflation assets
Inflation linked bonds
Corporate bonds
Cash/net current assets

31 March 
2016

31 March
2015

31 March
2014

10%
9%
31%
19%
16%
0%
0%
15%

10%
11%
29%
20%
15%
0%
0%
15%

16%
14%
0%
0%
0%
55%
14%
1%

There are no direct investments in the Group’s own shares or property occupied by any member of the Group.

At 31 March 2016 and 31 March 2015, all asset classes have/had quoted prices in active markets, with the exception of the 
illiquid inflation assets which are priced and traded on a monthly basis.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016In setting the investment strategy, the trustees considered the views of the Group, their assessment of the Group’s covenant 
supporting the actuarial risks faced by the plan, the risk and rewards of a number of possible asset allocation options, the 
suitability of a wide range of asset classes within each strategy across and within asset classes, and the need for appropriate 
diversification amongst different asset classes. 

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation, the fair value of the plan assets and the net asset/(liability) over 
the year ended 31 March 2016 are as follows: 

Year ended 31 March 2016

Beginning of the year
Employer’s part of the current service cost
Interest income/(cost)
Administrative costs
Contributions by the employer
Contributions from plan members
Actuarial (loss)/gain – experience
Actuarial gain – financial assumptions
Actuarial loss – demographic assumptions
Benefits paid
End of the year

Obligation
£m

Plan assets
£m

Net asset/ 
(liability)
£m

(124.9)
(0.5)
(4.0)
–
–
(0.1)
1.2
5.0
(0.7)
5.0
(119.0)

138.1
–
4.4
–
2.9
0.1
(2.2)
–
–
(5.0)
138.3

13.2
(0.5)
0.4
–
2.9
–
(1.0)
5.0
(0.7)
–
19.3

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation, the fair value of the plan assets and the net asset/(liability) over 
the year ended 31 March 2015 are as follows:

Year ended 31 March 2015

Beginning of the year
Employer’s part of the current service cost
Interest income/(cost)
Administrative costs
Contributions by the employer
Contributions from plan members
Actuarial gain – experience
Actuarial loss – demographic assumptions
Benefits paid
End of the year

Obligation
£m

Plan assets
£m

Net asset/ 
(liability)
£m

(110.9)
(0.3)
(4.8)
–
–
(0.1)
0.7
(14.0)
4.5
(124.9)

118.9
–
5.2
–
2.9
0.1
15.5
–
(4.5)
138.1

8.0
(0.3)
0.4
–
2.9
–
16.2
(14.0)
–
13.2

The actual return on the plan assets over 2016 was a gain of £2.2m (2015: gain of £20.7m).

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period is 15 years (2015: 15 years).

The administrative costs shown above are nil as they paid directly by the Group and are expensed separately outside IAS 19.

The sensitivities regarding the principal assumptions used to measure the plan obligations are:

Increase in Obligation

Increase in Plan Assets

Increase in Net Liability

Change in assumption

Decrease 0.1%
Increase 0.1%
Increase 1 year

31 March 
2016
£m

31 March 
2015
£m

31 March 
2016
£m

31 March 
2015
£m

31 March 
2016
£m

31 March 
2015
£m

1.7
1.5
3.9

1.9
1.7
4.1

2.2
1.9
–

2.2
1.8
–

(0.5)
(0.4)
3.9

(0.3)
(0.1)
4.1

Discount rate
RPI inflation
Life expectancy

The sensitivity information has been derived using projected cash flows valued using the relevant assumptions and 
membership profile as at 31 March 2016. The sensitivity methodology has not changed from prior years. Extrapolation of these 
results beyond the sensitivity figures shown may not be appropriate. 

Defined contribution schemes
The Group offers defined contribution pension schemes for its employees. The total income statement charge in relation to 
these schemes was £5.0m (2015: £4.1m).

The Group’s defined contribution schemes are operated by external providers. The only obligation of the Group with respect to 
these schemes is to make the specified contributions.

111

Financials

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

23. Share based payments
Share options
The Group makes awards under an equity-settled share option plan that entitles employees to purchase shares in the 
Company. In accordance with the rules of the plan, options are granted at the market price of the shares on the date of grant
with a vesting period of generally three years. They may only be exercised upon the attainment of certain performance criteria.
If the performance criteria are not met by the date specified at the time of grant, the options do not vest and will lapse. If the 
options remain unexercised after a period of ten years from the date of grant, the options expire. Furthermore, options are 
forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before the options vest unless the conditions under which they leave are such that 
they are considered to be a ‘good leaver’. In this case their options remain exercisable for a limited period of time. For further 
details of current awards, see the Remuneration Report on pages 54 to 75.

Option pricing
For the purposes of valuing options to arrive at the share-based compensation charge, a binomial lattice option pricing model
has been used. The assumptions used in the model are as follows:

Risk-free interest rate
Dividend yield
Volatility
Expected lives of options and awards granted under:
• Share option plan
• Sharesave plan
• Stock purchase plan
• Performance share plan
• Deferred share bonus plan
Weighted average fair value for share option plan grants in the year
Weighted average fair value for sharesave grants in the year
Weighted average fair value for stock purchase plan grants in the year
Weighted average fair value for performance share awards in the year
Weighted average fair value for deferred share bonus awards in the year

31 March
2016

31 March
2015

0.7%-1.4% 0.5%-1.3%
Nil
26%-28% 25%-30%

Nil

3 years
3.44 years
2.13 years
3-5 years
3 years
353.2p
222.6p
158.4p
469.6p
681.5p

3 years
3.37 years
2.13 years
3-5 years
3 years
389.7p
202.3p
153.5p
504.2p
599.0p

112

Financials

The expected volatility is based on the historic volatility (calculated based on the weighted average remaining life of the share 
options, restricted or performance shares), adjusted for any expected changes to future volatility due to publicly-available 
information.

Share options are granted under a service condition, a non-market condition and a market condition. Service and non-market 
conditions are not taken into account in calculating the fair value measurement of the services received. 

Performance shares are awarded under a service condition, a non-market condition and a market condition. Service and 
non-market conditions are not taken into account in calculating the fair value measurement of the services received.

Awards of share options and performance share awards made in 2013 and later years have a market condition based on a 
TSR measure using the FTSE 250 companies. Earlier share options and performance shares used a TSR measure based on the 
FTSE 250 companies excluding investment trusts, companies in the financial services sector (banks, life & non-life insurance, 
equity & non-equity investment trusts, financial services, real estate investment & services and real estate investment trusts 
etc.) and companies in the consumer discretionary sector (general retailers, media, travel & leisure, and leisure goods) or the 
FTSE SmallCap (excluding Investment Trusts) index. If the Company’s share price at least matches the performance of the 
relevant index over the vesting period, the market-based performance condition will be considered to have been achieved. The 
fair value of an award of shares under the share option and performance share plans have been adjusted to take into account 
this market-based performance condition using a pricing model based on expectations about volatility and the correlation of 
share price returns in the relevant index and which incorporates into the valuation the interdependency between share price 
and index performance. This adjustment increases the fair value relative to the share price at the date of grant. See the 
Remuneration Report on pages 54 to 75 for further information.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
Details of options and awards under the Group’s share plans are shown in the tables below.

2016
Number of 
share options
(000)

2016
Weighted 
average exercise
 price (p)

2015
Number of 
share options
(000)

2015
Weighted 
average exercise
 price (p)

Share options
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted during year
Lapsed during year
Exercised during year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March
Sharesave plan
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted during year
Lapsed during year
Exercised during year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March
Stock purchase plan
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted during year
Lapsed during year
Exercised during year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March

Options outstanding at 31 March 2016:

Share options granted in year ended 31 March
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016

Sharesave plan options granted in year ended 31 March
2014
2015
2016

Stock purchase plan options granted in year ended 31 March
2015
2016

1,290
145
(12)
(112)
1,311
1,085

575
221
(56)
(123)
617
–

221
93
(48)
(37)
229
–

222.3
688.5
495.0
380.5
322.4
254.4

392.5
504.4
439.5
320.2
442.9
–

489.0
567.0
503.8
332.0
543.3
–

Number
(000)

290
329
253
213
19
66
141
1,311

170
239
208
617

146
83
229

1,565
66
–
(341)
1,290
872

510
268
(33)
(170)
575
–

93
181
(18)
(35)
221
–

269.6
631.6
–
271.9
287.7
222.3

274.0
498.7
310.2
220.4
392.5
–

339.9
530.0
402.7
349.5
489.0
–

Weighted
exercise 
price (p)

Latest exercise 
date year ended 
31 March

179.3
201.3
298.9
386.0
395.1
631.6
688.5

289.5
498.7
504.4

530.0
567.0

2020
2021
2022
2023
2017
2018
2019

2017
2018
2019

2017
2018

113

Financials

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

23. Share based payments continued

Performance share awards
Following approval of the Performance Share Plan by shareholders at the 2006 AGM, the Company has made awards to the 
executive directors and other employees with a vesting period of three years. In 2013, amendments to the rules of the Plan and 
the terms of new performance conditions were approved at the AGM. These included the opportunity for Executive Directors 
only to voluntarily elect to carry-forward and put at risk for a further two years shares that would have vested under the core 
award after three years into a multiplier award. 

A Senior Management Performance Share Plan was approved by the Board in 2012 in order to award shares to certain senior 
employees below board level. The shares will vest on the second anniversary of the grant date.

Movement in the number of performance share awards is as follows:

Performance share awards
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted during year
Lapsed during year
Exercised during year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March
Senior Management Performance Share Plan
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted during year
Lapsed during year
Exercised during year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March

2016
Number of 
share awards
(000)

2015
Number of 
share awards
(000)

5,146
1,711
(307)
(911)
5,639
–

–
112
–
–
112
–

4,142
1,891
(112)
(775)
5,146
–

123
–
(25)
(98)
–
–

Deferred share bonus plan
The Company established a deferred share bonus plan. The executive directors, members of the leadership team and certain 
other senior staff have part of their bonus awarded in shares. The shares will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date.

Movement in the number of deferred bonus shares awarded is as follows:

114

Financials

Outstanding at 1 April
Granted during year
Lapsed during year
Exercised during year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March

2016
Number of 
share awards
(000)

2015
Number of 
share awards
(000)

436
48
(7)
(218)
259
–

570
41
(3)
(172)
436
–

For the performance share awards and the deferred share bonus plan awards are forfeited if the director or other employee 
leaves the Group before the awards vest, unless the conditions under which they leave are such that they are considered to be 
a ‘good leaver’; in which case their award is released following their departure. If the Remuneration Committee decide that a 
departing beneficiary of an award is a ‘good leaver’, so their award may be released early, the award will only be released 
subject to the achievement of the performance conditions set out at the time of the granting of the award and may be subject 
to proration for time, at the discretion of the Committee. For further details see the Remuneration Report on pages 54 to 75.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 201624. BTG Employee Share Trust
The Group includes an employee share trust, the BTG Employee Share Trust (the ‘Trust’), which is administrated in Jersey. It 
holds shares for the general benefit of all employees who may eventually become legally entitled to them. At 31 March 2016 the 
Trust held 43,010 (31 March 2015: 321,341) shares in BTG plc and a further 12,596 (31 March 2015: 12,596) shares in Torotrak 
plc. The Trust may distribute these shares to employees of the Group on the recommendation of the Company. These 
distributions may be as a result of awards under the Performance Share Plan, the Deferred Share Bonus Plan or the Senior 
Management Performance Share Plan.

25. Provisions 

At 1 April
Provisions utilised during year
Provisions made during year
Provisions reversed during the period
At 31 March

Balance due within one year
Balance due after more than one year
At 31 March

Leases
£m

1.8
(0.2)
0.1
–
1.7

0.1
1.6
1.7

2016

Other
£m

0.1
(0.1)
1.5
(0.2)
1.3

1.3
–
1.3

Total
£m

1.9
(0.3)
1.6
(0.2)
3.0

1.4
1.6
3.0

Leases
£m

0.9
–
0.9
–
1.8

0.4
1.4
1.8

2015

Other
£m

0.1
–
–
–
0.1

0.1
–
0.1

Total
£m

1.0
–
0.9
–
1.9

0.5
1.4
1.9

Lease provisions relate to dilapidation provisions and represent the estimated cost of restoring sites to their original state.

Contingent liability
In July 2014, BTG announced that it had received a subpoena from the US Department of Justice, seeking documents in 
relation to an investigation regarding LC Bead®. The investigation covers the period from 2003. BTG continues to cooperate 
fully with this investigation. As at 31 March 2016, the possibility that a material outflow of funds will be required to settle or 
otherwise resolve the investigation was more than remote. It was not, however, possible to make a reliable estimate of the 
amount that may be required to be paid.

115

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BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

26. Financial risk management objectives and policies

Overview
The Group has exposure to credit, liquidity and market risks from its use of financial instruments. This note sets out the Group’s 
key policies and processes for managing these risks.

Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a licensee fails to meet its contractual obligations or a customer fails to pay 
for goods received. The Group’s primary objective with respect to credit risk is to minimise the risk of default by licensees or 
customers.

A substantial element of the Group’s revenue is derived from royalties which are only payable if a licensee is generating income 
from sales of licensed products. In such instances the Group’s exposure to credit risk is considered to be inherently relatively 
low, although is influenced by the unique characteristics of individual licensees. The Group’s policy is to provide against bad 
debts on a specific licence by licence basis.

Following transitions from distribution agreements to direct sales during prior years, the majority of the product revenues are 
currently generated from sales to several key wholesalers in the U.S. Management maintains regular communication with the 
customers and monitors both sales to and payments from customers to minimise the credit risk exposure.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group’s approach 
to  managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities as they 
fall due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the 
Group’s reputation.

The Group has limited debt facilities in the form of assets held under finance leases. The Group has substantial cash balances 
to fund its operations. In November 2015, the Group signed a £100m multi-currency revolving credit facility providing access to 
funds for a period of three years to November 2018 with a with the option to extend for a further two years. This replaced the 
previous £60m facility. The £100m revolving credit facility has not been utilised in the period.

The Group’s policy is to place surplus cash resources on short- and medium-term fixed interest deposits, to the extent that 
cash flow can be reasonably predicted. Term deposits are denominated in UK sterling with institutions rated as A or higher by 
both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s.

Market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices will affect 
the Group’s income or the value of its holdings in financial instruments. The Group has little exposure to interest rate risk other 
than that returns on short-term fixed interest deposits will vary with movements in underlying bank interest rates. The Group’s 
principal market risk exposure is to movements in foreign exchange rates.
Foreign currency risk
The Group has several overseas subsidiary undertakings, the majority of revenues and the expenses of which are denominated 
in local currencies being US dollars, euros, Canadian dollars and Australian dollars. As a result the Group’s sterling income 
statement, balance sheet and cash flows may be affected by movements in sterling exchange rates with these currencies.
The Group’s primary objective with respect to managing foreign exchange risk is to provide certainty over the value of future 
cash flows.

A significant element of the Group’s revenue is denominated in US dollars with the remainder split between sterling, euros and 
other currencies. The majority of the Group’s operating expenses are in sterling and US dollars with smaller elements in euros,
Canadian dollars and Australian dollars. Where possible, anticipated foreign currency operating expenses are matched to 
foreign currency revenues. The excess exposure over and above this natural hedge, to the extent that cash flows are 
predictable, is managed using forward contracts (see note 21).

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BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016  
 
Sensitivity analysis
A 5% weakening of the US$ at 31 March 2016 would have resulted in the following decrease in profit before tax:

Decrease in Profit

31 March
2016
£m

5.4

31 March
2015
£m

3.6

Interest rate risk
The Group does not consider the impact of interest rate risk to be material to its results or operations and accordingly no 
sensitivity analysis is shown.

Market price risk
It is, on occasion, deemed appropriate to take equity stakes in early-stage companies utilising the Group’s technology as part 
of the overall licensing arrangement and small loans may be granted to these companies to further technology development.
These investments will be realised at an appropriate time in the development cycle. These investments form part of the Group’s 
overall technology portfolio and do not materially affect liquidity.

Capital management
The Group defines the capital that it manages as the Group’s total equity. The Group’s objectives when managing capital are:
• To safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern;
• To provide an adequate return to investors based on the level of risk undertaken;
• To have available the necessary financial resources to allow the Group to invest in areas that may deliver future benefits for

inventive sources and returns to investors; and

• To maintain sufficient financial resources to mitigate against risks and unforeseen events.
The Group believes it has sufficient ongoing cash and cash equivalents to meet its stated capital management objectives.
The  Group’s capital and equity ratio are shown in the table below.

Total equity – capital and reserves attributable to BTG shareholders
Total assets
Equity ratio

31 March
2016
£m

847.7
1,148.8
73.8%

31 March
2015
£m

758.6
1,045.9
72.5%

The Group is not subject to regulatory capital adequacy requirements as known in the financial services industry.

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BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

26. Financial risk management objectives and policies continued

Financial instruments
The Group’s financial instruments comprise cash, short- and medium-term deposits, foreign currency forward contracts, 
contingent considerations and various items such as trade debtors and creditors which arise directly from operations.
Fair values
The fair values of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities, together with the carrying values shown in the statement of 
financial position, are as follows:

Designated at 
fair value
£m

Forward 
contracts 
at fair value
£m

Amortised 
Cost
£m

31 March 2015
Cash and cash equivalents
Forward contracts
Other investments
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables  
(excluding contingent consideration)
Contingent considerations
31 March 2016
Cash and cash equivalents
Forward contracts
Other investments
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables  
(excluding contingent consideration)
Contingent considerations

–
–
3.0
–

–
(32.7)

–
–
1.4
–

–
(27.2)

–
(0.9)
–
–

–
–

–
0.3
–
–

–
–

Total 
carrying 
value
£m

73.8
(0.9)
3.0
91.1

(96.2)
(32.7)

140.4
0.3
1.4
106.5

Fair value1
£m

–
–
3.0
–

–
(32.7)

–
–
1.4
–

73.8
–
–
91.1

(96.2)
–

140.4
–
–
106.5

(115.1)
–

(115.1)
(27.2)

–
(27.2)

1  The Group has not disclosed the fair values for financial instruments such as trade receivables and trade payables because their carrying amounts are a reasonable approximation of their

fair value.

The following table provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair 
value, grouped into Levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable:

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities

Level 2 – observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities

Level 3 – unobservable inputs

Fair value hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities

118

Financials

At 31 March 2015

Financial assets recognised at fair value
Investments
Financial liabilities recognised at fair value
Forward contracts
Fair value of other contingent consideration

At 31 March 2016

Financial assets recognised at fair value
Investments
Forward contracts
Financial liabilities recognised at fair value
Fair value of other contingent consideration

Level 1
£m

Level 2
£m

Level 3
£m

Total
£m

3.0

(0.9)
(32.7)

–

–
(32.7)

–
–

1.4
0.3

(27.2)

(27.2)

–

–
–

–
–

–

3.0

(0.9)
–

1.4
0.3

–

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Level 2 financial assets and liabilities represent forward foreign exchange contracts to sell US$ which are marked-to-market 
at each balance sheet date and other investments held at fair value as disclosed in note 15.

Level 3 financial liabilities at 31 March 2016 predominately represent:
• contingent consideration payable on achievement of revenue targets and product approval by PneumRx following the 

acquisition of PneumRx, Inc. in January 2015 (see note 31 for valuation methodology);

• Level 3 financial liabilities at 31 March 2015 predominantly represent:
• contingent consideration payable on achievement of revenue targets and product approval by PneumRx following the 

acquisition of PneumRx, Inc. in January 2015 (see note 31 for valuation methodology);

• contingent consideration payable on achievement of revenue targets by EKOS following the acquisition of EKOS Corporation 

in July 2013;

• contingent consideration payable upon the purchase of the US commercial rights of product candidate uridine triacetate 

representing contingent milestone payments upon NDA acceptance and approval of the product candidate. 

The movement in these level 3 financial liabilities is shown below.

At 1 April 
Acquisitions
Movements in Fair Value
Paid during the year
Currency movements 
At 31 March 

Note

8, 9

2016
£m

(32.7)
–
1.3
4.8
(0.6)
(27.2)

2015 
£m

(5.5)
(28.7)
(1.0)
3.5
(1.0)
(32.7)

The Group recognised a fair value credit of £12.0m relating to the non-payment of the first revenue milestone and a £9.0m 
charge relating to the US regulatory milestone for the PneumRx acquisition within Financial income (2015: £0.9m charge in 
Financial expense). The Group recognised a fair value expense of £1.6m (2015: £0.1m) related to the contingent milestones for 
the EKOS acquisition within Financial expense. 

Contractual maturity analysis of financial assets/ (liabilities)

Forward foreign exchange contracts that mature within:

0-3 months
3-6 months
6-12 months
>12 months
Total

31 March
2016
£m

31 March
2015 
£m

(0.9)
(1.1)
1.3
1.0
0.3

(0.3)
(0.2)
(0.4)
–
(0.9)

Net gains and losses on financial assets and liabilities
Foreign exchange gains of £4.4m (2015: gains of £6.7m) were recognised within Operating profit in relation to cash balances,
intercompany trading balances and settlement of trade receivables and payables.

The Group recognised a fair value gain of £1.2m (2015: loss of £6.2m) relating to forward foreign exchange contracts within 
‘Financial income’ (2015: ‘Financial expense’).

Estimation of fair values
The following summarises the methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments reflected 
in the table.

Other investments
These comprise both listed and unlisted investments, available-for-sale. The figure recorded in the statement of financial 
position (note 15) is the best estimate of fair value.

Trade receivables, trade payables and cash and cash equivalents
Trade payables and receivables have a remaining life of less than one year so their value recorded in the statement of financial
position is considered to be a fair approximation of fair value. 

Contingent considerations
Contingent considerations are fair valued at each reporting period recognising any changes between fair value at initial 
recognition and fair value at year-end to reflect a change in factors, including time and the probability of achieving milestones.

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BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

27. Operating leases
Total non-cancellable operating lease rentals are due in the following periods:

Within one year
Between two and five years

31 March
2016
Property
£m

3.3
6.1
9.4

31 March
2015
Property
£m

2.8
7.3
10.1

Operating lease payments represent rentals payable for certain of its office properties under non-cancellable operating lease 
agreements. 

The Group leases a number of offices and facilities primarily in the UK, the US, Canada, Germany, Asia-Pacific and Australia.
These leases have terms of up to five years.

The leases contain options to extend for further periods. In the event of renewal, the lease contracts contain market review 
clauses. None of the property leases provide the Group with an option to purchase the leased asset at the expiry of the lease 
period.

28. Other financial commitments
As with any business whose core assets are intellectual property, the Group will from time to time resort to litigation or threats 
of litigation, or other legal processes, to defend its rights. Litigation costs are regarded as a cost of doing business and will vary 
from year to year. In the current year the Group incurred £nil in patent litigation costs (2015: £7.5m predominantly relating to the 
settlement of a patent dispute with Instituto Bioclon).

The Company has entered into an agreement to guarantee payments under the lease of a US subsidiary undertaking.

The Company has provided a Guarantee to certain subsidiary undertakings in respect of the BTG Pension Scheme up to a 
maximum amount equal to the lowest non-negative amount which, when added to the assets of the Scheme, would result in 
the scheme being at least 105% funded on the date on which any liability arose, calculated on the basis set out in section 179 of
the Pensions Act 2004, were a valuation to be conducted as at that date. 

29. Related parties
Identity of related parties
The Group has a related-party relationship with its subsidiary undertakings (see note 2(b)), its associates (see note 2(b)) and its 
directors.

In relation to the related party relationship identified on page 45 concerning Giles Kerr, payments made by BTG to Oxford 
University and Isis Innovations Ltd under the relevant licence agreements were £24,000 for the year ended 31 March 2016 
(£5,000 for the year ended 31 March 2015). There are no amounts still outstanding and payable by BTG under these 
agreements as at 31 March 2016 (2015: nil).

Key management personnel are considered to be the directors and their remuneration is disclosed within the Remuneration 
Report on pages 54 to 75.

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BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
30. Group entities
The subsidiary undertakings of BTG plc at 31 March 2016 are all wholly owned, incorporated in the United Kingdom and 
registered in England and Wales, unless shown otherwise. All subsidiary undertakings operate in their country of incorporation 
and are consolidated in the Group’s financial statements.

Biocompatibles, Inc.
Delaware, USA
Biocompatibles International Ltd*
Biocompatibles UK Ltd
BTG Australasia Pty Ltd 
Australia
BTG Employee Share Schemes Ltd 
Guernsey
BTG International Asia Limited 
Hong Kong, China
BTG International Canada Inc. 
Canada
BTG International Germany GmbH 
Germany
BTG International Healthcare Inc. 
Delaware, USA
BTG International Healthcare LLC 
Delaware, USA
BTG International Healthcare Ltd
BTG International Inc. 
Delaware, USA
BTG International Ltd 
BTG International (Holdings) Ltd *
BTG Management Services Ltd
EKOS Corporation 
Delaware, USA
PneumRx GmbH 
Germany
PneumRx, Inc. 
Delaware, USA
PneumRx Ltd
Protherics Medicines Development Ltd
Protherics Utah Inc. 
Tennessee, USA
Protherics UK Ltd

Provensis Ltd*
Provensis Inc. 
Delaware, USA

* Indicates direct subsidiary of BTG plc.

Class of capital

Principal activity

Common stock

Distribution of Bead products, TheraSphere® and Varithena®

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Investment and management of Group companies
Development, management and commercialisation of IPR
Manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical products

Trustee company

Sales support for the Interventional Medicine business

Common shares

Support of Interventional Medicine business

No par value shares

Common stock

Research and Development and sale  
of Bead products and TheraSphere®
Group financing

Ordinary

Group financing

Ordinary
Common stock

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Common stock

No par value shares

Group financing
Research, development and sale  
of pharmaceutical products
Development, management and commercialisation of IPR
Holding company
Investment and management of Group companies
Manufacture and commercialisation  
of therapeutic ultrasound devices
Sale of the PneumRx® Coil System

Common stock

Ordinary
Ordinary
Common stock

Ordinary

Ordinary
Common stock

Development, manufacture and commercialisation  
of the PneumRx® Coil System
Commercialisation and sale of the PneumRx® Coil System
Development, management and commercialisation of IPR
Manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical products

121

Financials

Research, development, manufacture and sale  
of pharmaceutical products
Development and commercialisation of IPR
Dormant company

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

31. Business Combinations
Acquisitions during the year ended 31 March 2015
a)  PneumRx acquisition
BTG completed the acquisition of 100% of PneumRx on 7 January 2015 for an initial cash consideration of £153.4m ($231.0m)
and up to $245m in contingent consideration based upon performance related future milestones. The contingent consideration 
had a carrying value equal to its fair value of £28.8m using acquisition date trading assumptions and probability adjusted 
forecasts to assess the likelihood of revenue and FDA approval milestone payments to be made. The purchase price allocation 
is deemed final and there have been no adjustments to the preliminary assessment of the fair values of assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed.
PneumRx owns, manufactures and distributes PneumRx® Coils, a minimally invasive treatment for advanced emphysema, 
which seeks to enhance patients’ quality of life by improving lung function and exercise capacity. At the date of acquisition,
PneumRx® Coils were in 11 European countries and had a fully recruited US pivotal clinical trial underway. Following the 
successful outcome of the RENEW study, the Group is currently progressing a regulatory application with the US FDA, which 
could lead to US PMA approval in 2017. The acquisition complements BTG’s Interventional Medicine platform, expanding it into 
the emerging area of Interventional Pulmonology.
At acquisition, intangible assets principally comprised £109.2m relating to PneumRx® Coil (Europe) developed technology and 
£80.4m relating to PneumRx® Coil (US) in-process research and development assets. The estimated useful life of the 
developed technology was 15 years, and amortisation expense is recorded on a straight-line basis. Goodwill arising of £51.6m, 
which is not deductible for tax purposes, was assigned to the Interventional Medicine operating segment. Goodwill includes 
the values of tax impacts, assembled workforce and future potential indications for the PneumRx® Coil which at the time of 
acquisition did not meet the criteria for recognition as separate intangible assets.

Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, BTG may be due to make further contingent consideration payments dependent 
upon PneumRx achieving certain revenue targets and US FDA approval.

The contingent consideration payments included US$20m payable if PneumRx met a global revenue target in calendar year 
2015 of US$35 million and US$60 million payable if US FDA approval is received before 31 December 2017. During the year 
ended 31 March 2016 no contingent consideration payments were made and a £3.0m fair value movement credit was 
recognised in the income statement comprising a £12.0m credit relating to the non-payment of the first revenue milestone and 
a £9.0m charge relating to the US regulatory milestone. The remaining contingent consideration payments on the Statement of 
Financial Position are considered by management to be a level 3 financial instrument (note 26).

122

Financials

Assets
Non-current assets:
Intangible assets 
Property, plant & equipment
Current assets:
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents 
Liabilities
Current liabilities: 
Trade and other payables
Non-current liabilities:
Net deferred tax liabilities
Assets acquired
Goodwill 
Total assets acquired
Cash consideration paid
Contingent consideration
Total consideration
Cash and cash equivalents included in undertaking acquired
Cash consideration paid
Net cash outflow arising on acquisition and in cash flow statement

Book Value
£m

Fair Value
Adjustment
£m

Fair Value
£m

0.3
0.3

0.9
2.6
6.2

(8.8)

–
1.5

189.6
–

189.9
0.3

2.4
–
–

3.3
2.6
6.2

–

(8.8)

(62.9)
129.1

(62.9)
130.6
51.6
182.2
153.4
28.8
182.2
6.2
(153.4)
(147.2)

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
Revenue and Profit Impact of acquisitions
During the year ended 31 March 2015, PneumRx, Inc. contributed revenues of £2.3m and an operating loss before 
acquisition adjustments and reorganisation costs of £2.7m in the period since acquisition. If the acquisition had taken 
place on 1 April 2014, the first day of the reporting period under review, revenue and profit before tax and before acquisition 
adjustments and reorganisation costs of the combined group would have been £379.1m and £64.2m respectively.

32. Post balance sheets events
On 6 May 2016 the Group announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Galil Medical for an initial cash 
consideration of US$84.5m and up to US$25.5m in future regulatory and commercial milestone payments in respect 
of the period to 31 December 2018.

123

Financials

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Company financial statements
Statement of financial position

Assets
Non-current assets
Investment in subsidiaries

Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets
Equity
Share capital
Share premium account
Merger reserve
Retained earnings
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Total liabilities
Total equity and liabilities

31 March
2016
£m

31 March
2015
£m

Note

4

5

6
6
6
6
6

7

768.7
768.7

69.1
0.5
69.6
838.3

38.3
434.8
317.8
41.5
832.4

5.9
5.9
838.3

764.6
764.6

70.6
0.5
71.1
835.7

38.2
433.8
317.8
43.5
833.3

2.4
2.4
835.7

The notes on pages 126 to 128 form part of these financial statements.

The financial statements were approved by the Board on 16 May 2016 and were signed on its behalf by:

Dame Louise Makin 
Chief Executive Officer 

Rolf Soderstrom 
Chief Financial Officer

Registered No. 2670500

124

Financials

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Statement of cash flows
for the year ended 31 March 2016

Loss after tax for the year
Decrease in trade and other receivables
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables
Other
Net cash outflow from operating activities
Investing activities
Increase of investment in subsidiary companies
Net cash outflow from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds of share issue
Net cash inflow from financing activities
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at start of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Statement of changes in equity

At 1 April 2014

Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners:
Issue of BTG plc ordinary shares
Movement in shares held by the Trust
Share-based payments
At 31 March 2015

At 1 April 2015

Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the year

Transactions with owners:
Issue of BTG plc ordinary shares
Movement in shares held by the Trust
Share-based payments
At 31 March 2016

Share 
capital
£m

36.1

–
–
–

2.1
–
–
38.2

Share 
capital
£m

38.2

–
–
–

0.1
–
–
38.3

Share 
premium
£m

288.7

–
–
–

145.1
–
–
433.8

Share 
premium
£m

433.8

–
–
–

1.0
–
–
434.8

The notes on pages 126 to 128 form part of these financial statements.

Year ended 
31 March
2016
£m

Year ended 
31 March
2015
£m

(8.6)
1.4
3.7
2.4
(1.1)

–
–

1.1
1.1
–
0.5
0.5

Retained 
earnings
£m

44.2

(6.1)
–
(6.1)

–
(0.2)
5.6
43.5

Retained 
earnings
£m

43.5

(8.6)
–
(8.6)

–
(0.1)
6.7
41.5

(6.1)
1.4
(0.3)
1.7
(3.3)

(143.4)
(143.4)

147.2
147.2
0.5
–
0.5

Total 
£m

686.8

(6.1)
–
(6.1)

147.2
(0.2)
5.6
833.3

Total 
equity
£m

833.3

(8.6)
–
(8.6)

1.1
(0.1)
6.7
832.4

Note

2
5
7

6

Merger 
reserve
£m

317.8

–
–
–

–
–
–
317.8

Merger 
reserve
£m

317.8

–
–
–

–
–
–
317.8

125

Financials

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Notes to the company financial statements

1. Accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these Company financial statements are the same as those set out in 
note 2 to the Group financial statements with the addition of the following:

Investments
Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less provision for impairment. 

Accounting for transactions under common control
Where the Company acquires or disposes of shares in another Group company either in a share for share exchange or as an 
acquisition or disposal of part of the business, the cost or proceeds are determined by reference to the fair value of the 
consideration received (i.e. the fair value of the company in which shares have been received) at the date of transfer.

If the Company receives shares following the sale of its subsidiary or part of its business, any gain or loss is credited or charged 
to the income statement. Where the Company issues shares following the acquisition of a subsidiary or part of another 
business, any gain or loss is credited or charged to reserves.

Share-based payments
The Company has elected to apply IFRS 2 to all share-based awards and options granted post 7 November 2002 that had not 
vested by 1 January 2005. The carrying amount of an investment in a subsidiary is increased to the extent that share-based 
payments relate to employees of that subsidiary. Share-based payment expenses relating to employees of the Company are 
expensed within the income statement.

These policies have been applied consistently to the periods presented.

The functional currency of the Company is sterling and all values are rounded to the nearest £0.1m except where otherwise 
indicated.

2. Loss for the year
As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company has elected not to present its own income statement for 
the year. The loss after tax of the Company amounted to £8.6m (2015: £6.1m)

The analysis of the auditor’s remuneration is as follows:

The auditing of accounts of the Company
Audit related assurance services

3. Staff costs
The employees are based in the United Kingdom.

Year ended 
31 March
2016
£’000

Year ended 
31 March
2015
£’000

98
54

96
56

Disclosures of individual Director’s remuneration and associated costs required by the Companies Act 2006 and specified by the 
Financial Conduct Authority are on pages 54 to 75 within the Remuneration Report and form part of these audited accounts.

The employees of the Company are members of the Group pension schemes as detailed in note 22 of the Group financial
statements.

4. Investment in subsidiary undertakings

Cost
At 1 April 2014
Transfers of investments to subsidiary companies
Share based payments
At 1 April 2015
Increase of investment in subsidiary companies
Share based payments
At 31 March 2016

£m

617.5
143.4
3.7
764.6
–
4.1
768.7

During the year ended 31 March 2015, BTG plc increased its investment in BTG International (Holdings) Ltd by £143.4m.

A list of the Company’s principal subsidiary undertakings is shown in note 30 to the Group financial statements.

126

Financials

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
5. Trade and other receivables

Due within one year
Prepayments
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings

6. Capital and reserves

Company
At 1 April 2014
Loss for financial year
Total recognised loss for the year
Movement in shares held by Trust
Other share capital issued
Share-based payments
At 1 April 2015
Loss for financial year
Total recognised loss for the year
Movement in shares held by Trust
Other share capital issued
Share-based payments
At 31 March 2016

Year ended 
31 March
2016
£m

Year ended 
31 March
2015
£m

0.7
68.4
69.1

0.7
69.9
70.6

Share 
capital
£m

Share 
premium
£m

Merger 
reserve
£m

Retained 
earnings
£m

36.1
–
–
–
2.1
–
38.2
–
–
–
0.1
–
38.3

288.7
–
–
–
145.1
–
433.8
–
–
–
1.0
–
434.8

317.8
–
–
–
–
–
317.8
–
–
–
–
–
317.8

44.2
(6.1)
(6.1)
(0.2)
–
5.6
43.5
(8.6)
(8.6)
(0.1)
–
6.7
41.5

Total 
£m

686.8
(6.1)
(6.1)
(0.2)
147.2
5.6
833.3
(8.6)
(8.6)
(0.1)
1.1
6.7
832.4

The merger reserve is used where more than 90% of the shares in a subsidiary are acquired and the consideration includes the 
issue of new shares by the Company, thereby attracting merger relief under s612 and s613 of the Companies Act 2006. The 
balance on the merger reserve has arisen through:

1. 

2. 

 The acquisition of Protherics PLC on 4 December 2008 and includes directly attributable costs of issuing the shares 
of £0.4m.

 The acquisition of Biocompatibles International plc on 27 January 2011 and includes directly attributable costs of issuing 
of shares of £1.1m.

Details of Company share capital are disclosed in note 19 to the Group financial statements. Details of share options granted 
by the Company are set out in note 23 to the Group financial statements. Details of shares in the Company held by subsidiaries 
are shown in note 24 to the Group financial statements.

127

Financials

In December 2014, BTG completed a share placing for a total of 18,867,925 new ordinary shares at a price of 795p per placing 
share, raising proceeds of £150.0m being £145.7m net of expenses.

7. Trade and other payables

Due within one year
Accruals and deferred income
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings

The directors consider the fair value to be equal to the book value.

31 March
2016
£m

31 March
2015
£m

2.7
3.2
5.9

2.4
–
2.4

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
Notes to the company financial statements continued

8. Financial assets and liabilities 

31 March 2015
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
31 March 2016
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables

Amortised 
cost
£m

Total carrying 
value
£m

0.5
70.6
(2.4)

0.5
69.1
(5.9)

0.5
70.6
(2.4)

0.5
69.1
(5.9)

The Company has not disclosed the fair values for financial instruments such as trade receivables and trade payables because 
their carrying amounts are a reasonable approximation of their fair value.

Credit risk
The Company’s credit risk is the risk that one of its subsidiaries is unable to repay intercompany amounts owing. The 
recoverability of the Company’s intercompany receivable is considered at each balance sheet date.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company does 
not hold significant cash balances as Group cash is managed centrally within its subsidiaries. Accordingly the Company is 
funded by its subsidiaries as its liabilities fall due. In November 2015, the Group signed a £100m multi-currency revolving credit 
facility providing access to funds for a period of three years to November 2018 with a with the option to extend for a further two 
years. This replaced the previous £60m facility. The £100m revolving credit facility has not been utilised in the period.

Market risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices will affect 
the Group’s income or the value of its holdings in financial instruments. As the holding company of the BTG Group, the Company 
does not have significant exposure to movements in market prices and accordingly no additional disclosure is provided. There 
are no foreign currency balances within the Company’s statement of financial position.

Capital Management
Details of the Company’s objectives with respect to managing capital are disclosed in note 26 to the Group financial
statements.

128

Financials

9. Guarantees and contingent liabilities
The Company has entered into an agreement to guarantee payments under the lease of its US subsidiary undertaking.

The Company has provided a Guarantee to certain subsidiary undertakings in respect of the BTG Pension Fund up to a 
maximum amount equal to the lowest non-negative amount which, when added to the assets of the Fund, would result in the 
Fund being at least 105% funded on the date on which any liability arose, calculated on the basis set out in section 179 of the 
Pensions Act 2004, were a valuation to be conducted as at that date. 

10. Related party transactions
The Company has a related-party relationship with its subsidiary undertakings and its directors.

In relation to the related party relationship identified on page 45 concerning Giles Kerr, payments made by BTG to Oxford 
University and Isis Innovations Ltd under the relevant licence agreements were £24,000 for the year ended 31 March 2016 
(£5,000 during the year ended 31 March 2015). There are no amounts still outstanding and payable by BTG under these 
agreements as at 31 March 2016 (2015: nil).

Key management personnel are considered to be the directors and their remuneration is disclosed within the Remuneration 
Report on pages 54 to 75.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
Five-year financial record 
For the year ended 31 March

Consolidated income statement

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative expenses
Contribution

Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets
Foreign exchange gains/(losses)
Research and Development
Profit on disposal of assets and investments
Amounts written off property, plant and equipment
Amounts written off associates and investments
Other operating expenses
Acquisition and reorganisation costs
Operating profit
Net financial income/(expense)
Profit before tax
Tax credit/(charge)
Profit after tax for the year 
Earnings per share

Basic
Diluted

2016
£m

447.5
(140.8)
306.7

(141.4)
165.3

(35.0)
4.4
(77.2)
–
–
–
(1.0)
–
56.5
1.0
57.5
3.0
60.5

15.8p
15.6p

20151
£m

367.8
(114.7)
253.1

(124.8)
128.3

(28.4)
6.7
(68.3)
0.3
–
–
–
(3.7)
34.9
(8.2)
26.7
6.9
33.6

9.1p
9.0p

20142
£m

290.5
(95.0)
195.5

(84.0)
111.5

(23.3)
(5.0)
(47.2)
1.1
–
–
–
(9.8)
27.3
6.0
33.3
(9.0)
24.3

6.8p
6.7p

2013
£m

233.7
(67.2)
166.5

(58.0)
108.5

(43.4)
3.1
(41.2)
0.4
(1.8)
–
–
0.1
25.7
(1.6)
24.1
(7.7)
16.4

5.0p
5.0p

20123
£m

197.0
(56.3)
140.7

(48.9)
91.8

(30.7)
2.6
(39.7)
0.2
(3.0)
(0.2)
–
(1.1)
19.9
3.1
23.0
(8.4)
14.6

4.5p
4.4p

1   The results for the year ended 31 March 2015 include the results of PneumRx, Inc. from the date of acquisition, being 7 January 2015.
2   The results for the year ended 31 March 2014 include the results of EKOS Corporation and the Targeted Therapies Division of Nordion Inc. from the date of acquisition, being 5 July 2013 and

13 July 2013 respectively.

3   Financial year 2012 does not reflect IAS 19 revised.

129

Financials

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
Five-year financial record continued
For the year ended 31 March

Consolidated statement of financial position

Goodwill
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Other investments
Deferred tax asset
Employee benefits
Biological assets
Derivative financial instruments
Total non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets

Equity
Share capital
Share premium account
Merger reserve
Reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity
Total non-current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Total liabilities
Total equity and liabilities

2016
£m

187.9
599.2
35.7
1.4
6.8
19.3
–
1.0
851.3
297.5
1,148.8

38.3
434.8
317.8
28.1
28.7
847.7
176.1
125.0
301.1
1,148.8

20151
£m

183.8
597.9
35.5
3.0
4.9
13.2
–
–
838.3
207.6
1,045.9

38.2
433.8
317.8
9.4
(40.6)
758.6
171.7
115.6
287.3
1,045.9

20142
£m

123.6
397.9
31.3
3.0
0.8
8.0
–
0.9
565.5
146.2
711.7

36.1
288.7
317.8
(32.2)
(80.0)
530.4
93.5
87.8
181.3
711.7

2013
£m

59.2
209.2
25.4
3.0
0.9
10.3
–
–
308.0
236.9
544.9

32.8
188.6
317.8
0.2
(104.8)
434.6
44.7
65.6
110.3
544.9

20123
£m

59.2
246.0
22.0
3.0
1.0
–
0.3
–
331.5
174.3
505.8

32.7
188.3
317.8
(4.0)
(128.6)
406.2
41.3
58.3
99.6
505.8

1  The statement of financial position for 31 March 2015 includes the assets and liabilities acquired from PneumRx, Inc. during the year.
2   The statement of financial position for 31 March 2014 includes the assets and liabilities acquired from EKOS Corporation and the Targeted Therapies Division of Nordion Inc. during

the year.

3   Financial year 2012 does not reflect IAS 19 revised.

Consolidated cash flow statement

Net cash from/(used in) operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash from/(used in) financing activities
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held
Cash and cash equivalents at start of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

130

Financials

2016
£m

95.6
(29.9)
–
65.7
0.9
73.8
140.4

20151
£m

47.5
(158.9)
146.2
34.8
0.8
38.2
73.8

20142
£m

48.5
(269.4)
102.7
(118.2)
(2.3)
158.7
38.2

2013
£m

55.5
(4.5)
0.2
51.2
0.6
106.9
158.7

20123
£m

47.2
(3.9)
(0.2)
43.1
0.1
63.7
106.9

1  The results for the year ended 31 March 2015 include the results of PneumRx, Inc. from the date of acquisition, being 7 January 2015.
2   The results for the year ended 31 March 2014 include the results of EKOS Corporation and the Targeted Therapies Division of Nordion Inc. from the date of acquisition, being 5 July 2013 and

13 July 2013 respectively.

3   Financial year 2012 does not reflect IAS 19 revised.

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
Shareholder information 

Financial calendar 
Circulation of annual report for the year ended 31 March 2016 

Annual General Meeting 

14 June 2016

14 July 2016

Announcement of interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2016 

November 2016

Preliminary announcement of annual results for the year ended 31 March 2017 

May 2017

Shareholders
At 31 March 2016 there were 9,178 holders of ordinary shares in the Company. Their shareholdings are analysed as follows:

Size of shareholding

1 – 5,000
5,001 – 50,000
50,001 – 100,000
100,001 – 500,000
Over 500,000
Total

Shareholders are further analysed as follows:

Type of owner

Bank and nominee companies
Private shareholders
Limited companies
BTG Employee Share Trust
Insurance companies and pension funds

Number of 
shareholders

Percentage 
of total number 
of shareholders

Number of 
ordinary shares

Percentage of 
ordinary shares

8,405
532
68
92
81
9,178

5,655,092
91.6
7,958,818
5.8
4,691,097
0.7
1.0
21,226,141
0.9 343,460,429
100.0 382,991,577

1.5
2.1
1.2
5.5
89.7
100.0

Number of 
shareholders

Percentage 
of total number 
of shareholders

Number of 
ordinary shares

Percentage of 
ordinary shares

1,073
7,930
57
1
117
9,178

11.7 372,534,928
9,553,722
86.4
358,032
0.6
43,010
–
501,885
1.3
100.0 382,991,577

97.3
2.5
0.1
–
0.1
100.0

Mutual funds and other institutions, and private shareholders holding their shares within PEPs and ISAs, are included within 
‘Bank and nominee companies’.

Capita share dealing services
A quick and easy share dealing service is available from Capita Asset Services, to either buy or sell more shares. An 
online and telephone dealing facility is available providing shareholders with an easy-to-access and simple-to-use service. 
For further information on this service, or to buy and sell shares, please contact: www.capitadeal.com (online dealing) or 
0371 664 0445 (telephone dealing – calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside 
the United Kingdom are charged at the applicable international rate. Lines are open between 8 am – 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday 
excluding public holidays in England and Wales). Full terms, conditions and risks apply and are available on request or by 
visiting www.capitadeal.com. 

131

Financials

This is not a recommendation to buy or sell shares. The price of shares can go down as well as up, and you are not guaranteed 
to get back the amount that you originally invested.

Shareholder change of address
The Company offers the facility, in conjunction with Capita Asset Services, our Registrars, to conduct a number of routine 
matters via the web including the ability to notify any change of address. If you are a shareholder and are either unable or would 
prefer not to use this facility, please do not send the notification to the Company’s registered office. Please write direct to 
Capita, at their address shown below, where the register is held. 

Registered office and head office
BTG plc
5 Fleet Place
London
EC4M 7RD
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7575 0000
Facsimile: +44 (0)20 7575 0010 
Email: info@btgplc.com
Website: www.btgplc.com
Registered number 2670500

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder information continued

Advisers

Stockbrokers
J.P. Morgan Cazenove
25 Bank Street
Canary Wharf
London E14 5JP
Tel +44 (0)20 7742 4000
Fax +44 (0)20 3493 0684

Deutsche Bank AG London
Winchester House
1 Great Winchester Street
London EC2N 2DB
Tel +44 (0)20 3142 8700
Fax +44 (0)20 3142 8735

Auditors
KPMG LLP
15 Canada Square
London E14 5GL
Tel +44 (0)20 7311 1000
Fax +44 (0)20 7311 3311

Registrars
Capita Asset Services
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 4TU

Callers from the UK: 
Tel 0871 664 0300
(please note that calls cost 12p per minute, plus network extras. 
Lines are open from Monday to Friday 9:00am – 5:30pm GMT, 
excluding public holidays in England and Wales.)

Callers from outside the UK: 
Tel +44 (0) 37 1664 0300

Cautionary note regarding 
forward looking statements 
This Annual Report and Accounts contains certain forward-
looking statements with respect to BTG’s business, 
performance and prospects. Statements and other information 
included in this report that are not historical facts are forward-
looking statements. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, 
‘intends’, ‘plans’, ‘believes’, ‘seeks’, ‘estimates’ and ‘potential’, 
variations of these words and similar expressions are intended 
to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are 
based on current expectations and involve risk and uncertainty 
because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances 
which may or may not occur in the future. There are a number 
of factors which could cause actual results or developments to 
differ materially from those expressed or implied by these 
forward-looking statements. Current principal risks and 
uncertainties are described on pages 27 to 32 of this report. 
Any of the assumptions underlying these forward-looking 
statements could prove inaccurate or incorrect and therefore 
any results contemplated in the forward-looking statements 
may not actually be achieved. BTG undertakes no obligation to 
update publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a 
result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Trademarks 
BTG and the BTG roundel logo are registered trademarks of 
BTG International Ltd.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of trademarks of the 
BTG International group of companies mentioned in this Report:
CroFab® 
DC Bead® 
DigiFab® 
EkoSonic® 
LC Bead LUMI™ 
LC Bead® 
PneumRx® Coil 
RePneu® Coil 
TheraSphere® 
Varithena® 
Voraxaze®

CroFab and DigiFab are registered trademarks of BTG 
International Inc. 
DC Bead, LC Bead and LC Bead LUMI are trademarks 
of Biocompatibles UK Ltd.  
EKOS and EkoSonic are registered trademarks of EKOS 
Corporation. 
PneumRx and RePneu are registered trademarks of 
PneumRx, Inc. 
TheraSphere is a registered trademark of Theragenics 
Corporation used under licence by Biocompatibles UK Ltd. 
Varithena is a registered trademark of Provensis Ltd.  
Voraxaze is a registered trademark of Protherics Medicines 
Development Ltd. 
Biocompatibles UK Ltd, EKOS Corporation, PneumRx, Inc., 
Provensis Ltd and Protherics Medicines Development Ltd are 
all BTG International group companies.  
Vistogard is a registered trademark of Wellstat Therapeutics 
Corporation.  
Zytiga is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson. 
Lemtrada is a trademark of Genzyme Corporation.

132

Financials

BTG plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016Designed and produced by MerchantCantos  
www.merchantcantos.com

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BTG International Ltd 
5 Fleet Place 
London EC4M 7RD 
UK 
Tel: +44 (0)20 7575 0000 
Fax: +44 (0)20 7575 0010

btgplc.com