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Camellia
Annual Report 2009

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FY2009 Annual Report · Camellia
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Camellia Plc

2009

122

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Camellia Plc

Report and accounts 2009

Contents 

Directors and advisers 

Chairman’s statement 

Report of the directors 

Corporate governance 

Statement of directors’ responsibilities 

Remuneration report 

Consolidated income statement 

Statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated balance sheet 

Balance sheet 

Consolidated cash flow statement 

Cash flow statement 

Statement of changes in equity 

Accounting policies 

Notes to the accounts 

Report of the auditors 

Five year record 

page

2

3

6

13

16

17

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

35

73

75

1

 
 
 
 
Chairman (iii)
Deputy chairman, independent non-executive 
director and senior independent director (i) (ii) 
(iii)

Joint managing director
Non-executive director
Joint managing director
Finance director
Non-executive director (i)
Non-executive director
Independent non-executive director (i) (ii) (iii)

Chairman
Finance
Joint managing director
Joint managing director
Bangladesh
Corporate secretarial and administration
Kenya, Malawi and South Africa
India

Camellia Plc

Directors and advisers

Directors

M C Perkins, FCA
C J Relleen, FCA

C J Ames, MA FCA
M Dünki
P J Field
A K Mathur, FCA
D A Reeves, MSc
Dr B A Siegfried
C P T Vaughan-Johnson, FCIB

(i) Member of audit committee
(ii) Member of remuneration committee
(iii) Member of nomination committee

Secretary

M D Conway, FCIS

Executive committee

Registered office

Registrars

Auditors

M C Perkins
A K Mathur
C J Ames
P J Field
I Ahmed
M D Conway
G A Mclean
A Singh

Linton Park
Linton
Near Maidstone
Kent ME17 4AB
Registered Number 29559

Capita Registrars
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 4TU

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1 Embankment Place
London
WC2N 6RH

Website

www.camellia.plc.uk

2

 
Chairman’s statement

 The profit before tax for the year to 31 December 2009 amounted to £34.14 million compared with £24.04 million in the 
previous year. The group enjoyed another successful year in 2009 and the underlying trading profit increased from £23.20 
million in 2008 to £35.36 million in 2009.

Dividend

The board is recommending a final dividend of 74p per share, which together with the interim dividend already paid of 20p 
per share, brings the total distribution for the year to 94p per share compared with 92p per share in respect of 2008.

Agriculture and horticulture

Tea

In 2009 all of our tea operations benefitted from an increase in demand over supply resulting in widespread sale price increases 
and greatly improved profitability.

India

Tea production in India amounted to 31.1 million kilos compared with 32.4 million kilos in the previous year. This decline 
was the result of dry weather conditions at the beginning of the year particularly in the Dooars region of West Bengal. The 
factory up-grade programme justifies the ongoing capital investment and will continue for the next two years. In view of the 
persistent droughts in the early part of recent years we are developing our irrigation infrastructure as fully as possible, having 
regard to the water resources available.

The political situation in Darjeeling remains unresolved and continues to present difficulties in the orderly management of our 
tea gardens in that district.

Bangladesh

Tea production in Bangladesh was similar to the previous year at 12.0 million kilos, which is commendable given the extensive 
drought at the beginning of the year. The drought inevitably affected the success of the ongoing replanting programme and 
increased irrigation is considered a priority.

Kenya

Generally good weather conditions together with increased smallholder throughput helped production increase in Kenya 
during the year to 21.4 million kilos from 20.5 million kilos in 2008. The market remained strong throughout the year with 
Pakistan continuing to be a major buyer. A proposed new constitution with major changes in the devolution of power has been 
passed through Parliament and this is scheduled to go to a referendum in the second half of this year. Ambiguities on land 
tenure give cause for concern.

A further tranche of shares in the Siret Tea Company was sold by Kakuzi to the local community during the year and their 
interest now stands at 41%.

Malawi

Production in Malawi recovered from the previous drought year to a very satisfactory 19.5 million kilos compared with 
15.3 million kilos in 2008. It is important that our operations in Malawi strive to maintain the highest possible quality and to 
this end we are carrying out a programme of improvements to our factories. The Malawi Kwacha remains unrealistically firm 
and did not weaken as predicted after the elections in 2009.

Edible nuts

2009 was an ‘off-year’ in the biennial bearing pattern of the pistachio orchards of Horizon Farms in California and production 
was minimal.

Macadamia production in both Malawi and South Africa suffered from reduced production and relatively poor sale prices. 
Malawi encountered adverse weather conditions at the time of nut set resulting in decreased volumes and smaller than optimal 
nut size. There have been recent signs of an uplift in the sale price of macadamia nuts which is encouraging.

3

 
Camellia Plc
Camellia Plc

Chairman’s statement

Other horticulture

Kakuzi’s avocado production in Kenya reduced but profitability increased due to substantially higher sale prices. The Mombasa 
Port and other shipping difficulties are a cause for concern particularly for a perishable crop such as avocado. Very dry weather 
conditions put pressure on our strategic water reserves for irrigation and investment is currently being made to reduce such 
exposure in the future.

Rubber production in Bangladesh was higher than the previous year but prices were somewhat lower. A further 87 hectares of 
rubber was planted during the year.

After a number of successful years CC Lawrie in Brazil suffered from lower production and, in the case of maize, lower prices. 
Weather conditions have been difficult with too much rain at crucial times of the year and some crops could not be harvested.

The continuing maturity of the citrus orchards in California now enables Horizon Farms to be profitable even during an off-
year for pistachio production. Citrus production was on par with last year and sale prices increased. New water sources have 
been developed on the farm which will go some way to protecting the existing plantings from water shortages and possibly 
allow for further development.

A review of our operations in Chile concluded that the farm would not be profitable for a number of years and would require 
significant further capital injections. Consequently we decided that a sale of the property was the correct course of action and 
this was completed towards the end of 2009.

A replanting programme of wine grapes in South Africa has had the effect of reducing production on a temporary basis. The 
quality of wine produced is however pleasing and considerable effort is now being directed towards improved marketing.

Food storage and distribution

Associated Cold Stores and Transport enjoyed a reasonably profitable year in 2009 in the face of continuing over capacity in 
the marketplace. Debt has been substantially reduced in this operation over the last few years and the company is well placed to 
take advantage of any increase in rates even though this may not happen for some time. At the moment however customers are 
being enticed with opportunities to move their business elsewhere by being offered unrealistically low rates which can surely 
only be maintained at the cost of a vastly inferior service and then only for a short time.

The restaurant business in the Netherlands which is crucial for our operations in that country was severely impacted by the 
recession in 2009 but our distribution company again produced satisfactory profits.

Engineering

2009 was a year of mixed fortunes for our UK based engineering companies. Profit overall was marginally decreased which 
is considered encouraging in the very difficult circumstances prevailing throughout the year. Destocking by our customers 
continued and there was no obvious impact from export orders as a result of the decline in value of sterling. AKD Engineering 
enjoyed a good year partly as a result of their involvement in the decommissioning of redundant oil rigs in the North Sea, for 
which highly specialised experience is required. General Utilities, which may be considered to be towards the front end of the 
manufacturing chain and thus a barometer for the future fortunes of the UK engineering industry, encountered very difficult 
market conditions throughout the year which is particularly disappointing after such a good year in 2008.

A serious fire occurred at the Nuneaton premises of Abbey Metal Finishing on the morning of 22 April 2010. Loss adjustors 
have been appointed but it is too soon to assess when the facility will be capable of becoming operational again.

Banking and financial services

Duncan Lawrie made a loss in 2009 almost entirely due to payments that were required to be made under various depositor 
compensation schemes, which payments may perhaps be seen as a ‘tax’ on banks that are run in a prudent manner as opposed 
to those that are not, and also due to Duncan Lawrie’s policy of only lending out shareholders’ funds and not customers’ 
deposits. These deposits are placed with the most highly rated counterparties and, with interest rates at historic lows, it is 
virtually impossible to make any margin on this service. Duncan Lawrie occupies a niche position in a sector of the banking 
industry that offers wealth protection and service to its customers and these are their main priorities. Duncan Lawrie will not 
be diverted from this policy even if it is not able to make what would be considered to be an adequate return on its assets 
during this period of low interest rates that must correct itself within a reasonable time-scale. In the meantime Duncan Lawrie 
must live with the ever-increasing regulatory burden in the hope that it is operating on a level playing field with banks that are 
not managed in the same conservative manner.

4

 
Chairman’s statement

Pharmaceuticals

Siegfried Holding AG made an operating loss in 2009 of £6.30 million. In addition Siegfried incurred a further impairment 
provision of £9.62 million and our share of their total loss amounted to £6.75 million.

The directors of Siegfried have implemented a strategy for the future which requires additional capital to be made available for 
their ongoing operations and development. We concluded that we did not wish to participate in this capital raising exercise 
which would have necessitated a substantial further investment in Siegfried. We also concluded that we did not wish our 
shareholding percentage to be diluted by remaining a shareholder without contributing to the increased capital. It has always 
been our policy to support the management of Siegfried but we have made it clear to their board and management that if our 
joint aspirations for the company were to diverge, then we would not stand in the way of the introduction of a new shareholder 
or shareholders who shared their vision for the future. As a result we were introduced to a number of potential shareholders 
with whom sale agreements were subsequently negotiated. These agreements were completed on 15 April 2010 and resulted in 
proceeds of £48.85 million. The effect of this transaction will be reflected in our 2010 annual accounts.

Other associated undertakings and investments

United Leasing and United Insurance in Bangladesh both saw an increase in profits for 2009 when translated into sterling. The 
profits for United Leasing remained static in local currency terms. Bangladesh continues to be a difficult market for both these 
companies with a lack of major new investments in the commercial sector and a general slowdown in economic activity.

BF&M Limited in Bermuda again increased its gross premiums written but net earnings decreased slightly due to higher policy 
benefits being paid and increased operating expenses.

The share prices of our other investments in Bermuda have suffered from the impact of the global financial crisis and from 
the decline and partial relocation elsewhere of the reinsurance sector which represents the major commercial business of that 
country.

Development

The year 2009 started in very uncertain circumstances. The recession was seriously beginning to bite, the banking system 
was still undergoing difficult times and general prospects encompassed the possibility of a depression. Even so we were able 
to continue with our development programmes and thanks to good results from our agricultural operations and the sale of 
our shares in Siegfried we now have the advantage of a strong financial situation with no net debt and considerable funds for 
investment. We will not however be in a hurry to deploy these funds but will examine the many ways in which we can develop 
the companies and investments that are already part of the group before looking at pastures new.

 Directors

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Peter Leggatt passed away in November 2009. Peter’s contribution to our 
operations in India and Bangladesh was substantial and he will be greatly missed by his many friends and colleagues.

I also have to inform you that Dr Bernard Siegfried will be standing down from the board at the conclusion of the annual 
general meeting in June. Dr Siegfried has made a major contribution to the affairs of the group including, of course, our 
investment in Siegfried Holding AG.

I am pleased to welcome to the board Martin Dünki, who as a director of Camellia Holding AG is already well known to us.

Peter Field and Chris Ames have been appointed joint managing directors of Camellia Plc with effect from 1 April 2010.

Staff

It is again my pleasure to thank all our staff for the very professional manner in which they have discharged their duties over 
the past year.

M C Perkins
Chairman

29 April 2010

5

 
 
Camellia Plc

Report of the directors

 The directors present their report together with the audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2009.

Principal activities

The company is a holding company and its country of incorporation is England. The principal activities of its subsidiary and 
associated undertakings comprise:

Agriculture and horticulture – the production of tea, citrus, edible nuts, rubber, fruits, other horticultural produce and general 
farming 
Engineering – metal finishing, fabrication, precision engineering and heat treatment 
Food storage and distribution 
Insurance 
Private banking and financial services 
The holding of investments

Further details of the group’s activities are included in the chairman’s statement on pages 3 to 5.

Results and dividends

The profit for the year amounted to £22,441,000 (2008: £16,493,000). The board has proposed a final dividend for the year 
of 74p per share payable on 2 July 2010 to holders of ordinary shares registered at the close of business on 11 June 2010. The 
total dividend for 2009 is therefore 94p per share (2008: 92p per share).

Directors

The directors of the company are listed on page 2. The following directors had beneficial interests in the share capital of the 
company:

Camellia Plc ordinary shares of 10p each:
M C Perkins
C P T Vaughan-Johnson

31 December
 2009

1 January 
2009

1,573
1,000

1,573
1,000

There have been no changes in the interests of directors between 31 December 2009 and the date of this report.

 Mr M Dünki was appointed to the board as a non-executive director on 1 April 2010. Mr P A Leggatt passed away on 
28 November 2009.

6

 
 
Report of the directors

Under the company’s articles of association all the directors are required to retire annually. Dr. B A Siegfried will not be 
seeking re-election at the annual general meeting. Accordingly, Mr M C Perkins, Mr C J Relleen, Mr C J Ames, Mr P J Field, 
Mr A K Mathur, Mr D A Reeves, and Mr C P T Vaughan-Johnson retire and, being eligible, seek re-election. In addition, 
Mr M Dünki having been appointed to the board since the last annual general meeting, will retire and seek re-election.

None of the directors or their families had a material interest in any contract of significance with the company or any 
subsidiary during and at the end of the financial year.

Executive directors
Mr M C Perkins was appointed a director in 1999 and chairman in 2001 having joined Eastern Produce (Holdings) Limited 
(now Linton Park Plc) in 1972. He is a chartered accountant. Mr Perkins is also chairman of Duncan Lawrie Holdings 
Limited and chairman of the nomination committee.

Mr C J Ames, a Chartered Accountant, is a joint managing director of Camellia Plc and a non-executive director of Duncan 
Lawrie Holdings Limited. He was previously Managing Director of Douglas Deakin Young Limited which was acquired by the 
Camellia group in 2005. Prior to that he was a partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Mr P J Field is a joint managing director of Camellia Plc and chairman of Goodricke Group Limited. From 30 April 2010, 
Mr Field will become non-executive chairman of Duncan Lawrie Limited and Duncan Lawrie Asset Management Limited and 
continue as a director of Duncan Lawrie Holdings Limited but in a non-executive capacity. Before joining the group in 1987, 
Mr Field was with Grindlays Bank engaged primarily with their business in the Indian subcontinent.

Mr A K Mathur, is a chartered accountant and joined the group in 1981. He was appointed finance director in 1999 and is 
also a director of Goodricke Group Limited.

Non-executive directors
Mr C J Relleen was formerly a partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers. He was appointed an independent non-executive director 
and deputy chairman in January 2006 having previously been a non-executive director of Linton Park Plc. Mr Relleen is also 
a non-executive director of Duncan Lawrie Holdings Limited. He is the senior independent director, chairman of the audit 
committee and a member of the nomination and remuneration committees.

Mr M Dünki is a director of Rahn & Bodmer Co., a Zurich based private bank. He is also a director of The Camellia Private 
Trust Company Limited and a trustee of The Camellia Foundation and a director of Camellia Holding AG.

Mr D A Reeves was appointed a director in 2001. Following a long career with the Bank of England, Mr Reeves joined the 
group in 1998 and was managing director of Duncan Lawrie Limited. He became a non-executive director of the company in 
2002 and is a member of the audit committee. Mr Reeves is a director of The Camellia Private Trust Company Limited and a 
trustee of The Camellia Foundation.

Mr C P T Vaughan-Johnson, who was formerly president and chief executive officer of the Bank of Bermuda, was appointed 
a director in 1999. He is chairman of the remuneration committee and a member of the audit and nomination committees. 
Mr Vaughan-Johnson is also a non-executive director of Duncan Lawrie Holdings Limited.

Business review

The company is required to set out in this report a fair review of the business of the group during the year ended 31 December 
2009 and a description of principal risks and uncertainties facing the group. A fair review of the business of the group is 
incorporated within the chairman’s statement on pages 3 to 5. The chairman’s statement together with information contained 
within the report of the directors highlight the key factors affecting the group’s development and performance. Other matters 
are dealt with below:

Principal risks and uncertainties

There are a number of possible risks and uncertainties that could impact the group’s businesses. As the group’s businesses are 
widely spread both in terms of activity and location, it is unlikely that any one single factor could have a material impact on the 
group’s long-term performance. The following risks relating to the group’s principal operations have however been identified:

7

 
 
Camellia Plc

Report of the directors

Agriculture and horticulture
The group’s agricultural based businesses are located in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Bangladesh, India, Brazil and the USA. 
The success of these activities is greatly dependent on climatic conditions, plant disease, the cost of labour and the market price 
for the produce. In addition, exports from these businesses are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations as products, particularly 
those from Africa, are normally priced in US dollars.

Developing countries such as Bangladesh, Kenya and Malawi tend to be politically less stable. In Kenya, Malawi and South 
Africa there are long-term issues concerning land ownership over which the group has little control but monitors closely.

In India, separatist groups have for many years been involved in episodes of violence in Assam. Whilst this is a matter of major 
concern, the group’s operations in this region have generally been able to trade normally. Over the last two years, there has 
been an increase in activity by a separatist group in Darjeeling and the Dooars.

UK engineering
A number of the UK engineering companies are dependent for a significant part of their revenue on the aerospace and the oil 
and gas industries. A downturn in either of these sectors would have an impact on the level of activity in these businesses.

Some of the processes used by the companies involved in metal treatment require high standards of health and safety and 
environmental management. Failure to maintain these standards could give rise to accidents or environmental damage.

Cold storage and transport
Cold storage and transport in the UK is a highly competitive industry and is largely dependent on the food industry for the 
utilisation of cold stores.

Cold stores are heavy users of electricity and any significant movement in energy costs can affect the operation’s profitability. 
Similarly, the transport division is affected by sharp movements in the cost of fuel.

The business is dependent upon a sophisticated computer system. The failure of this system could have significant 
consequences for the business although a disaster recovery plan is in place.

Banking and financial services
Duncan Lawrie Limited is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and consequently has a well developed 
compliance process. The following risks have however been identified:

– 

– 

– 

compliance risk – the FSA has the power to stop trading activity should there be a serious breach of its regulations. 
Following the recent global banking crisis, there have been moves by the authorities to tighten regulatory standards and 
this may lead to a requirement for further capital to be invested in Duncan Lawrie Limited.

credit risk – the lending of money gives rise to a credit risk. The company lends money to customers and places money 
with other banks and holds interest bearing securities. This credit risk is managed by strict internal procedures. The 
company limits itself to lending no more than its share capital and reserves.

liquidity, interest and foreign exchange rate risk – these risks are monitored closely and reported upon daily against 
conservative exposure limits.

Duncan Lawrie Limited has no exposure to the sub-prime mortgage market but in periods of low interest rates and low stock 
market values its income stream will inevitably be affected.

Further information on the group’s financial risks are disclosed in note 37 of the accounts.

Investments
The group owns a number of investments including listed investments. The value of these investments is therefore likely to 
fluctuate in line with global stock market movements.

Pension schemes
There are three final salary schemes in the UK. These are all closed to new entrants and one scheme has been closed to future 
accrual. A material proportion of the assets of each of these schemes is invested in equities and the value of these assets will 
fluctuate in line with global equity markets. Continuing improvements in mortality rates may also increase the liabilities of the 
schemes.

8

 
 
Report of the directors

Credit Risk
The global economic recession may affect some of the group’s customers. Credit control procedures are in place but a risk 
remains that some customers may have difficulty making payments.

Social and environmental responsibility
Background
The group has a wide range of businesses operating around the world in diverse commercial, cultural and regulatory 
environments. These businesses encompass a correspondingly wide spectrum of employment and environmental issues and our 
main challenge is to ensure that these are consistently managed across the group.

The group’s businesses have a duty to meet local regulatory requirements and will always strive to do so. In this respect, 
there is a distinction between our UK businesses and our agricultural and horticultural businesses based mostly in developing 
countries. Whilst the UK businesses are subject to well developed regulatory regimes in the areas of employment and 
environmental protection, this is not necessarily the case elsewhere. Our agricultural and horticultural businesses have however 
more than responded to the increasing amount of relevant local legislation and to the demands of the marketplace, as many 
of our major customers for agricultural products now expect us to meet their own social and environmental standards, or to 
achieve certification against recognised international standards such as ‘Fairtrade’ labelling.

Particular challenges and opportunities for the group lie in the following areas:

Child labour: We have a clear policy not to use child labour and all of our businesses meet local legal requirements. The 
minimum legal working age varies around the world and in some countries it is both the cultural norm and permissible for 
parents to involve their children in the productive process. We do not subscribe to this approach and therefore translating our 
policy into unambiguous local rules and enforcing these rules requires vigilance.

Health and safety: Our UK and North-American businesses operate in a strong regulatory climate, and have a good health 
and safety culture and record. Achieving equivalent standards of health and safety management in our operations in some 
developing countries is a continuing challenge.

Medical care and education: In some countries, our workers and their children do not have access to good state provision of 
medical or educational services. However, every tea estate in India and Bangladesh has a hospital and a qualified doctor and 
our operations in both these countries have central group hospitals to which more serious illnesses are referred. A number 
of our African businesses report a high incidence of HIV/Aids. We provide, as a very minimum, basic medical services 
including where appropriate retroviral drugs, and give support to schools that are either run by our companies, or in the local 
neighbourhood.

Casual labour: Some of our agricultural businesses rely on seasonal labour, notably at harvest time. Our agricultural companies 
give casual and contract workers employment rights in accordance with local legislation.

Environmental management: Our UK-based engineering businesses have the greatest potential to create pollution and hazardous 
waste and need to meet tight legislative standards. Where appropriate, our UK businesses have formal environmental 
management systems in place and most are independently certified to the international standard ISO 14001. The enforcement 
of environmental legislation in many countries where we operate is poor and our businesses in these locations have to act on 
their own initiative to meet international standards of environmental protection.

Our approach
We believe that good management of employment and environmental issues is essential in ensuring the long-term success of 
our businesses. We are therefore committed to devoting the resources necessary to continually improve our performance with 
the same vigour that we apply to other aspects of managing our business.

In 2009, the board adopted a new Corporate Social Responsibility Policy to replace the Statement of Business Principles that 
had been in place since 2005. The Corporate Social Responsibility Policy is now available on the company’s website and it will 
be adopted across the group during 2010.

 Performance
There are no current employment or environmental issues that prejudice the continuing development of the group. No group 
businesses were prosecuted for any breach of employment or environmental legislation during 2009.

9

 
Camellia Plc

Report of the directors

In 2006 the group commissioned independent advisors to review the implementation of the business principles in seventeen 
of our companies across the agriculture and horticulture, engineering, food storage and distribution and banking and financial 
services divisions. Based on their findings, the group has sought to ensure ongoing adherence to the business principles. In 
2010, the executive committee will be looking to establish a process for ensuring that the new Corporate Social Responsibility 
Policy is adopted across the group.

–  Members of the executive committee must ensure that the businesses for which they are responsible adopt the business 

principles and have implementation plans in place.

–  A more formal structure for business reporting and data collection against the requirements of the business principles has 

been established.

–  A set of key non-financial performance indicators has been developed to enable better measurement of group 

performance.

Key financial performance indicators
Return on segmental assets
The nature of the group’s principal activities is such that the board takes a long-term view on its operations, particularly in 
agriculture. It is also concerned to improve the quality of the group’s assets over the long-term and monitors that by reference 
to return on segmental assets achieved in the main segments of the business which are then compared against budget. The 
return achieved in the current and prior year was as follows:

Segment net assets (£’000)
Segment profit/(loss) (£’000)
Return on segmental assets (%)

Agriculture and 
horticulture
2009
187,118
37,949
20.28

2008
185,707
23,349
12.57

Engineering
2009
12,091
1,608
13.30

2008
11,991
1,814
15.13

Food storage and 
distribution
2009
19,451
985
5.06

2008
20,689
1,156
 5.59

Banking and financial 
services

2009
28,264
(925)
(3.27)

2008
29,124
666
 2.29

Segment net assets (segment assets less segment liabilities) and segment profit are as reported in the consolidated accounts.

Group borrowings ratio
The board’s objective is to ensure that gross borrowings as a percentage of tangible net assets do not exceed 50%. The ratio 
achieved was 5.57%. (2008: 10.16%).

Gross borrowings and tangible net assets (share capital and reserves less goodwill and intangible assets) are derived from the 
consolidated accounts.

10

 
 
Report of the directors

Key non-financial performance indicators

The following information has been compiled based on data provided by a majority of the group’s subsidiary undertakings. 
The board considers that this information demonstrates the level of compliance with important elements of the business 
principles. The board will regularly review which key non-financial performance indicators are most appropriate.

KPI definition

Agriculture 
and 
horticulture

Engineering

Food 
storage and 
distribution

Banking and 
financial 
services

1  Compliance

2009

 2008

 2007

2009

 2008

 2007

2009

 2008

 2007

2009

 2008

 2007

a)  Prosecutions The number of prosecutions 
brought in the financial year 
by the official regulatory bodies 
responsible for enforcing 
regulations in the areas of:

b) Formal
  warnings

Employment

Worker health and safety

Environmental protection

The number of written 
warnings during the financial 
year by the official regulatory 
bodies responsible for 
enforcing regulations in the 
areas of:

Employment

Worker health and safety

Environmental protection

2  Child Labour

a)  Minimum age The number of employees who 

were less than 15 years old 
during the financial year

The number of employees 
who were younger than the 
age for completing compulsory 
education in their country 
during the financial year

b) Access to 
education

3  Accidents

a)  Injury

4  Health

a)  Sickness 
absence

b) Sickness 
claims

–

–

–

–

–

2

–

–

–

–

–

–

 2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

The number of injuries 
received at work resulting in 
either:

Absence from work for more 
than three days, or the injured 
person being unable to do 
the full range of their normal 
duties for more than three days

The number of employee days 
absence as a result of sickness 
during the financial year

The number of claims for 
compensation arising from 
occupational health issues 
received during the financial 
year in respect of continuing 
operations

128

78

145

1

1

2

4

11

12

–

–

1

165,520 (i)148,776 (i) 153,877 (i)

3,580

3,869

2,945

2,431

2,854

3,235

870

566

166

246

248

126

2

–

–

1

1

3

–

–

–

(i) 

 This excludes tea garden workers in India who have a contractual entitlement to fourteen days sickness absence. This year the operations in Malawi are 
included whereas they were excluded in previous years. It should be noted however that in Malawi there is high level of sickness due to HIV/AIDS related 
conditions and malaria.

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Camellia Plc

Report of the directors

 Substantial shareholdings
As at 29 April 2010 the company had been advised of the following interests in the share capital of the company:

Camellia Private Trust Company Limited held through its subsidiary, Camellia Holding AG 1,427,000 ordinary shares 
(51.34 per cent. of total voting rights).

Taube Hodson Stonex & Partners Limited held (through State Street Nominees Limited) 227,176 ordinary shares 
(8.17 per cent. of total voting rights).

Alcatel Bell Pensioenfonds VZW held (through HSBC Global Custody Nominees (UK) Limited) 223,015 ordinary shares 
(8.023 per cent. of total voting rights).

Events after the balance sheet date
On 15 April 2010, the group completed the disposal of its entire shareholding in Siegfried Holding AG. Further details of the 
transaction can be found in note 40 to the accounts.

Charitable contributions
During the year the group made charitable donations totalling £4,768 (2008: £4,770). Of this amount £1,330 was paid to 
arts, sports and education related charities and £3,438 was paid to local hospitals and health related charities.

Employees
It is group policy to keep employees informed, through internal publications and other communications, on the performance 
of the group and on matters affecting them as employees and arrangements to that end are made by the management of 
individual subsidiary undertakings.

It is also group policy that proper consideration is given to applications for employment received from disabled persons and to 
give employees who become disabled every opportunity to continue their employment.

Payment of creditors
It is group policy to agree payment terms with suppliers when negotiating business transactions and to pay suppliers in 
accordance with contractual or other legal obligations. The company has no trade creditors. Group trade creditors at 
31 December 2009 represented 34 days (2008: 35 days) of annual purchases.

Share capital and purchase of own shares
The company’s share capital comprises one class of ordinary shares of 10 pence each which carry no restrictions on the transfer 
of shares or on voting rights (other than as set out in the company’s articles of association). There are no agreements known to 
the company between shareholders in the company which may result in restrictions on the transfer of shares or on voting rights 
in relation to the company. Details of the issued share capital are contained in note 31 to the accounts.

At the annual general meeting in 2009, shareholders gave authority for the company to purchase up to 277,950 of its own 
shares. This authority expires at the conclusion of this year’s annual general meeting on 3 June 2010.

Auditors
Following the review of the group’s audit arrangements referred to on page 15, the board appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP as auditors for the group. The board wish to acknowledge with thanks the services provided by Moore Stephens LLP as 
auditors over a significant number of years.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has expressed its willingness to continue as auditors of the company and a resolution proposing 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP re-appointment will be put to the annual general meeting.

Each of the persons who were directors at the time when this directors’ report was approved has confirmed that:

a) 

b) 

so far as each director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditors are unaware; and

each director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a director, including making appropriate enquiries 
of fellow directors and of the company’s auditors for that purpose, in order to be aware of any information needed by the 
company’s auditors in connection with preparing their report and to establish that the company’s auditors are aware of 
that information.

By order of the board

M D Conway 
Secretary 
29 April 2010

12

 
Corporate governance

 Statement of compliance

This statement describes how the company applies the main principles of The Combined Code on Corporate Governance 
(“the Code”). In implementing the Code, the directors have taken account of the company’s size and structure and the fact 
that there is a controlling shareholder.

The company has complied with the Code throughout the year with the exception of the following areas of the Code that have 
not been implemented:

(i) 

the audit committee comprises one non-executive and two independent non-executive directors;

(ii)  formal evaluation procedures for the board, its committees and directors have not been established;

(iii)  during 2009 a nomination committee had not been established but during 2010 the board has constituted a nomination 

committee.

The board

The board currently comprises nine directors. Dr Siegfried will not be seeking re-election at the forthcoming annual general 
meeting. Currently two are independent non-executive directors and three are non-executive directors. The remaining directors 
are executive directors, including the executive chairman. Mr Relleen, the deputy chairman, has been designated as the senior 
independent director. In April 2010, Mr Dünki was appointed to the board as a non-executive director. The names and brief 
biographical details of each director appears on page 7.

Mr Vaughan-Johnson was first appointed to the board in 1999. The board, having taken into consideration provision A.7.2 
of the Code, considers it is in the best interest of the company for Mr Vaughan-Johnson to continue to act as an independent 
non-executive director. The board considers that Mr Vaughan-Johnson remains independent and that given the relative 
complexity and geographical spread of the group, Mr Vaughan-Johnson’s experience continues to be of considerable benefit.

There is ongoing dialogue between the chairman and the majority shareholder whose views are reported to the board. The 
company is also in contact with other major shareholders. During the year, the senior independent director met with an 
institutional investor to discuss governance issues.

In April 2010, Mr Ames and Mr Field were appointed joint managing directors of Camellia Plc and consequently they will 
assume responsibility for aspects of the day to day management of the group. In 2010, the board established a nomination 
committee chaired by Mr Perkins, the other members being Mr Relleen and Mr Vaughan-Johnson.

The board has established a remuneration committee, audit committee and executive committee. Terms of reference of each of 
these committees can be viewed on the company’s website.

The board is responsible for managing the group’s business and has adopted a schedule of matters reserved for its approval. 
The schedule is reviewed annually and covers, inter alia, the following areas:

– 

Strategy

–  Acquisitions and disposals

– 

– 

Financial reporting and control

Internal controls

–  Approval of expenditure above specified limits

–  Approval of transactions and contracts above specified limits

–  Responsibilities for corporate governance

–  Board membership and committees

–  Approval of changes to capital structure

A full copy of the schedule is available on the company’s website.

A report summarising the group’s financial and operational performance including detailed information on each of its 
businesses is sent to directors each month. Each director is provided with sufficient information in advance of board meetings 
to enable the directors to make informed judgements on matters referred to the board. The board met nine times in 2009.

13

 
Camellia Plc

Corporate governance

Attendance by directors at board and committee meetings held during the year was as follows:

M C Perkins
C J Relleen
C J Ames
P J Field
A K Mathur
D A Reeves
Dr B A Siegfried
C P T Vaughan-Johnson

Board
9/9
8/9
9/9
9/9
9/9
9/9
6/9
7/9

Audit Remuneration
–
2/2
–
–
–
–
–
2/2

–
3/3
–
–
3/3(i)
3/3
–
3/3

(i)  Mr Mathur attends meetings of the audit committee by invitation in his capacity as finance director.

The board has not established formal performance evaluation procedures of itself, the directors or its committees. The board 
will continue to review whether implementation of such procedures is appropriate.

Executive committee

The board has delegated the day to day management of the group’s operations to the executive committee which is also 
responsible for implementing board policy. The members of the committee are:

M C Perkins
A K Mathur
C J Ames
P J Field
I Ahmed
M D Conway
G Mclean
A Singh

Audit committee

Chairman
Finance
Joint managing director
Joint managing director
Bangladesh
Corporate secretarial and administration
Kenya, Malawi and South Africa
India

The audit committee is chaired by Mr Relleen. The other members of the committee are Mr Reeves and Mr Vaughan-
Johnson. Mr Reeves, a non-executive director, serves as a member of the audit committee as the board considers that his 
experience gained from a long career at the Bank of England is of considerable benefit. During 2009, the committee met on 
three occasions.

The principal responsiblities of the audit committee are:

– 

– 

– 

– 

to review and monitor the financial statements of the company and the audit of those statements

to monitor compliance with relevant financial reporting requirements and legislation

to monitor the effectiveness and independence of the external auditor

to review effectiveness of the group’s internal control system. The committee regularly reviews the effectiveness of internal 
audit activities carried out by the company’s group accounting function and senior management

– 

to review non-audit services provided by the external auditors

During the year the committee’s work included discharging these responsibilities and, in addition, it reviewed its terms of 
reference taking into account the Guidance on Audit Committees issued by the Financial Reporting Council.

14

 
 
Corporate governance

During the latter half of 2009 the committee reviewed the arrangements for the audit of the group and its subsidiary 
companies. Moore Stephens LLP, the previous group auditor and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the auditor of a significant 
proportion of the group’s overseas subsidiaries, were asked to present to the committee for the ongoing audit responsibilities. 
As a result of this process, the committee recommended to the board that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP be appointed auditor 
for the group and all its subsidiary companies. This decision was based on the wide experience that PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP possess in their audits of listed companies in the United Kingdom, and the extensive network of their practice in overseas 
countries. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were duly appointed in place of Moore Stephens LLP in September 2009.

The committee reviewed those non-audit services provided by the external auditor and satisfied itself that the scale and nature 
of those services were such that the auditors’ objectivity and independence was safeguarded.

Remuneration committee

The committee comprises the board’s two independent non-executive directors, being Mr Vaughan-Johnson who is chairman 
of the committee and Mr Relleen.

The committee’s full terms of reference are available on the company’s website. The responsibilities of the committee include:

– 

– 

– 

– 

the review of the group’s policy relating to remuneration of the chairman, executive directors and members of the 
executive committee

to determine the terms of employment and remuneration of the chairman, executive directors and those members of the 
executive committee that are employed in the United Kingdom with a view to ensuring that those individuals are fairly 
but responsibly rewarded

to approve compensation packages or arrangements following the severance of any executive director’s service contract

at its discretion, the committee may make such enquiries as it sees fit concerning the packages of those members of the 
executive committee that are employed outside the United Kingdom

The committee met twice during 2009. The remuneration report appears on pages 17 to 19.

Insurance

The company purchases insurance to cover its directors in respect of legal actions against them in their capacity as directors of 
the company. The level of cover is currently £20 million. All directors have access to independent professional advice at the 
company’s expense.

Internal control

The directors acknowledge that they are responsible for maintaining a sound system of internal control. During the year, the 
audit committee, on behalf of the board, reviewed the effectiveness of the framework of the group’s system of internal control, 
the principal features of which are described below.

Decentralisation is a key management philosophy with responsibility for efficient day to day operations delegated to local 
management. Accountability and delegation of authority are clearly defined with regular communication between group head 
office and local management. The performance of each company is continually monitored centrally including a critical review 
of annual budgets, revised forecasts and monthly sales, profits and cash reports. Financial results and key business statistics and 
variances from approved plans are carefully monitored. Senior management regularly visit and review the group’s operating 
units. However, any system of internal control can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurances against material mis-
statement or loss.

Going concern

After reviewing the group’s budget for 2010 and other forecasts the directors have a reasonable expectation that the group has 
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Therefore they continue to adopt the going 
concern basis in preparing the accounts.

By order of the board

M D Conway 
Secretary 
29 April 2010

15

 
Camellia Plc

Statement of directors’ responsiblities

The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report 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. The 
directors are required to prepare the group financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and applicable law and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation and have elected to prepare 
company financial statements in accordance with IFRSs.

The group and parent company financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of 
both the group and the parent company and of the profit or loss of the group and company for that period.

In preparing those financial statements, the directors are required to:

– 

select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently

–  make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent

– 

– 

state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures being disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements

prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will 
continue in business

The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the parent company and the group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with 
the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the group and company and hence for taking 
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The directors are also responsible for preparing a directors’ report, directors’ remuneration report and corporate governance 
statement that comply with company law.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the 
company’s website.

 By order of the board

M C Perkins 
Chairman 
29 April 2010

16

 
 
Remuneration report

This report is drawn up in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the rules of the UK Listing Authority.

Policy on directors’ remuneration

In determining remuneration policy and the remuneration of directors, full consideration has been given to the relevant 
provisions of the Combined Code. The board seeks to provide remuneration packages that will attract, retain and motivate the 
best possible person for each position. The board also wishes to align the interests of executives with shareholders. The group’s 
activities are based largely on agriculture and horticulture, which are highly dependent on factors outside management control 
(e.g. weather, market prices for our produce etc.), and is a significant consideration as to why the company does not operate 
profit related bonus, share option or share incentive schemes for directors.

Service contracts

Messrs Perkins, Ames and Mathur are each employed by Linton Park Plc on rolling service contracts. Mr Field is employed 
by Duncan Lawrie Limited. Mr Perkins’ service contract is dated 25 April 2002, Mr Mathur’s service contract is dated 1 
December 2003, Mr Ames’s service contract is dated 24 April 2009 and Mr Field’s service contract is dated 25 September 
2002. The service contracts are terminable at any time by a one year period of notice from the company or the director. 
Following their initial appointment non-executive directors may seek re-election by shareholders at each subsequent annual 
general meeting. Non-executive directors do not have service agreements. There are no specific contractual provisions for 
compensation upon early termination of a non-executive director’s employment. The remuneration committee reviews salaries 
annually and will seek independent professional advice when appropriate.

The following sections on directors’ remuneration and pensions have been audited.

Directors’ remuneration

Executive
M C Perkins
C J Ames
P J Field
P A Leggatt (up until 28 November 2009)
A K Mathur

Non-executive
D A Reeves
C J Relleen
Dr B A Siegfried
C P T Vaughan-Johnson

Basic
 remuneration
2009
£

371,708
192,400
192,400
123,237
192,400

20,000
37,500
10,000
32,500

Benefits 
in kind
2009
£

24,611
21,246
14,598
16,882
22,151

–
–
–
–

Total
2009
£

396,319
213,646
206,998
140,119
214,551

20,000
37,500
10,000
32,500

Total
2008
£

 372,456
 50,932
 49,970
 147,064
 193,055

 20,000
 37,500
 10,000
 32,500

1,172,145

99,488

1,271,633

 913,477

Benefits in kind include the value attributed to benefits such as medical insurance, accommodation, permanent health 
insurance, spouse/partner travel and cash alternatives to company cars.

17

 
 
Camellia Plc

Remuneration report

Directors’ pensions

Most UK employees, including executive directors, are eligible to join pension schemes operated within the group. Mr Perkins 
was a member of The Linton Park Group Pension Scheme up until 28 February 2010. Mr Field and Mr Mathur are members 
of The Lawrie Group Pension Scheme. Members of The Lawrie Group Pension Scheme contribute 6 per cent. of their basic 
salary. Members of The Linton Park Group Pension Scheme contributed 8 per cent. of their basic salary. Pension accrues at 
the rate of 1/60th of basic final salary per year of service for Messrs Perkins, Field and Mathur. Under The Linton Park Group 
Pension Scheme the normal retirement age was 63 up until 31 December 2003 in respect of service up until that date. With 
effect from 1 January 2004 the normal retirement age was increased to 65.

From 1 May 2007 the normal retirement age of members of The Lawrie Group Pension Scheme was increased to 65. Pension 
benefits accrued prior to that date can be paid at age 63 without actuarial reduction. In a few cases pensions can be paid from 
age 60 without actuarial reduction. Both schemes provide for a lump sum death in service benefit of four times basic salary and 
a spouse’s pension of half of the member’s pension, based on prospective service.

All benefits are subject to H M Revenue & Customs limits. Up until 6 April 2005, under The Linton Park Group Pension 
Scheme, post retirement pension increases were based on the annual increase in the retail price index, subject to a maximum 
of 5 per cent. From 6 April 2005, the maximum increase reduced to 2.5 per cent. per annum in respect of pension accrued on 
or after that date. Also, under The Linton Park Group Pension Scheme there is a minimum increase of 3 per cent. per annum 
in respect of service before 1 January 2002. Under The Lawrie Group Pension Scheme for entrants prior to 1 January 1996, 
pension earned prior to April 2003 is subject to a 5 per cent. increase per annum. From 1 May 2007, the maximum increase 
reduced to 2.5 per cent. in respect of pension accrual on or after that date. In respect of service before 1 March 1999 Mr 
Perkins was a member of a group defined contribution pension scheme. A sum of £34,119 was paid to Mr Ames’s personal 
pension arrangement during the year.

Further information on pension arrangements:

Defined benefit pension schemes

Pension 
accrued in 
year
£

Pension 
accrued in 
the year net 
of inflation
£

Pension 
accrued to  
31 Dec 
2009
£

Transfer 
value of 
pension 
accrued in 
the year net 
of inflation
£

Transfer 
value of 
pension 
accrued 
at 31 Dec 
2008
£

Transfer 
value of 
pension 
accrued 
at 31 Dec 
2009
£

Increase/ 
(decrease)  
in transfer 
value in the 
year net of 
directors’ 
contributions

£

6,780
4,880
4,530

6,780
4,880
4,530

57,100
65,810
77,710

83,902
41,200
52,740

903,617
1,375,000
2,111,900

1,007,179
1,413,100
1,985,300

78,262
28,400
(136,300)

Age

65
59
62

M C Perkins
P J Field
A K Mathur

The increase in transfer value and the transfer value of pension accrued in the year are stated net of directors’ contributions.

Notes:

The accrued pension is the amount that would be paid if the director left service at the relevant date. The pension in respect of service after 1 May 2007 
would be paid from age 65 based on the recent change in pension provision.

The transfer values have been calculated in accordance with the guidance published by the Pensions Regulator, which came into effect from 1 October 2008.

A different calculation methodology is used in respect of Mr Mathur which results in a lower transfer value at the end of the year.

1. 

2. 

3. 

18

 
 
Remuneration report

Performance review

The following graph shows the total return on an investment in the company’s shares over the 5 years ended 31 December 
2009 compared with the return achieved by the FTSE SmallCap index. This index has been selected as there is no specific 
index that is comparable to the activities of the company.

180

160

140

120

100

’

)
s
0
0
0
£
(

S
N
R
U
T
E
R
L
A
T
O
T

80

60
60

40

2005

CAMELLIA
FTSE SMALL CAP PRICE INDEX
FTSE SMALL CAP - PRICE INDEX

2006

2007

2008

2009

Source: DATASTREAM

By order of the board

M D Conway

Secretary 
29 April 2010

19

 
 
 
 
Camellia Plc

Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 December 2009

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Other operating income
Distribution costs
Administrative expenses

Trading profit
Share of associates’ results
Loss on disposal of a subsidiary
Profit on part disposal of a subsidiary
Profit on disposal of available-for-sale investments
Profit on disposal of an associate
Profit on disposal of non-current assets
Gain arising from changes in fair value of biological assets

Profit from operations
Investment income
Finance income
Finance costs
Pension schemes’ net financing (expense)/income
Net finance costs

Profit before tax
Taxation

Profit for the year

Profit attributable to minority interests
Profit attributable to equity shareholders

Notes

2009
£’000

2008
£’000

2

3
4
5
6

7

17

8
8
8
8

9

230,270
(148,506)

81,764
1,698
(9,061)
(39,041)

35,360
(2,966)
(674)
135
28
–
–
2,746

34,629
1,106
1,103
(1,566)
(1,129)
(1,592)

34,143
(11,702)

22,441

6,544
15,897

22,441

190,551
(123,203)

 67,348
 2,206
 (8,765)
 (37,588)

 23,201
 (8,612)
–
 104
 390
 50
 280
 8,916

 24,329
 1,070
 643
 (2,500)
 498
 (1,359)

24,040
 (7,547)

 16,493

 5,449
 11,044

 16,493

Earnings per share – basic and diluted

12

571.9p

 397.3p 

20

 
 
 
Statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2009

Group
Profit for the year

Other comprehensive (expense)/income:
Foreign exchange translation differences
Release of exchange translation difference on disposal of subsidiary
Actuarial movement on defined benefit pension schemes (note 29)
Available-for-sale investments:
  Valuation losses taken to equity
Share of other comprehensive income/(expense) of associates
Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year

Total comprehensive (expense)/income attributable to:
Minority interests
Owners of the parent

Company
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income:
Available-for-sale investments:
     Valuation gains taken to equity

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

2009
£’000

 2008
£’000

22,441

 16,493

(24,276)
(294)
(2,657)

(729)
3,075
(1,276)

(26,157)

 (3,716)

4,163
(7,879)

(3,716)

 67,513
–
 (21,926)

 (7,025)
 (5,384)
 1,784

 34,962

 51,455

 10,437
 41,018

 51,455

3,376

 3,869

16

16

–

–

3,392

 3,869 

21

 
Camellia Plc

Consolidated balance sheet
at 31 December 2009

Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Biological assets
Prepaid operating leases
Investments in associates
Deferred tax assets
Other investments
Retirement benefit surplus
Trade and other receivables

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Other investments
Current income tax assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Current liabilities
Borrowings
Trade and other payables
Current income tax liabilities
Other employee benefit obligations
Provisions

Total current liabilities

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Trade and other payables
Deferred tax liabilities
Retirement benefit obligations
Other employee benefit obligations
Other non-current liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Called up share capital
Reserves

Shareholders’ funds
Minority interests

Total equity

22

Notes

15
16
17
18
20
28
21
29
23

22
23
21

24

26
25

30
27

26
25
28
29
30

31

2009
£’000

8,584
80,491
106,067
1,074
97,364
103
30,153
3,054
19,646

346,536

28,279
55,197
12,420
763
229,574

326,233

restated
2008
£’000

 9,059
 85,787
 114,220
 1,171
 109,883
 183
 33,668
 3,101
 21,235

378,307

 30,771
 55,704
5,436
1,481
 276,198

369,590

(12,761)
(254,346)
(5,353)
(268)
(150)

 (18,629)
 (304,167)
 (4,605)
 (247)
 (123)

(272,878)

 (327,771)

53,355

 41,819

399,891

 420,126

(3,119)
(11,227)
(30,449)
(27,045)
(1,623)
(118)

 (11,354)
(12,347)
 (32,678)
 (27,063)
 (2,052)
 (131)

(73,581)

 (85,625)

326,310

 334,501

284
293,570

293,854
32,456

326,310

 284
 303,816

 304,100
 30,401

 334,501 

 
Balance sheet
at 31 December 2009

Non-current assets
Investments in subsidiaries
Other investments

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Amounts due from group undertakings
Current income tax asset

Total current assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Amounts due to group undertakings

Total current liabilities

Net current liabilities

Total assets less current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Called up share capital
Reserves

Shareholders’ funds

Approved on 29 April 2010 by the board of 
directors and signed on their behalf by:

M C Perkins

Chairman

Registered Number 29559

Notes

19
21

25

28

31

2009
£’000

73,683
7,512

81,195

5,702
74

5,776

(18)
(21,275)

(21,293)

(15,517)

65,678

(337)

(337)

2008
£’000

 73,683
 7,316

80,999

5,123
74

5,197

 (20)
(21,275)

(21,295)

(16,098)

64,901

 (337)

(337)

65,341

64,564

284
65,057

65,341

 284
64,280

64,564

23

 
 
Camellia Plc

Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 December 2009

Cash generated from operations
Cash flows from operating activities
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Interest received
Dividends received from associates

Net cash flow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of non-current assets
Part disposal of a subsidiary
Disposal of a subsidiary
Acquisition of subsidiary (net of cash acquired)
Purchase of minority interests
Proceeds from sale of associate
Proceeds from sale of investments
Purchase of investments
Income from investments

Net cash flow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Equity dividends paid
Dividends paid to minority interests
New loans
Repayment of debt

Net cash flow from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Exchange (losses)/gains on cash

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

2009
£’000

 48,038
(1,747)
(10,074)
1,189
 2,297

39,703

(192)
(10,111)
697
579
3,843
–
–
–
5,509
(12,683)
1,106 

restated
2008
£’000

29,087
 (2,503)
 (4,720)
 579
 2,884

25,327

 (602)
 (8,091)
 852
 302
–
 (4,120)
 (177)
 83
 7,188
(7,185)
 1,070

(11,252)

 (10,680)

(2,557)
(2,610)
788
(4,883) 

(9,262)

19,189

9,919
(477) 

28,631

 (2,557)
 (896)
 738
 (4,356)

 (7,071)

 7,576

 758
 1,585

 9,919

Notes

32

34
34

24

24

For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents are included net of overdrafts repayable on demand. 
These overdrafts are excluded from the definition of cash and cash equivalents disclosed on the balance sheet.

24

 
 
 
Cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 December 2009

Cash generated from operations
Profit before tax
Adjustments for:
Gain on disposal of investments
Interest income
Dividend income
Dividends from group companies
Decrease in trade and other payables
Net movement in intra-group balances

Cash used in operations
Interest received

Net cash flow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of investments
Purchase of investments
Dividends received

Net cash flow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Equity dividends paid

Net cash flow from financing activities

Net movement in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

2009
£’000

3,376

(17)
(62)
–
(4,000)
(2)
(579)

(1,284)
62

(1,222)

37
(200)
4,000

3,837

(2,615)

(2,615)

–
–

–

2008
£’000

 3,869

 (56)
 (280)
 (12)
 (4,000)
–
 (1,217)

(1,696)
 280

(1,416)

 119
 (100)
 4,012

4,031

 (2,615)

 (2,615)

–
–

– 

25

 
 
Camellia Plc

Statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2009

Group
At 1 January 2008
Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year
Dividends
Reclassification of investment to an associate

Minority interest subscription
Change in composition of group
Share of associate’s change in treasury shares
Share of associates’ other equity movements
Loss on dilution of interest in associate

At 31 December 2008
Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year
Dividends
Minority interest subscription
Share of associate’s change in treasury shares
Share of associate’s other equity movements
Loss on dilution of interest in associate

At 31 December 2009

Company
At 1 January 2008
Total comprehensive income for the year
Dividends

At 31 December 2008
Total comprehensive income for the year
Dividends

At 31 December 2009

Share
capital
£’000

Share Treasury Retained
earnings
shares
£’000
£’000

premium
£’000

Other
reserves
£’000

Minority
interest
£’000

Total
£’000

Total
equity
£’000

284
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

284
–
–
–
–
–
–

284

284
–
–

284
–
–

284

15,298
–
–
–

(400)
–
–
–

212,286
(14,265)
(2,557)
–

38,803
55,283
–
(653)

266,271
41,018
(2,557)
(653)

20,870
10,437
(896)
–

287,141
51,455
(3,453)
(653)

–
–
–
–
–

15,298
–
–
–
–
–
–

15,298

15,298
–
–

15,298
–
–

15,298

–
–
–
–
–

–
126
(49)
268
(324)

–
–
–
–
–

–
126
(49)
268
(324)

(400)
–
–
–
–
–
–

195,485
14,926
(2,557)
–
200
27
(37)

93,433
(22,805)
–
–
–
–
–

304,100
(7,879)
(2,557)
–
200
27
(37)

260
(270)
–
–
–

30,401
4,163
(2,610)
502
–
–
–

260
(144)
(49)
268
(324)

334,501
(3,716)
(5,167)
502
200
27
(37)

(400)

208,044

70,628

293,854

32,456

326,310

–
–
–

–
–
–

–

35,596
3,869
(2,615)

36,850
3,392
(2,615)

12,132
–
–

12,132
–
–

63,310
3,869
(2,615)

64,564
3,392
(2,615)

37,627

12,132

65,341

–
–
–

–
–
–

–

63,310
3,869
(2,615)

64,564
3,392
(2,615)

65,341

Other reserves of the group and company includes a £31,000 (2008: £31,000) capital redemption reserve and, in respect of the group, 
net exchange differences of £27,258,000 surplus (2008: £49,310,000 surplus).

Exchange differences are stated net of exchange gains of £321,000 (2008: £1,369,000 losses) on foreign currency borrowings used to 
provide a hedge against foreign equity investments.

Group retained earnings includes £75,563,000 (2008: £60,253,000) which would require exchange control permission for remittance 
as dividends.

26

 
 
Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have 
been consistently applied to all years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) as adopted by the EU.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis as modified by the revaluation of land 
and buildings, biological assets, agricultural produce, available-for-sale investments, financial assets and financial liabilities 
held-for-trading.

Where necessary, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform with changes in presentation in the current year.

Basis of consolidation

Subsidiaries
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the company and entities controlled by the 
company (its subsidiaries) made up to 31 December each year.

On acquisition, the assets and liabilities of a subsidiary are measured at their fair values at the date of acquisition. Any excess 
of the cost of acquisition over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recognised as goodwill. Any deficiency of 
the cost of acquisition below the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired (i.e. discount on acquisition) is credited to the 
income statement in the period of acquisition. The interest of minority shareholders is stated at the minority’s proportion of 
the fair values of the assets and liabilities recognised.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated income statement from the 
effective date of acquisition or disposal, as appropriate.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into 
line with those used by the group.

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

Associates
An associate is an entity over which the group is in a position to exercise significant influence, but not control or joint control, 
through participation in the financial and operating policy decisions of that entity.

Investments in associates are accounted for by the equity method of accounting. Under this method the group’s share of the 
post-acquisition profits or losses of associates is recognised in the income statement and its share of post-acquisition movements 
in reserves is recognised in reserves.

Foreign currency translation
Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the 
transactions. At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are 
retranslated at the rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Translation differences on non-monetary items carried at fair 
value are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss. Gains and losses arising on retranslation are included in the income 
statement, except for exchange differences arising on non-monetary items where the changes in fair value are recognised 
directly in equity.

The consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling which is the company’s functional and presentation currency. 
On consolidation, income statements and cash flows of foreign entities are translated into pounds sterling at average exchange 
rates for the year and their balance sheets are translated at the exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange 
differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign entities and of borrowings designated as hedges of such 
investments, are taken to shareholders’ equity. When a foreign entity is sold such exchange differences arising since 1 January 
2004 are recognised in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the 
foreign entity and translated at the exchange rate ruling on the date of acquisition. The group has elected to treat goodwill and 
fair value adjustments arising on acquisitions prior to 1 January 2004 as sterling denominated assets and liabilities.

27

Camellia Plc

Accounting policies

Revenue recognition
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods 
and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, value added tax and other sales related taxes and after 
eliminating intra-group sales.

Interest income and expense arising through the group’s banking operations are recognised in the income statement for all 
instruments measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method and is stated net of interest paid.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset or a financial liability and 
of allocating the interest income or interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that 
exactly discounts estimated future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument or, when 
appropriate, a shorter period to the net carrying amount of the financial asset or financial liability. When calculating the 
effective interest rate, the group estimates cash flows considering all contractual terms of the financial instrument (for example, 
prepayment options) but does not consider future credit losses. The calculation includes all fees and points paid or received 
between parties to the contract that are an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and all other premiums or 
discounts. Once a financial asset or a group of similar financial assets has been written down as a result of an impairment loss, 
interest income is recognised using the rate of interest used to discount the future cash flows for the purpose of measuring the 
impairment loss.

Fees and commissions are for portfolio and other management advisory services and are recognised based on the applicable 
service contracts, usually on a time-apportioned basis.

In respect of engineering services, revenue is recognised based upon the stage of completion and includes costs incurred to date, 
plus accrued profits.

Invoices are raised when goods are despatched or when the risks and rewards of ownership otherwise irrevocably pass to the 
customer.

Segmental reporting
The adoption of IFRS 8 requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports used to assess performance 
and allocate resources by the chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the 
Executive Committee led by the Chairman. The adoption of this standard has not resulted in any change to the segments 
reported previously with ‘trading profit’ maintained as the reportable measure of profit or loss. Inter segment sales are not 
significant.

Intangible assets

(i) Goodwill
Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the group’s interest in the fair value of 
the identifiable assets and liabilities of a subsidiary or associate at the date of acquisition.

Goodwill is recognised as an asset and reviewed for impairment at least annually. Any impairment is recognised immediately in 
the income statement and is not subsequently reversed.

On disposal of a subsidiary or associate, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or 
loss on disposal.

(ii) Identifiable intangible assets
Identifiable intangible assets include customer relationships and other intangible assets acquired on the acquisition of 
subsidiaries. Acquired intangible assets with finite lives are amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, 
not exceeding 20 years. Intangible assets’ estimated lives are re-evaluated annually and an impairment test is carried out if 
certain indicators of impairment exist.

(iii) Computer software
Acquired computer software licences are capitalised on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific 
software. Computer software licences are held at cost and are amortised on a straight-line basis over 3 to 7 years.

Costs associated with developing or maintaining computer software programmes are recognised as an expense as incurred. 
Costs that are directly associated with identifiable and unique software products controlled by the group and which are 
expected to generate economic benefits exceeding costs beyond one year, are recognised as an intangible asset and amortised 
over their estimated useful lives.

28

Accounting policies

Property, plant and equipment
Land and buildings comprises mainly factories and offices. All property, plant and equipment is shown at cost less subsequent 
depreciation and impairment, except for land, which is shown at cost less impairment. Cost includes expenditure that is 
directly attributable to the acquisition of these assets.

On transition to IFRS, the group followed the transitional provisions and elected that previous UK GAAP revaluations be 
treated as deemed cost.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated 
with the item will flow to the group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. Repairs and maintenance are charged to 
the income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred.

No depreciation is provided on freehold land. Depreciation of other fixed assets is calculated to write off their cost less residual 
value over their expected useful lives.

The rates of depreciation used for the other assets are as follows:-

Freehold and long leasehold buildings 
Other short leasehold land and buildings 
Plant, machinery, fixtures, fittings and equipment 

nil to 10 per cent. per annum
unexpired term of the lease
4 to 33 per cent. per annum

Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets, or, where 
shorter, over the term of the relevant lease.

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and 
the carrying amount of the asset and is included in the income statement.

 Biological assets
Biological assets are measured on initial recognition and at each balance sheet date at fair value. Any changes in fair value are 
recognised in the income statement in the year in which they arise.

The fair value of livestock is based on market prices of livestock of similar age and sex. Where meaningful market-determined 
prices do not exist to assess the fair value of the group’s other biological assets, the fair value is determined based on the net 
present value of expected cash flows, discounted at appropriate current market-determined pre-tax rates.

Impairment of assets
Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment and whenever 
events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Assets that are subject to 
amortisation are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not 
be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable 
amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes 
of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-
generating units).

Investments
Investments are recognised and de-recognised on a trade date when a purchase or sale of an investment is under a contract 
whose terms require delivery of the investment within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially 
measured at cost, including transaction costs.

Held-to-maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities 
that the group’s management has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. Were the group to sell other than an 
insignificant amount of held-to-maturity assets, the entire category would be tainted and reclassified as available-for-sale.

Available-for-sale financial assets include shares of listed and unlisted companies. Listed shares are measured at subsequent 
reporting dates at fair value. The fair values of listed shares are based on current bid values. Other investments such as shares of 
unlisted companies, documents, manuscripts and philately are measured at cost as fair value cannot be reliably measured.

29

Camellia Plc

Accounting policies

Investments (continued)
Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are recognised directly in equity, until the investment is disposed of or is 
determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is included in the net 
profit or loss for the period.

Investments in subsidiary companies are included at cost.

Leases
Leases of property, plant and equipment where the group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified 
as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalised at the inception of the lease at the lower of fair value and the estimated present 
value of the underlying lease payments. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance charges so as to 
achieve a constant rate of interest on the finance balance outstanding. The corresponding rental obligations, net of finance 
charges, are included in liabilities. The interest element of the finance cost is charged to the income statement over the lease 
period. Property, plant and equipment acquired under finance leases is depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and 
the lease term.

Leases where a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating 
leases. Payments made under operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the 
lease.

Inventories
Agricultural produce at the point of harvest is measured at fair value less estimated point-of-sale costs. Any changes arising on 
initial recognition of agricultural produce at fair value less estimated point-of-sale costs are recognised in the income statement 
in the year in which they arise.

Other inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, 
direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and 
condition. Cost is calculated using the weighted average method. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less 
all estimated costs of completion and selling expenses.

Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables are carried at original invoice amount less provision made for impairment of these receivables. A provision 
for impairment of trade receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the group will not be able to collect all 
amounts due according to the original terms. The amount of the provision is recognised in the income statement.

Amounts due from customers of banking subsidiaries consist of loans and receivables which are non-derivative financial assets 
with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They arise when the bank provides money, goods 
or services directly to a customer with no intention of trading the receivable and are carried at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments 
with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current 
liabilities on the balance sheet. In respect of the group’s banking operation, cash and cash equivalents include cash and non-
restricted balances with central banks, treasury bills and other eligible bills, loans and advances to banks, amounts due from 
other banks and short-term government securities.

Non-current assets held for sale
Non-current assets classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of the carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell.

Non-current assets are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered through a sale transaction rather than 
through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and the asset is available for 
immediate sale in its present condition. Management must be committed to the sale which should be expected to qualify for 
recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of classification.

30

Accounting policies

Borrowings
Interest-bearing bank loans and overdrafts are initially recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. Finance 
charges, including premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs, are accounted for on an accrual basis 
to the income statement using the effective interest method and are added to the carrying amount of the instrument to the 
extent that they are not settled in the period in which they arise.

Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income 
statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes 
items that are never taxable or deductible. The group liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted 
or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities 
in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for 
using the liability method. Deferred tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a 
transaction, other than in a business combination, that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable 
profit or loss. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the 
balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related tax asset is realised or the tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the 
temporary differences can be utilised.

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, except where the timing 
of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not 
reverse in the foreseeable future.

Employee benefits

(i)  Pension obligations
Group companies operate various pension schemes. The schemes are funded through payments to insurance companies or 
trustee-administered funds. The group has both defined benefit and defined contribution plans.

A defined benefit plan is a pension plan that defines an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, 
usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation. The pension cost for defined benefit 
schemes is assessed in accordance with the advice of qualified independent actuaries using the “projected unit” funding 
method.

A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the group pays fixed contributions into a separate fund. The group 
has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions to the fund. Contributions are recognised as an expense in 
the income statement when they are due.

The liability recognised in the balance sheet in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the defined 
benefit obligation at the balance sheet date less the fair value of plan assets. Independent actuaries calculate the obligation 
annually using the “projected unit” funding method. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the period in which 
they occur, they are not recognised in the income statement and are presented in the statement of comprehensive income.

(ii)  Other post-employment benefit obligations
Some group companies have unfunded obligations to pay terminal gratuities to employees. Provisions are made for the 
estimated liability for gratuities as a result of services rendered by employees up to the balance sheet date and any movement in 
the provision is recognised in the income statement.

The estimated monetary liability for employees’ accrued annual leave entitlement at the balance sheet date is recognised as an 
accrual.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is 
probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and the amount has been reliably estimated.

The provision for onerous lease commitments is based on the expected vacancy period.

31

Camellia Plc

Accounting policies

Critical accounting estimates and judgements
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including 
expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting will, by definition, seldom equal 
the actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are set out below.

Impairment of assets
The group has significant investments in intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, biological assets, associated 
companies and other investments. These assets are tested for impairment when circumstances indicate there may be a potential 
impairment. Factors considered which could trigger an impairment review include the significant fall in market values, 
significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, a major change in market conditions or 
negative cash flows.

Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation and amortisation is based on management estimates of the future useful life of property, plant and equipment 
and intangible assets. Estimates may change due to technological developments, competition, changes in market conditions 
and other factors and may result in changes in the estimated useful life and in the depreciation and amortisation charges.

Biological assets
Biological assets are carried at fair value less estimated point-of-sale costs. Where meaningful market-determined prices do not 
exist to assess the fair value of biological assets, the fair value has been determined based on the net present value of expected 
future cash flows from those assets, discounted at appropriate pre-tax rates. In determining the fair value of biological assets 
where the discounting of expected future cash flows has been used, the directors have made certain assumptions about expected 
life-span of the plantings, yields, selling prices, costs and discount rates.

Retirement benefit obligations
Pension accounting requires certain assumptions to be made in order to value obligations and to determine the impact on 
the income statement. These figures are particularly sensitive to assumptions for discount rates, mortality, inflation rates and 
expected long-term rates of return on assets. Details of assumptions made are given in note 29.

Taxation
The group is subject to taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Significant judgement is required in determining worldwide provisions 
for taxes. There are many transactions and calculations during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax 
determination is uncertain.

Identifiable intangible assets – customer relationships
Customer relationships acquired are valued using discounted cash flow techniques and amortised over their estimated useful 
lives. In determining their value and their subsequent useful life, management are required to make assumptions in relation to 
expected cash flows, applicable discount factors, and client attrition rates.

32

Accounting policies

Changes in accounting policy and disclosures
(i)  New and amended standards adopted by the group
The group has adopted the following new and amended IFRSs as of 1 January 2009:

IAS 1 (revised) 

Presentation of financial statements – effective 1 January 2009 

 The revisions to this standard prohibits the presentation of items of income and expenditure 
within the statement of changes in equity. All items of income and expenditure are required 
to be shown in a performance statement, but entities can choose whether to present one 
performance statement (the ‘statement of comprehensive income’) or two statements (the 
‘income statement’ and ‘statement of comprehensive income’). The group has opted for the two 
statement option. Also, where entities restate or reclassify comparative information, they will 
be required to present a restated balance sheet as at the beginning of the comparative period in 
addition to the current requirement to present balance sheets at the end of the current period 
and the comparative period. As the change in accounting policy only impacts presentation 
aspects, there is no impact on earnings per share.

IAS 19 (amendment) 

Employee benefits – effective 1 January 2009

 The principal effect of the amendment is to clarify that a plan amendment that results in 
a change in the extent to which benefit promises are affected by future salary increases is a 
curtailment, while an amendment that changes benefits attributable to past service gives rise to 
a negative past service cost if it results in a reduction in the present value of the defined benefit 
obligation. This amendment has no material impact.

IAS 23 (revised) 

Borrowing costs – effective 1 January 2009

 The revisions to this standard require capitalisation of borrowing costs incurred on qualifying 
assets together with transitional provisions for companies who have previously written off such 
costs. In respect of borrowing costs relating to qualifying assets for which the commencement 
date for capitalisation is on or after 1 January 2009, the group capitalises borrowing costs 
directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset as part 
of the cost of that asset. The group previously recognised all borrowing costs as an expense 
immediately, in accordance with the transition provisions of the standard; comparative figures 
have not been restated. The change in accounting policy had no material impact on earnings 
per share.

IAS 41 (revised) 

Agriculture – effective 1 January 2009

 The revisions to this standard now allow the use of either pre or post tax discount rates when 
measuring fair values. The IASB has also clarified that the impact of additional biological 
transformation or harvest may be taken into account in determining cash flows for the purpose 
of estimating fair values. This revision has no material impact.

IFRS 8 

Operating segments – effective 1 January 2009

 The adoption of this standard requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of 
internal reports used to assess performance and allocate resources by the chief operating decision 
maker. The adoption of this standard has not resulted in any change to the segments reported 
previously with ‘trading profit’ maintained as the reportable measure of profit or loss.

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Camellia Plc

Accounting policies

Changes in accounting policy and disclosures (continued)
(ii)  Standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards that are not yet effective and have not been early 

adopted by the group

The following standards and amendments to existing standards have been published and are mandatory for the group’s 
accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010 or later periods, but the group has not early adopted them:

IFRIC 17 

Distribution of non-cash assets to owners – effective on or after 1 July 2009

 The interpretation was published in November 2008. This interpretation provides guidance 
on accounting for arrangements whereby an entity distributes non-cash assets to shareholders 
either as a distribution of reserves or as dividends. IFRS 5 has also been amended to require that 
assets are classified as held for distribution only when they are available for distribution in their 
present condition and the distribution is highly probable. The group and company will apply 
IFRIC 17 from 1 January 2010. It is not expected to have a material impact on the group or 
company’s financial statements.

IAS 27 (revised) 

Consolidated and separate financial statements – effective from 1 July 2009

 The revisions to this standard requires that a change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary 
(without loss of control) is accounted for as an equity transaction. Therefore, such transactions 
will no longer give rise to goodwill, nor will they give rise to a gain or loss. The standard also 
specifies the accounting when control is lost. Any remaining interest in the entity is re-measured 
to fair value, and a gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss. The group will apply IAS 27 
(revised) prospectively to transactions with non-controlling interests from 1 January 2010.

IFRS 3 (revised) 

Business combinations – effective from 1 July 2009

 The revised standard continues to apply the acquisition method to business combinations, with 
some significant changes. For example, all payments to purchase a business are to be recorded 
at fair value at the acquisition date, with contingent payments classified as debt subsequently 
re-measured through the income statement. There is a choice on an acquisition-by-acquisition 
basis to measure the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair vale or at the non-
controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s net assets. All acquisition-related 
costs should be expensed. The group will apply IFRS 3 (revised) prospectively to all business 
combinations from 1 January 2010.

IAS 38 (amendment) 

Intangible assets

 The amendment is part of the IASB’s annual improvements project published in April 2009 
and the group will apply IAS 38 (amendment) from the date IFRS 3 (revised) is adopted. The 
amendment clarifies guidance in measuring the fair value of an intangible asset acquired in a 
business combination and it permits the grouping of intangible assets as a single asset if each 
asset has a similar useful economic life. The amendment is not expected to have a material 
impact on the group’s financial statements.

IFRS 5 (amendment)  Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations – effective from 1 January 2010

 The amendment is part of the IASB’s annual improvements project published in April 2009. 
The amendment provides clarification that IFRS 5 specifies the disclosures required in respect 
of non-current assets (or disposal groups) classified as held for sale or discontinued operations. 
It also clarifies that the general requirement of IAS 1 still apply, particularly paragraph 15 (to 
achieve a fair presentation) and paragraph 125 (sources of estimation uncertainty) of IAS 1. It is 
not expected to have a material impact on the group or company’s financial statements.

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts

1 

Business and geographical segments
The principal activities of the group are as follows:

Agriculture and horticulture 
Engineering 
Food storage and distribution 
Banking and financial services

For management reporting purposes these activities form the basis on which the group reports its primary divisions.

Segment information about these businesses is presented below:

Agriculture and 
horticulture

Engineering

Food storage  
and distribution

Banking and  
financial services

Other operations

Consolidated

2009
£’000

 2008
£’000

2009
£’000

 2008
£’000

2009
£’000

 2008
£’000

2009
£’000

 2008
£’000

2009
£’000

 2008
£’000

2009
£’000

 2008
£’000

156,974

116,297

24,028

 23,019

37,434

 36,922

11,347

 13,930

487

 383

230,270  190,551

Revenue

External sales

Trading profit

Segment profit/(loss)

37,949

 23,349

1,608

 1,814

985

 1,156

(925)

 666

181

 75

39,798

 27,060

Unallocated corporate expenses

Trading profit

(4,438)

(3,859)

35,360

23,201

Share of associates’ results

139

3,805

 3,324

(6,771)

 (12,075)

(2,966)

 (8,612)

Loss on disposal of a subsidiary

Profit on part disposal of a  
    subsidiary

Profit on disposal of available- 
    for-sale investments

Profit on disposal of an associate

Profit on disposal of non- 
    current assets

Gain arising from changes in  
    fair value of biological assets

Investment income

Net finance costs

Profit before tax

Taxation

Profit after tax

Other information

Segment assets

Investments in associates

Unallocated assets

Consolidated total assets

2,746

 8,916

(674)

–

135

 104

28

–

–

 390

 50

 280

2,746

1,106

 8,916

 1,070

(1,592)

 (1,359)

34,143

 24,040

(11,702)

 (7,547)

22,441

 16,493

218,370  222,915

15,455

 15,725

23,951

 26,421

261,062  312,596

3,987

 3,344

522,825  581,001

31,681

 32,891

65,683

 76,992

97,364  109,883

52,580

 57,013

672,769  747,897

Segment liabilities

(31,252)

 (37,208)

(3,364)

 (3,734)

(4,500)

 (5,732) (232,798)  (283,472)

(55)

 (462) (271,969)  (330,608)

Unallocated liabilities

Consolidated total liabilities

(74,490)

 (82,788)

(346,459)  (413,396)

Capital expenditure

6,816

 6,304

1,739

 1,071

1,359

 777

Depreciation

Amortisation

(3,917)

 (3,563)

(937)

 (840)

(2,783)

 (2,951)

(43)

 (27)

(6)

 (5)

147

(343)

(537)

 290

 (291)

(445)

50

 103

10,111

 8,545

(119)

 (173)

(8,099)

 (7,818)

(586)

 (477)

Segment assets consist primarily of intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, biological assets, prepaid operating 
leases, inventories, trade and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents. Receivables for tax have been excluded. 
Investments in associates, valued using the equity method, have been shown separately in the segment information. 
Segment liabilities are primarily those relating to the operating activities and generally exclude liabilities for taxes, short-
term loans, finance leases and non-current liabilities.

35

Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

1 

Business and geographical segments  (continued)
Geographical segments
The group operations are based in nine main geographical areas. The United Kingdom is the home country of the 
parent. The principal geographical areas in which the group operates are as follows:

United Kingdom 
Continental Europe 
India 
Kenya 
Malawi 
Bangladesh 
North America and Bermuda 
South Africa 
South America

The following table provides an analysis of the group’s sales by geographical market, irrespective of the origin of the 
goods/services:

United Kingdom
Continental Europe
India
Kenya
Malawi
Bangladesh
North America and Bermuda
South Africa
South America
Other

2009
£’000

76,088
24,100
62,258
20,159
9,309
16,530
4,627
3,908
4,878
8,413

 2008
 £’000

 70,995
 23,099
 46,958
 16,042
 4,059
 9,921
 4,230
 2,510
 5,387
 7,350

230,270

 190,551

The following is an analysis of the carrying amount of segment assets and additions to property, plant and equipment, 
analysed by the geographical area in which the assets are located:

      Carrying amount of 
      segment assets

Additions to property, 
plant and equipment

2009
£’000

296,088
5,244
61,835
56,179
37,072
38,173
6,297
10,995
10,942

 2008
 £’000

 348,694
 5,799
 58,155
 55,276
 39,576
 41,137
 7,428
 10,279
 14,657

2009
£’000

3,096
168
4,070
575
547
510
452
91
602

 2008
 £’000

 2,053
 173
 2,893
 931
 813
 192
 149
 152
 1,189

522,825

 581,001

10,111

 8,545 

United Kingdom
Continental Europe
India
Kenya
Malawi
Bangladesh
North America and Bermuda
South Africa
South America

36

 
Notes to the accounts

1 

Business and geographical segments  (continued)
Results of banking subsidiaries 

Interest receivable 

  third parties

group companies

Interest payable 

        third parties

group companies

Net interest income
Fee and commission income
Fee and commission expense

Inter-segment net interest

Revenue

Other operating income

Operating expenses

Segment (loss)/profit

 2   Revenue

An analysis of the group’s revenue is as follows:

Sale of goods
Distribution and warehousing revenue
Engineering services revenue
Banking service revenue
Agency commission revenue
Property rental revenue

Other operating income
Investment income
Interest income

Total group revenue

2009
£’000

3,214
7

3,221
(1,393)
(61)

1,767
9,925
(399)
54

11,347
148

11,495
(12,420)

 2008
 £’000

 14,304
 43

 14,347
 (10,438)
 (291)

 3,618
 10,820
 (756)
 248

 13,930
 169

 14,099
 (13,433)

(925)

 666

2009
£’000

156,974
37,434
24,028
11,347
191
296

230,270
1,698
1,106
1,103

 2008
 £’000

 116,297
 36,922
 23,019
 13,930
 139
 244

 190,551
 2,206
 1,070
 643

234,177

 194,470 

37

 
 
 
 
 
 
Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

3 

Trading profit 

The following items have been included in arriving at trading profit:
Employment costs (note 13)
Inventories:
  Cost of inventories recognised as an expense (included in cost of sales)
  Cost of inventories provision recognised as an expense (included in cost of sales)
  Cost of inventories provision reversed (included in cost of sales)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment:
  Owned assets
  Under finance leases
Amortisation of intangibles (included in administrative expenses)
Impairment of investments (included in administrative expenses)
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Operating leases – lease payments:
  Plant and machinery
  Property
Repairs and maintenance expenditure on property, plant and equipment

Currency exchange losses/(gains) charged/(credited) to income include:
  Revenue
  Cost of sales
  Distribution costs
  Administrative expenses
  Other operating income
  Finance costs

Amounts paid to the group’s auditors comprised:
Audit services:
  Statutory audit
  Audit – related regulatory reporting
Tax services:
  Compliance services
  Advisory services

Other services not covered above

2009
£’000

 2008
 £’000

65,518

 61,165

99,224
311
(11)

 93,535
 200
 (28)

7,195
904
586
204
(264)

471
707
4,112

79
56
11
146
(6)
(160)

126

732
35

17
33
36

853

 6,747
 1,071
 477
 350
 (239)

 661
 647
 3,830

 58
 142
 (286)
 (45)
 (7)
 262

 124

 710
 24

 16
 37
 26

 813

Included in the above group audit fees and expenses is £718,000 (2008: £358,000) paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP and its associates for statutory audit services, £35,000 (2008: £24,000) for audit related regulatory reporting, 
£34,000 (2008: £33,000) for taxation services and £12,000 (2008: £19,000) for other services.

The 2008 figures include amounts paid to the previous auditors, Moore Stephens LLP and its associates.

38

 
Notes to the accounts

4 

Share of associates’ results
The group’s share of the results of associates is analysed below:

Operating profit
Net finance costs
Impairment

Loss before tax
Taxation

Loss after tax

2009
£’000

2,516
(2,653)
(3,103)

(3,240)
274

(2,966)

2008
£’000

 6,448
 (825)
 (15,691)

 (10,068)
 1,456

 (8,612)

The impairment charge of £3,103,000 relates to development projects of the Siegfried Group. In 2008, the impairment 
charge of £15,691,000 related to goodwill and non-financial assets of the Siegfried Group.

The results include the group’s share of the profits of West Hamilton Holdings Limited, a Bermudian based property 
company, which became an associate with effect from 1 July 2008.

5 

Loss on disposal of a subsidiary

Loss on disposal of a subsidiary
Release of exchange differences from reserves upon disposal

2009
£’000

(968)
294

(674)

 2008
 £’000

–
–

–

This relates to the disposal of the group’s 100 per cent. Chilean subsidiary, Hacienda Chada S.A.

 6 

7 

Profit on part disposal of a subsidiary
A profit of £135,000 (2008: £104,000) was realised on the disposal by Kakuzi Limited of a further 17 per cent. (2008: 
10 per cent.) of its interest in Siret Tea Company Limited to EPK Outgrowers Empowerment Project Company 
Limited, a company mainly owned by smallholders in Kenya.

Profit on disposal of an associate
In 2008, the group realised a net profit of £50,000 on the disposal of its associate interest in Himalaya Goodricke PVT. 
Limited.

39

Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

8 

Finance income and costs

Interest payable on loans and bank overdrafts
Interest payable on obligations under finance leases

Total borrowing costs
Net exchange gain/(loss) on foreign currency borrowings

Finance costs
Finance income – interest income on short-term bank deposits
Pension schemes’ net financing (expense)/income (note 29)

Net finance costs

The above figures do not include any amounts relating to the banking subsidiaries.

2009
£’000

(1,586)
(140)

(1,726)
160

(1,566)
1,103
(1,129)

(1,592)

 2008
 £’000

 (2,057)
 (181)

 (2,238)
 (262)

 (2,500)
 643
 498

 (1,359)

40

 
Notes to the accounts

9 

Taxation on profit on ordinary activities

Analysis of charge in the year 

Current tax
UK corporation tax
UK corporation tax at 28.0 per cent. (2008: 28.0 per cent.)
Adjustment in respect of prior years
Double tax relief

Foreign tax
Corporation tax
Adjustment in respect of prior years

Total current tax
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
  United Kingdom
  Overseas

Total deferred tax

Tax on profit on ordinary activities

Factors affecting tax charge for the year
Profit on ordinary activities before tax
Share of associated undertakings loss

Group profit on ordinary activities before tax

Tax on ordinary activities at the standard rate  
  of corporation tax in the UK of 28.0 per cent. (2008: 28.0 per cent.)
Effects of:
Adjustment to tax in respect of prior years
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Adjustment in respect of foreign tax rates
Additional tax arising on dividends from overseas companies
Loss /(profit) on disposal of non taxable assets
Other income not charged to tax
Increase in tax losses carried forward
Decrease in tax losses carried forward
Movement in unremitted earnings of overseas associates
Movement in other timing differences

Current tax charge for the year

  2009

£’000

£’000

 2008
 £’000

3,555
135
(3,548)

11,648
204

(1,782)
1,490

 2,474
 (61)
 (2,459)

(46)

 7,021
 (239)

 6,782

6,736

 (2,310)
 3,121

 811

 7,547

 24,040
 (8,612)

 32,652

142

11,852

11,994

(292)

11,702

34,143
(2,966)

37,109

10,391

 9,143

339
2,066
1,149
327
143
(633)
359
(14)
(2,637)
212

11,702

 (300)
 413
 45
 188
 (86)
 (214)
 887
 (167)
 (2,223)
 (139)

 7,547

The standard rate of corporation tax in the UK changed from 30 per cent. to 28 per cent. with effect from 1 April 2008.

41

 
 
Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

10 

Profit for the year

The profit of the company was

2009
£’000

 2008
 £’000

3,376

 3,869

The company has taken the exemption under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to disclose the company’s 
income statement.

11 

Equity dividends

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the period:
Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2008 of
  72.00p (2007: 72.00p) per share
Interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2009 of
  20.00p (2008: 20.00p) per share

2009
£’000

 2008
 £’000

2,001

 2,001

556

2,557

 556

 2,557

Dividends amounting to £58,000 (2008: £58,000) have not been included as group companies hold 62,500 issued 
shares in the company. These are classified as treasury shares.

Proposed final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2009 of 
  74.00p (2008: 72.00p) per share

2,103

 2,046

The proposed final dividend is subject to approval by the shareholders at the annual general meeting and has not been 
included as a liability in these financial statements.

12 

Earnings per share (EPS)

2009
Weighted
average
number of 
shares
Number

Earnings
£’000

2008   
Weighted 
average
number 
of  shares  
Number

 EPS
 Pence

EPS
Pence

 Earnings
 £’000

Basic and diluted EPS
Attributable to ordinary 

shareholders

15,897

2,779,500

571.9

 11,044

 2,779,500

 397.3

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period, excluding those held by the group as treasury 
shares (note 31).

42

 
 
Notes to the accounts

13 

Employees

Average number of employees by activity:
  Agriculture and horticulture
  Engineering
  Food storage and distribution
  Banking and financial services
  Central management

Employment costs:
  Wages and salaries
  Social security costs
  Other pension costs (see note 29) 

  – UK
  – Overseas

2009
Number

 2008
 Number

72,313
367
370
133
21

73,204

2009
£’000

58,006
2,588
1,636
3,288

65,518

 69,424
 392
 399
 137
 24

 70,376

 2008
 £’000

 54,007
 2,652
 1,803
 2,703

 61,165

Total remuneration paid to key employees, excluding directors of Camellia Plc, amounted to £503,000 (2008: 
£650,000).

14 

Emoluments of the directors

2009
£’000

 2008
 £’000

Aggregate emoluments excluding pension contributions

1,272

913

Emoluments of the highest paid director excluding pension contributions were £396,000 (2008: £372,000).

Further details of directors’ emoluments are set out on pages 17 and 18.

43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

15 

Intangible assets

Group
Cost
At 1 January 2008
Exchange differences
Additions

At 1 January 2009
Exchange differences
Adjustment
Additions
Disposals
Disposal of subsidiary

At 31 December 2009

Amortisation
At 1 January 2008
Exchange differences
Charge for the year

At 1 January 2009
Exchange differences
Charge for the year
Disposals
Disposal of subsidiary

At 31 December 2009

Goodwill
£’000

Customer
relationships
£’000

Licenses, patents
and trade marks

£’000

Computer
software
£’000

3,283
–
661

3,944
–
34
–
–
–

3,978

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–

4,814
–
–

4,814
–
–
–
–
–

4,814

389
–
241

630
–
240
–
–

870

Total
£’000

9,353
41
1,263

10,657
12
34
192
(7)
(248)

10,640

1,107
14
477

1,598
9
586
(7)
(130)

2,056

8,584

 9,059

258
16
3

277
25
–
–
–
(235)

67

154
7
9

170
13
7
–
(123)

67

–

 107

998
25
599

1,622
(13)
–
192
(7)
(13)

1,781

564
7
227

798
(4)
339
(7)
(7)

1,119

662

 824

Net book value at 31 December 2009

Net book value at 31 December 2008

3,978

 3,944

3,944

 4,184

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. The carrying amount of 
the goodwill relates to the banking and financial services segment. Goodwill arising in 2008 relates to additional 
consideration paid as a result of the acquisition of Hill Martin Limited in 2006, which was dependent upon revenues in 
Hill Martin Limited for the three years ending 30 June 2008.

The group tests goodwill annually for impairment by comparing the carrying value of the cash generating units with 
their value in use. The assessment of recoverability of goodwill is based on normal market valuation criteria such 
as a multiple of revenue for financial planning business and the percentage of funds under management for asset 
management business.

44

 
Notes to the accounts

16 

Property, plant and equipment

Group
Deemed cost
At 1 January 2008
Exchange differences
Additions
Acquisition of subsidiary
Disposals

At 1 January 2009
Exchange differences
Additions
Disposal of subsidiary
Disposals

At 31 December 2009

Depreciation
At 1 January 2008
Exchange differences
Charge for the year
Disposals
Acquisition of subsidiary

At 1 January 2009
Exchange differences
Charge for the year
Disposal of subsidiary
Disposals

At 31 December 2009

Net book value at 31 December 2009

Net book value at 31 December 2008

Land and buildings at net book value comprise:

Freehold
Long leasehold
Short leasehold

Land and
buildings
£’000

Plant and
machinery
£’000

Fixtures,
fittings and
equipment
£’000

69,396
7,384
1,700
1,757
(866)

79,371
(2,794)
2,930
(4,288)
(122)

75,097

27,629
2,835
1,923
(769)
416

32,034
(1,215)
1,987
(926)
(71)

31,809

43,288

47,337

72,614
6,658
6,127
883
(1,474)

84,808
(2,129)
6,334
(1,570)
(3,111)

84,332

47,218
3,929
4,819
(1,252)
580

55,294
(1,485)
4,996
(385)
(2,722)

55,698

28,634

29,514

17,603
1,033
718
113
(108)

19,359
(422)
847
(51)
(321)

19,412

8,533
810
1,076
(94)
98

10,423
(344)
1,116
(33)
(319)

10,843

8,569

8,936

2009
£’000

32,910
8,984
1,394

43,288

Total
£’000

159,613
15,075
8,545
2,753
(2,448)

183,538
(5,345)
10,111
(5,909)
(3,554)

178,841

83,380
7,574
7,818
(2,115)
1,094

97,751
(3,044)
8,099
(1,344)
(3,112)

98,350

80,491

85,787

2008
 £’000

35,139
10,264
1,934

47,337

Plant and machinery includes assets held under finance leases. The depreciation charge for the year in respect of these 
assets was £670,000 (2008: £829,000) and their net book value was £1,768,000 (2008: £2,568,000).

The amount of expenditure during the year for property, plant and equipment in the course of construction amounted 
to £581,000 (2008: £1,086,000).

45

 
Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

17  Biological assets

Group
At 1 January 2008
Exchange differences
Increases due to purchases
Gains arising from changes in fair value  
    less estimated point-of-sale costs
Decreases due to harvesting
Companies joining the group

At 1 January 2009
Exchange differences
Increases due to purchases
Gains/(losses) arising from changes in  
     fair value less estimated point-of-sale costs
Decreases due to harvesting
Companies leaving the group

Tea
£’000

48,427
12,910
1,175

5,185
–
2,199

69,896
(6,958)
1,528

100
–
–

Citrus
£’000

2,207
906
579

58
(392)
–

3,358
(352)
680

(285)
(544)
(50)

Edible
nuts
£’000

10,089
3,149
1,890

1,809
(1,496)
–

15,441
(983)
2,763

1,472
(2,248)
–

Other
£’000

19,910
4,343
4,302

1,864
(5,036)
142

25,525
(1,125)
4,092

1,459
(5,869)
(1,833)

Total
£’000

80,633
21,308
7,946

8,916
(6,924)
2,341

114,220
(9,418)
9,063

2,746
(8,661)
(1,883)

At 31 December 2009

64,566

2,807

16,445

22,249

106,067

Other includes grapes, avocados, pineapples, plums, livestock, forestry, rubber production and arable crops.

Biological assets are carried at fair value less estimated point-of-sale costs. Where meaningful market-determined prices 
do not exist to assess the fair value of biological assets, the fair value has been determined based on the net present 
value of expected future cash flows from those assets, discounted at appropriate pre-tax rates. At 31 December 2008 
professional valuations were obtained on a significant proportion of assets which had previously been valued using the 
net present value of expected future cash flows. The valuations have been updated by professional valuers at  
31 December 2009. In determining the fair value of biological assets where the discounting of expected future cash flows 
has been used, the directors have made certain assumptions about the expected life-span of the plantings, yields, selling 
prices and costs. The fair value of livestock is based on market prices of livestock of similar age and sex.

The discount rates used reflect the cost of capital, an assessment of country risk and the risks associated with individual 
crops. The range of discount rates used is:

Citrus
%

Edible
nuts
%

Other
%

12.0 – 12.5
12.0 – 12.5

12.0 – 13.5
12.0 – 13.5

5.0 – 17.5
5.0 – 17.5 

Tea
%

13.5
13.5

2009
2008

46

 
  
Notes to the accounts

17  Biological assets (continued)

The areas planted to the various crop types at the end of the year were:

Tea
Macadamia
Table grapes
Wine grapes
Citrus
Avocados
Pineapples
Plums
Pistachios
Timber
Rubber
Arable crops

2009
Hectares

2008
Hectares

34,841
2,560
–
84
178
377
48
–
136
6,002
1,847
3,407

2009
Head

34,629
2,293
82
214
227
367
48
17
136
5,995
1,760
3,546

2008
Head

Livestock numbers on hand at the end of the year

4,738

 4,458

Output of agricultural produce during the year was:

Tea
Macadamia
Table grapes
Wine grapes
Citrus
Avocados
Pineapples
Plums
Pistachios
Rubber
Arable crops

Timber

2009
Metric
tonnes

70,272
925
2,041
2,157
4,122
6,319
1,332
335
21
817
19,192

2009
Cubic
metres

2008
Metric
tonnes

72,987
1,185
2,093
1,771
4,188
5,983
26,628
346
 651
 731
 29,204

2008
Cubic
metres

71,419

 59,277

2009
£’000

2008
£’000

Fair value of agricultural output after deducting estimated point-of-sale costs

114,368

 93,976 

47

 
 
 
Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

  18  Prepaid operating leases

Group
Cost
At 1 January 2008
Exchange differences

At 1 January 2009
Exchange differences

At 31 December 2009

Amortisation
At 1 January 2008
Exchange differences
Charge for the year

At 1 January 2009
Exchange differences
Charge for the year

At 31 December 2009

Net book value at 31 December 2009

Net book value at 31 December 2008

19 

Investments in subsidiaries

Company
Cost
At 1 January and 31 December

48

£’000

996
194

1,190
(98)

1,092

14
4
1

19
(2)
1

18

1,074

1,171

2009
£’000

2008
£’000

73,683

73,683

 
Notes to the accounts

20 

Investments in associates

Group
At 1 January
Exchange differences
Reclassification from financial assets
Effect of an associate becoming a subsidiary
Disposals
Share of loss (note 4)
Dividends
Other equity movements

At 31 December

2009
£’000

109,883
(10,521)
–
–
(37)
(2,966)
(2,297)
3,302

2008
£’000

90,367
34,616
2,043
(261)
(33)
(8,612)
(2,884)
(5,353)

97,364

109,883

In 2008, West Hamilton Holdings Limited was reclassified from other investments to an investment in associate.

Details of the group’s associates are shown in note 38.

The group’s share of the results of its principal associates and its share of the assets (including goodwill) and liabilities are 
as follows:

Country of
incorporation

Assets
£’000

Liabilities
£’000

Revenues Profit/(loss) Interest held
£’000

£’000

%

2008
Listed
Siegfried Holding AG
BF&M Limited
West Hamilton Holdings Limited
United Leasing Company Limited
United Insurance Company Limited*

2009
Listed
Siegfried Holding AG
BF&M Limited
West Hamilton Holdings Limited
United Leasing Company Limited
United Insurance Company Limited

 Switzerland
 Bermuda
 Bermuda
 Bangladesh
 Bangladesh

112,792
119,938
3,741
33,621
 2,126

(38,541)
(92,491)
(1,000)
(29,499)
(804)

46,711
26,351
130
2,785
673

(12,106)
3,022
31
405
51

Switzerland
Bermuda
Bermuda
Bangladesh
Bangladesh

92,236
114,063
5,603
29,910
1,627

(28,947)
(87,647)
(3,209)
(25,860)
(412)

54,190
33,270
267
4,036
192

(6,751)
3,164
(20)
573
68

32.3
25.2
28.2
38.4
37.0

32.3
25.2
28.2
38.4
37.0

Market
value
£’000

53,738
23,369
2,262
6,774
6,556

50,346
19,571
2,026
13,763
12,438

On 15 April 2010, the group disposed of its entire shareholding in Siegfried Holding AG, an associated undertaking. 
The proceeds on disposal are £48,850,000 (CHF 79,571,000) and the estimated profit before tax on disposal is 
£200,000.

*  Includes its wholly owned subsidiary, the Surmah Valley Tea Company Limited. On 14 December 2008, United 

Insurance Company Limited sold its interest in Surmah Valley Tea Company Limited to group companies.

49

 
Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

21  Other investments

Group
Cost or fair value
At 1 January
Exchange differences
Fair value adjustment
Additions
Transfer to investment in associates
Disposals

At 31 December
Provision for diminution in value
At 1 January
Exchange differences
Provided during year

At 31 December

Net book value at 31 December

Net book value comprises:
Held-to-maturity investments:
  UK Treasury bills
  Bank and building society certificates of deposit

Available-for-sale financial assets:
  Listed investments
  Unlisted investments

Collections

Current element
Non-current element

2009
£’000

39,690
(2,848)
(729)
12,683
–
(5,481)

43,315

586
(48)
204

742

restated*
2008
 £’000

 41,336
 7,687
 (7,025)
 7,185
 (2,696)
 (6,797)

 39,690

 150
 86
 350

 586

42,573

 39,104

4,988
7,432

12,420

22,613
223

22,836
7,317

42,573

12,420
30,153

42,573

–
 5,436

5,436

 26,284
 247

 26,531
 7,137

 39,104

5,436
33,668

39,104

Collections comprise the group’s and company’s investment in fine art, philately, documents and manuscripts. The 
market value of collections is expected to be in excess of book value.

UK Treasury bills and bank and building society certificates of deposit are held by the group’s banking operation.

With effect from 1 July 2008, the group has representation on the board of West Hamilton Holdings Limited and is in 
a position to exert significant influence. As a result, in 2008, the investment in this company was reclassified from other 
investments to an investment in associate. The result of this reclassification was that investments in associates increased 
by £2,043,000, being the equity value and other investments declined by £2,696,000, being the market value. The 
difference of £653,000 was transferred to reserves.

*Within the 2008 comparative amounts, £5,436,000 have been reclassified from cash and cash equivalents to  
held-to-maturity investments.

50

Notes to the accounts

21  Other investments (continued)

Company
Cost or fair value
At 1 January
Fair value adjustment
Additions
Disposals

At 31 December
Cost or fair value comprises:
  Listed investments
  Unlisted investments
  Collections

 22 

Inventories

Group
Raw materials and consumables
Work in progress
Produce on hand
Finished goods

2009
£’000

7,316
16
200
(20)

7,512

20
170
7,322

7,512

2009
£’000

7,595
993
12,859
6,832

28,279

The year end inventories balance includes a write-down provision of £258,000 (2008: £205,000).

23  Trade and other receivables

Group
Due within one year:
  Amounts due from customers of banking subsidiaries
  Trade debtors
  Amounts owed by associated undertakings
  Other debtors
  Prepayments and accrued income

Due after one year:
  Amounts due from customers of banking subsidiaries
  Other debtors

2009
£’000

21,833
23,222
260
5,758
4,124

55,197

18,718
928

19,646

2008
 £’000

7,279
–
100
(63)

7,316

4
170
7,142

7,316

2008
 £’000

8,959
1,002
14,027
6,783

30,771

restated*
2008
 £’000

 19,840
 24,642
 346
 6,126
 4,750

 55,704

 20,256
 979

 21,235

Included within trade debtors is a provision for doubtful debts of £534,000 (2008: £375,000).

*Within the 2008 comparative amounts, £20,256,000 have been reclassified from amounts due within one year to 
amounts due after one year.

51

 
Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

23  Trade and other receivables (continued)

Trade debtors include receivables of £4,134,000 (2008: £5,151,000) which are past due at the reporting date against 
which the group has not provided, as there has not been a significant change in credit quality and the amounts are still 
considered recoverable. Ageing of past due but not provided for receivables is as follows:

Up to 30 days
30-60 days
60-90 days
Over 90 days

24   Cash and cash equivalents

Group
Cash at bank and in hand
Short-term bank deposits
Short-term liquid investments

2009
£’000

2,637
952
252
293

4,134

2009
£’000

157,102
21,117
51,355

229,574

2008
 £’000

3,700
639
370
442

5,151 

restated*
2008
 £’000

249,185
11,951
15,062

276,198

Included in the amounts above are cash and short-term funds, time deposits with banks and building societies, UK 
treasury bills and certificates of deposit amounting to £193,434,000 (2008: £251,423,000) which are held by the 
group’s banking subsidiaries and which are an integral part of the banking operations.

*Within the 2008 comparative amounts, £5,436,000 relating to the banking operations have been reclassified from cash 
at bank and in hand to other investments.

Cash, cash equivalents and bank overdrafts include the following for the purposes of the cash flow statement:

Cash and cash equivalents (excluding banking operations)
Bank overdrafts (note 26)

Effective interest rate:
  Short-term deposits
  Short-term liquid investments
Average maturity period:
  Short-term deposits
  Short-term liquid investments

52

2009
£’000

36,140
(7,509)

28,631

2008
£’000

24,775
(14,856)

9,919

2009
%

2008
%

0.20 – 10.50
0.40 – 2.30

 1.00 – 13.70
 1.70 – 2.60

57 days
35 days

 57 days
 21 days

 
Notes to the accounts

25  Trade and other payables

Group

Company

Due within one year:

Amounts due to customers of banking subsidiaries
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals

2009
£’000

219,909
18,005
1,256
10,580
4,596

254,346

restated*
2008
 £’000

268,993
17,160
1,412
11,490
5,112

304,167

Due after one year:

Amounts due to customers of banking subsidiaries

11,227

12,347

2009
£’000

2008
 £’000

–
–
–
18
–

18

–

–
–
–
20
–

20 

–

*Within the 2008 comparative amounts, £12,347,000 have been reclassified from amounts due within one year to 
amounts due after one year.

53

Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

26 

Financial liabilities – borrowings

Group
Current
Bank overdrafts
Bank loans
Finance leases

Current borrowings include the following amounts secured  
  on biological assets and property, plant and equipment:
  Bank overdrafts
  Bank loans
  Finance leases

Non-current
Bank loans
Finance leases

Non-current borrowings include the following amounts secured  
  on biological assets and property, plant and equipment:
  Bank loans
  Finance leases

The repayment of bank loans and overdrafts fall due as follows:
  Within one year or on demand (included in current liabilities)
  Between 1 – 2 years
  Between 2 – 5 years
  After 5 years

Minimum finance lease payments fall due as follows:
  Within one year or on demand (included in current liabilities)
  Between 1 – 2 years
  Between 2 – 5 years

  Future finance charges on finance leases

  Present value of finance lease liabilities

54

2009
£’000

7,509
4,526
726

12,761

6,296
706
726

 7,728

2,444
675

3,119

2,444
675

3,119

12,035
616
858
970

14,479

805
516
214

1,535
(134)

1,401

2008
 £’000

 14,856
 2,884
 889

 18,629

 13,639
 2,384
 889

 16,912

 10,002
 1,352

 11,354

 5,260
 1,352

 6,612

 17,740
 5,972
 1,116
 2,914

 27,742

 1,016
 780
 715

 2,511
 (270)

 2,241 

 
Notes to the accounts

26 

Financial liabilities – borrowings  (continued)
The present value of finance lease liabilities fall due as follows:

  Within one year or on demand (included in current liabilities)
  Between 1 – 2 years
  Between 2 – 5 years

The rates of interest payable by the group ranged between:

  Overdrafts
  Bank loans
  Finance leases

27 

Provisions

Group
At 1 January 2008
Provided in the period
Utilised in the period

At 1 January 2009
Provided in the period
Utilised in the period

At 31 December 2009

Current
At 31 December 2009

At 31 December 2008

2009
£’000

726
473
202

2008
 £’000

 889
 702
 650

1,401

 2,241

2009
%

2008
%

3.10 – 17.50
1.38 – 13.50
3.25 – 18.00

 3.00 – 15.50
 1.88 – 13.00
 3.25 – 18.00

Onerous lease
£’000

123
123
(123)

123
150
(123)

150

150

 123

The provision for onerous lease relates to warehouse premises operated by Associated Cold Stores & Transport Limited, 
and relates to twelve months rental which is the expected period of vacancy. The lease expires in 2016.

55

Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

 28  Deferred tax

The net movement on the deferred tax account is set out below:

At 1 January
Exchange differences
(Credited)/charged to the income statement
Charged/(credited) to equity
Companies joining the group

At 31 December

  Group

2009
£’000

32,495
(3,133)
(292)
1,276
–

30,346

The movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities is set out below:

Deferred tax liabilities

Accelerated
tax
depreciation
£’000

Unremitted
earnings of
overseas
associates
£’000

26,074
6,442

2,167
–
357
310

35,350
(3,045)

1,522
–

33,827

3,300
1,560

(2,223)
–
–
–

2,637
–

(2,637)
–

–

At 1 January 2008
Exchange differences
(Credited)/charged to the 

income statement

Credited to equity
Companies joining the group
Transfer between categories

At 1 January 2009
Exchange differences
(Credited)/charged to the 

income statement

Charged to equity

At 31 December 2009

Deferred tax assets offset

Net deferred tax liability after offset

2008
 £’000

 25,363
 7,748
 811
 (1,784)
 357

 32,495

Pension
scheme
liability
£’000

1,793
135

129
(1,069)
–
–

988
(74)

(48)
69

935

  Company

2009
£’000

2008
 £’000

337
–
–
–
–

337

Other
£’000

60
(3)

242
–
–
–

299
13

(240)
–

72

 337
–
–
–
–

 337

Total
£’000

31,227
8,134

315
(1,069)
357
310

39,274
(3,106)

(1,403)
69

34,834

(4,385)

30,449

56

 
 
 
Notes to the accounts

 28  Deferred tax  (continued)
Deferred tax assets

Decelerated
tax
depreciation
£’000

Tax losses
£’000

329
(13)

(302)
–
307

321
–

175
–

496

1,770
58

(112)
–
27

1,743
191

(107)
–

1,827

Pension
scheme
asset
£’000

3,065
141

(462)
715
(4)

3,455
(81)

(1,285)
(1,207)

882

Other
£’000

700
200

380
–
(20)

1,260
(83)

106
–

1,283

Total
£’000

5,864
386

(496)
715
310

6,779
27

(1,111)
(1,207)

4,488

(4,385)

103

At 1 January 2008
Exchange differences
(Charged)/credited to the 

income statement

Credited to equity
Transfer between categories

At 1 January 2009
Exchange differences
(Charged)/credited to the 

income statement

Charged to equity

At 31 December 2009

Offset against deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax asset after offset

Deferred tax liabilities of £5,403,000 (2008: £21,941,000) have not been recognised for the withholding tax and 
other taxes that would be payable on the unremitted earnings of certain subsidiaries. Such amounts are permanently 
reinvested.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for tax losses carried forward only to the extent that the realisation of the related tax 
benefit through future taxable profits is probable. The group has not recognised deferred tax assets of £4,943,000 (2008: 
£5,801,000) in respect of losses that can be carried forward against future taxable income.

57

 
 
Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

29 

Pensions
Certain group subsidiaries operate defined contribution and funded defined benefit pension schemes. The most 
significant are the UK funded, final salary defined benefit schemes. The assets of these schemes are administered by 
trustees and are kept separate from those of the group. Valuations of the three UK defined benefit pension schemes are 
produced and updated annually to 31 December by qualified independent actuaries. The UK final salary defined benefit 
pension schemes are closed to new entrants and new employees are eligible to join a group personal pension plan. The 
Unochrome Group Pension Scheme is closed to future accruals and former active members participate in a defined 
contribution scheme.

The overseas schemes are operated in group subsidiaries located in Bangladesh, India and The Netherlands. Actuarial 
valuations have been updated to 31 December 2009 by qualified actuaries for these schemes.

Assumptions
The major assumptions used in this valuation to determine the present value of the schemes’ defined benefit obligations 
were as follows:

UK schemes
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase to LPI (Limited Price Indexation) pensions in payment
Discount rate applied to scheme liabilities
Inflation assumption

2009
% per annum

2008
% per annum

3.70
2.50 – 5.00
5.70
3.60

 2.85 – 3.00
 2.50 – 5.00
 6.25
 2.75

Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are based on advice received from independent actuaries. The current 
mortality tables used are PCA00 and PNA00 with medium cohort improvement factors and subject to a minimum rate 
of improvement of 1% per annum, projected by year of birth and with an age rating of +1.5 years and +2 years.

Overseas schemes
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase to LPI (Limited Price Indexation) pensions in payment
Discount rate applied to scheme liabilities
Inflation assumption

2.00 – 7.00
0.00 – 3.00
5.31 – 8.75
0.00 – 7.00

2.00 – 7.00
0.00 – 3.00
5.30 – 11.70
0.00 – 7.00

The major assumptions used to determine the expected future return on the schemes’ assets were as follows:

UK schemes
Equities and property
Bonds
Cash

Overseas schemes
Bonds
Cash
Other

58

7.40
5.00
0.50

 7.10
 5.00
 2.00

7.06 – 12.50
7.06 – 12.50
5.31 – 5.36

 7.79 – 12.50
 7.79 – 12.50
 5.30 – 5.60 

 
 
Notes to the accounts

29 

Pensions  (continued)
Actuarial valuations

Equities and property
Bonds
Cash
Other

UK
£’000

76,981
25,999
1,550
–

2009

Overseas
£’000

312
13,388
1,907
1,926

Total
£’000

77,293
39,387
3,457
1,926

 UK
 £’000

 63,567
 23,249
 1,354
–

2008

 Overseas
 £’000

 300
 12,681
 3,183
 1,808

 Total
 £’000

 63,867
 35,930
 4,537
 1,808

Total fair value of plan assets
Present value of defined benefit obligations

104,530
(128,720)

17,533
(17,334)

122,063
(146,054)

 88,170
 (111,819)

 17,972
 (18,285)

 106,142
 (130,104)

Total (deficit)/surplus in the schemes

(24,190)

199

(23,991)

 (23,649)

 (313)

 (23,962)

Amount recognised as asset  

in the balance sheet

Amount recognised as liability 

in the balance sheet

Related deferred tax asset (note 28)
Related deferred tax liability (note 28)

Net (deficit)/surplus

–

3,054

3,054

–

 3,101

 3,101

(24,190)

(2,855)

(27,045)

 (23,649)

 (3,414)

 (27,063)

(24,190)
–
–

(24,190)

199
882
(935)

146

(23,991)
882
(935)

 (23,649)
 2,435
–

 (313)
 1,020
 (988)

 (23,962)
 3,455
 (988)

(24,044)

 (21,214)

 (281)

 (21,495)

Movements in the fair value of scheme assets were as follows:

At 1 January
Expected return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Contributions paid by plan participants
Benefit payments
Actuarial gains/(losses)
Exchange differences

UK
£’000

88,170
5,512
4,989
435
(5,953)
11,377
–

2009
Overseas
£’000

17,972
1,338
439
8
(960)
82
(1,346)

Total
£’000

 UK
 £’000

106,142
6,850
5,428
443
(6,913)
11,459
(1,346)

 112,367
 7,209
 3,060
 425
 (5,923)
 (28,968)
–

2008
 Overseas
 £’000

 14,670
 1,153
 1,070
 9
 (1,364)
 (94)
 2,528

 Total
 £’000

 127,037
 8,362
 4,130
 434
 (7,287)
 (29,062)
 2,528

At 31 December

104,530

17,533

122,063

 88,170

 17,972

 106,142

59

 
 
Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

29 

Pensions  (continued)
Movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations were as follows:

At 1 January
Current service cost
Contributions paid by plan participants
Interest cost
Benefit payments
Actuarial gains/(losses)
Exchange differences

UK
£’000

(111,819)
(895)
(435)
(6,836)
5,953
(14,688)
–

2009
Overseas
£’000

(18,285)
(829)
(8)
(1,143)
960
572
1,399

Total
£’000

 UK
 £’000

(130,104)
(1,724)
(443)
(7,979)
6,913
(14,116)
1,399

 (118,488)
 (1,140)
 (425)
 (6,864)
 5,923
 9,175
–

2008
 Overseas
 £’000

 (13,391)
 (636)
 (9)
 (1,000)
 1,364
 (2,040)
 (2,573)

 Total
 £’000

 (131,879)
 (1,776)
 (434)
 (7,864)
 7,287
 7,135
 (2,573)

At 31 December

(128,720)

(17,334)

(146,054)

 (111,819)

 (18,285)

 (130,104)

In 2007, the total fair value of plan assets was £127,037,000, present value of defined benefit obligations was 
£131,879,000 and the deficit was £4,842,000. In 2006, the total fair value of plan assets was £122,836,000, present 
value of defined benefit obligations was £137,032,000 and the deficit was £14,196,000 and in 2005, the total fair value 
of plan assets was £116,235,000, present value of defined benefit obligations was £134,885,000 and the deficit was 
£18,650,000.

Income statement
 The amounts recognised in the income statement are as follows:

Amounts charged to operating profit:
Current service cost

Total operating charge

Amounts charged/(credited) to other finance costs:
Expected return on pension scheme assets
Interest on pension scheme liabilities

Net financing (charge)/income (note 8)

Total charged to income statement

UK
£’000

(895)

(895)

5,512
(6,836)

(1,324)

(2,219)

2009
Overseas
£’000

(829)

(829)

1,338
(1,143)

195

(634)

Total
£’000

(1,724)

(1,724)

6,850
(7,979)

(1,129)

(2,853)

 UK
 £’000

 (1,140)

 (1,140)

 7,209
 (6,864)

 345

 (795)

2008
 Overseas
 £’000

 (636)

 (636)

 Total
 £’000

 (1,776)

 (1,776)

 1,153
 (1,000)

 8,362
 (7,864)

 153

 498

 (483)

 (1,278)

Contributions to defined contribution schemes are charged to profit when payable and the costs charged were 
£3,027,000 (2008: £2,730,000).

60

 
Notes to the accounts

29 

Pensions  (continued)
Actuarial gains and losses recognised in the statement of comprehensive income

The amounts included in the statement of comprehensive income:

Actual return less expected return on 
  pension scheme assets
Experience gains/(losses) arising on scheme  

liabilities

Changes in assumptions underlying  
  present value of scheme liabilities

UK
£’000

11,377

2,654

2009

Overseas
£’000

82

572

Total
£’000

 UK
 £’000

2008

 Overseas
 £’000

 Total
 £’000

11,459

 (28,968)

 (94)

 (29,062)

3,226

 194

 (2,040)

 (1,846)

(17,342)

–

(17,342)

 8,981

–

 8,981

Actuarial (loss)/gain
Taxation on actuarial movement

Net actuarial (loss)/gain

(3,311)
(1,148)

(4,459)

654
(128)

526

(2,657)
(1,276)

 (19,793)
 1,137

 (2,134)
 647

 (21,927)
 1,784

(3,933)

 (18,656)

 (1,487)

 (20,143)

History of experience gains and losses

Difference between expected and actual return on scheme assets:
Amount (£’000)
Percentage of scheme assets
Experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities:
Amount (£’000)
Percentage of present value of scheme liabilities
Effects to changes in assumptions underlying the present value
  of the scheme liabilities:
Amount (£’000)
Percentage of present value of scheme liabilities
Total amount recognised:
Amount (£’000)
Percentage of present value of scheme liabilities

 2009
Overseas

UK

Total

 UK

2008
 Overseas

 Total

 UK

2007
 Overseas

 Total

11,377
10.9%

2,654
2.1%

82
0.5%

572
3.3%

11,459

 (28,968)
9.4% (32.9%)

 (94)
(0.5%)

 (29,062)
(27.4%)

 (1,636)
(1.5%)

 (511)
(3.5%)

 (2,147)
(1.7%)

3,226
2.2%

 194
 (2,040)
0.2% (11.2%)

 (1,846)
(1.4%)

 (1,114)
(0.9%)

 (589)
(4.4%)

 (1,703)
(1.3%)

(17,342)
(13.5%)

–
–

(17,342)
(11.9%)

 8,981
8.0%

–
–

 8,981
6.9%

 9,880
8.3%

–
–

 9,880
7.5%

(3,311)
(2.6%)

654
3.8%

(2,657)
(1.8%)

 (19,793)
(17.7%)

 (2,134)
(11.7%)

 (21,927)
(16.9%)

 7,130
6.0%

 (1,100)
(8.2%)

 6,030
4.6%

Difference between expected and actual return on scheme assets:
Amount (£’000)
Percentage of scheme assets
Experience gains and losses on scheme liabilities:
Amount (£’000)
Percentage of present value of scheme liabilities
Effects to changes in assumptions underlying the present value
  of the scheme liabilities:
Amount (£’000)
Percentage of present value of scheme liabilities
Total amount recognised:
Amount (£’000)
Percentage of present value of scheme liabilities

2006
 Overseas

 UK

 Total

 UK

2005
 Overseas

 Total

 2,127
1.9%

 1,416
1.1%

 65
0.5%

 2,192
1.8%

 11,960
11.7%

 (130)
(0.9%)

 11,830
10.2%

 1,790
15.9%

 3,206
2.3%

 (2,541)
(2.1%)

 (1,031)
(7.6%)

 (3,572)
(2.6%)

 (1,858)
(1.5%)

–
–

 (1,858)
(1.4%)

 (3,948)
(3.3%)

–
–

 (3,948)
(2.9%)

 1,685
1.3%

 1,855
16.5%

 3,540
2.6%

 5,471
4.5%

 (1,161)
(8.6%)

 4,310
3.2%

The current best estimate of employer contributions to be paid to UK defined benefit pension schemes for the year 
commencing 1 January 2010 is £5,285,000.

61

 
 
Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

30  Other employee benefit obligations

The movement in other employee benefit obligations is as follows:

Group
At 1 January
Exchange differences
Charged to the income statement
Payments made

At 31 December

Current element
Non-current element

31 

Share capital

2009
£’000

2,299
(169)
228
(467)

1,891

268
1,623

1,891

2008
 £’000

1,462
335
676
(174)

2,299

247
2,052

 2,299

2009
£’000

2008
 £’000

Authorised: 2,842,000 (2008: 2,842,000) ordinary shares of 10p each

284

 284

Allotted, called up and fully paid: ordinary shares of 10p each:
At 1 January and 31 December – 2,842,000 (2008: 2,842,000) shares

284

 284

Group companies hold 62,500 issued shares in the company. These are classified as treasury shares.

62

 
Notes to the accounts

32  Reconciliation of profit from operations to cash flow

Group
Profit from operations
Share of associates’ results
Depreciation and amortisation
Impairment of non-current assets
Gain arising from changes in fair value of biological assets
Profit on disposal of non-current assets
Profit on disposal of an associate
Loss on disposal of a subsidiary
Profit on part disposal of a subsidiary
Profit on disposal of investments
Increase in working capital
Net decrease/(increase) in funds of banking subsidiaries

33  Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net cash/(debt)

Group
Increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Net cash outflow from decrease in debt

Decrease in net debt resulting from cash flows

New finance leases
Disposal/(acquisition) of a subsidiary
Exchange rate movements

Decrease in net debt in the year
Net debt at beginning of year

Net cash/(debt) at end of year

2009
£’000

34,629
2,966
8,685
204
(2,746)
(260)
–
674
(135)
(28)
(3,741)
7,790

48,038

2009
£’000

19,189
4,095

23,284

(65)
1,868
381

25,468
(5,208)

20,260

restated
2008
 £’000

 24,329
 8,612
 8,294
 350
 (8,916)
 (519)
 (50)
 –
(104)
 (390)
 (2,335)
 (184)

 29,087

restated
2008
 £’000

 7,576
 3,618

 11,194

 (453)
(184)
 (960)

 9,597
 (14,805)

 (5,208)

63

Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

34  Disposal and acquisition of businesses

Group
In 2009, the group disposed of its 100 per cent. owned Chilean subsidiary, Hacienda Chada S.A.

Details of net assets disposed/acquired are as follows:

Fair value of assets and liabilities:

Intangible assets

  Property, plant and equipment
  Biological assets
Inventories

  Trade and other receivables
  Cash and cash equivalents
  Borrowings – current – overdrafts
  Borrowings – current – loans
  Trade and other payables
  Current income tax liabilities
  Borrowings – non current
  Deferred tax liabilities
  Net effect of associates acquisition/disposal

Satisfied by:
  Cash consideration and acquisition costs

Net inflow/(outflow) of cash in respect of disposal and acquisition of businesses:
  Cash consideration and acquisition costs
  Loans repaid
  Costs of disposal
  Net cash and overdrafts of businesses

Disposal
2009
£’000

 Acquisition
2008
£’000

118
4,565
1,883
93
26
20
–
(1,848)
(26)
–
–
–
–

4,831

–
 1,660
 2,342
 436
 244
 531
 (1,234)
 (48)
 (184)
 (203)
 (136)
 (357)
 (295)

 2,756

6,497

 2,756

6,497
(1,848)
(786)
(20)

3,843

 (2,756)
–
–
 (703)

 (3,459)

In 2008, the group acquired 100 per cent. of the share capital of Surmah Valley Tea Company Limited, a tea company 
operating in Bangladesh. The company was acquired from United Insurance Company, an associate company.

In 2006, the group acquired 100 per cent. of the issued share capital of Hill Martin Holdings Limited and Hill Martin 
Limited (together “Hill Martin”). In 2008, the group paid a further £661,000 in respect of this acquisition.

64

 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts

35  Commitments

Capital commitments
Capital expenditure contracted for at the balance sheet date but not yet incurred is as follows:

Group
Property, plant and equipment
Biological assets

2009
£’000

1,467
–

1,467

2008
 £’000

 2,281
 47

 2,328

Operating leasing commitments – minimum lease payments
The group leases land and buildings, plant and machinery under non-cancellable operating lease arrangements, which 
have various terms and renewal rights.

The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Group
Land and buildings:
  Within 1 year
  Between 1 – 5 years
  After 5 years

Plant and machinery:
  Within 1 year
  Between 1 – 5 years

2009
£’000

2008
 £’000

534
1,789
16,006

18,329

118
273

391

 533
 1,898
 16,997

 19,428

 123
 565

 688 

36  Contingent liabilities

The group operates in certain countries where its operations are potentially subject to a number of legal claims including 
taxation. When required, appropriate provisions are made for the expected cost of such claims. At 31 December 2009, 
the directors do not anticipate the outcome of any such claim to result in a material loss.

65

 
 
Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

37 

Financial instruments

Capital risk management
The group manages its capital to ensure that the group will be able to continue as a going concern, while maximising 
the return to stakeholders through the optimisation of its debt and equity balance. The capital structure of the group 
consists of debt, which includes the borrowings disclosed in note 26, cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to 
equity holders of the parent, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings.

The board reviews the capital structure, with an objective to ensure that gross borrowings as a percentage of tangible net 
assets does not exceed 50 per cent..

The ratio at the year end is as follows:

Borrowings

Tangible net assets

Ratio

2009
£’000
15,880

 2008
 £’000
 29,983

285,270

 295,041

5.57%

10.16%

Borrowings are defined as current and non-current borrowings, as detailed in note 26.

Tangible net assets includes all capital and reserves of the group attributable to equity holders of the parent less 
intangible assets.

Categories of financial instruments

  Carrying value

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents (excluding bank subsidiaries)
Loans and advances to banks by banking subsidiaries
Loans and advances to customers of banking subsidiaries
Trade and other receivables
Other investments

Financial liabilities
Amounts due to customers of banking subsidiaries
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Provisions
Other non-current liabilities

2009
£’000

36,140
193,434
40,551
30,168
35,256

335,549

231,136
34,437
15,880
150
118

281,721

restated
 2008
 £’000

 24,775
 251,423
 40,096
 32,093
 31,967

 380,354

 281,340
 35,174
 29,983
123
 131

 346,751

Fair values
Financial assets and liabilities, are subject to market variations in respect of price, exchange and interest rates. The group 
assesses fair values based on available market data and does not make use of valuation techniques.

The fair value of the group’s financial assets and liabilities are not materially different to their carrying value.

66

 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts

37 

Financial instruments (continued)

Financial risk management objectives
The group finances its operations by a mixture of retained profits, bank borrowings, long-term loans and leases. The 
objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of borrowings with a 
range of maturities. To achieve this, the maturity profile of borrowings and facilities are regularly reviewed. The group 
also seeks to maintain sufficient undrawn committed borrowing facilities to provide flexibility in the management of the 
group’s liquidity.

Given the nature and diversity of the group’s operations, the board does not believe a highly complex use of financial 
instruments would be of significant benefit to the group. However, where appropriate, the board does authorise the use 
of certain financial instruments to mitigate financial risks that face the group, where it is effective to do so.

Various financial instruments arise directly from the group’s operations, for example cash and cash equivalents, trade 
debtors and trade creditors. In addition, the group uses financial instruments for two main reasons, namely:

–  To finance its operations (to mitigate liquidity risk);

– 

 To manage currency risks arising from its operations and arising from its sources of finance (to mitigate foreign 
exchange risk).

The group, including Duncan Lawrie, the group’s banking subsidiary, did not, in accordance with group policy, trade in 
financial instruments throughout the period under review.

(A) Market risk
(i) Foreign exchange risk
The group has no material exposure to foreign currency exchange risk on currencies other than the functional currencies 
of the operating entities.

Currency risks are primarily managed through the use of natural hedging and regularly reviewing when cash should be 
exchanged into either sterling or another functional currency.

(ii) Price risk
The group is exposed to equity securities price risk because of investments held by the group and classified on the 
consolidated balance sheet as available-for-sale. To manage its price risk arising from investments in equity securities, the 
group diversifies its portfolio.

The majority of the group’s equity investments are publicly traded and are included on the Bermudian, Swiss and 
Japanese stock exchanges. Should these equity indexes increase or decrease by 5 per cent. with all other variables held 
constant and all the group’s equity instruments move accordingly, the group’s equity balance would increase/decrease by 
£1,131,000 (2008: £1,314,000). 

The group’s exposure to commodity price risk is not significant.

(iii) Cash flow and interest rate risk
The group’s interest rate risk arises from interest-bearing assets and short and long-term borrowings. Borrowings issued 
at variable rates expose the group to cash flow interest rate risk. The group has no fixed rate exposure.

At 31 December 2009, if interest rates on non-sterling denominated interest-bearing assets and borrowings had been 50 
basis points higher/lower with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit for the year would have been £118,000 
(2008: £3,000) higher/lower.

At 31 December 2009, if interest rates on sterling denominated interest-bearing assets and borrowings had been 50 basis 
points higher/lower with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit for the year would have been £60,000 (2008: 
£49,000) higher/lower.

67

 
 
 
 
 
Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

37 

Financial instruments (continued)

The interest rate exposure of the group’s interest bearing assets and liabilities by currency, at 31 December was:

  Assets

  Liabilities

Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Kenyan Shilling
Indian Rupee
Malawi Kwacha
Bangladesh Taka
Australian Dollar
South African Rand
Swiss Franc
Brazilian Real
Chilean Peso
Bermudian Dollar
Canadian Dollar
Japanese Yen
Danish Krone
Other

2009
£’000
151,076
55,414
36,636
10,465
4,862
60
5,775
4,272
246
5,213
3,028
228
1,777
1,606
1,305
517
65

282,545

 2008
 £’000
 188,064
 75,103
 26,901
 3,990
 2,845
 106
 6,141
 5,604
 423
 9,138
 816
 287
 342
 1,072
 287
 560
 51

 321,730

2009
£’000
139,076
50,637
36,749
–
1,226
627
5,879
4,275
362
4,694
–
–
–
1,611
1,302
516
62

247,016

 2008
 £’000
 178,350
 73,829
 26,893
 2,731
 4,255
–
 8,769
 5,602
 315
 8,613
–
–
–
 1,072
 286
 559
 49

 311,323

(B) Credit risk
The group has policies in place to limit its exposure to credit risk. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, 
deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to customers, including outstanding receivables 
and committed transactions. If customers are independently rated, these ratings are used. Otherwise if there is no 
independent rating, management assesses the credit quality of the customer taking into account its financial position, 
past experience and other factors and if appropriate holding liens over stock and receiving payments in advance of 
services or goods as required. Management monitors the utilisation of credit limits regularly.

The group’s approach to customer lending through the group’s banking subsidiaries is risk averse with only 2.0 per cent. 
of the customer loan book being unsecured. Collateralised loans are normally secured against cash or property, with 
property loans being restricted to 70 per cent. of recent valuation.

The group has a large number of trade receivables, with the largest five receivables at the year end only comprising 19 
per cent. (2008: 19 per cent.) of total trade receivables.

(C) Liquidity risk
Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the board of directors. The group manages liquidity risk 
by maintaining adequate reserves and banking facilities by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and 
managing the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities.

The two subsidiary companies which are engaged in banking activities, Duncan Lawrie Limited and Duncan Lawrie 
(IOM) Limited both have restrictions contained in their memorandum and articles of association which place a ceiling 
on their levels of customer lending. Such restrictions effectively limit the customer loan book to the value of the share 
capital and reserves of Duncan Lawrie. This fact, in conjunction with the general matching of maturing customer 
deposits with market placements and the general use of liquid assets such as certificates of deposit, results in significantly 
reduced liquidity risk for Duncan Lawrie and the group.

At 31 December 2009, the group had undrawn agreed facilities of £28,630,000 (2008: £26,985,000), all of which are 
due to be reviewed within one year.

68

 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts

37 

Financial instruments (continued)

The table below analyses the group’s financial assets and liabilities which will be settled on a net basis into relevant 
maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the balance sheet date to the contractual maturity date. The 
amounts disclosed are the contractual undiscounted cash flows.

At 31 December 2008

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents  

Less than
1 year
£’000

Between 1
and 2 years
£’000

Between 2
and 5 years
£’000

Over 5
years
£’000

Undated

Total

£’000

£’000

(excluding bank subsidiaries)

 24,775

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 24,775

 591

 251,423

 3,247
 979
–

 13,377
–
–

 3,632
–
–

 262
–
 26,531

 40,096
 32,093
 31,967

 210

–

–

–

–

 210

Loans and advances to banks  
  by banking subsidiaries
Loans and advances to customers 
  of banking subsidiaries
Trade and other receivables
Other investments

Liabilities
Deposits by banks at banking  

subsidiaries

Customer accounts held at  
  banking subsidiaries
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Provisions
Other non-current liabilities

At 31 December 2009

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents  

 250,832

 19,578
 31,114
5,436

 268,317
 35,174
 18,629
123
–

(excluding bank subsidiaries)

36,140

Loans and advances to banks  
  by banking subsidiaries
Loans and advances to customers  
  of banking subsidiaries
Trade and other receivables
Other investments

193,225

21,651
29,240
12,420

 980
–
 6,674
–
–

–

–

3,807
928
–

 10,191
–
 1,766
–
–

–

–

10,939
–
–

 1,176
–
 2,914
–
 122

–

–

3,972
–
–

–

977
–
970
–
118

 466
–
–
–
 9

 281,130
 35,174
 29,983
123
 131

–

36,140

209

193,434

182
–
22,836

40,551
30,168
35,256

–

525
–
–
–
–

589

230,547
34,437
15,880
150
118

Liabilities
Deposits by banks at banking  

subsidiaries

Customer accounts held at  
  banking subsidiaries
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Provisions
Other non-current liabilities

589

–

–

218,795
34,437
12,762
150
–

2,515
–
1,088
–
–

7,735
–
1,060
–
–

Included in loans and advances to banks by banking subsidiaries repayable in less than 1 year is £37,963,000 (2008: 
£21,303,000) repayable on demand and £155,262,000 (2008: £229,529,000) repayable within 3 months.

69

 
 
 
 
Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

37 

Financial instruments (continued)

Included in loans and advances to customers of banking subsidiaries repayable in less than 1 year is £2,773,000 (2008: 
£3,288,000) repayable on demand, £6,349,000 (2008: £4,105,000) repayable within 3 months and £12,529,000 (2008: 
£12,185,000) repayable between 3 and 12 months.

Included in other investments repayable in less than 1 year is £12,420,000 (2008: £5,436,000) repayable between 3 and 
12 months.

Included in deposits by banks at banking subsidiaries repayable in less than 1 year is £489,000 (2008: £210,000) 
repayable on demand and £100,000 (2008: £nil) repayable within 3 months.

Included in customer accounts held at banking subsidiaries repayable in less than 1 year is £65,600,000 (2008: 
£100,102,000) repayable on demand, £144,034,000 (2008: £161,143,000) repayable within 3 months and £9,161,000 
(2008: £7,072,000) repayable between 3 and 12 months.

Included in borrowings in less than 1 year is £7,509,000 (2008: £14,856,000) repayable on demand.

38 

Principal subsidiary and associated undertakings

Subsidiary undertakings
The principal operating subsidiary undertakings of the group at 31 December 2009, which are wholly owned and 
incorporated in Great Britain unless otherwise stated, were:

Agriculture and horticulture
Amgoorie India Limited (Incorporated in India – 99.8 per cent. holding)
C.C. Lawrie Comércio e Participacões Ltda. (Incorporated in Brazil)
Eastern Produce Cape (Pty) Limited (Incorporated in South Africa)
Eastern Produce Kenya Limited (Incorporated in Kenya – 70.0 per cent. holding)
Eastern Produce Malawi Limited (Incorporated in Malawi – 73.2 per cent. holding)
Eastern Produce South Africa (Pty) Limited (Incorporated in South Africa – 73.2 per cent. holding)
Goodricke Group Limited (Incorporated in India – 80.1 per cent. holding)
Horizon Farms (An United States of America general partnership – 80.0 per cent.holding)
Kakuzi Limited (Incorporated in Kenya – 50.7 per cent. holding)
Koomber Tea Company Limited (Incorporated in India)
Longbourne Holdings Limited
Siret Tea Company Limited (Incorporated in Kenya – 59.0 per cent. owned by Kakuzi Limited)
Stewart Holl (India) Limited (Incorporated in India – 92.0 per cent. holding)

Engineering
Abbey Metal Finishing Company Limited
AJT Engineering Limited
AKD Engineering Limited
British Metal Treatments Limited
General Utilities (Stockport) Limited

Food storage and distribution
Affish BV (Incorporated in The Netherlands)
Associated Cold Stores & Transport Limited
Wylax International BV (Incorporated in The Netherlands)

70

Principal  
country of 
operation

India
Brazil
South Africa
Kenya
Malawi
South Africa
India
USA
Kenya
India
Bangladesh
Kenya
India

UK
UK
UK
UK
UK

The Netherlands
UK
The Netherlands

 
 
Notes to the accounts

38 

Principal subsidiary and associated undertakings (continued)

Subsidiary undertakings (continued)

Trading and agency
Robertson Bois Dickson Anderson Limited

Banking and financial services
Duncan Lawrie Limited
Duncan Lawrie Asset Management Limited
Duncan Lawrie Holdings Limited
Duncan Lawrie (IOM) Limited (Incorporated in Isle of Man)

Investment holding
Affish Limited
Assam Dooars Investments Limited
Associated Fisheries Limited
Bordure Limited
John Ingham & Sons Limited
Lawrie (Bermuda) Limited (Incorporated in Bermuda)
Lawrie Group Plc
Lawrie International Limited (Incorporated in Bermuda)
Linton Park Plc
Unochrome Industries Limited
Western Dooars Investments Limited

Associated undertakings
The principal associated undertakings of the group at 31 December 2009 were:

Principal
country of
operation

Accounting
date
2009

Chemical and pharmaceutical
Siegfried Holding AG (Incorporated in Switzerland – registered shares)

Switzerland

31 December

Insurance and leasing
BF&M Limited (Incorporated in Bermuda – common stock)
United Insurance Company Limited  

Bermuda

31 December

(Incorporated in Bangladesh – ordinary shares)

Bangladesh

31 December

United Leasing Company Limited  

(Incorporated in Bangladesh – ordinary shares)

Bangladesh

31 December

Principal  
country of  
operation

UK

UK
UK
UK
Isle of Man

UK
UK
UK
UK
UK
Bermuda
UK
Bermuda
UK
UK
UK

Group
interest
in equity
capital
per cent.

32.3

25.2

37.0

38.4

Property
West Hamilton Holdings Limited  

(Incorporated in Bermuda – common stock)

Bermuda

31 December

28.2 

71

 
 
 
 
 
 
Camellia Plc

Notes to the accounts

39  Control of Camellia Plc

Camellia Holding AG holds 1,427,000 ordinary shares of Camellia Plc (representing 51.34 per cent. of the total voting 
rights). Camellia Holding AG is owned by The Camellia Private Trust Company Limited, a private trust company 
incorporated under the laws of Bermuda to act as trustee of The Camellia Foundation (“the Foundation”). The 
Foundation is a Bermudian trust, the income of which is utilised for charitable, educational and humanitarian causes at 
the discretion of the trustees.

The activities of Camellia Plc and its group (the “Camellia Group”) are conducted independently of the Foundation 
and, other than Mr M Dünki and Mr D A Reeves who are directors of The Camellia Private Trust Company Limited 
and act as trustees of the Foundation, none of the directors of Camellia Plc are currently connected with The Camellia 
Private Trust Company Limited or the Foundation. While The Camellia Private Trust Company Limited as Trustee 
of the Foundation maintains its rights as a shareholder, it has not participated in, and has confirmed to the board of 
Camellia Plc that it has no intention of participating in, the day to day running of the business of the Camellia Group. 
The Camellia Private Trust Company Limited has also confirmed its agreement that where any director of Camellia Plc 
is for the time being connected with the Foundation, he should not exercise any voting rights as a director of Camellia 
Plc in relation to any matter concerning the Camellia Group’s interest in any assets in which the Foundation also has a 
material interest otherwise than through Camellia Plc.

Since the Foundation is a non-trading entity, no transactions or relationships between the Camellia Group and the 
Foundation are envisaged, but the board of Camellia Plc will not in any event conduct any transaction or relationship 
with the Foundation other than on an arm’s length and normal commercial basis.

40 

Events after the balance sheet date
On 15 April 2010, the group disposed of its entire shareholding in Siegfried Holding AG, an associated undertaking 
and the proceeds on disposal are £48,850,000 (CHF 79,571,000). The estimated profit before tax on disposal net of 
expenses, after the transfer of exchange differences and other movements previously included in reserves, is £200,000. 
It is the intention to use the proceeds of the sale for the repayment of debt, the injection of further development capital 
into existing subsidiary companies and other general corporate purposes.

A serious fire occurred at the Nuneaton premises of Abbey Metal Finishing on the morning of 22 April 2010. Loss 
adjustors have been appointed but it is too soon to assess when the facility will be capable of becoming operational again.

72

 
Report of the auditors

Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of Camellia Plc
We have audited the group and parent company financial statements (the “financial statements”) of Camellia Plc for the year 
ended 31 December 2009 which comprise the Consolidated Income Statement, the Group and Parent Company Balance 
Sheets, the Group and Parent Company Cash Flow Statements, the Group and Parent Company Statement of Comprehensive 
Income, the Group and Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity and the related notes. The financial reporting 
framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) 
as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the Company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 16, the directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the group financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is 
to audit the group financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and 
Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the company’s members as a body in accordance with 
Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or 
assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may 
come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable 
assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an 
assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s and Company’s circumstances and have been 
consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and 
the overall presentation of the financial statements.

Opinion on financial statements
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 
December 2009 and of the group’s profit and group’s and parent company’s cash flows for the year then ended;

 the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;

 the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union 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 lAS Regulation.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:

– 

– 

– 

 the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006; and

 the information given in the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is 
consistent with the financial statements; and

 the information given in the Corporate Governance Statement set out on pages 13 to 15 with respect to internal control 
and risk management systems and about share capital structures is consistent with the financial statements.

73

Camellia Plc

Report of the auditors

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

– 

– 

– 

– 

 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’ statement, set out on page 15, in relation to going concern; and

 the parts of the Corporate Governance Statement, set out on pages 13 to 15, relating to the company’s compliance with 
the nine provisions of the June 2008 Combined Code specified for our review.

John Waters (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London

29 April 2010

74

Five year record

2009
£’000

2008
£’000

2007
£’000

 2006
£’000

2005
£’000

Revenue – continuing operations

230,270

 190,551

 161,936

160,552

152,743

Profit before tax
Taxation

Profit from continuing operations

34,143
(11,702)

22,441

24,040
 (7,547)

30,651
 (3,205)

19,982
 (4,808)

22,275
 (1,764)

 16,493

 27,446

 15,174

 20,511

Profit attributable to equity shareholders

15,897

 11,044

 25,317

 12,903

 20,326

Equity dividends paid

2,557

 2,557

 2,502

 2,474

 2,284

Equity
Called up share capital
Reserves

Shareholders’ funds

Earnings per share
Dividend paid per share

284
293,570

293,854

 284
 303,816

 284
 265,987

 284
 235,677

 284
 241,632

 304,100

 266,271

 235,961

 241,916

571.9p
92.00p

 397.3p
 92.00p

 910.8p
 90.00p

 464.2p
 89.00p

 793.2p
 88.00p 

75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Camellia Plc

2009

122