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Cineworld Group

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FY2013 Annual Report · Cineworld Group
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The UK’s favourite  
cinema chain

Annual Report and Accounts 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cineworld is one of the UK’s 
leading cinema groups

  Our vision 

To be the favourite cinema chain

  Strategy 

Put our customers 
at the heart of 
everything we do

Deliver a great 
cinema experience

Develop our people, 
effectiveness 
and efficiencies

Grow  
our estate

Read more on pages 8 and 9

Contents

Strategic Reports
Highlights  ..............................................................................................  1
Chairman’s Statement  .......................................................................... 2
UK and Ireland Market Overview  ........................................................ 4
Business Model ..................................................................................... 6
Strategy  .................................................................................................. 8
Strategic Report ...................................................................................  10
Risks and Uncertainties ...................................................................... 20
Corporate Responsibility  .................................................................... 26

Directors’ Reports 
Directors ............................................................................................... 32
Directors’ Report .................................................................................  34
Corporate Governance Statement ....................................................  40
Directors’ Remuneration Report  ........................................................ 47
Statement of Directors’  
Responsibilities  ..................................................................................  63

Financial Statements
Independent Auditor’s Report ...........................................................  64
Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss  .......................................... 67
Consolidated Statement of Other  
Comprehensive Income  ....................................................................  68
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position  .................................. 69
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity  ................................. 70
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows  ............................................  71
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements  ..............................72
Company Balance Sheet  ..................................................................  104
Company Reconciliation of Movements  
in Shareholders’ Funds ......................................................................  105
Notes to the Company Financial Statements  .................................  106
Shareholder Information .................................................................... 110

  Highlights 
2013

Group revenue (£m)
52 weeks

Adjusted pro-forma profit 
before tax (£m) 52 weeks

Adjusted pro-forma 
diluted EPS (p) 52 weeks

Group 
including 
Picturehouse

+13.2%

Group 
including 
Picturehouse

+10.4%

Group 
including 
Picturehouse

+7.1%

406.1

358.7

EBITDA   (£m) 
(1)
52 weeks

44.7

40.5

22.6
21.1

Profit before tax (£m)
52 weeks

Diluted EPS (p) 
52 weeks

Group 
including 
Picturehouse

+8.1%

Group 
including 
Picturehouse

-19.3%

Group 
including 
Picturehouse

-27.4%

72.3
66.9

30.9

38.3

13.8

19.0

A more detailed review is included in the Strategic Report.

Other Key Highlights 

•  Group box office market share of 27.4% (2012: 26.4%) 
in UK and Ireland (Rentrak) with Cineworld Cinemas’ 
market share up 0.7 percentage points to 25.4% 
(2012: 24.7%);

•  Group admissions 1.4% higher than 2012 on 

a pro‑forma basis(2);

•  Average ticket price per admission up 3.2% to £5.43 
(2012: £5.26) with higher average retail spend per 
person at £1.83 (2012: £1.73);

•  EBITDA(1) up 8.1% to £72.3m (2012: £66.9m)
•  Full year dividend of 10.1p per share (rights issue 

adjusted) which represents a 6.3% growth in cash 
dividend for those shareholders who took up their 
rights as part of the rights issue on 14 February 2014;
•  Opening of a nine screen cinema in Wembley, a new 

ten screen cinema in Gloucester Quay and the 
reopening of the Glasgow Science Centre IMAX 
as a Cineworld Cinema;

•  Nine new Starbucks outlets opened in year bringing 

total to 11; and

•  On 10 January 2014, Cineworld Group announced 

the combination with the cinema assets of Cinema 
City International N.V. (“CCI”) which completed on  
27 February 2014.

(1)  EBITDA comprises earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, onerous lease and other non-recurring or non-cash property charges, 

transaction and re-organisation costs, defined benefit scheme indexation gain and re-financing costs.

(2)  Growth in Group admissions calculated on a pro-forma basis comparing 2013 admissions to 2012 admissions as if Picturehouse had been part of the 

Group for the full comparative period (by reference to Picturehouse’s 2012 management accounts).

1

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Chairman’s Statement 

The Balance Sheet remains strong,  
and will remain so after the transaction with CCI.

I am pleased to report that 2013 was another good year for 
Cineworld and its shareholders. There were increases in revenue, 
earnings and total dividend paid, and there has been a reduction 
in debt.

Our UK and Ireland box office market share increased to 27.4%, 
and box office revenue, including a full year of Picturehouse, 
grew by 10.8% to £279.9m. This is a particularly creditable 
performance given the overall decline in UK and Ireland total 
box office revenues of 0.3%, and the fact that 2013 was a 
year characterised by the absence of any blockbuster films, 
in contrast to the previous year when there were three.

This demonstrates the robustness of the Group’s business 
model and the positive results achieved from the Group’s 
philosophy of putting the customer at the heart of all it does. 
Cineworld Cinemas’ subscription scheme (“Unlimited”) and 
its membership scheme (“MyCineworld”) were central to this 
growth, and the number of members of each again increased 
beyond our expectations.

During the year we opened two new multiplexes (in Wembley 
and Gloucester) and completely refurbished and launched the 
Glasgow Science Centre IMAX as a Cineworld Cinema. We also 
continued our investment in our retail offerings, with the roll-out 
of a further nine Starbucks outlets, all of which are trading well. 

Shareholders will recall that in December 2012 we announced 
the acquisition of the “Picturehouse” chain of arthouse cinemas, 
which cater to a different sector of the market to Cineworld 
Cinemas. I am pleased to report that the acquisition has 
met our performance objectives, although we will only now 
be able to achieve the undoubted synergies which exist now 
that the Competition Commission has issued its final report. 
On 31 January 2014, it confirmed its previous ruling that 
Cineworld would be required to divest cinemas in Aberdeen, 
Bury St Edmunds, and Cambridge by 31 July 2014.

International expansion has been a strategic objective of the 
Group for a number of years. The Board set three requirements 
for any potential acquisition; namely, that the acquisition 
should be earnings accretive, that the dividend should remain 
sacrosanct and that the Group’s Balance Sheet should not 
be strained. We identified a transaction which met all those 
requirements and accordingly on 10 January 2014, after the 
2013 year end, the Group announced a combination with the 
cinema business of Cinema City International N.V. (“CCI”), by 
means of an acquisition funded by cash and shares. CCI is the 
leading chain in Central and Eastern Europe and Israel. The 
resultant combination is an enlarged cinema chain with 1,852 
screens in nine different countries which had a combined 89 
million admissions during 2013. Central and Eastern Europe 
is a market which is under-screened and in which significant 
growth potential is present, and the Group will capitalise on 
that opportunity with its pipeline of 377 screens in this region, 
together with a further 169 screens in the UK which will come 
on stream over the next three years. 

This is an exciting development for Cineworld, and one for which 
I have high future expectations. The details of the transaction 
are set out on page 17 of the Annual Report.

The year’s sound performance has enabled the Board to declare 
a full year dividend of 10.1p per share which represents a 6.3% 
growth in cash dividend for shareholders who took up their rights 
as part of the rights issue on 14 February 2014. Over 95% of 
shareholders took up their rights. 

Despite the dividend increase and adherence to the Group’s 
expansion plans, the Balance Sheet remains strong, and will 
remain so after the transaction with CCI.

The Board remains committed to maintaining a strong culture 
of the highest corporate governance standards. We continue 
to take note of issues concerning the environment, gender 
and other diversity matters and health and safety concerns, 
and where appropriate we review and improve our practices. 

“ International expansion has been 
a strategic objective of the Group 
for a number of years”

Anthony Bloom

2

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013I would like to pay a particular tribute to Steve Wiener, who 
has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) on the 
completion of the combination with CCI after having founded 
Cineworld in 1995 and serving as its CEO for 18 years. Steve 
has been in the cinema exhibition business for 44 years and 
the Group owes its pre-eminent position in the UK industry to his 
vision, his passion and his years of hard work as its leader. It is 
a remarkable record. On behalf of the Board and everyone in the 
business, I would like to express our deep appreciation to him for 
having the foresight to create Cineworld and build it into the UK’s 
most successful cinema chain. We wish him well for the future.

Mooky Greidinger, the former Chief Executive of CCI, was 
appointed Chief Executive of the enlarged Cineworld Group on 
27 February 2014. Mooky is one of the most highly regarded and 
experienced chief executives in the cinema exhibition business 
worldwide, and we are extremely fortunate to have him assume 
this position at Cineworld. He has all the attributes required to 
take the business forward and deliver the exciting plans we 
have for its future.

The prospects for 2014 appear good for the enlarged 
Cineworld Group, but as usual will be dependent in the final 
analysis on the film slate for that year. Once again, there are no 
obvious blockbusters but the film slate as a whole is more than 
reasonable and should deliver another satisfactory year. I look 
forward to the future with confidence.

On behalf of myself and the Board, I would like to express my 
appreciation to the Group’s management and all its employees 
for their hard work and achievements during 2013. They are a 
great team to work with and I look forward to working with them 
to deliver our plans and continued growth and value for our 
shareholders.

Anthony Bloom
Chairman
6 March 2014

“ On behalf of the Board and 
everyone in the business, 
I would like to express our deep 
appreciation to Steve Wiener for 
having the foresight to create 
Cineworld and build it into the UK’s 
most successful cinema chain”

Stephen Wiener

3

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  UK and Ireland 
Market Overview

There were a number of films which performed well and as a result box office 
revenues remained at a broadly consistent level to the prior year.

Structure of the Market and Competitive Landscape
The combined UK and Irish cinema market is dominated by 
three major UK exhibitors, Cineworld Cinemas, Odeon UCI 
and Vue. In total, they continue to account for over 70% of 
the total market box office revenues. The rest of the market 
is represented by smaller multiplex operators (including 
Picturehouse) and independents which tend to operate 
non-multiplex cinemas (less than five screens). 

Combined UK and Irish Cinema Market % for 2013

71.6%

  Three major UK exhibitors:
  Cineworld Cinemas,
  Odeon, UCI and Vue

  Smaller multiplex

operators, including
Picturehouse

There are significant barriers to entry, both through acquisition 
and organically. Competition law limits the potential for major 
consolidation in the industry. 

Market Performance
Box office revenue in 2013 in the combined UK and Irish market 
suffered a small decrease of 0.3% to £1.17bn(1), whilst UK 
admissions declined 4.0% to 165.5m. There were no films 
during 2013 grossing in excess of £50m (compared to 2012 with 
three films: Skyfall, The Dark Knight Rises and Marvel Avengers 
Assemble), however there were a number of films which 
performed well and as a result box office revenues remained 
at a broadly consistent level to the prior year. The top five 
films during the 2013 reporting period were: 

Title

Despicable Me 2
Les Misérables
Iron Man 3
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Monsters University

Gross Box

 Office(1)

£47.4m
£40.7m
£37.0m
£30.9m
£30.6m

(1)  Source: Rentrak. Box office revenues for the 52 week period to 

26 December 2013.

4

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
Other Income
Retail and advertising revenues continue to be the significant 
other sources of income for cinema chains. 

Popcorn and soft drinks remain the most popular retail items. 
There is however a growing demand for a wider range of retail 
products and the traditional offering is increasingly being 
supplemented with products such as coffee. 

Digital Cinema Media Limited (“DCM”) which is a joint 
venture between Cineworld Group and Odeon UCI, generates 
approximately 80% of screen advertising revenues in the UK. 
In addition to Cineworld Group and Odeon UCI, DCM’s clients 
also include Vue and a number of other smaller cinema 
operators. Its only and smaller competitor is Pearl and Dean, 
which represents the Empire cinema chain and a collection 
of other smaller operators. 

Property Market and Development 
The rate of new cinema openings has been falling in recent 
years, partly due to the limited number and associated lead time 
of new retail and leisure developments. There were over 3,900 
cinema screens in the UK by the end of 2013 (2012: 3,858) 
representing growth of over 1.0% compared to a 0.9% growth 
in 2012 (Source: The Cinema Exhibitors’ Association).

Future Trends
Underpinning the overall success of the cinema industry is the 
need for a strong film slate. Whilst there are no £50m-plus films 
slated for 2014, there are a good number of titles from popular 
franchises which should ensure that national box office revenues 
are broadly in line with those achieved in 2013. 

The major cinema chains in the UK and Ireland are now fully 
converted to digital projection. Cinema chains will continue to 
identify ways to maximise return on their investment by taking 
advantage of the increased flexibility in film scheduling, digital 
advertising and wider event cinema opportunities offered by 
digital projection.

5

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Business Model 

We aim to offer “A Great Cinema Experience” by ensuring we deliver a broad range  
of films, a high‑quality venue and retail offering to suit our customers’ tastes.

High quality film offer

The key driver of our business is customers visiting 
our cinemas to see feature films. 

High quality of venue with 
excellent operational delivery

We aim to promote customer admissions by 
offering clean, comfortable, well-run facilities in 
well-sited locations, which makes cinema-going 
a pleasurable experience.

Generation of other revenues

Admissions drive two other main income sources 
for the Group: retail sales and screen advertising.

Cineworld cinemas

Picturehouse cinemas

81

Cineworld 
cinemas

824

Cineworld 
screens

21

Picturehouse 
cinemas

61

Picturehouse 
screens

Over 30%

of all UK  
admissions

UK No. 1

By box office(1)

(1)  Source: Rentrack

A great cinema experience drives 
repeat visits

We aim to offer “A Great Cinema Experience” 
by ensuring we deliver a broad range of films, 
a high-quality venue and retail offering to 
suit our customers’ tastes. This, along with 
membership schemes and initiatives, 
helps drive repeat visits.

6

Cineworld Cinemas provide mainstream and popular films 

Picturehouse show blockbuster films at its cinemas, however 

which appeal to a wide range of audience including families, 

non-mainstream and specialised films are central to its 

young adults and children.

programming. Event Cinema is also part of its core offering.

Cineworld Cinemas is a multiplex cinema chain with the 

Picturehouse is an arthouse specialist cinema chain  

majority of cinemas having five screens or more and follows 

with the majority of cinemas having less than five screens.  

a consistent approach to design and branding. The cinemas 

The cinemas tend to be located in urban areas with  

are functionally designed to better serve high customer 

volumes and are often located in out of town or edge of 

town leisure and retail developments with parking facilities. 

high student, or affluent and diverse city dwelling 

adult-orientated, populations. 

The cinemas provide more screens to show a wider choice 

locality and provide unique ambience in contrast to that of 

of films to appeal to a variety of customer groups. 

a multiplex cinema. 

The cinemas have their own individual styles tailored to their 

Retail sales to our customers comprise principally 

Food and drink is a key differentiator that is specifically 

soft drinks and popcorn. Coffee is becoming increasingly 

tailored to the local market and may include bars and fresh 

popular and Cineworld Cinemas has Starbucks outlets 

cooked food. Visits to a Picturehouse cinema will tend to be 

in 11 of its cinemas.

a social occasion or a cultural outing rather than purely to 

Revenue from advertisements shown on screen prior to 

feature presentations is driven by the number of admissions. 

Picturehouse also generate revenues from advertisements 

Nearly all advertising is arranged through the Group’s joint 

shown on screen prior to feature presentations. The 

venture company, Digital Cinema Media Limited, which sells 

advertisements may differ to those shown in multiplexes 

cinema screen advertising space for the majority of cinema 

due to the different customer base. 

exhibitors in the UK. 

view films.

As well as offering a broad range of films and a high-quality 

Picturehouse operate a separate annual membership 

venue in which to enjoy them, Cineworld Cinemas has a number 

scheme by which subscribers pay an annual fee in return 

of initiatives to encourage repeat visits. Cineworld Cinemas 

for three free tickets, discounts across ticket, food and 

operates a subscription service called “Unlimited”, which is a 

drink purchases at Picturehouse cinemas and discounts 

fixed monthly (or annual) subscription which enables customers 

at third-party venues. 

to watch as many 2D films at Cineworld cinemas as they wish. 

Cineworld Cinemas is currently the only cinema operator in 

the UK and Ireland to offer this service. 

MyCineworld encourages customers to book online 

by offering a 10% discount. By capturing Unlimited and 

MyCineworld members’ behaviours, Cineworld Cinemas 

is able to tailor marketing and advertising campaigns 

to specific customers.

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013High quality film offer

The key driver of our business is customers visiting 

our cinemas to see feature films. 

High quality of venue with 

excellent operational delivery

We aim to promote customer admissions by 

offering clean, comfortable, well-run facilities in 

well-sited locations, which makes cinema-going 

a pleasurable experience.

Generation of other revenues

Admissions drive two other main income sources 

for the Group: retail sales and screen advertising.

A great cinema experience drives 

repeat visits

We aim to offer “A Great Cinema Experience” 

by ensuring we deliver a broad range of films, 

a high-quality venue and retail offering to 

suit our customers’ tastes. This, along with 

membership schemes and initiatives, 

helps drive repeat visits.

Cineworld Cinemas provide mainstream and popular films 
which appeal to a wide range of audience including families, 
young adults and children.

Picturehouse show blockbuster films at its cinemas, however 
non-mainstream and specialised films are central to its 
programming. Event Cinema is also part of its core offering.

Cineworld Cinemas is a multiplex cinema chain with the 
majority of cinemas having five screens or more and follows 
a consistent approach to design and branding. The cinemas 
are functionally designed to better serve high customer 
volumes and are often located in out of town or edge of 
town leisure and retail developments with parking facilities. 

The cinemas provide more screens to show a wider choice 
of films to appeal to a variety of customer groups. 

Picturehouse is an arthouse specialist cinema chain  
with the majority of cinemas having less than five screens.  
The cinemas tend to be located in urban areas with  
high student, or affluent and diverse city dwelling 
adult-orientated, populations. 

The cinemas have their own individual styles tailored to their 
locality and provide unique ambience in contrast to that of 
a multiplex cinema. 

Retail sales to our customers comprise principally 
soft drinks and popcorn. Coffee is becoming increasingly 
popular and Cineworld Cinemas has Starbucks outlets 
in 11 of its cinemas.

Revenue from advertisements shown on screen prior to 
feature presentations is driven by the number of admissions. 
Nearly all advertising is arranged through the Group’s joint 
venture company, Digital Cinema Media Limited, which sells 
cinema screen advertising space for the majority of cinema 
exhibitors in the UK. 

Food and drink is a key differentiator that is specifically 
tailored to the local market and may include bars and fresh 
cooked food. Visits to a Picturehouse cinema will tend to be 
a social occasion or a cultural outing rather than purely to 
view films.

Picturehouse also generate revenues from advertisements 
shown on screen prior to feature presentations. The 
advertisements may differ to those shown in multiplexes 
due to the different customer base. 

Picturehouse operate a separate annual membership 
scheme by which subscribers pay an annual fee in return 
for three free tickets, discounts across ticket, food and 
drink purchases at Picturehouse cinemas and discounts 
at third-party venues. 

As well as offering a broad range of films and a high-quality 
venue in which to enjoy them, Cineworld Cinemas has a number 
of initiatives to encourage repeat visits. Cineworld Cinemas 
operates a subscription service called “Unlimited”, which is a 
fixed monthly (or annual) subscription which enables customers 
to watch as many 2D films at Cineworld cinemas as they wish. 
Cineworld Cinemas is currently the only cinema operator in 
the UK and Ireland to offer this service. 

MyCineworld encourages customers to book online 
by offering a 10% discount. By capturing Unlimited and 
MyCineworld members’ behaviours, Cineworld Cinemas 
is able to tailor marketing and advertising campaigns 
to specific customers.

7

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Strategy 

Our Vision 
To be the favourite cinema chain

What We’re Focused On

What We Achieved

•  Putting customers at the heart of everything 

we do in our business. 

•  To deliver a great cinema experience for 

all cinema‑goers, every time.

•  To nurture and develop our teams and 

create a culture that is passionate about 
the experience, film and customers.
•  To continue to expand our estate and 

look for profitable opportunities to grow.

Delivering more admissions and market share than any other 
exhibitor is testament that our customers love coming to 
Cineworld Group cinemas. 

We work tirelessly to deliver a great experience to our 
customers, by investing in training and development of our 
teams and focusing on improving customer satisfaction. 

We continue to provide the widest range of films and event 
cinema of any of the UK’s major exhibitors at a great value 
price and are proud to have maintained our Saturday mornings 
“Movies for Juniors” programme for only £1 – the same price 
point since Cineworld started back in 1995.

We continue to grow our subscription and membership 
programmes across the Cineworld Group, building closer 
and stronger relationships with our customers: 

•  Unlimited: the only cinema subscription programme in the 
UK and Ireland that offers cinema-goers unlimited access 
to films in our cinemas at one low price.

•  MyCineworld: the online membership programme for 

Cineworld customers, offering no booking fee and 10% 
off online.

•  Picturehouse membership: offering customers free tickets 

and discounts on concessions.

We continue to improve our online experience, now offering 
e-ticketing at Cineworld cinemas and improvements in our 
booking process to make life easier for customers.

We have continued to invest in improving the big screen 
experience in Cineworld with one further IMAX screen. 

We continue to improve our retail offering across the business, 
introducing nine more Starbucks outlets across Cineworld. 

We continue to invest in the development and skills of our 
teams, with more people attending our Academy programme 
of learning and development.

We have opened new sites at Wembley and Gloucester 
(replacing an existing cinema) and now operate the IMAX 
screen at the Glasgow Science Centre. We are on track to 
open 25 new cinemas between 2013 and 2017.

8

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic 
Performance Indicators

Market share %

25.4%

1.96%

Cineworld
2012: 24.7%

Picturehouse
2012: 1.72%

Cineworld Unlimited 
subscribers (’000)

 2013
 2012

+16.67%

371

318

Customer  
satisfaction
Net promoter 
scores:

+7%

Cineworld
2012: -3%

+31%

Picturehouse
2012: +33%

MyCineworld 
members (million)

Picturehouse 
members (’000)

The Future

We will continue to work tirelessly to improve our customers’ 
experience to become the favourite cinema chain and deliver 
the best film experience to customers. 

We will continue to improve the perception of the “value” 
that we offer to customers across ticket prices, membership 
programmes and in concessions. 

We will always offer a wide range of film and event cinema, 
offering customers a good choice at every visit.

We will continue to grow our relationships with customers by 
increasing the number of customers in all of our subscription 
and membership programmes and by continuing to offer them 
added-value to increase their retention and engagement.

We will continue to capitalise on the flexibility that digital 
provides to improve our on-screen advertising offer to 
advertisers and customers. 

We will continue to invest in our teams to ensure they continue 
to demonstrate their passion for our business and for the 
content we show on screen. 

We will continue to look for opportunities to grow our 
estate profitably. 

 2013
 2012

+42.68%

3.51

 2013
 2012

2.46

Online booking %

23.2%

42%

Cineworld
2012: 12.4%

Picturehouse
2012: 36%

+5.43%

136
129

Employee  
satisfaction

60%

Cineworld

9

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Strategic Report 

The Group’s box office market share in the combined UK and Ireland market 
was 27.4%, making it the largest cinema operator in the UK and Ireland.

Anthony Bloom
Chairman

Philip Bowcock
Chief Financial Officer

Performance Overview

52 week period ended 
26 December 2013

Cineworld 
Cinemas 
Total

Picturehouse 
Total

Total 
Group 
Total

52 week 
period ended
27 December 
2012
Total 
Group 
Total

Admissions

Box office
Retail
Other Income

Total revenue

48.4m

£m

261.5
84.6
23.4

369.5

3.1m

£m

18.4
9.5
8.7

36.6

51.5m

48.0m

£m

£m

279.9
94.1
32.1

406.1

252.6
82.8
23.3

358.7

Cineworld Group plc results for the 52 week period ended 
26 December 2013 reflect the trading and financial position of 
Cineworld Cinemas and Picturehouse (the “Group”). Picturehouse 
Cinemas Limited and its subsidiaries (“Picturehouse”) became 
part of the Group on 6 December 2012 and was consolidated 
for the final 22 days of 2012 only. 

Total revenue in the 52 week period ended 26 December 2013 
was £406.1m, an increase of 13.2% on the prior year comparative 
period (2012: £358.7m). Box office increased 10.8% to £279.9m. 
Average ticket price per admission increased by 3.2% to £5.43 
(2012: £5.26) whilst total retail revenues of £94.1m were ahead 
of the previous year (2012: £82.8m). Other revenues increased 
by 37.8% to £32.1m (2012: £23.3m). 

The Group’s box office market share in the combined UK and 
Irish market was 27.4% (2012: 26.4%) making it the largest 
cinema operator in the UK and Ireland. Cineworld Cinemas’ 
market share was 25.4% (2012: 24.7%). (All market data 
supplied from Rentraks.)

Cineworld Cinemas
Box Office 
The principal income for Cineworld Cinemas is box office 
revenue. Except for the revenue generated by Cineworld 
Cinemas’ subscription services, box office revenue is a function 
of the number of admissions and the ticket price per admission, 
less VAT. An increase in admissions in the period combined with 
a better average ticket price contributed to a 3.9% increase 
in box office revenues to £261.5m. This equated to a 2.9% 
increase on a gross box office basis (inclusive of VAT); while 
the UK and Ireland cinema industry as a whole was down 0.3% 
against the comparative period in 2012 (Source: Rentrak). 

The average ticket price per admission increased by 2.7% to 
£5.40 (2012: £5.26). This increase resulted in part from annual 
price increases, a higher proportion of adults being admitted 
at full price and an increased level of 3D business. The average 
net ticket price (excluding VAT) of 3D was £6.70 compared to 
2D of £4.78. The proportion of customers attending during the 
weekend has increased slightly from the comparative prior year 
period which has also contributed to the increase in average 
ticket price. 

Film performance during the year was underpinned by the success 
of “Despicable Me 2”, “Les Misérables” (both grossing nationally 
in excess of £40m) and “Iron Man 3” (grossing nationally in 
excess of £30m). They were supported by a number of other good 
film performances including “Man of Steel”, “Monsters University”, 
“The Croods”, “Star Trek into Darkness” and “Fast & Furious 6” 
all of which grossed nationally over £25m. “The Hobbit: The 
Desolation of Smaug” and “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” had 
achieved gross box office of over £20m and £30m respectively 
by the end of the year and have continued to play strongly in 
January 2014. 

We remained the biggest exhibitor of Bollywood films in the UK 
with a market share in excess of 50%. Popularity of this genre 
remains high with films such as “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” 
and “Race 2” released during the period. In addition, other 
specialised and the foreign language films were played and 
we have continued to be the leading exhibitor of Tamil films. 

10

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
We also continued to make good progress during the year in 
developing our event cinema offering, which has been made 
possible by our digital conversion programme. In the field of the 
performing arts, our core live opera and theatre product came 
from the New York Metropolitan Opera, The National Theatre 
and The Royal Opera House, all of which were well attended. 
Screening of these live events is increasing in popularity 
amongst our core customers. 

The screening of “National Theatre Live: The Audience” (with 
Helen Mirren) was the highest grossing live event during the 
period, closely followed by “Doctor Who: The Day of The Doctor”. 
Event cinema has continued to grow and demand for the right 
product is strong and overall ticket prices are more than 50% 
higher than for regular film screenings. 

Retail
Food and drink sales to our customers are the second most 
important source of revenue and represent 22.9% (2012: 23.1%) 
of total revenues. Total retail revenues were stronger at £84.6m 
(2012: £82.3m). 

Net retail spend per person improved 1.7% in the period to £1.75 
(2012: £1.72) partly due to the film mix, but also reflecting the 
expansion of Cineworld Cinemas’ retail offerings.

During the year we opened nine Starbucks coffee outlets, 
bringing the total to 11. All the outlets have traded in line with 
expectations and continue to grow their revenues. More openings 
are scheduled for 2014.

Other Income
Other Income includes all revenue streams other than box office 
and retail and represents 6.3% (2012: 6.3%) of total revenues. 
It increased 4.9% to £23.4m (2012: £22.3m).

The largest single element of Other Income is screen advertising 
revenue. Trading at Digital Cinema Media Limited (“DCM”), our 
joint venture screen advertising business formed in July 2008, 
was in line with the previous comparative period. 

DCM’s primary function is to sell advertising time on cinema 
screens on behalf of Cineworld Cinemas, Picturehouse and 
its other clients. It also engages in related promotional work 
between advertisers and cinemas. The management team at 
DCM has been driving operational efficiencies and effectiveness 

and, during the period, has been working on further exploiting 
the benefits of digital projection. DCM is now in a position to 
offer a greater number and a more diverse range of campaigns 
to its customers. 

Other Income also includes the sale of 3D glasses, ticket 
bookings and theatre hires. Much of the increase in Other 
Income was due to sales of 3D glasses, which reflected higher 
3D admissions compared with the previous comparative period. 

Picturehouse
On 6 December 2012 the Group acquired the Picturehouse 
cinema chain for £47.3m. It comprised of 21 cinemas focusing 
on a different audience from Cineworld Cinemas, with the 
cinemas being smaller (all have five or less screens) and 
more individual. 

While blockbuster films may be shown at these cinemas, 
non-mainstream and specialised films are central to its 
programming as an arthouse cinema chain. The cinemas tend 
to be located in urban areas with high student, or affluent and 
diverse, adult-orientated populations. Food and drink is a key 
differentiator and some have bars and food operations which 
form a significant proportion of a cinema’s total business. The 
Picturehouse cinemas tend to have their own individual styles 
reflecting their location or former purpose of their building, which 
provides a unique ambience compared with that of a multiplex 
cinema. Typical Picturehouse customers will tend to visit as  
a social occasion or as a cultural outing rather than purely  
to view films and therefore require a more personal  
cinema-going experience.

The market in which Picturehouse operates is distinct from 
those of Cineworld Cinemas. There is growing demand from 
older and from more affluent cinema-goers and Picturehouse 
is well positioned to capitalise on this more specialised sector 
of the cinema market under its own brand.

Since acquisition, Picturehouse has traded in line with 
expectations. As stated at the time of announcing the 
acquisition, Picturehouse continues to be run under separate 
management who continue to develop the brand and pipeline 
of new cinemas.

11

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Strategic Report 
continued

Admissions

Box office
Retail
Other Income

Total revenue

Picturehouse 
52 weeks to 
26 December 
2013
Total

Picturehouse 
52 weeks to 
27 December

 2012(1)
Total

3.1m

£m

18.4
9.5
8.7

36.6

3.0m

£m

17.8
8.4
7.8

34.0

(1)  Comparative information is presented for Picturehouse on a pro-forma 
basis through summing the 11 month management accounts result to 
6 December 2012 together with the 22 day period to 27 December 2012. 
Picturehouse is only included in the consolidated Group comparative 
information for the 22 day period from 6 December 2012.

Overall, revenues for the period have increased by 7.6%. Box 
office increased by 3.4% to £18.4m – a direct result of the 3.3% 
increase in admissions and a marginal rise in average ticket 
price. Retail revenue increased by 13.1% to £9.5m and Other 
Income increased by 11.5% to £8.7m (Other Income includes 
advertising income, membership subscription income and 
screen-hire income). EBITDA has increased by 22.7% to 
£5.4m on a pro-forma basis (2012: £4.4m). 

On 8 October 2013, the Competition Commission published 
their decision on the acquisition of Picturehouse, resulting in 
the requirement to dispose of one cinema in each of Aberdeen, 
Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge. The process of disposing of 
a cinema in each location was underway at the period end. 
Following the publication on 31 January 2014 of the Competition 
Commission’s final report, the Group has until 31 July 2014 to 
divest itself of the cinemas at the three locations. 

Total revenue in the year in respect of the three sites selected 
for disposal was £6.3m (2012: £5.8m on a pro-forma basis) 
and EBITDA was £1.4m (2012: £1.4m on a pro-forma basis). 

Due to the ongoing Competition Commission investigation during 
the period, the full extent of the potential synergies of £0.6m 
identified during the acquisition process have not yet been 
realised. Whilst continuing to retain the separate management 
team who are charged with developing the clearly distinct 
Picturehouse brand and pipeline of new cinemas, we believe 
that synergies will start to be realised during 2014.

Initiatives and Developments
UK Cinema Expansion
One of the key strategic priorities of the Group remains 
expansion. We continue to maintain the financial capability, 
through our debt facility available, to pursue such opportunities 
aided by the cash generative nature of our business model.

During the year we have opened a nine screen cinema in 
Wembley and a new ten screen cinema in Gloucester Quay 
to replace the existing six screen cinema already in place. 
In October, we also reopened the Glasgow Science Centre’s 
IMAX as a Cineworld Cinema. Unfortunately, due to delays in 
construction, the new six screen cinema in St Neots will now 
open in early 2014, with new cinemas in Swindon and Telford 
also scheduled to open during 2014. Picturehouse is scheduled 
to open a further two sites during 2014. 

While the uncertainty over development financing and the timing 
of new projects continue to be risks, we have seen improvements 
in confidence in the property market during the year with renewed 
interest in existing proposals from developers as well as new 
plans and ideas being tabled. Our strong financial position and 
our good track record of driving high footfalls through our 
cinemas make us an attractive partner for property developers. 
We have 17 further development sites signed or in legal 
negotiation (at least ten of which are currently scheduled 
for opening in 2015) and have a good pipeline of further 
opportunities to achieve our target of 25 new Cineworld 
cinemas between 2013 and 2017. 

Other Initiatives and Developments
The Unlimited programme is one of the pillars that underpin our 
strategy of growing other revenues and admissions. At the end  
of the year there were over 371,000 members (2012: 318,000), 
a figure which has since increased further. The Unlimited 
programme brings to the Group the financial benefits of regular 
subscription income thereby reducing the level of fluctuation in 
our revenues. It also brings operational benefits by encouraging 
repeat visits, often at off-peak times. This, in turn, enables us  
to improve capacity utilisation at our cinemas, provide more 
retail opportunities and allows us to offer a wider range of 
films than our competitors. As a result, we continued to enjoy 
significant market share among the smaller, less mainstream 
films during 2013.

During the prior year period we launched a 10% reduction 
in the price of tickets for booking online through MyCineworld 
and membership has since increased to over 3.5m members 
by the end of the period (2012: 2.5m). 

The growth of MyCineworld is an important part of our strategy 
to engage further with our customers. It has enabled us to 
improve our customer retention and helps us to encourage more 
frequent visits to our cinemas. By transferring bookings online, 
we aim to improve customer service by reducing queues at the 
box offices and to convert more space to other activities which 
will improve the customer experience at our cinemas and help 
drive incremental revenues. The addition of new sites will 
facilitate the expansion of our Unlimited and MyCineworld 
propositions into new locations, thereby growing and 
consolidating our business further.

Activity on our consumer website continued to increase year-on-
year, with the 2013 period to date recording over 1m visits per 
week. This performance has enabled our website to rise into the 
top 30 (2012: 40) most visited retail websites in the UK (as 
reported in the IMRG Experian Hitwise Hot Shops List) for the 
period. In addition, our successful mobile-enabled web booking 
service is now complemented by our applications (“apps”). 

12

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013In terms of improving the customer experience, Cineworld 
Cinemas is expanding the IMAX format across a selection of 
our sites following its success. The IMAX screens opened in the 
second half of 2012 have performed well during the current year 
and Cineworld cinemas continues to operate the eight IMAX 
screens successfully. In October we reopened the IMAX screen 
at the Glasgow Science Centre (“GSC”) as a Cineworld Cinema 
where we offer a broader range of IMAX feature films as well as 
working closely with the GSC to enhance their educational IMAX 
offering. Cineworld Cinemas has also recently signed a new deal 
to open a further three IMAX screens, at least one of which is 
scheduled to be opened during 2014. 

People and Diversity
Our people are core to the success of the Group. As in previous 
years, 2013 saw a considerable investment in a number of 
initiatives aimed at ensuring individuals are developed and 
supported in reaching their full potential. As at the period end, 
one of the seven members of the Board was female and two of 
the eight members of the executive leadership group were also 
female. Of the seven directors of our subsidiary companies, 
two were female.

We are an equal opportunity employer and seek to recruit, 
retain and promote staff on the basis of their qualifications, 
skills, aptitude and attitude. A wide range of applicants are 
encouraged to apply for all roles and we have a wide and diverse 
workforce. We still believe that the single most important factor 
is to identify, recruit and retain the people we consider, on merit, 
to be the best candidates for each particular role.

Further details on such initiatives, together with other corporate 
responsibility matters including gender diversity and our position 
on human rights, can be found on page 30 and 31 of the 
Corporate Responsibility section.

Key Business Relationships
Cineworld Cinemas has worked hard at developing good working 
relationships with a wide range of film studios, both major and 
independent. Our focus on driving cinema admissions and on 
providing our customers with a wide range of films through our 
film strategy has resulted in many opportunities for us to work 
with film studios on simplifying the film buying process and on 
promoting smaller films to a wider audience. We also work 
closely in association with the Cinema Exhibitors’ Association 
and The Federation Against Copyright Theft to combat film piracy.

We build relationships with developers, landlords and council 
planners to ensure that we maintain a pipeline of new sites for 
the future. We also work closely with suppliers of technological 
enhancements, for instance IMAX, which enables us to ensure 
that we are delivering the best possible experience to our 
customers, as well as looking to maximise box office revenues. 
Strong relationships with our principal retail suppliers, such 
as Coca-Cola and Starbucks, enable us to work together on 
promotions that help drive retail sales. We seek to manage 
relationships with our suppliers fairly and to work in accordance 
with our aspirations as set out in our ethical policy, a cornerstone 
of which is treating others as you expect to be treated yourself.

Cineworld Cinemas’ successful participation in Tesco’s Clubcard 
loyalty programme continued during the year, despite no longer 
being their only cinema partner. Cineworld remains the exclusive 
gift card partner with Morrisons to date. 

The Environment and Health and Safety
Being a multi-site business, the Group is conscious of its 
total energy consumption and the amount of waste materials 
generated, and is actively working to reduce both energy usage 
and the quantity of waste materials produced that cannot be 
recycled. Cineworld Cinemas has consistently reduced its carbon 
emissions on an annual basis. The latest publication of the 
Carbon Reduction Commitment (“CRC”) annual report released in 
November 2013 showed a reduction of 2.6% in carbon emissions 
since the launch of the scheme three years ago (excluding 
Picturehouse) despite the growth in the estate, increased 
technological offerings such as IMAX and the introduction of 
Starbucks outlets. Further details of our environmental initiatives 
can be found on page 27 of the Corporate Responsibility section. 

During 2013, Cineworld Cinemas has embedded an improved 
framework for health and safety operations including audit 
processes, fire risk assessments and associated documentation. 
As in the previous year, all cinemas were subject to Fire, Food and 
Health and Safety Audits on an announced basis this year by NSF 
International (an independent auditor). Sites achieved an average 
score of 95.5% (with 85% being considered the acceptable level 
of performance). 

Key Trends and Factors Potentially Affecting the Future
Availability of Appealing Films and the Impact on Box Office 
and Retail Revenues
The Group’s business and future success depends on the 
availability of films for screening in its cinemas and the appeal 
of such films to our customers. The Group’s box office revenue 
is driven by admissions (one of our key performance indicators), 
which depend on the number, timing and popularity of the films 
we are able to show in our cinemas. Admissions in turn drive the 
two other main revenues for the Group, which are retail revenue 
(the sale of food and drink for consumption within our cinemas) 
and screen advertising income (revenue from advertisements 
shown on our screens prior to feature presentations). 

The film slate, including the timing of film releases, in any 
given period affects our ability to draw customers to our 
cinemas. The films available in any given period also affects 
box office revenue and average ticket prices through the mix 
of different ticket types sold. Certain films tend to attract an 
adult audience that will purchase higher-priced adult tickets, 
whereas other films are intended for children whose tickets 
are sold at a discount. Certain films are also more likely to 
be shown in premium formats such as 3D and/or IMAX, which 
command higher ticket prices per ticket. Retail revenue is also 
impacted by the types and lengths of films shown and the 
exhibition format. 

13

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Strategic Report 
continued

The film slate for 2014 is expected to mirror the performance 
in 2013. As with 2013, whilst there is no “Skyfall” (a record 
box office hit), there are a number of sequels from successful 
franchises which are expected to perform well. The “Harry 
Potter” series has been replaced with “The Hobbit” trilogy which 
concludes in December 2014. Similarly, The “Twilight” series has 
been followed by “The Hunger Games” as an alternative for the 
same female and teenage audience (“The Hunger Games: 
Mockingjay Part 1” is scheduled for release in November 2014). 
Many such films outperform the original film or concept, so the 
film studios will continue to look to capitalise on proven success 
formulae. The outstanding success of “Iron Man 3” and “Thor: 
The Dark World” will provide further impetus to advance the 
Marvel franchises, with films including “X-Men: Days of Future 
Past”, “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Guardians 
of the Galaxy” all scheduled for release during 2014. 

Digital Film and Technological Innovation
Technological innovation in film exhibition industry has impacted 
both revenue and costs for the Group. All of our cinemas have 
now been converted to digital projection. The operating flexibility 
of digital projection technology has enhanced the capacity 
utilisation of the Group. Digital film content can be easily moved 
to and from auditoriums in our cinemas to maximise admissions. 
DCM can also offer shorter lead times and improved 
advertisement targeting to advertising customers. 

Technical innovation has also allowed the Group to enhance 
the customer experience through premium formats such as 
IMAX, 3D and other large screen formats. Cineworld Cinemas 
is also continuing to trial 4D Motion Technologies in some of our 
cinemas with D-Box seating. D-Box seating provides additional 
sensory experiences for customers. 

The price differential between 3D and 2D films is expected 
to continue, and should help support the overall revenue levels, 
although it is anticipated that 2014 overall will see a slightly 
lower number of 3D films compared with 2013. 

Film based on action, fantasy and animation and appealing to 
an older teenage and young adults audience, such as “Marvel: 
Avengers Assemble” and “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”, 
have had the highest take up of 3D, while those which appealed 
to younger children tend to attract a lower proportion of 
3D business.

Appeal of Screen Advertising
The attractiveness of cinema screen advertising, as well 
as the demand for advertising generally, drives the Group’s 
revenue from DCM. Screen advertising revenue generally varies 
depending on the type of films screened, the minutes and value 
of advertising sold, the number of attendees who view the film, 
and the placement of the advertisement in relation to the start 
time of the film. Demand in the wider advertising industry is 
anticipated to remain challenging, which would be reflected in 
our screen advertising revenues. However, full digital conversion 
by all of DCM’s major clients in 2012 has improved DCM’s 
competitive position and continues to support its objective of 
gaining a larger share of advertisings’ budgets, especially local 
retail, which is a sector largely unexploited in cinema advertising. 

Expansion and Improvements
Customers choose to attend cinemas in part based on the 
state of their facilities and their locations. We maintain the 
quality of our offering by adding new screens, upgrades to 
seating concepts, expansion of food and drink offerings, and 
by disposing of older screens. The Group devotes a considerable 
amount of time assessing new site opportunities and this, 
along with further acquisitions, is a key part of our future growth 
strategy. Planning laws, economic environment, and the ability 
of developers to finance their projects where we may choose 
to locate our cinemas are some of the factors that may impact 
the Group’s development and growth initiatives. 

The acquisition of Picturehouse has provided a new and 
additional channel for expansion in the arthouse market under 
the Picturehouse brand and the existing pipeline of new multiplex 
cinemas is also increasing. 

Subscription Programmes
Cineworld Cinemas’ and Picturehouse’s subscription 
programmes help smooth out the level of seasonal fluctuation 
in the Group’s revenue. They also encourage customers to come 
during off-peak periods as it is generally not possible to make 
advance bookings, thereby improving the Group’s capacity 
utilisation. The subscription programmes also help support 
our Customer Relationship Management (“CRM”) initiatives 
to improve customer segmentation, customise customer 
offerings and drive future revenue.

14

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Performance 

Admissions(4)

Box office(4)
Retail
Other

Total revenue

EBITDA(1)(4)
Operating profit

Financial income
Financial expenses

Net financing costs

Share of loss from joint venture

Profit on ordinary activities before tax
Tax on profit on ordinary activities

Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the Company

52 week period ended  
26 December 2013

Cineworld 
Cinemas
Total

Picturehouse
Total

Total 
Group 
Total

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
(restated)(2)
Total 
Group(3)
Total

48.4m

£m

261.5
84.6
23.4

369.5

66.9
35.7

0.3
(6.6)

(6.3)

(0.1)

29.3
(9.8)

19.5

3.1m

£m

18.4
9.5
8.7

36.6

5.4
1.8

–
(0.2)

(0.2)

–

1.6
(0.1)

1.5

51.5m

48.0m

£m

£m

279.9
94.1
32.1

406.1

72.3
37.5

0.3
(6.8)

(6.5)

(0.1)

30.9
(9.9)

21.0

252.6
82.8
23.3

358.7

66.9
44.0

0.3
(5.9)

(5.6)

(0.1)

38.3
(10.8)

27.5

(1)  EBITDA is defined as operating profit before depreciation, impairments, reversals of impairments and amortisation, onerous lease and other non-recurring 

or non-cash property charges, transaction, pensions, refinancing and reorganisation costs.

(2)  Comparative information restated following the adoption of the amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”.
(3)  Picturehouse results consolidated for 22 days covering 6 December 2012 to 27 December 2012.
(4)  Key performance indicators, together with average ticket price and retail spend per customer.

We are legally obliged to complete the disposals by 31 July 2014. 
A goodwill impairment of £0.7m in respect of Picturehouse 
goodwill allocated by cinema has been recognised in respect 
of this divestment. Other asset impairments resulting from the 
annual impairment review by cinema also resulted in £1.2m 
asset write-downs at weaker performing cinemas.

The total depreciation and amortisation charge (included 
in administrative expenses) in the year of £24.0m was higher 
than the comparative prior year (2012: £21.5m). The increase 
includes £1.6m of amortisation in respect of brand and customer 
list intangible assets recognised as part of the acquisition 
accounting for Picturehouse. A further £1.5m of depreciation has 
been incurred as a result of Picturehouse being part of the Group 
for a full year. This has been offset in part by a £0.6m reduction 
in depreciation in respect of Cineworld Cinema assets. 

The following commentary on the profitability, cash flow and 
balance sheet focuses on the Cineworld Group including 
Picturehouse, except where stated. 

EBITDA and Operating Profit
Group EBITDA was up 8.1% during the year at £72.3m (2012: 
£66.9m) and was achieved through higher revenues. Gross profit 
margin has suffered a small reduction from the prior year. While 
the film hire rate remained flat on average, there has been an 
increase in concession costs and higher royalties paid following 
the relative success of IMAX and 3D films during the period. 
In addition, there were higher energy and property costs as 
well as general increases in other operating costs. 

Operating profit at £37.5m was 14.8% lower (2012: £44.0m). 
Operating profit included a number of non-recurring and 
non-trade related costs totaling £10.8m (2012: £1.4m). 
During the last quarter of 2013, £6.1m of transaction costs were 
incurred relating to the acquisition of Cinema City Holdings N.V. 
Further transaction and reorganisation costs of £2.0m related 
to the Competition Commission investigation into the acquisition 
of Picturehouse and other restructuring costs incurred during 
the period. As a result of the investigation, the Group is in the 
process of disposing of sites in Aberdeen, Bury St Edmunds 
and Cambridge. 

15

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Strategic Report 
continued

Finance Costs
The net financing costs of £6.5m were higher than the £5.6m 
in the prior year. There has been an increased level of borrowing 
from the start of the year following the cash acquisition of 
Picturehouse in December 2012. The overall charge for the 
prior year also included £1.0m credit on the expiry of one of 
three interest rate swaps in May 2012, which necessitated a 
reclassification of the closing derivative value from equity to the 
income statement. Of the £0.3m financial income reported in the 
current year, £0.1m related to interest receivable (2012: £0.1m) 
and £0.2m to the actuarial valuation of the returns on the 
defined benefit pension plan assets (2012: £0.2m). 

Taxation 
The overall tax charge during the year was £9.9m giving an 
overall effective tax rate of 32.0% (2012: 28.2%) which reflects 
the impact of one-off disallowable expenditure (acquisition costs) 
incurred during the period and the net impact in the current 
period of recognising deferred tax assets and liabilities at the 
lower future tax rate. The corporation tax charge in respect of 
the current year was £9.8m. There was a credit of £1.0m relating 
to prior years, which offset by £1.1m deferred tax charges 
principally relating to capital allowances (the difference between 
the tax written down value of the capital allowance and the net 
book value of the underlying assets). 

Earnings
Profit on ordinary activities before tax in the period was £30.9m, 
a decrease of 19.3% compared to the comparative period (2012: 
£38.3m). The decline is attributable to the £8.1m transaction 
and reorganisation costs incurred in the current period in respect 
of the acquisition of Cinema City, the Competition Commission 
investigation into the acquisition of Picturehouse and other 
restructuring costs (2012: £1.1m). Basic earnings per share 
amounted to 14.0p (2012: 19.2p). 

Eliminating the one-off, non-trade related items described above, 
totalling £13.8m and the credit of £1.0m relating to the expiry 
of an interest rate swap (included in the comparative year net 
financing costs), adjusted pro-forma diluted earnings per share 
were 22.6p (using a normalised tax rate of 23.25%) compared 
with 2012 of 21.1p. The weighted average number of shares 
in issue during the year was 149.8m including 0.3m shares 
issued during the period. 

Cash Flow and Balance Sheet
The Group continued to be cash generative at the operating level. 
Total cash generated from operations in the year was £65.3m 
compared to £67.0m in 2012. The current year suffered from a 
significant cash outflow at the start of the period in respect of 
film hire on “Skyfall”, the cash inflow benefit for which occurred 
in the last month of 2012. 

Net cash spent on capital during the year was £18.9m, which is 
net of reverse premiums received of £3.4m. Included in this cash 
expenditure was £11.0m in relation to the development of new 
sites, £8.9m in respect of maintenance and £2.4m on other 
revenue-generating initiatives. 

Net debt decreased to £112.3m at the end of the current year 
(2012: £126.9m). During the year the net movement on existing 
facilities was a repayment of £4.5m (repayment of £29.5m and a 
draw-down of £25.0m). Other movements include non-cash items 
totalling £0.6m in respect of interest on finance leases, the 
unwinding of amortised finance charges and the movement on 
the interest rate swap. Cash-in-hand increased by £8.1m to 
£19.0m (2012: £10.9m). 

16

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013Overall, net assets increased to £193.9m (2012: £188.6m). 
This includes the recognition of the fair value of net assets 
acquired with Picturehouse totalling £23.9m, and the residual 
goodwill recognised on acquisition of £19.8m. Due to the timing 
of the acquisition and its close proximity to the 2012 year-end, 
the fair value of acquired net assets and residual goodwill were 
recognised at December 2012 on a provisional basis. The 
acquisition accounting was finalised by June 2013 and was 
reported in the Cineworld Group’s 2013 interim statements. 
Goodwill arising on acquisition increased from £19.6m as 
previously stated to £19.8m following a small reduction in 
other intangibles recognised and a corresponding adjustment 
to deferred tax liabilities in respect of Picturehouse. 

Dividends
The Directors are recommending to shareholders for approval a 
final dividend in respect of the period ended 26 December 2013 
of 6.4p per share, which taken together with the interim dividend 
of 3.7p per share paid in October 2013 equates to a total 
dividend in respect of 2013 of 10.1p per share (2012: 10.6p per 
share). The interim 2013 and total dividend per share for 2012 
have been adjusted to take account of the rights issue of 8 for 
25 shares on 14 February 2014, in order to present a 
comparator. The dividends per share as previously reported 
were 4.1p per share for the interim 2013 and 11.8p per share 
for the total dividend for 2012. Whilst the dividend per share has 
decreased following the rights issue, shareholders who took up 
their rights in full benefitted by a 6.3% increase in cash dividend 
received. Over 95% of shareholders took up their rights. 

Combination with the Cinema Operations of Cinema City 
International N.V.
On 10 January 2014, Cineworld Group plc was pleased 
to announce the combination with the cinema business of 
Cinema City International N.V. (“CCI”), a leading cinema business 
in seven countries across Central and Eastern Europe (“CEE”) 
and Israel (“Cinema City”), by means of an acquisition of the 
shares in Cinema City Holding N.V. (“CCH”), a subsidiary of CCI. 
The transaction was based on an enterprise value of CCH 
(on a debt free/cash free basis) of £503m and €14.5m. 
The combination with Cinema City completed on 27 February 
2014 and has created the second largest cinema business 
in Europe (by number of screens). The enlarged Group now 
has 201 sites and 1,852 fully digital screens. 

Consideration for the transaction was settled with cash 
and shares. Cash consideration of £272m and €14.5m was 
part funded by an 8 for 25 Rights Issue which completed on 
14 February 2014, raising net funds of £105m with the residual 
cash consideration being funded within the Group’s new debt 
facility. Cineworld Group plc issued to CCI shares in Cineworld 
Group plc initially valued on 10 January 2014 at £231m, 
representing 24.9% of the post-rights issue share capital. 

As part of the combination Cineworld Group plc restructured 
its debt financing, an element of which was drawn to part settle 
the cash consideration of £272m and €14.5m. The residual 
of the facility has been drawn to refinance the existing facilities 
of the combined group and to fund general working capital 
requirements going forward. The new facility provides funding of 
£400m of which £275m is a term loan and £125m is a revolving 

credit facility. £160m (€192m) of the new facility is available 
in Euros, reflecting the composition of the combined group. This 
financing arrangement became effective on 27 February 2014.

On completion of the combination, Moshe (Mooky) Greidinger 
(former Chief Executive Officer of CCI) and Israel Greidinger 
(former Chief Financial Officer of CCI) joined the Board of 
Cineworld Group plc as Chief Executive Officer and Chief 
Operating Officer respectively. At the same time, Mooky 
Greidinger and Israel Griedinger stepped down from their 
positions on the Board of CCI. Given the investment in Cineworld 
Group plc held by CCI and the relationship between Mooky 
Greidinger and Israel Greidinger and CCI, a Relationship 
Agreement has been put in place to govern the key operational 
arrangements between the related parties. 

The full details of the transaction are detailed in the combined 
Class 1 circular and prospectus issued on 10 January 2014 which 
can be found on the Group’s website: www.cineworldplc.com.

Other Board Changes
Tom McGrath was a Director at the start of the period, but he did 
not stand for re-election at the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) 
and so left the Board on 15 May 2013.

On 20 November 2013, the Group announced the resignation of 
Stephen Wiener, Cineworld’s founder and CEO, and he will leave 
the employment of the Group on 31 March 2014.

On completion of the combination with Cinema City, 
Scott Rosenblum and Arni Samuelsson joined the Board as 
Non-Executive Directors and Stephen Wiener stepped down 
from his role as CEO and as a Director at that time. 

Current Trading and Outlook 
The first quarter of the current financial year has started in line 
with expectations with films including “The Wolf of Wall Street” 
and “12 Years a Slave” performing strongly at the box office. 
The first month of the year also benefitted from the play through 
of “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”, “American Hustle” 
and “Frozen”. There is a solid film release programme for the 
remainder of 2014 which includes the next instalment from 
the Hunger Games franchise: “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay 
– Part 1”, as well as the final film in “The Hobbit” franchise:  
“The Hobbit: There and Back Again”. 

Other popular film franchises including Transformers, 
Spiderman and X-Men also have new releases throughout 
the year. This, along with a strong pipeline of Cineworld, 
Picturehouse and Cinema City openings, means the Group 
looks forward to delivering further value to shareholders 
in the forthcoming year.

By order of the Board

Anthony Bloom
Chairman
6 March 2014

Philip Bowcock 
Chief Financial Officer

17

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements18

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013Improving the Customer Experience

Over the course of 2013 Cineworld has consolidated its position 
as the UK’s leading cinema chain by box office. But size isn’t 
everything as we aim to improve our customers’ experiences 
in each and every visit. From the ease of booking online to a 
friendly farewell on leaving, and everything in between, Cineworld 
is striving to become the UK’s favourite cinema chain. And it’s 
the little things that matter: like removing barriers to booking 
online; making our mobile booking process easier; introducing 
e-ticketing in cinemas; providing the widest range of movies; 

regularly reviewing film times; removing “clutter” in the foyer; 
introducing welcome “greeters” at the entrance; and thanking 
customers as they leave. We have introduced more IMAX 
theatres and more Starbucks. And we’re getting closer to our 
customers – with over 370,000 Unlimited customers and 3.5m 
MyCineworld members – we now have customer information 
on over 50% of our admissions. It is still work in progress, 
but most importantly we’re making progress. 

81

cinemas

Over

370,000

Unlimited members

Over

3.5m

MyCineworld customers

19

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Risks and Uncertainties 

The following is a summary of the principal business specific risks 
and uncertainties facing the Group at the end of the period rather 
than all risks. If any of these risks or other unforeseen risks 
materialise, they could have a serious adverse effect on the Group’s 
business and its financial condition, in turn impacting upon the 
value of its securities in issue. Where possible and appropriate, 
the Group seeks to mitigate these risks and uncertainties. 

Some factors which may mitigate particular risks and 
uncertainties are also set out below. In determining whether a 
risk is principal or not regard has been taken of the Group’s risk 
register, the probability of a particular risk crystallising and the 
impact it would have if it did.

Availability and 
Performance of 
Film Content

Cinema-going in the UK is driven primarily by output from Hollywood, which is dominated by six film studios. 
There is a risk that the Group may not be able to obtain licences for certain films from the film studios. There 
is also a risk that these studios may not reach agreement on film hire terms with the Group, or may seek 
to negotiate film hire terms less favourable to the Group. Any such moves could be countered in part by the 
Group’s negotiating position due to its market share in the UK and Irish markets.

During periods where there are fewer or no major films to drive cinema attendance, or if the Group was 
unable to licence a certain major film, the Group’s box office revenues may decline. Cineworld’s Unlimited 
card subscription service generates regular box office revenues which helps to offset lower box office receipts 
during quieter trading periods. It is also part of Cineworld’s wider strategy to promote interest in a range of 
films beyond the traditional Hollywood blockbuster in such areas as Bollywood, other foreign language and 
small and mid-range films.

There is a further risk that a major film may be released late or may not perform at the box office in line with 
expectations. The Group has an experienced team liaising closely with distributors and forecasting the likely 
performance of films based on historical precedent and their knowledge of the film industry.

Release Window, 
Alternative Media 
and Advancement 
of Technology

Film studios may seek to reduce or eliminate the release window (the period between the film being released 
at the cinema and the film being released through other distribution channels), which could lead to increased 
competition from alternative film delivery methods such as streaming, DVD, cable and pay television and the 
internet. This increased competition could reduce cinema admissions and adversely impact box office sales. 
The window is currently agreed at 16 weeks and three days in the UK, to capitalise on box office awareness 
and success. Cinema exhibitors have, historically, mitigated this threat by refusing to screen films with 
reduced release windows or insisting on paying reduced film rentals which has minimised reductions to date.

Film studios may also choose to release their films through other channels instead of primarily through 
exhibition at cinemas. The box office success of a film is often, however, an important factor in establishing 
its value in subsequent film distribution channels such as streaming, DVD, cable and pay television and 
the internet.

The existence of DVD (and video before that) has proven the ability of cinema to co-exist with alternative media. 
Additionally the increase in use of digital and 3D technology in cinemas should encourage the film studios to 
continue to use cinemas as the primary release channel.

The continuing development of existing and new technology (such as 3D television and internet streaming) 
may introduce new competitive forces for the film-going audience. The cinema does, however, provide a 
unique social experience that to date cannot be matched by watching films at home. Also trials by studios to 
release films on the internet during the theatrical release window have, so far, not proved to be commercially 
successful.

Revenue from 
Retail Sales

Retail sales form a significant part of the Group’s revenue. Retail sales generally fluctuate in line with 
admissions, therefore if admissions were to fall, revenue from retail sales could decrease. Retail spend may 
also decrease due to changes in customer preferences, decreased disposable income or other economic 
and cultural factors. The Group runs promotions, makes offers and changes its retail offerings to keep them 
attractive to customers.

20

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013Film Piracy

Film piracy (aided by technological advances) has long-term implications for the business and industry as it may 
decrease cinema admissions, reduce ticket prices and even eventually force film studios to invest less in films, 
resulting in the release of fewer films and lower quality films with less commercial appeal and/or an increase 
in the use of other channels for releasing films. The quality of copies pirated by recording from a cinema screen 
has improved and can be of a similar quality to films pirated from other media and copies made in the earlier 
manufacture and distribution stages. It is, however, currently not possible to produce a 3D pirated version of 
the original film from a portable recording device used in a cinema. So far, the impact of piracy has been higher 
on alternative media (especially on DVD) than on cinema. The Group works with and continues to be a strong 
supporter of initiatives by The Federation Against Copyright Theft.

Competition

Competition among cinema providers exists in acquiring attractive cinema sites, acquiring existing cinemas, 
attracting customers and licensing films.

Existing competitors could also change their strategies, invest in new technologies or a new competitor could 
enter the market at a local or national level, reducing trade. Costs generally, and in particular in developing new 
sites or acquiring existing cinemas are, however, barriers to entry as are the lack of readily available cinemas 
for acquisition.

Cinemas also compete for customers against other leisure and entertainment attractions. This competition 
could increase as a result of reduction in consumer confidence or in levels of disposable income in general 
or, over the longer term, the ageing of the UK population. Cinemas also face competition from major events, 
such as the Olympics, which may impact attendance levels for their duration.

Availability of 
New Locations, 
Poor Location 
Selection and 
Construction 
of Cinemas

The Group’s strategy includes expanding operations through new openings and the acquisition of existing 
cinemas. The availability of attractive locations for new openings and the acquisition of existing cinemas are 
subject to local conditions (such as availability of space or increase in demand for real estate, demographic 
changes and changes in planning laws) and competition. The Group seeks to maintain good relations with 
potential key partners and monitors changes likely to impact such matters.

The selection of the wrong location for the development of a new cinema, poor or delayed construction, 
unanticipated expenses in connection with new locations, or underperformance of a new cinema could result 
in lower than expected returns and a series of poor decisions on location, or poorly constructed cinemas, 
could seriously impact the Group. Each potential site is reviewed carefully and the management team are 
experienced in the choice of location for, and development of, new sites.

Screen 
Advertising 
Revenue

Screen advertising accounts for a proportion of the Group’s profits and the level of revenues earned will 
be affected by the overall demand for advertising and the competitive pressures for that advertising spend. 
In addition, lower levels of admissions may impact the level of advertising which the business can attract, 
resulting in reduced screen advertising revenues.

The formation of Digital Cinema Media Limited in 2008, with a joint venture partner, was a positive 
step towards taking closer control of future screen advertising revenues. The advantages of screening 
advertisements to a captive audience in cinemas and the flexibility of digital media to deliver more and 
varied advertising are potential opportunities to attract more advertisers and to generate higher revenues.

Extreme Weather 
Conditions

Unusual weather patterns such as unseasonably warm summers or extreme snowfalls in winter can impact 
attendances at cinemas and, particularly where this coincides with major film releases, could have a significant 
effect on revenues.

Most of the Group’s cinemas are air conditioned. Historically, in periods of extreme warm weather, audience 
levels have returned to near-normal seasonal levels after a while.

21

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Risks and Uncertainties 
continued

UK and Global 
Economy

The main driver of cinema-going is the film, although it is recognised that macro-economic influences 
may affect cinema-going and the level of retail spend per customer on each visit. In addition, the price 
of such items as energy and foodstuffs has a direct impact on costs which we may not be able to pass on 
to customers. With cinema being a less expensive form of entertainment and leisure, economic downturns 
may benefit cinemas at the expense of other entertainment and leisure activities.

Government 
Regulations and 
Actions

The Group’s business and operations are affected by central and local regulations covering such matters 
as planning, the environment, health and safety, licensing, food and drink retailing, data protection and the 
minimum wage. Failure to comply with this type of legislation may result in fines and/or suspension of the 
activity or entire business operation. In addition, changes to pension legislation such as automatic enrolment 
and regulations relating to the Group’s defined benefit schemes, could result in additional costs from funding 
pension obligations or from changes in the way pension schemes are administered.

Digital 
Conversion 
Cost Recovery

All of the Group’s cinemas have been converted to digital projection. Film studios helped to finance this 
conversion and the Group expects to recover up to 90% of the total costs of conversion over a 7–10 year 
period. At completion of the rollout, the Group had incurred the costs of converting 100% of its projection 
facilities to digital, which was approximately £40m. There is a risk that payments are not received, or that full 
recovery of the costs does not happen within the ten-year term of the agreed arrangements. There are binding 
contracts, put in place by Arts Alliance Media (“AAM”) from which the Group benefits, for the recovery of these 
payments. The Group chose AAM because of the quality of its systems and experience in administering this 
type of contract and, to date, all payments have been received in accordance with the contractual terms. 
As time passes, the risk of non-recovery of this expenditure reduces.

Failure of IT 
Systems or Data 
Controls

The failure of the Group’s IT systems or data controls, whether because of cyber attack or otherwise, 
could impact the profitability and reputation of the Group. All suppliers are monitored and the Group employs 
an appropriately qualified team to maintain its in-house systems with external experts being employed to 
oversee, and help manage, major projects involving the upgrading or replacement of such systems.

Availability of 
Capital

The cost and availability of finance may affect the Group’s ability to expand. Limited availability of capital has 
impacted property developers who have not been able to proceed with developments which would have included 
new cinemas. The Group has a promising pipeline of potential new sites and its strong covenant is attractive to 
developers and places Cineworld as a preferred tenant in many proposed new leisure developments.

Reduced lending may also affect the financing of film productions which could reduce the supply of films and/or 
delay their production and releases in cinemas.

22

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013Following the Group’s acquisition of Cinema City Holding B.V. (the “Combination”, and the combined Group and Cinema City Holding 
B.V., together the “Enlarged Group”) which completed on 27 February 2014, the following principal business specific risks and 
uncertainties apply to the Enlarged Group in addition to the above risks and uncertainties. The following is a summary of the 
additional principal business specific risks and uncertainties facing the Enlarged Group rather than all risks.

Acquisitions

There is a risk that due diligence undertaken during an acquisition process fails to accurately identify ongoing 
profitability and other issues that may seriously affect the valuation of a business. In addition, costs and 
expenses in connection with any acquisition may be more than anticipated. After completion, an acquired 
business may not perform as expected, integration may be problematic or anticipated benefits or synergies 
may not be realised. As part of any acquisition process professional advisors are retained and report to the 
Board, or the appropriate Committee, on pertinent aspects of any target business.

This risk is especially pertinent following the Combination as the Board recognises that there will be 
considerable execution risk around the merger of the two groups. Specifically there are two particular risks 
associated with the Combination; the first being the integration of the finance systems and related processes 
and controls, and the second the fact that the Enlarged Group is operating outside of the UK for the first time, 
having roughly 40% of its operations in six Eastern European countries and Israel. The Board, together with its 
senior management team, is in the process of developing a detailed integration plan and will retain appropriate 
advisers and resources to enable the effective integration, which the Board will closely monitor through the 
next financial period.

Exclusive 
Distribution 
Relationships

The Enlarged Group has exclusive distribution relationships with certain film studios in some Central and 
Eastern European (“CEE”) countries and Israel. There is a risk that the Enlarged Group may not be able to 
retain these exclusive relationships or that the film studios otherwise seek to negotiate distribution terms 
less favourable to the Enlarged Group. Any such moves could be countered in part by the Enlarged Group’s 
negotiating position due to its market share in the relevant CEE countries and Israel.

Doing Business 
in Countries in 
Emerging 
Markets

A significant part of the Enlarged Group’s revenue is attributable to operations in CEE and, additionally, 
the Enlarged Group may look to expand into countries in South-Eastern Europe. Political, economic and legal 
systems in emerging market economies can be unpredictable and the risks of doing business in those markets 
can be high. Before expansion into any further countries is undertaken, the future prospects of those countries 
will be carefully investigated to ensure that an appropriate balance of risk and reward is maintained.

Doing Business 
in Israel

Israel is one of the Enlarged Group’s countries of operation, which will subject the Enlarged Group to risks 
relating to the political and military situation in that country.

23

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements 
24

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013A Different experience

2014 marks Picturehouse cinemas’ 25th anniversary. 
The chain joined the Cineworld Group in December 2012 
as a standalone entity of 21 cinemas, each offering a unique 
style influenced by its urban location and strong community 
relationships. Picturehouse audiences include a diverse, 
affluent, adult demographic and a burgeoning student 
contingent. These customers appreciate independent and 
arthouse films as well as the more discerning mainstream titles. 

Picturehouse also offers a wide range of event cinema, with 
opera, theatre and ballet particularly popular among audiences. 
Its cinemas have a strong café-bar culture with excellent wine 
lists providing a different cinema experience to the multiplex 
and serving different occasions. 

Picturehouse Entertainment, the company’s award-winning 
distribution arm, goes from strength to strength. Alongside 
feature films it distributes Event Cinema content, such as Royal 
Shakespeare Company productions, for which it is the worldwide 
distribution partner.

Looking forward, there are four Picturehouse cinema projects 
in London at various stages of planning. They include Chiswick 
Lane Picturehouse and Crouch End Picturehouse, both expected 
to open by early 2015.

21

cinemas

136,000

members

25

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Corporate Responsibility 

The Board acknowledges its duty to ensure the Group conducts its activities 
responsibly and with proper regard for all its stakeholders.

The Board acknowledges its duty to ensure the Group 
conducts its activities responsibly and with proper regard for all 
its stakeholders including employees, shareholders, business 
partners, suppliers and local communities. In this context, the 
Group seeks to integrate corporate social responsibility (“CSR”) 
considerations, relating particularly to social, ethical, health and 
safety, and environmental issues, in its day-to-day business 
operations. Further information in respect of the Group’s 
activities is set out below together with illustrative examples. 
The Group’s mandatory greenhouse gas report can be found 
in the Directors’ Report on pages 37 and 38.

Cineworld Cinemas
Community 
Cineworld observes the British Board of Film Classification’s 
guidelines for film classification unless the local authority 
specifies otherwise; within this framework however, it seeks to 
show as wide a range of film product and other screen content as 
possible. Screenings are frequently driven by local communities 
and their wishes. For example, Cineworld was once again the 
number one exhibitor for Bollywood product in the UK during 
the period and is the biggest exhibitor of Indian language 
product in the UK including Hindi, Tamil, Punjabi, Malayalam 
and Telugu films.

In addition, Cineworld has continued to show a wider range of 
film product including non-English language titles, smaller British 
releases and independent American productions. Cineworld has 
continued its successful screening of Polish films and has gala 
screenings of Polish titles at its Hammersmith cinema. It also 
partnered again with BAFTA on the annual “BAFTA Tour”, bringing 
back award-winning films to the big screen at selected cinemas.

Cineworld has continued its commitment to Event Cinema in 
the form of live screenings from the National Theatre, the Royal 
Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera. In addition to these 
established seasons, Cineworld has shown a variety of very 
successful events in 2013, including the British Museum’s 
“Pompeii Exhibition Live” (for both the public and schools), the 
“Doctor Who 50th Anniversary episode: The Day of the Doctor in 
3D” and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s first live broadcast of 
“Richard II”. Screening such a wide range of content means that 
we attract a wider range of audiences into our cinemas and helps 
us distinguish ourselves in the marketplace from our principal 
competitors.

2013 saw Cineworld working again with various charities, local 
government and community groups. Activities included Cineworld 
supporting BBC’s Children in Need, running charity premieres of 
“Walking with Dinosaurs 3D” and working with the newly formed 
National Youth Film Festival, with screenings for hundreds of 
schools across the country. Undertaking such activities helps 
to establish and make the Cineworld brand better known in 
local communities.

Cineworld continued as a venue partner for several festivals 
including the Jameson Dublin Film Festival, the Glasgow Film 
Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival where it 
hosted 50% of the festival screenings. This involvement helps 
to promote Cineworld’s brand through the wider film industry and 
increase awareness of the Cineworld brand in audiences that 
might not normally associate Cineworld with this kind of wider 
film based activity.

Access for All 
Cineworld is keen to promote a “Movies for All” policy for our 
customers. Increasing accessibility results in local cinemas 
playing a fuller role in the communities in which they operate. 
On Saturday mornings we operate “Movies for Juniors”, where 
it is still possible for children to see films for £1. This price has 
not increased for over 17 years. During 2013, Movies for Juniors 
extended to Sundays and weekdays during holiday periods 
at selected cinemas to cater for extra demand. We have also 
introduced subtitled Movies for Juniors performances across 
selected cinemas. Senior citizens and students continue to 
benefit from discounts at certain times of the day and greater 
online discounts can be achieved through MyCineworld. 
Cineworld also subscribes to the Cinema Exhibitor Association 
(“CEA”) card scheme which allows registered customers with 
disabilities to be accompanied by a carer with them free  
of charge.

All new cinemas are designed to exceed current statutory 
requirements to provide buildings which are technically 
advanced, yet meet high operational standards in terms of public 
service, safety and accessibility. They are designed to remove 
physical features which can hinder the use of the facility by the 
less physically able, so that auditoriums are as accessible as 
possible given the restrictions of any particular location. The 
opportunity is also taken to enhance access within cinemas 
when they undergo major refurbishment as part of an ongoing 
programme of improvements and renovations.

Cineworld continues to support the CEA Disability Working 
Group and, internally, the business’s own Disability Focus 
Group meets regularly to review all aspects of disability access 
and the improvement in the services provided in this area. 
A cross-industry film called “Welcoming Disabled Customers” 
has been developed in partnership with our colleagues across 
the industry and the CEA; the film provides a consistent 
approach to disability awareness training across all circuits. 
The film shows Cineworld’s commitment to working within the 
industry to ensure best practice when it comes to disability 
awareness and to providing the best possible cinema experience 
for all customers. The film is incorporated into a two-day cinema 
staff induction programme for all new starters.

26

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013As part of the process of improving further Cineworld’s offer 
to disabled customers, all Cineworld staff have received training 
in “Disability Awareness and Welcoming Disabled Customers”. 
During 2013 Cineworld delivered in excess of 314,000 audio 
descriptive screenings (2012: 277,000) and over 9,000 subtitled 
screenings (2012: 11,000) and also ran autism-friendly 
screenings across the majority of our cinemas.

Film Piracy 
With films being first released in cinemas and often in the UK 
and Ireland before other territories, there remains a significant 
risk of piracy within the UK and Irish cinema industries. Cineworld 
continues to work closely with the CEA, The Federation Against 
Copyright Theft (“FACT”) and INFACT Ireland in order to help 
reduce and prevent film piracy. In line with Cineworld’s 
operational strategy, each cinema management team has 
a responsibility to ensure that they do everything reasonably 
practicable to protect the intellectual property rights of films 
and Event Cinema exhibited within the cinemas.

With the ever-changing threat of evolving technologies and 
smaller undetectable recording devices, Cineworld seeks to 
mitigate this risk by constantly reviewing and developing its 
training programme, policies and procedures to ensure its staff 
are able to effectively prevent film piracy. Night-vision technology 
is utilised throughout the circuit and there is an increased 
vigilance around high-profile vulnerable release titles. 

At the annual FACT awards in December 2013, a total of 
14 rewards were presented nationally to UK film exhibitors. 
Eight of these rewards were presented to staff at Cineworld 
cinemas for their efforts in detecting and preventing piracy. 

Environment 
Cineworld seeks to comply with all relevant environmental 
legislation and to operate in an environmentally sensitive 
manner. The Directors acknowledge the impact that the business 
has on the environment and seek to mitigate it. Often changes 
which help to mitigate our environmental impact also reduce 
our operating costs. 

Being a multi-site business, the Group is conscious of its total 
energy consumption and amount of waste materials generated 
and is actively working on reducing both energy usage and 
quantity of waste materials produced that cannot be recycled.

During 2013, there was continuous focus on delivering ongoing 
training and awareness to energy champions at cinema sites. 
Most cinemas now have an “Energy Board” which show the sites’ 
latest energy reports and again help promote awareness to staff. 
The introduction of the daily, weekly and monthly energy reports 
have proved to be successful in helping cinemas identify high 
or unusual energy consumption patterns and to continuously 
monitor energy usage looking at further areas of energy 
reduction and savings. Monthly energy league tables are 
now available which rank sites based on energy usage 
which can be further broken down per region.

As part of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (“CRC”) energy 
efficiency scheme, Cineworld Cinemas reports on its annual 
carbon emissions. Cineworld Cinemas has consistently reduced 
its carbon emissions on an annual basis. The latest publication 
of the CRC annual report released in November 2013 shows a 
reduction of 2.6% in carbon emissions since the launch of the 
scheme three years ago (excluding Picturehouse) despite the 
growth in the estate which includes the opening of new cinemas 
as well as a number of Starbucks coffee shops and  
IMAX screens.

During 2013, a pilot energy project was carried out at six sites. 
Three sites were installed with a Voltage Optimisation Unit and 
three sites with a Wireless Energy Building Management System 
(“WEMS”). Following the installations an average saving in energy 
of 8% has been realised for voltage optimisation and an average 
saving of 15% for WEMS. Based on the success of the projects, 
a further review will take place for sites to have energy-saving 
installations carried out in 2014 which will also incorporate 
a review of LED lighting which has been installed successfully 
in a number of sites in previous years.

The use of digital projection technology has further reduced 
Cineworld’s environmental impact. The move away from 35mm 
celluloid prints has reduced the use of raw materials for the 
production of bulky prints using chemical processes, which 
ultimately are shredded as they are unable to be recycled at 
the end of their relatively short life. In addition, the distribution 
of digital content through small hard drives, down IDSL lines or 
by satellite greatly reduces the delivery costs and associated 
carbon footprint. Delivery by satellite and IDSL line removes the 
carbon impact almost completely and this year a growing number 
of films shown in Cineworld cinemas were distributed in this way.

3D technology has its own environmental challenges with the use 
of special disposable 3D glasses. In 2009, Cineworld altered its 
pricing structure from a premium for 3D films with “free” glasses 
to a smaller premium with customers being required to purchase 
glasses separately. This approach, which continues today, has 
significantly encouraged customers to retain their glasses for 
future use and, during 2013, on average around 52% of 
audiences for 3D films brought with them glasses obtained 
from previous visits (2012: 50%).

Retail 
We seek to provide the range of products our customers 
seek in a way that is responsible, takes account of alternative 
healthier options and reduces the impact on the environment. 
Much of the focus has recently been on providing information to 
enable customers to make more informed choices and offering 
healthier options.

27

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Corporate Responsibility 
continued

During 2013, Cineworld continued to review and develop 
strategies in respect of how it marketed its food and drink offers 
within cinemas and has worked with the CEA and the Department 
of Health in respect of delivering improved customer nutritional 
and product information. Example action taken included, in Spring 
2013, the introduction of all new point of sale materials across 
the business which incorporated calorie information and, in the 
case of our Pick and Mix product, included allergen and food 
content information labelling. A healthier dried fruit alternative to 
chocolate is available in our children’s Munchbox on request and 
we have trialled smaller portion sized chocolate countlines.

Working closely with one of our key partners, all Coca-Cola 
promotions now have a sugar-free variant of one of their products 
as their primary promotional focus, and the latter part of the year 
saw the introduction of Coke Zero cups into the business for all 
variants of dispensed carbonated drinks. The formulation of 
Sprite product has also been changed by reducing the calorie 
content and our children’s drink product has been changed from 
an all juice to a juice and spring water formula, thus reducing 
natural sugar content further.

Nutrition and calorie information regarding all our retail products 
is now published on our website. Staff briefings were also held 
to enable staff to provide more informed responses in response 
to product-related customer queries. 

Instances of improved processes to reduce environmental impacts 
included more point of sale material being sent direct to cinemas 
from our agents rather than into the central offices for re-delivery 
and the introduction of an e-version of our successful Christmas Gift 
Boxes reducing the amount of packaging required to fulfil the product. 

Initiatives to make our cinema a more affordable and inclusive 
treat have included a number of new promotions which have 
included the “Midweek Special” combo and “Family Special” 
combo being rolled out to all cinemas across the circuit 
permanently. In addition, following a successful trial, we have 
introduced a discounted “Munchbox for Juniors” offer across all 
cinemas in conjunction with our extended Movies for Juniors 
initiative. This means that our younger customers can now enjoy 
both a movie and snack from just £3 during applicable times. 

Each time there is a requirement for a new or replacement 
contract, all proposed arrangements are carefully reviewed to 
ensure that they are not only commercially beneficial, but also 
appropriate account is taken of environmental considerations. 
For instance we now have 11 Starbucks outlets with further 
openings planned for 2014. While Starbucks’ highly recognised 
brand made them an attractive partner, their strong 
environmental credentials played a significant part in 
the decision to roll-out their coffee offer.

Our People
Cineworld’s people remain key to ensuring the ongoing success 
of the business. All of our human resources initiatives are aimed 
at ensuring Cineworld is a great place to work and, in turn, 
a great place to watch films. As in previous years, 2013 saw 
a considerable investment in a number of initiatives aimed at 
ensuring individuals are developed and supported in reaching 
their full potential and are able to play a full part in the teams 
in which they work. Training also helps staff members feel part 
of the team and valued which is essential if they are to provide 
the services which customers expect.

Employee engagement remains central to the human resources 
strategy as the Company continues to recognise that engaged 
employees go the extra mile for its customers. 

28

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013In 2013, Cineworld ran its second all-employee engagement 
survey with a very good response rate of 89%. The survey 
has resulted in a number of Company-wide initiatives to ensure 
that we are working with our people in the most effective way. 
Cineworld has also committed to annual surveys going forward 
to ensure we are continuously improving how we work with 
our people. 

We continue to develop our talent. A group of the senior 
managers just below the executive team participated in 
a management development programme called “Lead and 
Succeed” which ran throughout 2012 and concluded in early 
2013, culminating in one commercial initiative and one people 
initiative being implemented in the business. 

Our Academy programme continues to offer high-potential 
managers the chance to study for diplomas at levels 5 and 
7 accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management 
(“ILM”). For team members and supervisors, we have also 
established internal succession programmes to identify and 
develop talent for the next role in the business. 

Cineworld has also developed and launched the industry’s 
first apprenticeship programme and 35 apprentices have joined 
the Company in order to study on the Cineworld Advanced 
Apprenticeship. This provides an opportunity for young people 
to learn straight from school and provides an exciting career path 
into the cinema industry. The introduction of apprenticeships 
means that our Academy now provides training at all levels within 
cinemas so people can develop their skills and see a career path 
to becoming a General Manager with recognised qualifications 
whatever their starting point.

In addition to this significant programme of learning, we provide 
a suite of “core courses” which promote continuous learning. 
For our Head Office teams there is a structured programme of 
courses providing opportunity to continually enhance skills and 
for these to be tailored to an individual’s needs as part of our 
“Pick Your Story” initiative. In addition, there have been exciting 
developments in cinemas with major rollouts of programmes 
such as the “Speed of Trust” and “Coaching and Mentoring”. 

All of these talent management activities mean that when 
vacancies arise we have a strong pool of talent to choose from 
which has resulted in a high internal promotion rate across all 
positions and reduced recruitment costs.

All employees throughout the Group participate in the success 
of Cineworld through bonus schemes and Cineworld is proud 
that for the nineteenth consecutive year bonuses were again 
paid to all qualifying staff. All such bonuses are underpinned by 
a performance management framework, which reflects not only 
personal performance but also Group performance, which helps 
ensure that everyone is recognised and rewarded for their 
individual contribution to the business. Staff can also benefit 
from the success of the Company by participating in its SAYE 
Share Option Scheme and currently over 250 staff are doing so.

We continue to offer our people a wide range of benefits 
through the Company’s flexible benefits scheme. 2013 saw the 
introduction of pension auto-enrolment and the Company now 
offers all eligible employees the choice of joining an equally 
matched contribution scheme or the statutory auto enrolled 
scheme. We now have more than 1,200 employees participating 
in a pension scheme. 

Staff Development

General 
Manager

Manager

Supervisor

Multi-
functional

THE

ACADEMY

p r e m i e r e   m a n a g e m e n t   t r a i n i n g

The Academy
ILM Level 7

GM Professional 
Development

Continuous Personal Development
Retail Apprenticeships

The Academy
ILM Level 5

Management  
Development

Management 
Academy

Supervisor 
Development

Supervisor 
Academy

Introduction

Staff Training 
Programme

Cineworld Advanced 
Apprenticeship

Continuous Personal Development 
Internal Training Courses

GM Professional Development 
Yearly Event Courses

29

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Corporate Responsibility 
continued

Safety 
The ongoing management of the day-to-day health, safety and 
welfare of Cineworld’s customers, employees and contractors is 
of major importance with over 47.5 million customer visits a year. 
Cineworld has continued to seek to maintain high standards in 
the effective management of our health and safety obligations 
and our duty of care to our customers and staff.

A review of health and safety consultants in late 2012 resulted 
in a new organisation, NSF International, being appointed to this 
role with effect from January 2013. All Cineworld’s health and 
safety policies were reviewed at the start of the year and revised 
to reflect current best practice and the latest legislation whilst 
seeking to reduce administrative burdens. Improved systems 
of monitoring and reporting health and safety matters were 
also introduced. 

During the 2013 period, Cineworld has embedded an 
improved framework for health and safety operations including 
audit processes, fire risk assessments and associated 
documentation. As in the previous year, all cinemas were subject 
to Fire, Food and Health and Safety Audits on an announced 
basis this year by NSF International. Sites achieved an average 
score of 95.5% (with 85% being considered the acceptable level 
of performance) with some cinemas receiving a remarkable top 
score of 99.5%. Overall the reports have shown that standards 
remain high. 

Diversity and Human Rights
Cineworld is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to recruit, 
retain and promote staff on the basis of their qualifications, 
skills, aptitude and attitude. A wide range of applicants are 
encouraged to apply for all roles. In employment-related 
decisions, the business complies with all relevant legislation 
including that specifically targeted at preventing discrimination 
and such principles are embedded through the business by 
requisite policies.

Cineworld also seeks to treat all its staff in accordance with its 
Ethics policy so that each person is accorded dignity and respect 
and the guiding principle is followed that we treat other people 
as we ourselves would like to be treated.

Picturehouse 
Community
We place ourselves at the heart of the community. Our cinemas 
are in town and city centre sites and aim to make the fullest use 
of public transport and we have many partnerships with local 
retailers which encourage customers to spend locally, helping 
keep town centres alive and this is central to our development 
policy. The business also strives to build architecturally attractive 
venues that make a contribution to their urban environment.

Picturehouse are strong supporters of independent films. 
A programme of arthouse and world cinema is at the core of our 
programming policy. The cinemas actively support smaller films 
and documentaries through the “Discover Tuesdays” slot and 
through a multitude of one-off screenings. The cinemas also 
support numerous film festivals including the Cambridge Film 
Festival, Human Rights Watch Festival, London Film Festival, 
Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, Kurdish Film Festival and many 
others. Over 30% of our box office takings each year come from 
films that are outside of the UK’s top 100 biggest grossing films.

Picturehouse is a partner in the Cambridge Film Consortium 
which provides educational work across schools and colleges in 
the Cambridgeshire area. It also employs five education officers 
across the Group and supports the work of education officers 
employed by partners, such as those in our Norwich cinema. 
All this activity encourages cinema-going and lifelong learning 
about film while also promoting the Picturehouse name and 
its cinemas to a broad ranging constituency.

Cineworld Cinemas male/female staff members as at 26 December 2013

Cineworld Cinema Sites

Chiswick Head Office

Team Members 
& Supervisors

Operations 
Manager

Deputy General 
Manager

General 
Manager

Chiswick  
Employees

Middle  
Managers

Vice  
Presidents

Board of  
Directors

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

Males

Females

54%

46%

54%

46%

62%

38%

61%

39%

63%

37%

66%

34%

70%

30%

77%

23%

58%

42%

59%

41%

64%

36%

49%

51%

87%

13%

86%

14%

87%

13%

86%

14%

30

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013In 2013 Picturehouse removed all its booking fees for advance 
ticket purchases, joining Cineworld Cinemas as market leaders 
in pricing transparency and bringing us in line with the spirit of 
the Payment Surcharges regulations.

Opportunities are provided at all cinemas for members of the 
community who cannot afford peak time prices to buy discounted 
tickets either on special days or for club screenings (e.g. Silver 
Screen). Picturehouse also has a free Carers Card which enables 
customers with disabilities to obtain a free carer’s ticket in 
person, by telephone or online. 

We pioneered Event Cinema screenings in the UK and have been 
responsible for outreach work across the arts by screening opera, 
theatre, ballet and literary events live by satellite to cinemas across 
the independent sector – creating substantial audiences whose 
needs had not been previously met and who now contribute to the 
sustainability of many independent cinemas. Picturehouse also 
created Parent and Baby screenings and autism-friendly screenings, 
which are now regularly screened across the whole exhibition 
sector, and it works with local community groups and schools 
to provide opportunities to experience and learn about cinema.

Retail
We have reviewed the range of snacks and drinks available 
in Picturehouse cinemas with the aim of introducing healthier 
options. For example, our Kids Club combo deals now include 
the option of frozen yoghurt instead of ice cream and fruit snacks 
instead of sweets. Our packs for schools visits include fruit 
juice-based drinks instead of carbonated drinks. We publish 
information on ingredients of non-packaged goods at our kiosks, 
including calorific values and all of our snacks and drinks are 
served in portions which are well under the Government’s 
suggested limit of 500 calories. Picturehouse have also become 
partners in the Change for Life “Smart Swaps” campaign. 

Picturehouse male/female staff members as at 26 December 2013 

Our People
Our published company values focus on our people. We aim to 
treat staff fairly and with respect, providing a good environment 
in which to work and this contributes to our aim of delivering 
excellent customer service with a strong emphasis on the 
individuality of the people and the service.

Charity
Picturehouse has supported the charity Plan for a number of 
years, principally through donating 10p for every bottle of water 
sold and through annual fundraising events. In 2013 we raised 
over £47,000 for Plan’s Africa Water Fund which improves access 
to water and sanitation for children across Africa. In 2013 we 
reversed our 2012 cycle relay from Aberdeen to Exeter, this time 
starting in Exeter and ending in Aberdeen. 46 cyclists and 18 
support drivers were involved over the 1,300 miles of this 19-day 
event. Such activities not only benefit a good cause, but also 
help to bring together our cinema teams. 

Safety
Picturehouse works at every level to respect the well-being and 
safety of its staff and its customers. Its policy is to decentralise 
authority and responsibility to its individual cinemas and to guide, 
check and monitor the effectiveness of this through provision of 
guidelines from its Head Office for implementation by the people 
on site. A rolling programme of audit and compliance processes 
covering all areas of safety, customer care and financial accuracy 
checks and controls the effectiveness of the implementation.

In 2013 we appointed Workplace Safety as the health and safety 
advisers to Picturehouse. Workplace Safety has inspected all of 
the Picturehouse cinemas and its Head Office and has reviewed 
Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work. We are now using 
Workplace Safety’s online portal for storing all Risk Assessments 
and Safe Systems of Work and for reporting all accidents and 
incidents which gives our central teams improved visibility of 
incidents and the actions that have been taken as a consequence.

Males

Females

Picturehouse Cinema Sites

Picturehouse Head Office

Employees

Managers

General  
Managers

Employees

Managers

2012

 50%

 50%

2013

 50%

 50%

2012

 63%

 37%

2013

 60%

 40%

2012

 80%

 20%

2013

 85%

 15%

2012

 42%

 58%

2013

 39%

 61%

2012

 67%

 33%

2013

 76%

 24%

Senior  
Managers

2012

 50%

 50%

2013

 40%

 60%

31

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Directors 
As at 26 December 2013

Anthony Bloom 
Chairman – Age 75
Anthony Bloom joined the Board in October 2004 as Chairman 
and has served as Chairman of Cine-UK Limited since the 
business was founded in 1995. He was previously Chairman and 
Chief Executive of The Premier Group Limited (South Africa) and a 
director of Barclays Bank (South Africa), South African Breweries 
and Liberty Life Assurance. Mr Bloom holds Bachelor of 
Commerce and Bachelor of Law degrees (cum laude) from the 
University of Witwatersrand in South Africa and a Masters of Law 
degree from Harvard Law School. He was a Sloan Fellow at the 
Stanford Graduate School of Business. In 2002, Mr Bloom was 
awarded the degree of Doctor of Law (H.C.) by the University of 
Witwatersrand in recognition of his contribution towards the 
establishment of a non-racial society in South Africa.

Philip Bowcock 
Chief Financial Officer – Age 45
Philip Bowcock joined the Board in December 2011 as the 
Chief Financial Officer. His experience spans senior financial 
roles in the property, retail and leisure industries, having acted 
as Financial Controller at Barratt Developments plc, Finance 
Director for Tesco’s UK property portfolio, Vice President of 
Finance at Hilton Group and latterly as Finance Director at 
Luminar Group Holdings plc. Mr Bowcock has a degree in 
Economic History and is a chartered management accountant.

Stephen Wiener 
Chief Executive Officer – Age 62 
Stephen Wiener joined the Board in October 2004. He has 43 
years’ experience in the cinema industry, starting in the US as 
an usher while a full-time student, and rising through various 
roles culminating in Vice President for Cineplex Odeon in New 
York City. He then moved to Warner Bros Europe in 1991 to 
become Managing Director. In 1995, he left to found Cine-UK 
Limited and developed the business into a chain of 34 cinemas 
before it was acquired by Blackstone in October 2004. At the 
time of the UGC acquisition, he was appointed Chief Executive 
Officer of the combined group. He is also a Non-Executive 
Director of Digital Cinema Media Limited, the screen advertising 
company 50% owned by Cineworld.

David Maloney 
Senior Independent Director – Age 58
David Maloney joined the Board in May 2006. He is the Senior 
Independent Director, Chairman of the Audit Committee and 
a member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committees. 
Mr Maloney is currently Deputy Chair of Micro Focus International 
plc and the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of 
Enterprise Inns plc and Stock Spirit Group plc. He is also the 
Chairman of Reed & Mackay Limited, Brandon Hire Limited 
and on the Board of Trustees of Make A Wish Foundation (UK). 
Previously, he was the Chairman of Hoseasons Holdings Ltd, 
a Director of Virgin Mobile Holdings (UK) plc, Ludorum plc and 
Carillion plc and held a number of senior positions, including 
Chief Financial Officer for Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, 
Thomson Travel Group plc and Avis Europe plc. Mr Maloney 
holds a degree in Economics from Heriot Watt University, 
Edinburgh and is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of 
Management Accountants.

32

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013Martina King 
Non‑Executive Director – Age 53
Martina King joined the Board in July 2010. She is a member of 
the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees. Martina is 
currently Managing Director of Featurespace and a Non-Executive 
Director of Capita Plc and Debenhams Plc. Previous roles include 
Managing Director of Capital Radio PLC and MD of Yahoo! UK 
and Europe.

Eric (Rick) Senat 
Non‑Executive Director – Age 64
Rick Senat joined the Board in July 2010 and is a member of 
the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees. He has 
over 40 years’ experience in the film industry. Rick joined Warner 
Bros in 1976, becoming its Senior Vice President for Business 
Affairs in Europe. Among the projects with which he was closely 
associated are the “Harry Potter” films, “Greystoke”, “Batman”, 
“Superman” and many more. He retired from Warner Bros after 
25 years’ service. He was a Director of the legendary and 
recently revived film company Hammer Film Productions, and 
has served as Vice Chair of the British Film Institute. Currently, 
he is a partner in the Blair Partnership, a literary agency, a 
Non-Executive Director of Pottermore Limited and Bank Leumi 
(UK) plc and Chairman of the London Film Museum. Mr Senat 
is a graduate of University College London and a solicitor.

Peter Williams 
Non‑Executive Director – Age 60
Peter Williams joined the Board in May 2006. He is Chairman 
of the Remuneration Committee and a member of the Audit and 
Nomination Committees. He is the Senior Independent Director 
of Sportech PLC and a Non-Executive Director of Rightmove Plc; 
Chairman of both Mister Spex GmbH, an online eyewear retailer 
based in Berlin, and OfficeTeam Limited, an office supplies group 
and a trustee of the Design Council. In the past, he has also 
served on the boards of ASOS plc, the EMI Group, Blacks Leisure 
Group plc, JJB Sports plc, GCap Media plc, and Capital Radio 
Group plc. In his executive career, he was Chief Executive at 
Alpha Group plc and prior to that Chief Executive of Selfridges plc 
where he also acted as Chief Financial Officer for over ten years. 
Mr Williams has a degree in Mathematics from Bristol University 
and is a chartered accountant.

33

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Directors’ Report 

The Directors present their Annual Report and the audited 
financial statements for the 52 week period ended 26 December 
2013. The comparative period is for the 52 week period ended 
27 December 2012.

Box Office Revenue
This measure represents the principal revenue stream of the 
Group and is used generally within the cinema industry as the 
measure of market share (as reported by Rentrak).

Strategic Report
The strategy of the Group is set out on pages 8 and 9, and a 
review of its business and operations, and the main trends and 
factors likely to affect its future development and performance, 
are set out on pages 10 to 17 in the Strategic Report, which 
should be read in conjunction with this Directors’ Report. An 
explanation of the Group’s business model and an overview of 
the markets in which it operates are set out on pages 4 to 7.

Key performance indicators are set out below and the 
principal risks and uncertainties are set out on pages 20 to 23. 
Information about environmental, employee and community 
issues is set out in part below and also in the Corporate 
Responsibility (“CR”) section on pages 26 to 31. Information 
about diversity is set out on page 44 of the Corporate 
Governance Statement and on page 30 of the CR section.

The strategy and Strategic Report, the section on Risks and 
Uncertainties, the Group’s business model, overview of its 
markets, Corporate Governance Statement and CR sections  
are incorporated by reference into this Directors’ Report. 

Certain statements in these sections are forward looking and 
so involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events, 
and depend upon circumstances, that will occur in the future. 
Therefore results and developments can differ materially from 
those anticipated. The forward looking statements reflect 
knowledge and information available at the date of preparation 
of this Annual Report and the Company undertakes no obligation 
to update these forward looking statements. Nothing in this 
Annual Report should be construed as a profit forecast.

To the extent it is material, the Group’s approach to the use of 
financial instruments in respect of its financial risk management 
objectives, and its exposure to price, liquidity and cash flow risk, 
is set out in Note 22 to the financial statements, and is 
incorporated into this report by reference.

Key Performance Indicators (“KPIs”)
The Board of Directors and executive management receive a wide 
range of management information. The following are the principal 
measures of achievement that are reviewed on a regular basis 
to monitor the development of the Group:

Admissions
This measure is the ultimate driver of the business and primary 
indicator of business volume.

Average Ticket Price and Retail Spend per Customer
Average ticket price is calculated by dividing total net box office 
revenue by total admissions. It is a composite of the various 
pricing structures operated during the day and for different 
promotions for each cinema. Together with admissions this gives 
box office, which is the primary economic measurement for the 
industry. Retail spend per head is a measure of the value of the 
retail activity and our ability to generate other revenues directly 
from our customers. Both box office and retail measures are 
stated excluding VAT.

EBITDA
EBITDA (as defined in Note 1 to the financial statements) 
serves as a useful proxy for cash flows generated by operations 
and of the Group’s ability to finance its capital expenditure 
and pay dividends.

Results and Dividends
The results for the Group for the 52 week period ended 
26 December 2013 are presented under International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the EU. The results 
for the period are set out in the Group Consolidated Statement 
of Profit or Loss on page 67. The results for the Company are 
drawn up under UK GAAP.

An interim dividend of 4.1p per share was paid on 4 October 
2013. The Directors are recommending a final dividend of 6.4p 
which, if approved by the shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting (“AGM”), will be paid on 3 July 2014 to shareholders 
on the register on 6 June 2014.

Financial Risk Management
The Board of Cineworld Group plc regularly reviews the 
financial requirements of the Group and the risks associated 
therewith. The Group does not currently use complicated 
financial instruments, and where financial instruments are used 
it is for reducing interest rate risk (subject to the below). The 
Group does not use derivative financial instruments for trading 
purposes. Group operations are primarily financed from retained 
earnings and bank borrowings including an overdraft facility. 
Further details of capital management are set out in Note 22. 
In addition to the primary financial instruments, the Group also 
has other financial instruments such as debtors and trade 
creditors that arise directly from the Group’s operations.

The Group considers the currency risk on consolidation of the 
assets and liabilities of its Irish subsidiary, Adelphi-Carlton 
Limited, to be of low materiality and no hedging is provided. 

Key Performance Indicators:

Admissions

Box Office Revenue

Average ticket price

Retail spend per customer

EBITDA

52 week period ended  
26 December 2013

52 week period ended  
27 December 2012

Cineworld 

Cinemas Picturehouse

Total Group

Cineworld 
Cinemas

Picturehouse

Total Group

48.4m

3.1m

51.5m

47.8m

0.2m(1)

48.0m(1)

£261.5m

£18.4m £279.9m £251.6m

£1.0m(1) £252.6m(1)

£5.40

£1.75

£5.94

£3.06

£5.43

£1.83

£5.26

£1.72

£5.93(2)

£5.26(1)

£2.80(2)

£1.73(1)

£66.9m

£5.4m

£72.3m

£66.4m

£0.5m(1)

£66.9m(3)

(1)  Comparative information only includes 22 days from 6 to 27 December 2012 for Picturehouse. 
(2)  Comparative information is presented for Picturehouse on a pro-forma basis through summing the 11 month management accounts result to 6 December 2012 

together with the 22 day period to 27 December 2012.

(3)  Comparative information restated following the adoption of the amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”. Refer to Note 26.

34

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013On 10 January 2014, Cineworld Group plc announced 
the combination with the cinema business of Cinema City 
International N.V. (“CCI”), a leading cinema business in seven 
countries across Central and Eastern Europe and Israel (“Cinema 
City”), by means of an acquisition of the shares in Cinema City 
Holding B.V. (“CCH”), a subsidiary of CCI (“CCI Transaction”) 
which completed on 27 February 2014. After the completion 
of the transaction the Group is subject to greater currency risk 
exposure. Wherever possible, overseas operations will fund their 
day-to-day working capital requirements in local currency with 
cash generated from operations, naturally hedging the currency 
risk exposure to the Group. Management will continually monitor 
the level of currency risk exposure, and consider hedging 
where appropriate. 

At the period end, prior to the combination with the cinema 
business of CCI, the Group had a bank loan which consisted 
of a term loan and a revolving facility. During 2013 the original 
term loan was extended by £30m to £87.5m. The revolving 
facility was £100m. Interest was charged on the facility at LIBOR 
plus 1.95%. The whole of the balance of the original £70m term 
loan amounting to £57.5m continued to be hedged in 2013. 
The Group took steps to ensure that the swaps were accounted 
for as hedges and that changes in valuation were recognised 
through reserves. Further information is provided in Notes 17 
and 22 to the financial statements.

As part of the combination with CCI, the Company entered into 
a new five-year facility to part finance such combination and 
repay the existing facility. An element of the new facility was 
drawn to part settle the acquisition cash consideration of £272m 
and €14.5m. The residual of the facility has been drawn to repay 
the existing facilities of the combined Group and to fund general 
working capital requirements going forward. The new facility 
provides funding of £400m of which £275m is a term loan and 
£125m is a revolving credit facility. £160m (€192m) of the new 
facility is available in Euros, reflecting the composition of the 
combined Group. This new financing arrangement became 
effective on 10 January 2014, but the new facility was not drawn 
and the existing facility was not repaid until 27 February 2014. 
As with the previous facility, the new facility is subject to floating 
interest rate charges. In line with the terms of the new facility 
agreement, management are currently in the process of 
implementing appropriate hedging arrangements to mitigate the 
risk of a material impact arising from interest rate fluctuations. 

Directors and Directors’ Interests 
Short biographical details of the Directors of the Company, 
who held office at the end of the period under review, are given 
on pages 32 and 33.

Thomas McGrath was a Director at the start of the period, 
but he did not stand for re-election at the AGM and so left the 
Board on 15 May 2013. 

On 20 November 2013, the Company announced the resignation 
of Stephen Wiener, Cineworld’s founder and CEO, and he is due 
to leave the employment of the Company on 31 March 2014. 
On completion of the CCI Transaction, Moshe (Mooky) Greidinger 
and Israel Greidinger joined the Board as Chief Executive Officer 
and Chief Operating Officer respectively, and Scott Rosenblum 
and Arni Samuelsson joined the Board as Non-Executive 
Directors. Stephen Wiener resigned as CEO and a Director 
at the same time.

Under the Articles of Association (the “Articles”), any Director 
appointed during the year must resign and stand for election at 
the next AGM. Consequently Mooky Greidinger, Israel Greidinger, 
Scott Rosenblum and Arni Samuelsson will offer themselves for 
election at the AGM.

In addition, although the Articles require one third of the 
Directors to retire by rotation at the AGM and, being eligible, 
to offer themselves for re-election each year, in accordance with 
best practice, all the other Directors are offering themselves for 
re-election this year at the AGM. Following the Board evaluation 
process undertaken in November 2013, the Board is satisfied 
that each Director standing for re-election continues to show the 
necessary commitment and to be an effective member of the 
Board due to their skills, expertise and business acumen. 

Under the terms of the relationship agreement (described further 
in the Major Shareholder Voting Arrangements section below), 
following completion of the CCI Transaction, CCI has the right to 
appoint one Non-Executive Director (if none of Mooky Greidinger, 
Israel Greidinger and Scott Rosenblum are on the Board) for so 
long as it holds at least 10% of the voting rights in the Company.

Details of the Directors’ interests in the issued share capital of 
the Company at the beginning and end of the year under review 
are set out on page 36. Details of the Directors’ remuneration, 
and information on their service contracts, are set out in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 47 to 62.

Details of the Directors’ interests in the ordinary shares of the 
Company arising under the Group’s Share and Option Schemes 
are set out in the Remuneration Report on pages 59 and 60. 
No rights to subscribe for shares in or debentures of Group 
companies were granted to any of the Directors or their 
immediate families, or exercised by them, during the financial 
period. None of the Directors had any disclosable interest in the 
shares of Group companies and there have been no changes to 
Directors’ share interests between 26 December 2013 and the 
date of this report except in respect of the rights issue as set 
out on page 36.

None of the Directors has a material interest in any contract of 
significance to which the Company or a subsidiary was a party 
during the financial year, other than as disclosed above, in their 
service contracts or letters of appointment described on page 52 
to 54 and in Note 25, Related Parties.

Conflicts of Interest
The Articles permit the Board to consider and, if it sees fit, 
to authorise situations where a Director has an interest that 
conflicts, or may possibly conflict, with the interests of the 
Company. There is in place a formal system for the Board 
to consider authorising such conflicts whereby the Directors 
who have no interest in the matter decide whether to authorise 
the conflict. In deciding whether to authorise the conflict, the 
non-conflicted Directors are required to act in the way which 
they consider would be most likely to promote the success of 
the Company for the benefit of all shareholders and they may, 
and do, impose conditions to be attached to such authorisations. 
The Board believes that the arrangements for reporting and 
considering such conflicts operate effectively.

Share Capital and Control
The Company has only one class of share capital formed of 
ordinary shares. All shares forming part of the ordinary share 
capital have the same rights and each carries one vote. Details 
of the share capital, and changes in it over the period, are shown 
in Note 21 to the financial statements. 

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive Company 
reports and accounts, to attend and speak at general meetings 
of the Company, to appoint proxies and to exercise voting rights.

35

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Directors’ Report 
continued

There are no restrictions on transfers of, or limitations on the 
holding of, ordinary shares and there is also no requirement of 
any prior approval of any transfers other than those which may 
be applicable from time to time under existing laws or regulation 
or if a person with an interest in 0.25% of the issued share 
capital held in certificated form has been served with a 
disclosure notice and fails to respond with the required 
information concerning interests in that share capital. 

No ordinary shares carry any special rights with regard to control 
of the Company. Except as set out in the Major Shareholder 
Voting Arrangements section below, there are no restrictions on 
voting rights attaching to the ordinary shares and the Company 
is not aware of any known agreements between shareholders 
that restrict the transfer of voting rights attached to ordinary 
shares. No treasury shares are held by the Company and no 
shares are held by any trustee in connection with any Share 
Scheme operated by the Group.

The Company’s Articles set out the rules governing the 
appointment and replacement of Directors. In addition the 
Articles, together with English law, define the Board’s powers. 
Changes to the Articles must be approved by shareholders in 
accordance with the Articles themselves and legislation in 
force at the relevant time. 

Major Shareholder Voting Arrangements
Following completion of the CCI Transaction, CCI is interested 
in aggregate in 24.9% of the rights to vote at general meetings 
of the Company. The Company and CCI have entered into a 
relationship agreement dated 10 January 2014 to regulate the 
relationship between them. Under the relationship agreement, 
the parties acknowledge that the Group is capable of carrying on 
business independently, and that all arrangements between the 
Company and CCI will be on arm’s length terms. The relationship 
agreement also contains restrictions on the disposal of ordinary 
shares in the Company by CCI for 12 months following 
completion of the CCI Transaction and thereafter a requirement 
(where reasonably practical) to consult with and consider the 
reasonable views of the Chairman or Senior Independent 
Director of the Company prior to a disposal of ordinary 
shares in the Company.

Material Contracts
The Group has a number of contractual agreements with its 
suppliers in support of its business. While the loss of some of 
these arrangements may cause temporary disruption, none on 
their own are considered essential to the business of the Group.

Change of Control
There are no significant agreements which take effect, alter 
or terminate in the event of a change of control of the Company 
except that under its current banking arrangements a change of 
control may trigger a right for lenders to require early repayment 
of all sums outstanding.

No Director or employee is contractually entitled to compensation 
for loss of office or employment as a result of a change in 
control; however, provisions in the Company’s share schemes 
may cause options or awards granted to employees to vest on 
a change of control.

Issue of New Shares and Authority to Purchase Shares
At the AGM held on 15 May 2013, shareholders gave authority 
for the allotment of shares up to an aggregate nominal value of 
£997,700 subject to certain conditions. This authority will expire 
on the earlier of the 2014 AGM and 14 August 2014. As at 
26 December 2013, a total of 272,811 shares had been issued 
under this authority. 53,080 ordinary shares were issued under 
the Company’s Share Option Plan, 210,475 ordinary shares were 
issued under the Company’s Performance Share Plan, and 9,256 
ordinary shares were issued under the Cineworld Group Sharesave 
Scheme. Further details of the 272,811 ordinary shares issued 
in the period in this respect are set out in Note 21.

Between the year end and 6 March 2014, being the last 
practicable date before publication of this report, 47,965,465 
ordinary shares were issued pursuant to a rights issue in 
connection with the combination with the cinema operations 
of Cinema City International N.V. In addition 65,601,236 
shares were allotted to Global City Holdings N.V. (formerly CCI) 
as part of the consideration for the combination with the cinema 
business of CCI. More details can be found in Note 27 to 
the financial statements. 

At the AGM held on 15 May 2013, shareholders gave authority 
for the purchase of up to 22,434,000 ordinary shares in the 
Company for cancellation or placing into treasury. No shares 
have been acquired under this authority.

The Board proposes to seek shareholder approval at the AGM 
to renew both the Company’s authority to issue new shares and 
its authority to purchase its own ordinary shares for cancellation 
or placing in treasury. Details of the proposed resolutions are 
set out in the Notice of AGM (the “AGM circular”) dispatched 
to shareholders with the Annual Report and Accounts 
(or notification of their availability).

The Directors who held office at the end of the financial period had the following interests in the ordinary shares of the Company:

Ordinary shares  
held directly

26 December 
2013

27 December 
2012

Ordinary shares held by companies in  
which a Director has a beneficial interest

Following
Rights 
Issue(2)

26 December 
2013

27 December 
2012

–

2,158,006(1)

1,723,224(1)

1,723,224(1)

Director

Anthony Bloom

Philip Bowcock

Martina King

David Maloney

Rick Senat

Stephen Wiener

Peter Williams

Following 
Rights 
Issue(2)

13,200

2,563

26,400

26,937

–

10,000

1,942

20,000

20,407

10,000

1,942

20,000

20,407

2,038,677

1,988,677

1,939,589

52,800

40,000

40,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1)  Shares are held by a nominee for a Jersey-based discretional trust, of which Mr Bloom is one of the potential beneficiaries.
(2)  Rights Issue announced 10 January 2014 and closed on 19 February 2014 in connection with the combination with the cinema business of CCI. 

36

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013Substantial Shareholdings
At 26 December 2013, the Group had been notified, pursuant to the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, of the following interests in 
the voting rights of the Company. Notifications confirming a party’s interest has gone below the threshold notification level have not 
been included:

Shareholder

Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited

Mawer Investment Management Limited

Rathbone Brothers plc

AXA Investment Managers SA

Royal London Asset Management Limited

(1)  Percentages are stated as at the time of notification.

Voting 
Rights

8,435,635

7,484,903

7,314,563

7,225,000

4,887,024

% of 
Total 
Voting 
Rights(1)

5.64

4.99

4.88

4.82

3.26

Nature of  
Holding

Indirect

Direct

Indirect

Indirect

Direct

The following additional notifications were received in the period from 26 December 2013 up to 5 March 2014 (the last practicable 
date to include such notifications).

Shareholder

Global City Holdings N.V. (formerly Cinema City International N.V.)(2)

Mawer Investment Management Limited

Aviva plc

Voting  
Rights

65,601,236

16,087,769

10,698,450

% of 
Total  
Voting 
Rights(1)

24.9%

8.13%

4.06%

Nature of 
Holding

Direct

Direct

Direct and indirect

Royal London Asset Management Limited

7,305,749

Under 3%

Direct

(1)  Percentages are stated as at the time of notification. The total number of voting rights at 26 December 2013 was 149,892,079. Following completion of the rights 

issue on 19 February 2014, it increased to 197,857,544 and following the allotment of the consideration shares for the combination on 28 February 2014 it further 
increased to 263,458,780.

(2)  Global City Holdings N.V. is majority owned by the Greidinger family including Moshe and Israel Greidinger.

Annual General Meeting
The Notice convening the AGM, to be held at The Cineworld 
Cinema, South Side Shopping Centre, Wandsworth High Street, 
London SW18 4TF at 2.00pm on 8 May 2014, is contained in the 
AGM circular. Details of all the resolutions to be proposed are 
set out in the AGM circular.

Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance and Indemnity
The Company maintains insurance cover for all Directors and 
Officers of Group companies against liabilities which may be 
incurred by them whilst acting as Directors and Officers. 

As at the date of this report, indemnities are in force under which 
the Company has agreed to indemnify the Directors as permitted 
by law and by the Articles against liabilities they may incur in the 
execution of their duties as Directors of the Company. 

Political Donations
The Group’s policy, which it has followed, is to make no donations 
to political parties. 

Employees
The policy is to recruit, employ and develop staff on the basis 
of the suitability of their qualifications and experience, regardless 
of sex, marital status, race, nationality, age, sexual orientation 
or religion. It is Company policy to give full and fair consideration 
to applications for employment from disabled people, having 
regard to their particular abilities and aptitudes. Full consideration 
is given to continuing the employment of staff who become 
disabled, including considering them for other reasonable 
positions and arranging appropriate training. Details of the gender 
diversity for both Cineworld Cinemas and Picturehouse can be 
found in the Corporate Responsibility section on pages 30 to 31.

The health, welfare and development of the Group’s employees 
remain a priority. With the intent of attracting, recruiting, 
developing and retaining key employees, Cineworld maintains 
a number of policies and procedures for the benefit of its 
employees, which can be accessed by employees via the Human 
Resources department and via the Human Resources manual 
on the Company’s intranet. Continuing education, training and 
development are important to ensure the future success of 
the Group and employee development is encouraged through 
appropriate training. The Group supports individuals who wish 
to obtain appropriate further education qualifications and 
reimburses tuition fees up to a specified level.

Regular and open communication between management and 
employees is essential for motivating the workforce. Briefings are 
held regularly to provide updates on the Group’s business and to 
provide opportunity for questions and feedback. The Company 
also maintains both an internet website which is freely 
accessible and an intranet site accessible to all head office 
employees and at all cinemas.

The Group encourages the involvement of employees in its 
performance through the operation of a Sharesave Scheme, 
details of which are set out on page 29 of the CR section.

Environmental Matters and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Information on the Group’s environmental policies are 
summarised in the CR section on pages 26 to 31, while this 
section provides the greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emission data 
and supporting information required by the Companies Act 2006 
(Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013.

37

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Directors’ Report 
continued

Organisational Boundary
The organisational boundary used for the Company’s GHG 
reporting is operational control and the Company is reporting on 
emissions covered by scope 1 and 2 (comprising electricity, gas, 
and fugitive F-gas emissions from all operations in the UK and 
Ireland, including Picturehouse). 

As well as scope 1 and 2 emissions figures, additional emissions 
are included for owned transport to account for biofuel additions.

Table 1: Reporting Requirements

Exclusions 
No mandatory emissions sources as specified by the 
Environmental Reporting Guidelines published by the Department 
for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (“Defra”) have been 
excluded from this report. Table 1 shows Defra’s stated 
mandatory areas for reporting and how the stated categories 
apply to the Group.

Reference

Defra Requirement

Relevance

A1

A2

B

B

C

Fuel combustion (stationary)

Gas use for heating

Fuel combustion (mobile)

Owned transport (fleet)

Facility operation: process emissions

N/A

Facility operation: fugitive emissions

F-gases: refrigeration and air conditioning

Emissions from the purchase of electricity, 

Electricity only

heat, steam, cooling

GHG Emissions Data
The GHG emissions for the Group for the calendar year to 31 December 2013 are shown in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Emissions

Reference

A1

A2

B

C

Total

Category

Fuel combustion (stationary)

Fuel combustion (mobile)

Facility operation

Purchased electricity

Tonnes CO2e

14,468

267

1,185

44,710

60,630

As this is the first year of reporting, an exemption applies for 
the year-on-year comparison requirement. A small amount of 
estimated data was used for electricity and gas emissions for 
some meters for December 2013. This affects 0.1% of electricity 
emissions and 0.06% of gas emissions.

Emissions Intensity
The chosen carbon intensity measure is financial turnover. 
This was chosen due to ready availability of the data. The value 
for the period was 149 tonnes CO2e per £m turnover 
(60,630 CO2e/£406.1m).

As this is the first year of reporting, no year-on-year comparison 
is available. 

Methodology and Emissions Factors
This report was calculated using the methodology set out in 
Defra’s updated greenhouse gas reporting guidance, Environmental 
Reporting Guidelines (ref. PB 13944), issued by Defra in June 2013. 
Emissions factors are taken from DECC/Defra 2013 update. 

Emissions factors use well-to-tank additions where appropriate. 
Owned transport emissions include outside-of-scope additions 
for biogenic additions. Electricity emissions include transmission 
and distribution losses. 

Corporate Governance
Details of the Group’s corporate governance arrangements are 
set out in the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 40 to 
46 which together with the Directors’ Remuneration Report and 
the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities form part of this 
Report together with any other parts cross referenced from it.

Corporate Responsibility
Cineworld recognises its responsibilities to the communities 
in which it operates and to operate in a way that respects the 
environment and people within those communities. Further 
details on its approach to such matters are set out in the 
CR section on pages 26 to 31.

Events Affecting the Company since Year End
As referred to above, on 10 January 2014, the Company 
announced the proposed combination with the cinema business 
of CCI, a leading cinema business in seven countries across 
Central and Eastern Europe and Israel by means of an 
acquisition of the shares in Cinema City Holding B.V. (“Cinema 
City”) which was a subsidiary of CCI. The transaction is based 
on an enterprise value of Cinema City (on a debt free/cash free 
basis) of £503m. The combination with Cinema City has created 
the second largest cinema business in Europe (by number of 
screens) and the enlarged Group has 201 sites and 1,852 fully 
digital screens. More details of the combination with Cinema City 
may be found in Note 27 to the financial statements.

Disclosure of Information to Auditor
The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this 
Directors’ Report confirm that, so far as they are each aware, 
there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s 
Auditor is unaware; and each Director has taken all the steps 
that he ought to have taken as a Director to make himself aware 
of any relevant audit information and to establish that the 
Company’s Auditor is aware of that information.

38

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013Auditor
KPMG Audit Plc will not be seeking to continue in office and 
a resolution proposing KPMG LLP’s appointment as auditors in their 
place, at a fee to be agreed by the Directors, will be proposed at the 
AGM. The change reflects an internal reorganisation at KPMG 
whereby KPMG Audit Plc has transferred its business to its 
immediate parent and so it is not seeking re-appointment. 

Funding and Liquidity 
The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity 
position and borrowing facilities are described in the Strategic 
Report on pages 10 to 17. In addition, Note 22 to the financial 
statements includes the Group’s objectives, policies and 
processes for managing its capital; its financial risk management 
objectives; details of its financial instruments and hedging 
activities; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk.

As highlighted in Note 22 to the financial statements, during the 
year the Group met its day-to-day working capital requirements 
through its bank facilities which consisted of a five-year facility 
of £187.5m, which comprised of a £87.5m term loan and £100m 
revolving facility. As at the period end, £85m of the term loan 
plus £38.5m of the revolving facility were drawn down. The 
current economic conditions create uncertainty particularly 
over (a) the level of demand for the Group’s products; and 
(b) the availability of bank finance in the foreseeable future. 
As noted above, since the period end the facilities in place 
during the year have been repaid from the Group’s new facility 
following the combination with the cinema business of CCI 
which is set out on page 35. 

The new bank facility is subject to two covenants: the ratio of 
EBITDA to net debt and the ratio of EBITDAR (pre-rent EBITDA) 
to net finance charges. The Group’s forecasts and projections, 
taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading 
performance, show that the Group should be able to operate 
within the level of its current facility, including compliance with 
the bank facility covenants. The Group therefore continues to 
adopt the going concern basis.

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group 
has adequate resources to continue in operational existence 
for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going 
concern basis in preparing the annual financial statements. 

Management Report
This Directors’ Report is the “management report” for the 
purposes of rule 4.1.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

Directors’ Responsibility Statement
The Directors’ Responsibility Statement is set out on page 63, 
which states that the Directors consider that the Annual Report and 
Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable 
and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess 
the Group’s performance, business model and strategy.

Information in the Strategic Report
An indication of likely future developments in the Group’s 
business is set out on pages 10 to 17 of the Strategic Report.

Overseas Branches
At the financial year end, the Group had overseas operations in 
Jersey and Ireland. Following the CCI Transaction, the Group has 
overseas operations in Poland, Israel, Hungary, Czech Republic, 
Bulgaria, Romania and Slovakia.

By order of the Board

R B Ray
Company Secretary
Cineworld Group plc
6 March 2014

Registered Office:
Power Road Studios
114 Power Road
Chiswick, London W4 5PY 

Registered: 
England No: 5212407

39

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Corporate 
Governance Statement

Chairman’s Introduction
Dear Shareholder
The Board remains committed to ensuring that an appropriate 
standard of corporate governance is maintained throughout 
the Group and strives to meet the standards required of larger 
companies. A number of regulatory changes have been made 
by the UK Corporate Governance Code published in September 
2012 (“the Governance Code”), mainly in respect of the Audit 
Committee, and so the format of the report has changed 
somewhat this year. Overall, we are fully compliant with the 
Governance Code.

Anthony Bloom
Chairman

Compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code
The principal governance rules applying to UK companies listed 
on the London Stock Exchange for the period covered by this 
statement are contained in the 2012 UK Corporate Governance 
Code published by the Financial Reporting Council in September 
2012 and a copy is available on its website www.frc.org.uk. 

For the year ended 26 December 2013, the Board considers 
that the Company was compliant with the provisions of the 
Governance Code (and also the 2010 version). This report 
explains how the Company has complied with the provisions of 
the Governance Code. The information required to be disclosed 
by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (“DTR”) 7.1 and 7.2 is 
set out in this statement except that information required by DTR 
7.2.6 which is set out in the Directors’ Report on pages 34 to 39 
and is incorporated in this statement by reference.

The Board
The Group is ultimately controlled by the Board of Directors of 
the Company. The Board is responsible for the overall leadership 
of the Group and for determining its long-term objectives and 
commercial strategy to create and deliver strong and sustainable 
financial performance to enhance shareholder value. In fulfilling 
its role, the Board ensures that necessary financial and other 
resources are available to enable the Group’s objectives to be 
met. The basis on which the Board seeks to preserve value over 
the longer term and the strategy for delivering the objectives is 
set out in the Strategic Report on pages 10 to 17.

The Board meets regularly at least six times a year and also once 
for a strategy day. The meetings follow a formal agenda, which 
includes matters specifically reserved for decision by the Board. 
The Board also meets, as and when necessary, to discuss and 
approve, if appropriate, specific issues. All Directors receive 
notice of such meetings and are given the opportunity to 
comment on the issues being discussed if they are unable 
to attend the meeting.

A schedule of matters specifically reserved for decision 
by the Board has been agreed and adopted. These matters 
include: setting Group strategy; approving an annual budget 
and medium-term forecasts; reviewing operational and financial 
performance; approving major acquisitions, divestments 
and capital expenditure; succession planning; approving 
appointments to the Board and of the Company Secretary, 
and approving policies relating to Directors’ remuneration 
and contracts.

The Board is supplied on a monthly basis with detailed 
management accounts and an overview of Group financial 
and operational information.

Directors and Directors’ Independence
At the start of the year, the Board was composed of eight 
members, consisting of the Chairman, two Executive Directors 
and five Non-Executive Directors, all of whom were considered 
independent. Thomas McGrath decided not to stand for 
re-election at the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) and left the 
Board on 15 May 2013 reducing the number of Non-Executive 
Directors to four.

On 20 November 2013, it was announced that Stephen Wiener, 
the Chief Executive Officer, would be leaving the Company on 
31 March 2014 and that a search would be commenced for a 
new Chief Executive Officer. The names of the Directors at the 
year end together with their biographical details are set out on 
pages 32 and 33.

The terms and conditions of appointment of Non-Executive 
Directors are set out in letters of appointment and are made 
available for inspection by any person at the Company’s 
registered office during normal business hours and will 
be available at the AGM. Further details of the letters of 
appointment of the Non-Executive Directors and the service 
contracts of the Executive Directors can be found in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 47 to 62.

The Roles of the Chairman and Chief Executive
The posts of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are separate. 
The division of responsibility between the Chairman of the Board, 
Anthony Bloom, and the Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Wiener, 
is clearly defined in writing.

The Chairman, together with the Chief Executive Officer, 
leads the Board in determination of its strategy having regard 
to the Group’s responsibilities to its shareholders, customers, 
employees and other stakeholders. He is responsible for 
organising the business of the Board, ensuring its effectiveness 
and setting its agenda. The Chairman also facilitates the 
effective contribution of Non-Executive Directors and oversees 
the performance evaluation of the Board and he regularly 
discusses matters with the Non-Executive Directors without 
the Executive Directors being present.

The Chairman performs a number of external roles, but the Board 
is satisfied that these are not such as to interfere with the 
performance of the Chairman’s duties to the Group.

The Chief Executive Officer has direct charge of the Group on a 
day-to-day basis and is accountable to the Board for the financial 
and operational performance of the Group. He holds regular 
meetings with his Executive Team consisting of senior executives 
who assist him in this task.

Independent Directors and the Company Secretary
The Governance Code recommends that, in the case of smaller 
companies incorporated in England which are below the FTSE 
350, at least two non-executive members of the Board of 
Directors should be independent in character and judgement, 
and free from relationships or circumstances which are likely 
to affect, or could appear to affect, their judgement. The Board 
considers that Martina King, David Maloney, Thomas McGrath 
(up to his leaving date), Rick Senat and Peter Williams were for 
the period all Independent Non-Executive Directors.

David Maloney has been appointed as the Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director and he, together with Peter Williams, is 
available to shareholders if they have concerns which contact 
through the normal channels of Chairman, Chief Executive Officer 
or Chief Financial Officer has failed to resolve or for which 
contact is inappropriate.

40

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013The independent Non-Executive Directors bring an objective 
viewpoint and range of experience to the Company and ensure 
that no individual or group of individuals is able to dominate 
the Board’s decision making. They play a key role in reviewing 
proposals and providing constructive challenge generally and in 
particular in respect of strategy. They also ensure that appropriate 
standards are being maintained. All the Non-Executive Directors 
have access to independent legal advice subject to consulting 
with the Board and following the agreed procedure.

The Company Secretary is responsible for advising and 
supporting the Chairman and the Board on Corporate 
Governance matters, ensuring Board procedures are followed 
and facilitating the good information flow within the Board 
and the Board appointed Committees.

Professional Development and Performance Evaluation
Under the direction of the Chairman, the Board’s responsibilities 
include facilitating induction and professional development. 
Any new Director receives a comprehensive, formal and tailored 
induction into the Company’s operations. Appropriate training is 
provided to new Directors and is also available to other Directors 
as required.

During the year, a performance evaluation was carried out in 
respect of the Board, the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination 
Committees and each individual Director including the Chairman. 
In accordance with the statement made in the 2012 Annual 
Report, the process was facilitated by an external consultant 
from Jon Edis-Bates Associates who had no connection with the 
Group. He met individually with each of the Directors and other 
key individuals and discussed a range of questions pre-agreed 
with the Chairman. The facilitator then collated the results and 
reported back to the Chairman. A summary was then presented 
to the Board and each Director given the chance to ask further 
questions. A short confidential report was also prepared on the 
performance of each Director which the Chairman shared with 
the individual. 

The evaluation confirmed that overall the Board and Committee 
processes were working appropriately and the Directors including 
the Chairman were performing satisfactorily. However, there were 
a few matters identified where Directors felt that more time 
should be allocated to them and processes could be improved 
further in certain areas. Such matters included more regularly 
reviewing the Board’s composition with a particular focus on 
succession planning for the Non-Executive Directors, the 
diversity of the Board generally, ensuring Directors undertook 
appropriate training, and assessing if certain advisers provided 
consistently good quality advice. Action has been taken and 
additional time has already been spent on some of these 
matters and the Board plans to take further action and 
allocate more time to them in the future.

Board Committees
In accordance with best practice, the Board has appointed 
a number of Committees, as set out below, to which certain 
Board functions have been delegated. Each of these Committees 
has formal written terms of reference which clearly define their 
responsibilities. The terms of reference of each of the Board’s 
three Committees are available on the website or from the 
Company Secretary.

Audit Committee Report
Chairman’s Introduction
Dear Fellow Shareholders,

I am pleased to introduce the report on the activities of the Audit 
Committee (the “Committee”) during the 2013 financial year, a 
year that has seen a number of regulatory changes which have 
reinforced the role of the Committee, on behalf of the Board, 
in ensuring that the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, 
balanced and understandable. 

In this report I have detailed how the Committee has discharged 
its responsibilities in relation to the three areas highlighted in 
the revised Corporate Governance Code, being:

•  Addressing significant financial statement reporting issues;
•  Assessing external audit effectiveness; and
•  Appointing the external auditor and safeguards on 

non-audit services.

The Committee has continued to take an active role in 
understanding certain aspects of the business and the risk 
and challenges it faces. During 2013, we have undertaken 
an exercise to review how best to use internal and external 
resources to ensure that we maintain and improve our internal 
audit standards. Following a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers, 
we are proposing to make greater use of external resources 
going forward, although we will still be retaining an active 
in-house internal audit function – albeit on a smaller scale. 
Changes will be implemented over the course of 2014 which, 
I believe, will make the Group’s arrangements more efficient 
and effective.

The Group is currently not required to put its audit out to tender 
at least every ten years under the Corporate Governance Code 
(as it is not a FTSE 350 company). However, we have been 
monitoring with interest the issue of audit reform, in particular 
the findings of the Competition Commission and the EU’s 
provisional agreement on proposed changes. We recognise that 
periodic tenders are now best practice and will therefore plan 
during 2014 when such a tender process should be undertaken.

David Maloney
Chairman, Audit Committee

Composition 
At the start of the year, the Committee comprised three 
independent Non-Executive Directors (namely David Maloney, 
Rick Senat and Peter Williams). Martina King, another independent 
Non-Executive Director, was appointed as an additional member at 
the end of January 2013. Both David Maloney and Peter Williams 
are considered by the Board to have recent and relevant financial 
experience. The Group considers that it complied with the 
Governance Code throughout the year as it recommends that the 
Audit Committee of a smaller company which is below the FTSE 
350 should comprise of at least two members who should both 
be independent Non-Executive Directors, and at least one member 
should have recent and relevant financial experience.

41

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Corporate Governance Statement 
continued

Roles and Responsibilities
The Committee assists the Board in discharging its responsibility 
with regard to financial reporting, the control environment and 
the work of the external and internal auditors, including:

•  Monitoring the financial reporting process;
•  Reviewing the Group’s Annual and Interim Reports;
•  Reviewing the Group’s risk assessment process, the output of 

that assessment and the associated risk management systems;

•  Reviewing the effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls;
•  Considering the scope of both internal and external audit’s 

activities, their reports and their effectiveness;

•  Reviewing and monitoring the extent of the non-audit work 

undertaken by the external auditors; and

•  Advising on the appointment of external auditors.

The ultimate responsibility for reviewing and approving the 
Annual and Interim Reports remains with the Board.

The Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial 
Officer, other senior executives, the internal auditors and the 
external auditors may be invited to attend meetings, but are 
not members. 

What the Committee did in 2013
We met five times during the year, during which time we:

•  Monitored the financial reporting process and reviewed the 
half-year and annual financial statements with particular 
reference to accounting policies, principal risks and 
uncertainties, together with significant estimates and financial 
reporting judgements and the disclosures made therein;
•  Reviewed the management representations made to the 
external auditor and the Group’s procedures to ensure all 
relevant information had been disclosed;

•  Discussed any issues arising out of the interim review and 
full year audit with the external auditor (in the absence of 
management where appropriate);

•  Reviewed the most recent risk register and the measures 

implemented to mitigate the principal risks facing the Group;

•  Monitored and reviewed the effectiveness of the Group’s 

internal financial controls together with its broader internal 
controls and risk management systems;

•  Reviewed the Group’s internal audit function and decided 
upon changes to internal and external resources utilised 
by the Group to improve efficiency and effectiveness;
•  Reviewed the results of non-financial audits including 

compliance with Health and Safety regulations (including food 
hygiene and fire safety) and where applicable agreed 
enhancements to procedures and reviewed remedial actions; 

•  Made recommendations to the Board with regard to 

continuing the appointment and remuneration of the external 
auditor, oversight of the Group’s relations with the external 
auditor and their independence and monitored the 
effectiveness of the audit process; and

•  Reviewed its terms of reference and recommending changes 

to the Board.

Significant Issues Considered in Relation to the 
Financial Statements
During the year the Committee, management and the external 
auditor considered and concluded on what the significant risks 
and issues were in relation to the financial statements and how 
these would be addressed.

Valuation of Picturehouse Intangible Assets 
In December 2012, the Group acquired the Picturehouse 
cinema chain. Due to the close proximity of the acquisition to the 
2012 year end, the fair value of acquired assets was determined 
on a provisional basis. Goodwill of £19.6m in respect of the 
acquisition was recognised at the 2012 year end. During the 
first half of 2013, our approach to formally valuing the acquired 
assets, specifically the intangible assets, was further refined. 
We engaged with Deloitte to carry out a valuation of the identified 
brand and customer relationship assets which were identified in 
the 2012 financial statements (totalling £15.5m). The process 
resulted in a small reduction in total value of the identified 
intangible assets and change in allocation of value between 
the brand and customer relationship assets. The valuation 
exercise resulted in an increase in the goodwill recognised 
on acquisition of £0.2m. This is further explained in Note 9 
to the financial statements.

Based on the Committee’s enquiries of management and review 
of the work performed by Deloitte the Committee satisfied 
themselves that: 

•  The fair value of acquired intangible assets presented in the 
financial statements was consistent with the advice received 
from the external expert; 

•  The sensitivities that they had applied to the key inputs in the 
valuation cash flow forecasts did not materially alter the value 
of the assets presented; and 

•  The subjectivity of the valuation process was appropriately 

disclosed in the annual financial statements. 

The Competition Committee Investigation into the Acquisition 
of City Screen Limited 
On 31 January 2014, the Competition Commission 
announced their final report on the acquisition of Picturehouse. 
The required remedial action detailed in the report is the 
requirement to dispose of either the Picturehouse or Cineworld 
cinema in Aberdeen, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge. In light of 
this announcement management assessed the detailed findings 
and remedies, prepared detailed operational plans to action the 
adopted remedy and provided the Committee with their findings 
and recommendations in respect of both the operational impact 
and the impact on the carrying value of the acquisition goodwill, 
brand and customer relationship assets and cinema assets. 

As a result of the decision made by the Board to dispose of 
sites in Aberdeen, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge an element 
of goodwill recognised on the acquisition of Picturehouse 
(totalling £0.7m) was impaired accordingly. Management made 
the assessment that the sale of Picturehouse sites did not 
diminish the value of the brand asset recognised on acquisition 
and no impairment was made. The current offers for each of the 
sites exceed the carrying value of the respective property, plant 
and equipment and therefore no impairment of these assets 
was deemed necessary.

The Committee, along with the Board, reviewed managements’ 
operational and strategic rationale in respect of selecting sites 
for disposal. The Committee gave due consideration to the 
impairment exercise and concluded that the approach adopted 
was consistent with Group accounting policies. 

By way of enquires of management and discussions with 
the external auditor, the Committee satisfied themselves that 
the position adopted and disclosed in the financial statements 
was based on the latest and best available information. Further 
explanation can be found in Note 16 to the financial statements. 

42

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013Onerous Lease and Dilapidation Provisions 
As detailed in Note 20, the approach to estimating the onerous 
lease and dilapidations provisions has remained consistent 
with prior periods. It is noted that changes in performance of 
individual sites and the sensitivity of the inputs mean that the 
provision is inherently subjective. Management evaluate the 
appropriateness of the provision on at least an annual basis. 
The exercise involves reviewing forecast future earnings on 
a site-by-site basis and ensuring that the provision in place 
remains at an appropriate level. As well as considering site 
performance, management also consider the appropriateness 
of the discount rate applied, the Group’s weighted average 
cost of capital and ensure it is updated for current market 
information and the Group’s current leverage. 

Management confirmed to the Audit Committee that the 
methodology had been applied consistently during the current year 
and none of the Committee’s other enquiries, nor the auditor’s 
work, identified any errors or inconsistencies that were material in 
the context of the financial statements as a whole. Management 
confirmed that they have monitored the adequacy of the provision 
historically and concluded that there have been no material 
un-provided costs or un-required provisions identified. 

Virtual Print Fee (“VPF”) Recognition 
As detailed in Note 15, a VPF is recognised on the date 
of the showing of the film to which it relates. Its recognition 
in the Statement of Comprehensive Income does therefore 
not necessarily align with when the cash is received. There is 
therefore an element of judgement applied to the accounting 
process. Over the last 18 months, the availability of information 
in respect of VPF recognition has been enhanced and management 
have informed the Committee that a refined process in respect 
of recognition is now in place. Management confirmed to the 
Committee that the new approach has been applied consistently 
during the year. The Committee satisfied themselves that the new 
approach was appropriate and resulted in accurate recognition 
by enquiring of management and the external auditor. 

As there can be a timing difference between recognition in the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income and cash receipt of the VPF 
income, the Committee enquired of management as to whether 
or not the recovery of cash was a risk. Management informed the 
Committee that it has monitored the recovery of the VPF income 
and that there were no significant amounts which had not been 
recovered in line with the standard payment terms agreed with 
Arts Alliance Media. 

Valuation of Property, Plant and Equipment
As detailed in Note 10, there is a significant inherent risk that 
the Group’s considerable property, plant and equipment balances 
may prove to be irrecoverable, due to fluctuations in the underlying 
performance of cinemas or one-off events. Given the difficulties 
involved in predicting the performance of sites operated by the 
Group there is an element of judgement applied to the potential 
level of impairments to be recognised on a cinema-by-cinema basis. 
At each balance sheet date, management prepare their valuation 
model which assesses net present value of the cinema-by-cinema 
cash flows, based on the Board approved budget over each cinema 
lease term. The main assumptions over growth rates, the impact of 
one-off events, expected cost increases and discount rate are 
updated to reflect management’s best estimate.

At the period end management prepared their valuation model 
for the Board’s consideration, together with their proposed site 
impairments. Management confirmed to the Committee that 
they have applied a consistent methodology in the preparation 
of the valuation model and the Committee satisfied itself that 
the approach was appropriate, the assumptions reasonable 
and that the impairments proposed were complete and accurate. 
The Committee also satisfied themselves through enquiry of 
management and review of the Board papers that all significant 
events which may have impacted on the valuation of the property, 
plant and equipment had been appropriately captured in 
management’s assumptions and reflected in the valuation model.

Auditor Appointment and Independence
The Committee reviews the appointment of the external auditors 
each year before the cycle of audits commence and in deciding 
whether to renew the appointment takes note, amongst other 
matters, of the quality of the service received, the proposed fees 
and the auditors’ independence. Management and all members 
of the Committee are consulted during the process. Further 
details of these processes are set out below.

The Committee considers the independence of the external 
auditors on an ongoing basis and has established policies to 
consider the appropriateness or otherwise of appointing the 
external auditors to perform non-audit services. In particular, 
under its terms of reference, all non-audit fee work needs to be 
approved by the Committee if the value of such work is likely to 
be greater than £30,000. KPMG have provided certain non-audit 
services to the Group, principally in respect of advice on taxation 
and merger and acquisition matters with fees in respect of this 
work totalling £68,000 and £723,000 respectively. Further 
details are set out in Note 4 to the financial statements. 
Particular consideration was given prior to appointing KPMG to 
undertake work in respect of the combined Class 1 circular and 
prospectus for the proposed combination with the cinema 
operations of Cinema City International N.V issued on 10 January 
2013 as the fees from such appointment would mean that the 
ratio of non-audit fees to audit fees would be greater than three 
to one. The Committee was satisfied that it is normal and 
sensible for such work to undertaken by a Group’s auditors and 
KPMG was best placed to undertake this work. The Committee is 
satisfied that such work was best undertaken by KPMG and their 
objectivity has not been impaired by reason of this further work. 

Audit quality and effectiveness is reviewed throughout the year 
with the focus on the firm’s methodology and its application to 
Cineworld, robustness of challenges and findings on areas that 
require management judgement, and the quality of the senior 
members of the audit team. In particular, the effectiveness 
of the audit is assessed over the year by:

•  Reviewing the quality and scope of planning of the audit and 

its approach to changes in our business;

•  Monitoring the independence and transparency of the audit;
•  Reviewing the Financial Reporting Council’s Audit Quality 
Review (AQR) reports for KPMG and other audit firms; and
•  Seeking feedback from KPMG on any external or internal 

quality review of our audit.

Further, at the conclusion of each year’s audit the Committee 
evaluates the performance of the external auditor by discussing 
with Executive Directors and relevant senior finance management 
areas such as the quality of audit team, business understanding, 
audit approach and management. Where appropriate, actions are 
agreed against the points raised and subsequently monitored for 
progress. There were no significant findings from the evaluation 
this year and the Committee considers the external audit to have 
been robust and effective.

The Committee is satisfied that it has sufficient oversight of the 
external auditors and their independence and objectivity is not 
comprised due to the safeguards in place.

The combination with the cinema business of Cinema City 
International N.V. is a transformational event that has led to a 
significant change to both the executive leadership, with two new 
Executive Directors, and the operations of the Group, which will 
expand outside of the UK for the first time. With 40% of operations 
being in Eastern Europe and Israel and the execution risk that 
exists around the integration of the financial reporting systems 
and establishing the associated processes and controls, this 
is a time of substantial change and enhanced risk for the Group. 
As part of ensuring the integration of the two businesses is well 
controlled, the Committee considers robust, independent 
challenge and insight from its auditor to be key to safeguarding 
the quality of our financial reporting and the audit opinion.

43

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Corporate Governance Statement 
continued

Professional standards normally require the audit partner to be 
rotated every five years. The current audit engagement partner 
was appointed for the 2009 audit and so a new audit partner 
would normally be appointed for 2014. However, after careful 
consideration the Audit Committee believes that, given the 
specific circumstances faced by Cineworld (as described in the 
previous paragraph), it is necessary to extend the tenure of the 
audit engagement partner in order to safeguard the quality of the 
external financial statement audit. The Audit Committee has 
therefore requested that the current audit engagement partner 
continue in the role for up to two years, although the Committee 
will review the need for the second year extension in 12 months. 
KPMG has agreed to this request.

The external auditors are also required to periodically assess 
whether, in their professional opinion, they are independent 
and confirm this to the Committee. KPMG has provided 
this confirmation.

Nomination Committee
At the start of the year, the Company’s Nomination Committee 
was comprised of three members, all of whom are independent 
Non-Executive Directors (namely Thomas McGrath, David 
Maloney and Peter Williams). Martina King and Rick Senat, 
both independent Non-Executive Directors, were appointed 
as additional members at the end of January 2013. Thomas 
McGrath, the Committee Chairman, did not stand for re-election 
as a Director at the AGM and so left the Committee on 15 May 
2013. Rick Senat succeeded Thomas McGrath as Chairman 
of the Committee. 

The Committee met twice during the financial year. The Company 
considers that it complies with the Governance Code, which 
provides that a majority of the members of the Nomination 
Committee should be independent Non-Executive Directors. 
Due to the importance that the Directors play in the success 
of the Group, the Chairman is invited to attend meetings, and 
does so, except when his own position is being discussed.

The Nomination Committee assists the Board in discharging 
its responsibilities relating to the composition of the Board. 
It is responsible for evaluating the balance of skills, knowledge 
and experience on the Board, the size, structure and composition 
of the Board, retirements and appointments of additional and 
replacement Directors, the independence of Directors and makes 
appropriate recommendations to the Board on such matters. It is 
also responsible for ensuring that Directors have sufficient time 
to discharge their duties on appointment, and thereafter, with 
such matters being specifically addressed in the letters of 
appointment of the Non-Executive Directors.

During the year, the Committee reviewed its own performance, 
reviewed the structure of the Board and the three Committees 
and discussed succession issues. It also considered the 
development of key individuals just below Board level with the 
aim of ensuring that key talent was developed and retained 
within the Group.

Committee Membership Post the Combination with CCI

Board Diversity
While the Committee considered gender, nationality and cultural 
diversity all to be important when reviewing the composition of 
the Board and possible new appointees, it believes that the single 
most important factor is to identify, recruit and retain the people it 
considered, on merit, to be the best candidates for each particular 
role. It is not currently in favour of setting specific targets for 
Board representation to be achieved by particular dates. As part 
of the process of recruiting new Directors, it has agreed that 
candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds should be 
considered and, where reasonably possible, shortlists should 
comprise of candidates of both sex.

Remuneration Committee
At the start of the year, the Company’s Remuneration Committee 
comprised three Non-Executive Directors (namely Martina 
King, David Maloney and Peter Williams). Rick Senat, another 
independent Non-Executive Director, was appointed as an 
additional member at the end of January 2013. The Committee 
met four times during the year. The Company considers that it 
complied with the Governance Code which provides that the 
Remuneration Committee of a smaller company which is below 
the FTSE 350 should consist of at least two members who 
are both independent Non-Executive Directors.

The Remuneration Committee assists the Board in determining 
its responsibilities in relation to remuneration, including making 
recommendations to the Board on the Group’s policy on 
executive remuneration, determining the individual remuneration 
and benefits package of each of the Executive Directors and 
monitoring and approving the remuneration of senior 
management below Board level.

The Remuneration Committee appointed Towers Watson as an 
external adviser in November 2008 and again took advice from 
them during the year. Towers Watson have no other connection 
with the Group except as the actuary to the pension schemes 
of Adelphi-Carlton Limited, the Group’s operating company 
in Ireland.

The Chief Executive Officer is consulted on the remuneration 
packages of the other senior executives and attends discussions 
by invitation except when his own position is being discussed. 
Given the essential part remuneration plays in the success of 
the Group, the Chairman is also invited to attend meetings of 
the Committee and does so except when his own remuneration 
is being considered. The Committee does not deal with the 
fees paid to the Non-Executive Directors. The report of the 
Remuneration Committee is set out on pages 47 to 62.

Changes to the Membership of the Audit, Nomination and 
Remuneration Committees
On completion of the combination with the cinema business 
of Cinema City International N.V. (“CCI”) on 27 February 2014, 
the membership of the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration 
Committees was changed and became as follows:

Audit Committee

Nomination Committee

Remuneration Committee

Chairman

Member

Member

David Maloney

Martina King

Peter Williams

Rick Senat

Scott Rosenblum

Arni Samuelsson

Peter Williams

Martina King

David Maloney

All the Committees remain compliant with the Governance Code as regards their membership following these changes.

44

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013Attendance at Meetings
The number of scheduled Board meetings and Committee meetings attended by each Director during the year was as follows:

Number of meetings in year

Director

Anthony Bloom

Philip Bowcock

Martina King

David Maloney

Thomas McGrath(2)

Rick Senat

Stephen Wiener

Peter Williams

Board 
(including 
strategy day)

Audit 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

7

5

4

2

Attended

Attended

Attended

Attended

7(1)

7

7

7

1

6

7

7

5(5)

n/a

2(3)

5(1)

n/a

4

n/a

5

4(5)

n/a

4

4

n/a

2(4)

n/a

4(1)

2(5)

n/a

1(3)

2

1(1)

1(1)(4)

n/a

2

(1)  Chairman of Board/Committee. Rick Senat succeeded Thomas McGrath as Chairman of the Nomination Committee on 15 May 2013.
(2)  Thomas McGrath did not stand for re-election at the AGM and left the Board on 15 May 2013 and so did not attend meetings after this date.
(3)  Martina King was appointed to the Audit and Nomination Committees after the first meeting of the year so could have attended a maximum of four Audit 

and one Nomination Committees. 

(4)  Rick Senat was appointed to the Remuneration and Nomination Committees after the first meeting of the year so could have attended a maximum of three 

Remuneration and one Nomination Committees.
(5)  Anthony Bloom attended these meetings by invitation.

Re‑election
Under the Company’s Articles of Association, at each AGM each 
year one third of the Directors (or if their number is not three or 
a multiple of three, the nearest number to, but not less than one 
third) must retire by rotation and being eligible may stand for 
re-election. A Director must retire (and will be counted in the one 
third to retire) if he was last appointed or reappointed three years 
or more prior to the AGM or has served more than eight years as 
a Non-Executive Director (excluding as Chairman of the Board).

Although the Company is not a FTSE 350 company, all the 
Directors (and not just the one third required by the Articles) 
will be offering themselves for re-election at this year’s AGM, 
reflecting current best practice for larger companies under the 
Governance Code. Biographical details of all the Directors are 
set on page 32 and 33.

Investor Relations
The Directors value contact with the Company’s institutional 
and private investors. An Annual Report and Accounts is sent 
to all new shareholders and is otherwise made available to 
shareholders via the Company’s website unless they have 
specifically requested that a copy is sent to them. Presentations 
are given to shareholders and analysts following the 
announcement of the interim results and the preliminary 
announcement of the full year results. Interim management 
statements are issued twice each year in respect of the first 
and third quarters and trading updates are issued as well in 
early January and late June immediately before the Company 
enters into its close period leading up to the interim and 
preliminary results announcement. 

Separate announcements of all material events are made as 
necessary. In addition to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief 
Financial Officer, who have regular contact with investors over 
such matters, Anthony Bloom (the Chairman), David Maloney 
(Senior Independent Director), and Peter Williams (an Independent 
Non-Executive Director) are available to meet with shareholders 
as, and when, required. Additionally, the Chief Executive Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer provide focal points for shareholders’ 
enquiries and dialogue throughout the year. The whole Board is 
kept up to date at its regular meetings with the views of 
shareholders and analysts and it receives reports on changes 
in the Company’s share register and market movements.

45

The Board uses the AGM to communicate with private 
and institutional investors and welcomes their participation. 
The Chairman aims to ensure that the Chairmen of the Audit 
Committee, Remuneration Committee and Nomination 
Committee are available at the AGM to answer questions, 
and that all Directors attend.

The Company’s website (www.cineworldplc.com) provides 
an overview of the business. Major Group announcements are 
available on the website and new announcements are published 
without delay. All major announcements are approved by the 
Chairman and Executive Directors and circulated to the Board 
prior to issue. The Group also has internal and external checks 
to guard against unauthorised release of information.

Internal Controls
The Board is responsible for maintaining an effective system 
of internal control that provides reasonable assurance that the 
Group’s assets are safeguarded and that material financial errors 
and irregularities are prevented or detected with a minimum 
of delay.

The Group has in place internal control and risk management 
arrangements in relation to the Group’s financial reporting 
processes and the preparation of its consolidated accounts. 
The arrangements include policies and procedures to ensure 
the maintenance of records which accurately and fairly reflect 
transactions to enable the preparation of financial statements 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
or UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, as appropriate, 
with reasonable assurance and that require reported data to be 
reviewed and reconciled, with appropriate monitoring internally 
and by the Audit Committee.

More generally the Directors are committed to implementing 
measures to ensure that there is an ongoing review of the 
effectiveness of the internal control system with procedures to 
capture and evaluate failings and weaknesses, and in the case 
of those categorised by the Board as significant, that procedures 
exist to ensure that necessary action is taken to remedy 
the failings.

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Corporate Governance Statement 
continued

•  Each cinema having its own risk register prepared by undertaking 
an annual review of all risks affecting the cinema and detailing 
the control measures in place to mitigate those risks with key 
controls being reviewed by the internal audit function.

•  Business Continuity Plans for Head Office and each cinema 

being in place with components of the Head Office plan being 
reviewed and tested during the year.

•  Upgrading the Group IT Security policy and related processes.
•  A specialist company conducting quarterly penetration testing 

on the Group’s IT networks.

•  A whistleblowing policy being in place ensuring that members 
of staff who were concerned about impropriety, financial or 
otherwise, could raise such matters without fear of victimisation 
or reprisal.

Accountability, Audit and Financial
The Board is responsible for the preparation of the Annual 
Report and ensuring that the financial statements present a 
fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the Group’s 
financial position and prospects. Responsibility is administered 
primarily by the Audit Committee, of which the terms of reference 
are referred to above.

A comprehensive budgeting system allows managers to submit 
detailed budgets which are reviewed and amended by the 
Executive Directors prior to submission to the Board for approval.

Whistleblowing 
In accordance with best practice the Group operates 
whistleblowing arrangements which enable employees to raise 
concerns about improprieties in financial reporting and other 
matters on a confidential basis. The process is set out in a clear 
policy accessible to all staff which includes an email address 
which the Senior Independent Director monitors to ensure that 
all matters raised are dealt with appropriately and to ensure 
that whistleblowers are suitably protected.

Human Resources
The Group endeavours to appoint employees with appropriate 
skills, knowledge and experience for the roles they undertake. 
The Group has a range of policies which are aimed at retaining 
and providing incentives for key staff. Objectives are set for 
departments and employees that are derived from the Group’s 
business objectives. The Group has a clear and well-understood 
organisational structure and each employee knows his or her 
line of accountability.

Insurance
It is not practical or possible to insure against every risk to the 
fullest extent. The Group has in place an insurance programme 
to help protect it against certain insurable risks. The portfolio of 
insurance policies is kept under regular review with its insurance 
broker to ensure that the policies are appropriate to the Group’s 
activities and exposures in light of cost, and the likelihood and 
magnitude of the risks involved.

By order of the Board

Anthony Bloom
Chairman
6 March 2014

The Board is satisfied that throughout the financial period in 
question such measures were in place throughout the Group 
and the Company fully complies with the requirements of the 
Governance Code in this regard.

The system of internal control manages rather than eliminates 
the risks to business objectives. In pursuing these objectives, 
internal controls can only provide reasonable and not absolute 
assurance against material loss or misstatement of the 
financial statements.

Reflecting the Board’s commitment to the ongoing development 
of the Group’s system of risk management and internal control, 
a review of the use of external resources to bolster the internal 
audit function was undertaken and a report commissioned from 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”). Previously such services 
had been supplied by Grant Thornton UK LLP, undertaking a 
number of specific reviews and reporting back to the Committee, 
in the process making recommendations to help strengthen 
the risk management framework and internal control processes 
within the Group. Following the report from PwC, the Committee 
decided to reduce the size of the internal audit function but 
continue to use external expert support for specialist services. 
These changes will be implemented during 2014.

Under the Audit Committee’s terms of reference, it is tasked with 
reviewing the Company’s financial reporting and internal control 
procedures and to make recommendations to the Board in this 
area. Key elements of the Group’s risk management and internal 
control framework during 2013 were:

•  The day-to-day involvement of executive members of the 

Board in all aspects of the business and their attendance 
at regular meetings with senior management, at which 
operational and financial performance and operational 
matters were reviewed. Financial performance was monitored 
and action taken through regular reporting to the Executive 
Directors and monthly reporting to the Board against annual 
budgets approved by the Board.

•  The senior management team meeting to review current 
and future risks in their particular areas of responsibility 
and expertise and to confirm the current measures in place 
to mitigate those risks.

•  An established organisational structure with clear lines of 

responsibility and reporting requirements. Capital investment 
and all revenue expenditure being regulated by a budgetary 
process and authorisation levels (manual and systems), with 
appraisals and post-investment and period end reviews. Policy 
manuals setting out agreed standards and control procedures 
which include human resources related policies, information 
technology and health and safety.

•  An established internal audit function headed by an 

experienced internal auditor who had access to all areas 
of the cinema operations and prepared reports which were 
available to the Board and reported regularly to senior 
management and the Audit Committee.

•  An independent external consultant conducting annual health 
and safety audits and reporting to the Group Health and 
Safety Committee (comprising of members of the senior 
management team meeting on a quarterly basis) and the 
Audit Committee.

•  The external auditors providing a supplementary, independent 
and autonomous perspective on those areas of the internal 
control system, which they assess in the course of their work. 
Their findings were reported to both the Audit Committee and 
the Board.

•  The Audit Committee reviewing the risk register, receiving 
reports on risk management and internal controls and 
monitoring the overall position and reviewing actions 
taken to address areas of weakness.

46

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013  Directors’ 
Remuneration Report

The Remuneration Committee decided not to make changes 
to the remuneration framework and policy during 2013. The 
decisions we have taken in relation to remuneration for 2013 
have been within the terms of our existing policies.

Base salary increases for the Executive Directors in the year 
were 3.3% for Stephen Wiener, the CEO, and 3.0% for Philip 
Bowcock, the CFO. These increases were in the context of 
average salary increases across the Group of around 3%.

Annual bonuses for the Executive Directors, which are based 
on a matrix of Group EBITDA performance against budget and 
the achievement of stretching individual objectives, paid out at 
the level of 41.2% and 67.0% of base salary for the CEO and 
CFO, respectively (equivalent to 41.2% and 70.5% of maximum 
opportunity). The payout for the two Directors was different 
as a consequence of the transitional arrangements described 
in last year’s remuneration report. A consistent scale of 
bonuses will be used for all Executive Directors in 2014.

Awards under the Performance Share Plan (“PSP”) made 
in March 2011 are due to vest in March 2014 at 81.3% of 
maximum based on EPS growth against stretching targets 
over the three financial years ending December 2013.

Shareholder Views
A key factor which guides the Committee’s decisions is feedback 
received from shareholders. It is pleasing that historically the 
Committee has received considerable shareholder support for 
its past actions and I am grateful to our shareholders for 
this support.

One area highlighted at the AGM in May 2012 was the degree 
of stretch in the performance condition applicable to awards 
under the PSP. The Committee has discussed the performance 
condition at some length and decided for awards in March 2013 
to change the thresholds for lower and upper end vesting from 
fixed figures (3.2% and 9.2%, respectively) to inflation plus 
figures (UK RPI + 3.0% and RPI + 8.0%, respectively). In light 
of the proposed combination and the significantly increased 
internationality of the Group, the Committee has decided that 
UK RPI is of less direct relevance and will make PSP awards in 
2014 subject to the achievement of absolute growth targets.

Peter Williams
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Chairman’s Introduction
Dear Shareholder
As the Chairman of Cineworld’s Remuneration Committee (“the 
Committee”), I am pleased to present our Remuneration Report 
for 2013, for which we will be seeking your approval at our AGM 
in May 2014.

This is the first year that the remuneration report is being 
presented in a new format in accordance with the recent changes 
in reporting regulations. You will see that there are two principal 
sections in this report. The first part summarises the policy of 
the Remuneration Committee as regards the remuneration of the 
Directors. The second part describes how that policy has been 
implemented during the period. 

The policy section will be put to a binding vote at this year’s 
Annual General Meeting (“AGM”), as it will be every three years 
unless there are changes to our policy requiring shareholder 
approval. The implementation section is also being put to the 
AGM, as it will each year, on the basis of a non-binding vote. 
The Committee has always aimed to be clear and transparent in 
matters of remuneration and we hope that the new form of report 
continues this approach, is easy to understand and informative.

Proposed Combination with Cinema City International
On 10 January 2014, the Company announced a proposed 
combination with the cinema business of Cinema City International 
N.V. which completed on 27 February 2014. The new combined 
business (the “Enlarged Group”) is of significantly increased size 
and international complexity. As a result of this combination 
and in recognition of the scope of the Company, the Committee 
determined to make changes to the remuneration arrangements 
for the Executive Directors, including an increase in salary level 
and maximum bonus opportunity for Philip Bowcock, the CFO, 
and annual award levels under the Performance Share Plan 
(“PSP”). These changes are described in detail on pages 58 and 
59. Major shareholders have been consulted in relation to the 
adjustment of PSP award levels and other changes made as 
a result of the combination.

2013 Performance and Remuneration
The Group delivered a satisfactory year of trading in 2013 with 
total revenue increasing 13.2% to £406.1m (2012: £358.7m), 
EBITDA up 8.1% at £72.3m (2012: £66.9m) and our market 
share increased to 27.4% (2012: 26.4%). This performance has 
enabled an effective 6.3% increase to be made in the full year 
dividend for shareholders who took up their full entitlement 
under the rights issue in February 2014.

It was a busy year for the Group in terms of the execution of 
our growth strategy and investment activities. Picturehouse was 
acquired in December 2012 and has performed well and in line 
with our expectations, achieving steady growth during the year. 
The Group also introduced a number of customer-related 
initiatives in line with our stated strategy. The decisions in 
relation to executive remuneration outcomes made by the 
Committee were taken in the context of this performance. 

47

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Directors’ Remuneration Report 
continued

POLICY REPORT
Executive Directors
Policy Effective Date
This section describes the Committee’s policy on the remuneration 
of Directors. The policy will be put to shareholders for approval at 
our AGM in May 2014 and will come into effect from the date of the 
AGM. The Committee intends that this policy will remain in effect 
for a period of three years unless there are changes requiring 
shareholder approval. Following approval at the AGM, remuneration 
payments and payment for loss of office to Directors can only be 
made if they are consistent with this policy or otherwise approved 
by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders.

To determine the elements and level of remuneration appropriate 
for each Executive Director, the Committee considers benchmark 
remuneration data for selected comparable companies and 
seeks to ensure that an appropriately significant proportion 
of potential pay is performance related and that total pay 
opportunity is consistent with appropriate superior levels 
of pay for superior performance. 

The policy of the Committee is to set performance conditions for 
annual bonuses and long-term incentives which are appropriately 
stretching but fair given the environment in which the Group 
operates and internal and external expectations. 

Current Policy on Remuneration 
The objective of the Group’s remuneration policy is that Executive 
Directors should receive appropriate remuneration for their 
performance, responsibility, skills and experience. Remuneration 
packages are designed to enable the Group to attract and retain 
key employees by ensuring they are remunerated appropriately 
and competitively and that they are motivated to achieve the 
highest level of Group performance in line with the best interests 
of shareholders. They are also structured with due regard of risk 
so no Director is encouraged to take inappropriate risks because 
of the level of potential variable rewards. 

While the Board’s normal practice is to operate within 
the above parameters, it will take account of individual 
circumstances and tailor remuneration packages accordingly. 
In cases of material variance, it would seek to take account 
of major shareholders’ views.

Executive Directors’ remuneration currently comprises an annual 
salary, a performance-related bonus, a share-based long-term 
incentive scheme, pension contributions and other benefits as 
explained below.

The table summarises the policy for each element of pay:

Element and link to strategy

Maximum

Operation

Basic Salary
To provide a core level of 
remuneration to enable the 
Company to attract and retain 
skilled, high-calibre executives 
to deliver its strategy.

Pension
To provide market-competitive 
retirement benefits.

Salaries may be adjusted and 
any increase will ordinarily be 
(in percentage terms) in line 
with those across the Group.

Percentage increases beyond 
those granted to the wider 
workforce may be awarded 
in certain circumstances such 
as where there is a change in 
responsibility, progression in the 
role, experience or a significant 
increase in the scale of the 
role and/or size, value and/or 
complexity of the Group.

Executive Directors’ salary levels are agreed on joining 
and thereafter reviewed annually on 1 July each year(1).

The Committee considers both the nature and the status 
of the Company’s operations and the responsibilities, skills, 
experience and performance of each Executive Director. The 
Committee compares the Group’s remuneration packages for 
its Executive Directors and employees with those for Directors 
and employees of similar seniority in companies whose 
activities are comparable with the Group. The Committee 
also takes into account the progress made by the Group, 
contractual considerations and salary increases across the 
rest of the Group (which for 2013 were generally around 3%)(2).

Monthly employer contribution 
of 20% of basic salary or in the 
form of a pension allowance.

All employees, including Executive Directors, are invited 
to participate in a Group Personal Pension Plan which is a 
money purchase plan. The Company contribution for Executive 
Directors is 20% of base salary. Bonuses are not pensionable.

Executive Directors may choose to opt out of the Group scheme 
and instead receive a cash pension allowance equivalent to 
20% of base salary.

The Company’s pension contribution may be conditional on the 
Executive Director contributing up to 5% of his base salary to the 
pension scheme. Executives may make pension contributions 
under “salary sacrifice” arrangement. Savings as a result of such 
an arrangement may be shared with the Executive Director in the 
form of an additional pension contribution.

(1)  Given the new arrangements put in place for Executive Directors in relation to the combination with Cinema City International, no salary increases will be 

made in July 2014.

(2)  Stephen Wiener has a contractual right to an annual salary increase in line with RPI, which was in place prior to the Company’s listing in 2007. Going forward, 

and in respect of new appointments, it is the Committee’s policy not to agree any guaranteed minimum increases.

48

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013Element and link to strategy

Maximum

Operation

Other Benefits
To provide market-competitive 
benefits and support the health 
and safety of individuals.

The cost to the Group of 
providing such benefits will vary 
from year to year in accordance 
with the cost of insuring 
such benefits. 

Annual Bonus
To incentivise the annual 
delivery of financial and 
operational targets.

Maximum opportunity for 
Executive Directors of 100% 
of salary.

Benefits in kind for Executive Directors currently include the 
provision of a company car or car allowance, private mileage, 
life insurance, permanent health insurance, private medical 
cover and, for the Chief Executive Officer only, a driver.

Benefits are tailored to the individual circumstances of 
Directors to ensure that overall packages are attractive and 
additional benefits may be introduced where appropriate.

A limited flexible benefits scheme operates for all employees 
(including Directors) and the intention is to expand it over 
a period of time.

The level of bonus is based primarily on overall Group 
performance in meeting its primary financial objectives 
in EBITDA for the financial period. The level of bonus is 
determined by a matrix of budgeted EBITDA and personal 
performance levels. The weighting of measures is circa 
80% budgeted EBITDA and 20% personal performance.

The Committee seeks to ensure that the budget is challenging 
and so there is a clear link between the short-term Group 
performance and payout under the arrangements.

•  No bonus is payable if a minimum threshold of 90% (2012: 

95%) of budgeted EBITDA is not achieved. At this level 
(assuming “good” performance against individual objectives), 
a bonus of 30% of maximum opportunity would be payable.

•  The maximum bonus level is only payable if both 110% of 
budgeted EBITDA and exceptional performance against 
individual objectives was achieved.

The personal element is determined by the achievement of 
individual strategic objectives, which vary year from year to 
ensure that objectives are aligned with the business plan. 
Individual objectives vary from year to year but our policy is 
to set goals which relate to the achievement of the business 
strategy. Examples include ensuring a strong pipeline of new 
cinema sites and maintaining good financial controls.

The choice of these measures reflects the Committee’s belief 
that any incentive compensation should be tied both to the 
overall performance of the Group and to those areas of the 
business that the relevant individual can directly influence.

The performance measures and targets are reviewed annually 
to ensure alignment to strategy.

Bonuses are paid in cash following the approval of the Group 
Annual Report. 

Where a Director leaves and is considered a good leaver, he will 
be paid on the usual payment date a proportion of any bonus 
entitlement, which would have otherwise accrued, reflecting 
that part of the bonus period which was actually worked.

49

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Directors’ Remuneration Report 
continued

Element and link to strategy

Maximum

Operation

The Cineworld Group 
Performance Share Plan (“PSP”)
To encourage sustainable 
profitability over a period of time 
aligned to the overall objective 
of achieving sustainable growth.

The maximum award to an 
individual in any year under 
the plan rules is 200% of 
base salary. 

However, the Remuneration 
Committee does not currently 
intend that awards to Executive 
Directors should exceed 150% 
of their base salary(3).

If it is considering changing this 
approach, it will consult with key 
shareholders before doing so.

Annual awards of conditional shares or nil-cost options are 
made to Executive Directors and members of the Senior 
Management Team at the discretion of the Committee.

Awards may vest after three years subject to continuing 
employment and the achievement of stretching three-year 
EPS growth performance conditions which are aligned with 
the Group’s strategy of delivering long-term growth.

The Committee will review and calibrate the EPS growth 
targets on an annual basis for each award to ensure they 
are sufficiently stretching in light of both internal and external 
performance expectations. Threshold performance is generally 
intended to align to the performance of the relevant market 
and/or our competitors’ level. If the stretch performance 
level is achieved, we would expect to have significantly 
out-performed the relevant market and for term and against 
our competitors.

At the threshold performance level, 30% of an award will vest. 
At the stretch level of performance, 100% of an award will 
vest. Between these levels, vesting will be determined on a 
straight-line basis.

On vesting, participants will also receive additional shares or 
a cash sum equivalent to the dividends that would have been 
paid on the vested shares in respect of dividend record dates 
occurring between grant and vesting.

At the discretion of the Committee, each participant in the PSP 
may have a proportional part of their PSP award replaced by 
an HMRC approved share option granted under the Cineworld 
Group Company Share Option Plan (“CSOP”), up to the 
maximum value of options permitted by legislation (currently 
£30,000). Such awards are subject to identical performance 
vesting conditions as the PSP shares they replace.

The conditions applicable to awards may be varied in 
exceptional circumstances following the grant of an award 
so as to achieve their original purpose, but not so as to make 
their achievement any more or less difficult to satisfy. Awards 
may also be adjusted to reflect corporate events, such as 
rights issues, to maintain a holder’s position, but not so as 
to enhance it.

It is the Committee’s intention to settle awards in shares, 
but the plan rules allow for flexibility to settle in cash if 
required. Where vesting of any award granted would result 
in the Greidinger family (the family of the new CEO and COO) 
controlling shares carrying 30% or more of the voting rights 
of the Company then the Committee may instead make a cash 
payment equal to the market value of the shares comprised 
in the vested award.

(3)  As a result of the combination with the cinema business of Cinema City International N.V. and in recognition of the increased size and international complexity 
of the combined business, the Committee has determined to increase the annual award level under the PSP for Executive Directors from 100% to 150% of 
salary. Major shareholders have been consulted in relation to the adjustment of PSP award levels. 

50

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013Element and link to strategy

Maximum

Operation

The Cineworld Group 
Sharesave Scheme
To enable Group employees to 
become Cineworld shareholders, 
encouraging alignment 
and rewarding for Group 
performance.

The maximum saving level 
is £250 a month over a 
three-year term.

Executive Directors are eligible to participate in the Sharesave 
Scheme, which is an HM Revenue and Customs approved 
scheme open to all employees of nominated Group companies.

Share Ownership Guidelines
To provide alignment between 
Executive Directors and 
shareholders.

n/a

Under the Sharesave Scheme, employees are eligible to 
acquire shares in the Company at a discount of up to 20% of 
the market value at grant if they agree to enter into a savings 
contract for a three-year period. Consistent with the relevant 
legislation, no performance conditions apply.

Awards may also be adjusted to reflect corporate events, such 
as rights issues, to maintain a holder’s position, but not so as 
to enhance it.

Each Executive Director is expected to build up, over a period of 
time, a holding in shares equal to 100% of their base salary.

In order to achieve this level of shareholding, Executive 
Directors are expected to retain 50% of any shares they acquire 
under the PSP or on the exercise of options, after allowing for 
the sale of shares to pay tax and other deductions, until such 
time as they have built up such a holding. For the purposes 
of these guidelines, only beneficially owned shares will count 
towards the holding.

Satisfaction of Share Options and Share Awards
Awards under the PSP, the Sharesave Scheme and the CSOP described in the table above can be satisfied using new issue 
shares, shares held in treasury or shares purchased in the market in conjunction with the Cineworld Group Employee Benefit Trust 
(the “Trust”), established by the Company on 24 March 2006 with independent trustees based in Jersey.

If new issue shares are used, the following limits will be followed:

•  In any ten-year period, the number of shares which may be issued under the PSP and under any other executive share or option 

scheme established by the Company may not exceed 5% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company from time to time; and

•  In any-ten year period, the number of shares which may be issued under the PSP and under any employees’ share or option 

scheme established by the Company may not exceed 10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company from time to time.

Resulting Total Pay Levels Under Different Scenarios
The chart below illustrates how the potential future compensation of each of the Executive Directors may vary at different levels 
of performance and the percentage each element may form together with the possible total value.

£2.5m

£2.0m

£1.5m

£1.0m

£0.5m

£0m

£723,215

100%

Minimum

£1,337,382
19%

27%

54%

Target
CEO

£2,098,215

39%

26%

35%

£1,447,662

£510,162
100%

£928,912
18%
27%

55%

39%

26%

35%

Fixed Elements

Short-Term Variable Element

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Target
COO
Long-Term Variable Element

£470,162

100%

Minimum

£888,912
19%
28%

53%

Target
CFO

£1,407,662

40%

27%

33%

Maximum

For the purpose of this chart, the following assumptions have been made:

•  The base salary, bonus opportunity and PSP award levels are those for the Executive Directors following completion of the 

combination with the cinema business of Cinema City International N.V. as set out on page 58.

•  Fixed elements comprise base salary, pension and other benefits.
•  Benefits levels are assumed to be the same as in 2013.
•  For target performance, assumptions of bonus payout of 67% of maximum and threshold vesting (30%) for PSP have been made.
•  No share price increase has been assumed.

51

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Directors’ Remuneration Report 
continued

Recruitment Remuneration Policy
New Executive Directors will generally be appointed on 
remuneration packages with the same structure and elements as 
described in the policy table above. On appointment, base salary 
level will be set taking into account a range of factors including 
market levels, experience, internal relativities and cost. Annual 
bonus opportunity will be no greater than 100% of salary and the 
normal maximum award under the PSP will be 150% of salary.

For external appointments, although we have no plans to offer 
additional benefits, cash and/or share-based elements on 
recruitment, the Committee reserves the right to do so when 
it considers this to be in the best interests of the Company and 
shareholders. Such payments will take account of remuneration 
relinquished when leaving the former employer and, to the extent 
possible, would reflect the nature, time horizons and 
performance requirements attaching to that remuneration. 
If it is necessary in the circumstances, the Committee reserves 
the right to offer a longer initial notice period than one year. In 
such a circumstance, this would reduce to a notice period of no 
greater than 12 months after the initial period. The Committee 
may agree that the Company will meet certain relocation 
expenses as appropriate or pay a disturbance allowance.

For an internal appointment, any variable pay element awarded 
in respect of the prior role may be allowed to pay out according 
to its terms, adjusted as relevant to take into account the 
appointment. In addition, any other ongoing remuneration 
obligations existing prior to appointment may continue.

Shareholders will be informed of any Director appointment 
and the individual’s remuneration arrangements as soon as 
practicable following the appointment via an announcement 
to the regulatory news services and on our website.

Service Contracts
The Group’s policy in entering into service contracts with 
Executive Directors is to enable the recruitment of high-quality 
executives and to obtain protection from their sudden departure, 
whether or not to competitor companies. In addition, service 
contracts are an important element in maintaining protection for 
the Group’s business and its commercially sensitive information.

A summary of the key terms of the Executive Directors’ service 
contracts is set out below:

Date of Contract

Notice Period(3)

Remuneration

Termination

Non-Competition

Stephen Wiener(1)

Philip Bowcock

Moshe Greidinger(2)

Israel Greidinger(2)

23 April 2007

16 November 2011

27 February 2014

27 February 2014

12 months

6 months

12 months

6 months

•   Base salary
•   Pension 

contribution
•   Company car 
and driver

•   Entitlement to 
participate in 
Annual Bonus 
scheme

•   Life assurance 

cover

•   Base Salary
•   Cash in lieu 
of pension 
contribution
•   Car allowance
•   Entitlement to 
participate in 
Annual Bonus 
scheme

•   Life assurance 

cover

•   Medical insurance
•   Permanent health 

•   Medical insurance
•   Permanent health 

insurance

insurance

•   Base salary
•   Pension 

contribution
•   Company car or 
car allowance
•   Entitlement to 
participate in 
Annual Bonus 
scheme

•   Disturbance 
allowance

•   Base salary
•   Pension 

contribution
•   Company car or 
car allowance
•   Entitlement to 
participate in 
Annual Bonus 
scheme

•   Disturbance 
allowance

•   Life assurance 

•   Life assurance 

cover

cover

•   Medical insurance
•   Permanent health 

•   Medical insurance
•   Permanent health 

insurance

insurance

Company has right to 
terminate on payment 
on pre-agreed basis 

Company has right to 
terminate on payment 
on pre-agreed basis 

Company has right to 
terminate on payment 
on pre-agreed basis 

Company has right to 
terminate on payment 
on pre-agreed basis 

During employment 
and for 12 months 
thereafter

During employment 
and for 6 months 
thereafter

During employment 
and for 12 months 
thereafter

During employment 
and for 6 months 
thereafter

(1)  Stephen Wiener resigned as CEO and a Director on the completion of the combination with the cinema operations of Cinema City International N.V. 

on 27 February 2014.

(2)  Appointed on the completion of the combination with the cinema operations of Cinema City International N.V. on 27 February 2014.
(3)  The Group’s policy is to have notice periods for Executive Directors which are between 6 and 12 months.

The Executive Directors are, under the terms of their service contracts, entitled to an annual review of their base salary each year. 
In the case of Stephen Wiener, a minimum increase in line with RPI had to be made.

Loss of Office Policy
The Company’s policy is to endeavour to minimise any payment on early termination by insisting on mitigation of any loss where 
possible. To allow the Company to terminate an Executive Director’s employment contract legally so it would not face a claim for 
wrongful termination (although a claim for unfair dismissal could still exist), its policy is to pre-agree arrangements which would apply 
on termination. Only the Company has the right to trigger such arrangements and it has complete discretion as to whether it does.

Under the terms of their contracts, the Company may, in lieu of giving notice, terminate an Executive Director’s service contract by 
making a payment equivalent to 95% (in the case of Stephen Wiener) and 100% (in the case of the other Executive Directors) of base 
salary and contractual benefits for the notice period. In this event, the Executive Director would not be entitled to any bonus for the 
unworked portion of his notice period, but would be eligible for a pro-rata bonus for the period up to the date of the termination 
of his contract.

52

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013Where an Executive Director works their notice, pension, benefits 
and bonus will continue to accrue as normal up until the date of 
the termination. Any bonus entitlement will be paid as normal on 
a pro-rated basis.

Leaving arrangements under the Share and Share Option 
Schemes vary:

A.  Under the PSP:

An award will normally lapse upon a participant leaving the 
employment of the Group unless the Remuneration Committee in 
its absolute discretion otherwise determines. Any such discretion 
would only be applied by the Committee to “good leavers” where 
it considers that continued participation is justified by reference 
to past performance to the date of leaving or because of the 
prevailing circumstances. In such cases, the award would 
become exercisable on the original vesting date on a reduced 
basis taking into account only that part of the three-year 
performance period which has elapsed and subject to the 
satisfaction of performance conditions unless the Remuneration 
Committee determines other arrangements are justified.

In the event of a change of control, scheme of arrangement 
or winding-up of the Company all awards will vest to the extent that 
any performance targets have, in the opinion of the Remuneration 
Committee, been satisfied at that time, on a reduced basis taking 
into account only that part of the three-year performance period 
which has elapsed unless the Remuneration Committee in its 
absolute discretion otherwise determines. An award, to the extent 
it becomes exercisable, may be exercised during the period of one 
month after which, to the extent unexercised, the award will lapse. 
Alternatively, with the agreement of the acquiring company, the 
participants may exchange their awards for equivalent options to 
acquire shares in the acquiring company or its parent company.

B.  Under the CSOP:

An option will normally lapse upon a participant leaving the 
employment of the Group. However, if a participant leaves the 
Group by reason of death, injury, ill health, disability, redundancy, 
retirement (as at or after reaching 55 years under Part A of the 
CSOP) or any other reason as determined by the Remuneration 
Committee or if the company or business for which he works 
ceases to be part of the Group, then unless the Remuneration 
Committee in its absolute discretion otherwise determines, his 
option will become exercisable when he leaves on a reduced basis 
taking into account only that part of the three-year performance 
period which has elapsed. An option, to the extent it becomes 
exercisable, may be exercised during the period of six months 

after which, to the extent unexercised, the option shall 
lapse automatically.

In the event of a change of control, scheme of arrangement 
or winding-up of the Company all options will vest to the 
extent that any performance targets have, in the opinion of 
the Remuneration Committee, been satisfied at that time, on a 
reduced basis taking into account only that part of the three-year 
performance period which has elapsed unless the Remuneration 
Committee in its absolute discretion otherwise determines. 
Such options become exercisable for a limited period of time. 
Alternatively in the case of a takeover, with the agreement of the 
acquiring company, the participants may exchange their options 
for equivalent options to acquire shares in the acquiring company 
or its parent company.

C.  Under the Sharesave Scheme:

An option granted may normally not be exercised until the option 
holder has completed their savings contract and then not more 
than six months thereafter. However, if a participant leaves the 
Group by reason of death, injury, ill health, disability, redundancy, 
retirement (on reaching 60 years or any other contractual 
retirement age) or if the company or business for which he 
works ceases to be part of the Group, the option will become 
exercisable. An option, to the extent it becomes exercisable, 
may be exercised during the period of six months (12 months 
in the case of death) after which, to the extent unexercised, 
the option will lapse automatically.

In the event of a change of control, scheme of arrangement and/
or a winding-up of the Company, options may be exercised for a 
limited period of time. Alternatively in the case of a takeover, with 
the agreement of the acquiring company, the participants may 
exchange their options for equivalent options to acquire shares 
in the acquiring company or its parent company.

Non‑Executive Directors
Letters of Appointment
The Non-Executive Directors, including the Chairman, do not have 
service contracts with the Company. The terms and conditions 
of their appointment as Non-Executive Directors are set out in 
letters of appointment, which are subject to the provisions of 
the Articles of Association.

It is the Board’s policy that the appointment of each Non-Executive 
Director is terminable on a short notice unless their appointment 
is terminated by a resolution of the shareholders in general 
meeting or if they fail to be re-elected by shareholders in general 
meeting when it aims to ensure no notice is necessary.

The dates of appointment of the Non-Executive Directors and their notice periods are as follows:

Director

Anthony Bloom (Chairman)

Martina King

David Maloney

Thomas McGrath

Rick Senat

Peter Williams

Scott Rosenblum(1)

Arni Samuelsson(1)

Date of appointment

7 October 2004

2 July 2010

22 May 2006

16 May 2005

2 July 2010

22 May 2006

27 February 2014

27 February 2014

Notice period

1 month

1 month

1 month

1 month

1 month

1 month

1 month

1 month

(1)  Appointed on the completion of the combination with the cinema operations of Cinema City International N.V. on 27 February 2014.

53

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Directors’ Remuneration Report 
continued

The Company’s policy is that Non-Executive Directors receive 
a fixed fee for their services as members of the Board and its 
Committees. Non-Executive Directors do not participate in the 
Company’s share incentives or otherwise receive performance-
related pay but may receive reimbursement for travel and 
incidental costs incurred in furtherance of Company business.

Consideration of Employment Conditions Elsewhere 
in the Company
When considering salary increases for the Executive Directors, 
the Committee takes into account average levels of increase 
awarded to employees generally. Salary increases will normally 
be broadly in line with those for other employees.

The level of fees is determined by the Board after taking 
into account appropriate advice (except in the case of the 
Chairman whose level of fee is determined by the Remuneration 
Committee), in line with prevailing market conditions and at a 
level that will attract individuals with the necessary experience 
and ability to make a significant contribution to the Company’s 
affairs. No Director participates in discussions relating to the 
setting of his or her own remuneration. Fee levels are reviewed 
on an annual basis.

Where a Non-Executive Director does not serve until the end of 
his or her term, the policy is to pay the fees due pro rata to the 
date of cessation.

The Committee does not formally consult employees in relation 
to remuneration policy for the Executive Directors. However, the 
Company regularly carries out engagement surveys which enable 
employees to share their views with management.

Consideration of Shareholder Views in Developing Policy
The Committee is grateful that shareholders have been 
supportive of its policy in the past. As appropriate, the 
Committee will continue to engage and communicate with 
shareholders regarding Cineworld’s remuneration policy 
and take suitable action when required.

In the last year, the Committee considered feedback from some 
shareholders in relation to the setting of performance targets for 
PSP awards. For awards in 2013, it was decided to increase the 
thresholds for lower and upper end vesting from those used for 
previous awards and to express targets in excess of RPI.

54

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION
The Remuneration Committee and its Role
At the end of the period, the Company’s Remuneration 
Committee comprised four Non-Executive Directors, Martina 
King, David Maloney, Rick Senat and Peter Williams, who are all 
considered to be independent. The Chairman of the Committee 
was Peter Williams and the Secretary of the Committee is the 
Company Secretary. Rick Senat joined the Committee on 
31 January 2013, while Martina King, David Maloney and Peter 
Williams were members throughout the 2013 financial period. 

The Remuneration Committee’s principal responsibilities are to:

•  Make recommendations to the Board for approval of the 

Group’s broad policy for the remuneration of the Chairman, 
the Executive Directors and the Senior Management Team 
(consisting of a small group of senior executives just below 
Board level);

•  Determine the specific remuneration packages of the 
Chairman, the Executive Directors and the Senior 
Management Team;

•  Approve the terms of their service agreements of the 

Executive Directors and the Senior Management Team; and

•  Approve the design of, and determine the targets for, any 

performance-related pay schemes and long-term incentive plans.

The full terms of reference of the Remuneration Committee 
are available on the Company’s website (www.cineworldplc.com). 
The terms are reviewed annually.

The Committee met four times during the year and details of the 
members’ attendance record is set out on page 45. 

A summary of the Committee’s agenda over the period is 
detailed below:

•  Review of salaries for the Executive Directors and Senior 

Management Team;

•  Setting targets for the annual bonus scheme;
•  Making awards under the PSP, including consideration 

of target calibration and award levels;

•  Review of fees for the Chairman;
•  Consideration of incentive arrangements for cinema managers;
•  Preparation of this report; and
•  Considering the remuneration arrangements for the 

Enlarged Group.

Remuneration Committee Advisers
The Committee received advice from Towers Watson during the 
year in relation to the Company’s remuneration policy and its 
implementation in respect of the Chairman, Executive Directors 
and Senior Management Team. Towers Watson was appointed 
by the Remuneration Committee in November 2008. Their terms 
of engagement are available on request from the Company 
Secretary. They attended most meetings during the year at the 
request of the Committee. Towers Watson’s fees for advice to 
the Committee were £60,000. Towers Watson is a member of 
the Remuneration Consultants’ Group and, as such, voluntarily 
operates under the code of conduct in relation to executive 
remuneration consulting in the UK.

During the year Towers Watson also provided advice to the Board 
on the level of Non-Executive Directors’ fees and the Company on 
incentive schemes to be introduced for staff working in Cineworld 
Cinemas. Towers Watson has no other connections with the 
Company, except as the actuary to the pension scheme of 
Adelphi-Carlton Limited, the Group’s operating company in Ireland. 
The Remuneration Committee is satisfied that the advice provided 
on executive remuneration is objective and independent and that 
no conflict of interest arises as a result of these other services.

The Committee also received assistance from the Chairman of the 
Company, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, 
the Head of Human Resources and the Company Secretary, 
although they do not participate in discussions relating to the 
setting of their own remuneration. The Committee also consulted 
with the Chief Executive Officer and received recommendations 
from him in respect of changes to remuneration packages for 
members of the Senior Management Team.

Remuneration for 2013
This section covers the reporting period from 28 December 2012 
to 26 December 2013 and provides details of the implementation 
of the Company’s policy during the period. Those sections of the 
report which are subject to audit are marked as such.

Base Salary (audited information)
The base salaries of the Executive Directors are reviewed on an 
annual basis. As described in the policy section, the Committee 
compares the Group’s remuneration packages for its Executive 
Directors and employees with those for directors and employees 
of similar seniority in companies whose activities are comparable 
with the Group. It also takes into account the progress made 
by the Group, contractual considerations and salary increases 
across the rest of the Group. In the case of Stephen Wiener, a 
contractual minimum increase in line with RPI had to be made.

Base salaries were reviewed in July 2013. The increases for 
the Executive Directors were, for the CEO, 3.3% and, for the CFO, 
3.0%. These increases were in the context of average salary 
increases across the Group of 3%.

Salary levels as at the end of the financial period (from 1 July 
2013) were:

•  Stephen Wiener:  
•  Philip Bowcock:   

£486,935 
£266,770 

On 20 November 2013, Stephen Wiener announced plans 
to leave the business in March 2014. From this date, Philip 
Bowcock took on a significant level of additional responsibilities 
on a transitional basis – including taking a leading role in the 
negotiation of the combination with Cinema City International. 
To recognise the additional level of responsibility taken on over 
this period, the Committee decided to award an additional 
one-off transitional salary supplement of £80,031. This 
additional payment will be made in March 2014 and will not 
be pensionable, included for the purpose of annual bonus 
or PSP opportunity levels.

Pension (audited information)
Executive Directors are invited to participate in a Group Personal 
Pension Plan, which is a money purchase plan. The Company 
contribution to this scheme for the CEO is 20% of salary. The 
CFO has elected not to participate in this scheme and instead 
receives a cash pension allowance of 20% of salary.

Company pension contributions for the period were:

•  Stephen Wiener:  
•  Philip Bowcock:   

£97,485(1)
£52,577

(1)  Figure represents 20% of base salary plus benefit from salary sacrifice.

55

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Directors’ Remuneration Report 
continued

Other Benefits (audited information)
Benefits in kind for Executive Directors comprised the provision of a company car or car allowance, private mileage, life insurance, 
permanent health insurance, private medical cover and, for the Chief Executive Officer only, a driver.

Benefit

Car/Car Allowance

Driver

Private Medical Insurance

Permanent Health Insurance

Life Assurance

Stephen 
Wiener

Philip 
Bowcock

£15,640(1) £14,000

£16,521

–

£1,571

£1,964

£6,203

£3,408

£1,441

£790

(1)  Figure for Stephen Wiener includes private mileage.

Benefits with a cost value of under £1,000 are not included in the above table.

Annual Bonus (audited information)
As described in the policy section, the annual bonus for the year was determined by a matrix of EBITDA compared to budget and 
the achievement of specified individual objectives. The choice of these measures reflect the Committee’s belief that any incentive 
compensation should be tied both to the overall performance of the Group and to those areas of the business that the relevant 
individual can directly influence. 

The performance of the Company during the year included EBITDA of £72.3m. The individual objectives for Stephen Wiener, the 
CEO, related to the successful integration of Picturehouse into the Group while maintaining its distinct culture, developing the Group’s 
strategy, ensuring a strong pipeline of new sites and strengthening succession planning within the Executive team, and were judged by 
the Committee to be achieved at the top level, Above and Beyond. The individual objectives for Philip Bowcock, the CFO, related to the 
integration of Picturehouse into the Group, reviewing central costs and the Group’s financing in light of the proposed new site rollout 
plan and planning the Group’s exit from its remaining final salary pension scheme and were judged by the Committee to be achieved 
at the top level, Above and Beyond.

The table below shows the actual performance achieved during the year and the associated bonus outcomes for the Executive Directors.

EBITDA performance

Individual objective 
performance

Stephen Wiener

96% of budgeted EBITDA achieved 

Above and Beyond

Philip Bowcock

96% of budgeted EBITDA achieved

Above and Beyond

Bonus 
Paid (% of 
maximum)

Bonus Paid 
(% of base 
salary)

Bonus Paid 
(£’000)

41.2%

70.5%

41.2% £197,413

67.0% £176,133

The payout for the two Directors was different as a consequence of the transitional arrangements explained in last year’s 
remuneration report.

The Cineworld Group Performance Share Plan (“PSP”) (audited information)
(a) Awards vesting following the end of the performance period ending in December 2013
Awards under the PSP made in March 2011 are due to vest on 29 March 2014. The performance condition applicable to these awards 
is summarised below:

EPS growth performance

Less than 3.2% p.a.

3.2% p.a.

9.2% p.a.

Between 3.2% and 9.2% p.a.

Vesting level

Nil

30%

100%

Straight-line basis

The EPS figure for the year represented growth of 7.6% compared to the base year, with the result that the level of vesting for this award 
was 81.3%. The number and value of shares that will vest to each of the Executive Directors is set out on page 62 of this report.

56

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013(b) Awards made in the year
Awards were made to the Executive Directors under the PSP in March 2013. The vesting of these awards will be based on Cineworld’s 
three-year EPS growth performance, as summarised in the table below. One area highlighted by some shareholders in 2012 was the 
degree of stretch in the performance condition applicable to awards under the PSP. The Committee has discussed the performance 
condition at some length and decided for awards in March 2013 to increase the thresholds for lower and upper end vesting from 
those used for previous awards and to express targets as growth figures in excess of UK RPI.

EPS growth performance

Less than RPI + 3% p.a.

RPI + 3% p.a.

RPI + 8% p.a.

Between RPI + 3% and RPI + 8% p.a.

Vesting level

Nil

30%

100%

Straight-line basis

In the past, total shareholder return has been considered as an alternative or additional performance measure, but difficulties in 
identifying appropriate comparator companies has resulted in the Committee deciding to use EPS as the sole performance measure. 
The Remuneration Committee reviews the operation of the PSP each year and the performance conditions for each grant to ensure 
they are appropriate for the Company and the prevailing internal and external expectations. 

Philip Bowcock had a proportional part of his PSP award replaced by an HMRC approved share option granted under the CSOP. The 
CSOP options were subject to performance conditions identical to those applicable to awards under the PSP. There was no similar 
substitution in respect of Stephen Wiener as he already held the maximum permitted amount. 

The number and value of share options under the PSP and CSOP which were awarded to the Executive Directors and vested during 
the period are set out on page 62 of this report. 

Non‑Executive Directors’ Fees (audited information)
Following a change to Board Committee membership in January 2013, the structure of fees for Non-Executive Directors was reviewed. 
The intention of the review was to not increase the overall level of fees but to recognise the committee responsibilities of each 
individual Non-Executive Director. During the review period, each Director’s fees were kept at the pre-January 2013 level, even though 
certain Directors had taken on additional duties. 

The fees for the Non-Executive Directors were again reviewed in light of the significant increase in the size and complexity of 
the Group as a result of the combination with the cinema business of Cinema City International N.V. The fee for the Chairman had 
remained unchanged for several years. The adjusted fee level is now comparable with equivalent fees in companies of similar size 
and complexity. The fees set out in the final column of the table below came into effect on the completion of the business combination 
with the cinema operations of Cinema City International N.V.

Position held

Chairman

Senior Independent Director fee

Non-Executive Director base fee

Audit Committee Chair fee

Remuneration Committee Chair fee

Nomination Committee Chair fee

Committee membership fee

Up to 31 May 2013

From 1 June 2013

Following completion 
of combination on 
27 February 2014

£100,000

£100,000

£175,000

Nil

£33,000

£5,000

£5,000

Nil

£5,000

£2,000

£40,000

£14,000

£14,000

Nil

Nil

£10,000

£50,000

£15,000

£10,000

£5,000

Nil

The Non-Executive Directors do not receive any share options, bonuses or other performance-related payments nor do they receive 
any pension entitlement or other benefits apart from expenses in relation to travel costs to attend Cineworld Board meetings, including 
related sustenance and accommodation.

57

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Directors’ Remuneration Report 
continued

Implementation of Policy in Following Year
On 10 January 2014, the Company announced a proposed combination with the cinema business of Cinema City International N.V. 
As a result of this combination and in recognition of the increased size and international complexity of the combined business, the 
Committee determined to make changes to the salary level and maximum bonus opportunity for the CFO and annual award levels 
under the PSP. The remuneration packages for the proposed Directors following the combination are set out in the table below. 
These remuneration arrangements came into effect on the completion of the business combination. Given the implementation 
of these new arrangements, salary levels for the Executive Directors will not be further increased at the normal review date in 
July 2014 as described in the Policy Section. 

Name

Role

Salary

Pension

Other benefits

Moshe Greidinger

Israel Greidinger

Philip Bowcock

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Chief Financial Officer

£550,000

£375,000

£375,000

Pension contribution of 20% 
of salary

Pension contribution of 20% 
of salary

Cash in lieu of pension 
contribution – 20% of salary

Company car or car allowance 
(£14,000), life insurance, 
permanent health insurance, 
private medical cover and 
disturbance allowance (£40,000)

Company car or car allowance 
(£14,000), life insurance, 
permanent health insurance, 
private medical cover and 
disturbance allowance (£40,000)

Car allowance (£14,000), 
life insurance, permanent 
health insurance and private 
medical cover

Annual bonus

Maximum opportunity of 100% 
of salary

Maximum opportunity of 100% 
of salary

Maximum opportunity of 100% 
of salary

PSP

Face value of 150% of salary

Face value of 150% of salary

Face value of 150% of salary

The Committee is considering the calibration of EPS growth targets applicable to PSP awards to be made in 2014, taking into account 
internal and external performance expectations. The calibration of these targets has not been finalised at the time of writing. However, 
the proportion of an award vesting for threshold performance will remain at 30%, with 100% vesting for stretch performance. Given the 
significantly increased internationality of the Group following the combination with the cinema operations of Cinema City International N.V, 
the Committee has decided that UK RPI is a less directly relevant factor and will therefore express the targets as absolute growth levels.

Stephen Wiener’s Leaving Arrangements (audited information)
Cineworld has agreed with Stephen Wiener that his employment will end on 31 March 2014 and he will then be paid £349,060, 
representing 95% of nine months’ salary and contractual benefits, a further payment of £70,585 to the Company pension scheme 
on his behalf subject to the scheme and HMRC rules and, subject to applicable performance targets being achieved, a time pro-rated 
bonus for 2014. He will also retain the use of his car and driver until 31 December 2014 and be covered by the Company’s private 
medical insurance until 31 March 2017, or in each case until he finds new employment (which in the case of the medical insurance 
provides equivalent cover). His awards under the 2007 Performance Share Plan are retained and will vest on the normal vesting dates 
subject to the satisfaction of applicable performance targets and on a time pro-rated basis and his awards under the Company Share 
Option Plan shall vest and become exercisable from 31 March 2014 on a time pro-rated basis.

Single Total Figure Table (audited information)
The table gives a single figure for the total remuneration for each Director for the period.

Financial  

year

Base salary 
and fees
(£000)

Benefits(1)
(£000)

Annual bonus
(£000)

Sharesave(2)

(£000)

PSP
(£000)

CSOP
(£000)

Total LTI
(£000)

Pension
(£000)

Total
(£000)

Executive Directors

Stephen Wiener

Philip Bowcock

2013

2012

2013

2012

Non-Executive Directors

Anthony Bloom

Martina King

David Maloney

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

479

463

343(6)

255

100

100

39

38

55

53

41

36

20

18

–

–

–

–

–

–

197

278

176

140

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

507(3)

379

6(3)

9(5)

513

388

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

96(7)

93

53

51

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,326

1,258

592

464

100

100

39

38

55

53

58

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
Thomas 

McGrath(4)

Rick Senat

Peter Williams

Financial  

year

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

Base salary 
and fees
(£000)

14

38

39

38

54

53

Benefits(1)
(£000)

Annual bonus
(£000)

Sharesave(2)

(£000)

PSP
(£000)

CSOP
(£000)

Total LTI
(£000)

Pension
(£000)

Total
(£000)

13

38

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

27

76

39

38

54

53

(1)  See page 56 for details of the other benefits provided to the Executive Directors. The figures in this column for the Non-Executive Directors relate to travel costs 

to attend Cineworld Board meetings, including related sustenance and accommodation.

(2)  Under the Sharesave scheme, employees are able to acquire shares in the Company at a discount of up to 20% of the market value at grant. The figures in this 

table relate to the value of this discount at the date of grant.

(3)  The gain on PSP shares and CSOP Option vesting in the period has been calculated using a share price of £3.36, being the average post rights issue for the 

last three months of the period (as they will not vest until 29 March 2014) and in the case of the PSP award includes payment of a cash sum equivalent to the 
dividends that would have been paid on the vested shares in respect of dividend record dates occurring between grant and vesting. The dividend equivalent 
payment to Stephen Wiener will amount to £42,349.
(4)  Thomas McGrath left the Company on 15 May 2013.
(5)  This CSOP option, although vested, has not been exercised and for comparison purposes a share price of £3.36, being the average post rights issue for the 

last three months of the period, has been used to calculate the value.

(6)  Figure represents base salary and a special one-off salary supplement of £80,031 awarded to reflect the additional level of responsibility taken following the 

announcement that Stephen Wiener was leaving.

(7)  Figure represents 20% of base salary ignoring salary sacrifice.

Loss of Office Payments (audited information)
There were no loss of office payments to Directors during the financial year.

Payments to Past Directors
Richard Jones, a past Director, who left the Company on 11 June 2011, exercised a PSP award which vested during the year. 
In accordance with the Company’s policy, the award had been reduced on a time apportioned basis reflecting the period actually 
worked, vested on its original vesting date and remained subject to the requisite performance condition. Further details are set 
out on page 62. Otherwise there were no payments to past Directors during the financial year.

Directors’ Shareholdings (audited information)
The interests of Directors and their connected persons in ordinary shares as at 26 December 2013, including any interests in shares 
and share options provisionally granted under the PSP and CSOP, are presented below.

Executive Directors

Stephen Wiener

Philip Bowcock

Non-Executive Directors

Anthony Bloom

Martina King

David Maloney

Rick Senat

Peter Williams

Share options 
subject to 
performance

conditions(1)

Share options 
subject to 
performance

conditions(2)

Share options 
not subject to 
performance 
conditions(3)

Beneficial

1,988,677

10,000

481,992

180,199

14,485

8,281

5,232

5,232

1,723,224(4)

1,942

20,000

20,407

40,000

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

(1)  Relates to unvested awards under the PSP.
(2)  Relates to CSOP options with identical performance conditions to PSP awards and made at the same time.
(3)  Relates to share options held under the Sharesave scheme.
(4)  Shares are held by a nominee for a Jersey-based discretional trust, of which Mr Bloom is one of the potential beneficiaries.

59

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements 
 
 
  Directors’ Remuneration Report 
continued

As at 6 March 2014, the interests of the Directors were as set out in the table below, following completion of the rights issue 
on 19 February 2014.

Executive Directors

Stephen Wiener

Philip Bowcock

Non-Executive Directors

Anthony Bloom

Martina King

David Maloney

Rick Senat

Peter Williams

Share options  
subject to 
performance 
conditions(1)

Share options  
subject to 
performance 
conditions(2)

Share options 
not subject to 
performance 
conditions(3)

Beneficial

2,038,677

13,200

481,992

200,129

16,087

9,197

5,811

5,811

2,158,006(4)

2,563

26,400

26,937

52,800

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

(1)  Relates to unvested awards under the PSP.
(2)  Relates to CSOP options with identical performance conditions to PSP awards and made at the same time.
(3)  Relates to share options held under the Sharesave scheme.
(4)  Shares are held by a nominee for a Jersey-based discretional trust, of which Mr Bloom is one of the potential beneficiaries.

As described in the policy table on page 51, each Executive Director is expected to build up, over a period of time, a holding in shares 
equal to 100% of their base salary. For the purposes of these guidelines, only beneficially owned shares will count towards the holding.

As at 26 December 2013, Stephen Wiener met this shareholding requirement. Philip Bowcock, who was appointed in November 2011, 
does not yet meet the requirement even though he has purchased 10,000 shares in December 2012; he will therefore be expected to 
retain 50% of any shares he acquires under the PSP or on the exercise of options, after allowing for the sale of shares to pay tax and 
other deductions, until such time as he has built up such a holding. 

Five‑year TSR Performance and CEO Pay
The graph below compares the Company’s total shareholder return performance against the FTSE 250 and FTSE All Share Travel 
and Leisure indices over the past five financial years. The Remuneration Committee believes these indices to be the most appropriate 
comparators as the Group looks to benchmark itself against smaller companies within the FTSE 250 and is a member of the FTSE All 
Share Travel and Leisure sector. 

500

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0
Dec 2008

Dec 2009

Dec 2010

Dec 2011

Dec 2012

Dec 2013

Cineworld

FTSE 250

FTSE All Share Travel and Leisure

60

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
Financial year

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

CEO single 
figure of total 
remuneration 
(£000)(1)

Bonus as 
proportion 
of maximum 
opportunity

LTI vesting 
as proportion 
of maximum 
opportunity

£1,326

£1,258

£1,252

£1,212

£858

41.2%

81.3%

60%

68%

82%

85%

99%

100%

100%

–

(1)  These figures relate to Stephen Wiener who was CEO on 26 December 2013.

Percentage increase in CEO remuneration
The percentage changes in the value of salary, non-pension benefits and bonus between 2012 and 2013 for the CEO and employees 
generally are set out in the table below: 

Salary

Non-pension benefits

Annual bonus

CEO

3.3%

13.9%

(29.1)%

Employees 
generally

3.0%

0.0%

3.0%

Relative Importance of Pay Spend
The table below shows figures for people costs, shareholder dividends and a number of other significant distributions of turnover that 
the Committee considers to be relevant in order to provide context to the relevant importance of pay spend.

Staff and employee costs

Of which, Directors’ remuneration costs

Corporation tax paid

Other costs

Dividends paid

Retained earnings

(1)  Includes Picturehouse for 22 days only.

2012

2013

% change

£51.9m(1) £65.0m

£2.1m

£9.4m

£2.2m

£9.7m

£315m(1)

£369m

£16.0m

£18.1m

25%

7.3%

3.2%

17%

13%

£1.2m

£4.4m

267%

Shareholder Voting Results from 2013 AGM
At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 15 May 2013, the resolution to approve the Director’s Remuneration Report 
was approved on a show of hands. The proxy vote was:

For

Discretionary

Against

Total votes cast

Votes withheld(1)

Number of votes

% of votes 
cast

98,522,148

90.8%

423,170

9,551,038

108,496,356

2,516,870

0.4%

8.8%

100%

–

(1)  A vote withheld is not counted as a vote in law.

Share and Share Option Awards Granted and Vesting During the Year (audited information)
Awards or grants were made under the three Share and Share Options Schemes as follows:

PSP: Awards consisting of nil cost options over shares were granted to both Executive Directors equivalent in value to 100% of their 
base salary on 15 March 2013 which will become exercisable after three years. Details of the awards are set out below. Awards are 
subject to continued employment and the achievement of the performance conditions specified on page 57. 

CSOP: Philip Bowcock had a proportional part of his PSP award replaced by an HMRC approved share option granted under the CSOP. 
The CSOP options were subject to performance conditions identical to those applicable to awards under the PSP. There was no similar 
substitution in respect of Stephen Wiener as he already held the maximum permitted amount. 

Sharesave: No invitation was made to all UK employees to participate during the period. The last such invitation was made in March 2012. 

61

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements 
 
 
  Directors’ Remuneration Report 
continued

Awards granted or vesting during the year:

(a) Cineworld Group Performance Share Plan

Name of Director

At  
28 December  

2012

Awarded 
during year

Vested  

during year

Exercised 
during year

Lapsed 
during year

Stephen Wiener 109,774

–

108,490

108,490

1,284

At  
26 December  

2013

–

Exercise  
price

Market value 
at date of 
exercise(3)

Exercise 
period(2)

Gain(4)

£Nil £2.70625 30/03/13–
30/09/13

£328,426

Philip Bowcock

–

–

169,104(1)

92,699(1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

169,104

92,699

Richard Jones(5)

25,974

–

25,670

25,670

304

–

£Nil

£Nil

£Nil

– 15/03/16–
15/09/16

– 15/03/16–
15/09/16

£2.7855 30/03/13–
30/09/13

£79,744

(1)  Mid-market closing price of a Cineworld Group plc share on 14 March 2013, the day before grant, was £2.7875. The face value of the award to Stephen Wiener 

was £471,380. The face value of the award to Philip Bowcock was £258,401. Both awards were granted as nil cost options.

(2)  Subject to satisfaction of the relevant performance conditions (details of which are set on page 57). The awards vesting during the year did not vest in full. 
(3)  This was the price per share received in respect of those shares which were sold.
(4)  The gain has been calculated using the realised share price on the date of exercising and includes payment of a cash sum equivalent to the dividends that 
would have been paid on the vested shares in respect of dividend record dates occurring between grant and vesting. The dividend equivalent payments 
amounted to £34,825 for Stephen Wiener and £8,240 for Richard Jones.

(5)  Richard Jones left the Company on 17 June 2011. 

Details of the awards vesting in March 2014:

Name of Director

Stephen Wiener

Date awarded

Number 
awarded

Vesting  
date

Number 
vesting

Number 
lapsing

Exercise  
price

Exercise 
period

29/03/11

153,205

29/03/2014

124,556(1)

28,649

£Nil 29/03/14–
29/09/14

(1)  Adjusting the shares under the award for the rights issue completed on 14 February 2014 means that the number exercisable will be 138,330. 

(b) Cineworld Group Company Share Option Plan

Name of Director

Stephen Wiener

Philip Bowcock

At 
28 December 
2012

Awarded 
during year

Vested  

during year

Lapsed 
during year

At  
26 December  

2013

Exercise 
price(2)

Market value 
at date of 
exercise

Earliest date 
of exercise(3)

Expiry date

5,050(1)

–

4,990

–

3,587(1)

–

60

–

4,990

£1.98

– 01/07/13 30/06/20

3,587

£2.7875

– 15/03/16 14/03/23

(1)  HM Revenue and Customs approved share options.
(2)  Mid-market closing price of a Cineworld Group plc share the day before grant. The face value of the award to Philip Bowcock was £9,999.
(3)  Subject to satisfaction of the relevant performance conditions (details of which are set on page 57). 

Details of the awards vesting in March 2014:

Name of Director

Stephen Wiener

Date awarded

Number 
awarded

Vesting  
date

Number 
vesting

Number 
lapsing

Exercise  
price

Earliest date 
of exercise(1)

Expiry date

29/03/11

4,801

29/03/2014

3,903(2)

898

£2.0825(2) 29/03/14 28/03/21

(1)  Subject to satisfaction of the relevant performance conditions (details of which are set on page 57). 
(2)  Adjusting the shares under the option for the rights issue completed on 19 February 2014 means that the number exercisable will be 4,334 with an exercise 

price of £1.8751.

(c) Cineworld Group Sharesave Scheme
No share options were granted under the Sharesave Scheme to any employee (including the Directors) during the period and none 
of the share options held by Directors under the scheme vested in the period. No options under the Scheme are due to vest until 
July 2015.

By order of the Board

Peter Williams
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
6 March 2014

62

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013  Statement of 
Directors’ Responsibilities
in respect of the Annual Report  
and the Financial Statements

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. Under that 
law they are required to prepare the Group financial statements 
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and applicable 
law and have elected to prepare the parent company financial 
statements in accordance with UK Accounting Standards and 
applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). 

Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and 
fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and Parent Company 
and of their profit or loss for that period. In preparing each of the 
Group and Parent Company financial statements, the Directors 
are required to: 

•  Select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

them consistently; 

•  Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent; 

•  For the Group financial statements, state whether they 

have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted 
by the EU; 

•  For the Parent Company financial statements, state whether 
applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained 
in the Parent Company financial statements; and 

•  Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the 
Parent Company will continue in business. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Parent 
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy 
at any time the financial position of the Parent Company and 
enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with 
the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for 
taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard 
the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and 
other irregularities. 

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also 
responsible for preparing a Strategic Report, Directors’ Report, 
Directors’ Remuneration Report and Corporate Governance 
Statement that complies with that law and those regulations. 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity 
of the corporate and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

The Directors consider that the Annual Report and Accounts, 
taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess 
the Group’s performance, business model and strategy.

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

•  The financial statements, prepared in accordance with the 
applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair 
view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or 
loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole; and

•  The strategic report includes a fair review of the development 
and performance of the business and the position of the 
issuer and the undertakings included in the consolidation 
taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal 
risks and uncertainties that they face.

On behalf of the Board

Philip Bowcock
Chief Financial Officer
6 March 2014

63

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial StatementsIndependent 
Auditor’s Report
to the Members of Cineworld Group plc only

Opinions and conclusions arising from our audit
1  Our opinion on the financial statements is unmodified
We have audited the financial statements of Cineworld Group plc for the 52 week period ended 26 December 2013 set out 
on pages 67 to 109. 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 

26 December 2013 and of the Group’s profit for the 52 week period then ended; 

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 

as adopted by the European Union; 

•  the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK Accounting Standards; and 
•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards 

the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

2  Our assessment of risks of material misstatement
In arriving at our audit opinion above on the financial statements the risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect 
on our audit were as follows:

Valuation on acquisition of the Picturehouse intangible assets (£15.3m)
Refer to page 42 (Audit Committee Report), page 74 (accounting policy) and pages 83–84 (financial disclosures).
•  The risk: As part of the Group’s accounting for the acquisition of City Screen Limited Group (“Picturehouse”), the acquired 

intangible assets were provisionally valued, due to the proximity to the year end, in the 2012 Group financial statements. The final 
valuation was completed, using external specialists, during 2013. The identification and valuation of intangible assets is highly 
judgmental as it is sensitive to underlying assumptions around future cash flows, discount rates, contributory asset charges and 
useful economic lives. Valuing intangible assets can be further complicated by expectations over the future use and transferability 
of the assets. 

•  Our response: Our audit procedures included, among others, an assessment of the competency of the Group’s external valuation 
expert, in the context of their ability to generate a reliable estimate; which they were specifically engaged to do. We also used our 
own valuation specialists to assist us in evaluating whether all the intangible assets had been identified and the assumptions used 
in determining the asset valuations. The core valuation assumptions assessed included; the remaining useful economic lives of the 
assets identified, the discount rate applied, growth rates, income streams and contributory asset charges. In our assessment of 
these assumptions we used historic trend data from Picturehouse, external market data and applied standard valuation industry 
practice. We also assessed whether the Group’s disclosure regarding the outcome of the valuation assessment and the changes 
in value allocation between the brand and customer loyalty program properly reflect the underlying valuation assumptions.

The Competition Commission investigation into the acquisition of the City Screen Limited Group (the “Acquisition”) (assets held for sale 
£2.3m; related goodwill impairment charge £0.7m)
Refer to page 42 (Audit Committee Report), pages 74–75 (accounting policy) and pages 89–90 (financial disclosures).
•  The risk: As announced on 30 April 2013 the Office of Fair Trading referred the Acquisition to the Competition Commission (“CC”) 
with the CC findings communicated on 8 October 2013. The CC ruling requires the Group to divest of three cinemas. Due to the 
compulsory nature of the disposal, the current carrying value of the cinema assets, goodwill and associated intangible assets may 
not be fully recoverable through sale. The determination of the expected profit or loss on disposal is judgmental due to the need to 
determine any associated goodwill or intangible assets associated with each disposal. Judgement is also required as to whether 
these assets meet the conditions of relevant accounting standards for presentation as “Assets held for sale” at the balance 
sheet date.

•  Our response: Our audit procedures in this area included, among others: consideration of the detailed ruling from the CC, including 

the potential remedies; and understanding and challenging the Group’s evaluation of the impact of the ruling on the carrying amount 
of the goodwill, brand and customer relationship assets, and other cinema assets relating to the affected sites. We based our 
understanding on the relevant correspondence and rulings from the OFT, CC and legal advisors engaged by the Group. We challenged 
the Group’s evaluation of the impact based on the expectations we formed from this understanding and through inspecting the third 
party offers for sale, disposal calculations and decisions taken by the Board. We considered the Group’s operational plans regarding 
the impact of the ruling on the valuation and future use of these assets. We also assessed whether the Group’s disclosures in respect 
of the Assets held for sale, the valuation of cinema assets, goodwill and the associated intangible assets properly reflected the 
degree of estimation and assumptions used in arriving at the position adopted.

Onerous lease provisions (£10.7m)
Refer to page 43 (Audit Committee Report), page 77 (accounting policy) and pages 97–98 (financial disclosures).
•  The risk: The Group provides for onerous lease costs, on acquisition of a cinema as part of a business, when it considers that the 

unavoidable costs of the lease obligations from operating the cinema are in excess of the economic benefits expected to be received 
from operating it but where it continues to be rational to operate the cinema as the cinema operations provide a contribution towards 
the unavoidable lease costs. The provision is calculated and updated annually, using a valuation model that requires consideration of 
existing market conditions and estimates of future operating cashflows from each cinema to calculate the level of onerous lease. 
The value of the provision is sensitive to the underlying assumptions around future cash flows and discount rates. 

•  Our response: In this area our audit procedures included, among others: comparing the Group’s forecast cash flows to historical 
cash flow trends for each cinema for which a provision has been made; considering the appropriateness and accuracy of the 
valuation model, including assessing the key input data, such as growth rates and discount rates, against our internal benchmark 
data; and applying sensitivities to these key assumptions. We also considered the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures about the 
degree of estimation involved in arriving at the provision.

64

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
Recognition of Virtual Print Fee (‘VPF’) income (£7.4m)
Refer to page 43 (Audit Committee Report), page 77 (accounting policy) and page 89 (financial disclosures).
•  The risk: The Group recognises VPF income on an accruals basis, dependent on the number of screenings of particular films. 

The income recognition criteria are complex as they include the number, type, timing and overlap of screenings. In addition, the 
large volume of screening data has historically led to differences between the third party supplier and the Group’s estimate due 
to processing delays. Further, there is the potential for penalties to be applied on certain screenings that are prohibited under the 
VPF agreement. There is then a six month delay between the income being recognised, the balances being fully reconciled with 
the third party supplier and the receivable being paid. Given the complexity and level of estimation, this is deemed to be one 
of the Group’s key judgment areas. 

•  Our response: Our audit procedures included, among others: testing the Group’s controls over the VPF income recognition and 
collection process, including screening information; testing the receipt of fee income after the period end; and considering the 
appropriateness of the level of VPF income recognised by reference to the terms of the VPF agreement and underlying screening 
data. We have also considered the adequacy of the Group’s disclosures about the degree of estimation involved in arriving at 
the income recognised.

Carrying value of property, plant and equipment (£162.1m, impairment charge £1.3m)
Refer to page 43 (Audit Committee Report); page 77 (accounting policy) and pages 85–86 (financial disclosures).
•  The risk – There is a risk that at an individual Cinema level the property, plant and equipment balances may prove to be 

irrecoverable due to local factors, such as increased competition, materially affecting site performance. The difficulties involved 
in predicting the performance of sites operated by the Group increase this risk. In 2013, an impairment charge of £1.3m has 
been recognized. Inherent uncertainty is involved in forecasting and discounting future cash flows, due to the fact that the Group 
has no direct control over the films released for distribution and little visibility over the release schedule more than 12 months 
into the future.

•  Our response – Our audit procedures included, among others, an analysis of the Group’s previous ability to forecast cash 

generation and challenging the reasonableness of current forecasts given the future plans for the business and the risk perceived 
in those strategies from our understanding of the business’s past performance. Benchmarking was performed on the discount 
rates used by the Group to market data, industry norms and our expectations based on knowledge of the business. We performed 
an assessment of sensitivity analysis of both discount rates and forecast cash flows and the resulting headroom across all 
valuations and considered the appropriateness of the resulting disclosures in light of this sensitivity.

3  Our application of materiality and an overview of the scope of our audit
The materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole was set at £2,300,000. This has been determined with reference 
to a benchmark of Group profit before taxation of £41.7m (adjusted for the one off exceptional items disclosed in the Consolidated 
Statement of Profit or Loss totaling £10.8m), of which it represents 5.5% (7.4% of profit before tax before adjustment), which we 
consider to be one of the principal considerations for members of the Company in assessing the financial performance of the Group.

We agreed with the Audit Committee to report to it all corrected and uncorrected misstatements we identified through our audit 
with a value in excess of £115,000, in addition to any other audit misstatements below that threshold that we believe warranted 
reporting on qualitative grounds. In addition, we considered whether any misstatements corrected by management identified during 
the course of the audit should be communicated to the Audit Committee to assist it in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.

The Group’s principal operation is Cineworld Cinemas which represents 91% of total group revenue, 95% of total Group profit before 
tax and 92% of total Group assets. Only the Cineworld Cinemas component is scoped in for Group reporting purposes. The Group 
audit team performed the audit of Cineworld Cinemas as if it were a single aggregated set of financial information using a materiality 
of £2,000,000.

4  Our opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 is unmodified
In our opinion: 
•  the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies 

Act 2006; and

•  the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements 

are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. 

5  We have nothing to report in respect of the matters on which we are required to report by exception 
Under ISAs (UK and Ireland) we are required to report to you if, based on the knowledge we acquired during our audit, we have 
identified other information in the annual report that contains a material inconsistency with either that knowledge or the financial 
statements, a material misstatement of fact, or that is otherwise misleading. 

In particular, we are required to report to you if: 
•  we have identified material inconsistencies between the knowledge we acquired during our audit and the Directors’ statement 
that they consider that the Annual Report and financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy; or

•  the Audit Committee Report does not appropriately address matters communicated by us to the Audit Committee.
•  Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 

received from branches not visited by us; or 

•  the Parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement 

with the accounting records and returns; or 

•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 
•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

65

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial StatementsIndependent 
Auditor’s Report
continued

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review: 
•  the directors’ statement, set out on page 39, in relation to going concern; and 
•  the part of the Corporate Governance Statement on pages 40 to 46 relating to the Company’s compliance with the nine provisions 

of the 2010 UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review. 

We have nothing to report in respect of the above responsibilities.

Scope of report and responsibilities
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities set out on page 63, the Directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. A description of the scope of an audit of 
financial statements is provided on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate. This report is made 
solely to the Company’s members as a body and is subject to important explanations and disclaimers regarding our responsibilities, 
published on our website at www.kpmg.com/uk/auditscopeukco2013a, which are incorporated into this report as if set out in full and 
should be read to provide an understanding of the purpose of this report, the work we have undertaken and the basis of our opinions.

Mark Summerfield (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of KPMG Audit Plc, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants 
15 Canada Square,
London
E14 5GL

6 March 2014

66

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
  Consolidated Statement 
of Profit or Loss
for the Period Ended 26 December 2013

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Other operating income
Administrative expenses

Operating profit
Analysed between:

Operating profit before depreciation, impairments, reversals of impairments and amortisation, 

onerous lease and other non-recurring or non-cash property charges, transaction and 
reorganisation costs, defined benefit pension scheme indexation gain, and refinancing costs

• Depreciation and amortisation
• Onerous leases and other non-recurring charges
• Impairments and reversals of impairments
• Other non-recurring income
• Transaction and reorganisation costs
• Defined benefit pension scheme past service costs

Finance income
Finance expenses
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges reclassified from equity

Net finance costs
Share of loss of jointly controlled entities using equity accounting method, net of tax

Profit on ordinary activities before tax
Tax charge on profit on ordinary activities

Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the Company

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012
(restated(1))
£m

406.1
(293.3)

358.7
(263.9)

112.8
0.5
(75.8)

37.5

94.8
0.3
(51.1)

44.0

Note

2

3

4

72.3
(24.0)
(0.7)
(2.0)
–
(8.1)
–

0.3
(6.8)
–

(6.5)
(0.1)

30.9
(9.9)

21.0

14.0p
13.8p

66.9
(21.5)
(1.6)
(0.3)
2.0
(1.1)
(0.4)

0.3
(6.9)
1.0

(5.6)
(0.1)

38.3
(10.8)

27.5

19.2p
19.0p

4
4
4
4
4
19

7
7

8

5
5

The Notes on pages 72 to 103 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

(1)  Comparative information restated following the adoption of the amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”. Refer to Note 26.

67

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements 
  Consolidated Statement 
of Other Comprehensive Income
for the Period Ended 26 December 2013

Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the Company

Items that will not subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss
Remeasurement of the defined benefit asset
Tax recognised on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Items that will subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss
Movement in fair value of cash flow hedge
Foreign exchange translation loss
Tax recognised on income and expenses recognised directly in equity

Other comprehensive income for the period, net of income tax

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012
(restated(1))
£m

21.0

27.5

(0.7)
(0.1)

(1.6)
(0.4)
0.3

(2.5)

1.2
(0.2)

(0.1)
(0.5)
(0.7)

(0.3)

Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to equity holders of the Company

18.5

27.2

(1)  Comparative information restated following the adoption of the amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”. Refer to Note 26.

68

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013  Consolidated Statement 
of Financial Position
at 26 December 2013

Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Investments in equity-accounted investee
Other receivables
Employee benefits
Deferred tax assets

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Assets classified as held for sale
Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans, borrowings and other financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Current taxes payable
Liabilities classified as held for sale
Provisions

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans, borrowings and other financial liabilities
Other payables
Government grants
Provisions
Deferred tax liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company
Share capital
Share premium
Translation reserves
Hedging reserves
Retained earnings

Total equity

26 December 2013

27 December 2012

Note

£m

£m

£m

£m

10
11
11
12
15
19
13

14
15
16

17
18

16
20

17
18

20
13

21

21
21

3.5
34.6
2.3
19.0

(6.3)
(82.7)
(3.9)
(0.1)
(1.1)

(125.0)
(54.8)
(1.8)
(10.4)
(6.9)

162.1
236.2
13.8
0.6
1.4
5.3
8.1

427.5

59.4

486.9

160.0
236.7
15.7
0.7
1.4
4.4
9.9

428.8

49.0

477.8

3.8
34.3
–
10.9

(8.1)
(72.7)
(4.7)
–
(0.3)

(94.1)

(85.8)

(129.7)
(53.3)
(1.9)
(11.1)
(7.4)

(198.9)

(293.0)

193.9

1.5
188.2
1.7
(1.9)
4.4

193.9

(203.4)

(289.2)

188.6

1.5
188.1
1.3
(3.5)
1.2

188.6

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 6 March 2014 and were signed on its behalf by:

Anthony Bloom 
Chairman  

Philip Bowcock
Chief Financial Officer

69

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity
for the Period Ended 26 December 2013

Issued 
capital 
£m

Share 
premium 
£m

Translation 
reserve 
£m

Hedging 
reserve 
£m

Retained 
deficit 
(restated(1))
£m

Total 
£m

Balance at 29 December 2011

1.4

171.8

1.8

(3.4)

(11.3)

160.3

Profit for the period
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss
Remeasurement of the defined benefit asset
Tax recognised on items that will not be reclassified to profit 

or loss

Items that will subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss
Movement in fair value of cash flow hedge
Retranslation of foreign currency denominated subsidiaries
Tax recognised on income and expenses recognised directly in 

equity

Contributions by and distributions to owners
Dividends 
Movements due to share-based compensation
Issue of shares

Balance at 27 December 2012

Profit for the period
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss
Remeasurement of the defined benefit asset
Tax recognised on items that will not be reclassified to profit 

or loss

Items that will subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss
Movement in fair value of cash flow hedge
Retranslation of foreign currency denominated subsidiaries
Tax recognised on income and expenses recognised directly in 

equity

Contributions by and distributions to owners
Dividends
Movements due to share-based compensation
Issue of shares

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
0.1

1.5

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
16.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
(0.5)

(0.1)
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

188.1

1.3

(3.5)

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
0.1

–

–

–

–
0.4

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

1.6
–

–

–
–
–

27.5

27.5

1.2

(0.2)

–
–

(0.6)

(16.0)
0.6
–

1.2

21.0

1.2

(0.2)

(0.1)
(0.5)

(0.6)

(16.0)
0.6
16.4

188.6

21.0

(0.7)

(0.7)

0.1

–
–

0.1

1.6
0.4

(0.3)

(0.3)

(18.1)
1.2
–

(18.1)
1.2
0.1

Balance at 26 December 2013

1.5

188.2

1.7

(1.9)

4.4

193.9

(1)  Comparative information restated following the adoption of the amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”. Refer to Note 26.

70

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013  Consolidated Statement 
of Cash Flows
for the Period Ended 26 December 2013

Cash flow from operating activities
Profit for the period
Adjustments for:
  Financial income
  Financial expense
  Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges reclassified from equity 
  Taxation
  Share of loss of equity-accounted investee

Operating profit
Depreciation and amortisation
Non-cash property charges
Impairments and reversals of impairments
Non-cash pension gain following change in indexation
Surplus of pension contributions over current service cost
Increase in trade and other receivables
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
Increase in trade and other payables
Decrease in provisions and employee benefit obligations

Cash generated from operations
Tax paid

Net cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Acquisition of subsidiaries net of acquired cash
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

Net cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from share issue
Dividends paid to shareholders
Interest paid
Repayment of bank loans
Proceeds from bank loans
Payment of finance lease liabilities

Net cash from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Exchange gains/(losses) on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012
(restated(1))
£m

Note

21.0

27.5

7
7

8

4
4

19

(0.3)
6.8
–
9.9
0.1

37.5
24.0
–
2.0
–
(1.6)
(0.1)
0.3
2.3
0.9

65.3
(9.7)

55.6

0.1
–
(18.9)

(18.8)

–
(18.1)
(5.2)
(29.5)
25.0
(0.9)

(28.7)

8.1
–
10.9

19.0

(0.3)
6.9
(1.0)
10.8
0.1

44.0
21.5
1.6
0.3
0.4
(1.6)
(5.3)
(1.3)
10.4
(3.0)

67.0
(9.4)

57.6

0.1
(43.3)
(31.1)

(74.3)

16.4
(16.0)
(4.9)
(5.0)
32.3
(0.6)

22.2

5.5
(0.1)
5.5

10.9

(1)  Comparative information restated following the adoption of the amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”. Refer to Note 26.

71

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements
(Forming Part of the Financial Statements)

1. Accounting Policies
Basis of Preparation
Cineworld Group plc (the “Company”) is a company incorporated in the UK.

The Group financial statements consolidate those of the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group”) and equity 
account the Group’s interest in jointly controlled entities. The Parent Company financial statements present information about the 
Company as a separate entity and not about its Group.

The Group financial statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU (“Adopted IFRSs”). The Company has elected to prepare its Parent Company financial 
statements in accordance with UK GAAP; these are presented on pages 104 to 109.

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these Group financial statements.

Judgements made by the Directors in the application of these accounting policies that have significant effect on the financial 
statements and estimates with a significant risk of material adjustment in the next financial period are set out below.

Information regarding the Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and 
position, is set out in the Strategic Report on pages 10 to 17 and the Risks and Uncertainties section on pages 20 to 23. The financial 
position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the Strategic Report on pages 10 to 17. In 
addition Note 21 to the financial statements includes the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial 
risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments and hedging activities; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk.

Going Concern
At the period end the Group met its day-to-day working capital requirements through its bank loan, which consisted of a term loan and 
a revolving facility (refer Note 17 to the financial statements). During 2013 the original term loan was extended by £30m to £87.5m. 
The revolving facility was £100m. Interest was charged on the facility at LIBOR plus 1.95%. As at the period end, £85m of the term 
loan was outstanding and £38.5m of the revolving facility was drawn down. The current economic conditions create uncertainty 
particularly over (a) the level of demand for the Group’s products; and (b) the availability of bank finance in the foreseeable future.

As part of the combination with CCI, the Company entered into a new five-year facility to part finance such combination and repay 
the existing facility. An element of the new facility was drawn to part settle the acquisition cash consideration of £272m and €14.5m. 
The residual of the facility has been drawn to repay the existing facilities of the combined Group and to fund general working capital 
requirements going forward. The new facility provides funding of £400m of which £275m is term loan and £125m is a revolving credit 
facility. £160m (€192m) of the new facility is available in Euros, reflecting the composition of the combined Group. This new financing 
arrangement became effective on 10 January 2014, but the new facility was not drawn and the existing facility was not repaid until 
27 February 2014. As with the previous facility, the new facility is subject to floating interest rate charges. In line with the terms of the 
new facility agreement, management are currently in the process of implementing appropriate hedging arrangements to mitigate the 
risk of a material impact arising from interest rate fluctuations.

The current bank facility is subject to two covenants: the ratio of EBITDA to net debt and the ratio of EBITDAR (pre-rent EBITDA) to net 
finance charges. The Group’s forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show 
that the Group should be able to operate within the level of its current facility, including compliance with the bank facility covenants. 
The Group therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis.

Measurement Convention
The financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis except that the following assets and liabilities are stated at their 
fair value: derivative financial instruments and financial instruments classified as fair value through the income statement or as 
available for sale.

The financial information of subsidiaries is included in the consolidated financial information from the date that control commences 
until the date that control ceases.

Basis of Consolidation
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the 
financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights 
that are currently exercisable or convertible are taken into account.

Jointly Controlled Entities (Equity Accounted Investees)
Jointly controlled entities are those entities over whose activities the Group has joint control, established by contractual agreement 
and requiring the venturers’ unanimous consent for strategic financial and operating decisions. Jointly controlled entities are 
accounted for using the equity method (equity accounted investees) and are initially recognised at cost. The Group’s investment 
includes goodwill identified on acquisition, net of any accumulated impairment losses. The consolidated financial statements include 
the Group’s share of the total recognised income and expense and equity movements of equity accounted investees, from the date 
that joint control commences until the date that joint control ceases. When the Group’s share of losses exceeds its interest in an 
equity accounted investee, the Group’s carrying amount is reduced to nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued except 
to the extent that the Group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of an investee.

Transactions Eliminated on Consolidation
Intra-Group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-Group transactions, are eliminated 
in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

72

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 20131. Accounting Policies continued
Use of non-GAAP profit and loss measures
The Group believes that along with operating profit, the following measures:
•  EBITDA
•  Adjusted pro-forma earnings
•  Net debt

provide additional guidance to the statutory measures of the performance of the business during the financial period.

EBITDA comprises of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, onerous lease and other non-recurring or non-cash 
property charges, transaction and reorganisation costs, defined benefit scheme indexation gain and refinancing costs.

Adjusted pro-forma earnings comprises profit after tax adjusted for certain non-recurring and non-cash items as set out in Note 5. 
Adjusted pro-forma earnings is an internal measure used by management, as they believe it better reflects the underlying performance 
of the Group. A statutory tax rate is used, as tax is considered to be an external factor affecting earnings, which management are 
unable to influence.

Net debt represents net borrowings and derivatives.

Foreign Currency
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets 
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. 
Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised in the income statement. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that 
are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. 
Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are stated at fair value are translated at foreign exchange 
rates ruling at the dates the fair value was determined.

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation, are translated 
at foreign exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated at an 
average rate for the period where this rate approximates to the foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions.

Exchange differences arising from this translation of foreign operations after 23 August 2004 (the date of incorporation) are taken 
directly to the translation reserve. They are released into the income statement upon disposal.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging
Cash Flow Hedges and Interest Swap Policy
Derivative financial instruments are recognised at fair value. The gain or loss on remeasurement to fair value is recognised immediately 
in the income statement except where derivatives qualify for hedge accounting when recognition of any resultant gain or loss depends 
on the nature of the item being hedged.

The fair value of interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the swap at the balance 
sheet date, taking into account current interest rates and the current creditworthiness of the swap counterparties. The fair value of 
forward exchange contracts is their quoted market price at the balance sheet date, being the present value of the quoted forward price.

Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the variability in cash flows of a recognised asset or liability, or a 
highly probable forecast transaction, the effective part of any gain or loss on the derivative financial instrument is recognised directly 
in the hedging reserve. Any ineffective portion of the hedge is recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive income.

For cash flow hedges, the associated cumulative gain or loss is removed from equity and recognised in the income statement in the 
same period or periods during which the hedged forecast transaction affects profit or loss.

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or the entity revokes designation of the hedge relationship but 
the hedged forecast transaction is still expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss at that point remains in equity and is recognised 
in accordance with the above policy when the transaction occurs. If the hedged transaction is no longer expected to take place, 
the cumulative unrealised gain or loss recognised in equity is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income immediately.

Non-Derivative Financial Instruments
Non-derivative financial instruments comprise investments in equity, trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, 
interest-bearing borrowings, and trade and other payables.

Trade and Other Receivables
Trade and other receivables were initially measured on the basis of their fair value. Subsequently they are carried at amortised 
cost using the effective interest method less any impairment losses. A bad debt allowance for 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 of the receivables.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form 
an integral part of the Group’s cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose only 
of the statement of cash flows.

Trade and Other Payables
Trade and other payables are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition they are measured at amortised cost 
using the effective interest method.

73

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
continued

1. Accounting Policies continued
Interest-Bearing Borrowings
Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, 
interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised 
in the income statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis.

Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items 
of property, plant and equipment.

Leases in which the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the leased asset are classified as finance 
leases. Where land and buildings are held under finance leases the accounting treatment of the land is considered separately from 
that of the buildings. Leased assets acquired by way of finance lease are stated at an amount equal to the lower of their fair value and 
the present value of the minimum lease payments at inception of the lease, less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Other leases are operating leases. These leased assets are not recognised in the Group’s balance sheet.

Depreciation is charged to the statement of comprehensive income to write assets down to their residual values on a straight-line 
basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment. The estimated useful lives are 
as follows:
•  Land and buildings: Freehold properties 
•  Land and buildings: Short leasehold properties including leasehold improvements 
•  Plant and machinery 
•  Fixtures and fittings 
•  Motor vehicles 

50 years
30 years or life of lease if shorter
3 to 10 years
4 to 10 years
3 years

No depreciation is provided on assets held for sale or on assets in the course of construction.

Depreciation methods, residual values and the useful lives of all assets are reassessed annually.

In respect of borrowing costs relating to qualifying assets, the Group capitalises borrowing costs directly attributable to the 
acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets as part of the cost of that asset. The Group has capitalised borrowing 
costs with respect to the construction of new sites.

Business Combinations
For acquisitions on or after 1 January 2010, the Group measures goodwill as the fair value of the consideration transferred (including 
the fair value of any previously held equity interest in the acquiree) and the recognised amount of any non-controlling interests in the 
acquiree, less the net recognised amount (generally fair value) of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, all measured 
as of the acquisition date. When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognised immediately in the income statement. 
Transactions costs, other than those associated with the issue of debt or equity securities that the Group incurs in connection with 
business combinations are expensed as incurred. 

Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Identifiable intangibles are those which can be sold separately or which arise from legal rights regardless of whether those rights 
are separable.

Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and is not 
amortised but is tested annually for impairment.

Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. 
Identifiable intangibles are those which can be sold separately or which arise from legal rights regardless of whether those rights 
are separable.

Amortisation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets unless 
such lives are indefinite. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life and goodwill are systematically tested for impairment at each 
balance sheet date. Other intangible assets are amortised from the date they are available for use. The estimated useful lives are 
as follows:
•  Brands  
•  Customer loyalty programme  
•  Other intangibles 

10 to 20 years
10 years
5 to 10 years

Non-current Assets Held for Sale
A non-current asset or a group of assets containing a non-current asset (a disposal group) is classified as held for sale if its carrying 
amount will be recovered principally through sale rather than through continuing use, it is available for immediate sale and sale 
is highly probable within one year.

On initial classification as held for sale, non-current assets and disposal groups are measured at the lower of previous carrying 
amount and fair value less costs to sell with any adjustments taken to profit or loss. The same applies to gains and losses on 
subsequent remeasurement although gains are not recognised in excess of any cumulative impairment loss. Any impairment loss 
on a disposal group first is allocated to goodwill, and then to remaining assets and liabilities on pro-rata basis, except that no loss 
is allocated to inventories, financial assets, deferred tax assets, employee benefit assets and investment property, which continue 
to be measured in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies. Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment once 
classified as held for sale or distribution are not amortised or depreciated.

74

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1. Accounting Policies continued
In accordance with IFRS 5, the above policy is effective from 28 December 2012; no reclassifications are made in prior periods.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The cost of inventories is based on the First-In, First-Out (“FIFO”) 
principle. Cost comprises expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their existing location and condition, 
and net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated selling costs.

Impairment
The carrying amounts of the Group’s assets other than inventories and deferred tax assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date 
to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. 
For goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful economic life, the recoverable amount is estimated at each balance 
sheet date.

An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable 
amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement.

Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill 
allocated to cash-generating units and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit on a pro-rata basis. 
A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of 
the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.

Calculation of Recoverable Amount
The recoverable amount is the greater of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, 
the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate largely 
independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Reversals of Impairment
An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed.

In respect of other assets, an impairment is reversed when there is an indication that the impairment loss may no longer exist as 
a result of a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount, including a change in fair value less costs to sell.

An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would 
have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

Employee Benefits
Defined Contribution Pension Plans
Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an expense in the income statement as incurred.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The Group’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit pension plans is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the amount 
of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to 
determine its present value, and the fair value of any plan assets (at bid price) is deducted. The liability discount rate is the yield at 
the balance sheet date on AA credit rated bonds that have maturity dates approximating to the terms of the Group’s obligations. 
The calculation is performed by a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit method.

When the calculation results in a benefit to the Group, the asset recognised is limited to the present value of benefits available in 
the form of any future refunds from the plan, reductions in future contributions to the plan or settlement of the plan and takes into 
account the adverse effect of any minimum funding requirements.

When the benefits of a plan are improved, the portion of the increased benefit relating to past service by employees is recognised as 
an expense in the statement of comprehensive income at the earlier of the date the plan amendment/curtailment occurred and the 
date the entity recognises the related restructuring costs or termination benefit.

The increase in the present value of the liabilities expected to arise from the employees’ services in the accounting period is 
charged to the income statement. The expected return on the schemes’ assets and the interest on the present value of the schemes’ 
liabilities during the accounting period are shown as finance income and finance expense respectively. Actuarial gains and losses are 
recognised immediately in equity.

Share-Based Payment Transactions
The share option programme allows Group employees to acquire shares of the Company. The fair value of options granted 
is recognised as an employee expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at grant date using 
the Black-Scholes model and spread over the period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options. 
The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options that vest except where forfeiture 
is due only to share prices not achieving the threshold for vesting.

Share appreciation rights are also granted by the Company to employees. The fair value of the amount payable to the employee is 
recognised as an expense with a corresponding increase in liabilities. The fair value is initially measured at grant date and spread over 
the period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to payment. The fair value of the share appreciation rights is 
measured taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the instruments were granted. The liability is remeasured at each 
balance sheet date and at settlement date and any changes in fair value are recognised in the income statement.

75

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
continued

1. Accounting Policies continued
Government Grants
Government grants are recognised initially as deferred income at fair value when there is reasonable assurance that they will be 
received and the Group will comply with the conditions associated with the grant. They are then recognised in profit or loss as other 
income on a systematic basis over the useful life of the asset to which they relate.

Provisions
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a 
past event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. If the effect is material, 
provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments 
of the time value of money and, where appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.

Own Shares Held by Employee Benefit Trust (“EBT”)
Transactions of the Group-sponsored EBT are included in the Group financial information. In particular, the trust’s purchase of shares 
in the Company are debited directly to equity.

Revenue
Revenue represents the total amount receivable for goods sold, excluding sales related taxes and intra-Group transactions. All the 
Group’s revenue is received from the sale of goods.
•  Box office revenue is recognised on the date of the showing of the film it relates to;
•  Concessions revenue is recognised at point of sale;
•  Advertising revenue is recognised when the advertisement is shown;
•  Unlimited card revenue is received annually or monthly in advance. When revenue from the Unlimited card is received annually in 

advance it is recognised on a straight-line basis over the year. Monthly Unlimited card revenue is recognised in the period to which 
it relates; and

•  Other revenue is recognised in the period to which it relates.

Other Income
Other income represents rent receivable. Rental income is recognised on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.

Expenses
Operating Lease Payments
Payments made under operating leases are recognised in the statement of comprehensive income on a straight-line basis over the 
term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognised in the income statement as an integral part of the total lease expense. 
Where the Group has operating leases that contain minimum guaranteed rental uplifts over the life of the lease, the Group recognises 
the guaranteed minimum lease payment on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Finance Lease Payments
Minimum lease payments are apportioned between the finance charge and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance 
charge is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance 
of the liability.

Net Financing Costs
Net financing costs comprise interest payable, amortisation of financing costs, unwind of discount on onerous lease provisions, 
finance lease interest, net gain/loss on remeasurement of interest rate swaps, interest receivable on funds invested, foreign 
exchange gains and losses and finance costs for defined benefit pension schemes.

Sale and Leaseback
Where the Group enters into a sale and leaseback transaction whereby the risks and rewards of ownership of the assets concerned 
have not been substantially transferred to the lessor, any excess of sales proceeds over the previous carrying amount are deferred 
and recognised in the income statement over the lease term. At the date of the transaction the assets and the associated finance 
lease liabilities on the Group’s balance sheet are stated at the lower of fair value of the leased assets and the present value of the 
minimum lease payments.

Where the Group enters into a sale and leaseback transaction whereby the risks and rewards of ownership of the assets concerned 
have been substantially transferred to the lessor, any excess of sales proceeds over the previous carrying amount is recognised in 
the income statement on completion of the transaction, when the sale and subsequent lease back has been completed at fair value.

Taxation
Tax on the profit or loss for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the statement of comprehensive 
income except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the period, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the 
balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous periods.

Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet method, providing temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets 
and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are 
not provided for: the initial recognition of goodwill; the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable 
profit other than in a business combination, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably 
not reverse in the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement 
of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the 
asset can be utilised.

76

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 20131. Accounting Policies continued
Operating Segments
An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur 
expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Group’s other components. An operating 
segment’s operating results are reviewed regularly by the Board of Directors to make decisions about resources to be allocated 
to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available.

Significant Accounting Judgements and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the 
application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ 
from these estimates.

Estimates
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the 
period in which the estimate is revised and in any future periods affected.

In applying the Group’s accounting policies described above the Directors have identified that the following areas are the key 
estimates that have a significant impact on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Onerous Leases
Provision is made for onerous leases on acquisition of a cinema as part of a business, where it is considered that the unavoidable 
costs of the lease obligations are in excess of the economic benefits expected to be received from operating it. The unavoidable 
costs of the lease reflect the least net cost of exiting from the contract and are measured as the lower of the net cost of continuing 
to operate the lease and any penalties or other costs from exiting it.

When calculating the provision for onerous leases the Group is required to make certain assumptions about the future cash flows to 
be generated from that cinema site. It is also required to discount these cash flows using an appropriate discount rate. The resulting 
provision is therefore very sensitive to these assumptions however, the Directors consider that the assumptions made represent their 
best estimate of the future cash flows generated by onerous cinema sites, and that the discount rate used is appropriate given the 
risks associated with these cash flows. Management has applied sensitivity analysis to the estimate (see Note 20).

Virtual Print Fees
A Virtual Print Fee (“VPF”) represents a discount from the cost Cineworld pays for film rental and reflects the cost saving to the studios 
of the move to digital. A VPF is receivable the first time a film is played in a digital format on a screen rather than using 35mm film.

A VPF is recognised on the date of the showing of the film it relates to and is included in cost of sales as a reduction of the film hire 
costs. VPFs are expected to be received until between 2016 and 2018, dependent upon the rate of screenings of films on which VPF 
income is earned.

The income recognition criteria are complex as they include the number, type and timing of screenings and the recognition of the 
income on an accruals basis does not necessarily match the cash received.

Impairment of Goodwill
The Group determines whether goodwill is impaired at least on an annual basis. This requires an estimate of the value in use of the 
cash-generating units to which the goodwill is allocated. Estimating the value in use requires the Group to make an estimate of the 
expected future cash flows from the cash-generating unit that holds the goodwill at a determined discount rate to calculate the 
present value of those cash flows.

Forecasting expected cash flows, and selecting an appropriate discount rate, inherently require estimation, however management has 
also applied sensitivity analysis to the estimates which does not affect the outcome (see Note 11).

Impairment of Tangible Fixed Assets
The Group determines whether tangible fixed assets are impaired when indicators of impairments exist. This requires an estimate of 
the value in use of the cash-generating units to which the tangible fixed assets are allocated. Estimating the value in use requires the 
Group to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the cash-generating units that holds the tangible fixed assets at 
a determined discount rate to calculate the present value of those cash flows.

When reviewing fixed assets for impairment, the Group is required to make certain assumptions about the future cash flows to be 
generated from the individual cinema sites. It is also required to discount these cash flows using an appropriate discount rate. The 
resulting calculation is therefore very sensitive to these assumptions. However, the Directors consider that the assumptions made 
represent their best estimate of the future cash flows generated by the cinema sites, and that the discount rate used is appropriate 
given the risks associated with these cash flows. Management has applied sensitivity analysis to the estimates (see Note 10).

Employee Post Retirement Benefit Obligations
The Group has two defined benefit pension plans. The obligations under these plans are recognised in the balance sheet and represent 
the present value of the obligations calculated by independent actuaries, with input from management. These actuarial valuations include 
assumptions such as discount rates, return on assets, salary progression and mortality rates. These assumptions vary from time to time 
according to prevailing economic and social conditions. Details of the assumptions used are provided in Note 19.

Management consider that the assumptions used are the most appropriate but recognise that the resulting pension liability is very 
sensitive to these assumptions.

77

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
continued

1. Accounting Policies continued
Deferred Tax Assets
The Group recognises deferred tax assets for temporary differences arising at the balance sheet date. The Group applies estimates when 
calculating the carrying value of these assets and considering whether future taxable profits are sufficient to ensure their recoverability.

Judgements
In addition, the Directors are required to make certain judgements when applying the Group’s accounting policies described above. 
The key judgements are:

Finance and Operating Leases
When the Group enters into a new lease it is required to consider whether it bears substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset. 
The Group considers the requirements of IAS 17 “Leases” when determining whether it has an operating or finance lease, and in most 
cases the outcome is clear.

Hedging Arrangements
The Group enters into interest rate swaps to fix a portion of its exposure to variable interest rates on its loan arrangements. In order 
to apply the hedge accounting provisions of IAS 39 “Financial Instruments”, the Group must consider the effectiveness of its hedging 
arrangements when deciding whether they can hedge account.

Other Areas of Significant Judgement
During 2013, management also consider that the following two areas require significant judgement:
•  The impact of the Competition Commission into the acquisition of City Screen (see Note 16); and 
•  The valuation on acquisition of the Picturehouse intangible assets (see Note 11).

New Standards and Interpretations
The Directors considered the impact of other new and revised accounting standards, interpretations or amendments on the Group that 
are currently endorsed but not yet effective. The Directors anticipate that all of the relevant pronouncements will be adopted in the 
Group’s accounting policies for the first period beginning after the effective date of the pronouncement. Information on new standards, 
amendments and interpretations that are expected to impact the Group’s financial statements is provided below. Certain other new 
standards and interpretations have been issued but are not expected to have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements.

Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Amendments to IAS 32)
The amendments clarify the offsetting criteria, specifically:
•  When an entity currently has a legal right of set off; and
•  When gross settlement is equivalent to net settlement.

An entity “currently has a legally enforceable right of set off” if the right is:
•  Not contingent on a future event; and
•  Enforceable in both the normal course of business, and in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy of the entity and all 

of the counterparties.

Gross settlement is equivalent to net settlement if and only if the gross settlement mechanism has features that:
•  Eliminate or result in insignificant credit and liquidity risk; and
•  Process receivables and payables in a single settlement process or cycle.

Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-financial Assets (Amendments to IAS 36)
The amendments reverse the unintended requirement in IFRS 13 “Fair Value Measurement” to disclose the recoverable amount 
of every cash-generating unit to which significant goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets have been allocated. Under the 
amendments, recoverable amount is required to be disclosed only when an impairment loss has been recognised or reversed.

Continuing Hedge Accounting after Derivative Novations (Amendments to IAS 39)
The amendments add a limited exception to IAS 39 to provide relief from discounting an existing hedging relationship when a novation 
that was not contemplated in the original hedging documentation meets specific criteria.

78

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 20132. Operating Segments
Determination and presentation of operating segments:

Following the acquisition of Picturehouse in 2012, the Group has determined that it has two operating segments: Cineworld Cinemas 
and Picturehouse.

52 weeks to 26 December 2013
Total revenues
Segmental operating profit
Net finance costs
Share of loss of jointly controlled entities using equity method, net of tax

Profit before tax

Segmental total assets

52 weeks to 27 December 2012
Total revenues
Segmental operating profit
Net finance costs
Share of loss of jointly controlled entities using equity method, net of tax

Profit before tax

Segmental total assets

Cineworld 
Cinemas 
(restated(1))

£m

Picturehouse 
£m

Total 
(restated(1))
£m

369.5
35.7
(6.3)
(0.1)

29.3

469.0

356.2
43.9
(5.6)
(0.1)

38.2

441.2

36.6
1.8
(0.2)
–

1.6

17.4

2.5
0.1
–
–

0.1

36.6

406.1
37.5
(6.5)
(0.1)

30.9

486.4

358.7
44.0
(5.6)
(0.1)

38.3

477.8

(1)  Comparative information relating to 2012 has been restated following the adoption of the amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”. Refer to Note 26.

Revenue by destination and by origin from countries other than the UK in all financial periods was not material. Likewise non-current 
assets located in other countries other than the UK in all financial periods are not material.

Entity Wide Disclosures:

Cineworld Cinemas

Revenue by product and service provided

Box office
Retail
Other

Total revenue

Picturehouse

Revenue by product and service provided

Box office
Retail
Other

Total revenue

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
Total 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
Total 
£m

261.5
84.6
23.4

369.5

251.6
82.3
22.3

356.2

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
Total 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
Total 
£m

18.4
9.5
8.7

36.6

1.0
0.5
1.0

2.5

All revenue streams are driven by admissions. The Group’s internal management reporting and operations are not separated into 
these categories.

79

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
continued

3. Other Operating Income

Rental income

4. Operating Profit

Included in operating profit for the period are the following:

Depreciation (see Note 10)
Impairments (see Notes 10 and 11)
Amortisation of intangibles (see Note 11)
Onerous leases and other non-recurring charges
Other non-recurring income
Transaction and reorganisation costs
Hire of other assets – operating leases

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£m

0.5

0.3

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£m

22.3(1)
2.0(1)
1.7(1)
0.7(1)
–
8.1(1)
49.3(2)

21.4(1)
0.3(1)
0.1(1)
1.6(1)
(2.0)(1)
1.1(1)
47.7(2)

(1)  Included in administrative expenses.
(2)  £0.4m (2012: £0.3m) is included in administrative costs. The balance is included in cost of sales.

In 2013 there is no charge in respect of onerous leases. Other non-recurring charges relate to other provisions made (£0.4m) 
and development costs incurred (£0.3m). In 2012 there was a net charge of £1.6m on onerous leases following changes in 
trading assumptions.

In 2012 non-recurring income related to the reclaim of VAT previously paid on exempt sales.

In 2013 transaction costs relate to the acquisition of Cinema City International N.V. (£6.1m) (see Note 27), the Competition 
Commission enquiry into the acquisition of Picturehouse in 2012 (£1.2m) (see Note 16) and redundancy costs (£0.8m). 
In 2012, transaction costs related to the acquisition of Picturehouse. 

The total remuneration of the Group’s auditor, KPMG Audit Plc, and its affiliates for the services to the Group is analysed below.

Auditor’s remuneration:
Group – audit
Company – audit

Amounts received by auditors and their associates in respect of:
– Audit of financial statements pursuant to legislation
– Audit related assurance services
– Tax compliance services
– Tax advisory services
– Other assurance services
– Corporate finance services
– All other services

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£000

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£000

242
6

248
50
57
11
243
480
33

208
6

214
56
64
111
–
50
9

5. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period, after excluding the weighted average number of non-vested ordinary 
shares held by the employee ownership trust. Adjusted pro-forma earnings per share is calculated in the same way except that the 
profit for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders is adjusted by adding back the amortisation of intangible assets, the cost of 
share-based payments, any other one-off income or expense as shown in the table below, and applying a tax charge at the statutory 
rate, to the adjusted profit.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit for the period attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period, after excluding the weighted average number of non-vested ordinary 
shares held by the employee share ownership trust and after adjusting for the effects of dilutive options.

80

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 20135. Earnings Per Share continued

Earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders
Adjustments:
  Amortisation of intangible assets
  Share-based payments
  Transaction and reorganisation costs
  Impairments
  Defined benefit scheme past service costs
  Other non-recurring charges
  Onerous lease cost
  Income relating to VAT reclaim
  Refinancing (income)/expenses

Adjusted earnings
  Add back tax charge

Adjusted pro-forma profit before tax
  Less tax at statutory rate 23.25% (2012: 24.5%)

Adjusted pro-forma profit after tax

(1)  Comparative information restated following the adoption of the amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”. Refer to Note 26.

Weighted average number of shares in issue
Basic and adjusted earnings per share denominator
Dilutive options
Diluted earnings per share denominator
Shares in issue at period end

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

Adjusted pro-forma basic earnings per share
Adjusted pro-forma diluted earnings per share

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
(restated(1))
£m

21.0

27.5

1.7
1.3
8.1
2.0
–
0.7
–
–
–

34.8
9.9

44.7
(10.4)

34.3

0.2
0.9
1.1
1.0
0.4
–
1.6
(2.0)
(1.0)

29.7
10.8

40.5
(9.9)

30.6

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013
Number of 
shares (m)

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012
Number of 
shares (m)

149.8
149.8
2.1
151.9
149.9

Pence

14.0
13.8

22.9
22.6

143.1
143.1
1.6
144.7
149.6

Pence

19.2
19.0

21.4
21.1

As required by IAS 8.28 “Accounting Policies”, changes in accounting estimates and errors, the impact of the restatement on the 
current and comparative information on EPS, following the adoption of IAS 19, “Employee Benefits” is as follows:

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

Adjusted pro-forma basic earnings per share
Adjusted pro-forma diluted earnings per share

Pence

Pence

(0.2)
(0.2)

(0.1)
(0.1)

(0.2)
(0.2)

(0.1)
(0.1)

6. Staff Numbers and Costs
The average number of persons employed by the Group (including Directors) during the period, analysed by category, was as follows:

Head office
Cinemas

Number of staff

2013

2012

266
5,232

5,498

215
5,226

5,441

Included in the average number of persons employed by the Group are part-time employees. No distinction is made between full-time 
and part-time employees in the analysis above.

81

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
continued

6. Staff Numbers and Costs continued
The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs – Defined contribution
Share-based payments (see Note 19)

See pages 47 to 62 for details of Directors’ remuneration.

7. Finance Income and Expense

Interest income
Defined benefit pension scheme net finance income (Note 18)

Finance income
Interest expense on bank loans and overdrafts
Amortisation of financing costs
Unwind of discount on onerous lease provision
Interest charge as a result of change in discount rate relating to onerous lease provisions
Other financial costs

Finance expense
Amounts reclassified from equity to profit and loss in respect of cash flow hedges

Total financial expense

Recognised within other comprehensive income:

Movement in fair value of interest rate swap
Foreign exchange translation gain/(loss)

Finance expense

(1)  Comparative information restated following the adoption of the amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits”. Refer to Note 26.

8. Taxation
Recognised in the Income Statement

Current tax expense
Current year
Adjustments in respect of prior years

Total current tax expense
Deferred tax expense
Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Total tax charge in income statement

82

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£m

59.4
3.7
0.6
1.3

65.0

47.8
2.8
0.4
0.9

51.9

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
(restated(1))
£m

0.1
0.2

0.3
5.2
0.4
0.8
–
0.4

6.8
–

6.8

0.1
0.2

0.3
4.9
0.4
0.8
0.4
0.4

6.9
(1.0)

5.9

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£m

1.6
0.4

2.0

(0.1)
(0.5)

(0.6)

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£m

9.8
(1.0)

8.8

1.1

9.9

10.0
(0.6)

9.4

1.4

10.8

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 20138. Taxation continued
Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate

Profit before tax
Tax using the UK corporation tax rate of 23.25% (2012: 24.5%)
Differences in overseas tax rates
Permanently disallowed depreciation
Other permanent differences
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Effect of change in statutory rate to 20% (2012: 23%) on deferred tax

Total tax charge in income statement

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£m

30.9
7.2
(0.1)
1.3
2.2
(1.0)
0.3

9.9

38.3
9.4
(0.1)
1.0
0.4
(0.6)
0.7

10.8

During the period there was a deferred tax charge of £0.2m (2012: £0.8m) recognised directly in equity. This relates to the actuarial 
loss (2012: gain) on the defined benefit scheme and the movement in the fair value of the cash flow hedge on part of the Group’s 
bank loans; see Note 13.

Factors that May Affect Future Tax Charges
As at 26 December 2013 the Group had potential tax assets relating to the following:
•  Other non-trading losses of approximately £2.6m (2012: £2.6m); and
•  Capital losses of approximately £7.6m (2012: £7.6m).

A deferred tax asset has not been recognised in respect of non-trading and capital losses carried forward as it is unclear whether 
non-trading income or capital gains against which the losses may be offset will arise in the Group for the foreseeable future. 
The net tax benefit of utilising any of the above losses is expected to amount to approximately 20% of the losses utilised.

Deferred tax is not provided on unremitted earnings of subsidiaries and joint ventures where the Group controls the timing 
of remittance and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Reductions in the UK corporation tax rate from 26% to 24% (effective from 1 April 2012) and to 23% (effective 1 April 2013) were 
substantively enacted on 26 March 2012 and 3 July 2012 respectively. Further reductions to 21% (effective from 1 April 2014) and 
20% (effective from 1 April 2015) were substantively enacted on 2 July 2013. This will reduce the Group’s future current tax charge 
accordingly. The deferred tax asset and liability at 26 December 2013 have been calculated based on the rate of 20% substantively 
enacted at the balance sheet date.

9. Business Combinations
On 6 December 2012, during the prior year period, the Group obtained control of City Screen Limited, its subsidiary undertakings and 
joint ventures held by City Screen Limited (collectively referred to as “City Screen”). City Screen trade as the “Picturehouse” group of 
cinemas. Control was obtained by acquiring 100% of the shares and voting interests in the acquired entities. Headline consideration 
was £47.3m which when adjusted for certain provisions of the purchase agreement resulted in a fair value of consideration transferred 
of £43.7m.

Due to the close proximity of the acquisition to the prior year end, management were still in the process of identifying and separating 
acquired intangible assets and as a result the fair value of the acquired net identifiable assets was measured on a provisional basis. 
A professional valuation of the brand and customer loyalty programme was carried out in the first half of 2013, the results of which 
were reflected in the Group’s interim results for 2013. The finalisation of the fair values recognised on the acquisition of Picturehouse 
resulted in a £0.2m decrease in the value of the brand and customer loyalty programme and an increase in goodwill of £0.2m. 
This adjustment has not been made retrospectively as required by IFRS 3.45 as it is considered to be immaterial.

The identification and valuation of intangible assets is highly judgemental, as described in Note 1, as it is sensitive to underlying 
assumptions around future cash flows, discount rates, and useful economic lives. The future cash flows have not been sensitised 
as they are extracted from the Board approved budget for the Picturehouse group. However, the following sensitivities are relevant, 
in accordance with IAS 1: if the discount rate is reduced by 1% this would increase the value of the asset recognised by £5.0m and 
if the discount rate were increased by 1% this would decrease the value recognised by £5.0m. In respect of the useful economic 
lives of the asset, if the life of the Picturehouse brand is extended from 10 to 15 years there is no direct impact on the cost of 
the intangible assets produced but the annual amortisation charge for the Picturehouse brand would be reduced by £0.5m.

Consideration Transferred

Fair value of consideration transferred 
Cash

£m

43.7

83

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
continued

9. Business Combinations continued
Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed

Fair value of total net identifiable assets 
Land and buildings (including leasehold improvements)
Plant and machinery
Fixtures and fittings
Brand and Customer loyalty programme: 
Provisional fair value
Adjustment resulting from finalisation of fair values recognised on acquisition

Brand and Customer loyalty programme
Inventory
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Loans and borrowings
Government grants
Deferred tax liabilities
Trade and other payables

Total net identifiable assets

Goodwill

Goodwill recognised as a result of the transaction 
Fair value of consideration transferred
Less:
Fair value of net identifiable assets

Revised goodwill recognised on acquisition

£m

£m

15.5
(0.2)

20.5
2.6
1.6

15.3
0.3
1.2
1.6
0.4
(4.3)
(1.9)
(5.0)
(8.4)

23.9

£m

43.7

(23.9)

19.8

Residual goodwill represents the skills and industry knowledge of City Screen’s management and workforce, synergies expected 
to be realised post acquisition and the future value expected to be generated by City Screen from its pipeline. None of the goodwill 
is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

84

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 201310. Property, Plant and Equipment

Cost
Balance at 29 December 2011
Additions due to acquisition
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Effects of movement in foreign exchange

Balance at 27 December 2012
Additions
Disposals
Transfers 
Transfers to Assets classified as held for sale
Effects of movement in foreign exchange

Balance at 26 December 2013

Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Balance at 29 December 2011
Charge for the period
Disposals
Effects of movement in foreign exchange
Impairments

Balance at 27 December 2012
Charge for the period
Disposals
Effects of movement in foreign exchange
Transfer to Assets classified as held for sale
Impairments

Balance at 26 December 2013

Net book value
At 29 December 2011
At 27 December 2012
At 26 December 2013

Land and 
buildings 
£m

Plant and 
machinery 
£m

Fixtures and 
fittings
 £m

Assets in the 
course of 
construction 
£m

93.7
20.5
1.7
(0.5)
2.1
(0.1)

117.4
2.5
(6.3)
5.2
(2.3)
0.1

116.6

25.8
5.0
(0.5)
(0.1)
0.1

30.3
6.2
(6.3)
0.1
(0.7)
0.6

30.2

67.9
87.1
86.4

55.5
2.6
11.6
(6.8)
(0.1)
(0.1)

62.7
2.2
(2.7)
0.6
(1.7)
0.1

61.2

20.5
7.2
(6.8)
–
0.2

21.1
5.8
(2.7)
–
(1.2)
0.5

23.5

35.0
41.6
37.7

46.5
1.6
17.4
(3.8)
–
(0.4)

61.3
12.6
(10.6)
3.1
(0.3)
0.4

66.5

25.1
9.2
(3.8)
(0.3)
–

30.2
10.3
(10.6)
0.3
(0.1)
0.2

30.3

21.4
31.1
36.2

Total 
£m

195.7
24.7
32.8
(11.1)
0.1
(0.6)

241.6
27.8
(19.6)
–
(4.3)
0.6

246.1

71.4
21.4
(11.1)
(0.4)
0.3

81.6
22.3
(19.6)
0.4
(2.0)
1.3

84.0

–
–
2.1
–
(1.9)
–

0.2
10.5
–
(8.9)
–
–

1.8

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
0.2
1.8

124.3
160.0
162.1

Land and buildings are made up of short leasehold properties encompassing leasehold improvements and freehold properties.

In 2013 there were no significant additions in respect of any distinctive projects. In 2012, of the £32.8m additions during the year, 
£8.5m related to the acquisition and installation of digital projection equipment, £4.9m to the installation of IMAX and £6.8m to the 
Customer First Programme.

The net book value of assets held under a finance lease is:

The net book value of assets held under finance leases comprised:
Opening net book value
Additions due to acquisition
Depreciation charge

Closing net book value

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

5.3
–
(0.3)

5.0

4.7
0.8
(0.2)

5.3

The above assets held under finance leases relate to a finance lease held on one cinema site which is included within land and buildings. 
Additions during the previous year were as a result of the acquisition of City Screen Limited. The acquired assets held under finance 
leases relate to digital projection equipment.

Interest of £46,000 (2012: £15,000) has been capitalised during the period which relates to the construction of new sites.

With respect to the tangible fixed asset disposals, no proceeds were receivable in the period.

85

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
continued

10. Property, Plant and Equipment continued
Impairment
The Group considers each cinema site to be a cash-generating unit (“CGU”) and each CGU is reviewed annually for indicators 
of impairment. In assessing whether an asset has been impaired, the carrying amount of the CGU is compared to its recoverable 
amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. In the absence of any information 
about the fair value of a CGU, the recoverable amount is deemed to be its value in use. The Group estimates value in use using a 
discounted cash flow model, which applies a pre-tax discount rate of 8.33% (2012: 8.4%). The future cash flows are based on financial 
budgets approved by management covering a one year period. Cash flows beyond the first period have been extrapolated using the 
assumptions used in the impairment model (see Note 11). The £1.3m impairment loss, recognised in the Cineworld operating 
segment, was caused by trading not reaching expectations for the foreseeable future in relation to three cinema sites.

Sensitivity to Changes in Assumptions
The level of impairment is predominantly dependent upon judgements used in arriving at future growth rates and the discount rate 
applied to cash flow projections. The impact on the impairment charge of applying different assumptions to the growth rates used 
in the five-year business plan and in the discount rates would be as follows:

Impairment if business plan growth rates were reduced by 1% for first five years
Impairment if property cost growth rates were increased by 1% for first five years
Impairment if discount rate was increased by 1%

11. Intangible Assets

Cost
Balance at 29 December 2011
Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings

Balance at 27 December 2012
Adjustment resulting from finalisation of fair values recognised on acquisition (see Note 9)

Balance at 26 December 2013

Accumulated amortisation and impairment
Balance at 29 December 2011
Amortisation

Balance at 27 December 2012
Amortisation
Impairment (see Note 16)

Balance at 26 December 2013

Net book value
At 29 December 2011
At 27 December 2012
At 26 December 2013

£m

–
–
–

Total 
£m

226.0
35.1

261.1
–

261.1

8.6
0.1

8.7
1.7
0.7

11.1

217.4
252.4
250.0

Brand 
and other 
intangibles 
£m

1.2
15.5

16.7
(0.2)

16.5

0.9
0.1

1.0
1.7
–

2.7

0.3
15.7
13.8

Goodwill 
£m

224.8
19.6

244.4
0.2

244.6

7.7
–

7.7
–
0.7

8.4

217.1
236.7
236.2

Impairment Testing
Each individual cinema is considered to be a CGU. However, for the purpose of testing goodwill for impairment, it is acceptable 
under IAS 36 to group CGUs, being the level at which it is monitored by management.

The ex-Cine-UK and ex-UGC (including Dublin) businesses are now fully integrated, meaning that goodwill is now monitored on 
a Cineworld wide level. The Picturehouse CGUs are considered together as a separate group and have been tested for goodwill 
impairment on this basis. 

The following assumptions have been applied to both individual CGUs when testing for impairment of PPE and groups of CGUs for 
goodwill impairment testing where applicable.

The recoverable amount of Cineworld and Picturehouse CGUs have been determined based on a value in use calculation. That 
calculation uses cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management covering a one-year period. Cash flows 
beyond the first year period have been extrapolated using the below assumptions. This growth rate does not exceed the long-term 
average growth rate for the market in which Cineworld operates.

86

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 201311. Intangible Assets continued
The key assumptions used in the cash flow projections for the purpose of the impairment review are as follows:

Discount rate
EBITDAR growth rate
Property cost growth rate

Cineworld CGU

Picturehouse CGU

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
%

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
%

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
%

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
%

8.33
3.00
2.50

8.40
3.00
2.50

8.33
3.00
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a

2014 forecast EBITDA, as defined in Note 1, was used as the basis of the future cash flow calculation. This is adjusted to add back 
rent (EBITDAR) and essential capex on existing sites. In line with long-term industry growth rates, EBITDAR is assumed to grow at 3% 
per annum.

Property costs are factored into the model, but are assumed to grow at 2.5% per annum over the life of the model. Cash flows are 
projected over the shorter of the lives of the property leases or the intangible assets to which the cash flow relates.

The Group has discounted forecast flows using a pre-tax discount rate of 8.33% (2012: 8.4%) being a market participant’s discount 
rate. This is considered to reflect the risks associated with the relevant cash flows for both CGUs.

Management have sensitised the key assumptions including the discount rate and under base case and sensitised case no indicators 
of impairment exist. Management believes that any reasonably possible change in the key assumptions on which Cineworld’s 
recoverable amount is based would not cause Cineworld’s carrying amount to exceed its recoverable amount.

Amortisation Charge
The amortisation of intangible assets is recognised in the following line items in the income statement:

Administrative expenses

12. Investment in Equity Accounted Investee
The Group has the following investment in a jointly controlled entity:

Digital Cinema Media Limited

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£m

1.7

0.1

Country of Incorporation

Class of 
shares held

Ownership

England and Wales

Ordinary

50%

On 8 February 2008 the Group jointly formed Digital Cinema Media Limited (“DCM”) with Odeon Cinemas Holdings Limited (“Odeon”). 
On 10 July 2008 DCM acquired certain trade and assets (substantially employees, computer systems, leasehold office and existing 
contracts) from Carlton Screen Advertising Limited, the Group’s former advertising supplier.

Under the terms of the shareholder agreement between the Group and Odeon, key business decisions in respect of DCM require the 
unanimous approval of the shareholders. As a consequence, the Directors of the Group do not have total management control of DCM, 
therefore the Group’s investment is accounted for as a joint venture.

Cost
Share of post acquisition reserves

Share of post tax loss

Carrying value

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

0.9
(0.2)

0.7
(0.1)

0.6

0.9
(0.1)

0.8
(0.1)

0.7

87

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
continued

12. Investment in Equity Accounted Investee continued
Summary aggregated financial information on jointly controlled entities – 100%:

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

Net liabilities

Income
Expenses

Net loss

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

20.3
1.8
(16.1)
(6.4)

(0.4)

49.3
(49.5)

(0.2)

23.4
1.9
(16.6)
(9.0)

(0.3)

53.4
(53.6)

(0.2)

Screen advertising represents an important part of the Group’s revenue streams and the joint venture partners recognise the 
importance of protecting this revenue stream. The joint venture partners are able to reduce their share of the advertising income 
if deemed necessary to support DCM.

13. Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Employee benefits
Reverse premiums
Effect of straight lining operating lease accruals
Interest rate swap

Tax assets/(liabilities)
Set off tax

Net tax assets/(liabilities)

See Note 8 for details of unrecognised tax assets.

Assets

Liabilities

Net

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

–
–
0.5
1.9
5.6
0.5

8.5
(0.4)

8.1

0.4
–
0.4
2.2
6.6
0.8

10.4
(0.5)

9.9

(3.5)
(2.8)
(1.0)
–
–
–

(7.3)
0.4

(6.9)

(3.3)
(3.6)
(1.0)
–
–
–

(7.9)
0.5

(7.4)

(3.5)
(2.8)
(0.5)
1.9
5.6
0.5

1.2
–

1.2

(2.9)
(3.6)
(0.6)
2.2
6.6
0.8

2.5
–

2.5

Deferred taxation provided for in the financial statements at the period end represents provision at 20% (2012: 23%) on the above 
items. The effect of the change in statutory rate from 23% to 20% resulted in a £0.3m charge recognised in income (2012: 25% 
to 23% £0.7m). 

A review of the deferred tax will be performed at each balance date and adjustments made in the event of a change in any key 
assumptions.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following:

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Employee benefits
Reverse premiums
Effect of straight lining operating lease accruals
Interest rate swap

Tax assets/(liabilities)

27 December 
2012 
£m

Recognised 
in income 
£m

Recognised 
in equity 
£m

26 December 
2013 
£m

(2.9)
(3.6)
(0.6)
2.2
6.6
0.8

2.5

(0.6)
0.8
–
(0.3)
(1.0)
–

(1.1)

–
–
0.1
–
–
(0.3)

(0.2)

(3.5)
(2.8)
(0.5)
1.9
5.6
0.5

1.2

88

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 201313. Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities continued

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Employee benefits
Reverse premiums
Effect of straight lining operating lease accruals
Interest rate swap

Tax assets/(liabilities)

14. Inventories

Goods for resale

29 December 
2011 
£m

Recognised 
in income 
£m

Recognised 
in equity 
£m

Recognised 
on acquisition 
of subsidiary 
undertakings 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

(0.9)
(0.1)
(0.2)
2.5
7.3
1.1

9.7

(0.6)
0.1
(0.2)
(0.3)
(0.7)
0.3

(1.4)

–
–
(0.2)
–
–
(0.6)

(0.8)

(1.4)
(3.6)
–
–
–
–

(5.0)

(2.9)
(3.6)
(0.6)
2.2
6.6
0.8

2.5

Goods for resale recognised in cost of sales in the period amounted to £23.1m (2012: £18.0m).

15. Trade and Other Receivables

Current

Trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income

Non-current

Land lease premiums
Loan to jointly controlled entity

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

3.5

3.8

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

6.2
0.1
28.3

34.6

4.5
–
29.8

34.3

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

0.9
0.5

1.4

0.9
0.5

1.4

The Virtual Print Fee accrued income balance recognised at the year end of £4.4m (2012: £7.1m) is included within the prepayments 
and accrued income. The balance is accrued based on the number of relevant film screenings during the period. Given the complexity 
of the income recognition criteria, as described in Note 1, and in accordance with IAS 1, the following sensitivity is relevant:

A decrease in the number of screenings recognised of 5% would decrease the VPF income recognised by £0.4m.

16. Non-current Assets Held for Sale
The Competition Commission ruled on 31 January 2014 that as a result of Cineworld Group plc acquiring City Screen Limited and 
its subsidiaries (“Picturehouse”) there was a substantial lessening of competition in three local geographical areas and that the 
divestment of either a Cineworld or Picturehouse cinema in each of the affected cities was required. As a result, the Group will be 
divesting assets in Aberdeen, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge. As at the period end, the sites were being actively marketed for 
sale and the Group is required to complete each of the three disposals by 31 July 2014, six months after the final ruling.

The values in the table below represent the net book value of property, plant and equipment and associated liabilities which are shown 
as current assets and liabilities held for sale. Since the fair value less costs to sell is expected to be in excess of the net book value 
of the property, plant and equipment no impairment of such assets is required.

Assets classified as held for sale
Property, plant and equipment 

Liabilities classified as held for sale
Interest-bearing loans

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

2.3

(0.1)

–

–

As a result of the potential sale of Picturehouse sites, we considered the carrying value of the brand asset and goodwill recognised 
on acquisition associated with these sites. It was determined that no impairment of the brand asset was required, however goodwill, 
presented in the Picturehouse operating segment, in respect of the sites was impaired by £0.7m.

89

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
continued

16. Non-current Assets Held for Sale continued
The significant estimation required by management was the allocation of goodwill across the cinema portfolio. Management took the 
2014 forecast EBTIDA for each cinema, analysing each site’s relative performance, and used this to allocate goodwill. This balance 
together with the property, plant and equipment assets were then compared to the fair values less costs to sell, resulting in the above 
impairment of £0.7m.

17. Interest-Bearing Loans and Borrowings and Other Financial Liabilities
This note provides information about the contractual terms of the Group’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings.

Non-current liabilities
Interest rate swaps
Unsecured bank loans, less issue costs of debt to be amortised
Liabilities under finance leases

Current liabilities
Interest rate swaps
Unsecured bank loans, less issue costs of debt to be amortised
Liabilities under finance leases

The terms and conditions of outstanding loans were as follows:

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

0.9
118.1
6.0

125.0

1.0
4.6
0.7

6.3

2.2
121.3
6.2

129.7

1.3
6.0
0.8

8.1

Unsecured bank loan – 1
Unsecured bank loan – 2
Unsecured bank loan – 3
Unsecured bank loan – 4
Unsecured bank loan – 5
Unsecured bank loan – 6
Finance lease liability – 1
Finance lease liability – 2
Finance lease liability – 3
Finance lease liability – 4

Total interest-bearing liabilities

26 December 2013

27 December 2012

Currency

Nominal interest rate

Year of 
maturity

Face value 
£m

GBP
GBP
GBP
GBP
GBP
GBP
GBP
GBP
GBP
GBP

LIBOR +1.95%
LIBOR +5.00%
LIBOR +3.50%
LIBOR +5.00%
LIBOR +5.00%
5.00%
7.2%
4.5%
4.5%
3.5%

2016
2014
2015
2016
2016
2022
2029
2015
2014
2014

123.5
–
–
–
–
–
6.6
0.1
–
–

130.2

Carrying 
amount 
£m

122.7
–
–
–
–
–
6.6
0.1
–
–

129.4

Face value 
£m

124.0
1.2
0.7
1.4
0.8
0.1
6.6
0.2
0.1
0.1

135.2

Carrying 
amount 
£m

123.1
1.2
0.7
1.4
0.8
0.1
6.6
0.2
0.1
0.1

134.3

See Note 22 for bank loan maturity analysis.

Finance Lease Liabilities
The maturity of obligations under finance leases is as follows:

Within one year
Between one and two years
In the second to fifth years
Over five years

Less future finance charges

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

0.7
0.6
2.0
7.9

11.2
(4.5)

6.7

0.8
0.8
1.9
8.5

12.0
(5.0)

7.0

90

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 201317. Interest-Bearing Loans and Borrowings and Other Financial Liabilities continued
Analysis of Net Debt

Cash at bank 
and in hand 
£m

Bank loans 
£m

Finance 
leases 
£m

Interest rate 
swap 
£m

At 29 December 2011
Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings
Cash flows
Non-cash movement

At 27 December 2012
Cash flows
Non-cash movement
Transferred to Liabilities classified as held for sale

At 26 December 2013

5.5
0.4
5.0
–

10.9
8.1
–
–

19.0

(95.7)
(3.9)
(27.3)
(0.4)

(127.3)
4.9
(0.4)
0.1

(6.7)
(0.4)
0.6
(0.5)

(7.0)
0.9
(0.6)
–

(4.5)
–
–
1.0

(3.5)
–
1.6
–

Net debt 
£m

(101.4)
(3.9)
(21.7)
0.1

(126.9)
13.9
0.6
0.1

(122.7)

(6.7)

(1.9)

(112.3)

The non-cash movements relating to bank loans represent the amortisation of debt issuance costs.

18. Trade and Other Payables

Current
Trade payables
Other payables
Accruals and deferred income

Non-current
Accruals and deferred income

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

21.1
10.8
50.8

82.7

29.8
4.7
38.2

72.7

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

54.8

53.3

Non-current accruals and deferred income include reverse-lease premiums and an accrual for straight lining operating leases.

19. Employee Benefits
Pension Plans
The Group operates two externally funded defined benefit pension schemes, one in the United Kingdom, the MGM Pension Scheme, 
and one in Ireland, the Adelphi-Carlton Limited Contributory Pension Plan.

MGM Scheme
The Scheme is a funded Scheme of the defined benefit type, providing retirement benefits based on final salary. The Scheme closed 
to future accrual from 31 May 2009, though the link to final pay at retirement was retained.

The Group has engaged its actuary’s assistance in measuring the defined benefit asset for the purposes of IAS19 revised for the 
period ended 26 December 2013.

The valuation used for IAS19 disclosures has been based on a full assessment of the liabilities of the Scheme as at 5 April 2012. 
The impact of the adoption of IAS19 revised is detailed in Note 26. The present values of the defined benefit obligation, the related 
current service cost and any past service costs were measured using the projected unit credit method.

Actuarial gains and losses have been recognised in the period in which they occur, but outside the Income Statement, 
through Other Comprehensive Income.

In 2012 an allowance of £0.4m was made for the estimated cost of equalising member benefits correctly. This was recognised 
as a past service cost in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, and increased the Scheme liabilities.

The Company made contributions of £1.6m during 2013 (2012: £1.6m).

Adelphi-Carlton Limited Contributory Pension Plan
The Adelphi-Carlton Limited Contributory Pension Plan is closed to new entrants and therefore the current service cost is £nil. 
The trustees of the Adelphi-Carlton Limited Contributory Pension Plan have not agreed that any surplus on the plan can be refunded 
to the Company. Accordingly the surplus has not been recognised. The Scheme has a surplus of £0.4m as at 26 December 2013  
(2012: £0.3m).

Actuaries for Adelphi-Carlton Limited carried out the last actuarial valuation of the scheme as at 1 April 2007. Based on this assessment, 
the actuarial value of the assets of the scheme was more than sufficient to cover 100% of the benefits that had accrued to members. 
In view of this, a suspension of Company contributions was in force from 1 April 2001 to 26 December 2013. Total contributions for the 
52 weeks ended 27 December 2012 and 52 weeks ended 26 December 2013 were £nil and £nil, respectively.

91

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
continued

19. Employee Benefits continued
The net surplus/(deficit) in the pension scheme is:

MGM Pension Scheme

Net surplus

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

5.3

5.3

4.4

4.4

MGM Pension Scheme
Profile of the Scheme
The defined benefit obligation includes benefits for current employees, former employees and current pensioners.

Analysis of defined benefit obligation by membership category
Total value of current employees’ benefits
Deferred members’ benefits
Pensioner member benefits

Total defined benefit obligation

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

2.3
9.6
16.9

28.8

2.1
9.3
16.7

28.1

The scheme duration is an indicator of the weighted average time until benefit payments are made. For the Scheme as a whole, 
the duration is around 15 years reflecting the approximate split of the defined benefit obligation between current employees 
(duration of 25 years), deferred members (duration of 19 years) and current pensioners (duration of ten years).

Funding Requirements
UK legislation requires that pension schemes are funded prudently. The last funding valuation of the Scheme was carried out by 
a qualified actuary as at 5 April 2012 and showed a deficit of £0.4m.

The Company is paying deficit contributions of £1.6m per annum which, along with investment returns from return-seeking assets, is 
expected to make good this shortfall by February 2015. The next funding valuation is due no later than 5 April 2015 at which progress 
towards full-funding will be reviewed. A contribution of £1.6m is expected to be paid by the Company during the 53 week period ending 
1 January 2015.

Risks Associated with the Scheme
The Scheme exposes the Group to a number of risks, the most significant of which are:

Asset volatility

Changes in bond yields

Inflation risk

The liabilities are calculated using a discount rate set with reference to corporate bond 
yields; if assets underperform this yield, this will create a deficit. The Scheme holds a 
significant proportion of growth assets (diversified growth funds) which, though expected 
to outperform corporate bonds in the long term, create volatility and risk in the short term. 
The allocation to growth assets is monitored to ensure it remains appropriate given the 
Scheme’s long-term objectives.

A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase the value placed on the Scheme’s liabilities 
for accounting purposes, although this will be partially offset by an increase in the value 
of the Scheme’s bond holdings.

A significant proportion of the Scheme’s benefit obligations are linked to inflation, and higher 
inflation will lead to higher liabilities (although, in most cases, caps on the level of inflationary 
increases are in place to protect against extreme inflation). The majority of the assets 
are either unaffected by or only loosely correlated with inflation, meaning that an increase 
in inflation will also increase the deficit.

Life expectancy

The majority of the Scheme’s obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the member, 
so increases in life expectancy will result in an increase in the liabilities.

A contingent liability exists in relation to the equalisation of Guaranteed Minimum Pension (“GMP”). The UK Government intends 
to implement legislation which could result in an increase in the value of GMP for males. This would increase the defined benefit 
obligation of the plan. At this stage, it is not possible to quantify the impact of this change.

The amounts recognised on the Balance Sheet are set out below:

Present value of funded defined benefit obligations
Fair value of plan assets

Surplus in scheme

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

29 December 
2011 
£m

(28.8)
34.1

5.3

(28.1)
32.5

4.4

(28.4)
30.4

2.0

When the members’ benefits have been fully paid, the rules of the scheme permit any surplus to revert to the Employer (the Group). 
Therefore the surplus on the scheme has been recognised as an asset.

92

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 201319. Employee Benefits continued
Movements in present value of defined benefit obligation:

At beginning of period
Interest cost
Actuarial (loss)/gain
Benefits paid
Past service cost (member benefits equalisation)

At end of period

Movements in fair value of plan assets:

At start of period
Expected return on plan assets
Actuarial (loss)/gains
Contributions by employer
Administration costs incurred
Benefits paid

At end of period

(Expense)/income recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income:

Operating cost
 Administration expenses
 Past service cost (member benefit equalisation)
Net finance costs
 Defined benefit pension scheme net finance income
Other comprehensive income
 Re-measurement of the defined benefit asset

Total recognised in profit and loss and other comprehensive income

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013  
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012  
£m

(28.1)
(1.2)
(0.6)
1.1
–

(28.8)

(28.4)
(1.3)
0.8
1.2
(0.4)

(28.1)

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013  
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012  
£m

32.5
1.4
(0.1)
1.6
(0.2)
(1.1)

34.1

30.4
1.5
0.4
1.6
(0.2)
(1.2)

32.5

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£m

(0.2)
–

0.2

(0.7)

(0.7)

(0.2)
(0.4)

0.2

1.2

0.8

The (expense)/income is recognised in the following line items in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income:

Administrative expenses
Finance income

Total

Analysis of amounts recognised in Other Comprehensive Income:

Actuarial (losses)/gains recognised in the period

93

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£m

(0.2)
0.2

–

(0.6)
0.2

(0.4)

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£m

(0.7)

1.2

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
continued

19. Employee Benefits continued
The Scheme assets are invested in the following asset classes (all assets have a quoted market value in an active market):

Equities
Property
Index linked bonds
Corporate bonds
Absolute return funds
Other

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
29 December 
2011 
£m

–
–
13.5
3.3
17.1
0.2

34.1

5.0
–
8.3
3.3
15.7
0.2

32.5

14.0
0.4
7.7
6.8
–
1.5

30.4

Cineworld Cinemas Limited employs a building block approach in determining the long-term rate of return on pension plan assets. 
Historical markets are studied and assets with higher volatility are assumed to generate higher returns consistent with widely 
accepted capital market principles. The assumed long-term rate of return on each asset class is set out within this note. The overall 
expected rate of return on assets is then derived by aggregating the expected return for each asset class over the actual asset 
allocation for the Scheme at the accounting date.

Expected return on scheme assets
Actuarial gains

Actual return on plan assets

The principal actuarial assumptions used to calculate the liabilities under IAS 19 are set out below:

RPI inflation
CPI inflation
Rate of general long-term increase in salaries
Rate of increase to pensions in payment
Discount rate for scheme liabilities

The financial assumptions reflect the nature and term of the Scheme’s liabilities.

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£m

1.4
(0.1)

1.3

1.5
0.4

1.9

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013  

%

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
%

52 week 
period ended 
29 December 
2011  

%

3.4
2.4
4.4
2.1–3.4
4.4

3.0
2.3
4.0
2.0–3.3
4.5

3.4
2.4
4.4
2.0–3.4
4.8

Main demographic assumptions

Mortality table adopted

Life expectancy for male 
currently aged 65

Life expectancy for female 
currently aged 65

Cash commutation

52 week period ended  
26 December 2013

52 week period ended  
27 December 2012

52 week period ended  
29 December 2011

S1PXA base table with future 
improvements in line with CMI 
2013 core projections with 
long-term improvement rate 
of 1% per annum

S1PXA base table with future 
improvements in line with CMI 
2011 core projections with 
long-term improvement rate 
of 1% per annum

S1PXA tables future mortality 
improvements in line with 
80% of the long cohort 
projections for males and 
60% for females, subject to a 
minimum rate of improvement 
of 1.25% per annum

22.0

24.2

22.2

22.4

22.2

24.5

Members assumed to 
exchange 31% of their 
pension for a cash lump 
sum at retirement

Members assumed to 
exchange 31% of their 
pension for a cash lump 
sum at retirement

Members assumed to 
exchange 25% of their 
pension for a cash lump 
sum at retirement

The mortality assumptions are based on the recent actual mortality experience of Scheme members, and allow for expected future 
improvement in mortality rates.

94

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 201319. Employee Benefits continued
History of Plans
The history of the plans for the current and prior periods is as follows:

Balance Sheet

Present value of defined benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets

Surplus/(deficit)

Experience Adjustments

Experience (loss)/gain on plan assets
Experience (loss)/gain on plan liabilities

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
29 December 
2011 
£m

53 week 
period ended 
30 December 
2010 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
31 December 
2009 
£m

(28.8)
34.1

5.3

(28.1)
32.5

4.4

(28.4)
30.4

2.0

(28.3)
28.3

–

(26.6)
25.9

(0.7)

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
29 December 
2011 
£m

53 week 
period ended 
30 December 
2010 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
31 December 
2009 
£m

(0.1)
(0.1)

0.4
1.0

0.3
–

0.7
0.2

2.5
2.7

Sensitivity to Key Assumptions
The key assumptions used for IAS 19 are: discount rate, inflation and mortality. If different assumptions were used, this could have 
a material effect on the results disclosed. The sensitivity of the results to these assumptions is as follows:

Present value of Defined Benefit Obligation (“DBO”)
DBO following a 0.25% decrease in the discount rate
DBO following a 0.25% increase in the discount rate
DBO following a 0.25% decrease in the inflation assumption
DBO following a 0.25% increase in the inflation assumption
DBO following a Life Expectancy increase by one year

Defined 
Benefit 
Obligation 
£m

(28.8)
(29.9)
(27.9)
(28.2)
(29.3)
(29.8)

The sensitivity information shown above has been prepared using the same method as adopted when adjusting the results of the 
latest funding valuation to the balance sheet date.

The Group expects to contribute approximately £1.6m to its defined benefit plans in the next financial period.

Defined Contribution Plans
The Group operates a number of defined contribution pension plans.

The total expense relating to these plans in the current year was £0.6m (2012: £0.4m).

Share-Based Payments
As at 26 December 2013 there were three types of share option and share schemes: the Cineworld Group 2007 Sharesave Scheme, 
the Cineworld Group 2007 Performance Share Plan and the Cineworld Group plc Company Share Option Plan.

Grants were made under the Sharesave Scheme in 2012.

The fair value is measured at the grant date and spread over the period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled 
to the options.

Period Ended 27 December 2012
Awards over 38,699 shares lapsed in 2012.

A charge of £86,000 was recorded in the income statement for the period in respect of the 2012 Sharesave Scheme grant.

Period Ended 26 December 2013
Awards over 76,745 shares lapsed in 2013. 

A charge of £100,000 was recorded in the income statement for the period in respect of the 2012 Sharesave Scheme grant.

95

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
continued

19. Employee Benefits continued
The Cineworld Group Performance Share Plan (“PSP”)
Period Ended 27 December 2012
Under the PSP, awards of conditional shares or nil cost options can be made that vest or become exercisable after three years subject 
to continued employment and generally the achievement of specified performance conditions as follows:
•  30% of the shares under the award will vest if the average annual growth in earnings per share (“EPS”) (calculated by comparing 
the EPS for the financial year ended 29 December 2011 and the EPS for the financial year ending 1 January 2015) is not less 
than 3.2%;

•  100% of the shares under the Award will vest if the average annual growth in EPS (calculated by comparing the EPS for the financial 

year ended 29 December 2011 and the EPS for the financial year ending 1 January 2015) is at least 9.2%; and

•  Where the average annual growth in EPS (calculated by comparing the EPS for the financial year ended 29 December 2011 and 

the EPS for the financial year ending 1 January 2015) is between the two limits above, the Award shall vest on a straight-line basis 
between 30% and 100%.

Grants were made under the PSP scheme on 26 March 2012 and 15 June 2012. Under these grants, awards over 947,681 shares 
were made in total. Awards over 719,588 shares were made with the performance conditions set out above. Further awards over 
228,093 shares were made which will vest after three years subject to continued employment only, with no specified performance 
conditions attached.

EPS for the 2012 grant was defined as adjusted pro-forma diluted earnings per share as calculated in Note 5 to the financial statements.

Period Ended 26 December 2013
Further grants were made under the PSP scheme on 15 March 2013. Under these grants, awards over 551,900 shares were 
made in total. Awards over 317,228 shares were made with similar performance conditions as the 2012 grants, but with reference 
to the financial years 27 December 2012 to 24 December 2015 and 30% vesting will occur at UK RPI +3% and 100% at UK RPI +8%. 
Further awards over 234,672 shares were made which will vest after three years subject to continued employment only, with no 
specified performance conditions attached.

EPS for the 2013 grant was defined as adjusted pro-forma diluted earnings per share as calculated in Note 5 to the financial statements. 

Awards over 46,776 shares lapsed during 2013.

A charge of £1,207,508 was recorded in the income statement in respect of the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 PSP schemes.

The Company Share Option Plan (“CSOP”)
Period Ended 27 December 2012
Grants under the CSOP were made on 26 March 2012. Under these grants awards over 70,410 shares were made in total. 
Awards over 9,388 shares were made with the same conditions as the 2012 PSP grant. Awards over 61,022 shares were 
made with no performance conditions attached.

EPS for the 2012 grant was defined as adjusted pro-forma diluted earnings per share as calculated in Note 5 to the financial statements.

A charge of £26,000 was recorded in the income statement in respect of the 2010, 2011 and 2012 CSOP schemes.

Period Ended 26 December 2013
Further grants were made under the CSOP on 15 March 2013. Under these grants awards over 25,109 shares were made in total. 
Awards over 3,587 shares were made with the same conditions as the 2013 PSP grant. Awards over 21,522 were made with no 
performance conditions attached.

EPS for the 2013 grant was defined as adjusted pro-forma diluted earnings per share as calculated in Note 5 to the financial statements. 

Awards over 1,965 shares lapsed during 2013.

A charge of £29,000 was recorded in the income statement in respect of the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 CSOP schemes.

The number and weighted average exercise prices of share options in equity settled schemes are as follows:

Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Exercised in shares during the year
Granted during the year
Lapsed during the year

Outstanding at the end of the year

Exercisable at the end of the year

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 2013 
(£) 
Equity 
settled

0.68
0.44
0.13
1.09

0.56

1.98

Number of  
options 
2013 
Equity  
settled

2,256,626
(272,811)
577,009
(125,488)

2,435,336

15,090

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 2012 
(£) 
Equity 
settled

0.33
0.17
0.79
0.81

0.68

–

Number of 
options 
2012 
Equity 
settled

1,093,643
(420,576)
1,707,972
(124,413)

2,256,626

–

96

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 201319. Employee Benefits continued
The average share price during 2013 was £3.34 (2012: £2.26).

Assumptions relating to grants of share options in 2012 were:

Scheme name

Date of grant

PSP

CSOP

26 March 2012
15 June 2012
26 March 2012

Share price 
at grant  

(£)

2.13
2.15
2.13

Exercise  
price  
(£)

nil
nil
2.13

Expected 
volatility  

(%)

44
44
44

Expected life  

(years)

3.0
3.0
3–10 years

Dividend  
yield  
(%)

Risk 
free rate 
(%)

5.3
5.3
5.3

0.90
0.90
0.90

Fair value 
(£)

1.82
1.82
0.46

Assumptions relating to grants of share options in 2013 were:

Scheme name

Date of grant

PSP
CSOP

15 March 2013
15 March 2013

Share price 
at grant  

(£)

2.80
2.80

Exercise  
price 
(£)

nil
2.79

Expected 
volatility  

(%)

42
42

Expected life  

(years)

3.0
3–10 years

Dividend  

yield
 (%)

4.7
4.7

Risk free 
rate  
(%)

0.51
0.51

Fair value 
(£)

2.43
0.58

The total expenses recognised for the period arising from share-based payments are as follows:

Share-based payments expenses

20. Provisions

Balance at 27 December 2012
Non-current
Current

Total

Balance at 27 December 2012
Provisions made during the period
Utilised against rent during the period
Unwound against interest during the period

Balance at 26 December 2013

Current
Non-current

Total

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£m

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£m

1.3

0.9

Property 
provisions 
£m

Other 
provisions 
£m

Total 
provisions 
£m

11.4
11.1
0.3

11.4

11.4
–
(1.1)
0.8

11.1

0.7
10.4

11.1

–
–
–

–

–
0.4
–
–

0.4

0.4
–

0.4

11.4
11.1
0.3

11.4

11.4
0.4
(1.1)
0.8

11.5

1.1
10.4

11.5

Property provisions relate to onerous leases, dilapidations and other property liabilities. The majority of the property provision relates 
to onerous leases, which is made on the acquisition of a cinema as part of a business, being the unavoidable costs of the lease 
obligations in excess of the economic benefits expected to be received from operating it. The unavoidable costs of the lease reflect 
the lease net cost of exiting from the contract and is measured as the lower of the net cost of continuing to operate the lease and any 
penalties or other costs from exiting it, measured on a discounted basis. The remaining provision will be utilised over the period to the 
next rent review date or the remaining lease life depending on the term of the lease. This is between one and thirty years (see further 
analysis below). The discount rate used in the period was 8.33% (2012: 8.4%). 

Expected timing for utilisation of property provisions
Analysed as:
Within one year
Between one and two years
In the second to fifth years
Over five years

97

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

0.7
0.4
1.8
8.2

0.3
0.5
1.5
9.1

11.1

11.4

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
continued

20. Provisions continued
Sensitivity to Changes in Assumptions Relating to Property Provisions
The level of provision is dependent upon judgements used in arriving at the discount rate applied to cash flow projections. The impact 
on the property provisions by applying different assumptions to the discount rate would be as follows:

Property provisions if discount rate was increased by 1%
Property provisions if discount rate was decreased by 1%

21. Capital and Reserves
Share Capital

Cineworld Group plc
Allotted, called up and fully paid
149,892,079 (2012: 149,619,268) ordinary shares of £0.01 each

£m

(0.5)
0.5

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

1.5

1.5

During the year a total of 272,811 ordinary shares of nominal value £0.01 were issued. 210,475 (2012: 343,205) ordinary shares 
were part of the Cineworld Group 2007 Performance Share Plan, 53,080 (2012: nil) ordinary shares were part of the Cineworld Group plc 
Company Share Option Plan and 9,256 (2012: 77,371) were part of the Cineworld Group 2007 Sharesave Scheme. Total consideration 
of £121,000 (2012: £16,469,000) was received. This is after deducting transaction costs.

Translation Reserve
The translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign 
operations, as well as from the translation of liabilities that hedge the Company’s net investment in a foreign subsidiary.

Hedging Reserve
The hedging reserve comprises the liability in relation to the interest rate swaps entered into, to hedge against variable interest 
payments on £55.0m (2012: £60.0m) of the total £123.5m (2012: £124.0m) of bank debt. As hedge accounting has been adopted 
the gains/losses are recorded through equity until such time as the cash flows being hedged occur, when they are recycled to the 
income statement.

Dividends
The following dividends were recognised during the period:

Interim
Final (for the preceding period)

2013 
£m

6.1
12.0

18.1

2012 
£m

5.4
10.6

16.0

An interim dividend of 4.1p per share was paid on 4 October 2013 to ordinary shareholders (2012: 3.8p). The Board has proposed 
a final dividend of 6.4p per share, which will result in total cash payable of approximately £17.0m on 3 July 2014. The final dividend 
has been bonus-adjusted to reflect the rights issue on 14 February 2014 (2012: 8.0p per share, total final dividend £12.0m). 
In accordance with IAS10 this had not been recognised as a liability at 26 December 2013.

22. Financial Instruments
Overview
The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:
•  Credit risk
•  Liquidity risk
•  Market risk

This note presents information about the Group’s exposure to each of the above risks, the Group’s objectives, policies and processes 
for measuring and managing risk, and the Group’s management of capital.

The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group’s risk management framework. 
The Group has in place a risk management programme and regular reports are made to the Audit Committee, which is tasked with 
general oversight.

The Group’s risk management policies are established to identify and analyse the risks faced by the Group, to set appropriate 
risk limits and controls, and to monitor risks and adherence to limits. Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly 
to reflect changes in market conditions and the Group’s activities. The Group, through its training and management standards 
and procedures, aims to develop a disciplined and constructive control environment in which all employees understand their roles 
and obligations.

98

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 201322. Financial Instruments continued
The Group’s Audit Committee oversees how management monitors compliance with the Group’s risk management policies and 
procedures and reviews the adequacy of the risk management framework in relation to the risks by the Group. The Group’s Audit 
Committee is assisted in its oversight role by Internal Audit. Internal Audit undertakes both regular and ad hoc reviews of certain 
risk management controls and procedures, the results of which are reported to the Audit Committee.

Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual 
obligations, and arises principally from the Group’s receivables from customers and investment securities.

The Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. However, due to the nature of the Group’s business, trade 
receivables are not significant which limits the related credit risk. The Group’s trade receivables are disclosed in Note 15. Of the total 
balance of £6.2m (2012: £4.5m) due 75% (2012: 77%) are within credit terms. A further 8% (2012: 4%) outside credit terms cleared 
after the period end, and before signing of the financial statements. The bad debt provision as at 2013 is £11,000 (2012: £11,000), 
with a bad debt expense in the period of £nil (2012: £nil). Based on past experience the Group believes that no impairment allowance 
is necessary in respect of the trade receivables that are past due. In 2013 the amount of trade receivables past due but unimpaired 
is £1.0m (2012: £1.0m). The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is also limited because the counterparties 
are banks with high credit-ratings.

Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group’s approach 
to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, 
under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group’s reputation.

The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including interest payments and excluding the impact of netting 
agreements. The amounts disclosed in the table are contractual undiscounted cash flows, including interest payments calculated 
using interest rates in force at each balance sheet date, so will not always reconcile with the amounts disclosed on the balance sheet.

26 December 2013

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Unsecured bank loans
Finance lease liabilities
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial liabilities
Interest rate swap 1
Interest rate swap 2

Carrying 
amount 
£m

Contractual 
cash flows 
£m

6 months 
or less 
£m

6–12 months 
£m

1–2 years 
£m

2–5 years 
£m

More than 
5 years 
£m

122.7
6.7
21.1

0.95
0.95

(129.5)
(11.2)
(21.1)

(1.3)
(1.3)

(3.9)
(0.4)
(21.1)

(0.1)
(0.1)

152.4

(164.4)

(25.6)

(3.9)
(0.3)
–

(0.6)
(0.6)

(5.4)

(7.6)
(0.6)
–

(0.5)
(0.5)

(114.1)
(2.0)
–

(0.1)
(0.1)

–
(7.9)
–

–
–

(9.2)

(116.3)

(7.9)

The bank loan consists of a term loan and a revolving facility. During 2013 the original term loan of £70m was extended by £30m 
to £100m. £2.5m of the term loan is repayable every six months. As at the period end the balance of the term loan is £85m (2012: 
£60m) and £38.5m (2012: £64m) of the revolving facility was drawn down. The bank loan is unsecured and subject to two covenants: 
the ratio of EBITDA to net debt and the ratio of EBITDAR (pre-rent EBITDA) to net finance charges.

As part of the combination with CCI, the Company entered into a new five-year facility to part finance such combination and repay 
the existing facility. An element of the new facility was drawn to part settle the acquisition cash consideration of £272m and €14.5m. 
The residual of the facility has been drawn to repay the existing facilities of the combined Group and to fund general working capital 
requirements going forward. The new facility provides funding of £400m of which £275m is term loan and £125m is a revolving credit 
facility. £160m (€192m) of the new facility is available in Euros, reflecting the composition of the combined Group. This new financing 
arrangement became effective on 10 January 2014, but the new facility was not drawn and the existing facility was not repaid until 
27 February 2014. As with the previous facility, the new facility is subject to floating interest rate charges. In line with the terms of 
the new facility agreement, management are currently in the process of implementing appropriate hedging arrangements to mitigate 
the risk of a material impact arising from interest rate fluctuations.

27 December 2012

Non-derivative financial liabilities
Unsecured bank loans
Finance lease liabilities
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial liabilities
Interest rate swap 1
Interest rate swap 2

Carrying 
amount 
£m

Contractual 
cash flows 
£m

6 months 
or less 
£m

6–12 months 
£m

1–2 years 
£m

2–5 years 
£m

More than 
5 years 
£m

127.3
7.0
29.8

1.75
1.75

(136.7)
(12.0)
(29.8)

(1.9)
(1.9)

(4.6)
(0.4)
(29.8)

(0.4)
(0.4)

167.6

(182.3)

(35.6)

(4.6)
(0.4)
–

(0.3)
(0.3)

(5.6)

(8.9)
(0.8)
–

(0.6)
(0.6)

(118.6)
(1.9)
–

(0.6)
(0.6)

–
(8.5)
–

–
–

(10.9)

(121.7)

(8.5)

99

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
continued

22. Financial Instruments continued
Cash Flow Hedges
The following table indicates the periods in which the discounted cash flows associated with derivatives that are cash flow hedges are 
expected to occur.

26 December 2013

Interest rate swaps:
Swap 1
Swap 2

27 December 2012

Interest rate swaps:
Swap 1
Swap 2

Carrying 
amount 
£m

Expected 
cash flows 
£m

6 months 
or less 
£m

6–12 months 
£m

1–2 years 
£m

2–5 years 
£m

More than 
5 years 
£m

(0.95)
(0.95)

(1.9)

(0.95)
(0.95)

(1.9)

(0.05)
(0.05)

(0.1)

(0.4)
(0.4)

(0.8)

(0.4)
(0.4)

(0.8)

(0.1)
(0.1)

(0.2)

–
–

–

Carrying 
amount 
£m

Expected 
cash flows 
£m

6 months 
or less 
£m

6–12 months 
£m

1–2 years 
£m

2–5 years 
£m

More than 
5 years 
£m

(1.75)
(1.75)

(3.5)

(1.75)
(1.75)

(3.5)

(0.1)
(0.1)

(0.2)

(0.55)
(0.55)

(1.1)

(0.55)
(0.55)

(1.1)

(0.55)
(0.55)

(1.1)

–
–

–

It is expected that the expected cash flows will impact profit and loss when the cash flows occur.

Market Risk
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices will affect 
the Group’s income or the value of its holdings of financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage 
and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimising the return on risk.

Foreign Currency Risk
The majority of the Group’s operations are in the United Kingdom and hence for these operations there is no exposure to foreign 
currency risk other than in respect of certain purchases that may be denominated in currencies other than Sterling. In addition there 
is an operation in Ireland where non-Sterling revenues, purchases, financial assets and liabilities and cash flows can be affected by 
movements in Euro rates. However, the exposure is limited as Euro operations are not significant. A 10% increase/(decrease) in the 
value of €1 against Sterling would increase/decrease the profit before tax for 2013 by approximately £6,500 (2012: £7,400). A 10% 
increase/(decrease) in the value of €1 against Sterling would increase/decrease equity in 2013 by approximately £39,000 (2012: 
£34,000).

Interest Rate Risk
The Group’s policy is to manage its cost of borrowing by securing fixed interest rates on a portion of its term loan.

Whilst fixed-rate interest-bearing debt is not exposed to cash flow interest rate risk, there is no opportunity for the Group to enjoy 
a reduction in borrowing costs in markets where rates are falling.

In addition, the fair value risk inherent in fixed-rate borrowing means that the Group is exposed to unplanned costs should debt 
be restructured or repaid early as part of the liquidity management process.

The Group uses interest rate swaps agreed with other parties to hedge a portion of its bank loans that have fixed interest rates. 
Interest rate swaps are measured at fair value, which have been calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows at prevailing 
interest rates.

At the period end the Group had two (2012 period end: two) interest rate swaps which hedged 65% (2012: 100%) of the Group’s 
variable rate unsecured term loan. The revolver loan, which was £38.5m (2012: £64m) at the end of the period, is not hedged. 
As a result, there is no impact on the income statement relating to the hedged bank debt as a result of any changes in interest rates.

At the reporting date the interest rate profile of the Group’s interest-bearing financial instruments was:

Fixed rates instruments
Financial liabilities (interest rate swap)
Financial liabilities (unsecured bank loans – hedged portion)

Variable rate instruments
Financial liabilities (unsecured bank loans – unhedged portion)

100

Carrying amount

2013

2012

(1.9)
(55.0)

(56.9)

(3.5)
(60.0)

(63.5)

(68.5)

(64.0)

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 201322. Financial Instruments continued
£55m (2012: £60m) of the variable rate financial liability is hedged via the interest rate swap with the balance attracting a variable 
interest rate. In 2013 the balance is the additional £30m term loan and the revolving facility. In 2012 the balance is the revolving facility.

Fair Value Sensitivity Analysis for Fixed Rate Instruments
The Group accounts for fixed-rate derivative financial instruments (interest rate swaps) at fair value. The gain or loss on 
remeasurement to fair value is recognised immediately in the income statement except where derivatives qualify for hedge accounting 
when recognition of any resultant gain or loss depends on the nature of the item being hedged. Hedge accounting was adopted from 
the year ended 27 December 2007 on the swap taken out in May 2007.

A change of 100 basis points in interest rates would have increased equity by £1.2m (2012: £1m) or decreased equity by £1.2m 
(2012: £1m) for each swap and would have increased or decreased profit or loss by £nil (2012: £nil). 

Cash Flow Sensitivity Analysis for Variable Rate Instruments
A change of 100 basis points in interest rates at the reporting date would have increased/(decreased) equity and profit or loss 
by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular foreign currency rates, remain constant. 
The analysis is performed on the same basis for 2012.

Effect in GBP thousands

26 December 2013
Variable rate instruments
Interest rate swap

Cash flow sensitivity (net)

27 December 2012
Variable rate instruments
Interest rate swap

Cash flow sensitivity (net)

Profit or loss

Equity

100 bp 
increase

100 bp 
decrease

100 bp 
increase

100 bp 
decrease

(1,205)
589

1,205
(589)

(1,205)
589

1,205
(589)

(616)

616

(616)

616

(1,029)
621

1,029
(621)

(1,029)
621

1,029
(621)

(408)

408

(408)

408

Fair Values
Set out below is a comparison by category of carrying amounts and fair values of the Group’s financial instruments that are carried 
in the financial statements.

Short-term debtors, creditors and cash and cash equivalents have been excluded from the following disclosures on the basis that their 
carrying amount is a reasonable approximation to fair value.

Unsecured bank loans
Finance lease liabilities
Interest rate swaps

Carrying 
amount 
26 December 
2013 
£m

Fair value 
26 December 
2013 
£m

Carrying 
amount 
27 December 
2012 
£m

Fair value 
27 December 
2012 
£m

122.7
6.7
1.9

131.3

123.5
6.7
1.9

132.1

127.3
7.0
3.5

137.8

120.8
7.0
3.5

131.3

The fair value of derivatives and borrowings has been calculated by discounting the expected future cash flows at prevailing interest 
rates. The carrying amount of unsecured bank loans is stated net of debt issuance costs and the fair value is stated gross of debt 
issuance costs and is calculated using the market interest rates.

The difference between net carrying amount and estimated fair value reflects unrealised gains or losses inherent in the instruments 
based on valuations at 26 December 2013 and 27 December 2012. The volatile nature of the markets means that values at any 
subsequent date could be significantly different from the values reported above.

Fair Value Hierarchy
The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value by valuation method. The different levels have been defined 
as follows:
•  Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
•  Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly  

(i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices);

•  Level 3: inputs for the assets or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

101

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
continued

22. Financial Instruments continued

26 December 2013
Derivative financial instruments

27 December 2012
Derivative financial instruments

Level 1 
£m

Level 2 
£m

Level 3 
£m

–

–

1.9

3.5

–

–

Total 
£m

1.9

3.5

There have been no transfers between levels in 2013. No other financial instruments are held at fair value.

Capital Management
The capital structure of the Group consists of the following items:

Cash and cash equivalents
Bank loans
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

2013 
£m

19.0
122.7
235.8

377.5

2012 
£m

10.9
127.3
220.1

358.3

The Board of Directors constantly monitors the ongoing capital requirements of the business and has reviewed the current gearing 
ratio, being the ratio of bank debt to equity and considers it appropriate for the Group’s current circumstances. Ratios used in the 
monitoring of debt capital include the ratio of EBITDA to net debt and the ratio of EBITDAR (pre-rent EBITDA) to net finance charges.

The Group’s objective when managing capital is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market 
confidence and to sustain future development of the business, to provide returns for shareholders and to optimise the capital 
structure to reduce the cost of capital. The Board of Directors monitors both the demographic spread of shareholders, as well 
as the return on capital, which the Group defines as total shareholders’ equity and the level of dividends to ordinary shareholders.

23. Operating Leases
Non-cancellable operating lease rentals commitments are as follows:

Less than one year
Between one and five years
More than five years

Land and 
buildings 
£m

52.1
215.8
851.0

1,118.9

Other 
£m

26 December 
2013 
£m

52.2
216.3
851.0

0.1
0.5
–

0.6

Land and 
buildings 
£m

52.2
210.4
883.6

1,119.5

1,146.2

The total future minimum sublease payments expected to be received are £6.1m (2012: £6.5m).

24. Capital Commitments
Capital commitments at the end of the financial period for which no provision has been made:

Contracted

Capital commitments at the end of the current and preceding financial period relate to new sites.

25. Related Parties
The compensation of the Directors is as follows:

Other 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

0.2
0.7
–

0.9

52.4
211.1
883.6

1,147.1

26 December 
2013 
£m

27 December 
2012 
£m

10.3

7.5

52 weeks ended 26 December 2013
Total compensation for Directors

52 weeks ended 27 December 2012
Total compensation for Directors 

102

Salary 
and fees 
including 
bonus 
£000

Compensation 
for loss of 
office  
£000

Pension 
contributions 
£000

Total 
£000

1,570

–

150

1,720

Salary and 
fees including 
bonus 
£000

Compensation 
for loss of 
office  
£000

Pension 
contributions 
£000

Total 
£000

1,548

–

144

1,692

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 201325. Related Parties continued
Share-based compensation benefit charges for Directors was £0.5m in 2013 (2012: £0.2m). Details of the highest paid Director 
can be found in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 55.

Other Related Party Transactions
Digital Cinema Media Limited (“DCM”) is a joint venture between the Group and Odeon Cinemas Holdings Limited set up on 10 July 2008. 
Revenue receivable from DCM in the 52 week period ending 26 December 2013 totalled £14.2m (2012: £14.4m) and as at 26 December 
2013 £nil (2012: £0.2m) was due from DCM in respect of receivables. In addition the Group has a working capital loan outstanding from 
DCM of £0.5m (2012: £0.5m).

26. Changes in Accounting Policy
The Group has adopted the amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits” during the period which have been applied retrospectively 
and has resulted in the restatement of some comparative information. 

Under IAS 19 revised, the Group determines the net interest income for the period on the net defined benefit asset by applying the 
discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the period to the net defined benefit asset at the 
end of the period, taking into account any changes in the net defined benefit asset during the period as a result of contributions and 
payments. Consequently, the net interest income on the net defined benefit asset now comprises: interest on the defined benefit 
obligation and interest income on plan assets. Previously, the Group determined interest income on plan assets based on their 
long-term rate of expected return. 

Pension administrative expenses previously netted off against the return on defined benefit pension plan assets have been 
reclassified to Administrative expenses.

The impact of the adoption of these amendments is not considered significant in either of the periods presented. Specifically, net 
finance income on the defined benefit pension scheme for the 52 week period to 26 December 2013 has decreased by £220,000 
to £209,000. The impact on the 52 week period to 27 December 2012 is a £229,000 decrease in net pension return to £187,000.

Pension administrative expenses for the 52 week period to 26 December 2013 were £193,000. Pension administrative expenses 
reclassified from net finance income to administrative expenses for the 52 week period to 27 December 2012 were £194,000.

The net impact on the 52 week period to 27 December 2012 is a decrease of £35,000 which is made up of an increase of £194,000 
due to pension administration costs being reclassified offset by the decrease in net finance income of £229,000.

There is no impact of the adoption of IAS 19 revised on the Statement of Financial Position. The remeasurement of the defined benefit 
asset in Other Comprehensive Income has been reduced by £229,000 in 2012 and by £220,000 in 2013.

27. Post Balance Sheet Events
On 10 January 2014, Cineworld Group plc was pleased to announce the combination with the cinema business of Cinema City 
International N.V. (“CCI”), a leading cinema business in seven countries across Central and Eastern Europe (“CEE”) and Israel 
(“Cinema City”), by means of an acquisition of the shares in Cinema City Holding N.V. (“CCH” a subsidiary of CCI). The transaction 
was based on an enterprise value of CCH (on a debt free/cash free basis) of £503m. The combination with Cinema City completed 
on 27 February 2014 and has created the second largest cinema business in Europe (by number of screens). The enlarged Group 
now has 201 sites and 1,852 fully digital screens. 

Consideration for the transaction was settled with cash and shares. Cash consideration of £272m and €14.5m was part funded 
by an 8 for 25 Rights Issue which completed on 14 February 2014, raising net funds of £105m with the residual cash consideration 
being funded within the Group’s new debt facility. Cineworld Group plc issued to CCI shares in Cineworld Group plc initially valued 
on 10 January 2014 at £231m representing 24.9% of the post-rights issue share capital. 

As part of the combination Cineworld Group plc restructured its debt financing, an element of which was drawn to part settle the cash 
consideration of £272m and €14.5m. The residual of the facility has been drawn to refinance the existing facilities of the combined 
Group and to fund general working capital requirements going forward. The new facility provides funding of £400m of which £275m is 
term loan and £125m is a revolving credit facility. £160m (€192m) of the new facility is available in Euros, reflecting the composition 
of the combined Group. This financing arrangement becomes effective from 27 February 2014.

On completion of the combination, Mooky Greidinger (former Chief Executive Officer of CCI) and Israel Greidinger (former Chief 
Financial Officer of CCI) joined the Board of Cineworld Group plc as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer respectively. 
At the same time, Moshe (Mooky) Greidinger and Israel Griedinger stepped down from their positions on the Board of CCI. Given 
the investment in Cineworld Group plc held by CCI and the relationship between Mooky Greidinger and Israel Greidinger and CCI, 
a Relationship Agreement has been put in place to govern the key operational arrangements between the related parties.

103

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements26 December 
2013 
£000

26 December 
2013 
£000

27 December 
2012 
£000

27 December 
2012 
£000

134,731

133,394

191,841
1

191,842

118,082
–

118,082

(31,404)

101,079

235,810

1,499
188,190
46,121

235,810

86,678

220,072

1,496
188,072
30,504

220,072

  Company 
Balance Sheet
at 26 December 2013

Note

30

31

Fixed assets
Investments
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank

Creditors: amount falling due within one year

32

(90,763)

Net current assets

Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Profit and loss account

Shareholders’ funds – equity

33
33
33

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 6 March 2014 and were signed on its behalf by:

Anthony Bloom 
Chairman  

Philip Bowcock
Chief Financial Officer

104

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013  Company Reconciliation of 
Movements in Shareholders’ Funds
for the Period Ended 26 December 2013

Profit for the period
Dividends paid during the period
Movements due to share-based compensation
Equity instruments issued

Net increase in shareholders’ funds
Opening shareholders’ funds

Closing shareholders’ funds

Note

33
33

52 week 
period ended 
26 December 
2013 
£000

52 week 
period ended 
27 December 
2012 
£000

32,583
(18,132)
1,166
121

26,709
(15,990)
635
16,384

15,738
220,072

27,738
192,334

235,810

220,072

105

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Notes to the Company 
Financial Statements

28. Accounting Policies
The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the 
Company’s financial statements.

Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and under the historical cost 
accounting rules.

Information regarding the Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance 
and position, is set out in the Strategic Report on pages 10 to 17 and the Risks and Uncertainties section on pages 20 to 23. The 
financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described the Strategic Report on pages 10 
to 17. In addition Note 22 to the financial statements includes the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; 
its financial risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments and hedging activities; and its exposures to credit risk and 
liquidity risk.

Going Concern
As highlighted in Note 17 to the financial statements, the Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements through its bank facilities 
which consist of a five-year facility of £170m, which comprises of a £70m term loan and £100m revolving facility. As at the period end, 
£60m of the term loan plus £64m of the revolving facility were drawn down. The current economic conditions create uncertainty particularly 
over (a) the level of demand for the Group’s products; and (b) the availability of bank finance in the foreseeable future.

The current bank facility is subject to two covenants: the ratio of EBITDA to net debt and the ratio of EBITDAR (pre-rent EBITDA) to net 
finance charges. The Group’s forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show 
that the Group should be able to operate within the level of its current facility, including compliance with the bank facility covenants. 
The Directors therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis.

Under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 the Company is exempt from the requirement to present its own profit and loss account.

Under Financial Reporting Standard 1 the Company is exempt from the requirement to prepare a cash flow statement on the grounds 
that its cash flows are included within the consolidated financial statements of Cineworld Group plc.

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption contained in FRS 8 and has therefore not disclosed transactions or balances with 
entities which form part of the Cineworld Group where the Group controls 100% of the voting rights.

Investments
In the Company’s financial statements, investments in subsidiary undertakings are stated at cost less provision for any impairment 
in value.

Impairment
The Group evaluates its investments for financial impairment where events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such 
assets may not be fully recoverable. When such evaluations indicate that the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable value, 
an impairment in value is recorded.

Deferred Taxation
The charge for taxation based on the profit for the year and takes into account taxation deferred because of timing differences 
between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes.

Deferred tax is recognised, without discounting, in respect of all timing differences between the treatment of certain items for taxation 
and accounting purposes which have arisen but not reversed by the balance sheet date, except as otherwise required by FRS 19.

Classification of Financial Instruments Issued by the Company
Following the adoption of FRS 25, financial instruments issued by the Company are treated as equity (i.e. forming part of shareholders’ 
funds) only to the extent that they meet the following two conditions:
a)  They include no contractual obligations upon the Company to deliver cash or other financial assets or to exchange financial assets 

or financial liabilities with another party under conditions that are potentially unfavourable to the Company; and

b)  Where the instrument will or may be settled in the Company’s own equity instruments, it is either a non-derivative that includes 
no obligation to deliver a variable number of the Company’s own equity instruments or is a derivative that will be settled by the 
Company’s exchanging a fixed amount of cash or other financial assets for a fixed number of its own equity instruments.

To the extent that this definition is not met, the proceeds of issue are classified as a financial liability. Where the instrument so 
classified takes the legal form of the Company’s own shares, the amounts presented in these financial statements for called up share 
capital and share premium account exclude amounts in relation to those shares.

Share-Based Payment Transactions
The share options programme allows Group employees to acquire shares of the Company. The fair value of options granted is 
recognised as an addition to fixed asset investments with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at grant date 
and spread over the period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options. The fair value of the options 
granted is measured using an evaluation model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. 
The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of shares options that vest except where forfeiture 
is due only to share prices not achieving the threshold for vesting.

106

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 201328. Accounting Policies continued
Shares appreciation rights are also granted by the Company to employees. The fair value of the amount payable to the employee 
is recognised as an expense with a corresponding increase in liabilities. The fair value is initially measured at grant date and spread 
over the period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to payment. The fair value of the share appreciation 
rights is measured based on an option valuation model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the instruments 
were granted. The liability is remeasured at each balance sheet date and at settlement date and any changes in fair value recognised 
in profit and loss spread equally over the vesting period.

Where the Company grants options over its own shares to the employees of its subsidiaries it recognises an increase in the cost 
of investment in its subsidiaries equivalent to the equity-settled share-based payment charge recognised in its subsidiary’s financial 
statements with the corresponding credit being recognised directly in equity. Amounts recharged to or reimbursed by the subsidiary 
are recognised as a reduction in the cost of investment in subsidiary.

Own Shares Held by Employee Benefit Trust (“EBT”)
Transactions of the Group-sponsored EBT are included in the Group financial information. In particular, the trust’s purchase of shares 
in the Company are debited directly to equity.

29. Staff Numbers and Costs
The Company pays no employees. Salaries of the Directors of the Company, including Non-Executive Directors, as well as the 
Company Secretary are recharged to the Company from its subsidiary Cineworld Cinemas Ltd. Total salaries paid to Non-Executive 
Directors were £314,000 (2012: £358,000). See pages 47 to 62 for further details of Directors’ emoluments.

30. Fixed Asset Investments

Company

Balance at 27 December 2012
Additions

Balance at 26 December 2013

Net book value
At 27 December 2012

At 26 December 2013

For details of £1,337,000 addition to investment see Note 33.

Shares 
in Group 
undertakings 
£000

133,394
1,337

134,731

133,394

134,731

107

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial StatementsCountry of incorporation

Principal activity

Class

% of  
shares held 

  Notes to the Company Financial Statements 
continued

30. Fixed Asset Investments continued

Subsidiary undertakings
Directly Held
Augustus 1 Limited
Indirectly Held
Augustus 2 Limited
Cineworld Holdings Limited
Cine-UK Limited
Cineworld Cinemas Holdings Limited
Cineworld Cinemas Limited

Cineworld Finance Limited
Cineworld Estates Limited

Cineworld South East Cinemas Limited
Cineworld Exhibition Limited
Gallery Holdings Limited
Gallery Cinemas Limited
Slough Movie Centre Limited
Adelphi-Carlton Limited
Cineworld Cinemas Properties Limited
Cineworld Elite Picture Theatre (Nottingham) 

Limited

Classic Cinemas Limited

England and Wales

Holding company

Ordinary

England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales

Holding company
Holding company
Cinema operation
Holding company
Holding company and 
cinema operation

England and Wales
England and Wales

Dormant
Cinema property 

England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
Eire
England and Wales
England and Wales

leasing

Holding company
Dormant
Holding company
Dormant
Dormant
Cinema operation
Property company
Non-trading

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

England and Wales

Retail services 

Ordinary

company

Dormant
Screen advertising
Cinema operations

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Cinema operations
Cinema operations
Cinema operations
Cinema operations
Cinema operations
Cinema operations
Cinema operations
Cinema operations
Cinema operations
Cinema operations
Cinema operations
Software development 

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

and provider

Cinema operations
Cinema operations
Cinema operations
Cinema operations
Ticket booking 
operations

Cinema operations
Cinema operations
Film distribution
Cinema operations
Cinema operations

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Computicket Limited
Digital Cinema Media Limited
Picturehouse Cinemas Limited (formerly City 

England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales

Screen Limited)

City Screen (Aberdeen) Limited
City Screen (Bath) Limited
City Screen (Brighton) Limited
CS (Brixton) Limited
City Screen (Cambridge) Limited
City Screen (Clapham) Limited
City Screen Developments Limited
CS (Exeter) Limited
CS (Greenwich) Limited
City Screen (Liverpool) Limited
CS (Norwich) Limited
Newman Online Limited

City Screen (Oxford) Limited
City Screen (Southampton) Limited
City Screen (SOA) Limited
City Screen (Stratford) Limited
Picturehouse Bookings Limited

City Screen (Virtual) Limited
City Screen (York) Limited
Picturehouse Entertainment Limited
City Screen (3D) Limited
City Screen No. 2 Limited

England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales

England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales

England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales

108

100

100
100
100
100

100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

99.1

100
100
50

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 201331. Debtors

Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings

32. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings
Accruals

33. Share Capital and Reserves

At 27 December 2012
Profit for the period
Dividends paid during the period
Movements due to share-based compensation
Equity instruments issued

At 26 December 2013

For details of share issue see Note 21.

Share premium is stated net of share issue costs.

26 December 
2013 
£000

27 December 
2012 
£000

191,841

118,082

26 December 
2013 
£000

27 December 
2012 
£000

84,305
6,458

31,404
–

90,763

31,404

Share  
capital  
£000

1,496
–
–
–
3

Share 
premium 
account 
£000

Profit and 
loss account 
£000

188,072
–
–
–
118

30,504
32,583
(18,132)
1,166
–

Total 
£000

220,072
32,583
(18,132)
1,166
121

1,499

188,190

46,121

235,810

Equity instruments granted of £1,166,000 represents the £1,337,000 fair value of share options granted to employees of subsidiary 
undertakings less £171,000 in respect of cash dividends paid to option holders during the year. There is a corresponding increase 
in investments, see Note 30.

This element of the profit and loss reserve is not distributable.

34. Share-Based Payments
See Note 19 of the Group financial statements.

109

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 Strategic Reports Directors’ Reports Financial Statements  Shareholder Information 
as at 26 December 2013

Directors
A H Bloom 
S Wiener   
P Bowcock 
D Maloney 
M King 
R Senat 
P Williams 

(Non-Executive Director and Chairman)
(Chief Executive Officer)
(Chief Financial Officer)
(Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director)
(Non-Executive Director)
(Non-Executive Director)
(Non-Executive Director)

Joint Brokers
JP Morgan Cazenove
20 Moorgate
London EC2R 6DA

Investec Bank plc
2 Gresham Street
London EC2V 7QP

Legal Advisers to the Company
Olswang LLP
90 High Holborn
London WC1V 6XX

Slaughter and May
One Bunhill Row
London EC1Y 8YY

Head Office
Power Road Studios
114 Power Road
London W4 5PY

Telephone Number
020 8987 5000

Website
www.cineworld.co.uk
www.cineworldplc.com
www.picturehouses.co.uk

Place of Incorporation
England and Wales

Company Number
Registered Number: 5212407

Registered Office
Power Road Studios
114 Power Road
Chiswick
London W4 5PY

Final Dividend – 2013
Announcement 
Ex Dividend 
Record Date 
Payment Date 

6 March 2014
4 June 2014
6 June 2014
3 July 2014

Auditor
KPMG Audit Plc
15 Canada Square
London E14 5GL

110

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013 
 
  Notes 

111

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013  Notes 

112

Cineworld Group plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013C

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Cineworld Group plc
Power Road Studios
114 Power Road
Chiswick
London W4 5PY
020 8987 5000

www.cineworld.co.uk
www.cineworldplc.com
www.picturehouses.co.uk