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ConvaTec Group

ctec.l · LSE Healthcare
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Ticker ctec.l
Exchange LSE
Sector Healthcare
Industry Medical - Instruments & Supplies
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2019 Annual Report · ConvaTec Group
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Pioneering trusted medical 
solutions to improve the 
lives we touch

ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

2019 highlights

Financial highlights1 

Revenue
$1,827m -0.3%

2019

2018

Operating profit2
$96.9m -63.8%

Earnings per share2
$0.00

$1,827m

2019 $108.4m

2019 $0.00

$1,832m

2018

$267.7m

2018

$0.11

Adjusted EBIT3
$354m -17.5%

Adjusted EBIT margin
19.4% 

Adjusted earnings per share
$0.12

2019

2018

$354m

2019

19.4%

2019

$0.12

$429m

2018

23.4%

2018

$0.16

1.   Certain financial measures in this Annual Report and Accounts, including adjusted performance measures above, are not
prepared in accordance with IFRS. All adjusted performance measures are reconciled to the most directly comparable 
measure prepared in accordance with IFRS on pages 182 to 187.

2.   Operating profit and EPS are stated after impairment of certain intangible assets of $105.5m. For further information see

pages 157 and 158.

3.  Adjusted EBIT is equivalent to adjusted operating profit as reconciled on pages 184 and 185.

Other information
206  Additional information
207  Glossary

Financial statements
137  Consolidated Financial 

Statements 
182  Non-IFRS financial 
information

188  ConvaTec Group Plc 

Company Financial 
Statements
Independent auditor’s 
report

197 

Contents

Overview
IFC  Financial highlights and 

Governance
68  Governance report at a 

contents 
Introduction 

01 

Strategic report
02  Our business model
04  Chairman’s letter
06  Chief Executive Officer’s 

review

10  Our stakeholders and how 
we engage with them
14  Our market environment
18  Our strategy
22  Our key performance 

glance

69  Chairman’s governance 

letter

71  Governance in action
72  Board statements and how 

we have applied the Code

76  Board of Directors
78  Board leadership and 
company purpose
86  Division of responsibilities
88  Composition, succession 

and evaluation

92  Nomination Committee 

indicators

report

24  Risk management and our 

95  Audit and Risk Committee 

principal risks
34  Viability statement
36  How we run our business 
in a responsible way

47  Our franchises
56  Chief Financial Officer’s 

review 

59  Financial review

report 

110  Corporate Responsibility 
Committee report
112  Directors’ Remuneration 

report

132  Directors’ report
136  Directors’ responsibilities 

statement

Introduction

 “As we embark on ConvaTec’s transformation we have 
established a new clear vision – pioneering trusted medical 
solutions to improve the lives we touch – and identified our 
key priorities. 

We will build closer relationships with the people who need our 
products and services to help them manage challenging chronic 
conditions. There is significant potential for us to contribute 
even more to their care. To do this, we will focus on strengthening 
our innovation pipeline and developing trusted medical solutions 
that address their distinct needs and deliver proven outcomes. 
We will also relentlessly drive execution excellence across every 
part of our business. 

Whilst we have made some progress in 2019, driving forward 
with the transformation and laying the foundations of 
organisational change through the new Group vision, strategy, 
operating model and values, there is much more to do as we 
focus on our strategic intent of pivoting to sustainable and 
profitable growth.”

Karim Bitar
Chief Executive Officer

01
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Our business model 

Our vision is to develop pioneering trusted 
medical solutions to improve the lives we 
touch. Our business model and strategy are 
structured to help us realise this vision and 
create sustainable value for all our 
stakeholders.

Why we exist

The key resources and relationships that enable us 
to improve lives and create value

We have a clear vision – pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve 
the lives we touch. This statement, which encapsulates our purpose and 
our ambition, is at the heart of everything we do.

What we do

We are a MedTech business focused on the chronic care market, with 
established positions in advanced wound care, ostomy care, continence 
and critical care and infusion care. We develop and manufacture 
innovative products that give people living with chronic conditions 
confidence, freedom and mobility. We also offer a range of services to 
support these people and the healthcare professionals who care 
for them.

Group reported revenue by franchise

1.  Advanced Wound Care (“AWC”): 31.2% $569.9m 
2.  Ostomy Care: 28.7% $525.0m
3.  Continence & Critical Care (“CCC”): 25.0% $456.7m
4.  Infusion Care1: 15.1% $275.6m

1

2

3

4

Group reported revenue by geography

1.  EMEA: 39.7% $724.1m
2.  Americas: 52.5% $959.8m
3.  APAC: 7.8% $139.4m

1

2

3

1.  Previously Infusion Devices.
2.   Reported cash generated from operations net of PP&E.

02
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

A values-led, performance-driven culture 
Our values shape our culture and behaviours and determine how we do 
business. Read more about our values, which were updated during the 
year, and our culture on pages 37 and 38.

People 
Our skilled and dedicated workforce are key to our success. Read more 
about our people and how we manage and develop them on pages 37 
to 40 and in our Corporate Responsibility Report which is available on 
our website at www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility. 

Proactive stakeholder engagement 
Our proactive engagement with our customers and healthcare 
professionals helps us better understand and meet their needs. 
We operate direct-to-consumer sales and support services channels 
including our me+™ programme. Read more about how we engage 
with our customers and other stakeholders on pages 10 to 13. 

Strong brands 
Our brands address a range of increasingly prevalent conditions. 
Information about our key brands and differentiated product portfolio 
is included on pages 48 to 54.

Established positions in structurally growing markets 
Our well-established positions in the large structurally growing chronic 
care market. Read more about our market environment on pages 14 to 17.

R&D capabilities and extensive IP portfolio 
Our R&D capabilities include two dedicated R&D facilities located in 
the UK and in Denmark, which employ over 300 people. We have 
approximately 250 active patent families, approximately 2,600 patents 
and patent applications and over 6,000 registered trademarks. Read 
about what we are doing to enhance our innovation pipeline on page 20. 

Dedicated sales team and an extensive distribution network 
We market and sell our products and services in over 110 countries 
through our four franchises: Advanced Wound Care, Ostomy Care, 
Continence & Critical Care and Infusion Care. We have a direct presence 
in certain markets and an extensive network of wholesalers and 
distributors who sell our products and manage the entire distribution 
process on our behalf. Read more about how we market and sell our 
products and services on page 47. 

Operational footprint
We own and operate nine manufacturing plants, some of which are 
located in lower cost countries. To provide significant operational 
flexibility we also work with third-party contractors who manufacture 
on our behalf. 

Financial resources – $425 million cash generated2
We generate significant cash from operating activities and have access 
to capital through our shareholder base and debt providers. Read more 
about our financial position on pages 63 to 65.

How we create value

The value we create

We create value for a range of stakeholders and protect this value by 
deploying a risk management process, which is described on pages 24 
to 33. 

Consumers
Our products and services give people living with chronic conditions 
greater confidence, mobility and freedom. Read about how our products 
and services help consumers throughout this Annual Report.

300,000+
Participants in our me+™ programme

Employees
We offer our employees training and development opportunities in a 
positive work environment. Read more on page 38 and in our Corporate 
Responsibility Report, which is available on our website at  
www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

9,100+ 
Jobs/people employed 
Shareholders
We generate returns for investors. 

$112.9m
Dividends paid and proposed for the year ended 31 December 2019

Healthcare providers
We provide value-add solutions, support and advice that help healthcare 
providers deliver better clinical outcomes in a cost-effective way.

People living with chronic conditions and the medical profession
We increase awareness and understanding of certain chronic conditions 
through our engagement programmes and our R&D capabilities, which 
advance clinical outcomes and practices. 

Society
We create socio-economic benefits for a range of stakeholders including 
generating income for governments through our tax payments and 
providing employment across our supply chain and in the communities 
where we operate. 

$37.0m 
Income taxes paid 

$347,000
Donations approved through our 
LIFE+ by ConvaTec community 
programme (see page 45).

We invest in product development and focus on commercialising and 
manufacturing differentiated products that deliver proven outcomes. 

We proactively engage with our customers and healthcare professionals 
to gather feedback. This valuable feedback informs our R&D processes 
and enables us to develop products and services that meet customers’ 
needs. Our engagement activities, including our service offering, 
also help us build strong relationships with our customers and healthcare 
professionals. Strengthening our customer relationships and getting 
closer to the people who use our products and services are key priorities. 

We generate revenue from the sale of our products and, through the 
implementation of our strategy, we are focused on pivoting to 
sustainable and profitable growth. 

We have five strategic priorities:

 – Focus on “must-win” markets and categories.
 – Innovate by investing in our R&D capabilities to develop trusted

medical solutions that customers need most.

 – Simplify and strengthen our organisation by having a more customer-

centric and agile operating model with clear accountability.
 – Build critical core capabilities across the value chain via centres 

of excellence.

 – Execute with excellence across the Group via the Transformation Office.

Focus

Innovate

Simplify

Build

Execute

Read more about our strategy and how we measure our progress using 
financial and non-financial key performance indicators on pages 18 to 23. 

We run our business in a way that helps support the United Nations 
Sustainable Development Goals and focus on: 
 – Delivering for our customers.
 – Enabling our people.
 – Working responsibly with our partners.
 – Conserving the planet.
 – Behaving ethically and transparently.
 – Making a socio-economic contribution.

Read more about how we run our business in 
a responsible way on pages 36 to 46 and in our 
Corporate Responsibility Report which is available 
on our website at www.convatecgroup.com/
corporate-responsibility. 

ConvaTec 
Group Plc
Corporate 
Responsibility 
Report 2019

Pioneering 
trusted 
medical
solutions to 
improve the
lives we touch

03
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Chairman’s letter

Dr John McAdam
Chairman

Board changes and governance
2019 was a year of significant change. In addition to my 
appointment, Karim Bitar joined ConvaTec as Chief Executive 
Officer (“CEO”) in September 2019. Karim is an experienced leader 
with a proven track record of creating shareholder value and 
delivering transformational change within similar businesses. Prior to 
Karim joining, Rick Anderson served as our Interim Chief Executive 
Officer and then as our Executive Chairman. In this executive 
capacity Rick, with the support of the leadership team, developed 
our refreshed execution model “Pivot to Growth”, which was 
implemented through various workstreams, to improve execution 
across key parts of our business and ensure more effective delivery 
of our strategy. In doing so he set the Group on an important and 
new trajectory of execution and change which we are continuing to 
build on. On behalf of the Board and everyone at ConvaTec, I would 
like to acknowledge and thank Rick for assuming this executive 
leadership role at a critical time. With effect from 30 September 
2019, Rick resumed his role as a Non-Executive Director.

During the year there were a number of changes to the membership 
of our Board, which are described on page 69. Searches for two 
additional independent Non-Executive Directors were commissioned 
and today we were delighted to announce the appointment of Brian 
May, who will join our Board on 2 March 2020, and at the same time 
become a member of our Audit and Risk and Remuneration 
Committees. Brian has extensive financial and international business 
experience. Furthermore, he has a detailed understanding of the 
challenges and opportunities that arise as a result of transformational 
change. As we focus on pivoting to sustainable and profitable 
growth I am confident that he will make a valuable contribution to 
the Board. Further background information about him is included 
on page 94. Our search for an additional independent 
Non-Executive Director is ongoing.

Since I joined ConvaTec I have had an opportunity to review the 
current governance practices which are generally effective. There 
is potential to enhance our processes in a number of areas and this 
is being addressed. Further information about our 2019 Board 
evaluation processes and, the improvement actions we are 
prioritising in 2020, is included on pages 89 to 91.

Culture, stakeholders and corporate responsibility
Our success is dependent on running our business in a way that 
engenders trust. To build this trust at all times we must operate with 
the highest standard of integrity, do what we say we will do, make a 
positive economic and social contribution and minimise our impact 
on the environment. Our values, which shape our culture, aim to 
ensure that this responsible business approach operates throughout 
the Group. 

During the year, following consultation with our employees, our 
values and vision statement were revised to better reflect the 
culture we aspire to embed across the Group. Further information 
is set out on page 37 and 38. 

Dear Shareholder

Introduction
Following Sir Christopher Gent’s decision to retire from the Board, 
I was delighted to be appointed Chairman in September 2019. 
While ConvaTec has faced a number of challenges since its listing 
in 2016, it is a fundamentally sound business that operates in large 
structurally growing markets. Significant actions to improve 
performance and returns to shareholders are already underway and 
I look forward to leading the Board as we move into the Group’s next 
phase of development. 

2019 performance
I was pleased that performance for the year was in line with 
the guidance we set out in February 2019. Group revenue of 
$1,827.2 million declined 0.3% on a reported basis, but grew 2.3% 
on an organic basis. The Group generated operating profit of 
$96.9 million on a reported basis (5.3% EBIT margin), as a result 
of impairment of certain intangible assets and our investment 
in transformation and MDR. On an adjusted basis, operating profit 
was $354.3 million and EBIT margin was 19.4%. Cash generated 
from operations was $401.8 million as a result of concerted 
inventory reductions. 

In October 2019 we successfully refinanced the Group’s debt. 
The credit agreement includes a $1.5 billion loan facility and a 
$200 million revolving credit facility, with limited security, covering 
a five-year period and held with a smaller group of relationship 
banks. Further information about our 2019 performance is included 
on page 56 and throughout this Annual Report.

Dividend
Reflecting our view on the potential of the Group over the medium 
to long term and its financial strength, the Board is proposing a final 
dividend of 3.983 cents per share in respect of 2019, subject to 
shareholder approval at our Annual General Meeting on 7 May 2020. 
This is in addition to the Company’s interim dividend of 1.717 cents 
per share, which was declared on 1 August 2019. We are therefore 
proposing to maintain our total 2019 dividend at 5.700 cents per 
share, in line with the total dividend for 2018. Whilst this is outside 
our stated policy of 35% to 45% of adjusted net profit, the Board has 
taken into consideration balancing the return to shareholders and 
the additional investment in transformation in the period. The 
decision to maintain the dividend reflects the Board’s confidence in 
the future performance of the Group and the underlying financial 
strength, distributable reserves position and cash generation of the 
Group. The Board notes that in the near term the dividend pay-out 
ratio may be slightly above the target ratio as investment is made in 
the ongoing transformation of the Group.

04
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

 
 “Significant actions to improve performance 
and returns to shareholders are already 
underway and I look forward to leading the 
Board as we move into the Group’s next phase 
of development.”

Our sustainable success is also dependent on a wide range of 
stakeholders. We run our business in a responsible way to meet 
the needs of the people who use our products and services and 
the healthcare professionals who care for them. By doing so we 
generate value for our stakeholders including our shareholders and 
our employees. 

To ensure that we factor all stakeholder issues and concerns into 
our Boardroom discussions and decision-making processes, we are 
enhancing the mechanisms available to the Board to ensure that we 
have timely and effective access to relevant information. Further 
information about our Board-level stakeholder engagement 
activities is set out on pages 79 and 80.

In recent years we have laid strong foundations to ensure that at all 
times we operate in a responsible and sustainable way and much 
progress has been made as detailed on pages 36 to 46. However, 
there is much still to do. Taking account of this, and recognising that 
sustainability is a key geopolitical concern that impacts all our 
stakeholders, we have strengthened our corporate responsibility 
management and governance arrangements. 

With effect from 2 March 2020, to embed sustainability into every 
aspect of our strategy and day-to-day business operations, increase 
accountability and drive delivery, Sean McGrath, Executive Vice 
President, Human Resources, will become responsible for our CR 
programme. Reflecting the critical importance of this area to the 
success of our business, Sean will work with other members of the 
ConvaTec Executive Leadership Team (the “CELT”), and their teams, 
to allocate specific CR programme-related activities and hold them 
accountable for delivery. At the same time, responsibility for 
overseeing the CR programme and reviewing our CR strategy and 
its implementation, will be transferred to the Board. As a result, the 
Board’s CR Committee will be disbanded. In the coming year we will 
monitor our CR programme on a regular basis and we will continue 
to evolve its scope and implementation to ensure its effectiveness.

Our employees and shareholders
Our employees are key to our success. Their skill and dedication 
improves the lives of people with challenging medical conditions, 
and creates value for our stakeholders. As we set about transforming 
our business, our employees also have a critical role to play. Their full 
support and commitment are essential if we are to achieve our 
strategic ambitions. On behalf of the Board I would like to thank 
them for their continued hard work. 

Finally, I would also like to thank our shareholders for their ongoing 
support. It is imperative that we create shareholder value and we are 
firmly committed to pivoting our business to deliver sustainable and 
profitable growth.

Governance highlights
A summary of the activities of the Board and its committees during 
the period is detailed below. Further information is provided on 
pages 68 to 135.

The Board
 – Reviewed and endorsed development of strategy to pivot to 

sustainable and profitable growth.

 – Undertook searches and subsequently appointed new Chairman 

and CEO.

 – Considered feedback from stakeholders, including shareholders 

and employees.

 – Approved Brian May’s appointment.

Further information on pages 78 to 85.

Nomination Committee
 – Oversaw CEO recruitment process.
 – Established sub-committee to oversee Chair recruitment process.
 – Reviewed Board composition, developed detailed brief and 
commissioned searches for additional independent Non-
Executive Directors.

 – Recommended Brian May’s appointment.

Further information on pages 92 to 94.

Audit and Risk Committee
 – Ensured effective quality external audit was provided.
 – Reviewed key terms of Group’s refinancing arrangements. 
 – Reviewed Group’s internal controls and risk management 

processes and assessed their effectiveness.

Further information on pages 95 to 109.

Corporate Responsibility Committee
 – Reviewed and enhanced stakeholder engagement process.
 – Analysed stakeholder survey results.
 – Reviewed supplier assessment programme.

Further information on pages 110 and 111.

Remuneration Committee
 – Developed a new Remuneration Policy.
 – Agreed remuneration arrangements for Rick Anderson, 

Executive Chairman, and the new Chair and CEO.

 – Ensured remuneration arrangements appropriately supported 

the retention and motivation of CELT members, and thus 
business continuity.

Further information on pages 112 to 131.

Dr John McAdam
Chairman
27 February 2020

05
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Chief Executive Officer’s review

I am pleased to have joined ConvaTec as Chief Executive Officer 
last September. I accepted the role for a number of reasons. I am 
passionate about improving patient care by leveraging innovation, 
technology and services. Serving patients and the people we touch 
will be at the core of ConvaTec’s culture. There is significant potential 
for us to be more customer-centric and do more to support and help 
the people who use and benefit from our products and services. 

ConvaTec operates in attractive, structurally growing chronic care 
markets where there is long-term demand for our products and 
services and market growth rates are expected to remain at current 
levels (c.4% pa) in the medium term. However our past performance 
has been mixed. Whilst we have leadership positions in some 
markets due to strong customer relationships and some innovative 
products, in other areas our ability to perform to our full potential 
is impeded by organisational complexity and limited capabilities.

The trends that are impacting the wider healthcare industry also 
create challenges and opportunities for our organisation. These 
trends include the increasing cost pressures on health systems; the 
rising influence of the patient or consumer; an increasing shift towards 
the importance of homecare; technological advancements; the 
entrance of new competitors; and the growth in emerging markets. 
We need to understand these trends and effectively differentiate 
our offering as we strive to seize the opportunities created.

Since I joined ConvaTec, the CELT has undertaken an assessment of 
our organisation, including the Transformation Initiative commenced 
in 2019. This assessment has led to the wider strategic changes 
detailed on the adjacent page. We launched the Transformation 
Office last year to improve execution across key parts of our 
business and ensure more effective delivery of our strategy. 
Improving the execution capabilities of our commercial teams, 
operations and business support services is fundamental to 
ConvaTec’s success. We are continuing to strengthen our execution 
excellence discipline via our Transformation Office, which focuses on 
supporting improved execution across the entire organisation. We 
are pleased that this is already delivering some benefits, although 
there is still much to be achieved. 

06
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Karim Bitar
Chief Executive Officer

ConvaTec Executive Leadership Team (“CELT”)

Frank Schulkes
Chief Financial Officer

Supratim Bose
President and Chief Operating 
Officer, Global Emerging Markets

Kjersti Grimsrud 
President and Chief Operating 
Officer, Global Continence Care

Donal Balfe 
Executive Vice President, 
Global Quality, Operations 
and Regulatory

David Shepherd 
President and Chief Operating 
Officer, Global Advanced 
Wound Care

Seth Segela
President, Home Services Group

Mani Gopalb 
President and Chief Operating 
Officer, Global Ostomy Care

John Lindskog
President and Chief Operating 
Officer, Global Infusion Care

Sean McGrath 
Executive Vice President, 
Human Resources

Adam Deutsch
Chief Transformation Officer and 
General Counsel

Dr Divakar Ramakrishnanc
Chief Technology Officer

a.  Joined the CELT on 1 January 2020. 
b.   Joined ConvaTec and the CELT on 

13 January 2020.

c.   Joined ConvaTec and the CELT 

on 21 January 2020.

 “One of the key reasons that attracted me 
to ConvaTec was the significant opportunity 
ahead of us. With clear direction, an emphasis 
on innovation and an execution excellence 
culture, ConvaTec will focus on pivoting to 
sustainable and profitable growth.”

Transforming by pivoting to sustainable and profitable growth
To achieve our transformation goal of pivoting to sustainable and 
profitable growth, more significant and fundamental change is 
required; we are already taking action to achieve this.

We now have a clear new vision, which encompasses our purpose: 
Pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch. 
We will realise this through our five strategic pillars: Focus, Innovate, 
Simplify, Build and Execute. Further information about our strategy 
and each of these pillars is set out on pages 18 to 21.

Our success will be underpinned by a new operating model that 
is more customer-centric, agile, innovation led and with clear 
accountability, supported by our refreshed Group values (see page 
37) that are consistent with our vision, strategy and operating 
model, and these will guide the way we work.

New operating model
As noted above, our organisational complexity and limited 
capabilities have been key drivers of our past mixed performance; 
therefore, we have started to simplify and strengthen our operating 
model to make it more customer-centric, agile and accountable. 

During 2020 we will transition to an organisation that will operate 
with six integrated global business units: Advanced Wound Care, 
Ostomy Care, Continence Care, Infusion Care (formerly Infusion 
Devices), Emerging Markets and Home Services Group (“HSG”) 
(formerly Home Distribution Group). These six global business units 
will be supported by: a new technology and innovation function, 
an enhanced quality, operations and regulatory function, customer 
support functions (Finance, IT, HR and Legal), and the 
Transformation Office. 

In the coming years, we plan to significantly increase our investment 
in R&D as we strengthen our innovation capabilities and improve our 
product development pipeline. We need to get closer to the patients 
and people we serve, increase innovation and drive execution 
excellence. To achieve this, R&D needs to be an integral part of 
our organisation.

To lead our innovation strategy, strengthen the capability and drive 
execution we have appointed Dr Divakar Ramakrishnan, our first 
Chief Technology Officer, who joined ConvaTec and the CELT on 
21 January 2020. Divakar has significant experience, most recently 
at Eli Lilly, in leading global R&D teams focused on developing 
innovative and digitally-enabled devices to improve patient care. He 
has deep competencies in product, process and clinical development.

Supratim Bose, previously Executive Vice President of APAC, will 
lead Global Emerging Markets and Seth Segel will lead HSG. Seth 
was previously President of Home Distribution Group having joined 
ConvaTec in September 2017 following the acquisition of Woodbury 
Health Products, where he served as CEO for five years. Seth 
became a member of the CELT on 1 January 2020.

Mani Gopal joined ConvaTec and the CELT on 13 January 2020 as 
President and Chief Operating Officer of our Global Ostomy Care 
business unit. He was previously with Cooper Vision and Abbott 
Laboratories and has extensive experience of running and improving 
the performance of integrated healthcare businesses. 

We are pleased that Kjersti Grimsrud, formerly President of EMEA, 
has agreed to lead the Global Continence Care business unit, whilst 
David Shepherd will continue to lead our Global Advanced Wound 
Care business unit.

Finally, in keeping with the new values of the Group, in particular 
improving care, we are aligning the name of our infusion set 
business, formerly Infusion Devices, to our other global business 
units, and renaming it Infusion Care. John Lindskog will continue 
to lead this business unit.

Following the above changes Frank Gehres and Stephan Bonnelycke 
have left ConvaTec. They played important roles as members of the 
leadership team and we would like to thank them for their 
contributions and wish them well for the future.

Our new vision, strategy, operating model and values combined with 
our strengthened leadership team, will bring greater focus and 
stronger execution.

Further biographical information on all members of the CELT is 
available on our website (www.convatecgroup.com). 

I have had the pleasure of visiting a great many of our sites since 
joining the organisation and taken the opportunity to meet many 
colleagues and customers. I want to thank my colleagues for a very 
warm welcome and their commitment to transforming ConvaTec. 

07
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Chief Executive Officer’s review
continued

2019 financial performance overview
It is encouraging that the full year results are in line with the 
guidance we provided in February 2019. However, this is only a first 
step and much hard work needs to be undertaken to achieve our 
strategic intent of pivoting to sustainable and profitable growth.

Group reported revenue of $1,827.2 million (2018: $1,832.1 million) 
declined 0.3% year-on-year but grew 2.4%1 on a constant currency 
basis and 2.3%2 organically, towards the top of the guidance range 
provided in February 2019. The performance reflects solid growth 
in CCC and Infusion Care, although both benefited from weaker 
2018 performances. AWC continued to underperform the market, 
largely due to transition in the franchise’s US business. Ostomy Care, 
against a declining prior year, also remained soft as good 
performances in Latin America and some EMEA markets were 
partly offset by underperformance in the US.

Reported EBIT3 margin was 5.3% (2018: 14.6%), a result of 
impairments related to acquired intangible assets, investment in the 
transformation, and adverse FX movements.

Adjusted EBIT3 margin at 19.4% (2018: 23.4%) was a little above the 
mid-range of guidance provided. Investment in the transformation 
($39.4 million) and the EU Medical Device Regulation (“MDR”, 
$5.2 million) were the main drivers of lower adjusted EBIT margin, 
in addition to the impact of adverse FX movements ($13.6 million). 
A net positive productivity contribution was more than offset by 
price pressures and negative sales mix. Cash flow remained robust 
with adjusted cash conversion at 98% (2018: 81%), driven by 
improved working capital. For further information on costs and 
margin see pages 59 to 63.

Franchise performance 
AWC revenue declined 3.0% on a reported basis but grew 0.5%2 
organically. Overall our performance was in line with internal 
expectations, but the franchise’s US business continued to be 
challenged, impacted by moving to a more specialised salesforce, 
which should start to yield benefits in 2020. Our AQUACEL™ 
Ag+/Advantage silver products performed strongly, partly offset 
by our legacy base AQUACEL™ dressings and continued declines in 
skin care. We saw strong momentum in Latin America, APAC and 
most EMEA markets. The UK market has stabilised; however, it 
remains challenging. French reimbursement cuts were in line with 
our expectations.

Ostomy Care revenue declined 1.6% on a reported basis but grew 
1.9%2 year on year on an organic basis. Against a weak prior year, 
we continued to execute on our strategy to return the franchise to 
consistent and improved levels of growth, with solid performances 
in Latin America and EMEA offsetting weakness in the US. We 
continue to invest in and see traction with our more recent Convex 
product launches such as Esteem+™ Flex and Natura™ Accordion 
and grow our me+™ direct-to-consumer programme.

CCC revenue grew 3.1% on a reported basis and 4.1%2 organically, 
with a strong performance from HSG in the US, which continued to 
outgrow the overall US continence market. Growth also benefited 
from the impact of a product recall in the prior year. This was 
partially offset by the franchise’s Hospital & Critical Care businesses, 
which continued to decline.

Infusion Care revenue grew 2.7% on a reported basis, and 4.1%2 
on an organic basis. We saw strong orders from customers through 
the year, and as expected, growth was towards the lower end of 
historical market growth levels due to the exit of Animas from the 
durable pump market in late 2018.

Further information about each of our franchises is included on 
pages 47 to 55.

COVID-19 (“Coronavirus”)
We are closely monitoring the Coronavirus outbreak, with particular 
regard to the wellbeing of all our colleagues, our production 
processes and our supply chain. In 2019, sales in China accounted 
for less than 1% of Group revenues and within our supply chain there 
are a small number of component parts and accessories that are 
manufactured by third-parties in affected areas of APAC. At this 
stage, assuming that the situation normalises in Q2 and that the 
outbreak is contained, we do not anticipate any significant business 
interruption, however we are continuing to assess potential impacts, 
and the subsequent mitigating actions. We have a number of 
employees in affected areas and we aim to ensure that they are 
in an environment which is safe and secure.

08
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

UK withdrawal from the European Union (“Brexit”) 
We continue to monitor the Brexit negotiations, assessing the 
potential effects on our organisation, and preparing contingency 
plans to address the potential outcomes. Our Brexit taskforce is 
actively preparing for a “No-Deal” scenario with external advisory 
support as required. Management considers there will be no material 
financial effect on our business, or significant operational issues 
which could arise, as a result of Brexit. However, it remains unclear 
what the position will be for the UK after the transition period ends 
on 31 December 2020 and our planning will continue to evolve and 
adapt with the political developments. 

Group 2020 outlook 
In 2020 we expect constant currency revenue growth of 2.0% to 
3.5%1,4, with an improved performance year on year driven by AWC 
and Infusion Care, we expect a similar year in Continence Care, 
whilst Ostomy Care will deliver very low single-digit growth due 
to the impact of product portfolio and market rationalisation. 
Constant currency adjusted EBIT margin in 2020 is expected to 
be 16.0% to 18.0%3,4, including c.$50 million of cost investment 
associated with the transformation and c.$18 million of costs related 
to the implementation of MDR. 

Whilst we have made some progress, driving forward with the 
transformation and laying the foundations of organisational change 
through the new Group vision, strategy, operating model and values, 
there is much more to do as we pivot to sustainable and profitable 
growth. Our opportunity over the medium term is to drive improved 
revenue and EBIT growth. I look forward to updating you further 
later in the year.

Karim Bitar
Chief Executive Officer
27 February 2020

1.   Constant currency growth is calculated by applying the applicable prior 
period average exchange rates to the Group’s actual performance in the 
respective period.

2.   Organic growth presents period over period growth at constant currency, 

excluding M&A activities.

3.   Adjusted EBIT is equivalent to adjusted operating profit and reported EBIT 

is equivalent to reported operating profit.

4.   Our intention is to drive absolute revenue and earnings growth, both organic 
and inorganic, therefore a constant currency measure is more appropriate 
moving forward.

09
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Our stakeholders and how we engage with them

Our ability to develop pioneering trusted 
medical solutions to improve the lives we 
touch and create value is dependent on 
a range of stakeholders. 

It is essential that we understand our stakeholders’ issues and 
concerns. To achieve this understanding, within the relevant ethical 
and regulatory frameworks, we aim to engage with them proactively 
to build long-term relationships based on trust. 

This approach ensures that we continue to serve and support the 
people who rely on our products and services. It also supports our 
ambitions to become a “destination employer” and our strategy to 
pivot to sustainable and profitable growth.

Information about how our Board gains an understanding of 
stakeholder issues and how they factored such issues into the 
decisions they made during the year in accordance with section 172, 
is set out on pages 79 and 80. Our section 172 statement is also 
included on pages 84 and 85.

Our stakeholders and how we engage with them are highlighted in 
the table below.

Section 172 statement
Section 172 of the Companies Act requires each of our Directors to 
act in a way that he or she considers, in good faith, would most likely 
promote ConvaTec’s long-term success for the benefit of its 
shareholders and other stakeholders. 

In discharging their section 172 duty our Directors have regard to 
issues and concerns that arise through our stakeholder engagement 
and they factor these matters into their Board discussions and 
decision-making process. In particular, they take account of the 
likely long-term consequences of the decisions they make and 
the impact of those decisions on the Group’s employees, its 
customers and suppliers, the local communities where we operate 
and the environment. 

Consumers – the people we deliver for

The people who use our products and rely on our services

Their key issues 
 – Safe, accessible and innovative products.
 – Support and information.

How we engage 
 – Direct-to-consumer channels including 

our me+™ programmes operated by our 
Ostomy Care and CCC franchises.

 – Home delivery companies including HSG 
in the US and Amcare in the UK. Read 
more about HSG on page 53.

 – Specialist nurses.
 – Call centres.
 – Targeted consumer research.
 – Responding to specific consumer 

questions, feedback and complaints.

Outcomes
 – Incorporation of relevant consumer 

feedback in our research and 
development processes.

 – Reviews of our service provision, 
based on customer feedback, and 
the introduction of enhancements 
as required.

 – Tracking and management of 

customer issues.

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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Direct enablers who help us deliver

Healthcare professionals

Their key issues 
 – Products and support that meet 
patients’ needs and benefit the 
healthcare delivery system.

Our people 

How we engage 
 – Ongoing commercial dialogue. 
 – Targeted research.
 – Specialist training programmes.
 – Nurse Advisory Boards.
 – Key opinion leader meetings.

Outcomes 
 – Product and service insights inform 
our development processes and our 
day-to-day operations.

Their key issues 
 – Safe, healthy, ethical and fair working 

How we engage 
 – Group-wide interaction via our intranet 

Outcomes
 – Incorporation of relevant feedback into 

environment.

and ConvaTec app.

 – Supporting and serving the people who 
rely on and prescribe our products and 
services, and making a difference.

 – Regular town hall meetings.
 – Performance reviews.
 – Employee resource groups focused on 

 – Attractive rewards.
 – Development opportunities. 

gender and LGBTQ issues.

 – Group-wide employee surveys.
 – Global Challenge initiative.
 – Union representation and works councils 

(where relevant).

 – Board-level engagement programme 

– see page 80.

 – Independent whistleblower hotline and 

web link – see page 44.

our people strategy and procedures, our 
development and training programmes 
and our internal communication 
processes. Valuable input from our 
employees across the Group helped 
shape our updated vision statement and 
values – see page 37.

 – Implementation of our Global Challenge 
initiative to support our workforce’s 
health and wellbeing. Read more on 
page 39.

Suppliers, distributors and other partners

Their key issues 
 – Long-term relationships.
 – Fair pricing and commercial terms.
 – Predictable business.

How we engage 
 – Commercial dialogue. 
 – Supplier assessments.
 – Distributor due diligence and compliance 

Outcomes 
 – Development of valuable partnerships 

that work together to address 
consumers’ needs – see page 41.

training – see page 41.

 – Supplier awards.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Our stakeholders and how we engage with them
continued

Investors and debt providers

Their key issues 
 – Strategy and delivery.
 – Sustainable returns.
 – Responsible business practices.
 – Cash flow to service debt obligations.

How we engage 
 – Annual General Meeting. 
 – All members of the Board are available 

to shareholders.

 – Shareholder consultation process in 
relation to proposed Remuneration 
Policy – see page 113.

 – Quarterly results announcements.
 – Active investor relations programme 
including engagement with specialist 
environmental, social and governance 
investors and analysts on specific CR 
topics – see page 80.

 – Relationship-led engagement with 

debt providers.

 – Feedback from corporate brokers.

Outcomes
 – As part of the consultation process in 

relation to the development of our new 
Remuneration Policy (see pages 117 to 
123) a number of shareholders provided 
constructive feedback which was 
considered in the development of the 
new Remuneration Policy. 

 – Successful refinancing of the Group’s 

debt arrangements.

Evaluators who hold us to account for our performance

Institutional customers/buying organisations

Their key issues 
 – Effective competitively priced products.

How we engage 
 – Commercial dialogue.
 – Marketing activities.
 – Tender processes.

Outcomes 
 – Continued inclusion in tender processes.

MedTech regulators

Their key issues 
 – Adherence to legislation and regulation.
 – Proactive engagement when 

How we engage 
 – Regular and ad hoc dialogue in relation to 
product approvals and other matters. 

challenges arise.

Outcomes 
 – Implementation of responsible and 

diligent business practices.

 – Compliance with legislation and 

regulation.

 – Input into relevant industry consultations.

Governments

Their key issues 
 – Responsible business practices.
 – Employment. 
 – Income generation via taxes.

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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

How we engage 
 – Ad hoc dialogue in relation to specific 
matters including Brexit, fiscal (e.g. 
taxation), employment (e.g. 
apprenticeships) and corporate 
governance.

Outcomes 
 – Making a socio-economic contribution – 

see pages 3 and 45.

Local communities

Their key issues 
 – Employment opportunities.
 – Minimal negative impact from operations.

How we engage 
 – Ad hoc dialogue in relation to specific

Outcomes 
 – Enhancing the local communities where 

matters.

we operate.

 – Our LIFE+ by ConvaTec community

 – Building our reputation in our local 

programme – see page 45.

communities and across broader society.

Industry bodies and non-governmental organisations (“NG0s”)

Their key issues 
 – High-quality input into industry policies 

How we engage 
 – Membership of several industry bodies

Outcomes 
 – Contributing to improved understanding 

and standards development.

 – Proactive engagement in relation to 

relevant issues.

including the MedTech Europe 
Environment and Sustainability 
Committee, ABHI and AdvaMed.

of key industry issues.

 – Helping to shape relevant agendas and

standards.

 – Participation in meetings and discussions
in relation to industry issues including 
best practice. 

 – Engagement with NGOs on issues of

concern, where appropriate.

Our 2019 GlobeScan survey
During the year we commissioned an independent company, 
GlobeScan, to undertake an online survey that involved nearly 
70 individual external stakeholders and employees across the UK, 
US, Spain, Germany, Canada and Hong Kong. The external 
stakeholder groups included healthcare professionals and patient 
group representatives. Other stakeholders, including investors, 
business customers, industry groups and NGOs, were also included.

All participants were asked to identify key issues for ConvaTec 
to focus on today and in the next five to ten years and rank these 
issues in order of importance. Based on feedback from the survey, 
while patient-related issues (safety, innovation and efficacy, 
reliability) remain the top priority for external stakeholders today, 
environmental issues, particularly relating to product recyclability 
and climate change, will become highly significant across the next 
decade. The feedback also showed that our internal stakeholders 
recognise the growing importance for large international 
businesses to be able to demonstrate leadership on sustainability 
and responsible behaviour. It is pleasing to report that external 
stakeholders continue to rank our business as a leader in 
responsible behaviour within our sector. Further information 
about the GlobeScan survey and its key findings are included in 
our Corporate Responsibility Report which is available on our 
website at www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Our market environment

We have established positions in attractive 
structurally-growing markets driven by global 
megatrends and evolving dynamics which are 
shaping the way we do business.

Our chronic care marketplace 

Our chronic care marketplace is valued at c.$13 billion1 and is projected to grow, on average, at 4% per annum over the next five years. 
Our performance and competitive positioning across our markets are mixed. 

Advanced Wound Care2

Ostomy Care3

Market size
c.$7.0bn

Market growth
c.4%

Key competitors
 – Acelity
 – Mölnlycke
 – Smith & Nephew
 – Others

2019 revenue
$569.9m

Market position/market share
 – Global advanced wound 

dressings #2/17%

 – Global silver dressings #1/30%
 – Global hydrocolloid dressings 

#1/38%

 – Global alginate and gelling fibre 

dressings #1/40%

For further information see 
page 48.

Market size
c.$2.5bn

Market growth
c.4%

Key competitors
 – Coloplast
 – Hollister/Dansac
 – Others

2019 revenue
$525.0m

Market position/market share
 – Global ostomy #3/20%
 – US #2
 – EMEA #3

For further information see 
page 50.

Continence & Critical Care4

Infusion Care5

Market size
c.$2.0bn

Market growth
c.4%

Key competitors
 – Coloplast
 – Bard 
 – Wellspect

2019 revenue
$456.7m

Market position/market share
 – Retailer in intermittent 

catheters in the US #1/40%
 – US fecal management systems 

#1/64%

For further information see 
page 52.

Market size
c.$1.0+bn

Market growth
4–5%

Key competitors
 – Smiths
 – Ypsomed

2019 revenue

$275.6m

Market position/market share
 – Global disposable infusion sets 

for insulin pumps #1/71%

For further information see 
page 54.

1.   Market size, position, share and growth information contained on this page are estimates and are based on internal analysis and publicly available sources, 

including SmartTRAK and Global Industry Analysts Inc. reports.

2.   The AWC market includes advanced dressings (global alginate and gelling fibre dressing sectors (combined), contact layers, hydrogels, hydrocolloids and 

super absorbents (other advanced dressings), silver/antimicrobials and foam), biologics and negative pressure wound therapy.

3.   The Ostomy Care market includes pouching systems and ostomy care accessories (including deodorants, skin barriers and clothing) but excludes 

irrigation products.

4.   The CCC market comprises the US and Europe intermittent catheter and fecal management market.
5.   The Infusion Care market size refers to disposables for insulin infusion pumps.

14
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The global trends driving growth in our markets

Three global trends are driving structural growth in our markets and increasing demand for our products and technologies.

Trends

Impact on our business

Populations are getting older
By 2050 the world’s population aged over 60 is projected to more 
than double.

There is a strong correlation between age and the incidence of chronic 
conditions that require wound, ostomy and incontinence treatment and 
infusion products. 

Global population aged 60+

2017
0.9 billion

2050
2.1 billion

Source: United Nations, World Population Prospects, 2017 revision.

Source: Gist, Tio-Matos, Falzgraf, Cameron, Beebe (2009).

Chronic conditions are on the increase
Between 1985 and 2005 the prevalence of chronic disease doubled and 
continues to grow, mainly due to increased life expectancy. Source: Uijen, 
A. A., & van de Lisdonk, E. H. (2008).

The increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, which are often 
experienced over a long period of time and generally progress slowly, 
is driving demand for our products. The conditions that each of our 
franchises focus on are detailed below. 

By 2030 the incidence of diabetes across the global adult population is 
forecast to increase to approximately 10%. Source: Euromonitor.

Globally there are 50 million reported cases of patients suffering from 
hard-to-heal wounds, including foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. Source: 
Frost & Sullivan.

Advanced  
Wound Care
–  Diabetes  

and vascular 
disease

–  Chronic ulcers

Ostomy  
Care
–  Colorectal 

cancer

–  Bladder cancer
–  Crohn’s disease
–  Ulcerative 

colitis

Continence & 
Critical Care
–  Multiple 
sclerosis
–  Benign 

prostatic 
hyperplasia 
–  Spinal cord 

injury

Infusion  
Care
–  Diabetes

People are living longer
Due to earlier detection and more effective treatment, people with 
chronic conditions are living longer.

Average life expectancy 
of people with type 1 diabetes

53
(1950–1964)

69
(1956–1980)

Source: The Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study, 
Cohort (2012).

Many of our customers stay with us throughout their lives, and as they 
live longer, the period during which they are reliant on our products is 
extended. Commercially this gives us long-term visibility of the underlying 
demand for our products. 

15
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Our market environment
continued

A number of evolving market dynamics are shaping how we do business 

Dynamic

How it is shaping our business

Health systems facing cost pressures and emphasis on homecare 
for chronic diseases
Due to the growing demand for care and treatment, worldwide 
healthcare costs as a percentage of GDP are projected to rise. 
(Source: The New Economy: Beyond The Hype. Final report on the 
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Growth 
Project.). Efforts to reduce overall spending are being accelerated and 
increasingly healthcare providers are putting greater emphasis on 
value-based healthcare solutions that deliver better outcomes at lower 
costs. They are also applying increasing price pressure across the entire 
care continuum and focusing more on out-patient care. In the US, the 
home healthcare market grew by 6.8% in 2019 and is expected to reach 
$186.8 billion by 2027. (Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid 
Services (CMS) Office of the Actuary.)

Increase in patient/consumer influence 
People are becoming more engaged in their healthcare and are actively 
seeking out products and technologies that not only address their needs, 
but do so in a convenient way that fits with their lifestyle.

We focus on developing solutions that provide optimal outcomes and 
help healthcare providers deliver their services effectively and in the 
most cost effective way. To drive the development of a robust new 
product pipeline, we have strengthened our R&D and technological 
capabilities and reorganised our innovation function (see page 20). 
We are also striving to instil an execution excellence culture across the 
Group to ensure that we operate in the most efficient way and deliver 
competitive products and solutions. See page 21.

We are continuing to build and strengthen our direct-to-consumer 
business. Read about our Home Services Group on page 53.

We engage with the people who use our products and obtain valuable 
feedback, which helps us better understand and meet their needs. Read 
about our me+™ programme on page 51.

Through innovation we will focus on delivering differentiated patient-
centric trusted medical solutions that take account of personal 
preferences, emotional and lifestyle needs. 

Increase in new technologies, including digital, to manage disease
Tech-enabled innovation is affecting all types of disease management. 
In particular, digitisation is enabling remote management of therapies and 
early detection and real-time monitoring. 

The development of digitally-enabled technologies is creating multiple 
opportunities in wound care and diabetes management. In line with our 
strategy (see pages 18 to 21), we will significantly increase our investment 
in innovation to strengthen our innovation capabilities and developing 
differentiated solutions that utilise smart technologies and data and meet 
the distinct needs of our customers.

New entrants and value players
In recent years new players have entered the healthcare market and 
their numbers continue to increase. Innovation, pressure on existing 
healthcare systems and consumer demand are driving this development 
which is disrupting a sector once populated by long-established 
medical businesses. 

One of our key priorities is to become more customer-centric and build 
closer relationships with the people who need our products and services. 
We are also working to simplify our business to become more agile and 
better able to harness market opportunities. For further information see 
page 20.

Rise of emerging markets
The use of healthcare products and services is increasing as a large 
proportion of the growing middle class in emerging markets are gaining 
access to private medical insurance. A $3 billion growth in consumables 
is expected to come from China over the course of the next three years. 
(Source: Fitch Solutions.)

We have simplified the operating model and created a new global 
Emerging Markets business unit to focus on faster growing markets. 
We are also focusing our resources on “must-win” markets which include 
China. For example we are appointing senior, locally-based management 
who have significant knowledge and experience of local markets and 
developing trends. Read more about our market approach on page 20.

16
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Working in partnership with our customers to benefit 
the diabetes community
Our Infusion Care franchise is the global leader in the 
disposable infusion set market. Its innovative technologies and 
high-technology production facilities have enabled it to build a 
number of long-term partnerships with major manufacturers 
of insulin pumps. These partnerships have resulted in a 
number of collaborations focused on developing novel new 
ways of delivering insulin to benefit the diabetes community. 

Currently we are working with Medtronic to bring an 
extended wear infusion set to market which will reduce the 
number of insertions required of patients on pump therapy. 
This breakthrough innovation has recently received CE mark 
certification in Europe. The CE mark labelling supports the 
use of the infusion set for up to seven days – more than twice 
the length of time that any current infusion set can be used. 
This milestone is the result of a strong development 
partnership between Medtronic and ConvaTec. A pivotal trial 
is now underway in the US to support a 510K submission.

We are also partnering with Tandem Diabetes Care in relation 
to their t: slim X2 insulin pump, one of the smallest pumps on 
the market. 

t: slim X2 now incorporates Basal-IQ™ technology that gives 
the user better control by helping reduce the frequency and 
duration of low glucose events by predicting glucose levels 
and adjusting insulin delivery accordingly.

Mio™ Advance is an infusion set with an integrated insertion device 
which makes continuous subcutaneous infusion easier, faster and more 
comfortable. Mio™ Advance is a trademark of Medtronic Minimed, Inc.

17
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Our strategy

The various projects our Transformation Office has overseen have delivered some benefits. However, there is much still to be achieved. 
To realise our strategic intent of pivoting to sustainable and profitable growth, more significant and fundamental change is required. 
To achieve this we have developed our strategy, which is focused on the five pillars set out below. Our success will be underpinned by 
our new operating model, which is described on page 7, and supported by our refreshed values (detailed on page 37), which will guide 
the way we work.

Our vision

Pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch

s
u
c
o
F

Execute

I n n o v a t e

Sustainable and 
profitable growth

Build

S

i

m

p

l
i
f

y

18
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Our strategic pillars

Focus

Overview
Focus on “must-win” 
markets and categories. 
See page 20.

Relevant KPIs
 – Group revenue growth
 – Adjusted EBIT margin
 – Adjusted free cash flow

Link to risk
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

Innovate

Simplify

Overview
Simplify and strengthen 
our organisation by 
having a more customer- 
centric and agile 
operating model with 
clear accountability. 
See page 20.

Relevant KPIs
 – Adjusted free cash flow

Link to risk
1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10.

Overview
Innovate by investing in 
our R&D capabilities to 
develop trusted medical 
solutions that customers 
need most. Our 
innovation will focus on 
providing differentiated, 
patient-centric solutions 
delivered across 
products, services and 
digital. See page 20. 

Relevant KPIs
 – Group revenue growth
 – Adjusted EBIT margin
 – Adjusted free cash flow
 – Quality

Link to risk
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

Overview
Build critical core capabilities across the 
value chain via centres of excellence, 
including salesforce effectiveness and 
quality. See page 21.

Execute

Overview
Execute with excellence across the Group 
by instilling a culture of execution via the 
Transformation Office. See page 21. 

Build

Relevant KPIs
 – Group revenue growth
 – Adjusted EBIT margin
 – Quality

Link to risk
1, 2, 4, 5, 7.

Relevant KPIs
 – Adjusted free cash flow
 – Quality

Link to risk
1, 2, 5, 7.

Key to risks – see pages 28 to 33.

1.  Change and transformation
2.  Failure to attract, engage and retain leadership talent
3.  Legal and compliance
4.  Product innovation and intellectual property
Information security
5. 
6.  Quality and regulatory
7. Brexit
8.  Global operational and supply chain
9.  Pricing and reimbursement 
10. Forecasting process 
11.  Macroeconomic and foreign exchange

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ConvaTec Group Plc
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Our strategy
continued

Our strategic pillars – developments to date and future priorities 

Focus

Innovate

Developments 
 – Created and launched specialised AWC sales teams in the US 

Developments
 – Strengthened our innovation capabilities with the appointment 

dedicated to specific markets (chronic and surgical). 

Priorities 
 – Invest in our top 12 markets which include the US and China.
 – Maintain and develop competitive offering in other markets.
 – Service indirectly or exit tail markets.

of our first Chief Technology Officer (see page 7). 

 – Appointed our first Chief Medical and Innovation Officer to 

support the development and implementation of our patient- 
centric innovation strategy and, in particular, to generate 
evidence-based improvements in patient outcomes, increased 
economic efficiency and improved patient access. 

Priorities 
 – Aim to significantly increase our R&D investment.
 – Deliver differentiated, patient-centric trusted medical solutions 
that take account of personal preferences and utilise innovative 
technologies and evidence-based results data.

 – Design for low cost and adaptability.
 – Create a total wrap-around service encompassing products, 

services and digital.

Strengthening our innovation pipeline
During the final quarter of 2019, to ensure that we focus on 
developing innovative solutions that best address our customers’ 
needs and can be commercialised successfully, we introduced a 
new product development process. Launch Excellence (“L.Ex”) 
is a global standard seven-stage process which we now apply to 
every proposed new product and service development. L.Ex 
reduces duplication, drives accountability and enables disciplined 
decision making.

Simplify 

Developments 
 – Developed new operating model which is more agile, customer-

centric, innovation led and accountable (see page 7).

Priorities 
 – Transition to new operating model.
 – Rationalise SKUs in Ostomy Care by more than 10%.

20
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

One of our Infusion Care cannulas 
undergoing R&D testing.

 
 
 
 
 
Our strategic pillars – developments to date and future priorities 

How execution excellence is driving our success
Our Home Services Group (“HSG”) is renowned for its 
exceptional customer service. The business’s Net Promoter 
Score, which measures customers’ experiences with its products 
and services, is world-class and, despite operating in a very 
competitive market, it has an annual customer churn of less 
than 1%.

A relentless focus on execution, excellence, and building 
relationships with our customers enables HSG to consistently 
deliver exceptional service levels. Every customer and healthcare 
professional enquiry is managed akin to a manufacturing process 
that is divided into a number of dedicated functions, all of 
which are overseen by specialist teams. This “expert” approach, 
combined with HSG’s proprietary technology system that 
manages the flow of accurate information throughout the 
process, ensures that, at all times, enquiries are dealt with 
efficiently and effectively. In addition, team members are 
encouraged to refine and develop their skills, take on more 
responsibility, and progress their careers. This focus on personal 
development emboldens our people and makes them more 
confident about decision-making. As a result, we are able to 
respond faster to our customers’ needs. 

One of our US-based Home Services Group 
customer service specialists.

To realise our strategy and support our transformation we are 
making the following investments in our business:
 – Increasing investment to between $205 million and 

$215 million over 2019 to 2021, including $44 million in 2019.
 – Increasing recurring investment in commercial and R&D, this 
investment was $13 million in 2019 and is expected to be 
c.$60 million in 2020, increasing to c.$75 million in 2021. 

See page 58 for further information.

Build

Developments 
 – Launched common customer relationship management platform 
in Europe to facilitate sales force efficiency and effectiveness. 
 – Introduced L.Ex, our new product development process (see 

previous page).

Priorities 
 – Further strengthen product process and clinical development 

together with medical education.

 – Strengthen supply chain to ensure reliable and efficient 

production of high-quality products.

 – Enhance digital marketing capabilities and, in particular, increase 

focus on customer insights, targeted messaging and 
demonstration of value proposition.

 – Broaden and enhance service excellence across the Group.
 – Improve salesforce effectiveness and refine pricing and 

market access.

Execute

Developments
 – Implemented more than 100 initiatives in all areas of our business.
 – More than 150 people trained on execution excellence.
 – Improved the execution capabilities of our commercial teams 

including refining and standardising our account segmentation 
model across Europe and the US to ensure our customer facing 
teams are focused effectively.

 – Improved the cost base and created capacity at IC’s Danish 

production facility by moving five production lines to our Reynosa 
plant in Mexico. The project was completed ahead of schedule 
and did not impact production.

Priorities 
 – Accelerate US AWC turnaround.
 – Enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of internal functions, 

including finance, IT and human resources, to support the 
provision of best-in-class customer service. This will be achieved 
by implementing standardised automated global processes 
enabled by a common suite of core systems and building a culture 
of continuous improvement and regular performance reviews.

21
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206 
 
 
 
Our key performance indicators

We monitor delivery of our strategy using both 
financial and non-financial KPIs. 

Strategic pillars:
Focus, Innovate  
and Build

 – Focus on “must-win” markets and categories.
 – Innovate by investing in our R&D capabilities to develop trusted medical solutions that customers need most.
 – Build critical core capabilities across the value chain via centres of excellence.

Group revenue growth1 $

Adjusted EBIT margin2 %

2019

2018

2017

1,827.2m

+2.4%

2019

1,832.1m

+2.7%

2018

1,764.6m

+4.1%

2017

19.4

23.4

25.9

-4.0%

-2.5%

-2.1%

Adjusted EBIT margin fell 4.0%. The main drivers of this movement 
were our investment in transformation ($39.4m) and MDR ($5.2m) 
and the impact of adverse FX movements ($13.6m). A net positive 
productivity contribution was more than offset by price pressures 
and negative sales. See pages 59 to 67.

Link to risk
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

On a reported basis, revenue declined 0.3%. At constant currency, 
revenue grew by 2.4% to $1,827.2m, and 2.3% organically. AWC 
revenues grew 0.5% in line with expectations, with strong growth in 
our AQUACEL™ Ag+ Advantage silver products, offsetting adverse 
performance in legacy base Hydrofiber™ and skin care, due to 
challenging market dynamics, and transition in the US market. 
Ostomy Care grew 1.9%, against a weak prior year, driven by strong 
sales in Latin America, APAC and select EMEA markets, offset by US 
performance. CCC revenue grew 4.1% organically, principally driven 
by continued growth in HSG, against a weaker prior year comparator 
due to the packaging recall, and partially offsetting underperformance 
in the Hospital & Critical Care businesses. Infusion Care organic 
revenues grew 4.1%, reflecting both a normalisation of ordering 
patterns of our largest customer in the last quarter of 2018 and 
strong ongoing demand from two of our largest customers driving 
sales volumes, which has compensated for the decision of another 
customer (Animas) to exit the market.

Link to risk
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

Key to risks – see pages 28 to 33.

1.  Change and transformation 
2.  Failure to attract, engage and retain leadership talent 
3.  Legal and compliance 
4.  Product innovation and intellectual property 
5. 
Information security 
6.  Quality and regulatory
7.  Brexit 
8.  Global operational and supply chain 
9.  Pricing and reimbursement 
10. Forecasting process 
11.  Macroeconomic and foreign exchange 

22
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

1.  Revenue growth is stated at constant currency.
2.   Certain financial measures in this Annual Report and Accounts, including the 
adjusted performance measure above, are not prepared in accordance with 
IFRS. All adjusted performance measures are reconciled to the most directly 
comparable measure prepared in accordance with IFRS on pages 182 to 187. 

3.   Adjusted net cash for cash conversion less tax paid.
4.   In 2019, due to better-than-expected energy efficiency performance, and more 
favourable movements in carbon intensities in certain national grids, we have 
reduced our GHG emissions by an amount significantly in excess of our 
projections. Whilst we expect additional gains to be become more difficult to 
deliver, we will monitor progress against our target to assess if we should re-set 
this at a more ambitious level.

 
Strategic pillars:
Focus, Innovate,  
Simplify and Execute

Strategic pillars:
Innovate, Build  
and Execute

 – Focus on “must-win” markets and categories.
 – Innovate by investing in our R&D capabilities to develop 
trusted medical solutions that customers need most.

 – Simplify and strengthen our organisation by having a more 
customer-centric and agile operating model with clear 
accountability. 

 – Execute with excellence across the Group via the 

Transformation Office.

 – Innovate by investing in our R&D capabilities to develop 
trusted medical solutions that customers need most.

 – Build core capabilities across the value chain via centres of 

excellence.

 – Execute with excellence across the Group via the 

Transformation Office.

Adjusted free cash flow3 $

Quality (complaints per million products sold)

2019

2018

396.8m

352.8m

2019

2018

2017

63

63

81

Adjusted free cash flow has increased, principally due to positive 
working capital movements resulting from inventory reductions. 
This is partially offset by increased investment in transformation and 
MDR. Further information is provided on page 187.

Link to risk
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

Our primary key performance indicator for quality is complaints per 
million products sold (“CPM”). This reflects our customer- centric 
focus. It is also a strong indication of our manufacturing quality and 
is key to ensuring that our products are of the highest quality. Our 
CPM metric peaked in 2017 after the transfer of the manufacture 
of Ostomy Care and AWC products to our plant in Haina in the 
Dominican Republic. Since then we have continued to improve this 
metric across all our business units and have achieved an overall 
reduction of 22% since 2017. 

In 2019, to ensure the highest level of patient safety and satisfaction, 
we initiated a field safety notice for a limited family of ostomy 
products. This notification to our customers resulted in a temporary 
increase in the complaint rate in Q4 2019. Our global rate of 
reportable events remains very low. 

We continue to be compliant with the regulations in all our global 
markets and we have updated our processes in these areas to meet 
the requirements of the new EU Medical Devices Regulation 2017/ 
745. We have recently been awarded certification to the new 
Medical Device Single Audit Programme for all our facilities.

Link to risk
1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10.

Monitoring our responsible business approach
Detailed information about our CR programme, including targets and an update on the progress we are making, is contained in our 
Corporate Responsibility Report which is available on our website at www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

Health & Safety

Fatalities
Recordable injuries
Recordable injury rate
Lost time injuries
Lost time injury rate

2019
0
33
0.55
16
0.27

2018
0
30
0.50
20
0.33

2017
0
48
0.82
33
0.57

Progress against greenhouse gas emissions target
Greenhouse gas emissions (market-based method) 
(tonnes CO2e)

2018
20194
Target (2023)

33,184
26,833
29,865

23
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206 
Risk management

Understanding and appropriately managing 
risk inherent to our business maximises 
potential opportunities to realise our vision, 
pivot to sustainable and profitable growth 
and create and preserve value. 

Introduction
A number of current and emerging risks specific to our business, 
industry and external environment could potentially impact our 
strategy, performance and reputation. Successful management of 
these risks supports better decision-making, ensures that our Board 
and management respond promptly when risks arise, and enables 
us to keep shareholders and other stakeholders well informed about 
our risk profile and the Group’s long-term viability. 

Risk culture
Our Board is responsible for risk management and promotes 
a transparent and accountable culture through good stewardship 
that does not inhibit sensible risk taking critical to growth. Board 
and Committee meetings set the tone for the CELT and other senior 
management to promote and cascade this culture through the 
Group and with external stakeholders. 

The Board supports good risk management across the Group by 
implementing and overseeing a framework of appropriate and 
effective controls that enable risk to be assessed and managed. The 
Board’s Committees have the following risk-related responsibilities:
 – Audit and Risk Committee (“ARC”): monitors and reviews all risk 

management processes and is responsible for ensuring risk 
mitigation and controls are effective. 

 – CR Committee: defines and oversees the Group’s environmental 
and social obligations and conduct, and the implementation of its 
CR strategy. As explained on page 5, the CR Committee will be 
disbanded with effect from 2 March 2020, and the Board will be 
responsible for overseeing our CR strategy and its 
implementation.

 – Nomination Committee: provides oversight to ensure that the 

Group has a talented, diverse and effective leadership team and 
a pipeline of future talent, capable of successfully managing risks 
that could impact the Group’s strategy.

 – Remuneration Committee: provides oversight to ensure 

implementation of appropriate reward arrangements to drive 
a high-performing culture that manages risk in line with our 
risk appetite. 

While sound risk management systems cannot eliminate all risks, 
the role of the Board, its committees and the CELT is to ensure that 
our risk management systems are robust, effective and take account 
of appropriate exposures.

Risk appetite
The Board sets the level of risk we are prepared to accept to achieve 
our vision and our strategy. Our risk appetite is defined against four 
risk categories which are described in the following diagram. On an 
ongoing basis, the ARC monitors the level of risk faced and how the 
business continues to operate within the stated risk appetite levels. 

Principal risks
Our principal risks, which the Board reviews and approves on 
a bi-annual basis, are set out on pages 28 to 33. 

24
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Our risk appetite

Risk category

Risk appetite level

Strategic

Moderate to High – the business takes 
well-informed and well-managed risks to 
achieve strategic objectives.

Operational

Financial

Low to Moderate – the business works 
to achieve strategic objectives through 
accepting, managing and/or reducing risk 
to a minimal level as appropriate.

Compliance

Extremely Low (zero) – the business 
seeks to eliminate the risk as much as 
possible.

During the last quarter of 2019, the CELT reviewed the principal 
risks against our risk appetite taking into consideration the evolving 
strategy, current business environment and any emerging risks, 
including those that could arise during 2020 and beyond. The CELT 
reconfirmed and prioritised the principal risks as to their potential 
effect on our ability to successfully deliver our strategy. The principal 
risks described on pages 28 to 33 in order of priority are reflected in 
the key adverse assumptions in the Viability statement (see pages 
34 to 35).

The graphic on the adjacent page summarises our assessment of 
the likelihood of our principal risks occurring and the impact that 
could result. These are stated after taking into consideration the 
mitigating actions and effective controls in place to manage 
each risk.

During 2019, our overall risk landscape remained largely unchanged. 
To support our strategy and mitigate specific external events we 
increased our focus in certain areas as follows:
 – Strategic risks: We retain a dedicated third party to support our 
Transformation Initiative that will underpin successful delivery 
of our strategy. Previous underinvestment in our product and 
development pipeline, with the consequence of losing market 
share, is being addressed through continuous re-investment and 

Principal risks

Impact

Key: 
1. 

 Change and 
transformation 
 Failure to attract, 
engage and retain 
leadership talent 
 Legal and 
compliance

2. 

3. 

1

6

3

5

10

2 7

4

8

9

11

Likelihood

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

 Product innovation 
and intellectual 
property
 Information 
security
 Quality and 
regulatory 
 Brexit 

8. 

9. 

 Global operational 
and supply chain
 Pricing and 
reimbursement

10.  Forecasting 
process

11.   Macroeconomic and 
foreign exchange

Risk category: 

 Strategic   Operational   Financial   Compliance    

2019  
movement

oversight. We continue to enhance our business planning and 
forecasting processes with improvements in data, culture and 
focus across the Group. A cross-functional steering group 
manages Brexit uncertainty in future trading conditions to 
continue to deliver sustainable returns.

 – Operational risks: We made changes in 2019 to the Board and 

CELT, and, despite competitive labour markets, attracted 
experienced and proven senior management talent to reshape 
and lead the Group in the successful execution of our strategy. 
We continue to improve the robustness and performance of our 
operations, supply chain and IT infrastructure, including through 
the implementation of the ConvaTec Way, which is explained on 
page 38, conducting due diligence reviews on our third-party 
partners and continuing to invest to improve and enhance the 
resilience of our IT infrastructure.

25
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

 – Financial risks: Strengthening our ability to grow in a 

sustainable and profitable way over the medium to long-term 
through implementation of interest rate hedges to minimise 
market risks and the successful completion of the Group’s debt 
refinancing programme were key events during the year, which 
provide significantly increased assurance about the Group’s 
long-term viability.

 – Compliance risks: Working towards operational preparedness 
for the European Union Medical Device Regulation (“MDR”) 
requirements coming into effect in 2020, including managing and 
reinforcing conformance with existing obligations and legislative 
requirements. Quality and regulatory was elevated in risk score, 
following review in 2019, to reflect the increasing risk environment 
as a result of the MDR deadline in the wider Brexit context and 
the delay in the UK exiting the EU now coinciding with the 
regulatory timeframe.

2020 anticipated risks 
We expect some risks to be realised in 2020 and have put in place 
mitigations to reduce adverse consequences on the Group’s financial 
results, operations, reputation and strategy. While these risks form 
part of our principal risks, further details are provided below:
 – Coronavirus: The Coronavirus outbreak is being monitored with 
particular regard to our people, production, the supply chain and 
sales. We are continually assessing the potential impacts on our 
ability to operate effectively across all of our chosen markets. 
A response plan with appropriate mitigation actions will be put 
in place as necessary. For further information, see page 58.
 – MDR: The EU MDR, published in 2017, comes into effect in May 
2020. Our markets in the EU, and other regions that align their 
product registrations to EU requirements, are affected by the new 
requirements for all CE marked products. Not complying with the 
regulatory requirements could result in increased scrutiny, 
financial penalties and an inability to trade within our chosen 
markets. Our Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs and Clinical 
team is working with our businesses towards ensuring compliance 
across the Group, including the re-registration of all of our medical 
devices, regardless of the site of manufacture. 

 – Brexit: Following the UK referendum result in 2016 and the UK 
election in 2019, the political and regulatory landscape and our 
trading position within the EU remains uncertain. This uncertainty 
is expected to continue until UK/EU exit negotiations have been 
completed and an exit agreement reached. We have taken 
appropriate steps to prepare for foreseeable consequences from 
the UK exiting the EU and continue to monitor and, where 
possible, mitigate this area as it progresses using a cross-
functional approach. Brexit remains one of our principal risks and 
more information about our readiness can be found on page 31.
 – Geopolitical: climate-related risk continues to increase as the new 

UK Government sets out its domestic agenda. There is also 
potential heightened risk associated with the US administration’s 
ongoing modification of its approach to trade policy, further 
regional geopolitical tensions and the implementation of national 
healthcare reforms and local market tariffs, regulation and 
legislation in the markets where we operate.

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Risk management
continued

Risk management framework
We continue to strengthen our approach to risk management to 
develop a process that is aligned to ISO 31000, Risk Management, 
and complies with the requirements of the Code. 

The Group seeks to minimise risk exposure in line with our risk 
appetite and provide assurance that we can deliver value to our 
customers, shareholders and other stakeholders.

We identify, assess and prioritise our principal risks, according to 
our defined risk scoring criteria, twice a year with management. 
Controls are in place and are reviewed as to continued effectiveness. 
Additional risk mitigation measures are implemented and monitored 
to further reduce our risk exposure and ensure alignment with our 
risk appetite. The ARC provides oversight to these risks and the risk 
management process each quarter.

Our risk management framework

Strategy and objectives

Risk analysis 

Risk identification

Risk categorisation

Risk description

Risk assessment

Risk response 
Tolerate/Mitigate/Terminate/Transfer

Risk reporting

Monitoring and challenge

Emerging risks
In line with requirements of the UK Corporate Governance 
Code 2018 (the “Code”), on a quarterly basis we engage with the 
business to identify any emerging risks. We continue to develop our 
emerging risk approach and its integration into our current risk 
management system. 

We have identified the following emerging risks, which relate to new 
or changing conditions in our market environment, that may impact 
the Group beyond the horizon of our long-term Viability statement:
 – Customer behaviour: Driven by increasing pressure from 

economic, political and social developments, including rising 
income inequality, national sentiment, market trends and 
recognition of the economic and environmental impact of global 
climate change, future markets will potentially be shaped by 
changes in customer demands and expectations. They may also 
be impacted by regulatory requirements necessitating a move 
towards a lowest possible cost environment and low-carbon and 
plastics economy.

 – Disruptive technology: technology and innovation are essential if 
we are to meet customer demands in a competitive way. If we do 
not develop the right products, have access to the right technology 
or deploy it effectively within our key markets we may lose market 
share to existing and new-entrant competitors.

 – Political and regulatory environment: political and regulatory 

interventions and changes to corporate governance requirements 
from governments and regulatory bodies vary, but include 
changing environmental regulations and disclosure requirements, 
governance of industry operations, security of supply chain, 
amendment to existing tax and disclosure regimes and protection 
of consumers and customers. The continuing volatility of the 
international political climate increases the possibility of tariff 
structure changes, sanctions or other trade limiting actions that 
could impact the ability to source commodities and services, 
operate in certain markets and/or retain a presence in our 
current locations.

 – Climate change and sustainability: increasing attention on climate 
change, including activities by non-governmental and political 
organisations as well as greater interest by the broader public, 
reinforce the need to implement our climate change strategy 
which is described on page 42. We continue to strengthen our 
management of CR-related risk (including adopting elements of 
the climate risk framework established by the Task Force on 
Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”)), to improve our 
transparency, develop our employee and community engagement, 
and improve the sustainability performance of our products. 
Failure to follow global business principles of operating 
professionally, fairly and with integrity, or the public perception 
that there has been such a failure or other real or perceived 
failures of governance, or legal or regulatory compliance, could 
undermine trust in the Group. Our CR strategy acknowledges the 
key elements of the sustainable development agenda and has 
been developed to recognise how these factors interact with the 
Group. Further information about how we run our business in a 
responsible way is set out on pages 36 to 46, and in our CR report, 
which is available on our website at www.convatecgroup.com/
corporate-responsibility.

26
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Governance and oversight
The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s system of risk 
management and internal control and regularly reviews the processes 
the Group operates. This includes determining the nature and extent 
of the principal risks we are prepared to accept to achieve our 
strategy, verifying the Group’s prospects and viability through the 
Viability statement and ensuring that an appropriate culture has 
been embedded throughout the Group. The Board delegates 
responsibility for overseeing internal and external audit, internal 
controls and risk management to the ARC. The work of the Board 
and the ARC is underpinned by a formal structure of delegated 
authority and supported by Group policies covering key areas of 
operation, including risk management.

We have in place a dedicated central risk team that establishes and 
facilitates the risk management process across the Group to provide 
risk information for management oversight and decision. Senior 
business representatives (Risk Champions) from each franchise, 

function and region take a lead role in the identification of risk, and 
agreeing and updating risk information for senior management 
oversight. The diagram below shows the key roles, responsibilities 
and overall arrangements for collecting, monitoring and reviewing 
risk information for management decision within the risk 
management process.

Other factors
For further information relevant to our risk profile see:
 – Our market environment – pages 14 to 17.
 – Our business model – pages 2 and 3.
 – Our strategy – pages 18 to 21.
 – Our key performance indicators – pages 22 and 23.
 – How we run our business in a responsible way – pages 36 to 46.
 – Viability statement – pages 34 and 35.
 – Our governance arrangements – pages 68 to 135.

Roles and responsibilities

Board

Audit and Risk Committee 

 – Sets the Group’s risk appetite.
 – Ensuring appropriate risk management and internal control 
systems to enable a robust assessment of the principal risks.

 – Determining and managing the principal risks, and taking a 
balanced view of those risks against ConvaTec’s strategy to 
establish an appropriate risk appetite position.

 – Setting the “tone from the top” and the culture for 

managing risk.

 – Considering the risk environment through reporting from 

management, Internal Audit and the external auditor.

 – Reviewing, and reporting to the Board on the effectiveness 
of the internal control environment and risk management 
systems.

 – Setting the Internal Audit annual plan and external audit 

scope to provide assurance that the Group operates within 
the Board’s approved risk appetite through appropriate and 
effective controls and mitigations in place.

ConvaTec Executive Leadership 
Team 

 – Sponsoring a coordinated approach to establishing 

enterprise risk management.

 – Managing the principal risks appropriately to operate within 

the Group’s risk appetite.

Business Leadership Teams

 – Reviewing management of their specific risks on a quarterly 

basis against the Group’s risk appetite. 

 – Continuously identifying additional mitigations to reduce the 

risk of exposure.

Risk information 
top down

Risk information 
bottom up

27
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Principal risks

Detailed below in order of priority is an 
overview of the principal risks we believe 
could threaten the fulfilment of our vision, 
impede our ability to pivot to sustainable and 
profitable growth and damage our reputation. 
We explain here the actions we are taking to 
respond to and mitigate those risks.

Risk, category, appetite and oversight

Link to strategy, risk profile 
change, impact

Key drivers, overarching 
vulnerabilities, opportunity

Risk mitigation (current and 
planned)

1. Change and transformation
The scale of our transformation 
programme is significant. Successful 
delivery through robust change 
management processes and investment in 
infrastructure and capabilities is required 
to realise our vision and pivot to sustainable 
and profitable growth. A material delay or 
challenge in realisation of our forecasts 
may affect the transformation or growth 
of our business areas resulting in a failure 
to meet stakeholder and shareholder 
expectations.

Focus

Build

Innovate

Execute

Simplify

Key drivers
 – Change management delivery.
 – Realisation of transformation 

benefits.

 – Our strategic drivers.

Overarching vulnerabilities
 – Speed and volume of change 

management.

Current
 – Dedicated Transformation Office 
in place providing overarching 
oversight to delivery of 
Transformation Initiative.
 – Robust and transparent 
transformation process 
implemented with third-party 
consultancy support in place.

 – People capability and capacity 
alongside business as usual 
activity.

 – Clear accountability and governance 
arrangements established to support 
the transformation workstreams. 

 – Stakeholder and shareholder 

expectations. 

Opportunity
Create a continuous streamlined 
business model that assesses 
value adding opportunities, 
maximises investment returns 
and delivers strategy to meet 
stakeholder expectations.

Planned
 – Performance benchmarking to gain 
cross-industry insight into similar 
transformation programmes.
 – Continuing to embed improved 
efficiency and optimisation into 
the business.

 – Provide assurance over effectiveness 

of the transformation portfolio, 
mitigate programme risks and 
ensure balance between short and 
long-term initiatives.

Risk profile change during 2019 
No material change.

Impact
Medium-term:
 – Financial
 – Operations 
 – Reputation and brand
 – People

Focus

Build

Innovate

Execute

Simplify

Risk profile change during 2019 
No material change. 

Impact
Medium-term: 
 – People 
 – Operations
 – Reputation and brand

Key drivers
 – Attraction and retention of 
key skills and capabilities.

 – Effective succession planning 
strategy for senior leadership.

 – Knowledge retention within 
key markets and functions.

Overarching vulnerabilities
 – Competitive industry and 

regional recruitment markets.
 – Senior management change 

and succession.

 – Speed and volume of 
management change. 

Opportunity
Create a sustainable level of 
expertise and key skills across 
the Group.

Current
 – People strategy focused on 

simplifying people processes, 
building talent, developing capability, 
enhancing employer reputation and 
strengthening diversity and inclusion.
 – Regular talent management reviews 
in place with retention process for 
key performers and talent.
 – Performance management 

processes in place to support our 
talent in creating value and delivering 
our priorities,

Planned
 – Enhance talent management review 
processes to further enable robust 
management of key talent.
 – Further roll-out of our people 

strategy to support development 
of key individuals in key roles.

 – Increase focus on retention of key 

roles during transformation 
programme. 

Risk category
Strategic

Risk appetite
Moderate to high

Oversight
Board

CELT accountability
Adam Deutsch, Chief Transformation 
Officer and General Counsel 

For further information see pages 18 to 21.

2. Failure to attract, engage and retain 
leadership talent
To transform our business we need to 
attract, retain and develop skilled and 
talented people. Failure to secure the right 
level of capability and capacity, particularly 
in our senior management, and develop 
a talent pipeline will adversely affect our 
ability to transform our business, achieve 
our strategic objectives and deliver growth. 

Risk category
Operational

Risk appetite
Low to moderate

Oversight
Board

CELT accountability
Sean McGrath, Executive Vice President, 
Human Resources

For further information see pages 37 to 40.

28
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Risk, category, appetite and oversight

Link to strategy, risk profile 
change, impact

Key drivers, overarching 
vulnerabilities, opportunity

Risk mitigation (current and 
planned)

3. Legal and compliance
Our business is subject to a complex 
environment of laws and regulations across 
multiple jurisdictions. We seek to fully 
comply with all market and corporate 
obligations and requirements. Real or 
perceived failure to do so, or adjust to 
a change in conditions and increase in 
scrutiny, could result in adverse 
consequence such as penalties, a decrease 
in corporate trust from stakeholders or 
additional compliance measures.

Risk category
Compliance

Risk appetite
Extremely low (zero)

Oversight
Board

CELT accountability
Adam Deutsch, Chief Transformation 
Officer and General Counsel 

Focus

Innovate

Risk profile change during 2019 
No material change.

Impact
Short-term:
 – Regulatory/legal breach
 – Financial
 – Reputation and brand
 – Operations

Key drivers
 – Sales and market conduct.
 – Engagements with payors 
and healthcare contacts.
 – Supply chain transparency.

Overarching vulnerabilities
 – Complex legal and regulatory 

environment.

 – Volatile political environment.
 – Operational and third-party 

performance.

Opportunity
Create an industry-leading legal 
and compliance approach to our 
obligations and stakeholder 
expectations.

Current
 – Policies and procedures, including 

our Code of Conduct, reinforce our 
values and culture.

 – Compliance steering committee 

provides top-down senior leadership 
on compliance initiatives.
 – Dedicated Group compliance 
function, annual compliance 
assurance programme, ongoing 
employee compliance training and 
independent whistleblower hotline 
and web link in place. 

Planned
 – Enhance supply chain compliance 

and transparency through improving 
the on-boarding due diligence 
process and current third-party 
business partner risk management 
activities.

 – Undertake a phased risk-based 
approach on policy revision to 
maintain an appropriate compliance 
culture. 

 – Provide assurance over Group 
operations through the annual 
compliance assurance programme. 

For further information see page 44. 

4. Product innovation and intellectual 
property (“IP”)
Sustainable innovation in our product and 
development pipeline is fundamental to 
future growth, and the ability to respond 
to disruptive new technologies, changing 
customer behaviour and demand. Failure 
to invest in and develop safe, effective, 
profitable long-life products to meet 
market needs, or maintain sufficient IP 
protection, could result in lost market 
share, underperformance and a lack of 
confidence in our operational integrity 
to deliver in line with expectations.

Focus

Innovate

Build

Risk profile change during 2019 
No material change.

Impact
Medium-term:
 – Operations
 – Financial
 – Reputation and brand

Risk category
Strategic

Risk appetite
Moderate to high

Oversight
Board

CELT accountability
Dr Divakar Ramakrishnan, 
Chief Technology Officer
Presidents and Chief Operating Officers

29
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Key drivers
 – Transition from end-of-life 
technology and ageing 
products.

 – Competitor pricing strategies 

Current
 – Continued investment in R&D, 
product development and new 
product launches to cultivate the 
product pipeline.

and market environment.

 – Appropriate patent protection 

 – Short and long-term 

management of customer 
demands.

Overarching vulnerabilities
 – Disruptive and new 

technologies. Changing 
customer and market needs.

 – Previous underinvestment.
 – Complexity and transparency 
of intellectual property and 
patent environment, including 
in tax and operations.

Opportunity
Improve the long-term customer 
experience, meet market 
demands and capture growth 
opportunities in our markets 
through a sustainable 
development pipeline.

applied and maintained and ongoing 
market monitoring for potential 
IP violations.

 – Product portfolio reviews providing 
oversight on short, medium and 
long-term innovations and the 
balance across product categories 
and market regions.

Planned
 – Improve assurance over the 

robustness of the IP portfolio and 
forward planning and ensure an 
effective balance between short, 
medium and long-term innovations 
through regular review of activities.

 – Maintain an appropriate level of 

R&D investment.

 – Conduct a review of the current 

and desired tax position for IP within 
the Group.

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Principal risks
continued

Risk, category, appetite and oversight

Link to strategy, risk profile 
change, impact

Key drivers, overarching 
vulnerabilities, opportunity

Risk mitigation (current and 
planned)

5. Information security
We rely upon our complex technology 
systems, network and information 
management processes to support the 
effective operation of our global business. 
Failure to ensure that our systems and data 
management are effective, available, and 
integral and secure, including those of our 
third-party partners, could adversely affect 
our ability to maintain continuity in our 
operations and the trust of our customers, 
stakeholders and shareholders to provide 
a robust platform for our business.

Focus

Build

Innovate

Execute

Simplify

Risk category
Operational

Risk appetite
Low to moderate

Oversight
Board

CELT accountability
Frank Schulkes, Chief Financial Officer

Risk profile change during 2019 
Increased following high-profile 
data protection cases and 
penalties involving other UK 
companies.

Impact
Short-term:
 – Information security
 – Financial
 – Regulatory/legal breach
 – Reputation and brand
 – Operations

Key drivers
 – Cyber security.
 – IT resilience, business 

continuity and disaster 
recovery arrangements.
 – Data management and 

privacy.

Overarching vulnerabilities
 – IT system resilience. 

Replacement of legacy and 
end-of-life technology.

 – Confidential data and system 

management. 

 – Increasing sophistication of 
hackers and cyber criminals.

Opportunity
Enhance the efficiency and 
resilience of our IT systems and 
processes to support effective 
delivery of our operations.

Focus

Innovate

Simplify

Risk profile change during 2019 
Increased following the impending 
implementation of MDR in 2020.

Impact
Short-term:
 – Financial 
 – Regulatory/legal breach
 – Reputation and brand
 – Operations

Key drivers
 – Compliance with MDR.
 – Quality standards within the 

manufacturing process.

 – Availability of key raw 

materials and services within 
our supply chain. 

Overarching vulnerabilities
 – Effective transfer of CE marks 
across our product range with 
no delay from our notified 
bodies.

 – Resolution of existing and 

emerging quality issues within 
the supply chain.

 – Single source or sole suppliers 

for raw materials and/or 
services. 

Opportunity
Create a leading and responsive 
position in the quality and 
regulatory environment.

6. Quality and regulatory
We are subject to oversight by a number 
of regulatory jurisdictions that continue to 
implement significant obligations and 
scrutinise how we operate. Failure to absorb 
any cost increase, fulfil emerging obligations 
or produce products and packaging that 
meet stringent customer and environmental 
criteria, or operate inadequate manufacturing 
and quality system procedures could result 
in our inability to supply or a requirement 
to recall a product, with the potential for 
patient class actions and individual patient 
liability claims, due to non-compliance with 
regulatory bodies or a failure to meet 
stakeholder expectations or due to patient 
harm from faulty products.

Risk category
Compliance

Risk appetite
Extremely low (zero)

Oversight
Board

CELT accountability
Donal Balfe, Executive Vice President, 
Global Quality, Operations and Regulatory

30
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Current
 – Independent cyber assessments and 
regular reviews on the integrity of our 
network and data storage to assure 
cyber security exposures and the 
protection of sensitive information.

 – Corporate Accountability and 

Governance Framework to embed 
data privacy and a data privacy 
compliance programme.

 – Cyber Security Leadership Council 
and Data Privacy Leadership Team 
provide oversight and challenge to 
current and emerging exposures and 
improvement plans. 

Planned
 – Review adequacy and effectiveness 
of data protection in our third-party 
supply chain to ensure a robust 
environment.

 – Embed enhanced level of IT security 
across critical IT and manufacturing 
systems.

 – Embed dedicated team, including Data 
Protection Officer, to provide increased 
focus on data privacy exposures and 
provide ongoing education and 
awareness to employees at all times.

Current
 – Group-wide dedicated quality, 

regulatory and clinical affairs team 
provides focus on operational 
performance and emerging 
requirements.

 – Monitoring of product development 
processes with the implementation 
of timely corrective actions when 
required.

 – Training programmes in place 

for employees and contractors 
to ensure compliance with key 
regulatory requirements. 

Planned
 – Maintain relationship with our 

notified body and consultants to 
ensure global compliance across our 
operations.

 – Further strengthen the clinical team 
to provide a better focus on ensuring 
devices are safe and effective.
 – Additional improvements to our 
Effective Regulatory Intelligence 
process to ensure that the latest 
standards are met in all jurisdictions.

 
Risk, category, appetite and oversight

Link to strategy, risk profile 
change, impact

Key drivers, overarching 
vulnerabilities, opportunity

Risk mitigation (current and 
planned)

7. Brexit
We operate in and trade across the EU and 
rely on CE certification for our products in 
this and other global markets. As a result of 
Brexit a high level of uncertainty has been 
introduced regarding future trading 
conditions. A failure to adapt to changes 
in oversight and regulatory requirements 
from EU bodies that set and oversee terms 
of our operation in this region will 
adversely impact assumptions underlying 
our business plan, our EU and UK 
production plants, EU employees and 
potentially the logistics hub based in the 
Netherlands and sales in all EU countries. 

Focus

Build

Innovate

Execute

Simplify

Risk profile change during 2019 
No material change.

Impact
Short-term:
 – Financial
 – Regulatory/legal breach
 – Reputation and brand
 – Operations 
 – People

Risk category
Strategic

Risk appetite
Moderate to high

Oversight
Board

CELT accountability
Donal Balfe, Executive Vice President, 
Global Quality, Operations and Regulatory

For further information see page 9 and 58.

Key drivers
 – Compliance with regulatory 

frameworks.

 – Adverse customs duties and 

tariffs.

 – Supply chain resilience.

Overarching vulnerabilities
 – Migration of product and 
process to retain CE 
certification.

 – Import and export to and 
from the EU within our 
operations and supply chain.
 – Tax impacts of changes to EU 
duty for goods and products. 

Opportunity
Effective minimisation of Brexit 
disruption will enable us to 
identify areas for operational 
improvement, deliver further 
value and maintain our 
competitive market positions.

Current
 – Cross-functional Brexit Steering 
Committee in place to oversee 
Brexit preparations, understand 
interdependencies across the Group 
and put in place mitigating actions.

 – Supply chain and manufacturing 

contingency plans in place to manage 
projected product impacts, with 
continuous monitoring of appropriate 
stock and inventory level positioning. 

 – Migrated to an EU Medical Device 

Notified Body in the Netherlands to 
allow for continued operations under 
relevant EU market directives and 
associated CE product certificates.

Planned
 – Continue to work with Department 
of Health and NHS Supply Chain on 
their contingency planning and 
projected product demands.

 – Review and implement additional 

finance, tax, tariff and custom duty 
responsibilities post Brexit to 
optimise trading performance.
 – Continue to improve and align to 
regulatory requirements on CE 
certification and product labelling.

31
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Principal risks
continued

Risk, category, appetite and oversight

Link to strategy, risk profile 
change, impact

Key drivers, overarching 
vulnerabilities, opportunity

Risk mitigation (current and 
planned)

Focus

Innovate

Simplify

Risk profile change during 2019 
No material change.

Impact
Short-term:
 – Operations
 – Financial
 – Reputation and brand
 – Regulatory/legal breach

Key drivers
 – Supply chain resilience.
 – Sales volume expectations.
 – Extreme weather events.

Overarching vulnerabilities
 – Single source or sole suppliers 
for raw materials and services.
 – Growing global green agenda 

and other corporate 
responsibilities.

 – Health and safety of 

employees and contractors. 

Opportunity
Increase the efficiency and 
effectiveness of operations to 
support future market and 
customer demands.

Current
 – Business continuity plans in place for 
manufacturing facilities and our key 
supply chain.

 – Developed process in place to 

redeploy inventory across the Group 
to minimise supply disruptions.

 – Solution in place to monitor 

supply-based risk across our key 
suppliers, ports and countries of 
operation.

Planned
 – Continue to review and improve 
our business continuity planning, 
including appropriate preventative 
and response measures with regards 
to the current Coronavirus outbreak, 
pandemics and extreme weather 
patterns.

 – Enhance process for managing end 

of life product offerings.

 – Continue to identify and implement 
actions across our operations to 
align with our climate change 
strategy.

Focus

Innovate

Risk profile change during 2019 
No material change.

Impact
Medium-term:
 – Operations
 – Financial

Key drivers
 – Local or national Government 
healthcare budget provisions.

 – Operational, contracting 
and price review process.

 – Product portfolio 
rationalisation.

Overarching vulnerabilities
 – Competitive markets and 
consolidation of buying 
groups.

 – Changes in customer buying 

patterns.

 – Manufacturing costs in a 
low-margin driven pricing 
environment. 

Opportunity
Grow portfolio and market 
share through cost efficient, 
innovative products that 
strengthen the relationship 
with our customer base.

Current
 – Product portfolio rationalisation 

reviews in place to adapt to market 
pressures and realise higher value 
growth lines.

 – Operational reviews in place to drive 
manufacturing cost efficiencies and 
focus on R&D innovation.

 – Pricing governance process with 

dedicated team in place to adjust to 
changing market conditions. 

Planned
 – Further improve pricing strategy and 
process through pricing initiatives.
 – Continue to engage with industry 
associations with an active role in 
healthcare authority negotiations.
 – Maintain investment in enhancing 

management information to better 
differentiate products, value and 
clinical effectiveness. 

8. Global operational and supply chain
We invest in the maintenance, development 
and innovation of our manufacturing assets 
to provide resilience in our operational 
integrity and performance. We rely on 
resilient and cost-effective supply chain 
partners and third parties for quality 
products, raw materials and services to 
support our operations and to comply with 
legal, regulatory and ethical obligations. 
Failure to respond to events, including 
pandemics and any increase in extreme 
weather patterns from climate change, 
that result in production delays, adverse 
product quality and health, safety and 
environmental incidents could result in 
underperformance or a loss of confidence 
in our ability to deliver our strategic 
objectives. 

Risk category
Operational

Risk appetite
Low to moderate

Oversight
Board

CELT accountability
Donal Balfe, Executive Vice President, 
Global Quality, Operations and Regulatory

9. Pricing and reimbursement
Growth and value in our markets rely on 
our product and future innovation pipeline 
meeting customer demands and a 
competitive pricing strategy. Failure to 
respond to changing customer behaviours 
and reimbursement rates, pricing pressure 
from large and consolidating buying 
groups, competitor movements and any 
reduction in local and national Government 
healthcare budgets could erode our 
market performance, financial return 
and ability to maintain confidence with 
stakeholders and shareholders. 

Risk category
Financial

Risk appetite
Low to moderate

Oversight
Board

CELT accountability
Presidents and Chief Operating Officers 

32
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Risk, category, appetite and oversight

Link to strategy, risk profile 
change, impact

Key drivers, overarching 
vulnerabilities, opportunity

Risk mitigation (current and 
planned)

10. Forecasting process
We rely on effective business planning and 
accurate forecasting that link operational 
manufacturing, commercial and supply 
processes to make effective management 
decisions and prioritise how we use our 
resources. Failure to identify, react or plan 
effectively to changes in market conditions 
or customer demand on a timely basis 
could result in suboptimal decisions, 
underperformance and adverse trading 
results.

Risk category
Strategic

Risk appetite
Moderate to high

Oversight
Board

CELT accountability
Frank Schulkes, Chief Financial Officer

Innovate

Simplify

Risk profile change during 2019 
No material change.

Impact
Medium-term:
 – Operations
 – Financial
 – Reputation and brand

For further information about our financial performance see pages 59 to 63.

11. Macroeconomic and foreign exchange
Our financial performance and price 
competitiveness are dependent on the 
management of exposure to changes in 
macroeconomics, particularly foreign 
exchange and interest rate movements, and 
tax obligations, including duties and tariffs. 
Failure to respond to events that have a 
direct impact on our credit, ratings and 
liquidity could result in an increase in the 
cost of and access to financing. An inability 
to maintain robust financial and tax systems 
to fulfil accurate financial statements and 
filing requirements, underpinned by 
appropriate accounting and tax 
judgements, could result in inadequate 
disclosure or material misstatement.

Innovate

Risk profile change during 2019 
No material change.

Impact
Medium-term:
 – Financial
 – Reputation and brand

Risk category
Financial

Risk appetite
Low to moderate

Oversight
Board

CELT accountability
Frank Schulkes, Chief Financial Officer

For further information about our financial performance see pages 59 to 63.

33
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Key drivers
 – Operational manufacturing, 
commercial and supply 
planning processes.

 – Future customer demand 

requirements.

 – Future market conditions and 

competition.

Overarching vulnerabilities
 – Competitive markets and 
manufacturing costs.

 – Volume of change 
management.

 – Historic commercial and 
operational performance.

Opportunity
Optimise forecasting and 
business planning to deliver 
targets and meet stakeholder 
and shareholder expectation.

Key drivers
 – Foreign exchange and interest 

rates.

 – Fluctuation, impact and 
changes in tax rates and 
allowances including as a 
result of our transformation.
 – Global economic environment 

and financial markets.

Overarching vulnerabilities
 – Volatile geopolitical 

environment.

 – Complex global regulatory 

environment.

 – Changes to local or national 
Government healthcare 
budget provisions.

Opportunity
Stronger financial performance 
and balance sheet to increase 
stakeholder and shareholder 
confidence.

Current
 – CELT-led regular operating review 

process in place with senior 
management and the global supply 
chain team.

 – Regular forecast review process in 
place using enhanced analytics and 
sensitivity analysis to address trends 
in a timely manner.

 – Insider information training 

programme in place for CELT, senior 
management and key functions.

Planned
 – Continue to improve business 

information and processes used in 
operational planning and forecasting 
processes.

 – Review and enhance alignment 

between commercial and supply 
planning and the sales and 
operational planning process.

 – Provide further guidance on insider 
information as part of the annual 
operational planning and 
reforecasting processes. 

Current
 – Regular management oversight of 
estimated impact on financial 
performance from foreign exchange 
movement through sensitivity 
analyses.

 – Central global tax team in place 

monitors changes in tax laws and 
regulations to advise the business 
regularly on obligations and 
requirements.

 – Central global tax team supports 

business with the Organisation for 
Economic Co-operation and 
Development (“OECD”) filing 
obligations in respect of transfer 
pricing and intercompany transactions.

Planned
 – Further develop our foreign 

exchange risk management strategy 
and implement amendments to the 
intercompany funding structure.
 – Embed solution to deliver real-time 
reporting of our global filing and 
payment obligations.

 – Implement a new external tax tool 
to support the execution of our 
transfer pricing obligations.

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Viability statement

The Group’s future prospects and viability
An understanding of the Group’s strategy, to pivot to sustainable 
and profitable growth, and its business model (pages 18 to 21 and 
pages 2 and 3), are central in allowing the Board to assess the 
Group’s prospects, liquidity, resilience and viability. The principal and 
emerging risks being addressed by the Company (see pages 28 to 
33 and page 26) are reflected in the determination of the Group’s 
strategy and its successful implementation.

Assessment of future prospects
The Group’s annual planning process consists of monthly monitoring 
of progress against the financial budget and key objectives for the 
current year by the CELT and the Board, reforecasting throughout 
the year in respect of the expected outcome for the current year, 
preparing a detailed budget for the following year and updating a 
rolling five-year strategic plan, which forms the main basis on which 
to assess the longer-term prospects of the Group. Throughout 2019, 
management’s ability to forecast revenue and operating margin 
performance has proven to be significantly more reliable than prior 
years. Further enhancements in the planning and forecasting 
process, including more granular analysis of performance by 
franchise, geography and product, will be achieved during 2020. 

In 2019 the Board approved a detailed operational plan and 
refreshed execution model to deliver better financial results over 
the medium to long term. The Board subsequently approved the 
resulting revised financial plan that underpins the five-year strategic 
plan in January 2019 with a further update in July 2019. The revised 
financial plan, forecasts the Group’s profitability, cash flows and 
funding requirements for the relevant period.

The current strategic plan has been developed from each of our 
four franchises and also three geographic regions, supplemented by 
items managed at a Group level and assumptions such as macro-
economic activity, sector market growth forecasts, competitor 
activity and exchange rates. This has then been supplemented by 
the CEO’s and the CELT’s plans for improving the operational 
effectiveness and execution of all elements of the Group. 

Karim Bitar took up the role of Chief Executive Officer in September 
2019. Since then, in collaboration with the CELT, he has undertaken 
an assessment of the organisation, including the various workstreams 
under the Transformation Initiative launched last year to improve 
the execution across key parts of the business and ensure more 
effective delivery of our strategy. The new strategy is customer-
centric, more agile, focuses on innovation and ensures clear 
accountability. Our transformation goal is to pivot to sustainable 
and profitable growth. The outcome of this review is expected to 
enhance the Group’s viability.

Key factors affecting the Board’s view of the Group’s prospects over 
the period of the viability assessment and the longer term are:
 – The fundamentals of our markets, our products and brands 
remain sound, as does our current and future strategy of 
leveraging our product portfolio for growth in attractive 
segments and geographies, developing and commercialising new 
technologies and services and striving to reduce complexity and 
increase efficiency. 

 – The continued strengthening of the Group’s execution discipline 
via the Transformation Office to capitalise on the Group’s core 
strengths: established positions in large, structurally growing 
markets; strong brands and a range of differentiated products; 
a well-diversified business platform across a range of market 
segments and geographies; and cash generation capabilities.
 – The five strategic pillars that will support the delivery of the 

strategy, which are set out on page 19.

The key assumptions considered in the strategic plan, on which this 
viability assessment is based, include: 
 – Our markets remain structurally sound and continue to grow at 
existing levels with no significant change to re-imbursement 
environments.

 – Margin improvement is driven by successful execution of our 

operational excellence programmes in order to deliver 
productivity gains in excess of pricing and other headwinds.

 – Through the execution of our strategy we simplify our business, 

remove excess costs and re-invest in future innovation.

 – No change in capital structure. The Group’s debt was refinanced 
in October 2019, providing a committed five-year bank facility of 
$1.5 billion and a five-year $200 million revolving credit facility. 

 – Maintaining the level of the dividend during the period of 

transformation.

Viability assessment 
Throughout the year, the Board has undertaken a robust 
assessment of the principal risks affecting the Group and also 
emerging risks, particularly those that could threaten the business 
model and the Group’s viability over an extended period, including 
an assessment of the likelihood of them materialising. These risks 
and the actions being taken to manage or mitigate these risks are 
explained in detail on pages 28 to 33. This analysis has then been 
applied to allow the Board to assess the ability of the Group to 
continue in operation and have an adequate level of liquidity to meet 
its obligations. The assessment covers the three-year period from 
January 2020 to December 2022 (“the Viability Period”). Although 
the Directors have no reason to believe that the Group will not be 
viable over a longer period, the Board has chosen to conduct the 
assessment for this three-year period because: 
 – Karim Bitar, CEO, joined the Group on 30 September 2019. Under 
his leadership, further transformation and the strategy to pivot to 
sustainable and profitable growth is likely to impact the plans and 
forecasts for future years, particularly from 2022 onwards.
 – Significant investments being made over the next two years to 
realise the Group’s strategy over the medium to long term.
 – The Group’s business model does not necessitate regular 

investment in large capital projects that would require a longer 
time horizon assessment or returns. 

 – Our R&D and production cycles.
 – Ability to respond in a timely manner to reasonably possible Group 

specific and market events.

 – Implicitly it is harder to accurately forecast the latter years of 

a five-year plan.

34
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Consideration was also given to a number of other individual risks 
and events. In the Board’s estimation these events would not 
plausibly occur to a level of materiality that, in themselves, would 
endanger the Group’s viability. 

The individual and combined scenario took no account of the likely 
mitigating actions available to the Directors through adjustments 
to the Group’s strategy and other means in the normal course of 
business. They did assume maintenance of the dividend at the 
current level during the period of transformation.

This assessment was informed by management’s and the Board’s 
combined judgements as to the potential financial (particularly 
liquidity) impact of these risks if they materialise, together with their 
likelihood of occurrence. 

In addition, the Board undertook an independent review of market 
information, including investors’ and analysts’ views and the insights 
from market commentators on the future viability of the Group and 
the market prospects. This review was undertaken to ensure there 
was no external view or information that was contradictory to the 
views of management. This independent review and the scenario 
tests enabled the Board to conclude on the Group’s viability 
and resilience.

Viability statement
The results of the sensitivity analysis, including a severe but 
plausible combination of the individual scenarios, demonstrated 
that due to the Group’s level of cash generation and existing 
financing facilities, and the timing of the peak cash outflows, 
it would be able to withstand the impact in each case.

Having assessed the Group’s principal risks and the consolidated 
financial impact of the sensitivity analysis (which did not take into 
consideration any mitigating actions available to the Group), the 
Board has determined that it has a reasonable expectation that 
the Group will be able to continue to operate within its existing 
bank covenants and meet its liabilities over the Viability Period 
to December 2022.

The Group’s Going Concern statement is detailed on page 72.

The viability assessment has consisted of stress testing the 
forecasts underlying the strategic plan by modelling severe but 
plausible scenarios in which a number of the Group’s principal risks 
and uncertainties materialise within the Viability Period. We have 
modelled scenarios which group together principal risks where 
we believe interdependencies exist between risks, in addition to 
scenarios where unconnected risks occur simultaneously. These 
scenarios focused on both external factors, such as the possible 
impact of Brexit, economic recession in some markets leading to 
material pricing pressure and lower than expected market growth, 
and internal factors, such as the refreshed execution model 
delivering less than expected and the efficiency programme failing 
to release the savings anticipated.

Individual and combined scenarios were reviewed against the 
current and projected liquidity and funding position. The scenarios 
and sensitivity testing have been based upon the current Board-
approved strategic plan and forecast revenues, operating profit and 
balance sheets. The sensitivity analysis included the following 
potential scenarios:

Linkage to risks on page 28 to 33

 – Macroeconomic and foreign 

exchange 

 – Brexit

 – Pricing and reimbursement
 – Product innovation and intellectual 

property 

 – Global operational and supply chain
 – Information security
 – Quality and regulatory
 – Brexit 
 – Change and transformation

 – Global operational and supply chain 
 – Change and transformation
 – Brexit

 – Change and transformation
 – Global operational and supply chain 

Scenarios

Appreciation of the US dollar by 
20% against all other currencies 
 – Impacts of a global change in 

macroeconomic trends.

Impact of commercial execution 
headwinds leading to overall 
flat revenue growth for the 
Group. Includes plausible 
combinations of:
 – Pricing pressures.
 – Failure to win new supply 

contracts and poor sales force 
performance. 

 – Lower uptake of new products. 
 – Production shortages, e.g. due 

to a cyber-attack or other 
unexpected shutdowns 
(including climate change 
impacts).

 – Potential impacts from Brexit, 

e.g. border delays.

Increase of $85m in costs of 
sales as reduced productivity 
improvements fail to offset 
gross margin headwinds
 – Operational excellence 

programmes fail to deliver 
anticipated savings, e.g. 
efficiency and material pricing 
projects are not realised.

 – Increased costs associated with 
Brexit from increased border 
controls and tariffs. 
 – Increased supplier costs 

resulting from climate change 
impacts.

Capital overspend
 – Overruns associated with 

transformation and efficiency 
programmes.

 – Increased cost to mitigate 

global operational and supply 
chain risk.

35
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206How we run our business in 
a responsible way
To realise our vision and generate value 
we must build trust and develop positive 
stakeholder relationships. 

We endeavour to do this by engaging with our stakeholders 
(as explained on page 10) and focusing on the following six areas 
which relate to our value creation process. Further information 
about these areas and our approach to corporate responsibility is 
included in our Corporate Responsibility Report which is available on 
our website at www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

Delivering for our customers 
Our entire business is oriented to delivering products and services 
to help people manage challenging chronic conditions. We play an 
important role in helping them enjoy their lives, rather than being 
ruled by those conditions. At a broader level, particularly where our 
products are primarily used in a healthcare setting, their innovative 
design can enable healing outcomes and a reduction in healthcare-
associated infections, the most frequent adverse event in healthcare 
worldwide. Our customers, the people who use our products and 
services, and the healthcare professionals who care for them, rely 
on us and if we do not deliver for them we have no business. 

On this page and throughout this Annual Report are examples of 
how we support our customers. Information about how we sell our 
products and the customers we serve is included on page 47.

Our engagement with our customers is fundamental to our success. 
As explained on page 3, we listen to the people who use our products 
to better understand their needs and use the feedback we gather to 
improve the products and services we provide. 

In terms of our product development and manufacturing processes 
we must ensure that:
 – Our products are effective and that we constantly innovate to 

improve them. 

 – Our process of innovation is ethical.
 – Our products are safe for people to use. 
 – We maintain a reliable supply of products to those who use them.
 – We help reduce barriers to accessing our products.
 – We safeguard any personal data that we manage as part of 

our activities.

Enhancing clinical outcomes and improving customers’ 
experience
In Q4 2019, we launched the new ConvaMax™ super absorber 
dressing. This new product expands our AWC product range and 
takes the franchise into the Superabsorbent Dressings market. 
ConvaMax™ is designed to manage the challenges around highly 
exuding wounds, combining softness and conformability with 
high absorbency, even under compression, to lock excess 
exudate and bacteria away from the wound. ConvaMax™ is 
available in both non-adhesive and adhesive formats and 
enhances clinical outcomes for our customers when managing 
highly exuding wounds. Initially launched in select European 
countries in 2019, ConvaMax™ will be rolled-out across other 
geographies during 2020. 

Expanding our product offering to meet our customers’ needs
In Q4 2019, we also expanded our range of convexity solutions 
with the launch of Esteem™+ Soft Convex drainable and closed 
pre-cut and urostomy pouches. The launch of these further 
additions to the Esteem™+ Soft Convex range gives individuals 
with a stoma more choice about the products they use. It also 
strengthens our presence in the growing convexity market.

Initially launched in Japan, Canada and a number of countries 
in Europe, these additions to the Esteem™+ Soft Convex range 
of pouches will also be introduced in the US, UK, Republic of 
Ireland, Italy, Czech Republic, Australia and New Zealand in the 
coming year.

36
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

How we will improve and drive our performance 
 – Set a clear direction and secure internal buy-in for change.
 – Enhance our leadership skills to inspire our people. 
 – Strengthen our operational effectiveness.
 – Build our skill base and develop our future leaders. 
 – Drive innovation.

Enabling our people 
The people we employ around the world are key to our success. 
Every day their skill and dedication enables us to improve the lives 
we touch and create value for all stakeholders. Our people also have 
an important role to play in ensuring that the actions we are taking 
to transform our business are successful and deliver their targeted 
results and benefits. 

Our culture, vision and values
Running our business in a responsible way to engender trust is 
essential. Our culture and our vision, together with our values and 
behaviours which determine how we run our business every day, 
underpin our responsible approach. 

In the first half of 2019 we commissioned McKinsey & Company 
(“McKinsey”) to undertake its Organisational Health Index (the 
“OHI”) survey to assess our culture. The OHI survey also assessed 
our ability to sustain great performance over time, based on how 
we work and how effective we are. All employees were invited to 
participate in the survey and 88% of our total workforce responded. 
Their feedback provided valuable insights including identifying areas 
where improvements are required. 

Based on the survey’s finding we are focusing on five key areas to 
better align our culture with our ambitions and improve and drive 
our performance. Across all of these areas, which are summarised 
in the box above, we have made significant progress. In particular:
 – To ensure that our culture is aligned with our ambition to 

contribute more to the people who use our products and services 
and the healthcare professionals who support them, we have 
reviewed and redefined our vision statement and our values. 
This review process involved all our employees, who were invited 
to share their views through a mix of both face-to face and online 
discussion workshops and forums. Through this process we were 
also keen to develop content that was meaningful and resonated 
with our people and that reflected the culture we aspire to embed 
across all parts of the Group. The representative views of people 
have helped shape our updated vision statement and values, 
which were approved by the CELT and launched across the Group 
in January 2020. Our updated values, which underpin how we 
operate, are shown in the adjacent panel.

Our values

Improve care
 – We are passionate about serving and supporting people with 

deeply personal and challenging medical conditions. 

 – We actively listen and respond to their needs: demonstrating deep 

empathy and using the insight we gain to develop and share 
innovative solutions.

Deliver results
 – We consistently deliver excellent work, say what we do and do 

what we say.

 – We focus on what matters to the people we serve, fulfilling our 

own roles while working in a team with shared goals. 

 – We keep things simple and strip out complexity wherever possible.

Own it
 – We take personal ownership of all our work: taking the initiative, 
innovating, taking smart risks and never settling for second best. 
 – We are bold but humble, manage ambiguity and move quickly to 

seize opportunities or adjust to new demands.

Grow together
 – We help colleagues around us grow, develop and thrive, so we can 
all fulfil our potential and make ConvaTec a “destination employer”. 
 – We respect what each of us contributes to ConvaTec: inspiring and 
supporting each other to excel, while sharing in our successes and 
learning from mistakes.

 – We are candid, constructive and committed to collaboration with 

colleagues and partners. 

Do what’s right
 – We are honest and trustworthy, meeting our obligations and 

operating with the highest standards of integrity. We challenge 
what feels wrong: no matter what the issue or circumstances.

 – We seek advice and input from others when in doubt.
 – We embrace responsibility for our contribution to local 

communities and make a positive economic, environmental and 
social impact on society. 

37
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206How we run our business in a responsible way
continued

 – In a bid to drive executional excellence, we have developed 
new ways of operating, known as “the ConvaTec Way”. The 
Transformation Office has instilled a rigorous methodology for 
execution that covers a range of best-in-class operational 
processes including LEAN management and continuous 
improvement. A series of training and development modules have 
been made available to employees through face-to-face briefing 
sessions and online training to embed the new practices. Our 
induction processes are also being updated and every employee 
who joins the Group receives relevant training in relation to the 
ConvaTec Way and our transformation effort.

 – To enhance our commercial and general business skills, in the 

second half of 2019, we launched training modules focused on 
sales force effectiveness and business fundamentals, through 
our online learning portal and publicised via the Group’s 
“My ConvaTec” mobile app. We developed these modules in 
conjunction with leading third-party experts to ensure that our 
people have access to cutting-edge strategies and techniques.

 – Following a review of our existing arrangements, we are 
enhancing and expanding our employee development 
programmes. Our “ConvaTec Management Experience” 
programme, which is targeted at our new and early career 
managers, has been expanded. Businesses in our EMEA and 
America regions are now participating in this enhanced 
programme and we plan to extend it globally during 2020. We are 
also developing a new programme focused on the development 
of our top 30 senior managers. This initiative will support the 
CELT’s succession planning and ensure that we have a strong 
pipeline of internal talent.

Our people strategy 
Ensuring that every employee has an opportunity to develop and 
fulfil their potential continues to be a key priority. During the year we 
reviewed and revised our people strategy to ensure that the working 
environment we create and our people management processes are 
aligned with our updated vision and values and support our 
transformation. Our people strategy now focuses on the following 
key elements:
 – Embedding our values-based culture across the Group.
 – Building capabilities to drive our transformation.
 – Aligning talent to value and building diverse talent succession 

for critical roles.

 – Developing our reputation as a world-class employer. 

Engagement
As highlighted above, our people are key to our success. We must 
listen to their views and feedback and keep them updated about 
the Group and key developments. We use a number of channels 
to do this which are described on page 11. In particular our 
“MyConvaTec” app is being increasingly adopted across the Group. 

As explained above our people played a key role in updating our 
vision statement and values. 

Engagement with our employees in relation to our Transformation 
Initiative is particularly important. The changes we are implementing 
will only deliver their targets and benefits on a sustainable basis if 
they become embedded in our everyday working practices. For this 
to happen our employees must understand, buy into and help action 
the plans and initiatives that impact their daily activities. To facilitate 
this we have established an “Influencers” network which includes 
over 180 colleagues across more than 60 locations and 25 countries. 
This network of people serve as a sounding board for new initiatives, 
help us create understanding and engagement about changes 
across the wider workforce and help create the culture to drive 
sustainable performance.

Health and safety
The health and safety (“H&S”) of our employees and others who 
visit our sites is a priority.

A team of dedicated Environment, Health and Safety (“EHS”) 
Managers operate across our manufacturing facilities working 
closely with the site leadership team developing improved working 
practices, ensuring compliance with local requirements and the 
implementation of corporate policies. Our Global EHS team leads 
the development of corporate policies, auditing performance 
against the policies and standards, providing advice and supporting 
the local teams to ensure both legislative and company requirements 
are met. The Global EHS team reports to the Executive Vice-
President of Global Operations who is a member of the CELT. H&S 
performance is reported to senior management on a monthly basis 
and the Board received a high-level update on H&S performance in 
December 2019. 

We deploy a broad range of H&S policy standards, covering both our 
EHS management system and specific H&S topics, all of which were 
reviewed and updated during 2019. These policy standards address 
activities such as emergency preparedness, hazard identification and 
risk assessment. All policies are available on our intranet and training 
has been undertaken by management teams at our operations. 

38
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

An extensive benchmarking and continuous improvement 
programme has been ongoing across all manufacturing locations 
since 2017 with audits identifying best practices, gaps, and 
opportunities for strengthening H&S management systems, internal 
audit programmes and risk assessments. All primary manufacturing 
operations have continued to strengthen their local EHS management 
systems during 2019 by updating local procedures, improving 
working practices, applying performance metrics and developing 
targeted improvement programmes.

During 2019 there were no fatalities and we saw a continued 
reduction in the lost time injury rate. The recordable injury rate has 
increased slightly from 2018, although it remains significantly lower 
than in 2017. Information about our 2019 H&S performance is set 
out in the table below and in our CR Report which is available on our 
website at www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

Fatalities
Recordable injuries
Recordable injury rate
Lost time injuries
Lost time injury rate

2019
0
33
0.55
16
0.27

2018
0
30
0.50
20
0.33

2017
0
48
0.82
33
0.57

2016
0
35
0.56
16
0.26

Employee wellbeing
As part of our “LIFE+ by ConvaTec” community programme (see page 
45) our employees participated in the Global Challenge wellbeing 
programme, which is managed by Virgin Pulse. This wellbeing 
programme aims to:
 – Support our employees to improve their health and wellbeing 

through working on modules connected with exercise, nutrition, 
stress and sleep.

 – Connect improving employee health with the mechanism we use 

to disperse our community fund in local communities, so engaging 
employees in our philanthropic programme.

 – Build teamwork and engagement with our vision and values. 

During 2019, compared to the previous year, participation in the 
programme increased by 53%, and represented approximately 23% 
of our workforce.

In addition to the Global Challenge, we operate other employee 
wellness programmes in a number of countries across the Group. 
One of the most effective is in the UK, where we have partnered 
with health insurance provider, Vitality, to support our employees 
in achieving health goals. 

Approach to human rights and labour standard issues
We are committed to creating a working environment where everyone 
is treated fairly with respect, dignity and consideration and where 
there are opportunities for all. Our Human Rights and Labour 
Standards Policy, which incorporates principles and guidelines set 
out in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 
and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, 
addresses a range of issues including equal opportunities, anti-
harassment and dignity at work. Many elements of our Human 
Rights and Labour Standards Policy are reflected in our Code 
of Conduct, which is explained on page 44. We also operate a 
cross-functional Human Rights Steering Committee to guide our 
approach in this important area.

Our Code of Conduct and Human Rights and Labour Standards 
Policy are available on our website at www.convatecgroup.com/
corporate-responsibility.

Diversity and inclusion 
Diversity and inclusion underpin all aspects of our people strategy. 
We want our people to feel included in our business and keen to play 
their part. Furthermore, an inclusive diverse environment enhances 
our ability to realise our vision and deliver commercial success.

Our diversity and inclusion strategy focuses on the following key areas:
 – Leading, Promoting and Educating: establishing policy statements, 
forming appropriate governance, setting up employee engagement 
forums and enhancing existing eLearning capabilities around 
diversity, inclusion and unconscious bias.

 – Building, Developing and Promoting Talent: developing and 
promoting diverse talents and creating an inclusive culture.

 – Sourcing Talent: actively sourcing a diverse range of candidates 

for all senior roles.

In 2017 we achieved a minimum of 30% female Board 
representation and, as at 31 December 2019, the proportion of 
women on our Board was 38%. We also set ourselves an objective 
of having 30% of senior management roles (members of the CELT 
and their direct reports, excluding administrative staff) held by 
female executives by the end of 2020. As at 31 December 2019, 
women made up 25% of our senior management team. Recognising 
the need to accelerate our progress in this area, during 2019 
members of our human resources team participated in a number 
of jobs fairs with a view to exploring and developing new routes and 
approaches to attract talent from more diverse backgrounds. We 
also hosted various networking events for our female colleagues 
and engaged in open dialogue about career development. 

39
ConvaTec Group Plc
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206How we run our business in a responsible way
continued

We also remain committed to increasing gender and other forms of 
diversity including age and ethnicity across all parts of our business 
through the continuous and effective implementation of our 
diversity and inclusion strategy. In particular, we track employee 
diversity through our human resource systems and the Board will 
continue to review our diversity profile on an annual basis. 

Our gender diversity profile as at 31 December 2019 is set out below.

Boarda
CELTb
Senior management
Other employees
Totalc

Total
8
9
64
9,116 
9,197 

Male

Number
5
8
48
3,369 
3,430

%
62
89
75
37 
37 

Female

Number
3
1
16
5,747 
 5,767

%
38
11
25
 63
 63

a.  Includes six Non-Executive Directors.
b.   For the purposes of this table the CEO and the CFO are included as members 

of the Board.

c.   Excludes freelancers, independent contractors or other outsourced and 
non-permanent workers who are hired on a project or temporary basis.

Our gender pay gap
The table below shows our overall mean and median gender pay gap 
based on hourly rates of pay as at the “snapshot date”1, 5 April 2019. 
Due to our disappointing financial performance in 2018 no bonus 
payments were awarded in March 2019. The data provided only 
relates to our UK employees.

Hourly rate of pay

Percentage 
difference 
mean
13.35%

Percentage 
difference 
median
14.58%

In 2019 the median hourly pay difference between our male and 
female employees narrowed to 14.58% (2018: 15.75%), which is 
below the UK median pay gap of 17.3% across all public and private 
sectors in October 2019 (source: Office for National Statistics). 

A detailed breakdown of pay by gender and by pay quartile is shown 
in the table below. In the lower and lower middle quartiles, we have 
more females than males. In the upper middle and upper quartiles, 
we have more males than females.

Proportion of females and males in each quartile band

£7.34 < 
£13.56
210
101
109
48%
52%
1.48%
5.46%

£13.57 < 
£18.03
210
103
107
49%
51%
(0.89)%
(1.94)%

£18.04 < 
£29.15
211
120
91
57%
43%
(0.41)%
(1.28)%

£29.16 < 
£185.48
211
122
89
58%
42%
5.02%
8.79%

Total in band
Male total: 446
Female total: 396
% male
% female
% difference mean
% difference median

Our gender pay gap reflects the demographic make-up of our 
business. The April 2019 data shows an improvement on the 
previous year as a result of our very conscious efforts to recruit 
and retain women in senior management roles. For example, our 
candidate short lists for senior roles must include men and women 
and we offer flexible working arrangements. We also track a 
number of metrics to measure the progress of our diversity and 
inclusion strategy to ensure that we recruit and retain a skilled and 
diverse workforce.

As highlighted above no bonus payments were awarded in March 
2019. Those eligible to receive a bonus during the relevant period 
are shown in the table below.

Eligible population for a bonus during 
the relevant bonus pay period*

Female

317

Male

364

* 

 65 individuals were not eligible for bonus payments because they were new 
hires during the final quarter of the financial year ended 31 December 2018.

Further information about our pay data is included on our website 
at www.convatecgroup.com/investors/corporate-governance.

1.   Snapshot date: Specific reference date in which the gender pay gap needs to be 
calculated as Government requirement from the Advisory, Conciliation and 
Arbitration Service and Government Equalities Office. For businesses and 
charities this date is 5 April.

40
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Working responsibly with partners 
We aim to build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with 
third parties along the value chain, including suppliers of materials 
and services, transport and logistics companies, and distribution 
businesses. Our relationships with these third parties must be 
consistent with our vision and values, and the regulatory framework 
which underpins our ethical business practice. 

We accept our responsibility for setting the correct standards of 
behaviour and ensuring our partners meet, exceed or are working 
positively towards these standards. We believe that developing a 
more sustainable supply chain will benefit our business over the long 
term through increased efficiency, product improvements, lower risk 
and deeper, more collaborative relationships.

Like many medical device companies, our products are often sold 
by third parties, such as distributors. To help protect against the risk 
of a third-party acting unethically, our compliance team conducts due 
diligence on our distributors, enters into agreements that contain 
appropriate assurances by the distributors, and delivers both online 
and “live” compliance training programmes to distributor staff, based on 
our Global Third Party Compliance Manual. Using a risk-based approach, 
we conduct due diligence on distributors when they are initially 
engaged, and every three years thereafter, using an external due 
diligence provider.

In 2019, 89 new and renewed organisations were subject to due 
diligence review. A total of 38 third-party distributors completed 
both their annual Global Third Party Compliance Manual and 
Distributor anti-bribery and corruption training via our external, 
electronic learning system.

We require our suppliers to adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct 
(“SCoC”) which draws on the International Labour Organisation 
conventions and the Principles of the UN Global Compact, and 
extends our own Code of Conduct and our Human Rights and 
Labour Standards Policy to the supply chain. All new suppliers must 
sign the SCoC as part of doing business with ConvaTec and the 
SCoC is introduced to all existing supplier contracts as these are 
renewed. A copy of our SCoC is available on our website at 
www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

We monitor and assess suppliers using third-party risk platforms 
including “Risk Methods”, which provides in-depth, real-time coverage 
of a range of factors that could impact on supplier performance 
(including geo-political, climatic, civil unrest), as well as events that 
may have been “caused” by our suppliers (for example strikes and 
major pollution incidents). 

Supporting innovative technological solutions
Our partnership with Beta Bionics, Inc., a for-profit 
Massachusetts public benefit corporation, is focused on 
developing and commercialising the iLet™, the world’s first fully 
automated bionic pancreas. Starting in 2020, working alongside 
Beta Bionics as their infusion set partner, our Unomedical sets 
will be deployed in two pivotal trials testing the iLet™ in its 
insulin-only and bihormonal configurations.

The iLet™ is a dual-chamber, pocket-sized, wearable medical 
device that autonomously controls blood-sugar levels in 
people with diabetes. Embedded within the device are clinically 
tested mathematical dosing algorithms driven by lifelong 
autonomous learning which automatically calculate and dose 
insulin and/or glucagon as needed, based on data from 
a continuous glucose monitor.

Conserving the planet
We must minimise the negative impact of our own operations 
(including greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions) on the environment. 
We must also endeavour to minimise the impacts of our “upstream” 
supply chain that supports the creation of our products, our 
“downstream” distribution arrangements and our products’ use and 
final disposal. First and foremost, to secure a more sustainable 
future, this is the right thing to do. Taking a proactive approach also 
drives commercial benefits. In addition to ensuring we avoid fines for 
breaching environmental regulations and associated reputational 
damage, increased efficiency in our energy and raw materials usage 
can reduce production costs both within our own facilities and 
throughout our supply chain. And while the risk of direct financial 
material impact on our business as a result of climate change is 
relatively low in the short to medium term, we are seeing signs 
of customer pressure around the environmental performance of 
products and packaging which could have a direct impact on 
commercial outcomes. 

We believe our most significant environmental impacts to be:
 – Emissions to air – in particular, GHG emissions associated with 

energy consumption.

 – Generation of waste – hazardous and non-hazardous.
 – Management of water. 
 – Consumption of raw materials in our products. 

41
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206How we run our business in a responsible way
continued

Our environmental policy statement which is available on our website 
(www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility/conserving-our-
planet) explains our approach, and reflects a more detailed internal 
environmental policy document which provides direction to our 
major facilities on how to structure their environmental 
management programmes. These programmes focus on:
 – Minimising the environmental impacts of our own and our 

partners’ operations.

 – Minimising the environmental impacts of our products and 

services across their entire life cycle.

 – Setting objectives to improve our performance and the 
development of more environment-friendly products.

 – Implementing management systems to support achievement 

of our objectives.

 – Reporting progress to our stakeholders.

Overall responsibility for environmental issues, including climate 
change, lies with our Board. The key roles relating to environmental 
management sit within our Global Operations division. As explained 
on page 38, dedicated EHS managers work across our manufacturing 
facilities, which operate environmental management systems in line 
with corporate requirements which reference ISO 14001. 

Climate change
There is strong scientific consensus that human activities, such as 
the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, are key drivers of climate 
change. As such we must address and strive to reduce our GHG 
emissions. During 2018 we completed the development of 
a comprehensive climate change strategy which focuses on the 
reduction of our GHG emissions through a series of initiatives. 
The development of this strategy, which was approved by the 
CR Committee in early 2019, was driven by:
 – An assessment of climate change risk carried out against the 

framework developed by the TCFD. Further information about 
this assessment is set out in the adjacent panel.

 – An analysis of historical and projected energy data, likely future 
carbon conversion factors, options for procuring or generating 
renewable energy, product and supply chain profiles, regulatory 
and disclosure requirements, competitor actions, best practice 
and efficiency opportunities.

Climate change risk assessment
Our risk assessment is conducted against the framework 
recommended by the TCFD and therefore covers both (i) 
Transition risks (Policy and Legal, Technology, Market and 
Reputational risks) and (ii) Physical risks (Acute and Chronic 
risks). Our assessment concluded that our overall exposure to 
climate-related risk is relatively low in the short to medium term 
(up to five years). From our analysis, the areas where risk is 
highest are:
 – Policy and Legal – impact on costs/revenue of potential 

regulation relating to products and raw materials, particularly 
in relation to the use of plastics within our products and 
packaging. The vast majority of our products are single-use 
due to the nature of their medical application.

 – Market – potential impact of increases in costs of raw material 

prices due to climate change-driven factors such as raw 
material shortages, water scarcity or increased energy costs. 
Rising customer concerns relating to carbon footprint, 
single-use plastics and circularity.

 – Reputation – whilst it is unlikely that we would suffer 

stigmatisation for a perceived lack of responsibility in relation 
to our products (due to the nature of the medical devices we 
supply), our reputation could be damaged relative to 
competitors should we fail to keep pace with climate-related 
sector innovations.

 – Physical – whilst we assess potential for disruption to our 
own operations to be limited in scope (mainly relevant to 
our Haina plant) and well mitigated (through structural and 
operational measures – see below), we assess that sales of 
certain products could potentially suffer disruption through 
the vulnerability of certain supply chains to climate risk. 
This could relate particularly to raw materials harvested from 
natural resources.

The key elements of our climate change strategy are
 – Enabling product and packaging improvements – through the 
development of green design guidelines, a focus on packaging 
materials and robust risk and opportunity assessment of existing 
products (including continuation of life cycle assessments).
 – Driving greener operations – through efficiency auditing, 

target-setting and supply chain engagement.

 – Supporting decision-making – through better, more joined up 

and accessible performance data.

 – Enhanced governance – assigning accountability to relevant 

CELT members via personal objectives.

42
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Our GHG emissions 
Our GHG reporting follows the methodologies set out in 
“The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and 
Reporting Standard (Revised Edition)”, developed by the World 
Business Council for Sustainable Development and the World 
Resources Institute.

Our GHG emissions relate mainly to the consumption of natural 
gas and electricity to power, heat and cool our facilities. In 2019, 
the scope of our GHG reporting covers our manufacturing locations, 
R&D centres, major offices and distribution centres. The table on 
the following page sets out our emissions on both a location, 
and a market basis. UK locations contribute 2% of total GHG 
emissions under the market-based method (15% under the 
location-based method).

The like-for-like decrease in GHG emissions of approximately 19% 
(market basis) is driven by energy efficiency gains. In addition, the 
impact of a full year of green electricity use in the UK, 80% of UK 
gas consumption being covered by green gas certificates and by 
changes in the carbon intensity of electricity grids in several 
countries, have added significantly to the effect of the energy 
efficiency gains.

Energy consumption
We have increased our focus on driving energy efficiency across our 
business. Between 2020 and 2022 we are targeting total energy 
efficiency savings of 15% on our 2018 energy consumption. 

Electricity represents 75% of total energy consumed, with natural 
gas at 24% with diesel and district heating contributing less than 1% 
to the total. Manufacturing locations account for approximately 94% 
of total consumption, with electricity (75%) and gas (25%) the 
dominant sources (see the table below). For further information 
about our energy consumption see our Corporate Responsibility 
Report which is available on our website at  
www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility. 

Total energy consumption by (function) (mWh)

Manufacturing locations
Non-manufacturing 
locations
Total energy consumption 

2019
 97,233 

2018
104,690 

2017
 99,419 

2016
 92,142 

 5,895 

 5,279 
103,128 109,969

 5,007 
104,426

 – 
92,142

Energy intensity (GWh/$m revenue)

Energy intensity

2019
0.056

2018
0.060

2017
0.059

Energy consumption has decreased by 6%, driven by efficiency gains 
made across virtually all manufacturing sites in both gas and electricity 
use. Information about some of our energy-saving initiatives is 
included below.

Examples of energy-saving initiatives implemented at 
our facilities
 – Minsk, Belarus: optimisation of the air change rate in the clean 

room has reduced energy consumption by 160,000 kWh 
per year.

 – Haina, Dominican Republic: installed LED lighting and 
movement sensors in the warehouse, and will complete 
modernisation of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning 
(“HVAC”) system, saving an estimated 330,000 kWh per year.

 – Michalovce, Slovakia: upgraded air compressor which, 
together with optimisation of dust filtration systems and 
installation of further LED lighting, will save over 1.0 GWh 
per year.

 – Reynosa, Mexico: optimisation of clean room temperatures, 

saving an estimated 285,000 kWh per year.

 – Deeside, UK: installed LED lighting, optimised clean room 
air change rates, retrofitted more efficient fans, and fixed 
compressed air leaks to generate over 1.1 GWh annual savings.

43
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206How we run our business in a responsible way
continued

GHG (market-based method) (tonnes CO2e)

Scope 11
Scope 22
Total GHG emissions 

2019
3,402
23,431
26,833

2018
 4,901
 28,283 
 33,184 

Behaving ethically and transparently 
How we conduct ourselves – earning trust, behaving responsibly and 
with integrity and doing what we say we will do – is essential if we 
are to achieve our vision and create value for our stakeholders. It is 
also the right thing to do and protects our reputation.

We operate an extensive ethics and compliance programme and 
implement a number of policies and procedures, including our “Code 
of Conduct”. This covers business conduct and compliance issues, 
including preventing bribery and corruption. Annually, all employees 
are required to undertake training in relation to our Code of 
Conduct. This training is undertaken either online, with electronic 
acknowledgement of completion, or through participation in town 
hall meetings.

We also make available an independent whistleblower hotline and 
web link, which can be used by employees and third parties, to 
report suspected breaches of our Code of Conduct. Issues reported 
via this hotline are reviewed by our ethics and compliance function 
and the resulting investigation and outcome of any significant issues 
are overseen by the global compliance oversight function, known as 
the Ethics & Compliance Executive Team, as well as by the Audit and 
Risk Committee. For further information see page 109.

We deploy policies and procedures that are consistent with our 
Code of Conduct, which cover the third parties we rely upon to fulfil 
our vision. Our Modern Slavery Act statement is available on our 
website at www.convatecgroup.com/modern-slavery-act. For 
further information see “Working responsibly with our partners” 
on page 41. 

We also engage with stakeholders on ethical topics within our 
sector and by way of example in 2019 we played an instrumental 
role in updating the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with 
Healthcare Professionals. AdvaMed is the largest medical device 
industry organisation in the US.

GHG (location-based method) (tonnes C02e)

Scope 1
Scope 2
Total GHG emissions 

2019
5,046
26,733
31,779

2018
 5,435 
 30,055 
 35,490 

2017
 5,473 
 29,054 
 34,527 

20163
 4,001 
 26,806 
 30,807 

1.    Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from owned or controlled sources. 
2.   Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased 

energy.

3.   2016 Scope 2 emissions include an additional 383 tonnes CO2e (relating to 

use of district heating) previously omitted in error. 2016 was our first year of 
reporting and the scope did not include non-manufacturing locations. 

GHG emission intensity (tonnes/$m revenue)

GHG emission intensity  
(location basis) 
GHG emission intensity  
(market basis)

2019

2018

2017

17.4

14.7

19.2

18.0

19.6

N/A4

4.   In 2018 we started to report on both a location and market-based approach.

Management of water and waste
As set out in our Environmental Policy statement, we are 
committed to understanding, quantifying and minimising our levels 
of waste (hazardous and non-hazardous), and our consumption of 
water. Quantitative data about our water consumption and waste 
is included in our CR Report which is available on our website at 
www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

Environmental impacts along the value chain
As well as the environmental impact of our own operations, the 
delivery, use and disposal of our products also creates impacts along 
the value chain, including the sourcing of raw materials, supplier 
manufacturing, packaging, logistics and transport. To minimise this 
“indirect” environmental impact we have developed a strategy that 
focuses on:
 – Assessing the environmental performance of key suppliers.
 – Reporting value chain impacts.
 – Assessing product and packaging performance. 
 – Designing sustainability into new products and packaging in line 

with our newly-developed green Design Guidelines.

44
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Supporting medical research to better understand 
rare disease 
Epidermolysis bullosa (“EB”) is a rare genetic disease that causes 
the skin to become fragile and blister. The disease has currently 
no known cure and is managed through wound care, pain control, 
treatment for infections and other support. A cross-functional 
team based in our EMEA region is working with DEBRA UK, an 
international medical research charity dedicated to patients with 
EB, to explore how we can support EB sufferers and their families.

Working with healthcare professionals to improve the lives 
of people with chronic conditions
In June 2019, in partnership with the European Wound 
Management Association, we launched three research grants 
for nurses, doctors or scientists working in the field of wound 
management. This initiative, which aims to improve the care 
and quality of life of individuals with acute and chronic wounds 
and support clinicians, is focused on research in three areas: 
process redesign to improve quality and accessibility in wound 
care; E-health and digital solutions for wound management; 
and solutions to enhance patient safety and compliance in 
wound management.

Making a socio-economic contribution
Through running our business we aim to make a socio-economic 
contribution to society. This contribution, which is important to 
a range of stakeholders, is summarised on page 3. 

Our “LIFE+ by ConvaTec” (“LIFE+”) community programme, through 
which we make funds available to support local initiatives, is focused 
on helping disadvantaged young people to have a healthier start in 
life. The key features of the programme are:
 – Supporting young people to reduce the risk factors that could 

increase their chances of contracting chronic conditions later in 
life – the type of conditions that our products and services help 
people to cope with. These risk factors include: obesity and poor 
nutrition, lack of exercise, and damaging addictions.

 – Identifying communities where some form of disadvantage 

creates barriers to accessing sports or recreation opportunities, 
a healthy diet, or professional support to tackle addiction or other 
relevant health factors.

 – Community partners for donations and volunteering are 

employee-selected and focus on communities and institutions 
local to our plants, offices and other centres.

 – As explained above, reinforcing our “employee-led” approach 
we link the allocation of our community fund to the level of 
engagement in our Global Challenge initiative.

During 2019 LIFE+ supported a number of projects around the 
world including:
 – In Reynosa (Mexico), where our largest manufacturing facility is 
based, we financed the construction of a football pitch and 
running track for the children attending the El Chamizal primary 
school, which is located in a deprived part of the city. More than 
1,000 children will benefit from increased opportunities to 
engage in exercise.

 – In the Dominican Republic, our donation is funding the repair and 
reconditioning of a baseball stadium and the construction of a 
basketball court within the Savio Educational Centre. The facility 
provides support to 2,500 young people between the ages of 
5 and 17 living in extreme poverty and high-risk situations. It 
provides sports, nutrition and educational activities, as well as 
psychological help. 

 – In Spain we continue to support the charity SAOPRAT, which 

supports children at social risk with information on healthy eating, 
personal hygiene and exercise opportunities. We are also 
supporting the Spanish Red Cross, through donations to fund 
training sessions and young volunteers to deliver healthy lifestyle 
messages to underprivileged children.

45
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206How we run our business in a responsible way
continued

Non-financial information statement
In accordance with the requirements of section 414CB of the 
Companies Act 2006, the information below is provided to help 
our stakeholders understand our position in relation to key 
non-financial matters including, where appropriate, the relevant 
policies and processes we operate.

Key non-financial  
matter
Environmental 
matters 

Employees

Human rights

Social and 
community 
matters
Anti-corruption 
and anti-bribery

Principal risks and 
impact of business 
activity
Non-financial key 
performance 
indicators
Our business 
model

Policies and processes 
we implement
Environmental Policy
Climate change strategy
GHG reduction targets
CR rating monitoring
Code of Conduct
The ConvaTec Way
Our vision and values
Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Our people strategy
Employee induction, training 
and development 
programmes
Employee engagement 
Diversity targets and review 
of metrics
Human Rights and Labour 
Standards Policy
Modern Slavery Act statement
LIFE+ programme
Global Challenge

Independent whistleblower 
hotline and web link
Third-party Compliance 
Manual
Supplier Code of Conduct
Compliance training
Third-party due diligence, 
monitoring and assessment
–

–

–

Information 
Pages 41 
to 44.

Page 44 
and pages 
37 to 40.

Page 39.

Page 44.
Page 45.
Page 39.

Page 44 
and page 
41.

Pages 28 
to 33.

Page 23.

Pages 2 
and 3.

46
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Our franchises

Our franchises are improving lives and helping 
us realise our vision. Information about their 
respective product portfolios, sales and 
marketing activities, and performance during 
2019, is included below.

How we market and sell our products

Our four franchises market and sell our products and services in over 110 countries using a number of channels which are described below. 

Advanced Wound
Care (“AWC”)
Advanced wound 
dressings and skin care 
products for the 
management of acute 
and chronic wounds 
resulting from ongoing 
conditions such as 
diabetes and acute 
conditions resulting 
from traumatic injury 
and burns.

Continence & Critical 
Care (“CCC”)
Products and services 
for people with urinary 
continence issues 
related to spinal cord 
injuries, multiple 
sclerosis, spina bifida 
and other causes, and 
devices and products 
used in intensive care 
units and hospital 
settings.

Ostomy Care
Devices, accessories and 
services for people with 
a stoma (a surgically-
created opening where 
bodily waste is 
discharged), commonly 
resulting from causes 
such as colorectal 
cancer, inflammatory 
bowel disease and 
bladder cancer.

Infusion Care
Disposable infusion sets 
for diabetes insulin 
pumps, similar pumps 
used in continuous 
subcutaneous infusion 
treatments for 
conditions such as 
Parkinson’s disease and 
a range of products for 
hospital and home 
healthcare markets.

Distributors and 
wholesalers

Hospitals 
Wound care 
clinics 
Intensive care

Specialist 
medical stores
Pharmacies 
Homecare 
agencies

Direct-to-
consumers

Consumer-
focused 
service and 
support

Leading 
insulin pump 
manufacturers

 – We sell our 
products to 
pharmacies, 
bandagists, 
hospitals and 
other acute and 
post acute 
healthcare 
service providers 
through 
distributors or 
wholesalers.

 – We have a 
network of 
external 
distributors who 
manage the 
entire distribution 
process on our 
behalf, including 
ordering, 
warehousing, 
billing and 
delivery.

 – Our dedicated 
sales teams 
provide support, 
advice and training 
to product 
decision makers.
 – Product decision 

makers are usually 
doctors or 
specialist nurses.

 – In many markets 
our products are 
available through 
homecare 
agencies, specialist 
medical stores or 
pharmacies and 
retail distributors 
catering to the 
homecare market.

 – We sell directly to 
manufacturers of 
insulin pumps.
 – We also supply 
our products to 
hospitals and the 
home healthcare 
sector, via our 
distributor 
network.

 – We sell directly to 
consumers in the 
UK via Amcare, 
our home delivery 
company, and in 
the US, via our 
Home Services 
Group, our 
homecare 
company.

 – In a number of 

markets, including 
Central and 
Eastern Europe, 
Latin America and 
parts of Asia, we 
have our own 
shops.

 – We operate digital 
sales platforms 
including 
ostomysecrets.com.

 – We provide 

consumer-focused 
service and 
support through 
a number of 
channels.

 – See page 51 for 

information about 
our me+™ 
programme, which 
aims to support 
people managing 
chronic conditions 
and help them 
enjoy their lives.
 – See page 80 for 

information about 
our call centres, 
which provide 
specialist advice 
and support.

47
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Our franchises
continued

Advanced Wound Care

Revenue

2019

2018

$569.9m -3.0%

$569.9m

$587.5m

David Shepherd
President and Chief 
Operating Officer, 
Global Advanced 
Wound Care

Overview
Organic growth in 2019 remained subdued as it was impacted by 
disruption and transition in the franchise’s US business moving to a 
more specialised salesforce. We continued to see improved call rates 
and customer targeting, the benefits of this in terms of revenue 
growth should be seen in 2020 and beyond.

2019 revenue performance
We remained focused on three priorities to drive our growth:
 – Transitioning to a new specialised salesforce in the US. 
 – Expanding our AQUACEL™ dressings offering through the 

extension of AQUACEL™ Ag+/Advantage dressing with anti-
biofilm technology and the expansion of the AQUACEL™ 
Surgical product portfolio into new surgical areas. 

 – Continuing to grow in the foam market and expanding our 

portfolio of dressings, targeting the fast-growing protection 
and prevention foam segments.

Reported revenue of $569.9 million declined 3.0% compared to the 
prior year, but on an organic basis revenue grew 0.5%. In the fourth 
quarter, revenue grew 1.8% on an organic basis, driven by growth 
in Latin America, APAC and some EMEA markets, partly offset by 
the US.

Sales of our AQUACEL™ brand remain strong. We are leaders in 
market share in several categories, including silver, and we continue 
to build our position in foam, growing in line with the market. Our 
AQUACEL™ Ag Advantage dressing, launched just over a year ago 
in the US, has been positively received by clinicians. In Q4 2019, we 
also launched ConvaMax™, our first entry into the super absorber 
segment within Europe and will launch in the US in Q1 2020. Growth 
in AQUACEL™ surgical cover dressing remained low, impacted by 
the changes to the US salesforce.

The franchise’s legacy DuoDERM™ and base AQUACEL™ 
Hydrofiber™ products, together with its skin care business, make 
up a little under 40% of AWC revenues and, as a whole, were a 
significant drag on revenue growth in 2019. However DuoDERM™ 
made some progress and delivered modest growth in the year. 
AQUACEL™ Hydrofiber™ was negatively impacted by the 
challenging UK market dynamics, although performance did improve 
in the second half of the year. We expect these UK market pressures 
to remain in 2020. 

We saw strong growth in our emerging markets in APAC and 
Latin America as well as some EMEA markets. As noted above, 
we continued to underperform in the US, however this has been 
impacted by the planned restructure of the salesforce that led 
to some disruption in 2019. Whilst in France we experienced the 
impact of the reimbursement cuts. 

Key brands

AQUACEL™

AQUACEL™ Ag+

AQUACEL™ Ag Foam

AQUACEL™ Ag Surgical

AQUACEL™ Ag Advantage

Avelle™ System

DuoDERM™

48
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Improving healing outcomes and helping healthcare 
providers reduce costs 
To dramatically improve healing outcomes and help hospitals and 
other healthcare providers reduce their total costs of care, we 
developed AQUACEL™ Ag+, a dressing with proven effectiveness 
in promoting healing in chronic hard-to-heal wounds. AQUACEL™ 
Ag+ combines two of our proprietary technologies – our 
Hydrofiber™ Technology, which improves the dressing’s ability 
to absorb and retain excess exudate, and our unique patent 
protected anti-biofilm technology, which helps destroy biofilm 
and maximises antimicrobial action. 

During the year we launched our MORE THAN SILVER™ global 
AQUACEL™ Ag+ advertising campaign. It focuses on differentiating 
our unique and patent-protected anti-biofilm technology and 
helping healthcare professionals better understand why biofilm 
is a serious problem in hard-to-heal wounds and why early and 
aggressive intervention is essential. 

49
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Our franchises
continued

Ostomy Care

Revenue

2019

2018

Esteem™

Esteem™+

Natura™

Natura™+

Stomahesive™

Durahesive™

InvisiClose™

me+™

Key brands

50
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

$525.0m -1.6%

$525.0m

$533.3m

Mani Gopal
President and Chief 
Operating Officer, 
Global Ostomy Care

Overview
As expected, performance remained subdued as a result of 
underperformance in the US. However, we saw solid performances 
in Latin America, EMEA and in certain markets in APAC driven by 
good traction with our recent product launches such as Esteem™ 
+ Flex and Natura™ Accordion as well as good growth in accessories.

We focused on three priorities to drive our growth:
 – Continuing to strengthen relationships with ostomy nurses 
in hospitals to increase familiarity with our products and to 
provide them with the tools to make ostomy care simple, easy 
and accessible.

 – Expanding our me+™ direct-to-consumer programmes to engage 
directly and frequently with patients to build strong and long-term 
customer relationships.

 – Continuing to enhance our portfolio of offerings by leveraging our 

technology and investing in consumer-led solutions.

2019 revenue performance
Reported revenue of $525.0 million for 2019 declined 1.6% against 
the prior year, but on an organic basis revenue grew 1.9%. In the 
fourth quarter revenue grew 5.2% on an organic basis, driven by 
broad-based growth across the business albeit against a weak 
prior year. 

We continued to see good traction with our recent product 
launches including Esteem™ + Flex Convex, Natura™ Convex 
Accordion Flange and Varimate strips and ongoing investment in our 
me+™ platform is leading to a continued increase in the number of 
enrolled patients.

We saw solid performances and market share gains in Latin America 
and in certain markets in APAC and Europe. We continued to see 
underperformance in the US. 

To address the underperformance, we have been implementing 
changes to our commercial approach to improve salesforce 
effectiveness, including flattening our organisational structure to get 
closer to the customer, improved segmentation and revised sales 
incentive programmes. We are also increasingly leveraging our HSG 
service offering and integrating our product and me+™ programme 
into selected accounts.

In January 2020 we were pleased to agree a three-year extension 
to the Premier GPO (“General Purchasing Organisation”) contract 
for Ostomy Care in the US, commencing April 2020. This is the 
second largest GPO contract in the US covering around 25% of 
hospitals and our contract now runs until March 2023.

Expanding our customer support offering 
Our me+™ programme, which operates across 17 markets, 
aims to support people managing chronic conditions and help 
them enjoy their lives. Programme participants, who enrol at no 
cost, now exceed over 300,000 members. The programme 
offers practical advice and support pre- and post-surgery, 
including in the vital period when people are first living with 
their ostomy, through to the time well beyond surgery, when 
they go back to living the life they want.

This vital support is provided in a number of ways. Our online 
resources help guide people to identify the right products 
and access helpful videos, other patient stories and support 
groups. We also have a growing team of specialised ostomy 
nurses and support specialists who provide advice via the 
telephone or, in some countries, visit people in their homes.

We continue to expand this customer support service. During 
2019 in the US we launched me+™ Talk, a dedicated ostomy 
podcast and in the UK we established a dedicated cross-
brand customer interaction centre. The me+™ team, product 
specialists and our Amcare home delivery service now 
operate from the same place and provide our customers 
with a complete centralised support service.

51
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206$456.7m +3.1%

$456.7m

$443.0m

Kjersti Grimsrud
President and Chief Operating 
Officer, Global Continence Care

Overview
Growth in CCC was driven by HSG, which continues to outgrow the 
overall US continence market, partly offset by the drag from our 
Hospital and Critical Care businesses. The growth also benefited 
from the impact of a product recall in the prior year.

We focused on two priorities to drive our growth:
 – Leveraging the reach of HSG, the largest supplier of intermittent 

catheters in the US.

 – Continuing to innovate and expand the GentleCath™ intermittent 
catheter portfolio to cover a wider range of needs together with 
expanding our me+™ platform for intermittent catheter users.

2019 revenue performance 
Reported revenue of $456.7 million grew 3.1% against the prior year, 
including a small net revenue contribution of $1.3 million from J&R 
Medical, which was acquired by HSG on 1 March 2018 and Southlake 
Medical Supplies, which was acquired by HSG on 1 October 2019, 
net of the Symbius divestment in 2018. Revenue grew 4.1% year on 
year on an organic basis. In the fourth quarter revenue grew by 3.8% 
on an organic basis, again driven by strong growth in HSG. 

HSG, driven by its high-touch patient care model, continues to be 
the driver of growth in the franchise. It aims to deliver superior 
patient experiences by providing direct support, advice and liaison 
with clinicians, insurance companies and state funded health 
coverage programmes on reimbursement. 

Our franchises
continued

Continence & Critical Care 

Revenue

2019

2018

GentleCath™

Flexi-Seal™

UnoMeter™

me+™

Key brands

52
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Building relationships with our customers
Our Home Services Group operates across the US and 
provides support to over 20,000 customers every week of 
the year. Previously branded “Home Delivery Group,” we have 
changed the business’s name to better reflect our customer 
offering. While we deliver millions of products a year, we are 
first and foremost a customer-focused service business. From 
the moment a physician or nurse refers a patient who is new 
to urinary catheterisation, uses incontinence supplies, or has 
an ostomy, we provide an extensive support service. This 
service includes helping patients adjust to their new product 
regimen, providing a range of samples, and advising them 
how to use them. At what can often be a very stressful and 
bewildering time, we also provide administrative support 
including verifying their insurance and securing authorisation. 
Every day, our specialists are in contact with our customers 
and their physicians and nurses providing support on an 
ongoing basis. 

 “ I have been a client for several years. All employees are 
professional and helpful with questions about products. 
I had a prescription problem with my doctor and they 
worked with the doctor to resolve the situation.”

Home Services Group customer

One of our US-based Home Services Group customer service 
specialists.

53
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206$275.6m +2.7%

$275.6m

$268.3m

John Lindskog
President and Chief 
Operating Officer, 
Global Infusion Care

Overview
Performance was in line with expectations with good underlying 
revenue growth, driven by strong customer orders and the continued 
growth of MiniMed™ Mio™ Advance with our partner Medtronic. 
However, the organic growth was towards the lower end of the 
historical market growth of 4% to 5% per annum due to the exit of 
Animas from the market in late 2018.

We focused on three priorities to drive our growth:
 – Maintaining our strong and long-term partnerships with insulin 

pump manufacturers to secure long-term business.

 – Continuing to develop innovative products for both insulin and 

other drug delivery.

 – Leveraging our leading industry position to ensure that we were 
the supplier of choice for new entrants into the insulin market and 
delivery of other sub-cutaneous drugs.

2019 revenue performance
Revenue in 2019 of $275.6 million grew 2.7% year on year on 
a reported basis and 4.1% on an organic basis driven by strong 
customer orders. In the fourth quarter revenue grew by 12.4% on an 
organic basis, largely driven by materially lower revenue in the prior 
year, following a change in inventory policy at our biggest customer 
in Q4 2018. 

Our franchises
continued

Infusion Care

Revenue

2019

2018

inset™

comfort™

neria™

Key brands

54
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Enabling people to live the life they want 
Jack Trigger is a professional athlete who competes in some 
of the most gruelling long distance sailing races. He has Type 1 
diabetes and a Medtronic insulin pump and ConvaTec infusion 
set has been his product of choice since moving to insulin 
infusion therapy. Jack has a number of sponsors, including our 
Infusion Care franchise.

“For almost as long as I can remember, I have raced boats. 
I have competed in some of the toughest events, including the 
iconic Route du Rhum, a solo race which starts in St Malo, 
crosses the Atlantic and finishes in Guadeloupe. It is probably 
the second most gruelling single-handed offshore course in 
the world.

“Managing my diabetes while I am racing can be challenging. 
The environment is extreme, regular sleeping and eating 
patterns are not possible and injecting during the all too often 
storms and high seas can be dangerous. I successfully manage 
my condition by using an insulin pump and infusion set which 
supplies insulin subcutaneously. This device helps me stay 
healthy and allows me to participate in the sport that I love 
at the very highest levels.”

55
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Jack Trigger training for the 2019 Rolex Fastnet 
on his “Figaro 3” yacht.

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206 
 
Chief Financial Officer’s review

Frank Schulkes
Chief Financial Officer

net debt” below), service fees associated with the refinancing 
($17.0 million), acquire Southlake Medical Supplies ($12.3 million), 
purchase shares to cover the future vesting of our employee share 
incentive plans ($14.0 million) and make dividend payments of 
$79.9 million.

Further information on our financial performance can be found in 
the Financial review on pages 59 to 67.

Dividends
In August 2019, the Board declared an interim dividend of 1.717 cents 
per share and has proposed a final dividend of 3.983 cents per share. 
The Board has maintained the recommended dividend at the level 
declared in 2018. This represents a pay-out ratio (when compared 
to adjusted net profit) for 2019 of 49%. This is ahead of our stated 
pay-out policy of 35% to 45% but is a reflection of the Board’s 
confidence in the future performance of the Group and its 
underlying financial strength, realised distributable reserves position 
and cash generation. Further information about our dividend policy 
and dividends paid can be found on page 132 and information on 
capital maintenance and our available distributable reserves position 
can be found on page 64 of the Financial review.

Acquisitions
The trade and assets of Southlake Medical Supplies (“Southlake”), 
a Texas-based independent provider of catheter-related supplies, 
were acquired on 1 October 2019 for cash consideration of 
$12.3 million. The addition of Southlake to HSG will further 
strengthen our presence in an important US market and reinforce 
the Group’s position as the leading supplier of urinary catheters 
in the US.

The initial performance of this acquisition has been in line with our 
expectations, contributing $1.0 million to revenue and $0.4 million 
to operating profit since acquisition, with good progress on 
integrating the business into HSG. 

Impairment of intangible assets
During the year, as part of the Group’s Transformation Initiative, 
a product portfolio review has been undertaken which has resulted 
in the identification of impairment triggers in relation to certain 
of the Group’s intangible assets. As a result of the reviews, an 
impairment charge has been recognised of $103.6 million on 
product-related intangibles. Given the impairment charge is not 
representative of the underlying performance of the business and 
consistent with the treatment of intangibles acquired before 2018, 
the charge has been treated as an adjustment in calculating the 
Group’s non-IFRS performance measures. For further details on 
intangible assets see Note 8 to the Financial Statements.

2019 results 
As already noted, our overall financial result for the year was in line 
with expectations and both revenue growth and the adjusted EBIT 
margin were consistent with our guidance given in February 2019.

On an organic basis, Group revenue grew 2.3% to $1,874.4 million 
(2018: $1,832.1 million). This compares to our guidance of 1% to 2.5% 
organic revenue growth. As expected, adjusted operating profit 
declined by $75.1 million to $354.3 million (2018: $429.4 million), 
resulting in an adjusted EBIT margin of 19.4% (2018: 23.4%). 
This compares to our guidance of 18% to 20%. 

On a reported basis, our revenue declined by 0.3% to $1,827.2 million 
(2018: $1,832.1 million) which included unfavourable foreign 
exchange movements of $48.6 million, partially offset by $1.4 million 
from acquisitions. 

Revenue performance across our franchises was mixed but all 
franchises improved performance year-on-year and each delivered 
organic revenue growth. The organic revenues of AWC grew by 
0.5%, driven by growth in our silver portfolio and foam products, 
partly offset by decline in legacy products. Ostomy Care delivered 
organic revenue growth of 1.9% reflecting a solid performance 
against a weak 2018 comparative. CCC delivered a good 
performance with continued growth in our HSG business at 4.1%. 
The organic revenues of Infusion Care grew by 4.1% representing 
a good performance against a weak prior year comparator.

The decline in adjusted operating profit in 2019 of $75.1 million 
reflects the increase in organic revenue offset by sales mix and 
net productivity improvements, negative foreign exchange 
($13.6 million) and, as expected, by investment in the Transformation 
Initiative ($39.4 million) and MDR ($5.2 million) together with an 
increase in employee incentives as a result of the Group meeting 
(for the first time since IPO) its financial targets for the year. 

On a reported basis, operating profit was $96.9 million, a decline of 
$170.8 million reflecting the movement in adjusted operating profit 
together with $5.8 million of severance costs specifically associated 
with the ongoing operating model changes, CEO buy-out costs 
($6.2 million), intangibles impairment charge of $105.5 million.

Despite our expected reduction in profitability, we continue to 
deliver good net cash generation. Reported net cash generated 
from operating activities was $401.8 million (2018: $352.0 million) 
and reported cash conversion was 101.0% (2018: 82.4%). Cash 
conversion on an adjusted basis was 97.9%, an improvement on 
2018 (80.6%). During the year inventory levels reduced by 
$21.5 million which reflected our focus on rationalising inventory 
across the Group and was the principal driver of the improvements 
in reported and adjusted cash conversion. In 2019, the net cash we 
generated was used to reduce our external borrowing requirement 
by c.$100 million (2018: voluntary debt repayment of $95.0 million) 
when the Group refinanced its external debt (see “Borrowings and 

56
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

 “Our overall financial result was in line with 
expectations and both revenue growth and 
the adjusted EBIT margin were consistent 
with our previous guidance.”

Borrowings and net debt

Borrowings
Finance leases
IFRS 16 lease liabilities
Total interest-bearing borrowings
Cash and cash equivalents
Net debt (including leases)

31 December 2019
$m
As reported
1,486.1
–
88.5
1,574.6
(385.8)
1,188.8

31 December 2018
$m
As reported
1,620.8
23.7
–
1,644.5
(315.6)
1,328.9

Net debt

1,100.3

1,305.2

31 December 2018
$m
Applying IFRS 16 opening 
lease liabilities1
1,620.8

89.5
1,710.3
(315.6)
1,394.7

1,305.2

1.   At the point of transition to IFRS 16, Leases (“IFRS 16”) an opening lease liability of $89.5 million was recognised. To more readily understand the year-on-year 

movement in net debt, the net debt for the year ended 31 December 2018 is presented above on both a reported basis, which includes finance lease liabilities only, 
and on a basis using the IFRS 16 opening lease liability which includes all leases as defined by our IFRS 16 accounting policy. For further information see Note 1.4 to 
the Financial Statements.

On 24 October 2019 the Group completed the refinancing of the 
debt put in place at the time of the IPO in October 2016. At the point 
of refinancing, the debt outstanding under this legacy agreement 
was $1,587.6 million, consisting of a US dollar and Euro denominated 
Term Loan A Facility that was due to mature in 2021, a US dollar 
denominated Term Loan B Facility which was due to mature in 2023 
and a $200 million revolving credit facility due to expire in October 
2021. These three facilities have been replaced with two five-year 
committed loan facilities totalling $1.5 billion, consisting of 
$900 million of non-amortising debt and $600 million of amortising 
debt, together with a $200 million revolving credit facility expiring in 
October 2024. The new debt facilities are with a smaller group of 
relationship banks and have limited security. The weighted average 
interest rate, excluding fees, is similar to that of our previous debt 
facilities. As part of the refinancing process, the Group utilised 
c.$100 million of available cash to reduce the overall bank debt 
funding requirement. The Group now has the appropriate funding in 
place to deliver on its transformation and pivot to sustainable and 
profitable growth. For further information on our new borrowings 
see Note 19 to the Financial Statements.

As at 31 December 2019, the debt outstanding on the loans was 
$1,486.1 million (2018: $1,620.8 million). The $200 million revolving 
credit facility was undrawn as at 31 December 2019.

The Group ended the year with total interest-bearing liabilities, 
including IFRS 16 lease liabilities, of $1,574.6 million (2018: 
$1,644.5 million, as reported and including finance lease obligations). 
Including the opening lease liability, total interest-bearing liabilities 
was $1,710.3 million as at 31 December 2018. Offsetting cash of 
$385.8 million (2018: $315.6 million) and excluding lease liabilities, 
net debt was $1,100.3 million (2018: $1,305.2 million). This 
amounted to 2.5x adjusted EBITDA (2018: 2.7x adjusted EBITDA). 
At 31 December 2019, the Group was in compliance with all financial 
and non-financial covenants associated with the Group’s 
outstanding debt.

57
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

On 24 October 2019, the Group closed out the interest rate swaps 
that were used to manage interest rate fluctuations on the previous 
funding structure resulting in derecognition of the associated asset. 
The new borrowings comprise $1,050 million and €403 million of 
floating rate debt. The interest rate on this debt is reset quarterly 
at a fixed margin above the inter-bank offered rate (“IBOR”). In order 
to manage potential interest rate volatility on the new funding 
structure, the Group aims to have fixed rate net debt of between 
40% and 60% arising naturally or using derivatives. In accordance 
with this target, on 5 December 2019, the Group entered into US 
dollar interest rate swap agreements with a notional value of 
$275 million. This is in addition to Euro denominated net debt of 
$380.5 million which the Group considers quasi-fixed. For further 
details on derivative financial instruments see Note 21 to the 
Financial Statements. 

Accounting standards
During the year, the Group has applied several changes in accounting 
standards. These were (i) IFRS 16, Leases; (ii) IAS 19, Plan 
Amendments, Curtailments or Settlement (Amendments to IAS 19); 
and (iii) IFRIC 23, Uncertainty over income tax treatments. With the 
exception of IFRS 16, their adoption has not had a material impact on 
our Financial Statements. Further details can be found on pages 144 
to 145.

The Group adopted IFRS 16 on 1 January 2019, which introduced 
changes to lessee accounting by removing the distinction between 
operating and finance leases and required the recognition of a 
right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the commencement for all 
leases. The Group’s operating leases impacted by IFRS 16 principally 
relate to real estate and vehicle leases. 

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Chief Financial Officer’s review
continued

Finance leases existing at the date of adoption continue to be 
treated as finance leases and have been reclassified from 
borrowings to lease liabilities. For operating leases existing at 
the date of the adoption, the Group has applied the modified 
retrospective approach by measuring the right-of-use asset and 
an amount equal to the lease liability and therefore comparative 
information has not been restated.

As a result of adoption, the Group recognised lease liabilities of 
$89.5 million and a right-of-use asset of $86.9 million on 1 January 
2019 (of which finance lease liabilities represented $23.7 million and 
$21.1 million of right-of-use assets). The effect on the Consolidated 
Income Statement for the year was to increase operating profit by 
$1.5 million and to increase finance costs by $2.1 million resulting in 
a small reduction to profit before income taxes of $0.6 million.

In adopting IFRS 16, the Group applied a number of practical 
expedients permitted by the standard. For details on the expedients 
applied, discount rates and reconciliations of right-of-use assets and 
lease liabilities see pages 144 to 145. 

Deferred taxation
As a result of the Swiss tax reform which was substantively enacted 
on 4 October 2019 and is effective on 31 December 2019, ConvaTec 
International Services GmbH is subject to a significant change in its 
effective tax rate. The effective rate will increase over a ten-year 
period to 1 January 2030, however this rate increase is alleviated 
by grandfathering provisions that result in the estimation and 
recognition of a deferred tax asset. The value of the asset of 
$23.0 million at 31 December 2019 has been calculated on a best 
estimate basis using a specific methodology that is permitted under 
Swiss law. Given the future anticipated transformative changes in 
the business, there is estimation uncertainty in the calculation of the 
deferred tax position. This will remain subject to review as a key 
source of estimation uncertainty in Note 1.3. For further details on 
deferred taxation, see Note 5 to the Financial Statements.

Brexit
Following the results of the UK referendum in 2016 and the UK officially 
leaving the EU on 31 January 2020, uncertainty still remains on the 
UK’s trading position with Europe and impact on the regulatory 
environment. In order to monitor the potential outcomes and 
associated risks to the business from ongoing Brexit negotiations, 
we have maintained a programme of continuous review through our 
multi-disciplinary Brexit Steering Committee. Together with external 
advisers, this committee has reviewed possible issues that may arise 
as a result of leaving the EU including customs, people, regulatory 
and supply chain together with their mitigations under various Brexit 
scenarios. Management considers there will be no material financial 
effect on our business or significant operational issues which could arise 
as a result of Brexit and we continue to work with the Department 
of Health on contingency planning, including continuous monitoring 
of inventory levels, adjusting where required, and registration for 
dedicated medical device shipping lanes. As a result, we have 
concluded that Brexit is not a key source of estimation uncertainty. 
We will continue to monitor and review the evolving situation.

Business services transformation
We have made progress in a number of key areas across our finance 
function. As part of the ongoing business services transformation, 
we have redesigned end-to-end processes for our transactional 
finance operations and have begun implementation of technology 
enabling tools that will create the platform for efficient and scalable 
services. We have also announced the consolidation of our finance 
shared service footprint into a single low-cost location in Lisbon, 
which will be co-located with our newly formed IT hub to create the 
foundation for global business services. The transition to this new 
finance model will transform the way that finance services are 
delivered to the business by improving the quality, accuracy, 
timeliness and consistency of financial information. 

COVID-19 (“Coronavirus”)
We are monitoring the effect of Coronavirus on both our direct 
sales in China and on our supply chain. In FY 2019, sales in China 
accounted for less than 1% of our Group revenues. Within supply chain 
we have a small number of component parts and accessories that are 
manufactured by third-parties in affected areas. We have undertaken 
a risk assessment and, assuming that the situation normalises in Q2 
and that the outbreak is contained, management considers that there 
will be no material financial effect on our business in 2020. We will 
continue to monitor this emerging situation.

Outlook and guidance
The fundamentals of the business remain strong. The Group is a 
diversified chronic care business with strong brands and differentiated 
products, holding established market positions in large and 
structurally-growing markets.

In 2020 we expect constant currency revenue growth of 2.0% to 
3.5%. Constant currency adjusted EBIT margin is expected to be 16% 
to 18%, including $50 million of operational spend associated with 
transformation and $18 million of costs related to MDR. In addition, 
under the Transformation Initiative we expect to invest $30 million 
in capital expenditure and $25 million to $30 million in termination 
benefits, which will be treated as adjusting in our non-IFRS financial 
measures, in line with our policy.

We see significant opportunity for sustainable and profitable growth 
ahead of us by becoming more customer-centric and innovation led, 
therefore we are investing more than was previously announced, 
including costs related to the change in operating model. The 
increased investment will deliver a higher level of benefit than 
previously announced.

Overall, we expect the total investment in transformation from 2019 
to 2021 to be between $205 million and $215 million. This consists 
of $140 million to $150 million, of which $35 million to $40 million 
will be excluded from adjusted EBIT, given its nature, and between 
$60 million to $65 million of investment in capital expenditure.

Frank Schulkes
Chief Financial Officer
27 February 2020

58
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Financial review 

The commentary in the Chief Financial Officer’s review and this Financial review includes discussion of reported and alternative performance 
measures. Management uses alternative performance measures as a meaningful supplement to reported measures. These measures are 
disclosed in accordance with the ESMA guidelines and are explained and reconciled to the most directly comparable measure prepared in 
accordance with IFRS on pages 182 to 187. Further detail on the Group’s financial performance, measured in accordance with IFRS, is set out 
in the Financial Statements and Notes thereto on pages 138 to 181.

In addition, the discussion below (and in the Chief Financial Officer’s review) includes commentary on revenue on both a constant currency 
basis and an organic basis. Constant currency removes the effect of fluctuations in exchange rates. Organic removes the effect of 
fluctuations in exchange rates and the impact of acquisitions and disposals in the year and prior year. Both measures enable the Group to 
focus on the underlying revenue performance. Constant currency information is calculated by applying the applicable prior period average 
exchange rates to the Group’s revenue performance in the respective period. Revenue growth on a constant currency basis and an organic 
basis are non-IFRS financial measures and should not be viewed as replacements of IFRS reported revenue. 

Results of operations
The following table sets forth the Group’s revenue and expense items from continuing operations for each of the last two years:

Revenue
Cost of goods sold
Gross profit
Gross margin %
Selling and distribution expenses
General and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Other operating expenses
Operating profit
Operating margin %
Finance costs
Non-operating expense, net
Profit before income taxes
Income tax (expense)/benefit
Net profit
Net profit %
Basic and diluted earnings per share ($ per share)
Dividend per share (cents)

Reported 
2019
$m
1,827.2
(871.6)
955.6
52.3%
(433.0)
(266.4)
(53.8)
(105.5)
96.9
5.3%
(73.6)
(4.4)
18.9
(9.1)
9.8
0.5%
0.00
5.7

Reported
2018
$m
1,832.1
(858.3)
973.8
53.2%
(418.0)
(238.2)
(49.9)
—
267.7
14.6%
(65.2)
(1.3)
201.2
20.4
221.6
12.1%
0.11
5.7

Adjusted1
2019
$m
1,827.2
(749.0)
1,078.2
59.0%
(431.3)
(238.5)
(53.8)
(0.3)
354.3
19.4%
(73.6)
(4.4)
276.3
(44.3)
232.0
12.7%
0.12

Adjusted1
2018
$m
1,832.1
(729.9)
1,102.2
60.2%
(415.3)
(208.3)
(49.2)
—
429.4
23.4%
(65.2)
(3.2)
361.0
(56.5)
304.5
16.6%
0.16

1.   These non-IFRS financial measures are explained and reconciled to the most directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with IFRS on 

pages 182 to 187.

Revenue
Reported revenue decreased 0.3% to $1,827.2 million for the year from $1,832.1 million in the prior year, reflecting unfavourable foreign 
exchange movements of $48.6 million offset by improved franchise performance and the contribution from acquisitions. On a constant 
exchange rate basis revenue increased 2.4%, including a net $1.4 million contribution from the 2018 acquisition of J&R Medical and Symbius 
divestment, and current year acquisition of Southlake Medical Supplies. Organic revenue growth for the year ended 31 December 2019 was 
2.3% reflecting year-on-year growth across all franchises.

Revenue by franchise
The following table summarises the Group’s revenue by franchise for each of the last two years and the percentage change on a reported 
and organic basis, indicating the impact of constant exchange rate movements and acquisitions:

2019
$m
569.9
525.0
456.7
275.6
1,827.2

2018
$m
587.5
533.3
443.0
268.3
1,832.1

Reported 
growth
%
(3.0)%
(1.6)%
3.1%
2.7%
(0.3)%

Organic 
revenue
$m
590.3
543.8
461.0
279.3
1,874.4

Organic 
growth
%
0.5%
1.9%
4.1%
4.1%
2.3%

AWC
Ostomy Care
CCC
Infusion Care
Total

M&A

Exchange rates

$m
—
0.1
1.3
—
1.4

%
—%
—%
0.3%
—%
0.1%

$m
(20.4)
(18.9)
(5.6)
(3.7)
(48.6)

%
(3.5)%
(3.5)%
(1.3)%
(1.4)%
(2.7)%

59
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Financial review 
continued

AWC 
Our AWC franchise delivered organic revenue growth of 0.5% in 2019. Underlying growth in our AQUACEL™ Ag+/Advantage silver products 
was impacted by moving to a more specialised salesforce in the franchise’s US business and further offset by continued decline in our legacy 
products, as presented in more detail on page 48. Reported revenue of $569.9 million in 2019 fell 3.0% compared to 2018, the difference 
driven from the year’s unfavourable foreign exchange movements.

Ostomy Care
The Ostomy Care franchise returned improved levels of growth across several markets with organic revenue growth at 1.9%. Reported 
revenue of $525.0 million fell by 1.6%, primarily from the impact of foreign exchange. A full discussion on the performance of the Ostomy 
Care franchise is presented on page 50.

CCC 
Organic revenue growth of 4.1% reflected consistent year-on-year growth, principally driven from our HSG business. Reported revenue 
increased 3.1% to $456.7 million in the year. A net contribution of $1.3 million ($43.5 million in 2018) was realised from the acquisitions of 
J&R Medical (acquired on 1 March 2018), net of the Symbius divestment and Southlake Medical Supplies (acquired on 1 October 2019). 
Further CCC franchise performance details are presented on page 52.

Infusion Care
Our Infusion Care franchise returned an organic revenue growth of 4.1% and a reported revenue increase of 2.7% to $275.6 million, 
reflecting the normalisation of the unexpected ordering patterns of our largest customer in the last quarter of 2018 and the continued 
growth of MiniMed™ Mio™ Advance with our partner, Medtronic. A more detailed analysis of performance for Infusion Care is presented 
on page 54.

Cost of goods sold and gross profit
Reported
Reported cost of goods sold increased by 1.5% to $871.6 million (2018: $858.3 million). The increase was a result of negative mix and pricing 
pressures offset by favourable foreign exchange gains.

Reported gross profit decreased by $18.2 million to $955.6 million (2018: $973.8 million) and gross profit margin decreased to 52.3% 
(2018: 53.2%) reflecting net unfavourable foreign exchange of $33.0 million, and offset by a net $14.8 million increase from sales growth 
across the franchises net of changes in mix and pricing.

Adjusted
Adjusted cost of goods sold for the year ended 31 December 2019 was $749.0 million (2018: $729.9 million), a 2.6% increase.

Adjusted gross profit decreased by $24.0 million to $1,078.2 million (2018: $1,102.2 million) with the respective gross profit margin 
decreasing to 59.0% from 60.2%. The changes are consistent with the drivers of the reported reduction.

Operating costs and expenses
The following is a summary of operating costs and expenses for the year ended 31 December 2019 and 2018, and the cost in each category 
is compared with the total revenue in the respective period:

Reported 
2019
$m
433.0
23.7%
266.4
14.6%
53.8
2.9%
105.5
5.8%
858.7
47.0%

Reported
2018
$m
418.0
22.8%
238.2
13.0%
49.9
2.7%
—
—%
706.1
38.5%

Adjusted
2019
$m
431.3
23.6%
238.5
13.1%
53.8
2.9%
0.3
—%
723.9
39.6%

Adjusted
2018
$m
415.3
22.7%
208.3
11.4%
49.2
2.7%
—
—%
672.8
36.7%

Category1
Selling and distribution
% revenue
General and administration
% revenue
Research and development
% revenue
Other operating expenses
% revenue
Total operating costs
% revenue

1.  Percentages may not sum due to rounding.

60
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Reported
Selling and distribution expenses
On a reported basis, selling and distribution expenses increased $15.0 million to $433.0 million (2018: $418.0 million). This increase was 
driven by the continued strengthening of our commercial resources, primarily in the US AWC franchise and across EMEA.

General and administrative expenses
Reported general and administrative expenses increased $28.2 million to $266.4 million (2018: $238.2 million). The increase reflects 
the costs incurred in the implementation of the Transformation Initiative and increases in employee incentives, including stock compensation 
costs resulting from the CEO buy-out.

Research and development expenses (“R&D”)
Reported R&D expenses increased $3.9 million to $53.8 million (2018: $49.9 million). The principal increase in spend in the year included 
compliance costs incurred in relation to the implementation of MDR of $5.2 million.

Other operating expenses
As part of the Transformation Initiative a product portfolio review has been undertaken which has resulted in the identification of impairment 
triggers in relation to a number of the Group’s intangible assets resulting in $105.5 million impairment of certain intangible assets. 

Adjusted
Selling and distribution expenses
Adjusted selling and distribution expenses increased $16.0 million or 3.9% to $431.3 million. The increase is a result of investment 
in commercial resources as outlined in reported.

General and administrative expenses
Adjusted general and administrative expenses increased $30.2 million or 14.5% to $238.5 million. The increase, as discussed in reported, 
relates to increases in employee incentives and the Group’s Transformation Initiative.

R&D
Adjusted R&D expenses increased $4.6 million or 9.3% to $53.8 million. The increase is in line with reported R&D, resulting from compliance 
costs incurred in relation to MDR.

Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses includes $0.3 million relating to the impairment of certain intangible assets as outlined above. Further details 
on adjusting items are outlined on pages 182 to 187.

Operating profit
Reported
On a reported basis, operating profit was $96.9 million, a decrease of $170.8 million (2018: $267.7 million) reflecting primarily the 
impairment of certain intangible assets of $105.5 million, operating cost increases of $69.1 million resulting from Transformation Initiative 
costs including MDR, employee incentives and net negative foreign exchange movements of $11.0 million offset by the $14.8 million increase 
in gross margin.

Adjusted
Adjusted operating profit was $354.3 million, a decrease of $75.1 million (2018: $429.4 million). The movement reflects the cost of the 
Transformation Initiative ($39.4 million), MDR costs ($5.2 million) and negative foreign exchange movements, as previously discussed, but 
excludes $105.2 million of impairment charges on certain intangible assets.

Finance and non-operating expenses
The table below presents a summary of finance and non-operating expense, net, on a reported and adjusted basis.

Finance costs
Non-operating expense, net
Total

Reported 
2019
$m
(73.6)
(4.4)
(78.0)

Reported
2018
$m
(65.2)
(1.3)
(66.5)

Adjusted
2019
$m
(73.6)
(4.4)
(78.0)

Adjusted
2018
$m
(65.2)
(3.2)
(68.4)

61
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Financial review 
continued

Finance costs
Finance costs consist of interest costs on bank and other finance debt, non-utilisation of finance facility fees and the interest cost on 
derivative financial instruments.

Finance costs increased $8.4 million, or 12.9%, to $73.6 million (2018: $65.2 million). The increase primarily results from $11.2 million of 
deferred financing fees recognised upon early termination of the Group’s previous credit agreement (further details can be found in Note 19 
– Borrowings) and $1.8 million increase in interest on leases predominantly upon the adoption of IFRS 16, Leases, offset by a $4.6 million net 
reduction in interest charges and increased interest income recognised.

The are no adjusted measures reported in finance costs.

Taxation 

Profit before taxation
Income tax (expense)/benefit
Effective tax rate

Reported income tax (expense)/benefit
Tax effect of adjustments1
Other discrete tax items2
Adjusted income tax expense

Reported 
2019
$m
18.9
(9.1)
48.1%

Reported
2018
$m
201.2
20.4
(10.1)%

Adjusted
2019
$m
276.3
(44.3)
16.0%

2019
$m
(9.1)
(12.2)
(23.0)
(44.3)

Adjusted
2018
$m
361.0
(56.5)
15.7%

2018
$m
20.4
(11.2)
(65.7)
(56.5)

1.  The tax effects of the adjustments relating to non-IFRS financial measures are explained and reconciled on pages 182 to 187.
2.   In 2019, other discrete items include the recognition of a deferred tax asset, $23.0 million, in respect of the Swiss tax reform. In 2018 tax benefits of $30.4 million 

arose from the reassessment of deferred tax liabilities in respect of unremitted earnings and $35.0 million recognition of additional deferred tax assets resulting from 
the US tax reform in December 2017. Refer to Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, pages 150 to 153, for further information.

The reported tax expense for 2019 was $9.1 million (2018: tax benefit of $20.4 million) and the adjusted tax expense was $44.3 million 
(2018: $56.5 million), representing an increase in the effective tax rate to 16.0% (2018: 15.7%) on adjusted profit before taxation. Further 
details on the reported tax expense are contained in Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Reported
The Group’s tax expense of $9.1 million (2018: $20.4 million benefit) is based on tax rates applicable in various jurisdictions across the world 
in which the Group operates. The tax expense in 2019 has been influenced by a deferred tax benefit of $23.0 million arising from the Swiss 
tax reform, $17.7 million relating to tax losses where no deferred tax asset has been recognised and a tax expense of $24.6 million relating to 
the impairment of certain intangible assets in the Group where no tax relief for the costs has been taken (refer to Note 8.1 of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements).

In 2018, there were two discrete tax items totalling $65.7 million. These principally related to a deferred tax benefit of $35.0 million in the US 
following the enactment of the US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on 22 December 2017, and released deferred tax liabilities of $30.4 million in 
respect of unremitted earnings related to the Dominican Republic.

Adjusted
The adjusted income tax expense for 2019 was $44.3 million (2018: $56.5 million), reflecting a 0.3% increase in the adjusted effective tax 
rate to 16.0% (2018: 15.7%). The adjusted income tax expense of $44.3 million excludes the deferred tax benefit of $23.0 million (as noted 
above) and a tax benefit of $12.2 million (2018: $11.2 million) pertaining to the tax effect of amortisation on pre-2018 intangible assets, the 
cost of termination benefits relating to specific Group-wide initiatives and certain components of the CEO buy-out costs.

62
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Net profit
Reported
Reported net profit for 2019 was $9.8 million (2018: $221.6 million), a decrease of $211.8 million, reflecting a decrease of $182.3 million in 
reported profit before taxation (see above for explanation) and the $29.5 million increase in the reported tax charge for the year, principally 
driven by discrete tax adjustments including the effect of the Swiss tax reform in 2019 ($23.0 million) and the US tax reform and changes in 
unremitted earnings in 2018.

Adjusted
Adjusted net profit decreased $72.5 million, to $232.0 million in 2019. The decrease primarily reflects the effects of foreign exchange, 
headwinds in gross margin and the planned increase in operating costs arising from the Group’s Transformation Initiative.

Foreign exchange
The following table summarises the exchange rates used for the translation of currencies into US dollars that have the most significant 
impact on the Group results:

Currency
EUR/USD

GBP/USD

DKK/USD

Average rate/
Closing rate
Average
Closing
Average
Closing
Average
Closing

Financial position
Selected measures of financial position
The following table presents a summary of the Group’s financial position at 31 December:

At 31 December
Intangible assets and goodwill
Other non-current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Current assets excluding cash and cash equivalents
Total assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total equity
Net equity and liabilities

2019
$m
2,166.9
474.6
385.8
582.5
3,609.8
(397.3)
(1,651.5)
(1,561.0)
(3,609.8)

2018
$m
2,377.5
379.7
315.6
587.6
3,660.4
(330.9)
(1,712.3)
(1,617.2)
(3,660.4)

2019
1.12
1.12
1.28
1.33
0.15
0.15

Change
$m
(210.6)
94.9
70.2
(5.1)
(50.6)
(66.4)
60.8
56.2
50.6

2018
1.18
1.15
1.34
1.28
0.16
0.15

Change
%
(8.9)%
25.0%
22.2%
(0.9)%
(1.4)%
20.1%
(3.6)%
(3.5)%
(1.4)%

Intangible assets and goodwill
Intangible assets and goodwill reduced by $210.6 million to $2,166.9 million (2018: $2,377.5 million). This reflects decreases arising from 
the in-year amortisation of intangible assets of $151.9 million and impairment charges of $105.5 million, realised as a result of the Group’s 
Transformation Initiative. This was partially offset by increases relating to the acquisition of intangible assets and goodwill in relation to 
Southlake Medical Supplies of $12.3 million, the net effect of foreign exchange of $21.2 million and other additions of $13.3 million. Other 
additions include the investment in technology-enabling tools and platforms which supports the business services transformation.

Other non-current assets
Other non-current assets, including property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, deferred tax assets, restricted cash, pension and 
other assets increased by $94.9 million to $474.6 million (2018: $379.7 million). This reflects a $75.4 million increase in the value of property, 
plant and equipment and right-of-use assets, of which $65.8 million was recognised upon adoption of IFRS 16 on 1 January 2019. The 
residual increase of $9.6 million is principally due to our ongoing investment in our manufacturing lines. Deferred tax assets increased by 
$32.1 million to $55.0 million, as a result of the $23.0 million asset recognised in respect of the Swiss tax reform. Interest rate swaps decreased 
by $10.3 million following the close out of the previous agreements as part of the refinancing and subsequent replacement with a new 
US dollar interest rate swap agreement on 5 December 2019.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 2019 was $385.8 million (2018: $315.6 million). Further details are presented in Sources and 
uses of cash on page 65.

63
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Financial review 
continued

Current assets excluding cash and cash equivalents
Current assets excluding cash and cash equivalents decreased by $5.1 million to $582.5 million (2018: $587.6 million). The decrease is 
driven by a reduction in inventory levels of $21.5 million as a result of a coordinated rationalisation of inventory across the Group and the 
normalisation of 2018 year-end inventory levels following working capital changes at a key supplier. This was offset by a $16.4 million 
increase in trade and other receivables, primarily driven by sales phasing.

Liabilities
The Group adopted IFRS 16 on 1 January 2019, which introduced changes to lessee accounting by removing the distinction between 
operating and finance leases and required the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the commencement for all leases.

To more readily understand the year-on-year movement the table below outlines the effects on movements in current and non-current 
liabilities in relation to IFRS 16. The table presents 31 December 2018 on a reported basis and including the impact of the IFRS 16 opening 
lease liabilities.

Extract from current liabilities:
Borrowings
Finance leases
Borrowings – as reported
ROU lease liabilities – current
Current lease liabilities

Extract from non-current liabilities:
Borrowings
Finance leases
Borrowings – as reported
ROU lease liabilities – non-current
Non-current lease liabilities

Total lease liabilities

Reported 
2019
$m

Reported 
2018
$m

Applying 
IFRS 16 
opening lease 
liabilities 
2018
$m

40.8
—
40.8
18.4
18.4

1,445.3
—
1,445.3
70.1
70.1

62.0
1.0
63.0
—
1.0

1,558.8
22.7
1,581.5
—
22.7

88.5

23.7

62.0

15.8
15.8

1,558.8

73.7
73.7

89.5

Current liabilities
Current liabilities increased by $66.4 million to $397.3 million (2018: $330.9 million), reflecting trade and other payables increasing by 
$67.8 million, principally driven from changes in accruals relating to interest payment terms on the new credit facility, increases in the accrual 
for employee incentives and lease liabilities recognised as at 31 December 2019 of $18.4 million following adoption of IFRS 16, offset by 
a reduction in current borrowings of $21.2 million as a result of the refinancing.

Non-current liabilities
Non-current liabilities have reduced by $60.8 million to $1,651.5 million (2018: $1,712.3 million). This principally reflects a reduction in 
non-current borrowings of $113.5 million after the refinancing and includes a change in scheduled loan repayments. The reduction was offset 
by an increase in deferred tax liabilities of $0.7 million and the additional non-current lease liabilities recognised upon adoption of IFRS 16 of 
$51.0 million.

Equity and capital maintenance
Total equity has decreased by $56.2 million to $1,561.0 million (2018: $1,617.2 million). As disclosed on page 63, this is primarily a result of 
the reported net profit for the year of $9.8 million, foreign currency translation gains of $25.1 million arising from the retranslation of Euro, 
Sterling and Danish Krone balances into US dollars being offset by dividends paid of $79.9 million, pension revaluation of $4.1 million and fair 
value adjustments on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $7.5 million.

The capacity of the Group to make dividend payments is derived from distributable reserves of the parent company (“the Company”), 
primarily arising from dividends received from subsidiary companies. The distributable reserves of the Company at 31 December 2019 are 
$1,528.5 million (2018: $1,574.7 million).

As discussed in the Chairman’s letter, the Group’s dividend policy is to target a pay-out ratio of between 35% and 45% of adjusted net profit.

In selecting the dividend policy, the Board considered the following key factors:
 – Strategic objectives.
 – Capital management.
 – The Group’s various stakeholders (for further information see the s172 statement on page 84).
 – Review of our comparator peer group.

64
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

The Board reviews the appropriateness of the policy when considering dividend payments and in determining a proposed dividend the 
Board considers the following key factors:
 – Availability of distributable reserves in the parent company and distributable resources available in subsidiary entities.
 – Existing and forecast readily available cash.
 – Assessment of Group viability and risk appetite.
 – Dividend cover (2019: 3.8x; 2018: 3.5x), defined on page 207.
 – Leverage based on the ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA (2019: 2.5x; 2018: 2.7x).
 – Alignment with strategic objectives.

In addition to the interim dividend of 1.717 cents per share, which was declared on 1 August 2019, the Board has proposed a final dividend 
of 3.983 cents per share to maintain our total dividend for 2019 at 5.700 cents per share, in line with the total dividend for 2018. This 
represents a pay-out ratio, when compared to adjusted net profit for 2019 of 49%. This is slightly ahead of our stated pay-out policy of 35% 
to 45% but is a reflection of the Board’s confidence in the future performance of the Group and its underlying financial strength, realised 
distributable reserves position and cash generation.

Sources and uses of cash
Cash flows
The following table displays cash flow information for each of the last two years:

Net cash generated from operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

2019
$m
401.8
(72.8)
(252.5)
76.5
315.6
(6.3)
385.8

2018
$m
352.0
(80.9)
(229.4)
41.7
289.3
(15.4)
315.6

At 31 December 2019, the Group’s cash and cash equivalents were $385.8 million (2018: $315.6 million). Additionally, at 31 December 2019, 
the Group’s revolving credit facility of $200.0 million was undrawn and available (2018: $193.8 million). Restricted cash was $3.6 million 
(2018: $4.4 million).

Net cash generated from operating activities was $401.8 million and $352.0 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase of 
$49.8 million primarily reflects a decrease in working capital of $51.6 million (2018: increase of $23.2 million), offset by a net decrease 
in EBITDA of $39.3 million after non-cash items are added back.

The increase in cash and cash equivalents of $70.2 million is primarily driven from increased cash generated from operating activities of 
$49.8 million, a decrease in PP&E of $10.7 million and a reduction in realised foreign exchange movements of $9.1 million. During 2019, 
the Group utilised c.$100 million cash to reduce its net borrowings in the refinancing of the credit facility, which is comparable to the 2018 
voluntary prepayment of $95.0 million on the previous Euro Term Loan A and $2.4 million of mandatory prepayments.

The following table summarises the components of net cash generated from operating activities for each of the last two years:

EBITDA1
Cash interest payments
Cash tax payment
Other payments
Non-cash items
Working capital decrease/(increase)
Net cash generated from operating activities

Reported 
2019
$m
421.0
(48.0)
(37.0)

14.2
51.6
401.8

Reported
2018
$m
457.7
(61.3)
(35.8)

14.6
(23.2)
352.0

Adjusted
2019
$m
443.1
(48.0)
(37.0)
(8.4)
—
52.1
401.8

Adjusted
2018
$m
482.4
(61.3)
(35.8)
(11.6)
2.9
(24.6)
352.0

1.  EBITDA is explained and reconciled to the most directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with IFRS in the cash conversion table on page 187.

65
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Financial review 
continued

Sources of cash
The Group’s primary source of liquidity is cash flow generated from operations. We operate in the chronic care market for which the nature 
of the Group’s product offerings has resulted in consistent and strong recurring cash inflows.

Cash generated from operations

22.8%

$384.5m

23.8%

$420.0m

24.5%

$449.1m

26.6%

$486.8m

2016

2017

2018

2019

 Cash generated from operations ($m)

 Net cash generated from operating activities/Revenue (%)

Our products are sold through a variety of routes to pharmacies, hospitals and other acute and post-acute healthcare service providers 
directly or through distributors and wholesalers. Products are also sold directly to end customers through the Group’s home delivery and 
home services entities. Infusion Care primarily serves business-to-business customers. We own and operate nine manufacturing plants, 
and we also work with third-party contractors who manufacture on our behalf.

Cash conversion
Cash conversion is a measure we use to ensure we derive value from our operations and supports our decision making for potential future 
investments.

Our reported cash conversion was 101.0% (2018: 82.4%), which reflects our focus on reducing inventory levels during the year, increases in 
accruals including employee incentives, reclassification of interest payments on lease liabilities upon adoption of IFRS 16 and reduced capital 
spend resulting from phasing on certain projects.

Adjusted cash conversion was 97.9% (2018: 80.6%) in line with adjusted EBITDA. 

EBITDA
Add: non-cash items
Working capital
PP&E
Cash generated from operations, net of PP&E
Cash conversion

Reported 
2019
$m
421.0
14.2
51.6
(61.4)
425.4
101.0%

Reported
2018
$m
457.7
14.6
(23.2)
(72.1)
377.0
82.4%

Adjusted1
2019
$m
443.1
—
52.1
(61.4)
433.8
97.9%

Adjusted1
2018
$m
482.4
2.9
(24.6)
(72.1)
388.6
80.6%

1.   Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted working capital and adjusted non-cash items are explained and reconciled to the most directly comparable financial measure prepared 

in accordance with IFRS in the cash conversion table on page 187.

Cash generated from operations, net of PP&E
Tax paid
Free cash flow

Reported 
2019
$m
425.4
(37.0)
388.4

Reported
2018
$m
377.0
(35.8)
341.2

Adjusted
2019
$m
433.8
(37.0)
396.8

Adjusted
2018
$m
388.6
(35.8)
352.8

66
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Uses of cash
The Group ensures that all entities within the Group have sufficient funding to deliver the Group’s strategy while maximising the return 
to shareholders through the debt and equity balance. The following chart represents the Group’s primary uses of cash.

Significant cash outflows ($m)

2019

2018

 Debt servicing

 Dividend paid

 Acquisition of PP&E, capitalised 
 software and development

2019: $206.6m

2018: $215.8m

2019: $79.9m

2018: $74.9m

2019: $61.4m

2018: $72.1m

 Tax paid

2019: $37.0m

2018: $35.8m

 Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

2019: $12.3m

2018: $14.4m

 Purchase of own shares

2019: $14.0m

2018: $nil

Cash flows from debt servicing includes net repayments on borrowings of $137.7 million (2018: $153.7 million), lease payments 
recognised upon the adoption of IFRS 16 of $20.9 million (2018: finance leases, $0.8 million), and net interest payments of $48.0 million 
(2018: $61.3 million). The reduction in net cash on borrowings and interest reflects the timing of loan and interest repayments under the 
new credit agreement.

The Group’s strategic investments in the year included Southlake Medical Supplies, a Texas-based independent provider of catheter-related 
supplies, whose trade and assets were acquired on 1 October 2019 for cash consideration of $12.3 million in comparison to the acquisition of 
J&R Medical in 2018 for $14.4 million.

Investments in PP&E decreased by $10.7 million to $61.4 million (2018: $72.1 million) resulting from phasing on certain projects, partially 
offset by proceeds from the sale of PP&E in 2018 (the Group’s manufacturing plant in Greensboro was sold).

The Employee Benefit Trust purchased shares of $14.0 million to satisfy anticipated future obligations under the Group’s employee share 
ownership programmes.

The Strategic report was approved by the Board of Directors on 27 February 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

Karim Bitar
Chief Executive Officer

Frank Schulkes
Chief Financial Officer

67
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Governance report at a glance

Chairman’s governance letter
The Chairman’s overview of governance 
developments during the year. 
Pages 69 and 70

Board of Directors
Pages 76 and 77

Board leadership and company purpose
Pages 78 to 85

Division of responsibilities
Pages 86 and 87 

Composition, succession and evaluation
Pages 88 to 91

Directors’ Remuneration report
Letter from the Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee 
Pages 112 to 114

Our remuneration at a glance 
Pages 115 and 116

Our Remuneration Policy 
Pages 117 to 123

Annual Report on Remuneration 
Pages 124 to 131

Governance in action
How the Board’s governance role supports 
delivery of the Group’s strategy. 
Page 71 

Nomination Committee report
Pages 92 to 94

Directors’ report 
Pages 132 to 135

Board statements
The statements the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018 (the “Code”) 
requires the Board to make. 
Page 72

Audit and Risk Committee report
Pages 95 to 109

Directors’ responsibilities statement 
Page 136

How we have applied the Code’s 
core principles
Pages 73 to 75

Corporate Responsibility (“CR”) 
Committee report 
Pages 110 and 111

68
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Chairman’s governance letter

Dr John McAdam
Chairman

Dear Shareholder
This is my first ConvaTec governance report since my appointment 
in September 2019. It covers key 2019 developments, how our 
governance framework has operated to support the Group’s 
strategy and our plans to further enhance our governance processes 
in the coming year.

Board and leadership changes
2019 was a year of significant change. Sir Christopher Gent made 
the decision to retire from the Board following the 2019 Annual 
General Meeting (the “2019 AGM”), and a Special Nomination 
Committee (the “SNC”) was established to identify a new Chair. 
Information about the SNC and its process, which concluded with 
my appointment on 30 September 2019, is set out on page 93. 

Following an extensive global search process, on 25 March 2019 
we announced the appointment of Karim Bitar as Chief Executive 
Officer. Karim, who also joined the Group on 30 September 2019, 
is an experienced leader with a proven track record of creating 
shareholder value and delivering transformational change within 
similar businesses. 

At the end of September 2019, having served as our Interim Chief 
Executive Officer since October 2018, and then as our Executive 
Chairman since May 2019, Rick Anderson resumed his role as a 
Non-Executive Director. Once again, I would like to acknowledge and 
thank Rick for stepping forward to lead the Group in his executive 
role during its transition to a new leadership team. As highlighted in 
my letter on page 4, he has set the Group on an important and new 
trajectory of execution and change and established a critical and 
valuable base which we are building on. 

Steve Holliday and Jesper Ovesen stepped down from the Board in 
March 2019 and June 2019 respectively. Following these departures 
Margaret Ewing was appointed our Senior Independent Director and 
the roles and composition of our Board committees changed. The 
changes in the make-up of our committees are explained in the 
relevant committee reports on pages 92, 95, 110 and 112.

Sir Christopher, Steve and Jesper had been members of the Board 
since the IPO over three years ago and, on behalf of the Board, 
I would like to thank them for their significant contribution during 
that period.

The Code
The updated Code1 took effect from 1 January 2019 and during the 
year we have complied with its provisions other than:
 – Division of responsibilities – provision 9 – separation of chairman 

and chief executive roles. Following Sir Christopher Gent’s 
departure, Rick Anderson served as Executive Chairman from 
9 May 2019 on an interim basis until Karim Bitar and I joined the 
Group on 30 September 2019.

 – Division of responsibilities – provision 11 – at least half the board, 

excluding the chair, should be independent non-executive 
directors. Until June 2019 we were compliant with this provision. 
However, in the period from Jesper Ovesen stepping down at the 
end of June 2019 to the end of the year, our Board included only 
three independent Non-Executive Directors. As explained on page 
86, this non-compliance has been addressed from 1 January 
2020 by the Board determining that Rick Anderson should be 
independent from that date. It will be further supplemented by the 
appointment of Brian May (see page 94), who will join our Board 
as an independent Non-Executive Director on 2 March 2020. 
Our search for an additional independent Non-Executive Director 
is ongoing.

 – Division of responsibilities – provision 12 – led by the senior 

independent director, the non-executive directors should meet 
without the chair present at least annually to appraise the chair’s 
performance. Due to the various changes occurring during the 
year, and because I have only been in the role for a short period of 
time, it was not deemed appropriate to undertake a formal annual 
appraisal of the chair’s performance during 2019. However, the 
Senior Independent Director did gather informal initial feedback 
from members of the Board and discussed this with me.

We explain how we have applied the Code’s core principles on pages 
73 to 75. These core principles also serve as a framework for the 
following sections of this Annual Report which explain our governance 
structure and the processes we operate to support the Group’s 
long-term success. 

Vision, values and culture
As explained on page 4, following an employee consultation process 
we now have a clear vision statement which encapsulates our 
purpose and ambition and a set of values that reflect the culture 
we aspire to embed throughout the Group. 

1.   A copy of the 2018 Code is available from the Financial Reporting Council’s 

website.

69
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Chairman’s governance letter 
continued

People
The Board is committed to achieving diversity and inclusion across 
the Group. We are pleased to report that as at 31 December 2019, 
the proportion of women on our Board was 38% which exceeded 
our target of at least 30%. As the composition of our Board evolves, 
we will continue to monitor this proportion whilst at the same time 
ensuring that we have an appropriately diverse Board in terms of 
experience, skills, personal attributes, age and ethnicity. 

We also set ourselves an objective of having 30% of senior 
management roles held by female executives by the end of 2020. 
However our progress towards achieving this objective has been 
slow and action is being taken to address this. The Board and the 
Nomination Committee will continue to review and monitor the 
Group’s diversity profile and the implementation of its diversity and 
inclusion strategy.

Sustainability and climate change
In recent years we have laid strong foundations to ensure we 
operate in a responsible and sustainable way. Recognising that 
sustainability underpins the success of our business and impacts all 
our stakeholders, as explained on page 5, we are strengthening the 
way we manage and oversee our CR programme. 

We acknowledge the importance stakeholders place on climate 
change. Our approach is based on assessing and minimising the 
environmental impact of our own operations, products and services 
and the impact of climate-related events on our business. Further 
information about how we minimise the negative impact of our 
operations on the environment, our climate change strategy and our 
approach to climate-related risks is set out on pages 41 to 44 and 
page 26 respectively. 

2020 priorities
The Board’s key priorities for the year ahead are:
 – Overseeing and monitoring the Transformation Initiative.
 – Overseeing and monitoring the implementation of the Group’s 

new operating model which is explained on page 7.

 – Supporting the new CEO in improving the focus on customers, 
innovation and execution excellence and pivoting to sustainable 
and profitable growth for the benefit of all stakeholders. 

Dr John McAdam
Chairman
27 February 2020

As a Board we have an important role to play in assessing and 
monitoring the Group’s culture on an ongoing basis. During the year 
Ros Rivaz and Regina Benjamin led an active employee engagement 
programme and regularly provided updates to the Board about key 
issues arising from their discussions with employees across the 
Group. The Board also spent time considering the feedback from 
the Group’s annual employee survey and the OHI survey, which was 
undertaken to support our Transformation Initiative. As a result of 
the feedback from the Board’s employee engagement programme, 
and both surveys, the Board tasked the CELT with developing an 
action plan based on five key themes which are detailed on page 37. 
The action plan continues to be implemented and regular progress 
reports are provided to the Board. To date, a number of changes 
have been made as a result of the plan including the updating of the 
Group’s vision statement and values which is referred to above.

Stakeholder engagement
The sustainable success of our business is dependent on a wide 
range of stakeholders. The Board and each of the Directors takes 
seriously their duties to consider all stakeholders’ needs and 
concerns in its discussions and decision-making process. 

As a result of our CR programme activities our key stakeholder 
groups are well identified. During the year we have built on this 
foundation and, mindful of our duty under section 172 of the 
Companies Act, we have improved and augmented the mechanisms 
available to the Board to ensure that all Directors have timely and 
effective access to information about our stakeholders’ issues and 
concerns. Information about these mechanisms and how we have 
taken account of stakeholders in our Board discussions and 
decision-making processes is set out on pages 79 and 80. Our 
section 172 statement is on pages 84 and 85.

Governance and Board composition
As highlighted in my letter on page 4, our current governance 
practices are generally effective. However, there are opportunities 
to improve our processes and procedures in a number of areas 
including continuing to improve Board engagement with employees 
and other stakeholders, and further develop the Board’s oversight 
of risk management. Information about the improvements we are 
implementing is included in the governance and committee reports 
that follow this letter.

In response to the findings of the 2018 Board evaluation and 
significant changes to the Board’s membership during 2019, 
considerable time has been spent considering the composition of our 
Board to ensure that we have the right mix of skills and experience 
to fulfil our vision and support the delivery of our strategy. Searches 
for two additional independent Non-Executive Directors were 
commissioned and we were delighted to announce the appointment 
of Brian May with effect from 2 March. Our search for a further 
independent Non-Executive Director is ongoing. Background 
information about Brian and our search process is included on 
page 94.

70
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Governance in action

Strategy and strategic drivers

The Board’s governance role

Developments during the year

Strategy

Focus

Build

Innovate

Execute

Simplify

Good and effective governance

Approves the Company’s strategy and reviews 
subsequent progress. 

 – Approved, in early 2019, “Pivot to Growth”, our 

refreshed execution model, to deliver our 
strategy more effectively.

Approves decisions to support strategic delivery, 
including ensuring that the necessary financial and 
human resources are in place to enable the 
Company to meet its objectives.

 – Approved our Transformation Initiative to 
support our refreshed execution model 
through associated investments and benefits, 
and oversaw its activities. 

 – Approved the acquisition of the trade and 
assets of Southlake Medical Supplies, Inc. 
(“Southlake”), a Texas-based independent 
provider of catheter-related supplies. Southlake 
is now part of our HSG business.

 – Approved commitment of around $150m 

investment for 2019 and the following two-year 
period, as part of the Transformation Initiative.

 – Following the appointment of Karim Bitar, 

reviewed and endorsed the development of our 
strategy to pivot to sustainable and profitable 
growth and our new operating model.

 – Endorsed our new vision and values and new 

operating model.

Promotes highest standards of good governance.

 – Implemented the Code’s new requirements 

including a Board-led employee engagement 
programme.

 – Consulted and engaged with shareholders in 
relation to a disappointing level of support for 
the 2018 Directors’ Remuneration report at 
the AGM in May 2019.

 – Undertook a thorough search for a new Chair.
 – Approved the appointment of a new CEO 

following an extensive global search.

 – Despite the significant change in the Board’s 
membership during 2019, ensured that at all 
times the composition of the Board’s 
committees complied with the Code.

 – Received reports on management’s 

implementation of the requirements of the 
Medical Devices Regulation which aims to 
improve patient safety.

 – Received updates on the Group’s health and 

safety performance and the initiatives in place 
to further improve performance in this area.

 – Reviewed progress against CR targets 

including initiatives that support the Group’s 
climate change strategy.

Responsible business

Ensures that at all times the Group operates 
in a way that will engender trust, benefit all 
stakeholders and contribute to society.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Board statements

ConvaTec is subject to the requirements of 
the Code which requires the Board to make 
a number of statements. These are set out 
in the table below.

Code requirement 

Board statement 

Where further information is available 

Compliance with the Code

Going concern basis

Viability statement

Fair, balanced and understandable

Throughout the financial year ended 
31 December 2019, except for three 
provisions, the Company has been in 
compliance with the Code. 

The Directors are satisfied that the 
Group has sufficient financial resources 
to continue operating in the foreseeable 
future and, therefore, have adopted the 
going concern basis in preparing the 
Group’s 2019 Financial Statements.

The Directors have assessed the viability 
of the Group over a three-year period 
ending 31 December 2022, taking into 
account the principal risks facing the 
Group set out on pages 28 to 33 and 
the robust downside sensitivity analysis 
described on pages 34 and 35. This 
assessment leads the Board to a 
reasonable expectation that the Group 
will remain viable and continue in 
operation and meet its liabilities as they 
become due over the Viability Period 
through to December 2022.

The Directors consider that the Annual 
Report and Accounts, taken as a whole, 
are fair, balanced and understandable 
and provide the necessary information 
for all stakeholders to assess the Group’s 
position and performance and its 
business model and strategy. 

Code non-compliance explanation
Pages 69

Audit and Risk Committee report
Page 105

Principal risks
Pages 28 to 33

Viability statement
Pages 34 and 35

Audit and Risk Committee report
Page 105

Audit and Risk Committee report
Page 97

Assessment of the Group’s 
principal risks

The Directors confirm that they have 
undertaken an assessment of the 
principal risks facing the Group.

Principal risks
Pages 28 to 33

Annual review of risk management 
and internal control systems

The Board undertook a review of the 
Group’s risk management and internal 
control systems and concluded that 
these were effective.

Audit and Risk Committee report
Page 109

Audit and Risk Committee report
Page 99

Stakeholder engagement

The Board has taken steps to understand 
stakeholders’ views and has considered 
them in its discussions and decision-
making process.

Section 172 statement
Pages 84 and 85

72
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

How we have applied the 
Code’s core principles

Principles

Application 

Where further information is available 

Board leadership and purpose

A.  An effective and entrepreneurial 
Board that promotes long-term 
sustainable success that generates 
value for shareholders and 
contributes to society.

The Board discharges its responsibilities 
through a programme of activities that 
include review and approval of the Group’s 
strategy and regular progress reviews of its 
implementation and arising key issues.

Key matters the Board considered 
during 2019
Pages 82 and 83

B.  Establishment of purpose, values 
and strategy and promotion of 
desired culture.

C.  Ensuring resources are in place 
to meet objectives, measuring 
performance and establishing 
controls which assess and 
manage risk. 

D.  Effective stakeholder engagement 

and participation.

The Board has endorsed the Group’s 
refreshed vision statement (which 
encapsulates our purpose and ambition), 
and its values, and reviewed strategy and 
culture to ensure their alignment. 

The Board regularly reviews the Group’s 
financial and non-financial resources to 
ensure that it has the resources available to 
deliver its strategy. The Board has approved 
and regularly reviews a series of KPIs. The 
Board has established an effective risk 
management framework.

To fulfil its duty to promote the Group’s 
long-term success and generate value for 
shareholders and wider society the Board 
has established a number of mechanisms 
to ensure that the Directors consider all 
relevant stakeholder issues and concerns.

Purpose, vision, values and culture
Page 78

The Group’s KPIs
Pages 22 and 23

The Group’s risk management framework
Pages 24 to 27

Stakeholder engagement and 
consideration of issues including section 
172 statement 
Pages 79 and 80
Pages 84 and 85

E.  Ensuring workforce policies and 
practices are consistent with the 
company’s values and support 
long-term sustainable success, and 
that mechanisms are in place to allow 
the workforce to raise concerns.

The Board has ensured that workforce 
policies and practices are consistent with 
the Group’s values and has established 
mechanisms to allow the workforce to 
raise concerns.

Culture and policies
Page 78

Independent whistleblower hotline and 
web link
Page 109

73
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206How we have applied the Code’s core principles
continued

Principles

Application 

Where further information is available 

Division of responsibilities

F.  The Chair’s role.

The Chairman’s role is clearly defined. 

G.  Clear division of responsibilities and 

appropriate combination of executive 
and non-executive roles.

H.  Time commitment, constructive 
challenge and strategic guidance.

I.  Effective and efficient Board.

The Board includes six Non-Executive 
Directors and two Executive Directors. Their 
responsibilities are clearly defined. During 
2019, for part of the year, more than half of 
the members of the Board, excluding the 
Chairman, were not independent. Also, during 
part of the year, the roles and responsibilities 
of the Chairman and CEO were not separated.

All Directors have demonstrated that they 
have sufficient time to fulfil their duties 
and responsibilities. In their roles the 
Non-Executive Directors have provided 
constructive challenge, strategic guidance 
and held management to account. 

All Directors have access to an encrypted 
electronic portal system which enables 
them to receive accurate and timely 
information. They also have access to the 
advice of the Company Secretary and 
independent professional advice at the 
expense of the Group.

Chair’s role
Page 87

Directors’ responsibilities and roles 
Pages 86 and 87

Non-Code compliance explanation
Page 69

Time commitment confirmation
Page 86

How the Non-Executive Directors have 
fulfilled their roles 
Page 78 and pages 82 and 83

Effective and efficient Board
Page 85 and 86

Composition, succession and evaluation

J.  Board appointments and succession. 

Board appointments are made in 
accordance with a formal, rigorous and 
transparent procedure. 

Board appointment procedure
Pages 93 and 94

During the year we undertook rigorous 
processes to appoint a new Chairman and 
CEO. Searches for two new independent 
Non-Executive Directors were commissioned 
and, as explained on page 4, we have appointed 
Brian May as a new independent Non-
Executive Director, with effect from 2 March 
2020. Our search for a further independent 
Non-Executive Director is ongoing. As part 
of these processes a thorough assessment 
of the skills, experience and knowledge of 
the existing Board was undertaken to 
identify skill and experience gaps. 

Our Board members have proven leadership 
capabilities and relevant healthcare, 
operational and financial skills and 
experience.

Directors’ biographical information
Pages 76 and 77

K.  Combination of skills, experience 

and knowledge.

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Principles

Application 

Where further information is available 

Composition, succession and evaluation continued

L.  Annual evaluation.

An externally facilitated evaluation of the 
Board was undertaken in 2018. During 2019 
the Board undertook an internal review of 
its performance and that of its Committees.

Progress report on actions arising from 
2018 Board evaluation 
Pages 89 to 91

Key findings of 2019 Board review
Page 91

Audit, risk and internal control

M.  Independent and effective internal 

and external audit functions.

N.  Fair, balanced and understandable 

assessment.

0.  Risk management and internal 

control systems.

Remuneration

P.  Remuneration policy and practices.

Q.  Development of remuneration policy 

and packages.

R.  Independent judgement and 

discretion.

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The Board has delegated a number of 
responsibilities to the Audit and Risk 
Committee including oversight of the Group’s 
financial reporting processes and ensuring 
the effectiveness and independence of the 
external and internal auditors. 

The Board has established arrangements to 
ensure that reports and other information 
published by the Group are fair, balanced 
and understandable. 

The Board sets the Group’s risk appetite 
and determines the nature and extent of its 
principal risks. Annually the Board reviews 
the effectiveness of the Group’s risk 
management and internal control systems 
and processes. The Audit and Risk 
Committee regularly reviews these systems 
and processes throughout the year.

The Group’s revised Remuneration Policy, 
which will be put to shareholders for 
approval at the 2020 AGM, is designed to 
support our strategy, be aligned to our vision 
and our employee and shareholder interests 
and promote long-term sustainable success. 

Following a formal and transparent 
procedure, the Remuneration Committee 
sets the remuneration for all Executive 
Directors and oversees the remuneration 
of senior management. In doing so it applies 
judgement, and if required, discretion to 
ensure a considered outcome on 
remuneration issues.

Audit and Risk Committee report
Pages 106 to 109

Arrangements to ensure fair, balanced 
and understandable reporting
Page 97

Risk management
Page 85
Pages 108 and 109

Revised Remuneration Policy
Pages 117 to 123

Remuneration Committee report
Pages 112 to 114

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Board of Directors

A diverse Board with proven 
leadership capabilities 
and relevant healthcare, 
operational and financial 
skills and experience.

Karim Bitar 
Chief Executive Officer, 55 

Frank Schulkes
Chief Financial Officer, 58 

Date of appointment
September 2019

Independent
No

Committee memberships
None

Relevant skills and experience:
 – Significant board level and leadership 

experience including the past eight years 
as Chief Executive Officer of Genus plc.
 – Successful business transformation track 

record.

 – Extensive and broad management experience.
 – Relevant sector knowledge and experience 
including 15 years with Eli Lilly where from 
2008 he was President of Europe, Australia 
and Canada.

Current external appointments
Non-Executive Director and member of the 
Remuneration Committee and Nomination 
Committee of Spectris plc.

Date of appointment
November 2017 

Independent
No 

Committee memberships
None

Relevant skills and experience:
 – Previously CFO of Wittur Group, a privately-

held industrial company based in Germany and 
as former Executive Vice President and CFO 
of GE Healthcare (“GE”).

 – Significant global healthcare experience and 
strong financial background across a variety 
of increasingly senior financial roles which 
includes 27 years spent with GE. 

Current external appointments
None.

Dr John McAdam
Chairman, 71  

Margaret Ewing
Senior Independent Director, 64   

Rick Anderson 
Non-Executive Director, 59 

Date of appointment
September 2019

Independent
Yes (on appointment)

Date of appointment
August 2017

Independent
Yes

Date of appointment
October 2016

Independent
Yes – from 1 January 2020 (see page 86)

Committee memberships

Committee memberships

Committee memberships

Relevant skills and experience:
 – Extensive chair and board leadership 

experience including as former Chair of 
Rentokil Plc and United Utilities Group PLC 
and as a Non-Executive Director of a number 
of FTSE 100 and US companies.

 – Extensive experience of leading companies 

undergoing transformation including as Chief 
Executive of ICI plc between 2003 and 2008.

Current external appointments
None.

Relevant skills and experience:
 – Chartered Accountant with significant 

financial experience including as former 
Managing Partner of Deloitte LLP and CFO 
of BAA plc.

 – Extensive audit and risk experience.
 – Strong board experience, having served as a 

Non-Executive Director of Whitbread plc and 
Standard Chartered plc

Current external appointments
Non-Executive Director and Chair of the 
Audit and Risk Committee of ITV Group plc. 
Non-Executive Director and member of the Audit 
and Compliance Committee of International 
Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A. Member of 
the Board of Trustees of Great Ormond Street 
Hospital Children’s Charity. 

Relevant skills and experience:
 – Significant board level and leadership 
experience in both executive and 
non-executive roles.

 – Extensive global healthcare knowledge and 

experience including as former Group 
Chairman of Johnson & Johnson, Worldwide 
Franchise Chairman of Cordis Corporation, 
Vice President of Global Marketing at Racal 
HealthCare and senior roles with Boehringer 
Mannheim Pharmaceuticals and Allergan 
Pharmaceuticals. Former Managing Director 
at PTV Healthcare Capital (“PTV”).

Current external appointments
Chairman of Revival Healthcare Capital and 
Cardiva Medical and Managing Director of PTV’s 
portfolio company Apollo Endosurgery.

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Dr Regina Benjamin
Non-Executive Director, 63 

Dr Ros Rivaz
Non-Executive Director, 64 

Date of appointment
August 2017

Independent
Yes

Date of appointment
June 2017

Independent
Yes 

Committee memberships

Committee memberships

Relevant skills and experience:
 – Extensive healthcare knowledge and 

experience both as a practising physician and 
in senior management roles including as 
former United States Surgeon General (2009 
to 2013), member of the board of the Medical 
Association of Alabama and the first Young 
Physician to be elected to the American 
Medical Association Board of Trustees.

 – In-depth knowledge of the US healthcare system.
 – Holds an endowed chair in Public Health 

Sciences at Xavier University of Louisiana.

Current external appointments
CEO and a practising physician at the Bayou La 
Batre Rural Health Clinic in Alabama, which 
Regina founded in 1990, Non-Executive Director 
of Diplomat Pharmacy Inc., Computer Programs 
and Systems, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals 
and Health Plan, and Ascension Hospital System. 
Director of the American Heart Association and 
International Food Information Council.

Relevant skills and experience:
 – Substantial healthcare knowledge and 

experience as former Chief Operating Officer 
of Smith & Nephew plc.

 – Extensive global operational experience in 

previous senior management positions with 
Smith & Nephew plc, ICI, Tate & Lyle PLC and 
Diageo plc.

 – Board experience in current roles (see below) 
and as former Non-Executive Director of RPC 
Group plc, Rexam plc and Chair of its 
Remuneration Committee, and Non-Executive 
Director of the Government-sponsored “Your 
Life” initiative, which encouraged 14 to 16-year 
olds to pursue qualifications in mathematics 
and physics.

 – Honorary doctorate from Southampton 

University where Ros was also Vice Chair of 
the University’s Council for ten years.

Current external appointments
Non-Executive Director and a member of the 
Remuneration and Nomination Committees of 
Ministry of Defence (Defence and Support 
Board). Senior Independent Director of 
Computacenter plc, Chair of its Remuneration 
Committee and member of its Nomination and 
Audit and Risk Committees.

Sten Scheibye
Non-Executive Director, 68 

Date of appointment
July 2018

Independent
No

Committee memberships
None

Relevant skills and experience:
 – Substantial healthcare knowledge and 

significant operational experience as former 
President and CEO of Coloplast A/S.

 – Board experience including previous roles as 
Chair of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and of 
Novo Holdings A/S.

 – Extensive governance experience including 

as a member of the Danish Corporate 
Governance Committee, also serving as 
the committee’s Chair.

Current external appointments
Chair of Healthcare Denmark, BioInnovation 
Institute, EA/S Knud Højgaards Hus, Hojgaard 
Ejendomme A/S, RMIG – Rich. Müller A/S, The 
Danish Industry Foundation, the Knud Hojgaard 
Foundation and The Rich. Müller Foundation. 
Also, Senior Advisor to Novo Holdings A/S.

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Gender

1.  Female: 38%
2.  Male: 62%

Tenure

1.  < 1 year: 25%
2.  > 1 year: 12%
3.  > 2 years: 63%

Experience

Public

Finance

Healthcare

M&A

Global

1.

1.

2.

2.

3.

100%

75%

75%

88%

88%

Operations

75%

Key to Committee

Audit and Risk Committee 
Corporate Responsibility Committee1 
Nomination Committee 
Remuneration Committee 

Committee Chair 

1 

 To be disbanded with effect from 2 March 2020 – 
see page 5.

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Board leadership and company purpose

An effective and diverse Board
Our Board includes eight Directors who have proven leadership 
capabilities and a range of healthcare, operational and financial skills 
and experience. Relevant biographical information is set out on 
pages 76 and 77. 

Our governance framework 
Our governance framework which includes the Board and the four 
committees it has established, is set out below. As explained on 
page 5, the Corporate Responsibility Committee will be disbanded 
with effect from 2 March 2020.

Matters reserved for the Board and Committees’ terms 
of reference
The Board has a schedule of matters reserved for its approval and 
a formal structure of delegated authority. It has delegated certain 
responsibilities to the Board committees which all operate in accordance 
with Board approved terms of reference. The Board has also delegated 
specified management control to the Executive Directors and the CELT. 

The principal activities undertaken during the year by the 
Nomination, Audit and Risk, Corporate Responsibility and 
Remuneration Committees are set out in their respective reports in 
this Annual Report. The paragraphs under the heading “Directors’ 
Remuneration report” on pages 112 to 131 are incorporated by 
reference into this Corporate governance report.

The decisions which can only be made by the Board are clearly 
defined in the schedule of matters reserved for the Board. This 
schedule is available at www.convatecgroup.com/investors/

corporate-governance, and largely relates to matters of governance 
and business, where independence from executive management is 
important. No changes were made to this schedule during the year. 
The written terms of reference which each of the committees 
operates under can also be found within the weblink referenced 
above and have been reviewed and updated during the year, 
as appropriate, to reflect the requirements of the Code.

Purpose, vision, values and culture 
As explained on pages 37 and 38, to better align our culture with our 
purpose and our ambition to contribute more to our customers, the 
Group’s vision statement and values have been updated following a 
consultation process that enabled our employees across the Group 
to share their views and ideas. The Board reviewed the employee 
feedback generated through this consultation process and, based on 
this feedback, endorsed the Group’s updated values and new vision 
statement, which encapsulates in a clear and simple form the 
Group’s purpose and ambition. 

The Board assesses and monitors the Group’s culture using a 
number of mechanisms. During the year the Board reviewed the 
feedback from the annual employee survey and the McKinsey-led 
OHI survey undertaken as part of the Transformation Initiative, both 
of which are described below. The Board discussed the feedback 
and, in particular, the actions proposed by management to address 
a range of issues including strengthening our operational 
effectiveness and driving innovation. Following a constructive 
discussion a number of the key actions were amended and five key 
areas agreed as those to focus on to better align our culture with 
the strategy and drive better performance (see page 37).

Governance framework

The Board
Responsible for the long-term success of the Group and for ensuring that there is a framework of appropriate and effective controls  
which enables risk to be assessed and managed.

Focus

Innovate

Simplify

Build 

Execute

Sets the Group’s strategic aims, determines resource allocation to ensure that the necessary financial and human resources 
are in place for the Group to meet its objectives and reviews management performance.

Monitors and assesses the Group’s culture and ensures that its obligations to shareholders and other stakeholders are understood and met.

Nomination Committee
Proposes appointments to 
the Board, reviews the 
Board’s composition, 
considers succession 
planning for the Board and 
senior management and sets 
diversity and inclusion 
objectives and targets for 
the Board and senior 
management.

See pages 92 to 94.

Audit and Risk Committee
Oversees financial reporting, 
internal and external audit, 
internal controls and risk 
management.

See pages 95 to 109.

Corporate Responsibility 
Committee
Approves CR strategy, 
oversees its execution and 
monitors engagement with 
stakeholders.

See pages 110 and 111.

Disbanded with effect from 
2 March 2020.

Remuneration Committee
Ensures Remuneration Policy 
and practices are designed to 
support the Group’s strategy 
and promote long-term 
sustainable success. 
Oversees Remuneration 
Policy implementation for 
Executive Directors and 
senior management and 
regularly reviews its 
provisions. Reviews 
workforce remuneration 
and related policies.

See pages 112 to 131.

Oversees the implementation of the  
Group’s strategy.

ConvaTec Executive Leadership Team 
Responsible for day-to-day management and 
performance across the Group.

Monitors risk and internal controls  
within the Group.

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Over the course of the year Ros Rivaz and Regina Benjamin, who lead our Board-level employee engagement programme, provided updates 
to the Board about employees’ views and their observations about the Group’s culture in practice. As a result of issues raised by employees, 
the Group’s products are now made available to employees at a discount. An overview of the Board-level employee engagement activities 
that took place in 2019 is set out overleaf.

Stakeholder engagement
In accordance with section 172 of the Companies Act 2006, the Directors have a duty to promote the Group’s long-term sustainable success 
including generating value for shareholders and other stakeholders and contributing to wider society. To fulfil this duty our Boardroom
discussions and the decisions we make take account of the needs and concerns of all our stakeholders and the potential impact of our 
decisions on them. 

Information about our key stakeholders and how we engage with them is set out on pages 10 to 13. The table below summarises how we as 
a Board gain an understanding of our stakeholders’ issues, which we factor into our discussions and decision-making process. Our section 
172 statement is set out on pages 84 and 85.

Stakeholders
Our people

Board-level engagement
Our Board-level employee engagement programme commenced in January 2019 and is led by Ros Rivaz and 
Regina Benjamin. Ros and Regina gather employees’ views and formally report to the Board on a periodic basis. 
Details of their key engagement activities during 2019 are set out overleaf.

On an annual basis we undertake a Group-wide employee survey. During 2019, to support our Transformation 
Initiative we also commissioned McKinsey to undertake its OHI survey which captured the views of nearly 90% of 
our people. As highlighted above, the findings of the surveys were presented to the Board and the proposed actions 
were debated and agreed. For further information about the OHI survey see page 37.

Members of the management team regularly attend relevant parts of Board and Committee meetings to present 
on Board discussion items and provide input.

The Board and the Audit and Risk Committee receive reports from the Group’s compliance function detailing input 
from the Group’s independent whistleblower hotline and web link. When relevant, the Group’s compliance function 
provides the Audit and Risk Committee with details of investigations arising from information provided via this 
hotline and the resulting outcome. Further information about the hotline is included on page 44.
All members of the Board are available to meet with shareholders and during the year a number of meetings took place.

Investors

Rick Anderson, whilst Interim CEO, and then in his capacity as Executive Chairman, met with many shareholders as 
part of our IR programme. 

Ros Rivaz, in her capacity as Chair of the Remuneration Committee, led a shareholder consultation process on the 
changes we are proposing to make to our Remuneration Policy. Shareholders representing over 70% of our share 
capital were involved in the process and it resulted in helpful and constructive feedback. Further information about 
the key proposed changes and the consultation is provided on page 113.

Our Senior Independent Director, Margaret Ewing, is available to meet with shareholders and during the year she 
met with our two largest shareholders.

The Board receives analysts’ notes published about the Group and the sector, and is regularly updated by the 
Group’s brokers, Executive Directors and Director, Investor Relations on shareholder sentiment, feedback from 
meetings and the Group’s investor relations (“IR”) programme.

We implement a comprehensive IR programme including activities undertaken by the Executive Directors. Some of 
the key IR activities are detailed in the table below.

All Directors who were serving on the Board at the time attended the 2019 AGM, when shareholders were given an 
opportunity to raise issues with the Board and those shareholders who were unable to attend could vote by proxy.
The Board receives information relating to our identified stakeholder groups through the report from the CEO at 
each Board meeting plus the detailed consideration of such groups in strategy sessions, and reports from each 
member of the CELT on their respective areas of responsibility. The Board also receives reports from the CR 
Committee on stakeholder issues, including the initiatives that support the Group’s climate change strategy, 
stakeholder survey results and progress against targets.

Margaret Ewing was a member of the Advisory Board to the Brydon Review, an independent review led by Sir David 
Brydon into the quality and effectiveness of the UK audit market and the role of audit in addressing stakeholder 
needs. The Company Secretary, as a sponsor member of the All Party Parliamentary Corporate Governance and CR 
Groups, continues to participate in governance-related discussions with policy makers and feeds back key issues to 
Board members.

All stakeholders

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Board leadership and Company purpose
continued

In 2020, to enhance understanding and ensure ongoing focus on 
the Directors’ section 172 duty, we will launch a training programme 
for the CELT to make them aware of section 172 and their own 
responsibilities in the event that the Board delegates responsibilities 
to them in this area. We will also update our Board processes and 
procedures in a number of ways including:
 – Papers requesting Board approval will be expanded to include an 

analysis covering the impact of the decision on relevant 
stakeholders.

 – Board minutes documenting the Board’s decision-making process 
will explain how stakeholder engagement activities have informed 
the Board’s process.

Highlights of 2019 IR programme
 – Undertook multi-day investor roadshows in London, Toronto, 

New York, Boston and Los Angeles.

 – Attended industry focused investor conferences hosted by 

Goldman Sachs and UBS.

 – Hosted investor site visit at Deeside R&D facility.
 – Met with individual investors in person and by telephone.
 – Hosted full and half-year results presentations, to which 

analysts and institutional investors were invited to attend. 
Both presentations were webcast and transcripts were 
made available. 

 – Hosted trading update conference calls, to which analysts and 

institutional investors were invited to attend, and made 
transcripts available.

Highlights of 2019 Board-led employee engagement programme 
 – Undertook site visits including plant tours and meetings with 

 – Visited Amcare’s new headquarters in the UK and the Group’s 

employees in the Dominican Republic and Slovakia.

manufacturing site in Deeside.

 – Participated in annual UK and Latin America sales meetings. 

 – Participated in a panel discussion that took place on International 

Women’s Day at our head office in Reading.

During the year our UK home delivery business, Amcare, relocated 
its headquarters to new premises in Runcorn, Cheshire. Shortly after 
this relocation Ros Rivaz spent the day with the Amcare headquarter-
based team, including its specialist nurses who provide daily support 
to people living with a stoma or urology condition. 

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Board meetings and attendance 
During the year, the Board convened on 13 scheduled occasions, 
including seven in person meetings. 

The adjacent table shows the number of formally scheduled Board 
meetings attended by each Director out of the number they were 
entitled to attend during the year. In addition to the formally 
scheduled meetings, the Board also met on other occasions 
(in person and via telephone conferences) to consider and approve 
matters outside formally scheduled meetings. Attendance at these 
meetings was high and those Directors unable to attend provided 
their input to the Chairman or SID prior to the meeting and were 
briefed afterward about the discussions that took place.

Rick Anderson was unable to attend one scheduled Board meeting 
and Regina Benjamin was unable to attend four scheduled Board 
meetings. However, they provided comments in advance of the 
meetings and were briefed afterwards about the discussions that 
took place.

All Directors, other than Steve Holliday who resigned from the 
Board in March 2019 and John McAdam and Karim Bitar who did 
not join the Board until September 2019, attended the AGM held 
in May 2019.

The Company Secretary attended all Board meetings. External 
advisors also attended meetings where independent guidance and 
expertise was required to facilitate the Board in carrying out its 
duties. As highlighted above, where appropriate, senior executives 
below Board level, including members of the CELT, also attended 
relevant parts of meetings to make presentations and provide their 
input on a range of issues. 

Director
Sir Christopher Gent
(member until 9 May 2019)
John McAdam
(joined 30 September 2019)
Rick Anderson

Karim Bitar
(joined 30 September 2019)
Frank Schulkes
Steve Holliday
(member until 31 March 2019)

Jesper Ovesen
(member until 28 June 2019)
Ros Rivaz 
Margaret Ewing 

Regina Benjamin 
Sten Scheibye

Role

Chairman

Chairman
Interim Chief Executive 
Officer (15 October 2018 
– 9 May 2019)
Executive Chairman  
(9 May 2019 – 
29 September 2019)
Non-Executive Director 
(from 30 September 
2019)

Chief Executive
Chief Financial Officer
Deputy Chairman, SID 
and Non-Executive 
Director

Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director 
and from 31 March 2019 
and SID
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director

Formally 
scheduled 
meetings

5/5

3/3

12/13

3/3
13/13

3/3

6/7
13/13

13/13
9/13
13/13

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Board leadership and Company purpose
continued

Board activities 
Set out below is a summary of the Board’s key activities during the period including decisions made and stakeholders considered 
in accordance with the Directors’ section 172 responsibilities. 

Key Board activities 

Key area of activity
Strategy

Matters considered
During the year significant time was spent 
on strategy in every in-person Board 
meeting. In addition, the Board participated 
in two dedicated strategy days which 
covered a range of strategic issues including 
structure, operating model and business 
performance (actual and projected). 
Matters considered included:
 – Overseeing the development of “Pivot to 
Growth”, our refreshed execution model.

 – Overseeing the development of our 
Transformation Initiative and its 
implementation.

 – Strategy briefings provided by our AWC 
and Ostomy Care franchises and our 
HSG business.

 – Assessment of our corporate 

development strategy.

 – The acquisition of Southlake into our 

HSG business.

Outcomes
 – Board approval of “Pivot to Growth” to 
deliver our strategy more effectively. 
 – Board approval of the Transformation 
Initiative with associated investment 
and benefits.

 – Regular reporting on implementation 

of the Transformation Initiative 
detailing the nature of work streams, 
investments made and benefits 
achieved.

 – Board review and consideration of 

issues arising relating to the 
Transformation Initiative’s 
implementation and management’s 
proposals to address them.

 – Improved knowledge and awareness 
of the key market dynamics affecting 
the Group and the perspectives of 
stakeholders within healthcare 
systems.

 – The development of the five strategic 

 – Clear direction provided to 

pillars and new operating model to pivot 
to sustainable and profitable growth.

management on the corporate 
development priorities.

Issues and concerns 
of stakeholders considered
 – Consumers 
 – Healthcare 

professionals 

 – Our people
 – Suppliers, distributors 
and other partners

 – Investors
 – Institutional 

customers/buying 
organisations

 – MedTech regulators
 – Governments
 – Local communities
 – Industry bodies and 

NGOs

Business plan

Financial reporting

Separate strategy session focused on our 
markets, their dynamics and growth 
potential.

Discussed the ongoing financial strategy 
and business plan for the year. Regular 
updates were received on key external 
challenges and the political environment 
including Brexit and reimbursement of 
our products.
Considered the financial performance of 
the Group and matters to be addressed in 
full year, half year and quarterly trading 
statements.

 – Approved the acquisition of Southlake.
 – Following the appointment of Karim 
Bitar, reviewed and endorsed the 
development of our strategy to pivot 
to sustainable and profitable growth 
and our new operating model.

 –  Approval of budget and business plan.

 – Investors and debt 

 – Approval of Viability and Going 

Concern statements.

 – Approval of the final and interim 
results and quarterly trading 
statements.

 – Approval of final and interim dividends.
 – Approval of this Annual Report.

providers
 – Consumers
 – Our people
 – Suppliers, distributors 
and other partners
 – Investors and debt 

providers
 – Our people
 – Consumers
 – Healthcare 

professionals

 – Suppliers, distributors 
and other partners

 – Institutional 

customers/buying 
organisations

 – Local communities

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Key area of activity
People

Matters considered
Undertook extensive global searches for 
new CEO and Chairman against agreed role 
specifications and key capabilities. 

Approved commissioning of search for two 
new independent Non-Executive Directors.

Outcomes
 – Approved the appointment of Karim 
Bitar as CEO and John McAdam as 
Chairman.

 – Endorsed management’s action plan 

to address employee feedback.

 – Approved the appointment of Brian 
May with effect from 2 March 2020.

Issues and concerns 
of stakeholders considered
 – Investors
 – Our people

Refinancing of external 
borrowing facilities 

Stakeholder 
engagement

Political and regulatory 
environment

Considered feedback from annual 
employee and OHI surveys and discussed 
management’s action plan to improve and 
drive performance.
Led by the CFO, the Board oversaw the 
refinancing of the Group’s external debt 
including reviewing the key terms of the 
refinancing proposal and receiving reports 
from the Group’s debt advisers, and 
associated corporate restructuring and tax 
planning.
Undertook employee engagement 
programme led by two Non-Executive 
Directors.

Consulted and engaged with shareholders 
in relation to a disappointing level of 
support for the 2018 Directors’ 
Remuneration report.

In relation to the proposed refreshed 
Remuneration Policy, undertook further 
consultation with shareholders specifically 
in relation to the changes proposed to be 
made to the existing policy.

Considered and discussed the GlobeScan 
stakeholder survey. Further information 
about this survey is included on page 13.
Focused on the changing political and 
regulatory environment, including Brexit 
and its impact on the Group’s strategy. 
Through the year the Board reviewed the 
impact of a “no-deal” Brexit and the 
mitigation planning undertaken.

Received reports on management’s 
implementation of the requirements MDR 
imposes. 

 – Approved the new financing facilities.

 – Investors and debt 

 – Considered and discussed reports 

from the two Non-Executive Directors 
who lead the employee engagement 
programme. Further detail in relation 
to the output from these discussions is 
set out on page 79.

 – Feedback from shareholders following 
the remuneration policy consultations 
has been taken into account in the 
preparation of the refreshed 
Remuneration Policy which will be put 
to shareholders for approval at the 
2020 AGM.

 – Board input on mitigation planning 
undertaken by the Brexit Steering 
Committee.

 – The Board reviewed reports on MDR 

implementation planning and 
monitored progress.

providers
 – Our people
 – Suppliers, distributors 
and other partners

 – Consumers 
 – Healthcare 

professionals 

 – Our people
 – Suppliers, distributors 
and other partners

 – Investors
 – Institutional 

customers/buying 
organisations

 – MedTech regulators
 – Governments
 – Local communities
 – Industry bodies and 

NGOs

 – Consumers 
 – Healthcare 

professionals 

 – Our people
 – Suppliers, distributors 
and other partners

 – Investors
 – Institutional 

customers/buying 
organisations

 – MedTech regulators
 – Governments
 – Local communities
 – Industry bodies and 

NGOs

83
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Board leadership and Company purpose
continued

Section 172(1) statement
Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 requires a director of a 
company to act in the way he or she considers, in good faith, would 
most likely promote the success of the company for the benefit of 
its members as a whole. In doing this, section 172 requires a director 
to have regard, amongst other matters, to the:

a)  Likely consequences of any decisions in the long term.
b)  Interests of the company’s employees.
c)  Need to foster the company’s business relationships with 

suppliers, customers and others.

d)  Impact of the company’s operations on the community and 

environment.

e)  Desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high 

standards of business conduct. 

f)  Need to act fairly as between members of the company.

In discharging our section 172 duty we have regard to the factors 
set out in the adjacent column. We also have regard to other factors 
which we consider relevant to the decision being made. We 
acknowledge that every decision we make will not necessarily result 
in a positive outcome for all of our stakeholders. By considering our 
vision and values, together with our strategic priorities, and having 
a process in place for decision-making, we do, however, aim to make 
sure that our decisions are consistent and well-considered.

Information about our stakeholders and how we engage with them 
is set out on pages 10 to 13. The key matters we discussed and 
debated during the year, and the key stakeholders we considered 
as part of those discussions, are outlined on pages 79 and 80. 

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Set out below are some examples of how the Directors have had 
regard to the matters set out in s.172(1)(a)-(f) when discharging their 
section 172 duty and the effect of that on certain of the decisions 
taken by them.

a)  Likely consequences of any decisions in the long term: When 
reviewing and approving the Group’s Transformation Initiative to 
support the refreshed execution model, the Board considered the 
long-term consequences of its adoption, in particular the amount 
of investment required over a three-year period and the 
anticipated timing of payback. Taking account of the enhanced 
medium to long-term operational performance this investment 
is expected to deliver, the Directors approved the proposed 
investment levels. 

 In making its decisions about capital allocation and in particular 
the level of the interim and final dividend, the Board considered 
a range of factors. These included the long-term viability of the 
Group, its expected cash flow and financing requirements, 
the realised distributable reserves available within the Group, 
the financial position of the Group’s various pension schemes 
(see pages 165 to 168 for further information about the various 
schemes), the Transformation Initiative investment programme, 
employees and shareholders expectations. Taking these factors 
into account the Board concluded that it was appropriate to 
maintain the level of the 2019 dividend in line with the absolute 
amount paid in prior years. Whilst this is outside of our stated 
policy of 35% to 45% of adjusted net profit, the Board took the 
decision to maintain the absolute amount as a continuation of 
the existing dividend policy, enhanced by an override during the 
transformation period, to reflect the confidence of the Board in 
the long-term prospects of the Group. In its deliberations, the 
Board considered the likely long-term impact of decisions made 
on the Group’s risk profile, as detailed on pages 28 to 33.

b)  Interests of the company’s employees: Information about our 

Board-led employee engagement programme is included on page 
80. In its monitoring of the Group’s extensive Transformation 
Initiative activities, the Directors have considered the quantum 
and scale of projects being implemented and the resulting 
increased demands on employees and management. In relation 
to the implementation of the various Transformation Initiative 
activities, the Board has advocated concentration on those that 
will deliver sustainable benefits over the long term. 

 In its discussions about management’s action plan to improve 
and drive performance, the Board reviewed and took account of 
employee survey feedback (see page 78). Information gathered 
via the Board-level engagement programme was also fed into 
this discussion. 

 The Board challenged the action plan and, following discussions 
and appropriate amendments, agreed the plan with management. 
In relation to its decisions about capital allocation and in particular 
the level of the interim and final dividend, as highlighted above, the 
Board considered the financial position of the Company’s various 
pension schemes.

 
 
 
Board assessment of risk management and internal control 
effectiveness
The Board is ultimately responsible for overseeing how we manage 
both internal and external risks that could impact our business 
model and strategic goals. The Board also determines the Group’s 
risk appetite, regularly reviews the Group’s principal risks and, on an 
annual basis, reviews the effectiveness of our risk management and 
internal control systems and undertakes horizon scanning to identify 
new emerging risks. Further information about the Group’s principal 
risks is set out on pages 28 to 33. 

During 2019, the Board has directly, or through delegated authority 
to the Audit and Risk Committee, monitored and reviewed the 
Group’s risk management activities and processes, including a 
review of the effectiveness of all material risk mitigations and the 
financial, operational and compliance internal controls. The Audit 
and Risk Committee’s activities in these areas are set out in the 
Audit and Risk Committee report on pages 95 to 109. Following this 
review the Board is satisfied that the Group’s risk management and 
internal control framework is effective. 

Statement of review
The Board’s statement of annual review of effectiveness of the 
Group’s risk management and internal control systems is set out on 
page 72. 

Operation of the Board and its committees
The Directors have access to an encrypted electronic portal system, 
which enables them to receive and review Board and committee 
papers quickly and securely electronically. 

c)  Need to foster the company’s business relationships with 
suppliers, customers and others: The Board reviewed and 
considered the findings of the GlobeScan stakeholder survey 
(see page 13) which includes feedback from healthcare 
professionals, business customers, investors, industry groups 
and NGOs. In relation to the reviews undertaken by the Board 
in connection with a “no-deal” Brexit, the Board considered the 
potential impact on the Group’s customers and its supplier chain, 
including its supply partners and distributors and the associated 
mitigation activities. The Group’s new operating model has been 
developed to support the Group’s strategy and, in particular, to 
drive simplification and make the business more customer-centric, 
agile and accountable.

d)  Impact of the company’s operations on the community and 
environment: During the year the Board delegated its overall 
responsibility for environmental issues, including climate change, 
to the CR Committee. In early 2019 the CR Committee approved 
the Group’s climate change strategy which is focused on reducing 
the Group’s GHG emissions (see page 42). The socio-economic 
contribution the Group makes to society is summarised on page 3, 
and details of its “LIFE+ by ConvaTec” (“LIFE+”) community 
programme, which makes funds available to support local 
initiatives focused on helping disadvantaged young people to have 
a healthier start in life, are set out on page 45. As explained on 
page 5, the CR Committee will be disbanded with effect from 
2 March 2020, and the oversight and responsibility for CR issues 
will be brought back to the full Board.

e)  Desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high 

standards of business conduct: In its consideration and approval 
of the Group’s updated values the Board considered feedback 
gathered from the Group-wide engagement exercise (see page 
37). In approving the updated values one of the Board’s prime 
considerations was ensuring the updated values aligned with the 
Group’s vision, the continued promotion of high ethical standards 
and the Group’s Code of Conduct (see page 44).

f)  Need to act fairly as between members of the company: 

Information about the Company’s significant shareholders is 
included on page 134. The Company is party to a relationship 
agreement with Novo Holdings A/S (“Novo”) (see page 134) which 
ensures that arrangements with Novo are conducted at arm’s 
length. Through the Company’s comprehensive IR programme all 
relevant information is provided to all shareholders simultaneously.

85
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Division of responsibilities

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
While there was a period of time during the year when the Chairman 
and Chief Executive Officer’s roles were not separate (see page 69) 
following the appointment of John McAdam and Karim Bitar there 
is now a clear division of responsibility between the Chairman and 
the CEO. Each has Board approved roles and responsibilities and the 
documentation detailing their specific roles and responsibilities is 
available at www.convatecgroup.com/investors/corporate-
governance and summarised on the adjacent page.

The role of the Senior Independent Director
Margaret Ewing was appointed Senior Independent Director with 
effect from 31 March 2019 following Steve Holliday’s resignation 
from the Board. Her specific roles and responsibilities are detailed 
in documentation available at www.convatecgroup.com and 
summarised on the adjacent page.

A balanced Board including a majority of independent 
Non-Executive Directors
The Board includes six Non-Executive Directors and two Executive 
Directors. Their key roles and responsibilities are also set out on 
the adjacent page. Our Non-Executive Directors provide valuable 
constructive challenge, independent perspective and specific expertise. 

The Code recommends that at least half of the Board, excluding the 
Chairman, should be composed of independent Non-Executive 
Directors. In the period from the end of June 2019, when Jesper 
Ovesen stepped down from the Board, to the end of 2019, at least 
half of the members of the Board were not independent Non-
Executive Directors and, as such, the composition of the Board was 
not compliant with the Code. However, with effect from 1 January 
2020, as explained in the paragraph below, four of our Non-
Executive Directors – Margaret Ewing, Regina Benjamin, Ros Rivaz 
and Rick Anderson – are independent and this non-compliance has 
been addressed. 

The Board reviewed Rick Anderson’s non-independent status taking 
into account the factors that may affect independence as set out in 
the Code. The Board has determined that he should be considered 
independent with effect from 1 January 2020. The rationale for 
such determination is that Rick had undertaken an executive role 
only on an interim basis, following the departure of the former CEO; 
Karim Bitar joined the Group in September 2019 and has developed 
a new vision and strategy as outlined in this document; Rick has 
ceased to receive remuneration in addition to his standard Non-
Executive Director fee; and he has taken clear and proactive steps 
to relinquish all executive duties upon Karim taking up the CEO role.

As explained on page 69, the number of independent Non-Executive 
Directors will be further supplemented when Brian May joins our 
Board on 2 March 2020. Background information about Brian is 
included on page 94. Our search to recruit a further independent 
Non-Executive Director is ongoing. 

Time to properly fulfil their roles and responsibilities
Each of the Directors has confirmed that they have sufficient time 
to properly fulfil their duties including preparing for Board and 
committee meetings, reading all papers associated with such 
meetings, attending meetings scheduled to take place in 2020 
and spending separate time with management.

Board support and the role of the Company Secretary 
The Company Secretary, Clare Bates, attends all Board and 
committee meetings. She is responsible for advising and supporting 
the Chairman, the Board and its committees on corporate 
governance matters as well as ensuring that there is a smooth 
flow of information to enable effective decision making.

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Key Board roles and responsibilities

Chairman
 – Leads the Board.
 – Promotes high 
standards of 
governance.
 – Ensures Board 
effectiveness.

 – Sets Board agenda.
 – Supports and 

guides the CEO.

Senior Independent 
Director
 – Sounding board for 

the Chairman.
 – Serves as an 

intermediary for 
other Directors.

 – Available to 

shareholders if they 
have concerns 
which contact 
through the normal 
channels has either 
failed to resolve or 
would be 
inappropriate.

Non-Executive 
Directors
 – Provide 

constructive 
challenge and 
independent 
perspective.

 – Monitor strategic 
execution and 
performance in 
accordance with 
risk and control 
framework.
 – Serve on the 

Board’s 
committees.

Chief Executive 
Officer
 – Leads the executive 
management team 
in delivering the 
Group strategy and 
objectives as 
determined by the 
Board. 
 – Day-to-day 

responsibility of 
executive 
management 
matters. 

 – Responsible for 
maintaining 
dialogue with the 
Chairman, the 
Group’s 
shareholders and 
other stakeholders.

Company Secretary
 – Responsible for 

advising the Board 
on all corporate 
governance matters 
and best practice.

 – Works with the 

Chairman to ensure 
Directors receive 
accurate and timely 
information to 
enable them to 
discharge their 
duties.

 – Works with 

Chairman to design 
induction 
programme for 
new Board 
members and 
coordinates 
ongoing Board 
training.

Further details about role and responsibilities available at www.convatecgroup.com/investors/corporate-governance.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Composition, succession 
and evaluation

Board composition
Appointments to our Board are made solely on merit with the 
overriding objective of ensuring that the Board maintains the correct 
balance of skills, length of service and knowledge of the Group to 
successfully determine the Group’s strategy. Appointments are 
made based on the recommendation of the Nomination Committee 
with due consideration given to the benefits of diversity in its widest 
sense, including gender, social and ethnic backgrounds. The 
Nomination Committee also reviews the ongoing commitments of 
candidates prior to making recommendations for the appointment 
of new Directors. Directors are required to seek Board approval 
prior to taking on additional commitments to ensure that existing 
roles and responsibilities continue to be met and conflicts are 
avoided or managed.

Chair succession 
As a result of Sir Christopher Gent’s decision to retire from the 
Board, a SNC was established to identify his successor. The SNC 
members were Ros Rivaz (Chair), Margaret Ewing, Regina Benjamin, 
Sten Scheibye and Jesper Ovesen (until his departure from the 
Board in June 2019). Further information about the SNC and the 
Chair search process, which concluded with the appointment of 
John McAdam, is set out on page 93.

Re-appointment of Directors
All Directors are subject to annual re-election and will be proposed 
for election or re-election (as appropriate) by shareholders at the 
AGM to be held on 7 May 2020. In relation to the re-elections, the 
Chairman has confirmed that following evaluation, all Directors 
continue to be effective and have the time available to commit to 
their role.

Non-Executive Directors are initially appointed for a one-year 
term and retiring Directors, if willing to act, will be deemed to be 
re-appointed unless the resolution for their re-appointment is 
not approved.

Board induction and development 
On joining the Board all Directors participate in a formal induction 
programme. The programme is monitored by the Chairman 
(other than in relation to his own induction which is guided by 
the Senior Independent Director) and is the responsibility of the 
Company Secretary. Its purpose is to ensure that each newly 
appointed Director is able to contribute to Board discussions as 
quickly as possible. While each induction programme is tailored to 
the individual Director’s needs based on their skills and experience, 
typically each programme provides new Directors with insight into 
the Group’s strategy, culture and operations and informs them 
about the governance and compliance processes and procedures 
we operate.

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CEO induction programme
Since he joined the Board at the end of September 2019, Karim 
Bitar has participated in an extensive induction programme 
covering all areas of our business. 

In particular he visited our key operations across the Group, 
including our R&D facility in Deeside, UK, the US head office 
in Bridgewater, New Jersey and our HSG headquarters in 
Oklahoma City, US. He also spent time at our manufacturing 
plants in Haina in the Dominican Republic, Reynosa in Mexico 
and Osted in Denmark. During these visits he met senior 
management responsible for key business functions and also 
had an opportunity to engage with other employees during 
plant tours and town hall meetings.

Karim Bitar in discussion with employees in Bridgewater, 
US in October 2019.

Directors are provided with ongoing training by way of updates 
presented by the Company Secretary as a rolling agenda item at 
scheduled Board meetings. These updates cover governance and 
regulatory matters. During the year, the Board also received updates 
and training from the Group’s senior management and external 
advisors covering corporate governance and strategic market and 
product issues.

During the year we continued to evolve our training programme 
and, in particular, its scope was expanded to include training from 
external advisors to both the Remuneration and Audit and Risk 
Committees. Training focused on matters specific to their respective 
committee activities, including corporate governance updates, 
executive remuneration, corporate reporting and audit updates. 

All Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company 
Secretary and, through her, have access to independent professional 
advice in respect of their duties, at the Group’s expense.

Relevant skills and expertise 
The Board benefits from a wide variety of skills, experience and 
knowledge.

Public 

Given the changes in the Board’s composition that had occurred 
during the first nine months of the year, the Board chose to 
undertake an internal evaluation of its effectiveness. The evaluation 
took place in early September 2019, prior to the Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer joining the Group. It took the form of a 
questionnaire that was completed by the existing Board members. 
The primary focus of the questionnaire was on progress against the 
actions arising from the 2018 evaluation and matters that the Board 
considered as priority areas of focus for the new Chairman and Chief 
Executive during 2020. Information about the key issues arising 
from this internal evaluation is set out on page 91.

The changing composition of the Board and the urgent need to effect 
significant improvements in operational execution across the Group, 
naturally impacted the Board’s activities in 2019, as highlighted by 
the conclusions of the 2019 Board effectiveness review.

The 2019 Board effectiveness evaluation highlighted progress 
against the action plan arising from the 2018 evaluation. This 
progress is summarised in the table overleaf.

Director
John McAdam
Karim Bitar
Frank Schulkes
Rick Anderson
Regina Benjamin
Margaret Ewing
Ros Rivaz
Sten Scheibye 

company Finance Healthcare M&A Global Operations
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*

*

*

*
*
*

*
*

*
*
*

*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

2018 Board evaluation progress report and 2019 Board 
evaluation review
Linstock Limited undertook an externally facilitated review of the 
Board and its effectiveness during 2018. This review was conducted 
immediately after the Group’s profit warning and immediate 
retirement of the Chief Executive in October 2018. The agreed 
action plan for 2019 set out recommendations to address that 
situation. However, during 2019 the Board composition further 
changed, with the Chairman, Deputy Chair and Senior Independent 
Director and Audit and Risk Committee Chair stepping down from 
the Board. On 30 September 2019 the Board appointed a new 
Chairman, John McAdam, and a new Chief Executive, Karim Bitar. 

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Composition, succession and evaluation
continued

Progress in relation to actions arising from 2018 Board evaluation

Action
Determine the Interim CEO’s priorities in the 
coming months.

Progress
Successfully achieved. Interim CEO appointed and in February 2019 commenced execution of the 
“Pivot to Growth” approach and Transformation Initiative.

Continue the ongoing process to recruit 
a permanent CEO.

On 25 March 2019 announced appointment of Karim Bitar as CEO with effect from 
30 September 2019.

Evolve the Board’s composition, succession 
planning for key roles and the attributes sought 
in the appointment processes.

Improve communication between Board 
members and with management, and improve 
the quality of the information flow to the Board, 
the timeliness with which papers are circulated, 
the analysis of data, and the communication 
around key opportunities and challenges.

Ongoing. During the year we undertook a formal review of the composition of the Board, 
including its existing skills and experience and identified the need to appoint two additional 
independent Non-Executive Directors. Following his appointment as Chairman on 30 September 
2019, John McAdam developed a detailed brief and commissioned searches for additional 
independent Non-Executive Directors. As highlighted on page 4, we have announced the 
appointment of Brian May with effect from 2 March 2020. Our search for a further independent 
Non-Executive Director is ongoing. This process is addressing the requirement for additional 
independent Non-Executive Directors to enhance skills and experience in specific areas, support 
succession planning for key Board roles and improve the Board’s diversity of thought and ability.

Ongoing. The Interim CEO, Rick Anderson, facilitated significant improvements in communication 
with and amongst the Board, including information flow. All Board members have access to 
management and detailed reviews and discussions in relation to key operational issues are now 
a regular Board agenda item. Management participate in relevant Board meeting discussions. 
Further improvements are expected with the leadership of the new Chairman and CEO.

Schedule site visits for Non-Executive Directors. The two Non-Executive Directors responsible for employee engagement visited several sites 

during the first half of 2019 to engage with employees and to assess the status of the culture in 
various locations. These visits will continue in 2020 and the number of visits will be increased 
to ensure that the Board is actively engaging with the Group’s employees, monitoring its culture 
and its decisions are informed by this engagement. Further information about the employee 
engagement visits that took place in 2019 is included on page 80. Other Non-Executive Directors 
undertook site visits during the year, however, the Board determined not to hold any of its 
meetings away from the Group’s global UK headquarters during this year of significant change 
in the Board’s composition.

Enhance the monitoring of culture and 
behaviours throughout the Group, and the 
impact that the change in CEO has in driving 
cultural changes.

Completed. The Board has reviewed and debated employee feedback provided by the two 
surveys undertaken during the year (see page 78 for further information). During 2020 processes 
will be enhanced to further facilitate the Board’s understanding of stakeholders’ (including 
employees) key issues and concerns (see page 80). 

Develop the quality and focus of Board-level 
strategic discussions.

Ongoing. In June 2019 the Board participated in a workshop which focused on key developments 
in the chronic care and wider healthcare sector and strategic opportunities and challenges.

Improve the clarity of the Group’s strategy and 
the capacity of the Group to deliver on its 
strategic plans.

The Board approved the “Pivot to Growth” and Transformation Initiative, recognising that the 
Group’s strategy could not be fully developed and clarified prior to Karim Bitar joining the Group 
as CEO. During 2020 the Board will oversee the implementation of the Group’s new strategy and 
operating model which is focused on delivering sustainable and profitable growth. Execution of 
the Transformation Initiative and the strategy has been improved by the recruitment of a team 
of experienced change management and programme leaders.

Further develop the risk management 
framework and supporting processes. Enhance 
the Board’s oversight of the Group’s risk 
management processes and key risks.

Improvements in the Group’s risk management processes are ongoing, with the appointment 
during the year of the Head of Enterprise Risk Management, ongoing development of the risk 
framework and policy and improved oversight by the Audit and Risk Committee and Board. The 
Board will continue to closely monitor any changes in the Group’s actual and emerging risks as 
the Group’s strategy evolves.

Further information is provided on page 109.

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The key findings from the 2019 Board evaluation process, including the actions agreed to address recommendations resulting from Board 
discussions, are set out below. While improvements continue in a number of areas noted, during the coming year the Board will respond to 
the Chairman and CEO’s ongoing assessment of how the Board should evolve its key areas of focus to support the identification and 
execution of the Group’s strategy. 

Key findings arising from 2019 Board evaluation together with priority actions for 2020

Key findings 
Determine a strategy for growth.

Priority actions for 2020
Oversee the implementation of the Group’s new strategy and operating model which is focused 
on pivoting to sustainable and profitable growth. 

Monitor the implementation and execution 
of the Transformation Initiative.

Significant steps have been implemented as part of the Transformation Initiative as explained 
on page 21. The Board will continue to monitor the progress.

Improve focus on customers, innovation 
and markets.

The Board is keen to develop opportunities to interact and engage with customers, and 
particularly patients. A programme to facilitate this will be developed for the Board.

Utilise the 2019 stakeholder survey results to 
provide valuable insight into our stakeholders 
and facilitate Board decision making.

Improve engagement with employees at all 
levels which will also facilitate and enhance the 
Board’s ability to monitor culture and behaviours 
across the Group.

Enhance and develop the relationships among 
Board members.

Further information about our stakeholder survey can be found on page 13 and in our 2019 CR 
Report which is available on our website at www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

Further employee engagement programmes will be developed and rolled-out in 2020, including 
continuing the Board-level engagement programme activities that commenced in 2019.

Given the challenging year faced by the Board; the Board changes and new appointments, work 
will be undertaken to ensure the Board operates in a cohesive way. The guidance and leadership 
of the new Chair will significantly improve this. 

Evolve the Board’s composition, succession 
planning for key roles at Board and executive 
management level and identify the key 
attributes sought in the appointment processes. 

With the Board changes during the year this matter has rolled over from 2019. As highlighted 
above, searches were commissioned for two new independent Non-Executive Directors with the 
identified skills and experience to complement the existing Board membership. As highlighted on 
page 4, Brian May will join our Board with effect from 2 March 2020. Our search for a further 
independent Non-Executive Director is ongoing. 

Further develop the Board’s oversight and 
understanding of the Group’s risk management 
processes and key risks.

Improve the quality of the information flow 
to the Board, the timeliness with which papers 
are circulated, the analysis of data, and the 
communication around key opportunities 
and challenges.

Dedicated risk management sessions will be included into the annual calendar of Board activities 
during 2020.

Work commenced in 2019 but further improvements have been suggested by the Board. 
Standardisation around Board and committee papers will go some way in improving the quality 
of information going to the Board.

In compliance with the Code the Board intends to conduct the next externally facilitated evaluation in 2021.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Nomination Committee report

 “If we are to realise our vision and strategic 
ambitions, we must ensure we have a skilled 
and effective leadership team and a good 
talent pipeline.”

Dr John McAdam
Chairman of the Nomination Committee

Key areas of responsibility
 – Leads the process for Board appointments.
 – Reviews regularly the structure, size and composition of the 

Board (including its skills, knowledge, independence, experience 
and diversity) and recommends change.

 – Considers plans and makes recommendations for orderly Board 

and senior management succession. 

 – Maintains an appropriate balance of skills and experience within 

the Group and on the Board.

 – Reviews each year the time Non-Executive Directors are 

expected to spend on the Group’s matters and whether each 
Non-Executive Director is devoting enough time to his or 
her duties.

Activity highlights
 – Oversaw CEO recruitment process.
 – Established a sub-committee of the Committee, the SNC, to 

oversee the Chair recruitment process.

 – Reviewed the composition of the Board, developed a detailed 
brief and commissioned searches for additional independent 
Non-Executive Directors. 

 – Recommended to the Board, the appointment of Brian May as 

an independent Non-Executive Director.

2020 priorities
Following the 2019 Board effectiveness review, the Committee’s 
principal areas of focus in 2020 include:
 – Appoint an additional independent Non-Executive Director.
 – Review the composition of the Board’s committees and adjust 

as appropriate.

 – Continue to review and monitor the Group’s diversity profile and 

implementation of its diversity and inclusion strategy.

 – Review development of senior management succession plan.

Committee membership, meetings and attendance
The table below shows the number of meetings attended out of 
the number of meetings members were eligible to attend.

Director
John McAdam
(Chair from 30 September 2019)
Margaret Ewing
(Chair from 9 May 2019 until 
30 September 2019)

Ros Rivaz
Rick Anderson
Jesper Ovesen
(member until 28 June 2019)
Sir Christopher Gent
(Chair and member until  
9 May 2019) 
Steve Holliday
(member until 31 March 2019)

Member since 

Attended 

September 2019

May 2019

August 2017
May 2019

October 2016

October 2016

October 2016

1/1

4/4

6/6
3/4

2/2

2/2

1/2

The Company Secretary and the Executive Vice President, Human 
Resources, regularly attend the Committee’s meetings to provide 
information and support to the Committee to enable it to carry out 
its duties and responsibilities effectively.

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CEO succession
Supported by Russell Reynolds, our global search for a new Chief 
Executive continued during the first quarter of 2019. A shortlist of 
candidates was created and all Board members participated in the 
interview process. In March 2019 the Committee recommended the 
appointment of Karim Bitar. This recommendation was approved 
by the Board and announced on 25 March 2019. Karim joined the 
Group on 30 September 2019. He is an experienced leader with 
a proven track record of delivering impressive results and 
transformational change.

Chair succession
As a result of Sir Christopher Gent’s decision to retire from the 
Board, a sub-committee of the Committee, the SNC, was established 
to oversee the global search process to identify a new Chair. 

The SNC was chaired by Ros Rivaz and its members were Margaret 
Ewing, Regina Benjamin, Sten Scheibye and Jesper Ovesen (until his 
departure from the Board in June 2019), which ensured that all 
Non-Executive Directors participated in the process. The SNC, 
which met on ten occasions during the year, reported regularly to 
the Board and the Committee throughout the search process and 
made a recommendation to the Committee. Sir Christopher Gent 
was not involved in the selection of his successor. Rick Anderson 
attended the SNC’s meetings at the invitation of the SNC. 

The SNC developed a detailed brief based on the role specification 
for the Chair approved by the Committee and the Board, and 
Heidrick & Struggles were appointed to undertake a global search. 
A short list of potential candidates was created and all members of 
the SNC met and interviewed prospective candidates. Following this 
interview process, in August 2019 the SNC recommended to the 
Committee that I be appointed. The Committee considered this 
recommendation and the process undertaken and recommended 
my appointment to the Board. This recommendation was approved 
by the Board and announced on 19 August 2019. 

I joined the Board on 30 September 2019. Information about my 
experience and background is included on page 76.

Dear Shareholder 
This report provides a summary of the Nomination Committee’s 
activities during the course of the year.

Our role
If we are to pioneer trusted medical solutions that improve the lives 
we touch, and create sustainable value for all our stakeholders, 
we must ensure that we have a skilled and effective leadership team 
and a good pipeline of future talent. The effectiveness of our 
leadership team is particularly important at this stage of the Group’s 
development. They have a crucial role to play in inspiring and 
motivating our people to help transform our business. 

As a Committee we must ensure that we recruit the best senior 
management talent to lead our business. And having attracted 
the best we must also ensure that we develop our people and 
retain them. 

Changes to membership 
In May 2019 Sir Christopher Gent, the previous Chair of the 
Committee, stepped down from the Board and the Committee. At 
the same time, Margaret Ewing joined the Committee and assumed 
the role of Chair and Rick Anderson joined the Committee. Steve 
Holliday and Jesper Ovesen both stepped down from the Board and 
the Committee in March 2019 and June 2019 respectively. I became 
a member of the Committee and was appointed its Chair when 
I joined the Board on 30 September 2019.

Committee activities during the period
Key area
Activities
Appointments Oversaw global search process led by Sir Christopher 
Gent and Steve Holliday, with the support of all other 
Board members, to identify a new CEO including 
reviewing potential candidates with a view to 
ensuring an appropriate balance of leadership and 
operational skills and interviewing and assessing 
candidates. 

Board 
composition

Diversity

Assisted management by interviewing and assessing 
key candidates for CELT roles.
Established the SNC which oversaw the global search 
process to identify a new Chair including setting role 
specification and reviewing, interviewing and 
assessing candidates.

Developed brief and commissioned searches for two 
additional independent Non-Executive Directors. 
Recommended to the Board, the appointment of 
Brian May as an independent Non-Executive Director 
with effect from 2 March 2020.
Reviewed deployment of the Group’s diversity and 
inclusion strategy and assessed key metrics to ensure 
continued focus on building a sustainable, diverse and 
inclusive organisation. 

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Nomination Committee report
continued

Board composition
In response to the findings of the 2018 Board effectiveness review 
the Committee, supported by Russell Reynolds, considered the 
composition of the Board, the skills and experience of existing Board 
members and whether areas required strengthening, particularly to 
support the Group’s Transformation Initiative. As a result of this 
work the Committee made a number of recommendations which 
were discussed by the Board. It was identified that the Board 
needed more financial expertise and international, commercial and 
operational experience, ideally within the sector, and technology 
insight. Following the Board’s discussions and my appointment in 
September 2019, we commissioned Russell Reynolds to undertake 
searches for two additional independent Non-Executive Directors. 

As a result of this search process we have today announced the 
appointment of Brian May who will join our Board with effect from 
2 March 2020. Brian was previously Chief Financial Officer of Bunzl 
plc from 2006 to 2019 and, prior to that, he held a number of senior 
management finance roles with Bunzl, including divisional Finance 
Director, Group Treasurer and Head of Internal Audit. He qualified 
as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG in 1988. He has extensive 
financial and international business experience. He has overseen 
significant strategic growth initiatives resulting in both organic and 
inorganic growth and sustained shareholder returns over the long 
term. Our search for an additional independent Non-Executive 
Director is ongoing.

When recruiting new Non-Executive Directors members of the 
Committee interview selected candidates, who also meet with the 
Executive Directors. The Committee then recommends candidates 
for appointment to the Board. Decisions relating to such appointments 
are made by the entire Board based on a number of criteria including 
the candidate’s skills and experience and the contribution they can 
make to our business and their ability to devote sufficient time to 
properly fulfil their duties and responsibilities.

Diversity 
The Board endorses the aims of the Davies’ report entitled “Women 
on Boards”, the Hampton-Alexander (“H-A”) report entitled “FTSE 
Women Leaders – Improving Gender Balance in FTSE Leadership”, 
and the Parker report entitled “A Report into the Ethnic Diversity of 
UK Boards”. 

At Board level we have members of various nationalities, gender 
and ethnicity who have a good range of skills and expertise. As at 
31 December 2019, the proportion of women on our Board was 
38% which exceeded our target of at least 30%. The Committee 
will continue to monitor this proportion and the diversity of the 
Board in other respects including experience, skills, personal 
attributes, age and ethnicity. In all instances individuals will continue 
to be appointed on merit and the Committee will remain focused 
on ensuring that at all times the Board has the relevant skills and 
expertise to perform effectively. The Committee acknowledges the 
challenge set by the Parker report for there to be one non-white 
director by 2024 for FTSE 250 companies, and we are pleased that 
we already meet this target.

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To achieve diversity in other parts of the Group, in 2017 we launched 
our diversity and inclusion strategy which set an objective to have 
30% of senior management roles held by female executives by the 
end of 2020. Our progress towards achieving this objective has 
been slow and as at 31 December 2019 women made up 25% of our 
senior management team. As highlighted on page 39, during 2019 
a number of initiatives to accelerate progress were undertaken. The 
Committee supports this proactive approach to develop a broader 
range of activities to drive diversity.

During the year the Committee has considered diversity insights 
across a range of metrics including by employee population, age, 
length of service and talent groups. Feedback from employee groups 
was also discussed. We will continue to monitor developments in this 
area, including the Group’s diversity profile and the implementation 
of its diversity and inclusion strategy.

External search firms
As highlighted above, from time to time we engage international 
search and selection firms including Heidrick & Struggles, Spencer 
Stuart and Russell Reynolds. On occasion Korn Ferry also conduct 
executive search assignments for the Group. Heidrick & Struggles, 
Spencer Stuart, Korn Ferry and Russell Reynolds have no connection 
with the Group other than they may be engaged to assist with senior 
management appointments from time to time.

Copies of all appointment letters are available for inspection at the 
Company’s registered office. 

On behalf of the Nomination Committee 

Dr John McAdam
Chairman of the Nomination Committee
27 February 2020 

Audit and Risk Committee report

 “The Committee continues to provide 
independent and robust challenge to 
management and the internal and external 
auditors to ensure that high-quality audits 
are undertaken, effective controls are in 
place, key risks identified and managed and 
sound financial judgements and estimates 
are made.”

Margaret Ewing
Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee

Key areas of responsibility
 – Ensures the integrity of published financial information, including 

monitoring the Group’s financial reporting procedures and 
reviewing and challenging significant financial estimates, 
assumptions and judgements.

 – Reviews and assesses the adequacy and effectiveness of the 
Group’s risk management and internal control processes and 
systems, including their effectiveness in detecting and 
preventing fraud.

 – Monitors and reviews the effectiveness and independence of 

the Group’s internal audit function, agrees the scope of audits to 
be conducted, reviews the results of such audits and monitors 
the implementation of agreed internal audit recommendations.

 – Assesses the procedures and controls designed to ensure 

independence of the external auditor, reviews the external audit 
work plan and the findings of the external audit, assesses the 
quality and effectiveness of the audit and the performance of the 
auditor team and approves the provision of non-audit services.

 – Monitors and reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s 
compliance programme, including receiving reports on 
compliance weaknesses, issues identified and management 
actions to rectify.

 – Reviews reports and responses arising from the Group’s 

independent whistleblower hotline and web link.

 – Provides advice to the Remuneration Committee on financial 

reporting matters and related judgements as they affect 
executive remuneration performance objectives.

Activity highlights 
The principal matters the Committee reviewed during the financial 
year ended 31 December 2019 were:
 – The Group’s 2019 interim and final results announcements and 
presentations (including ancillary matters) and the 2019 Annual 
Report and Accounts (“2019 ARA” or “ARA”), ensuring that they 
were fair, balanced and understandable.

 – The proposed 2019 interim and final dividends and distributable 

reserves planning and disclosures. 

 – The Viability statement of the Board for inclusion in the 2019 ARA, 
including the appropriateness of applied scenarios and assumptions. 

 – The Group’s Q1 and Q3 trading update announcements.
 – Implementation of and compliance with new accounting 

standards and associated guidance, particularly in respect of 
IFRS 16, Leases (“IFRS 16”).

 – The Group’s refinancing of its external borrowing facilities and 

related Group restructuring.

 – Assessment of the impairment of the Group’s finite-lived 
intangible assets including appropriateness of valuation 
assumptions and useful economic life.

 – Ongoing improvements in management information, data 

analytics and reporting.

 – Alternative Performance Measures (“APMs”), including 

application of the Group’s policy in respect of adjusted items and 
continued review of disclosure requirements under FRC and 
European Security and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) guidelines.

Group’s internal audit and risk management functions, processes 
and frameworks and the structure and resourcing of the 
respective teams.

 – The Group’s tax risk profile in light of increasing Tax Authority 
audits, requirement for greater transparency and new tax 
legislation in jurisdictions where the Group has presence, 
including the effects of the Swiss tax reform.

 – The valuation, treatment and disclosures relating to the deferred 

tax asset recognition as a result of the Swiss tax reform.

 – The conclusions of the audits undertaken by the internal audit 

function during the year and the actions taken by management to 
address the recommendations arising from the internal audits.

 – The effectiveness and quality of the external audit and the 

procedures and controls designed to ensure auditor independence 
and objectiveness including the audit scope and materiality.
 – Assessment and oversight of the business case and decision to 
implement a business services transformation, including the 
transition of the existing finance shared services footprint to 
a single location.

 – Progress in replacing legacy systems across the Group, 

upgrading technology capability, minimising the Group’s cyber 
security risk and ensuring the Group remains compliant with 
data privacy requirements. 

Committee membership, meetings and attendance
The table below shows the number of meetings attended out of 
the number of meetings members were eligible to attend.

Director
Margaret Ewing
(Chair from 28 June 2019)
Ros Rivaz 
Regina Benjamin
Jesper Ovesen (Chair and 
member until 28 June 2019)
Steve Holliday 
(member until 31 March 2019) 

Member since 

Attended 

August 2017
March 2019
June 2019

October 2016 

October 2016

13/13
11/11
5/6

7/7

1/2

During the year the following individuals also regularly attended 
the Committee’s meetings: 
 – Chief Executive Officer
 – Chief Financial Officer
 – Chairman (including Executive Chairman Rick Anderson)
 – Chief Transformation Officer and General Counsel
 – Company Secretary
 – Corporate Controller, and when appropriate, other members 

of the Controlling function

 – Key audit partners and director of the external auditor, Deloitte 
 – Vice President, Global Tax 
 – Vice President, Treasury
 – Chief Compliance Officer 
 – Vice President, Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk, and when 

appropriate, other members of the Internal Audit and Enterprise 
Risk teams 

 – Continuing evolution, strengthening and embedding of the 

 – Chief Information Officer 

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continued

2020 priorities
The Committee’s principal areas of focus in 2020, in addition 
to those areas covered in 2019 and those required within the 
Committee’s key areas of responsibility, will include:
 – Supporting management to improve the design of the internal 
audit function and risk management framework and processes 
to better reflect the transformation of the Group.

 – Overseeing the continued development and embedding of fraud 

prevention, detection, monitoring and reporting.

 – Monitoring the financial implications of the pivot to profitable and 
sustainable growth strategy and the Transformation Initiative.
 – Overseeing further improvement in the availability and quality 

of financial information, data and analytics including the 
development of reporting required to support the transition 
to the business unit model.

 – Overseeing improvements in the processes applied within the 
Group to provide enhancements to forecasting and budgeting 
for both the Group and for business units under the new 
operating model.

 – Overseeing the implementation of the business services 

transformation including the transition of the existing finance 
shared services footprint to a single location.

Dear Shareholder 
This report provides a summary of the Audit and Risk Committee’s 
activities and the matters considered relating to the financial period 
ended 31 December 2019. 

This is my first report and I would like to assure shareholders that the 
Committee is working well, despite the changes in composition 
during the year, and I hope this report will highlight the Committee’s 
effectiveness. The Committee continues to provide independent 
and robust challenge to management and the internal and external 
auditors to ensure that high-quality audits are undertaken, effective 
controls are in place, key risks identified and managed and sound 
financial judgements and estimates are made.

Committee composition
The Committee is comprised entirely of Independent Non-Executive 
Directors and the names of the Committee members throughout 
the year are set out on page 95 together with the roles of the 
individuals who regularly attend the Committee’s meetings. 

Jesper Ovesen, your previous Audit and Risk Committee Chair, 
resigned from the Board on 28 June 2019. I was delighted to take 
over the Chair role from Jesper, who was a valuable member of the 
Board and an exceptional Audit and Risk Committee Chairman. 
Steve Holliday also stepped down from the Board and the 
Committee on 31 March 2019. On behalf of the Board and the 
Committee I would like to thank them for the significant contribution 
they made to the Group during its first years as a listed company.

The Committee welcomed Ros Rivaz and Regina Benjamin as 
members with effect from 31 March 2019 and 28 June 2019 
respectively. Both Ros and Regina bring significant Board 
experience, including as audit committee members, and relevant 
industry experience to the Committee’s deliberations and have 
made excellent contributions to the discussions since joining the 
Committee. To further enhance the effectiveness of the Committee 
and the financial experience of its members, the Board has today 
announced the appointment of Brian May as a Non-Executive 
Director. I am delighted that he will become a member of the Audit 
and Risk Committee with effect from 2 March 2020.

The Committee members have between them a wide range of 
financial, audit, risk management and business experience, providing 
the right mix of skills and experience to provide constructive 
challenge and support to management. Throughout the year, the 
Committee has considered that I have recent and relevant financial 
experience for the purposes of the Code. Until his resignation on 
28 June 2019, the Committee also considered that Jesper Ovesen 
provided the required experience for the purposes of the Code. 

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 – Designing a robust external audit tender process and 

determining the appropriate timetable to undertake such 
a tender, taking into consideration the critical activities and 
assignments currently being undertaken by potential audit firms 
and the tenure to date of the current external auditors.

 – Overseeing the implementation of changes that may arise as 
a result of the recommendations and outputs of the Brydon 
Review, Competition and Markets Authority Review, Kingman 
Review and the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (“BEIS”) 
Select Committee recommendations to the Government 
following their inquiries into the future of audit.

 – Reviewing the implications of proposed legal and tax structure 

reorganisations and planning required to support transformation 
plans and address the Swiss tax and other reforms. 

 – Ongoing monitoring of the Group’s investments and processes 
to address compliance with data privacy requirements and 
minimise the Group’s cyber security risk.

 – Continue reviewing progress in replacing legacy systems across 

the Group and upgrading technology capability. 

Detailed biographies of all Committee members can be found on 
pages 76 and 77 and information about Brian May on page 94. The 
Committee will continue to review its membership to ensure the 
skills and experience of its members align with the business as 
it develops.

Committee meeting attendance
The Committee held 13 meetings during 2019, including four 
meetings timed to align with the financial reporting and audit cycles 
of the Group, two meetings to discuss accounting treatment and 
disclosure requirements in respect of costs related to the 
Transformation Initiative and the transition from the Medical Device 
Directive (“MDD”) to the Medical Device Regulation (“MDR”) 
respectively, and one in relation to the provisioning methodology 
and accounting treatment of the US distributor rebate accrual. 
Outside the Committee’s formal meetings, I regularly met members 
of management, including the Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, 
Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk, Corporate Controller, Vice 
President, Global Tax and Chief Information Officer, and the lead 
external audit partner and senior members of the external audit 
team to discuss matters relating to the Committee’s activities. 

The Vice President, Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk and the 
external auditor have direct access to the Committee’s members 
should they wish to raise any concerns outside formal meetings and 
at least annually, and as required, they are given the opportunity to 
discuss matters with the Committee without executive 
management being present.

In planning its own agenda and reviewing the audit plans of the 
internal and external auditors, the Committee takes account of 
significant issues and operational, compliance and financial risks 
likely to have an impact on the Group’s Financial Statements and/or 
the Group’s execution and delivery of its strategy. The Committee 
also addresses specific queries or reviews referred to it by the Board 
or the Remuneration Committee. Following each Committee 
meeting, the Chair of the Committee communicates the Committee’s 
main discussion points and findings (including recommendations) 
to the Board.

 
Committee development and effectiveness
During the year the Committee received an update from Deloitte on corporate governance issues specifically relating to the Committee’s 
activities, including the relevant requirements of the Code and developments arising from the recommendations and outputs of the various 
reviews of the audit market and future of audit. 

As part of the Board’s annual effectiveness review, which is explained on page 91, the Committee’s effectiveness was evaluated. Overall, the 
review concluded that the Committee is responding appropriately to its terms of reference and will continue to develop its role. The key 
outputs of the review are reflected in the Committee’s 2020 priorities which are detailed on page 96. 

Committee activities in respect of 2019

Key area

Activities

Financial reporting
2019 interim and final results, Q1 and Q3 
trading updates and APMs

Going Concern and Viability statements

Fair, balanced and understandable

Reviewed:
 – The Financial Statements and trading announcements released throughout the year, including all 

disclosures and notes, together with papers from management summarising the process for preparing 
the underlying Financial Statements.

 – The appropriateness and application of key accounting policies (particularly the recent policies IFRS 9, 

15 and 16) and the areas of significant judgement, assumption and estimate, including how those 
judgements, assumptions and estimates were determined. 

 – The appropriateness of items adjusted in APMs and their disclosure in the Financial Statements and 

results announcements. 

 – Reports from Deloitte detailing the conclusions of the external auditor review in relation to the interim 
results for the half year to 30 June 2019 and audit in respect of the year ended 31 December 2019. 
The Deloitte reports included specific focus on areas identified as having significant audit risk or 
review emphasis.

Reviewed the process and scenarios and assumptions applied in the stress testing undertaken to support 
the Group’s Viability statement and reviewed documentation prepared to support the Group’s Going 
Concern statement. 

Discussed with the external auditor the scope, approach and nature of the challenge within the auditor’s 
review of the Viability and Going Concern statements and the conclusions of their review. 

Concluded that the 2019 ARA had been properly prepared on a going concern basis and approved and 
recommended the Viability and Going Concern statements to the Board. These matters are discussed 
further in the “Significant issues and other accounting and financial reporting judgements” section of 
this report.

Considered whether the 2019 ARA, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable, and whether 
it provides the information necessary for shareholders and other stakeholders to assess the Group’s 
performance, business model, strategy and the key risks that challenge the Group. The process to support 
the Committee’s conclusions in respect of this included:
 – The ARA preparation process being led by a senior management working group, and including review by 
the CELT, members of this Committee and the Board and externally reviewed by Freshfields Bruckhaus 
Deringer in relation to the Strategic report and Governance section; Kepler Mercer, in relation to the 
Directors’ Remuneration report, and relevant sections of the ARA audited by Deloitte.

 – A qualitative review of disclosures and internal consistency throughout the ARA, which included but was 

not limited to the matters below: 
 – Assessing the accuracy and integrity of the messages conveyed in the ARA and appropriateness 

of the level of detail and messaging in the reporting. 

 – Correlation between the key working papers and results for each of the significant issues and 

judgements considered by the Committee and the external auditor in the period and the disclosures 
in the ARA.

 – Consistency between the Strategic report, Corporate governance report, Financial review and the 

Financial Statements. 

 – Balance of statutory reported results and non-IFRS measures, including a clear and comprehensive 

reconciliation between them and consideration of why the non-IFRS measures were being provided. 

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Reviewed, considered and challenged as appropriate the external auditor’s planned scope of work for the 
audit of the Group’s Financial Statements, the assessment of risk and materiality on which the plan is based 
and the justification for certain components of the Group not being subject to a full scope audit as part of 
the Group audit. 

Ensured the external auditor’s plan for the audit was informed by the Group’s business model and strategy, 
the Group-wide Transformation Initiative, the business risks the Group faces and the Committee’s views on 
the expectations of the Group’s investors and other stakeholders.

Monitored the progress of the implementation of the audit plan throughout the year and considered issues 
and judgements as they arose and any resulting required changes of audit scope.

Reviewed the auditor’s regular reports to the Committee in respect of the interim review and annual audit 
and discussed key findings and conclusions with the audit partners and management. 

Considered the performance, effectiveness and quality of the external audit process. The Committee 
demands a robust, quality and effective audit with strong reporting lines to the Committee, a rigorous 
quality assurance process and evidence of the auditor acting with integrity, objectivity and independence.

Reviewed and considered the tenure of Mark Mullins, engagement partner and Senior Statutory Auditors. 
Mark Mullins’ tenure is two years and is therefore within the five year mandatory rotation.

The Committee Chair met regularly with the external audit partners during the year to discuss plan 
progress, reporting, adequacy and transparency of disclosures and other relevant emerging or actual 
issues. The Committee Chair, CFO and Corporate Controller also collectively met with the audit partners 
on two occasions to discuss issues arising in respect of the US distributor rebate accrual change in 
estimation methodology (see page 103) and the impairment of the finite-lived intangible assets (see page 
101). The Committee requested additional focus by the auditor on these two aspects of the Financial 
Statements during the audit for 2019 plus enhanced audit resource and leadership in the US component 
audit team.

Approved the terms of engagement of the external auditor, including the audit and non-audit fees, ensuring 
that the required scope of audit work is not constrained by the cost of assurance. 

In September 2019, reviewed and revised the Group’s policy in relation to the provision of non-audit 
services in response to the FRC consultation on Ethical Standards and Auditing Standards, which proposed 
splitting services into two categories: (i) permissible services which are not subject to a fee cap; and (ii) 
permissible services that are subject to a cap. The Committee approved a cap of 10% on permissible 
services. The Committee has reviewed and confirmed that the revised Group policy is in line with the 
Revised Ethical Standard 2019, published on 17 December 2019.

All non-audit engagements are approved by the Committee, in strict accordance with its policy on 
non-audit engagements performed by the external auditor.

Taking into consideration the results of the above activities, the Committee recommended to the Board 
that a resolution for the reappointment of Deloitte for a further year as the Group’s auditor be proposed to 
shareholders at the AGM in May 2020.

Reviewed and challenged management’s proposal regarding the refinancing of the entirety of the Group’s 
previously existing external debt, noting that $1.2 billion of a total of $1.8 billion of this external debt was due 
to mature in October 2021. The proposal involved a refinancing, targeting a relationship-led banking 
transaction with a view to considering a debt capital issuance in the future.

Reviewed the key terms of the refinancing proposal including tenure, repayment profile, interest margin, 
financial covenants, security and portfolio of relationship banks.

Received expert reports from the Group’s debt advisors (Rothschild & Co) including their view on the 
probability that the debt could be refinanced using the structure proposed by management, risks to the 
refinancing process and options available to the Group should there be an event which led to the 
suppression of market appetite for such a transaction.

Reviewed the need for and approved the establishment of a special purpose finance company, ConvaTec 
Finance Holdings Limited, as the Original Borrower for the new finance facilities. 

Audit and Risk Committee report
continued

Key area

External audit

Group’s refinancing of its external 
borrowing facilities

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Key area

Activities

Reviewed the Group’s system of financial, operational and governance internal controls, core IT systems on 
which the financial controls operate and risk management processes (which are set out on page 27) and 
assessed their effectiveness and assisted the Board in relation to compliance with the Code in this respect. 
This included reviewing:
 – The annual process and testing programme for financial controls including global financial controls, 

which included key controls applicable to the revenue recognition accounting policy, together with entity 
level controls and IT general controls in relation to the Group’s core IT systems that underpin the Group’s 
Financial Statements. There were no material deficiencies identified and the Committee noted a continued 
year-on-year improvement in the quality of reporting and the number of immaterial deficiencies 
identified and remediated. The Group continues to operate on a single Enterprise Resource Planning 
(“ERP”) across 85% of the Group’s subsidiary companies with a consolidation system supporting the 
production of financial and management reporting. 

 – As part of the business services transformation, management has reviewed and improved end-to-end 
process design and is investing in optimising the ERP system and, during 2020, will be implementing 
work flow tools to improve process and controls through automation. The Committee has reviewed 
(and, where relevant, challenged) the technology solutions proposed by management and will 
continue to review and monitor through both the global financial controls and business services 
transformation programmes.

 – The implementation of the global financial controls improvement project, including the regular review of 
the results of management’s testing and remediation plans for gaps identified. The review encompasses 
all trading subsidiaries across the Group, including emerging markets and those entities that do not 
operate on our standard ERP. There were no un-remediated significant control weaknesses as at 
31 December 2019. Global standards for process controls have been developed and are being rolled out 
across the Group as part of the global financial controls programme together with a programme of 
evidence reviews.

 – The rigorous regulatory and compliance framework and the conclusions of the independent internal 

compliance reviews undertaken throughout the year across all aspects of the Group. 

 – The key internal financial controls reviews included in the internal audit programme for 2019. This 

included an update at every Committee meeting from the Corporate Controller on the accounting issues 
and key aspects of the financial controls and updates on risk management from the Chief Compliance 
Officer and the Vice President, Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk. In addition, the Committee reviewed 
and discussed the reports of all the internal audits completed during the year and the findings of 
compliance reviews, with no major control weaknesses identified.

 – Financial performance throughout the year and its alignment with information received from 

management by the Board. 

 – The risk management and controls software implemented across most of the Group by the Controller’s 
function for reporting on financial controls and progress towards implementation by the internal audit 
and risk management functions.

 – The processes and framework for identifying principal and emerging risks and uncertainties and the 

proposed risk appetite to be applied for the various categories of principal risks.

 – The proposed enhancements to, and roll-out of, the risk management process, framework and 

governance structure.

 – Progress in driving the cultural change required to embed enterprise risk management as 

a commercial enabler.

 – Deep-dive presentations on certain specific risk issues including Brexit, legal and compliance processes, 

cyber-security and data privacy and GDPR embedding and maintenance.

Monitored the ongoing implementation of improvements in the quality and availability of management and 
financial information (finance business intelligence) and reporting. This has included the development and 
roll-out of high-level executive dashboards, development of data warehousing and associated analytics 
improvements and Transformation Initiative implementation tracking. The Committee will continue to 
monitor the ongoing improvements in management information and reporting, particularly as it evolves 
to support the Group’s strategy, transformation and operating model.

Received and reviewed a paper from the recently appointed Vice President, Treasury, noting the planned 
transition of the small treasury team from Deeside to the Group’s head office in Reading and the process 
improvements being initiated.

Reviewed and approved the updated Treasury Policy following the refinancing of the external borrowing 
facilities, including the refreshed foreign currency risk management policy, associated accounting, risk 
management and governance framework and the centralisation of cash management through ConvaTec 
Finance Holdings Limited.

Received reports from the Chief Transformation Officer and General Counsel and the Chief Compliance 
Officer in relation to the Group’s compliance programme, monitored the implementation of the programme 
across the Group and discussed compliance weaknesses and issues identified and the resulting resolution 
of these matters, noting any themes or learnings that should be highlighted across the Group. 

Reviewed reports from the Group’s independent whistleblower hotline and web link and management’s 
responses, including investigating issues raised, conclusions of investigations and any required actions. 
Information about the whistleblower hotline and web link is included on page 44. 

Internal controls and risk management

Management and financial information 
and reporting

Treasury strategy and processes

Treasury Policy

Compliance and confidential reporting

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continued

Key area

Tax

Regulatory compliance

Brexit accounting and reporting 
considerations

Cyber security and GDPR

Discussions on specific matters

Activities

Received and reviewed tax updates on various issues including:
 – Continued Brexit planning, including mitigation plans in relation to potential dividend withholding tax 
and interest deductibility changes as a result of the UK exiting from the European Union and other 
legislative changes.

 – 2019 Group tax reporting and forecasting plan.
 – Discussion and review of the Group’s tax risk profile including appropriate measures to reduce inherent 

tax risks where available and proportionate.

 – Completion of the transition of the Global Tax team lead from the US to the UK and review of tax 

controls and processes.

 – Issues emerging from audits and reviews being undertaken into prior years’ tax returns by local tax 

regulators across the Group.

 – Transfer pricing and legal entity functionality evaluation, including judgements applied in allocating costs 
and income in legal entities and jurisdictions where the Group has taxable presence ensuring alignment 
of taxable results with value creation and profile, including review of uncertain tax positions with respect 
to transfer pricing arrangements.

 – Oversight of the tax compliance service provision tender process and approval of the appointment of 

KPMG, noting that the implementation of a global tax compliance framework improves reporting, control 
and compliance in all jurisdictions.

 – Tax judgement issues within the 2019 Financial Statements, in particular the effects of the Swiss tax 

reform and the resulting recognition of a deferred tax asset (see “Significant issues and other accounting 
and financial reporting judgements” on page 101).
 – Approval of the Group’s annual Public Tax Statement.

The Group Chief Compliance Officer provided the Committee with an overview of his key areas of focus for 
the Compliance function, being: 
 – Clear standards, including reviewing and refreshing policies.
 – Improving communication between the Compliance team and the business to emphasise ‘why’ actions 

can or cannot be taken.

 – Robust monitoring of the compliance programme through increased field monitoring. 
 – Monitoring of potential litigation and possible outcomes, including the Scapa Group plc lawsuit (for further 

information see Note 24 to the Financial Statements).

Received reports from management of the ongoing risk identification and mitigation plans to address 
potential issues arising from the UK departing the European Union in 2020, with or without an agreement. 
It was noted that the overall financial impact is deemed to be low, with mitigation plans in place to 
minimise this.

Monitored the delivery of the Group’s cyber security programme, including the enhancements achieved in 
the implementation of improved risk mitigations, regular cyber incidents updates and the output from cyber 
incident response workshops held at the Group’s key manufacturing sites.

Oversaw the ongoing implementation and evolution of the Group’s GDPR programme and received 
updates on the establishment of the Group’s Global Privacy function, including supporting the appointment 
of a Global Privacy Officer. 

Considered and reviewed (including providing approvals where appropriate) the following matters:
 – Dividend policy and impact on realised distributable profits.
 – Matters to be taken into consideration in determining appropriate timetable for a tender process to appoint 

external auditors by 1 January 2023.

 – Update on and potential impact of possible future audit reform.
 – Insurance management and renewal programme.
 – Debt covenant compliance.
 – Anti-bribery and corruption policy compliance.
 – Proposal to purchase shares through the Employee Benefit Trust to support employee share options 

anticipated to vest.

 – Pension accounting and liability risk.
 – Corporate governance developments.

We seek to respond to shareholders’ and other stakeholders’ expectations in our reporting and, as always, welcome any feedback from 
shareholders and other stakeholders.

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Significant issues and other material accounting and financial reporting judgements considered by the Committee in relation to the 
Group’s 2019 Financial Statements and disclosures and other areas of responsibility of the Committee 
The Committee and/or the external auditor robustly challenged management and/or the external auditor in respect to certain issues 
referred to below. However, as disclosed in the table below, agreement on all issues was eventually reached and there were no topics where 
there was significant disagreement between management, the external auditor and the Committee, or unresolved issues that needed to be 
referred to the Board, although the Board was informed of the challenge and discussions that took place and how agreement was reached.

Set out in the table below is information on the significant matters considered during 2019 by the Committee. 

Significant area considered

How the Committee challenged and addressed

Outcome

Fixed asset useful 
economic lives

An assessment was performed by management of the appropriateness of useful 
economic lives assigned to material assets in key manufacturing locations. As a 
consequence of the assessment, management proposed an increase in the 
expected lifespan of three production lines, resulting in a $4 million decrease in 
depreciation charge for 2019.

The Committee challenged management on the appropriateness of the increase 
in lifespan. Management confirmed that there was evidence from the machine 
manufacturers and current production effectiveness and efficiencies of the 
machines to support the extension. 

IFRS 16, Leases, effective 1 
January 2019

Throughout the year, the Committee considered the scope, completeness and 
disclosures in relation to the application of IFRS 16 on the Group’s Financial 
Statements. The Committee considered whether the disclosures effectively 
communicated the impact of the standard on the income statement and balance 
sheet of the Group, the practical expedients applied on transition were clearly 
identified and that there was an adequate reconciliation between the previous 
accounting standard IAS 17, Leases and IFRS 16. 

The Committee also reviewed and discussed the relevant IFRS 16 disclosures 
in the 2019 ARA with reference to the guidance given by the FRC in its 
“IFRS 16 Thematic Review: Review of Interim Disclosures in the First Year of 
Application” and in its letter to Audit Committee Chairs and Finance Directors 
on 30 October 2019.

Impairment review of 
finite-lived intangible 
assets

Considered and challenged management’s rationale for a trigger for impairment 
reviews to be conducted of certain finite-lived intangible assets acquired at the 
point of the Bristol Myers Squibb spin out in 2008.

Considered and challenged management’s review, methodology and conclusions 
in determining the aggregation of certain core technologies and patents.

Reviewed and challenged the basis of the valuation of the assets including 
estimates used in deriving future cash flows and discount rates applied to these 
cash flows, reflecting current market assessments of the specific risks and the 
time value of money, the benefit included from certain transformation initiatives 
and the underlying support for the useful economic lives applied. The Committee 
reviewed and discussed valuation reports from external specialist advisers which 
supported management’s conclusions.

Reviewed and challenged the proposed disclosures in the Financial Statements to 
ensure that the disclosures were compliant with IAS and more broadly to 
consider the transparency of the disclosures.

Reviewed management’s proposal to recognise the impairment charge of 
$103.6 million as an adjusting item on the basis that the impairment relates to 
intangible assets acquired in 2008 and the impairment of such assets is not 
representative of the cost base of the business today. This is also consistent with 
the treatment of the related amortisation of pre-2018 acquisition intangibles.

The Committee discussed the appropriateness of aggregation, valuation and 
disclosure with the auditor.

The auditors confirmed they had 
challenged the proposal from 
management and agreed with the 
principle of adjusting depreciation 
prospectively for an increase in 
economic life.

The Committee approved the extension 
in the economic life of the relevant 
assets and, although the impact is not 
material in 2019, identified asset 
economic lives as an area requiring 
significant focus and consideration in 
2020 during the implementation of the 
Group’s strategy and changes in the 
business’s operating model.

The Committee concluded that the 
Group’s disclosures in relation to IFRS 16 
were compliant with the standard and in 
line with guidance published by the FRC.

The auditor recommended certain minor 
improvements in the disclosures related 
to the impact of IFRS 16, which the 
Committee accepted. The Committee 
agreed the overall disclosure provided 
stakeholders with a clear understanding 
of the impact of IFRS 16 on the Group’s 
net income and balance sheet.

The Committee requested the auditor 
consider management’s rationale for a 
trigger for impairment review of these 
assets and for the auditor to challenge 
management’s approach to the 
aggregation methodology, valuation 
assumptions including useful economic 
life, the inclusion of the benefit of certain 
transformation initiatives, accounting 
treatment and disclosures. The auditor 
challenged and confirmed management’s 
rationale and proposal.

After significant discussions with 
management, both inside and outside of 
Committee meetings, and following a 
request for further analysis, the 
Committee agreed with management’s 
asset aggregation, valuation methodology 
and conclusion that an impairment 
charge of $103.6 million should be 
recognised in 2019.

The Committee approved the treatment 
of the impairment charge as an 
adjusting item.

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Significant area considered

How the Committee challenged and addressed

Outcome

Valuation of goodwill and 
the impairment testing 
thereof, including 
sensitivity analysis and 
stress testing

Recognition of deferred 
tax asset arising from the 
Swiss tax reform

Recognition of US deferred 
tax assets 

Management undertake an annual review, or at other times if circumstances 
indicate a possible issue, to determine if the carrying value of goodwill (in both 
the Group and parent company balance sheets) is impaired. This impairment 
review requires the exercise of considerable judgement and application of 
assumptions by management, including estimates used in deriving future cash 
flows and discount rates applied to these cash flows, reflecting current market 
assessments of the specific risks and the time value of money. The estimation 
process is complex due to the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with 
long-term forecasting. 

The Committee considered management’s review of potential indicators of 
impairment of goodwill and gained an understanding of the level of headroom 
in that calculation and the sensitivity of that headroom to reasonably possible 
changes in key assumptions, such as the applicable pre-tax discount rate used 
and the market and company growth rate assumptions. Further information on 
the discount rate, growth rate assumptions and sensitivities can be found in 
Note 8 to the Financial Statements. 

Discussed the outcome of these various goodwill related reviews with 
management and the external auditor and received the auditor’s views on the 
matters concerned, which were consistent with management’s conclusions. 

The Committee considered management’s review of the effect of the Swiss 
tax reform on the Group’s results and forecast Effective Tax Rate, including 
management’s best estimate of the deferred tax asset expected to arise on the 
transition to the new tax rules in Switzerland. 

The Committee appreciated that the transformation changes that the Group has 
implemented in 2019 together with further changes expected to be realised in 
2020 may impact the assessment required to measure the application of the 
Swiss tax reform to the Group’s Swiss-based operations. Accordingly, the 
Committee reviewed management’s proposal to adopt a specific methodology 
which is allowed under Swiss law to determine the best estimate of the deferred 
tax asset as at 31 December 2019 based on currently available information and 
the actual situation at that date. 

Management provided papers summarising the transition to the new Swiss tax 
rules and how they would apply to the Group’s Swiss legal entities, including its 
ongoing dialogue with the Swiss Tax Authorities. The Committee reviewed 
management’s best estimate of the deferred tax asset which reflects the current 
business model (without reflecting potential future plans) and information 
available, and the associated disclosures (in the ARA) including the classification 
of the measurement of the deferred tax asset as a critical accounting judgement 
and key source of estimation uncertainty. The Committee also reviewed 
management’s proposal to recognise the deferred tax asset as an adjusting item 
on the basis that this is a significant item which does not reflect the underlying 
performance of the business.

The Committee also considered the external auditor’s assessment and challenge 
of management’s position on the value and proposed treatment of the deferred 
tax asset.

Considered management’s proposal to recognise deferred tax assets of 
$75.9 million, before the offset against $90.6 million of deferred tax liabilities, 
in the US. Recognition of deferred tax assets is based on management’s 
assessment of their recoverability and the timing of the reversal of deferred tax 
liabilities against which deferred tax assets can be utilised. Management provided 
papers setting out the background to the deferred tax assets and the proposed 
treatment thereof. The Committee also considered the external auditor’s 
assessment and challenge of the proposed treatment of the deferred tax assets 
that are being recognised.

The Committee devoted significant time 
(both outside the formal meeting and in 
it) to considering the outcome of 
management’s review of the appropriate 
carrying value of goodwill. Having 
considered the sensitivity analysis, 
the reasonably possible changes, the 
assumptions and judgements applied, 
the conclusions of the external advisers 
to management and the auditor’s 
independent assessment and challenge 
of the reasonableness of the assumptions 
and judgements (including noting that 
the discount rate applied was conservative 
compared to peer companies), the 
Committee agreed with management’s 
goodwill valuation.

The Committee sought additional 
information and explanation from 
management and the auditor in relation 
to the recognition of the deferred tax 
asset, including technical accounting 
requirements for the recognition of the 
asset, appropriate valuation methodology, 
recognition criteria, judgements and 
classification as a critical accounting 
estimate and key source of estimation 
uncertainty.

Following detailed discussion both inside 
and outside of Committee meetings, the 
Committee agreed with the recognition 
of a deferred tax asset of $23.0 million 
and the associated disclosures within the 
Financial Statements.

The Committee will continue to review 
the value of the deferred tax asset as the 
transformation plans develop and are 
implemented during 2020.

Following discussion and further 
analysis by management related to the 
recognised deferred tax assets and 
liabilities and considering Deloitte’s 
assessment and challenge, the 
Committee agreed with management’s 
proposals.

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Significant area considered

How the Committee challenged and addressed

Outcome

US distributor rebate 
accrual 

Considered the accounting implications of the revenue adjustment of $8.9 million 
(debit) in Q1 2019 in relation to the change in the basis of the estimate applied to 
determine the US distributor rebate accrual and related accounts receivable.

The Committee sought additional 
analysis and explanations from 
management and from the auditor.

The Committee requested the auditor 
review management’s approach to the 
change in the basis of estimate and 
calculation of the financial impact in Q1. 
In addition, the auditor undertook 
additional audit procedures in respect of 
the proposed change in basis of estimate 
and the accuracy of the resulting accrual 
adjustment and confirmed agreement 
with management’s proposal.

After detailed discussion (both formally in 
Committee meetings and informally outside 
of meetings) the Committee agreed with 
management’s proposals in relation to 
the calculation of the adjustment, the 
revised basis of estimation and the 
treatment as a current period adjustment 
in relation to IAS 8.

The Committee rejected management’s 
request to consider this revenue 
adjustment as an APM item but supported 
the disclosures and explanation of the 
adjustment in the Q1 and H1 interim results.

Following review and subject to minor 
amendments, the Committee concluded 
that the disclosures in relation to dividend 
policy were in line with FRC guidance.

The Committee concluded that it was able 
to advise the Board that there were 
sufficient distributable reserves and cash 
resources to enable the Board to approve a 
continuation of the existing dividend policy. 
This reflects the confidence of the Board 
in the long-term prospects of the Group 
noting that in the near term the dividend 
pay-out ratio may be slightly above the 
target ratio as investment is made in the 
ongoing transformation of the Group.

The Committee requested that 
management provide regular updates from 
the Treasury Management Committee 
during 2020 to ensure that the 
Committee remains apprised of future 
developments and recommendations in 
respect of the recognition and availability 
of realised distributable reserves and 
liquidity to support the Group’s future 
dividend policy and strategy.

The Committee agreed that there were 
no further impairment triggers in relation 
to the Company’s investment in CHL.

The Committee accepted management’s 
proposal to remove the impairment of 
the investment in subsidiaries as a key 
area of estimation uncertainty given that 
no reasonably probable change in 
assumptions within the plan could lead 
to a material impairment adjustment.

Considered the basis of management’s proposed change to the estimate, 
including applicable chargeback rates and the claims’ lag period. 

Challenged the auditor on the robustness of the revised estimate. 

Considered the application of IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in 
Accounting Estimates and Errors (“IAS 8”) and IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts 
with Customers.

Reviewed the disclosures in the Q1 2019 trading statement for adequacy and 
clarity of disclosure and explanation.

Dividends and realised 
distributable reserves

Reviewed management’s analysis of the reserves available for distribution in the 
parent company (“the Company”), noting that the Company’s distributable 
reserves are increased by receipt of dividends from its subsidiaries. In particular, 
it was noted that the majority of the dividends are paid through or directly by 
ConvaTec International Services GmbH (“CISG”), the Swiss principal.

Reviewed the forecast profitability of CISG and considered the cash resources 
available to the Company from which to service future dividends noting that the 
Group has, through improvements to the Treasury processes, started to 
concentrate cash resources in ConvaTec Finance Holdings Limited to more 
readily service dividend payments. 

Reviewed management’s dividend proposal in relation to the full year dividend, 
including the matters management considered in determining the dividend. This 
included peer group benchmarking, the available distributable reserves of the 
Company and the cash resources available to meet the dividend, and input from 
the Group’s brokers and Director of Investor Relations. 

The Committee considered longer-term dividend planning, particularly in 
relation to the Transformation Initiative.

Considered the dividend disclosures required in light of FRC guidance on 
dividend policies. 

Impairment review of CHL

In 2018, given the further fall in share price after the trading update on 
15 October 2018, management assessed the Value in Use (“VIU”) of Cidron 
Healthcare Limited (“CHL”).

For the year ended 31 December 2018, management proposed, and the 
Committee agreed to, the recognition of an impairment charge of $1.616 billion in 
the Company’s investment in CHL which was offset by a transfer from the merger 
reserve. The carrying value of the investment was reduced to $3,887.4 million.

For the year ended 31 December 2019, the Committee requested that 
management consider whether there were further impairment triggers in 
relation to the same investment. The Committee considered management’s 
supporting evidence that there were no such triggers, including a comparison 
of VIU and fair value (based on market capitalisation). 

The Committee considered management’s proposal to remove the impairment 
of investment in subsidiaries as a key area of estimation uncertainty in the 
Company’s Financial Statements. The Committee assessed the Group’s current 
financial performance and forecast financial performance for the next 12 months.

The Committee discussed the appropriateness of both the position on 
impairment triggers and the removal of impairment in investment in subsidiaries 
as a key area of estimation uncertainty with the external auditor.

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Significant area considered

How the Committee challenged and addressed

Outcome

Alternative performance 
measures

Continued to review the accounting treatment and disclosures of APMs with 
reference to the ESMA and FRC guidelines in relation to APMs, the FRC’s 2018 
Corporate Reporting Thematic Review, the FRC’s letter in relation to our 2017 
ARA and the letter to Audit Committee Chairs and Finance Directors issued 
30 October 2019.

Considered management’s supporting evidence and arguments regarding 
proposed adjustments to IFRS reported measures and disclosures in light of 
the ESMA and FRC guidance and the Group’s accounting policies, including its 
specific policy on APMs (which was reviewed, revised and approved during 
the year).

In addition to the discussions regarding treatment of the Deferred Tax Asset 
recognised as a result of the Swiss tax reform and the impairment charge arising 
from the review of certain finite-lived intangible assets (both matters explained 
above), the Committee devoted considerable time discussing and agreeing the 
treatment of costs related to the transition to the MDR, the Transformation 
Initiative (including reconsideration of the costs related to the proposed business 
services transformation) and the elements of the new CEO’s buy-out package 
(agreed on recruitment) not subject to performance or retention conditions. 

The Committee sought additional 
explanations and supporting evidence 
from management for all proposed 
adjustments. In addition, the Committee 
considered the detailed analysis, nature 
of, and future benefits to be obtained 
from the proposed cost adjustments. 
After receiving management’s further 
explanations and following detailed 
discussion of the matter (in two ad hoc 
Committee meetings called specifically 
to discuss this matter and informally 
outside of meetings), the Committee 
refused management’s proposal to treat 
the non-recurring costs related to the 
transition from the MDD to the MDR and 
the many elements of the Transformation 
Initiative as adjusting items. 

The Committee agreed to the treatment 
of elements (those related to past 
performance in a previous employment 
with no retention or future performance 
criteria) of the CEO’s buy-out package as 
an adjusted cost.

In early 2019, the Committee had 
indicated it would be supportive of 
management’s proposal to treat the 
costs related to the business services 
transformation as adjusted costs. 
However, as the plans for its 
implementation have developed during 
2019 and the transformation and pivot to 
growth plans have also developed, these 
over-arching initiatives have subsumed 
the business services transformation 
programme. The Committee has, 
therefore, subsequently considered the 
costs associated with transformation and 
pivot to growth and has concluded that 
only the specific elements of the 
programmes related to the severance of 
employees (including redundancy and 
associated retention costs) or the costs 
of early termination of property leases 
should be treated as adjusting items and 
that all elements related to forward-
looking and ongoing continuous 
improvement in effectiveness of 
operations should be regarded as 
business as usual and, therefore, it is 
not appropriate to treat these as 
adjusted costs.

The external auditor challenged 
management’s proposals and agreed 
with the Committee’s conclusions and 
the overall disclosure of APMs in the 
Financial Statements and other parts 
of the 2019 ARA. 

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Significant area considered

How the Committee challenged and addressed

Viability and Going 
Concern statements
 – The Group’s methodology 
for the production of the 
Viability statement is set 
out on pages 34 to 35.

 – The Board’s Viability 

statement and the Going 
Concern statement are 
included on page 35.

Since the launch of the “Pivot to Growth” programme in February 2019, the 
Board has received and reviewed a revised five-year financial and operating plan 
(‘strategic plan’). Taking into consideration the Group’s prospects and risks, the 
Board approved the Group’s ‘Strategic Plan 1’ in July 2019. This Strategic Plan 1 
has formed the basis of the Viability assessment.

The Committee specifically considered:
 – The planning horizon and the applicability of a three or five-year assessment 
period. The Committee took into consideration the following in determining 
the appropriate viability period:
a.  Karim Bitar, CEO, joined the Group on 30 September 2019. Under his 

Outcome
The auditor confirmed that the Directors’ 
statements on Viability and Going 
Concern had been read and concluded 
that they were consistent with the 
knowledge obtained during the course 
of the audit.

The Committee approved and 
recommended the Viability statement 
to the Board.

leadership, further development of the Transformation Initiative and our 
strategy are likely to impact the plans and forecasts for future years, 
particularly from 2022 onwards.

The Committee approved and 
recommended the Going Concern 
statement to the Board.

b.  Significant investments being made over the next two years under the 

transformation and implementation of our strategy.

c.  Our R&D and production cycles.
d. Ability to respond in a timely manner to reasonably possible Group specific 

and market events.

e.  Implicitly it is harder to accurately forecast the latter years of the 

five-year plan.

 – The completion of the Group’s refinancing, which extends our debt maturity 

profile to October 2024.

 – The continuing appropriateness and relevance of the key assumptions 

underlying the Strategic Plan 1.

 – The 2020 Annual Operating Plan (budget) reviewed and approved by the 

Board in February 2020 and its alignment with the forecast for 2020 inherent 
within, and the implications for future years, the Strategic Plan 1.

 – The list of principal risks (set out on pages 28 to 33) and whether the 

appropriate downside scenarios were encapsulated.

 – Stress test scenarios covering the Group’s key financial performance and 

liquidity risks, being foreign exchange sensitivity, revenue growth (including the 
potential effect of climate impacts creating production shortages), gross 
margin downsides and higher capital investment requirements and a combined 
downside case sensitivity assuming simultaneous occurrence of all the 
above scenarios.

The Committee assessed the process and stress testing to support the Viability 
statement and related disclosures. 

With regard to the Going Concern statement, the Committee considered the 
Group’s assumptions underlying the cash flow projections after debt service 
costs, current cash balances and capacity available in existing sources of funding. 
This review included testing the covenants and assessing the adequacy of 
the available headroom, particularly against significant but possible downside 
trading scenarios. 

The Committee considered the need to continue obtaining a private review 
opinion from the auditor in respect of the Q1 and Q3 trading update 
announcements, given the limited financial data (being revenue only) provided 
within these announcements.

Auditor review of Q1 and 
Q3 trading update 
announcements

The Committee concluded that the 
assurance required in respect of the 
appropriateness and accuracy of the 
financial information provided within the 
Q1 and Q3 announcements would be 
adequately provided by management’s 
quarterly reporting to the Committee. 
This conclusion reflected the implications 
for financial reporting of the transition of 
the Group’s Controller function from the 
US to the UK in 2018 and the significant 
improvements that had been achieved in 
the quality of financial analysis and data 
provided to the Committee and Board. 

The Committee, therefore, approved 
management’s request to no longer 
engage the auditor to undertake a private 
opinion review of the Q1 and Q3 trading 
update announcements. 

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Significant area considered

How the Committee challenged and addressed

Outcome

Cyber security

Cyber security is a dynamic risk area due to converging threats and technology 
advancement. Data privacy and GDPR are high-profile areas of business risk for 
all companies. The Committee reviewed progress against agreed plans for cyber 
security and data privacy. In relation to cyber security, this included:
 – Results from cyber incident simulation exercises, including cyber incident 

response workshops completed for all key manufacturing sites. 

 – Continued programmes to educate employees.
 – Actions taken to further embed IT controls and deployment of improved 

detection tools.

 – Improving our detection and response capability with assistance from 

third-party specialists and new technology.
 – Transitioning systems to a cloud environment. 

The Committee also reviewed the status of the embedding and monitoring 
of data privacy and GDPR compliance across the Group.

The Committee acknowledged the continued good progress that had been 
achieved in implementation of the cyber security strategy, including the results 
of the independent assessment of the Group’s cyber security controls. However, 
it noted that additional awareness training and communication was required for 
all employees and suppliers. The Committee also stressed the need for additional 
focus on the maintenance of GDPR compliance across the Group (in particular, 
in respect of the Group’s suppliers’ compliance).

The Committee supported the 
recruitment of a data privacy expert as 
the Group’s Data Privacy Officer.

The Committee requested regular 
updates on the further implementation 
of the cyber security strategy during 
2020, with consideration also to be given 
to the Board’s risk appetite in respect of 
cyber security. The Committee was 
assured that budget constraints were not 
an issue and the Transformation Initiative 
enabled advancement of the strategy. 
However, the capability and capacity of 
the Group to absorb faster change 
was noted. 

The Committee requested focus be 
given to further mitigations for both 
cyber security and GDPR compliance, 
both of which should continue to feature 
on the Internal Audit programme and the 
annual Committee agenda.

Technology modernisation

The Committee sought confirmation from the Chief Information Officer that 
budget constraints were not inhibiting the implementation of the cyber 
security strategy.

The programme of work to modernise the Group’s legacy business and 
manufacturing systems to mitigate certain key business risks continues. 
The work undertaken to date is delivering significant business benefits and 
reduced risks.

The Committee reviewed and challenged the programme, including migration 
of the majority of the Group’s modernised applications to the cloud, and the 
programme for migration of the remaining legacy applications to cloud 
technology.

The Committee acknowledged the 
significant progress in modernising the 
Group’s applications and supported 
the plans for the legacy applications 
migration.

The Committee considered 
contingencies and further actions that 
could be adopted to advance the 
migration to cloud technology. 

The Committee will continue to keep this 
under review.

After reviewing the detailed topic papers, presentations and reports 
from management, the Committee is satisfied that the Financial 
Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 appropriately 
address the critical accounting judgements and key sources of 
estimation uncertainty, both in respect of the amounts reported 
and the disclosures made. The Committee is also satisfied that the 
significant assumptions used for determining the value of assets and 
liabilities have been appropriately scrutinised, challenged and are 
sufficiently robust. The Committee has discussed these issues with 
the auditor during the audit planning process and at the finalisation 
of the year-end audit and is satisfied that, following robust challenge, 
its conclusions are in line with those drawn by the auditor in relation 
to these issues. 

As a result of its review of the significant issues and accounting 
judgements and estimates described above, in its advisory capacity, 
the Committee confirmed to the Board that the key accounting 
estimates, judgements and disclosures were appropriate and served 
to provide a true and fair view of the Group’s Financial Statements 
and the ARA, overall, are fair, balanced and understandable. The 
Board’s statement in relation to this confirmation is included on 
page 72. The Committee also confirmed to the Board that it was 
reasonable for the Directors to make the Viability statement and 
the Going Concern statement on page 35.

External audit and tendering process 
At the AGM on 9 May 2019 shareholders approved the 
reappointment of Deloitte LLP as the Group’s external auditor. 

Deloitte has acted as the Group’s external auditor since the 
Company’s Listing in October 2016 and prior to this were the 
Company’s external auditor for the period 2008 to 2016, whilst 
the Company was in private equity ownership. The Company is in 
compliance with the requirements of The Statutory Audit Services 
for Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of 
Competitive Tender Processes and Audit Responsibilities) Order 
2014, which relates to the frequency and governance of external 
audit tenders and the setting of a policy on the provision of 
non-audit services. 

The Committee reviews and makes a recommendation to the Board 
regarding the reappointment of the external auditor each year. 
In making this recommendation, the Committee considers auditor 
effectiveness and robustness, audit quality, quality of the key audit 
partners and directors, independence, partner rotation and any 
other factors that may impact the Committee’s judgement 
regarding the external auditor. Further information about how the 
Committee seeks to ensure the independence, objectivity and 
quality of the external auditor is set out on page 107.

The Committee also concluded that the Group’s internal controls 
and risk management processes were operating effectively 
throughout the year, although further improvements are planned 
and welcomed, and advised the Board that it could make 
a statement to this effect in the ARA. 

The Committee intends to run a tender for the appointment of the 
external auditor in or before 2023 (with a decision on timing and 
process to be agreed by the Committee during 2020) but reserves 
the right to run such a tender at any time. The audit tendering 
process will occur at least once every ten years.

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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Audit process
The Committee is responsible for overseeing the relationship with the external auditor, the effectiveness, quality and robustness of the audit 
and the audit process. The following table summarises the steps taken by the Committee in overseeing the 2019 audit and its quality.

Significant matters for review 

The annual audit plan and strategy including the scope of the audit, 
changes in approach and methodology, emerging industry and Group 
specific risks and change in the audit leadership team.

Materiality level for audit including Group materiality and component 
materiality.

Tenure and composition of the US audit team following transition of the 
management of the audit from the US to the UK.

Audit fee and terms of engagement.

Audit scope and risk assessment.

Decisions and actions taken by the Committee

Reviewed and challenged, leading to an agreed plan (see below).

Reviewed methodology and agreed a reduced level of materiality (thereby 
impacting the planned scope of the audit) for 2019 resulting from the 
reduction in forecast reported profit before tax and certain adjusted items 
in 2019 versus 2018. 

Reviewed and discussed the transition process and the remaining tenure 
of the US lead partner. To ensure continuity and audit quality in a material 
market, the Committee agreed with the UK-based lead audit partner that 
a new US partner would be introduced in 2019 to shadow the current US 
partner in advance of a change in the US lead partner in 2020 thus providing 
a managed transition through 2019 and enhanced leadership for the US 
component audit team.

Reviewed, challenged and approved the fee and terms of engagement, 
ensuring there was no impact on scope of audit or quality of resource 
engaged as a result of the agreed fee level.

Reviewed the significant risks and audit scope for 2019 and requested that 
the auditor provide a benchmark of the coverage provided by the proposed 
scope versus industry and peer comparators in the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 
and details of the analytical reviews performed on the out-of-audit scope 
elements of the Group. In addition, the Committee requested an 
understanding of whether the results of the statutory audits of subsidiaries 
outside of scope would have affected the overall Group audit result 
(if performed prior to signing off the Group audit). 

Based on the scope provided and the benchmarking analysis, the Committee 
agreed the planned scope of the 2019 external audit.

Audit findings, significant issues and other accounting judgements.

Discussed with Deloitte and management (see above).

Deloitte’s independence, objectivity and quality control procedures.

Independence and objectivity confirmed, quality control procedures 
reviewed (see below). 

Audit independence, quality and effectiveness
The Committee seeks to ensure the independence, objectivity and 
quality of the external auditor throughout the year by: 
 – Focusing on the assignment and rotation of key personnel. 
 – Communicating and meeting regularly throughout the year with 
the audit partners and personnel involved in the audit (with and 
without management present).

 – Reviewing and monitoring the adequacy, experience and quality 

of the audit resource (including requesting additional, replaced or 
enhanced personnel, including partners, when believed to be 
necessary).

 – Monitoring relationships and interactions with management.
 – Implementing policies in relation to non-audit work.
 – Monitoring relationships with and assignments awarded to other 
audit firms to ensure we have sufficient choice for any future 
appointments.

Audit independence
All non-audit engagements are approved by the Committee in strict 
accordance with the Group’s policy on non-audit engagements 
performed by the external auditor. This policy is designed to 
maintain the external auditor’s objectivity and independence. 

The Committee is responsible for developing, implementing and 
monitoring this policy. Through its strict enforcement the 
Committee believes that non-audit services do not have a direct 
or material effect on the auditor’s independence and the audited 
Financial Statements. 

Certain services that could compromise the external auditor’s 
independence are not permitted to be provided by the external 
auditor or its network. These prohibited non-audit services include, 
but are not limited to: 
 – The provision of internal audit services, design or implementation 
of information technology systems relating to the production of 
financial statements, valuation services, actuarial valuation 
services, certain taxation services. 

 – Provision of legal services, recruitment services, restructuring 

services, bookkeeping and payroll services. 

Until September 2019, the Group’s auditor independence policy 
provided that the external auditor, subject to the implementation 
of adequate safeguards, could undertake other types of non-audit 
work so long as the total fees for these non-audit services did not 
exceed 70% of the average audit fees billed to the Group by the 
external auditor in the past three years. 

During the year, the Committee reviewed the FRC’s consultation 
on Ethical and Auditing Standards (the consultation proposals 
subsequently being adopted in the final Revised Ethical Standard 
issued in December 2019). The consultation proposals included the 
introduction of a “white” list of permissible services, including 
services required to be provided by UK law and regulation and a 
short list of other permissible services. The latter are subject to a fee 
cap. The Committee discussed the consultation paper and decided 
to early adopt the proposals. As a result, in relation to permissible 
services subject to a fee cap, the Committee adopted a fee cap of 
10% of average audit fees billed to the Company by the auditor in 
the past three financial years. The policy was adopted from 
September 2019. The Committee has reviewed the final Revised 
Ethical Standard and has concluded that the revised policy is in 
accordance with the final FRC guidance.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Audit and Risk Committee report
continued

Non-audit fees incurred during 2019 totalled $142,000 which is 
approximately 4% of the average audit fee for the last three years 
and 4% of the 2019 audit fee. The non-audit fees covered work in 
relation to the following matters:
 – Certain compliance procedures in relation to environmental and 

other regulatory matters.

 – Provision of 360 degree feedback tool and other training.
 – Provision of market data.
 – Review of the Group’s half-year results announcement and the 
underlying unaudited financial statements for the six months to 
30 June 2019 (incurring a fee of $113,000).

The provision of services by the auditor in relation to the 360 
degree feedback tool and other training together with the provision 
of market data were incurred before the Group’s Auditor 
Independence policy relating to the provision of non-audit services 
by the auditor was amended in September 2019. These services 
were permitted under the old policy but would not be permitted 
under the revised policy. The Group has been compliant with the 
revised policy since adoption.

The Committee’s review of the independence of the external 
auditor included: 
 – Examining written confirmation to the Directors from Deloitte 

that they remained independent and objective within the context 
of applicable professional standards. 

 – Monitoring the ratio between the fees for audit work and 

non-audit services. 

 – Monitoring the tenure and rotation of audit partners and staff.
 – Observing the relationship and tone of communication between 

management and the auditor.

 – Reviewing, if relevant, the employment of former audit staff in 

senior finance leadership roles. No such appointments were made 
during 2019. 

As a result of this review, the Committee concluded that Deloitte 
remained appropriately independent in the role of external auditor. 
A summary of fees paid to the external auditor is set out in Note 3 
to the Financial Statements. 

External audit quality and effectiveness
Audit quality and effectiveness is reviewed throughout the year and 
the Committee continues to use the FRC’s Audit Quality Practice 
Aid to structure its review of audit quality. 

In addition, the Committee conducted a full review of the 
effectiveness and quality of the external audit process, the findings of 
which were considered at its meeting in December 2019. As part of 
this review a formal (internally led) survey was undertaken to capture 
the views of the Committee, Executive and other Non-Executive 
Directors, and Group and regional senior finance management. The 
survey included questions on Deloitte’s independence and objectivity, 
robustness of challenges and findings on areas that require 
management judgement, audit approach and methodology, 
communications with Deloitte, experience, technical knowledge and 
understanding of the Group’s business and strategy (and progress 
in delivering the strategy). 

The key findings of the audit quality and effectiveness survey were:

Strengths
 – Strong engagement from lead audit partner, including investing 

considerable time in understanding business complexities.
 – Capable senior leadership team with strong technical and 

business knowledge enabling appropriate levels of challenge.

 – Proactive engagement in the audit planning process.
 – Continuous improvement in reporting to the Committee with 

stronger opinions, views and insights. 

 – Good engagement with management, including clear evidence of 
robust challenge and exercise of appropriate scepticism in relation 
to key audit judgements and estimates.

Areas of focus
 – UK audit team to work closely with new US partner to ensure 

robust challenge of management judgements and maintenance of 
audit quality in respect of the material US component during the 
transition period.

 – Continue to challenge management on a more risk-based 

approach to internal controls.

Overall, the results of the external audit quality and effectiveness 
survey and the evidence gathered by the Committee during the year 
confirm that Deloitte’s audit process and procedures were appropriate 
and effective, focused on the areas of greatest risk and that the 
relationships between the audit team and the Group’s management 
continued to provide effective, robust and objective challenge. The 
Committee also observed that the auditor provided constructive 
challenge and reliably interpreted evidence provided by 
management and external sources to support their conclusions.

Based on the conclusions regarding the audit quality and 
effectiveness, the Committee is recommending that Deloitte be 
proposed for reappointment by shareholders at the AGM to be held 
on 7 May 2020. 

Internal audit
The primary objective of the Group’s internal audit function is to 
systematically and objectively assess the adequacy and effectiveness 
of the business controls over the Group’s operations, financial 
reporting, risk and compliance areas and review the quality of the 
Group’s policies, standards and procedures including their use 
and appropriateness. 

During 2019, internal audits were undertaken in accordance with the 
Committee agreed plan for the year, including reviews over global 
and legal entity key financial and IT controls, operational and IT 
change management assurance, adequacy of the control 
environment in the operating legacy systems within entities joining 
the Group through acquisition, several business processes within 
global supply chain, data privacy and GDPR, other compliance 
matters and third-party distributors located in Latin America, Middle 
East and South East Asia. Before each audit, the scope of review, 
timetable and resources required were agreed with management. 
Regular updates were provided to management and the Committee 
on the status of ongoing audits and action closure. The Committee 
monitored progress against the plan, discussed the results of all 
audits undertaken, invited relevant senior management to meet 
with the Committee to discuss their plans to address material 
weaknesses identified by an internal audit review and monitored 
relevant follow-up actions.

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Compliance review 
The Committee also reviews the Group’s compliance policies and 
procedures and compliance global monitoring plan and results, 
including the operation of the third party managed whistleblower 
hotline and web link to enable employees and third parties to report 
suspected breaches of our Code of Conduct. 

The Committee received reports from the Chief Transformation 
Officer and General Counsel and the Chief Compliance Officer in 
relation to the Group’s compliance programme including 
implementation progress updates, information about compliance 
audits undertaken and issues identified.

The Committee oversees the investigation and outcome of 
significant issues reported via the whistleblower hotline and web link 
referred to above. During 2019 the Committee received reports on 
ongoing and concluded investigations. The Committee also considered 
the actions taken by management as a result of the investigations 
and recommended additional actions where appropriate.

Further information about our compliance programme and our 
Code of Conduct is included on page 44 and in our Corporate 
Responsibility Report which is available on our website, 
www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

Dialogue with shareholders
We seek to respond to shareholders’ and other stakeholders’ 
expectations in our reporting and we welcome feedback from them 
on this Committee report or other related issues. Furthermore, 
the Committee welcomes meetings with shareholders and other 
stakeholders at any time.

On behalf of the Audit and Risk Committee 

Margaret Ewing
Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee 
27 February 2020 

There was correlation between the conclusions of several audits, 
providing insight for management on where actions need to be 
undertaken and investments made to improve policies, processes 
and address control weakness. Thematically, issues requiring 
attention included the investment in the replacement of aged legacy 
applications within both supply chain and sales organisations; the 
embedding of more robust project governance practices within 
operational and IT change project areas; improvements in distributor 
management; integration of acquisitions; and improvements in 
contract management across a range of business areas. 

2020 Internal audit plan 
The Committee has approved the 2020 internal audit plan. The plan 
adopts a risk-based approach using the Group’s principal and emerging 
risks as the base. The plan will be kept under continuous review 
during the year and adapted to support the Group’s strategic 
direction and any new areas of material risk identified during 
the year. 

Enterprise risk management
The framework and processes the Group operates to manage risk 
are set out on pages 24 to 27. During the year, the Committee 
monitored and reviewed the Group’s risk management activities 
and processes through reports at each Committee meeting. The 
Committee reviewed the bottom-up and top-down process utilised 
to identify risks, the movement of the principal risks within the risk 
register, emerging risks and the development and implementation 
of mitigation controls set against the risk appetite approved by 
the Board. 

Led by the Vice President, Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk, the 
Group continues to enhance, develop and embed the risk 
framework, policies, risk identification and mitigation controls across 
the Group’s operations, through:
 – A strengthened team dedicated to risk management, including 

the appointment of a Head of Enterprise Risk Management during 
the year.

 – Co-ordinated monitoring of risk mitigation measures by various 

internal functions including portfolio management, internal audit, 
legal and compliance, finance and IT.

 – Frequent and in-depth consideration of the risk profile by 

the CELT. 

 – A refreshed Enterprise Risk Management framework, policy and 

supporting documents launched during the year.

In 2020, the Group will continue to improve risk management 
processes, including:
 – Facilitating business level risk workshops (at franchise, region and 
function level) to refresh and calibrate business area risk profiles, 
controls and further mitigation plans, and identify emerging risks.
 – Formalising and embedding a Risk Champion network to facilitate 

the risk process locally across the Group.

 – Developing further and embedding a consistent risk governance 

and oversight structure across the Group.

 – Implementing and embedding an integrated risk, control and audit 
digital solution to provide robust and consistent risk management 
and reporting.

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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Corporate Responsibility (“CR”) Committee report 

 “In recent years the Committee has made 
good progress in developing an effective 
CR strategy and stakeholder engagement 
programme.”

Rick Anderson 
Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee

Key areas of responsibility
 – Define ConvaTec’s obligations under the headings of economic 
responsibility, community responsibility and environmental 
responsibility, and to oversee the Group’s conduct in the context 
of these obligations.

 – Monitor the Group’s engagement with external stakeholders 

and other interested parties.

 – Monitor relevant external trends and assess how these may 

affect ConvaTec’s reputation or its ability to operate, and review 
how best to address these trends.

 – Review the appropriateness of the Group’s CR strategy and 

approve modifications as these arise.

Committee membership, meetings and attendance
The table below shows the number of meetings attended out of 
the number of meetings members were eligible to attend.

Director
Rick Anderson 
(Chair from 9 May 2019) 
Regina Benjamin 
Margaret Ewing 
Sir Christopher Gent
(Chair and member until 9 May 2019)

Member since 

Attended

October 2016
August 2017
August 2017

October 2016

2/2
2/2
2/2

0/0

Activity highlights
 – Reviewed and enhanced the stakeholder engagement process.
 – Analysed stakeholder survey results.
 – Reviewed supplier assessment programme.
 – Monitored progress against targets.

Members of the CELT and other members of the management 
team were invited to attend the Committee’s meetings when 
appropriate. The Director, Corporate Responsibility, regularly 
attended the Committee’s meetings. In addition to the two 
Committee meetings during the year, two detailed written updates 
were provided to the Committee.

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Dear Shareholder 
Operating and behaving responsibly, and making a positive 
contribution to society, are key to ConvaTec’s long-term success. 

During the year we made good progress in a number of areas. Driven 
by our climate change strategy, we have focused on both operational 
energy efficiency and identifying improvement opportunities 
relating to product and packaging. This has involved comprehensive 
reviews of our current portfolios, as well as the development of 
“Green Design Guidelines” to support the development of more 
sustainable product and packaging through integration into our new 
product development process. We have also published a new Policy 
setting out our position on aspects of ethical conduct in research 
and development. At the same time, we have recognised the need 
for a change of direction to improve the effectiveness of supplier 
assessment against “CR” criteria, and we will report further on this 
in next year’s Annual Report. 

We have increased employee engagement in our wellness 
programme by over 50%, with over 2,000 employees participating. 
We have continued to link this level of engagement with our 
community investment programme, LIFE+ by ConvaTec, and have 
seen some innovative and effective projects.

It has been pleasing to see recognition of our efforts to improve CR 
performance in the steady increase in ratings provided by specialist 
Environmental, Social and Governance analysts, supported by our 
GRI-compliant reporting. A member of the CR Committee again 
participated in the annual CR Report assurance process.

Further information about the above initiatives and other key 
CR developments can be found on pages 36 to 46 and in our 
Corporate Responsibility Report which is available on our website, 
www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

In recent years the Committee has made good progress in 
developing an effective CR strategy and stakeholder engagement 
programme. As explained on page 5, we have strengthened our 
CR-related governance arrangements and our CR programme, 
including its strategy and implementation, will be overseen by the 
Board. Accordingly, this Committee will be disbanded with effect 
from 2 March 2020.

Committee activities during the period
Activities
Key area
Approved the climate change strategy and GHG 
Strategy
emission reduction target.

Discussed progress and received written and 
face-to-face updates on the implementation of our 
CR strategy in February, May, September and 
December. 

Reviewed the approach to supplier assessment and 
discussed options for improvement.

Stakeholder 
engagement

In May, held an external expert-facilitated session 
examining the options for enhancing the Board’s 
involvement in stakeholder engagement. All Board 
members participated in this session.

In September, reviewed and discussed the results of 
the stakeholder survey and materiality analysis.

Shortly after the year end, reviewed and approved 
our third, standalone, Corporate Responsibility 
Report for the year ended 31 December 2019, which 
is available on our website, www.convatecgroup.com/
corporate-responsibility. This included a review of 
reported progress against our published CR-related 
targets.

On behalf of the Corporate Responsibility Committee 

Rick Anderson 
Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee
27 February 2020 

Our Corporate Responsibility Report
More information about our culture, people, health 
and safety initiatives, stakeholders, GHG emissions 
and what we do to conserve the planet is included 
in our Corporate Responsibility Report, which is 
available on our website, www.convatecgroup.com/ 
corporate-responsibility.

ConvaTec 
Group Plc
Corporate 
Responsibility 
Report 2019

Pioneering 
trusted 
medical
solutions to 
improve the
lives we touch

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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206 “The Committee engaged extensively with 
its investors and key stakeholders about its 
proposals to align reward with the Group’s 
strategy to achieve sustainable and profitable 
growth. Our proposed Remuneration Policy, 
which will be put to a shareholder vote in 
May 2020, is intended to lay the foundation to 
supporting ConvaTec’s journey to long-term 
sustainable financial health.”

Dr Ros Rivaz
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

Committee membership, meetings and attendance
The table below shows the number of meetings attended out of 
the number of meetings members were eligible to attend.

Director
Dr Ros Rivaz
(Chair from 31 March 2019)
Regina Benjamin
Margaret Ewing
Jesper Ovesen
(member until 28 June 2019) 
Sir Christopher Gent  
(member until 9 May 2019)
Steve Holliday
(Chair and member until  
31 March 2019)

Member since 

 Attended

August 2017
June 2019
May 2019

October 2016

October 2016

October 2016

10/11
5/5
5/5

6/6

6/6

3/4

The Chairman, CEO, EVP, Human Resources, Vice President, 
Compensation & Benefits and the Company Secretary attend 
meetings of the Committee by invitation, as does the Committee’s 
appointed adviser; executives are absent when their own 
remuneration is under consideration.

Directors’ Remuneration report

Key areas of responsibility
 – Sets the Company’s Remuneration Policy.
 – Determines the Remuneration Policy and packages for the 
Executive Directors and the CELT and sets the fee for the 
Non-Executive Chairman.

 – Oversees the implementation of the Remuneration Policy 

across the wider organisation.

Activity highlights
 – Developed refreshed Remuneration Policy.
 – Agreed remuneration arrangements for Rick Anderson, as 
Executive Chairman; John McAdam, Chairman; and Karim 
Bitar, CEO.

 – Ensured remuneration arrangements appropriately supported 
the recruitment, retention and motivation of CELT members, 
and thus business continuity. 

 – Considered remuneration arrangements in light of the changes 

to the Code and evolving investor sentiment.

2020 priorities
 – Keep under review the composition of the Committee to ensure 

it continues to benefit from the Board’s wide-ranging and 
relevant experience.

 – Continue to actively engage with shareholders, the Board, 

employees and other stakeholders on remuneration matters, 
as appropriate.

 – Implement appropriately our refreshed Remuneration Policy 
to deliver competitive and motivational remuneration that 
reinforces successful delivery of our stated strategy.

In this section you will find
Letter from the Chair of the Remuneration Committee
Pages 113 to 114

Our remuneration at a glance
Page 115 and 116

Our Remuneration Policy
Pages 117 to 123

Our Annual Report on Remuneration – how we implemented 
our Remuneration Policy during 2019 and how we intend to 
apply it in 2020.
Page 124 to 131

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Letter from the Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee 

Dear Shareholder 
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the report of the 
Remuneration Committee for the year to 31 December 2019, my 
first as Chair of ConvaTec’s Remuneration Committee. On behalf 
of the Committee, I would like to thank Steve Holliday for his 
stewardship of the Committee since IPO until he retired from the 
Board on 31 March 2019. I would also like to thank Sir Christopher 
Gent and Jesper Ovesen for their contributions until they too retired 
from the Board earlier this year. 

Margaret Ewing and Regina Benjamin joined the Committee during 
the year, and I would like to thank them for their valuable contribution 
and counsel in 2019. I also look forward to working with Brian May 
when he joins the Committee in March 2020.

This year has been a busy one for the Committee, during which we 
have covered a range of matters which are described below.

Remuneration Policy
In line with the requirement to submit our Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy (our “Remuneration Policy” or “Policy”) to a binding vote at 
the 2020 AGM, the Committee conducted a thorough review of the 
Policy in 2019. Following the disappointing voting outcome on the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report at the 2019 AGM, we undertook 
a consultation process involving our largest shareholders on our 
current Policy and our approach to its implementation since IPO. 
The Committee welcomed the very helpful input received as part 
of this exercise and used this feedback (although there was a 
divergence of views in some areas) to inform the Committee’s 
review. We also took into consideration prevailing market practice 
and recent remuneration governance developments (including the 
relevant provisions of the Code). We concluded that the 2017 Policy 
continues to be broadly fit for purpose. It is clear, simple, and 
appropriately aligned with our strategy, risk appetite and culture 
(and incentive opportunities are appropriately capped). However, 
the Committee agreed that it would be appropriate to make some 
amendments to reflect developments in remuneration good 
practice since the Policy was last approved (in 2017). We 
subsequently re-engaged with our largest shareholders and the 
key proxy bodies on the proposals. On behalf of the Committee, 
I would like to thank our shareholders for their time, feedback and 
broad support. 

Following the above consultation process and review, the key 
changes we are proposing to make to our Remuneration Policy are: 

Pension contribution levels for future Executive Director 
appointments
In line with recent developments in the remuneration governance 
landscape, and the preference of a number of institutional investors, 
it is proposed to align the pension contribution (or cash allowance in 
lieu) for new Executive Director appointments from 1 January 2020 
with that available to the wider workforce (currently 8.5% of salary 
for our UK employees). The Committee is mindful of the continued 
evolution in investor thinking in the area of pensions, and will keep 
the arrangements for the current Executive Directors under review.

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Rebalancing the performance measures in the annual bonus
We have introduced greater flexibility in the Policy around measure 
selection for the annual bonus. At least 80% of the bonus opportunity 
will be linked to financial performance; and personalised strategic 
objectives weighted no higher than 20%. The Committee will retain 
discretion to select the most appropriate measures and weightings 
each year, subject to these parameters, to ensure continued 
alignment with strategic priorities and business needs as these 
evolve over the life of the Policy. Further details of the measures 
and targets attaching to the annual bonus will be disclosed in the 
relevant Annual Report on Remuneration.

The performance measures for the 2020 annual bonus will be: 
adjusted Group EBIT1 (60% weighting), adjusted free cash flow 
(20%) and personalised strategic objectives (20%). The Committee 
selected these measures to closely align with ConvaTec’s strategic 
aim of sustainable and profitable growth, and reinforce discipline in 
key areas of short-term focus for the Group. Personalised strategic 
objectives will be set for each Executive Director to align with the 
strategic priorities for the 2020 financial year that the Board 
believes are fundamental to longer-term value creation for our 
shareholders and other stakeholders. 

Rebalancing the performance measures for LTIP awards
For awards to be made in 2020, the Committee is proposing 
a combination of relative Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) 
(25% weighting) and adjusted PBT growth (75%). The Committee 
believes that this scorecard better reinforces the key pillars of our 
strategy to deliver sustainable and profitable growth and will capture 
ConvaTec’s success in delivering against our strategic goals in all 
these areas, thereby driving longer-term value creation for all 
shareholders and other stakeholders. Further information about 
our strategy and strategic pillars is set out on page 18 to 21.

For LTIP awards made in 2020 onwards, ConvaTec’s TSR 
performance will be measured relative to the FTSE 350 (excluding 
investment trusts), to reduce the risk of vesting outcomes being 
unduly sensitive to TSR clustering within the comparator group. 
In addition, the Committee concluded from its review that, while 
representative of the broader MedTech sector, the tailored peer 
group used in previous cycles did not sufficiently reflect ConvaTec’s 
focus on chronic care, thereby limiting the relevance and 
motivational impact of the benchmark. 

The wording of our Policy on LTIP performance measures has also 
been revised to provide greater flexibility around measure selection 
for future award cycles, so that LTIP awards made during the life 
of the Policy can be structured to remain closely aligned with 
ConvaTec’s strategic priorities for the relevant three-year period. 
The selection of measures (and their weighting) will also be kept 
under review for future cycles, and any material changes will be 
subject to prior shareholder consultation.

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Directors’ Remuneration report
continued

Malus and clawback
The robustness of our malus and clawback provisions was also 
reviewed, and the trigger events extended to include: an error 
in calculation; and other exceptional circumstances at the 
Committee’s discretion.

2017 LTIP awards lapsed in full following the end of the year, as EPS 
and TSR performance over the three-year period to 31 December 
2019 was below the threshold performance level set at the start of 
the period. Neither Karim Bitar nor Frank Schulkes held awards 
under this LTIP cycle.

Committee activities during 2019
Key area
Policy
Remuneration 
packages

Activities
Developed new Remuneration Policy.
Approved the remuneration packages for Karim Bitar, 
John McAdam, Rick Anderson (in relation to his 
appointment as Executive Chairman), and appointees 
to the CELT during the year.
Reviewed and set financial targets for the annual 
bonus and LTIP, in the context of multiple internal and 
external reference points for performance over the 
relevant period.
Considered and approved 2019 LTIP awards to 
members of senior management.

Reviewed the criteria for determining eligibility for 
discretionary long-term incentive awards for 
employees below the LTIP population.
Reviewed wider workforce remuneration 
arrangements, policies and incentive plans to ensure 
alignment with the Company’s strategy and culture.
Reviewed the gender pay gap and considered a 
report by management on the proposed response 
(including the introduction of diversity scorecards).
Agreed the approach for calculating the CEO pay 
ratio (set out on page 129).
Conducted a periodic review of the Committee’s 
terms of reference and updated the same to reflect 
evolving best practice.

Setting 
performance 
targets

Equity 
incentives

Workforce 
remuneration 

Gender pay gap 
reporting

CEO pay ratio 
reporting
Review of 
Committee’s 
terms of 
reference

Performance in the year ended 31 December 2019 and 
implications for remuneration
In line with expectations, the Group’s performance stabilised in 
2019. Our performance and results follow the implementation 
of our “Pivot to Growth” execution model, establishing stronger 
operational excellence in core business processes, as well as the 
strategic orientation towards a more profitable organisation in 
the mid-term. Further details can be found on pages 18 to 21.

During the year, the Committee determined the remuneration 
payable to Rick Anderson in his capacity as Executive Chairman 
(for the period from 9 May 2019 to 29 September 2019). The 
Committee was mindful in its determination of these arrangements 
that the Board wished Rick to resume his role as a Non-Executive 
Director following the conclusion of this interim appointment. After 
careful consideration of the guidance in the Code and criteria for 
independence determined by the Board, the Committee agreed 
that Rick’s fee as Executive Chairman should remain fixed while 
reflecting the scope and scale of the role. Accordingly, he was paid 
a cash fee, was not eligible to participate in performance-related 
incentives and received no equity-based remuneration. On returning 
to his Non-Executive Director role, Rick’s fee reverted to the fee 
policy for non-executive director remuneration in 2019.

The Committee also agreed the remuneration packages of John 
McAdam, our new Chairman and Karim Bitar, our new CEO, both 
with effect from 30 September 2019. Karim’s package was 
considered within the parameters of our existing Remuneration 
Policy, as well as in relation to the scale and complexity of the role, 
his experience and proven track record. The buy-out awards made 
to Karim on his appointment replaced and, to the extent possible, 
replicated the value and structure of awards that were forfeited on 
leaving his previous employer. This approach is consistent with the 
provisions of our Policy.

Remuneration in 2020
The Remuneration Policy will be put to a binding vote at the 2020 
AGM, and our Annual Report on Remuneration to an advisory vote. 
Details of how the proposed Policy will be implemented in 2020 are 
set out on pages 130 and 131.

On behalf of the Committee, I thank you for your support and trust 
you will find the Directors’ Remuneration Report useful and 
informative. I hope that we can count on your support for the 
remuneration-related resolutions being put to shareholders at the 
2020 AGM, where I will be available to respond to your questions on 
this Report. I also remain available to meet with shareholders and 
discuss our remuneration arrangements outside of the AGM.

Based on performance, the Committee approved payouts under the 
2019 annual bonus of 70.2% and 69.2% of maximum for the CEO 
and CFO respectively, as financial and personal performance were 
both above the threshold performance levels set at the start of the 
year. Karim Bitar’s annual bonus was pro-rated for the period of his 
employment from 30 September 2019 to the end of the year.

On behalf of the Remuneration Committee

Dr Ros Rivaz
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
27 February 2020

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Our remuneration at a glance

This section provides a summary of our proposed approach to remuneration in 2020 which is subject to shareholder approval at the 
forthcoming AGM. 

Our remuneration principles

Incentivise sustained 
strong financial 
performance.

Align rewards with 
the delivery of the 
Group’s strategy.

Ensure employee 
alignment with the 
interests of 
shareholders and 
encourage widespread 
share ownership across 
the workforce.

Help attract, 
motivate and retain 
the best talent to deliver 
the Group’s strategy 
and create long-term 
shareholder value.

Reflect market 
best practice and 
consistently adhere 
to principles of good 
corporate governance 
and encourage good 
risk management.

Our approach to implementing our Remuneration Policy in 2020 

Link to strategy

Base salary

Reviewed annually

Pension and benefits

Annual bonus

2020
Two-thirds paid in cash

Cash bonus subject to 
clawback

2021–2023
One-third deferred in 
shares for three years

Deferred shares subject 
to malus

Long-Term Incentive 
Plan

2020–2022
Three-year performance 
and vesting period

Awards subject to malus

2023–2024
Two-year holding period

Awards subject to 
clawback

Policy: Benchmarked periodically against comparable roles at international MedTech peers, 
as well as UK-listed companies of similar size and complexity. In deciding base salary levels, 
the Committee considers personal performance including the individual’s contribution to 
the achievement of the Group’s strategic objectives. The Committee will also consider 
employment conditions and salary levels across the Group, and prevailing market conditions 
in the geographies in which the Group competes for talent. Any increases are normally 
aligned with those of the wider workforce, and effective from 1 April. 

Changes to Policy for 2020: None. 

Implementation in 2020: CEO: £875,000 (0% increase); CFO: £452,682 (2.51% increase).

Innovate

Build

Policy: Executives may receive a contribution to a personal pension plan, a cash allowance 
in lieu or a combination thereof. Other benefits normally include car allowance, medical 
insurance and life insurance, and are set at a level considered appropriate taking into 
account market practice and consistent with the wider workforce.

Changes to Policy for 2020: Any new Executive Director appointments will receive 
a company contribution to pension (or cash allowance in lieu) in line with that available 
for the wider workforce in the relevant market. 

Implementation in 2020: Unchanged from 2019 for the CEO and CFO. They receive 
a cash allowance of 15% of salary, and benefits including car allowance, private medical 
insurance, life insurance and permanent health insurance. 

Policy: Maximum opportunity: 200% of salary (target: 50% of maximum). Performance 
measures, targets and weightings are set at the start of each year. Financial performance 
will normally be weighted 80% of the overall opportunity, with the remainder (up to 20%) 
linked to the achievement of personalised strategic objectives. One-third of any bonus 
earned is deferred into shares for three years. Malus and clawback provisions apply.

Changes to Policy for 2020: Flexibility around measure selection is redefined. At least 
80% of the opportunity will be linked to financial performance, and personalised strategic 
objectives weighted no higher than 20%. 

Focus

Build

Innovate

Execute

Implementation in 2020: Maximum opportunity of 200% of salary for our CEO and 
150% of salary for our CFO, based on: adjusted Group EBIT1 (weighted 60%), adjusted 
free cash flow (20%), personalised strategic objectives (20%).

Simplify

Policy: Maximum opportunity: 250% of salary. Prior to awards being granted each year, the 
performance conditions and targets are agreed and set to ensure they remain appropriately 
stretching and aligned to the Group’s strategy. 25% of an award will vest at threshold, with 
100% vesting at maximum (and a straight-line sliding scale between these points). The 
minimum performance and vesting period is three years. A two-year post-vesting holding 
period will apply. Malus and clawback provisions apply under certain circumstances.

Changes to Policy for 2020: Flexibility around measure selection is redefined, to help 
ensure that LTIP awards remain closely aligned with ConvaTec’s strategic priorities for 
the relevant three-year period. 

Implementation in 2020: Award opportunity of 250% of salary for the CEO and 250% 
of salary for the CFO. Awards will vest subject to adjusted PBT growth (weighted 75%) 
and TSR versus the FTSE 350 excluding Investment Trusts (25%) over the three financial 
years to 31 December 2022.

Focus

Simplify

Execute

Shareholding 
requirement

Policy: Executives are required to build up shareholdings of 400% of salary for the CEO 
and 300% of salary for other Executive Directors. These must be retained until retirement 
from the Board. 50% of any net vested share awards (after sales to meet tax liabilities) 
must be retained until the minimum shareholding requirements are met. 

Focus

Changes to Policy for 2020: None.

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continued

2020 remuneration: performance scenarios2

CEO – Karim Bitar

Maximum + 50% SPA

Maximum

17%

21%

29%

35%

£4,980,750

44%

On-target

£2,465,125

42%

35% 22%

Minimum

£1,043,250

 100%

CFO – Frank Schulkes

£6,074,500

Maximum + 50% SPA

£2,896,450

54%

18%
Maximum

23%

£2,334,057

58%

23%
On-target

29%
£1,153,033

48%

46% 29% 24%
£534,401

Minimum

 100%

 Fixed remuneration 

 Annual bonus 

 LTIP

 Fixed remuneration 

 Annual bonus 

 LTIP

The above charts are based on the following assumptions:
“Maximum + 50% share price growth”: fixed remuneration (salary, pension, other benefits), plus maximum bonus (CEO 200% of salary; CFO 150%) and full vesting 
of the 2020 LTIP awards (250% of salary, and reflecting 50% share price growth over the vesting period).
“Maximum”: fixed remuneration (as above), plus maximum bonus (CEO: 200% of salary; CFO: 150%) and full vesting of 2020 LTIP awards (250% of salary).
“On-target”: fixed remuneration as above, plus target bonus (50% of maximum) and threshold LTIP vesting (25% of maximum).
“Minimum”: fixed remuneration only, being the only element of Executive Directors’ remuneration not linked to performance.

2019 performance: at a glance
The charts below show how actual performance contributed to the bonus payouts for the Executive Directors for 2019:

Organic revenue growth1 (40% weighting)

Threshold
$1,846m

Target
Actual

Outcome warranted by performance: 101% of element

Adjusted EBIT1 (40% weighting)

Target
$1,902m

 $1,902m

Threshold
$344m

Target
$363m

Maximum
$383m

Target
Actual

Outcome warranted by performance: 200% of element

Maximum
$1,957m

 $390m

Karim Bitar’s personalised strategic objectives (20% weighting)

Frank Schulkes’ personalised strategic objectives (20% weighting)

Personalised strategic objectives set for 2019 covered the following areas:
 – Strategy and operating model.
 – High-performance leadership team.
 – Vision and values.

Personalised strategic objectives set for 2019 covered the following areas:
 – Group refinancing.
 – Global Business Services.
 – Business intelligence Phase 2.

Details of performance against the objectves set are on page 126

Details of performance against the objectves set are on page 126

Outcome warranted by performance: 50% of maximum for this element.

Outcome warranted by performance: 45% of maximum for this element.

2019 annual bonus outcomes – Karim Bitar

2019 annual bonus outcomes – Frank Schulkes

140% of 2019 salary (£312,000)

104% of 2019 salary (£458,391)

70% of maximum bonus opportunity.

69% of maximum bonus opportunity.

1.   Performance measures are benchmarked on a constant currency basis and presented using a budget rate. In calculating the annual bonus outcome, the 

Remuneration Committee has exercised discretion in respect of certain items including relief for $8.9 million in relation to the one-off rebate provision taken in 
the first quarter to revise the estimate of the distributor rebate accrual offset by the net underspend versus budget in relation to specific projects including MDR 
($1.6 million). Adjusted EBIT is also measured assuming an on-target Group bonus pay-out.

2.  Percentages may not sum due to roundings.

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Our Remuneration Policy

This section of the Directors’ Remuneration report has been prepared in accordance with the Remuneration Reporting Regulations, and 
sets out details of the proposed 2020 Policy. The key changes compared with the 2017 Policy are set out in the Letter from the Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee on page 113. The proposed Policy will govern future payments that will be made to Directors, subject to shareholder 
approval at the AGM on 7 May 2020 (“2020 AGM”). If approved, the 2020 Policy will take effect immediately following the 2020 AGM. 
All remuneration (including payments made in relation to recruitment and loss of office) will only be made if they are consistent with the 
approved Policy in force at the time of payment or otherwise approved by ordinary resolution.

Details of how the Company implemented the 2017 Policy for the year ended 31 December 2019, and will implement the 2020 Policy for 
the year ending 31 December 2020, are provided in the Annual Report on Remuneration starting on page 124.

Remuneration principles

Incentivise sustained 
strong financial 
performance.

Align rewards with 
the delivery of the 
Group’s strategy.

Ensure employee 
alignment with the 
interests of 
shareholders and 
encourage widespread 
share ownership across 
the workforce.

Help attract, 
motivate and retain 
the best talent to deliver 
the Group’s strategy 
and create long-term 
shareholder value.

Reflect market 
best practice and 
consistently adhere 
to principles of good 
corporate governance 
and encourage good 
risk management.

2020 Remuneration Policy for the Executive Directors
Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

Performance measures

Base salary

To attract and retain talented 
Executive Directors to deliver the 
Group’s strategy, by ensuring base 
salaries and the implied total package 
are competitive in relevant talent 
markets, while not overpaying.

Pension

To provide an appropriate level of 
post-retirement benefit for Executive 
Directors in a cost-efficient manner, 
taking account of the provisions for 
the wider workforce.

Base salaries will be reviewed by the 
Committee annually, and benchmarked 
periodically against comparable roles at 
international MedTech peers, as well as 
UK-listed companies of similar size and 
complexity. Any resulting changes are 
normally effective from 1 April, in line with 
the effective date for salary increases for 
the broader workforce.

In deciding base salary levels, the Committee 
considers personal performance including 
the individual’s contribution to the 
achievement of the Group’s strategic 
objectives. The Committee will also consider 
employment conditions and salary levels 
across the Group, and prevailing market 
conditions in the geographies in which the 
Group competes for talent.

Base salary increases for the Executive 
Directors will normally be aligned with those 
of the wider workforce, but may be made 
above this level in exceptional circumstances 
such as a material change in responsibilities, 
size or complexity of the role, or if a Director 
was intentionally appointed on a below-
market salary.

Executive Directors may receive a 
contribution to a personal pension plan, 
a cash allowance in lieu, or a combination 
thereof.

Salary is the only element of remuneration 
that is pensionable.

n/a

The maximum salary payable to 
Executive Directors will be capped at 
the upper quartile of the benchmarking 
comparator group for the role under 
review. Salaries will be set on a 
case-by-case basis to reflect the role 
and the experience and qualifications 
of the individual.

Base salaries for the year under review 
and the following year, as well as the 
rationale for any increases, will be 
disclosed in the relevant year’s Annual 
Report on Remuneration.

Karim Bitar and Frank Schulkes 
receive a Company contribution from 
the Group of 15% of salary.

n/a

Executive Director appointments from 
1 January 2020 will receive a Company 
contribution in line with that available 
for the wider workforce in the 
relevant market.

Details of the pension contributions 
made to Executive Directors during 
the year are disclosed in the Annual 
Report on Remuneration.

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continued

Our Remuneration Policy continued

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

Performance measures

Other benefits

To provide non-cash benefits which 
are competitive in the market in 
which the Executive Director 
is employed.

The Group may provide benefits in kind 
including, but not limited to, a company car 
or car allowance, private medical insurance 
(or allowance in lieu), permanent health 
insurance, and life insurance. Executive 
Directors may also be provided certain other 
benefits to take account of individual 
circumstances such as, but not limited to, 
payment of financial, and/or legal adviser 
fees, expatriate allowance, relocation 
expenses, housing allowance and tax 
equalisation (including associated interest, 
penalties or fees plus, in certain 
circumstances or where the Committee 
consider it appropriate, any tax incurred on 
such benefits). Executive Directors may also 
be offered any other future benefits made 
available either to all senior employees 
globally or in the region in which the 
Executive Director is employed.

Benefits for Executive Directors are 
set at a level which the Committee 
considers appropriate compared 
to wider employee benefits, as well 
as competitive practices in 
relevant markets.

n/a

The value of annual benefits will 
normally not exceed 10% of salary, and 
it is not anticipated that the costs of 
benefits provided will increase 
significantly in the financial years over 
which this Policy will apply, although 
the Committee retains discretion to 
approve non-material increases in 
cost. In addition, the Committee 
retains discretion to approve a higher 
cost in exceptional circumstances (e.g. 
to facilitate recruitment, relocation, 
expatriation, etc.) or in circumstances 
where factors outside the Group’s 
control have changed (e.g. market 
increases in insurance costs). 

Benefits in respect of the year under 
review are disclosed in the Annual 
Report on Remuneration.

Annual bonus

To incentivise Executive Directors to 
deliver strong financial performance 
on an annual basis and reward the 
delivery of the Group’s strategic aims 
that will underpin the longer-term 
health and growth of the business.

Deferral into shares enhances 
alignment with shareholders.

Performance measures, targets and 
weightings are set by the Committee 
at the start of the year. After the end of the 
financial year, the Committee determines 
the level of bonus to be paid, taking into 
account the extent to which these targets 
have been achieved.

To the extent that the performance criteria 
have been met, one-third of the annual 
bonus earned will normally be compulsorily 
deferred into shares for a period of three 
years under the Deferred Bonus Plan. The 
remainder of the bonus will be paid in cash.

Dividends may accrue on deferred bonus 
shares over the deferral period and, if so, will 
be paid on deferred shares at the time deferred 
shares are released to the Executive Director.

Malus and clawback provisions apply to the 
annual bonus in certain circumstances (as set 
out in the Notes to the Policy Table).

The maximum annual bonus 
opportunity is 200% of base salary.

The payout for on-target performance 
is 50% of maximum; threshold 
performance results in a payout of 
no more than 25% of maximum.

Bonuses are based on a combination 
of stretching annual financial and 
non-financial/strategic performance 
measures, selected to reflect the 
Group’s short-term KPIs, financial 
goals and strategic drivers.

The current maximum bonus 
opportunities for each of the 
Executive Directors are disclosed in 
the Annual Report on Remuneration.

The financial element of the annual 
bonus will normally be weighted 80% 
of the overall bonus opportunity, with 
the remainder of the bonus linked to 
the achievement of personalised 
strategic objectives (and which shall 
not have a weighting of more than 
20% of the overall bonus opportunity).

The Committee may adjust the 
formulaic annual bonus outcomes 
(including to zero) to avoid unintended 
outcomes, align pay outcomes with 
underlying Group performance and 
ensure fairness to shareholders and 
participants. 

Further details will be disclosed in 
the relevant Annual Report on 
Remuneration. Performance targets 
set for each year will be disclosed 
retrospectively, usually in the Annual 
Report on Remuneration in respect of 
the year to which such performance 
targets relate.

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Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

Performance measures

Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”)

To align the interests of Executive 
Directors and shareholders in 
growing the value of the Group over 
the long term.

Executive Directors are eligible to receive 
annual awards over ConvaTec Group Plc 
shares under the LTIP either in the form of 
conditional share awards or nil cost options.

Prior to awards being granted each year, 
the performance conditions and targets 
are agreed and set to ensure they remain 
appropriately stretching and aligned to the 
Group’s strategy.

Awards granted under the LTIP to Executive 
Directors will have a performance period 
of three years and a minimum vesting period 
of three years. If no entitlement has been 
earned at the end of the relevant 
performance period, awards will not vest. 
Shares received as a result of an award 
vesting will normally be subject to an 
additional two-year holding period.

Dividends may accrue on LTIP awards 
over the vesting period and, if so, will be 
delivered in shares that vest at the end of 
the vesting period.

LTIP awards granted to Executive Directors 
will be subject to malus and clawback 
provisions, as set out in the Notes to the 
Policy Table.

The maximum annual LTIP 
opportunity is 250% of base salary.

25% of an award will vest if performance 
against each performance condition 
is at threshold and 100% if it is at 
maximum, with straight-line vesting 
in between.

Vesting of the LTIP is subject to 
continued employment during the 
performance period and the 
achievement of performance 
conditions aligned with the Group’s 
strategic plan and shareholder value 
creation. Measures and their 
weightings will be determined by the 
Committee prior to making an award.

Further details of the LTIP awards 
granted to each of the Executive 
Directors will be disclosed in the 
relevant Annual Report on 
Remuneration.

The Committee may adjust the 
formulaic LTIP outcome to ensure it 
takes account of any major changes 
to the Group (e.g. as a result of M&A 
activity) and is a fair reflection of the 
underlying financial performance of the 
Group over the performance period.

Further details, including the 
performance targets attached to the 
LTIP in respect of each year, will be 
disclosed in the relevant Annual 
Report on Remuneration.

Save-As-You-Earn (“SAYE”) or equivalent scheme

To align the interests of employees 
and shareholders by encouraging all 
employees to buy and own ConvaTec 
Group Plc shares.

Employees are limited to saving a 
maximum in line with the maximum 
monthly savings limit imposed by the 
Committee (which will not exceed any 
limits imposed by legislation) at the 
time they are invited to participate.

n/a

Executive Directors are entitled to 
participate in the Group’s all-employee share 
plan applicable to the jurisdiction in which 
they are based on identical terms as other 
eligible employees. A UK or Europe-based 
Executive Director may make monthly 
savings over a period of three or five years or 
other period set by any relevant tax authority 
linked to the grant of an option over Group 
shares. The option price will be set at a 
discount of up to 15% of the market value of 
the shares at grant (to align with similar 
all-employee arrangements in the US).

Notes to the Policy Table
Malus and clawback policy
Malus and clawback may be applied to the annual bonus and LTIP awards in certain circumstances including: 
 – cases of fraud, negligence or gross misconduct by the Executive Director;
 – material financial misstatement in the audited financial results of the Group;
 – error in calculation; or
 – other exceptional circumstances at the Committee’s discretion.

Cash bonuses will be subject to clawback, with deferred shares being subject to malus, over the deferral period. LTIP awards will be subject 
to malus over the vesting period and clawback from the vesting date to the second anniversary of the relevant vesting date.

Share ownership guidelines
The Committee recognises the importance of aligning Executive Directors’ and shareholders’ interests through significant shareholdings in 
the Group. The Group’s policy is to require Executive Directors to build up shareholdings worth 400% of base salary for the CEO, and 300% 
of base salary for other Executive Directors, and to retain these shares until retirement from the Board of Directors. 50% of any net vested 
share awards (after sales to meet tax liabilities) must be retained until the minimum shareholding requirements are met. Shareholdings will 
be valued at the higher of the acquisition price of the shares and the average share price over the last three months of the financial year.

Post exit shareholding requirement
The Committee further recognises the expectation of shareholders that a requirement is placed on Executive Directors to maintain a 
meaningful shareholding for a period of time after they leave the Company. The Committee believes that the current structure of the 
Deferred Bonus Plan and LTIP sufficiently supports this principle already; the release of unvested Deferred Bonus shares and vested-but-
held LTIP awards is normally not accelerated for leavers ahead of the normal release/vesting date. For a good leaver, the pre-tax value of 
outstanding awards at cessation of employment could be up to 12x base salary. Where an Executive Director resigns (i.e. is a bad leaver), 
the pre-tax value of outstanding awards at that point could be up to 5x base salary. The Committee believes that the structure of our 
incentives adheres to the provisions of the Code that remuneration provides significant alignment with shareholder interests for a period 
after an Executive Director ceases to be employed by the Company. However, we acknowledge that market practice continues to evolve 
in this area and will keep our policy in this regard under periodic review.

Details of the Executive Directors’ current personal shareholdings, and progress towards meeting the share ownership guidelines, are provided 
in the Annual Report on Remuneration.

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continued

Our Remuneration Policy continued

Use of discretion
The Committee may apply its discretion (as set out below) when agreeing remuneration outcomes, to help ensure that the implementation 
of our Remuneration Policy is consistent with the guiding principles for ConvaTec remuneration.

Payments from outstanding awards
The Committee reserves the right in certain circumstances to make any remuneration payments and payments for loss of office (including 
exercising any discretions available to it in connection with such payments) where the terms of the payment were agreed: before the Policy 
in force at that time came into effect; or at a time when the relevant individual was not a Director of the Group provided, that in the opinion 
of the Committee, the payment was not agreed in consideration of the individual becoming a Director of the Group. For these purposes, 
payments include the satisfaction of variable remuneration awards previously granted, but not vested, to an individual.

Minor changes to Policy
The Committee retains discretion to make minor, non-significant changes to the Policy set out above (for reasons including, but not limited 
to, regulatory, exchange control, tax or administrative purposes or to take account of a change in legislation) without reverting to 
shareholders for approval for that amendment, where seeking such shareholder approval would be disproportionate to the discretion 
being exercised.

LTIP awards
The Committee may exercise its discretion as provided for in the LTIP rules approved by shareholders. The Committee may also adjust the 
number of shares comprising an LTIP award (or the exercise price if the award comprises options) in the event of a variation of share capital, 
demerger, special dividend, distribution or any other corporate event which may affect the current or future value of an award. It is intended 
that any adjustment will be made on a neutral basis, i.e. to not be to the benefit or detriment of participants. Any use of discretion by the 
Committee during a financial year will be detailed in the relevant Annual Report on Remuneration and may be the subject of consultation 
with the Group’s major shareholders, as appropriate.

Remuneration Policy for the wider workforce
The Remuneration Policy for other employees is based on principles that are broadly consistent with those applied to Executive Director 
remuneration, with a common objective of driving financial performance and the achievement of strategic objectives, and contributing to 
the long-term success of the Group. Remuneration supports our ability to attract, motivate and retain skilled and dedicated individuals, 
whose contribution will be a critical factor in the Group’s success. Annual salary reviews take into account Group performance, local pay and 
market conditions, and salary levels for similar roles in comparable companies. Pension entitlements and other benefits vary according to 
jurisdiction, to ensure these remain appropriately competitive for the local market.

Some employees below executive level are eligible to participate in annual bonus schemes; opportunities and performance measures vary 
by organisational level, geographical region and an individual’s role. Employee ownership of ConvaTec Group Plc shares is promoted across 
the Group. Senior executives are eligible for LTIP awards on similar terms as the Executive Directors, although award opportunities are lower 
and vary by organisational level. Other executives are eligible for restricted share awards on a discretionary basis. ConvaTec also offers all 
employees the opportunity to participate in a share purchase plan, as approved by shareholders at the 2017 AGM. 

Approach to target setting and performance measure selection
The Committee considers carefully the selection of performance measures at the start of each performance cycle, taking into consideration 
the Group’s strategic objectives and the macroeconomic environment.

Annual bonus measures are selected to align with the Group’s Financial KPIs (see pages 22 and 23). Adjusted EBIT and revenue growth in 
2019 are benchmarked on a constant currency basis and presented using a budget rate. Measures may change from year to year (subject to 
the Remuneration Policy), and the rationale for any changes to the bonus measures selected will therefore be disclosed in the relevant 
Annual Report on Remuneration.

LTIP performance measures are selected to ensure they align with the Group’s strategy and long-term shareholder value creation. LTIP 
awards to be granted in 2020 will be based on a blend of adjusted PBT performance and relative TSR over a three-year period. The 
Committee considers these measures to align executive and shareholder interests through a good balance between external and internal 
measures of performance, and between growth and returns in the context of the Group’s strategy.

For 2020 LTIP awards, it is proposed that ConvaTec’s TSR performance be measured relative to the FTSE 350 (excluding investment 
trusts). As part of its wider review of remuneration, the Committee assessed the ongoing appropriateness of the current TSR benchmark. 
Although the TSR benchmark for previous LTIP award cycles comprises ConvaTec’s closest MedTech peers, the small number of 
constituents (now 12, following the acquisition by Becton Dickinson of C R Bard) was felt to be insufficiently robust. In particular, the 
Committee is mindful that vesting outcomes can be unduly sensitive to TSR clustering within a small comparator group, and therefore 
concluded that it would be more appropriate to use a published broader index for future award cycles.

Targets are set to be stretching but achievable over the three-year performance period, taking account of multiple relevant reference points, 
for example, internal forecasts, external expectations for future performance at both the Group and its closest sector peers, and typical 
performance ranges at other FTSE companies of comparable size and complexity. The Committee also retains discretion in exceptional 
circumstances to vary, substitute or waive the performance conditions attaching to incentive awards (within the relevant limits set out in the 
Policy table) if there is a significant and material event which causes the Committee to believe the original conditions are no longer appropriate, 
and the new performance conditions are deemed reasonable and not materially less difficult to satisfy than the original conditions. 

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Pay-for-performance: scenario analysis1
The charts below provide an estimate of the potential future reward opportunities for the Executive Directors, and the potential split 
between the different elements of remuneration under four different performance scenarios: “Maximum + 50% share price growth”, 
“Maximum”, “On target” and “Minimum”.

Potential reward opportunities are based on the forward-looking policy, applied to 2020 base salaries and incentive opportunities. Note that 
the LTIP awards granted in a year will not normally vest until the third anniversary of the date of grant, and the projected value of the 
“Maximum”, “On target” and “Minimum” scenarios excludes the impact of share price movement.

Pay scenarios

CEO – Karim Bitar

Maximum + 50% SPA

Maximum

17%

21%

29%

35%

£4,980,750

44%

On-target

£2,465,125

42%

35% 22%

Minimum

£1,043,250

 100%

CFO – Frank Schulkes

£6,074,500

Maximum + 50% SPA

£2,896,450

54%

18%
Maximum

23%

£2,334,057

58%

23%
On-target

29%
£1,153,033

48%

46% 29% 24%
£534,401

Minimum

 100%

 Fixed remuneration 

 Annual bonus 

 LTIP

 Fixed remuneration 

 Annual bonus 

 LTIP

The above charts are based on the following assumptions:
“Maximum + 50% share price growth”: fixed remuneration (salary, pension, other benefits), plus maximum bonus (CEO 200% of salary; CFO 150%) and full vesting 
of the 2020 LTIP awards (250% of salary, and reflecting 50% share price growth over the vesting period).
“Maximum”: fixed remuneration (as above), plus maximum bonus (CEO: 200% of salary; CFO 150%) and full vesting of the 2020 LTIP awards (250% of salary).
“On-target”: fixed remuneration as above, plus target bonus (50% of maximum) and threshold LTIP vesting (25% of maximum).
“Minimum”: fixed remuneration only, being the only element of Executive Directors’ remuneration not linked to performance.

Executive Director service contracts
In accordance with general market practice, each of the Executive Directors has a rolling service contract. Karim Bitar and Frank Schulkes 
have service contracts with the Company (copies of which are available to view at the Company’s registered office) that are terminable on 
12 months’ notice from the Group and six months’ notice from the Executive Director. This practice will also apply for any new Executive 
Directors. The following table shows the date of the service contract for each Executive Director that served during the year:

Executive Director 
Karim Bitar
Frank Schulkes

 Position
CEO
CFO

Date of appointment
30 September 2019
1 November 2017

Date of service agreement
24 March 2019
2 August 2017

Exit payments policy
The Group’s policy on termination payments is to consider the circumstances on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the relevant 
contractual terms in the executive’s service contract and the circumstances of termination. Executive Directors’ contracts provide for the 
payment of a pre-determined sum in the event of termination of employment in certain circumstances (but excluding circumstances where 
the Group is entitled to dismiss without compensation), comprising base salary, pension allowance and benefits in respect of the unexpired 
portion of the notice period. Termination payments may take the form of payments in lieu of notice. Payments would normally be made on 
a phased basis and subject to mitigation. If the employment is terminated by the Group, the Committee retains the discretion to settle any 
other amount the Committee considers reasonable to the Executive Director including in settlement of claims, in respect of legal fees 
incurred in connection with the termination and fees for outplacement services and relocation costs.

In addition to contractual provisions, the table overleaf summarises how awards under each discretionary incentive plan are typically treated 
in specific circumstances, with the final treatment remaining subject to the Committee’s discretion as provided under the rules of the plan. 
In the event of termination, any outstanding options granted under the SAYE, or equivalent, scheme will be treated in accordance with the 
rules of the scheme, which do not include discretion. Disclosure in relation to any departing Executive Director, including details of any 
remuneration payment made to him after he ceases to be a Director, will be made on the Company’s website in accordance with Section 
430(2B) of the Companies Act 2006. 

1.  Percentages may not sum due to roundings.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206 
Directors’ Remuneration report
continued

Our Remuneration Policy continued

Treatment of awards on cessation of employment
Reason for cessation

Calculation of vesting/payment

Timing of vesting/payment

Annual bonus

Injury, disability, death, redundancy, retirement, or 
other such event as the Committee determines

The Committee may determine that a bonus is payable 
on cessation of employment (normally pro-rated for 
the proportion of the performance year worked) and 
the Committee retains discretion to determine that 
the bonus should be paid wholly in cash. The bonus 
payable will be determined based on the performance 
of the Group and of the individual over the relevant 
period, and the circumstances of the Director’s loss 
of office.

At the normal payment date, taking into account actual 
Company performance for the performance period.

All other reasons (including voluntary resignation)

No bonus will be paid for the financial year.

Not applicable.

Deferred bonus shares

Resignation or dismissal for cause 

Awards normally lapse.

Not applicable.

All other reasons (e.g. injury, disability, death, 
redundancy, retirement, or other such event as the 
Committee determines)

Awards will normally vest in full (i.e. not pro-rated for 
time) unless the Committee determines that time 
pro-rating should apply.

At the normal vesting date, unless the Committee 
decides that awards should vest earlier (e.g. in the event 
of death).

Change of control

LTIP awards

Awards will normally vest in full (i.e. not pro-rated for 
time). Awards may alternatively be exchanged for 
equivalent replacement awards, where appropriate.

On change of control.

Resignation or dismissal for cause 

Awards normally lapse.

Not applicable.

All other reasons (e.g. injury, disability, death, 
redundancy, retirement, or other such event as the 
Committee determines)

Change of control

Awards will normally be pro-rated for time (unless 
the Committee exercises discretion to disapply time 
pro-rating) and will vest based on performance 
over the original performance period (unless the 
Committee decides to measure performance to 
the date of cessation).

LTIP awards will normally be pro-rated for time (unless 
the Committee exercises discretion to disapply time 
pro-rating) and will vest subject to performance over 
the performance period to the change of control.

LTIP awards may alternatively be exchanged for 
equivalent replacement awards, where appropriate.

At the normal vesting date, unless the Committee 
decides that awards should vest earlier (e.g. in the event 
of death).

On change of control.

Approach to remuneration on recruitment
External appointments
In cases of hiring or appointing a new Executive Director from outside the Group, the Committee may make use of all existing components 
of remuneration set out in the Policy table, up to the disclosed maximum opportunities (where applicable).

When determining the remuneration package for a new Executive Director, the Committee will take into account all relevant factors based 
on the circumstances at that time to ensure that arrangements are in the best interests of the Group and its shareholders. This may include 
factors such as the experience and skills of the individual, internal comparisons and relevant market data. 

The Committee may also make an award in respect of a new appointment to “buy-out” incentive arrangements forfeited on leaving a 
previous employer, i.e. over and above the maximum limits on incentive opportunities set out in the Policy table. In doing so, the Committee 
will consider relevant factors, including any performance conditions attached to these awards, the likelihood of those conditions being met, 
and the time over which they would have vested. The intention is that the expected value of any “buy-out” award would be no higher than 
the expected value of the forfeited arrangements, and that the structure will replicate (as far as reasonably possible) that of the awards 
being forfeited. The Committee may consider it appropriate to structure “buy-out” awards differently from the structure described in the 
Policy table, exercising its discretion under the LTIP rules to structure awards in other forms (including market value options, restricted 
shares, forfeitable shares or phantom awards) and may use the exemption permitted within the Listing Rules where necessary to make 
a one-off award to an Executive Director in this context.

Internal promotion
Where a new Executive Director is appointed by way of internal promotion, the Policy will be consistent with that for external appointees, 
as detailed above (other than in relation to “buy-out” awards). Any commitments made prior to an individual’s promotion will continue to be 
honoured even if they would not otherwise be consistent with the Policy prevailing when the commitment is fulfilled, although the Group 
may, where appropriate, seek to revise an individual’s existing service contract on promotion to ensure it aligns with other Executive 
Directors and good practice.

Disclosure on the remuneration structure of any new Executive Director, including details of any “buy-out” awards, will be disclosed in the 
RNS notification made at the time of appointment and in the Annual Report on Remuneration for the year in which recruitment occurred.

External appointments held by Executive Directors
Executive Directors may accept one external appointment subject to approval by the Board, there being no conflicts of interest and the 
appointment not leading to deterioration in the individual’s performance. Executive Directors may retain the fees paid for such roles. 
Details of external appointments and the associated fees received will be included in the Annual Report on Remuneration.

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Consideration of conditions elsewhere in the Group
The Committee seeks to promote and maintain good relations with employees as part of its broader employee engagement strategy, 
considers pay practices across the Group and is mindful of the salary increases applying across the rest of the business in relevant markets 
when considering any increases to salaries for Executive Directors. However, the Committee does not consult with employees on its 
executive remuneration policy.

Consideration of shareholder views
The Committee will take into consideration all shareholder views received during the year and at the Annual General Meeting each year, 
as well as guidance from shareholder representative bodies more broadly, in shaping the Group’s implementation of its Remuneration Policy, 
as well as any future changes to Policy. It is the Committee’s intention to consult with major shareholders in advance of making any material 
changes to remuneration arrangements for Executive Directors.

Remuneration Policy for the Non-Executive Directors
Details of the Policy on fees paid to our Non-Executive Directors are set out in the table below:

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Non-Executive Director fees

To attract and retain Non-Executive 
Directors of the highest calibre with 
broad commercial and other 
experience relevant to the Group.

The fees of the Chairman are determined by the Committee. The fees paid to 
Non-Executive Directors are determined by the Chairman and Executive Directors. 
Additional fees are payable for acting as Senior Independent Director and for chairing 
or being a member of the Audit and Risk Committee or the Remuneration 
Committee. An additional fee is also payable for acting as a Board Level 
Representative for the workforce.

Fee levels are reviewed annually (with any increases normally effective 1 April), taking 
into account external advice on best practice and competitive levels, in particular at 
other FTSE companies of comparable size and complexity. Time commitment and 
responsibility are also taken into account when reviewing fees.

Chairman and Non-Executive Director fees are paid in cash.

The Committee reimburses the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors for 
reasonable expenses in performing their duties and may settle any tax incurred in 
relation to these expenses. For any Non-Executive Director that is based overseas, 
the Group will meet travel and accommodation expenditure as required to fulfil their 
Non-Executive duties.

The fees paid to the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors are disclosed in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration.

Opportunity

Performance 
measures

Fee increases will be 
applied taking into 
account the outcome 
of the annual review. 

n/a

The maximum 
aggregate annual fee 
for all Non-Executive 
Directors (including 
the Chairman) as 
provided in the 
Group’s Articles of 
Association is 
£1,500,000.

Non-Executive Directors are not eligible to join the Group’s pension, incentives or share schemes or to participate in any of the Group’s other 
benefit arrangements. 

In recruiting a new Non-Executive Director, the Committee will use the Policy set out above.

Non-Executive Director letters of appointment
None of the Non-Executive Directors has a service contract with the Group. They do have letters of appointment, and will be submitted for 
re-election annually. The dates relating to the appointments of the Chairman and Non-Executive Directors who served during the reporting 
period are as follows:

Director
Dr John McAdam
Margaret Ewing1
Dr Ros Rivaz
Dr Regina Benjamin
Rick Anderson2
Sten Scheibye
Sir Christopher Gent3
Steve Holliday4
Jesper Ovesen5

Role
Non-Executive Chairman
Senior Independent Director
Independent Non-Executive Director
Independent Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Chairman
Deputy Chairman
Independent Non-Executive Director

Date of appointment
30 September 2019
11 August 2017
21 June 2017
11 August 2017
31 October 2016
3 July 2018
31 October 2016
31 October 2016
31 October 2016

Date of letter of 
appointment
18 August 2019
17 August 2017
20 June 2017
15 August 2017
12 October 2016
3 July 2018
18 October 2016
14 October 2016
14 October 2016

Date of election/
re-election
N/A
9 May 2019
9 May 2019
9 May 2019
9 May 2019
9 May 2019
10 May 2018
10 May 2018
9 May 2019

1.   Margaret Ewing was appointed Senior Independent Director on 31 March 2019.
2.   Rick Anderson’s letter of appointment was amended on 8 November 2018 to reflect his increased fee following his appointment as Interim CEO. He returned to the 

role of Non-Executive Director on 30 September 2019.

3.  Stepped down from the Board on 9 May 2019.
4.  Stepped down from the Board on 31 March 2019.
5.  Stepped down from the Board on 28 June 2019.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Directors’ Remuneration report 
continued

Our Annual Report on Remuneration

This section of the Remuneration report provides details of how our Remuneration Policy was implemented during the financial year ended 
31 December 2019, and how it will be implemented during the year ending 31 December 2020. It has been prepared in accordance with the 
provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) 
Regulations 2008 (as amended). It also meets the requirements of the UKLA’s Listing Rules.

In accordance with the Regulations, the following sections of the Remuneration Report are subject to audit: the single total figure of 
remuneration for Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors, and accompanying notes (pages 125 and 128), scheme interests 
awarded during the financial year (page 127), exit payments made in the year (page 128), payments to past Directors (page 128) and the 
statement of Directors’ shareholdings (page 131). The remaining sections of the report are not subject to audit. 

Committee membership in 2019
Details about the membership of the Committee, the number of times it met during 2019 and attendance at its meetings are set out in the 
Committee Chair’s letter on pages 113 to 114.

Committee responsibilities
The Committee’s key areas of responsibility are also set out on page 112.

Committee performance evaluation
The Remuneration Committee conducted an evaluation of its performance in 2018, and identified the following areas of focus for 2019: 
 – Review the Committee’s accountabilities, responsibilities and processes in the context of the latest Code (including the approvals process 
for items brought to the Committee between scheduled meetings, e.g. remuneration for new hires) and ensure these are appropriate for 
the Group.

 – Ensure continued alignment of management incentives to the Group’s strategy as it evolves, in the context of feedback received from 

stakeholders and the triennial review of our Remuneration Policy, as well as the appointment of the new CEO.

The results of our annual evaluation for 2019 indicated that these tasks had been completed during the year (or were completed in early 
2020). Our 2019 evaluation also highlighted a number of areas for us to focus on for the coming year, including to:
 – Keep under review the composition of the Committee to ensure it continues to benefit from the Board’s wide-ranging and relevant 

experience.

 – Continue to actively engage with shareholders, the Board, employees and other stakeholders on remuneration matters, as appropriate.
 – Implement appropriately our new Remuneration Policy to deliver competitive and motivational remuneration that reinforces successful 

delivery of our stated strategy.

We will monitor our progress against these priorities and report on the outcome of the Committee’s 2020 evaluation in next year’s 
Annual Report.

Advisers
Mercer Kepler is the Committee’s appointed independent advisor, having been appointed by the Committee at its first meeting following 
Listing in 2016. Mercer Kepler provides support to the Committee and the Group on remuneration-related matters, and reports to the Chair 
of the Committee. Mercer Kepler 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 (www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com). Neither Mercer Kepler 
(nor its parent, Mercer) has any other remuneration-unrelated connection with the Group and is considered to be independent by the 
Committee. Fees paid to Mercer Kepler are determined on a time and materials basis, and totalled £85,083 (excluding expenses and VAT) 
for the 2019 financial year (2018: £49,250) in their capacity as advisers to the Committee.

Summary of shareholder voting
The following table shows the results at the 2019 AGM of the advisory vote on the 2018 Annual Report on Remuneration and the binding 
vote on the 2017 Remuneration Policy at the 2017 AGM.

Resolution
Approve the Directors’ Remuneration Policy (2017 AGM)
To approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report (2019 AGM)

Vote
‘for’
99.45%
61.55%

Vote
‘against’
0.55%
38.45%

Votes
withheld1
338,007
377,814

1.  Votes ‘withheld’ are not votes in law and, therefore, have not been included in the calculation of the proportion of votes ‘for’ or ‘against’ each resolution.

As announced earlier in the year, the Board was disappointed with the outcome of 61.55% votes in favour of the 2018 Annual Report on 
Remuneration. We engaged with a number of our shareholders and voting advisory agencies to discuss their questions and concerns in 
advance of the vote and, following the AGM, the Chair of the Committee consulted further with shareholders and offered to meet them to 
discuss their views and concerns where applicable. During this process (and as published via RNS in an Update Statement dated 7 November 
2019), helpful feedback was received about the quantum of equity awards made in 2018 and 2019, annual bonus outcomes for 2018, the 
selection of long-term incentive and annual bonus measures, and salary levels. The Remuneration Committee welcomed this feedback and, 
as mentioned on page 113, has taken this into consideration in its review of the Remuneration Policy and its approach to implementing the 
Policy in 2020.

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Single total figure of remuneration for Executive Directors (audited)
The following table sets out a single figure for the total remuneration received by each Executive Director for the 2019 financial year, 
and compares this with the equivalent figure for the 2018 financial year. 

Director
Karim Bitar5

Frank Schulkes

Rick Anderson6

Base
salary
’000
£222
–
£439
£430
£938
£235

Taxable
benefits1
’000
£37
–
£16
£16
£180
£29

Annual 
bonus2 
’000
£312
–
£458
£116
n/a
n/a

LTIP
’000
n/a
–
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Pension
benefit3 
’000
£33
–
£66
£65
n/a
n/a

Other4
’000
£6,274
–
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Total
’000
£6,878
–
£979
£627
£1,118
£264

2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018

1.   For Karim Bitar and Frank Schulkes, benefits consist primarily of car allowance, private medical insurance, life assurance and permanent health insurance. For Karim, 
taxable benefits include a healthcare allowance of £30,000 payable per annum. The premium for 2019 was payable in October 2019 and is captured in full in the 
taxable benefits number for 2019. The next annual premium will be payable in October 2020.

2.   Reflects the total bonus awarded for performance in the relevant financial year. One-third of the bonus earned by Karim Bitar and Frank Schulkes is deferred into 

shares for three years. See page 130 for further details.

3.   Pension benefits in the year, equivalent to 15% of base salary. 
4.   Comprises the value of Restricted Share awards and a cash payment in respect of forfeited bonus, made in connection with Karim Bitar’s appointment (see below for 
further details). Restricted Shares have been valued at the closing share price on the date of grant (175.20p on 30 September 2019). On this basis, the face value at 
grant was c.£5.19 million. 

5.   Appointed CEO effective 30 September 2019. 
6.   Appointed as Executive Chairman effective 9 May 2019. In his role as Interim CEO from 1 January 2019 to 8 May 2019, he received a fixed monthly fee of £91,667. In 

his role as Executive Chairman, he received a fixed monthly fee of £116,676. For the period from 1 January 2019 to 29 September 2019, he received benefits covering 
temporary housing costs (approximately £145,000) as well as travel expenses (approximately £35,000). Rick did not receive any pension contribution (or allowance 
in lieu), and was not eligible to participate in the annual bonus or the LTIP. The figures disclosed cover remuneration in relation to his executive roles for the period 
from 1 January to 29 September 2019.

Remuneration arrangements for the new CEO
Karim Bitar was appointed as CEO on 30 September 2019. In determining the package for Karim on his appointment, the Committee 
operated within the parameters of the existing remuneration policy, while taking into account the scale and complexity of the role, as well as 
Karim’s extensive experience and proven track record. 

The Committee set his salary at £875,000 (around upper quartile), with a pension contribution of 15% of salary. For 2019 Karim was eligible 
for an annual bonus of up to 200% of his pro-rated 2019 salary, with a mandatory deferral of one-third of the bonus into shares for a 
three-year period, and an annual LTIP award of 250% of his pro-rated 2019 salary, with a three-year performance period and additional 
two-year holding period. He has a minimum shareholding requirement of 400% of base salary. 

In addition, consistent with the provisions of our Remuneration Policy, the Committee agreed to replace awards that were forfeited on his 
joining ConvaTec. Upon appointment, a buyout award comprising three tranches of shares was made, as follows:
 – Restricted Share award of 1,869,647 shares which vested immediately. Karim sold a total of 879,817 shares to cover the income tax liability 

with respect to the awards which vested on 30 September 2019.

 – Restricted Share award of 1,094,972 shares which will vest on 30 September 2020.
 – Conditional Share award of 1,072,626 shares which will vest on 30 September 2021 to the extent that the performance conditions 

attaching to the 2019 LTIP cycle are met.

The details of this buyout award were agreed in early 2019 at the time of Karim’s appointment, based on the prevailing share price at that 
time, to replicate (to the extent possible) the value and structure of awards forfeited. 

Additionally, Karim received a cash payment in the value of £1,080,000, replacing the cash bonus forfeited in relation to his previous 
employment (of the same value).

Buyout awards
As set out above, Karim Bitar was awarded Restricted Shares and Conditional Shares to replace awards from his previous employer that 
were forfeited on his joining ConvaTec. Details of the three tranches are summarised in the table below.

Award
Restricted Shares1
Restricted Shares2
Conditional Shares3

Date of grant Number awarded
1,869,647

30 September 2019

30 September 2019
30 September 2019

1,094,972
1,072,626

Award price
175.20p

175.20p
175.20p

Face value
£

Vesting date
£3,275,622 30 September 2019

£1,918,391 30 September 2020
£1,879,241 30 September 2021

1.   Restricted Shares vested on the grant date not requiring continued employment.
2.   Restricted Shares vest subject to continued employment only. The number of shares comprising these awards were agreed in early 2019, but are valued above at the 

closing price on the date of the grant.

3.   Conditional Shares awarded to Karim Bitar on 30 September 2019 vest subject to the same performance conditions as 2019 LTIP awards (set out in full on page 127).

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Directors’ Remuneration report
continued

Our Annual Report on Remuneration continued

Incentive outcomes for the year ended 31 December 2019 (audited)
Annual bonus in respect of performance in the 2019 financial year
For 2019, Karim Bitar had a maximum bonus opportunity of 200% of his 2019 pro-rated base salary and Frank Schulkes had a maximum 
opportunity of 150% of his 2019 base salary. Rick Anderson (in his roles of Interim CEO and Executive Chairman) was not eligible to 
participate in the annual bonus. Any payments under the annual bonus are normally payable two-thirds in cash and one-third in shares, 
deferred for three years. The on-target opportunity was 50% of maximum. The annual bonus for 2019 was based on a combination of 
organic revenue growth1 (weighted 40%), Adjusted EBIT1 (40%) and personal strategic objectives (20%).

The table below summarises the structure of the 2019 annual bonus, the targets set, our performance over the financial year and the 
resulting annual bonus payout. 

Financial measure
Organic revenue growth1

Adjusted EBIT1

Karim Bitar 
Personalised strategic objectives

Frank Schulkes 
Personalised strategic objectives

Director
Karim Bitar

Frank Schulkes

Performance targets

Link to corporate strategy

Threshold 
 0% payout 

Target 
50% payout 

Maximum 
100% payout

Actual
performance1

Focus

Build

Execute

$1,846m

$1,902m

$1,957m

$1,902m

Focus

Innovate

Simplify

$344m

$363m

$383m

$390m

Objectives and actual performance
 – Strategy and operating model: introduced new Company strategy with five pillars to drive sustainable 
and profitable growth with detailed and robust KPIs. Changed the operating model which focuses on 
establishing Global Integrated Business Units, that are agile, customer oriented and have clear accountabilities. 

 – Built a high-performance CELT. Assessed and acted at senior leadership level and attracted three new 

Executive leaders to ConvaTec, as well as numerous other senior leaders to transform ConvaTec.

 – Developed and rolled out new vison and values. Very actively engaged the whole organisation in aligning 
it in support of the new vision and established a set of values which focus on improving patient care and 
instilling an execution excellence culture. 

 – Group debt refinancing (see page 57 for further information). The project was executed on an 

accelerated timeline and along agreed milestones, delivering facilities with a smaller group of relationship 
banks and with limited security. Delivered an associated Group structure.

 – Completed the end-to-end process and organisation design for the company to move to a Global 

Business Services model, which will commence implementation in 2020. 

 – With the Interim CEO, co-developed the Transformation framework “Pivot to Growth” and successfully 

delivered Phase 2 of the business intelligence capabilities (cost, capex, sourcing).

Measure
Organic revenue growth1
Adjusted EBIT1
Personalised strategic objectives
Total
Organic revenue growth1
Adjusted EBIT1
Personalised strategic objectives
Total

Maximum 
opportunity
(% of salary)
80%
80%
40%
200%
60%
60%
30%
150%

Earned bonus

(% of salary)
40.4%
80%
20%
140.4%
30.3%
60.0%
13.5%
103.8%

(‘000)
£89,778
£177,778
£44,444
£312,000
£133,808
£264,966
£59,617
£458,391

Weighting
40%
40%
20%
100%
40%
40%
20%
100%

1.   Performance measures are benchmarked on a constant currency basis and presented using a budget rate. In calculating the annual bonus outcome, the 

Remuneration Committee has exercised discretion in respect of certain items including relief for $8.9 million in relation to the one-off rebate provision taken in 
the first quarter to revise the estimate of the distributor rebate accrual offset by the net underspend versus budget in relation to specific projects including MDR 
($1.6 million). Adjusted EBIT is also measured assuming an on-target Group bonus pay-out.

One-third of the bonus earned by Karim Bitar and Frank Schulkes will be deferred into shares for three years. Details of this award will be 
disclosed in next year’s Annual Report.

Scheme interests vesting in 2019 
The time pro-rated 2017 LTIP award retained by Nigel Clerkin after he left the Group on 31 October 2017 lapsed in full at the end of the 
performance period. The Group’s EPS and relative TSR performance over the three-year period to 31 December 2019 were below the 
threshold performance levels set at the start of the cycle and published in the 2017 Annual Report.

As disclosed last year, Paul Moraviec’s 2017 LTIP award lapsed in full in April 2019, at the end of his contractual notice period. Neither Frank 
Schulkes nor Karim Bitar had an interest in the 2017 LTIP cycle.

Use of discretion
The Committee decided that no adjustments were needed in relation to the 2017 LTIP cycle.

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Scheme interests awarded in 2019 (audited)
2019 LTIP awards
During the year ended 31 December 2019, the Executive Directors were awarded conditional share awards under the LTIP, details of which 
are summarised in the table below. Rick Anderson (in his roles of Interim CEO and Executive Chairman) was not eligible to receive any 
awards under the LTIP.

Director
Karim Bitar2
Frank Schulkes

Date of grant Number awarded
310,609
606,274

30 September 2019
8 August 2019

Award price1
178.00p
182.10p

£
£552,885
£1,104,025

% of annualised 
salary
Vesting date
63% 30 September 2022
8 August 2022

250%

1.   The LTIP face values are determined as a percentage of each Executive Director’s salary and converted into numbers of conditional shares using the closing price on 

the trading day preceding the date of grant.

2.  The award for Karim Bitar was based on 250% of annualised base salary, pro-rated for the period of employment from 30 September 2019 to 31 December 2019.

Face value

The performance conditions attached to these 2019 LTIP awards are set out in the table below.

Vesting schedule

Measure
Three-year Relative TSR against the following comparators:
Ambu, Beckton Dickinson, Coloplast, Fresenius, Getinge, GN Store Nord, 
Integra Lifesciences, Smith & Nephew, Stryker, Teleflex, William Demant and 
Zimmer Biomet

Three-year cumulative EPS (i.e. FY19 EPS + FY20 EPS + FY21 EPS)

Three-year average Return on Invested Capital

Weighting
1⁄3rd

Performance 
period
1 January 2019
to 31 December 
2021

1⁄3rd

1 January 2019
to 31 December 
2021

1⁄3rd

1 January 2019
to 31 December 
2021

£
< Median
Median
≥ 90th percentile

% of annualised 
salary
0%
25%
100%
Straight-line sliding scale vesting 
between these points
0%
25%
100%
Straight-line sliding scale vesting 
between these points
0%
25%
100%
Straight-line sliding scale vesting 
between these points

< 39 cents
39 cents
≥ 49 cents

< 7.0%
7.0%
≥ 9.0%

The definition of adjusted ROIC used in our LTIP is:

Adjusted ROIC = Adjusted Net Operating Profit after Tax (NOPAT) divided by Adjusted Invested Capital

Where:

Adjusted NOPAT = Adjusted EBIT less tax at the adjusted effective tax rate. Adjusted EBIT will be consistent with the definition previously published by the Company 
and excludes acquisition related amortisation expense. It also excludes items identified as non-recurring, infrequent or unusual in nature that management believes are 
not indicative of the underlying performance of the consolidated Group.

Adjusted Invested Capital = Net Assets excluding cash, debt and all amortisation related to the Group’s historical acquisitions.

The impact of future acquisitions (including intangibles assets, amortisation and goodwill) will be captured in the calculations of both the numerator and denominator. 
However, the Remuneration Committee will review and consider adjusting for the impact of material mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity on the Adjusted ROIC 
targets. Any adjustment will be made on the basis of ensuring neutrality of the LTIP to this M&A.

To the extent the 2019 LTIP awards vest, vested shares will be required to be held for a further two-year post-vesting holding period.

Fees retained for external non-executive directorships
Executive Directors may hold one external appointment and retain the fees paid for such role. During the year, Karim Bitar served 
as a Non-Executive Director of Spectris plc and received fees of £55,000 which he retained.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Directors’ Remuneration report
continued

Our Annual Report on Remuneration continued

Single total figure of remuneration for Non-Executive Directors (audited)
The table below sets out a single figure for the total remuneration received by each Non-Executive Director for the 2019 and 2018 
financial years.

Non-Executive Director
John McAdam2
Rick Anderson3
Ros Rivaz
Regina Benjamin
Margaret Ewing
Sten Scheibye4
Sir Christopher Gent5
Steve Holliday6
Jesper Ovesen7

Fee

Total1

2019
’000
£81
£18
£109
£94
£123
£60
£143
£44
£53

2018
’000
–
£66
£84
£72
£84
£30
£400
£174
£106

2019
’000
£83
£18
£111
£99
£124
£62
£144
£44
£54

2018
’000
–
£85
£85
£73
£84
£30
£402
£174
£106

1.  In addition to the fees payable to each of the Directors, the Group reimburses reasonable expenses. 
2.  Joined the Board on 30 September 2019.
3.   Rick Anderson was appointed as CEO on an interim basis on 15 October 2018, having served as a Non-Executive Director prior to that date. He stepped down 
as Interim CEO on 29 September 2019, returning to his Non-Executive Director role on 30 September 2019. Since that date, he has received an annualised fee 
of £72,000 per annum (his FY19 fees cover the period 30 September 2019 to 31 December 2019). His fees for FY18 cover the period 1 January to 14 October 2018. 
He receives no fees in relation to his other appointments, which are described on page 76. 

4.  Joined the Board on 3 July 2018 as Mr Kutay’s replacement as the nominated director representative of Novo Holdings A/S. 
5.  Stepped down from the Board with effect from 9 May 2019.
6.  Stepped down from the Board with effect from 31 March 2019.
7.  Stepped down from the Board with effect from 28 June 2019.

Percentage change in CEO remuneration
The table below shows the percentage change in CEO remuneration (from 2018 to 2019) compared to the average percentage change in 
remuneration for all other employees over the same period.

Element of remuneration
Base salary
Benefits
Annual bonus

CEO1
51%
343%
n/a

Average of
employees2
3.2%
3.2%
18,739%

1.   The difference in base salary and benefits for the CEO compares the 2019 combined CEO remuneration for Rick Anderson (to 29 September 2019) and Karim Bitar 
(from 30 September 2019) to the combined CEO remuneration for Rick Anderson and Paul Moraviec in 2018. The Committee acknowledges that in the past two 
years ConvaTec has seen a number of changes in the incumbents and positions held by the Board and, as such, the figures above are not considered to be 
representative of the year-on-year change in remuneration that the Committee would normally expect to observe for a single incumbent. This year, the increases to 
both CEO salary and benefits are due to the remuneration structure agreed for Rick Anderson in his roles as Interim CEO and Executive Chair. We expect that next 
year’s percentage change will continue to be impacted by the circumstances of 2019 but will become more representative in 2021 (i.e. once Karim has been in the role 
for two complete financial years). 

2.   The year-on-year increase in benefits reflects the Group’s best estimate for the change in the average value of benefits for all employees. Although there was no 
change to benefits provision in 2019 compared to 2018, some benefits increased in value through being linked to employees’ salaries. The increase in the value of 
annual bonus paid to employees reflects 2018 performance, which waranted the payment of bonuses to a small group of employees in Asia only. 2019 business 
performance warrants bonus payments to all eligible employees across ConvaTec.

Relative importance of spend on pay
The table below shows shareholder distributions (i.e. dividends and share buybacks) and total employee pay expenditure for the financial 
years ended 31 December 2018 and 31 December 2019, and the percentage change year-on-year.

Total employee pay expenditure
Shareholder distributions

Exit payments made in the year (audited)
There were no exit payments made in the year. 

2019
$m
515
113

2018
$m
473
112

Year-on-year 
change
9%
1%

Payments to past Directors (audited)
Paul Moraviec received contractual payments until he left the Group in April 2019. The total paid to Mr Moraviec in 2019 was £190,911. 
No further payments were (or are due to be) made to him.

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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Review of past performance
This graph shows the Group’s Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) compared to the FTSE 350 Index. Performance, as required by legislation, 
is measured by TSR over the period from commencement of conditional dealing (26 October 2016) to 31 December 2019.

TSR chart for 2019 DRR – ConvaTec vs the FTSE 350 Index
Value of £100 invested on 25 October 2016 in ConvaTec and the FTSE 350 Index (£)

140

120

100

80

60

40

25/10/16

31/12/16

 ConvaTec

 FTSE 350

31/12/17

31/12/18

31/12/19

The table below details the CEO’s single total figure of remuneration and incentive outcomes over the same period:

2016

2017

2018

2019

Karim Bitar (from 30 Sept 2019)
CEO single figure (‘000)
Annual bonus (% max.)
LTIP vesting (% max.)
Rick Anderson (15 Oct 2018 – 29 Sept 2019)
CEO single figure (‘000)
Annual bonus (% max.)
LTIP vesting (% max.)
Paul Moraviec (to 14 October 2018)
CEO single figure (‘000)
Annual bonus (% max.)
LTIP vesting (% max.)

£6,878
70.2%
n/a

£1,118
n/a
n/a

£264
n/a
n/a

£631
n/a
n/a

£1,413
40%
n/a

£917
9%
n/a

CEO pay ratio
The table below discloses the ratio of CEO pay for 2019, comparing the sum of the single total figures of remuneration for Karim Bitar and 
Rick Anderson (paid in relation to his tenure as Interim CEO and Executive Chairman during 2019) to the full-time equivalent total reward of 
those colleagues whose pay is ranked at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles in our UK workforce. 

We chose Methodology Option A to calculate the ratio, as we believe it provides the best comparison of colleague pay with that of our 
CEO by using a consistent methodology to value remuneration and identify our colleagues ranked at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles. 
Colleague pay was calculated based on actual pay and benefits for the 12 monthly payrolls in respect of the full financial year to 31 December 
2019. We are confident that the three colleagues identified are a true reflection of our UK workforce; none of these individuals received any 
additional or exceptional pay during 2019. We can also confirm that no adjustments were made to the calculation of the total remuneration 
for these employees from the methodology set out for the CEO’s single total figure remuneration. Our pay ratios are set out below:

Year
2019 

Method
Option A

25th percentile
163:1

50th percentile
123:1

75th percentile
76:1

This is the first year that ConvaTec has disclosed the pay ratio and, as such, we have no historic data against which to compare this year’s 
ratios. However, the Committee is mindful of the change in CEO incumbent during the year and the implications of this on the ratios 
reported above (in particular the inclusion in the single figure of the CEO’s “buyout” awards). Without sign-on bonus the CEO pay ratio 
would be at median 41:1, the median CEO pay ratio would be 83:1 if Karim Bitar had a “normal” full year at target. This context will be taken 
into consideration when reviewing the ratio next year and providing commentary on the year-on-year trend. 

The table below provides information on the salary and total pay and benefits paid to our colleagues ranked at the 25th, 50th and 
75th percentiles. 

Year
2019 

Method
Salary
Total pay and benefits

25th percentile
£23,500
£30,652

50th percentile
£32,798
£40,601

75th percentile
£39,542
£65,922

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Directors’ Remuneration report 
continued

Our Annual Report on Remuneration continued

Gender pay 
Information about the Group’s gender pay gap report for the year to April 2019 is provided on page 40 and on the Company’s website 
at www.convatecgroup.com/investors/corporate-governance.

Implementation of Executive Director Remuneration Policy for 2020
Base salary
Karim Bitar’s salary was set on the date of his appointment in 2019 and has not been increased for 2020. Following a review of Frank 
Schulkes’ salary, the Committee decided to award an increase of 2.51% in line with the increases for the general employee population in the 
UK (increase effective 1 April 2020).

Director
Karim Bitar
Frank Schulkes

Role
CEO
CFO

2020
£875,000
£452,682

2019
£875,000
£441,610

Pension
Both Executive Directors will continue to receive a cash allowance of 15% of base salary in lieu of a pension contribution.

Annual bonus
For 2020, the CEO will continue to have a maximum bonus opportunity of 200% and the CFO will continue to have a maximum bonus 
opportunity of 150% of salary. The on-target bonus opportunity remains 50% of maximum. Two-thirds of any bonus earned will be paid in 
cash, with the remainder deferred into ConvaTec Group Plc shares for a further three-year period. 

The annual bonus for 2020 will be based on the following measures and weightings:

Link to corporate strategy

Weighting

Measure
Adjusted EBIT1

Adjusted free cash flow

Focus

Innovate

Simplify

Simplify

Execute

60%

20%

20%

Personalised strategic objectives

Focus

Build

1.  Performance measures are benchmarked on a constant currency basis, presented using a budget rate and assumes an on-target Group bonus payout.

The Committee believes the balance of financial measures for 2020 (as set out above) is appropriate to reflect the shift in emphasis in our 
strategy to profitable and sustainable growth. Upweighting EBIT ensures that the primary levers of the strategy (revenue (being volume, 
price and mix) and costs) are all captured in the assessment of short-term performance, while the EBIT performance targets have been set 
to require top-line growth in order to be met. Notwithstanding the simplification of the annual bonus, top-line performance is additionally 
emphasised in a number of the personalised strategic objectives that have been set for 2020 (and which will be disclosed retrospectively 
next year).

The Committee will normally disclose the annual bonus targets retrospectively in next year’s Annual Report on Remuneration. In the event 
the Board considers these targets to remain commercially sensitive, they will be disclosed as soon as possible once they are no longer 
considered to be sensitive. 

In line with our Policy, bonuses for the 2020 financial year will be subject to the Group’s malus and clawback provisions (see page 119 for 
further details).

Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”)
The Executive Directors will be eligible to receive conditional awards of shares under the ConvaTec LTIP in respect of 2020, with face values 
of 250% of salary for the CEO and CFO.

The 2020 LTIP will vest after three years, subject to the following targets:

Measure
Three-year Relative TSR rank vs constituents of FTSE 350 excluding investment trusts
Three-year compound annualised growth in PBT

Weighting
25%
75%

Threshold
(25% vesting)

Maximum
(100% vesting)
Median 90th percentile
TBD

TBD

For the 2020 cycle (as set out on page 120), ConvaTec’s TSR will be measured relative to the FTSE 350 excluding investment trusts. 
Relative TSR will be measured over a three-year period (commencing 1 January 2020), calculated in GBP and using three-month averaging.

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The three-year compound annualised growth rate in PBT will be linked to a new strategic plan and corresponding operating model for the 
next three years. Due to the recent launch of the new operating model, the targets for this measure for the LTIP have not yet been finalised 
at the time of this report going to print. The Committee expects to review and agree appropriately stretching PBT growth targets in the 
context of the new strategy and operating model early in Q2 2020 and to be able to make the LTIP grant to Karim Bitar and Frank Schulkes 
at that time. Details of the PBT and relative TSR performance ranges will be announced via RNS once they have been agreed. They will also 
be published on the Group’s website and included in the 2020 remuneration report.

Implementation of Non-Executive Director Remuneration Policy for 2020
Non-Executive Director fees were set on Listing taking into account competitive practice for similar roles in other international MedTech 
companies and the FTSE 100. The Chairman’s fee was reviewed and adjusted at the time of John McAdam’s appointment in 2019. The 
current fees payable to the Non-Executive Directors are set out below:

Role
Chairman
Non-Executive Director basic fee
Additional fees:
Senior Independent Director
Chairman of the Audit Committee 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
Membership of Board committees
Fee for acting as a Board Level Representative

Fee
£320,000
£60,000

£20,000
£22,000
£20,000
£12,000
£10,000

Non-Executive Director fees will remain at these levels for 2020. 

Directors’ shareholdings (audited)
The table below sets out details of the current shareholdings of each Director (and any relevant connected persons) as at 31 December 2019 
or the date of leaving. For Executive Directors, the current shareholding is compared to their shareholding guideline. 

Director
Current directors
Karim Bitar
Frank Schulkes
Dr John McAdam
Rick Anderson
Dr Ros Rivaz
Dr Regina Benjamin
Margaret Ewing
Sten Scheibye
Former directors2
Paul Moraviec
Sir Christopher Gent
Steve Holliday
Jesper Ovesen

Owned outright or vested

Shares

Options

31 December 
2018

31 December 
2019

Unvested and 
not subject to 
performance

Unvested and 
subject to
performance

Vested but not
exercised

Unvested and 
not subject to
performance

Current
shareholding1
(% salary)

Shareholding 
guideline
(% salary)

1,094,972
35,335

1,383,235
1,308,840

9,782

214%
72%

N/A
165,000
N/A
149,475
9,729
0
0
25,000

4,884,263
150,000
88,889
133,889

989,830
165,000
0
207,268
9,729
0
0
25,000

N/A
150,000
88,889
133,889

400%
300%
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

1.  Executive Director shareholdings calculated using a share price of 188.99p, being the average share price during the last three months of the 2019 financial year.
2.  Reflects shareholding at the date the former Director stepped down from the Board.

Regina Benjamin purchased 10,000 shares on 8 January 2020. No further shares were acquired by the Directors between 31 December 
2019 and 27 February 2020, being the latest practicable date prior to publication of this Annual Report.

Share scheme dilution limits 
The Company complies with the guidelines laid down by the Investment Association. These restrict the issue of new shares under all the 
Company’s share schemes in any ten-year period to 10% of the issued ordinary share capital and under the Company’s discretionary 
schemes to 5% in any ten-year period. As at 31 December 2019, the headroom available under these limits was 10% and 5%, respectively.

The Directors’ Remuneration Report has been approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:

Dr Ros Rivaz 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
27 February 2020

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Directors’ report 

The Directors present their Annual Report on the affairs of the Group, together with the Financial Statements and auditor’s report, 
for the year ended 31 December 2019. 

Taken together, the Strategic report on pages 2 to 67 and this Directors’ report fulfil the requirements of the Disclosure and Transparency 
Rules to provide a management report.

Information incorporated by reference
The following information is provided in other sections of this Annual Report and is incorporated by reference.

Information 
Corporate governance 

Post-balance sheet events 
Likely future developments and research and development activities
Preparation and disclosure of Financial Statements and Annual Report
Use of financial instruments 
Shares held by the Company’s Employee Benefit Trust
Board membership and biographical details 
Related party transactions 
Employee engagement
Greenhouse emissions 
Relationships with capital providers and other stakeholders

Section where provided 
Corporate governance statements
Nomination, Audit and Risk Committee reports
Financial Statements – Note 26
Strategic report 
Directors’ responsibilities statement
Financial Statements – Note 21
Financial Statements – Note 15
Corporate governance report
Financial Statements – Note 25
Strategic report
Strategic report
Governance section

Page 
72
92 to 109
181
2 to 67
136
177 and 178
169 and 170
76 and 77
181
38
41 to 44
79 and 80

Disclosure of information to the auditor
Each of the Directors, as at the date of this Annual Report, confirms that:
 – so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and
 – the Director has taken all steps that he ought to have taken as a Director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit information 

and to establish that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provision of Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006. Deloitte 
LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in office as auditor and a resolution to reappoint them will be proposed at the 2020 AGM.

Branches of the Company
The Group, through various subsidiary and related undertakings, has branches in a number of different jurisdictions in which the business 
operates. Further details are included in subsidiary undertakings on pages 194 to 196.

Dividends
We continue to target a pay-out ratio of between 35% and 45% of adjusted net profit. Our intention is to pay an interim and a final dividend in 
respect of each financial year in the approximate proportions of one-third and two-thirds, respectively, of the annual total dividend. We may 
periodically reassess this policy to reflect, among other things, our growth prospects, capital efficiency and the profitability of the Group, 
whilst also maintaining appropriate levels of dividend cover. Any decision to declare and pay dividends will be made at the discretion of the 
Directors and will depend on, among other things, applicable law, regulation, restrictions, realised distributable reserves available within the 
Group, the Group’s financial position, working capital requirements, restrictions on dividends in the Group’s banking facilities, finance costs, 
general economic conditions and other factors the Directors deem significant. During the year, the Directors resolved to pay an interim 
dividend of 1.717 cents per share on 17 October 2019. A scrip dividend alternative was offered in respect of the interim dividend allowing 
shareholders to elect by 23 September 2019 to receive their dividend in the form of new ordinary shares. On 17 October 2019, 6,159,842 
ordinary shares of 10p each were allotted and issued by the Company to those shareholders who elected to receive the scrip dividend 
alternative. The Directors recommend a final dividend for the year of 3.983 cents per share (2018: 3.983 cents) which, together with the 
interim dividend, makes a total for the year of 5.700 cents per share (2018: 5.700 cents). The final dividend, if approved by the shareholders, 
will be paid on 14 May 2020 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 3 April 2020. The total dividend for the year is 
outside our stated policy. The Directors are recommending a final dividend maintained at the same level as that paid in 2018 for the reasons 
outlined on page 4. The Directors note that in the near term the dividend pay-out ratio may be slightly above the target ratio as investment 
is made in the ongoing transformation of the Group.

132
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Capital structure
Share capital
As at 31 December 2019, the Company’s issued share capital consisted of 1,983,513,851 ordinary shares of 10p each. Further details of the 
authorised and issued share capital, together with details of the movements in the Company’s issued share capital during the year, are shown 
in Note 15 to the Financial Statements. As at 31 December 2019, the Company had only one class of share consisting of ordinary shares of 
10p each. 

Acquisition of Company’s own shares
At the Company’s AGM on 9 May 2019, the Directors’ authority was renewed under shareholders’ resolution to purchase through the 
market up to 10% of the Company’s ordinary shares at a maximum price per share at the higher of: (i) an amount equal to 105% of middle 
market quotations of the price of shares for the five business days prior to the date of purchase; and (ii) an amount equal to the higher of the 
last independent trade and the highest current independent bid at the time of purchase. This authority expires at the Company’s 2020 AGM 
and the Company will seek its renewal at the AGM. It is confirmed that no acquisition of the Company’s own shares has been made under 
such authority. 

Shareholders’ rights
The rights attaching to the ordinary shares are governed by the Company’s Articles of Association (“Articles”) and prevailing legislation. 
There are no specific restrictions on the size of a holding. Subject to applicable law and the Articles, holders of ordinary shares are entitled 
to receive all shareholder documents, including notice of any general meeting, attend, speak and exercise voting rights at general meetings, 
either in person or by proxy, and participate in any distribution of income or capital.

Restrictions on voting
There are no specific restrictions on voting rights, save in situations where the Company is legally entitled to impose such restrictions 
(usually where amounts remain unpaid on shares after request, or the shareholder is otherwise in default of an obligation to the Company). 
Currently all issued ordinary shares are fully paid. There are no agreements between holders of securities in the Company that are known 
to the Company and may result in restrictions on transfer or on voting rights.

Restrictions on the transfer of ordinary shares
The transfer of ordinary shares is governed by the general provisions of the Company’s Articles and applicable legislation. There are no 
restrictions on the transfer of ordinary shares other than: (i) as set out in the Articles; and (ii) certain restrictions which may from time 
to time be imposed by laws and regulations and pursuant to the Listing Rules whereby Directors and certain officers and employees of 
the Company require approval to deal in the ordinary shares in accordance with the Company’s share dealing policies and the Market 
Abuse Regulation.

Directors’ appointment, replacement and powers
The appointment and replacement of Directors of the Company is governed by its Articles, the Code, the Companies Act and related 
legislation. The Articles themselves may be amended by special resolution and subject to shareholder approval. Details of the powers 
of the Board and its Committees are described in the Corporate governance report on page 78. The powers of the Board are set 
out in the Articles and the Terms of Reference of each of the Board’s committees set out their respective duties and responsibilities. 
The aforementioned documents can be found at www.convatecgroup.com/investors/corporate-governance. 

Significant agreements
There are a number of agreements that take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control of the Company such as commercial 
contracts, bank loan agreements, property lease arrangements and employees’ share plans. Other than the Group’s main funding 
agreements referenced below, none of these are considered to be significant in terms of their likely impact on the business of the Group 
as a whole. Furthermore, the Directors are not aware of any agreements between the Group and its Directors or employees that provide 
for compensation for loss of office or employment that occurs because of a change of control resulting from a takeover bid.

In the event of a change of control of the Company, the Group’s main funding agreements allow the lenders to give notice of repayment 
for all outstanding amounts under the relevant facilities.

Directors’ indemnities
The Group has made qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its Directors, which were made during the year and remain 
in force at the date of this report.

Company Secretary 
The Company Secretary provides ongoing support to the Board in relation to corporate governance issues and compliance with the Listing 
Rules. She is responsible for establishing, implementing and monitoring the corporate governance framework, attending all Board and 
committee meetings, advising on effective Board processes, advising on Directors’ statutory duties, disclosure obligations and requirements 
under the Listing Rules, and working in conjunction with the investor relations team regarding dialogue with investors. 

Political donations
No political donations, including to non-EU political parties, were made during the period. Information about the Group’s lobbying 
and charitable activities is included in the Group’s Corporate Responsibility Report, which is available on our website at 
www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

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continued

Substantial shareholdings 
At 31 December 2019, the Company had been notified in accordance with Chapter 5 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, of the 
following voting rights as a shareholder of the Company. 

Shareholder
Novo Holdings A/S
GIC Private Limited
BlackRock, Inc.

Standard Life Aberdeen plc
The Capital Group Companies, Inc
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership
Pelham Capital LTD.

Morgan Stanley

No. of ordinary shares 
395,318,793
176,899,232
126,360,533

100,871,229
97,418,767
97,980,658
93,526,729

Percentage of  
voting rights
20.25%
 8.9972%
6.42%

5.13%
4.9911%
4.98%
4.71%

Below 3%

Nature of holding
Direct holding
Direct holding
Indirect holding/Financial 
instruments
Indirect holding
Indirect holding
Indirect holding
Direct holding/Financial 
instruments
Direct holding/Financial 
instruments 

Relationship agreement with controlling shareholders 
Novo Holdings A/S (“Novo”) became a significant shareholder on 31 March 2017 and the Company entered a relationship agreement with 
Novo on such date as required by Listing Rule 9.2.2A R(2)(a). Given its significant investment in the Company, Novo is entitled to appoint one 
Non-Executive Director to the Board for so long as they and their associates are entitled to exercise, or control the exercise of, 10% or more 
of the votes able to be cast on all or substantially all matters at general meetings of the Company. In the financial period to 31 December 
2019 (and also from 31 December 2019 to 27 February 2020, being the latest practicable date prior to publication of this Annual Report), 
the Company has complied with the independence provisions of the relationship agreement, and so far as the Company is aware, Novo and 
their associates also complied with the independence provisions.

Diversity and inclusion 
We are committed to creating a values-led, performance-driven culture which starts with our employees, and we aim to bring together 
a rich diversity of backgrounds, experiences, preferences and capabilities which unite together to improve people’s lives through their work 
at ConvaTec. The Board considers a diverse workforce as critical to its success. Information about the Group’s initiatives to achieve diversity 
across the business, including specific objectives, are contained on page 39 and in the Group’s Corporate Responsibility Report for the year 
ended 31 December 2019, which is available on our website at www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

Employment of disabled people
Applications for employment by disabled people are always fully considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. In 
the event of members of staff becoming disabled every effort is made to ensure that their employment with the Group continues and that 
appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the Group that the training, career development and promotion of anyone with a disability 
should, as far as possible, be identical to that of other employees.

Employee share schemes
In addition to the discretionary share schemes operated as part of the Group’s long-term incentives, detailed in the Remuneration Policy 
on pages 117 to 123, the Group operates a global all-employee share scheme. The Directors believe that this scheme aligns the interests of 
employees and shareholders by encouraging all employees to buy and own shares in the Company, thus enabling them to benefit directly 
from the anticipated growth and success of the Group in the future.

Executive Directors may also participate in the UK all-employee share scheme, which is an HMRC approved savings-related share option 
plan, on the same basis as other eligible employees. All participants may invest up to the limits set in line with HMRC guidance and as 
operated by the Group. 

Shares acquired through the Group’s share plans rank pari passu with existing ordinary shares in issue and have no special rights with regards 
to voting, rights to dividend, control of the Company or otherwise.

All of the Group’s employee share plans contain provisions relating to a change of control. On a change of control, options and awards 
granted to employees under the Group’s share plans may vest and become exercisable, subject to the satisfaction of any applicable 
performance conditions at that time.

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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Listing Rules – compliance with LR 9.8.4R
The information required to be disclosed by LR 9.8.4R can be found in the following locations. There are no other disclosures required under 
this LR.

Section
1
4
14

Applicable sub-paragraph within LR 9.8.4R
Interest capitalised
Details of long-term incentive schemes
Confirmation of relationship agreement

Location
Group Financial Statements, Note 23 on pages 179 and 180
Directors’ Remuneration report, pages 112 to 131
Directors’ report, page 134

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held at The Roseate Reading Hotel, Eden Room, 26 The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire RG1 3EJ, on 
Thursday 7 May 2020 at 11am. Notice of the meeting, containing details of the resolutions to be put to the meeting, will be available on the 
Group’s website at www.convatecgroup.com/investors/reports/.

By order of the Board:

Clare Bates
Company Secretary
27 February 2020

ConvaTec Group Plc is registered in England No. 10361298

135
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Directors’ responsibilities statement

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report 
and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations.

Responsibility statement 
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
 – the Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with the 

relevant financial reporting framework, 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;

 – the Strategic report includes a fair review of the development and 
performance of the business and the position of the Company 
and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a 
whole, together with a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties that they face; and

 – the Annual Report and Financial Statements, taken as a whole, 

are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Group and Company’s 
performance and position, business model and strategy.

This responsibility statement was approved by the Board of 
Directors on 27 February 2020 and is signed on its behalf by:

Karim Bitar
Chief Executive Officer

Frank Schulkes
Chief Financial Officer

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements 
for each financial year. Under that law the Directors are required to 
prepare the Group Financial Statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted by 
the European Union and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation and have 
elected to prepare the parent company financial statements in 
accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law), 
including FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”. Under 
company law the Directors must not approve the accounts unless 
they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of 
affairs of the Group and Company and of the profit or loss of the 
Group and Company for that period. 

In preparing the parent company financial statements, the Directors 
are required to:
 – select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
 – make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent;

 – state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been 
followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the Financial Statements; and

 – prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will 
continue in business.

In preparing the Group Financial Statements, International 
Accounting Standard 1 requires that Directors:
 – properly select and apply accounting policies;
 – present information, including accounting policies, in a manner 

that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable 
information;

 – provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific 

requirements in IFRSs are insufficient to enable users to 
understand the impact of particular transactions, other events 
and conditions on the Group’s financial position and financial 
performance; and

 – make an assessment of the Group’s ability to continue as 

a going concern.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group and 
Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at 
any time the financial position of the Group and Company and enable 
them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the 
Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding 
the assets of the Group and Company and hence for taking 
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and 
other irregularities.

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

136
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

 
Financial Statements 
at a glance

Primary Statements
Consolidated Income Statement 

Page 138

Capital structure and financial costs
14.   Capital structure and  

Consolidated Statement of  
Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of  
Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement of  
Changes in Equity 

Consolidated Statement of  
Cash Flows 

1.  Basis of preparation
Page 143

Company financial information
Company Statement of  
Financial Position 

Page 188

Company Statement of Changes  
in Equity  

Page 189

Notes to the Company Financial  
Statements  

Page 190

net debt 

Page 169

Page 139

15.  Share capital and reserves 

Page 169

16.  Dividends 

17.  Share-based payments 

Page 170

Page 171

Page 140

Page 141

18.  Financial risk management 

Page 173

19.  Borrowings 

Page 174

Subsidiary and related  
undertakings 

Page 194

Page 142

20. Cash and cash equivalents 

Page 176

21.  Financial instruments 

22.  Leases 

23.  Finance costs, net 

Page 177

Page 178

Page 179

Independent auditor’s report
Pages 197 to 205

Results of operations
2. 

 Revenue and segmental  
information 

Other notes
24.   Commitments and  
contingencies 

Page 146

Page 180

3.  Operating costs 

Page 148

25.  Related party transactions 

Page 181

4. 

 Non-operating expense, net 

Page 149

26.  Subsequent events 

Page 181

5. 

Income taxes 

6.  Earnings per share 

Page 150

Page 153

Non-IFRS financial information
Page 182

Operating assets and liabilities
7. 

 Property, plant and  
equipment 

Page 154

8. 

 Intangible assets and goodwill  Page 156

9. 

Inventories 

Page 161

10.  Trade and other receivables 

Page 162

11.  Trade and other payables 

Page 163

12.  Provisions 

Page 164

13.  Post-employment benefits 

Page 165

137
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206 
Consolidated Income Statement

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit

Selling and distribution expenses
General and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Other operating expenses
Operating profit

Finance costs, net
Non-operating expense, net
Profit before income taxes
Income tax (expense)/benefit
Net profit

Earnings per share
Basic and diluted earnings per share ($ per share)

Notes
2

3
3

23
4

5

2019
$m
1,827.2
(871.6)
955.6

(433.0)
(266.4)
(53.8)
(105.5)
96.9

(73.6)
(4.4)
18.9
(9.1)
9.8

2018
$m
1,832.1
(858.3)
973.8

(418.0)
(238.2)
(49.9)
–
267.7

(65.2)
(1.3)
201.2
20.4
221.6

6

$0.00 

$0.11 

The accounting policies and notes on pages 143 to 181 form an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. All amounts are 
attributable to shareholders of the Group and wholly derived from continuing operations.

138
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Net profit
Other comprehensive income/(loss)
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to Consolidated Income Statement
Remeasurement of defined benefit obligation, net of tax
Recognition of the pension assets restriction
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to Consolidated Income Statement
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges reclassified to the Consolidated Income Statement
Income tax relating to items that may be reclassified
Other comprehensive income/(loss)
Total comprehensive income

All amounts are attributable to shareholders of the Group and wholly derived from continuing operations. 

Notes

13
13

21
21

2019
$m
9.8

(3.5)
(0.6)

25.1
(9.5)
(0.8)
2.8
13.5
23.3

2018
$m
221.6

(1.0)
0.4

(66.6)
3.9
–
(1.3)
(64.6)
157.0

139
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 December 2019

Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Right-of-use assets
Intangible assets and goodwill
Deferred tax assets
Derivative financial assets
Restricted cash
Other non-current receivables

Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets
Equity and liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Lease liabilities
Current tax payable
Provisions

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Lease liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Other non-current payables

Total liabilities
Net assets
Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Own shares
Retained deficit
Merger reserve
Cumulative translation reserve
Other reserves
Total equity

Total equity and liabilities

Notes

7
1, 22
8
5
21
20

9
10
20

11
19
1, 22

12

19
1, 22
5
12
11

15
15

2019
$m

2018
$m

321.6
84.5
2,166.9
55.0
1.0
3.6
8.9
2,641.5

281.8
300.7
385.8
968.3
3,609.8

289.3
40.8
18.4
44.6
4.2
397.3

1,445.3
70.1
107.8
1.7
26.6
1,651.5
2,048.8
1,561.0

242.9
70.7
(10.8)
(847.7)
2,098.9
(99.1)
106.1
1,561.0

330.7
–
2,377.5
22.9
11.3
2.4
12.4
2,757.2

303.3
284.3
315.6
903.2
3,660.4

221.5
63.0
–
41.9
4.5
330.9

1,581.5
–
107.1
1.5
22.2
1,712.3
2,043.2
1,617.2

240.7
39.8
(6.8)
(744.5)
2,098.9
(124.2)
113.3
1,617.2

3,609.8

3,660.4

The Consolidated Financial Statements of ConvaTec Group Plc, company number 10361298, were approved by the Board of Directors and 
authorised for issue on 27 February 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

Frank Schulkes
Chief Financial Officer

140
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 December 2019

At 1 January 2018
Net profit
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation 
adjustment, net of tax
Remeasurement of defined 
benefit obligation, net of tax
Recognition of pension assets 
restriction
Effective portion of changes in 
fair value of cash flow hedges, 
net of tax
Other comprehensive loss
Total comprehensive income
Dividends paid
Scrip dividend
Share-based payments
Share awards vested
Excess tax benefits from 
share-based payments
At 31 December 2018
Net profit
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation 
adjustment, net of tax
Remeasurement of defined 
benefit obligation, net of tax
Recognition of pension assets 
restriction
Effective portion of changes in 
fair value of cash flow hedges, 
net of tax
Other comprehensive 
income
Total comprehensive income
Dividends paid
Scrip dividend
Share-based payments
Share awards vested
Excess tax benefits from 
share-based payments
Purchase of own shares
At 31 December 2019

Notes

13

13

16
15, 16
17

13

13

16
15, 16
17

15

Share 
capital
$m
238.8
–

Share 
premium
$m
1.3
–

Own 
shares
$m
(8.1)
–

Retained 
deficit
$m
(850.0)
221.6

Merger
reserve
$m
2,098.9
–

Cumulative 
translation 
reserve
$m
(58.4)
–

Other 
reserves
$m
101.3
–

Total
$m
1,523.8
221.6

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
1.9
–
–

–
240.7
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
2.2
–
–

–
–
242.9

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
38.5
–
–

–
39.8
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
30.9
–
–

–
–
70.7

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
1.3

–
(6.8)
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
10.0

(0.8)

–

–

–
(0.8)
220.8
(74.9)
(40.4)
–
–

–
(744.5)
9.8

–

–

–

–

–
9.8
(79.9)
(33.1)
–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
2,098.9
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
(14.0)
(10.8)

–
–
(847.7)

–
–
2,098.9

(65.8)

–

(66.6)

–

–

–
(65.8)
(65.8)
–
–
–
–

–
(124.2)
–

(1.0)

0.4

2.6
2.0
2.0
–
–
11.2
(1.3)

(1.0)

0.4

2.6
(64.6)
157.0
(74.9)
–
11.2
–

0.1
113.3
–

0.1
1,617.2
9.8

25.1

–

25.1

–

–

–

25.1
25.1
–
–
–
–

–
–
(99.1)

(3.5)

(3.5)

(0.6)

(0.6)

(7.5)

(7.5)

(11.6)
(11.6)
–
–
14.2
(10.0)

0.2
–
106.1

13.5
23.3
(79.9)
–
14.2
–

0.2
(14.0)
1,561.0

141
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Cash flows from operating activities
Net profit
Adjustments for
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Amortisation
Income tax expense/(benefit)
Non-operating expense, net
Finance costs, net
Share-based payment
Impairment/write-off of intangible assets
Write-off of property, plant and equipment
Disposal of assets

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 Inventories
 Trade and other receivables
 Other non-current receivables
 Trade and other payables
 Other non-current payables
Net cash generated from operations
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Net cash generated from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment, capitalised software and development
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Change in restricted cash
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of borrowings
Proceeds from borrowings
Payment of lease liabilities(a)
Purchase of own shares
Dividend paid
Net cash used in financing activities
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

Notes

2019
$m

2018
$m

9.8

221.6

7
1, 22
8
5
4
23
17
3, 8
7

8
20

19
19
1, 22
15
16

35.5
22.4
151.9
9.1
4.4
73.6
14.2
105.5
8.8
–

20.4
(13.9)
1.8
43.8
(0.5)
486.8
(48.0)
(37.0)
401.8

(61.4)
0.1
(12.3)
0.8
(72.8)

(1,618.7)
1,481.0
(20.9)
(14.0)
(79.9)
(252.5)
76.5
315.6
(6.3)
385.8

37.4
–
152.6
(20.4)
1.3
65.2
11.2
–
–
3.4

(33.1)
6.7
(1.6)
2.3
2.5
449.1
(61.3)
(35.8)
352.0

(72.1)
4.3
(14.4)
1.3
(80.9)

(153.7)
–
(0.8)
–
(74.9)
(229.4)
41.7
289.3
(15.4)
315.6

(a)  Payment of lease liabilities for the year ended 31 December 2019 includes $20.1 million of payments in respect of new leases recognised upon adoption of IFRS 16, 
Leases. In the year ended 31 December 2018, these payments were classified as operating leases and included in cash flows from operating activities. Payment of 
lease liabilities for the year ended 31 December 2018 relates to amounts previously classified as finance leases. Refer to Note 22 – Leases for further details.

142
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Basis of preparation

This section describes the Group’s significant accounting policies that relate to the Consolidated Financial Statements and explains 
critical accounting judgements and estimates that management has identified as having a potentially material impact to the Group. 
Specific accounting policies relating to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are described within that note.

1.1 General information
ConvaTec Group Plc (the “Company”) is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act of 2006 with its 
registered office situated in England and Wales. The Company’s registered office is 3 Forbury Place, 23 Forbury Road, Reading, RG1 3JH, 
United Kingdom.

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as 
adopted by the EU and therefore comply with Article 4 of the EU International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) Regulations.

The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in US dollars (“USD”), reflecting the profile of the Company and its subsidiaries’ 
(collectively, the “Group”) revenue and operating profit, which are primarily generated in US dollars and US dollar-linked currencies. All values 
are rounded to $0.1 million except where otherwise indicated.

Pages 2 and 3 provide further detail of the Group’s principal activities and nature of its operations.

1.2 Significant accounting policies
The following significant accounting policies apply to the Consolidated Financial Statements as a whole:

Basis of accounting
The consolidated financial information has been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for certain financial instruments where fair value 
has been applied. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for goods and services.

Basis of consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the results of the Company and all its subsidiary undertakings. Subsidiaries are entities 
controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group: (i) has power over the investee; (ii) is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from 
its involvement in the investee; and (iii) has the ability to use its power to affect its returns. The Group reassesses whether or not it controls 
an entity if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control listed above.

The consolidated financial information of the Company’s subsidiaries is included within the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements 
from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases and is prepared for the same year end date using consistent 
accounting policies.

Going concern
The Directors have, at the time of approving these Consolidated Financial Statements, a reasonable expectation that the Group and the 
Company have adequate liquid resources to meet its liabilities as they become due and will be able to sustain its business model and 
operational strategy and remain solvent for a period of at least 12 months from 27 February 2020. In October 2019, the Group refinanced 
its entire debt facilities to ensure adequate resources are secured to support the Group’s future business, strategy and Transformation 
Initiative, therefore, the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Foreign currency translation and transactions
Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not US dollars are translated into US dollars at the rate of exchange at the period 
end. Income and expenses are translated into US dollars at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Foreign currency gains and 
losses resulting from the translation of subsidiaries into US dollars are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive 
Income. Exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations are taken to the cumulative translation 
reserve within equity. They are recycled and recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement upon disposal of the operation.

In preparing the financial statements of the individual companies, transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency 
(foreign currencies) are recognised at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each reporting date, monetary 
assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at that date. Non-monetary items 
carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was 
determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated. Any gain or loss 
arising from subsequent exchange rate movements is included as an exchange gain or loss in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Hyperinflation accounting
During the year ended 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2018, hyperinflation accounting was required for foreign operations with 
a functional currency of the Argentine peso as the conditions of IAS 29, Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies (“IAS 29”) had 
been met. ConvaTec Argentina SRL is a subsidiary that has a functional currency of Argentine peso. However, the impact of adopting 
hyperinflation accounting is deemed immaterial for the Group and adjustments relating to IAS 29 have not been recognised.

1.3 Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with adopted IFRS, requires management to make judgements, estimates and 
assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported value of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual 
results may differ from these estimates or judgements of likely outcome. In preparing these Consolidated Financial Statements, two key 
sources of estimation uncertainty have been identified that could potentially have a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets 
and liabilities within the next financial year. No critical accounting judgements have been identified. No areas of critical accounting judgement 
or key sources of estimation uncertainty have been identified in relation to Brexit.

143
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

1. Basis of preparation (continued)
Impairment of finite-lived assets
As part of the Transformation Initiative, a product portfolio review has been undertaken which has resulted in the identification of 
impairment triggers in 2019 in relation to certain of the Group’s intangible assets. As a result of these activities, an impairment review was 
performed in accordance with IAS 36, Impairment of Assets. This resulted in the Group recognising an impairment of $103.6 million for 
product-related intangible assets.

The impairment testing of finite-lived assets requires an assessment of the recoverable amount, which the Group determined to be fair 
value less costs to sell. The approach uses an excess earnings methodology where estimated future cash flows are discounted to their 
present value. A post-tax discount rate was based on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital, adjusted to reflect the territory of the 
assets and risk and opportunity factors specific to the business model.

Management considers that the methodologies are robust and assumptions adopted in the valuation are supportable and reasonable. 
There are inherent sources of estimation uncertainty due to the inclusion of future cash flows in the valuation. IAS 1, Presentation of 
Financial Statements, requires disclosure of major sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of resulting in a material 
adjustment in the next financial year.

The cash flows within the fair value model include benefits from the ongoing Transformation Initiative. Whilst management are confident 
in delivery of the transformation benefits, the fair value model includes an assessment of the value of the Transformation Initiative to a 
theoretical market participant at the valuation date. Given the early stage of the transformation, there is a reasonably possible outcome that 
the impact on the fair value associated with transformation activities could change in the next twelve months leading to an increase in the 
impairment charge of $13.0 million.

The cash flows within the fair value model also include estimates of future trading of the products related to the intangible assets. 
Management has assessed that there are reasonably possible increases in margin headwinds, which could negatively impact the recoverable 
amount and could lead to an increase in the impairment charge of $9.0 million.

Recognition of deferred tax assets
At 31 December 2019 the Group has recognised a deferred tax asset of $23.0 million following the Swiss tax reform, which was 
substantively enacted on 4 October 2019. The value of the deferred tax asset of $23.0 million has been calculated on a best estimate basis 
using a specific methodology that is permitted under Swiss law. Given the anticipated future transformative changes in the business, there 
is uncertainty in the calculation of the deferred tax position and this remains subject to review as a key source of estimation uncertainty. 
For further details on the estimation uncertainty with respect to the deferred tax asset recognised refer to Note 5.4 – Movement in deferred 
tax assets and liabilities.

1.4 Accounting standards
New standards and interpretations applied for the first time
On 1 January 2019, the Group adopted the following new or amended IFRS and interpretations issued by the IASB:
 – IFRS 16, Leases
 – IAS 19, Plan Amendments, Curtailment or Settlement (Amendments to IAS 19)
 – IFRIC 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments
 – Annual Improvements of IFRS standards 2015-2017 Cycle (IFRS 3, IFRS 11, IAS 12, IAS 23)

Their adoption has not had a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements, with the exception of IFRS 16, Leases (“IFRS 16”). 
Apart from these changes, the accounting policies set out in the Notes have been applied consistently to both years presented in these 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

IFRS 16
The Group adopted IFRS 16 on 1 January 2019, which introduced changes to lessee accounting by removing the distinction between 
operating and finance leases, and required the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement for 
most leases.

The Group’s operating leases impacted by IFRS 16 principally relate to real estate and vehicles.

Finance leases existing at the date of adoption continue to be treated as finance leases and have been reclassified from borrowings to lease 
liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. For operating leases existing at the date of adoption, the Group has applied the 
modified retrospective approach by measuring the right-of-use asset at an amount equal to the lease liability and therefore comparative 
information has not been restated. Upon transition the Group also applied the following practical expedients:
 – Application of a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with similar characteristics;
 – Exclude initial direct costs from the right-of-use assets;
 – Use hindsight when assessing the lease term; and
 – Not to reassess whether a contract is or contains a lease.

The Group has elected to apply the recognition exemptions to all:
 – Leases with a term of 12 months or less and containing no purchase options (“short-term leases”); and
 – Leases where the underlying asset has a value of less than $5,000 (“low-value leases”).

The lease liability was initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that were not paid at the transition date, discounted by 
using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate could not be readily determined, the Group has used its incremental borrowing rate, which was 
3.1% at the date of transition. Generally, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. Options such as lease extensions 
or terminations on lease contracts are considered on a case-by-case basis by regular management assessment. The right-of-use asset is 
being depreciated on a straight-line basis.

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1. Basis of preparation (continued)
The following tables set out the reconciliation from operating lease commitments disclosed in the 2018 Consolidated Financial Statements 
and the financial impact of adopting IFRS 16 for the year ended 31 December 2019:

Reconciliation of lease liabilities

Operating lease commitments disclosed as at 31 December 2018
Add: changes in minimum lease term to expected lease term
Less: discounting using the lessees’ incremental borrowing rate at the date of initial application
Lease liabilities recognised on adoption of IFRS 16
Add: finance leases recognised in borrowings as at 31 December 2018
Lease liabilities as at 1 January 2019
Lease additions
Payment of lease liabilities
Leases terminated
Interest expense on lease liabilities (Note 23)
Interest paid on lease liabilities
Foreign exchange
Lease liabilities as at 31 December 2019
Of which:
 Current lease liabilities
 Non-current lease liabilities

Reconciliation of right-of-use assets

Right-of-use assets recognised on adoption of IFRS 16
Add: net book value of assets relating to finance leases recognised in PP&E as at 31 December 2018
Right-of-use assets as at 1 January 2019
Lease additions
Leases terminated
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Foreign exchange
Right-of-use assets as at 31 December 2019
Of which:
 Real estate and other
 Vehicles

$m
61.9
15.7
(11.8)
65.8
23.7
89.5
21.9
(20.9)
(1.6)
3.6
(3.6)
(0.4)
88.5

18.4
70.1

$m
65.8
21.1
86.9
21.9
(1.6)
(22.4)
(0.3)
84.5

68.6
15.9

Upon adoption of IFRS 16 at 1 January 2019, there was an increase in both deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities of $15.2 million.

For the year ended 31 December 2019, expenses related to short-term leases and low-value leases of $3.3 million were recognised in the 
Consolidated Income Statement.

The Group’s Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2019 includes a net expense of $0.6 million as a result 
of adopting IFRS 16. Total cash outflow of lease liabilities including interest for the year ended 31 December 2019 was $24.5 million.

Refer to Note 22 – Leases for disclosure on the impact of IFRS 16 for the year ended 31 December 2019.

New standards and interpretations not yet applied
At the date of authorisation of these Consolidated Financial Statements, there were no new or revised IFRSs, amendments or interpretations 
in issue but not yet effective that are potentially relevant for the Group and which have not yet been applied.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

Results of operations

This section includes disclosures explaining the Group’s performance for the year, including segmental information, operating costs, 
other expenses, taxation and earnings per share.

2. Revenue and segmental information
2.1 Revenue recognition

The Group sells a broad range of products to a wide range of customers, including healthcare providers, patients and manufacturers. 
This note provides further information about how the Group generates revenue and when it is recognised in the Consolidated 
Income Statement.

Accounting policy

Revenue recognition
The Group measures revenue for goods sold based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer, net of discounts, 
chargeback allowances and sales-related taxes. Revenue is recognised when control over a product or service is transferred to a 
customer, distributor or wholesaler, which is generally when goods have been delivered, as most products are insured to delivery. Due to 
the short-term nature of the receivables from sale of goods, the Group measures them at the original transaction price invoiced without 
discounting. The transaction price is the amount the Group expects to receive at that date.

Nature of goods and services
Advanced Wound Care, Ostomy Care, and Continence and Critical Care (“CCC”) products are sold to pharmacies, hospitals and other 
acute and post-acute healthcare service providers directly or through distributors and wholesalers. Products are also sold directly to end 
customers through the Group’s home delivery and home services entities. Infusion Care primarily serves business-to-business customers, 
consisting of the leading insulin pump manufacturers. A small proportion of its revenue is derived from business-to-business urology 
product sales.

In 2019 and 2018, no single customer generated more than 10% of the Group’s revenue.

Nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations
Principally the Group’s contracts with customers contain a single performance obligation, that is the delivery of products to customers. 
Revenue is typically recognised when the customer receives the product but is subject to the shipping terms in each individual contract. 
Where non-standard shipping arrangements exist, revenue is recognised when the goods have transferred control. Allowances for 
returns, where the contract specifies these terms, are made at the point of sale.

For sales to distributors, revenue is recognised when title is transferred to the distributor and the distributor has assumed control, the 
timing of which depends on the contractual terms with each distributor. Chargeback allowances or contractual deductions relating to end 
customer agreements, which may differ from distributor contracts, are made at the point of title transfer to the distributor.

A chargeback is derived when distributors buy products from ConvaTec at a contract price and sell these products to end customers at 
a price agreed with ConvaTec which is lower than the distributors’ list price. The difference between the two contract prices is called a 
chargeback and a claim is submitted to ConvaTec by the distributor to keep the distributor whole. The provision for chargebacks is based 
on expected sell-through levels by the Group’s wholesale customers to contracted customers, as well as estimated wholesaler inventory 
levels. Retrospective claims are reviewed against estimations to ensure provision levels are regularly updated.

Volume discounts
The Group offers certain prospective volume discounts to customers who achieve a specified volume amount or value of purchases in 
any given year. Volume discounts that meet the definition of a material right are recognised as a separate performance obligation. Material 
rights are the option to purchase additional products at a discount which would not have been given had the contract not been entered 
into and are incremental to the range of discounts typically given for those goods to that class of customer.

The stand-alone selling price of these volume discounts is based on the discount that the customer would obtain when exercising the 
option, adjusted for any discount the customer could receive without exercising the option and the likelihood that the option will be 
exercised. The revenue allocated to volume discounts is short-term in nature and recognised proportionally to the pattern of options 
exercised by the customer or when the option expires.

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2. Revenue and segmental information (continued)

Contract costs
Incremental costs related to obtaining a contract with a customer principally relate to commissions paid by the Group to its sales 
representatives. Costs to fulfil contracts with customers are capitalised as an asset to the extent they directly relate to a specific contract, 
are used to generate or enhance resources used in satisfying performance obligations and are expected to be recovered.

The amortisation period for commissions can differ according to the contract term. Renewals of milestones in the contract are taken into 
account when determining the amortisation period. For each contract that has sales commissions paid, the Group has determined an 
appropriate amortisation period that is consistent with the transfer of control to the customer.

These capitalised costs amounted to $4.5 million at 31 December 2019 (2018: $3.3 million). In the year ended 31 December 2019, the 
amount of amortisation expense was $2.8 million (2018: $1.1 million). There was no impairment loss in relation to the costs capitalised.

Contract balances
The Group has contract liabilities that primarily relate to any advance consideration received from customers prior to transfer of the 
related products and material rights offered to customers for options to purchase additional goods. The contract liability balance at 
31 December 2019 was $1.1 million (2018: $1.1 million).

2.2 Segment information

The Group’s management considers its business to be a single segment entity engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of 
medical products and technologies. R&D, manufacturing and central support functions are managed globally for the Group. Revenues 
are managed both on a franchise and regional basis. This note presents management’s view of the performance and activities of the 
Group as a single segment.

Pages 47 to 54 of the Strategic report provide further detail of franchise revenue.

The Group’s CEO, who is the Group’s Chief Operating Decision Maker, evaluates the Group’s global product portfolios on a revenue basis 
and evaluates profitability and associated investment on an enterprise-wide basis due to shared geographic infrastructures and support 
functions between the franchises. Financial information relating to revenues provided to the CEO for decision-making purposes is made 
on both a franchise and regional basis, however profitability measures are presented and resources allocated on a Group-wide basis.

Revenue by franchise
The Group generates revenue across four major franchises. 

The following chart sets out the Group’s revenue for the year ended 
31 December by franchise:

Geographic information
Geographic markets
The following chart sets out the Group’s revenue in each geographic 
market in which customers are located: 

Revenue by franchise ($m)

Revenue by region ($m)

2019

2018

$1,827.2

2019

$1,832.1

2018

$1,827.2

$1,832.1

 Advanced wound care

2019: $569.9m

2018: $587.5m

 Ostomy Care

2019: $525.0m

2018: $533.3m

 Continence & Critical Care

2019: $456.7m

2018: $443.0m

 Infusion Care

2019: $275.6m

2018: $268.3m

 EMEA

 Americas

 APAC

2019: $724.1m

2018: $747.4m

2019: $959.8m

2018: $945.3m

2019: $143.3m

2018: $139.4m

Geographic information (continued)
Geographic regions
The following table sets out the Group’s revenue on the basis of geographic regions where the legal entity resides, including countries 
representing over 10% of Group revenue and the UK, where the Group is domiciled:

Geographic regions
US
UK
Denmark
Other(a)

(a)  Other consists primarily of countries in Europe, Asia-Pacific (“APAC”), Latin America and Canada.

2019
$m

643.9
158.2
271.9
753.2
1,827.2

2018
$m

643.4
166.1
270.0
752.6
1,832.1

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

2. Revenue and segmental information (continued)
The following table sets out the Group’s non-current assets by country:

Long-lived assets(a)
US
UK
Denmark
Other(b)
Total long-lived assets

2019
$m

2018
$m

1,176.7
829.9
249.7
316.7
2,573.0

1,355.0
820.9
252.8
279.5
2,708.2

(a)  Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, intangible assets and goodwill.
(b)  Other consists primarily of countries in Europe and Latin America.

3. Operating costs

The Group incurs operating costs associated with the day-to-day operation of the business. These operating costs are deducted from 
revenue to arrive at operating profit.

3.1 Operating profit
Operating profit is stated after deducting from revenue:

Depreciation:
 Property, plant and equipment
 Right-of-use assets
Amortisation
Net loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Impairment/write-off of property, plant and equipment
Impairment/write-off of intangible assets(a)
Amounts related to inventory included in cost of sales
Adjustments to write-down inventory(b)
Lease expenses(c)
Staff costs:
 Wages and salaries
 Share-based compensation expense
 Social security costs
 Defined contribution plan costs
 Defined benefit plan costs
 Recruitment and other employment-related fees
Total staff costs

Note

7
22
8

7
8

22

17

13

2019
$m

35.5
22.4
151.9
–
8.8
105.5
714.9
17.1
3.3

420.9
14.2
55.3
16.6
1.8
6.1
514.9

2018
$m

37.4
–
152.6
3.4
–
–
699.4
22.8
24.8

386.2
11.2
51.1
16.3
2.5
5.9
473.2

(a)  Other operating expenses, as disclosed in the Consolidated Income Statement represents impairment in relation to certain intangible assets of $105.5 million 

(Note 8 – Intangible assets and goodwill).

(b)  Relates to adjustments to write down inventory to its net realisable value and is included in cost of sales.
(c)  For the year ended 31 December 2019 lease expenses represent low-value leases and short-term leases. These expenses are permitted recognition exemptions in 
accordance with IFRS 16 and are defined in Note 1 – Basis of preparation. For the year ended 31 December 2018 this represents rentals payable under operating 
leases in accordance with IAS 17, Operating Leases.

The remuneration of the Executive Directors which is set out on pages 124 to 131, has been audited and forms part of these Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

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3. Operating costs (continued)
3.2 Employee numbers
The average number of the Group’s employees by function:

The average number of the Group’s employees by location:

Employees by function

Employees by location

2019

2018

 Operations

2019: 5,812

2018: 5,933

 Sales and marketing

2019: 2,643

2018: 2,392

 General and administration

2019: 778

 R&D

2019: 343

2018: 845

2018: 327

9,576

2019

9,497

2018

 EMEA

 Americas

 APAC

9,576

9,497

2019: 3,962

2018: 3,755

2019: 5,072

2018: 5,233

2019: 542

2018: 509

3.3 Auditor’s remuneration
The total remuneration of the Group’s auditor, Deloitte LLP, for services provided to the Group during the year ended 31 December is 
analysed as below:

Fees for audit services
Group
Subsidiaries
Total fees for audit services
Fees for non-audit services
Audit-related assurance services
Other non-audit services
Total fees for non-audit services
Total auditor remuneration

2019
$m

2018
$m

0.9
3.0
3.9

0.2
–
0.2
4.1

2.2
1.4
3.6

0.5
0.1
0.6
4.2

A description of the work performed by the Audit and Risk Committee in order to safeguard auditor independence when non-audit services 
are provided is set out in the Audit and Risk Committee report on pages 95 to 109.

4. Non-operating expense, net
Non-operating expense, net was as follows:

Foreign exchange losses(a)
Other expense/(gain)
Non-operating expense, net

2019
$m
4.3
0.1
4.4

2018
$m
2.9
(1.6)
1.3

(a)  The foreign exchange losses in 2019 primarily relate to the translation of Euro denominated borrowings (refer to Note 19 – Borrowings). In 2018 foreign exchange 

losses relate to the foreign exchange impact on intercompany transactions, including loans transacted in non-functional currencies.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

5. Income taxes

The note below sets out the current and deferred tax charges, which together comprise the total tax expense/benefit in the 
Consolidated Income Statement. The deferred tax section of the note also provides information on expected future tax charges or 
benefits and sets out the deferred tax assets and liabilities held across the Group.

Accounting policy

The tax expense/benefit represents the sum of current and deferred tax.

Current tax
Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable profit or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively 
enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. Taxable profit differs from reported profit 
because taxable profit excludes items that are either never taxable or tax deductible or items that are taxable or tax deductible in a 
different period.

Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet liability method for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognised for 
temporary differences:
 –  on the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting 

nor taxable profit or loss;

 – arising on the initial recognition of goodwill;
 – on investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities to the extent that it is probable that they will not reverse in the 

foreseeable future. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to temporary differences when the asset 
is realised or the liability is settled, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for unused tax losses, tax credits and deductible temporary differences, to the extent that it is 
probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each 
reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets, and they relate 
to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity, or on different tax entities, but they intend to settle current 
tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax assets and liabilities will be realised simultaneously.

Current tax and deferred tax for the year
Current tax and deferred tax are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement, except when they relate to items that are recognised 
in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case, the current tax and deferred tax are also recognised in other comprehensive 
income or directly in equity, respectively. Where current tax or deferred tax arises from the initial accounting for a business combination, 
the tax effect is included in the accounting for the business combination.

Tax provisions
The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous tax jurisdictions. Judgement is sometimes required in determining the worldwide 
provision for income taxes. There may be transactions for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain and may be challenged by 
the tax authorities. The Group recognises liabilities for anticipated or actual tax audit issues based on estimates of whether additional 
taxes will be due. Where an outflow of funds to a tax authority is considered probable and the Group can make a reliable estimate of the 
outcome of the issue, management calculates the provision for the best estimate of the liability. In assessing its uncertain tax provisions, 
management takes into account the specific facts of each issue, the likelihood of settlement and the input of professional advice where 
required. The Group assumes that where a tax authority has a right to examine amounts reported to it, they will do so and will have full 
knowledge of all relevant information. Where the ultimate liability in result of an issue varies from the amounts provided, such differences 
could impact the current and deferred tax assets and liabilities in the period in which the dispute is concluded.

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5. Income taxes (continued)
5.1 Taxation
The Group’s income tax expense/(benefit) is the sum of the total current and deferred tax expense.

Current tax
UK corporation tax
Overseas taxation
Adjustment to prior years
Total current tax expense
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Change in tax rates
Adjustment to prior years
Total deferred tax benefit
Income tax expense/(benefit)

2019
$m

–
38.4
(1.5)
36.9

(26.4)
(4.0)
2.6
(27.8)
9.1

2018
$m

–
56.2
(1.4)
54.8

(44.8)
(1.1)
(29.3)
(75.2)
(20.4)

The deferred tax benefit in 2019 relates predominantly to $23.0 million in relation to the tax impact following the enactment of the Swiss 
tax reform on 4 October 2019 which is effective from 31 December 2019. The change in tax rate relates mainly to changes in UK and Swiss 
tax rates in accordance with legislation that was substantially enacted on 31 December 2019. In 2018 the deferred tax benefit consisted of 
the recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets in the US of $35.0 million following the enactment of the US Tax Cuts and 
Jobs Act on 22 December 2017, a release of a $30.4 million deferred tax liability in respect of unremitted earnings related to the Dominican 
Republic and a $10.2 million benefit in relation to the amortisation of pre-2018 intangibles.

5.2 Reconciliation of effective tax rate
The effective tax rate for the year ended 31 December 2019 was an expense of 48.1%, as compared with a benefit of 10.1% for the year 
ended 31 December 2018.

Tax reconciliation to UK statutory rate
The table below reconciles the UK statutory tax expense to the Group’s total income tax expense/(benefit): 

Profit before income taxes
Profit before income taxes multiplied by rate of corporation tax 
in the UK of 19.0% (2018: 19.0%)
Difference between UK and overseas tax rates(a)
Non-deductible/non-taxable items
Tax impact of impairment of certain intangibles assets

Movement in unrecognised losses and other assets
Tax amortisation of indefinite-life intangibles
Taxes on unremitted earnings(b)
Uncertain tax (benefit)/expense
Deferred impact of the Swiss tax reform
Other
Income tax expense/(benefit) reported in the Consolidated Income Statement at 
the effective tax rate

2019
$m
18.9

3.6
(13.6)
2.6

24.6
17.7
0.9
0.6
(5.3)
(23.0)
1.0

2018
$m
201.2

38.2
(6.8)
5.1

—
(39.7)
5.2
(30.4)
10.5
—
(2.5)

9.1

48.1%

(20.4)

(10.1)%

(a)  Includes changes in tax rates based on substantively enacted legislation across various tax jurisdictions as of 31 December 2019.
(b)  The 2018 benefit relates predominately to the deferred tax liability release in respect of unremitted earnings related to the Dominican Republic.

The Group has worldwide operations and therefore is subject to several factors that may affect future tax charges, principally the levels and 
mix of profitability in different tax jurisdictions, transfer pricing regulations, tax rates imposed and tax regime reforms.

The calculation of the Group’s tax expense therefore involves a degree of estimation in respect of certain items for which the tax treatment 
cannot be finally determined until resolution has been reached with the relevant tax authority or, as appropriate, through a formal legal 
process. In 2019, the Group provisions for uncertain tax positions relate mainly to transfer pricing positions and withholding tax liabilities. 
The net decrease in provisions during 2019 was driven by the reassessment of estimates and settlement of open tax issues with tax 
authorities in various jurisdictions.

The Group’s effective tax rate in 2019 has also been influenced by a deferred tax benefit of $23.0 million arising from the Swiss tax reform, 
$17.7 million relating to tax losses where no deferred tax asset has been recognised and a tax expense of $24.6 million relating to the 
impairment of certain intangibles in the Group where no tax relief for the costs has been taken (refer to Note 8.1 – Intangible assets). In 2018, 
the Group’s effective tax rate was mainly driven by the deferred tax benefits of $35.0 million in the US and $30.4 million in respect of 
unremitted earnings related to the Dominican Republic, both of which were non-recurring items.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

5. Income taxes (continued)
5.3 Deferred tax
The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at 31 December are as follows:

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Net position at the end of the period

2019
$m
55.0
(107.8)
(52.8)

2018
$m
22.9
(107.1)
(84.2)

The movement in deferred tax assets is principally due to $23.0 million of deferred tax asset recognised on the Swiss tax reform and 
$9.1 million relating to intra-group profits eliminated on inter-company inventory and other temporary differences.

5.4 Movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities
Deferred tax is measured on the basis of the tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. The UK corporation tax rate 
will reduce from 19.0% to 17.0% effective 1 April 2020 (in accordance with substantively enacted legislation). The movements in the deferred 
tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

At 1 January 2018
Movement in Income Statement(a)
Movement in other comprehensive income
Other
Foreign exchange
At 31 December 2018
Movement in Income Statement
Movement in other comprehensive income
Other
Foreign exchange
At 31 December 2019

Inventory
$m
11.0
2.0
–
0.6
(0.5)
13.1
1.3
–
(0.6)
0.1
13.9

Losses
$m
–
53.1
–
–
0.1
53.2
(5.7)
–
–
–
47.5

PP&E
$m
(9.0)
6.2
–
(2.1)
0.4
(4.5)
0.2
–
–
0.3
(4.0)

Intangibles
$m
(134.6)
(41.7)
–
(2.7)
5.1
(173.9)
34.2
–
(2.6)
(0.7)
(143.0)

Unremitted 
earnings
$m
(30.6)
30.4
–
(0.4)
–
(0.6)
(0.6)
–
–
–
(1.2)

Interest
$m
–
14.5
–
–
–
14.5
5.6
–
–
–
20.1

Other
$m
0.6
10.7
(1.4)
4.2
(0.1)
14.0
(7.2)
4.3
3.4
(0.6)
13.9

Total
$m
(162.6)
75.2
(1.4)
(0.4)
5.0
(84.2)
27.8
4.3
0.2
(0.9)
(52.8)

(a)  The 2018 balance includes previously unrecognised US deferred tax assets of $35.0 million and $30.6 million relates to prior year adjustment.

The net movement in deferred tax liability in relation to intangible assets in 2019 mainly relates to the impairment and amortisation in the 
year, and a deferred tax asset of $23.0 million recognised following the enactment of the Swiss tax reform. This deferred tax asset arises 
due to grandfathering provisions, which gives rise to future deductible amortisation on the step up of an intangible tax basis that the Swiss 
tax reform has introduced, with effect from 31 December 2019, to alleviate the higher Swiss tax rates that will apply from 1 January 2020. 
The $23.0 million deferred tax asset recognised represents management’s best estimate of the impact of Swiss tax reform based on the 
information currently available. Given the future anticipated transformative changes in the business, there is significant estimation uncertainty 
in the appropriate valuation method and underlying assumptions and estimates that should be applied to calculate the deferred tax asset. 
The value of the asset recognised of $23.0 million has been calculated using a specific methodology that is permitted under Swiss law. This 
remains subject to review as a key source of estimation uncertainty and, therefore, to revaluation once the impact to the Swiss operations, 
as a result of the Group’s Transformation Initiative, has been determined. It is not possible to provide numerical sensitivity disclosures or 
quantify ranges of potential outcomes; however, it is reasonably possible that outcomes within the next financial year could be different from 
the assumptions made at 31 December 2019 and could require a material adjustment to the carrying value of the asset.

Deferred tax on inventory predominantly relates to a deferred tax asset recognised on intra-group profits arising on inter-company inventory 
which are eliminated within the Consolidated Financial Statements. As intra-group profits are not eliminated from the individual entities’ tax 
returns, a temporary difference arises that will reverse when inventory is sold externally.

Other net temporary differences include accrued expenses, employee costs and pensions for which a tax deduction is only available on 
a paid basis, and share-based payments.

To the extent that dividends remitted from overseas subsidiaries and branches are expected to result in additional taxes, appropriate 
amounts have been provided for. Deferred tax is not provided on temporary differences of $313.1 million (2018: $300.5 million) arising on 
unremitted earnings as management has the ability to control any future reversal and does not consider such a reversal to be probable.

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5. Income taxes (continued)
5.5 Tax losses carried forward
The following table shows the total recognised and unrecognised tax losses carried forward, including expiration:

Country
UK
Luxembourg
US State Taxes
US Federal Tax
Other overseas
Total

Indefinite
39.6
1,530.8
23.2
35.5
6.0
1,635.1

2019

1 to 20 years
–
–
213.4
337.0
52.0
602.4

Total
39.6
1,530.8
236.6
372.5
58.0
2,237.5

Indefinite
34.5
1,565.5
8.2
34.5
5.7
1,648.4

2018

1 to 20 years
–
–
213.5
337.0
44.8
595.3

Total
34.5
1,565.5
221.7
371.5
50.5
2,243.7

In 2019, the movement in Luxembourg tax losses is mainly attributable to foreign exchange gains as the tax losses are Euro denominated.

Deferred tax assets are only recognised where it is probable that future taxable profit will be available to utilise the tax losses. Of the Group’s 
total losses of $2,237.5 million, deferred tax assets have not been recognised on $1,917.2 million (2018: $1,984.9 million) of these losses.

6. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated based on the Group’s net profit for the year attributable to shareholders divided by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. The weighted average number of shares is net of shares purchased by the 
Group and held as own shares.

Diluted earnings per share take into account the dilutive effect of all outstanding share options priced below the market price in arriving 
at the number of shares used in its calculation.

Net profit attributable to the shareholders of the Group ($m)
Basic weighted average ordinary shares in issue (number)
Dilutive impact of share awards (number)
Diluted weighted average ordinary shares in issue (number)
Basic and diluted earnings per share

2019
9.8
1,971,014,011
5,142,363
1,976,156,374
$0.00 per share

2018
221.6
1,956,085,112
1,993,650
1,958,078,762
$0.11 per share

The calculation of diluted earnings per share excludes 10,066,660 (2018: 11,407,025) share options that were non-dilutive for the year 
because the exercise price exceeded the average market price of the Group’s ordinary shares during the year.

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continued

Operating assets and liabilities

This section set outs the assets and liabilities that the Group holds in order to operate the business on a day-to-day basis, including 
long-term assets which generate future revenues and profits for the Group.

Liabilities relating to the Group’s financing activities are addressed in “Capital structure and financial costs”.

7. Property, plant and equipment

The Group invests in buildings, equipment and manufacturing machinery to operate the business and to generate revenue and profits. 
Assets are depreciated over their estimated useful economic life reflecting the reduction in value of the asset due, in particular, to wear 
and tear.

Accounting policy

Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost includes expenditures 
that are directly attributable to the acquisition of an asset including subsequent additions and improvements when it is probable that 
future economic benefit associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost can be reliably measured.

Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis from the point an asset becomes available for use. Depreciation is calculated to reduce 
the asset’s cost to its residual value over the asset’s estimated useful economic life. Assets are depreciated as follows:

Land 
Land improvements 
Leasehold improvements 
Buildings  
Machinery, equipment and fixtures 

– not depreciated
– 15 to 40 years
– shorter of useful life or lease tenure
– 15 to 50 years
– 3 to 20 years

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds, less any 
selling expenses, and the carrying amount of the asset. This difference is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Assets under construction reflects the cost of construction or improvement of items of PP&E that are not yet available for use. Finance 
costs incurred in the construction of assets that take more than one year to complete are capitalised using the Group’s weighted average 
borrowing cost during the period in which the asset is under construction. Capitalisation of finance costs ceases when the asset 
becomes available for use.

Consideration of useful economic lives
The assets’ residual values, depreciation methods and useful economic lives are reviewed annually and adjusted if appropriate.

Impairment of assets
The carrying values of PP&E are reviewed for indicators of impairment annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate 
the carrying value may be impaired. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated, being the higher of 
an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and the net present value of its expected pre-tax future cash flows (“value in use”). When an asset’s 
recoverable amount falls below its carrying value, an impairment is charged to the Consolidated Income Statement.

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7. Property, plant and equipment (continued)
The movement in the carrying value of each major category of PP&E is as follows:

PP&E at cost
1 January 2018
Additions
Disposals
Transfers
Foreign exchange
31 December 2018
Reclassification of right-of-use assets(a)
Additions
Disposals(b)
Transfers
Foreign exchange
31 December 2019

Accumulated depreciation
1 January 2018
Depreciation
Disposals
Foreign exchange
31 December 2018
Reclassification of right-of-use assets(a)
Depreciation(c)
Disposals(b)
Foreign exchange
31 December 2019

Net carrying amount
31 December 2018
31 December 2019

Building,  
building 
equipment  
and leasehold 
improvements
$m

Land & land 
improvements
$m

Machinery, 
equipment and 
fixtures
$m

Assets under 
construction
$m

16.8
–
(1.2)
–
(0.7)
14.9
–
–
–
–
0.1
15.0

0.8
0.1
(0.2)
(0.1)
0.6
–
0.1
–
0.1
0.8

14.3
14.2

141.2
0.2
(10.8)
6.9
(4.8)
132.7
(24.9)
0.4
(2.1)
13.1
2.2
121.4

51.4
6.7
(10.7)
(1.7)
45.7
(4.0)
5.5
(2.0)
0.8
46.0

87.0
75.4

382.9
1.2
(15.9)
48.9
(14.4)
402.7
(0.6)
1.5
(7.4)
40.5
0.1
436.8

230.3
30.6
(14.7)
(9.1)
237.1
(0.4)
29.9
(7.1)
0.1
259.6

165.6
177.2

75.6
50.3
(2.9)
(55.8)
(3.4)
63.8
–
52.7
(8.4)
(53.6)
0.3
54.8

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

63.8
54.8

Total 
$m

616.5
51.7
(30.8)
–
(23.3)
614.1
(25.5)
54.6
(17.9)
–
2.7
628.0

282.5
37.4
(25.6)
(10.9)
283.4
(4.4)
35.5
(9.1)
1.0
306.4

330.7
321.6

(a)  Amounts previously recognised as finance lease assets have been reclassified to right-of-use assets upon transition to IFRS 16 on 1 January 2019. Refer to Note 22 – 

Leases for further details.

(b)  Included within disposals is asset write-offs of $8.8 million following a reassessment by management of the ongoing value of certain projects.
(c)  During the year, a review of the useful economic life of certain of the Group’s manufacturing lines was undertaken resulting in an extension to the useful economic 
lives of some of the Group’s manufacturing lines. The extension resulted in a decrease of $4.0 million in the depreciation charge in the year and is expected to 
decrease the depreciation charge by $3.4 million and $2.6 million in FY 2020 and FY 2021 respectively.

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continued

8. Intangible assets and goodwill
The split of intangible assets and goodwill is as follows:

Intangible assets
Goodwill
Intangible assets and goodwill

8.1 Intangible assets

Note
8.1
8.2

2019
$m
1,101.3
1,065.6
2,166.9

2018
$m
1,334.5
1,043.0
2,377.5

The Group’s intangible assets are those that have been recognised at fair value as part of business combinations, investment in product 
development and software purchased to support business operations. These are assets that are not physical in nature but can be sold 
separately or arise from legal rights.

During the year as part of the Transformation Initiative a review of the product portfolio has been undertaken which has resulted in the 
discontinuation of some product lines as well as the realignment of future investment. The review triggered a number of indicators for 
potential impairment of certain finite-lived assets held and has resulted in an impairment of $103.6 million. A further $1.9 million 
impairment charge has been recognised on trade names which ceased to be used in the year.

In addition, the Group has reviewed its intangible asset categorisations and presented an aggregation of categories which better reflect 
the complementary nature of the assets.

Accounting policy

Recognition
Measurement on initial recognition of intangible assets is determined at cost for assets acquired by the Group and at fair value at the date 
of acquisition if acquired in business combinations. Following initial recognition of the intangible asset, the asset is carried at cost less any 
subsequent accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

Purchased computer software and certain costs of information technology are capitalised as intangible assets. Software that is integral 
to purchased computer hardware is capitalised as PP&E.

R&D
R&D expenses are comprised of all activities relating to investigative, technical, and regulatory processes related to obtaining appropriate 
approvals to market our products. Costs include payroll, clinical manufacturing and pre-launch clinical trial costs, manufacturing 
development and scale-up costs, product development, regulatory costs including costs incurred to comply with legislative changes, 
contract services and other outside contractors costs, research license fees, depreciation and amortisation of laboratory facilities, and 
laboratory supplies.

Research costs are expensed as incurred. Development costs are capitalised only if the expenditure can be measured reliably, the 
product or process is technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable and the Group intends to and has 
sufficient resources to complete development and use or sell the asset. Subsequent to initial recognition, development costs are 
measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. Upgrades and enhancements are capitalised 
to the extent they will result in added functionality and probable future economic benefits.

Amortisation
Intangible assets with an indefinite life are not amortised. Amortisation of finite-lived intangible assets is calculated using the straight-line 
method based on the following estimated useful lives:

New asset category 
Product-related 

Capitalised software 
Customer relationships and 
non-compete agreements 
Trade names – finite 
Trade names – indefinite 
Development costs  

Useful life 
3 to 20 years 

3 to 10 years

2 to 20 years
10 years
indefinite
5 years

As previously reported
Patents, trademarks and licences (3 to 20 years)
Technology (10 to 18 years)

Assets under construction reflects the cost of construction or improvement of intangible assets that are not yet available for use.

Impairment of assets
Finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment at each reporting period or when events or changes in 
circumstances indicate the carrying value may be impaired. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated, 
being the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and the net present value of its expected pre-tax future cash flows (“value in use”).

When an asset’s recoverable amount falls below its carrying value, an impairment is charged to the Consolidated Income Statement.

Refer to Note 8.4 – CGU impairment review for consideration of impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets.

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8. Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)
The movement in the carrying value of each major category of intangible assets is as follows:

Product-
related(a)
$m

Capitalised 
software(b)
$m

Customer 
relationships 
and 
non-compete 
agreements
$m

Trade 
names
$m

Development 
costs(c)
$m

Assets under 
construction
$m

Intangibles at cost
1 January 2018
Additions
Acquisitions
Disposals
Transfers
Foreign exchange(d)
31 December 2018
Additions
Acquisitions
Disposals
Transfers
Foreign exchange(d)
31 December 2019

Accumulated amortisation
1 January 2018
Amortisation
Disposals
Foreign exchange(d)
31 December 2018
Amortisation
Disposals
Impairment
Foreign exchange(d)
31 December 2019

Net carrying amount
31 December 2018
31 December 2019

2,135.9
0.1
–
–
–
(42.4)
2,093.6
–
–
–
–
24.3
2,117.9

1,116.8
120.7
–
(24.3)
1,213.2
118.4
–
103.6
15.3
1,450.5

880.4
667.4

87.9
3.3
–
–
6.8
–
98.0
5.0
–
(2.3)
6.7
0.2
107.6

68.6
8.2
–
(0.1)
76.7
9.4
(2.3)
–
–
83.8

21.3
23.8

298.3
0.4
7.5
(3.1)
–
(5.4)
297.7
0.1
2.7
(2.1)
–
(1.7)
296.7

119.9
22.1
(3.0)
(3.5)
135.5
22.0
(2.1)
–
(1.2)
154.2

259.7
–
0.3
–
–
(0.8)
259.2
–
–
–
–
(0.4)
258.8

2.6
0.5
–
(0.1)
3.0
1.1
–
1.9
–
6.0

162.2
142.5

256.2
252.8

10.8
–
–
–
–
(0.6)
10.2
–
–
(0.5)
2.0
(0.3)
11.4

5.8
1.1
–
(0.2)
6.7
1.0
(0.5)
–
(0.2)
7.0

3.5
4.4

Total
$m

2,801.0
13.4
7.8
(3.1)
–
(49.5)
2,769.6
13.3
2.7
(4.9)
–
22.1
2,802.8

1,313.7
152.6
(3.0)
(28.2)
1,435.1
151.9
(4.9)
105.5
13.9
1,701.5

8.4
9.6
–
–
(6.8)
(0.3)
10.9
8.2
–
–
(8.7)
–
10.4

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

10.9
10.4

1,334.5
1,101.3

(a)  Product-related intangible assets are primarily comprised of patents, trademarks, licences and technological expertise that were acquired as a result of business 
combinations. The presentation of product-related intangible assets has been revised during the year ended 31 December 2019 to aggregate amounts that were 
previously presented separately as: Technology; and Patents, trademarks and licences. The revised presentation better reflects that these product-related intangible 
assets are complementary intangible assets with similar useful economic lives, which can be treated as single assets under IAS 38, Intangible Assets.

(b)  Capitalised software relates to purchased software and internally generated software.
(c)  Relates to internally generated development costs which have met the requirements of being in the development phase as defined in the Group accounting policy.
(d)  Primarily relates to intangible assets denominated in Sterling.

As part of the Transformation Initiative a product portfolio review has been undertaken which has resulted in the identification of impairment 
triggers in relation to a number of the Group’s intangible assets. As a result, the Group has identified an impairment indicator in respect of 
certain product-related intangible assets acquired as part of historical business combinations (previously disclosed as patents).

In accordance with the Group’s impairment policy, the recoverable amount of the product-related intangible assets was assessed based on 
fair value less costs to sell. The fair value measurements are categorised as Level 3 in accordance with IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurements. 
Fair value was assessed using an income approach, reflecting the current market expectation over their remaining useful expected life. The 
approach uses estimated future cash flows deemed attributable to the asset, discounted to their present value using a post-tax discount rate 
that was based on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital adjusted to reflect the territory of the assets. The post-tax discount rate 
used in the fair value calculation was 11.0%.

The Group has recognised an impairment of $103.6 million during the year ended 31 December 2019. Where a diminutive value was 
determined, the useful economic life (“UEL”) was reviewed. No factors were deemed present for which to reassess the UEL.

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continued

8. Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)
During the year ended 31 December 2019, the Group refreshed the strategy of the HSG business by starting the transition to marketing 
through 180 Medical as a single trade name. As a result, trade names which ceased to be used during the year, with a net carrying amount 
of $1.9 million at 1 July 2019, were impaired (and written off). A further trade name was assessed to have a remaining useful economic life of 
two years under the revised strategy and was changed from indefinite-lived effective from 1 July 2019, resulting in an amortisation charge 
of $0.6 million in the year. A further $1.3 million of amortisation will be recognised in the year ended 31 December 2020.

Amortisation expenses related to finite-lived intangible assets for the year ended 31 December were as follows:

Cost of sales
General and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Total amortisation expense

2019
$m
122.6
28.3
1.0
151.9

2018
$m
125.2
26.3
1.1
152.6

The carrying amount of indefinite-lived trade names at 31 December 2019 was $249.6 million (2018: $254.3 million). Each of these 
remaining trade names is considered to have an indefinite life, given the strength and durability of the current trade name and the level of 
marketing support. The trade names are in relatively similar stable and profitable market sectors, with similar risk profiles, and their size, 
diversification and market shares mean that the risk of market-related factors causing a reduction in the lives of the trade names is considered 
to be relatively low. The Group is not aware of any material legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factor which could 
limit their useful lives.

Individual intangible assets with a carrying value in excess of 10% of the total intangible asset carrying value were as follows:

Trade names
 ConvaTec trade name
Product-related(a)
 Aquacel® including Hydrofibre®
 Stoma care
 Flexi-Seal™

2019
$m

2018

$m Remaining life

234.6

234.6

Indefinite

241.5
208.6
85.6

267.8
277.2
148.1

6.6 years
6.6 years
6.6 years

(a)  The presentation of product-related assets has been revised during the year ended 31 December 2019 to aggregate amounts that were previously presented 
separately as: Technology; and Patents, trademarks and licences. The revised presentation better reflects that these product-related intangible assets are 
complementary intangible assets with similar useful economic lives, which can be treated as single assets under IAS 38, Intangible Assets. Comparatives have been 
restated to reflect the revised presentation.

8.2 Goodwill

The Group recognises goodwill resulting from business combinations where there are future economic benefits from assets which 
cannot be individually separated and recognised. Goodwill represents the amount paid in excess of the fair value of the net assets of the 
acquired business.

Accounting policy

Refer to Note 8.3 – Acquisition for the Group accounting policy in relation to the initial valuation and recognition of goodwill.

Goodwill is not subject to amortisation but is tested for impairment annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the 
carrying value may be impaired. Refer to Note 8.4 – CGU impairment review for consideration of impairment of goodwill.

Goodwill is denominated in the functional currency of the acquired entity and revalued to the closing exchange rate at each reporting 
period date.

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8. Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)
The changes in the carrying value of goodwill as at 31 December were as follows:

I January 2018
Additions
Foreign exchange
31 December 2018
Additions (Note 8.3)
Foreign exchange
31 December 2019

8.3 Acquisition

Total
$m
1,072.2
7.1
(36.3)
1,043.0
9.6
13.0
1,065.6

During the year, the Group completed the acquisition of the trade and assets of Southlake Medical Supplies Inc. (“Southlake”), an 
independent distributor of catheter-related supplies based in Texas. This note provides details of the transaction and the acquisition 
accounting that has been recorded to reflect the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as well as the intangible assets and 
goodwill recognised upon acquisition.

Accounting policy

Acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Consideration transferred in 
respect of an acquisition is measured at the fair value of the assets acquired, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed 
on the date of the acquisition. Identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured at their respective acquisition-date fair values.

The excess of the fair value of the consideration given over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. 
If the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is greater than the fair value of the consideration given, the excess is recognised 
immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement as a bargain purchase gain. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.

The operating results of the acquired business are reflected in the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements from the date of acquisition.

On 1 October 2019, the Group acquired the trade and assets of Southlake for cash consideration of $12.3 million, no deferred consideration 
is payable. The Group incurred $0.6 million of transaction costs directly related to the Southlake acquisition through to 31 December 2019, 
which includes expenditure for advisory, legal, valuation, accounting and other similar services. These costs have been expensed as 
acquisition-related costs.

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
The fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed were as follows:

Intangible assets
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Net identifiable assets acquired
Goodwill
Total purchase consideration

The amounts and useful lives assigned to intangible assets were as follows:

Finite-lived intangible assets:
Customer relationship
Total intangible assets

$m
2.7
–
2.7
9.6
12.3

Provisional 
amounts 
recognised as 
of acquisition 
date
$m

2.7
2.7

Useful lives
(years)

3 years

If new information obtained within one year of the date of acquisition, regarding the facts and circumstances that existed at the date of 
acquisition, identifies adjustments to the above amounts then the accounting for the acquisition will be revised.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

8. Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)
The goodwill recorded represents the cost savings, operating synergies and future growth opportunities expected to result from combining 
the operations of Southlake with those of the Group and intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. The provisional 
amount of goodwill has been allocated to the HSG CGU.

Southlake contributed revenue of $1.0 million and operating profit of $0.4 million for the period between the date of acquisition and 
31 December 2019. If the acquisition had taken place at 1 January 2019, reported Group revenue would have been $4.0 million higher, with 
a $1.8 million increase in operating profit for the year ended 31 December 2019 (excluding any potential synergies that would have been 
realised during the period).

8.4 Cash generating unit (“CGU”) impairment review

An impairment assessment is required to be performed annually for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles or when events or changes 
in circumstances indicate the carrying value may be impaired. An impairment is a reduction in the recoverable amount of an asset compared 
to the carrying value of the asset. Recoverable amount is the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell.

This note provides details of the annual impairment assessment that has been performed.

Accounting policy

For impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generate cash inflows from continuing use 
that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or CGUs. Additionally, goodwill arising from a business combination is 
allocated to a CGU or groups of CGUs that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. An impairment loss is 
recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount.

The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are determined based on value in use calculations, which reflect the estimated future cash flows 
of each CGU discounted by an estimated weighted average cost of capital that represents the rate of return an outside investor would 
expect to earn. This discount rate is based on the weighted average cost of capital for comparable public companies and is adjusted for 
risks specific to the CGU including differences in risk due to its size, geographic concentration and trading history.

Future cash flows are determined using the latest available Board approved forecasts and strategic plans. These forecasts and 
strategic plans are based on specific assumptions for each CGU during the five-year planning period with respect to revenue, results of 
operations, working capital, capital investments and other general assumptions for the projected period. The forecast assumptions that 
derive the future cash flows are based on the historical results of each CGU combined with external market information and defined 
strategic initiatives.

If identified, impairment losses are recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement. They are allocated first to reduce the carrying 
amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU, and then to reduce the carrying amounts of the remaining assets in the CGU, on a pro-
rated basis.

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. For other assets, 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. The Group has not recognised any impairment reversals in 2019 or 2018.

The Group has identified six CGUs in applying the provisions of IAS 36, Impairment of Assets: (i) Americas, (ii) HSG, (iii) EMEA, (iv) APAC, 
(v) Infusion Care, and (vi) Industrial Sales.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are allocated to the Group’s CGUs as follows:

CGUs
Americas
HSG
EMEA
Infusion Care
Industrial Sales
Total

Goodwill

2019 
$m

Indefinite-lived intangible 
assets

2018 
$m

2019 
$m

2018 
$m

15.3
330.6
632.3
48.6
38.8
1,065.6

15.3
321.1
616.4
51.1
39.1
1,043.0

234.6
–
–
13.3
1.7
249.6

234.6
4.4
–
13.5
1.8
254.3

Impairment reviews were performed for each individual CGU during the year ended 31 December 2019.

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8. Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)
Determining the estimated recoverable amount of a CGU is judgmental in nature. The key assumptions used in the estimation of value in use 
as at 31 December were as follows:

Discount rate (pre-tax)
CGUs
Americas
HSG
EMEA
Infusion Care
Industrial Sales
Terminal value growth rate(a)

2019 
%

12.0
10.0
12.0
11.0
12.0
2.0

2018 
%

12.0
11.0
12.0
12.0
12.0
2.0

(a)  The estimated terminal value growth rate for the CGUs is based on expectations concerning the growth trends of the CGUs taking into account global gross 

domestic product growth, general long-term inflation and population expectations.

In 2019 and 2018, the Group performed its annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible impairment test and determined that there was no 
impairment of goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets. Sensitivity testing identified no reasonably possible changes in key assumptions 
that would cause the carrying amount of any CGU to exceed its recoverable amount taking into account areas of estimation uncertainty in 
the underlying assumptions.

9. Inventories

Inventories are the products manufactured or purchased to be sold by the Group in the ordinary course of business. Inventories include 
finished goods, goods which are in the process of being manufactured (work in progress) and raw materials and supplies awaiting use in 
production.

Accounting policy

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value with the cost determined using an average cost method. The cost 
of finished goods and work in progress comprises raw materials, direct labour, other direct costs and indirect production overheads. 
Production overhead comprises indirect material and labour costs, maintenance and depreciation of the machinery and production 
buildings used in the manufacturing process, as well as costs of production administration and management.

Net realisable value is defined as anticipated selling price or anticipated revenue less cost to completion. Estimates of net realisable value 
are based on the average selling prices at the end of the reporting period, net of applicable direct selling expenses. Subsequent events 
related to the fluctuation of prices and costs are also considered, if relevant. If net realisable values are below inventory costs, a provision 
corresponding to this difference is recognised.

Provisions are also made for obsolescence of inventories that (i) do not meet the Group’s specifications, (ii) have exceeded their 
expiration date, or (iii) are considered slow-moving. The Group evaluates the carrying value of inventories on a regular basis, taking into 
account such factors as historical and anticipated future sales compared with quantities on hand, the price the Group expects to obtain 
for products in their respective markets compared with historical cost and the remaining shelf life of goods on hand.

The components of inventories at 31 December were as follows:

Raw and packaging materials
Work in progress
Finished goods
Inventories

2019
$m
74.4
39.3
168.1
281.8

2018
$m
77.4
33.0
192.9
303.3

Inventories are stated net of a provision of $23.4 million (2018: $23.1 million). Adjustments to write-down inventory to its net realisable value 
are provided in Note 3 – Operating costs.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

10. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables consist of amounts billed and currently due from customers. Gross trade receivables are presented before allowances 
for bad and doubtful debts, sales discounts and chargeback allowances. Credit risk with respect to trade receivables is generally diversified 
due to the large dispersion and type of customers across many different geographies.

Other receivables include amounts due from third parties not related to revenue, restricted cash and prepaid expenses.

Accounting policy

Credit is extended to customers based on the evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. Creditworthiness of customers is 
evaluated on a regular basis. Exposure to credit risk is managed through credit approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures.

An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for expected lifetime credit losses that result from the failure or inability of customers 
to make required payments. It is not necessary for a credit event to have occurred before credit losses are recognised. Instead, the Group 
accounts for expected lifetime credit losses and changes in those expected lifetime credit losses. In determining the allowance, 
consideration includes the probability of recoverability based on past experience and general economic factors, incorporating forward-
looking information and adjustments for customers who represent a lower risk of default, which includes public or private medical 
insurance customers and customers guaranteed by local government. The amount of expected credit losses, if any, are required to be 
updated at each reporting date.

Certain trade and other receivables may be fully reserved when specific collection issues are known to exist, such as pending bankruptcy. 
The Group writes-off uncollectable receivables at the time it is determined the receivable is no longer collectable.

Trade and other receivables are not collateralised or factored and the Group does not charge interest on past due amounts. Refer to 
Note 2.1 for details on the accounting policy related to chargeback allowances.

Trade and other receivables at 31 December were as follows:

Trade receivables
Less: allowance for bad and doubtful debts
Less: sales discounts and chargebacks
Other receivables
Prepayments
Trade and other receivables

The aged analysis of trade receivables at 31 December was as follows:

Current
Past due 1 to 30 days
Past due 31 to 90 days
Past due 91 to 180 days
Past due by more than 180 days

2019
$m
290.2
(11.6)
(31.5)
18.0
35.6
300.7

2019
$m
211.6
28.0
15.6
6.4
28.6
290.2

2018
$m
283.4
(12.3)
(25.5)
8.1
30.6
284.3

2018
$m
212.8
27.1
3.7
9.0
30.8
283.4

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10. Trade and other receivables (continued)
At 31 December, the unimpaired amounts that are past due are aged as follows:

Past due 1 to 30 days
Past due 31 to 90 days
Past due 91 to 180 days
Past due by more than 180 days

2019
$m
27.6
14.5
6.0
18.9
67.0

The Group believes that the unimpaired amounts that are past due are still collectible in full, based on historic payment behaviour and 
extensive analysis of customer credit risk.

Movements in the allowance for bad and doubtful debts for the years ended 31 December were as follows:

At the beginning of the period
Charges
Utilisation of provision
Foreign exchange
At the end of the period

11. Trade and other payables

2019
$m
(12.3)
(7.8)
8.4
0.1
(11.6)

2018
$m
27.0
3.6
8.4
19.3
58.3

2018
$m
(17.1)
(9.6)
13.9
0.5
(12.3)

Trade payables consist of amounts owed to third-party suppliers and represent a contractual obligation to deliver cash in the future.

Other payables include taxes and social security, accruals and liabilities for other employee-related benefits.

Accounting policy

Trade payables are recognised at the value of the invoice received from the supplier and are not interest bearing. The carrying amount of 
trade and other payables is considered to approximate fair value, due to their short-term maturities.

The components of trade and other payables at 31 December were as follows:

2019
$m

90.5
28.4
72.5
97.9
289.3

21.4
4.4
0.8
26.6

2018
$m

89.1
17.6
40.2
74.6
221.5

15.1
4.1
3.0
22.2

Included within current liabilities:
Trade payables
Taxes and social security
Other employee-related liabilities
Accruals and other payables
Trade and other payables
Included within non-current liabilities:
Defined benefit obligation (Note 13)
Other employee-related liabilities
Accruals and other payables
Other non-current liabilities

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

12. Provisions

A provision is an obligation recognised when there is uncertainty over the timing or amount that will be paid. Provisions held by the Group 
primarily relate to restructuring, decommissioning and dilapidation.

Accounting policy

A provision is recognised when there is a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Group 
will be required to settle the obligation and that obligation can be measured reliably. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the 
expenditure required to settle the obligation and are discounted to present value if the effect is material. Provisions are reviewed on 
a regular basis and adjusted to reflect management’s best current estimates. Due to the judgemental nature of these items, future 
settlements may differ from amounts recognised.

When the timing of a settlement is uncertain or expected to be more than twelve months from the reporting date, amounts are classified 
as non-current.

The movements in provisions are as follows:

1 January 2018
Charges
Utilisation
Changes in estimate
Foreign exchange
31 December 2018
Charges
Utilisation
Changes in estimate
Foreign exchange
31 December 2019

Provisions have been analysed between current and non-current as follows:

Restructuring provisions
Decommissioning and dilapidation provisions
Total

Restructuring 
provisions 
$m
2.2
7.9
(5.3)
(0.3)
—
4.5
4.9
(4.6)
(0.6)
—
4.2

Decommissioning 
and dilapidation 
provisions
$m
1.6
—
(0.1)
—
—
1.5
0.4
(0.2)
—
—
1.7

Total 
$m
3.8
7.9
(5.4)
(0.3)
—
6.0
5.3
(4.8)
(0.6)
—
5.9

2019

2018

Current Non-current
–
1.7
1.7

4.2
–
4.2

Current
4.5
–
4.5

Non-current
–
1.5
1.5

Restructuring provisions
Restructuring provisions relate to employee termination benefits for involuntary workforce reduction relating to major change programmes 
and the Group’s Transformation Initiative.

Decommissioning and dilapidation provisions
Decommissioning provisions are recognised when an item is purchased to represent the estimated costs of dismantling and removing PP&E 
and restoring the site on which it was located. Dilapidation provisions relate to legal obligations to return leased properties to the conditions 
which are specified in the individual leases.

164
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13. Post-employment benefits

The Group has over 9,500 employees globally and operates a number of defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans for its 
employees. Each individual plan is subject to the applicable laws and regulations of the country in which the plan operates.

Defined contribution arrangements are where the Group pays fixed payments as they fall due into a separate fund on behalf of 
employees participating in the plan and has no further legal or constructive obligations. The cost of Group contributions to defined 
contribution arrangements during the year is provided in Note 3 – Operating costs.

A defined benefit plan is a pension or other post-employment benefit plan under which the Group has an obligation to provide agreed 
benefits to current and former employees. The Group bears the risk that its obligation may increase or that the value of the assets in the 
pension fund may decline. The benefit payable in the future by the Group is discounted to the present value and then the fair value of plan 
assets is deducted to measure the defined benefit pension position recorded by the Group.

The Group has defined benefit plans in six European countries. The most significant plans are: the UK, which is closed to new entrants 
and future benefit accruals; Switzerland, a state mandated plan that remains open to all Swiss employees; and Germany, with one 
unfunded plan, that remains open to German employees but closed to new entrants, and a funded plan put in place from April 2019. The 
value of the new plan in Germany is not material to the Group. The Group’s other defined benefit plans are located in Austria, France and 
Italy (referred to as “Other” in the tables below).

For plans in the UK, Switzerland, Germany and Austria asset funds for each country are being accumulated to meet the accruing liabilities. 
The value of plan assets in Germany at 31 December 2019 is negligible. The assets of each of these funds are either held under trusts or 
managed by insurance companies and are entirely separate from the Group’s assets. Surplus assets held in the UK are restricted to the 
extent that they are considered to be recoverable.

Accounting policy

Defined contribution pension plans
Payments to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an expense when employees have rendered service entitling them to 
the contributions. Payments made to state-managed retirement benefit plans are treated as payments to defined contribution pension 
plans where the Group’s obligations under the plans are equivalent to those arising in a defined contribution pension plan.

Defined benefit pension plans
The Group records an asset or liability related to its defined benefit pension plans as the difference between the fair value of the plan 
assets and the present value of the plan liabilities. The obligations of the plans are calculated using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with 
actuarial valuations being performed by an independent actuary at the end of each reporting period. The valuation requires estimates 
and judgements to be made to calculate the Group’s liabilities, and results in actuarial gains and losses being recorded.

Actuarial gains and losses, movements in the return on plan assets (excluding interest) and the impact of the asset ceiling (if applicable) 
are recognised immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position with a charge or credit to the Consolidated Statement 
of Other Comprehensive Income. Remeasurements recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income are not 
subsequently reclassified to the Consolidated Income Statement.

Past service cost is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement in the period of plan amendment, where relevant. Net interest is 
calculated by applying a discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset.

The assets of the plans are held at fair value which is equal to market value, and are held in separate trustee-administered funds or similar 
structures in the countries concerned. Surplus assets within the plan are only recognised to the extent that they are recoverable in 
accordance with IFRIC Interpretation 14 – IAS 19 – The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their 
Interaction (“IFRIC 14”).

165
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

13. Post-employment benefits (continued)
Risks
The defined benefit plans typically expose the Group to risks. The most significant risks impacting the Group as a result of these plans are 
as follows:

Investment risk

Interest risk

Longevity risk

Salary risk

The present value of the defined benefit plan liability is calculated using a discount rate determined by reference to 
high-quality corporate bond yields; if the return on plan assets is below this rate, it will create a plan deficit. Currently the 
Group’s plans invest primarily in debt instruments.
A decrease in the bond interest rate will increase the plan liability but this will be partially offset by an increase in the return 
on the plan’s debt investments.
The present value of the defined benefit plan liability is calculated by reference to the best estimate of the mortality of plan 
participants both during and after their employment. An increase in the life expectancy of the plan participants will increase 
the plan’s liability.
The present value of the defined benefit plan liability is calculated by reference to the future salaries of plan participants. 
As such, an increase in the salary of the plan participants will increase the plan’s liability.

Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Income Statement
The aggregate expense for all post-employment defined benefit plans recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 
31 December was as follows:

Defined benefit plans:
Current service cost
Past service cost
Interest income on plan assets
Interest expense on defined benefit obligation
Total expense

2019
$m

2.3
(0.6)
(0.5)
0.6
1.8

2018
$m

2.3
0.1
(0.5)
0.6
2.5

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Aggregate actuarial gains and losses for all defined benefit plans recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for 
the year ended 31 December were as follows:

Remeasurement effect recognised in other comprehensive income:
Actuarial loss on liabilities due to experience
Actuarial (loss)/gain arising from changes in financial assumptions
Actuarial gain arising from changes in demographic assumptions
Actuarial gain/(loss) on assets
Remeasurement loss recognised in other comprehensive income
Deferred tax on remeasurement gain/(loss) recognised in other comprehensive income
Recognition of pension assets restriction
Foreign exchange
Total amount recognised in other comprehensive income

2019
$m

(1.9)
(6.2)
0.1
3.0
(5.0)
1.5
(0.6)
–
(4.1)

2018
$m

(2.1)
1.7
–
(0.5)
(0.9)
(0.1)
0.4
–
(0.6)

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
The amount recognised for each defined benefit arrangement in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at 31 December was 
as follows:

Fair value of schemes’ assets
Present value of funded schemes’ liabilities
Surplus/(deficit) in the funded schemes
Present value of unfunded schemes’ 
liabilities
Restrict recognition of asset
Net pension asset/(liability)

UK

Germany

Switzerland

Other

Total

2019 
$m
17.1
(10.8)
6.3

–
(6.3)
–

2018 
$m
15.6
(9.9)
5.7

–
(5.7)
–

2019 
$m
–
–
–

(10.9)
–
(10.9)

2018 
$m
–
–
–

(8.3)
–
(8.3)

2019 
$m
12.5
(19.6)
(7.1)

–
–
(7.1)

2018 
$m
8.0
(12.1)
(4.1)

–
–
(4.1)

2019 
$m
0.8
(1.5)
(0.7)

(2.7)
–
(3.4)

2018 
$m
–
–
–

(2.7)
–
(2.7)

2019 
$m
30.4
(31.9)
(1.5)

(13.6)
(6.3)
(21.4)

2018 
$m
23.6
(22.0)
1.6

(11.0)
(5.7)
(15.1)

The weighted average duration of the Group’s defined benefit obligation at the end of the year is 20 years (2018: 16 years).

166
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13. Post-employment benefits (continued)
Fair value of assets and present value of the liabilities of the plan
The amount included in the Statement of Financial Position arising from its obligations in respect of its defined benefit plans was as follows:

At 1 January 2018
Current service cost
Past service cost
Interest income/(expense)
Remeasurement (loss)/gain
Contributions by employer
Contributions by members
Net benefits
Experience loss
Foreign exchange
At 31 December 2018
Current service cost
Past service cost
Interest income/(expense)
Remeasurement gain/(loss)
Contributions by employer
Contributions by members
Net benefits
Experience loss
Foreign exchange
At 31 December 2019

Assets 
$m
24.5
–
–
0.5
(0.5)
0.7
0.7
(1.1)
–
(1.2)
23.6
–
–
0.5
3.0
0.8
0.7
1.0
–
0.8
30.4

Liabilities 
$m
(31.6)
(2.3)
(0.1)
(0.6)
1.7
–
(0.7)
1.3
(2.1)
1.4
(33.0)
(2.3)
0.6
(0.6)
(6.1)
–
(0.7)
(1.0)
(1.9)
(0.5)
(45.5)

Total 
$m
(7.1)
(2.3)
(0.1)
(0.1)
1.2
0.7
–
0.2
(2.1)
0.2
(9.4)
(2.3)
0.6
(0.1)
(3.1)
0.8
–
–
(1.9)
0.3
(15.1)

Plan assets
The fair value of defined benefit plan assets at 31 December, which has been determined in accordance with IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurements, 
is analysed below. All assets have a quoted market price and are categorised as a Level 1 measurement in the fair value hierarchy.

Equity instruments
Debt instruments
Property
Qualifying insurance policies

Other
Plan assets

UK

Germany

Switzerland

Other

Total

2019 
$m
–
16.9
–

–
0.2
17.1

2018 
$m
–
15.6
–

–
–
15.6

2019 
$m
–
–
–

–
–
–

2018 
$m
–
–
–

–
–
–

2019 
$m
3.4
4.7
1.7

–
2.7
12.5

2018 
$m
2.1
3.4
0.8

–
1.7
8.0

2019 
$m
–
–
–

0.8
–
0.8

2018 
$m
–
–
–

–
–
–

2019 
$m
3.4
21.6
1.7

0.8
2.9
30.4

2018 
$m
2.1
19.0
0.8

–
1.7
23.6

Actuarial assumptions
The Group makes certain key assumptions in order to value the plan obligations, and the approach to how these are set was as follows:

Discount rate

Inflation
Future salary increases
Mortality

Approach taken
Calculated by reference to the yields on high-quality corporate bonds which match expected cash flows in each 
territory in which a defined benefit plan is present.
Calculated using the difference on yields between fixed and index-linked Government bonds.
Based on historical expectations and known future increases, including expected inflation rates.
Based on mortality tables derived from assessments performed by national governments and based upon 
recommendations by plan actuaries.

The principal actuarial assumptions for each defined benefit arrangement used at 31 December were as follows:

Discount rate
Rate of price inflation
Future salary increases

UK

2019
2.00%
2.25%
N/A

2018
2.75%
2.45%
N/A

Germany

Switzerland

Other

2019
1.39%
N/A
2.39%

2018
2.39%
N/A
2.00%

2019
0.10%
0.50%
1.75%

2018
1.00%
0.50%
1.75%

2019
0.31% to 1.10%
1.00% to 2.00%
3.00%

2018
1.50% to 2.10%
2.00%
3.00%

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

13. Post-employment benefits (continued)
The current mortality assumptions underlying the values of the obligations in the defined benefit plans were as follows:

Life expectancy at Plan retirement age
Male
Female

Life expectancy at Plan retirement 
age in 20 years’ time
Male
Female

UK

Germany

Switzerland

Other

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

22.7 years
23.8 years

23.3 years
24.3 years

20.0 years 20.0 years
23.6 years
23.6 years

22.7 years
25.6 years

22.6 years
25.6 years

22.9 years
26.4 years

20.7 years
24.3 years

24.0 years
25.3 years

24.7 years
25.8 years

22.8 years
25.8 years

22.8 years
25.8 years

24.3 years
27.3 years

24.3 years
27.3 years

24.1 years
27.5 years

23.1 years
26.2 years

Sensitivity analysis
The effect of movements in the key actuarial assumptions related to the UK, Germany and Switzerland plans at 31 December 2019 would be 
an (increase)/decrease to the defined benefit obligations as follows:

Discount rate
Inflation
Future salary increases

Life expectancy

UK
$m

Increase 
0.5%
0.8
(0.5)
N/A
1 year 
increase
(0.5)

Decrease 
0.5%
(0.8)
0.5
N/A
1 year 
decrease
0.5

Germany
$m

Switzerland
$m

Increase 
0.5%
1.2
N/A
N/A
1 year 
increase
(0.4)

Decrease 
0.5%
(1.4)
N/A
N/A
1 year 
decrease
0.4

Increase 
0.5%
2.0
(0.7)
(0.5)
1 year 
increase
(0.4)

Decrease 
0.5%
(2.2)
0.7
0.5
1 year 
decrease
0.4

Future funding
Payments expected to be made by the Group to its defined benefit pension plans in the year ended 31 December 2020 are as follows:

Expected payments

UK
$m
–

Germany
$m
0.1

Switzerland
$m
0.8

Other
$m
–

Total
$m
0.9

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Capital structure and financial costs

The Group ensures that all entities within the Group have sufficient funding to deliver the Group’s strategy while maximising the return 
to shareholders through the debt and equity balance. The capital structure of the Group consists of debt (which includes borrowings less 
cash and cash equivalents) and equity of the Group, comprising issued capital, reserves and earnings as disclosed in the Consolidated 
Statement of Changes in Equity.

14. Capital structure and net debt
The capital structure of the Group was as follows:

Borrowings (Note 19)
Less: Cash and cash equivalents (Note 20)
Net debt
Equity
Total capital

2019
$m
1,486.1
385.8
1,100.3
1,561.0
2,661.3

2018
$m
1,620.8
315.6
1,305.2
1,617.2
2,922.4

The Group’s capital structure is managed to provide ongoing returns to shareholders and service debt obligations whilst maintaining 
maximum operational flexibility. Refer to pages 65 to 67 for discussion of the Group’s sources and uses of cash.

15. Share capital and reserves

Share capital
Called up share capital is the total number of shares in issue at their par value. The rights attaching to the ordinary shares are uniform 
in all respects. They form a single class for all purposes, including with respect to voting and for all dividends and other distributions 
thereafter declared, made or paid on the ordinary share capital of the Group. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new 
ordinary shares are shown in equity as a deduction from the proceeds, net of tax.

Repurchased shares are classified as own shares and are presented in the own shares reserve.

Share premium
The share premium represents amounts received in excess of the nominal value of the ordinary shares.

Own shares
Own shares are ordinary shares in the Group purchased and held by an Employee Benefit Trust to satisfy obligations under the Group’s 
employee share ownership programmes.

Where any Group company purchases the Company’s equity share capital (own shares), the consideration paid, including any directly 
attributable incremental costs (net of tax), is deducted from equity until the shares are cancelled, reissued or disposed of. Where such 
shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received, net of any directly attributable costs and the related tax effects, 
is recognised in equity and the resulting surplus or deficit on the transaction is presented within share premium.

Merger reserve
In 2016, the Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared under merger accounting principles. Under these principles, no acquirer 
was required to be identified and all entities were included at their pre-combination carrying amounts. This accounting treatment led to 
differences on consolidation between issued share capital and the book value of the underlying net assets acquired. This difference is 
included within equity as a merger reserve.

Cumulative translation reserve
The foreign currency translation reserve is used to record exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements 
of foreign subsidiaries.

Other reserves
Includes changes in effective portion of cash flow hedges, remeasurement of defined benefit obligations and share-based payment reserve.

Share capital
Shares were allotted during the year in relation to the Group’s scrip dividend offering. The movements in ordinary shares in issue of 10p each 
were as follows:

Issued and fully paid or credited as fully paid
1 January 2018
Issue of new shares for Scrip Scheme – 2017 final dividend
Issue of new shares for Scrip Scheme – 2018 interim dividend
31 December 2018
Issue of new shares for Scrip Scheme – 2018 final dividend
Issue of new shares for Scrip Scheme – 2019 interim dividend
31 December 2019

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Ordinary shares
number
1,951,850,599
9,623,305
4,681,820
1,966,155,724
11,198,285
6,159,842
1,983,513,851

Share capital
$m
238.8
1.3
0.6
240.7
1.5
0.7
242.9

Share premium
$m
1.3
25.1
13.4
39.8
18.5
12.4
70.7

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

15. Share capital and reserves (continued)
At 31 December 2019, 4,848,579 shares (2018: 2,531,339 shares) were held in the Employee Benefit Trust. The market value of own shares 
at 31 December 2019 was $12.8 million (2018: $4.5 million). During the year the Employee Benefit Trust purchased 6,386,097 shares for 
$14.0 million (2018: $nil) to satisfy requirements of the CEO buy-out and anticipated future obligations under the Group’s employee share 
ownership programmes. Refer to page 125 for details on CEO buy-out costs.

Other reserves includes the effective portion of cash flow hedges of $0.8 million (2018: $88.3 million) and share-based payment reserve 
of $118.3 million (2018: $113.9 million), partially offset by remeasurement of defined benefit obligations of $13.0 million (2018: $8.9 million). 
A reconciliation of movements in all reserves is provided in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.

Distributable reserves
Retained and realised distributable reserves equates to the retained surplus of ConvaTec Group Plc as set out in the Company only Financial 
Statements on page 193. At 31 December 2019, the retained surplus of ConvaTec Group Plc (the Company) was $1,528.5 million (2018: 
$1,574.7 million). The capacity of the Company to make dividend payments is primarily determined by the availability of these retained and 
realised distributable reserves and the Group’s cash resources.

16. Dividends

The Group ensures that adequate realised distributable reserves are available in the Company in order to meet proposed shareholder 
dividends, and the purchase of shares for employee share scheme incentives. The Company principally derives distributable reserves 
from dividends paid by subsidiary companies.

In determining the level of dividend in the year, the Board considers the following factors and risks that may influence the proposed dividend:
 – Availability of realised distributable reserves;
 – Available cash resources and commitments;
 – Strategic opportunities and investments, in line with the Group’s Strategic Plan; and
 – Principal risks of the Group (as disclosed on pages 28 to 33).

Details of the Group’s considerations and rationale for its policy in respect of the dividend distribution are given in the Directors’ report 
on page 132.

Accounting policy

Dividends paid are included in the Group Consolidated Financial Statements at the earlier of payment of the dividends or in respect of the 
Company’s final dividend for the year, on approval by shareholders.

The Company operates a scrip dividend scheme allowing shareholders to elect to receive their dividend in the form of new fully paid 
ordinary shares. For any particular dividend, the Directors may decide whether or not to make the scrip offer available.

Dividends paid and proposed were as follows:

Final dividend 2017
Interim dividend 2018
Paid in 2018
Final dividend 2018
Interim dividend 2019
Paid in 2019
Final dividend 2019 proposed

pence per 
share
3.094
1.309
4.403
3.097
1.404
4.501
3.095

cents per 
share
4.300
1.717
6.017
3.983
1.717
5.700
3.983

Total
$m
81.7
33.6
115.3
79.1
33.9
113.0
79.0

Settled in 
cash
$m
55.3
19.6
74.9
59.1
20.8
79.9

Settled via 
scrip
$m
26.4
14.0
40.4
20.0
13.1
33.1

No of scrip 
shares 
issued
9,623,305
4,681,820
14,305,125
11,198,285
6,159,842
17,358,127

The final dividend proposed for 2019, to be distributed on 14 May 2020 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 3 April 2020, 
is based upon the issued and fully paid share capital as at 31 December 2019 and is subject to shareholder approval at our Annual General 
Meeting on 7 May 2020. The dividend will be declared in US dollars and will be paid in Sterling at the chosen exchange rate of $1.287/£1.00 
determined on 27 February 2020. A scrip dividend alternative will be offered allowing shareholders to elect by 21 April 2020 to receive their 
dividend in the form of new ordinary shares.

The interim and final dividends for 2019 give a total dividend for the year of 5.700 cents per share (2018: 5.700 cents per share).

170
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

17. Share-based payments

The Group operates a number of plans used to award shares to Executive Directors and other senior employees as part of their 
remuneration package. A charge is recognised over the vesting period in the Consolidated Income Statement to record the cost of these, 
based on the fair value of the award at the grant date.

The Group’s share-based payment schemes in place are as follows:

Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”)
Provides Performance Share Plan (“PSP”) awards subject to Group performance and market conditions and Restricted Stock Units 
(“RSU”) subject only to remaining employed up to the vesting date.

Deferred Bonus Plan (“DBP”)
Provides for the grant of share awards to defer a portion of the participant’s bonus as determined by the Remuneration Committee. 
The awards vest subject only to remaining employed up to the vesting date.

Matching Share Plan (“MSP”)
Provides for the grant of discretionary share awards calculated as a proportion of the participant’s bonus. The awards granted in 2019 
and 2018 are subject to Group performance and market performance conditions.

Transition Awards
The Transition Awards were made on a one-off basis after listing in 2016 and consisted of market value options and restricted shares. 
The final tranche vested in November 2019 subject to the participant remaining employed up to the vesting date.

The Group also operates Employee Plans which provide eligible employees the opportunity to save up to £500 per month (or local 
currency equivalent) with an option to acquire shares using these savings at a 15% discount to the market price at date of grant. 
The Employee Plans are available to employees under the following schemes:
 – Save-As-You-Earn (“SAYE”) – Available to all employees in the UK employed by participating Group companies.
 – Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) – Available to all employees in the US.
 – International Share Save Plan – Available to all employees in the rest of the world.

Accounting policy

Equity-settled share-based payment awards are measured at the fair value of the award on the grant date, excluding the effect of 
non-market-based vesting conditions. The fair value of the awards at the date of the grant is expensed to general and administrative 
expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement over the vesting period on a straight-line basis.

Appropriate adjustments are made to reflect expected and actual forfeitures during the vesting period due to uncertainties in satisfying 
service conditions or non-market performance conditions. The corresponding credit is to other reserves in the Consolidated Statement 
of Financial Position.

All share-based compensation expenses were equity-settled and recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement as follows:

MEP(a)
LTIP
DBP
MSP
Employee Plans

(a)  Management Executive Plan (“MEP”) relates to awards granted before the listing in 2016, which became fully vested in 2018.

2019
$m
–
11.6
–
0.5
2.1
14.2

2018
$m
5.9
2.5
0.1
1.1
1.6
11.2

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

17. Share-based payments (continued)
Awards outstanding
The movements in the number of share and share option awards and the weighted average exercise price of share options are detailed below:

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted
Forfeited
Exercised
Outstanding at 31 December
Exercisable at 31 December
Weighted average fair value of awards granted (£ per share)

2019

2018

Number of 
shares/
options
000’s
25,301
19,383
(10,830)
(4,351)
29,503
1,600
–

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
of options
 £ per share
1.04
0.42
1.46
–
0.57
2.28
0.79

Number of 
shares/ 
options
000’s
14,413
15,771
(4,406)
(477)
25,301
1,702
–

Weighted 
average 
exercise price
 £ per share
1.46
0.65
1.22
–
1.04
2.09
0.86

The average share price during 2019 was £1.59 (2018: £1.99). The share price of the Company at 31 December 2019 was £1.99.

The range of exercise prices and the weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at 31 December were as follows:

Range of prices
Nil
1.21
1.84
2.49
2.78

Weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding

2019
Number of 
shares/
options
000’s
19,119
6,532
1,532
1,540
780
29,503
2.4 years

2018
Number of 
shares/ 
options
000’s
13,894
–
5,266
2,067
4,074
25,301
1.9 years

Valuation assumptions
All share awards granted are valued directly by reference to the share price at date of grant except:
 – PSP shares awarded under the LTIP and 2018 and 2019 MSP shares that are subject to a relative Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) 

performance condition and are valued using a Monte Carlo simulation.

 – Options granted under the Employee Plans which are valued using the Black-Scholes model. 

The principal assumptions used in these valuations were:

Share price at date of grant
Exercise price
Expected life
Expected volatility(a)
Risk free rate
Dividend yield
Fair value

2019

SAYE & 
International 
Share Save 
Plan
£1.74
£1.21
3.6 years
45.0%
0.8%
3.2%
£0.33

LTIP and MSP 
with TSR 
condition
£1.37
nil
3.0 years
45.0%
0.8%
3.2%
£0.65

ESPP
£1.42
£1.21
2.0 years
45.0%
0.8%
3.2%
£0.20

LTIP with TSR 
condition
£2.08
nil
2.8 years
30.2%
0.8%
nil
£0.98

2018

SAYE & 
International 
Share Save 
Plan
£2.09
£1.84
3.6 years
31.6%
0.8%
1.9%
£0.26

ESPP
£2.19
£1.84
2.0 years
31.8%
0.6%
1.9%
£0.26

(a)  The expected volatility was determined by calculating the observed historical volatility of share prices of peer group companies (including the Company) over the 

expected life of the share award.

172
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

18. Financial risk management

The Group’s treasury policies seek to minimise the Group’s principal financial risks. No trading or speculative transactions in financial 
instruments are undertaken. This note presents information about the Group’s exposure to financial risks, the Group’s objectives, policies 
and processes for measuring and managing risks.

Financial risk management objectives
Based on the global operations of the Group, management consider the key financial risks to be liquidity, foreign exchange, interest rate and 
counterparty credit. The management of counterparty credit risk is discussed in Note 10 – Trade and other receivables.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group manages 
liquidity risk by continuously monitoring actual and projected cash outflows to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities 
when due. As at 31 December 2019, the Group held cash and cash equivalents of $385.8 million and had access to a $200.0 million 
multicurrency revolving credit facility, which was undrawn.

For further detail on the Group’s assessment of liquidity risk refer to the viability assessment pages 34 to 35.

Foreign exchange risk
As a result of the global nature of operations, the Group is exposed to market risk arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Where possible, the Group manages foreign exchange risk by matching same currency revenues and expenses. It will also denominate debt 
in certain currencies and use foreign exchange forward contracts to further minimise foreign exchange risk. As a result, the impact of the 
fluctuations in the market values of assets and liabilities and the settlement of foreign currency transactions are reduced.

The following exchange rates have been applied for the principal currencies at 31 December:

Currency
EUR/USD

GBP/USD

DKK/USD

Average rate/
Closing rate
Average
Closing
Average
Closing
Average
Closing

2019
1.12
1.12
1.28
1.33
0.15
0.15

2018
1.18
1.15
1.34
1.28
0.16
0.15

Sensitivity analysis on foreign exchange risk
The sensitivity analysis below assumes a 10% strengthening of the US dollar against the principal currencies to highlight the sensitivity of profit 
before income taxes and total equity to foreign exchange risk as at 31 December, with all other variables held constant.

Currency
Increase/(decrease) in profit before income taxes
GBP/USD
EUR/USD
DKK/USD
Decrease/(increase) in total equity
GBP/USD
EUR/USD
DKK/USD

Sensitivity

+10%
+10%
+10%

+10%
+10%
+10%

2019
$m

(2.8)
(24.5)
(9.1)

(84.8)
(17.9)
(26.0)

2018
$m

(1.5)
(33.5)
(9.4)

(84.2)
(18.0)
(17.2)

In 2019 the Group changed the method for assessing a 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates. The sensitivity is now calculated by 
dividing the non-US dollar balances by adjusted foreign rates. The 2018 comparative has been provided based on the adjusted methodology. 
There have been no other changes in the methods and assumptions used in preparing the sensitivity analysis.

Interest rate risk
The Group’s principal exposure to interest rate risk is in relation to interest expense on borrowings made under the Group’s credit agreement 
which attract interest at floating rates plus a fixed margin. Floating rate borrowings expose the Group to interest rate cash flow and expense 
risk. The Group manages this exposure by using interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges to maintain an appropriate mix between 
fixed and floating rate borrowings.

Sensitivity analysis on interest rate risk
Based on the composition of the Group’s borrowings as at 31 December 2019 and before the effect of interest rate swaps, if interest rates 
were to increase or decrease by 100 basis points, the interest expense on borrowings would increase by $13.2 million (2018: $16.3 million) 
or decrease by $10.5 million (2018: $16.3 million) assuming that all other variables remain constant and excluding any effect of tax.

173
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

19. Borrowings

The Group’s sources of borrowing for funding and liquidity purposes derive from bank term loans together with a committed revolving 
credit facility. In October 2019, the Group voluntarily prepaid and discharged all outstanding contractual obligations under its previous 
credit agreement and refinanced under a new credit agreement.

Accounting policy

Borrowings are recognised at fair value less directly attributable costs on the date that they are entered into and subsequently measured 
at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

The effective interest rate method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and allocating the interest expense 
over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected 
life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount on initial recognition.

Borrowings are classified as non-current when the repayment date is more than 12 months from the period-end date or where they are 
drawn on a facility with more than 12 months to expiry.

The Group derecognises borrowings when its contractual obligations are discharged, terminated or expired.

The Group’s consolidated borrowings as at 31 December were as follows:

Revolving credit facility
Term loans
Total borrowings from credit facilities
Finance lease liabilities(a)
Total borrowings
Less: current portion of borrowings
Total non-current borrowings

2019
$m
–
1,486.1
1,486.1
–
1,486.1
40.8
1,445.3

2018
$m
–
1,620.8
1,620.8
23.7
1,644.5
63.0
1,581.5

(a)  Finance lease liabilities have been reclassified from borrowings to lease liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as a result of the adoption 

of IFRS 16 on 1 January 2019. Refer to Note 1 – Basis of preparation for further details.

Credit agreement
On 24 October 2019, the Group entered into a new credit agreement and voluntarily prepaid and discharged its contractual obligations 
under its previous credit agreement at that date, totalling $1,587.6 million. Unamortised deferred financing fees of $11.2 million associated 
with the previous credit agreement have been written off – refer to Note 23 – Finance costs, net for further details.

The new credit agreement entered into by the Group is committed and available for the refinancing of certain existing financial indebtedness 
and general corporate purposes. Provided by a group of financial institutions, it consists of two 5-year multicurrency term loans totalling 
$1.5 billion and a $200.0 million multicurrency revolving credit facility. Of the $1.5 billion term loan debt, $600.0 million is amortising 
requiring scheduled annual repayments of the principal. The remaining $900.0 million is repayable in full at the maturity of the term loan. 
The revolving credit facility has an option to increase its amount by up to 50% ($100.0 million) subject to certain conditions. The revolving 
credit facility was undrawn as at 31 December 2019.

The credit agreement is secured by way of a share pledge and contains various provisions, covenants and representations that are customary 
for such a facility. The principal financial covenants are based on a net leverage and an interest cover test. At 31 December 2019 and 2018, 
the Group was in compliance with all financial and non-financial covenants related to the relevant credit agreement in place.

Excluding the impact of interest rate swaps, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings for the year ended 31 December 2019 was 
3.8% (2018: 3.5%).

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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

19. Borrowings (continued)
The carrying amounts of total borrowings outstanding at 31 December were as follows:

New facilities
Revolving Credit Facilities
Term Loan Facility A(a)
Term Loan Facility B(b)
Previous facilities
US dollar Term A Loan Facility
Euro Term A Loan Facility(c)
US dollar Term B Loan Facility
Total interest-bearing borrowings
Financing fees
Total carrying value of borrowings from credit facilities

Currency

Year of
maturity

2019

Face value
$m

2018

Face value
$m

Multicurrency
USD/Euro
USD/Euro

USD
Euro
USD

2024
2024
2024

2021
2021
2023

–
600.9
901.4

–
–
–
1,502.3
(16.2)
1,486.1

–
–
–

712.3
500.9
421.4
1,634.6
(13.8)
1,620.8

(a)  Included within Term Loan Facility A is €161.3 million ($180.9 million) denominated in Euros representing 30% of facility A borrowings denominated in Euros and 

70% denominated in US dollars.

(b)  Included within Term Loan Facility B is €242.0 million ($271.4 million) denominated in Euros representing 30% of facility B borrowings denominated in Euros and 

70% denominated in US dollars.

(c)  Total face value of the borrowings outstanding under the Euro Term A Loan Facility denominated in Euros was €436.8 million ($500.9 million) at 31 December 2018.

Borrowings not measured at fair value
At 31 December 2019, the estimated fair value of the Group’s borrowings, excluding leases obligations, approximated $1,513.2 million 
(2018: $1,586.6 million). The fair value of the Group’s borrowings is based on discounted cash flows using a current borrowing rate and are 
categorised as a Level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy under IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurements.

Maturity of financial liabilities
The contractual undiscounted future cash flows, including contractual interest payments, related to the Group’s financial liabilities were 
as follows:

At 31 December 2019
Borrowings
Lease obligations(a)
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial instruments
Forward foreign exchange contracts – outflow
Forward foreign exchange contracts – inflow
At 31 December 2018
Borrowings
Finance lease obligations
Operating leases
Trade and other payables

Contractual cash flows

Within 1 year 
or on demand
$m

1 to 2 years
$m

2 to 5 years
$m

More than  
5 years
$m

100.2
21.7
289.3

266.7
(265.5)

118.8
2.7
20.7
116.0

143.6
17.6
–

–
–

171.0
2.8
15.7
–

1,503.1
31.4
–

–
–

1,549.0
8.5
19.1
–

–
35.7
–

–
–

–
23.0
6.4
–

Total
$m

1,746.9
106.4
289.3

266.7
(265.5)

1,838.8
37.0
61.9
116.0

Carrying 
amount
$m

1,486.1
88.5
289.3

2.2
(1.0)

1,620.8
23.7
–
116.0

(a)  Lease obligations include right-of-use lease obligations recognised in accordance with IFRS 16 that was adopted 1 January 2019.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

19. Borrowings (continued)
Reconciliation of movement in borrowings

Borrowings at 1 January
Repayment of borrowings
Proceeds of new borrowings, net of financing fees
Foreign exchange
Non-cash movements(a)
Borrowings at 31 December

2019
$m
1,620.8
(1,618.7)
1,481.0
(11.5)
14.5
1,486.1

2018
$m
1,797.3
(153.7)
–
(27.1)
4.3
1,620.8

(a)  Non-cash movements for the year ended 31 December 2019, includes deferred financing fees recognised upon early termination of the Group’s previous 

credit agreement.

20. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash held at bank is used for the Group’s day-to-day operations. The Group utilises bank deposits or money market funds which have 
a maturity of three months or less as liquid investments that enable short-term liquidity requirements to be met.

Accounting policy

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and current balances with banks and similar institutions. All liquid investments, including 
term deposits and money market funds, with original maturities of three months or less, subject to insignificant risk of changes in value 
and repayable within 24 hours with no loss of interest, are also considered cash equivalents.

Cash at bank and in hand
Money market funds and bank deposits
Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash

Accounting policy

2019
$m
183.7
202.1
385.8

2018
$m
313.4
2.2
315.6

In certain instances, there are requirements to set aside cash for guarantees on the payment of value-added taxes, custom duties on 
imports, tender programmes, and vehicle/real estate leases by financial institutions on the Group’s behalf.

Current: classified as prepaid expenses and other current assets
Non-current: classified as restricted cash
Total restricted cash

2019
$m
–
3.6
3.6

2018
$m
2.0
2.4
4.4

176
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

21. Financial instruments

A derivative financial instrument is a contract that derives its value from the performance of an underlying variable, such as foreign 
exchange rates or interest rates. The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage foreign exchange and interest rate risk 
arising from its operations and financing. Derivative financial instruments used by the Group are foreign exchange forwards and interest 
rate swaps.

The Group utilises interest rate swap agreements, designated as cash flow hedges, to manage its exposure to variability in expected 
future cash outflows attributable to the changes in interest rates on the Group’s borrowing facilities.

Accounting policy

Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the derivative contract date and are remeasured at their fair value 
at subsequent reporting dates. Derivative financial instruments are classified at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) unless they are 
designated and qualify as an effective cash flow hedge. The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined by using the 
difference between the contract exchange rate and the quoted forward exchange rate from third parties at the reporting date.

Hedge accounting
The Group has elected to apply the IFRS 9, Financial Instruments hedge accounting requirements. Changes in the fair values resulting 
from changes in market interest rates are recognised in other comprehensive income. The fair value of interest rate swaps is the 
estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the swap at the reporting date, taking into account current interest 
rates, the Group’s current creditworthiness, as well as that of the swap counterparties.

The cumulative gain or loss is then reclassified to the Consolidated Income Statement in the same period when the relevant hedged 
transaction is realised. Any ineffectiveness on hedging instruments is recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement within finance 
costs, net as they arise. Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or no 
longer qualifies for hedge accounting.

The transition away from LIBOR, and other IBORs (together “IBOR Reform”) will remove IBOR as an interest rate benchmark for financial 
instruments including the interest rate swaps held by the Group (as detailed below) and floating rate debt (Note 19 – Borrowings). There 
is uncertainty as to the timing and the methods of transition for replacing existing IBOR benchmark rates with alternative rates. The 
Group has considered whether hedge accounting relationships continue to qualify for hedge accounting as at 31 December 2019. IBOR 
continues to be used as a reference rate in financial markets and is used in the valuation of instruments with maturities that exceed the 
expected transition deadline. Therefore, the Group believes the current market structure supports the continuation of hedge accounting 
as at 31 December 2019. The changes proposed are not considered to have an immediate impact on the Group and we will continue to 
monitor developments of IBOR Reform throughout 2020.

Right to offset
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position when, and 
only when, the Group has a legal right to offset the amounts and intends either to settle them on a net basis or to realise the asset and 
settle the liability simultaneously.

Fair value measurement
Financial instruments are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy in accordance with IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurements, based 
upon the degree to which the fair value movements are observable. Level 2 fair value measurements are defined as those derived from 
inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (prices from third parties) or indirectly 
(derived from third-party prices).

At 31 December 2018 the Group held interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $833.8 million. These interest rate swap agreements 
were settled on 24 October 2019 at the same time as the voluntary prepayment and cancellation of the Group’s previous credit agreement. 
The early termination of the interest rate swap agreements resulted in a $0.8 million gain reclassified to finance costs, net, in the 
Consolidated Income Statement, in the year ended 31 December 2019.

On 5 December 2019 the Group entered into interest rate swap agreements to fix a proportion of variable interest on US dollar 
denominated debt, in accordance with the Group’s risk management policy. The interest rate swaps were designated as hedging instruments 
in a cash flow hedging relationship.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

21. Financial instruments (continued)
The fair values are based on market values of equivalent instruments at 31 December 2019. The following table presents the Group’s 
outstanding interest rate swaps at 31 December:

3 Month LIBOR Float to Fixed Interest Rate Swap
3 Month LIBOR Float to Fixed Interest Rate Swap

Effective date Maturity date
30 Jun 2017 24 Oct 2019
24 Jan 2020 24 Jan 2023

Recognised in other comprehensive income:
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash 
flow hedges
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges reclassified 
to the Consolidated Income Statement
Total

2019

2018

Notional 
amount
$m
—
275.0
275.0

Fair value(a)
assets
$m
–
1.0
1.0

Notional 
amount
$m
833.8
–
833.8

Fair value(a)
assets
$m
11.3
–
11.3

(9.5)

(0.8)
(10.3)

3.9

–
3.9

(a)  The fair values of the interest rate swaps are shown in derivative financial assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Finance costs, net in the 

Consolidated Income Statement includes the negligible ineffective impact of the interest rate swaps.

The following table presents the Group’s outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts at 31 December:

Foreign exchange contracts
Foreign exchange contracts

Term
30-45 days
28 days

Financial Statement line item
Other receivables
Accruals and other payables

2019

2018

Notional 
amount
$m
130.7
136.0
266.7

Fair value
$m
1.0
(2.2)
(1.2)

Notional 
amount
$m
–
–
–

Fair value
$m
–
–
–

During the year ended 31 December 2019, the Group realised a net gain of $0.9 million (2018: $nil) on foreign exchange forward contracts 
in non-operating expenses, net, in the Consolidated Income Statement.

22. Leases

The Group principally leases real estate and vehicles. Leases are recognised as a right-of-use asset with a corresponding liability recorded 
at the date at which the leased asset is available for use by the Group.

Accounting policy

The lease liability is measured at the present value of future lease payments discounted using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate is 
not readily determinable, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate as the 
discount rate.

Options such as lease extensions or terminations on lease contracts are considered on a case-by-case basis by regular management 
assessment.

Each lease payment is allocated between amounts paid for principal and interest. The interest cost is charged to the Consolidated Income 
Statement over the lease term to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. 
The right-of-use asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Payments associated with short-term leases and low-value leases are recognised on a straight-line basis as an expense in the 
Consolidated Income Statement. Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of 12 months or less and low-value leases comprise of 
leases with an underlying asset value of less than $5,000. Expenses recognised for these short-term and low-value leases for the year 
ended 31 December 2019 were $3.3 million.

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22. Leases (continued)
The movements in right-of-use assets were as follows:

As at 1 January 2019
Reclassification from PP&E(a)
Lease additions
Leases terminated
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Foreign exchange
As at 31 December 2019

Real estate 
and other
$m
51.1
20.9
12.0
(0.9)
(14.2)
(0.3)
68.6

Vehicles
$m
14.7
0.2
9.9
(0.7)
(8.2)
–
15.9

(a)  Amounts previously recognised as finance lease assets have been reclassified to right-of-use assets upon transition to IFRS 16 on 1 January 2019. Refer to 

Note 7 – Property, plant and equipment for further details.

Lease liabilities by category at 31 December 2019 were as follows:

Current
Non-current
Total

The maturity of lease liabilities at 31 December were as follows:

Within 1 year
1 to 5 years
More than 5 years
Total
Of which:
Principal
Interest

23. Finance costs, net

Real estate 
and other
$m
11.4
61.0
72.4

Real estate 
and other
$m
11.4
31.0
30.0
72.4

55.3
17.1

Vehicles
$m
7.0
9.1
16.1

Vehicles
$m
7.0
9.1
–
16.1

15.1
1.0

Total
$m
65.8
21.1
21.9
(1.6)
(22.4)
(0.3)
84.5

Total
$m
18.4
70.1
88.5

Total
$m
18.4
40.1
30.0
88.5

70.4
18.1

Finance costs arise from interest on the Group’s borrowings from credit facilities and lease liabilities. Finance income arises on the results 
of hedging transactions used to manage interest rate movements and interest earned on surplus cash balances.

Accounting policy

Finance costs, including the transaction costs for borrowings and any discount or premium on issue, are recognised in the Consolidated 
Income Statement using the effective interest rate method.

When existing debt is derecognised in the financial statements any transaction costs not amortised are recognised immediately in the 
Consolidated Income Statement.

Upon derecognition of financial liabilities, any unamortised financing fees are recognised immediately in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Interest related to qualifying assets under construction included within PP&E is capitalised (refer to Note 7 – Property, plant and equipment).

Refer to Note 22 – Leases for accounting policy on interest expense on lease liabilities.

Interest arising from interest rate swaps is recorded as either interest income or expense over the term of the agreement. When a 
hedging instrument expires, is sold or terminated or no longer meets the requirements for hedge accounting, the cumulative gain or loss 
of hedging that was reported in equity is immediately reclassified to the Consolidated Income Statement.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

23. Finance costs, net (continued)
Finance costs, net for the year ended 31 December were as follows:

Interest expense on borrowings(a)
Other financing-related fees(b)(c)
Interest expense on lease liabilities(d)
Interest income on interest rate swaps
Interest income on money market funds and deposits
Capitalised interest(e)
Other expense
Finance costs, net

2019
$m
60.7
17.2
3.6
(6.0)
(1.8)
(0.6)
0.5
73.6

2018
$m
62.6
5.9
1.8
(4.0)
(0.9)
(0.5)
0.3
65.2

(a)  Refer to Note 19 – Borrowings for further details.
(b)  Other financing-related fees include amortisation of deferred financing fees and revolving credit facility fees associated with both the previous credit agreement and 
new credit agreement. The previous credit agreement also included original issue discount representing the discount from par value at the time that debt was issued. 

(c)  For the year ended 31 December 2019, $11.2 million of deferred financing fees were recognised upon early termination of the Group’s previous credit agreement.
(d)  Interest expense on lease liabilities for the year ended 31 December 2019 relates to interest on lease liabilities for right-of-use assets which have been classified as 

leases under IFRS 16. For the year ended 31 December 2018, the interest expense relates to the interest on finance leases. Refer to Note 22 – Leases for further details.

(e)  Capitalised interest was calculated using the Group’s weighted average interest rate over the year of 3.8% (2018: 3.5%).

24. Commitments and contingencies

Commitments represent the Group’s future capital expenditure which is not recognised as a liability in the Consolidated Financial 
Statements but represents a non-cancellable commitment.

A contingent liability is a possible liability that is not sufficiently certain to qualify for recognition as a provision because the amount cannot 
be measured reliably or because settlement is not considered probable.

Capital commitments
The Group had the following non-cancellable commitments at 31 December:

Property, plant and equipment, capitalised software and development
Total

2019
$m
12.4
12.4

2018
$m
10.2
10.2

Contingent liabilities
Liability claims
On 31 May 2019, ConvaTec Inc. filed a lawsuit against Scapa Group plc (trading as Scapa Tapes North America LLC) and Webtec Converting 
LLC seeking a declaration that the company was within its rights to terminate a contract between the parties. On 10 July 2019, the 
defendants filed a motion seeking dismissal of the declaratory judgement action, and Scapa Tapes North America LLC filed a separate 
complaint seeking damages of $83.8 million against ConvaTec Inc. in relation to the contract cancellation. The Group’s Board, in conjunction 
with its legal advisors, do not believe the claim has merit and no provision is recognised as at 31 December 2019.

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25. Related party transactions
The Directors have not identified any related parties to the Group, other than the key management personnel. The Group considers key 
management personnel as defined in IAS 24, Related Party Disclosures to be the members of the CELT as set out on page 6 and the 
Non-Executive Directors as set out on pages 76 to 77.

Key management personnel compensation
Key management personnel compensation for the year ended 31 December was as follows:

Short-term employee benefits
Share-based expense

Post-employment benefits
Total

2019
$m
12.9
10.2

0.4
23.5

2018
$m
7.8
4.4

0.6
12.8

At 31 December 2018 an amount of $0.1 million was outstanding relating to a loan to the Group’s former CEO, this has been repaid in full in 
2019. Further details of short-term employee benefits, share-based expense, post-employment benefits and termination benefits for the 
Executive Directors are shown on page 125. Details of the Non-Executive Directors’ fees, included in the table above, are provided on page 131.

The Group has not been a party to any other material transaction, or proposed transactions, in which any member of the key management 
personnel had or was to have a direct or indirect material interest.

26. Subsequent events
The Group has evaluated subsequent events through 27 February 2020, the date the Consolidated Financial Statements were approved by 
the Board of Directors. No subsequent events requiring disclosure have been identified other than the proposed final dividend, details of 
which are disclosed in Note 16 – Dividends.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Non-IFRS financial information

Non-IFRS financial information or alternative performance measures (“APMs”) are used as supplemental measures in monitoring the 
performance of our business. These measures include adjusted cost of goods sold, adjusted gross margin, adjusted selling and distribution 
costs, adjusted general and administrative expenses, adjusted research and development costs, adjusted other operating expenses, adjusted 
operating profit (“adjusted EBIT”), adjusted EBITDA, adjusted profit before tax, adjusted finance costs, adjusted non-operating expense, 
net, adjusted net profit, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted working capital, adjusted cash conversion, free cash flow and net debt. The 
adjustments applied to IFRS measures reflect the effect of certain cash and non-cash items that Group management believe are not related 
to the underlying performance of the Group. Reconciliations for these adjusted measures determined under IFRS are shown on pages 184 
to 187. The definitions of adjusted measures are as calculated within the reconciliation tables.

In management’s and the Board’s view, the APMs reflect the underlying performance of the business and provide a meaningful supplement 
to the reported numbers to support how the business is managed and measured on a day-to-day basis. Adjusted results exclude certain 
items because, if included, these items could distort the understanding of our performance for the year and the comparability between 
periods. Adjusted measures also form the basis for performance measures for remuneration, e.g. adjusted EBIT. For further information 
see pages 184 and 187.

In determining whether an item should be presented as an allowable adjustment to IFRS measures, the Group considers items which are 
significant either because of their size or their nature, and which are non-recurring. For an item to be considered as an allowable adjustment 
to IFRS measures, it must initially meet at least one of the following criteria:
 – It is a significant item, which may cross more than one accounting period.
 – It has been directly incurred as a result of either an acquisition, divestiture, or arises from termination benefits without condition 

of continuing employment related to a major business change or restructuring programme.

 – It is unusual in nature, e.g. outside the normal course of business.

If an item meets at least one of the criteria, the Board, through the Audit and Risk Committee, then exercises judgement as to whether the 
item should be classified as an allowable adjustment to IFRS performance measures.

Key adjustments for adjusted EBIT (also referred to as adjusted operating profit) are pre-IPO costs, CEO-related compensation not subject 
to continuing employment, together with termination benefits arising exclusively from major change programmes. Further adjustments, 
which include amortisation of pre-2018 acquisition intangibles and impairments to intangible and fixed assets are also made in arriving at 
adjusted EBIT. The tax effect of the adjustments is reflected in the adjusted tax expense to remove their effect from adjusted net profit and 
adjusted earnings per share.

Adjusted EBITDA, which is used to calculate our metric of adjusted cash conversion and the effective use of our working capital, is calculated 
by adding back pre-IPO costs, CEO-related compensation not subject to continuing employment, share-based payment expenses, together 
with termination benefits and related costs to our reported EBITDA.

Adjusted items, excluding the impact of tax, for the year ended 31 December 2019 and 2018 include the following credits or costs that are 
reflected in the reported measures:
 – Amortisation of intangible assets relating to acquisitions pre 1 January 2018 (ongoing) ($140.2 million and $142.4 million respectively).
 – Impairment of assets as a result of transformation or an unusual circumstance (loss of $105.2 million and $0.5 million respectively).
 – Divestiture activities including assets held for sale (gain of $1.9 million for the year ended 31 December 2018).
 – Termination benefits in relation to major change programmes ($5.8 million and $12.6 million respectively).
 – CEO buy-out costs reflecting non-performance-related compensation for the loss of incentive awards from previous employment 

($6.2 million), not subject to continuing employment.

 – Share-based payment compensation expense arising from pre-IPO equity grants. This concluded in 2018 ($6.2 million for the year ended 

31 December 2018).

These items are excluded from the adjusted measures to reflect performance in a consistent manner and are in line with how the business is 
managed and measured on a day-to-day basis. They are typically gains or losses/costs arising from events that are not considered part of the 
core operations of the business or are considered to be significant in nature. They may cross several accounting periods. We also adjust for 
the tax effect of these items.

182
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Acquisition-related amortisation of intangible assets
Our adjusted measures exclude the amortisation of intangibles arising from acquisitions made before 1 January 2018. After 1 January 2018, 
amortisation in relation to incremental “bolt-on” acquisitions is not excluded as smaller acquisitions are part of our Group strategy and 
should be included in our reported and adjusted measures. Management will review significant acquisitions on a case-by-case basis to 
determine whether the exclusion of the amortisation of acquired intangibles would provide a more meaningful comparison of our results.

Impairment of assets
Impairments, write-offs and gains and losses from the disposal of fixed assets are adjusted when management consider the circumstances 
surrounding the adjustment are not reflective of our core business or when the adjustments relate to pre-2018 acquisition intangibles.

Divestiture activities
These include significant assets which are disposed of as a result of a sale, major business change or restructuring programme, including 
gains and losses resulting from classification of assets as held for sale.

Termination benefits and related costs
Termination benefits and related costs arise from Group-wide initiatives to reduce the recurring cost base and improve efficiency in the 
business. The Board considers each project individually to determine whether its size and nature warrants separate disclosure. Qualifying 
items are limited to termination benefits (including retention) without condition of continuing employment in respect of major Group-wide 
change programmes. Where discreet qualifying items are identified these costs are highlighted and excluded from the calculation of our 
adjusted measures. Restructuring-related costs not related to termination benefits are reported in the normal course of business.

CEO buy-out costs
The Group has incurred costs following the commencement of employment of Karim Bitar as CEO of ConvaTec Group Plc on 
30 September 2019 to compensate for the loss of incentive awards from his previous employment. These costs relate to past performance 
in a previous employment, were not contingent on continuing employment with ConvaTec Group Plc, have no future performance 
requirements and do not represent the underlying cost base or performance of the Group in 2019. Awards granted include both cash and 
equity-based payment components which vested immediately.

Pre-IPO share-based payment compensation
In order to provide greater comparability and reflecting the changes within the Group as a result of the IPO (October 2016), certain IPO 
related costs were excluded from adjusted measures. Final residual share-based costs were incurred in 2018.

183
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Non-IFRS financial information
continued

Reconciliation of reported earnings to adjusted earnings for the years ended 31 December 2019 and 2018

Non-
operating 
expense, 
net
$m
(4.4)

–
–

–
–

–
–
(4.4)

PBT
$m
18.9

140.2
105.2

5.8
6.2

257.4
–
276.3

Taxation
$m
(9.1)

(10.1)
–

(0.9)
(1.2)

(12.2)
(23.0)
(44.3)

Net 
profit
$m
9.8

130.1
105.2

4.9
5.0

245.2
(23.0)
232.0

Year ended 
31 December 2019
Reported
Amortisation of pre-2018 
acquisition intangibles
Impairment of assets
Termination benefits and 
other related costs
CEO buy-out costs
Total adjustments and their 
tax effect
Other discrete tax items
Adjusted
Software and R&D 
amortisation
Post-2017 acquisition 
amortisation
Depreciation
Impairment/write-off of 
assets
Post-IPO share-based 
payment compensation
Adjusted EBITDA

Operating 
costs
$m
(858.7)

Operating 
profit
$m
96.9

Finance 
costs
$m
(73.6)

Revenue
$m
1,827.2

–
–

–
–

Gross 
profit
$m
955.6

122.6
–

–
–

17.6
105.2

5.8
6.2

–
–
1,827.2

122.6
–
1,078.2

134.8
–
(723.9)

–
–

–
–

–
–
(73.6)

140.2
105.2

5.8
6.2

257.4
–
354.3

10.4

1.3
57.9

9.1

10.1
443.1

Impairment of assets of $105.2 million is predominantly related to a review of the product portfolio which has been undertaken as part of 
the Transformation Initiative which has resulted in the identification of impairment triggers in 2019 in relation to certain of the Group’s 
intangible assets.

Termination benefits and other related costs were $5.8 million, pre-tax, in the year ended 31 December 2019. All initiatives recognised in 
2018 are considered complete, $1.5 million was recognised in the current year in respect of these programmes. The Transformation Initiative 
is a global multi-year transformation programme which will simplify the way in which the business operates. Costs incurred for the year 
ended 31 December 2019 were $4.3 million. We expect to incur between $31 million and $36 million of severance and associated retention 
costs over 2020 and 2021.

CEO buy-out costs were $6.2 million, pre-tax, in the year ended 31 December 2019 and relate to cash paid of $2.1 million and equity-based 
incentive awards of $4.1 million granted to the CEO upon commencement of employment with ConvaTec Group Plc on 30 September 2019. 
These awards were not subject to continuing employment or performance conditions.

Other discrete tax items are a result of the Swiss tax reform which was substantively enacted on 4 October 2019 and is effective on 
31 December 2019. As a result, ConvaTec International Services GmbH, is subject to a significant change in effective tax rate. The Swiss 
effective rate, which will increase over a ten-year period to 1 January 2030, is alleviated by grandfathering provisions which results in the 
estimation and recognition of a deferred tax asset. The value of the deferred tax asset of $23.0 million has been calculated on a best 
estimate basis using a specific methodology that is permitted under Swiss law. Given the future anticipated transformative changes in the 
business, there is estimation uncertainty in the calculation of the deferred tax asset and this remains subject to review as a key source of 
estimation uncertainty. For further details on deferred taxation, see Note 5 – Income taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

184
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Year ended 
31 December 2018
Reported
Amortisation of pre-2018 
acquisition intangibles
Disposal of assets
Divestiture activities
Termination benefits and 
other related costs
Pre-IPO share-based payment 
expense
Total adjustments and their 
tax effect
Other discrete tax items
Adjusted
Software and R&D 
amortisation
Post-2017 acquisition 
amortisation
Depreciation
Post-IPO share-based 
payment compensation
Adjusted EBITDA

Revenue
$m
1,832.1

Gross 
margin
$m
973.8

Operating 
costs
$m
(706.1)

Operating 
profit
$m
267.7

Finance 
costs
$m
(65.2)

–
–
–

–

–

125.1
0.4
–

2.9

–

17.3
0.1
–

9.7

6.2

–
–
1,832.1

128.4
–
1,102.2

33.3
–
(672.8)

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
(65.2)

142.4
0.5
–

12.6

6.2

161.7
–
429.4

9.3

0.9
37.4

5.4
482.4

Non-
operating 
expense, 
net
$m
(1.3)

–
–
(1.9)

–

–

(1.9)
–
(3.2)

PBT
$m
201.2

142.4
0.5
(1.9)

12.6

6.2

159.8
–
361.0

Taxation
$m
20.4

Net profit
$m
221.6

(10.3)
–
–

(0.9)

–

(11.2)
(65.7)
(56.5)

132.1
0.5
(1.9)

11.7

6.2

148.6
(65.7)
304.5

Disposal of assets relates to $0.5 million for the final write-off of certain manufacturing fixed assets following the closure of the Greensboro 
site in 2017. Divestiture activities of $1.9 million reflect a gain from the sale of the plant in Greensboro.

Termination benefits and other related costs were $12.6 million, pre-tax, in 2018 and related to three significant programmes including:
 – $2.5 million in relation to the completion of the pre-IPO Margin Improvement Programme, incurred pre-June 2018, giving total costs 

incurred in relation to this programme of $25.6 million from 2015 to 2018.

 – $4.7 million in relation to the transition of head office support functions from the US to the UK. The programme completed in 2019 with 

a total cost of $5.8 million.

 – $5.4 million in relation to restructuring geographical sales teams. The programme completed in 2019 with a total cost of $6.9 million. 

Other discrete items principally represent tax benefits of $30.4 million and $35.0 million arising from the reassessment of deferred tax 
liabilities in relation to unremitted earnings and recognition of additional deferred tax assets resulting from the December 2017 US tax 
reform respectively.

185
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Non-IFRS financial information
continued

Reconciliation of basic and diluted reported earnings per share to adjusted earnings per share for the years ended 31 December 
2019 and 31 December 2018

Net profit attributable to the shareholders of the Group

Basic weighted average ordinary shares in issue(a)
Diluted weighted average ordinary shares in issue(a)

Basic and diluted earnings per share

(a)  See Note 6 – Earnings per share to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Reported 
2019
$m
9.8

$ 
per share
0.00

Adjusted 
2019
$m
232.0
Number
1,971,014,011
1,976,156,374
$ 
per share
0.12

Reported 
2018
$m
221.6

$ 
per share
0.11

Adjusted 
2018
$m
304.5
Number
1,956,085,112
1,958,078,762
$ 
per share
0.16

Reconciliation of reported and adjusted operating costs for the years ended 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2018

Reported
Amortisation of pre-2018 
acquisition intangibles
Impairment of assets
Termination benefits and other 
related costs
CEO buy-out costs

IPO related costs
Pre-IPO share-based payment 
expense and related costs
Total in relation to IPO
Adjusted

2019

2018

S&D(a)
$m
(433.0)

G&A(b)
$m
(266.4)

R&D(c)
$m
(53.8)

Other(d) 
$m
(105.5)

Operating 
costs
$m
(858.7)

S&D(a)
$m
(418.0)

G&A(b)
$m
(238.2)

R&D(c)
$m
(49.9)

Other(d) 
$m
–

Operating 
costs
$m
(706.1)

–
–

1.7
–
1.7

17.6
–

4.1
6.2
27.9

–
–

–
–
–

–
105.2

–
–
105.2

17.6
105.2

5.8
6.2
134.8

–
–

2.7
–
2.7

17.2
0.1

6.4
–
23.7

0.1
–

0.6
–
0.7

–
–
(431.3)

–
–
(238.5)

–
–
(53.8)

–
–
(0.3)

–
–
(723.9)

–
–
(415.3)

6.2
6.2
(208.3)

–
–
(49.2)

–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

17.3
0.1

9.7
–
27.1

6.2
6.2
(672.8)

(a)  “S&D” represents selling and distribution expenses.
(b)  “G&A” represents general and administrative expenses.
(c)  “R&D” represents research and development expenses.
(d)  “Other” represents other operating expenses.

Net debt
Net debt, which is used to monitor the leverage of the business, is calculated as the carrying value of current and non-current borrowings 
on the face of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, net of cash and cash equivalents.

Borrowings
Finance leases
IFRS 16 lease liabilities
Total interest-bearing borrowings
Cash and cash equivalents
Net debt (including leases)
Net debt

2019
$m
Reported
1,486.1
–
88.5
1,574.6
(385.8)
1,188.8
1,100.3

2018
$m
Applying IFRS 16 
opening lease 
liabilities(a)
1,620.8
–
89.5
1,710.3
(315.6)
1,394.7
1,305.2

2018
$m
Reported
1,620.8
23.7
–
1,644.5
(315.6)
1,328.9
1,305.2

(a)  On adoption of IFRS 16, an opening lease liability of $89.5 million was recognised. To more readily understand the year-on-year movement in net debt, the net 

debt for the year ended 31 December 2018 is presented above on both a reported basis, which includes finance lease liabilities only, and using the IFRS 16 opening 
lease liability which includes all leases as defined by our IFRS 16 accounting policy. For further information see Note 1 – Basis of preparation to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Cash conversion for the years ended 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2018

Reported Operating profit/EBIT
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Amortisation
Impairment of intangible assets/write-off of property, plant and equipment
Reported EBITDA
Non-cash items in EBITDA
Share-based payment expense
Disposals

Working capital movement
Capital expenditure
Reported net cash for cash conversion
Less: tax paid
Reported free cash flow

2019
$m
96.9
35.5
22.4
151.9
114.3
421.0

14.2
–
14.2
51.6
(61.4)
425.4
(37.0)
388.4

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Non-Cash Items, Adjusted Working Capital and Adjusted Net Cash  
(for Adjusted Cash Conversion measurement)

Reported EBITDA
Share-based payment expense
Pre-IPO share-based payment associated costs
CEO buy-out costs
Disposals
Termination benefits and other related costs
Total adjustments (a)
Adjusted EBITDA
Reported non-cash items
Share-based payment expense
Disposals
Total adjustments (b)
Adjusted non-cash items
Reported working capital movement
Decrease/(increase) in severance provision
Decrease in accruals for remediation costs, corporate development and IPO-related costs
Decrease/(increase) in accruals for share-based payment associated costs
Decrease in liability for pre-IPO MIP
Total adjustments (c)
Adjusted working capital movement
Reported net cash for cash conversion
Total adjustments above (a), (b), (c)
Adjusted net cash for cash conversion
Less: tax paid
Adjusted free cash flow

2019
$m
421.0
14.2
–
2.1
–
5.8
22.1
443.1
14.2
(14.2)
–
(14.2)
–
51.6
0.3
–
0.1
0.1
0.5
52.1
425.4
8.4
433.8
(37.0)
396.8

2018
$m
267.7
37.4
–
152.6
–
457.7

11.2
3.4
14.6
(23.2)
(72.1)
377.0
(35.8)
341.2

2018
$m
457.7
11.2
0.4
–
0.5
12.6
24.7
482.4
14.6
(11.2)
(0.5)
(11.7)
2.9
(23.2)
(3.6)
2.3
(0.4)
0.3
(1.4)
(24.6)
377.0
11.6
388.6
(35.8)
352.8

Reported cash conversion
Adjusted cash conversion

101.0%
97.9%

82.4%
80.6%

187
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Company Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 December 2019

Assets
Non-current assets
Investment in subsidiaries
Deferred tax assets

Current assets
Other receivables
Cash and bank balances

Total assets
Equity and liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables

Total liabilities
Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Own shares
Retained surplus
Merger reserve
Cumulative translation reserve
Other reserve
Total equity
Total equity and liabilities

Notes

2019
$m

2018
$m

3
4

5

6

7
7
7

4,046.9
2.0
4,048.9

20.7
0.1
20.8
4,069.7

41.1
41.1
41.1

242.9
70.7
(10.8)
1,528.5
1,765.6
376.3
55.4
4,028.6
4,069.7

3,887.4
2.6
3,890.0

1.9
0.1
2.0
3,892.0

5.8
5.8
5.8

240.7
39.8
(6.8)
1,574.7
1,765.6
221.2
51.0
3,886.2
3,892.0

The Company reported a net profit for the year ended 31 December 2019 of $66.8 million (2018: $1,549.0 million net loss).

The Financial Statements of ConvaTec Group Plc (registered number 10361298) were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised 
for issue on 27 February 2020. They were signed on its behalf by:

Frank Schulkes
Chief Financial Officer

188
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Company Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 December 2019

At 1 January 2018
Net loss
Transfer impairment of investment
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Total comprehensive loss
Dividends paid
Scrip dividend
Share-based payments
Share awards vested
Excess tax benefits for share-based 
payments
At 31 December 2018
Net profit
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Total comprehensive income
Dividends paid
Scrip dividend
Share-based payments
Share awards vested
Excess tax benefits for share-based 
payments
Purchase of own shares
At 31 December 2019

Share 
capital
$m
238.8
–
–
–
–
–
1.9
–
–

–
240.7
–
–
–
–
2.2
–
–

–
–
242.9

Share 
premium
$m
1.3
–
–
–
–
–
38.5
–
–

Own shares
$m
(8.1)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1.3

–
(6.8)
–
–
–
–
–
–
10.0

–
39.8
–
–
–
–
30.9
–
–

–
–
70.7

Retained 
surplus
$m
1,622.7
(1,549.0)
1,616.3
–
67.3
(74.9)
(40.4)
–
–

–
1,574.7
66.8
–
66.8
(79.9)
(33.1)
–
–

–
(14.0)
(10.8)

–
–
1,528.5

Merger 
reserve
$m
3,381.9
–
(1,616.3)
–
(1,616.3)
–
–
–
–

–
1,765.6
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
1,765.6

Cumulative 
translation 
reserve
$m
550.6
–
–
(329.4)
(329.4)
–
–
–
–

–
221.2
–
155.1
155.1
–
–
–
–

–
–
376.3

Other 
reserves
$m
41.0
–
–
–
–
–
–
11.2
(1.3)

0.1
51.0
–
–
–
–
–
14.2
(10.0)

0.2
–
55.4

Total
equity
$m
5,828.2
(1,549.0)
–
(329.4)
(1,878.4)
(74.9)
–
11.2
–

0.1
3,886.2
66.8
155.1
221.9
(79.9)
–
14.2
–

0.2
(14.0)
4,028.6

For further information on share-based payments, please see Note 17 – Share-based payments, and for dividends see Note 16 – Dividends to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements.

189
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Company Financial Statements

1. Basis of preparation

This section describes the Company’s significant accounting policies that relate to the Company Financial Statements and explains the 
basis of preparation of the Company Financial Statements and any critical accounting judgements and estimates identified by management. 
Specific accounting policies relating to the Notes to the Company Financial Statements are described within that note.

1.1 General information
The separate Financial Statements of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006. The Company meets the 
definition of a qualifying entity under Financial Reporting Standard 100 (“FRS 100”) issued by the Financial Reporting Council (“FRC”). 
Accordingly, the Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 (“FRS 101”) Reduced 
Disclosure Framework as issued by the FRC.

As permitted by FRS 101, the Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available under that standard in relation to 
share-based payments, financial instruments, capital management, presentation of comparative information in respect of certain assets, 
presentation of a cash flow statement and certain related party transactions.

As permitted by s408 of the Companies Act 2006 the Company has elected not to present its own Income Statement for the current 
or prior year. The profit attributable to the Company is disclosed in the footnote to the Company’s Statement of Financial Position.

Where required, equivalent disclosures are given in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The auditor’s remuneration for audit and other services is disclosed in Note 3.3 – Auditor’s remuneration to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

1.2 Significant accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The Financial Statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for certain financial instruments where fair value has 
been applied. The principal accounting policies adopted are the same as those set out in the Consolidated Financial Statements except 
as noted below.

Foreign currencies
The functional currency of the Company is Sterling, being the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates.

The Company has adopted US dollars as the presentation currency for its Financial Statements, in line with the presentation currency for 
the Consolidated Financial Statements. For the purpose of presenting individual company financial statements, assets and liabilities of the 
Company are translated into US dollars at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at 
the average exchange rates for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates 
at the date of transactions are used. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in 
a separate component of equity, the cumulative translation reserve, in accordance with IAS 21, The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange 
Rates.

Share-based payments
The Company has implemented the generally accepted accounting principle for accounting for share-based payments with subsidiary 
undertakings under FRS 101, whereby the Company has granted rights to issue its shares to employees of its subsidiary undertakings under 
an equity-settled arrangement and the subsidiaries have not reimbursed the Company for these rights. Under this arrangement, the 
Company treats the share-based payment recognised in the subsidiary’s financial statements as a cost of investment in the subsidiary and 
credits equity with an equal amount.

1.3 Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the Company’s Financial Statements in accordance with FRS 101 requires management to make judgements, estimates 
and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported value of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual 
results may differ from these estimates. The 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 if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision 
and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Management has concluded that the critical accounting and key sources of estimation uncertainty that were reported in the year ended 
31 December 2018 would no longer result in a material adjustment in the next 12 months.

190
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

2. Staff costs

The Executive Directors of the ConvaTec Plc Group are employed by the Company. The remuneration of the Executive Directors’ is set 
out on pages 124 to 131 within the Remuneration Committee report.

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

Wages and salaries(a)(b)
Social security costs
Pension-related costs
Total

2019
$m
9.5
1.3
0.2
11.0

2018
$m
3.7
0.2
0.2
4.1

(a)  Included within wages and salaries are share-based payment charges of $4.9 million (2018: $1.8 million).
(b)  CEO buy-out costs of $6.2 million are included within wages and salaries, refer to Directors Remuneration Report on page 125 for further details.

Average monthly number of employees (including Executive Directors) was 2 (2018: 2), classified as general and administrative employees.

3. Investments in subsidiaries 

Investments in subsidiaries represent the cost of the Company’s investment in its subsidiary undertakings, net of any impairment charges. 
Refer to pages 194 to 196 for details of all the Company’s direct and indirect holdings.

Accounting policy

Investments in Group undertakings are stated at cost less any provision for impairment. The Company assesses investments for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an investment may not be recoverable. If any such 
indication of impairment exists, the Company makes an estimate of the recoverable amount. If the recoverable amount of the investment is 
less than the carrying amount of the investment, the investment is considered to be impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.

Any impairment loss is offset against the merger reserve in the first instance. If the merger reserve is not sufficient to cover an impairment 
loss the excess impairment is recognised immediately in the Income statement.

At 1 January 2018
Capital contributions arising from share-based payments to employees of subsidiaries
Reduction due to reimbursement upon exercised awards
Impairment
Foreign exchange
At 31 December 2018
Capital contributions arising from share-based payments to employees of subsidiaries
Reduction due to reimbursement upon exercised awards
Foreign exchange
At 31 December 2019

Cost
$m
5,827.4
4.5
(0.9)
–
(327.3)
5,503.7
11.5
(5.3)
217.0
5,726.9

Impairment
$m
–
–
–
(1,616.3)
–
(1,616.3)
–
–
(63.7)
(1,680.0)

Net book 
value
$m
5,827.4
4.5
(0.9)
(1,616.3)
(327.3)
3,887.4
11.5
(5.3)
153.3
4,046.9

The assessment of the recoverable amount performed at 31 December 2018, triggered by a decrease in the share price in October 2018 
and the continued valuation of shares at the depressed value, resulted in an impairment of $1,616.3 million in the year ended 31 December 
2018. The recoverable amount was determined with reference to the methodology of IAS 36, Impairment of Assets, by assessing the value 
in use of the investments based on discounted cash flows. The impact on the retained earnings was offset by a transfer of the same amount 
from the merger reserve.

An assessment was performed of the recoverable amount of the investments in subsidiaries at 31 December 2019 with no further 
impairment identified. The share price at 31 December 2019 was £1.99 (2018: £1.39).

191
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
continued

3. Investments in subsidiaries (continued)
The following UK subsidiaries are exempt from the requirement to file audited accounts by virtue of Section 479A of the Companies 
Act 2006:

Name
SureCalm Healthcare Holdings Limited
SureCalm Healthcare Limited
Resus Positive Limited
B.C.A. Direct Limited
Alpha-Med (Medical & Surgical) Limited
ConvaTec International U.K. Limited

4. Deferred tax assets

Company 
registration 
number
07112438
07129736
02777441
03244349
02672844
06622355

Deferred tax assets mainly arise in relation to timing differences on the exercise of share-based awards, and taxable losses arising in the 
normal course of business.

At 1 January 2018
Movement in Income Statement
Movement in Statement of Other Comprehensive Income
Transfer to Group companies
At 31 December 2018
Movement in Income Statement
Movement in Statement of Other Comprehensive Income
Foreign exchange
At 31 December 2019

The deferred tax asset consists of deferred tax on the following items:

Share-based payment expense
Tax losses
At 31 December

$m
0.2
2.4
0.1
(0.1)
2.6
(0.9)
0.2
0.1
2.0

2018
$m
0.2
2.4
2.6

2019
$m
0.5
1.5
2.0

The deferred tax asset is recognised on the basis of an expectation of sufficient future profits in the short term against which the future 
reversal of the timing difference may be deducted.

5. Other receivables

Other receivables consist of amounts due from Group undertakings, other receivables and prepaid insurance.

Amounts falling due within one year:
Amounts owed by Group undertakings
Other receivables
Prepayments

2019
$m

12.3
7.5
0.9
20.7

2018
$m

0.8
0.4
0.7
1.9

Included in the amounts owed from Group undertakings at 31 December 2019 are intercompany loans of $6.8 million (2018: $nil) with a variable 
interest rate of one-year LIBOR plus 1.64%. The loans are unsecured, and are repayable on demand.

192
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

6. Trade and other payables

Trade payables consist of amounts payable to third parties related predominantly to the Company being listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Other payables represent amounts owed to Group undertakings, accruals and other taxation and social security.

Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade payables
Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Other taxation and social security
Accruals

7. Reserves

2019
$m

0.2
36.3
1.7
2.9
41.1

2018
$m

0.2
2.5
1.1
2.0
5.8

All reserve balances explained within this note are components of Equity and are non-distributable.

Share capital, share premium and own shares
Details of the Company’s share capital, share premium and own shares are detailed in Note 15 – Share capital and reserves to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Merger reserve
The merger reserve represents the fair value in excess of the par value of shares issued as part of a share exchange upon incorporation.

Currency translation reserve
The currency translation reserve is the exchange differences arising on the translation of the assets and liabilities of the Company into 
US dollars at the prevailing balance sheet rate and income and expense items being translated at the average exchange rates for the period.

Other reserves
Other reserves relates to movements on equity-settled share-based payments.

8. Distributable reserves

As the Company is a holding company with no direct operations the capacity of the Company to make dividend payments is primarily 
derived from dividends received from subsidiary companies.

Retained and realised distributable reserves equates to the retained surplus of the Company. The distributable reserves of the Company 
at 31 December 2019 are $1,528.5 million (2018: $1,574.7 million).

Details of the considerations and rationale for the distribution of dividend are given in the Directors’ report on page 132.

9. Subsequent events
On 27 February 2020, the Board proposed the final dividend in respect of 2019 subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting 
on 7 May 2020, to be distributed on 14 May 2020. See Note 16 – Dividends to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

193
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Company Financial Statements
continued

Subsidiary and related undertakings
Details of the Company’s subsidiaries and associated undertakings at 31 December 2019 are as follows:

Name
Directly held investments
ConvaTec Management Holdings Limited34
ConvaTec Finance Holdings Limited34
Cidron Healthcare Limited15
Indirectly held investments
180 Medical Acquisition Inc.1
180 Medical Holdings Inc.1
180 Medical Inc.1
AbViser Medical, LLC2
Akers & Dickinson Limited3
Allied Medical (UK) Services Limited3
Alpha-Med (Medical & Surgical) Limited3
Amcare Limited3
Arthur Wood Limited3
B.C.A. Direct Limited3
BMD Comercio de Productos Medicos Ltda.4
Boston Medical Care de Chile S.P.A5
Boston Medical Care, S. de R.L. de C.V.6
Boston Medical Care S.A.S IPS7
Boston Medical Device de Chile S.A.5
Boston Medical Device de México, S. de R.L. de C.V.6
Boston Medical Device de Venezuela, C.A.9
Boston Medical Device Dominicana S.R.L.10
Boston Medical Device Ecuador S.A.11
Boston Medical Device, Inc.2
Boston Medical Device International, LLC12
Boston Medical Devices Columbia Ltda.13
Boston Medical Devices LLC2
Bradgate-Unitech Limited3
Cidron Healthcare GP, Inc.14
ConvaTec (Australia) PTY Limited16
ConvaTec (Austria) GmbH17
ConvaTec (Germany) GmbH18
ConvaTec (New Zealand) Limited19
ConvaTec (Singapore) PTE Limited20
ConvaTec (Singapore) PTE Limited (Taiwan Branch)21
ConvaTec (Sweden) AB22
ConvaTec (Switzerland) GmbH23
ConvaTec (Thailand) Co. Limited24
ConvaTec Accessories Limited3
ConvaTec Argentina SRL25
ConvaTec Belgium BVBA26
ConvaTec Canada Limited27
ConvaTec Ceska Republika s.r.o.28
ConvaTec China Limited29
Convatec China Limited (Bei Jing Branch)30
Convatec China Limited (Guang Zhou Branch)31
ConvaTec Denmark A/S32
ConvaTec Dominican Republic Inc.33
ConvaTec France Holdings SAS35
ConvaTec Healthcare D S.à.r.l.36
ConvaTec Healthcare Ireland Limited37
ConvaTec Hellas Medical Products S.A.38

194
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Place of business and 
registered office

Portion of 
ownership 
interest
%

Portion of 
voting power 
held
%

United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Jersey

US
US
US
US
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Brazil
Chile
Mexico
Colombia
Chile
Mexico
Venezuela
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
US
US
Colombia
US
United Kingdom
US
Australia
Austria
Germany
New Zealand
Singapore
Taiwan
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand
United Kingdom
Argentina
Belgium
Canada
Czech Republic
China
China
China
Denmark
Dominican Republic
France
Luxembourg
Ireland
Greece

100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Branch
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Branch
Branch
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

Name
ConvaTec Holdings U.K. Limited3
ConvaTec Hong Kong Limited39
ConvaTec Inc.2
ConvaTec India Private Limited40
ConvaTec International Services GmbH23
ConvaTec International U.K. Limited34
ConvaTec Italia S.r.l.41
ConvaTec Japan KK42
ConvaTec Korea, Ltd43
ConvaTec Limited3
ConvaTec Malaysia Sdn Bhd44
ConvaTec Middle East & Africa LLC45
ConvaTec Nederland B.V.46
ConvaTec Norway AS47
ConvaTec OY48
ConvaTec Peru S.A.C.49
ConvaTec Polska Sp. Z.o.o50
ConvaTec Spain S.L.51
ConvaTec Sağlik Ürünleri Limited Şirketi52
ConvaTec South Africa (PTY) Limited53
ConvaTec Spain Holdings, S.L.51
ConvaTec Speciality Fibres Limited3
ConvaTec Technologies Inc.54
CVT Business Services, Unipessoal Lda.55
EuroTec Beheer B.V.56
EuroTec B.V.56
EuroTec BV – Belgium Branch57
EuroTec GmbH58
Farnhurst Medical Limited3
FE Unomedical Limited59
In-Home Products, Inc.60
J&R Medical, LLC61
KVTech Portugal – Produtos Medicos Unipessoal Ltda62
Laboratoires ConvaTec SAS35
Lance Blades Limited3
M.S.B. Limited3
Needle Industries (Sheffield) Limited3
Nottingham Medical Equipment Limited3
Novacare UK Limited3
Papyro-Tex A/S63
Personally Delivered, Inc.64
Pharma-Plast Limited3
PRN Medical Services, LLC65
PRNMS Investments LLC65
Resus Positive Limited3
Rotax Razor Company Limited3
Shrimpton & Fletcher Limited3
South Shore Medical Supply, Inc.66
Steriseal Limited3
SureCalm Healthcare Holdings Limited3
SureCalm Healthcare Ltd3
SureCalm Pharmacy Limited3
Symbius Medical Inc.65

195
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Place of business and 
registered office
United Kingdom
Hong Kong
US
India
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Italy
Japan
Korea
United Kingdom
Malaysia
Egypt
Netherlands
Norway
Finland
Peru
Poland
Spain
Turkey
South Africa
Spain
United Kingdom
US
Portugal
Netherlands
Netherlands
Belgium
Germany
United Kingdom
Belarus
US
US
Portugal
France
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Denmark
US
United Kingdom
US
US
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
US
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
US

Portion of 
ownership 
interest
%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
99%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

Portion of 
voting power 
held
%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Branch
100%
100%
99%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Notes to the Company Financial Statements
continued

Subsidiary and related undertakings (continued)

Name
Unomedical America, Inc.67
Unomedical A/S68
Unomedical Developments Limited3
Unomedical Devices S.A. de C.V.69
Unomedical Holdings Limited3
Unomedical, Inc.67
Unomedical Limited3
Unomedical s.r.o.70
Unomedical S.A de C.V.71
Unoplast (U.K.) Limited3
Wilmington Medical Supply, Inc.72
Woodbury Holdings, Inc.73
WPI Acquisition Corporation73
WPI Holdings Corporation73
ZAO ConvaTec74

Place of business and 
registered office
US
Denmark
United Kingdom
Mexico
United Kingdom
US
United Kingdom
Slovakia
Mexico
United Kingdom
US
US
US
US
Russia

Portion of 
ownership 
interest
%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

Portion of 
voting power 
held
%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

1  8516 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73162, US
2  1160 Route 22 East, Suite 304, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, US
3  GDC First Avenue, Deeside Industrial Park, Deeside, Flintshire CH5 2NU, UK
4  Rua Alexandre Dumas, 2100,15º. Andar, Ed Corporate Plaza, Conj 151 e 152, – 

37  10 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 T380, Ireland
38  392A Mesogeion Avenue, Ag. Paraskevi, 15341, Athens, Greece
39  Unit 1901 Yue Xiu Bldg 160–174, Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
40 S – 604, 6th Floor, Brigade Gateway, World Trade Center, Dr Raj Kumar Road, 

Chácará Stº Antonio – São Paulo, Brazil Cep: 04717-913

Malleswaram, Yeshwantpur, Bangalore-560055, India

5  Av Suecia 0181, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
6  Avenida Insurgentes sur 619, 3° Piso, CIUDAD DE MEXICO, Nápoles, 03810, 

MEXICO

7  Calle 82 # 18-31, Bogotá, Colombia
8  Av Andres Bello 2325, oficina 8, piso 2, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
9  Av. Sorocaima, Libertador con Venezuela, Edif Atrium. Piso 3, Oficina 3G, Urb 

41  Via della Sierra Nevada, 60-00144 Rome, Italy
42  8–7, Roppongi 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan
43  4F, American Standard B/D, Yeongdongdaero 112gil 66, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 

Republic of Korea 06083

44 10th floor, Menara Hap Seng, No. 1 & 3, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, 

Malaysia

El Rosal, Municipio Chacao, Edo, Miranda, Venezuela

45  22 Kamal El Din Hussein St, 3rd Floor, Heliopolis Sheraton, Post Code 11977, 

10  Avenida Wiston Churchill ES1. 27 de Febrero, Apto Plaza Central, Tercer Nivel, 
del Sector PIANTINI de la Ciudad de Santo Domingo de Guzman, República 
Dominicana Suite A-368

11  Pedro Ponce Carrasco E8- O6 y Av. Diego de Almagro Piso 12 Of 1204
12  2315 NW 107th Avenue Suite A30, Doral, Florida 33172, US
13  Torre los Nogales, Calle 76 # 11-17, Fifth and Second Floor, Bogota, Colombia
14  The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange 

Street, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801, US
15  44 Esplanade, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 9WG, Channel Islands
16  Level 2 Building 5, Brandon Office Park, 530-540 Springvale Road, Glen 

Cairo, Egypt

46 Houttuinlaan 5F, 3447 GM Woerden, Netherlands
47  Nils Hansen vei 2, 0667 Oslo, Norway
48 Life Science Center, Keilaranta 16 B, 02150 Espoo, Finland
49  Av. La Encalada 1010 of. 806, Santiago de Surco, Lima 15023, Perú
50 Al. Armii Ludowej 26, 00-609 Warszawa, Poland
51  Constitucion 1, 3ªPlanta, 08960 Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona, Spain
52  Şehit İlknur Keles Sokak, Hüseyin Bağdatlioğlu Plaza 7/3, Kozyatagi, Istanbul, 

Turkey 34742

53  Workshop 17 Office 1-4, 16 Baker Street, Rosebank, Johannesburg, Gauteng 

Waverley VIC 3150, Australia

2196, Republic of South Africa

17  Schubertring 6, 1010 Wien, Austria
18  Gisela-Stein-Strasse 6, 81671 Munich, Germany
19  Crowe Horwath, Level 29, 188 Quay Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
20 456 Alexandra Road, Fragrance Empire Building #18-01/02, Singapore 

119962

21  5F.-4, No. 57, Fuxing N. Rd, Songshan Dist., Taipei City, Taiwan 

(Post code :10595)

22  Gårdsfogdevägen 18B, 168 67 Bromma, Sweden
23  Mühlentalstrasse 36/38, 8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland
24  Unit 5, 9th Floor M. Thai Tower, All Seasons Place, No. 87 Wireless Road, 

Lumpini, Phatumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

25  CERRITO 1070 Piso:3 Dpto:71, 1010-CIUDAD AUTONOMA BUENOS AIRES
26  Parc d’Alliance, Boulevard de France 9, B-1420 Braine l’Alleud, Belgium
27  900-1959 Upper Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2N2
28  Olivova 2096/4, Prague 1, 110 00, Praha 1, Czech Republic
29  Unit 1105-1106, Crystal Plaza Office Tower 1, No.1359 Yaolong Road, Pudong 

District, Shanghai 200124, P.R.C

30 Unit 805, 8F Jinbao Tower, No.89 Jinbao Street Dongcheng District, Beijing 

100005, P.R.C.

54  3993 Howard Hughes Parkway Suite 250, Las Vagas, Nevada 89169-6754, 

US

55  Avenida da Liberdade, 249 -1, 1250-143 Lisbon, Portugal
56  Schotsbossenstraat 8, 4705AG Roosendaal, Nederland
57  Stationsstraat 35, 2950 Kapellen, Belgium
58  Solinger Strasse 93 40764 Langenfeld, Germany
59  Zavodskaya Street., 50, 222750, Fanipol, Dzerzhinsk region., Minsk district, 

Republic of Belarus

60 14330 Midway Road, Building 1, Suite 100, Farmers Branch, TX 75244-3513, 

US (*Company in liquidation)

61  4635 Southwest Freeway, Suite 800, Houston, TX 77027-7105, US
62  Avenida da Libertade, 144, 7º 1250-146, Lisbon, Portugal
63  c/o ConvaTec Harlev Skinderskovvej 32-36, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
64 725 Primera Blvd, Suite 230, Lake Mary, FL 32746-2127, US
65  20333 N. 19th Avenue, Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85027-3627, US
66  58 Norfolk Avenue, Unit 2, South Easton, MA 02375-1907, US
67  5701-1 S Ware RD, McAllen, TX 78504, US
68 Åholmvej 1-3, 4320 Lejre, Denmark
69  Av. Fomento Industrial L9 M3, Parque Industrial del Norte, Reynosa Tamps, 

31  Unit 808, Level 8, Fortune Plaza, No.116 Ti Yu Dong Road, Tianhe District, 

Mexico C.P. 88736

Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510620, P.R.C.

32  Lautruphøj 1 DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
33  Carretera Sanchez km 18 ½, Parque Industrial Itabo, Haina, San Cristóbal, 

Dominican Republic

34  3 Forbury Place, 23 Forbury Road, Reading, RG1 3JH, UK
35  90, Boulevard National, La Garenne Colombes, F-92250, Paris, France
36  12C, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882 Luxembourg

70 Priemyselný Park 3, 071 01 Michalovce, Slovakia
71  Avenida Industrial Falcón, L7, Parque Industrial del Norte, Reynosa Tamps, 

Mexico C.P. 88736

72  1206 N. 23rd Street, Wilmington, NC 28405-1810, US
73  725 Primera Blvd., Suite 200, Lake Mary, FL 32746-2127, US
74  Kosmodamianskaya nab. 52, building 1, 9th floor, 115054, Moscow, Russia

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Independent auditor’s report 

to the members of ConvaTec Group Plc

Report on the audit of the Financial Statements
1. Opinion
In our opinion:
 – the Financial Statements of ConvaTec Group plc (the “Parent Company”) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) give a true and fair view of the 

state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2019 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;
 – the Group Financial Statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) 

as adopted by the European Union;

 – the Parent Company Financial Statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 

Accounting Practice, including Financial Reporting Standard 101, Reduced Disclosure Framework; 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.

We have audited the Financial Statements which comprise:
 – the Consolidated Income Statement;
 – the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income;
 – the Consolidated and Company Statements of Financial Position;
 – the Consolidated and Company Statements of Changes in Equity;
 – the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows; and
 – the related Notes 1 to 26 of the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes 1 to 9 of the Company Financial Statements.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group Financial Statements is applicable law and IFRSs 
as adopted by the European Union. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Parent Company 
Financial Statements is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 101, Reduced Disclosure Framework  
(United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

2. Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities 
under those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. 

We are independent of the Group and the Parent Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the 
Financial Statements in the UK, including the Financial Reporting Council’s (the “FRC’s”) Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest 
entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We confirm that the non-audit 
services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the Group or the Parent Company.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

3. Summary of our audit approach

Key audit matters

The key audit matters that we identified in the current year were:
 – Revenue recognition – focusing on whether sales are valid in certain US and UK components, with increased risk in the 

recording of revenue for sales and, or shipments that either did not occur, or did not occur at the level recorded by 
management, or for which the risks and rewards have not passed to the customer.

 – Taxation – focusing on the recognition of deferred tax assets in a US component and the related impact on taxation 

charge and balance sheet amounts.

 – Taxation – focusing on the uncertain tax positions in connection with transfer pricing.
 – Impairment of certain finite-lived intangible assets – focusing on the judgements over the remaining useful life of the 

products and the extent of inclusion of benefits from the Transformation Initiatives in management’s forecasts.

Within this report, key audit matters are identified as follows:

 Newly identified
 Increased level of risk
 Similar level of risk
 Decreased level of risk

Materiality

Scoping

The materiality that we used for the group financial statements was $6.9 million which was determined on the basis of 
5.3% of an adjusted pre-tax profit measure.
We performed full scope audit procedures on fourteen components, as well as the Parent Company, covering a total of 
eight countries. In addition, we have performed specified audit procedures in nine components across nine countries. 
Together, these accounted for 82% of revenue, 91% of profit before tax and 87% of net assets.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Independent auditor’s report 
to the members of ConvaTec Group Plc
continued

3. Summary of our audit approach (continued)

Significant changes in 
our approach

During the 2018 audit, we identified a key audit matter relating to the recoverability of the Parent Company’s investments 
in its subsidiaries. This was driven by the October 2018 trading update following which the ConvaTec Group Plc share price 
fell substantially. The share price has since recovered and therefore, the risk of further indicators of impairment to the 
carrying value of the investment in subsidiary undertakings has reduced. As such, we no longer consider this to be a key 
audit matter. 

In the current year, we have identified two additional key audit matters. The first additional key audit matter relates to 
taxation focusing on uncertain tax positions in connection with transfer pricing. This is driven by a change in the Group’s 
operating model to focus more on business performance at the franchise level, rather than on geographical markets. 

The second additional key audit matter relates to the impairment of certain finite-lived intangible assets related to 
acquired product technology. During 2019, as part of the Group’s Transformation Initiative, a product portfolio review has 
been undertaken which has resulted in the identification of impairment triggers in relation to a number of the Group’s 
intangible assets.

4. Conclusions relating to going concern, principal risks and viability statement

4.1. Going concern
We have reviewed the Directors’ statement in Note 1 to the Financial Statements about whether 
they considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing them 
and their identification of any material uncertainties to the Group’s and Company’s ability to 
continue to do so over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the 
Financial Statements.

We considered as part of our risk assessment the nature of the Group, its business model and 
related risks including where relevant the potential impacts of Brexit and COVID-19, the requirements 
of the applicable financial reporting framework and the system of internal control. We evaluated 
the Directors’ assessment of the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, including challenging 
the underlying data and key assumptions used to make the assessment, and evaluated the Directors’ 
plans for future actions in relation to their going concern assessment.

We are required to state whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to in relation 
to that statement required by Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) and report if the statement is materially 
inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit.
4.2. Principal risks and viability statement
Based solely on reading the Directors’ statements and considering whether they were consistent 
with the knowledge we obtained in the course of the audit, including the knowledge obtained in 
the evaluation of the Directors’ assessment of the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue 
as a going concern, we are required to state whether we have anything material to add or draw 
attention to in relation to:
 – the disclosures on pages 24 to 33 that describe the principal risks, procedures to identify 

emerging risks, and an explanation of how these are being managed or mitigated;

 – the Directors’ confirmation on page 72 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the 

principal and emerging risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business 
model, future performance, solvency or liquidity; or

 – the Directors’ explanation on pages 34 to 35 as to how they have assessed the prospects of the 
Group, over what period they have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, 
and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be 
able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their 
assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications 
or assumptions.

We are also required to report whether the directors’ statement relating to the prospects of the 
group required by Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in 
the audit.

Going concern is the basis of preparation of 
the financial statements that assumes an 
entity will remain in operation for a period 
of at least twelve months from the date of 
approval of the financial statements.

We confirm that we have nothing material to 
report, add or draw attention to in respect of 
these matters.

Viability means the ability of the group to 
continue over the time horizon considered 
appropriate by the directors. 

We confirm that we have nothing material to 
report, add or draw attention to in respect of 
these matters.

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5. Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the Financial Statements 
of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we 
identified. These matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit 
and directing the efforts of the engagement team.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the Financial Statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, 
and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

5.1. Revenue recognition 
Key audit matter 
description

We have identified the risk of revenue recognition, specifically focused on the risk as to whether sales are valid in certain 
US and UK components with increased risk in the area of recording revenue for sales/shipments that either did not occur, 
or did not occur at the level recorded by management, or for which performance obligations have not been satisfied. The 
risk is higher in these US and UK components based on the amount of revenue generated and the level of complexity in 
recognising the revenue relative to other Group components. The revenue earned in the US and UK in 2019 was 
$802.1 million (2018: $809.5 million).

How the scope of 
our audit responded 
to the key audit 
matter

Following the October 2018 trading update we reconsidered our assessment of risk on revenue recognition. Whilst the 
risk of misstatement is reduced through the Group achieving its amended revenue target in 2018 and meeting its original 
revenue guidance for 2019, we continue to believe that there is a risk, whether due to fraud or error, revenue could be 
recognised before a performance obligation is satisfied in order to meet investor expectations on revenue. Therefore we 
consider this to be a key audit matter. 

The associated disclosure by franchise and geographical region is included within Note 2. The Audit and Risk Committee has 
included their assessment of this risk on page 99. For specific detail on the Group’s accounting policy, please see Note 2.
In response to this key audit matter, we performed a risk assessment across the Group to identify specific areas of risk, 
focusing our testing accordingly.

Our audit response consisted of several procedures including those summarised below. The specific combination of 
procedures performed varied by location.

We performed walkthroughs of the revenue cycle at full scope components to gain an understanding of when the revenue 
should be recognised, to map out the relevant controls and the end-to-end processes in place. 

We performed detailed transaction testing on a sample basis, agreeing sales through to invoice, final sales contracts or 
purchase orders.

We compared invoice prices to Company price lists on a sample basis to validate levels of discounting, agreeing the net 
revenue amount recorded by management to underlying accounting records and remittance.

We performed analytical reviews in certain components to identify any unusual sales trends and obtained an explanation 
for any such movements.

We also reviewed a sample of distributor contracts to assess the terms of sale and to support recalculation of rebates and 
chargebacks associated with the revenue. 

We held interviews with a selection of sales personnel to determine the existence of any side agreements or unusual 
arrangements which may impact when revenue can be recognised. We held quarterly review calls with franchise and 
geographic market leaders to identify changes in customer demand and new product introductions that might impact 
sales patterns.

Key observations

The procedures performed allowed us to gain a thorough understanding of the revenue cycle with a variety of procedures 
performed to minimise the risk associated to potential fraud.
Based on the procedures we have performed, we were satisfied that revenue is appropriately recognised, specifically with 
regard to the validity of sales in certain US and UK entities.

We noted no instances above our reporting threshold to the Audit Committee of inappropriate revenue recognition arising 
from our testing.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Independent auditor’s report 
to the members of ConvaTec Group Plc
continued

5.2. Taxation – recognition of US deferred tax assets (US DTAs) 
Key audit matter 
description

There is management judgement in the recognition of deferred tax assets (DTAs) in a US component, as the recognition of 
these assets is based on management’s assessment of their recoverability. This is further complicated by the fact that the 
Group trades across multiple tax jurisdictions, which makes management’s judgements subject to challenge by various local 
tax authorities.

How the scope of 
our audit responded 
to the key audit 
matter

Total recognised US DTAs at 31 December 2019 were $76.9 million (2018: $109 million). At 31 December 2019 
management assessed that unrecognised temporary differences of $372.5 million (2018: $371.5 million) relating to the US 
were irrecoverable as management did not anticipate future taxable income in the regions giving rise to this balance, 
therefore no DTA was recognised for these tax attributes. 

The associated disclosure is included within Note 5. The Audit and Risk Committee has included their assessment of this risk 
on page 102. For specific detail on the Group’s accounting policy, please see Note 5.
We have obtained an understanding of the key controls and evaluated the design and implementation of relevant key 
controls that are involved in assessing whether DTAs can be recognised.

With the involvement of our internal tax audit specialists, we have reviewed and challenged management’s judgements 
regarding the recoverability of temporary deferred tax differences.

We have obtained and challenged management’s forecasts showing the expected utilisation of key unrecognised 
temporary differences in order to further assess their recoverability.

We have challenged management’s assessment of the appropriateness of offsetting DTAs and deferred tax liabilities (DTLs).

Key observations

We assessed the appropriateness of the related Financial Statement disclosures.
Based on the work we have performed, we concurred with the treatment adopted by management for both recognised 
and unrecognised DTAs.

5.3. Taxation – uncertain tax positions (UTPs) in connection with transfer pricing arrangements 
Key audit matter 
description

At 31 December 2019, within the current tax payable balance of $44.6 million (2018: $41.9 million), there were provisions 
for uncertain tax positions (UTPs) held related to transfer pricing arrangements. There are a number of tax judgements 
inherent in the calculation of the tax charge which result in the existence of UTPs.

How the scope of 
our audit responded 
to the key audit 
matter

Transfer pricing is the primary area of taxation uncertainty, driven largely by the global nature of the Group and the 
historical business model. The operating model is changing to focus more on business performance at the franchise level, 
rather than on geographical markets. Changes to the business model increase management judgement, and hence risk, in 
relation to the impact on transfer pricing and related uncertain tax positions.

The associated disclosure is included within Note 5. The Audit and Risk Committee has included their assessment of this risk 
on page 100. For specific detail on the Group’s accounting policy, please see Note 5.
We obtained an understanding of the key controls and have evaluated the design and implementation of relevant key 
controls that are involved in assessing whether management is appropriately identifying and quantifying UTPs.

With involvement of our internal tax audit specialists, including internal transfer pricing specialists, we have reviewed and 
challenged management’s judgements regarding the identification and quantification of uncertain tax treatments in 
relation to transfer pricing that they consider will lead to a probable economic outflow.

We obtained management’s technical support for the source of the estimation uncertainty in order to challenge their 
assessment of the probability that the tax positions will ultimately be accepted by the tax authorities. The support included 
value chain analysis of the creation of value across the group and where taxable profits arise which is a key judgement in 
assessing transfer pricing risk.

We challenged management’s approach to determine whether the methodology for assessing provisions is consistent with 
IFRIC 23, Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments.

Key observations

We assessed the appropriateness of the related Financial Statement disclosures.
Based on the work we have performed, we are satisfied that management have appropriately considered the risk of 
a transfer pricing challenge.

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5.4. Impairment of certain finite-lived intangible assets 
Key audit matter 
description

The Group holds finite-lived intangible assets related to acquired product technology valued at $667.4 million at 
31 December 2019 (31 December 2018: $880 million). During 2019, as part of the Group’s Transformation Initiative, 
a product portfolio review has been undertaken. Through this review, management identified a triggering event that the 
carrying value of certain assets could be impaired. Management performed an impairment review and determined that 
an impairment charge of $103.6 million should be recorded in 2019. $92.1 million of this impairment reflects the partial 
impairment of composite product assets within the CCC and Ostomy portfolios.

How the scope of 
our audit responded 
to the key audit 
matter

Based on our analysis of the review, we have determined that the judgements over the remaining useful life of the products 
and the extent of inclusion of benefits from the ongoing Transformation Initiative in management’s forecasts, to be a 
significant audit risk.

The associated disclosure is included within Note 8. The Audit and Risk Committee has included their assessment of this risk 
on page 101. For specific detail on the Group’s accounting policy, please see Note 8.
Our procedures for challenging management’s impairment valuation methodology and assumptions included the following:

We have obtained an understanding of the key controls and evaluated the design and implementation of the controls and 
governance over the Annual Operating Plan and Strategic Plan and challenged the assumptions in the Strategic Plan.

We considered triggers for impairment with reference to business developments in 2019.

We also considered the appropriateness of the fair value less cost to sell model used in the valuation and the aggregation 
of intangible assets into product groups.

We agreed the base cashflows in the model to the Annual Operating Plan and Strategic Plan. 

With the involvement of our valuation specialists, we reviewed the application of the impairment valuation methodology 
and prepared independent estimates for key market observable assumptions, including life of equivalent products, 
functional returns, discount rate and cost to sell.

We challenged the judgements in the fair value model over the extent of recognition of planned benefit from the 
Transformation Initiative with reference to the current state of and the governance over those programs.

Key observations

We challenged the adequacy of disclosures around sensitivity to management’s estimates and the consistency of that 
disclosure with the findings from our work. 
Based on the work performed, we consider the key assumptions applied by management, including the useful economic 
lives and the benefit of the Transformation Initiative, to be within an acceptable range and when taken in aggregate, to be 
reasonable and supportable.

We are satisfied that the impairment charge represents an appropriate assessment of the fair value less costs to sell for the 
affected assets. 

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Independent auditor’s report 
to the members of ConvaTec Group Plc
continued

6. Our application of materiality
6.1. Materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the Financial Statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions of 
a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope of our audit work and in 
evaluating the results of our work.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Materiality
Basis for 
determining 
materiality
Rationale for the 
benchmark applied

Group financial statements
$6.9m (2018: $12.3m)
5.3% (2018: 5.9%) of pre-tax profit, adjusted for costs 
associated with impairment charges and the remuneration 
of the newly appointed CEO.
In determining our materiality benchmark, we considered 
the focus of the users of the financial statements. Pre-tax 
profit is the base from which key performance measures are 
calculated as well as key metrics used in providing trading 
updates. We have adjusted pre-tax profit for certain 
non-recurring items as summarised above.

Parent company financial statements
$5.2m (2018: $9.2m)
Parent Company materiality equates to 0.3% (2018: 0.2%) 
of net assets, which is capped at 75% of Group materiality.

In determining our materiality, based on professional 
judgement, we have considered net assets as the appropriate 
benchmark given the Parent Company is primarily a holding 
company for the Group. We then capped materiality at the 
highest component materiality for the Group.

1.  Adjusted PBT: $130.3m
2. Group materiality: $6.9m

1.

2.

Component materiality 
range $4.8m to $5.2m

Audit Committee reporting 
threshold $0.3m

6.2. Performance materiality
We set performance materiality at a level lower than materiality to reduce the probability that, in aggregate, uncorrected and undetected 
misstatements exceed the materiality for the Financial Statements as a whole. Group performance materiality was set at 70% of group 
materiality for the 2019 audit (2018: 70%). In determining performance materiality, we considered factors such as our risk assessment, 
including our assessment of the Company’s overall control environment. 

6.3. Error reporting threshold
We agreed with the Audit and Risk Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of $0.3m (2018: 
$0.6m), as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit 
and Risk Committee on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the Financial Statements.

7. An overview of the scope of our audit
7.1. Identification and scoping of components
Our Group audit was scoped on an entity level basis, assessing components against the risk of material misstatement at the Group level. We 
have also considered the quantum of Financial Statement balances and individual financial transactions of a significant nature. In performing 
our assessment, we have considered the geographical spread of the Group and any risks presented within each region.

Based on this assessment, we focused our work on fourteen (2018: twelve) components covering eight (2018: eight) countries, 73% (2018: 
70%) of revenue, 89% (2018: 84%) of profit before tax and 81% (2018: 73%) of net assets. All fourteen (2018: twelve) components were 
subject to a full scope audit. The fourteen (2018: twelve) components are located in: the United States of America, the United Kingdom, 
Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Italy, France, and Japan, representing the principal operating units of the Group.

In addition, we have performed specified audit procedures in nine (2018: ten) components covering nine (2018: eight) countries, 9% (2018: 
11%) of revenue, 2% (2018: 4%) of PBT, and 6% (2018: 6%) of net assets. The nine (2018: ten) components are located in: the United States 
of America, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Spain, Canada, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Australia, and Slovakia. 

The difference in the number of components subject to full scope audit procedures and specified audit procedures between 2019 and 2018 
is as a result of two United Kingdom entities being legally combined into one, and therefore being subject to full scope procedures rather 
than specified audit procedures. We also performed full scope audit procedures on a new United Kingdom entity introduced into the Group 
to hold the Group’s external debt and intra-group balances.

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We performed testing at a Group level at the head office, based in Reading, United Kingdom. This included testing the consolidation process 
and carrying out analytical review procedures on those entities other than those noted above. Any movements in account balances, which 
did not corroborate our initial risk assessment, were investigated further. This testing confirmed our conclusion that there were no significant 
risks of material misstatement of the aggregated financial information of the remaining components not subject to a full scope audit or 
specified procedures.

7.2. Working with other auditors
As part of our audit, a senior member of the Group audit team visited a number of the most significant components of the Group, including 
the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Denmark and Switzerland. These locations were also visited during our prior year audit. 
They encompass 55% (2018: 55%) of the Group’s revenue. As part of these visits, meetings were held with both component management 
and the component audit team. In addition to our visits, we issued detailed instructions to all our component audit teams, included them in 
our team briefings and reviewed audit workpapers to the extent deemed necessary.

Revenue %

Profit before tax %

Net assets %

1.  Full audit scope: 73%
2. Specified audit procedures: 9%
3. Review at Group level 18%

1.  Full audit scope: 89%
2. Specified audit procedures: 2%
3. Review at Group level 9%

1.  Full audit scope: 81%
2. Specified audit procedures: 6%
3. Review at Group level 13%

1.

1.

3.

2.

1.

3.

2.

3.

2.

8. Other information

The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises 
the information included in the annual report including the Overview, Strategic report and 
Governance sections, other than the Financial Statements and our auditor’s report thereon.

We have nothing to report in respect of 
these matters.

Our opinion on the Financial Statements does not cover the other information and, except to 
the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance 
conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the Financial Statements, our responsibility is to read the other 
information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent 
with the Financial Statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be 
materially misstated.

If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required 
to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the Financial Statements or a material 
misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude 
that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

In this context, matters that we are specifically required to report to you as uncorrected material 
misstatements of the other information include where we conclude that:
 – Fair, balanced and understandable – the statement given by the Directors that they consider 

the Annual Report and Financial Statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s 
position and performance, business model and strategy, is materially inconsistent with our 
knowledge obtained in the audit; or

 – Audit committee reporting – the section describing the work of the Audit and Risk Committee 
does not appropriately address matters communicated by us to the Audit and Risk Committee; 
or

 – Directors’ statement of compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code – the parts of the 
Directors’ statement required under the Listing Rules relating to the Company’s compliance 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code containing provisions specified for review by the 
auditor in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.10R(2) do not properly disclose a departure from 
a relevant provision of the UK Corporate Governance Code.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Independent auditor’s report 
to the members of ConvaTec Group Plc
continued

9. Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities statement, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the Financial 
Statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary 
to enable the preparation of Financial Statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the Financial Statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the Parent Company’s ability to continue 
as a going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the 
Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

10. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Financial Statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, 
but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. 
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be 
expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these Financial Statements.

Details of the extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and 
regulations are set out below.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Statements is located on the FRC’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/
auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

11. Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the Financial Statements, whether due to fraud or error, and then design and 
perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion.

11.1. Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and 
regulations, we considered the following:
 – the nature of the industry and sector, control environment and business performance including the design of the Group’s remuneration 

policies, key drivers for Directors’ remuneration, bonus levels and performance targets;

 – results of our enquiries of management, internal audit and the Audit and Risk Committee about their own identification and assessment 

of the risks of irregularities; 

 – any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the Group’s documentation of their policies and procedures relating to:

 – identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance;
 – detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
 – the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations;

 – the matters discussed among the audit engagement team including significant component audit teams in the UK, Denmark, USA and 
Switzerland and involving relevant internal specialists, including tax, valuations and IT specialists regarding how and where fraud might 
occur in the Financial Statements and any potential indicators of fraud.

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and 
identified the greatest potential for fraud in the following area: revenue recognition regarding the validity of the sales and/or shipments in 
certain US and UK components. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond 
to the risk of management override.

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the group operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws 
and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws 
and regulations we considered in this context included the UK Companies Act, Listing Rules, pensions legislation and tax legislation. 

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the Financial Statements but 
compliance with which may be fundamental to the Group’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. These included the group’s 
operating licence.

204
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

11.2. Audit response to risks identified
As a result of performing the above, we identified revenue recognition regarding the validity of the sales and/or shipments in certain US and 
UK components as a key audit matter related to the potential risk of fraud. The key audit matters section of our report explains the matter 
in more detail and also describes the specific procedures we performed in response to that key audit matter. 

Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:
 – reviewing the Financial Statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant 

laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the Financial Statements;

 – enquiring of management, the Audit and Risk Committee and in-house legal counsel concerning actual and potential litigation and claims;
 – performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due 

to fraud;

 – reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance, reviewing internal audit reports and reviewing correspondence with 

HMRC; and

 – in addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other 

adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating the 
business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.

We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members including internal 
specialists and all component audit teams, and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations 
throughout the audit.

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
12. Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the part of the Directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies 
Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
 – 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; and

 – the Strategic report and the Directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the Parent Company and their environment obtained in the course of the 
audit, we have not identified any material misstatements in the Strategic report or the Directors’ report.

13. Matters on which we are required to report by exception

13.1. Adequacy of explanations received and accounting records
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
 – we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
 – 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 are not in agreement with the accounting records 

and returns.

13.2. Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our opinion certain 
disclosures of Directors’ remuneration have not been made or the part of the Directors’ 
remuneration report to be audited is not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.

14. Other matters

We have nothing to report in respect of 
these matters.

We have nothing to report in respect of 
these matters.

14.1. Auditor tenure
Following the recommendation of the Audit and Risk Committee, we were appointed to audit the Financial Statements for the year ended 2016 
and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals and reappointments of the firm is 
four years, covering the years ended 31 December 2016 to 31 December 2019.
14.2. Consistency of the audit report with the additional report to the audit committee
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the Audit and Risk Committee we are required to provide in accordance with ISAs (UK).

15. Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our 
audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an 
auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other 
than the Company and the Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Mark Mullins FCA (Senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Statutory auditor
London, United Kingdom
27 February 2020

205
ConvaTec Group Plc
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Shareholder information

Our corporate website – www.convatecgroup.com
Information about our Stock Exchange announcements, key dates in 
our financial calendar, our share price information and background 
information is available on our corporate website by clicking 
www.convatecgroup.com/investors. 

The date for the release of our interim results for the six months 
ended 30 June 2020 will be posted in due course on our website.

Shareholders may also receive information by email by signing up 
to the news alert service available on our corporate website at 
www.convatecgroup.com/investors/sign-up-for-more-information.

Share price information
Our closing share price as at 31 December 2019 was 198.45p.

Managing your shareholding
You can manage your shareholding online by registering to use 
Investor Centre, a free and secure website. Investor Centre is 
available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To find out more about 
Investor Centre visit www.investorcentre.co.uk. Registration is a 
straightforward process and all you will need is your shareholder 
reference number (the “SRN”) and registered address details. 

Shareholders who prefer not to manage their shareholding online 
can contact our Registrars, Computershare Investor Services PLC, 
who manage our share register. The shareholder helpline number 
is +44 (0) 370 703 6219 and further information about 
Computershare Investor Services PLC is set out below.

Internet share dealing
Please note that, at present, this service is only available to 
shareholders in certain jurisdictions, including the UK. Please refer 
to the website for an up to date list of these countries. This service 
provides shareholders with a convenient way to buy or sell the 
Company’s ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange. The 
commission is 1.0%, subject to a minimum charge of £30. In addition, 
stamp duty, currently 0.5%, is payable on purchases. Real-time 
dealing is available during market hours. In addition, there is a 
convenient facility to place your order outside of market hours. 

Up to 90-day limit orders are available for sales. Before you can 
trade you will need to register for the service. To access the service 
log on to www.computershare.com/dealing/uk.

Shareholders should have their SRN available. The SRN appears on 
share certificates as it will be required as part of the registration 
process. A bank debit card will be required for purchases. 

Telephone share dealing
Please note this service is, at present, only available to shareholders 
resident in certain jurisdictions. The commission is 1% plus a 
charge of £50. In addition, stamp duty, currently 0.5%, is payable 
on purchases. The service is available from 8.00am to 4.30pm 
Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays, on telephone number 
+44 (0) 370 703 0084. Before you trade you will need to 
register for this service. This can be done by going online at 
www.computershare.trade. Shareholders should have their 
SRN ready when making the call. The SRN appears on share 
certificates. A bank debit card will be required for purchases. 
Detailed terms and conditions are available on request by 
telephoning +44 (0) 370 703 0084.

Please note that due to the regulations in the UK, Computershare 
are required to check that you have read and accepted their Terms 
and Conditions before being able to trade, which could delay your 
first telephone trade. If you wish to trade quickly, we suggest visiting 
their website and registering online first.

Share fraud
We would like to warn all of our shareholders to be very wary of 
any unsolicited telephone calls or letters which offer investment 
advice, offer to buy your shares at a discounted price, or sell 
them at an inflated price or offers free company reports. This 
type of call should be treated as an investment scam. Further 
information about investment scams and how they should 
be reported is available on our corporate website at 
www.convatecgroup.com/investors/shareholder-services/. 

Company Secretary and registered office
Clare Bates
3 Forbury Place
23 Forbury Road
Reading RG1 3JH

Registrar
Computershare Investor Services PLC 
The Pavilions 
Bridgwater Road 
Bristol
Telephone +44 (0) 370 703 6219
Email www.investorcentre.co.uk/contactus

Auditor
Deloitte LLP

Brokers
Goldman Sachs International
UBS Limited

Solicitors
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

206
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Annual Report and Accounts 2019

Glossary 

Adjusted free cash flow

Adjusted or alternative 
performance measures 
(“APMs”)

Advanced Wound Care 
(“AWC”)

AGM
APAC
ARC
Articles

Base erosion and profit 
shifting (“BEPS”) initiative

Basic earnings per share

Basis points (“bps”)

Board

Brexit

Compound annual growth 
rate (“CAGR”)

Capital expenditure 
(“capex”)
Cash conversion

Cash-generating units 
(“CGUs”)

CE mark

Cidron Healthcare Limited 
(“CHL”)

Code

Adjusted cash generated from 
operations, net of PP&E and tax paid.
Certain financial measures in this 
Annual Report and Accounts not 
prepared in accordance with IFRS and 
used as a meaningful supplement to 
reported measures.
Advanced wound dressings and skin 
care products for the management of 
acute and chronic wounds resulting 
from ongoing conditions such as 
diabetes and acute conditions resulting 
from traumatic injury and burns.
Annual General Meeting of the Company.
Countries located in Asia-Pacific.
Audit and Risk Committee
The Articles of Association of the 
Company for the time being in force.
OECD initiative which seeks to close 
gaps in international taxation for 
companies that allegedly avoid tax 
or reduce tax burden in their home 
country by engaging in tax inversions.
Net profit available for ConvaTec 
shareholders divided by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares in 
issue during the year.
One hundredth of a percentage point. 
Used, for example, in quoting 
movements in margin percentages.
The Board of Directors of ConvaTec 
Group Plc.
The UK’s withdrawal from the 
European Union.
CAGR shows the rate of return of an 
investment or growth in revenue and 
profit over a certain period of time, 
expressed in annual percentage terms.
Purchases of property, plant and 
equipment and intangible assets.

Cash generated from operations, net of 
PP&E divided by EBITDA.
The smallest identifiable groups of 
assets that generate cash inflows that 
are largely independent of the cash 
inflows from other assets or groups 
of assets.
Certification mark that indicates 
conformity with health, safety, and 
environmental protection standards for 
products sold within the European 
Economic Area.
ConvaTec Group Plc owns the entire 
share capital of CHL. CHL owns the rest 
of the ConvaTec Group, with the 
exception of ConvaTec Management 
Holdings Limited.
UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 
in effect from 1 January 2019, issued by 
the FRC. 

Code of Conduct

Companies Act

Company or parent 
company
Constant exchange rates 
(“CER”) growth

Continence & Critical Care 
(“CCC”)

CELT

CR
Derivatives

Our code of conduct which covers 
business conduct and compliance 
issues, including bribery and corruption.
Companies Act 2006, as amended, 
of England and Wales.
ConvaTec Group Plc.

CER growth is calculated by applying 
the applicable prior period average 
exchange rates to the Group’s actual 
performance in the respective period.
Products and services for people with 
urinary continence issues related to 
spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, 
spina bifida and other causes, and 
devices and products used in intensive 
care units and hospital settings.
ConvaTec Executive Leadership Team 
(see page 6).
Corporate responsibility.
Financial instruments used to reduce 
risk, the price of which is derived from 
an underlying asset, index or rate.

Diluted earnings per share The calculation of diluted earnings per 

share includes the dilutive impact of 
share awards where the average 
market price of the Group’s ordinary 
shares exceeds the exercise price.
A member of the Board of Directors of 
ConvaTec Group Plc.
FCA disclosure guidance and 
transparency rules with which the 
Group must comply.

Adjusted cash generated from 
operations, net of PP&E (see page 66) 
divided by dividend paid (dividend 
payable), excluding the effect of a 
scrip option
Earnings before interest and tax, also 
defined as operating profit.
EBIT divided by revenue.
Earnings before interest, tax, 
depreciation and amortisation.
The tax charge in the income statement 
as a percentage of profit before tax.
Countries located in Europe, Middle 
East and Africa.
European Securities and Markets 
Authority.
The European Union.
US Food and Drug Administration.
The Group has four franchises, being 
Advanced Wound Care, Ostomy Care, 
Continence & Critical Care and 
Infusion Care.
Financial Reporting Council.
Foreign exchange.
General Data Protection Regulation.
Greenhouse gas emissions.

Director

Disclosure guidance and 
transparency rules 
(“DTRs”)
Dividend cover

EBIT or operating profit

EBIT margin
EBITDA

Effective tax rate

EMEA

ESMA

EU
FDA
Franchises

FRC
FX
GDPR
GHG emissions

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 02Governance – 68Financial statements – 137Additional information – 206Organic growth

Organisational Health 
Index (“OHI”)
Ostomy Care (“OC”)

PBT
PP&E
QARAC

R&D

ROIC
SID
SKU
SNC
Sterling, £, pence or p

Subsidiary

Transformation Initiative

TSR
UKLA
US dollar, $, cent or ¢

Viability Period

Period over period growth at CER, 
excluding M&A activities.
An index tracking the organisational 
elements that drive performance.

Devices, accessories and services for 
people with a stoma (surgically-created 
opening where bodily waste is 
discharged), commonly resulting from 
causes such as colorectal cancer, 
inflammatory bowel disease and 
bladder cancer.
Profit before income taxes.
Property, plant and equipment.
The Group’s Quality, Assurance, 
Regulatory Affairs and Clinical function.
The research and development of safe 
and reliable products and technologies.
Return on invested capital.
Senior Independent Director.
Stock keeping unit
Special nomination committee
The pound sterling, the currency of 
the UK.
A company over which the Group 
exercises control.
Initiatives and associated investment 
focused on transforming the business to 
deliver sustainable and profitable growth.
Total shareholder return.
The UK’s Listing Authority.
The currency of the United States 
of America.
The three-year period from January 
2020 to December 2022.

Glossary
continued

Group
GPO
H&S
Home Services Group 
(“HSG”)

IASB

IFRS

IFRIC

Infusion Care (“IC”)

IP
IPO
IR
KPI – Key Performance 
Indicator

LIBOR
LEAN manufacturing

Leverage ratio
LTIP
M&A
MAR
MDR

Medium term
Medium to long term
MedTech
MIP
Net debt

NHS
OECD

Opex

The Company and its subsidiaries.
Group purchasing organisations.
Health and safety.
The Group’s US home services 
business unit for catheter and 
incontinence products. Formerly Home 
Distribution Group.
International Accounting Standards 
Board – the independent standard 
setting body of the IFRS Foundation.
International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the EU and 
as issued by the IASB.
International Financial Reporting 
Interpretations as adopted by the EU 
and as issued by the IASB.
Disposable infusion sets for diabetes 
insulin pumps, similar pumps used in 
continuous infusion treatments for 
conditions such as Parkinson’s disease 
and a range of products for hospital and 
home healthcare markets.
Intellectual property.
Initial public offering.
Investor relations.
Financial and non-financial measures 
that the Group uses to assess 
performance and strategic progress.
London Inter-bank Offered Rate
Methodology employed by the Group in 
the manufacturing process to improve 
operational efficiency by maximising 
productivity and minimising waste.
Net debt divided by adjusted EBITDA.
Long-term incentive plan.
Mergers and acquisitions.
Market abuse regulation.
Medical Device Regulations introduced 
in the EU with required transition by 
May 2020. MDR imposes rigorous 
requirements in relation to a number 
of areas including clinical data and 
post-market surveillance.
The period covering two to three years.
The period covering three to five years.
Medical technology.
Margin Improvement Programme.
Borrowings less cash and cash 
equivalents.
The UK National Health Service.
Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development.
Operating expenses, being the total 
of selling and distribution expenses, 
general administrative expenses and 
research and development, and other 
operating expenses.

208
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Important information for readers of this Annual Report

Third-party data
To the extent available, the industry and market data contained in 
this Annual Report has come from third-party sources. Third-party 
industry publications, studies and surveys generally state that the 
data contained therein has been obtained from sources believed 
to be reliable, but that there is no guarantee of the accuracy or 
completeness of such data. In addition, certain industry and market 
data in this Annual Report came from the Group’s own internal 
research and estimates based on the knowledge and experience 
of the Group’s management in the market in which the Group 
operates. While the Group believes that such research and estimates 
are reasonable and reliable, they, and their underlying methodology 
and assumptions, have not been verified by any independent source 
for accuracy or completeness and are subject to change without 
notice. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on any of 
the industry or market data in this Annual Report.

ConvaTec website
Information on or accessible through our website 
www.convatecgroup.com and other websites mentioned in this 
Annual Report, does not form part of and is not incorporated into 
this Annual Report.

Figures
Figures in parentheses in tables and in the Financial Statements are 
used to represent negative numbers. 

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
The purpose of this Annual Report is to provide information to the 
members of the Company. The Group and its Directors, employees, 
agents and advisors do not accept or assume responsibility to any 
other person to whom this Annual Report is shown or into whose 
hands it may come and any such responsibility or liability is expressly 
disclaimed. In order, among other things, to utilise the “safe harbour” 
provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995 
and the UK Companies Act 2006, we are providing the following 
cautionary statement: This Annual Report contains statements that 
are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking” statements with 
respect to the operations, performance and financial condition of 
the Group, including among other things, statements about 
expected revenues, margins, earnings per share or other financial 
or other measures. Forward-looking statements are statements 
relating to the future which are based on information available at the 
time such statements are made, including information relating to 
risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that the forward-
looking statements in this Annual Report are based on reasonable 
assumptions, the matters discussed in the forward-looking 
statements may be influenced by factors that could cause actual 
outcomes and results to be materially different from those 
expressed or implied by these statements, many of which are 
beyond the Group’s control. The forward-looking statements reflect 
knowledge and information available at the date of the preparation 
of this Annual Report and the Group undertakes no obligation to 
update these forward-looking statements. We identify the forward-
looking statements by using the words “anticipates”, “believes”, 
“expects”, “intends” and similar expressions in such statements. 
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially 
from those contained in forward-looking statements, certain of 
which are beyond our control include, among other things, those 
factors identified in the Principal Risks section which begins on 
page 28. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future 
performance and the actual results of operations, financial condition 
and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which the 
Group operates, may differ materially from those made or suggested 
by the forward-looking statements set out in this Annual Report. 
Past performance of the Group cannot be relied on as a guide to 
future performance. Nothing in this Annual Report should be 
construed as a profit forecast.

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The printer is a Carbon Neutral Printing Company and reduces its CO2 emissions 
to net zero in accordance with The Carbon Neutral Protocol.

Some of the photographs in this Annual Report and Accounts show our 
employees and facilities.

© 2020 ConvaTec Inc
®⁄™ All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

ConvaTec Group Plc
3 Forbury Place
23 Forbury Road
Reading
RG1 3JH

T: + 44 (0) 118 952 8100
www.convatecgroup.com

Company No: 10361298