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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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FY2020 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 2020

Contents

Overview
01 

Introduction
Financial highlights 
02  Our business at a glance

Strategic report
04  Chairman’s letter
06  Chief Executive Officer’s review
10  COVID 19 – How we responded
12  Our strategy
18  Our key performance indicators
20  Our market environment
26  Our business model
28  Operational review 
38  Responsible business review 

including Section 172 and Non-
financial information statements

62  Financial review
72  Risk management and our 

principal risks
80  Viability statement

Governance
82  Governance report at a glance
83  Chairman’s governance letter
85  Board statements and how we have 

applied the Code

90  Board of Directors
92  Board leadership and company 

purpose

99  Division of responsibilities
100  Composition, succession and 

evaluation

103  Nomination Committee report
105  Audit and Risk Committee report 
117  Directors’ Remuneration report
139  Directors’ report
142  Directors’ responsibilities statement

Financial statements
144  Consolidated Financial Statements 
189  Non-IFRS financial information
195  ConvaTec Group Plc Company 

Financial Statements

204  Independent auditor’s report

Other information
213  Additional information
214  Glossary

Introduction

Despite COVID-19 creating 
unprecedented challenges across 
the world, our employees have 
responded in an outstanding way 
and we have continued to serve and 
support the people who rely on our 
products and services. 

We delivered a solid financial 
performance in 2020 and have 
continued to make good progress 
with our strategic transformation. 

Karim Bitar
Chief Executive Officer

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 189 to 194.

2.   Adjusted EBIT is equivalent to adjusted operating profit as reconciled on  

pages 191 to 192.

01
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Financial highlights1

Revenue
$1,894m 3.7%
2020

2019

Operating profit
$211.0m 117.8%
2020

2019

$96.9m

Adjusted EBIT2
$350.2m -1.2%
2020

2019

Adjusted EBIT margin
18.5%
2020

2019

Earnings per share
5.7c
2020

2019 0.5c 

Adjusted earnings per share
12.1c
2020

2019

$1,894m

$1,827m

$211.0m

$350.2m

$354.3m

18.5%

19.4%

5.7c

12.1c

11.8c

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Our business at a glance

We are a MedTech business focused on the 
structurally-growing chronic care market.

What we do

Our categories

We develop and produce innovative medical solutions that give 
people living with chronic conditions confidence, freedom and 
mobility. We offer a range of services to support these people 
and the healthcare professionals who care for them. 

We market and sell our solutions and services in four categories: 
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. 

Our vision
Pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives 
we touch.

Our values
Our vision and values shape our culture and behaviours, determine 
how we do business and underpin our strategy. 

Advanced Wound Care (“AWC”)

Ostomy Care (“OC”)

Advanced dressings for the 
management of acute and 
chronic wounds resulting 
from ongoing conditions, 
such as diabetes, and acute 
conditions resulting from 
traumatic injury and burns. 

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.

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. 
Plus devices and products 
used in intensive care units 
and hospital settings.

Disposable infusion sets for 
diabetes insulin pumps, or for 
pumps used in continuous 
subcutaneous infusion 
treatments for conditions 
such as Parkinson’s disease.

Infusion Care (“IC”)

02
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Scale of our business

Group reported revenue by category

1.   Advanced Wound Care:  

28.9% $546.8m 

2.   Ostomy Care:  
27.8% $525.9m

3.   Continence & Critical Care:  

26.3% $498.6m

4.   Infusion Care:  
17.0% $323.0m

1.

4.

$1,894m

2.

3.

Group reported revenue by geography

1.   EMEA:  

38.6% $731.4m

2.   Americas:  

53.6% $1,015.4m

3.   APAC:  

7.8% $147.5m

3.

1.

$1,894m

2.

Number of countries we operate in 100+

Key markets

12

Number of employees

9,900+

Number of manufacturing operations

9

03
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Chairman’s letter

 “We have continued to make good progress and 
our strategy to pivot to sustainable and profitable 
growth is on track.”

Dr John McAdam CBE
Chairman

Dear Shareholder
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges and 
tested many aspects of our daily lives. In these extraordinary times 
our employees around the world have responded in an outstanding 
way. Their resilience, pragmatism and adaptability have enabled us 
to continue to serve and support the people who use our products 
and services, deliver solid 2020 financial results and progress our 
strategic transformation. On behalf of the Board, I would like to 
extend our sincere thanks to all our people. 

2020 performance
Notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic, we delivered a solid 
financial performance. Revenue of $1,894.3 million increased 
3.7% on a reported basis and 4.0% on a constant currency basis. 
Operating profit was $211.0 million on a reported basis and 
$350.2 million on an adjusted basis. Adjusted EBIT margin declined 
c.90bps to 18.5% owing to the strategic transformation investment. 
Cash flow from operations remained robust with adjusted cash 
conversion at 90.3%. 

Dividend
Despite the uncertainty COVID-19 continues to create, our business 
is continuing to make good progress. Taking account of this, the 
potential of the Group over the medium to long term, its strong 
financial position, the Group’s strategic objectives and the interests 
of stakeholders, the Board is proposing a final dividend of 3.983 
cents per share in respect of 2020, subject to shareholder approval 
at our Annual General Meeting on 7 May 2021. This is in addition to 
the Company’s interim dividend of 1.717 cents per share, which was 
declared on 6 August 2020. We are therefore proposing a total 
2020 dividend of 5.7 cents per share, in line with the prior year.

Board changes and governance
There have been a number of changes to the composition of the 
Board during the year. Ros Rivaz stepped down at the end of August 
2020. She had been a member of the Board for over three years 
and, on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank her for her 
significant contribution. Further, we appointed three independent 
Non-Executive Directors to enhance our healthcare, financial and 
innovation expertise. 

Brian May joined us with effect from 2 March 2020. Most recently 
he was Chief Financial Officer of Bunzl plc from 2006 to 2019 
where he oversaw significant strategic growth initiatives. Brian has 
extensive financial and international business experience together 
with a detailed understanding of the challenges and opportunities 
that arise as a result of transformational change. 

Heather Mason became a Board member with effect from 1 July 
2020. Heather spent 27 years with Abbott Laboratories where she 
held a number of global executive general management roles, and 
has deep healthcare sector knowledge. 

Professor Constantin Coussios joined the Board with effect from 
1 September 2020. Constantin is the Director of the Institute of 
Biomedical Engineering at the University of Oxford. As we increase 
our focus on R&D and innovation, his expertise in biomedical 
engineering and his first-hand experience of successfully developing 
innovative products from concept through to commercialisation will 
be invaluable. 

04
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Further biographical information about Brian, Heather, Constantin 
and our other Board members, is set out on pages 90 and 91.

Culture, stakeholders and responsible business
Our clear vision, which encapsulates our purpose and ambition, 
together with our values, reflects the culture we aspire to foster. 
Work to embed our vision and values across the Group has 
continued and I am pleased to report that feedback from our annual 
employee Organisational Health Index survey (see page 47) indicates 
that an increasing number of our people have a better 
understanding of our vision, strategy and values.

During the year we also continued to ensure that our boardroom 
discussions take account of our stakeholders’ issues. Information 
about how we factored these issues into our decision-making 
process is set out on pages 97 and 98.

In March 2020 we strengthened our governance arrangements 
in relation to our responsible business programme. At that time 
oversight of our strategy in this area and the programme to 
implement it transferred to the Board. Our activities in this area 
during the year are described on page 95. They include receiving 
regular updates from members of the ConvaTec Executive 
Leadership Team (“CELT”), and our advisers, on developing trends 
in environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) disclosure and 
proposed 2021 initiatives to address some of these trends.

In 2020 we made progress against a number of our published 
sustainability targets (see page 43); however our planned 2020 
review of our responsible business strategy was delayed. In 2021 
we are introducing an ESG steering team. This team will be led by 
the Chief Executive Officer and its composition will include at least 
six members of the CELT. The ESG steering team’s remit will include 
reviewing and developing our ESG strategy, reviewing and revising 
our sustainability targets, examining the latest trends in ESG and 
enhancing our disclosures in line with the recommendations of the 
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”). The 
team will update the Board regularly as it continues to oversee and 
monitor the development of this important area.

Looking forward
2020 has demonstrated the resilience and agility of our business. 
We have continued to make good progress and our strategy to pivot 
to sustainable and profitable growth is on track. This performance, 
together with increasing market opportunities, position us well for 
the future.

Finally, I would like to thank our shareholders for their ongoing 
support as we pivot our business to deliver sustainable and 
profitable growth.

Dr John McAdam CBE
Chairman
4 March 2021

Governance highlights

A summary of the activities of the Board and its committees during the period is detailed below. 

The Board

 – Approved strategic plan and reviewed its implementation.
 – Approved disposal of US Skincare product line.
 – Reviewed reports from COVID-19 Rapid Response Team.

Board leadership and company purpose.  
See pages 92 to 98.

 – Recommended Brian May, Heather Mason and Constantin 

Coussios appointments.

 – Reviewed and adjusted the composition of the Board’s 

committees.

 – Monitored the ongoing development of diversity and inclusion 

initiatives across the Group.

Nomination Committee report.  
See pages 103 and 104.

 – Regular and extensive reviews of the impact of COVID-19 on the 

Group’s business, strategy, risk management and control 
framework and associated accounting judgements and 
estimates. 

 – Consideration of the Viability statement. 
 – Review of the tax implications of the changes to the Group’s 

operating model.

Audit and Risk Committee report.  
See pages 105 to 116.

 – Finalised and implemented 2020 Remuneration Policy.
 – Ensured remuneration arrangements continue to support culture 

and strategic ambition.

 – Considered remuneration arrangements in light of ongoing 
impact of COVID-19 pandemic to ensure alignment with 
stakeholders’ interests.

Directors’ Remuneration report.  
See pages 117 to 138.

Nomination Committee

Audit and Risk Committee

Remuneration Committee

05
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s review

 “We are excited about the opportunities available 
to the Group and committed to our transformation 
to pivot to sustainable and profitable growth.”

Karim Bitar
Chief Executive Officer

The pandemic created both challenges and opportunities 
for ConvaTec in 2020. Parts of our business were negatively 
impacted, with a sharp reduction in surgeries and restricted 
access to hospitals, whilst other parts benefitted as COVID-19 
stimulated incremental demand. 

The overall impact of COVID-19 was broadly neutral on the topline. 
From a profit perspective we incurred some additional costs owing 
to the pandemic although costs such as travel and advertising and 
sales promotion were lower than normal and we chose to adopt 
prudent cost management during a year of uncertainty. We also 
made the decision to proactively re-phase certain investments 
into 2021.

ConvaTec has continued to make good progress with our strategic 
transformation programme. It is testament to the talent and 
commitment of ConvaTec colleagues that these significant changes 
and numerous initiatives were achieved whilst simultaneously 
responding to the difficulties of COVID-19. In spite of the decision 
to defer some investment the transformation remains on track.

Our growth prospects are attractive
ConvaTec operates principally in attractive, structurally-growing 
chronic care markets where there is long-term demand for our 
products and services. Market growth rates are expected to be 
approximately 4% p.a. in the medium term. See page 20.

Trends that are being seen in the wider healthcare market create 
both opportunities and challenges for our organisation. We are 
assessing these trends and looking to effectively differentiate our 
offering as we strive to seize the opportunities created and mitigate 
any risks. See pages 21 to 25.

We are a medical technology solutions company serving a diverse 
set of chronic care categories which provides resilience. Importantly 
there are fundamental synergies across categories in terms of: 
consumer orientation; material science and design; high quality 
and volume manufacturing; distribution channel knowledge and 
geographic presence.

Our response to COVID-19
Throughout this pandemic our priority has been to safeguard our 
employees’ health and wellbeing and to support and protect the 
patients and care givers we serve.

In March we established a dedicated Rapid Response Team. 
This forum, that I chaired and which included experts from all parts 
of the Group, ensured speedy, collaborative and pragmatic decision-
making and execution. It was instrumental in helping us adapt to the 
new environment we find ourselves in and to continue to progress 
our strategic transformation. See pages 10 and 11.

In the latter part of the year we transitioned from the Rapid 
Response Team to a New Normal Oversight Team that has been 
focusing on ensuring the Group remains well positioned for 
long-term, sustainable and profitable growth.

I am proud of how the business responded to the challenges of the 
pandemic. We introduced detailed processes and protocols to 
protect our employees and strengthen the resilience of our supply 
chain in order to respond to our customer needs and elevated levels 
of demands. I have also been pleased with the agility the business 
has shown as it embraced the digital interface both with our 
customers and internally.

2020 Financial performance
The benefits of our portfolio serving diverse categories coupled 
with strong operational performance was evident in this year’s 
results. Notwithstanding the significant negative impact of 
COVID-19 on our largest business, Advanced Wound Care (“AWC”), 
strong growth in Infusion Care (“IC”) and Continence & Critical Care 
(“CCC”) together with limited growth in Ostomy Care (“OC”) 
performance enabled us to exceed our revenue guidance.

Group reported revenue of $1,894.3 million (2019: $1,827.2 million) 
rose 3.7% year-on-year or 4.0% on a constant currency basis 
including the disposal of the US Skincare product line (which 
contributed $6.2 million in Q4 2019) and the acquisition of 
Southlake Medical (which contributed $2.7 million in 2020). 

To further strengthen our leadership position and achieve our full 
potential we will vigorously pursue our Focus, Innovate, Simplify, 
Build, Execute (“FISBE”) strategy. See panel on the adjacent page.

More information about performance in each of our categories 
can be found in the Operational review on pages 28 to 37.

06
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Reported operating profit was $211.0 million (2019: $96.9 million). 
The adjusted operating profit for the year was $350.2 million which 
included adverse foreign exchange of $7.3 million. This was broadly 
in line with the prior year $354.3 million, with an adjusted operating 
margin of 18.5% (2019: 19.4%). The 3.7% growth in revenue, slight 
improvement in gross margin, prudent costs management and 
savings on travel and expenses during the pandemic, were offset by 
the strategic transformation investments of $92.5 million (2019: 
$52.7 million) and investment in Medical Device Regulation (“MDR”) 
of $14.0 million (2019: $5.2 million).

Adjusted net profit rose 3.7% to $240.5 million (2019: $232.0 million) 
with the $25.2 million reduction in net finance expense partially 
offset by $12.6 million increase in adjusted tax expense. As anticipated 
the adjusted effective tax rate (“ETR”) rose from 16.0% to 19.1% 
reflecting a change in the overall profit mix and movements in local 
tax rates. 

Reported net profit increased to $112.5 million (2019: $9.8 million) 
generating basic reported EPS of 5.7 cents (2019: 0.5 cents).

Basic adjusted EPS was 12.1 cents (2019: 11.8 cents) and the diluted 
adjusted EPS was 12.0 cents (2019: 11.7 cents) based on basic 
weighted average ordinary shares of 1.992 billion (2019: 1.971 billion) 
and 2.007 billion diluted shares (2019: 1.976 billion) respectively.

Cash flow remained robust with adjusted cash conversion at 90.3% 
(2019: 97.9%). This change principally reflects higher levels of capex 
investment. Reported cash conversion was 99.0% (2019: 101.0%).

Net debt (excluding leases) reduced to $891.0 million (2019: 
$1,100.3 million) resulting in an improvement in the Group’s net 
debt/adjusted EBITDA ratio to 2.0x (2019: 2.5x).

For more detail see the Financial review on pages 62 to 71.

Pivoting to sustainable and 
profitable growth

Throughout this Annual Report we provide updates on how we 
are implementing our FISBE strategy.

Focus

on ‘must-win’ markets and categories

Innovate

in our work and solutions

Simplify

our operations

Build

‘mission-critical’ capabilities

Execute

with excellence

2020 strategic highlights
 – Strengthening the leadership team.
 – Embedding our new operating model.
 – Increasing investment in R&D. 
 – Establishing Centres of Excellence (“CoE”).
 – Setting up our Global Business Service centre.
 – Divesting the US Skincare product line.

Our strategy
See pages 12 to 17.

07
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213 
Chief Executive Officer’s review
continued

Pivoting to sustainable and profitable growth
This time last year I published our new vision, which encompasses 
our purpose: Pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the 
lives we touch. I also communicated how we would pivot to 
sustainable and profitable growth by executing our FISBE strategy. 
See page 12.

Notwithstanding the pandemic we have made good strategic 
progress this year. On pages 13 to 17 I detail the progress we have 
made under each of our strategic pillars.

During the course of the year we decided to proactively re-phase 
certain investments, given the pandemic and the implications for 
execution and returns. We pushed forward with increased impetus 
in certain areas, such as enhancing our digital capabilities, whilst 
delaying spend in others to reflect the uncertain environment. 
In total we invested $130.7 million in our strategic transformation 
in 2020 comprising of: 
 – $50.6 million of non-recurring operational investment 

(2019: $39.4 million).

 – $41.9 million of recurring operational investment 

(2019: $13.3 million).

 – An additional $12.2 million of costs to be excluded from adjusted 

EBIT (2019: $4.3 million).

 – $26.0 million of capex (2019: $23.0 million).

We also invested $14.0 million in MDR during the year 
(2019: $5.2 million).

Notwithstanding the deferral of some recurring transformation 
investments into 2021 we continue to expect annual gross benefits 
in 2021 of c.$130-150 million. After 2021 we do not expect to 
disclose transformation investments separately as the non-recurring 
elements should be largely complete. Additional investments, as we 
further refine the shape of our income statement, will be part of the 
ongoing operational decisions of the business as we continue to 
pivot to sustainable and profitable growth.

Sustainability 
We intend to become a more sustainable business and to 
contribute to the global sustainability agenda, in particular through 
the support this approach brings to several of the UN Sustainable 
Development Goals.

In 2020 we made progress against a number of our published 
sustainability targets. We are pleased with these achievements given 
the pandemic, the number of leadership changes and the scale of 
the transformation taking place in the business. However much 
remains to be done and we go into 2021 with renewed focus in 
this area.

In 2021 we are introducing a CELT-led ESG steering team which 
I will lead. We will review our progress against our ESG programme, 
review and revise targets and enhance our TCFD disclosures. 
We will also review how sustainability can be further embedded 
systematically into our R&D pipeline and associated processes. 
Furthermore, in the area of quality and operations we see 
opportunities to improve our environmental impact in areas such 
as packaging and carbon emissions. We will focus on these 
opportunities as we seek to continue to raise the bar higher. 

Group 2021 outlook 
The fundamentals of the business are attractive. The Group is 
principally a diversified chronic care business with strong brands and 
differentiated products, holding leading market positions in large and 
structurally-growing markets.

In 2021 we anticipate organic revenue growth of 3-4.5%. We expect 
a broadly similar growth performance in Ostomy Care to 2020 
whilst Infusion Care is expected to deliver strong growth against the 
tough prior year comparatives. We expect AWC to return to growth 
whilst CCC will slow as the revenues for Critical Care decline as 
COVID-19 recedes against the tough comparatives. The timing and 
magnitude of the Critical Care and AWC movements will depend 
upon the persistence of COVID-19 and how quickly access to 
healthcare settings normalise.

Constant currency adjusted EBIT margin in 2021 is expected to be 
between 18% and 19.5%, including c.$35 million of non-recurring 
transformation investment, c.$75 million of recurring transformation 
investment and c.$15 million of costs related to the ongoing 
implementation of MDR. In addition, we expect c.$10-15 million in 
termination expenses associated with the strategic transformation, 
these will be excluded from our non-IFRS financial measures in line 
with our policy.

In 2021, based on prevailing rates, we expect interest expense of 
c.$40-45 million and an effective tax rate of between 18-20%. 
We also expect to increase capital expenditure to $100-120 million 
as we add further manufacturing capacity, gradually increase the 
level of automation, continue to invest in IT/digital and prepare for 
the launch of new products.

We are excited about the opportunities available to the Group and 
remain committed to our transformation to pivot to sustainable and 
profitable growth. 

We have made good progress stabilising the business in 2020 and 
strengthening its foundations. We will focus on accelerating future 
revenue and operating profit growth. I look forward to updating you 
further later in the year.

Karim Bitar
Chief Executive Officer
4 March 2021

08
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

ConvaTec Executive Leadership 
Team (“CELT”)

Role
The CELT is responsible for the management 
and performance of the Group across its 
business units and global functions matrix.

2020 focus areas 
– Execution of FISBE strategy.
– Implementation of new operating model.
–  COVID-19 rapid response and “new normal”

planning.

– Delivery of business plan.

CELT member biographical information is available at  
www.convatecgroup.com.

09
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Frank Schulkes
Chief Financial Officer

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

Dr Divakar Ramakrishnana
Chief Technology Officer

Mani Gopald
President and Chief Operating 
Officer, Global Ostomy Care

Natalia Kozminab
Executive Vice President, 
Chief Human Resources Officer

Kjersti Grimsrud 
President and Chief Operating 
Officer, Global Continence Care

Evelyn Douglasc
Executive Vice President, Chief of 
Corporate Strategy and Business 
Development 

Seth Segele
President, Home Services Group

Adam Deutsch
Executive Vice President, Chief 
Transformation Officer and General 
Counsel

John Lindskog
President and Chief Operating 
Officer, Global Infusion Care

Donal Balfe 
Executive Vice President, 
Global Quality and Operations

Supratim Bose
President and Chief Operating 
Officer, Global Emerging Markets

a.  Joined ConvaTec and the CELT on 21 January 2020.
b.  Joined ConvaTec and the CELT on 1 June 2020.
c.  Joined ConvaTec and the CELT on 2 November 2020. 
d.  Joined ConvaTec and the CELT on 13 January 2020.
e.  Joined the CELT on 1 January 2020.

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213COVID-19 – How we responded

In March 2020 we 
established a dedicated 
Rapid Response Team.

Led by our CEO, and 
including experts from 
all parts of the Group, 
this forum has ensured 
speedy, collaborative 
and pragmatic 
decision making. 

It has been instrumental 
in helping us adapt to the 
new environment we 
find ourselves in and to 
continue to progress our 
strategic transformation.

10
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Our key work streams

People
Across our operations we have adjusted work practices including 
implementation of social distancing and hygiene protocols and 
associated training and certification to support these initiatives. 
Personal protective equipment is provided at our manufacturing 
sites and, as soon as practicable, we introduced antigen testing for 
site visitors and employees who need it as part of contact tracing. 
We responded rapidly with all office-based colleagues becoming 
remote workers and drove access and adoption of IT tools to 
support the change, ensuring that our controls remained effective. 
These enhanced IT tools have also facilitated communication with 
colleagues and increased access to online training. We have not 
furloughed any employees nor taken advantage of any other 
governmental COVID-19 support programmes available. Utilising 
our “MyConvaTec” app we have maintained real-time two-way 
communications with our people and enhanced our employee 
support network during this challenging time. We continue 
to respond quickly to evolving local government restrictions and 
requirements with the overriding focus being the wellbeing of 
our colleagues.

Supply chain
To ensure the continued supply of our products, our global quality 
and operations team has been working closely across our sites to 
maintain production capability. We are liaising regularly with our 
supply chain partners, including third-party manufacturers, to 
ensure the sustainability of supply. Overall delivery to wholesalers, 
distributors, hospitals and patients has not been interrupted and 
we believe that the initiatives we are deploying have strengthened 
the resilience of our supply chain.

Customers
Finding ways to interact with our customers in different and 
innovative ways was another key priority. We have accelerated 
investment in our digital capabilities, and are using digital channels 
and social media to communicate with customers, hospitals and 
clinicians. These channels are complementing face-to-face 
interactions as access to healthcare facilities returns. 
Furthermore, we are investing in the advancement of 
e-commerce platforms to facilitate customer purchasing and 
delivery of products. 

Financial liquidity
We monitored our cash position on a daily basis. We are a cash 
generative business with adjusted cash conversion of 90.3%. This, 
together with an undrawn revolving credit facility of $200 million, 
provided the Group with $774.3 million of liquidity at the end of 
January 2021 and liquidity has remained strong during February.

Medical
Led by our Chief Medical Officer we have closely monitored the 
developing scientific understanding of COVID-19, government 
regulations and the impact of evolving regulations on our 
people and the care givers we serve. We have also tracked cases 
within our colleagues versus local population trends. All of this 
science- based analysis has guided our response to the challenges 
of COVID-19. 

11
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Our strategy

Notwithstanding COVID-19 we have made good 
progress with our strategic transformation. We have 
strengthened the Group’s foundations and began 
our journey to sustainable and profitable growth.

Our strategic pillars

Focus
Focus on key categories and markets.

s
u
c
o
F

Execute

I n n o v a t e

Through implementation 
of our five-pillar strategy 
we are focused on pivoting 
to sustainable and 
profitable growth.

Build

S

i

m

p

l
i
f

y

Innovate
Invest 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.

Simplify
Simplify and strengthen our operations 
by having a more customer-centric and 
agile operating model with improved 
accountability.

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

Execute
Execute with excellence across the Group 
by instilling a culture of execution via the 
Transformation Execution Office.

KPIs
Our KPIs measure delivery of our strategy. See pages 18 and 19.

Risks
We manage our risks to maximise opportunities to deliver our 
strategy. See pages 72 to 79.

12
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

 
 
Strategic developments to 
date and future priorities

Becoming more 
focused

We are focusing on four categories in 12 key 
markets that include the US and China. 

Progress in 2020 
We are concentrating our efforts on key markets 
and categories. During 2020 we successfully 
disposed of the US Skincare product line for 
$29.6 million and exited 26 markets where our 
presence had been subscale and not sufficiently 
profitable. This has reduced commercial and 
supply chain complexity. We are also rationalising 
elements of our product portfolio, for example, 
in Ostomy Care.

From a markets perspective, during 2020 we 
stepped up our investment in China, a key market 
going forward. We embedded a new leadership 
team and although we delayed expansion of the 
salesforce in the early part of the pandemic, by the 
end of the year we had doubled our presence in 
China to more than 300 employees.

Priorities for 2021
Our main priority in 2021 will be to accelerate 
growth in our key markets. We are investing to 
further grow our Chinese presence and to enhance 
our commercial execution in the US. We will 
continue to strengthen our competitive position by 
evaluating potential partnerships and acquisitions. 
Meanwhile our product rationalisation programme 
will continue through 2021.

13
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Strategic developments to date and future priorities
continued

Enhancing our 
R&D capabilities

We are investing to strengthen our 
R&D capabilities.

Progress in 2020
ConvaTec has historically underinvested in R&D. 
We are now significantly increasing our spend in this 
area. 2020 R&D spend increased by $27.4 million 
to 4.3% of revenue (2019: 2.9%), some of which 
relates to higher MDR spend of $14.0 million 
(2019: $5.2 million). Going forward we see further 
opportunities to increase our investment to 
strengthen our innovation capabilities and 
improve our cycle time. Despite this historical 
underinvestment we have continued to make 
progress during 2020 and our recent launches, 
such as the MiniMed™ Mio™ Advance/Neria™ 
Guard infusion set and ConvaMax™ superabsorber 
have been gaining traction. 

During the year Dr Divakar Ramakrishnan, who 
joined ConvaTec in January 2020, created a new 
“Technology and Innovation” function, reorganising 
the function and conducting a strategic review. 
This has led to changes in the structure of the 
team, the augmentation of capabilities with new 
key hires coupled with the creation of an innovation 
centre in Boston. 

Priorities for 2021
During 2021 we will focus on embedding our new 
leadership team and further strengthening our 
capabilities. We intend to roll out a single uniform 
new product development and launch process 
across all categories and will progress our pipeline. 
Extended wear infusion sets are expected to 
launch in 2021 and we will prepare for our 
ConvaFoam™ launch in 2022. We will also continue 
to progress the development of our male and 
female GentleCath™ compact catheter offerings 
whilst continuing to work on refreshing the 
ostomy portfolio.

14
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Simplifying our 
business

We have introduced a more customer-centric and 
agile operating model to improve accountability 
and strengthen our organisation.

Progress in 2020
We are migrating from a complex country-led 
matrix organisation to a new operating model 
which offers both improved proximity to the 
patient and care givers supported by global 
functional expertise. This new model is now being 
embedded across the organisation. It is testament 
to the adaptability of our people that they have 
adopted these changes whilst also adapting to 
remote working during a pandemic. 

During the year we also successfully created a new 
Global Business Services (“GBS”) centre in Lisbon, 
Portugal. Established in May the team includes over 
140 people, who have been onboarded remotely 
during the pandemic. Notwithstanding these 
unusual circumstances we have now successfully 
transitioned the majority of our historic shared 
services locations into this single hub in Lisbon 
together with transactional finance activity from 
certain European markets and some IT service 
support. This newly formed team has already 
identified and delivered further process 
improvements, sharing best practice and driving 
efficiencies, including the use of robotics. 

Priorities for 2021
During 2021 we will continue to migrate activities 
into the GBS and embed our finance business 
partnering approach for optimised insight. We will 
also look to streamline processes in additional 
areas during the year.

15
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Strategic developments to date and future priorities
continued

Building core 
capabilities

We are building critical core capabilities across 
the Group.

Progress in 2020
We are building core capabilities across the value 
chain. During 2020 we made four key hires to the 
ConvaTec Executive Leadership team (“CELT”): in 
January, as well as Dr Divakar Ramakrishnan joining 
as our Chief Technology Officer we welcomed Mani 
Gopal as President and Chief Operating Officer of 
Ostomy Care. In June Natalia Kozmina joined as 
Chief Human Resources Officer and in November 
Evy Douglas joined as Chief of Corporate Strategy 
and Business Development. We have also 
strengthened the leadership team in key areas 
such as quality, regulatory, marketing, medical and 
product development. 

In 2020 we created our Salesforce Excellence and 
Marketing Centres of Excellence (“CoE”) and both 
are starting to roll out initiatives to improve these 
capabilities across the Group.

Our latest Organisational Health Index survey, 
conducted in November, showed significant 
improvement in our overall score. Within this the 
survey suggests that our people welcomed our 
investment in skills, core processes and systems. 
Overall participation in learning programmes 
increased 300% compared to 2019.

Priorities for 2021
During 2021 we will continue to strengthen our 
sales and marketing activities with a particular 
focus on digital interactions. We will further 
embed the marketing CoE, roll out our common 
Customer Relationship Management (“CRM”) 
platform more widely and seek to strengthen 
our commercial performance.

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ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Executing with 
excellence

We are instilling execution discipline via our 
Transformation Execution Office (“TEO”). 

Progress in 2020
Our TEO is now well established and is continuing 
to drive a culture of execution excellence across 
the organisation. The team helped develop and 
monitor over 100 initiatives during the year 
ensuring that deliverables are on track and that 
people are held accountable.

Many of these initiatives have been delivered by 
our Global Quality & Operations function. Examples 
include savings at the facilities with initiatives on 
material and scrap, bringing certain production 
in-house, and working with procurement to identify 
and deliver savings.

Priorities for 2021
In 2021 we will continue to embed the execution 
excellence methodology for maximum impact. 
We will also increase the number of employees 
who have completed our “Ability to Execute” 
training module. 

17
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Our key performance indicators

We use a mix of financial and non-financial metrics 
to measure delivery of our strategy.

Group revenue growth1 
%

Adjusted EBIT margin2 
%

2020

2019

2018

$1,894.3m

$1,827.2m

$1,832.1m

+4.0%

+2.4%

+2.7%

2020

2019

2018

18.5%

19.4%

23.4%

Metric
Group revenue growth compares the revenue 
generated from the sale of the Group’s products 
in the current year with the prior year.

Relevance to strategy 
Group revenue performance reflects the growth 
of our business and our progress towards 
achieving our ambition/target of delivering 4%+ 
revenue growth year-on-year.

Metric
Adjusted EBIT margin is equivalent to adjusted 
operating profit as reconciled on pages 191 
and 192.

Relevance to strategy 
Adjusted EBIT margin reflects how effectively we 
are running our business – a key factor if we are 
to deliver sustainable and profitable growth.

Focus 

Innovate  Build

Focus 

Innovate  Build

2020 performance
– 4.0% increase on constant currency basis. 
–  AWC revenues declined 3.8% due to the 

COVID-19 impact.

–  Ostomy Care revenues grew 1.2%, driven by 

strong performance in APAC and Latin America. 

–  CCC revenues grew 9.3% driven by continued 

growth in HSG and high demand for ICU 
products during the pandemic.

–  Infusion Care revenues grew 16.7%, primarily 
due to strong demand in the “smart glycemic 
control” segment of the diabetes market.

2020 performance 
– Adjusted EBIT margin declined by 0.9%.
–  Revenue growth, improvement in gross margin 
and COVID-19 related savings on travel and 
advertising & promotional spend more than 
offset by incremental strategic transformation 
and MDR investments plus an adverse foreign 
exchange impact.

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

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

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 189 to 194. 

18
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
 Global operations and supply chain

Key to risks
1. 
2.  Change and transformation
3.  Pricing and reimbursement
4. 
5. 

Information security
 Product innovation and 
intellectual property

6.  People
7.  Quality and regulatory
8.  Legal and compliance
9.  Geopolitical
10. Tax and treasury
11.  Forecasting and market conditions

Adjusted free cash flow2
$m

Quality (complaints per million 
(“CPM”) products sold)

2020

2019

2018

$347.4m

$396.8m

$352.8m

2020

2019

2018

53

63

63

Metric
Adjusted free cash flow is adjusted net cash less 
tax paid.

Metric
CPM measures the number of complaints  
we receive per million products sold.

Relevance to strategy 
Adjusted free cash flow reflects how effectively 
we are able to convert the profit we generate into 
available cash (after accounting for working capital 
movements, making capital investments and 
paying tax). By simplifying our organisation, and 
executing with excellence, we can enable greater 
investment in innovation, to deliver the trusted 
medical solutions our customers need most.

Focus 

Innovate  Simplify  Execute

Relevance to strategy 
CPM is a strong indication of our manufacturing 
quality and is key to ensuring that we develop 
trusted medical solutions. It is also a reflection 
of our core capabilities and our ability to 
execute effectively.

Innovate  Build 

Execute

2020 performance
–  Adjusted free cash flow has reduced by $49.9m 

2020 performance
–  Overall year-on-year reduction of 15.9% across 

(-12.4%) year-on-year.

all categories.

–  Principally due to ongoing investment in capital 

–  Driven by implementation of continuous 

expenditure and cash tax paid.

improvement across our quality 
management systems.

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

Link to risks
1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 11.

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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213 
 
 
 
 
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

Approximate market size1

c. $13bn

Advanced Wound Care2
Ostomy Care3
Continence & Critical Care4
Infusion Care5

Size 
2018
c.$7.4bn
 c.$2.3bn
c.$2.0+bn
 c.$1.0+bn

Growth
2018-2023
c.4%
c.4%
c.4%
c.7%6

1.   Market size and growth information contained on this page are segmental 
estimates and are based on internal analysis and publicly available sources, 
including SmartTRAK and Global Industry Analysts Inc. reports. 

2.   Advanced Wound Care includes advanced dressings (Foams, Antimicrobials, 
Composite/Island Dressings, Alginate & Fibre Dressings, Contact layers, 
Hydrocolloids, Films, Super Absorbents, Hydrogels), Biologics and External 
devices (Negative Pressure Wound Therapy, Debridement, Energy 
& Oxygen) segments.

3.   Ostomy Care includes 1-piece and 2-piece pouching systems and ostomy 

care accessories.

4.   Continence & Critical Care comprises the global intermittent catheter segment 

plus the fecal management segment.

5.   Infusion Care comprises estimate of diabetes infusion set segment.
6.   Based on worldwide growth in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients using pumps 

between 2020–2025.

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ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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
An ageing population
Global population aged 60+

1.0bn 

2020 

2.1bn

2050

Source: United Nations, World Population Prospects, 2019 revision.

Chronic conditions are on the increase

~1 in 3

of all adults globally suffer from multiple chronic conditions.

Impact on our business
Strong correlation between age and the incidence of 
chronic conditions.

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

Demand for our products is growing, driven by the increasing 
prevalence of the long-term chronic conditions detailed below. 

Advanced Wound Care

 – Diabetes and vascular 

Source: The global burden of multiple chronic conditions, Cother Hajat and 
Emma Stein (2019).

Ostomy Care

700m

adults globally with diabetes by 2045, up from 463m in 2019.

Source: IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th Edition 2019.

Continence & Critical Care

Infusion Care

disease

 – Chronic ulcers

 – Colorectal cancer
 – Bladder cancer
 – Crohn’s disease
 – Ulcerative colitis

 – Multiple sclerosis
 – Benign prostatic hyperplasia 
 – Spinal cord injury
 – Diabetes

  Many of our customers partner with us throughout their lives 
and utilise our products. As populations age this generates 
long-term demand for our medical solutions.

50m

globally reported cases of patients suffering from  
hard-to-heal wounds. 

Source: Frost & Sullivan.

People are living longer
Average life expectancy in the world

47yrs 

1950 

73yrs

2020

Source: United Nations Population Divisions estimates.

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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Our market environment
continued

The dynamics shaping our market
Many trends within the healthcare landscape have accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dynamic
Healthcare cost pressures

$15 trillion by 2050

Projected global health spending.

Source: Global Burden of Disease Health Financing Collaborator Network.

How we are responding
We are investing in our innovation capabilities to ensure that we 
deliver trusted medical solutions that provide optimal outcomes 
and enable healthcare providers to deliver their services in the 
most cost-effective way. We are increasing the number of clinical 
trials we are conducting to evidence the benefits of our solutions 
and to evaluate new and improved products. 

Initiatives to reduce overall spending are accelerating including:
 – Greater emphasis on value-based healthcare solutions which 

deliver better outcomes at lower costs.

Innovate  Build

 – Increasing price pressures.
 – More outpatient care.

More emphasis on homecare

3.6 times

more likely for high-risk patients with no homecare to be 
readmitted to hospital compared to those who receive 
transitional care.

Source: Finlayson K, Chang AM, Courtney MD, et al. Transitional care interventions 
reduce unplanned hospital readmissions in high-risk older adults. BMC Health Serv 
Res. 2018;18(1):956. Published 2018 Dec 12. 

+c.7%

growth in US home health 2019-2028.

Source: National Health Expenditure projections, CMS.

Increase in patient/consumer influence

73%

of consumers prefer digital solutions making digital a core part 
of healthcare delivery.

We are continuing to invest in our Home Service Group plus other 
platforms, including our me+™ programme (see page 46), which 
directly support our customers in the home environment.

Build

One of our key priorities is to become more customer-centric 
and build closer relationships with the people who rely on our 
products and services. We engage with the people who use our 
products and address their feedback in our innovation process 
to ensure we understand and meet their personal preferences, 
emotional and lifestyle needs. See page 40.

Source: 2020 Mckinsey Consumer Health Insights Survey.

Patients compare healthcare companies to customer experience 
leaders. They are becoming more engaged in their healthcare and 
are actively seeking out products and technologies that address 
their needs in a convenient way that fits with their lifestyle.

Innovate

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ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

 
Dynamic
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.

New entrants and value players
New players are entering the categories we operate in.

Rise of emerging markets
As governments accelerate expansion of the availability of quality 
healthcare and as the growing middle class in emerging markets 
gain access to private medical insurance, demand for healthcare 
products and services is increasing.

More interactions will be digital

76%

of institutional decision-makers believe interactions with 
MedTech companies will be more digital post COVID-19.

Source: Convatec New Normal Customer Survey.

How we are responding
We are focused on developing differentiated solutions that utilise 
smart technologies and data and meet the distinct needs of our 
customers. See pages 14 and 25.

Innovate
We are simplifying our business and becoming more agile and 
better able to respond to competition and harness market 
opportunities. See page 15.

Execute  Simplify
We are focusing our resources on key markets which include 
China. See page 13.

Focus
We have been investing in digital tools and structuring our 
salesforce to respond to the “new normal” with a combination 
of face-to-face and virtual customer engagement.

Build

AWC 2020 virtual engagement activities to promote 
wound hygiene

11,000+ 

new website users

global webinars

30
19,000+ 

webinar attendees

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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213 
Our market environment
continued

Our Chief Technology 
Officer Dr Divakar 
Ramakrishnan explains 
how we are putting 
innovation at the heart 
of our business to 
harness market growth 
opportunities and 
realise our vision.

24
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Enhancing our 
R&D capabilities

What are your priorities?
ConvaTec has a long R&D legacy of innovation that 
started with hydrocolloid-based medical adhesive 
technology going back more than 50 years. With 
innovation being a key component of our vision, and 
a pillar of our strategy (see page 14), we are investing 
in R&D. We have identified several opportunities to 
strengthen and augment our existing capabilities. In the 
short term we are refreshing our “product” portfolio 
and, over the longer term, we will look to create a 
more differentiated “solutions” portfolio. To ensure 
commercial success, we must also be able to develop 
high-quality products that can be produced efficiently 
in large quantities.

What are you doing to address these priorities?
To ensure we improve the lives of the people who utilise 
our products we are putting user-centred design at 
the heart of everything we do. We are deepening our 
knowledge of how patients think, feel and interact with 
our solutions. Over time we expect to incorporate 
software, advanced biomaterials and mechatronics to help 
customers manage their conditions, reduce burden and 
assist with clinical decision making by healthcare providers. 

We are enhancing our development and manufacturing 
processes to ensure that from the outset we build in 
quality, are thoughtful about the sustainability of our 
products and processes whilst addressing the needs 
of patient care. Our recently established Advanced 
Biomaterials and Process Development centre of 
excellence is working across our entire portfolio to 
ensure designs are optimised for manufacturing, 
sustainability and value. 

Finally, we must be able to demonstrate the efficacy of 
our solutions. To that end we have established a Global 
Medical Affairs and Clinical Development function. 
This function will implement a strategy that generates 
substantive and reliable evidence of improved patient 
outcomes and increased health economic efficiency 
which will enhance patient access.

25
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Our business model

Our FISBE strategy 
is designed to enable 
us to realise our vision 
and enhance our 
business model.

See page 2 and 3 for further information about 
our business. 

See pages 20 to 25 for information about our marketplace. 

26
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Our resources and relationships

A talented & diverse  
workforce

Category knowledge  
& understanding

Innovation & intellectual  
property

Relationships with  
patients & healthcare  
professionals

A robust quality and supply chain

Strong brands

Global sales &  
marketing platform

 
 
How we create value

The value we create

Patients
Solutions to improve the lives we touch

~1bn

Products shipped

Healthcare professionals
Providing value-added solutions, 
support and advice

>220k

Healthcare professionals participated 
in Convatec Medical Education

Health plan contracts
Enabling healthcare systems to reduce 
costs and increase efficiency

>1,600

Health plan contracts

Employees
Providing employment and  
development opportunities

9,900+

Employees

Shareholders
Generating returns for investors

+2.8%

Total Shareholder Return in 2020 
(FTSE350 TSR: -10.3% in 2020)

Society
Making a positive contribution through 
community engagement and paying tax

$54.5m

Corporation tax paid

Identify
customer
need 

Reinvest and
distribute
returns

Human
factor
design

Generate 
profit and
revenue

Commercialise
globally

Our vision
Pioneering trusted medical
solutions to improve the
lives we touch.

Our values
Do what's right, Improve
care, Deliver results, Own it,
Grow together.    

Process
product
development

Clinical
development

Manufacture
with quality
at scale

Regulatory
submission

Our FISBE strategy

Focus

Innovate

Simplify

Build

Execute

27
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Operational review

Information about our categories including their 
respective market positions, product portfolios, sales 
and marketing activities, and performance during 
2020, is included in this section.

We market and sell our 
products and services in 
over 100 countries using 
a number of channels.

28
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

How we market and sell our products

We market and sell our products and services in over 100 countries using a number of channels which are described below.

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

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.

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. Plus 
devices and products used in 
intensive care units and 
hospital settings.

Infusion Care

Disposable infusion sets for 
diabetes insulin pumps, or for 
pumps used in continuous 
subcutaneous infusion 
treatments for conditions 
such as Parkinson’s disease.

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

Distributors and 
wholesalers

Hospitals 
Wound care clinics 
Intensive care

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, 
selling, warehousing, 
billing and delivery.

In our larger 
markets our 
dedicated sales 
teams provide 
support, advice 
and training to 
healthcare 
professionals. 
In other markets 
where we have a 
smaller presence 
our dedicated 
sales teams are 
supported by 
distributor sales 
representatives 
or distributor 
representatives 
act on our behalf.

Direct-to-
consumers

Consumer-
focused service 
and support

Leading insulin 
pump 
manufacturers

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

See page 46 for 
information about 
our me+™ 
programme, which 
aims to support 
people managing 
chronic conditions 
and help them 
enjoy their lives.

In our Infusion 
Care category we 
sell directly to 
manufacturers of 
pumps used in 
disposable diabetes 
infusion sets and 
continuous 
subcutaneous 
infusion treatments 
for conditions such 
as Parkinson’s 
disease. 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 a small 
number of clinical 
and retail outlets.

We operate digital 
sales platforms 
including www.
ostomysecrets.com.

29
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 2132020 Performance
Revenue of $547 million declined 4.0% compared with the prior 
year or 3.8% on a constant currency basis. This decline was driven 
by the significant negative COVID-19 impact of reduced elective 
surgeries as well as declines in non-surgical volumes given the 
reduced access to wound clinics and hospitals during the pandemic. 
This year was also impacted by the disposal of the US Skincare 
product line in September 2020. 

The business saw growth in Latin America and certain European and 
Asia Pacific markets. Declines in Europe were principally in the UK, 
France and Germany. North America, where we are most exposed 
to surgical, was negatively impacted by the reduction in elective 
procedures, although this was partially offset by a slightly positive 
performance from the chronic business in the US. 

Our AQUACEL™ Ag+ Extra™ brand delivered strong growth and 
the launch of ConvaMax™ superabsorber in Europe was very 
encouraging. Elsewhere our AQUACEL™ Foam Pro brand delivered 
good growth, albeit off a small base. 

2021 Priorities
In 2021 we will focus on the following areas:
 – Improving commercial execution in key markets including the 

US, and Europe supported by Salesforce Excellence and 
Marketing CoEs. 

 – Driving the use of digital tools and platforms in our customer 

interfaces.

 – Investing in our innovation pipeline to strengthen our product 

portfolio, notably in foam.

Advanced Wound Care

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

2020 revenue

$547m 

Market size1

c. $7.4bn

Market growth

c. 4%

Key competitors
 – 3M
 – Mölnlycke
 – Smith & Nephew
 – Others

Segment position

No. 2

Global advanced wound dressings

No. 1

Global silver dressings

No. 1

Global hydrocolloid dressings 

Key brands
AQUACEL™
AQUACEL™ Ag+
AQUACEL™ Ag Foam
AQUACEL™ Ag Surgical
AQUACEL™ Ag Advantage
AQUACEL™ Ag Advantage Surgical
Avelle™ System
ConvaMax™
DuoDERM™

1.   Size, growth and position information contained in this Operational review 

section are estimates and are based on internal analysis and publicly available 
sources, including SmartTRAK and Global Industry Analysts Inc. reports. 
AWC includes advanced dressings (Foams, Antimicrobials, Composite/Island 
Dressings, Alginate & Fibre Dressings, Contact layers, Hydrocolloids, Films, 
Super Absorbents, Hydrogels), Biologics and External devices (Negative 
Pressure Wound Therapy, Debridement, Energy & Oxygen) segments.

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Leveraging and 
growing our digital 
platforms in an 
innovative and 
pioneering way

In May 2020, we participated as the major sponsor 
in our first virtual global medical conference – 
WoundCon. 1,300 specialist wound care healthcare 
professionals from 20 different countries participated 
in the week-long programme. In previous years this 
would have been a face-to-face US-based event 
involving around 500 participants. 

Through use of the digital format we more than 
doubled the number of participants, reached a 
more global audience (25% of participants were 
from outside of the US) and in terms of costs to run 
the event spent less than a third of what we would 
normally spend. 

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 2132020 Performance
Revenue of $526 million was broadly flat on a reported basis and 
grew 1.2% year-on-year on a constant currency basis. Good growth 
in both Latin America and key Asia Pacific markets such as China, 
were largely offset by continuing challenges in the US and in certain 
European markets. Planned contract and SKU rationalisation 
reduced growth by c.90bps. The COVID-19 impact was relatively 
limited. In the first wave of the pandemic we saw some stocking 
up by distributors and patients although this unwound as the 
year progressed. 

In the US, whilst we have seen an increase in community sales, 
new patient starts in the acute setting remain challenging in 
some regions. 

We have continued to see good growth in the Esteem™+ 1-piece 
around the globe and have seen good growth in our 2-piece 
segment in the Global Emerging Markets (“GEM”). Outside of GEM 
we have seen growth in Natura™+ although 2-piece revenues have 
declined overall. 

2021 Priorities
In 2021 we will focus on the following areas: 
 – Strengthening our commercial execution in our key markets 

leveraging the Sales and Marketing CoEs coupled with 
further investments.

 – Leveraging our me+™ direct-to-consumer programmes and 
collaborating with HSG to fully support those communities.
 – Continuing to streamline our SKUs and to focus on renewing 

our product portfolio.

Ostomy Care

Mani Gopal
President and Chief Operating Officer, Global Ostomy Care

2020 revenue

$526m

Market size1

c. $2.3bn

Market growth

c. 4%

Key competitors
 – Coloplast
 – Hollister/Dansac
 – Others

Segment position

No. 3

Global ostomy 

No. 2

US 

No. 3

EMEA 

Key brands
Esteem™+
Natura™
Natura™+
Stomahesive™
Durahesive™
InvisiClose™
me+™

1.   Ostomy Care includes 1-piece and 2-piece pouching systems and 

ostomy care accessories.

32
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Rationalising 
our SKUs

Our Ostomy Care product portfolio, includes 
16 brands and more than 100 different design 
specifications, some of which have more than 
20 different product size, colour and packaging 
configurations. This extensive variety of options 
then have to be produced for the variety of 
different markets we operate in. As a consequence, 
we produce more than 3,500 SKUs.

As part of our strategic transformation we are 
beginning to reduce the portfolio’s complexity. 
The choreography of exit across many countries 
is a complicated process. In 2020 we began the 
process of exiting approximately 300 SKUs. 
The revenue impact of this rationalisation, coupled 
with some rationalisation of unprofitable contracts, 
impacted the growth rate of Ostomy Care by 
approximately 90 basis points during 2020. 

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Revenue of $498 million was up 9.2% on a reported basis and 9.3% 
on a constant currency basis. There was a small contribution from 
the Southlake Medical Supplies acquisition that was completed in 
October 2019. 

Within this the key driver was significant growth in our Critical 
Care business. Revenues rose 17.1% on a constant currency basis 
to $152 million owing to the significant demand for ICU products 
during the pandemic. 

Our Continence business, continued to achieve good revenue 
growth of 6.2% on a constant currency basis. HSG, driven by its 
high-touch patient care model, continues to be the main driver 
of growth in the category. Despite the complexity of moving to 
remote working HSG continued to deliver an excellent service 
experience and grew faster than the overall market. In addition, 
our GentleCath™ Glide brand has been growing strongly, albeit 
off a relatively small base. 

2021 Priorities
In 2021 we will focus on the following areas:
 – Continuing to leverage the reach of HSG, the largest service 

provider of intermittent catheters in the US.

 – Expanding our me+™ platform for intermittent catheter users.
 – Continuing to invest to strengthen the product portfolio. 

Continence & Critical Care

Kjersti Grimsrud
President and Chief Operating Officer, Global Continence Care

2020 revenue

$498m

Market size1

c. $2.0+bn

Market growth

c. +4%

Key competitors
 – Coloplast
 – Bard 
 – Wellspect

Segment position

No. 1

Retailer in intermittent catheters 
in the US 

No. 1

US fecal management systems

Key brands
GentleCath™
Flexi-Seal™
UnoMeter™
me+™

1.   Continence & Critical Care comprises the global intermittent 

catheter segment plus the fecal management segment.

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Providing our 
unrivalled home 
delivery service 
to more people

In October 2020 180 Medical, which is part of our 
HSG business, contracted with UnitedHealthcare, 
the largest health insurer in the US. 

As a result of this partnership millions more insured 
Americans now have access to 180 Medical’s 
renowned customer service and home-delivered 
medical supplies.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 2132020 Performance
Revenue grew 17.2% on a reported basis or 16.7% on a constant 
currency basis. This was driven by increased use of our innovative 
infusion sets by diabetes patients. Some of the demand increase 
was due to our customers and their patients building resilience in 
the supply chain although the primary driver has been our leadership 
position in serving the fast-growing “smart glycemic control” 
segment of the diabetes market.

2021 Priorities
In 2021 we will focus on the following areas:
 – Sustaining our strong and long-term partnerships with insulin 

pump manufacturers.

 – Continuing to invest in further developing our differentiated 
diabetes offering – including the launch of our new extended 
wear infusion set.

 – Expanding the usage of infusion sets for the delivery of other 
sub-cutaneous therapeutics for diseases such as Parkinsons.

Infusion Care

John Lindskog
President and Chief Operating Officer, Global Infusion Care

2020 revenue

$323m

Market size1

c. $1.0+bn

Market growth2

c. 7%

Key competitors
 – Smiths
 – Ypsomed

Segment position

No. 1

Global infusion sets  
for insulin pumps 

Key brands
inset™
comfort™
neria™

1.   Infusion Care comprises diabetes durable and patch pump segment.

2.   Based on worldwide growth in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients 

using pumps between 2020–2025.

36
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Responding to 
growing demand 
for our market-
leading infusion 
sets

Our Infusion Care business is the world leader 
in the production of specialty infusion sets. 
We work with the majority of the diabetes durable 
pump manufacturers. 

When our infusion sets are combined with a 
durable pump, a continuous glucose monitoring 
device and software, this system can effectively 
manage a patient’s diabetes for them. During 2020 
the popularity of these durable pumps within 
diabetes increased and as a consequence we saw a 
step-up in demand for our infusion sets. Additionally, 
we are expanding into other subcutaneous infusion 
options where our infusion set can offer relief for 
patients with other types of diseases. 

In 2020, notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic, 
the business illustrated Execution Excellence 
by expanding production and delivering more 
than 100 million infusion sets to our customers 
and patients.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Responsible business review

To realise our vision and generate sustainable value 
and profitable growth we must engender trust and 
run our business in a responsible way.

Our approach
We operate our business with the intent of improving social and 
economic sustainability. Our vision is focused on developing 
innovative, reliable, safe and affordable medical solutions to help 
individuals living with chronic conditions actively contribute to 
society. We also support strained health systems that are facing 
increasing cost pressures as demand for the care and treatment 
of chronic conditions continues to grow. As described on page 11, 
ensuring the continued supply of our products and services during 
the pandemic has been a key priority. To help address the issue of 
access we are enhancing our presence in emerging economies. 
We are strongly aware of the environmental impact of our products 
and continue to explore how to reduce this impact without 
compromising the patient, societal and economic benefits.

We proactively engage with a broad range of stakeholders to 
understand their issues and to build positive relationships (see pages 
40 and 41). We also operate a number of processes to ensure that 
our Board understands stakeholder issues and takes account of 
them in its discussions and decision-making process (see pages 96 
to 98). This is key to generating sustainable value. 

Governance
The Board oversees our responsible business programme. 
See page 95 for information about the Board’s activities in this 
area during 2020.

Our responsible business framework
In 2019 we conducted a materiality assessment with our 
stakeholders to identify the key issues we need to focus on over 
the next five to ten years to make our business more sustainable. 
Information about this assessment process is included in the 
Responsible business review 2020, Supplemental information 
document available at www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-
responsibility. The key issues, which are aligned with the UN 
Sustainable Development Goals, are outlined in our responsible 
business framework on the adjacent page.

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Importance:
–  Higher materiality AND 

identified as an issue expected 
to grow in significance

– High materiality
– Lower materiality

Responsible business framework

What we do

Product and patient/user safety
–  Security of product supply
–  Ongoing access to patient support and 

group assistance

Delivering for customers

Product innovation and efficacy
–  Privacy and data security

Access to healthcare
–  Education for professionals

– Local community engagement

Making a socio-economic contribution
–  Financial health and performance
–  Local economic contribution

–  Supplier diversity

How we do it

Enabling our people

– Employees health and safety
– Employee inclusion and diversity
–  Fair processes for attracting and 

retaining employees

Working responsibly with partners
–  Human rights/working conditions in 

the supply chain

–  Engagement and capacity building in the 

supply chain

Conserving the planet

–  Product life-cycle impacts
– Climate change and energy
–  Environmental issues in the supply chain
–  Waste management
– Biodiversity impacts
– Water management

– Openness and transparency
– Anti-bribery and corruption

Behaving ethically and transparently
–  Responsible corporate leadership and 

management

– Ethical sales and marketing
–  Stakeholder engagement

How we support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”)

Promote sustained, inclusive 
and sustainable economic 
growth, full and productive 
employment and decent 
work for all.
Our Human Rights and Labour 
Standards Policy, and Supplier 
Code of Conduct assessments, 
aim to reduce the risk of child 
and forced labour, and other 
poor practices across our own 
operations and supply chain. 
See pages 51 and 58.

Ensure sustainable 
consumption and 
production patterns.
Our product life-cycle analysis 
programme and Green Design 
Guidelines aim to support 
more sustainable products. 
See page 57.

Take urgent action to 
combat climate change 
and its impacts.
Our climate strategy and 
greenhouse gas emission 
reduction target are aligned 
with the goal of combatting 
climate change. See pages 
52 to 58.

Ensure healthy lives and 
promote wellbeing for all 
at all ages. 
As explained throughout this 
Annual Report our core 
business is primarily aligned 
with this goal and most closely 
with the target to “by 2030, 
reduce by one third premature 
mortality from non-
communicable diseases 
through prevention and 
treatment and promote mental 
health and wellbeing”. 
A number of other SDGs are 
relevant to our business and 
we specifically align with the 
three adjacent goals.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Responsible business review
continued

We proactively engage with our stakeholders 
to understand their issues and to build 
positive relationships. 

Our section 172 statement is set out on  
page 61.

Our stakeholders

Stakeholder
The people who use 
our products and rely 
on our services

Consumers/Patients

Direct enablers who 
help us deliver

Healthcare 
professionals

Our people

Their key issues

How we engage

Outcomes

 – Direct-to-consumer channels 

 – Incorporation of relevant consumer 

 – Safe, accessible and 
innovative products.

(see page 29).

 – Support and information.

 – Home delivery companies  

(see page 29).

 – Specialist nurses and call centres.
 – Targeted consumer research.
 – Responding to specific consumer 

feedback in our research and 
development processes.

 – Service provision reviews based 

on customer feedback, and 
implementation of enhancements 
as required.

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

 – Safe, healthy, ethical 
and fair working 
environment.

 – Making a difference to 
the people who rely on 
or prescribe our 
products and services.

 – Development 
opportunities. 
 – Attractive rewards.

questions, feedback and complaints.

 – Tracking and management of 

customer issues.

 – Ongoing clinical and commercial 

dialogue. 

 – Targeted research.
 – Specialist training programmes.
 – Advisory Boards.
 – Key opinion leader meetings.

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

 – Group-wide interaction via our 

 – Incorporation of relevant 

feedback into our people strategy 
and procedures, our development 
and training programmes and our 
internal communication 
processes.

intranet, our MyConvaTec app and 
regular town hall meetings.

 – Performance reviews.
 – Employee Resource Groups.
 – Group-wide employee surveys.
 – Union representation and works 

councils (where relevant).

 – Board-level engagement programme 

(see page 96). 

 – Independent third party managed 

whistleblower hotline (“Compliance 
Helpline and web link”) (see page 111).

Suppliers and other 
supply chain partners

 – Long-term relationships.
 – Fair pricing and 

 – Commercial dialogue. 
 – Supplier assessments.

commercial terms.
 – Predictable business.

Channel partners*

 – Effective competitively 

priced products.
 – Fair pricing and 

commercial terms.
 – Continuity of supply.

 – Commercial dialogue.
 – Marketing activities.
 – Tender processes.
 – Distributor due diligence and 

compliance training.

 – Quarterly reviews with partners.

 – Development of valuable 
partnerships to address 
consumers’ needs.

 – Supplier awards.

 – Continued inclusion in tender 

processes.

 – Development of valuable 
relationships to address 
consumers’ needs.

*    Including distributors, 

large buying 
organisations, integrated 
delivery networks, 
hospitals and national 
and regional payors.

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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Stakeholder
B2B customers

Investors and debt 
providers 

Their key issues
 – Innovative products for 
combination with their 
own products.

 – Long-term relationships.
 – Fair pricing and 

commercial terms.
 – Continuity of supply.

 – Strategy and delivery.
 – Sustainable returns.
 – Responsible business 

practices.

 – Cash flow to pay 

dividends and service 
debt obligations.

How we engage
 – Commercial dialogue and partnership.

Outcomes
 – Development of long-term 
partnerships focussed on 
addressing patient needs.

 – Quality materials to ensure the 
capital markets appreciate the 
health of the business and its 
future prospects.

 – Annual General Meeting. 
 – Board members accessibility.
 – Quarterly results announcements.
 – Active investor relations programme: 
In 2020 we hosted more than 270 
investor meetings including two 
multi-day virtual roadshows and 
participation in five virtual conferences.

 – Relationship-led engagement with 

debt providers.

 – Executed an investor perception study.
 – Feedback from corporate brokers.

Evaluators who hold 
us to account for our 
performance

Regulators

 – Adherence to legislation 

 – Regular and ad hoc dialogue in 

and regulation.

 – Proactive engagement 
when challenges arise.

relation to product approvals and 
other matters.

Governments

 – Responsible business 

practices.
 – Employment. 
 – Income generation via 

taxes.

 – Ad hoc dialogue in relation to 

specific matters including Brexit, 
fiscal (e.g. taxation), employment  
(e.g. apprenticeships) and corporate 
governance.

 – Implementation of responsible 
and diligent business practices.

 – Compliance with legislation 

and regulation.

 – Input into relevant industry 

consultations.

 – Making a socio-economic 
contribution (see pages 27 
and 59).

Local communities

 – Employment 

opportunities. 

 – Minimal negative impact 

 – Our Improving Lives Fund  

from operations.

(see page 59).

specific matters. 

 – Ad hoc dialogue in relation to 

 – Enhancing the local communities 

where we operate.

 – Building our reputation in our 
local communities and across 
broader society.

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

 – High-quality input into 
industry policies and 
standards development.
 – Proactive engagement 
in relation to relevant 
issues.

 – Membership of several industry bodies 
including ABHI, MedTech Europe and 
AdvaMed.

 – Contributing to improved 

understanding of key industry 
issues.

 – Participation in meetings and 

discussions in relation to industry 
issues including best practice. 

 – Helping to shape relevant 
agendas and standards.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Responsible business review
continued

2020 developments
During 2020 we made progress against a number of our 
published sustainability targets (see adjacent page). We are 
pleased with these achievements given the pandemic, the 
variety of leadership changes and the scale of the transformation 
taking place in the business. 

We are proud of our health and safety performance and the 
improving diversity profile of our senior management team.

In R&D, despite significant change with the creation of the 
‘Technology & Innovation’ function and a new leadership team, 
we made progress with product design on the Infusion Care 
portfolio that not only helps address unmet patient care needs, 
but also has the potential of improving the environmental 
footprint as they can be used for longer. We have also made 
targeted interventions in other ongoing R&D programmes 
where materials with improved environmental footprint 
were selected. 

However much still remains to be done and we go into 2021 
with renewed focus on ESG.

2021 priorities
As explained on page 4 we are introducing a CELT-led ESG 
steering team, which will be led by our CEO, to: 
 – Examine the latest trends in ESG. 
 – Review the progress of our ESG programme.
 – Review and revise sustainability targets.
 – Enhance our TCFD disclosures.

We will also review how sustainability can be further embedded 
systematically into our R&D pipeline and associated processes 
both by way of product design and materials selection. 
Outside of innovation there are also opportunities for further 
improvement: in the area of quality and operations we see 
opportunities to improve our environmental impact in areas 
such as packaging and carbon emissions and we also intend 
to be more involved in committees such as MedTech Europe 
Environmental Committee. 

We will focus on these opportunities as we seek to continue 
to raise the bar higher.

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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Our sustainability targets

Target1
Delivering for customers
Innovation: Launched 35 new products by 31 December 2020.

Enabling our people
Health & Safety: Reduced our lost time injury rate (“LTIR”), for our 
manufacturing locations, to below 0.5 per 200,000 hours worked by 
31 December 2020.

Health & Safety: Maintain a Group-wide LTIR of below 0.27.

Diversity: Reach a level of 30% females in senior management by 
31 December 2020.

Employee development: Complete the roll-out of a technical skills and 
competency assessment for relevant manufacturing employees by first half 
of 2020.

Performance in 
2020
Nine new products 
launched (15 in 2019 
and 11 in 2018)

0.22 per 200,000 
hours worked

Status
Achieved

Further 
information 
Page 44

Achieved

Page 49

0.21 per 200,000 
hours worked

Achieved

Page 49

34%

Achieved

Page 50

Delayed

Page 50

70% of sites 
completed training 
matrices (cumulative 
total as at 
31 December 
2020). Balance 
delayed to 2021.

Working responsibly with partners
Supplier assessment: Complete analysis of the CR performance of 50 of our 
most significant suppliers by 31 December 2020.

54

Achieved

Page 51

Conserving the planet
Product life-cycle assessment: Complete third-party reviewed life-cycle 
assessments within all major product groups by 31 December 2020.

Completed in AWC, 
Ostomy Care and 
Infusion Care

Partially 
completed

Page 57

Climate change: Reduce our combined Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas 
emissions by 10%, against a 2018 baseline, by 31 December 2023.

Behaving ethically and transparently
Human rights: Complete the review, update and publication of our human 
rights-related policies, including our Human Rights and Labour Standards 
Policy, and Supplier Code of Conduct, by 31 December 2020.

18.5% reduction in 
market-based 
emissions since 
2018

Review ongoing 

Transparency: Improve our ISS-oekom research rating to at least C+, and our 
Sustainalytics rating to at least 75/100, based on our reporting of the 2019 
financial year.

ISS-oekom 
B-

Sustainalytics 
73/100

On track

Page 54

Ongoing and to 
be completed 
during 2021.

Page 58

Partially achieved Page 58

1.  For further information about our sustainability targets see our 2019 CR Report available at www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

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continued

Delivering for our customers 

Our entire business is oriented to helping our customers manage 
challenging chronic conditions so they are able to live their lives to 
the full. Our products can enable healing outcomes and, where 
relevant, help reduce healthcare-associated infections, the most 
frequent adverse event in healthcare worldwide. Our customers, 
and the healthcare professionals who care for them, rely on us and 
if we do not deliver for them we have no business. 

Our use of animals in research in recent years is indicated below. 
Our policy is never to use testing on animals unless this is mandated 
by regulatory authorities or when we cannot support a product or 
product development through the available laboratory and/or 
human clinical data.

Use of animals in research and development

Engagement with our customers is fundamental to our success. 
Through various channels, we listen to them to better understand 
their needs and use the feedback we gather to improve the products 
and services we provide. See page 29 for information about the 
people we serve and our channels.

2020 0
2019 18

2018 37

24

Innovation, efficacy and ethics
Creating innovative products and solutions is essential for the 
advancement of healthcare across society. As people live longer, 
and the incidence of chronic conditions rises (see page 21), we need 
to continually improve our solutions to relieve individuals’ suffering 
and reduce the burden on strained healthcare budgets.

Innovation is a key pillar of our strategy and in 2020 we increased 
investment in reported R&D by 53% to $82.4 million (2019: 
$53.8 million). We currently have over 300 active patent families, 
over 2,600 patents and patent applications and over 4,800 
registered trademarks.

The basis of our process is to understand the problem and, 
importantly, the user experience so we can craft solutions which 
secure high user acceptance coupled with the best medical 
outcomes. This is established through stakeholder engagement 
activities by teams responsible for patient care and clinical research. 
It is also crucial to ensure these solutions can be manufactured and 
distributed to suit the various reimbursement models around the 
world thus seeking to improve access and the patient’s experience.

While innovation is vital to realise our vision, advance our solution 
portfolio and better serve our customers, it can involve controversial 
strategies, processes and technologies. Our Ethical Issues and 
New Product Development Policy covers a number of topics 
including the use of substances of concern, emerging technologies, 
human clinical trials and animal testing. This policy is available at 
www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

In 2020 we have not carried out any Pre-Registration clinical trials 
(2019: 0 trials) or any Post-Registration studies (2019: five studies).

2017

2016

154

16

273

40

18

Rodents

Rabbits

Other animals

New products
In 2018 we set a target to launch 35 new products by 31 December 
2020. As shown below we achieved this target. To fulfil our vision 
and harness growth opportunities, we need to strengthen and 
augment our R&D capabilities and make innovation an integral part 
of our organisation. We are increasing our investment in this 
critically important area and during 2020 made some significant 
changes to the R&D function (see page 14). 

New product and line extension launches

2020

2019

2018

9

11

15

Product safety
Product safety is a key issue for our customers and pivotal in earning 
a reputation as a trusted provider. Regulators consider most of the 
products and solutions we develop to be of low risk to users. 
Nevertheless, we have a rigorous and robust compliance and internal 
audit process which focuses on the various design control stages 
and operates in parallel with our comprehensive quality management 
approach. Notified Bodies (such as BSI) also review our quality 
processes and procedures (see below).

We conducted a total of 121 audits during 2020 (2019: 176). Our 
ability to conduct on-site supplier and contract manufacturing audits 
in 2020 was severely hampered by the travel restrictions resulting 
from the COVID-19 pandemic. As an alternative, for many of the 
suppliers and contract manufacturers, we performed desktop 
evaluations of their performance to ensure that the risk of not 
performing the on-site audits was reduced. 

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Total audits conducted during 2020

121(2019: 176)

Facility
R&D
ConvaTec manufacturing
Contractor manufacturing
Key supplier

Number of 
audits 
2020
2
105
4
10

Number of 
audits 
2019
12
83
20
61

To ensure that our products are not only safe in themselves, but also 
that they interact well with users and are easy and comfortable to 
use we build safety into the design of all our products. We operate 
a risk assessment process which is compliant with ISO 14971 
(“risk management for medical devices”).

We also comply with ISO 13485 (“Medical devices – Quality 
management systems – Requirements for regulatory purposes”) 
and are audited against this standard by our Notified Bodies. 

In 2020 relevant sites were also audited against the Medical Device 
Single Audit Program (“MDSAP”) standard which incorporates 
the regulations of several countries above and beyond ISO 13485. 
All audited sites have been certified to MDSAP. We are also in 
compliance with the Code of Federal Regulation 21 CFR Part 820 
which is an equivalent quality system regulation in the US. Our 
products bear the “CE” mark – effectively a “Declaration of 
Conformity” with all applicable regulations defined in the European 
Union Medical Devices Directive. Starting May 2021, sales into the 
European market will need to be compliant with MDR requirements. 
The relevant technical documentation preparation is ongoing to 
ensure adherence to the new regulations with the applicable timelines. 
In addition to focusing on ensuring our product development meets 
or exceeds all regulatory requirements, we also conduct analysis of 
the effectiveness of our products, as they are used.

Our primary KPI for quality is complaints per million products sold 
(“CPM”). This is a Group KPI. It reflects our customer-centric focus 
and is key to ensuring that we develop trusted medical solutions. 
CPM is a strong indication of our manufacturing quality and it also 
reflects our core capabilities and our ability to execute effectively. 
CPM in 2020 was 53, which represents an overall year-on-year 
reduction of 17.3% (2019: 63) (see page 19). 

In rare circumstances it may be necessary to trigger a “market 
action”, following a detailed “Health Hazard Evaluation”. A market 
action may require, for example, the issue of additional instructions 
for use, or may necessitate a recall. Recalls are controlled by 
Standard Operating Procedures and customers are contacted by 
ourselves or a third party, in writing or by telephone. Recalled 
devices may be replaced by alternatives or the customer 
financially compensated.

In 2020, we implemented two voluntary field actions (2019: two 
voluntary field actions). Both related to the adhesives in wound care 
products. While there was no risk of harm to patients the products 
did not meet the requirements of our quality system or reach the 
quality level our customers deserve.

To our knowledge, other than specifically indicated in this Annual 
Report, in 2020 there have been no incidents of material non-
compliance with regulations and/or voluntary codes concerning: 
 – The health and safety impacts of our products and services.
 – Product and service information and labelling.
 – Marketing communications, including advertising, promotion 

and sponsorship.

Reliability of supply
We are committed to ensuring continuity of supply to our customers 
through well-defined processes and experienced, knowledgeable 
professionals. Our approach to managing supply is multi-tiered, 
supported by a Sales and Operations Planning function. We conduct 
market and regional planning sessions to ensure alignment on 
demand and to identify any supply constraints. Throughout this 
process, we constantly manage our global inventory to support 
sales. During 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic we 
significantly strengthened the resilience of our supply chain 
(see pages 10 and 11). We also monitored the Brexit negotiations 
to assess the potential impact on our business and developed 
contingency plans to minimise disruption (see page 70).

Access to healthcare
Access to healthcare is a basic human right that should be available 
to all who need it. This fundamental principle is integrated in our 
vision and we run our business to ensure the following: 
 – Availability: In 2020 we marketed and sold our products in over 
100 countries around the world directly and through a reliable 
distribution network. We continue to evolve our sales channels 
to best meet our customers’ needs and during the year we 
accelerated a number of digitalisation initiatives including 
enhancing our e-commerce platforms in China.

 – Adaptability: Based on feedback from users and healthcare 

professionals our products address a broad range of patient needs 
reflecting the different challenges that individual users experience. 
Getting the range of products right relies on research and 
stakeholder engagement (see pages 40 and 41). 

45
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Responsible business review
continued

 – Usability: A product may “do a job” medically, but given the social 
and emotional contextual needs of the people we serve, we need 
to provide solutions which go beyond the provision of a functional 
device. To lower “access barriers” we help patients identify the 
right device which best suits their needs, provide easy-to-follow 
literature, videos and online support and deliver millions of 
products a year (see page 27).

 – Economic: Affordability is a key issue which we strive to address 
through competitive pricing and innovation to increase product 
effectiveness and, as a result, reduce healthcare costs and 
improve patients’ lives.

Data privacy
We operate a privacy governance framework to ensure that we 
protect and process properly personal data and comply with all 
privacy regulations including the European Union General Data 
Protection Regulation (“GDPR”). 

This framework includes policies, procedures, controls and records 
which operate across our business on a global basis. The 
implementation of this framework is supported by employee training, 
which forms part of our induction process for new employees, and 
underpinned by our Group compliance programme. Its effectiveness 
is overseen by several internal governance groups, including our 
Cyber Steering Committee, and our various data policies, 
procedures and controls are regularly assessed by our internal 
audit function. In various markets, trained privacy champions, 
supported by third-party experts, provide first line local support 
on privacy matters. 

From time to time we may experience theft or inadvertent 
disclosure of data. In 2020 there were no reportable issues to data 
protection authorities.

Following Brexit and the ruling by the European Court of Justice 
which annulled the EU/US Privacy Shield agreement, we undertook 
a review and implemented a number of measures to ensure we 
continue to comply with privacy regulations.

In 2020, six data subjects made requests for copies of their data and 
we also received a similar number of requests, withdrawing consent 
for use of personal data.

We are continuing to enhance our privacy governance framework. 
During 2021 we will expand our privacy team and introduce 
additional strategies to ensure effective processing of patient and 
other data subjects’ personal information. For further information 
on how we mitigate data security and privacy risk see page 77.

46
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Supporting our 
customers

Our me+™ programme operates throughout the US and 
Europe and aims to support people managing chronic 
conditions and help them enjoy their lives. The programme 
provides access to a dedicated team of me+™ nurses and 
product specialists together with a range of online resources 
covering lifestyle tips and advice, educational and guided 
recovery tools and peer-to-peer support. 

As demand for trusted and easily accessible healthcare and 
support continues to grow, during 2020 we expanded the 
programme to include more virtual support services. These 
have provided valuable support to many patients and 
consumers, particularly during the pandemic. 

In the US we launched the me+™ virtual telehealth service, 
a complimentary offering, which provides live visual support 
from wound, ostomy and continence nurses, and in Europe, 
we have increased our me+™ recovery webinars which focus 
on the importance of movement and physical activity after 
stoma surgery. Available worldwide, we also launched the 
me+™ podcast and a new me+™ blog which features 
individuals’ unique perspectives of living with an ostomy. 
We were delighted to be nominated as a finalist in the UK 
Nursing Times 2020 Awards for our me+™ webinars on 
healthy hydration. 

At the end of December 2020 programme participants, 
who enrol at no cost, exceeded over 360,000 members.

Enabling our people

The people we employ around the world are key to our success. 
They have an essential role to play in transforming our business, 
delivering our strategy and realising our vision.

At the end of 2020 we employed 9,9141 people (2019: 9,197), 
an increase of 7.8% on the prior year. Information on our employee 
profile is illustrated in the graphs on the following page while our 
gender diversity is detailed on page 50. Employee turnover in 2020 
was 14% (2019: 22%), largely driven by lower natural churn during 
the pandemic/economic slowdown coupled with the positive impact 
of our new leadership, vision and strategic direction.

While our employees are spread across our global footprint, 
approximately 61% of our workforce is employed at our 
manufacturing locations (2019: 59%). In addition to our facilities in 
the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Slovakia we have manufacturing 
operations in the UK (two locations), Denmark (two locations), 
Belarus and the Netherlands. Of countries with no manufacturing 
operations, the US has by far the largest concentration of 
employees. None of these countries feature on the UK Government 
Foreign & Commonwealth Office list of priority countries for 
human rights concerns, published in November 2020.

From time to time, to ensure delivery of our strategy we need to 
reorganise our business, including moving activities and roles from 
one place to another or closing facilities. When this results in job 
losses, we aim to handle this sensitively and in compliance with all 
applicable regulations. In 2020, as we implemented our strategic 
transformation programme, 142 people left the business (2019: 
approximately 95).

Our culture 
We are working to foster a strong ConvaTec culture which is rooted 
in our core values (see page 2). These values determine our 
behaviours and how we run our business every day. They are 
embedded in our human resource policies and processes, including 
our performance reviews, which assess both the “what” and “how” 
of each employee’s contribution.

In November 2020 we commissioned a second Organisational 
Health Index (the “OHI”) survey to assess our culture (the first having 
been undertaken in March 2019). This survey also assesses our ability 
to strengthen our performance over time, based on how we work 
and how effective we are. All employees were invited to participate 
in the survey, which generated an impressive 86% response rate and 
we achieved a very significant improvement in our overall health 
score. The feedback provided valuable insights including:
 – An increasing number of our people have a better understanding 

of our vision, strategy and values. This result was driven by 
widespread involvement of our people in shaping our vision and 
values, as well as the ongoing communication of our strategy. 
Work to embed the values and behaviours into our daily processes 
and practices continues and, to reinforce their importance, we 
launched the ConvaTec Champions Awards which recognises 
employees who consistently demonstrate our values.

1.  Includes eight Non-Executive Directors.

47
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

 – Our people welcomed the investment in building capability, a core 

pillar of our FISBE strategy, including developing skills and 
enhancing core processes and systems. Participation in learning 
programmes increased 300% compared to 2019. 

 – The most positive feedback was in relation to innovation and 
learning. This reflects our increased focus and investment in 
innovation, a key pillar of our FISBE strategy, and in particular, the 
establishment of our new Technology & Innovation function and 
successfully engaging our people in our business improvement 
initiatives as part of our strategic transformation programme.
 – A number of opportunities for further improvement including 
a desire to further enhance our customer engagement, spend 
more time focusing on customer needs and access more 
information about how customers think, feel and interact with our 
solutions. Notwithstanding improved feedback, our employees 
identified a need for more engagement to harness our peoples’ 
skills and dedication.

During 2021, to address the survey’s findings and the areas that 
require improvement, we will be adopting the following actions: 

 – Customers: Further strengthen our connections with all our 

stakeholders (from patient groups to payors) and reinforce our 
passionate customer-centric approach. This is essential if we are 
to deepen our understanding of their needs and continually 
improve our products and services. 

 – Operational discipline and innovation: Continue to build our 

capabilities, including our operational processes. We will also 
enhance our culture of innovation by encouraging colleagues in all 
areas, from ‘front-line to finance’, to bring fresh thinking and ideas 
for improvement to their work, every day. 

 – Motivation and engagement: Enhance the way we engage, involve 
and motivate our people, including further improving the way we 
communicate. We will also develop the way we recognise and/or 
reward our people for their contribution. 

Health, safety and wellbeing 
At all times the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees is 
paramount. During the COVID-19 pandemic they have been our 
priority and the actions we are taking to protect them are described 
on page 11. Our Chief Medical Officer continues to monitor the 
developing scientific understandings of COVID-19 and provides 
expert medical advice to the CELT and Board which guides the 
implementation of practices necessary to make our workplaces 
as safe as possible. 

We run employee wellness programmes across the Group and via 
our “My ConvaTec” app including webinars and resources covering 
physical and mental health. In response to the pandemic we made 
home-based health checks available through our private health 
insurance provider, introduced various programmes to provide 
additional employee support and provided flu vaccines for 
employees. In December 2020, in recognition of the demands 
placed on everyone during the year, we introduced the “ConvaTec 
Day”, a day when employees are encouraged to take the day off to 
disconnect from work and focus on other things in life in order to 
re-energise and recuperate. 

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Responsible business review
continued

Employees and contractors

Leavers and hires by age band

9,914

341

Leavers
2020

436

750

221

2020

2019

2018

2017

9,197

314

9,413

271

9,549

292

Employees

Agency staff and independent contractors

Employees by region

2020

2019

2018

2017

52%

7%

53%

6%

54%

6%

56%

5%

41%

41%

40%

39%

2019

856

961

215

2018

794

969

212

2017

584

866

321

< 30

30–50

> 50

Hires
2020

808

1,169

153

2019

865

920

164

2018

2017

947

936

158

1,272

1,277

172

Americas

APAC

EMEA

Employees by age bracket

2020

22%

2019

22%

2018

25%

2017

27%

< 30

30–50

> 50

Leavers and hires by gender

Leavers
2020

579

828

2019

2018

885

869

1,147

1,106

61%

17%

61%

17%

60%

15%

59%

14%

2017

773

998

< 30

30–50

> 50

Male

Female

Hires

48
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

MaleFemale1,29383720201,14580420191,06797320181,5121,2092017Across our manufacturing facilities, where over 60% of our colleagues 
work, we have a team of dedicated Environment, Health and Safety 
(“EHS”) managers. Our global EHS team leads the development of 
improved working practices and our corporate policies, audits 
performance against these policies and standards and provides 
advice and support to our local teams to ensure both legislative and 
company requirements are met. This global EHS team reports to 
the Executive Vice President of Quality and Operations, who is a 
member of the CELT and H&S performance is reported to senior 
management on a monthly basis. During 2020 the Board received 
an update on H&S performance at year end. 

The proactive approach to safety management is being further 
reinforced with the introduction of our Journey to Safety Excellence 
Programme. This programme promotes safety as a core value and 
focuses on embedding a culture of continuous proactive and 
collaborative improvement across all our operations. The roll-out 
of this programme across all operations locations began in 
January 2021.

We deploy a broad range of H&S policy standards, covering both 
our EHS management system and specific H&S topics. These policy 
standards address activities such as emergency preparedness, 
hazard identification and risk assessment. All policies are available 
on our intranet and training is undertaken by a broad range of 
personnel across our manufacturing operations. During 2020 a 
new policy covering Contractor Management was developed and 
introduced and we also updated and enhanced our existing Incident 
Reporting & Investigation, Business Continuity, Crisis Management 
and EHS Change Management policies.

We implement an extensive benchmarking and continuous 
improvement programme across all manufacturing locations. This 
programme includes regular internal audits and risk assessments 
to identify best practices and enhance H&S management systems. 
During 2020 all primary manufacturing operations continued to 
strengthen their EHS management systems by updating local 
procedures, improving working practices, applying performance 
metrics and developing targeted improvement programmes.

During 2020 there were no fatalities and we saw a continued 
reduction in our lost time injury rate (“LTIR”). Our target of 
maintaining a Group-wide LTIR below 0.27, which was set in 2019, 
together with our target to reduce our LTIR rate for our manufacturing 
locations to below 0.5 per 200,000 hours worked by 31 December 
2020, have been achieved. In addition, over the past three years 
the total injury rate has reduced by more than 50% reflecting the 
improvements made in all our manufacturing locations. 

Our H&S performance1

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

2020
0
24
0.34
15
0.21

2019
0
33
0.55
16
0.27

2018
0
30
0.50
20
0.33

20172
0
48
0.82
33
0.57

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Our people strategy 
During the year we undertook a review of our people strategy to 
ensure that it continues to be closely aligned with our vision and 
strategic priorities. In light of this review we are introducing a 
number of enhancements. The refreshed strategy will be considered 
by the Board in Spring 2021 and, subject to Board approval, will be 
implemented thereafter. Based on our review to date our people 
strategy will continue to focus on:

 – Embedding our values-based culture across the Group.
 – Building high performance teams.
 – Aligning talent to value and building diverse talent succession 

for critical roles.

 – Developing our reputation as a world-class employer by offering 
a compelling employer value proposition and further raising our 
profile in the communities we serve.

We are significantly enhancing critical core capabilities in a number 
of areas (see below and page 16).

Building our core 
capabilities

Our Chief Human Resources Officer, Natalia Kozmina, 
explains how we are building core capabilities.

Why is this important?
The external environment and the needs of our key 
stakeholders (patients, care givers, payors) continue to evolve 
at an accelerating pace. To stay at the forefront of innovation 
we must anticipate the capabilities we need to develop trusted 
medical solutions and serve our customers.

How are you doing this?
We have launched a number of initiatives to ensure we have 
the best talent, in the right role at the right time. In May 2020 
we established a centre of excellence within our HR function 
– the Global Learning & Development Acceleration initiative. 
This is focused on developing leadership and enterprise 
business skills, including change management and functional 
development such as digital marketing. We have also 
embarked on building a global talent acquisition function 
and global recruitment campaign – “Work that moves 
you” – to provide an authentic insight into our culture. 

1.    The data includes contractor/agency staff working on our sites, as well as permanent 
staff, and is based on OSHA definitions. Rates are calculated based on 200,000 
hours worked. Other than 2017 data, information relates to all manufacturing 
operations, headquarters and primary commercial locations.

2.   2017 data relates to manufacturing facilities (excluding EuroTec, including Greensboro 

prior to closure during the year), R&D centres and our UK Amcare business.

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Responsible business review
continued

To ensure we have the relevant manufacturing skills and competencies 
to support our strategy, we created a globally consistent technical 
training and assessment process for each of our key manufacturing 
sites. As a result of this process, 70% of sites have now completed 
training matrices. Full completion was hindered given the pandemic 
and our decision to prioritise the health and wellbeing of our people 
and the continued supply of our products. In 2021, we will continue 
our efforts to complete the process for our remaining sites.

Notwithstanding the pandemic, each of our manufacturing sites 
have made progress against their local learning and development 
needs. On-boarding, compliance and functional trainings have been 
common areas of focus across all sites and have benefited from 
concerted interventions, knowledge sharing of best practices and 
lessons learned. This resulted in a 17-point improvement in the 
Capabilities aspect of OHI (from 69% favourable rating in 2019 to 
86%) and enhanced consistency across operations. We have also 
continued with the global training programme that supports the 
continuous improvement mindset and behaviours. LEAN, Six Sigma 
and Project Management programs have continued to be provided 
and classroom-based sessions have been effectively adapted for 
virtual online delivery.

To ensure we attract the best talent we are also enhancing our 
recruitment processes. We are embedding globally consistent 
end-to-end recruitment processes to support hiring the right people 
to the right roles using recruitment advertising and social media.

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, we believe 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 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.

A key part of creating a more inclusive workplace is developing a 
dialogue with employees about key issues and creating communities 
and support groups across the business to raise awareness and drive 
change. During the year we continued to empower our existing 
Employee Resource Group focused on LGBTQ+ and we also 
established our Black Employee Network and our Women@
ConvaTec group to ensure we continue to foster a diverse, inclusive 
workplace aligned with our values.

We 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. 

50
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Our priority in 2021 is to further expand diversity beyond gender and 
continue building a more racially and ethnically diverse workforce 
that reflects the diversity of the communities, customers and 
patients we serve, equally paying attention to our focus on disability 
and the creation of employment opportunities for disabled people.

As at 31 December 2020, women represented 30% of our Board 
membership. We also set ourselves an objective of having 30% of 
senior management roles (members of the CELT (including the CEO 
and CFO) and their direct reports, excluding administrative staff) 
held by female executives by the end of 2020. As at 31 December 
2020, women made up 34% of our senior management teama and 
women now make up 27% of the CELT. Our gender diversity profile 
as at 31 December 2020 is set out below.

Board1
CELT2
Senior 
management
Other employees
Total3

Male

Female

Total Number
7
8

10
11

104
9,789
9,914

67
3,608
3,690

% Number
3
70
3
73

64
37 
37 

37
6,181
6,224

%
30
27

36
 63
63

1.  Includes eight Non-Executive Directors.
2.   For the purposes of this table the CEO and the CFO are included as members 

of the Board.

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

Our gender pay gap
In 2020 the median hourly pay difference between our UK male 
and female employees was 13.66% (2019: 14.58%), which is below 
the UK median pay gap of 15.5% (Source: Office for National 
Statistics November 2020). Further information about our pay 
data is included in our Gender Pay Gap Report which is available 
at www.convatecgroup.com/investors/corporate-governance.

Paying a living wage
We are committed to providing fair pay for our employees. 
Following our accreditation in November 2017 by the UK Living 
Wage Foundation, we have been confirmed as a “real living wage” 
employer in the UK for a third consecutive year. We continue to 
monitor our pay practice every year to ensure every single employee 
is paid a “living wage” standard. We also require our contractors to 
pay their employees at the same rates.

We pay above the national minimum wage in 100% of our locations. 
In addition to our accreditation in the UK, in 2020 we commissioned 
the independent organisation Business for Social Responsibility to 
complete our second global living wage assessment. It confirmed 
that in 95% of our locations we were paying at, or above, living wage. 
However, in 5% of locations we may be paying under the living wage 
and we are undertaking research and working with our local HR 
teams in these locations to fully understand and address the position.

a.   In our 2019 Annual Report and Accounts, based on a different formula, we reported 
that women made up 25% of our senior management team. Including the CELT, the 
CEO, CFO, their direct reports and excluding administrative staff, in 2019 women 
made up 33% of our senior management team.

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 are currently enhancing our due diligence process to expand 
its scope to include other third parties (including wholesalers and 
GPOs) that provide us with services and may also interact with 
government entities and healthcare professionals. Our enhanced 
process is scheduled to go live globally during the first quarter 
of 2021.

As part of our additional resilience activities focused around 
ensuring continuity of supply during the COVID-19 pandemic our 
Global Procurement group utilised a third-party solution that 
assessed financial impacts for key suppliers. This model simulated 
the weekly impact of COVID-19 on our supply base evaluating 
multiple inputs including, but not limited to changes in the 
geographic COVID-19 index, infrastructure risk and supply/demand 
dynamics. It also modelled potential financial exposures driven by 
impacts on key markets being supported by our suppliers. This tool 
created valuable insights into a dynamic environment and provided 
opportunities to take appropriate interventions to protect supply. 

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, reduced 
risk and deeper, more collaborative relationships. 

Our spend is concentrated towards a relatively small number of 
suppliers. For example:
 – Nine suppliers represent approximately 80% of our contract 

manufacturing spend.

 – Three suppliers represent approximately 70% of our 

logistics spend.

 – Our raw materials supply chain is more diverse; 34 suppliers 

represent approximately 80% of our total raw material spend.

Like many medical device companies, our products are often sold by 
third parties, such as distributors. 

Supplier due diligence
To help protect against the risk of a third party acting unethically, 
our compliance team conducts due diligence. 

For our distributors, our agreements contain appropriate assurances 
by the distributors, and ensure they deliver both online and “live” 
compliance training programmes to their 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. Our third-party distributors complete the Global 
Third Party Compliance Manual and Distributor anti-bribery and 
corruption training via our external, electronic learning system.

We require new suppliers to adhere to our Supplier Code of 
Conduct (“SCoC”) which draws on the International Labour 
Organization 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. The SCoC 
is introduced to all existing supplier contracts as these are renewed. 
A copy of our SCoC is available 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 geopolitical, climatic, civil unrest), as well as 
events that may have been “caused” by our suppliers (for example 
strikes and major pollution incidents). We also operate processes 
that ensure vendors are engaged promptly when a risk event occurs 
and that these events are tracked through to satisfactory closure 
of the potential risk.

In addition, we assess our suppliers using a process managed by 
a third-party provider, EcoVadis. The EcoVadis platform offers an 
evidence-based assessment of our supply base covering four 
themes: environment; labour and human rights; ethics; and 
sustainable procurement. The resulting EcoVadis score is now 
incorporated in the compliance section of our supplier relationship 
management scorecards. 

We have exceeded our target of assessing 50 key suppliers during 
2020 and the ratings generated from these reviews highlighted that 
the average rating of the assessed ConvaTec suppliers outperformed 
the average of all vendors monitored across the EcoVadis platform. 
We are now focused on developing appropriate language in our 
Procurement Policy to further drive the adoption of this solution 
through integration with our competitive bidding processes and 
supply agreement terms and conditions. 

51
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Responsible business review
continued

Conserving the planet

We recognise that a damaged environment has broad consequences 
for the health and wellbeing of society. 

Scientific opinion is clear that there is an urgent need to conserve 
and restore natural resources and systems in order to secure a more 
sustainable future. To this end, several of the SDGs are focused on 
driving environmental improvements. Public awareness of 
environmental issues continues to spread, and protest groups are 
more active with wider support than ever before.

Climate change
Our comprehensive climate change strategy focuses on the 
reduction of our GHG emissions through a series of initiatives. The 
development of this strategy was driven by an assessment of climate 
change risk (see below) plus 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.

We recognise the environmental impacts of our own operations, our 
“upstream” supply chain, as well as the “downstream” distribution, use 
and final disposal of our products. We also recognise the commercial 
benefits of taking proactive action to address our impacts. These 
include avoiding fines and reputational damage from breaching 
environment regulations, cost savings through efficiency in our energy 
or raw material usage and inclusion on tender lists. While the risk of 
a material direct financial impact on our business as a consequence 
of climate change over the next five years is currently believed to be 
relatively low, we are seeing some signs of customer preference 
around the environmental credentials of products and packaging 
which could have a direct impact on commercial outcomes. 

We believe our most significant direct 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. 

Our Environmental Policy statement (available at 
www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility/conserving-our-
planet) sets out our approach, and reflects a detailed internal 
environmental policy document which also guides how our major 
facilities structure their environmental management programmes. 
We continue to embed this policy and have considered it in the 
preparation of our financial statements and longer-term projections.

Overall responsibility for environmental issues, including climate 
change, lies with our Board. The key roles relating to environmental 
management sit within our Global Quality & Operations division. 
As explained on page 49, dedicated EHS managers work across our 
manufacturing facilities, which operate environmental management 
systems in line with corporate requirements which are aligned with 
ISO 14001. Four of our manufacturing sites (Deeside, Rhymney, 
Michalovce and Minsk) which represent approximately 50% of 
manufacturing-related energy consumption have achieved 
certification to this standard.

Climate change risk assessment
Conducted against the framework recommended by the TCFD 
it 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 in the Dominican Republic) and well mitigated (through 
structural and operational measures), 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.

52
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

The key elements of our climate change strategy are:
 – Driving greener operations: through efficiency auditing, 
efficiency energy measures, target-setting and supply 
chain engagement. 

 – Enabling product and packaging improvements: through 
the implementation of green design guidelines within R&D 
functions, a focus on packaging materials and robust risk and 
opportunity assessment of existing products (through completed 
life-cycle assessments).

 – Supporting decision making: through better, more joined up and 

accessible performance data.

 – Enhanced governance: assigning accountability to relevant CELT 

Energy intensity 
We have achieved an improved energy intensity ratio in 2020 
through implementation of our energy, water and waste efficiency 
programme, which was launched in 2019. As at 31 December 2020, 
over 52 individual projects had been delivered across our sites. A 
further 51 projects were being evaluated, awaiting approval and 
funding, or being implemented. 

We have also developed an energy management system to 
benchmark performance between sites, analyse data trends, share 
best practice and drive further efficiency improvements.

members via personal objectives.

Energy intensity (GWh/$m revenue)

Energy intensity

2020
0.054

20191
0.057

20181
0.060

2017
0.059

1.    2018 and 2019 data includes an additional 1.39 GWh previously unreported due to 
an error identified in the historical data of two of our non-manufacturing sites.

Energy consumption at our manufacturing sites has decreased by 
9% from baseline levels in 2018, driven by efficiency improvements 
in both gas and electricity use. Information about some of the 
energy-saving initiatives implemented during 2020 is included below.

Facility
UK
Deeside & 
Rhymney
Dominican 
Republic 
Haina
Denmark
Herlev

Belarus
Minsk

Denmark
Osted
Mexico
Reynosa

Initiative
Implemented heating, ventilation and 
air-conditioning (“HVAC”) system 
efficiency improvements.
Installed LED lighting in 
production areas.

Installed boiler flue gas economiser and 
free-cooling condenser to production 
equipment refrigeration system.
Completed second phase of 
HVAC automation and air change 
reduction project.
Installed LED lighting in production 
and non-production areas.
Completed installation of new energy 
efficient air compressor system and 
improved chilled water refrigeration 
system efficiency.

Energy 
consumption 
reduction 
(MWh) 
500

220

340

60

50

1,190

 – Reducing waste generation and minimising waste sent to 
landfill: through continuous improvement of production 
processes to minimise scrap, target-setting, improved waste 
segregation and engagement with waste handlers.

Energy consumption
In 2020 total energy consumption (by function) was 101,728 MWh 
(2019: 104,512 MWh). 

We are increasing 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, when 
normalised against production. Information about the methodology 
we use for reporting on climate change is included in the Responsible 
business review 2020, Supplemental information document available 
at www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

Total energy consumption (by function) (MWh)

Manufacturing 
locations
Non-
manufacturing 
locations
Total energy 
consumption

2020

20191

20181

2017

2016

95,523

97,233 104,690 99,419

92,142

6,205

7,279

6,932

5,007

–

101,728 104,512

111,622 104,426

92,142

1.   2018 and 2019 energy consumption at our non-manufacturing locations includes 
1,386 MWh (relating to use of electricity) previously unreported due to an error 
identified in the historical data at two of our non-manufacturing sites.

Total energy consumption (by fuel source) (MWh)

Electricity
Renewable 
electricity
Natural gas 
Green gas
District heating
Diesel

2020

20191
66,047 66,833

20181
78,781

2017
 76,491 

2016
 70,749 

 11,528 
10,607
24,766  16,699 
 8,546 
 828 
 78 

–
254
53

 3,014 
 24,444 
 2,756 
 2,560 
 66 

 – 
 26,639 
 – 
 1,221 
 75 

 – 
 19,459 
 – 
 1,878 
 56 

1.   2018 and 2019 electricity consumption includes 1,386 MWh previously unreported 

due to an error identified in the historical data at two of our non-manufacturing sites.

53
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Responsible business review
continued

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. We participated in the Carbon Disclosure Project (“CDP”) 
and our response is available on the CDP website. Our disclosure 
score, based on data reported at the end of 2019, is “B” (2018: “C”).

Our GHG emissions relate mainly to the consumption of natural gas 
and electricity to power, heat and cool our facilities. In 2020, the 
scope of our GHG reporting covers our manufacturing locations, 
R&D centres, major offices and distribution centres. UK locations 
contribute 0% of total GHG emissions under the market-based 
method (14% under the location-based method).

Our GHG emissions under the market-based method totalled 27,537 
(2019: 27,419). This 0.4% year-on-year increase is due to an annual 
increase (7%) in the carbon emission factor of the electricity grid in 
the Dominican Republic, which had a material impact of 3% on our 
total emissions. We have been able to mitigate the impact of this 
increase through reductions of energy usage made in a number 
of other countries. The carbon intensity of the electricity grid in the 
Dominican Republic highlights the importance of our solar PV 
project, which is taking place this year. Through the installation of 
our own renewable energy source, we aim to reduce the amount 
of grid supplied electricity required as well as reducing demand 
through other energy saving initiatives.

In addition, we have estimated the emissions of our vehicle fleet. 
Based on data from service providers, we estimate that our fleet of 
approximately 1,270 vehicles (2019: 1,070) generated emissions of 
between 3,850 and 4,050 tonnes CO2. We have not included these 
figures in our overall disclosure of Scope 1 emissions, and vehicle 
emissions are not included in the scope of our GHG emission 
reduction target.

In 2020 we collected our Scope 1 refrigerant gas emissions data 
which amount to 925 tonnes CO2e, emitted from our manufacturing 
facilities. As refrigerant gases have not previously been included in 
the scope of our reporting or GHG emission reduction target, for 
consistency, these emissions are not included in our overall Scope 1 
emissions disclosure.

At the end of 2018 we set a target to reduce our GHG emissions by 
10% against our 2018 reported emissions baseline (market-based) 
by 31 December 2023. We opted for an absolute reduction target to 
make our reports on progress more transparent for stakeholders. 
Energy efficiency savings, the procurement of renewable energy 
and improving carbon intensity of certain national power grids will 
contribute to the achievement of this target. In 2019, due to a 
better-than-expected energy efficiency performance, and more 
favourable movements in carbon intensities in certain national grids, 
we reduced our GHG emissions significantly and exceeded our 
projections. We are undertaking a strategic review of carbon 
emissions, baseline data and targets in 2021 and as part of the 
process will determine an improved approach to report all emissions. 
We will continue to review our position on science-based targets 
in 2021.

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In 2020 we procured carbon emissions reduction certificates, 
in line with the clean development mechanism, to maintain carbon 
neutrality for our UK scope 1 natural gas emissions. This decision 
was taken due to the prohibitive cost of maintaining green gas 
certificates, which we previously held.

GHG (market-based method) (tonnes CO2e)

Scope 11
Scope 22,3
Total GHG emissions

2020
2,887

2018
2019
4,901
3,403
24,650 24,016 28,885
33,756
27,419
27,537

GHG (location-based method) (tonnes CO2e)

Scope 11
Scope 22,3
Total GHG emissions 32,033 32,364 36,092

2017
2018
2019
5,046
5,473
5,435
27,318 30,657 29,054
34,527

2020
4,875
27,158

GHG emission intensity (tonnes/$m revenue)

2020

2019

2018

2017

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

16.9

17.7

19.6

19.6

14.5

15.0

18.3

–

1.    Scope 1 emissions include emissions from all natural gas and diesel 

combusted on our sites for operational purposes. 

2.   Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of 

purchased energy.

3.   2018 and 2019 Scope 2 emissions include an additional 602 and 585 tonnes of 
CO2e respectively (relating to use of electricity) previously unreported due to 
an error identified in the historical data at two of our non-manufacturing sites.

Renewable energy
We have not developed a specific target for introducing renewable 
or low carbon energy as this is inherent in the assumptions that 
underpin our overall GHG reduction target and is embedded in our 
climate change strategy. 

In 2020, we have actively pursued a number of renewable energy 
programmes some of which are highlighted below.

During 2018 we procured 100% origin certificate-backed renewable 
electricity across our key UK-located facilities. The energy was 
generated from a mix of 93.7% wind energy, 5.6% waste and 0.7% 
biomass and the contract is for a three-year period. This agreement 
covered the whole of 2020. Renewable energy accounted for 
approximately 10% of total energy consumption in 2020 compared 
to 19% in 2019. This decline is due to the decision not to procure 
green gas. Information about the methodology we use for disclosing 
renewable energy in relation to our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions 
is included in the Responsible business review 2020, Supplemental 
information document available at www.convatecgroup.com/
corporate-responsibility.

In the coming year we plan to implement a number of renewable 
energy initiatives including the installation of roof-mounted solar 
cells at our Dominican Republic manufacturing site. In 2021 our 
Slovakian manufacturing site will be supplied with 100% origin 
certificate-backed renewable electricity.

Renewable energy (%)

Water
In 2020, we consumed approximately 169 megalitres of water 
(2019: 166), all of which was provided by municipal water suppliers 
or other public or private water utilities. The majority of water (96%) 
is consumed at our manufacturing sites in the Dominican Republic, 
Mexico, Slovakia and the UK. No water is abstracted directly from 
lakes, rivers or other bodies of water. Data is compiled from invoiced 
amounts and meter readings. Very little water is treated on site 
(2020: 0.22%, 2019: 0.1%).

5,053 tonnes of water (2019: 5,500 tonnes) are tankered offsite as 
hazardous waste, the vast majority of this relating to our Rhymney 
site in the UK where water becomes contaminated with Industrial 
Denatured Alcohol (“IDA”). After processing, a significant proportion 
of the mass is recovered IDA, which is then reused on the site. The 
remaining treated water is returned to the environment via sewer. 
Other waste water is discharged to sewer.

Water use (megalitres purchased)1

2020

2019

2018

2017

169

166

158

146

2020

10%

2019

19%

2018

5%

2017

90%

81%

95%

100%

Renewable energy consumption

Non-renewable energy consumption

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. We are also intensifying our focus on initiatives which will 
drive a reduction in waste generated by our product packaging and 
non-manufacturing activities.

1.   In previous years volume of water used at our manufacturing site in Mexico has been 

misreported by 23 megalitres due to an error.

Examples of water 
efficiency projects

 – Deeside, UK: Audited water efficiency and 

implemented low-flow taps and automatic flush 
toilets in appropriate areas.

 – All locations: Embedded water efficiency actions 

within regular housekeeping checklists.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Responsible business review
continued

Waste
The table below indicates our waste recycling and disposal 
performance over the last four years for both hazardous and 
non-hazardous waste. Non-hazardous waste represents 72% of the 
total waste generated and the chart indicates that the proportion of 
this waste recycled has reduced to 15% and the proportion disposed 
of to landfill has increased to 75%. The limited progress in 2020 is 
due to increased production in Mexico and the Dominican Republic 
and changes in legislation in Slovakia in relation to waste incineration 
for energy recovery. Hazardous waste represents 28% of total 
waste generated and 99% of this is recycled. The vast majority of 
hazardous waste (94%) is generated at our Rhymney site and its 
treatment is described above. Of the remainder, 0.6% is disposed 
of to landfill. No waste is treated onsite.

Waste recycled (tonnes)

Non-hazardous 
waste
Disposed of
Recycled
Generated
Hazardous waste
Disposed of
Recycled
Generated
Total generated

2020

2019

2018

20171

11,806
2,120
13,926

72
5,337
5,409
19,335

10,060
3,671
13,731

78
5,716
5,794
19,525

9,224
2,333
11,557

57
5,663
5,720
17,277

12,574
3,243
15,817

209
8,146
8,355
24,172

1.    The 2017 data does not include data from EuroTec (<1% of total waste in 2018).

Fate of non-hazardous waste generated (%)

Recycled
Incineration (with 
energy recovery)
Incineration (without 
energy recovery)
Landfill

2020
15

2019
27

2018
20

2017
21

10

0
75

8

6
59

9

2
69

6

7
67

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 assess the environmental 
performance of key suppliers, report value chain impacts and assess 
product and packaging performance.

Assessing our suppliers
As explained on page 51, we assess suppliers’ environmental 
performance against our SCoC and we require new suppliers to sign 
our SCoC. No supply contracts were terminated on the basis of the 
environmental assessments conducted in 2020.

Scope 3 GHG emissions estimates
We are working to improve our understanding and reporting of 
Scope 3 GHG emissions. In 2020, our reporting included the 
following estimates:
 – Business flights: Based on data provided by our travel agents, 

we estimate business flights contributed between 680 and 750 
tonnes of CO2e (2019: 3,050 and 3,250 tonnes). This significant 
reduction is due primarily to COVID-19. While this figure will 
increase as it becomes safe for our people to travel and as 
restrictions are lifted, our experience during most of the year has 
demonstrated our ability to operate effectively and remotely using 
digital tools. Once business travel resumes we will continue to 
encourage a combination of virtual and in-person meetings.
 – Raw materials: We have estimated the carbon footprint of 

products placed on the market in 2020 to be between 40,000 
and 60,000 tonnes of CO2e. This estimate is based on a study 
undertaken in 2019 and information about the methodology we 
used for generating the estimate is included in the Responsible 
business review 2020, Supplemental information document 
available at www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

 – Packaging: Using data gathered from actual and projected 

packaging procurement records, from engagement with key 
packaging suppliers and databases for the CO2e impact of 
materials we estimate the carbon footprint of the packaging 
placed on the market during 2020 to be approximately 16,000 
tonnes CO2e. 

There is a high margin of error in the raw material and packaging 
estimates provided above and we recognise the need to develop 
more effective and accurate methods of reporting on the impact.

Environmental impact of products and packaging
Our products are the most visible element of our environmental 
performance and encapsulate accumulated environmental impacts 
along the value chain, from extraction of raw materials, through 
manufacture and logistics, use by customers, and final disposal. 

By better understanding where the most significant impacts are 
created, we are better able to focus on the priorities for attention. In 
previous years we have undertaken projects to build our knowledge 
in this key area however, as highlighted above, we need to do more 
work and this will be a key priority in 2021.

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Packaging review
In 2019 we estimated that our 2019 packaging baseline footprint 
was approximately 16,000 tonnes of packaging comprised of the 
following materials:

1.  PET 
2.  PETG 
3.  PVC 
4.  LDPE 
5.  HDPE 
6.  Cardboard 
7.  Paper 
8.  Corrugated board 
9.  Multilayer: 2 layer 
10.  Multilayer: 3 layer 

2.2%
0.7%
5.3%
0.2%
1.5%
18.3%
23.9%
14.4%
18.6%
14.7%

1. 3.

2. 4.

5.

6.

10.

9.

8.

New product development – Green Design Guidelines
Given the paramount importance of patient safety and the 
regulatory framework in place for MedTech products, it is not 
a straightforward task to change device form and components. 
Extensive requalification and reapproval of products is necessary 
after any change before products can be launched. It is also 
problematic to include recycled content in device materials due 
to regulatory constraints regarding quality and traceability. 

7.

Our existing new product development (“NPD”) processes include a 
standard review of the proposed materials against certain externally 
compiled lists of “substances of concern”, including the requirements 
of California Proposition 65 and REACH25 and this approach is 
consolidated within our Ethical Issues and New Product 
Development policy.

As well as focusing on our key product development priorities (see 
page 25), we are endeavouring to develop future, more sustainable 
portfolios through the application of green design principles at the 
product development stage. 

In 2019, we developed a set of Green Design Guidelines (“GDGs”), 
which cover a range of issues including consideration of carbon 
footprint, water footprint, circularity, substances of concern and 
non-quantitative “red flags” (e.g. potential use of substances which 
are fully legal, but controversial). These GDGs were scheduled to 
be implemented in 2020, however following the recruitment of 
our first Chief Technology Officer, it was decided to delay their 
implementation until he and his expanded team were in place and 
had an opportunity to undertake a thorough review of our NPD 
processes. This review has now been completed and a single 
uniform process will be rolled out across our categories during 
the course of 2021.

Multilayer packaging was comprised of ten different material 
combinations and almost half of these were films or foils of 
polyamide (“PA”) and low-density polyethylene (“LDPE”).

Product review
While we have not undertaken a product environmental impact 
review in 2020 we can report that between 85% to 90% of 
materials used in our products are plastics or thermoplastics/
elastomers. Within these categories, the following materials are 
amongst the most significant from an environmental impact 
perspective: polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), polyester, polyurethane 
and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Where we are aware of 
existing products or packaging containing substances of concern, 
we work progressively to reduce and/or replace those substances 
as appropriate.

Product life-cycle assessments
We had targeted to complete third-party reviewed life-cycle 
assessments within all our product groups by 31 December 2020. 
The assessments, which aim to identify improvement opportunities 
and provide greater transparency to customers, cover the extraction 
and production of raw materials, manufacturing processes, 
transportation waste management and product use. Retail 
operations are excluded from the analysis. 

By the end of the year, assessments conducted in accordance with 
the requirements of the international standards ISO 14040:2006 
and ISO 14044:2006, were completed within our AWC, Ostomy 
Care and Infusion Care categories. The remaining assessment within 
our CCC category commenced in December 2020 and is scheduled 
to be completed by the second quarter of 2021.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Responsible business review
continued

Behaving ethically and transparently

How we conduct ourselves – earning trust by behaving responsibly, 
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: 
 – Annually, all employees undertake training in relation to our Code 
of Ethics and Business Conduct (“our Code of Conduct”) either 
online, with electronic acknowledgement of completion, or 
through participation in town hall meetings.

 – We make available a Compliance Helpline and web link (for 
employees and third parties) to report suspected breaches.
 – Any issues reported are reviewed by our ethics and compliance 
function and the resulting investigation and outcome of any 
significant issues are overseen by the Audit and Risk Committee. 
See page 111.

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 and, as highlighted on page 51, we are expanding our third-
party due diligence processes. Our Modern Slavery Act statement 
is available at www.convatecgroup.com/modern-slavery-act. 

We also engage with stakeholders on ethical topics within our 
sector. In 2020 we continued to participate in many of the local and 
regional medical device trade associations of the countries in which 
we operate. Following on from the support we provided to AdvaMed 
in 2019 in relation to the update of their Code of Ethics on Interactions 
with Health Care Professionals, during 2020 we participated in a 
number of their meetings and discussions in relation to key legal, 
ethical and compliance issues. AdvaMed is the largest medical device 
industry organisation in the US and a global leader in harmonising 
MedTech industry codes on ethics and assuring transparent 
interactions with healthcare professionals.

Transparency and ratings 
Being transparent with our stakeholders about how we run our 
business is a vital part of building strong, long-term relationships
based on trust. Measuring transparency is not straightforward. 
Our disclosures and reporting are assessed and scored by a range 
of external ESG analysts and other organisations and we use this 
information to benchmark our progress.

In 2017 we set targets to improve our ISS-oekom research rating to 
at least C+, and our Sustainalytics rating to at least 75/100, based 
on our reporting of the 2019 financial year. In 2019 we exceeded our 
target rating with ISS-oekom and we have maintained this B- score 
in 2020. While our Sustainalytics rating has improved since 2017, 
in 2020 there was a marginal year-on-year decline and we have not 
achieved our targeted rating.

Rating organisation
ISS-oekom
Sustainalytics

2017
C-

2020
B-
64/100 72/100 74/100 73/100

2018
C

2019
B-

We have refreshed our Code of Conduct to reflect updated laws and 
industry codes and to enhance the provisions relating to corruption 
and bribery, including preventing the facilitation of tax evasion and 
product evaluation and sampling. During 2020 we believe that our 
conflict of interest prevention measures continued to operate 
effectively. In 2021 we plan to enhance these measures by introducing 
a survey mechanism which will invite employees to identify actual or 
potential conflicts of interest.

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. 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 at www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility. 

In 2020 we had planned to review and refresh both our Human 
Rights and Labour Standards Policy and our Supplier Code of 
Conduct and publish the revised versions by the end of 2020. This 
review process is led by our cross-functional Human Rights Steering 
Committee. During the year the membership of the Committee 
changed significantly. As a result, the review is ongoing and will be 
completed during 2021.

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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 below and on page 27. 

Direct Economic Value 
Generated1
Economic Value Distributed
Operating costs2
Employee wages and 
benefits
Payments to providers 
of capital3
Payments to governments4
Community investment
Economic Value Retained

2020
($m)

20195
($m)

2018
($m)

2017
($m)

1,910.8 1,827.2

1,832.1

1,764.6

891.7

890.0

895.4

857.1

579.7

515.0

473.2

472.7

254.0
56.3
0.7
128.4

351.2
38.2
0.5
32.3

335.2
45.9
0.4
82.0

131.6
49.1
0.2
253.9

1.   Direct economic value generated in 2020 includes the gain recognised from the sale 

of our US Skincare product line.

2.   Operating costs exclude depreciation, amortisation, impairment charges, asset 
write-offs and operating taxes. Employee wages and benefits, payments to 
governments and community investments are normally part of operating costs, 
but have been excluded as they appear on separate lines in the calculations.

3.   Payments to providers of capital have been included on an accruals basis and include 
interest paid on long-term debt, capital and interest payments on right of use assets, 
debt repayment, dividends and own share reserve purchase paid to ConvaTec 
shareholders.

4.   Payments to governments include corporate income taxes, sales taxes, real estate 
taxes and other taxes, but exclude employer portion of payroll taxes, as they are 
included in employee wages and benefits.

5.   2019 operating costs and employee wages and benefits have been revised to reflect 

a reclassification of employee wages and operating costs.

Contribution to governments
We are fully committed to meeting our legal tax obligations in each 
of the countries in which we operate. We fully support and embrace 
greater transparency with tax authorities and the initiatives being 
introduced by the OECD and governments to ensure clarity and 
adherence to the tax laws of each jurisdiction in which we operate. 
Our Tax Policy is available at www.convatecgroup.com/ 
corporate-responsibility.

Living our values
In July 2020 we launched our Improving Lives Fund which aims 
to help people in need in many of the countries where we have 
operations or large teams. Some of the important work the Fund 
has supported during the year includes:
 – UK: Citizens Advice Flintshire is receiving increased calls for help 
from people who have lost incomes and livelihoods as a result 
of COVID-19. 

 – Demark: JulemærkeHjemmet (the Christmas Label Foundation) 
provides a safe, community for over 1,000 vulnerable children 
every year who struggle with low self-esteem, social isolation 
and bullying. 

 – US: Sisu Youth Services is an emergency shelter and social care 
charity on a mission to keep LGBTQ+ youth off the street in 
Oklahoma City. This non-profit organisation provides overnight 
shelter, clothing, hot meals and case management to at-risk youth 
aged 15 to 24.

In addition to our Improving Lives Fund, employees at a number 
of our locations also operate local projects to support their 
local communities. 

In the US, through our supplier diversity programme, we strive to 
partner with small, minority, veteran, disadvantaged and women-
owned businesses. In 2020 approximately 16%1 (2018: 21%) of our 
US supplier spend was across these groups.

1.  Reported for 12 months to September 2020.

Supporting healthcare 
professionals

During the year we donated over 180,000 DuoDERM™ Extra 
Thin dressings to approximately 1,000 hospitals globally to 
support frontline nurses and doctors caring for COVID-19 
patients. Working for extended periods wearing personal 
protective equipment, including glasses, googles and masks, 
healthcare professionals may experience device-related 
pressure injuries such as skin tears, pressure ulcers 
and friction damage. When applied to the face, DuoDERM™ 
Extra Thin can help clinicians prevent these injuries.

59
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Independent assurance
In line with our commitment to transparency, we commissioned 
DNV GL Business Assurance Services UK Limited (“DNV”) to 
undertake independent assurance of the contents of this 
Responsible business review. The assurance was completed 
using DNV’s assurance methodology, VeriSustain™, which is 
based on their professional experience, international assurance 
best practice including the International Standard on Assurance 
Engagements 3000 and the Global Reporting Initiative (“GRI”) 
Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. 

The Responsible business review was evaluated for adherence 
to the principles of stakeholder inclusiveness, materiality, 
sustainability context, completeness and reliability. DNV’s full 
Assurance Statement, including Opinion, Basis of Opinion and 
Observations, is included in the Responsible business review 
2020, Supplemental information document available at 
www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility.

Responsible business review
continued

Recognising nurses’ 
dedication through 
the pandemic

Our Nurse Reward initiative was launched in July 2020 to 
celebrate nurses and recognise their continued dedication 
during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees were encouraged 
to nominate a nurse who deserves special recognition and 
thanks for their contribution. The winners were invited to 
choose a charity to receive a special donation from our 
Improving Lives Fund. Nominations were received from 
Europe, US and Africa, highlighting the variety of personal 
stories of care professionals across the globe.

60
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Section 172 and Non-financial information statements

Section 172 statement
Information about our stakeholders and how we engage with 
them is set out on pages 40 and 41.

Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 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 doing 
this, section 172 requires our Directors 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.

On pages 96 to 98 (which should be read in conjunction with 
this statement) we explain how our Board gains an 
understanding of stakeholder issues and, during the year, 
discharged its section 172 duty by factoring the matters 
highlighted above into the Board discussions and decision-
making process.

The Directors also have regard to other factors which they 
consider relevant to the decision being made, acknowledging 
that every decision made will not necessarily result in a positive 
outcome for all stakeholders. However by considering our vision 
and values, together with our strategic priorities, and having a 
process in place for decision making, the Board aims to make 
sure that all decisions are consistent and well-considered.

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

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
ESG rating monitoring
Our vision and values
Code of Conduct
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
Improving Lives Fund

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

–

–

Information 
Pages 52 to 58

Page 2
Page 58
Pages 47 to 50

Page 58

Page 59

Page 51
Page 58

Pages 72 to 79

Page 19

Pages 26 to 27

61
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Financial review

 “Notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic, we 
delivered a solid financial performance.”

Frank Schulkes
Chief Financial Officer

Our diversified product and service portfolio, strong market positions and robust balance sheet created a strong foundation during the 
pandemic from which we delivered our solid financial performance. We grew the business and our cash generation remained strong which 
has enabled us to invest in our transformation programme, service our debt and maintain our dividend. Despite the challenges we faced in 
2020, we continued with our finance transformation, including successfully establishing our Global Business Services hub in Lisbon and we 
continued to monitor and strengthen our financial control environment and further build out our business intelligence capabilities. We are 
confident in the future profitable growth of our business which is reflected in our outlook and guidance.

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

Reported
2020
$m
1,894.3
(875.5)
1,018.8
53.8%
(463.3)
(262.1)
(82.4)
–
211.0
11.1%
1.9
(50.3)
12.1
174.7
(62.2)
112.5
5.9%
5.7¢
5.6¢
5.7

Reported
2019
$m
1,827.2
(871.6)
955.6
52.3%
(458.9)
(240.5)
(53.8)
(105.5)
96.9
5.3%
7.8
(81.4)
(4.4)
18.9
(9.1)
9.8
0.5%
0.5¢
0.5¢
5.7

Adjusted
2020
$m
1,894.3
(767.5)
1,126.8
59.5%
(462.6)
(232.8)
(81.2)
–
350.2
18.5%
1.9
(50.3)
(4.4)
297.4
(56.9)
240.5
12.7%
12.1¢
12.0¢

Adjusted
2019
$m
1,827.2
(749.0)
1,078.2
59.0%
(457.2)
(212.6)
(53.8)
(0.3)
354.3
19.4%
7.8
(81.4)
(4.4)
276.3
(44.3)
232.0
12.7%
11.8¢
11.7¢

(a)   Following a review of cost allocations, general and administrative expenses of $30.5 million (2019: $25.9 million), principally relating to employee costs and insurance, have been 

reclassified to selling and distribution expenses to better reflect the nature of the costs. The comparatives have been restated to reflect the revised classification.

Reported and Adjusted results 
The Group’s reported financial performance, measured in accordance with IFRS, is set out in the Financial Statements and Notes thereto 
on pages 143 to 188. 

The commentary in this Financial review includes discussion of reported and alternative performance measures (“APMs”). Management uses 
APMs 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 189 to 194. 

Constant Currency Growth (CER) 
The Group reviews revenue on a constant currency basis which removes the effect of fluctuations in exchange rates 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 is a non-IFRS financial measure 
and should not be viewed as a replacement of IFRS reported revenue. 

62
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Revenue
The attraction of having a diverse portfolio serving different chronic care categories is evident in the 2020 results. Notwithstanding the 
significant negative impact of COVID-19 on our largest business, AWC, strong growth in IC and CCC plus a broadly flat OC performance 
enabled us to exceed our revenue guidance.

Group reported revenue of $1,894.3 million (2019: $1,827.2 million) rose 3.7% year-on-year or 4.0% on a constant currency basis including 
the disposal of the US Skincare product line (which contributed $6.2 million in Q4 2019) and the acquisition of Southlake Medical (which 
contributed $2.7 million in 2020).

Revenue by product category

AWC
Ostomy Care
CCC
Infusion Care
Total

2020
$m
546.8
525.9
498.6
323.0
1,894.3

2019
$m
569.9
525.0
456.7
275.6
1,827.2

Reported 
growth/
(decline)
%
(4.0)%
0.2%
9.2%
17.2%
3.7%

Foreign 
exchange 
impact
%
0.2%
1.0%
0.1%
(0.5)%
0.3%

Constant 
currency 
growth/
(decline)
%
(3.8)%
1.2%
9.3%
16.7%
4.0%

AWC revenue declined 4.0% or 3.8% on a constant currency basis principally driven by the negative COVID-19 impact of reduced elective 
surgeries and restricted access to the healthcare setting. OC revenue was broadly flat on a reported basis and grew 1.2% year-on-year on 
a constant currency basis partially impacted by contract rationalisations. CCC revenue grew 9.2% or 9.3% on a constant currency basis, 
reflecting significant demand within Critical Care for ICU products during the pandemic and good growth in Continence Care driven by HSG. 
IC revenue grew 17.2% or 16.7% on a constant currency basis. This was driven by increased use of our innovative infusion sets by diabetes 
patients. See pages 30 to 37 for detail on the performance of each category. 

Revenue by geography

Americas
EMEA
APAC
Total

2020
$m
1,015.4
731.4
147.5
1,894.3

2019
$m
959.8
724.1
143.3
1,827.2

Reported 
growth
%
5.8%
1.0%
2.9%
3.7%

Foreign 
exchange 
impact
%
1.3%
(0.8)%
(0.6)%
0.3%

Constant 
currency 
growth%
7.1%
0.2%
2.3%
4.0%

Americas revenue grew by 5.8% on a reported basis and 7.1% on a constant currency basis. This reflected a strong revenue performance in IC 
and CCC combined with underlying growth in Latin America partially offset by the reduction in AWC revenues in the United States principally 
owing to the reduced demand for surgical products given the reduction in elective surgeries. 

Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”) revenue grew by 1.0% on a reported basis but only 0.2% on a constant currency basis. Strong 
revenue growth in IC and CCC was offset by the COVID-19 related AWC decline. 

Asia Pacific (“APAC”) reported revenue grew by 2.9% and 2.3% on a constant currency basis. This reflected a growth in OC and CCC offset 
by the decline in AWC.

63
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Financial review
continued

Reported net profit 
Notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group delivered 
a solid financial performance in 2020, as highlighted in the 
table above.

Reported operating profit was $211.0 million, an increase of 
$114.1 million reflecting the 3.7% growth in revenue, improvement 
in gross margin, reduction in impairment charges of $105.5 million, 
a decrease in amortisation of $15.1 million and the 2019 effect of 
CEO buy-out costs of $6.2 million partially offset by the increased 
investment in transformation of $47.7 million and increased 
Medical Device Regulation (“MDR”) of $8.8 million and a rise 
in employee incentives.

Reported finance and non-operating expenses were $36.3 million 
(2019: $78.0 million). Finance costs reduced by $25.2 million to 
$48.4 million, reflecting lower interest costs since the October 2019 
refinancing and, in 2019, the write-off of fees related to the previous 
credit agreement. There was a non-operating credit of $12.1 million, 
reflecting the $16.5 million profit on disposal of the US Skincare 
product line partially offset by non-operating expenses, principally 
foreign exchange, remaining flat at $4.4 million.

The reported tax charge in the year was $62.2 million (2019: 
$9.1 million), which reflects the increase in the Group’s reported 
profit before tax and movement in the deferred tax asset relating 
to the Swiss tax reform.

Consequently, reported net profit increased to $112.5 million 
(2019: $9.8 million) generating basic reported earnings per share 
of 5.7 cents (2019: 0.5 cents).

Adjusted net profit
The Group delivered adjusted operating profit in line with the 
prior year at $350.2 million (2019: $354.3 million) with an adjusted 
operating margin of 18.5% (2019: 19.4%). The 3.7% growth in 
revenue, improvement in the gross margin, prudent cost 
management and savings on travel and expenses during the 
pandemic, were offset by the strategic transformation investments 
of $92.5 million (2019: $52.7 million) and investment in MDR of 
$14.0 million (2019: $5.2 million) plus the impact of $7.3 million 
of adverse foreign exchange movements.

Adjusted net profit rose 3.7% to $240.5 million (2019: 
$232.0 million) with the $25.2 million reduction in net finance 
expense partially offset by $12.6 million increase in adjusted tax 
expense. As anticipated, the adjusted effective tax rate (“ETR”) 
rose from 16.0% to 19.1%.

Basic adjusted EPS was 12.1 cents (2019: 11.8 cents) and diluted 
adjusted EPS was 12.0 cents (2019: 11.7 cents) based on basic 
weighted average ordinary shares of 1.992 billion shares 
(2019: 1.971 billion shares) and 2.007 billion diluted shares 
(2019: 1.976 billion) respectively.

Taxation and tax strategy

Profit before taxation
Income tax expense
Effective tax rate

Reported
2020
$m
174.7
(62.2)
35.6%

Reported
2019
$m
18.9
(9.1)
48.1%

Adjusted
2020
$m
297.4
(56.9)
19.1%

Adjusted
2019
$m
276.3
(44.3)
16.0%

Reported income tax expense
Tax effect of adjustments
Other discrete tax items
Adjusted income tax expense

Adjusted
2020
$m
(62.2)
(12.3)
17.6
(56.9)

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

The Group’s reported tax charge for the year was $62.2 million 
(2019: $9.1 million) and is based on tax rates applicable in various 
jurisdictions across the world in which the Group operates. The 
principal movement relates to the change in basis of estimate of 
the deferred tax asset arising from Swiss tax reform which created 
a current year charge (other discrete tax item) of $17.6 million 
(2019: credit of $23.0 million). For further information see Note 5 
to the Financial Statements. 

The adjusted income tax charge for 2020 was $56.9 million (2019: 
$44.3 million), reflecting a 3.1% increase in the adjusted effective tax 
rate to 19.1% (2019: 16.0%), broadly in line with our expectations. 
The adjusted income tax expense of $56.9 million excludes the 
deferred tax expense of $17.6 million (as noted above) and a tax 
benefit of $12.3 million (2019: $12.2 million) relating to the tax effect 
of amortisation on pre-2018 intangible assets and the cost of 
termination benefits relating to specific Group-wide initiatives. 

ConvaTec is a responsible business and promotes the highest 
standards of compliance and ethical behaviour. We take a 
responsible attitude to tax, recognising that it affects all of our 
stakeholders. We had on average more than 9,600 employees 
worldwide during 2020 and, operated in over 100 countries 
through direct sales and local distributors, our business activities 
generate a substantial amount of taxes. These include both 
corporate income taxes and non-income taxes such as payroll taxes, 
property taxes, VAT/Sales & Use taxes, and other taxes. In order to 
provide transparency on our approach to tax, we have published 
our Global Tax Strategy, which is available on our corporate 
website at www.convatecgroup.com/corporate-responsibility/ 
socio-economic-contribution/tax-statement/.

Strategic transformation 
As previously highlighted, we are in the midst of a strategic 
transformation programme to realise our strategic intent of pivoting 
to sustainable and profitable growth. 

64
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

During the course of 2020 we decided to proactively re-phase 
certain investments, given the pandemic and the implications for 
execution and returns. We pushed forward with increased impetus 
in certain areas, such as enhancing our digital capabilities, whilst 
delaying spend in others to reflect the uncertain environment. 

In total we invested $130.7 million in our strategic transformation 
in 2020, comprising of: 
 – $50.6 million of non-recurring operational costs 

(2019: $39.4 million)

 – $41.9 million of recurring transformation investment 

(2019: $13.3 million)

 – An additional $12.2 million of costs to be excluded from adjusted 

EBIT (2019: $4.3 million) 

 – $26.0 million of capex (2019: $23.0 million)

Disposals
In line with our strategic transformation and consistent with the 
“Focus” pillar of FISBE (see page 12), we disposed of the trade and 
assets of the US Skincare product line on 25 September 2020, for 
a net consideration of $29.6 million, generating a profit on disposal 
of $16.5 million. Prior to disposal the business had contributed 
$19.2 million of revenue to the 2020 reported results. For further 
information see Note 8.3 to the Financial Statements.

Alternative performance measures (“APMs”)
In line with our APM policy, included within our adjusted 
performance measures in 2020 are termination benefits related 
to our transformation activity of $12.2 million (2019: $5.8 million), 
amortisation of pre-acquisition intangibles of $125.3 million (2019: 
$140.2 million) and the profit on disposal of the US Skincare product 
line of $16.5 million. In 2019, the Group also treated CEO buy-out 
costs of $6.2 million and the impairment of certain finite-lived 
intangible assets related to our product portfolio of $105.2 million 
as adjusting items.

The Board, through the Audit and Risk Committee, continuously 
reviews the Group’s APM policy to ensure that it remains appropriate 
and represents the way in which the performance of the Group is 
managed. Since 2018, the Group has made two small acquisitions, 
each for a consideration of less than $15 million, for which the 
amortisation charge on acquisition intangibles was immaterial. Given 
the Group’s strategy to be more active and to pursue larger 
acquisitions which strengthen our position in key geographies and/
or business categories or which provide access to new technology, 
we believe that a refinement and clarification of the policy is 
required under which the Group will adjust for amortisation of 
intangible assets in relation to future acquisitions together with 
associated acquisition-related expenses. This refinement better 
reflects the underlying performance of the business and aids 
year-on-year comparability.

For further information on Non-IFRS financial information see 
pages 189 to 194.

Dividends
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 2020 
are $1,653.1 million (2019: $1,528.5 million). Dividends are distributed 
based on the realised distributable reserves (within retained 
earnings) of ConvaTec Group Plc (the Company) and not based 
on the Group’s retained earnings.

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 considers the strategic objectives, capital management, 
the Group’s various stakeholders (for further information see the 
section 172 statement on page 61), review of our comparator peer 
group, available and forecast distributable reserves of the Company 
and the forecast cashflows and liquidity of the Group. For further 
information see the Directors’ report on page 139.

In August 2020, 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 and 2019. This represents a pay-out ratio 
(when compared to adjusted net profit) for 2020 of 47.5%. The 
Board is recommending a total dividend for the year in excess 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, its underlying 
financial strength, realised distributable reserves position, cash 
generation and liquidity. Further information about our dividend 
policy and dividends paid can be found on page 139 and information 
on capital maintenance and our available distributable reserves 
position can be found on page 176.

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: 

EUR/USD

GBP/USD

DKK/USD

Average 
rate/
Closing 
rate
Average
Closing
Average
Closing
Average
Closing

2020
1.14
1.22
1.28
1.37
0.15
0.16

2019
1.12
1.12
1.28
1.33
0.15
0.15

During 2020, our revenue was predominantly USD denominated 
(50%). Other significant currencies were EUR (23%), GBP (8%) and 
DKK (2%). The balance comprises a basket of other currencies 
which, on an individual basis, were each less than 2% of revenue.

65
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Financial review
continued

Sources and uses of cash 
Sources of cash 
The Group’s primary source of liquidity is net cash 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 robust recurring cash inflows. 

Reported net cash generated from operations

$600m

$500m

$400m

$300m

$200m

$100m

27%

26%

25%

24%

23%

22%

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

21%

Net cash generated from operations ($m)

Net cash generated from operations/revenue (%)

Net cash generated from operations

EBITDA(a)
Net cash generated from operations
Net interest paid
Tax paid
Net cash generated from operating 
activities

Reported
2020
$m
420.4
502.5
(48.5)
(54.5)

Reported
2019
$m
421.0
486.8
(48.0)
(37.0)

399.5

401.8

2019

Despite the impact of COVID-19, our cash collection remained 
strong resulting in a decrease in receivables of $6.5 million. 
Higher inventory to meet the predicted elevated short-term demand 
in Critical Care products together with appropriate planning for 
Brexit increased our year-end inventory position, generated a 
working capital outflow of $5.3 million. The increase in trade and 
other payables of $47.5 million reflects an increase in employee 
incentive accruals, an increase in the vacation accrual (owing to 
COVID-19) coupled with the phasing of spend on certain capital 
expenditure, transformation and innovation programmes. 

The $21.9 million of cash gains from foreign exchange derivatives 
is a result of increased volatility in foreign exchange rates in 2020 
and greater use of foreign exchange contracts to mitigate the 
associated risks.

In 2020, the net cash generated from operating activities was 
supplemented by income from the sale of our US Skincare product 
line ($29.8 million). 

Uses of cash
The $502.5 million net cash generated from operations and 
$29.8 million proceeds from the sale of the US Skincare product 
line, were used to service our debt, including repayment of 
$73.0 million of our external borrowings, invest $86.2 million of 
capital expenditure in our manufacturing lines, digital technologies 
and the purchase of product-related licences, $54.5 million of tax 
payments, purchase $5.6 million of ConvaTec shares for the future 
vesting of our employee share incentive plans, and pay $62.9 million 
in dividends to shareholders. The year-on-year reduction of 
$17.0 million in the cash dividend payment reflects the uptake 
of the scrip alternative. 

Significant cash outflows ($m)

2020

(a)   EBITDA is explained and reconciled to the most directly comparable financial 

measure prepared in accordance with IFRS in the cash conversion table on page 
194.

Net cash generated from operating activities was $399.5 million and 
$401.8 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease of 
$2.3 million primarily reflects the $17.5 million increase in tax paid 
principally offset by a $15.7 million increase in cash from operations. 
Working capital decreased by $47.8 million (2019: $51.6 million), and 
was offset by a $21.9 million gain on foreign exchange derivatives. 

Debt servicing

Dividend paid

Acquisition of PP&E and 
intangible assets

2020

2019

$142.1m

$206.6m

$62.9m

$79.9m

$86.2m

$61.4m

Tax paid

$54.5m

$37.0m

Aquisition, net of cash acquired

$nil

$12.3m

Purchase of own shares

$5.6m

$14.0m

Cash flows from debt servicing includes net repayments on borrowings of $73.0 million 
(2019: $137.7 million), lease payments of $20.6 million (2019: $20.9 million), and net 
interest payments of $48.5 million (2019: $48.0 million).

66
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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 99.0% (2019: 101.0%) and adjusted cash conversion was 90.3% (2019: 97.9%). 

EBITDA
Add: non-cash items
Working capital
Gain on foreign exchange derivatives
Capital expenditure
Net cash generated from operations, net of capital expenditure
Cash conversion
Tax paid
Free cash flow

Reported
2020
$m
420.4
12.4
47.8
21.9
(86.2)
416.3
99.0%
(54.5)
361.8

Reported
2019
$m
421.0
14.2
51.6
–
(61.4)
425.4
101.0%
(37.0)
388.4

Adjusted(a)
2020
$m
445.0
–
42.9
0.2
(86.2)
40.1.9
90.3%
(54.5)
347.4

Adjusted(a)
2019
$m
443.1
–
52.1
–
(61.4)
433.8
97.9%
(37.0)
396.8

(a)   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 194.

Adjusted free cash flow is one of the four key performance indicators we use to monitor the delivery of our strategy. Adjusted free cash 
flow was $347.4 million (2019: $396.8 million), principally reflecting our increased investment in capital expenditure and cash tax paid. 

Liquidity and net debt
Borrowings and net debt

At 1 January
Net cash inflow
Net repayment of borrowings
Foreign exchange
Non-cash movement
At 31 December
Lease liabilities
At 31 December
Net debt/adjusted EBITDA

2020
Cash and 
cash 
equivalents 
$m
385.8
181.1
–
(1.5)
–
565.4

Borrowings
$m
(1,486.1)
–
73.0
(39.0)
(4.3)
(1,456.4)

2019
Cash and 
cash 
equivalents
$m
315.6
76.5
–
(6.3)
–
385.8

Borrowings
$m
(1,620.8)
–
137.7
11.5
(14.5)
(1,486.1)

Net debt
$m
(1,100.3)
181.1
73.0
(40.5)
(4.3)
(891.0)
(92.1)
(983.1)
2.0x

Net debt
$m
(1,305.2)
76.5
137.7
5.2
(14.5)
(1,100.3)
(88.5)
(1,188.8)
2.5x

As at 31 December 2020, the Group’s cash and cash equivalents were $565.4 million (2019: $385.8 million) and the debt outstanding on 
our borrowings was $1,456.4 million (2019: $1,486.1 million). Borrowings reflect two five-year multi-currency committed loan facilities 
– a $900 million non-amortising debt facility and a $600 million amortising debt facility. In addition, the Group has a $200 million undrawn 
revolving credit facility. All three facilities expire in October 2024. During the year, the Group made the first scheduled repayment on the 
amortising loan of $45.0 million together with an additional payment of $28.0 million on Euro denominated borrowings triggered by the 
movement in the Euro to USD exchange rate exceeding 5%. 

67
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Financial review
continued

The $200 million revolving credit facility remained unutilised throughout the year and was undrawn as at 31 December 2020, which, with 
cash of $565.4 million, provided the Group with total liquidity of $765.4 million at that date. 

At 31 December 2020, the Group was in compliance with all financial and non-financial covenants associated with the Group’s outstanding 
debt. The Group has two financial covenants, being net debt/adjusted EBITDA and interest cover, each of which is defined by the debt 
facilities. The table below summarises the Group’s covenant position versus maximum net debt/adjusted EBITDA and minimum interest 
cover permitted by the debt facilities as at 31 December 2020 and 2019.

31 December 2020
31 December 2019

Maximum 
covenant
net debt/
adjusted 
EBITDA*
3.75x
4.0x

Covenant
net debt/
adjusted 
EBITDA*
1.93x
2.48x

Minimum 
covenant
interest cover*
3.5x
3.5x

Covenant
interest cover*
10.4x
6.5x

* 

 For the purposes of the debt facilities, interest cover is adjusted EBITDA/interest expense (net). Net debt, adjusted EBITDA and interest expense (net) are adjusted measures as 
defined by the facilities documentation and not in accordance with the definitions of these measures presented in the Adjusted Performance Measures section on pages 189 to 
194 and applied in the commentary in this Financial review.

The Group ended the year with total interest-bearing liabilities, including IFRS 16 lease liabilities, of $1,548.5 million (2019: $1,574.6 million). 
Offsetting cash of $565.4 million (2019: $385.8 million) and excluding lease liabilities, net debt was $891.0 million (2019: $1,100.3 million), 
equivalent to 2.0x adjusted EBITDA (2019: 2.5x adjusted EBITDA). 

For further information on our borrowings see Note 19 to the Financial Statements.

Financial position

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

2020
$m
2,089.6
498.4
565.4
613.1
3,766.5
(513.2)
(1,582.6)
(1,670.7)
(3,766.5)

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)

Change
$m
(77.3)
23.8
179.6
30.6
156.7
(115.9)
68.9
(109.7)
(156.7)

Change
%
(3.6)%
5.0%
46.6%
5.3%
4.3%
29.2%
(4.2)%
7.0%
4.3%

Intangible assets and goodwill
Intangible assets and goodwill reduced by $77.3 million to $2,089.6 million (2019: $2,166.9 million). This reflects decreases arising primarily 
from the in-year amortisation of intangible assets of $136.8 million partially offset by the net effect of foreign exchange of $42.7 million 
and additions of $25.1 million. Additions primarily arose from the accelerated investment in our digital capabilities under our 
transformation programme.

68
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Going concern and Viability statement 
As discussed above, the overall financial performance of the 
business has remained robust with a strong liquidity position 
maintained throughout the year and access to committed funding 
through to October 2024, of which $200 million has remained 
undrawn throughout the year. In preparing the Group’s Viability 
statement, the Board-approved strategic plan was used as a 
foundation and severe but plausible downside scenarios linked to 
the Group’s principal and emerging risks, including supply chain 
disruption (incorporating the effect of climate change), COVID-19 
impact, delivery of transformation initiatives, and pricing and 
reimbursement, applied against the strategic plan. Brexit was not 
considered a significant risk for the Group and, therefore, not 
included in the scenarios. After the application of these scenarios, 
and before mitigations to address them, the Group is forecast to 
maintain a strong liquidity position and to operate comfortably 
within the debt covenants. A reverse stress test, before mitigation, 
was also considered but the conditions of the reverse stress test 
were considered implausible given that a reduction of >$150 million 
EBITDA would be required in 2021 to create conditions which may 
lead to a potential covenant breach and substantially higher 
reductions in profitability in subsequent years.

In relation to going concern, given available cash resources, forecast 
performance for the next 18 months, including covenant compliance, 
the going concern assumption has been assumed in the preparation 
of the Financial Statements. In reaching this conclusion and given 
the economic uncertainty that has been created by the pandemic, 
the Board applied the same severe but plausible scenarios utilised 
in the preparation of the Viability statement. Under each scenario 
the Group retained significant liquidity and covenant headroom 
throughout the going concern period i.e. 12 months from the date 
of this report. For further information on the Viability statement 
see pages 80 and 81 and for Going concern see Note 1.2 to the 
Financial Statements.

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
 – We regularly reviewed our trading performance to establish 

whether there were any triggers that would require an impairment 
review of goodwill or other intangible assets. No such triggers 
were identified during 2020. The annual CGU impairment review 
was conducted and, taking into consideration our future forecasts 
and reasonably possible scenarios, significant headroom remained 
in the carrying value of all CGUs in comparison to the sensitised 
recoverable value. In addition, management considered the severe 
but plausible downside scenarios used in the Viability assessment 
and, again, headroom remained on the carrying value of all CGUs. 
Further information on goodwill and other intangible assets can 
be found in Note 8 to the Financial Statements.

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 $23.8 million to $498.4 million (2019: 
$474.6 million). The increase primarily reflects continual investment 
in our manufacturing lines, with additions in PP&E of $64.5 million 
offset by depreciation of $38.5 million. Right-of-use assets remained 
in line with the prior year with $22.9 million new leases recognised 
offset by depreciation of $22.4 million. The net increase in other 
non-current assets also includes a $19.9 million favourable foreign 
exchange movement. Deferred tax assets decreased by $13.6 million 
to $41.4 million principally due to the change in the basis of estimating 
the deferred tax asset arising from the Swiss tax reform.

Current assets excluding cash and cash equivalents
Current assets excluding cash and cash equivalents increased by 
$30.6 million to $613.1 million (2019: $582.5 million), primarily driven 
by the net effect of foreign exchange of $27.7 million. 

Current liabilities
Current liabilities increased by $115.9 million to $513.2 million (2019: 
$397.3 million), reflecting a $52.5 million increase in trade and other 
payables, primarily due to increases in accruals for strategic projects 
and employee incentives, as well as a $45.8 million increase in the 
current portion of borrowings resulting from the scheduled 
repayments under the Group’s credit agreement.

Non-current liabilities
Non-current liabilities have reduced by $68.9 million to 
$1,582.6 million (2019: $1,651.5 million). This includes a reduction 
in non-current borrowings of $75.5 million, resulting from 
scheduled repayments of $73.0 million during the year, the increase 
in the classification of the current portion of borrowings as described 
above, partially offset by $39.0 million in relation to the foreign 
exchange impact on Euro denominated borrowings. 

COVID-19 pandemic
As described on page 6, in March 2020 management established a 
Rapid Response Team to assess, respond to and monitor the effects 
of COVID-19 on its employees, customers and the performance of 
the business. Management and the Board performed regular and 
extensive reviews of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 
Group’s financial affairs, including the potential effects on the 
Group’s liquidity position, accounting judgements and estimates and 
the financial control environment. This included enhanced monitoring 
of the Group’s liquidity position – see above for commentary on 
the strong liquidity retained throughout the year. Monitoring of 
the position was done through daily liquidity and weekly cash 
collection reporting supported by regular Treasury forecasting 
and reporting procedures.

Accounting considerations
In response to the pandemic, the Group considered the potential 
impact on our accounting judgements and key sources of estimation 
uncertainty. This review included but was not limited to the 
following areas.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Financial review
continued

Impairment of other assets
 – The Group’s manufacturing sites continued to operate within 

normal parameters and, as a result, no COVID-19 related 
impairment triggers were noted in respect of property, plant 
and equipment. For further information on property, plant and 
equipment see Note 7 to the Financial Statements.

 – Overall demand for our product lines remained strong, however, 
as noted above, COVID-19 affected the AWC category, most 
notably because of the decline in elective surgeries as well as the 
impact on the chronic business. In line with our control framework 
and accounting policies, management reviewed inventory ageing 
and obsolescence and no incremental obsolescence provisions 
were required as a result of COVID-19. Despite the challenges of 
the pandemic, the Group completed physical inventory counts at 
our own manufacturing sites and third-party distributors in line 
with our internal policies. The results were confirmed as part of 
our global financial control processes. For further information on 
inventory see Note 9 to the Financial Statements.

 – As noted above, we have monitored our cash collection position 
on a weekly basis since the inception of the pandemic and no 
material COVID-19 related deterioration was noted in collections 
or trade debtors ageing that required an increase in our allowance 
for expected credit losses. For further information on receivables 
see Note 10 to the Financial Statements.

Financial control environment
With a substantial number of office-based employees working from 
home during the year, including within the finance community, we 
regularly reviewed and monitored the financial and IT general 
control environment.

The Group uses a single system for the self-certification of global 
financial controls across all markets. The self-certification process 
continued throughout the year with no deterioration in response 
rates, which remained high. The Global Financial Controls team, 
acting as the second line of defence, investigates all notified control 
failures to ensure that there is no risk of material financial 
misstatement. To further assure the control environment during the 
year, additional guidance was provided to our global finance teams 
to ensure that any COVID-19 triggering events were considered. 
Further incremental evidence review activities were undertaken 
in key markets to ensure that controls were operating in line with 
global standards and as reported. In addition, internal audit reviews 
continued to be completed, focused on our financial internal 
controls. No control failures were identified during the year that 
posed a risk of a material financial misstatement.

In transitioning finance activity to our Global Business Services 
facility, detailed analysis of segregation of duty activities were 
completed, controls documentation prepared, and subsequent 
operation of those controls reviewed to ensure that the control 
environment in this newly created hub was robust. 

A review of the operation of IT general controls was conducted on a 
regular basis during the year by the IT governance risk and compliance 
team and no weaknesses were identified that would give rise to a 
risk of material financial misstatement. Given the transition to 
home-working, internal audit performed a review of home-working 
practices to ensure there were no material exposures or weaknesses 
in the effectiveness of controls.

APMs
Although the Group has incurred certain costs in relation to the 
COVID-19 pandemic e.g. in delivering COVID-19 secure workplaces 
and manufacturing sites, none of these costs have been treated 
as adjusting.

Taxation matters
In response to COVID-19, various governments offered support 
programmes to companies to ensure their future in these 
unprecedented times. Given the robust performance of the Group, 
no employees were furloughed and no governmental COVID-19 
support programmes were applied for or accepted.

Brexit
In 2020 the Group, through the continuation of the multi-disciplinary 
Brexit Steering Committee, prepared for the prospect of both a 
trade deal and a “no deal” scenarios following the end of the 
transitional agreement on 31 December 2020. 

In advance of the year end, and in conjunction with external advisers, 
management reviewed and confirmed to the Board that there 
were appropriate arrangements in place to ensure that adequate 
inventory levels were maintained in key locations, registrations 
completed for dedicated shipping lanes available to medical device 
companies, internal financial systems requirements defined, and 
appropriate regulatory changes considered and implemented. Given 
the preparatory work, management considers that there will be no 
material financial effect on our business or significant operational 
issues during 2021, with which the Board concurred. Aside from 
some delays in shipping and elevated freight costs, no significant 
issues have been identified in the first two months of trading. 

For further information on our Brexit planning and potential impact, 
see page 73.

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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Finance and IT services transformation
We have made significant progress on the finance transformation 
in 2020 as part of the creation of our Global Business Services 
function. Following the redesign of end-to-end processes for 
transactional finance activities in 2019, we have now successfully 
transitioned the majority of our previous shared services locations 
into a single hub in Lisbon together with transactional finance 
activity from certain European markets and IT service support. 
This newly formed team has already identified and delivered further 
process improvements, sharing best practice and driving efficiencies, 
including the use of robotics. We will continue to review opportunities 
to streamline and further automate our finance processes and to 
create a finance function which, through finance business partners, 
will provide business leaders with the financial insight required to 
deliver sustainable and profitable growth and support the new 
operating model. 

Audit Reform
During 2020 we undertook a preliminary assessment of the 
recommendations of the three independent reports of aspects 
of audit and corporate governance related matters, particularly in 
relation to the Internal Controls recommendations, assurance and 
attestation. The Group has a solid foundation on which to develop 
given the self-certification platform for internal controls over 
financial reporting. During 2021, it is anticipated that BEIS will issue 
a consultation document setting out proposals for audit and 
corporate governance reform. Once published, the Group will 
review and develop a roadmap for compliance.

Frank Schulkes
Chief Financial Officer
4 March 2021

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Risk management

Understanding and appropriately managing risk 
inherent to our business maximises potential 
opportunities to deliver our strategy and realise 
our vision. 

Risk culture
The Board is responsible for risk management and promotes a 
transparent and accountable culture that does not inhibit sensible 
risk taking critical to growth but also sets the boundaries for such 
risk taking. The Board and its committees 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, its committees and the CELT ensure that our risk 
management systems are robust, effective and take account of 
appropriate exposures. 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 committees’ risk-related responsibilities 

Audit and Risk 
Committee (“ARC”)

Nomination 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

 – Monitors and reviews all risk 

management processes, including the 
effectiveness of risk mitigation and 
control measures.

 – Oversight to ensure that the Group has a 
talented, diverse and effective leadership 
team, combining extensive corporate 
experience with knowledge of our 
markets and regulatory environment, as 
well as a pipeline of senior future talent 
that together are capable of managing 
risk to enable strategy delivery.
 – Oversees the implementation of 

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

Our risk appetite
The Board sets the level of risk we are prepared to accept to deliver 
our strategy and realise our vision. Our risk appetite is defined 
against four risk categories which are detailed below. On an ongoing 
basis, the ARC monitors the level of risk to which the Group is 
exposed and how the business continues to mitigate the risk and 
operate within the stated risk appetite levels. 

Risk category
Strategic

Operational

Financial

Compliance

Risk appetite level
Moderate to High – we take well-
informed and well-managed risks to 
achieve strategic objectives.

Low to Moderate – we work to achieve 
strategic objectives through accepting, 
managing and/or reducing risk to an 
appropriate level.

Zero – we seek to eliminate risk and have 
an extremely low tolerance of non-
compliance.

72
ConvaTec Group Plc
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Principal risks

The Board reviews and agrees our principal risks on a bi-annual 
basis taking account of our risk appetite together with our 
evolving strategy, current business environment and any 
emerging risks. Our principal risks are set out in order of priority 
(based on the rating of residual likelihood and impact, as 
described below) on pages 76 to 79. They are also reflected in 
the key adverse scenarios underlying the Viability statement 
(see pages 80 and 81). 

The graphic below summarises our assessment of the residual 
likelihood of our principal risks occurring and the residual 
impact that could result after taking into consideration the 
mitigating actions and effective controls in place to manage 
each risk, with an indication of the change in the risk profile 
since December 2019.

Impact

7

2

8

10

11

1

3

4

9

5

6

Likelihood

9. 

 Geopolitical 
(formerly Brexit)
10.   Tax and treasury 

11. 

(formerly 
Macroeconomic and 
foreign exchange)
 Forecasting and 
market conditions 
(formerly 
Forecasting 
process)

Risk category: 

 Strategic

 Operational

 Financial

 Compliance

  2020  
movement

Key: 
1. 

 Global operational 
and supply chain
 Change and 
transformation 
 Pricing and 
reimbursement
 Information security
 Product innovation 
and intellectual 
property
 People (formerly 
Leadership Talent) 
 Quality and 
regulatory 
 Legal and 
compliance

2. 

3. 

4. 
5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

During 2020, our overall risk landscape became more challenging 
in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequential emerging 
longer-term economic and social implications. Our principal risks, 
other than in respect of the impacts of COVID-19, remained largely 
unchanged as to their potential effect on our ability to successfully 
deliver our strategy. However, to support our strategy and mitigate 
specific external events, particularly the impact of COVID-19 on 
certain principal risks, we increased our focus in the following areas:

 – Strategic risks: In 2020, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we 
demonstrated operational strength, meeting robust demand in 
certain markets but suffering declining demand in others as 
market conditions evolved rapidly. At the same time, we continued 
to drive forward with the strategic transformation programme, 
which was adapted to address the expectation of continued 
uncertainty and volatility in the business environment. We 
continued our Brexit mitigation planning led by a cross-functional 
steering group with external support and advice that gave 
assurance to the Board on our readiness.

 – Operational risks: COVID-19 created certain challenges for our 
people, manufacturing facilities and supply chain. We monitored 
and responded to threats and developed resilience plans through 
the creation of a cross-functional Rapid Response Team, which 
regularly gave assurance to the Board on the evolving situation. 
Despite the challenges brought by COVID-19, we continue to 
reduce exposures and invest in the robustness and performance 
of our operations, supply chain and IT infrastructure. We 
recognised the risk to our operations from COVID-19 and rapidly 
adjusted our working environments by incorporating an 
appropriate level of hygiene factors to keep our people safe.
 – Financial risks: The nature of our business and geographic and 

product diversification provided a level of mitigation to 
fluctuations in demand. We continued to provide regular financial 
reporting and pricing analysis to senior management and 
operated a transparent relationship with external stakeholders to 
provide assurance over our long-term viability. We strengthened 
our tax governance by continuing to ensure that the 
transformational change and revised operating model are 
implemented in an effective manner and managed the impact 
of change in tax laws and regulations. 

 – Compliance risks: We continued to work towards operational 

preparedness for the European Union Medical Device Regulation 
(“MDR”) requirements now coming into effect in 2021, including 
managing and reinforcing conformance with existing obligations 
and legislative requirements. We strengthened and adapted our 
compliance framework as market conditions tightened and we 
pivoted to ensuring ongoing compliance in a remote working 
environment, including enhancing our compliance resources 
globally and providing virtual ethics training to key teams. 

2021 anticipated risks 
We expect certain risks to impact in 2021 and have put in place 
mitigation measures to reduce any adverse implications for the 
Group’s financial results, operations, reputation and strategy. While 
these specific risks are embedded in many of our principal risks, 
further details are provided below.
 – COVID-19: We continue to monitor challenges created as a result 
of COVID-19 on our business and adapt as appropriate to operate 
effectively on a short to medium term across all of our chosen 
markets. Additional longer-term emerging impacts of COVID-19 
will be considered and responded to as appropriate within our 
strategic and business planning processes, particularly in respect 
of: the geopolitical environment placing pressure on trade 
conditions in our markets and supply chain; the future profile of 
COVID-19, including the financial cost to the global economy of 
containing and responding to the pandemic and subsequent 
governmental responses to national and localised waves and 
spikes; and, the consequences on our pricing and reimbursement 
from healthcare systems adapting to the new economic context 
as governments seek to reduce state debt. 

 – Brexit: Following the UK’s exit from the EU on 31 December 

2020, there remains uncertainty over trading conditions in the 
short term as the business environment adjusts to the revised 
political, regulatory and economic landscape and the details of 
the UK/EU exit agreement are fully developed. We have taken 
appropriate steps to prepare for foreseeable consequences, 
particularly in the import and export of goods, sourcing of 
commodities and services and meeting customer demand. We 
will monitor the situation as it evolves, taking into consideration 
the combined effects of a post-Brexit environment and the 
COVID-19 pandemic, and assess any further mitigating actions 
that are required. Brexit forms part of our Geopolitical principal 
risk and more information about our readiness post-transition 
can be found on page 78.

 – MDR: The EU MDR, published in 2017, now comes into effect in 
May 2021. 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. Within the UK 
markets there will also be a transition required towards the UK 
Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking scheme. Non-compliance 
with regulatory requirements could result in increased scrutiny, 
financial penalties and an inability to trade within our chosen 
markets. Our Regulatory Affairs team is working with our 
businesses towards ensuring compliance across the Group.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Risk management
continued

Risk management framework
Our process has been developed to undertake a continuous 
bottom-up review of risk (current and emerging) across each area of 
our business to identify the main threats to delivery of our strategy. 
The resulting business risk profile is used to inform our bi-annual 
principal risk update process. We identify, assess and prioritise our 
business and principal risks in accordance with our defined risk 
assessment criteria. Risk ratings are used to prioritise our risks and 
are a product of the expected impact and the likelihood of that 
impact to occur as a result of an event. Risk controls have been 
identified and certain additional risk mitigation measures 
implemented and monitored to further reduce our risk exposure 
and ensure alignment with our risk appetite. The ARC oversees 
our risk profile and the risk management process each quarter. 
For further information see page 110.

Our risk management 
framework

Strategy and objectives

Risk analysis

Risk identification

Risk description

Risk assessment

Risk categorisation

Risk response 
Tolerate/Treat/Terminate/Transfer

Risk reporting

Monitoring and challenge

Emerging risks
On a quarterly basis our Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) team 
engages with senior management to identify any emerging risks that 
relate to new or changing conditions in our market environment, 
which may impact the Group beyond the horizon of our medium-
term Viability statement. As at the date of this report, the following 
emerging risks have been identified:

 – Climate change and sustainability: Strengthening management 
of our sustainability programme, including continuing to develop 
our reporting under the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial 
Disclosures (“TCFD”), improving our transparency, develop our 
employee and community engagement, and improve the 
sustainability of our products, will be key priorities. Information 
about our responsible business framework and related activities 
can be found on pages 38 to 60. 

 – Political and regulatory environment: Anticipating, responding 

effectively and demonstrating organisational resilience to 
geopolitical trends and movement. The effects from these trends 
and movements on our business could be amplified by COVID-19, 
the potential for international sanctions being applied to markets 
in which we operate, as well as interventions and/or changing 
laws, regulation and corporate governance requirements 
emerging at pace from governments and regulatory bodies across 
the multiple jurisdictions in which we operate. The consequences 
of these factors could influence our ability to comply with our 
obligations, source commodities and services, operate in certain 
markets and/or retain a presence in our current locations.

 – Patient and product liability: Our ambition to drive growth and 
further develop our clinical business and care delivery system 
increases our exposure to patient liability and the need to ensure 
we continue to embed a robust framework to manage patients 
and customers and protect their data. Our future business is also 
dependent on our ability to anticipate and/or adapt to future 
health, safety and environmental concerns or studies on the 
materials and processes used in the manufacture of current and 
future products, as well as political and regulatory strengthening 
of protection over consumers and customers.

 – Disruptive (Next Generation) technology: Technology and 

innovation are essential if we are to meet customer demands and/
or regulatory requirements necessitating a move towards a lowest 
possible cost environment and low-carbon and low-plastic 
economy 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, respond to the prospect of 
aggressive pricing strategies or adapt to an increase in the 
management of customer data and expanding data 
commercialisation capability we may lose market share in 
multiple key markets to existing and new-entrant competitors.

74
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Governance and oversight
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. 
The diagram below shows the key roles, responsibilities and 
overall arrangements for collecting, monitoring and reviewing 
risk information.

Other factors
For further information relevant to our risk profile see:
 – Our market environment – pages 20 to 25.
 – Our business model – pages 26 and 27.
 – Our strategy – pages 12 to 17.
 – Our key performance indicators – pages 18 and 19.
 – Responsible business review – pages 38 to 61.
 – Viability statement – pages 80 and 81.
 – Our governance arrangements – pages 82 to 138.

Roles and responsibilities

Board

 – Sets the Group’s risk appetite.
 – Ensures appropriate risk management and internal control systems are in place 

to enable a robust assessment of the principal risks.

 – Ensures effective processes exist to manage the principal risks and takes a 
balanced view of those risks against ConvaTec’s strategy and risk appetite. 
 – Assesses the Group’s prospects and resilience through the Viability statement.
 – Sets the “tone from the top” and the culture for managing risk. 
 – Sets strategic priorities in Iight of the Group’s risk profile.

Audit and Risk Committee 

 – Considers the risk environment through reporting from management, Internal 

CELT

Audit and the external auditor. 

 – Reviews and reports to the Board on the effectiveness of the internal control 

environment and risk management systems. 

 – Sets the Internal Audit annual plan and external audit scope to provide assurance 
on a materiality basis that the Group operates within the Board’s approved risk 
appetite through appropriate and effective controls and mitigations.

 – Sponsors a coordinated approach to establishing enterprise risk management.
 – Employs a central risk team to establish and facilitate the risk management 

process across the Group to provide risk information for management oversight 
and decision.

 – Manages the principal risks appropriately to operate within the Group’s 

risk appetite.

 – Delivers strategy by managing risks.

Principal risks: Risks with potential consequences that are material at a Group level or where the risk is connected and may 
trigger a succession of events that, in aggregate, become material to the Group. Risks may materialise individually, 
simultaneously or in combination to impact the delivery of our strategic priorities and the long-term value of ConvaTec. 

Business risks: Risks identified from any aspect of the Group that are relevant to one or more categories, functions and/or 
centres of excellence and can be owned at that level. 

Business Leadership Teams

 – Reviews management of their specific risks on a quarterly basis against the Group’s 

risk appetite.

 – Identifies additional mitigations to reduce risk exposure on an ongoing basis.
 – Assigns senior business representatives (Risk Champions) for each category and 

function to take a lead role in the identification of risk, and updating risk 
information for senior management oversight.

75
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal risks

Below in order of priority is an overview of the 
principal risks that could threaten the delivery 
of our strategy and the realisation of our vision. 
The Board has oversight of all principal risks that 
the Group faces. 

Risk and link to strategy

Key drivers, risk profile change and COVID-19

Risk mitigation

1. Global operations and supply chain
Effective and sustainable manufacturing 
operations rely on our resilience and ability to 
respond to events across our business and 
supply chain, including pandemics and any 
increase in extreme weather patterns from 
climate change, production and/or supply chain 
disruption, adverse product quality and health, 
safety and environmental incidents. Failure to 
do so could result in underperformance, 
reputational harm or a loss of stakeholder 
confidence in our ability to deliver our 
strategic ambitions.

Key drivers
 – Supply chain resilience.
 – Future and sustained waves of COVID-19.
 – Extreme weather events.
 – Health and safety of employees and contractors. 
 – Single source or sole suppliers for raw materials 

and services.

 – Growing climate change agenda and other 

corporate responsibilities.

Risk profile change
2020: Increased – C0VID-19

COVID-19
The risk profile has increased including internal 
(manufacturing plant hygiene) and external (supply chain and 
logistics partner resilience) factors. In response, COVID-19 
secure manufacturing protocols have been implemented and 
we perform ongoing assessments and review of our supply 
chain partners’ COVID-19 risk exposure.

2. Change and transformation
The scale of our transformation programme 
is significant and successful delivery relies on 
robust change management processes, 
investment and people capabilities. A material 
delay or challenge in realising our financial 
forecasts may affect the transformation or 
growth of our business areas resulting in a 
failure to meet stakeholder and shareholder 
expectations.

Key drivers
 – Change management delivery.
 – Realisation of transformation benefits.
 – Our strategic drivers.
 – Speed and volume of change management.
 – People capability and capacity.
 – Stakeholder and shareholder expectations. 

Risk profile change
2020: No material change

For further information see page 17.

3. 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. 

COVID-19
Business disruption from COVID-19 could result in challenge 
to our strategic transformation programme. In response to 
the current business environment the programme has been 
rephased to minimise any impact to expected projected value.

Key drivers
 – Local or national government healthcare budget provisions.
 – Operational, contracting and price review process.
 – Product portfolio rationalisation.
 – Competitive markets and behaviours and consolidation of 

buying groups.

 – Changes in customer buying patterns.
 – Manufacturing costs in a low-margin driven pricing 

environment and as a result of changes in consumer and 
government behaviour/attitude to sustainability. 

Risk profile change
2020: Increased – COVID-19

COVID-19
The risk profile has increased following the deterioration 
in the overall global economic outlook and the resultant 
potential emerging impact to healthcare systems and 
customers as they adapt to the new economic context, with 
the potential for competitor pricing behaviour to also adjust 
to market conditions.

 – Business continuity plans for 

manufacturing facilities, inventory 
movement and our key supply chain to 
maintain capability to respond rapidly and 
appropriately to any incident.

 – Procurement and supply chain processes 

to monitor, manage and provide 
assurance to supply-based risk across our 
inventory, key suppliers, ports and 
countries of operation.

 – Dedicated engineering and health, safety 
and environment teams and processes to 
prioritise and address risk to 
manufacturing facilities and people.

 – Dedicated Transformation Execution 
Office in place providing overarching 
oversight to delivery of strategic 
transformation programme.

 – Robust and transparent transformation 

process implemented with clear 
accountability, governance and reporting 
arrangements established.

 – Established forums for sharing of good 

practice to enhance performance.

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

 – Regular pricing analysis and reviews 
undertaken with a dedicated team in 
place to adjust to changing market 
conditions. Market access Centre of 
Excellence to be implemented to focus 
on reimbursement, including COVID-19 
effects, on our business and markets.
 – Evolving our sales force and commercial 
team engagement model to improve 
access during COVID-19 in the short term 
and pivot to an improved process longer 
term to support our products.

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Focus

Innovate Simplify Build

Execute

Risk and link to strategy

Key drivers, risk profile change and COVID-19

Risk mitigation

4. Information security
Failure to ensure that our systems, data 
management and related controls supporting 
our global business 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 
and other stakeholders.

Key drivers
 – Cyber security.
 – Data management and privacy.
 – IT and network resilience, business continuity and disaster 

recovery arrangements.

 – Replacement of legacy and end-of-life technology.

Risk profile change 
2020: Increased – COVID-19

COVID-19
The risk profile has increased following a general rise in illegal 
cyber security activity across businesses globally during 2020 
due to COVID-19 and the switch to a broader home-working 
environment for our colleagues. 

5. Product innovation and intellectual 
property (“IP”)
Failure to invest in and develop safe, effective, 
profitable long-life products to meet market 
needs and fill unmet medical needs, respond 
to disruptive new technologies or maintain 
sufficient IP protection, could result in lost 
market share, underperformance and a lack of 
confidence to deliver in line with expectations.

Key drivers
 – Transition from end-of-life technology and ageing products.
 – Competitor pricing strategies and market environment.
 – Short- and long-term management of customer demands.
 – Disruptive and new technologies. Changing customer and 

market needs.

 – Sustainable approach to responsible products, packaging 

and development.

 – Complexity and transparency of IP and patent environment, 

including in tax and operations.

For further information see pages 14 and 25.

6. People*
Failure to secure and retain the right level of 
capability and capacity, particularly in our senior 
management, develop a talent pipeline and 
successfully manage transformation and/or 
effects of high business disruption will 
adversely affect our ability to transform our 
business, achieve our strategic objectives and 
deliver growth.

For further information see pages 47 to 50.

*   Risk previously titled Leadership talent.

Risk profile change 
2020: No material change

COVID-19
Global responses and lockdowns could result in delays to 
clinical trials in development programmes and future product 
launches in areas experiencing a COVID-19 wave. 

Key drivers
 – Attraction and retention of key skills and capabilities.
 – Development of key individuals in key roles.
 – Effective succession planning strategy for senior leadership.
 – Knowledge retention within key markets and functions.
 – Competitive industry and regional recruitment markets.
 – Speed and volume of management change. 

Risk profile 
2020: No material change

COVID-19
Reducing the risks to our people remains key to maintaining 
effective business operations with the potential for a 
prolonged or ongoing impact from COVID-19 on the health, 
safety and wellbeing of employees. For office locations, many 
of our employees are working from home and there has been 
a substantial reduction in travel between our global offices 
and sites. For manufacturing facilities, formal COVID-19 
compliant hygiene protocols are in place.

 – Information systems and cyber security 

received considerable Board focus during 
2020 and are overseen and challenged by 
our CELT-led Cyber Steering Committee.
 – Regularly evaluate, improve and test the 
resilience of our infrastructure, exposure 
to legacy and end-of-life technology 
and IT general control framework for 
continued effectiveness and 
proportionality. 

 – Data Privacy Leadership team in place 
with corporate accountability and 
governance framework to further embed 
data privacy into business operations, with 
employee awareness, and provide testing 
of major incident response measures.

 – Central Technology & Innovation team 

provide strategic direction for continued 
R&D investment, product development 
and new product launches to cultivate 
the product pipeline.

 – Product portfolio reviews provide 
oversight on short-, medium- and 
long-term innovations and the balance 
across product categories and market 
regions. Appropriate patent protection 
applied and maintained and ongoing 
market monitoring for potential 
IP violations.

 – Strengthening the resilience of product 
innovation development work through 
ongoing management of third-party 
supply partners and the laboratory 
working environment during COVID-19.

 – Maintaining a diverse and effective 

leadership team with a pipeline of senior 
future talent. Implementation of 
appropriate reward arrangements.

 – Succession back-up plans, cross-training 
and third-party resource availability in 
place to support critical activities and the 
CELT and senior management team as 
part of our COVID-19 response.

 – OHI survey in place to identify the impact 

of our practices and culture on 
performance, what we are doing well 
and where we need to improve. 

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal risks
continued

Risk and link to strategy

Key drivers, risk profile change and COVID-19

Risk mitigation

7. 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 fulfil emerging 
obligations, provide safe clinical processes or 
produce products and packaging that meet 
stringent customer and environmental criteria, 
or operate inadequate manufacturing and 
quality systems could impact our ability to 
supply or a requirement to recall a product, 
with the potential for liability claims, due to 
non-compliance with regulatory bodies, 
a failure to meet stakeholder expectations 
or patient harm from faulty products.

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

packaging processes.

 – Resolution of existing and emerging quality issues within 

the supply chain.

 – Managing safe clinical services.
 – Availability of key raw materials and services within our 

supply chain. 

 – Single source or sole suppliers for raw materials 

and/or services. 

Risk profile change
2020: No material change

COVID-19
Risks to adapting sufficiently in providing assurance to 
regulatory bodies in the current COVID-19 environment. 

For further information see pages 44 
and 45. 

8. Legal and compliance
Our business is subject to a complex 
environment of laws and regulations across 
multiple jurisdictions. Real or perceived failure 
to comply, or to adjust to a change in conditions 
and increase in scrutiny, can lead to penalties, 
compliance measures, reputational harm and 
competitive disadvantage.

Key drivers
 – Sales and market conduct.
 – Engagements with payors and healthcare contacts.
 – Supply chain transparency.
 – Complex legal and regulatory environment.
 – Volatile political environment.
 – Operational and third-party performance.

Risk profile change 
2020: No material change

COVID-19
COVID-19 led business changes resulted in the need to adjust 
our control environment to ensure we continue to comply 
with policies and industry codes across our business, 
distributors and supply chain. 

9. Geopolitical*
Our global operations and markets are 
affected by changes in the rapidly evolving and 
constantly changing international political 
climate, particularly in relation to tariff 
structure changes, national healthcare reforms, 
regulatory reforms or other trade limiting 
actions. Failure to identify and adapt to these 
changes could impact sourcing commodities 
and services, operating in certain markets and/
or retaining a presence in current locations.

Key drivers
 – National elections and referendums in key markets.
 – National healthcare reforms.
 – Supply chain resilience.
 – Import and export to and from the EU within our 

operations and supply chain.

 – Compliance with regulatory frameworks.
 – Adverse customs duties and tariffs.

Risk profile change 
2020: No material change

COVID-19
COVID-19 has exacerbated the international political climate. 
We continue to monitor the post-Brexit environment 
and other geopolitical agreement processes taking into 
consideration interdependencies with COVID-19.

For further information see page 70.

*    Risk previously titled Brexit.

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 – Committed to open and transparent 

engagement with our Notified Body to 
ensure global compliance and training 
programmes to ensure compliance with 
regulatory requirements.

 – Regulatory intelligence process to 

ensure we meet the latest standards in 
all our jurisdictions.

 – Chief Medical Officer and clinical team 

provide assurance over clinical excellence 
in trials and the safety of devices through 
clinical studies.

 – Our Code of Conduct, group policies and 
standards govern how we conduct our 
affairs through our values and culture.
 – Executive level Compliance Steering 
Committee provides oversight to the 
Group on compliance initiatives and 
emerging exposures.

 – Dedicated Group compliance function, 

annual compliance assurance 
programme, ongoing employee 
compliance training and independent 
whistleblower process in place. 

 – Cross-functional Brexit Steering 

Committee oversees the post Brexit 
environment and implement 
mitigating actions.

 – Business function teams liaise with 

stakeholders externally and review and 
respond to changing requirements.
 – Dialogue with governments in relation 
to specific matters including Brexit. 
Membership of appropriate industry 
bodies and participation on industry 
issues including development and 
implementation of best practice. 
Engagement with NGOs on issues 
of concern, where appropriate.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Focus

Innovate Simplify Build

Execute

Risk and link to strategy

Key drivers, risk profile change and COVID-19

Risk mitigation

10. Tax and treasury*
Our business operates across multiple 
jurisdictions with complex tax laws and 
regulations and manufactures and operates 
across markets with multiple currencies. 
Failure to comply with tax legislation or to 
appropriately manage fluctuations in interest 
and foreign exchange movements and 
counterparty exposure could drive reductions 
in stakeholder trust, financial performance 
and future investment.

Key drivers
 – Multiple tax jurisdictions and emerging changes to tax 

law and regulations.

 – Complex global tax regulatory environment.
 – Unprovided tax liabilities.
 – Volatile geopolitical environment.
 – Global economic environment, including implications 

for interest and foreign exchange rates.

 – Counterparty exposure.

Risk profile change 
2020: Increased – Evolving global tax regulation

 – Central global tax team monitors 

changes in tax laws and regulations 
to advise the business regularly on 
obligations and requirements.
 – Central corporate treasury team 

positions are managed in accordance 
with the Treasury policy.

 – Engagement of external expert tax 

advice, support and compliance services 
to enhance internal team capabilities. 

*    Risk previously titled Macroeconomic and 

foreign exchange.

11. Forecasting and market conditions*
Our ability to identify, react and plan effectively 
to changes in market conditions, customer 
demand or any perceived lack of demand 
visibility on a timely basis drives optimal 
decision making, performance and results. 
We rely on effective business planning and 
accurate financial information and forecasting 
to link manufacturing, commercial and supply 
processes to make effective management 
decisions and prioritise our resources.

*    Risk previously titled Forecasting process.

COVID-19
Our financial performance and price competitiveness are 
dependent on the management of exposure to the effects 
of COVID-19 on the existing economic environment. We are 
currently in a stable financial position, including cash flow and 
liquidity, despite the environment. 

Key drivers
 – Future market conditions and competition.
 – Visibility of future customer demand requirements.
 – Operational manufacturing, commercial and supply 

planning processes.

 – Commercial and operational performance.
 – Business planning, financial information and forecasting 

processes.

Risk profile change 
2020: No material change

COVID-19
The current COVID-19 environment has negatively affected 
our Advanced Wound Care business. It is expected that this 
is a short-term fluctuation and long-term assumptions will be 
broadly in line with expectations.

 – Executive-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.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213 
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 12 to 17 and pages 
26 and 27), 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 76 to 
79 and page 74) 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. 

In 2020, the Board approved a detailed operational plan and 
execution model to deliver sustainable and profitable growth over the 
medium to long term. The Board subsequently approved the revised 
financial plan that underpins the Group’s five-year strategic plan in 
July 2020. The financial plan forecasts the Group’s profitability, 
cash flows and funding requirements for the relevant period.

The current strategic plan has been developed from strategic 
plans for each of our business units and 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 work 
streams under the Transformation Initiative launched in 2019, to 
improve the execution capability across key parts of the business 
and ensure effective delivery of our strategy. The strategy 
implemented in 2020 is customer-centric, more agile, focuses on 
innovation and ensures clear accountability. 

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 Executive 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 12.

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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 reimbursement 
environments.

 – Margin improvement is driven by successful execution of our 

operational excellence programmes.

 – Although the persistence of COVID-19 remains uncertain, impacts 

on operations remain limited, with sales impacts expected to 
normalise during 2021.

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

remove excess costs and reinvest 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, 
all maturing in October 2024. 

 – Maintaining the existing level of the dividend over the viability period.

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 76 to 79 and page 74. 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. 

Whilst the severity and duration of the impact of COVID-19 on the 
global economy remains uncertain, the directors are of the view that 
the appropriate period of assessment remains a three-year period 
from January 2021 to December 2023 (“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: 
 – Significant investments are 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. 

 – Our R&D and production cycles tend to be of a duration of less 

than three years.

 – The Group’s business model means that it has the 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.

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 global pandemic, 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.

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

Linkage to risks on pages 
76 to 79
 – Global operations and 

supply chain

 – Global operations and 

supply chain

Scenarios
Impacts from a severe hurricane, linked to 
climate change, on the Haina plant in the 
Dominican Republic
 – Impact on supplying customers before 

plant production restored.

 – Loss of sales due to reputation. 
 – Impact of supply disruption.
Global pandemic causes supply disruption 
and impacts customer demand
 – Reduced production or extended period 

of shut down caused by e.g.
 – Significant absenteeism.
 – Issues sourcing raw materials.
 – Distribution/logistics issues. 

 – Prolonged pandemic impacting patient 

procedures and patient/customer access.

 – Scenario assumed to reduce revenue 
more than $200m over the viability 
period.

Reduced revenue due to pricing 
headwinds across the globe
 – Impacts of COVID-19 as governments cut 

 – Pricing and 

reimbursement

 – Geopolitical

costs due to recessionary pressures. 
 – Increased pressure from demographic 
trends of an ageing population with 
increased chronic illnesses.

 – Scenario assumed an incremental 1% per 

annum headwind.

Key transformation initiatives do not 
deliver expected benefits
 – Commercial transformation investments 

fail to deliver anticipated revenue 
growth benefits.

 – Change and 

transformation

 – Product innovation and 
intellectual property
 – Global operations and 

 – Operational excellence programs fail to 

supply chain 

deliver anticipated savings e.g. objectives 
of efficiency and material pricing projects 
are not realised.

Consideration was also given to a number of other scenarios 
reflecting 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 scenarios 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 
viability period.

This assessment was informed by management’s and the Board’s 
combined judgement as to the potential financial (particularly 
liquidity) impact of these risks if they materialise, together with their 
likelihood of occurrence. The Directors reviewed and discussed the 
process undertaken by management and also reviewed the results 
of reverse stress testing performed to provide an illustration of the 
level of deterioration in operating income which would trigger a 
breach of the Group’s debt covenants. The conditions of the reverse 
stress test were considered implausible given that a reduction of 
>$150 million EBITDA would be required in 2021 to create 
conditions which may lead to a covenant breach and substantially 
higher reductions in profitability in subsequent years.

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 
that where there was an external view or information that was 
contradictory to the views of management, the Board understood 
the rationale for the difference of opinion and agreed with 
management’s view. This independent review and the scenario tests 
enabled the Board to conclude on the Group’s viability and resilience.

Viability statement
Having assessed the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties; 
and the consolidated financial impact of sensitivity analysis 
(including a severe but plausible set of scenarios but which did 
not take into consideration any mitigating actions available to 
the Group), plus the Group’s level of cash generation and 
existing financing facilities, and the timing of the peak cash 
outflows, 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 2023.

The Group’s Going Concern statement is detailed on 
page 85.

The Strategic report was approved by the Board of Directors 
on 4 March 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

Karim Bitar
Chief Executive Officer

Frank Schulkes
Chief Financial Officer

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Governance report at a glance

Chairman’s governance letter
The Chairman’s overview of 
governance developments during 
the year.

Board of Directors

Pages 90 and 91

Directors’ Remuneration report
Letter from the Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee 

Pages 83 and 84

Board leadership and company 
purpose

Pages 118 and 119

Our remuneration at a glance 

Page 92 to 98

Division of responsibilities

Page 99

Composition, succession and 
evaluation

Pages 100 to 102

Pages 120 and 121

Our Annual Report on 
Remuneration 

Pages 122 to 138

Our Remuneration Policy

Pages 130 to 138

Board statements
The statements the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2018 requires the 
Board to make. 

Page 85 

Nomination Committee report

Directors’ report 

Pages 103 and 104

Pages 139 to 141

How we have applied the Code’s 
core principles

Audit and Risk Committee report

Directors’ responsibilities 
statement 

Pages 86 to 89

Page 142

Pages 105 to 116

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Chairman’s governance letter

Dr John McAdam CBE
Chairman

Dear Shareholder
This governance report covers key 2020 developments, how our 
governance framework has operated to support the execution of 
the Group’s strategy and our plans to further enhance our 
governance processes in the coming year.

Our key priorities
During what has been a very challenging year the Board has focused 
on the following priorities:
 – Oversight of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and, in 

particular, the arrangements to ensure our employees are safe 
and that we continue to serve and support the people who rely on 
our products and services through a strengthened supply chain 
and financial liquidity.

 – Ensuring that, despite remote working, governance arrangements, 
including risk management and internal controls, continue to be 
strong and effective.

 – Monitoring the progression of the Group’s strategy underpinned 

by the five strategic pillars: Focus, Innovate, Simplify, Build 
and Execute.

 – Oversight of the transition to our new operating model of six 

integrated global business units. 

 – Appointment of new independent Non-Executive Directors.

Governance practices
During the year, except for two meetings, the Board has met 
remotely using video and audio conference facilities. This remote 
working has functioned well and our governance arrangements have 
continued to be strong and effective. The Annual General Meeting 
was changed from a physical meeting to a hybrid physical and 
electronic meeting in response to the restrictions in place regarding 
COVID-19. This format enabled shareholders who joined the 
meeting to vote and ask questions of the Board and, due to its 
effectiveness, we intend to continue to hold hybrid Annual General 
Meetings in the future.

 “During the year we refreshed the composition of 
our Board to ensure we have the right diversity 
of skills and experience to support the delivery 
of our strategy.”

Board and leadership changes
We have refreshed the composition of our Board to ensure we 
have the right diversity of skills and experience to fulfil our vision 
and support the delivery of our strategy. During the year three new 
independent Non-Executive Directors joined the Board. Brian May 
joined us with effect from 2 March 2020. He has extensive financial 
and international business experience together with a detailed 
understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise as a 
result of transformational change. In May 2020 we announced the 
appointment of Heather Mason and, in July 2020, the appointment 
of Professor Constantin Coussios who joined our Board with effect 
from 1 July 2020 and 1 September 2020 respectively. Heather has 
deep healthcare knowledge and brings very relevant international, 
commercial and operational experience. She also has a strong track 
record of overseeing the development of commercially viable new 
product pipelines and brand building. Constantin, an eminent 
academic in the field of biomedical engineering, also brings 
first-hand experience of developing innovative products from 
concept through development, regulatory approval to 
commercialisation. Further biographical information about Brian, 
Heather and Constantin is set out on pages 90 and 91.

Ros Rivaz stepped down from the Board at the end of August 2020. 
She had been a member of our Board for over three years and, on 
behalf of the Board, I would like to thank her for her significant 
contribution and for serving as Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee since March 2019. 

Following these changes, the composition of each of our Board 
committees was reviewed and updated. Membership of each 
committee is detailed within the reports on pages 103, 105 and 117.

We undertook an internal evaluation of the effectiveness of the 
Board and each of its committees during 2020. The Board 
considered that, notwithstanding the move to remote meetings, 
it was effective and was working as a cohesive team. The outputs 
from the evaluation have determined the 2021 priorities of the 
Board and its committees.

Vision, values and culture
We 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. Our vision and values are set on 
page 2.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to curtail the 
face-to-face employee engagement programme led by our employee 
engagement Non-Executive Directors (Regina Benjamin and, until 
the end of August 2020, Ros Rivaz) the Board has continued to 
assess and monitor the Group’s culture using a number of methods 
which are described on page 93. 

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Chairman’s governance letter
continued

Stakeholder engagement
Our key stakeholder groups are well identified and detailed on pages 
40 and 41. Recognising that the sustainable success of our business 
is dependent on these stakeholders and, mindful of our duty under 
section 172 of the Companies Act 2006, we have continued to 
improve and augment the mechanisms available to the Board to 
ensure that all Directors have timely and effective access to 
information about our stakeholders’ (including employees) 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 96 to 98. Our section 
172 statement is on page 61.

People
The Board is committed to achieving diversity and inclusion across 
the Group. As at 31 December 2020, the proportion of women on 
our Board was 30% which aligns with our target of at least 30%. 
The process to appoint three new independent Non-Executive 
Directors was underpinned by an assessment of the skills, 
competencies, experience, personal attributes, age, gender and 
ethnicity already within the Board to identify the areas that we were 
looking for candidates to supplement and strengthen. As the Board 
continues to evolve we will continue to monitor this matrix to ensure 
that we have an appropriately diverse Board in all respects.

The Code
During the year we have complied with the provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code 20181 (the “Code”) other than:
 – Provision 36: Formal policy for post-employment shareholding 

requirements. As stated in our Remuneration Policy, the 
Remuneration Committee believes that the current structure 
of the Deferred Bonus Plan and LTIP sufficiently support the 
requirement for Executive Directors to maintain a meaningful 
shareholding in the Company for a period of time after they leave 
the Group. However, the Committee has considered feedback 
from shareholders and evolving investor sentiment on post-
employment shareholding requirements and is committed to 
developing a post-employment shareholding requirement which 
would form part of any future policy proposals (see page 134).
 – Provision 38: Pension contribution rates for Executive Directors 

should be aligned to those available to the workforce. Our 
Remuneration Policy states that from 1 January 2020 the 
pension contribution (or cash allowance in lieu) for new Executive 
Director appointments will be aligned to that available to the 
wider workforce. Again, the Remuneration Committee has 
considered feedback from shareholders and evolving investor 
sentiment on pension alignment and is committed to aligning 
Executive Director pension benefits to the wider UK workforce 
by 1 January 2023 (see page 134).

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 2020 34% of our senior management 
roles were held by women. 

We explain how we have applied the Code’s core principles on pages 
86 to 89. 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. 

During the year the Board has considered diversity insights across 
a range of metrics with a focus on gender, and also received insights 
from our Employee Resource Groups focused on LGBTQ+ and 
ethnicity issues. Initiatives to increase diversity are being consistently 
implemented across the Group and 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.

Brydon Review
We have reviewed our readiness to adopt the key recommendations 
of the 2019 Brydon Review (see page 113). During 2021 it is 
anticipated that BEIS will issue a consultation document setting out 
proposals for audit and corporate governance reform. Once 
published, the Group will review the proposals contained within the 
BEIS consultation document and develop a roadmap for compliance.

Environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) 
The Board oversees our responsible business programme and 
details of its work in this area during the year are included on 
page 95. 

In recent years we have laid strong foundations to ensure we 
operate in a responsible and sustainable way (see pages 38 to 60) 
and in 2020 we made progress against a number of our published 
sustainability targets. During the year the Audit and Risk Committee 
has continued to review the Group’s progress in meeting the 
increasing stakeholder and regulatory reporting requirements and 
disclosures, including TCFD reporting (see page 113).

As explained in my letter on page 4, in 2021 we will establish a 
CELT-led ESG steering team which will be led by the CEO. This team 
will provide regular updates to the Board and its remit will include 
reviewing and revising our sustainability targets and enhancing our 
TCFD disclosures.

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2021 priorities
The Board’s key priorities for the year ahead are:
 – Supporting the CELT to ensure continued focus on innovation, 

new product development and execution excellence. 

 – Reviewing and assessing our refreshed people strategy, including 

our Board employee engagement activities.

 – Reviewing senior management succession planning.

Dr John McAdam CBE
Chairman
4 March 2021

1.   A copy of the 2018 Code is available from the Financial Reporting Council’s website.

Board statements

ConvaTec is subject to the requirements of the 
Code that requires the Board to make a number 
of statements. These are set out in the table below.

Code requirement
Compliance with the Code 

Going concern basis

Viability statement

Fair, balanced and understandable

Assessment of the Group’s 
principal and emerging risks

Board statement
Throughout the financial year ended 
31 December 2020, except as explained 
on page 84, 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 2020 
Financial Statements.

The Directors have assessed the viability of 
the Group over a three-year period ending 
31 December 2023, taking into account the 
principal risks and uncertainties facing the 
Group, set out on pages 76 to 79 and the 
severe but plausible downside sensitivity 
analysis described on pages 80 and 81. 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 2023.

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.

The Directors confirm that they have 
undertaken an assessment of the principal 
and emerging risks facing the Group.

Annual review of risk management 
and internal control systems

Stakeholder engagement

The Board undertook a review of the Group’s 
risk management framework and internal 
controls over financial reporting and 
concluded that these provided assurance that 
there were no material control failures in the 
year. See page 98.

The Board has taken steps to understand 
stakeholders’ views and has considered them 
in its discussions and decision-making process.

Where further information is available
Chairman’s governance letter

Page 84

Audit and Risk Committee report

Pages 105 to 116

Principal risks

Pages 76 to 79

Viability statement

Pages 80 and 81

Audit and Risk Committee report

Pages 107 to 109

Audit and Risk Committee report

Page 109

Principal risks

Pages 72 and 74

Audit and Risk Committee report

Pages 110 and 112

Audit and Risk Committee report

Pages 110 to 113

Section 172 statement

Page 61

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
How we have applied the Code’s core principles

Board leadership and purpose

Principles
A. 
An effective and entrepreneurial Board 
that promotes long-term sustainable 
success that generates value for 
shareholders and contributes to society.

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. 

Application 
The Board discharges its responsibilities 
through a programme of activities that 
include review and approval of the Group’s 
strategy, regular progress reviews of its 
implementation, discussion on arising key 
issues and monitoring of performance, to 
enable the Group to deliver sustainable and 
profitable growth.

The Board endorses the Group’s vision 
statement (which encapsulates our purpose 
and ambition), and its values. During the year 
it has reviewed the Group’s strategy and 
continued to assess and monitor 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.

D. 
Effective stakeholder engagement 
and participation.

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.

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.

Where further information is available 
Key matters the Board considered 
during 2020

Pages 94 to 98

Purpose, vision, values and culture

Pages 92 to 98

The Group’s KPIs

Pages 18 and 19

The Group’s risk management 
framework

Pages 74 and 75

Audit and Risk Committee report

Pages 110 to 113

Stakeholder engagement and 
consideration of issues including 
section 172 statement 

Pages 94 to 98

Page 61

Culture and policies

Page 47

Compliance Helpline and web link

Page 58

Audit and Risk Committee report

Page 111

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Division of responsibilities

Principles
F. 
The Chair’s role.

Application 
The Chairman’s role is clearly defined. 

Where further information is available 
Chair’s role

G. 
Clear division of responsibilities and 
appropriate combination of executive 
and non-executive roles.

H. 
Time commitment, constructive 
challenge and strategic guidance.

The Board includes eight Non-Executive 
Directors and two Executive Directors. 
Their responsibilities are clearly defined. 

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. 

I. 
Effective and efficient Board.

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.

Page 99

Directors’ responsibilities and roles 

Pages 99 and 100

Time commitment confirmation

Page 100

How the Non-Executive Directors have 
fulfilled their roles 

Pages 99 and 100

Effective and efficient Board

Page 100

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213 
 
 
 
 
How we have applied the Code’s core principles
continued

Composition, succession and evaluation

Principles
J. 
Board appointments and succession. 

K. 
Combination of skills, experience and 
knowledge.

Application 
Board appointments are made in accordance 
with a formal, rigorous and transparent 
procedure. 

Searches for new independent Non-Executive 
Directors were undertaken during the year 
and, as explained on page 83 we have 
appointed three new independent Non-
Executive Directors. 

Our Board is balanced and diverse and its 
members have proven leadership capabilities 
and relevant healthcare, operational and 
financial skills and experience.

L. 
Annual evaluation.

During 2020 the Board undertook an internal 
review of its performance and that of its 
committees. In compliance with the Code the 
Board intends to conduct the next externally 
facilitated evaluation in 2021.

Where further information is available 
Board appointment procedure

Page 100

Directors’ biographical information

Pages 90 and 91

Skills and experience matrix

Page 100

Key findings of 2020 Board review

Pages 101 and 102

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Audit, risk and internal control

Principles
M. 
Independent and effective internal and 
external audit functions.

N. 
Fair, balanced and understandable 
assessment.

O. 
Risk management and internal 
control systems.

Application 
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 
assesses 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.

Where further information is available 
Audit and Risk Committee report

Pages 110 to 116

Audit and Risk Committee report

Page 109

Risk management

Page 98

Audit and Risk Committee report

Pages 110 to 113

Remuneration

Principles
P. 
Remuneration policy and practices.

Q. 
Development of remuneration policy 
and packages.

R. 
Independent judgement and discretion.

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Application 
The Group’s Remuneration Policy, which was 
approved by shareholders 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 the 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.

Where further information is available 
Remuneration Policy

Pages 130 to 138

Remuneration Committee report

Pages 117 to 138

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213 
 
 
 
 
 
Board of Directors 

Dr John McAdam CBE
Chairman

Karim Bitar 
Chief Executive Officer

Frank Schulkes 
Chief Financial Officer 

Date of appointment: 
September 2019

Date of appointment: 
September 2019

Independent: Yes (on appointment)

Independent: No

Date of appointment: 
November 2017 

Independent: No

Committee memberships: N*

Committee memberships: None

Committee memberships: None

Relevant skills and experience:
–  Extensive chair and board leadership 

experience including as former Chair of 
Rentokil Initial 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:
–  Significant board level and leadership experience 
including as Chief Executive Officer of Genus plc 
between 2011 and 2019.

–  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. Member of the 
University of Michigan, Ross School of Business 
Advisory Board.

Relevant skills and experience:
–  Previously CFO of Wittur Group, a privately-
held industrial company based in Germany, 
and 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.

Margaret Ewing
Senior Independent  
Director 

Date of appointment: 
August 2017

Independent: Yes

Rick Anderson 
Non-Executive Director

Dr Regina Benjamin 
Non-Executive Director 

Date of appointment: 
October 2016

Independent: Yes

Date of appointment: 
August 2017

Independent: Yes

Committee memberships: AR*, N

Committee memberships: R, N

Committee memberships: R, N

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 management 

experience.

–  Strong board experience, having served as a 

Non-Executive Director of Whitbread plc and 
Standard Chartered plc and CFO of BAA and 
Trinity Mirror plc.

Current external appointments
Non-Executive Director and Chair of the 
Audit and Risk Committee of ITV Group plc. 
Non-Executive Director, Chair of the Audit and 
Compliance Committee and a member of 
the Nominations Committee of International 
Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A. 

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.

Current external appointments
Chairman and Managing Director of Revival 
Healthcare Capital, Director of Apollo 
Endosurgery, Inc., Cardilogs Technologies, 
and of Silk Road Medical, Inc. a NASDAQ listed 
company, where Rick is also Chair of the 
Compensation Committee and a member 
of the Corporate Governance Committee. 

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.

–  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. Independent Director 
of Oak Street Health, Inc., Computer Programs 
and Systems Inc., where Regina is a member of 
the Audit and Innovation Committees and 
Chair of the Corporate Governance 
Committee. Independent Director of Kaiser 
Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals, 
Ascension Health Alliance, Doximity Inc., 
98point6 Inc., Professional Disposables 
International, Inc., Nurx, Inc. and 
EverlyWell, Inc.

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Brian May 
Non-Executive Director

Heather Mason
Non-Executive Director

Date of appointment: 
March 2020

Independent: Yes

Date of appointment: 
July 2020

Independent: Yes

Committee memberships: R*, AR, N

Committee memberships: AR, N

Relevant skills and experience:
–  Significant financial and international 

business experience including as 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.

–  Extensive experience of significant strategic 

initiatives that delivered growth and 
sustained shareholder returns over the 
long term. 

–  Chartered Accountant.

Current external appointments
Non-Executive Director, Chair of the Audit 
and Treasury Committees and member of the 
Remuneration and Nomination Committees 
of United Utilities Group PLC. Non-Executive 
Director of Ferguson plc where Brian is 
also a member of its Nominations and 
Audit Committees.

Relevant skills and experience:
–  Significant international healthcare experience 

leading fully integrated global businesses 
including 27 years with Abbott Laboratories 
where she held a number of global senior 
operational and strategic leadership roles, 
including Senior Vice President of Abbott 
Diabetes Care and most recently Executive 
Vice President of Abbott Nutrition. 

–   Extensive relevant international, commercial 

and operational experience. 

–  Proven track record of overseeing the 

development of commercially viable new 
product pipelines and brand building.

Current external appointments
Non-Executive Director and member of the 
Audit and Compensation Committees of 
Immatics, Inc., Non-Executive Director of 
Pendulum Therapeutics, Inc. and of Assertio 
Therapeutics, Inc., where Heather is Chair of 
the Governance Committee and member of 
the Audit and Compensation Committees. 
Chair of SCA Pharmaceuticals and Co-Chair 
of the University of Michigan’s College of 
Engineering Innovation Committee 
and a member of its Leadership 
Advisory Board.

Professor Constantin  
Coussios FREng
Non-Executive Director

Date of appointment: 
September 2020

Independent: Yes

Sten Scheibye
Non-Executive Director

Date of appointment: 
July 2018

Independent: No

Committee memberships: None

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
Senior Advisor to Novo Holdings A/S. 
Chairman of, BioInnovation Institute 
Foundation, BII Holdings A/S, EA/S Knud 
Højgaards Hus, Højgaard Ejendomme A/S, 
The Danish Industry Foundation, and the 
Knud Højgaard Foundation.

Relevant skills and experience:
–  Internationally recognised key opinion leader 

in the field of biomedical engineering.

–  Proven track record of translating research 

into commercial technologies through 
academic entrepreneurship including as 
Founder, Chief Technology Officer and Chief 
Scientific Officer of three successful 
spin-outs.

–  Significant experience of drug delivery devices 
and technologies including between 2014 and 
2020 directing and leading the Oxford Centre 
for Drug Delivery Devices, a cross-disciplinary 
centre working across pharmaceutical and 
medical device companies and the NHS.

Current external appointments
Director, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, 
University of Oxford. Professorial Fellow, 
Magdalen College, Oxford, Founder and 
Director of OrganOx Limited, OxSonics 
Limited and OrthoSon Limited. Trustee 
of the Oxford Transplant Foundation and 
Governor of Magdalen College 
School Oxford.

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A diverse Board with proven 
leadership capabilities and relevant 
healthcare, operational and 
financial skills and experience.

Gender

1.  Female: 30%
2.  Male: 70%

Tenure

1.  < 1 year: 30%
2.  > 1 year: 20%
3.  > 2 years: 50%

1.

1.

2.

2.

3.

70%

70%

70%

90%

80%

Experience

Public

Finance

Healthcare

Innovation 

30%

M&A

Global

Operations

70%

Key to Committee

Audit and Risk Committee 
Nomination Committee 
Remuneration Committee 

Committee Chair 

AR
N
R

*

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Board leadership and company purpose

An effective and diverse Board
Our Board comprises ten Directors: Chair, two Executive Directors, 
six independent Non-Executive Directors and one non-independent 
Non-Executive Director (Sten Scheibye). Sten is the representative 
of our significant shareholder Novo Holdings A/S (“Novo”) 
(see page 141).

Our Directors have proven leadership capabilities and a range of 
healthcare, operational and financial skills and experience. Relevant 
biographical information, which includes up-to-date information 
about external appointments, where relevant, is set out on pages 
90 and 91. 

Our governance framework 
Our governance framework, which includes the Board and its four 
committees, is set out below. 

All Directors are collectively responsible for the success of the 
Group. The Non-Executive Directors exercise independent, 
objective judgement in respect of decisions of the Board, and 
scrutinise and challenge management. Through the various 
committees of the Board, they have responsibilities for ensuring the 
robustness and integrity of financial information, internal controls 
and risk management, and that remuneration arrangements 
appropriately support the Group’s culture and strategic ambition.

The Board is responsible for setting the Group’s strategy and 
policies to support its implementation, overseeing risk and 
corporate governance, assessing and monitoring the Group’s 
culture, and monitoring progress towards delivery of objectives 
and annual plans. The Board is accountable to the Company’s 
shareholders for the proper conduct of the Group’s business and 
its long-term success and seeks to represent the interests of all 
stakeholders. The CEO, CFO and other members of the CELT take 
the lead in developing the Group’s strategy which, on an annual 
basis, is reviewed, constructively challenged and approved by 
the Board. 

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.

Audit and Risk Committee
Oversees financial reporting, 
internal and external audit, 
internal controls and risk 
management.

See pages 105 to 116

See pages 103 and 104

Market Disclosure 
Committee
Oversees disclosure of 
information to meet the 
Company’s obligations under 
MAR, the FCA’s Listing Rules 
and the Disclosure Guidance 
and Transparency Rules.

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 117 to 138

Oversees the implementation of  
the Group’s strategy.

ConvaTec Executive Leadership Team 
Responsible for day-to-day 
management and performance  
across the Group. See page 9.

Monitors risk and internal  
controls across the Group.

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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. 

Brian May was unable to attend one Board meeting due to a prior 
commitment made before he became a Non-Executive Director 
of the Group. However, following the meeting he had a separate 
update with the Chairman.

All Directors, other than Heather Mason and Constantin Coussios 
who did not join the Board until July 2020 and September 2020 
respectively, attended the AGM held in May 2020. 

The Company Secretary attended all Board meetings. External 
advisers 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 topics. 

Director
John McAdam
Karim Bitar
Frank Schulkes
Margaret Ewing 

Rick Anderson
Ros Rivaz
(member until 31 August 
2020)
Regina Benjamin 
Sten Scheibye
Brian May
(member since 2 March 2020)
Heather Mason
(member since 1 July 2020)
Constantin Coussios
(member since 1 September 
2020)

Role
Chairman
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Non-Executive Director 
and SID
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director 

Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Meetings
11/11
11/11
11/11
11/11

11/11
8/8

11/11
11/11
8/9

4/4

3/3

The principal activities undertaken during the year by the 
Nomination, Audit and Risk and Remuneration Committees are set 
out in their respective reports in this Annual Report. The paragraphs 
under the heading “Directors’ Remuneration report” on pages 117 
to 138 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 that each of the committees 
operates under can also be found within the web link 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 
Last year the Board endorsed the Group’s refreshed vision 
statement (which encapsulates our purpose and ambition), and its 
values. The Board has continued to assess and monitor the Group’s 
culture to ensure alignment with our vision and strategy. To further 
embed the Group’s culture a set of required behaviours has been 
established to supplement the values and, as part of our performance 
review process, employees are now assessed against both their 
objectives and the Group’s values and behaviours. 

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to curtail the face-to-
face employee engagement programme led by our employee 
engagement Non-Executive Directors (Regina Benjamin and, until 
the end of August 2020, Ros Rivaz), a number of other employee 
engagement methods have been deployed (see page 96). The key 
tool that management and the Board use to assess culture is the OHI 
survey which in 2020 captured the views of 86% of our people (see 
page 47). This survey included questions relating to our vision and 
values to obtain employees’ perspective on these issues in practice. 
The feedback showed that an increasing number of our people have 
a better understanding of our vision, values and strategy. Key 
outputs and actions from this survey are agreed by the Board. 
In addition, any significant information arising from the survey, 
including concerns or areas requiring improvement, are discussed 
at Board meetings and action plans to address the issues are 
agreed with management. 

Board meetings and attendance 
During the year the Board convened on 11 scheduled occasions. 
Except for two meetings these meetings were conducted using 
video and audio conference facilities. The Non-Executive Directors 
met on one occasion during the year without the Chairman and 
Executive Directors present.

The table in the adjacent column shows the number of Board 
meetings attended by each Director out of the number they were 
entitled to attend during the year. 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 afterwards 
on the discussions that took place.

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continued

Board focus and principal matters considered in 2020
The principal matters considered by the Board during 2020 and the link to the Company’s strategic priorities are set out in the table below.

As part of the business of each Board meeting the CEO submits a progress report on the business’ performance including areas of progress 
and areas which are not progressing to plan. Members of the CELT regularly attend Board meetings to ensure that the Board has good 
visibility of business developments, principal and emerging risks and their mitigation, and operating decisions within the categories. At each 
Board meeting the Board receives a report from the CFO providing updates on financial progress and presentations from internal and 
external speakers on topics relevant to the business and the environment it operates in.

Areas of focus
Strategy
 – Approving the Group’s strategy and any changes and 

monitoring delivery.

 – Approving any major capital project, corporate action or 

investment by the Company.

Stakeholders considered: 
All stakeholders.

Activities 
 – Reviewed implementation of FISBE strategy including 

participation in three-day strategy session, consideration 
of issues arising during the year and review of detailed 
plans from management setting out the respective 
business unit’s plans for implementation.

 – Approved disposal of US Skincare product line.
 – Reviewed corporate development opportunities to 

ensure alignment with our FISBE strategy and category 
business plans.

 – Approved capital investment to expand Infusion Care’s 

manufacturing capacity.

Leadership
 – Changing the structure, size and composition of the 

Board, following recommendations from the 
Nomination Committee.

 – Making appointments to the Board, following 

recommendations from the Nomination Committee.
 – Determining the membership and chairmanship of the 
Board committees and approving any amendments 
thereto, following recommendations from the 
Nomination Committee.

 – Reviewing the performance of the Board and its 

committees, individual directors and the Group’s overall 
corporate governance framework.

Stakeholders considered: 
All stakeholders.

 – Approved the appointment of Heather Mason with effect 

from 1 July 2020.

 – Approved the appointment of Constantin Coussios with 

effect from 1 September 2020.

 – Approved the revised composition of the Board committees.
 – Reviewed progress against action plan arising from 2019 
Board evaluation, considered findings of 2020 evaluation 
and agreed priority actions for 2021.

Business plan and performance
 – Approving annual budget and business plan and regularly 

reviewing actual performance and latest forecasts against 
the budget and business plan, including proposed actions 
by management to address performance issues.

 – Reviewed reports from the COVID-19 Rapid Response 
Team and new normal planning (following move from 
rapid response to new normal planning) and changes to 
phasing of investments.

 – Reviewed mitigation planning undertaken by the Brexit 

Stakeholders considered: 
Investors and debt providers, Consumers, Our people, 
Suppliers, distributors and other partners.

Steering Committee.

 – Approved 2021 budget and business plan.
 – Reviewed plans to address performance issues.

Strategic 
priorities

Focus

Innovate

Simplify

Build

Execute

Build

Execute

Focus

Innovate

Simplify

Build

Execute

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Areas of focus
Financial reporting
 – Approving final and interim results, trading updates, the 

Annual Report and the release of price sensitive information.

Activities 
 – Approved Viability and Going Concern statements.
 – Approved final results announcement.
 – Reviewed dividend policy taking into account stakeholder 

 – Approving the dividend policy, determination of any 

perspectives and confirmed the policy.

interim dividend and the recommendation (subject to the 
approval of shareholders in general meeting) of any final 
dividend to be paid by the Company or of any other 
distributions by the Company.

Stakeholders considered: 
Investors and debt providers, Our people, Consumers, 
Healthcare professionals, Suppliers, distributors and other 
partners, Institutional customers/buying organisations, 
Local communities.

Risk
 – Ensuring the Group has effective systems of internal 

control and risk management in place, including approving 
the Group’s risk appetite.

Stakeholders considered: 
All stakeholders.

 – Confirmed and approved final dividend in light of strength 

of liquidity despite impacts of COVID-19. 

 – Approved Annual Report and Notice of AGM including 
amending the Notice of AGM to move to a hybrid live 
physical and electronic meeting format.

 – Approved Q1 update announcement.
 – Approved interim results announcement and 

interim dividend.

 – Approved Q3 update announcement including upgrade 

to adjusted EBIT guidance.

 – Reviewed effectiveness of the Group’s risk management 

and internal control systems.

 – Reviewed and approved the Group’s risk appetite and 

concluded that the Group had operated within the Group’s 
risk appetite throughout the year.

 – Reviewed the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties 
including the impact of COVID-19 on the principal risks.
 – Undertook a number of “deep dives” with management in 

relation to risk mitigation in a number of key areas 
including ESG, supply chain and H&S.

Stakeholder engagement
 – Considering the balance of interests between the Group’s 

stakeholders.

 – Receiving and considering the views of the Company’s 

shareholders.

Stakeholders considered: 
All stakeholders.

Responsible business
 – Overseeing the Group’s responsible business programme.
 – Reviewing the Group’s responsible business strategy and 

its implementation.

Stakeholders considered: 
All stakeholders.

 – Considered investor feedback on the 2019 full year results.
 – Considered investor feedback on the interim results 
provided by the Investor Relations team and also the 
Group’s corporate brokers and this was taken into 
account in the Q3 results trading update including 
revision to guidance announcement with respect to the 
explanation provided as to the factors giving rise to 
improved performance.

 – Considered feedback from annual OHI survey and 

discussed and agreed management’s action plan to 
address issues arising.

 – Reviewed employee gender pay gap data.
 – Reviewed progress report on diversity and inclusion 
initiatives including gender data and the creation and 
development of Employee Resource Groups.

 – Received reports from the Rapid Response Team on the 
Group’s response to COVID-19 including updates on 
workstreams regarding affected stakeholders.

 – Reviewed progress against sustainability targets set in 

2019 and agreed priorities for 2021.

 – It had been intended to review the overall approach to 

ESG during 2020 and to further embed sustainability into 
the business by allocating specific actions to members of 
the CELT. The allocation of these activities was postponed 
in order to focus all resources on our COVID-19 response.

Strategic 
priorities

Focus

Execute

Focus

Innovate

Simplify

Build

Execute

Focus

Innovate

Execute

Innovate

Build

Execute

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continued

Connecting with our stakeholders and discharge of section 172 duty
When making decisions, the Board acts in a way that the Directors consider most likely to promote the success of the Company, for the 
benefit of its members as a whole, while also considering the broad range of stakeholders who interact with the business.

Our section 172 statement is set out on page 61.

How we engage as a Company
Our vision, pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch, is fulfilled through interaction with our stakeholders. We 
proactively engage with a broad range of stakeholders to understand their issues and to build positive relationships (see pages 40 and 41). 
Our values shape the Group’s culture and our employees’ behaviours, determine how we do business and underpin our strategy. Our vision 
and values also provide a framework which helps our employees make decisions in the best interests of the Group and our stakeholders. 
This approach ensures that stakeholder issues are considered throughout the organisation and not just at Board level.

How the Board understands stakeholders’ interests
The table below summarises how our Board gains an understanding of stakeholder issues.

Stakeholders
Our people

Board-level engagement
As explained above, due to the COVID-19 pandemic our face-to-face employee engagement programme led by 
Ros Rivaz (until August 2020) and Regina Benjamin was curtailed during 2020. Prior to the onset of travel 
restrictions Ros visited our R&D facility in Osted, Denmark and met with employees across the functions at the 
site (see page 97). 

Regina Benjamin has undertaken engagement activities with the Group’s Women@ConvaTec, Black Employee and 
Pride Networks and reported to the Board on their discussions.

As highlighted above, during 2020 we commissioned our second OHI survey. Key issues arising from the survey and 
the actions to address areas requiring improvement are included on page 47.

Members of the management team regularly attend relevant parts of Board and committee meetings to present on 
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 Compliance Helpline 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 the Compliance 
Helpline and web link and the resulting outcome (see page 111).

The Remuneration Committee receive updates on workforce remuneration policies and practices, and how these 
align with the Company’s strategy and culture.

Investors

All members of the Board are available to meet with shareholders. 

The Chairman is available to meet with shareholders and during the year met with three shareholders via 
video conference.

Our Senior Independent Director, Margaret Ewing, is available to meet with shareholders.

In the early part of 2020 Ros Rivaz as Chair of the Remuneration Committee undertook a consultation exercise with 
shareholders representing nearly 50% of the Company’s share capital to obtain their feedback on the proposed 
Remuneration Policy that was subsequently put before shareholders at the 2020 AGM (see page 98).

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 IR programme.

Our IR programme, which includes activities undertaken by the Executive Directors has been adapted over the 
course of the year to ensure that we continue to engage with shareholders and potential investors, albeit on a virtual 
basis (see page 40).

All Directors who were serving on the Board at the time participated in our 2020 AGM which took the form of 
a hybrid meeting, which enabled shareholders to attend and participate electronically.

Consumers/ 
Patients/Healthcare 
professionals

As part of the strategy session in July 2020, the Board received a detailed briefing on the diverse and complex 
needs of the people who use our different product categories. Further, an assessment was provided of the unmet 
needs of patients and their carers, and healthcare professionals, before consideration of patient-centric solutions.

Supply chain 
partners and 
channel partners

During the year, the Board has received reports from the Global Quality and Operations team with respect to 
initiatives they have undertaken to improve the resilience of our supply chain as part of the strategic transformation 
programme and our COVID-19 response. Reports are received by the Audit and Risk Committee from Internal Audit 
with respect to audits undertaken on management of suppliers, distributors and other channel partners in certain 
markets. The Board confirms its compliance with the UK Payment Practices Reporting Duty and the Prompt 
Payment Code and similar legislation across the Group in relation to the year ended 31 December 2020.

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Stakeholders
B2B customers

Board-level engagement
The Infusion Care leadership team have provided reports to the Board on their relationship with their customers, 
and product development activities.

Regulators

The Board has received reports on the implementation of MDR from the Group’s regulatory function.

Governments

All stakeholders

The Audit and Risk Committee received reports from the Global Tax function on taxation issues in key markets, and 
approved the Tax Statement including tax strategy.

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. 

Papers requesting Board approval include an analysis covering the impact of the decision on relevant stakeholders 
which inform the Board’s decision making. 

How the Board considers stakeholders’ interests in its decision making
The Directors recognise that section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 requires each of them 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. Clear communication 
and engagement to understand the issues and factors which are most important to stakeholders is key. The Board acknowledges that not 
every decision will result in a positive outcome for all stakeholders. The Board strives to make consistent decisions intended to support the 
delivery of our strategic intent of pivoting to sustainable and profitable growth. 

Set out below are examples of how key stakeholders were considered in principal decisions made by the Board in 2020. A “principal decision” 
includes discussion and decision relating to a material or strategic Group matter or any matter that is significant to any of our stakeholders.

Principal decision
COVID-19

Disposal of 
US Skincare 
product line

Expansion of 
manufacturing 
capacity

Stakeholder consideration
From March 2020 the Board received monthly updates from the Group’s Rapid Response Team (see page 94). 
The Board:
 – Considered the arrangements put in place to support the wellbeing of our employees, including all office-based 

employees becoming remote workers and the implementation of adjusted working practices at our 
manufacturing sites. The Board endorsed the introduction of antigen testing at our manufacturing sites.
 – Decided, after considering the Group’s financial liquidity and the interests of employees, not to furlough any 

employees nor take advantage of any other governmental COVID-19 support programmes available.

 – Considered actions taken by the Global Quality and Operations team to work with our third-party manufacturers 
and suppliers to ensure the sustainability of the supply of our products and to strengthen the resilience of our 
supply chain.

 – Considered scenario planning of potential impacts of COVID-19 on the Group, and supported identified financial 
and operational interventions developed in response. Interventions included the reduction of operational and 
capital expenditure planned for 2020 and the deferment of investment to later years, set against certain 
accelerated investments including investments in digital capabilities for interaction with customers, hospitals 
and clinicians.

 – Decided, after considering the Group’s strategic objectives, capital management, financial liquidity, review of our 

comparator peer group, and the interests of shareholders, employees, patients, suppliers and external debt 
providers, to continue to pay the 2019 final dividend and to declare a 2020 interim dividend.

The Board considered the disposal of the trade and assets of the Group’s US Skincare product line and taking 
account of the following factors decided it was in the best long-term interests of the Company and approved 
the transaction:
 – The disposal was in line with the “Focus” and “Simplify” elements of the Group’s FISBE strategy.
 – There was no impact on the Group’s employees as no employees transferred with the sale nor were any changes 

needed to be made to the existing salesforce after the disposal.

 – There was minimal impact on the Group’s commercial relationships as a result of a structured transition plan 

covering affected distributors.

 – The impact of the sale on third-party manufacturers and the fact that this was mitigated by assigning their 

contracts to the buyer.

As part of our Board-level employee engagement programme, Ros Rivaz visited our Infusion Care facility in Osted, 
Denmark and met with employees across the facility’s various functions. The employees shared their perspectives 
on the development of manufacturing capabilities at Osted and its linked site in Reynosa, Mexico, including talent 
development opportunities across both facilities. These perspectives assisted the Board when considering a capital 
investment request to expand manufacturing capacity at Osted. As part of the expansion plan new employment and 
development opportunities would be created which strengthens the position of the facility as an important local 
employer and addressed some of the issues raised by employees. The Board also considered the impact on other 
stakeholders before approving the manufacturing capacity expansion project.

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continued

Principal decision
Remuneration policy In the early part of 2020 Ros Rivaz, who was then Chair of our Remuneration Committee, undertook a consultation 

Stakeholder consideration

exercise with shareholders to obtain their feedback on the Remuneration Policy to be put to shareholders for 
approval at the 2020 AGM. Key areas of focus were pension contributions for future Executive Director 
appointments and rebalancing the performance measures for the annual bonus and LTIP awards. There was a 
divergence of views on the performance measures for both annual bonus and LTIPs. We explained our rationale of 
moving to adjusted Group EBIT and adjusted PBT growth, which is more closely aligned with our strategic aim of 
delivering sustainable and profitable growth. There was strong feedback on the expectation of Executive Director 
pensions being aligned with the workforce. The Remuneration Committee listened to such views and the 
Remuneration Policy put to and approved by shareholders at the 2020 AGM provided that the pension contribution 
for new Executive Director appointments from 1 January 2020 would be aligned with that available to the wider 
workforce. The Remuneration Committee continues to reflect on developments in the remuneration governance 
landscape and, taking into account the wish to maintain a reputation for high standards of business conduct, later in 
the year determined to commit to align Executive Director pension benefits to the wider UK workforce by 1 January 
2023 (see page 118).

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. The Group’s principal risks are set out on pages 76 to 79. 

During 2020, 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. It also monitored and reviewed these processes and controls to ensure their effective operation during the 
pandemic despite remote working. The Audit and Risk Committee’s activities in these areas are set out in the Audit and Risk Committee 
report on page 110. Following this review the Board is satisfied that the Group’s risk management and internal control framework provided 
assurance that there were no material control failures in the year. Further, the Board considered the impact of COVID-19 on the principal 
risks and uncertainties, and this was set out in the interim results statement and this Annual Report.

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 85. 

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. The meetings of the Board and its committees have successfully been held via video conferencing on 
Teams since March 2020. Once travel restrictions are lifted, the Board intends that its meetings will move to a hybrid model of physical and 
virtual meetings. 

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Division of responsibilities

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
There is 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 below.

Time to properly fulfil their roles and responsibilities
Each of the Directors has confirmed and clearly demonstrated 
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.

On occasions where a Director is unavoidably absent from a Board 
or Board committee meeting, they still receive and review the 
papers for the meeting and typically provide verbal or written input 
ahead of the meeting, usually through the Chairman or the Chair of 
the relevant committee. This ensures that views of absent Directors 
are made known and considered at the meeting. Given the nature of 
the business to be conducted, some Board meetings are convened 
at short notice, which can make it difficult for some Directors to 
attend due to prior commitments.

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.

The role of the Senior Independent Director
Margaret Ewing, Senior Independent Director, has specific roles and 
responsibilities which are detailed in documentation available at 
www.convatecgroup.com and summarised below.

A balanced Board including a majority of independent Non-
Executive Directors
The Board comprises eight Non-Executive Directors and two 
Executive Directors. Their key roles and responsibilities are also 
set out below. Our Non-Executive Directors provide valuable 
constructive challenge, independent perspective and specific 
expertise. Excluding the Chairman, six of our Non-Executive 
Directors are independent. The independence of the Non-Executive 
Directors is kept under review and assessed annually. The Chair was 
independent upon his appointment in 2019 but, as Chair, is not 
classified as independent. With the exception of Sten Scheibye, the 
Board considers that all Non-Executive Directors who served during 
the year are independent in character and judgement, with no 
relationships or circumstances that are likely to affect, or could 
appear to affect their judgement. Sten Scheibye is not considered 
to be independent as he is the representative of our significant 
shareholder, Novo.

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 

Chief Executive 
Officer
 – Leads the executive 
management team 
in delivering the 
Group strategy 
and objectives as 
determined by 
the Board. 
 – Day-to-day 

responsibility for 
executive 
management matters. 

committees.

 – 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 roles and responsibilities available at  
www.convatecgroup.com/investors/corporate-governance.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213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.

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 2021. 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. The inductions of Brian May, Heather Mason and 
Constantin Coussios have all been undertaken virtually as a result 
of COVID-19. It is intended that physical visits to key sites will be 
arranged in 2021 when circumstances permit.

During the year, the Directors received directors’ duties training and 
an update on governance and regulatory matters from our external 
lawyers Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. The Board also received 
updates and training from the Group’s senior management and 
external advisers covering corporate responsibility, particularly ESG, 
and strategic market and product issues.

We continued to evolve our training programme and, in particular, 
its scope was expanded to include training from external advisers 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 (see below). Brian May, Heather Mason and Constantin 
Coussios joined the Board during the year. Brian’s skills and 
experience strengthen the Board’s financial expertise while Heather 
and Constantin’s extensive innovation and technological knowledge 
and experience provide valuable insights as we focus more on 
developing trusted patient-centric medical solutions. 

Chairman evaluation
The evaluation of the performance of the Chairman by the other 
Directors was led by the SID and absent the Chairman. The overall 
conclusion was that he was performing well in all aspects of the role. 
The Chairman values the individual opinions of all Directors and 
seeks and listens to their views. He chairs effective meetings, allows 
debate and encourages contribution and challenge, with a focus 
on clarity and pragmatism in decision making. He has a strong 
relationship with the Executive Directors, particularly the CEO, and 
provides appropriate challenge and support. He has been in role 
since September 2019 and during that time the composition of the 
Board has changed significantly. He has proactively led the 
recruitment of new Non-Executive Directors.

The SID provided feedback to the Chairman after the review of his 
performance. This included continuing to guide new Non-Executive 
Directors on how most effectively to contribute and engage 
with management.

Relevant skills and expertise 

Director
John McAdam
Karim Bitar
Frank Schulkes
Rick Anderson
Regina Benjamin
Margaret Ewing
Sten Scheibye 
Brian May
Heather Mason
Constantin Coussios

Public 
company
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Finance
*
*
*
*

*
*
*

Healthcare

Innovation

*
*
*
*

*

*
*

*

*
*

M&A
*
*
*
*

*
*
*

Global
*
*
*
*

Operations
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*

*
*
*

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2019 Board evaluation progress report and 2020 Board evaluation review
During 2019 the Board undertook an internal evaluation of its effectiveness that focused primarily on identifying priority issues to be 
addressed during 2020 by the then recently appointed Chairman and CEO. Information about the key priorities arising from this evaluation 
and progress to date is set out below.

In November 2020 the Board undertook a further internal evaluation of effectiveness. The evaluation took the form of a detailed 
questionnaire. The key findings from the 2020 Board evaluation process, including the actions agreed to address recommendations 
resulting from Board discussions, are set out on the adjacent page.

Progress in relation to actions arising from 2019 Board evaluation

Actions
Oversee the implementation of the 
Group’s new strategy and operating 
model which is focused on pivoting to 
sustainable and profitable growth.

Progress 
Ongoing. A detailed strategic plan was presented to the Board in July 2020 building on 
the FISBE strategic pillars and new operating model. As explained on page 6, the delivery 
of the Group’s strategy and related strategic transformation programme is on track and 
the Board continues to monitor its implementation.

Monitor the implementation and 
execution of the Transformation 
Initiative.

Ongoing. Despite the rephasing of some activities as a result of the pandemic, significant 
progress is being made in the implementation of the strategic transformation 
programme (see page 65). 

Improve focus on customers, innovation 
and markets.

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.

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.

The FISBE strategic pillars are specifically designed to achieve this improvement and they 
are embedded in each category’s strategic plan. In particular the strategic plan presented 
by each business unit at the strategy meeting held in July 2020 set out how they will 
deliver enhanced customer, innovation and market focus. The Board continues to 
monitor delivery against these strategic plans.

The valuable insight into the issues and concerns that matter to our stakeholders continues 
through the provision of a stakeholder impact assessment for each key decision.

As explained on page 83, due to the pandemic our Board-led, face-to-face employee 
engagement programme was curtailed. Virtual meetings have been held with various 
Employee Resource Groups and the outputs of the OHI survey considered.

Under the guidance and leadership of the Chairman, who was appointed in September 
2019, the cohesiveness of the Board has significantly improved. The constitution of the 
Board has also continued to evolve through the year with all Board members connecting 
virtually. However the Board’s effectiveness will be further improved once physical 
meetings resume.

Three new Non-Executive Directors, Brian May, Heather Mason and Constantin Coussios, 
were appointed during 2020, and the composition of the committees has evolved. The 
CEO has successfully appointed a number of new members of senior management to 
strengthen the CELT.

Further develop the Board’s oversight 
and understanding of the Group’s risk 
management processes and key risks.

Dedicated risk management sessions were held during 2020, and the embedding of risk 
management into the business processes and improvements to the risk management 
framework continues.

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.

During the year the format of Board and committee papers was standardised and 
improved. This together with the continued development of management reporting 
information and analysis has improved the quality of information going to the Board.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Composition, succession and evaluation
continued

Key findings arising from 2020 Board evaluation together with priority actions for 2021 

Key findings
Further develop growth strategy.

Priority actions for 2021 
Continue to challenge the Group’s strategy, overall and at a category level, to drive 
delivery of value to investors and stakeholders.

Increase focus on innovation and 
products.

Improve the Board’s understanding of the Group’s competitive landscape, product 
development and product profitability.

Improve stakeholder insights.

Ensure the Board receives direct input from and engagement with customers (being 
end-users and caregivers), including their evidence-based insights. Also maintain focus 
on meeting shareholder aspirations.

Further develop succession planning and 
talent development.

Continue to enhance the Group’s succession planning and talent development processes. 
The Board, through the Nomination Committee, will oversee the outputs of these 
processes and monitor progress of diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Board meetings were effective, despite 
the move to virtual meetings; and focus 
to be maintained on discussion of topics.

Continue to embed new members of the Board. When possible, resume physical 
meetings to assist the development of a fully cohesive and effective body. Continue to 
improve Board papers to allow as much time as possible for discussion of each topic. 

The constitution of the Board has further evolved during 2020. The evaluation questionnaire explored the functioning of the Board as a unit 
and the relationships among Board members. It was established that the Board considered its composition and diversity of skills and experience 
to be well balanced. There was consensus that the move to virtual meetings had been successful, but by their nature they were less free 
flowing and a return to physical meetings would further improve the effectiveness of meetings.

In compliance with the Code, the Board intends to conduct the next externally facilitated evaluation in 2021.

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Nomination Committee report

Dr John McAdam CBE
Chairman of the Nomination Committee

Activity highlights
 – Recommended to the Board the appointment of Brian May as 

an independent Non-Executive Director, which was reported in 
the 2019 Annual Report.

 – Oversaw and recommended the appointment of Heather 

Mason and Constantin Coussios as independent Non-Executive 
Directors.

 – Reviewed and adjusted the composition of the Board’s 

committees.

 – Reviewed the development of a diversity and inclusion strategy.
 – Undertook a succession plan review of the CELT.

2021 priorities
The Committee conducted an evaluation of its performance and 
identified the following areas of focus for 2021:
 – Continue to focus on succession planning for the Board and 
senior management, including succession plans for each 
member of the CELT.

 – Monitor the process and outputs for the identification of high 

potential talent and plans for their development.

 – Monitor the ongoing development of diversity and inclusion 

initiatives across the Group.

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
Margaret Ewing
Rick Anderson
Ros Rivaz
(until 31 August 2020)
Regina Benjamin
Heather Mason
Brian May

Member since
September 2019
May 2019
May 2019

Attended
4/4
4/4
4/4

August 2017
September 2020
September 2020
September 2020

3/3
1/1
1/1
1/1

The Company Secretary and the EVP, Chief Human Resources 
Officer, 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.

4Meetings held
100%

Attendance

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 “To realise our vision and support our strategy 
the Committee must ensure we recruit the best 
talent and continue to build a skilled, diverse and 
effective leadership team.”

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, diverse 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 
During the year there were a number of changes to the composition 
of the Committee. At the end of August 2020 Ros Rivaz stepped 
down from the Board and the Committee and on 1 September 2020 
Regina Benjamin, Heather Mason and Brian May joined the Committee.

Committee focus and activities in 2020

Activities 
 – Recommended the appointment of 
Brian May with effect from 2 March 
2020.

 – Recommended the appointment 

of Heather Mason with effect from 
1 July 2020. 

 – Recommended the appointment 

of Constantin Coussios with effect 
from 1 September 2020.
 – Reviewed and adjusted the 

composition of each of the Board’s 
committees.

 – 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.

 – Reviewed succession planning for 

the CELT.

Focus areas
Board composition
 – Leads Board 

appointments process.
 – Reviews regularly the 

Board’s size and 
composition.
 – Oversees and 

recommends orderly 
Board and senior 
management 
succession.

Corporate governance 
 – Reviews whether each 
Non-Executive Director 
is devoting enough time 
to his or her duties.
 – Oversees the balance 

of skills and experience 
within the Group and on 
the Board.

 – Monitors diversity 

within the Board and 
across the Group. 

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Nomination Committee report
continued

Board composition
In September 2019, to support our strategy we commissioned 
Russell Reynolds to undertake searches for additional independent 
Non-Executive Directors to enhance the Board’s financial expertise 
and international, commercial and operational experience. The 
Board had identified that this experience was needed following 
recommendations from the Committee.

As a result of this search process three new independent Non-
Executive Directors joined our Board during 2020: Brian May 
in March 2020, Heather Mason in July 2020 and Constantin 
Coussios in September 2020. Biographical information about 
these new Board members is included on page 91. 

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. As a result of a range of initiatives to accelerate 
change, as at 31 December 2020, women made up 34% of our 
senior management team.

During the year the Board has considered diversity insights across 
a range of metrics with a focus on gender and the initiatives to 
advance women in leadership. We also received insights from our 
Employee Resource Groups. In 2021 the Committee will continue 
to monitor the ongoing development of diversity and inclusion 
initiatives across the Group.

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, the contribution they can make 
to our business and their ability to devote sufficient time to properly 
fulfil their duties and responsibilities.

Talent and succession planning
As explained above there were a number of changes to the 
composition of the Board and a reorganisation of the membership 
of its committees. In light of this our succession planning work has 
focused on the CELT. To support the Group’s new strategy and 
operating model, numerous appointments and changes to the CELT 
and their direct reports were made during 2020. The Committee 
has considered succession planning for each member of the CELT.

Board committees’ composition
Following the changes to the composition of the Board, the 
Committee reviewed the make-up of each of the Board’s 
committees. As a result of this review the composition of each 
committee has changed and these changes are explained in the 
relevant committee reports on pages 103, 106 and 117.

Board and committee evaluation
In November 2020 the Board and each committee undertook an 
internal evaluation of effectiveness. The evaluations took the form 
of detailed questionnaires. The outputs and actions for each 
committee are set out in their respective reports and the actions 
from the Board evaluation are set out on page 102.

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 2020, the proportion of women on our Board was 
30% which is in line with 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.

In 2021 we will monitor the talent and succession planning processes 
to align talent to the Group’s values and initiatives to build diverse 
talent succession for critical roles with a focus on future capabilities.

External search firms
As highlighted above, from time to time we engage international 
search and selection firms to support with appointments to the 
Board including Heidrick & Struggles, Spencer Stuart and Russell 
Reynolds. The searches that resulted in the appointment of Brian 
May, Heather Mason and Constantin Coussios were conducted by 
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, or any Director, other than they may be engaged 
to assist with Board and 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 CBE
Chairman of the Nomination Committee
4 March 2021 

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Audit and Risk Committee report

 “While COVID-19 has impacted the Group’s activities, 
the Committee has continued to ensure that the 
Group’s key challenges are reflected in high-quality 
external and internal audits, effective controls remain 
in place, key and emerging risks are identified and 
effectively managed, and sound financial judgements 
and estimates are made.”

The Company Secretary is Secretary to the Committee and 
attends all meetings. The entire Board is invited to attend 
Committee meetings. Regular attendees include:
 – Chairman
 – Chief Executive Officer
 – Chief Financial Officer
 – Chief Transformation Officer and General Counsel
 – Corporate Controller, and when appropriate, other members 

of the Controlling function

 – Vice President, Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk, and when 

appropriate, the Head of Enterprise Risk

 – Key audit partners and director of the external auditor, Deloitte 

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. The Committee is 
authorised to seek outside legal or other independent 
professional advice as it sees fit but has not done so during 
the year.

9Meetings held
97%

Attendance

Margaret Ewing
Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee

Activity highlights
In addition to those activities the Committee’s terms of reference 
require it to always consider (such as the integrity of the publicly 
available financial information and the quality and effectiveness of 
the external and internal auditors), during 2020 our key activities 
reflected the implications of the pandemic and included:
 – Regular and extensive reviews of the impact of COVID-19 on the 

Group’s business, strategy, risk management and control 
framework and associated accounting judgements and estimates, 
including transformation programme implications.

 – Consideration of the Viability statement, including management’s 

proposed sensitivity scenarios. 

 – Review of the tax implications of the changes to the Group’s 
operating model, including on tax strategy, key tax risks and 
significant accounting judgements.

 – Regular updates on key programmes including establishment of 

the Global Business Services (“GBS”) in Lisbon, enhancements to 
management information and data integrity, sustainable 
responsibility programmes (including compliance with TCFD 
requirements) and progress on cyber security and data privacy.

2021 priorities
 – Continue to closely monitor the ongoing impact of COVID-19 

on the Group’s financial performance, resilience and risk 
and controls.

 – Oversee the continuous improvements to the internal audit 

programme, risk management framework and processes, fraud 
prevention, detection, monitoring and reporting processes and all 
process and data integrity matters related to ESG, particularly in 
relation to compliance, measurement and reporting. 

 – Understand the implications for the Group and the Committee of 
emerging regulatory changes and ensure the Group is in a position 
to comply in the required timeframe.

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)
Brian May
Heather Mason
Ros Rivaz (member until 
31 August 2020)
Regina Benjamin (member 
until 31 August 2020)

Member since

Attended

August 2017
March 2020
September 2020 

March 2019

June 2019

9/9
6/7*
3/3

6/6

6/6

* 

 Brian joined the Board and Committee in March 2020 but was unable to attend the 
Committee meeting in September due to a prior commitment. He did, however, 
provide comments on the meeting papers to the Chair of the Committee in advance 
of the meeting.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Audit and Risk Committee report
continued

Dear Shareholder 
As Chair of ConvaTec’s Audit and Risk Committee, I am pleased to 
present this report on behalf of the Board, providing our stakeholders 
with information on the Committee’s response to the Company’s 
key challenges and priorities, its continuing effectiveness, and its 
relentless focus on continuous improvement in the Company’s 
processes and controls. 

We seek to respond to shareholders’ and other stakeholders’ 
expectations in our reporting and we welcome their feedback. 
Furthermore, we are keen to receive feedback, including engaging 
in direct meetings, from shareholders and other stakeholders on 
this Committee report or other related issues.

Committee membership
The composition of the Committee changed during the year to 
reflect the changes to the Board’s membership. We welcomed Brian 
May and Heather Mason as members with effect from 2 March 
2020 and 1 September 2020 respectively. Both Brian and Heather 
bring significant Board experience, including as audit committee 
members, and have already made excellent contributions to our 
discussions and I look forward to working closely with them during 
2021. Ros Rivaz and Regina Benjamin stepped down as members 
with effect from 31 August 2020 and I thank them both for their 
invaluable support and counsel. 

The Committee members collectively have a wide range of financial, 
audit, risk management and relevant sector and business experience 
that enables the Committee to provide constructive challenge and 
support to management. In accordance with the Code, the Board 
has determined that Brian and I have recent and relevant financial 
experience and is satisfied that the Committee had competence 
relevant to the sector and its overall responsibilities throughout the 
year. With the Nomination Committee, we will continue to review 
our membership to ensure the skills and experience of the 
Committee’s members align with the business as it develops.

Reflecting on 2020
During the year management focused on ensuring that the Group’s 
response to the COVID-19 pandemic was agile and effective and 
as a result we continued to serve and support the people who rely 
on our products and services. At the same time extensive work 
and investment to deliver the Group’s strategic transformation 
has continued. 

To ensure that the Committee reflected the Group’s strategic 
priorities in its own agenda, we held nine meetings during 2020, 
including meetings timed to align with the financial reporting and 
audit cycles of the Group and reflecting the additional review 
requirements relating to the pandemic, regulatory developments, 
and the implications of the Group’s transformation on its finances, 
internal controls and risks. In planning the Committee’s agenda and 
reviewing the audit plans of the internal and external auditors, we 
took 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, 
adapting the agenda and plans as appropriate as the year progressed. 
Following each Committee meeting, I communicated the 
Committee’s main discussion points and findings (including 
recommendations) to the Board.

Given the rapidly changing external environment and the potential 
impact on the Group’s strategic and operational priorities, I met 
regularly (outside of Committee meetings) with relevant members 
of management and external audit partners. I would personally like 
to thank all teams involved with the Committee’s activities for their 
amazing contribution during 2020 and their relentless focus on 
quality, sound judgements, controls and risk during a very difficult 
year, particularly given most of these teams were working remotely 
and with other personal implications of the pandemic for the past 
12 months. 

The integrity of the financial statements, including the Annual 
Report and Accounts and quarterly results announcements 
(including ancillary matters), is a key focus for the Committee. During 
2020 we have endeavoured to improve the clarity and transparency 
of the Company’s financial reporting and sought to ensure that our 
reporting is aligned with the latest guidance and requirements from 
regulators, that it is fair, balanced and understandable and that all 
matters disclosed and reported upon meet the rapidly evolving 
needs of our stakeholders, including the disclosures related to 
the Company’s response to the pandemic and Brexit and their 
implications for the future strategy of the Group. In the following 
pages of this report, we aim to share insights into the activities 
undertaken or overseen by the Committee, during 2020 and until 
the date of this report, and how the Committee, management and/
or external auditor have responded to the issues that have arisen.

The COVID-19 pandemic required the Committee to provide 
significant focus on two specific financial reporting matters, neither 
of which are significant accounting judgements but do influence 
these judgements. They relate to the financial accounting and 
disclosure implications of the pandemic and the consideration of 
the Viability and Going Concern statements. 

COVID-19
An assessment was performed by management of the potential 
impact of COVID-19 on each balance sheet caption and associated 
accounting estimates and judgements at each reporting date during 
the year. The Committee reviewed, discussed, and challenged 
management on the underlying assumptions, particularly in relation 
to goodwill and finite-lived intangible assets impairment, which are 
considered below. The Committee also reviewed and challenged 
COVID-19 related disclosures in the interim report, Annual Report 
and the Q1 and Q3 trading updates ensuring that the disclosures 
were transparent, meaningful and in line with FRC guidance. 

The external auditor explained how they had challenged 
management’s assumptions in each of the key judgements and 
estimates potentially impacted by COVID-19 and had reviewed 
management’s proposed disclosures. The external auditor also 
noted that, in respect of key audit matters, the relevant internal 
controls were designed and implemented effectively and had been 
appropriately adapted where required to reflect the operating 
conditions arising from the pandemic.

After review and challenge, leading to certain enhancements, the 
Committee confirmed that the approach adopted by management 
in their assessment of the effect on the financial statements of 
COVID-19 was appropriate and the disclosure thereof enabled 
an understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on the business.

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Viability and Going Concern statements
The Board’s Viability statement and the Going Concern statement 
are included on page 80 and page 149 respectively and the 
methodology adopted in assessing the robustness and 
appropriateness of the supporting evidence to the Viability 
statement is set out on pages 80 and 81. The forecasts and stress 
test scenarios, including the reverse stress test, applied in assessing 
the viability of the Group were also adopted in the Committee’s 
review of the applicability of adopting the going concern basis 
of preparing the Group’s Financial Statements.

In assessing management’s process and methodology supporting 
the preparation of the Viability and Going Concern statements 
and their appropriateness, the Committee specifically considered 
and challenged:
 – the planning horizon and the appropriate viability period, including:
a. significant investments being made in the transformation of the 

Group and implementation of our strategy.

b. R&D and production cycles and the evolution of the R&D and 
Technology roadmap under the leadership of our new Chief 
Technology Officer.

c. ability to respond in a timely manner to reasonably possible 
Group specific and market events, particularly considering 
COVID-19 and the inherent uncertainty associated with 
forecasting the future of the pandemic and its global 
economic impacts.

d. the Group’s debt maturity profile, with existing debt maturing 

in October 2024.

 – the continuing relevance and sensitivity of the key assumptions 
underlying the Strategic Plan and its alignment with the 2021 
Annual Operating Plan (“budget”) reviewed and approved by the 
Board in December 2020.

 – the assumptions underlying the cash flow projections after debt 
service costs, current and projected cash balances and capacity 
available in existing sources of funding.

 – severe but plausible stress test scenarios proposed by 

management covering the Group’s key financial performance 
and liquidity risks, including assessing the Group’s ability to meet 
financial covenants and have adequate liquidity headroom 
available under each scenario. The Committee requested further 
scenarios be considered and certain scenarios initially included by 
management be excluded as the Committee did not believe them 
to be plausible and challenged certain assumptions applied (see 
pages 80 and 81).

 – the potential mitigations available to management that were not 

reflected in the stress test scenarios. 

 – a reverse stress test, before mitigations, to determine the impact 
required on the performance of the Group to cause it to no longer 
be considered resilient or viable over the three-year period. 
The Committee concluded that this scenario is not plausible. 

The Committee obtained a summary of external views (from 
investors, analysts, other stakeholders, and industry commentators) 
on the future direction of the sector in which the Group operates 
and the expectations for ConvaTec over the next three years. 
It compared this summary to the Strategic Plan forecasts and the 
assumptions underlying the Viability scenarios and challenged 
management to justify why certain variances should not be adopted 
by the Group.

The auditor confirmed that the Directors’ statements on Viability 
and Going Concern had been read and evaluated in conjunction with 
the balance of their audit work and understanding of the impact of 
COVID-19 on the Group and concluded that they were consistent 
with the knowledge obtained during the course of the audit.

On the basis of the analysis and scenarios provided by management, 
reflecting the various changes resulting from the Committee’s 
review and challenge, and the report of the auditor, the Committee 
approved and recommended the Going Concern and Viability 
statements to the Board. The Committee also concluded that the 
Company was aligned with the FRC guidance in relation to its Going 
Concern and Viability statements and related disclosures. 

Significant accounting judgements
The significant accounting judgements considered by the 
Committee, at least quarterly during the year and when 
recommending approval of the 2020 Annual Report and Financial 
Statements to the Board, are summarised below, together with 
a summary of the financial outcomes where appropriate. In addition, 
the Committee and the external auditor have discussed the areas 
of particular audit focus, as described in the Independent Auditor’s 
Report on pages 204 to 212.

Impairment review of finite-lived intangible assets and goodwill:
Management undertakes 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) and other intangible assets 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. 

Finite-lived intangible assets: In 2019, management identified 
a trigger for impairment of certain finite-lived intangible assets 
acquired at the point of the Bristol Myers Squibb spin-out in 2008, 
which resulted in the recognition of an impairment charge of 
$103.6 million, which was treated as an adjusting item. During 2020, 
management reviewed all finite-lived intangible assets for impairment 
triggers, which was subsequently challenged by the auditor, who 
confirmed management’s rationale and proposal. 

After a number of discussions with management and the external 
auditor, the Committee was satisfied that, while judgemental and 
uncertain, the assumptions applied and the methodology used to 
identify any potential impairment triggers were appropriate, 
particularly considering the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee 
consequently agreed with management’s conclusion that there were 
no impairment triggers, that the useful economic lives remained 
appropriate and that the disclosure of the valuation of the assets 
as a key source of estimation uncertainty was no longer required.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Audit and Risk Committee report
continued

Goodwill: The Committee considered management’s review of 
potential indicators of impairment of goodwill and gained an 
understanding of the level of headroom between the value in use 
and carrying value of goodwill for each cash generating unit and the 
sensitivity of that headroom to reasonably possible changes in key 
assumptions, including the assumptions applied in the scenarios 
adopted in reviewing the Viability statement. Further information on 
the discount rate, growth rate assumptions and sensitivities can be 
found in Note 8 to the Financial Statements. The outcome of these 
various goodwill related reviews was discussed with management 
and the Committee received the auditor’s views on the matters 
concerned, which were consistent with management’s conclusions. 

Having considered the sensitivity analysis, the reasonably possible 
changes, the assumptions and judgements applied, the conclusions 
of the external advisers to management (in respect of the discount 
rates applied) and the auditor’s independent assessment and 
challenge, and in particular the level of headroom between the 
carrying value and value in use (before and after the application of 
assumption sensitivities), the Committee agreed with management’s 
valuation and concurred that there was no impairment to the 
carrying value of goodwill.

Taxation
The Committee considered the Group’s tax risk profile in light of tax 
authorities around the world undertaking an increasing number of 
tax audits in respect of all companies, requirement for greater 
transparency and new tax legislation in jurisdictions where the 
Group has presence.

Recognition of deferred tax asset (“DTA”) arising from the Swiss 
tax reform: In FY19, management adopted a specific methodology, 
the ‘Swiss Practitioners’ Method’, to determine the best estimate of 
the related DTA expected to arise on the transition to the new tax 
rules in Switzerland. This gave rise to the recognition of an estimated 
DTA of $23.0 million. In agreeing to this estimated DTA balance, the 
Committee appreciated that the transformation changes expected 
during 2020 were likely to impact the future assessment of the 
relevant DTA value and agreed to the associated disclosures in 
the FY19 ARA, including the classification of the measurement 
of the DTA as a critical accounting judgement and key source of 
estimation uncertainty. 

During FY20 management continued to develop and implement 
the transformation, which has required a redesign of the Group’s 
operating model, leading to a change in the Swiss-based entity’s 
transfer pricing profile, impacting its expected future profitability. 
As a result, management has reassessed the most appropriate 
methodology to be applied to the basis of estimating the DTA, given 
the change in profile of the Swiss-based entity, and consider the 
Discounted Cash Flow methodology to be more appropriate, 
resulting in the DTA as at 31 December 2020 being valued at 
$7.3 million (a reduction of $17.6 million). The main driver for the 
reduction in the DTA is predominantly the change in the future 
anticipated profitability of the Swiss-based entity and the 
consequential change in valuation methodology.

The Committee sought additional information and explanation from 
management and the auditor in relation to the change in the basis 
of estimate of the DTA, including the methodology applied, and 
appropriateness of the forecasts and applied assumptions 
underlying the estimate. The Committee also requested additional 
information and explanation to support management’s view that the 
calculation of the DTA estimate was no longer a key source of 
estimation uncertainty and also considered the external auditor’s 
assessment and challenge of management’s conclusions.

Following detailed discussion with management and the external 
auditor, the Committee agreed with the reassessment of the DTA. 
It also agreed that the reasonably possible change in the key 
assumptions (such as revenue growth, weighted average cost of 
capital, terminal growth rate and predicted operating income of the 
Swiss-based entity), which impact the DTA, was not expected to 
have a material impact on the DTA in the next 12 months, and 
therefore, it was appropriate to remove the valuation of the DTA as 
a key source of estimation uncertainty. The Committee also agreed 
that the change in the value of the DTA should be treated as an 
adjusting item and the associated disclosures within the Financial 
Statements were appropriate.

Uncertain Tax Positions on Transfer Pricing (“TP”): Due to the 
Group’s transformation programme and ongoing changes to the 
Group’s operating model, TP adjustments between several Group 
companies were made in order to reflect the functional changes. 
Although management has determined that these TP adjustments 
are robust and supportable in relation to TP regulations, provision 
has been made for uncertain tax positions on TP where the risk 
of a successful challenge by tax authorities is considered probable, 
in line with the requirements of IFRIC 23.

Following detailed discussion with management regarding the 
changes in the operating model, the supporting documentation for 
the TP position and the likelihood of challenge by tax authorities and 
after considering the external auditor’s assessment and challenge of 
management’s position, the Committee agreed with management’s 
conclusion on the provision for uncertain tax positions on TP 
including management’s conclusion as to positions where no 
provision is required.

Recognition of US deferred tax assets: The Committee 
considered management’s proposal to recognise DTAs of 
$88.7 million, before the offset against $104.5 million of deferred 
tax liabilities, in the US, based on management’s assessment of the 
DTAs’ recoverability and the timing of the reversal of deferred tax 
liabilities against which DTAs can be utilised. Management provided 
papers setting out the background to the US DTAs and their 
proposed treatment. 

Following discussion and further analysis by management related 
to the recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities (including the 
forecasts for the US business units reflected in the Strategic Plan), 
and considering Deloitte’s assessment and challenge, the 
Committee agreed to the recognition of the US DTAs.

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Fair, balanced and understandable (“FBU”):
The Committee advised the Board that the 2020 ARA, taken as 
a whole, is fair, balanced, and understandable, and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders and other stakeholders to 
assess the Group’s performance, business model, strategy and key 
risks that challenge the Group, including the disclosures made in 
relation to COVID-19, Brexit, TCFD and ESG. The Committee’s 
review, conclusion and advice to the Board was informed by:
 – Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on the current and future 

trading of the business and the clarity with which the impact was 
conveyed in the 2020 ARA, including ensuring compliance with 
FRC guidance.

 – A qualitative review of the disclosures, links and internal 

consistency of messaging throughout the 2020 ARA, particularly 
with regards to the Strategic report, Corporate governance 
report, Financial review and the Financial Statements, and 
ensuring alignment with the Group’s actual position, financial 
performance and successes and challenges in delivering its 
strategy throughout the year. 

 – Considering the balance of statutory reported results and 
non-IFRS measures, including a clear and comprehensive 
reconciliation between them and consideration of why non-IFRS 
measures were being provided.

 – Consideration of the adequacy of disclosures and reflection in all 
aspects of the 2020 ARA, including the Financial Statements, in 
relation to TCFD and ESG.

 – Reviewing, challenging and agreeing the completeness of the FBU 

checklist presented by management and reviewing various 
versions of the draft ARA to ensure the process outlined above 
was effective. 

 – The 2020 ARA preparation process being led by a senior 

management working group and specific reviews by the Board, 
CELT, and legal advisers in relation to key sections of the ARA and 
relevant sections of the ARA as audited by Deloitte.

Other important matters affecting the Group’s 
financial reporting 
In addition to the Committee’s consideration of the significant 
accounting judgements and the key reporting matters related to the 
COVID-19 pandemic (which are reported on above), the Committee 
also discussed three other important aspects of the Group’s 
financial reporting:

Alternative performance measures: 
The Committee reviewed the Group’s policy, approach and 
disclosures in respect of APMs with reference to the various FRC 
and ESMA guidelines and concluded that the Group’s approach 
remains aligned with regulatory guidance, all items treated as 
adjusting items in the FY20 Financial Statements and other parts 
of the ARA were consistent with the policy and fully disclosed and 
there was appropriate prominence of reported/statutory financial 
information compared to the APMs. 

In addition, the Committee discussed management’s proposal to 
refine the APM policy to provide clarity in respect of the treatment 
of acquisition-related costs and amortisation, to better reflect the 
underlying performance of the business and aid year-on-year 
comparability. After the provision of further analysis on acquisitions 
since 2018, both of which were classified as small, being for a 
consideration of less than $15 million each, the Committee agreed 
with management’s proposal to refine the policy, effective from 
1 January 2021. 

Operating segment reporting:
The Committee considered management’s assessment to support 
the position that, for the purposes of financial reporting, no triggers 
had been identified that contradicted the view that the Group’s 
business should be regarded as a single segment entity. The 
assessment concluded that the CEO continues to be the CODM and, 
whilst the business transformation has changed certain elements of 
the operational leadership structure, the business continues to 
operate in a matrix structure, with management information on the 
performance of the business being reported on both a category and 
regional basis. Primary profitability measures (gross margin and 
operating profit) continued to be presented on a Group basis only in 
the monthly management reports for 2020, which is consistent with 
the prior year. The primary focus of financial reporting in 2020 
continued to be based on the Group results as a whole.

In forming its own view, the Committee had regard to IFRS 8, which 
requires external reporting to reflect the way that the business is 
managed internally. The Committee also noted that resource 
allocation continues to be driven with the support of global 
functions and in 2020 includes changes that enhance that support, 
such as the introduction of the Technology and Innovation team and 
Centres of Excellence for Pricing and Marketing, and consequently 
concurred with management’s view that the Group should continue 
to report as a single segment for the purposes of disclosures in the 
2020 ARA. As the Group continues to pivot to its new operating 
model, the Committee will continue to review the appropriateness 
of the single segment approach.

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Other key matters
The Committee also considered other key matters during the year, each contributing to its ability to provide assurance to the Board 
that it could conclude on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls and risk management processes throughout the year. 
Such matters included:

Internal audit 

Enterprise risk 
management 
(“ERM”)

The internal audit function’s role is to systematically, independently and objectively assess the adequacy and 
effectiveness of the risk management systems and key internal controls over the Group’s operations, financial 
reporting, IT systems, risk and compliance processes and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of and compliance 
with the Group’s policies, standards and procedures, including their use and appropriateness. The function is a 
critical component of the Group’s corporate governance framework, affording essential support and assurance to 
the Board, Committee and management in the execution and delivery of the Group’s strategy and transformation. 
It provides recommendations to address key issues identified and improve processes and controls and delivers 
important insight on issues of culture and employee values and behaviours across the diverse geographies in which 
the Group operates. The function utilises co-sourcing partners where there is a requirement for specialist skills that 
are not available in the in-house team or when additional resources are required due to the scale of internal audits.

During 2020, internal audits were undertaken in accordance with the Committee’s agreed plan for the year, as 
adjusted to reflect our response to the increased risks associated with COVID-19 and in light of in-country social 
distancing and global travel restrictions, for example the internal audit plan was amended to include areas identified 
as key risks by the CELT-led Rapid Response Team. These included supply chain vulnerabilities and home-working 
practices for privacy and security. In addition, certain planned 2020 audits have been deferred to 2021, due to 
effective remote auditing of the subject matter not being feasible. 

Regular updates were provided to 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 the more significant weaknesses 
identified by an internal audit review and monitored relevant actions to address recommendations. The Committee 
recommended that, when agreeing actions to address audit findings, management should have regard to the 
implications and dependencies of delivering against the agreed recommendation and provide realistic and 
achievable timescales in which to complete the action. In addition, the Committee highlighted the need for the CELT 
(as a collective but also its individual members) to be regularly updated on the conclusions of the internal audits, the 
key recommendations and the deliverables (in terms of actions required) to address the issues identified. 

The Committee remains focused on ensuring the continuing evolution, strengthening and embedding of the Group’s 
internal audit function, processes and frameworks and enhancement of the structure and resourcing of the internal 
audit team. During 2020, the Committee reviewed the function’s effectiveness and emphasised the need for the 
internal audit function to evolve to better respond to the Group’s changing operating model and increased demands 
and expectations of the CELT and Board.

The Committee has approved the 2021 internal audit plan, which adopts a risk-based approach using the Group’s 
principal and emerging risks as the base. However, the plan will be kept under continuous review during the year 
and adapted to support the Group’s strategic direction, the impact of COVID-19 and any new areas of material risk 
identified during the year. 

The framework and processes the Group operates to manage risk are set out on pages 72 to 75. 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, emerging risks and the development and implementation of mitigation controls set 
against the risk appetite approved by the Board and considering the implications of COVID-19 (which had an effect 
on all principal risks). The Committee also undertook a number of ‘deep dives’ with management into management’s 
approach to risk mitigations and proposed enhancements in respect of aspects of certain principal risks.

The Committee was pleased to note that management continues to enhance, develop and embed the risk framework, 
policies, risk identification and mitigation controls across the Group’s operations. However, the Committee 
concluded that the further development, implementation and embedding of the framework and supporting 
processes across all aspects and levels of the Group needs to be accelerated to ensure that ERM is an integral 
element of driving the Group’s strategy, supporting the changing operating model and being adopted as a valuable 
tool used by management in their day-to-day activities.

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Compliance, 
including 
whistleblowing

Throughout 2020, the Committee has continued to review the Group’s compliance policies and procedures and 
compliance global monitoring plan and results, including the operation of the independent third-party (Navex 
Ethicspoint) managed whistleblower hotline (referred to as the ‘Compliance helpline’ within ConvaTec) and web link 
to enable employees and third parties to report suspected breaches of our Code of Conduct or any other matter 
of concern. 

In addition to receiving the annual ethics and compliance educational briefing, the Committee received regular 
reports from the Chief Transformation Officer and General Counsel and the Global Chief Compliance Officer in 
relation to the Group’s compliance programme including:
 – Programme implementation updates related to adjustments to the programme to reflect changes to the 

environment resulting from COVID-19 and incorporation of new guidance materials from relevant enforcement 
and regulatory authorities.

 – Enhancements to the risk-based third-party due diligence evaluation programme. 
 – Issues identified and conclusions of specific compliance audits undertaken. 
 – Initial results of the global business risk assessment programme, focusing on distributor and other third-party 

relationships. 

 – Ethics and compliance education programmes delivered across the Group during 2020 (and ongoing into 2021), 
reflecting the challenge of the current virtual work environment for many functions, particularly the sales force. 
 – Refresh of the Group’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, aligned with the Group’s revised Ethical Policies and 

current industry standards.

 – A detailed report on the issues raised via the Compliance helpline, the trend in complaints, nature of them, how 

substantiated complaints have been addressed, the process applied to triage and correctly investigate complaints 
and the promotion to and education of the Group’s entire workforce on the availability of the Compliance helpline. 

The Committee oversees the investigation and outcome of all significant issues reported via the Compliance 
Helpline and web link referred to above. During 2020 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 58. 

Taxation 

During 2020, the Committee continued to review key aspects of taxation including compliance, accounting 
judgements, reporting, strategy and the level of tax resource required to meet the needs of an international group, 
the evolving business model and external reporting requirements of regulators and tax bodies.

The Committee received regular updates from the Vice President, Global Tax including:
 – Management’s proposal to restructure and simplify the Group’s holding companies, being the unwinding 

of the complex and legacy pre-IPO structure. 

 – The tax implications of the Group’s strategic transformation programme and associated operating 

model changes.

 – The status of tax audits across the Group. 
 – Developments in the regulatory environment, including management’s roadmap to ensure compliance with new 

legislation e.g. EU Mandatory Disclosure Regime (“DAC 6”). 

 – The Group’s internal tax policy and the proposed Public Tax Statement, which were both approved by 

the Committee.

The Committee acknowledged the considerable progress made during the year. To address the ongoing tax related 
challenges, the Committee requested:
 – Regular updates on the tax implications of the Group’s evolving operating model, including the potential impact on 
the jurisdictions to which the Group’s residual profits (or losses where relevant) will be attributed and the possible 
effect on long-term ETR forecasting.

 – Progress updates on the planned simplification of the legal entity structure of the Group. 
 – Regular updates on emerging legislation, increasing transparency requirements from tax and regulatory 

authorities and management’s assessment of the potential impact of these changes on the Group including, 
for example, future developments on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“BEPS”).

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Internal controls 
over financial 
reporting 

During the year the Committee received regular updates on the global financial control framework including:
 – Review of the continued operation of the framework during COVID-19 including, where applicable, appropriate 

adjustments.

 – Analysis of compliance with the control framework across the Group, including details of control failures and their 

remediation. The Committee noted that there were no material control failures during the year.

 – Ahead of the transition of transactional finance activity to Lisbon, reports from internal audit on the proposed 

control environment to confirm completeness and appropriateness of design and subsequently, post-
implementation reviews to confirm that the control environment is operating as designed.

In addition, the Committee received reports from the IT governance risk and compliance team in relation to the 
operation of IT general controls across the Group. This included the team’s response to the review of home-working 
practices performed by Internal Audit, which noted a number of required improvements including the removal of 
certain system administration rights. No material control failures were noted during the year.

The Committee also received and reviewed management’s report on the ‘Annual Review of the control 
environment’, which included a summary of the global financial controls programme, IT general controls operation 
and entity level controls. 

The Committee acknowledged the continued good progress on embedding internal controls over financial reporting 
across the business and for providing assurance over the production of the financial statements and noted the need 
to continue improving the controls, particularly in respect of documentation, to ensure the Group would be able to 
comply with future potential regulation regarding internal controls over financial reporting.

Cyber security 

Cyber security is a dynamic risk area due to converging threats and technology advancement and the risk has 
increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, data privacy and GDPR compliance are high-profile areas 
of business risk for all companies and very closely aligned with cyber security. 

The Committee reviewed progress against agreed plans set out in the Group’s cyber security and data privacy 
strategy, including:
 – Review of IT controls and arrangements in relation to COVID-19, in particular in relation to home-working.
 – In-sourcing of security controls from a third-party provider and improving security controls to detect cyber issues 

to enable an earlier and faster response. 

 – Continued programmes to educate employees and increase awareness of cyber threats and issues.
 – Review of the incident support plan, including strengthening of the plan following incorporation of improvements 

identified in the cyber incident response workshop.

 – Actions taken to further embed IT controls and deployment of improved detection tools.
 – The status of the embedding and monitoring of data privacy and GDPR compliance across the Group. This included 

the appointment of a Group Data Privacy Officer supported by a privacy specialist.

 – Progress in the implementation of the data privacy roadmap and privacy transformation initiative; and continued 

programmes to educate employees.

The Committee recognised the significant progress that had been achieved in implementation of the cyber security 
strategy, thereby reducing the Group’s cyber security risk, and ensuring the Group remains compliant with data 
privacy requirements. However, the Committee requested:
 – A review of cyber readiness of certain of the Group’s suppliers be undertaken. 
 – The Group’s cyber maturity against external benchmarks should be established.
 – Regular updates on the further implementation of the cyber security strategy during 2021. 
 – Continued focus on further mitigations for both cyber security and GDPR compliance, both of which should 

continue to feature on the Internal Audit programme and the Committee’s annual agenda.

Global Business 
Services (“GBS”)

The Committee recognised the important progress made by management in delivering the establishment of the 
GBS during the pandemic, particularly given the challenges of home-working and remote knowledge transfer. 
However, the Committee challenged a number of areas of management’s plan including:
 – The speed of implementation, order of business transition and capacity of the Group to deliver the change.
 – Further opportunities to automate, including increasing the use of robotics. 
 – Continued monitoring of the control environment as the scope of the GBS increases.

The Committee acknowledged management’s responses and requested further and regular updates to be 
presented to the Committee during 2021.

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ESG and TCFD

The Committee has continued to review the Group’s progress in meeting the increasing stakeholder and regulatory 
reporting requirements and disclosures relating to the Group’s focus on sustainability, particularly in relation to its 
employee and community activities and climate change initiatives, including TCFD reporting. During the year the 
Committee received an update from the nominated CELT member responsible for these important aspects of the 
Group’s governance and strategy (see page 52 to 57). 

The Committee reviewed and challenged TCFD disclosures in the four primary pillars of governance, strategy, risk 
management and metrics and targets and concluded that the disclosures in the 2020 ARA were compliant with the 
existing regulatory requirements. The Committee encouraged management to make further improvements in the 
Group’s implementation of its plans to realise its environmental targets in 2021, particularly in relation to the 
roadmap required to deliver against the climate change targets and further climate scenario modelling.

The Committee also reviewed progress in ESG against both section 172 requirements and, more broadly, against 
the recommendations of the report “Measuring Stakeholder Capitalism: Towards Common Metrics and Consistent 
Reporting of Sustainable Value Creation”. The Committee noted that, during 2020, the Group’s response to 
COVID-19, under both the People and Principles of Governance pillars demonstrated considerable progress. 
However, the Committee also noted, and agreed with management, that further improvements could be made 
in 2021 including:
 – Continued monitoring and readiness analysis against the recommendations of the World Economic Forum.
 – Further embedding ESG into the business including clearer integration into the Group’s longer-term objectives 

and strategy.

 – Further development of green energy policies.

The Committee recommended to the Board that ESG, including environmental, priorities, be included in the CELT’s 
and Board’s agenda and actions and developments regularly monitored by the Committee and Board. 

In addition to the fraud assessment conducted as part of the annual review of the control environment and the 
compliance procedures and policies outlined above, given the heightened fraud risk created by the pandemic, 
the Committee requested that a cross-functional working party undertake a review of the fraud risk environment. 
This working group, which included senior representatives from compliance, finance, IT, HR, legal and enterprise risk 
management, prepared a report covering the Group’s approach to fraud, which covered:
 – A review of the fraud governance framework, including “tone at the top” and associated policies.
 – An overview of communication and training provided to employees, including areas of the business subject to 

increased fraud risk.

 – Processes in place to ensure robust third-party due diligence.
 – Financial statement reporting, including processes to assure balance sheet integrity and assess and monitor 

effectiveness of financial controls.

 – Effectiveness of cyber security in preventing and detecting controls including payment diversion frauds and frauds 

where our brand is misused to target others.

 – Confidential reporting (including whistleblowing) and processes for subsequent investigations.
 – Identification of areas for improvement and a roadmap to deliver the improvements. 

Whilst no material fraud risks were identified, the Committee requested that further work be performed in 2021, 
including an independent detailed review of fraud risk, the fraud risk register and fraud policy to further assure the 
control environment.

Fraud 
prevention, 
detection and 
investigation

Regulatory 
developments

During the year the Committee closely monitored regulatory developments relating to ESG, TCFD, climate change 
and FRC and FCA reporting requirements in relation to COVID-19, as described above. The Committee also 
reviewed the reports issued by Brydon, Kingman and the CMA in relation to Audit Reform and received regular 
updates from the external auditor.

In response to the recommendations of the Brydon report, particularly in relation to internal controls over financial 
reporting, fraud and the proposed resilience statement, the Committee requested that management undertake 
a preliminary assessment of the readiness of the Group to implement the Brydon recommendations in these key 
areas. Whilst certain gaps were identified, the Committee agreed that management will undertake further analysis 
when BEIS publish their anticipated document on audit and corporate governance reform and develop a roadmap 
for compliance.

Treasury and 
capital 
maintenance

The Committee continued to review Treasury reports relating to liquidity forecasting, covenant compliance and 
associated headroom, hedged positions, and other treasury processes. In addition, the Committee received updates 
on IBOR reform, the global insurance renewal programme and the conclusion of the insurance broker tender. The 
Committee reviewed, challenged, and approved the Group Treasury Policy. 

Based on analysis provided by management, the Committee considered the availability of realised distributable 
reserves and liquidity, including the effect of sensitivities aligned to the Viability statement, The Committee 
concluded that it was able to advise the Board that there were sufficient distributable reserves and cash resources 
to enable to Board to approve the interim and final dividend for 2020.

The Committee acknowledged the progress that the Treasury team have made in 2020 and requested further 
regular Treasury updates were received in 2021 including on IBOR reform and the insurance renewal programme 
for 2021. The anticipated BEIS report on audit and corporate governance reform is expected to define capital 
maintenance requirements. The Committee requested an update on the Group’s ability to meet such requirements 
following publication of the document.

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External audit 
Audit process
The Committee is responsible for overseeing the relationship with the external auditor, the audit process and, most importantly, 
the effectiveness, quality and robustness of the audit. The following table summarises the steps taken by the Committee in overseeing 
the 2020 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.

Audit fee and terms of engagement.

Audit scope and risk assessment.

Audit findings, significant issues and other 
accounting judgements.

Decisions and actions taken by the Committee
Reviewed and challenged, leading to an agreed plan (see below).

Reviewed methodology and agreed a slightly reduced level of 
materiality for 2020. In reaching this conclusion the Committee 
challenged the auditor on potential alternative approaches to 
determining an appropriate level of materiality, but given the 
Group’s anticipated performance, and the distribution of negative 
and positive COVID-19 related financial impacts, the Committee 
agreed with the auditor that the same methodology as that 
applied in 2019 should be adopted.

Reviewed and approved the audit 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. 

The Committee noted the level of the fee in comparison to the 
Group’s revenues from, acknowledging that the fee reflected the 
level of audit materiality, the complex legal and operating 
structure of the Group and the significant geographic diversity, 
together with the additional audit requirements arising from 
evolving regulatory requirements and COVID-19.

The Committee reviewed the significant audit risks and audit 
scope for 2020 in September, a delay from the normal earlier 
date of approval to allow full reflection of any issues arising during 
the interim review resulting from the impact of COVID-19 and the 
implications for the full year audit.

The Committee requested 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, details 
of the analytical reviews performed, and subsidiary audits 
undertaken on the out-of-audit scope elements of the Group. 

The Committee challenged the auditor on the exclusion from 
a full or specified procedures scope of the audit of the businesses 
in the perceived higher-risk geographies of China and Brazil. The 
auditor confirmed that desktop procedures would be conducted 
in relation to these markets and that the results would be 
communicated to the Audit Committee. 

Based on the scope provided and discussed, together with the 
benchmarking analysis, the planned scope of the 2020 external 
audit was agreed. Deloitte reported against the agreed audit 
scope at subsequent Committee meetings, highlighting where 
any potential changes were required due to emerging issues or 
conclusions from ongoing audit work. 

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).

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Audit independence, quality and effectiveness
Audit quality and effectiveness was reviewed throughout the year 
and the Committee continued to use the FRC’s Audit Quality 
Practice Aid to structure its review of audit quality. 

Based on the Committee’s conclusions regarding the quality of 
the audit and its effectiveness, we recommended to the Board that 
Deloitte be proposed for reappointment by shareholders at the AGM 
to be held on 7 May 2021. 

The Committee sought 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, particularly senior audit personnel. 
 – Monitoring relationships and interactions with management.
 – Considering the quality and clarity of the auditor’s communication 

with management, the Committee and the Board, both orally 
and written. 

 – Implementing policies in relation to non-audit work.
 – Monitoring relationships with and assignments awarded to other 
audit firms to ensure the Company has sufficient choice for any 
future appointments.

The auditor considered the impact of COVID-19 on their audit 
approach for the Group in FY20. This included:
 – Accounting implications of the forecasts and downside scenarios 
utilised for the Going Concern and Viability assessments and 
applied in reviewing the carrying value of goodwill and intangible 
assets, finite-lived intangible assets and PP&E plus the 
appropriateness of applying the going concern basis of 
preparation to the Financial Statements. 

 – Risk assessment and internal controls where relating to key 

audit matters.

 – External reporting with respect to the FRC guidance and areas of 
significant judgements applied in the preparation of the Financial 
Statements, including sources of estimation uncertainty and other 
assumptions underlying the forecasts.

In addition, the Committee conducted a robust review of the 
effectiveness and quality of the external audit process, the findings 
of which were considered at its meeting in December 2020. 
 – The review concluded that the Company benefited from a capable 
and knowledgeable senior audit team, that provided the Committee 
with strong opinions, views and insights, with clear evidence of 
robust challenge of management and exercise of appropriate 
scepticism in relation to key audit judgements and estimates. 
Overall, the results of the external audit quality and effectiveness 
review 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 audit team provided an effective, robust and objective 
challenge to Group management. The Committee also observed 
that the auditor reliably interpreted evidence provided by 
management and provided external sources to support their 
conclusions when appropriate.

During the review, the Committee noted that the lead group audit 
partner and the second group engagement partner would both have 
completed their maximum term as audit partners to the Company 
following the conclusion of the 2022 audit. The Committee agreed 
that an orderly transition to new Deloitte audit partners was 
important to maintain continuity and ensure a quality, informed 
audit continued to be provided, particularly given the significant 
transformation the Group is undertaking and the many changes in 
the Group’s leadership personnel. Deloitte proposed the solution 
of achieving this by the FY20 audit being the final year that Mark 
Mullins will act as lead group audit partner. During the FY20 audit, 
the successor lead group audit partner shadowed Mark to deliver 
a smooth transition of knowledge and responsibilities for the FY21 
audit. 2020 was Mark Mullins’ last audit as lead audit partner and 
Statutory Audit Partner and the Committee would like to take this 
opportunity to thank him for his considerable insight, technical 
expertise, robust challenge and focus on audit quality. 

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Audit independence
All non-audit engagements performed by the external auditor are 
approved by the Committee in strict accordance with the Group’s 
policy, which is compliant with the Revised Ethical Standard issued 
by the FRC in December 2019 (‘2019 ES’) and which became 
effective for the 2020 financial year. The Group’s policy states that 
permissible services, as defined by 2019 ES, are subject to a fee cap 
of 10% of average audit fees billed to the Company by the auditor 
in the past three financial years.

The Group has been compliant with the policy throughout 2020. 
Non-audit fees incurred during 2020 totalled $180,000, which is 
approximately 5% of the average audit fee for the last three years 
and 4% of the 2020 audit fee. The non-audit fees covered work 
in relation to:
 – Review of the Group’s half-year results announcement and the 
underlying unaudited financial statements for the six months to 
30 June 2020 (incurring a fee of $185,000).

 – Certain compliance procedures in relation to environmental 

matters ($6,000).

In addition to monitoring non-audit services provided by and fees to 
the auditor, 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 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 2020. 

Deloitte re-considered and re-confirmed their audit independence 
under 2019 ES, in light of my situation as both a former partner 
of Deloitte LLP and chair of this Committee. As a former partner, 
having left Deloitte in 2012, I receive a pension under a 
predetermined arrangement that cannot be influenced by any 
remaining connections between me and Deloitte. These 
arrangements, including charges for personal tax compliance 
services, are on ordinary commercial terms and are common to all 
retired partners. Nonetheless, Deloitte also considered whether 
these arrangements would pass a ‘third party’ test to consider 
whether they might impact their independence. This assessment 
was particularly relevant, given that I have a governance role, as 
chair of the Committee.

Deloitte concluded that this relationship does not affect the auditor’s 
independence, for the following reasons:
 – These arrangements are on ordinary commercial terms and are 

standard to all former Deloitte partners.

 – Tax services are provided by a team that has no connection to the 
audit team. These services are unconnected to the conduct of the 
audit and Deloitte takes no advocacy role. 

 – Deloitte has discussed the nature of this relationship with its 

independence team and confirm that their previous conclusions 
stand and that Deloitte remain independent for the purposes of 
their audit appointment.

 – Deloitte has considered the view of an Objective and Reasonable, 
Informed Third Party and concluded that this relationship does 
not impair independence. 

The Committee, excluding me, and with the support of the 
Chairman, agreed with Deloitte’s conclusion.

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Committee conclusions and confirmations
Taking into consideration all of the areas of focus of the Committee 
during the year and in reviewing the 2020 Annual Report and 
Financial Statements, including reviewing the detailed topic papers, 
presentations and reports from management, the Committee is 
satisfied that:
 – The Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 
appropriately address the critical accounting judgements and key 
sources of estimation uncertainty, both in respect of the amounts 
reported and the disclosures made.

 – The significant assumptions used for determining the value of 
assets and liabilities have been appropriately scrutinised and 
challenged and are sufficiently robust.

 – The Group’s internal controls and risk management processes 

were operating effectively throughout the year, although further 
improvements are required and planned.

 – The conclusions in relation to critical accounting judgements, 

significant assumptions and estimates and key valuation 
assumptions are in line with those drawn by the auditor, having 
discussed them with the auditor during the audit planning process 
and at the finalisation of the year-end audit and following robust 
challenge of both the auditor and management. 

Consequently, the Committee has confirmed to the Board, in its 
advisory capacity, that:
 – The key accounting estimates, judgements and disclosures within 
the Financial Statements are appropriate and serve to provide 
a true and fair view. 

 – The 2020 ARA, overall, are fair, balanced and understandable. 

The Board’s statement in relation to this confirmation is included 
on page 85.

 – It is reasonable for the Directors to make the Viability statement 
and the Going Concern statement on page 80 and page 149.

 – The Board could make a statement regarding the effective 

operation throughout the year of the Group’s internal controls 
and risk management processes in the 2020 ARA.

On behalf of the Audit and Risk Committee 

Margaret Ewing
Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee
4 March 2021 

Audit and Risk Committee report
continued

As a result of the review and further considerations, 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 auditor appointment and engagement tender
At the AGM on 7 May 2020 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 (‘2014 Order’), which relates to the frequency and governance 
of external audit tenders and the setting of a policy on the provision 
of non-audit services. For the purposes of complying with the 2014 
Order, Deloitte’s ‘qualifying’ tenure as the Group’s external auditor 
commenced in October 2016.

In recommending to the Board the reappointment of the external 
auditor, the Committee considered the 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 115.

In compliance with the 2014 Order, the Company will need to 
undertake an audit tender (not mandatory rotation) effective for 
the year 2026, or sooner if the Committee deems it necessary. 
As a result of the agreed lead audit and lead engagement partners’ 
transition and succession plan, the Committee is not anticipating 
undertaking an audit tender until 2024, the outcome of which would 
be effective for the 2026 audit. However, the Committee will review 
this matter annually, taking into consideration the ongoing provision 
of a high quality and effective audit, changing regulations and 
market practice.

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 including 
potential implications for the financial reporting and internal control 
framework of the Group. 

As part of the Board’s annual effectiveness review, which is 
explained on page 101, the Committee’s effectiveness was 
evaluated. Overall, the review concluded that the Committee is 
performing effectively, is responding appropriately to its terms 
of reference and will continue to develop its role. The priorities 
identified from the 2019 Committee effectiveness evaluation have 
been appropriately addressed or actioned during 2020. The key 
outputs of the review are reflected in the Committee’s 2021 
priorities which are summarised on page 105.

The Committee will continue to focus on maintaining high standards 
of financial governance and compliance and enhancing our own 
performance and effectiveness as the agenda and responsibilities 
of the Audit and Risk Committee continually evolve.

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Directors’ Remuneration report

Brian May
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

Activity highlights
 – Finalised and implemented the 2020 Remuneration Policy.
 – Ensured remuneration arrangements in 2020 continue to 

support ConvaTec’s culture and strategic ambition.

 – Considered remuneration arrangements in light of the ongoing 
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (and associated evolution in 
investor sentiment around executive remuneration), to ensure 
continued alignment of executive interests with those of other 
stakeholder groups.

2021 priorities
 – Implement appropriately our 2020 Remuneration Policy in 

2021 to deliver competitive and motivational remuneration that 
reinforces successful delivery of our stated strategic ambition.
 – Keep under review the structure of our policy to ensure that it 

remains fit for purpose, aligned with our strategy and reinforces 
our remuneration principles.

 – Continue to actively engage key stakeholders on remuneration 

matters, as appropriate.

6Meetings held
100%

Attendance

 “The Committee has kept under review our 
remuneration policy and practices. We believe our 
approach to executive remuneration appropriately 
reinforces our culture and delivery of our FISBE 
strategy, supporting ConvaTec’s continued pivot 
to sustainable and profitable growth.”

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
Brian May
(Chair from 1 September 
2020)
Rick Anderson
Regina Benjamin
Margaret Ewing (member 
until 31 August 2020)
Dr Ros Rivaz 
(Chair and member until 
31 August 2020)

Member since

Attended

March 2020
September 2020
June 2019

May 2019

August 2017

4/4
2/2
6/6

4/4

4/4

The Company Secretary attends meetings as the Secretary to 
the Committee. The Chairman, CEO, CFO, EVP Chief Human 
Resources Officer and VP Compensation & Benefits attend 
meetings of the Committee by invitation, as does the Committee’s 
appointed adviser; executives are absent when their own 
remuneration is under consideration. Ros Rivaz stepped down 
from the Committee due to resignation from the Board. Margaret 
Ewing stepped down from the Committee following changes to 
the composition of each of the Board’s committees.

In this section you will find

Letter from the Chair of the Remuneration Committee

Pages 118 and 119

Our remuneration at a glance

Pages 120 and 121

Our Annual Report on Remuneration – how we implemented 
our Remuneration Policy during 2020 and how we intend to 
apply it in 2021.

Pages 122 to 129

Our Remuneration Policy

Pages 130 to 138

117
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213 
 
 
 
Directors’ Remuneration report
continued

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 ended 31 December 2020, 
my first as Chair of ConvaTec’s Remuneration Committee having 
taken over from Ros Rivaz on 1 September 2020. On behalf of the 
Committee, I would like to thank Ros, who served as a member of 
the Committee since 2017 (and as its Chair from April 2019 until 
she stepped down from the Board on 31 August 2020), for her hard 
work and commitment to the Committee.

During the year, the composition of the Committee was reviewed 
in light of changes to the Board in 2020. Margaret Ewing stepped 
down from the Committee on 31 August 2020, and I would like to 
thank Margaret for her contribution and counsel. Rick Anderson 
joined the Committee on 1 September, and I look forward to 
continuing to work closely with Rick and Regina Benjamin, whose 
counsel has been invaluable so far.

Further details on the Committee’s composition during the year 
are set out on page 117.

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.

 – Ensures appropriate alignment of executive remuneration with 

the remuneration approach across the wider organisation.

Reflecting on 2020
The past 12 months have been truly extraordinary, with the 
COVID-19 pandemic creating unprecedented challenges across 
the globe. The response of our colleagues across the Group has 
been outstanding. I wanted to start this letter by recognising the 
commitment demonstrated to continuing to serve and support our 
customers and patients during this unprecedented year. This 
commitment has underpinned the Group’s progress towards its 
strategic transformation that, as reported elsewhere, remains very 
much on track. 

ConvaTec did not furlough any employees, or take advantage of any 
other governmental COVID-19 support programmes available to it. 
The ongoing resilience and performance of the business was due to 
the prompt actions taken by the management team. Early in the year 
the Board responded to a set of scenarios developed by the CELT, 
that enabled the business to react quickly to the challenges by 
managing risks and reprioritising investment. Whilst reductions in 
elective surgeries negatively impacted demand in some units, the 
business was able to respond to and fulfil increased demand in other 
units. This enabled performance achievement at the top end of 
guidance which was set before the onset of the pandemic and 
updated in October 2020. Management’s proactivity and agility 
in responding to the pandemic combined with the outstanding 
contribution of our wider employee base has therefore resulted in 
achievement of the key metrics set in February 2020. In addition, 
the Company has continued to deliver against its strategy and pay 
dividends at the same level as the prior year without interruption.

The Committee has been keeping under review executive 
remuneration in this context, to ensure that arrangements remain 
fit for purpose, continue to reinforce the delivery of our strategic 
ambition, and demonstrate alignment with the experience of other 
stakeholders. Taking full account of the wider context, we concluded 
that there was no need to exercise discretion in relation to pay for 
the Executive Directors. Consistent principles were applied for the 
wider employee population.

Committee focus and activities in 2020

Focus areas
Policy 

Remuneration 
packages

Setting performance 
targets

Activities 
 – Considered investor feedback on 

proposed revisions to Policy.

 – Finalised and implemented 2020 

Remuneration Policy.

 – Achieved 87.54% approval for 
Remuneration Policy from 
shareholders at AGM.

 – Approved Executive Director and 

CELT salaries for 2020.

 – Approved 2019 bonus outcomes 
for Executive Directors and CELT. 
 – Approved 2020 LTIP award levels 
for Executive Directors and CELT.

 – Reviewed and set financial targets 
for the 2020 annual bonus and 
2020 LTIP, in the context of 
multiple internal and external 
reference points for performance 
over the relevant period.

Equity incentives

 – Confirmed the outcome of the 

Workforce 
remuneration

2017 LTIP award cycle.

 – Received updates on performance 
under in-flight incentive cycles.
 – Reviewed and agreed guiding 
principles for adjustments in 
incentive plans.

 – Received updates on workforce 

remuneration policies and 
practices, and how these align with 
the Company’s strategy and culture.
 – Reviewed salesforce remuneration 

policies and practices.

 – Reviewed the gender pay gap and 

associated reporting.

Effectiveness

 – Considered external trends in light 

of the onset of the COVID-19 
pandemic and possible 
implications for senior executive 
remuneration at ConvaTec.
 – Reviewed paper on the UK 

executive remuneration landscape.
 – Reviewed the Committee’s terms 
of reference and updated the same 
to reflect evolving best practice.
 – Reviewed the Committee’s adviser.
 – Conducted self-review of 
Committee effectiveness.

In addition, the Committee considered the feedback from the 2020 
AGM and evolving investor sentiment on pension alignment and 
post-employment shareholding requirements. The Committee is 
mindful of the evolution of thinking in this regard and is committed 
to aligning Executive Director pension benefit to the wider UK 
workforce by 1 January 2023. The Committee is also committed 
to developing a post-employment shareholding requirement which 
would form part of any future policy proposals.

118
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The Committee also decided to increase the salaries of the CEO and 
CFO by 2.54% in line with the increases for the general employee 
population in the UK effective 1 April 2021.

Concluding remarks
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 
advisory vote on the Annual Report on Remuneration being put to 
shareholders at the 2021 AGM, where I will be available to respond 
to your questions. I also remain available to meet with shareholders 
and discuss our remuneration arrangements outside of the AGM.

On behalf of the Remuneration Committee

Brian May
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
4 March 2021

Performance in the year ended 31 December 2020 and 
implications for remuneration
The Board is pleased with the strategic progress and business 
performance in 2020. The Group delivered 4% constant currency 
revenue growth. This was an improved growth rate from recent 
years. The adjusted operating profit for the year was $350.2 million 
which included adverse foreign exchange of $7.3 million. This was 
broadly in line with the prior year $354.3 million, with an adjusted 
operating margin of 18.5% (2019: 19.4%). If you exclude the non-
recurring strategic investment spend and MDR from both years the 
adjusted operating profit would have risen by 4.0%. In addition, 
recurring investment spend increased by $28.6 million in the year. 
Further details are set out in the Financial review on pages 62 to 71.

Based on performance, the Committee approved payouts under the 
2020 annual bonus of 98.5% and 96% of maximum for the CEO and 
CFO respectively, as financial performance was above the maximum 
set at the start of the year, and performance against personal 
strategic objectives was very strong. The Committee considered 
whether the formulaic incentive outcome was appropriate in the 
context of the underlying performance of the Group more generally, 
as well as the experience of our stakeholders. This included 
assessing whether the pandemic created 
performance tailwinds.

Performance against the 2018 LTIP measures of EPS, ROIC and 
Relative TSR over the three-year period to 31 December 2020 was 
below the threshold performance level set at the start of the period. 
As a result, 2018 LTIP awards (including those held by Frank 
Schulkes) lapsed in full following the end of the year. Karim Bitar did 
not hold awards under this LTIP cycle.

The Committee concluded that the incentive outcomes 
appropriately reflected the experience of our employees and 
shareholders, as well as business performance, over the relevant 
period, particularly the resilience and progress towards our strategic 
ambition demonstrated over the last 12 months compared with the 
variable performance in earlier years.

Remuneration in 2021
Shareholders approved the 2020 Remuneration Policy by a binding 
vote at the 2020 AGM. The Committee was pleased by the strong 
level of shareholder support for this resolution, as it believes that the 
Policy is fit-for-purpose and provides sufficient flexibility to continue 
to incentivise and reinforce success for ConvaTec going forward, 
and maintain alignment with the interests of our shareholders.

No changes to the implementation of our Policy are proposed for 
2021, a summary of our approach is set out in “Our remuneration 
at a glance” section that follows this letter. The annual bonus will 
continue to operate along the same lines as for 2020, based 60% 
on adjusted EBIT, 20% on adjusted free cash flow and 20% on 
personal strategic objectives. LTIP awards are expected to be made 
in March 2021, vesting 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 2023. Further 
details are set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration, on pages 
122 to 129 of this Report.

119
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Directors’ Remuneration report
continued

Our remuneration at a glance

This section provides a summary of outcomes relating to 2020 and our proposed approach to remuneration in 2021. 

2020 remuneration: outcomes vs performance scenarios (CEO)

2020 remuneration: outcomes vs performance scenarios (CFO)

Maximum + 50% SPA*

£6,093,180

Maximum + 50% SPA*

£2,864,966

Maximum

£4,999,430

Maximum

£2,312,953

Actual

£2,785,680

Actual £1,185,919

On-target

£2,483,805

Minimum £1,061,930

On-target £1,147,499

Minimum £534,057

Fixed remuneration

Annual bonus

LTIP

Fixed remuneration

Annual bonus

LTIP

*  Share price appreciation.

*  Share price appreciation.

2020 annual bonus outcomes at a glance
The charts below show how actual performance contributed to the bonus payouts for the Executive Directors for 2020:

Adjusted EBIT1 (60% weighting)

Adjusted free cash flow (20% weighting)

Threshold

Target

Maximum

Actual

$391.3m

$401.3m

$426.3m

$446.0m

Threshold

Target

Maximum

Actual

$233.0m

$238.9m

$253.5m

$347.4m

Outcome warranted for performance: 100% of maximum for 
this element.

Outcome warranted for performance: 100% of maximum for 
this element.

1.   Adjusted EBIT is benchmarked on a constant currency basis and presented using a 

budget rate. Consistent with the methodology for setting the target range, adjusted 
EBIT for bonus purposes is also measured assuming on-target Group bonus payout 
and excludes non-recurring transformation costs and costs related to MDR.

Personal strategic objectives (20% weighting)
Personal strategic objectives were set for each Executive Director in relation to the following areas of strategic focus for 2020:

The outcome warranted for performance by Karim Bitar (CEO) was 92.5% of maximum for this element.

The outcome warranted for performance by Frank Schulkes (CFO) was 80% of maximum for this element.

Details of the objectives set for the CEO and CFO, and performance against these, are on page 123.

2020 Annual bonus outcome

CEO – Karim Bitar

CFO – Frank Schulkes

197% of 2020 salary (£1,723,750) 
98.5% of maximum bonus opportunity. 

144% of 2020 salary (£651,862) 
96% of maximum bonus opportunity. 

120
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Our approach to implementing our Remuneration Policy in 2021
Base salary
Reviewed annually

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. 
Base salaries are reviewed annually with any increases normally aligned with those of 
the wider workforce, and effective from 1 April. 

Link to strategy

Innovate

Build

Pension and benefits

Annual bonus

Long-Term Incentive 
Plan

Implementation in 2021: CEO: £897,200 (2.54% increase); CFO: £464,200 (2.54% 
increase). Increases are in line with the wider workforce.

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.

Implementation in 2021: Unchanged from 2020 for the CEO and CFO. They receive 
a pension benefit of 15% of salary, and benefits including car allowance, private medical 
insurance, life insurance and permanent health insurance. The pension benefit will be 
aligned to the wider UK workforce by 1 January 2023.

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 personal strategic objectives. One-third of any bonus 
earned is deferred into shares for three years. Malus and clawback provisions apply.

Implementation in 2021: Maximum opportunity of 200% of salary for the CEO and 
150% of salary for the CFO, based on: adjusted EBIT1 (weighted 60%), adjusted free 
cash flow (20%), personal strategic objectives (20%).

Policy: Maximum opportunity: 250% of salary. 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. 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.

Implementation in 2021: 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 2023.

Focus

Build

Innovate

Execute

Simplify

Focus

Execute

Simplify

Shareholding 
requirement

Policy: Executives are required to build up shareholdings of 400% of salary for the CEO 
and 300% of salary for the CFO. 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

At the end of 2020 Karim Bitar held 365% of his 2020 salary and Frank Schulkes held 
98% of his 2020 salary.

1.   Adjusted EBIT is benchmarked on a constant currency basis, presented using a budget rate.

Alignment to Provision 40 of the Code

1.   Clarity: The Committee believes remuneration disclosure at ConvaTec is transparent, with clear rationale provided on the 

maintenance of, and any changes to, policy. We remain committed to consulting with shareholders on remuneration, as appropriate. 

2.  Simplicity: Remuneration at ConvaTec is simple and well understood. Incentive measures are selected to align closely with the 

Group’s strategy.

3.  Risk: The Committee has ensured that remuneration arrangements do not encourage or reward excessive risk taking. Targets are set 

to be stretching and achievable, while the Committee retains appropriate discretion to adjust formulaic incentive outcomes.

4.  Predictability and proportionality: The link of the performance measures to strategy and the setting of targets balances 

predictability and proportionality by ensuring outcomes do not reward poor performance.

5.  Culture: The policy is consistent with the Group’s culture as well as its strategy, therefore driving behaviours that promote 

ConvaTec’s long-term success for the benefit of all stakeholders.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213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 2020, and how it will be implemented during 
the year ending 31 December 2021. 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 122 and 125), scheme interests 
awarded during the financial year (page 124), exit payments made in 
the year (page 126), payments to past Directors (page 126) and the 
statement of Directors’ shareholdings (page 129). The remaining 
sections of the report are not subject to audit. 

Committee membership in 2020
Details of the membership of the Committee, the number of times 
it met during 2020 and attendance at its meetings are set out on 
page 117.

Committee responsibilities
The Committee’s key areas of responsibility are also set out on 
page 118.

Committee performance evaluation
The Remuneration Committee conducted an evaluation of its 
performance in 2020 and identified the following priorities for 
2021: to keep abreast of developments in UK remuneration 
governance and good practices; as well as maintaining an open 
and transparent approach with management to ensure that 
remuneration continues to act as an effective incentive and 
retention tool and reinforces ConvaTec’s strategy.

Advisers
Since 2016 Mercer Kepler have been the Committee’s appointed 
independent adviser, having been appointed by the Committee at 
its first meeting following Listing. In 2020 Mercer Kepler provided 
support to the Committee and the Group on remuneration-related 
matters, and reports to the Chair of the Committee. 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 £85,452 
(excluding expenses and VAT) for the 2020 financial year (2019: 
£85,083) in its capacity as adviser to the Committee. Following our 
principal adviser moving from Mercer Kepler to Ellason LLP from 
1 January 2021, the Committee considered how best to obtain 
appropriate support and at the same time retain continuity and it 
was therefore decided to appoint Ellason as its independent adviser 
from that date. Mercer Kepler and Ellason are members of the 
Remuneration Consultants Group and, as such, voluntarily operate 
under the Code of Conduct in relation to executive remuneration 
consulting in the UK (www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com). 

Summary of shareholder voting
The following table shows the results at the 2020 AGM of the 
advisory vote on the 2019 Annual Report on Remuneration and the 
binding vote on the 2020 Remuneration Policy.

Resolution
Approve the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy 
(2020 AGM)
To approve the Directors’ 
Remuneration report 
(2020 AGM)

Vote
‘for’

Vote
‘against’

Votes
withheld1

87.54%

12.46% 906,684

86.35%

13.65% 908,684

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.

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 2020 financial year, 
and compares this with the equivalent figure for the 2019 financial year. 

Director
Karim Bitar6

Frank Schulkes

Base
salary
’000
£875
£222
£450
£439

Taxable
benefits1
’000
£56
£37
£17
£16

Annual 
bonus2 
’000
£1,724
£312
£652
£458

LTIP
’000
n/a
n/a
£0
n/a

Pension
benefit3 
’000
£131
£33
£67
£66

Other
’000
n/a
£6,274
n/a
n/a

Total 
Fixed4 
’000
£1,062
£292
£534
£521

Total 
Variable5
’000
£1,724
£6,586
£652
£458

Total
’000
£2,786
£6,878
£1,186
£979

2020
2019
2020
2019

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. 

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 128 for further details.

3.  Pension benefits in the year, equivalent to 15% of base salary. 
4.  Total of base salary, taxable benefits and pension benefit.
5.  Total of annual bonus, LTIP and other payments. 
6.  2019 figures relate to the period 30 September to 31 December 2019 only.

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Incentive outcomes for the year ended 31 December 2020 (audited)
Annual bonus in respect of performance in the 2020 financial year
For 2020, Karim Bitar had a maximum bonus opportunity of 200% of his 2020 base salary and Frank Schulkes had a maximum opportunity 
of 150% of his 2020 base salary. 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 2020 was based on a combination of 
adjusted EBIT1 for bonus purposes (weighted 60%), adjusted free cash flow1 (20%) and personal strategic objectives (20%).

The table below summarises the structure of the 2020 annual bonus, the targets set, our performance over the financial year and the 
resulting annual bonus payout. 

Financial measure
Adjusted EBIT1 for bonus 
purposes

Adjusted free cash flow

Karim Bitar 
Personal strategic objectives

Frank Schulkes 
Personal strategic objectives

Performance targets

Link to corporate strategy

Threshold 
0% payout 

Target 
50% payout 

Maximum 
100% payout

Actual
performance

Focus

Innovate

Simplify

$391.3m

$401.3m

$426.3m

$446.0m

Simplify

Execute

$233.0m

$238.9m

$253.5m

$347.4m

Objectives and actual performance
 –  Rolled out and started implementing a FISBE (Focus, Innovate, Simplify, Build, Execute) strategic plan to 
deliver sustainable and profitable growth. In addition, transitioned to a new agile, customer oriented and 
accountable operating model, whilst embedding the vision and values, improving employee engagement 
and growing sales.

 – Strengthened leadership capability for the future in key strategic areas of R&D, Quality, Regulatory, 
Marketing and HR. Established the Salesforce Centre of Excellence, and invested in digital interface 
with customers.

 – Embedded an execution excellence mindset and methodology which has so far resulted in over 100 

transformation initiatives being successfully implemented.

 – Responded to the COVID-19 challenge by safeguarding employees’ health and wellbeing, ensuring supply 

chain resilience and focusing on meeting caregiver and patient needs. 

 – Simplified and strengthened our Finance organisation by implementing Global Business Services shared 

service organisation, transforming workstreams in Finance to deliver efficiency, accountability and 
customer-centricity. Project was achieved on time and is delivering improved efficiency and added value.
 – Redesigned our strategic planning and financial review processes to support our new vision and operating 

model including Strategic Planning, Budget and Operating Review processes. 

 – Successfully divested our underperforming US Skincare product line at a robust sale price to concentrate 

our focus on must-win markets and categories.

 – Provided strong stewardship through COVID-19, with early financial scenario building resulting in 

proactive action planning and successful execution which contributed to ConvaTec beating the budget 
with very strong liquidity.

Director
Karim Bitar

Frank Schulkes

Measure
Adjusted EBIT for bonus purposes1
Adjusted free cash flow
Personal strategic objectives
Total
Adjusted EBIT for bonus purposes1
Adjusted free cash flow
Personal strategic objectives
Total

Maximum 
opportunity
(% of salary)
120%
40%
40%
200%
90%
30%
30%
150%

Weighting
60%
20%
20%
100%
60%
20%
20%
100%

Earned bonus

(% of salary)
120%
40%
37%
197%
90%
30%
24%
144%

(‘000)
£1,050
£350
£324
£1,724
£407
£136
£109
£652

1.   Adjusted EBIT for bonus purposes is benchmarked on a constant currency basis and presented using a budget rate. Consistent with the methodology for setting the target range, 

adjusted EBIT is also measured assuming on-target Group bonus payout and excludes non-recurring transformation costs and costs related to MDR.

One-third of the bonus earned by Karim Bitar and Frank Schulkes will be deferred into shares for three years. Details of this element of the 
bonus award will be disclosed in next year’s Annual Report.

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Our Annual Report on Remuneration continued

Scheme interests vesting in 2020
In 2018, Frank Schulkes was granted conditional share awards under the LTIP. These LTIP awards were subject to performance over the 
three-year period ended 31 December 2020. The performance conditions of this award were disclosed in the 2018 Annual Report, with 
targets set at the time of grant for three equally-weighted measures: Relative TSR, adjusted EPS and ROIC. The table below sets out details 
of the targets, and performance against these:

Measure
3-year Relative TSR vs selected comparators

3-year adjusted EPS growth
3-year average ROIC

Weighting
1/3

1/3
1/3

Median to
90th percentile
5%–12% p.a.
9.1%–11.0%

Performance range Actual performance
Below median

Vesting outcome
0%

(9)% p.a.
7.5%
Total % vesting

0%
0%
0%

Accordingly, Frank Schulkes’ 2018 LTIP awards lapsed in full as set out below:

Director
Frank Schulkes

Date of grant
7 March 2018
14 December 2018

Number awarded
365,291
221,619

% vesting
0%
0%

Number vesting
0
0

The Committee decided that no adjustments were needed in relation to the outcome of the 2018 LTIP cycle.

As Karim Bitar was not appointed as CEO until September 2019, he did not have an interest in the 2018 LTIP cycle. However, the Restricted 
Share award of 1,094,972 shares granted to Karim Bitar in September 2019 in relation to his appointment as CEO vested in full on 
30 September 2020. The award was not subject to performance conditions. The face value of this award at the date of grant was included 
in the “Other” column for 2019 in the Single total figure of remuneration for Executive Directors table on page 125 of the 2019 Annual 
Report and Accounts (and again in this year’s table on page 122).

Scheme interests awarded in 2020 (audited)
2020 LTIP awards
During the year ended 31 December 2020, the Executive Directors were awarded conditional share awards under the LTIP, details of which 
are summarised in the table below. 

Director
Karim Bitar
Frank Schulkes

Date of grant
1 May 2020
1 May 2020

Number 
awarded Award price1
206.07p
1,061,532
206.07p
535,752

Value
£2,187,499
£1,104,024

% of 
annualised 

salary Vesting date
1 May 2023
250%
1 May 2023
250%

Face value

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 average of the three-day 

closing price preceding the date of grant.

The performance conditions attached to these 2020 LTIP awards are set out in the table below.

Vesting schedule

Measure
Three-year Relative TSR against the constituents of the FTSE 350 excluding 
investment trusts

Weighting
25%

Three-year compound annualised growth in adjusted PBT 

75%

Performance 
period
1 January 
2020
to 31 
December 
2022

1 January 
2020
to 31 
December 
2022

% of 
annualised 
Salary
0%
25%

90%

£
< Median
Median
75th 
percentile
≥ 90th 
percentile

100%
Straight-line sliding scale 
vesting between these points
0%
25%
100%
Straight-line sliding scale 
vesting between these points

< 4.5% p.a.
4.5% p.a.
≥ 10.0% p.a.

To the extent the 2020 LTIP awards vest, vested shares will be required to be held for a further two-year post-vesting holding period.

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2019 Deferred Bonus 
One-third of the 2019 bonus earned by Karim Bitar and Frank Schulkes was deferred into shares for three years under the LTIP, details of 
which are summarised in the table below. 

Director
Karim Bitar
Frank Schulkes

Date of grant
6 March 2020
6 March 2020

Number 
awarded Award price1
187.90p
187.90p

55,348
81,318

Value

% of 

£
 £104,000
£152,797

2019 bonus Vesting date
One-third 6 March 2023
One-third 6 March 2023

1.   The award values are determined as one third of each Executive Director’s 2019 bonus and converted into numbers of conditional shares using the average of the three-day 

share price preceding the date of grant.

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 £48,125 which he retained. The usual annual fee of £55,000 was reduced by 
25% for the period 1 April to 30 September 2020 in recognition of company-wide salary cost reductions imposed during this period.

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 2020 and 2019 
financial years.

Non-Executive Director
John McAdam2
Rick Anderson3
Regina Benjamin
Margaret Ewing
Sten Scheibye
Brian May4
Heather Mason5
Constantin Coussios6
Ros Rivaz7

Fee

Total1

2020
’000
£320
£67
£93
£124
£65
£74
£35
£25
£76

2019
’000
£81
£18
£94
£123
£60
–
–
–
£109

2020
’000
£320
£68
£93
£124
£65
£74
£35
£25
£76

2019
’000
£83
£18
£99
£124
£62
–
–
–
£111

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’s disclosed 2019 remuneration relates to the period when he returned to his Non-Executive Director role from 30 September 2019 and excludes £1,118k paid in his 

capacity as Interim CEO and Executive Chair. For further details see 2019 Executive Director Single figure remuneration table contained in the 2019 Annual Report.

4.  Joined the Board on 2 March 2020.
5.  Joined the Board on 1 July 2020. 
6.  Joined the Board on 1 September 2020.
7.  Stepped down from the Board with effect from 31 August 2020.

Percentage change in Director remuneration
The table on the following page shows the percentage change in Director remuneration (from 2019 to 2020) compared to the average 
percentage change in remuneration for other employees over the same period. As required under The Companies (Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy and Directors’ Remuneration Report) Regulations 2019, this analysis has been expanded to include each Executive Director and 
Non-Executive Director and over the next four years we will provide the information to build up a five-year history. 

ConvaTec Group Plc does not have any other employees. For the comparator group, we have used the population of UK-based employees 
whose remuneration is based on overall Group business performance rather than that of a particular Business Unit. In determining the 
annual change in average employee remuneration we have looked at average annual pay increase excluding promotions and actual bonus 
payments. We have only included employees who were in the Group in both years to ensure consistency.

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Our Annual Report on Remuneration continued

Executive Directors
Karim Bitar
Frank Schulkes
Non-Executive Directors
John McAdam
Rick Anderson4
Regina Benjamin5
Margaret Ewing6
Sten Scheibye7
Brian May
Heather Mason
Constantin Coussios
Ros Rivaz
Average per employee

Percentage change from 2019 to 2020

Salary or fees1

Benefits2

Bonus3

0%
2.5%

0%
(6.9)%
(1.2)%
0.9%
8.3%
n/a
n/a
n/a
1.8%
2.7%

0%
0.5%

(100)%
100%
(92.1)%
(100)%
(100)%
n/a
n/a
n/a
(88)%
2.7%

40%
42%

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
16%

1.   Salary figures were annualised for the comparison. Effective 1 September 2020, the Non-Executive Director fee structure was changed: the base fee was increased and 

committee membership fees were discontinued. 

2.   The year-on-year increase in benefits reflects the Group’s best estimate for the change in the average value of benefits for other employees. Although there was no change 
to the benefits provision in 2020 compared to 2019, some benefits increased in value through being linked to employees’ salaries. Non-Executive Directors’ benefits relate 
to taxable expenses (largely travel to attend meetings, and due to COVID-19 restrictions very limited travel took place in 2020).

3.   The increase in the value of annual bonus paid to Karim Bitar in 2019 was annualised for the purpose of the comparison.
4.   In March 2020, Rick Anderson’s fees reduced following the disbandment of the Corporate Responsibility Committee.
5.   In March 2020, Regina Benjamin’s fees reduced following the disbandment of the Corporate Responsibility Committee. Fees for Remuneration and Audit and Risk Committees 

memberships ceased on 31 August 2020. Regina Benjamin continues to receive fees for Board Level Employee Representation.

6.   In March 2020, Margaret Ewing’s fees reduced following the disbandment of the Corporate Responsibility Committee. Fees for Remuneration Committee membership ceased 

on 31 August 2020. Margaret also ceased membership of the Remuneration Committee on that date.

7.  Sten Scheibye is not a member of any Committee. His base fee increased when the Non-Executive Directors fee structure changed.

Relative importance of spend on pay
The table below shows shareholder distributions (i.e. dividends) and total employee pay expenditure for the financial years ended 31 
December 2019 and 31 December 2020, and the percentage change year-on-year.

Total employee pay expenditure1
Shareholder distributions2

2020
$m
580
110

2019
$m
515
113

Year-on-year 
change
13%
(3)%

1.   Increase in total employee pay expenditure predominantly relates to increased number of employees and contractors.
2.  The decrease in dividend is due to the difference in the exchange rate year-on-year. Overall dividend per share paid in 2020 (in cents) remained consistent with 2019.

Exit payments made in the year (audited)
There were no exit payments made in the year. 

Payments to past Directors (audited)
There were no payments made to past Directors in the year.

Review of past performance
This graph shows the Group’s 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 2020.

TSR chart for 2020 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

112

96

25/10/16

31/12/16

31/12/17

31/12/18

31/12/19

31/12/20

ConvaTec

FTSE 350

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The table below details the CEO’s single total figure of remuneration and incentive outcomes over the same period:

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Karim Bitar (from 30 September 2019)1
CEO single figure (‘000)
Annual bonus (% max.)
LTIP vesting (% max.)
Rick Anderson (15 October 2018–29 September 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.)

£2,786
98.5%
n/a

£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

1.  2019 remuneration includes the face value of the restricted share awards made to Karim Bitar as part of his buyout.

CEO pay ratio
The table below discloses the ratio of CEO pay for 2020, comparing the single total figure of remuneration for Karim Bitar to the full-time 
equivalent total reward of those colleagues whose pay is ranked at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles in our total 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 
2020. 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 2020. 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
2020
2019

Method
Option A
Option A

25th 
percentile
83:1
163:1

50th 
percentile
65:1
123:1

75th 
percentile
40.1
76:1

During 2019 there was a change in CEO, which resulted in inclusion in the single figure of the CEO’s “buyout” awards for that year. For 2020, 
the Committee recognises that the CEO pay ratio does not yet include the impact on total remuneration of the annual LTIP award, as he was 
only appointed in September 2019. As such the Committee believes that the CEO pay ratio published above for 2020 is likely to be lower 
than the future CEO pay ratio, which we expect to normalise further in 2022 and 2023 and from which the Committee expects to be able 
to draw more meaningful conclusions about the longer-term trend in the ratio.

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
2020

2019

Method
Salary
Total pay and benefits
Salary
Total pay and benefits

25th 
percentile
£26,660
£33,425
£23,500
£30,652

50th 
percentile
£34,487
£42,641
£32,798
£40,601

75th 
percentile
£52,415
£69,668
£39,542
£65,922

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Our Annual Report on Remuneration continued

Implementation of Executive Director Remuneration Policy for 2021
Base salary
Following a review of Karim Bitar’s salary, the Committee decided to award an increase of 2.54% in line with the increases for the general 
employee population in the UK (increase effective 1 April 2021).

Following a review of Frank Schulkes’ salary, the Committee decided to award an increase of 2.54% in line with the increases for the general 
employee population in the UK (increase effective 1 April 2021).

Director
Karim Bitar
Frank Schulkes

Role
CEO
CFO

2021
£897,200
£464,200

2020
£875,000
£452,682

Pension
Both Executive Directors will continue to receive a pension benefit of 15% of base salary. Karim Bitar receives his pension benefit as a 
combination of a contribution to pension and the balance as a cash allowance. Frank Schulkes receives his as a cash allowance. As set out 
earlier in this Report, the pension benefits for the Executive Directors will be aligned with those available to the wider UK workforce by 
1 January 2023.

Annual bonus
For 2021, the CEO will continue to have a maximum bonus opportunity of 200% of salary 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 2021 will continue to be based on the following measures and weightings:

Measure
Adjusted EBIT1 for bonus purposes

Adjusted free cash flow

Personal strategic objectives

Link to corporate strategy

Weighting

Focus

Innovate

Simplify

Simplify

Execute

Focus

Build 

60%

20%

20%

1.   Adjusted EBIT is benchmarked on a constant currency basis and presented using a budget rate.

The Committee believes the balance of financial measures for 2021 (as set out above) remains appropriate in the context of the emphasis 
in our strategy of sustainable and profitable growth. The weighting on adjusted 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. Top-line performance 
is additionally emphasised in a number of the personal strategic objectives that have been set for 2021 (and which will be disclosed 
retrospectively next year).

The Board currently considers these targets to be commercially sensitive however they will be disclosed 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 2021 financial year will be subject to the Group’s malus and clawback provisions (see page 132 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 2021, with face values 
of 250% of salary for the CEO and CFO.

The 2021 LTIP will vest after three years, subject to the following performance targets assessed over the three years ending 
31 December 2023:

Measure
Three-year Relative TSR rank vs constituents of FTSE 350 excluding 
investment trusts (calculated in GBP and using three-month average 
opening and closing values)
Three-year compound annualised growth in adjusted PBT

Weighting
25%

Threshold
(25% vesting)
Median

Stretch
(90% vesting) 
75th 
percentile

75%

8-15% p.a.

Maximum
(100% 
vesting)
90th 
percentile

15% p.a.

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Implementation of Non-Executive Director Remuneration Policy for 2021
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. 
During 2020, the structure of Non-Executive Director fees was reviewed and simplified with effect from 1 September 2020, as set out 
in the table below:

Role
Chairman
Non-Executive Director basic fee
Additional fees:
Senior Independent Director
Chair of the Audit Committee 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
Membership of Board committees
Fee for acting as a Board Level Employee Representative

Fee structure
1 Jan–31 Aug 
2020
£320,000
£60,000

Fee structure
from 1 Sept 
2020
£320,000
£75,000

£20,000
£22,000
£20,000
£12,000
£10,000

£20,000
£22,000
£20,000
n/a
£10,000

The fees for the Non-Executive Directors, other than the Chairman, are reviewed and set by the Non-Executive Director Fee Committee 
comprised of the Chairman, CEO and CFO.

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 
2020 or the date of leaving. For Executive Directors, the current shareholding is compared to their shareholding guideline. 

Shares

Owned outright or vested

31 December 
2019

31 December 
2020

Unvested 
and not 
subject to 
performance 
conditions

Unvested 
and 
subject to
performance 
conditions

Options

Unvested 
and not 
subject to
performance 
conditions

Vested 
but not
exercised

Current
shareholding1
(% salary)

Shareholding 
guideline
(% salary)

55,348
116,653

2,444,767
1,728,936

10,230

365%
98%

989,830
165,000
0
207,268
0
0
25,000
n/a
n/a
n/a

1,606,064
165,000
23,181
209,137
10,000
10,000
25,000
25,000
10,000
0

9,729

9,729

400%
300%
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–

Director
Current directors
Karim Bitar
Frank Schulkes
John McAdam
Rick Anderson
Regina Benjamin
Margaret Ewing
Sten Scheibye
Brian May
Heather Mason
Constantin Coussios 
Former directors2
Ros Rivaz

1.   Executive Director shareholdings calculated based on the number of shares that are owned outright or vested plus an estimated number of unvested shares that are not subject 
to performance conditions, on a net of tax basis. These shares are valued using a share price of 195.14p, being the average share price during the last three months of the 2020 
financial year.

2.  Reflects shareholding at the date of stepping down from the Board.

No further shares were acquired by the Directors between 31 December 2020 and 4 March 2021, 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 2020, 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:

Brian May 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
4 March 2021

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Directors’ Remuneration report
continued

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 2020 Policy that was approved by shareholders at the 2020 AGM and is effective for a period of up to three years 
from that date. Minor amendments have been made to the drafting of this Policy Report from the version approved by shareholders in 2020 
(which can be found in the 2019 Annual Report) including: (i) the data used in the pay-for-performance scenarios; (ii) references to “pension 
cash allowance or pension contribution” have been replaced with “pension benefit” to aid clarity, (iii) page references; and (iv) the section 
on Non-Executive Director letters of appointment, to reflect changes in Board composition during 2020.

Details of how the Company implemented the 2020 Policy for the year ended 31 December 2020, and will implement for the year ending 
31 December 2021, are provided in the Annual Report on Remuneration starting on page 122.

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
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.

Operation

Opportunity

Performance measures

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.

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.

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Purpose and link to strategy
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.

Other benefits
To provide non-cash benefits 
which are competitive in the 
market in which the Executive 
Director is employed.

Operation

Opportunity

Performance measures

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.

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.

Karim Bitar and Frank Schulkes 
receive a pension benefit from 
the Group of 15% of salary.

n/a

Executive Director 
appointments from 1 January 
2020 will receive a pension 
benefit 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.

n/a

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.

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.

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Our Remuneration Policy continued

Purpose and link to strategy
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.

Operation

Opportunity

Performance measures

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.

The current maximum bonus 
opportunities for each of the 
Executive Directors are 
disclosed in the Annual Report 
on Remuneration.

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).

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 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 personal 
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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Opportunity

Performance measures

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.

Further details of the LTIP 
awards granted to each of the 
Executive Directors will be 
disclosed in the relevant Annual 
Report on Remuneration.

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.

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.

Operation

Purpose and link to strategy
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.

n/a

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.

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.

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).

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Directors’ Remuneration report
Our Remuneration Policy continued

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 

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.

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. 

Pension arrangements
The Committee considered the feedback from the 2020 AGM and 
evolving investor sentiment on pension benefit alignment with the 
wider workforce, and is committed to aligning Executive Director 
pension benefit to the wider UK workforce by 1 January 2023. 

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. The Committee considered the 
feedback from the 2020 AGM and evolving investor sentiment on 
post-employment shareholding requirements committee, and is 
committed to developing a post-employment shareholding 
requirement and this would form a part of any proposals for a new 
policy in the future.

Details of the Executive Directors’ current personal shareholdings, 
and progress towards meeting the share ownership guidelines, 
are provided in the Annual Report on 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 location 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. 

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CFO – Frank Schulkes

Maximum + 50% SPA
19%

Maximum

24%

23%

On-target

47%

29%
£1,176,435
29% 24%

Minimum £547,519
100%

£2,937,057

57%

£2,371,204

48%

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 
2021 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 2021 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  
Position
Director 
CEO
Karim Bitar
Frank Schulkes CFO

Date of 
appointment
30 September 2019 24 March 2019
2 August 2017
1 November 2017

Date of service 
agreement

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 benefit 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.

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 18 and 19). Adjusted EBIT and Free Cash 
Flow in 2020 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 2021 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 2021 LTIP awards, as for 2020 awards, TSR performance will 
be measured relative to the FTSE 350 (excluding investment trusts). 

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. 

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 2021 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.

1.  Percentages may not sum due to roundings.

Pay scenarios

CEO – Karim Bitar

Maximum + 50% SPA
18%

Maximum

21%

On-target

43%
Minimum £1,081,398
100%

£2,519,923
35% 22%

29%

35%

£6,145,948

53%

£5,052,198
44%

Fixed remuneration

Annual bonus

LTIP

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Our Remuneration Policy continued

In addition to contractual provisions, the following table 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. 

Treatment of awards on cessation of employment

Reason for cessation
Annual bonus
Injury, disability, death, redundancy, 
retirement, or other such event as 
the Committee determines

All other reasons (including 
voluntary resignation)

Deferred bonus shares
Resignation or dismissal for cause

All other reasons (e.g. injury, 
disability, death, redundancy, 
retirement, or other such event as 
the Committee determines)

Change of control

LTIP awards
Resignation or dismissal for cause

All other reasons (e.g. injury, 
disability, death, redundancy, 
retirement, or other such event as 
the Committee determines)

Change of control

Calculation of vesting/payment

Timing of vesting/payment

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.

No bonus will be paid for the financial year.

Not applicable.

Awards normally lapse.

Not applicable.

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).

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.

Awards normally lapse.

Not applicable.

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.

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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.

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
Executive Director fees
To attract and retain Non-Executive 
Directors of the highest calibre with 
broad commercial and other 
experience relevant to the Group

Operation

Opportunity

Performance 
measures

n/a

Fee increases will 
be applied taking 
into account the 
outcome of the 
annual review.

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.

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.

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.

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Our Remuneration Policy continued

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
John McAdam
Margaret Ewing
Regina Benjamin
Rick Anderson
Sten Scheibye
Brian May
Heather Mason
Constantin Coussios
Former Director
Ros Rivaz1

Role
Non-Executive Chairman
Senior Independent Director
Independent Non-Executive Director
Independent Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Independent Non-Executive Director
Independent Non-Executive Director
Independent Non-Executive Director

Date of 
appointment
30 September 2019
11 August 2017
11 August 2017
31 October 2016
3 July 2018
2 March 2020
1 July 2020
1 September 2020

Date of letter of 
appointment
18 August 2019
17 August 2017
15 August 2017
12 October 2016
3 July 2018
26 February 2020
8 May 2020
29 June 2020

Date of election/
re-election
7 May 2020
7 May 2020
7 May 2020
7 May 2020
7 May 2020
7 May 2020
N/A
N/A

Independent Non-Executive Director

21 June 2017

20 June 2017

7 May 2020

1.  Stepped down from the Board on 31 August 2020.

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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 2020. 

Taken together, the Strategic report on pages 4 to 81 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 

Section where provided
Corporate governance statements
Nomination, Audit and Risk Committee reports
Financial Statements – Note 26
Strategic report 

Post-balance sheet events 
Likely future developments and research and development activities
Preparation and disclosure of Financial Statements and Annual Report Directors’ responsibilities statement
Use of financial instruments 
Shares held by the Company’s Employee Benefit Trust
Board membership and biographical details 
Related party transactions 
Employee engagement
Greenhouse gas emissions 
Relationships with capital providers and other stakeholders

Financial Statements – Note 21
Financial Statements – Note 15
Corporate governance report
Financial Statements – Note 25
Strategic report
Strategic report
Governance section

Page
85
103 to 116
188
4 to 81 
142
183 and 184
175 and 176
90 and 91
188
61
52 to 56
96 to 98

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/she ought to have taken 
as a Director in order to make him/herself 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 
2021 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 201 to 203.

Dividends 
We continue to target a payout 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, strategic 
objectives, capital management, the Group’s various stakeholders 
(for further information see the section 172 statement on page 61), 
review of our comparator peer group, available and forecast 
distributable reserves of the Company and the forecast cashflows 
and liquidity of the Group 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 15 October 2020. A scrip dividend 
alternative was offered in respect of the interim dividend allowing 
shareholders to elect by 22 September 2020 to receive their 
dividend in the form of new ordinary shares. On 15 October 2020, 
3,841,666 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 (2019: 3.983 cents) which, together with the interim 
dividend, makes a total for the year of 5.700 cents per share (2019: 
5.700 cents). The final dividend, if approved by the shareholders, will 
be paid on 13 May 2021 to shareholders on the register at the close 
of business on 6 April 2021. 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 2019 for the reasons 
outlined on page 4. The Directors note that in the near term the 
dividend payout ratio may be slightly above the target ratio as 
investment is made in the ongoing transformation of the Group.

139
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Directors’ report
continued

Capital structure
Share capital
As at 31 December 2020, the Company’s issued share capital 
consisted of 2,004,347,138 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 2020, 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 7 May 2020 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 2021 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 93. 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. 

The current Company Secretary, Clare Bates will leave the Company 
on 30 April 2021 to take up another role. Adam Deutsch, Chief 
Transformation Officer and General Counsel, has been appointed 
as Company Secretary in her place.

Political donations
No political donations, including to non-EU political parties, were 
made during the period. Information about the Group’s lobbying 
activities is included on page 41.

140
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Substantial shareholdings 
At 31 December 2020, 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
The Capital Group Companies, Inc.
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership
Pelham Capital LTD.

BlackRock, Inc.

Standard Life Aberdeen plc
Black Creek Investment Management Inc.

GIC Private Limited

No. of ordinary shares
395,318,793
97,418,767
97,980,658
93,526,729

80,048,681

Percentage of 
voting rights
20.25%
4.9911%
4.98%
4.71%

Below 5%

Below 5%
4%

Below 3%

Nature of holding
Direct holding
Indirect holding
Indirect holding
Direct holding/
Financial instruments
Indirect holding/
Financial instruments
Indirect holding
Direct holding/
Indirect holding
Direct holding

During the period between 31 December 2020 and 4 March 2021, being the latest practicable date prior to publication of this Annual 
Report, the Company did not receive any notifications under Chapter 5 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

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 2020 (and also from 31 December 2020 to 
4 March 2021, 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 50.

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 page 133, 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.

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

Applicable sub-paragraph 
within LR 9.8.4R
Interest capitalised

4

14

Details of long-term 
incentive schemes
Confirmation of 
relationship agreement

Location
Group Financial Statements, 
Note 23, page 187
Directors’ Remuneration 
report, page 133
Directors’ report,  
page 141

Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting will be held on 7 May 2021 at 11.00 am 
and will take place at 3 Forbury Place, 23 Forbury Road, Reading, 
RG1 3JH, in the form of a hybrid meeting. Notice of the meeting, 
containing details of the resolutions to be put to the meeting, will be 
available at www.convatecgroup.com/investors/reports/.

By order of the Board:

Clare Bates
Company Secretary
4 March 2021

ConvaTec Group Plc is registered in England No. 10361298

141
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213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 4 March 2021 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. 

142
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Financial Statements at a glance

Operating assets and liabilities
7.  

 Property, plant and 
equipment Page 160
 Intangible assets and goodwill 
Page 162

8.  

9.   Inventories Page 167
10.   Trade and other receivables 

11. 

Page 168
 Trade and other payables 
Page 169

12.   Provisions Page 170
13.    Post-employment benefits 

Page 171

Capital structure and  
financial costs
14.   Capital structure and net debt  

Page 175

15.   Share capital and reserves  

Page 175

16.   Dividends Page 176
17. 
18.   Financial risk management  

 Share-based payments Page 177

Page 179

19.   Borrowings Page 180
20.  Cash and cash equivalents  

Page 182

21.   Financial instruments  

Page 183

22.   Leases Page 185
23.   Finance income and  
expense Page 187

Other notes
24.   Commitments and 

contingencies Page 188
25.   Related party transactions 

Page 188

26.   Subsequent events Page 188

Non-IFRS financial information
Page 189

Company financial information
Company Statement of Financial 
Position Page 195
Company Statement of Changes 
in Equity Page 196
Notes to the Company Financial 
Statements Page 197
Subsidiary and related 
undertakings Page 201

Independent auditor’s report
Pages 204 to 212

Primary Statements
Consolidated Income Statement 
Page 144
Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income Page 145
Consolidated Statement of 
Financial Position Page 146
Consolidated Statement of 
Changes in Equity Page 147
Consolidated Statement of 
Cash Flows Page 148

1. Basis of preparation
Page 149

Results of operations
2. 

 Revenue and segmental 
information Page 152
 Operating costs Page 154
 Non-operating income/
(expense), net Page 155
 Income taxes Page 156
 Earnings per share Page 159

3. 
4. 

5. 
6. 

143
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Consolidated Income Statement

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit

Selling and distribution expenses
General and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Other operating expenses
Operating profit

Finance income
Finance expense
Non-operating income/(expense), net
Profit before income taxes
Income tax expense
Net profit

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share (cents per share)
Diluted earnings per share (cents per share)

2020
$m
1,894.3
(875.5)
1,018.8

(463.3)
(262.1)
(82.4)
–
211.0

1.9
(50.3)
12.1
174.7
(62.2)
112.5

5.7¢
5.6¢

2019
restated(a)
$m
1,827.2
(871.6)
955.6

(458.9)
(240.5)
(53.8)
(105.5)
96.9

7.8
(81.4)
(4.4)
18.9
(9.1)
9.8

0.5¢
0.5¢

Notes
2

3
3

23
23
4

5

6
6

(a)   Following a review of cost allocations, general and administrative expenses of $30.5 million (2019: $25.9 million), principally relating to employee costs and insurance, have been 

reclassified to selling and distribution expenses to better reflect the nature of the costs. The comparatives have been restated to reflect the revised classification.

The accounting policies and notes on pages 149 to 188 form an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. All amounts are 
attributable to shareholders of the Group and wholly derived from continuing operations.

144
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Net profit
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to the Consolidated Income Statement
Remeasurement of defined benefit pension plans
Change in pension asset restriction
Income tax relating to items that will not be reclassified
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the Consolidated Income Statement
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
Costs of hedging
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
Total comprehensive income

All amounts are attributable to shareholders of the Group and wholly derived from continuing operations.

Notes

13
13
13

21
21
21

2020
$m
112.5

(0.4)
5.0
0.2

53.0
(6.7)
(0.1)
(0.2)
1.7
52.5
165.0

2019
$m
9.8

(5.0)
(0.6)
1.5

25.1
(9.5)
–
(0.8)
2.8
13.5
23.3

145
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 December 2020

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
Derivative financial liabilities
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

2020
$m

2019
$m

7
22
8
5
21
10
10

9
10
20

11
19
22

12

19
22
5
12
21
11

15
15
15

15

352.2
85.8
2,089.6
41.4
–
5.7
13.3
2,588.0

297.1
316.0
565.4
1,178.5
3,766.5

341.8
86.6
19.8
55.6
9.4
513.2

1,369.8
72.3
101.4
1.5
7.7
29.9
1,582.6
2,095.8
1,670.7

245.5
115.3
(6.7)
(845.3)
2,098.9
(46.1)
109.1
1,670.7

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

3,766.5

3,609.8

The Consolidated Financial Statements of ConvaTec Group Plc, company number 10361298, were approved by the Board of Directors and 
authorised for issue on 4 March 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

Frank Schulkes
Chief Financial Officer

146
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 December 2020

At 1 January 2019
Net profit
Other comprehensive 
income:
Foreign currency translation 
adjustment, net of tax
Remeasurement of defined 
benefit pension plans, 
net of tax
Change in pension asset 
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 deferred tax benefit 
from share-based payments
Purchase of own shares
At 31 December 2019
Net profit
Other comprehensive 
income:
Foreign currency translation 
adjustment, net of tax
Remeasurement of defined 
benefit pension plans, 
net of tax
Change in pension asset 
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 deferred tax benefit 
from share-based payments
Purchase of own shares
At 31 December 2020

Notes

Share 
capital
$m
240.7
–

Share 
premium
$m
39.8
–

Own 
shares
$m
(6.8)
–

Retained 
deficit
$m
(744.5)
9.8

Merger
reserve
$m
2,098.9
–

Cumulative 
translation 
reserve
$m
(124.2)
–

Other 
reserves
$m
113.3
–

Total
$m
1,617.2
9.8

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
2.2
–
–

–
–
242.9
–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
2.6
–
–

–
–
245.5

 13 

 13 

 16 
15, 16
 17 

 15 

 13 

 13 

 16 
15, 16
 17 

 15 

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
30.9
–
–

–
–
70.7
–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
44.6
–
–

–
–
115.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
10.0

–
(14.0)
(10.8)
–

9.8
(79.9)
(33.1)
–
–

–
–
(847.7)
112.5

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
9.7

–

–

–

–

–

112.5
(62.9)
(47.2)
–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
2,098.9
–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–
(5.6)
(6.7)

–
–
(845.3)

–
–
2,098.9

25.1

–

25.1

–

–

–

25.1

25.1
–
–
–
–

–
–
(99.1)
–

(3.5)

(3.5)

(0.6)

(0.6)

(7.5)

(7.5)

(11.6)

13.5

(11.6)
–
–
14.2
(10.0)

0.2
–
106.1
–

23.3
(79.9)
–
14.2
–

0.2
(14.0)
1,561.0
112.5

53.0

–

53.0

–

–

–

53.0

53.0
–
–
–
–

–
–
(46.1)

(0.2)

(0.2)

5.0

5.0

(5.3)

(5.3)

(0.5)

52.5

(0.5)
–
–
12.4
(9.7)

165.0
(62.9)
–
12.4
–

0.8
–
109.1

0.8
(5.6)
1,670.7

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 December 2020

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
Non-operating expense, net
Finance costs, net
Share-based payments
Impairment/write-off of intangible assets
Impairment/write-off of property, plant and equipment

Change in assets and liabilities: 

Inventories

  Trade and other receivables
  Other non-current receivables
  Restricted cash
  Trade and other payables
  Other non-current payables
Net cash generated from operations
Interest received
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Net cash generated from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from divestiture
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
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

7
22
8
5
20
23
17
3
3

8

19
19
22
15
16

20

20

2020
$m

112.5

38.5
22.4
136.8
62.2
9.8
48.4
12.4
1.8
9.9

(5.3)
6.5
(4.1)
(2.1)
47.5
5.3
502.5
1.9
(50.4)
(54.5)
399.5

(86.2)
0.1
–
29.8
–
(56.3)

(73.0)
–
(20.6)
(5.6)
(62.9)
(162.1)
181.1
385.8
(1.5)
565.4

2019
$m

9.8

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
1.8
(49.8)
(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

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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 in the Strategic report 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.

Acquisitions
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.

Going concern
As discussed in the Financial review on pages 62 to 71, the overall financial performance of the business remains robust with a strong 
liquidity position maintained throughout the year. As at 31 December 2020, the Group held cash and cash equivalents of $565.4 million and 
two multicurrency term loans totalling $1.5 billion, of which $908.2 million is available until October 2024 and the remainder is amortising 
and requires a capital repayment of $90.0 million within the next 12 months. The Group also has access to a $200 million multicurrency 
revolving credit facility, which remains undrawn. 

In preparing their assessment of going concern, the Directors have considered available cash resources, financial performance and forecast 
performance, together with the Group’s financial covenant compliance requirements (as embedded in the term loans) and principal risks and 
uncertainties. 

In assessing going concern, and in accordance with FRC guidance, management used the Board approved 2021 budget and longer-term 
strategic plan as foundations with the application of severe but plausible downside scenarios linked to the Group’s principal and emerging 
risks, including supply chain disruption (incorporating the effect of climate change), COVID-19, delivery of transformation initiatives, pricing 
and reimbursement and foreign exchange sensitivity. Further details of the specific scenarios are provided in the Viability statement on 
pages 80 and 81. Under each scenario the Group retained significant liquidity and covenant headroom throughout the going concern period. 
A reverse stress test, before mitigation, was also considered as part of the Viability statement but the conditions of the reverse stress test 
were considered implausible. There are no key sources of estimation uncertainty in arriving at the going concern conclusion and no 
significant judgements have been required.

Accordingly, at the time of approving these Consolidated Financial Statements, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group 
and the Company will have adequate liquid resources to meet their respective liabilities as they become due and will be able to sustain its 
business model, strategy and operations and remain solvent for a period of at least 12 months from 4 March 2021.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

1. Basis of preparation (continued)
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
Argentina has been considered as a hyperinflationary economy since 2018, with hyperinflation accounting being required for foreign 
operations with a functional currency of the Argentine peso to meet the conditions of IAS 29, Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary 
Economies (“IAS 29”). ConvaTec Argentina SRL is a subsidiary that has a functional currency of Argentine peso. The impact of adopting 
hyperinflation accounting is deemed immaterial to the Group and adjustments related to IAS 29 have not been recognised in either the 
current or prior financial year.

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. Management regularly reviews, and revises as necessary, the 
accounting judgements that significantly impact the amounts recognised in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the sources of 
estimation uncertainty that are considered to be “key estimates” due to their potential to give rise to material adjustments in the Group’s 
Consolidated Financial Statements within the next financial year.

In preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements, no critical accounting judgements or key estimates have been identified.

Considerations for the identification of critical accounting judgements and key estimates
Management regularly reviews the considerations in relation to critical accounting judgements and key estimates. Management considered, 
throughout the year, the financial reporting impact of risks associated with our identified principal risks which include the effects of 
COVID-19, climate change and Brexit. 

As detailed further in the Group’s Audit and Risk Committee report on pages 105 to 116 and discussed below, the Committee has reviewed, 
discussed, and challenged management on the determination of its critical accounting judgements and key estimates.

In response to COVID-19 a detailed assessment was performed by management of the potential impact on each balance sheet caption and 
associated accounting estimates and judgements at each reporting date during the year. No critical accounting judgements or key sources 
of estimation uncertainty have been identified from this assessment. This review included but was not limited to the following areas:

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets
The annual cash generating unit (“CGU”) impairment review was conducted in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy set out in 
Note 8 – Intangible assets and goodwill. The review demonstrated that no impairment was required in the year ended 31 December 2020. 
Reasonable possible change sensitivity analysis was performed considering changes in key assumptions including short term revenue 
growth rates, discount rates and terminal value growth rate and taking into consideration the Board approved 2021 budget and longer-term 
strategic plan as foundations and consideration of severe but plausible downside scenarios, consistent with those set out in the Viability 
statement on pages 80 and 81. Under all reasonable possible change scenarios headroom remained on all CGUs, demonstrating that the 
impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets is not a key source of estimation uncertainty.

Finite-lived intangible assets
The carrying values of finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment annually or when events or changes in 
circumstances indicate the carrying value may be impaired. The Group’s finite-lived intangible assets are predominantly product-related, 
trade names and customer-related.

Management identified a key source of estimation uncertainty in relation to certain finite-lived intangible assets in the year ended 
31 December 2019. For further information see Note 8 – Intangible assets and goodwill. As a result, the recoverable amounts of finite-lived 
assets with a carrying value of $539.2 million (2019: $635.2 million) were re-assessed in 2020 based on fair value less costs to sell, 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 9.0% (2019: 11.0%). 

For the year ended 31 December 2020 the recoverable amounts of all finite-lived intangible assets was determined to be in excess of 
net carrying value and no impairment was required. In assessing whether the impairment of assets represents a source of estimation 
uncertainty, IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements states that reasonably possible outcomes within the next financial year should be 
considered. Management has defined severe but plausible scenarios in the Viability statement testing which are linked to the Group’s 
principal and emerging risks, including supply chain disruption (incorporating the effect of climate change), COVID-19, delivery of 
transformation initiatives, pricing and reimbursement and foreign exchange sensitivity. 

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1. Basis of preparation (continued)
Whilst these sensitivity scenarios are based on severe downside events and circumstances, management also considered the impact that 
these scenarios would have on the impairment of assets. Management has not identified any reasonably possible scenarios that would lead 
to an impairment as at 31 December 2020. As a result, the impairment of finite-lived intangible assets is no longer considered a key source 
of estimation uncertainty.

Property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets
The carrying values of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets are reviewed for indicators of impairment annually or when 
events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may be impaired. 

During the year ended 31 December 2020, manufacturing optimisation and efficiency programmes have been implemented as part of the 
Transformation Initiative, resulting in the identification of impairment triggers in relation to machinery with a carrying value of $7.2 million. 
The recoverable amount was determined to be negligible based on the net present value of future cash flows and the assets were 
fully impaired.

The majority (c.90%) of the carrying value of the Group’s property, plant and equipment relates to manufacturing sites. These sites have 
continued to operate within normal parameters, with appropriate safety precautions and requirements implemented during 2020 and 
therefore no other impairment indicators were identified in relation to property, plant and equipment. For further information on property, 
plant and equipment, refer to Note 7 – Property, plant and equipment.

Right-of-use assets primarily comprise leased buildings, the majority of which relate to manufacturing sites which, as stated above, have 
continued to operate within normal parameters, and therefore no indications of impairment have been noted. Refer to Note 22 – Leases for 
further information.

Inventories and trade receivables 
Overall demand for our product lines remained strong, however, as noted in the Financial review, COVID-19 affected the AWC category, 
most notably because of the decline in elective surgeries. In line with our control framework and accounting policies, management reviewed 
inventory ageing and obsolescence and no incremental obsolescence provisions were required as a result of COVID-19. Despite the 
challenges of the pandemic, the Group continued to undertake physical cycle counts and, as appropriate, wall to wall counts at 
manufacturing sites and third-party distributors in line with internal policies. Refer to Note 9 – Inventories for further information.

The Group has monitored the cash collection position on a weekly basis since the onset of the pandemic and noted no material deterioration 
in collections or trade receivables ageing profile that required an increase in the allowance for expected credit losses. Refer to Note 10 – Trade 
and other receivables for further information.

Recognition of deferred tax assets
At 31 December 2019, the Group recognised a deferred tax asset of $23.0 million following the introduction of the Swiss tax reform, 
which was substantively enacted on 4 October 2019. The ‘Swiss Practitioners’ method was adopted to determine the best estimate of the 
related deferred tax asset expected to arise on the transition to the new tax rules in Switzerland. This gave rise to a deferred tax asset of 
$23.0 million. The estimate of the deferred tax asset was identified as a key source of estimation uncertainty at 31 December 2019 given 
the anticipated future transformative changes in the business. As at 31 December 2020, the deferred tax asset recognised in relation to the 
Swiss tax reform is $7.3 million. The valuation methodology used has been reassessed to reflect the Group’s transformation changes and the 
resulting future role of the Swiss-based operations in the Group. For further details on the deferred tax asset refer to Note 5.4 – Movement 
in deferred tax assets and liabilities. While some level of uncertainty remains in the exact value of the deferred tax asset, management has 
concluded that the calculation of the deferred tax asset relating to the Swiss tax reform is unlikely to be subject to a material adjustment in 
the next 12 months. 

1.4 Accounting standards
New standards and interpretations applied for the first time
On 1 January 2020, the Group adopted the following new or amended IFRSs and interpretations issued by the IASB:
-  Amendments to References to Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards
-  Definition of a Business (Amendments to IFRS 3)
-  Definition of Material (Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8)
-  Interest Rate Benchmark Reform (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7)

Their adoption has not had a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. 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.

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform
On 1 January 2020, the Group adopted the IASB issued Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 1 Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and 
IFRS 7. As a result of the ongoing interest rate benchmark reforms, these amendments modify specific hedge accounting requirements to 
allow hedge accounting to continue during the period of uncertainty that arises before the current interest rate benchmarks are amended.

The amendment is only applicable to the interest rate swaps held as cash flow hedges by the Group and its impact is assessed as being 
limited. Refer to Note 21 – Financial instruments for further details. In preparation of the reform transition date the Group anticipates being 
required to make amendments to the contractual terms of the swaps and to update its hedge designation as appropriate.

In August 2020, the IASB also issued Phase 2 Amendments which are effective from 1 January 2021. The Group has not early adopted as no 
amendments have been made to the hedged item and/or hedging instruments in the financial year.

New standards and interpretations not yet applied
At the date of authorisation of these Consolidated Financial Statements, other than noted above, 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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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, Continence Care and Critical Care 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 services entities and a small number of clinical and retail outlets. 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 2020 and 2019, 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.

When distributors buy products from ConvaTec at a contract price and sell these products to end customers at a price agreed with 
ConvaTec that is lower than the distributors’ list price, a chargeback is derived 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 distributors’ customers 
to contracted customers, as well as estimated distributor 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 that 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 $4.7 million at 31 December 2020 (2019: $4.5 million). In the year ended 31 December 2020, the 
amount of amortisation expense was $3.7 million (2019: $2.8 million). There was no impairment loss in relation to the costs capitalised.

Contract balances
The Group recognises 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 2020 was $nil (2019: $1.1 million). 

2.2 Segment information

The Board considers the Group’s 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 category and regional basis. This note presents the performance and activities of the Group as a single segment.

Pages 28 to 37 of the Strategic report provide further detail of category 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 categories. Financial information relating to revenues provided to the CEO for decision-making purposes is made 
on both a category and regional basis; however profitability measures are presented and resources allocated on a Group-wide basis.

Revenue by category
The Group generates revenue across four major product categories.

The following chart sets out the Group’s revenue for the year ended 
31 December by category:

Geographic information
Geographic markets
The following chart sets out the Group’s revenue in each regional 
geographic market in which customers are located:

2020

$546.8m

$525.9m

$498.6m $323.0m

2020

$731.4m

$1,015.4m $147.5m

2019

$569.9m

$525.0m

$456.7m

$275.6m

2019

$724.1m

$959.8m

$143.3m

$1,894.3m

$1,827.2m

$1,894.3m

$1,827.2m

Advanced Wound Care

Ostomy Care

EMEA

Americas

APAC

Continence and Critical Care

Infusion Care

Geographic information (continued)
Geographic regions
The following table sets out the Group’s revenue on the basis of geographic regions where the legal entity generating the revenue 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.

2020 
$m

2019 
$m

666.1
149.4
316.1
762.7
1,894.3

643.9
158.2
271.9
753.2
1,827.2

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213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

2020 
$m

2019 
$m

1,093.0
818.7
293.0
322.9
2,527.6

1,176.7
829.9
249.7
316.7
2,573.0

(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
Impairment/write-off of property, plant and equipment
Impairment/write-off of intangible assets(a)
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Loss on terminated leases
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 payment expense
  Social security costs
  Defined contribution plan costs
  Defined benefit plan costs
  Recruitment and other employment-related fees
Total staff costs

Notes

7
22
8
7
8

22

22

17

13

2020 
$m

38.5
22.4
136.8
9.9
1.8
(0.1)
0.1
732.6
19.5
3.9

478.1
12.4
59.1
18.0
2.9
9.2
579.7

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

(a)  In the year ended 31 December 2019 an impairment of $105.5 million was included in other operating expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement (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)  Lease expenses represent low-value leases and short-term leases. Refer to accounting policy in Note 22 – Leases.

The remuneration of the Executive Directors which is set out on pages 122 to 129, has been audited, is included within staff costs 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:

2020

2019

5,655

2,884 770 380

2020

5,812

2,643

778

343

2019

9,689

4,023

3,962

Operations

Sales and marketing

General and administrative

R&D

9,576

EMEA

Americas

APAC

5,035

631

5,072

542

9,689

9,576

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
Total auditor remuneration

2020 
$m

2019 
$m

1.1
3.1
4.2

0.2
4.4

0.9
3.0
3.9

0.2
4.1

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 105 to 116.

4. Non-operating income/(expense), net
Non-operating income/(expense), net was as follows:

Foreign exchange losses(a)
Gain on foreign exchange forward contracts(a)
Gain on foreign exchange cash flow hedges
Gain on divestiture(b)
Other expense
Non-operating income/(expense), net

Notes

21
21

2020 
$m
(26.3)
21.7
0.2
16.5
–
12.1

2019 
$m
(5.2)
0.9
–
–
(0.1)
(4.4)

(a)  The foreign exchange losses in 2020 primarily relate to the foreign exchange impact on intercompany transactions, including loans transacted in non-functional currencies and 

are offset by foreign exchange forward contracts in accordance with the Group’s foreign exchange risk management policy. 

(b)  Refer to Note 8.3 – Divestiture for details of the gain on divestiture of the US Skincare product line.

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continued

5. Income taxes

The note below sets out the current and deferred tax charges, which together comprise the total tax expense 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 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 as a 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 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
Change in basis of estimate for Swiss deferred tax asset
Total deferred tax expense/(benefit)
Income tax expense

2020 
$m

0.4
54.9
(0.6)
54.7

(13.8)
2.5
1.2
17.6
7.5
62.2

2019 
$m

–
38.4
(1.5)
36.9

(26.4)
(4.0)
2.6
–
(27.8)
9.1

In 2020, the change in basis of estimate for Swiss deferred tax asset of $17.6 million relates to the Swiss tax reform (discussed in Note 5.4 
below). The change in tax rates mainly relates to the revaluation of the net deferred tax liability in the UK from 17.0% to 19.0%, which was 
substantively enacted in March 2020, following the reversal of the change in corporation tax rate originally due to come into effect from 
1 April 2020.

In 2019, the origination and reversal of temporary differences includes the deferred tax benefit of $23.0 million in relation to the enactment 
of the Swiss tax reform on 4 October 2019, which was effective from 31 December 2019. The change in tax rate mainly relates to changes in 
the UK and Swiss tax rates that were substantively enacted as at 31 December 2019. 

5.2 Reconciliation of effective tax rate
The effective tax rate for the year ended 31 December 2020 was an expense of 35.6%, as compared with an expense of 48.1% for the year 
ended 31 December 2019.

Tax reconciliation to UK statutory rate
The table below reconciles the UK statutory tax expense to the Group’s total income tax expense:

Profit before income taxes
Profit before income taxes multiplied by rate of corporation tax  
in the UK of 19.0% (2019: 19.0%)
Difference between UK and overseas tax rates(a)
Non-deductible/non-taxable items
Tax impact of impairment of certain intangible assets
Movement in unrecognised losses and other assets
Movement on provision for uncertain tax positions
Deferred tax impact of the Swiss tax reform
Other(b)
Income tax expense reported in the Consolidated Income Statement at  
the effective tax rate

2020 
$m
174.7

33.2
4.8
3.4
–
1.8
(0.5)
17.6
1.9

2019 
$m
18.9

3.6
(13.6)
2.6
24.6
17.7
(5.3)
(23.0)
2.5

62.2

35.6%

9.1

48.1%

(a)  This includes changes in tax rates based on substantively enacted legislation across various tax jurisdictions as of 31 December.
(b)  Includes tax on amortisation of indefinite-lived intangibles and taxes on unremitted earnings. 

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. In 2020, the Group provisions for uncertain 
tax positions relate mainly to transfer pricing positions and withholding tax liabilities. 

The Group’s effective tax rate in 2020 has mainly been influenced by the deferred tax expense of $17.6 million arising from the change in 
basis of estimate of the deferred tax asset arising upon the Swiss tax reform (refer to Note 5.1). In 2019, the Group’s effective tax rate was 
mainly driven by a deferred tax benefit of $23.0 million arising from the Swiss tax reform, offset by $17.7 million relating to tax losses where 
no deferred tax asset has been recognised and $24.6 million relating to the impairment of certain intangible assets in the Group where no 
tax relief for the costs has been taken. 

On 3 March 2021 the UK government announced an intention to increase the UK corporation tax rate to 25% with effect from 1 April 2023. 
If enacted this will impact the value of our UK deferred tax balances, and the tax charged on UK profits generated in 2023 and subsequently. 
We have yet to determine the full impact of these proposed changes.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213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 year

2020  
$m
41.4
(101.4)
(60.0)

2019  
$m
55.0
(107.8)
(52.8)

The movement in deferred tax assets is principally due to a change in the basis of estimate of the deferred tax asset recognised on Swiss 
tax reform reducing the asset by $17.6 million (2019: a tax benefit of $23.0 million for initial recognition of the deferred tax asset) and 
an increase of $4.0 million relating to intra-group profits eliminated on intercompany inventory and other temporary differences 
(2019: $9.1 million). 

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 deferred tax rate has 
increased (from 17.0% to 19.0%) as the planned rate reduction enacted in previous year was reversed. This is in accordance with legislation 
that was substantively enacted on 17 March 2020. The movements in the deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

At 1 January 2019
Movement in Income 
Statement
Movement in other 
comprehensive income
Other
Foreign exchange
At 31 December 2019
Movement in Income 
Statement
Movement in other 
comprehensive income
Other
Foreign exchange
At 31 December 2020

Inventory
$m
13.1

Losses
$m
53.2

PP&E
$m
(4.5)

Intangibles
$m
(173.9)

Unremitted 
earnings
$m
(0.6)

Interest
$m
14.5

Other
$m
14.0

1.3

(5.7)

0.2

34.2

(0.6)

–
(0.6)
0.1
13.9

0.8

–
–
(0.5)
14.2

–
–
–
47.5

7.8

–
–
–
55.3

5.6

–
–
–
20.1

–
–
0.3
(4.0)

–
(2.6)
(0.7)
(143.0)

–
–
–
(1.2)

5.5

(30.4)

(0.2)

(0.5)

–
–
(0.3)
1.2

–
–
(1.9)
(175.3)

–
–
–
(1.4)

1.7
–
0.1
21.4

(7.2)

4.3
3.4
(0.6)
13.9

9.5

0.2
1.0
–
24.6

Total
$m
(84.2)

27.8

4.3
0.2
(0.9)
(52.8)

(7.5)

1.9
1.0
(2.6)
(60.0)

Deferred tax liabilities provided in relation to intangible assets predominantly relate to temporary differences arising on assets and liabilities 
acquired as part of historic business combinations. The net movement in deferred tax liability in relation to intangible assets in 2020 mainly 
relates to the amortisation in the year, and the reassessment in light of a change in the basis of estimate of the deferred tax asset arising 
on the Swiss tax reform to $7.3 million (including foreign exchange translation differences on the opening balance of $1.9 million) (2019: 
$23.0 million). The Group’s transformation changes, including the change in the future anticipated profitability of the Group’s Swiss-based 
operations, have led to a development in the method of valuation used. The revised method of valuation is based on what, given the known 
circumstances at 31 December 2020, is considered to be the most appropriate valuation method, namely the Discounted Cash Flow 
method. The method is permitted under Swiss tax law and, therefore, is expected to be accepted by the Swiss Tax Authorities. While some 
level of uncertainty remains until the relevant corporate income tax return is filed and agreed, possible changes in the key assumptions that 
impact the asset valuation have been considered and they are not expected to have a material impact on the deferred tax asset in the next 
12 months and, therefore, this is no longer a key source of estimation uncertainty as at 31 December 2020.

The deferred tax asset arose due to grandfathering provisions that the Swiss tax reform had introduced with effect from 31 December 2019 
to alleviate the higher Swiss tax rates that apply from 1 January 2020. These provisions give rise to future deductible amortisation in relation 
to an intangible asset for tax purposes. In 2019, the net movement in deferred tax liability in relation to intangible assets included the initial 
recognition of a deferred tax asset of $23.0 million following the enactment of the Swiss tax reform. The valuation was calculated using a 
specific methodology that is permitted under Swiss law and the method of valuation was a key source of estimation uncertainty subject to 
review. As mentioned above, given the greater clarity on the future role of the Group’s Swiss-based operations, the valuation has been 
reassessed using an alternative methodology that is also permitted under Swiss tax law and the estimated value of the deferred tax asset 
has been correspondingly reassessed. 

Deferred tax on inventory predominantly relates to a deferred tax asset recognised on intra-group profits arising on intercompany 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 $379.1 million (2019: $313.1 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 anticipated period of expiration:

Country
UK
Luxembourg
US State Taxes
US Federal Tax
Other overseas
Total

Indefinite
$m
48.0
687.4
29.4
127.1
2.5
894.4

2020
1 to 20 years
$m
–
–
209.4
263.7
53.2
526.3

Total
$m
48.0
687.4
238.8
390.8
55.7
1,420.7

Indefinite
$m
39.6
1,530.8
23.2
35.5
6.0
1,635.1

2019
1 to 20 years
$m
–
–
213.4
337.0
52.0
602.4

Total
$m
39.6
1,530.8
236.6
372.5
58.0
2,237.5

In 2020, the movement in Luxembourg tax losses is mainly attributable to the utilisation of the tax losses against the taxable profit on 
intra-group transfer of entities. In 2019, the movement in Luxembourg tax losses was driven by 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 tax losses of $1,420.7 million, deferred tax assets have not been recognised on $1,038.8 million (2019: $1,917.2 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 earnings per share (cents per share)
Diluted earnings per share (cents per share)

2020
112.5
1,991,596,105
14,994,358
2,006,590,463
5.7¢ per share
5.6¢ per share

2019
9.8
1,971,014,011
5,142,363
1,976,156,374
0.5¢ per share
 0.5¢ per share

The calculation of diluted earnings per share excludes 936,534 (2019: 10,066,660) 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:

Asset category 
Land 
Land improvements 
Leasehold improvements 
Buildings  
Machinery, equipment and fixtures 

Useful life
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:

Building, 
building 
equipment 
and leasehold 
improvements
$m

Land & land 
improvements
$m

Machinery, 
equipment 
and fixtures
$m

Assets under 
construction
$m

PP&E at cost
1 January 2019
Reclassification of right-of-use assets(a)
Additions
Disposals(b)
Transfers
Foreign exchange
31 December 2019
Additions
Disposals(b)
Transfers
Foreign exchange
31 December 2020

Accumulated depreciation
1 January 2019
Reclassification of right-of-use assets(a)
Depreciation
Disposals(b)
Foreign exchange
31 December 2019
Depreciation
Disposals
Impairment
Foreign exchange
31 December 2020

Net carrying amount
31 December 2019
31 December 2020

14.9
–
–
–
–
0.1
15.0
–
–
–
0.8
15.8

0.6
–
0.1
–
0.1
0.8
0.1
–
–
–
0.9

14.2
14.9

132.7
(24.9)
0.4
(2.1)
13.1
2.2
121.4
2.9
(3.6)
5.5
3.2
129.4

45.7
(4.0)
5.5
(2.0)
0.8
46.0
6.0
(3.1)
–
1.6
50.5

75.4
78.9

402.7
(0.6)
1.5
(7.4)
40.5
0.1
436.8
4.1
(11.6)
32.0
22.1
483.4

237.1
(0.4)
29.9
(7.1)
0.1
259.6
32.4
(10.7)
7.2
13.7
302.2

63.8
–
52.7
(8.4)
(53.6)
0.3
54.8
57.5
(1.3)
(37.5)
3.7
77.2

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Total
$m

614.1
(25.5)
54.6
(17.9)
–
2.7
628.0
64.5
(16.5)
–
29.8
705.8

283.4
(4.4)
35.5
(9.1)
1.0
306.4
38.5
(13.8)
7.2
15.3
353.6

177.2
181.2

54.8
77.2

321.6
352.2

(a)  Amounts previously recognised as finance lease assets have been reclassified to right-of-use assets upon transition to IFRS 16, Leases on 1 January 2019. Refer to Note 22 – Leases 

for further details.

(b)  Included within disposals were asset write-offs of $2.7 million (2019: $8.8 million) following a reassessment by management of the ongoing value of certain projects.

During the year ended 31 December 2020, manufacturing optimisation and efficiency programmes have been implemented as part of 
the Transformation Initiative, resulting in identification of impairment triggers in relation to machinery with a carrying value of $7.2 million.
The recoverable amount was determined to be negligible based on the net present value of future cash flows and the assets were 
fully impaired.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
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

Notes
8.1
8.2

2020
$m
992.4
1,097.2
2,089.6

2019
$m
1,101.3
1,065.6
2,166.9

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.

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 involving 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 external contractors costs, research licence 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:

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

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
$m

Capitalised 
software(a)
$m

Customer 
relationships 
and  
non-compete 
agreements
$m

Trade  
names
$m

Development 
cost(b)
$m

Assets under 
construction
$m

Intangibles at cost
1 January 2019
Additions
Acquisitions
Disposals
Transfers
Foreign exchange(c)
31 December 2019
Additions
Acquisitions
Divestiture(d)
Disposals
Transfers
Foreign exchange(c)
31 December 2020

Accumulated amortisation
1 January 2019
Amortisation
Disposals
Impairment
Foreign exchange(c)
31 December 2019
Amortisation 
Divestiture(d)
Disposals
Impairment
Foreign exchange(c)
31 December 2020

Net carrying amount
31 December 2019
31 December 2020

2,093.6
–
–
–
–
24.3
2,117.9
5.3
–
(50.0)
–
–
28.0
2,101.2

1,213.2
118.4
–
103.6
15.3
1,450.5
102.9
(43.5)
–
–
21.0
1,530.9

667.4
570.3

98.0
5.0
–
(2.3)
6.7
0.2
107.6
4.7
–
–
(1.9)
17.8
0.4
128.6

76.7
9.4
(2.3)
–
–
83.8
8.2
–
(1.8)
–
0.2
90.4

23.8
38.2

297.7
0.1
2.7
(2.1)
–
(1.7)
296.7
–
–
–
–
–
8.8
305.5

135.5
22.0
(2.1)
–
(1.2)
154.2
22.7
–
–
1.7
7.2
185.8

259.2
–
–
–
–
(0.4)
258.8
–
–
–
–
–
1.4
260.2

3.0
1.1
–
1.9
–
6.0
1.7
–
–
–
–
7.7

142.5
119.7

252.8
252.5

10.2
–
–
(0.5)
2.0
(0.3)
11.4
–
–
–
–
–
1.1
12.5

6.7
1.0
(0.5)
–
(0.2)
7.0
1.3
–
–
–
0.7
9.0

4.4
3.5

Total
$m

2,769.6
13.3
2.7
(4.9)
–
22.1
2,802.8
25.1
–
(50.0)
(1.9)
–
40.2
2,816.2

1,435.1
151.9
(4.9)
105.5
13.9
1,701.5
136.8
(43.5)
(1.8)
1.7
29.1
1,823.8

10.9
8.2
–
–
(8.7)
–
10.4
15.1
–
–
–
(17.8)
0.5
8.2

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

10.4
8.2

1,101.3
992.4

(a)  Capitalised software relates to purchased software and internally generated software.
(b)  Relates to internally generated development costs which have met the requirements of being in the development phase as defined in the Group accounting policy.
(c)  Primarily relates to intangible assets denominated in Sterling.
(d)  Intangible assets sold as part of the US Skincare product line divestiture. See Note 8.3 – Divestiture for details.

During the year ended 31 December 2020, a strategic review of customer contracts was performed as part of the Transformation Initiative, 
leading to impairment indicators being identified in relation to customer relationships with a carrying value of $3.9 million. The recoverable 
amount was calculated based on value in use and in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy. As a result, an impairment of $1.7 million 
was recognised.

As part of the Transformation Initiative, a product portfolio review was undertaken in 2019 which resulted in the identification of impairment 
triggers in relation to a number of the Group’s finite-lived intangible assets. As a result, the Group recognised an impairment of $103.6 million 
during the year ended 31 December 2019. The impairment review was reperformed in the year ended 31 December 2020 as described in 
Note 1.3. No impairment was required for the year ended 31 December 2020.

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 with a net carrying amount of $1.9 million were fully impaired during 
the year ended 31 December 2019. 

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

8. Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)
Amortisation expenses related to finite-lived intangible assets for the year ended 31 December were as follows:

Cost of sales
Selling and distribution expenses
General and administrative expenses
Research and development expenses
Total amortisation expense

2020
$m
106.8
0.5
28.0
1.5
136.8

2019
$m
122.6
–
28.3
1.0
151.9

The carrying amount of indefinite-lived trade names at 31 December 2020 was $251.0 million (2019: $249.6 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 amount in excess of 10% of the total intangible asset carrying amount were as follows:

Trade names
  ConvaTec trade name
Product-related
  AQUACEL® including Hydrofibre®
  Stoma care

8.2 Goodwill

2020
$m

2019

$m Remaining life

234.6

234.6

Indefinite

211.9
176.9

241.5
208.6

5.6 years
5.6 years

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 1 – Basis of preparation for the Group accounting policy in relation to the initial valuation and recognition of goodwill arising 
from acquisitions.

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:

1 January 2019
Additions
Foreign exchange
31 December 2019
Foreign exchange
31 December 2020

8.3 Divestiture

Total
$m
1,043.0
9.6
13.0
1,065.6
31.6
1,097.2

During the year, the Group completed the divestiture of the trade and assets of the US Skincare product line, a limited product range 
within Advanced Wound Care (“US Skincare”). This note provides details of the transaction and the accounting for the divestiture that 
has been recorded.

Accounting policy

A divestiture or disposal occurs when the Group ceases to control a subsidiary, business or trade and assets of a product line. Consideration 
received in respect of a divestiture is measured at fair value, and all associated assets and liabilities are derecognised at the date control is 
transferred. The difference between the carrying value of the net assets divested and the fair value of consideration received is recorded 
as a gain or loss on divestiture in the Consolidated Income Statement. 

Foreign exchange translation gains or losses relating to subsidiaries that the Group has divested, and that have previously been recorded 
in other comprehensive income or expense, are also recognised as part of the gain or loss on divestiture.

The operating results of the divested subsidiary, business or product line cease to be included in the Group’s Consolidated Financial 
Statements from the date of divestiture.

On 25 September 2020, the Group completed the divestiture of the trade and assets of US Skincare, including the Aloe Vesta and 
SensiCare brands, for net consideration of $29.6 million. Transaction fees paid as part of the divestiture were $1.5 million. The divestiture is 
part of the execution of the Group’s strategic transformation and consistent with our five pillars (FISBE, refer to pages 12 to 17) to focus on 
key markets and categories and provide appropriate product portfolios to serve those markets. 

Details of the divestiture

Consideration received:
  Net cash received
  Adjustment to consideration included in other payables
Total net consideration

Net assets sold:

Intangible assets (net book value)
Inventories

Gain on divestiture before transactions costs and income tax
Transaction costs
Gain on divestiture before income tax
Income tax expense on gain
Gain on divestiture after income tax

The gain on divestiture is presented within Non-operating income/(expense), net in the Consolidated Income Statement.

$m

29.8
(0.2)
29.6

(6.5)
(5.1)
18.0
(1.5)
16.5
–
16.5

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

8. Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)
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 2020 or 2019.

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

2020
$m

15.3
330.6
652.6
58.6
40.1
1,097.2

2019
$m

15.3
330.6
632.3
48.6
38.8
1,065.6

Indefinite-lived intangible
assets

2020
$m

234.6
–
–
14.5
1.9
251.0

2019
$m

234.6
–
–
13.3
1.7
249.6

Impairment reviews were performed for each individual CGU during the year ended 31 December 2020.

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8. Intangible assets and goodwill (continued)
Determining the estimated recoverable amount of a CGU is judgemental in nature. The key assumptions used in the estimation of value in 
use as at 31 December were revenue growth rates as included in the Group’s five-year Board approved strategic plan, terminal value growth 
rate and discount rates. Revenue growth rates reflect macroeconomic activity, sector market growth forecasts and competitor activity 
supplemented by the Group’s Transformation Initiative. Revenue growth rates applied in the first three years of the strategic plan and in the 
preparation of the CGU impairment review assume that revenue continues to grow at existing levels with no change to reimbursement levels 
and with a normalisation of the impact of COVID-19 during 2021. 

The terminal value growth rate and discount rates used were as follows:

Discount rate (pre-tax)
CGUs
Americas
HSG
EMEA
Infusion Care
Industrial Sales
Terminal value growth rate(a)

2020
%

11.5
9.5
11.5
10.5
12.0
2.0

2019
%

12.0
10.0
12.0
11.0
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 2020 and 2019, 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. In the current year reasonable possible change sensitivity analysis was 
performed considering changes in key assumptions including short term revenue growth rates, discount rates and terminal value growth 
rate and taking into consideration the Board approved 2021 budget and longer-term strategic plan as foundations and consideration of 
severe but plausible downside scenarios consistent with those identified as part of the Viability statement (refer to page 81 for full details of 
scenarios). Under all reasonable possible change scenarios headroom remained on all CGUs, demonstrating that the impairment of goodwill 
and indefinite-lived intangible assets is not a key source of estimation uncertainty.

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

2020
$m
68.6
36.4
192.1
297.1

2019
$m
74.4
39.3
168.1
281.8

Inventories are stated net of a provision of $27.8 million (2019: $23.4 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 – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213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 expected credit losses, 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. The 
Group considers a default event to be one where the customer does not have sufficient funds to make their required payments and/or 
is in the process of being liquidated.

An allowance for expected credit losses 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 – Revenue recognition for details on the accounting policy related to chargeback allowances.

Restricted cash
In certain instances, there are requirements to set aside cash to support payment guarantees and obligations, including the payment of 
value-added taxes, custom duties on imports, tender programmes and lease arrangements. Such amounts are classified by the Group as 
restricted cash, which does not form part of cash and cash equivalents for the purposes of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. 
Amounts with a maturity of less than one year are presented within other receivables within current assets. Amounts with a maturity of 
more than one year are presented as restricted cash in non-current assets.

Trade and other receivables at 31 December were as follows:

Included within current assets:
Trade receivables
Less: allowances for expected credit losses
Less: sales discounts and chargebacks
Other receivables
Prepayments
Derivative financial assets(b)
Trade and other receivables

2020
$m

287.0
(12.6)
(29.2)
44.3
18.4
8.1
316.0

2019 
restated(a)
$m

290.2
(11.6)
(31.5)
36.7
15.9
1.0
300.7

(a)  The aggregation of balances classified as other receivables and prepayments has been revised in order to better reflect the nature of the transactions. The prior year numbers 

have been restated to reflect the revised presentation.

(b)  Derivative financial assets comprise $1.7 million (2019: $nil) cash flow hedges and $6.4 million (2019: $1.0 million) foreign exchange forward contracts. Refer to Note 21 – Financial 

instruments for further details.

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

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2020
$m
221.0
19.9
16.3
2.6
27.2
287.0

2019
$m
211.6
28.0
15.6
6.4
28.6
290.2

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

2020
$m
19.0
16.0
2.1
16.3
53.4

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. Cash collections are monitored by management on a weekly basis and have remained strong 
throughout 2020. There have been no indicators of a deterioration in collectability as a result of COVID-19, with no decline in Days Sales 
Outstanding (“DSO”) or trade receivables ageing during the year ended 31 December 2020.

Movements in the allowance for expected credit losses for the years ended 31 December were as follows:

At 1 January
Charges
Utilisation of provision
Foreign exchange
At 31 December

2020
$m
(11.6)
(6.5)
5.7
(0.2)
(12.6)

2019
$m
(12.3)
(7.8)
8.4
0.1
(11.6)

Other non-current receivables
Other non-current receivables of $13.3 million (2019: $8.9 million) includes the defined benefit asset of $2.3 million (2019: $nil) 
(Note 13 – Post-employment benefits). Other amounts relate to deposits held with lessors, prepaid expenses and other receivables.

Restricted cash
At 31 December 2020, the Group had restricted cash of $5.7 million (2019: $3.6 million) with a maturity of more than one year, as presented 
within non-current assets. No restricted cash was recognised within current assets as at 31 December 2020 (2019: $nil).

11. Trade and other payables

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:

Included within current liabilities:
Trade payables
Taxes and social security
Other employee-related liabilities
Accruals and other payables
Derivative financial liabilities (Note 21)
Trade and other payables

Included within non-current liabilities:
Defined benefit obligations (Note 13)
Other employee-related liabilities
Accruals and other payables
Other non-current liabilities

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2020
$m

98.2
32.1
99.1
104.7
7.7
341.8

2020
$m

23.1
6.2
0.6
29.9

2019
$m

90.5
28.4
72.5
95.7
2.2
289.3

2019
$m

21.4
4.4
0.8
26.6

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213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. Restructuring provisions are only recognised when a 
constructive obligation exists, which requires both a detailed formal plan and a valid expectation being raised in those affected by starting 
to implement that plan or announcing the main features. 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 12 months from the reporting date, amounts are classified 
as non-current.

The movements in provisions are as follows:

1 January 2019
Charges
Utilisation
Changes in estimate
Foreign exchange
31 December 2019
Charges
Utilisation
Changes in estimate
Foreign exchange
31 December 2020

Provisions have been analysed between current and non-current as follows:

Restructuring provisions
Decommissioning and dilapidation provisions
Total

Restructuring 
provisions
$m
4.5
4.9
(4.6)
(0.6)
–
4.2
12.9
(7.3)
(0.7)
0.3
9.4

Decomm-
issioning and 
dilapidation 
provisions
$m
1.5
0.4
(0.2)
–
–
1.7
0.4
(0.6)
–
–
1.5

Total
$m
6.0
5.3
(4.8)
(0.6)
–
5.9
13.3
(7.9)
(0.7)
0.3
10.9

2020

2019

Current Non-current
–
1.5
1.5

9.4
–
9.4

Current Non-current
–
1.7
1.7

4.2
–
4.2

Restructuring provisions
Restructuring provisions relate to employee termination benefits for involuntary workforce reduction relating to major change programmes 
and the Group’s Transformation Initiative. The Transformation Initiative is a global multi-year transformation programme that commenced 
in 2019. No restructuring recognised by the Group is related to COVID-19. All restructuring provisions relate to detailed plans and a valid 
expectation has been raised in those affected as required by the Group’s accounting policy.

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.

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13. Post-employment benefits

The Group has over 9,600 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 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. A buy-in transaction of the UK plan was completed during the year; details are provided below. The value of plan assets 
in Germany at 31 December 2020 is negligible. 

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”).

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213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.

Buy-in of UK plan
On 24 March 2020, the Trustee of the UK plan completed a buy-in transaction whereby the assets of the plan were invested in a bulk 
purchase annuity policy with the insurer Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited (“Aviva”), under which the benefits payable to defined benefit 
members are now fully insured. The Scheme paid $12.6 million to Aviva on 30 March 2020 to fund the buy-in premium. The Group intends 
to move to a full buy-out as soon as practical, following which the insurance company will become directly responsible for pension 
payments. An actuarial valuation for the UK plan has been prepared by an independent actuary. Details of the valuation and movements in 
the UK plan’s assets and liabilities are provided within the tables below. Certainty over the recoverability of the surplus in the UK has resulted 
in a gain of $5.0 million recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the 12 months ended 31 December 2020.

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 obligations
Expenses related to UK buy-in
Total expense (Note 3)

2020
$m

2.4
–
(0.3)
0.4
0.4
2.9

2019
$m

2.3
(0.6)
(0.5)
0.6
–
1.8

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 gain/(loss) on liabilities due to experience
Actuarial loss arising from changes in financial assumptions
Actuarial gain arising from changes in demographic assumptions
Actuarial (loss)/gain on plan assets
Remeasurement loss recognised in other comprehensive income
Deferred tax on remeasurement loss recognised in other comprehensive income
Change in pension asset restriction
Total amount recognised in other comprehensive income

2020
$m

1.8
(1.5)
0.6
(1.3)
(0.4)
0.2
5.0
4.8

2019
$m

(1.9)
(6.2)
0.1
3.0
(5.0)
1.5
(0.6)
(4.1)

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13. Post-employment benefits (continued)
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:

UK

Germany

2020
$m
15.7

2019
$m
17.1

2020
$m
–

2019
$m
–

Switzerland
2020
$m
13.8

2019
$m
12.5

Other

Total

2020
$m
0.8

2019
$m
0.8

2020
$m
30.3

2019
$m
30.4

(12.1)
3.6

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)
Recognised within Consolidated Statement of Financial Position:
Defined benefit asset (Note 10)
Defined benefit obligations (Note 11)

–
(6.3)
–

–
(1.3)
2.3

(10.8)
6.3

–
–

–
–

(20.4)
(6.6)

(19.6)
(7.1)

(12.8)
–
(12.8)

(10.9)
–
(10.9)

–
–
(6.6)

–
–
(7.1)

(1.4)
(0.6)

(3.1)
–
(3.7)

(1.5)
(0.7)

(2.7)
–
(3.4)

(33.9)
(3.6)

(31.9)
(1.5)

(15.9)
(1.3)
(20.8)

(13.6)
(6.3)
(21.4)

2.3
(23.1)

–
(21.4)

The weighted average duration of the Group’s defined benefit obligations at the end of the year is 20 years (2019: 20 years).

Fair value of assets and present value of the liabilities of the plan
The amount included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position arising from its obligations in respect of its defined benefit plans 
was as follows:

At 1 January 2019
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
Current service cost
Interest income/(expense)
Remeasurement loss
Contributions by employer
Contributions by members
Net benefits
Experience gain
Expenses paid related to UK buy-in
Foreign exchange
At 31 December 2020

Assets
$m
23.6
–
–
0.5
3.0
0.8
0.7
1.0
–
0.8
30.4
–
0.3
(1.3)
0.8
0.7
(1.8)
–
(0.4)
1.6
30.3

Liabilities
$m
(33.0)
(2.3)
0.6
(0.6)
(6.1)
–
(0.7)
(1.0)
(1.9)
(0.5)
(45.5)
(2.4)
(0.4)
(0.9)
–
(0.7)
2.1
1.8
–
(3.8)
(49.8)

Total
$m
(9.4)
(2.3)
0.6
(0.1)
(3.1)
0.8
–
–
(1.9)
0.3
(15.1)
(2.4)
(0.1)
(2.2)
0.8
–
0.3
1.8
(0.4)
(2.2)
(19.5)

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.

UK

Germany

2020
$m
–
3.9
–
11.8
–
15.7

2019
$m
–
16.9
–
–
0.2
17.1

2020
$m
–
–
–
–
–
–

2019
$m
–
–
–
–
–
–

Switzerland
2020
$m
3.7
5.2
1.8
–
3.1
13.8

2019
$m
3.4
4.7
1.7
–
2.7
12.5

Other

Total

2020
$m
–
–
–
0.8
–
0.8

2019
$m
–
–
–
0.8
–
0.8

2020
$m
3.7
9.1
1.8
12.6
3.1
30.3

2019
$m
3.4
21.6
1.7
0.8
2.9
30.4

Equity instruments
Debt instruments
Property
Qualifying insurance policies
Other
Plan assets

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

13. Post-employment benefits (continued)
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(a)
Rate of price inflation
Future salary increases

UK

Germany

2020
1.32%
2.50%
N/A

2019
2.00%
2.25%
N/A

2020
1.26%
N/A
2.00%

2019
1.39%
N/A
2.39%

Switzerland
2020
0.20%
0.50%
1.75%

2019
0.10%
0.50%

2019
2020
0.31% to 1.10%
-0.05% to 1.15%
1.00% to 2.00% 1.00% to 2.00%
3.00%

1.75% 0.00% to 3.00%

Other

(a)  The discount rate in Italy of -0.05% is based on Eurozone AA bonds with a duration of 7 to 10 years consistent with the expected duration of the obligation.

The current mortality assumptions underlying the values of the obligations in the defined benefit plans were as follows:

Life expectancy at age 65
Male
Female

Life expectancy at age 65 in 20 
years’ time
Male
Female

UK

Germany

2020

2019

2020

2019

Switzerland
2020

Other

2019

2020

2019

22.8 years 22.7 years
17.0 years
23.9 years 23.8 years 20.7 years 20.6 years

16.7 years

21.8 years 21.7 years 20.4 years 20.1 years
24.9 years 24.6 years 24.0 years 23.6 years

24.2 years 24.0 years
19.8 years
25.5 years 25.3 years 23.2 years 22.8 years

19.3 years

23.5 years 23.3 years
26.4 years 26.3 years

21.6 years 21.3 years
25.1 years 24.7 years

Sensitivity analysis
The effect of movements in the key actuarial assumptions related to the UK, Germany and Switzerland plans at 31 December 2020 would 
be an (increase)/decrease to the defined benefit asset/liabilities as follows:

Discount rate
Inflation
Future salary increases

Life expectancy

UK

Germany

Switzerland

Increase 
0.5%
0.8
(0.6)
N/A

Decrease 
0.5%
(0.8)
0.6
N/A

Increase 
0.5%
1.4
N/A
N/A

Decrease 
0.5%
(1.7)
N/A
N/A

Increase 
0.5%
2.0
(0.7)
(0.4)

Decrease 
0.5%
(2.2)
0.7
0.5

1 year 
increase
(0.6)

1 year 
decrease
0.6

1 year 
increase
(0.5)

1 year 
decrease
0.5

1 year 
increase
(0.4)

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 2021 are as follows:

Expected payments

UK
$m
–

Germany
$m
0.1

Switzerland
$m
0.9

Other
$m
–

Total
$m
1.0

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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 excluding lease liabilities) 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

2020
$m
1,456.4
565.4
891.0
1,670.7
2,561.7

2019
$m
1,486.1
385.8
1,100.3
1,561.0
2,661.3

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 66 to 67 in the Financial review 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.

When 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 the effective portion of cash flow hedges, remeasurement of defined benefit plans and the share-based 
payment reserve.

175
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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

15. Share capital and reserves (continued)
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 2019
Issue of new shares for Scrip Scheme – 2018 final dividend
Issue of new shares for Scrip Scheme – 2019 interim dividend

31 December 2019
Issue of new shares for Scrip Scheme – 2019 final dividend
Issue of new shares for Scrip Scheme – 2020 interim dividend

31 December 2020

Ordinary shares
number
1,966,155,724
11,198,285
6,159,842
17,358,127
1,983,513,851
16,991,621
3,841,666
20,833,287
2,004,347,138

Share capital
$m
240.7
1.5
0.7
2.2
242.9
2.1
0.5
2.6
245.5

Share premium
$m
39.8
18.5
12.4
30.9
70.7
35.7
8.9
44.6
115.3

At 31 December 2020, 2,401,898 shares (2019: 4,848,579 shares) were held in the Employee Benefit Trust. The market value of own shares 
at 31 December 2020 was $6.5 million (2019: $12.8 million). During the year the Employee Benefit Trust purchased 2,000,000 shares for 
$5.6 million (2019: 6,386,097 shares for $14.0 million) to satisfy requirements of anticipated future obligations under the Group’s employee 
share ownership programmes.

Other reserves includes the share-based payment reserve of $121.8 million (2019: $118.3 million), partially offset by the measurement 
of defined benefit obligations of $8.2 million (2019: $13.0 million) and the effective portion of cash flow hedges of $4.5 million 
(2019: $0.8 million debit). 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 Financial 
Statements on page 195. At 31 December 2020, the retained surplus of the Company was $1,653.1 million (2019: $1,528.5 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 76 to 79).

The Board paid the 2019 final dividend in May 2020 and the interim dividend in October 2020. The Board has taken into consideration 
balancing the return to shareholders, the potential effects of COVID-19 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, our resilience during the 
COVID-19 pandemic and the underlying financial strength, distributable reserves position and cash generation of the Group when 
assessing cash flow forecasts for the next two years from the date of the dividend payment. Further 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 139.

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.

176
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

16. Dividends (continued)
Dividends paid and proposed were as follows:

Final dividend 2018
Interim dividend 2019
Paid in 2019
Final dividend 2019
Interim dividend 2020
Paid in 2020
Final dividend 2020 proposed

pence per 
share
3.097
1.404
4.501
3.095
1.306
4.401
2.845

cents per 
share
3.983
1.717
5.700
3.983
1.717
5.700
3.983

Total
$m
79.1
33.9
113.0
75.8
34.3
110.1
79.9

Settled in
cash
$m
59.1
20.8
79.9
38.0
24.9
62.9

No of scrip 
Settled via 
shares 
scrip
issued
$m
11,198,285
20.0
6,159,842
13.1
17,358,127
33.1
16,991,621
37.8
3,841,666
9.4
47.2 20,833,287

The final dividend proposed for 2020, to be distributed on 13 May 2021 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 6 April 2021, 
is based upon the issued and fully paid share capital as at 31 December 2020 and is subject to shareholder approval at our Annual General 
Meeting on 7 May 2021. The dividend will be declared in US dollars and will be paid in Sterling at the chosen exchange rate of $1.400/£1.00 
determined on 4 March 2021. A scrip dividend alternative will be offered allowing shareholders to elect by 22 April 2021 to receive their 
dividend in the form of new ordinary shares.

The interim and final dividends for 2020 give a total dividend for the year of 5.700 cents per share (2019: 5.700 cents per share).

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. Details on share-based payments in relation to Executive Directors 
is set out on pages 124 and 125. 

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.

Share Plan/Matching Share Plan (“SP/MSP”)
Provides for the grant of discretionary share awards. The awards granted in 2020 are subject to the completion of the Group’s 
Transformation Initiative. Awards granted in 2019 were subject only to 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 payment expenses were equity-settled and recognised in the Consolidated Income Statement as follows:

LTIP
SP/MSP
DBP
Employee Plans

177
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

2020
$m
9.2
1.4
0.6
1.2
12.4

2019
$m
11.6
0.5
–
2.1
14.2

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213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)

2020

2019

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price of 
options
£ per share
0.57
0.26
0.67
0.03
0.51
2.49
1.19

Number of 
shares/
options
000’s
29,503
11,513
(6,250)
(4,294)
30,472
937
–

Number of 
shares/ 
options
000’s
25,301
19,383
(10,830)
(4,351)
29,503
1,600
–

Weighted 
average 
exercise price
£ per share
1.04
0.42
1.46
–
0.57
2.28
0.79

The average share price during 2020 was £1.96 (2019: £1.59). The share price of the Company at 31 December 2020 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
1.76
1.84
2.49
2.78

Weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding

2020
Number of 
shares/
options
000’s
20,637
5,993
1,635
1,270
937
–
30,472
2.0 years

2019
Number of 
shares/
options
000’s
19,119
6,532
–
1,532
1,540
780
29,503
2.4 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 MSP shares 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

2020

SAYE & 
International 
Share Save 
Plan
£1.89
£1.76
3.6 years
46.1%
0.1%
2.2%
£0.28

LTIP
May 2020
£2.07
nil
3.0 years
46.1%
0.1%
2.2%
£1.51

LTIP
March 2020
£1.85
nil
3.0 years
43.9%
0.1%
2.4%
£1.13

2019

SAYE & 
International 
Share Save 
Plan
£1.74
£1.21
3.6 years
45.0%
0.8%
3.2%
£0.33

ESPP
£1.42
£1.21
2.0 years
45.0%
0.8%
3.2%
£0.20

ESPP
£2.07
£1.76
2.0 years
46.1%
0.1%
2.2%
£0.30

LTIP
£1.37
nil
3.0 years
45.0%
0.8%
3.2%
£0.65

(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.

178
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18. Financial risk management

The Group’s treasury policy seeks 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 and 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 and 
minimises liquidity risk by using global cash management solutions and actively monitoring both actual and projected cash outflows to 
ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due and have headroom to provide against unforeseen obligations. 
As at 31 December 2020, the Group held cash and cash equivalents of $565.4 million (2019: $385.8 million), of which 85% was held 
centrally, and had access to a $200.0 million multicurrency revolving credit facility, available until October 2024, which was undrawn and 
has remained undrawn.

Medium and long-term borrowing requirements are met through committed bank facilities as detailed in Note 19 – Borrowings. Short-term 
borrowing requirements, if necessary, may be met from drawings under the multicurrency revolving credit facility.

In response to COVID-19, the Group has undertaken regular detailed reviews of both the potential short-term effects of the pandemic 
on working capital and the longer-term forecast liquidity position. Cash collections have remained strong and the Group has not taken 
advantage of any governmental COVID-19 support programmes available or needed to utilise its revolving credit facility to manage short-
term liquidity requirements. Longer term, the Group has assessed its liquidity forecast as part of the viability assessment and its ability to 
continue trading as a going concern. For further detail on the Group’s assessment of liquidity risk refer to the Viability statement on pages 
80 and 81.

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 and swap contracts to further minimise both translation and transactional 
foreign exchange risk. Certain currency pairings are designated as cash flow hedges; refer to Note 21 – Financial instruments for details. 
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:

Currency
EUR/USD

GBP/USD

DKK/USD

Average rate/
Closing rate
Average
Closing
Average
Closing
Average
Closing

2020
1.14
1.22
1.28
1.37
0.15
0.16

2019
1.12
1.12
1.28
1.33
0.15
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%

2020
$m

1.7
(31.6)
(10.0)

(92.6)
(3.8)
(34.6)

2019
$m

(2.8)
(24.5)
(9.1)

(84.8)
(17.9)
(26.0)

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 on a net basis within Board approved policy parameters, including the use of interest rate swaps 
designated as cash flow hedges to maintain an appropriate mix between fixed and floating rate borrowings.

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continued

18. Financial risk management (continued)
Sensitivity analysis on interest rate risk
Based on the composition and the terms of the Group’s borrowings as at 31 December 2020, including application of the interest rate floor 
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 $12.4 million (2019: $13.2 million) or decrease by $2.1 million (2019: $10.5 million) assuming that all other 
variables remain constant and excluding any effect of tax.

IBOR Reform
The transition away from LIBOR, and other IBORs (together “IBOR Reform”) will remove certain IBOR as an interest rate benchmark 
for financial instruments. The Group’s credit agreement is multicurrency, allowing drawings to be made in different currencies. As at 
31 December 2020, the Group’s borrowings are denominated in USD and EUR, exposing the Group to floating USD LIBOR and EURIBOR. 
Refer to Note 19 – Borrowings for further details of the Group’s credit agreement. The Group maintains USD interest rate swaps of 
$275.0 million, with exposure to USD LIBOR as a reference rate; refer to Note 21 – Financial instruments for details. 

The Group is closely monitoring the market and the output from the various industry working groups and authorities managing the 
transition to new benchmark interest rates, including ICE Benchmark Association (ICE), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and International 
Swap Dealers Association (ISDA). In addition, the Group has opened discussions with certain syndicate banks who lend under the credit 
agreement to consider and evaluate the relevant commercial points and switch mechanics.

The Group will continue to closely monitor the ongoing consultation on a clear end-date for transition and continue discussions with 
syndicate banks in 2021 with an intention to updating all relevant contracts and agreements when appropriate, and in advance of the 
transition deadline. The Group does not believe that these changes will impact its ability to continue managing its interest rate risk.

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 that matures in October 2024.

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 Facilities
Term Loan Facility A(a)
Term Loan Facility B(b)
Total interest-bearing borrowings
Financing fees
Total carrying value of borrowings from credit facilities
Less: current portion of borrowings
Total non-current borrowings

Currency
Multicurrency
USD/Euro
USD/Euro

Year of
maturity
2024
2024
2024

2020
Face value 
$m
–
560.1
908.2
1,468.3
(11.9)
1,456.4
86.6
1,369.8

2019
Face value 
$m
–
600.9
901.4
1,502.3
(16.2)
1,486.1
40.8
1,445.3

(a)  Included within Term Loan Facility A is €140.4 million ($171.6 million), and €161.3 million ($180.9 million) at 31 December 2020 and 2019 respectively, denominated in Euros. 

This represents 31% (2019: 30%) denominated in Euros and 69% (2019: 70%) denominated in US dollars.

(b)  Included within Term Loan Facility B is €227.8 million ($278.2 million), and €242.0 million ($271.4 million) at 31 December 2020 and 2019 respectively, denominated in Euros. 

This represents 31% (2019: 30%) denominated in Euros and 69% (2019: 70%) denominated in US dollars.

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19. Borrowings (continued)
Credit agreement
The credit agreement held 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 and maturing in October 2024, 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 multicurrency revolving credit facility has an option to increase its amount by up to 50% ($100.0 million) subject to certain 
conditions. The multicurrency revolving credit facility was undrawn as at 31 December 2020.

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 permitted net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio and interest cover test as 
defined in the credit agreement. Testing is required on a semi-annual basis, at June and December, based on the last 12 months’ financial 
performance. At 31 December 2020, the permitted net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio was a maximum of 3.75 times (reducing to 3.50 times 
for testing periods from 31 December 2021 inclusive) and the interest cover a minimum of 3.50 times (no change in 2021), terms as defined 
by the credit agreement. In accordance with the agreement, net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio can increase to a maximum 4.00 times for 
permitted acquisitions or investments. The Group was in compliance with all financial and non-financial covenants in the credit agreement at 
31 December 2020 and 2019, with significant available headroom on the financial covenants (c.$840 million debt headroom on net debt to 
adjusted EBITDA). 

Excluding the impact of interest rate swaps, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings for the year ended 31 December 2020 was 
2.6% (2019: 3.8%).

Borrowings not measured at fair value
At 31 December 2020, the estimated fair value of the Group’s borrowings, excluding leases obligations, approximated $1,473.7 million (2019: 
$1,513.2 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:

Contractual cash flows

3 to 4 
years
$m

4 to 5 
years
$m

More than 
5 years
$m

Total
$m

Carrying 
amount
$m

1 to 2 
years
$m

181.6
18.6
–

3.7

–

143.6
17.6
–

2 to 3 
years
$m

178.8
15.3
–

0.9

–

200.6
13.1
–

1,099.3
11.3
–

–

–

–
8.1
–

–

–

195.5
10.5
–

1,106.9
7.8
–

–

–

–

(265.5)

(0.6)

(0.3)

(0.1)

–

–

Within 1 
year or on 
demand
$m

122.8
23.3
341.8

971.1

(967.6)

100.2
21.7
289.3

266.7

At 31 December 2020
Borrowings
Lease obligations
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments payable
Derivative financial instruments 
receivable
At 31 December 2019
Borrowings
Lease obligations
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments payable
Derivative financial instruments 
receivable

Reconciliation of movement in borrowings

Borrowings at 1 January
Repayment of borrowings(a)
Proceeds of new borrowings, net of financing fees
Foreign exchange
Non-cash movements(b)
Borrowings at 31 December

–
32.4
–

–

–

–
35.7
–

–

–

1,582.5
109.0
341.8

1,456.4
92.1
341.8

975.7

15.4

(967.6)

(8.1)

1,746.8
106.4
289.3

1,486.1
88.5
289.3

266.7

2.2

(266.5)

(2.0)

2020
$m
1,486.1
(73.0)
–
39.0
4.3
1,456.4

2019
$m
1,620.8
(1,618.7)
1,481.0
(11.5)
14.5
1,486.1

(a)  In the year ended 31 December 2020, repayment of borrowings include the scheduled repayment instalment on Term Loan Facility A of $45.0 million and an additional payment 

of $28.0 million on Euro denominated borrowings triggered by the movement in the Euro to USD exchange rate exceeding 5%.

(b)  Non-cash movements relate to the amortisation of deferred financing fees associated with the credit agreement. For the year ended 31 December 2019, non-cash movements 

also included deferred financing fees recognised upon early termination of the Group’s previous credit agreement.

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continued

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, have original maturities of three months or less, are subject to insignificant risk of changes in 
value and are repayable within one business day with no significant loss of interest, resulting in classification as cash equivalents.

Cash at bank earns interest at rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Term deposits and money market funds earn interest at the 
respective short-term deposit rate.

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2020 included $42.2 million (2019: $44.5 million) of cash held in territories where there are 
restrictions related to repatriation. The amounts meet the definition of cash and cash equivalents but are not deemed to be readily 
available for general use by the wider Group.

Statement of cash flows
Under certain circumstances, the Group utilises bank overdrafts to manage temporary fluctuations in cash positions. The bank overdrafts 
are repayable on demand, used as part of the Group’s overall cash management strategy and form part of cash and cash equivalents for 
the purpose of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Group had no bank overdrafts as at 31 December 2020 or 31 December 
2019.

The Group reports cash flows from operating activities using the indirect method in accordance with IAS 7, Statement of Cash Flows. 
The Group has elected to classify net interest paid (including interest on lease liabilities) as cash flows from operating activities. Short-
term lease payments and payments for leases of low-value assets are presented within cash flows from operating activities. 

Changes in working capital assets and liabilities as reported in cash flows from operating activities reflect the changes in the 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position between the current and previous financial year end, including adjustments for amounts 
relating to acquisitions and disposals (when necessary), as well as currency translation adjustments. 

Cash payments for the principal portion of lease liabilities is included within cash flows from financing activities.

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets reflects additions to the related assets, including adjustments for 
changes in capital accruals. Acquisition of intangible assets relates to capitalised software, development and product-related licences. 
Refer to Note 8 – Intangible assets and goodwill for further details.

The adjustment for non-operating expense, net in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows excludes the gains and losses realised 
on cash-settled derivative financial instruments. Refer to Note 4 – Non operating income/expense, net.

Cash at bank and in hand
Money market funds and bank deposits
Cash and cash equivalents

2020
$m
105.0
460.4
565.4

2019
$m
183.7
202.1
385.8

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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 swaps 
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.

In the final quarter of 2020 the Group designated certain foreign currency pairings of forecast third-party transactions as cash flow 
hedges in accordance with its risk management policy. Details of the financial instruments held at year end and their respective fair values 
are provided within the note below.

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 of derivatives 
designated as cash flow hedges are recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent the hedges are effective. The fair value is 
the estimated amount that the Group would receive or pay to terminate the forward or swap at the reporting date, taking into account 
current market rates, the Group’s current creditworthiness, as well as that of the financial instrument 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 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 Group maintains USD interest rate swaps of $275.0 million, with exposure to USD LIBOR as a reference rate (as detailed below). 
As at 31 December 2020 there remains uncertainty as to the timing and the methods of transition for replacing existing USD LIBOR 
benchmark rates with alternative rates that the Group continues to closely monitor, refer to Note 18 – Financial risk management for 
further details. In assessing hedge effectiveness on a prospective basis for this relationship, the Group has assumed that the USD 
LIBOR-related interest cash flows on the swap are not altered by IBOR reform and the hedge continues to be highly effective. 
Furthermore, hedge accounting did not need to be discontinued during the period of IBOR-related uncertainty as the Group has taken 
the relief available in Phase 1 to separately identify the risk component at the initial hedge designation and not on an ongoing basis. 
The impact of IBOR reform on the Group is assessed as being limited but the Group will continue to monitor developments of IBOR 
Reform throughout 2021.

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).

The Group holds 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 are designated as hedging instruments in a cash flow hedging relationship.

In accordance with Group policy, the Group uses forward foreign exchange contracts, designated as cash flow hedges, to hedge certain 
forecast third-party foreign currency transactions for up to one year. When a commitment is entered into a layered approach is taken when 
hedging the currency exposure, ensuring that no more than 100% of the transaction exposure is covered. The principal currencies hedged 
by forward foreign exchange contracts are US dollars, Euro and Danish Krone.

The Group further utilises foreign exchange contracts and swaps classified as FVTPL to manage short-term foreign exchange exposure.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
continued

21. Financial instruments (continued)
Cash flow hedges
The fair values are based on market values of equivalent instruments at 31 December. The following table presents the Group’s outstanding 
cash flow hedges at 31 December:

3 Month LIBOR Float to Fixed Interest Rate Swap
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Effective date Maturity date
24 Jan 2020 24 Jan 2023
15 Nov 2021

Recognised in other comprehensive income:
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash 
flow hedges
Costs of hedging
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges 
reclassified to the Consolidated Income Statement
Total

2020

2019

Notional 
amount
$m
275.0
98.3
373.3

Fair value(a)
assets/
(liabilities)
$m
(7.7)
1.7
(6.0)

Notional 
amount
$m
275.0
–
275.0

Fair value(a)
assets
$m
1.0
–
1.0

(6.7)
(0.1)

(0.2)
(7.0)

(9.5)
–

(0.8)
(10.3)

(a)  The fair values of the interest rate swaps are shown in derivative financial liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (2019: derivative financial assets). 

The fair values of the foreign exchange forward contracts are included within trade and other receivables. Finance expenses in the Consolidated Income Statement includes 
the negligible ineffective impact of the interest rate swaps. 

The reduction in fair value of the interest rate swaps follows a reduction in US interest rates in response to COVID-19.

During the year ended 31 December 2020, the Group reclassified a $0.2 million gain (2019: $nil) on foreign exchange cash flow hedges that 
has been recognised in non-operating income/expenses, net, in the Consolidated Income Statement.

Foreign exchange forward contracts
The following table presents the Group’s outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts at 31 December:

Foreign exchange contracts

Foreign exchange contracts

Term Financial Statement line item
28 days Trade and other receivables 
(Note 10)
Trade and other payables 
(Note 11)

28 days

2020

Notional 
amount
$m

Fair value
$m

2019

Notional 
amount
$m

Fair value
$m

512.5

355.3
867.8

6.4

(7.7)
(1.3)

130.7

136.0
266.7

1.0

(2.2)
(1.2)

During the year ended 31 December 2020, the Group realised a net gain of $21.7 million (2019: $0.9 million gain) on foreign exchange 
forward contracts designated as FVTPL in non-operating income/expenses, net, in the Consolidated Income Statement.

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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 2020 were $3.9 million (2019: $3.3 million).

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
Lease additions
Leases terminated
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Foreign exchange
As at 31 December 2020

Real estate 
and other
$m
51.1
20.9
12.0
(0.9)
(14.2)
(0.3)
68.6
14.5
(1.1)
(14.1)
2.4
70.3

Vehicles
$m
14.7
0.2
9.9
(0.7)
(8.2)
–
15.9
8.4
(0.9)
(8.3)
0.4
15.5

Total
$m
65.8
21.1
21.9
(1.6)
(22.4)
(0.3)
84.5
22.9
(2.0)
(22.4)
2.8
85.8

(a)  Amounts previously recognised as finance lease assets within PP&E have been reclassified to right-of-use assets upon transition to IFRS 16, Leases on 1 January 2019. 

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continued

22. Leases (continued)
Movements in the lease liabilities were as follows:

Lease liabilities as at 1 January
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

2020
$m
88.5
22.9
(20.6)
(1.9)
3.8
(3.8)
3.2
92.1

2019
$m
89.5
21.9
(20.9)
(1.6)
3.6
(3.6)
(0.4)
88.5

Total cash outflow of lease liabilities including interest for the year ended 31 December 2020 was $24.4 million (2019: $24.5 million).

Lease liabilities by category at 31 December were as follows:

Current
Non-current
Total

Real estate 
and other
$m
12.4
64.1
76.5

The maturity of lease liabilities at 31 December were as follows:

2020

Vehicles
$m
7.4
8.2
15.6

2020

Vehicles
$m
7.3
4.9
2.5
0.7
0.2
–
–
15.6

Real estate 
and other
$m
12.5
10.8
10.4
8.7
6.3
22.9
4.9
76.5

60.1
16.4

14.9
0.7

Real estate 
and other
$m
11.4
61.0
72.4

Real estate 
and other
$m
11.4
9.7
7.9
7.5
6.0
20.6
9.3
72.4

55.3
17.1

2019

Vehicles
$m
7.0
9.1
16.1

2019

Vehicles
$m
7.0
5.1
2.8
1.0
0.2
–
–
16.1

15.1
1.0

Total
$m
19.8
72.3
92.1

Total
$m
19.8
15.7
12.9
9.4
6.5
22.9
4.9
92.1

75.0
17.1

Total
$m
18.4
70.1
88.5

Total
$m
18.4
14.8
10.7
8.5
6.2
20.6
9.3
88.5

70.4
18.1

Within 1 year
1 to 2 years
2 to 3 years
3 to 4 years
4 to 5 years
5 to 10 years
More than 10 years
Total
Of which:
Principal
Interest

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23. Finance income and expense

Finance expenses arise from interest on the Group’s borrowings from credit facilities and lease liabilities. Finance income arises from 
interest earned on investment of surplus cash.

Accounting policy

Finance expenses, 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.

Finance costs, net for the year ended 31 December were as follows:

Finance income
Interest income on interest rate derivatives
Interest income on cash and cash equivalents
Total finance income

Finance expense
Interest expense on borrowings(a)
Other financing-related fees(b)
Interest expense on interest rate derivatives
Interest expense on lease liabilities
Capitalised interest(c)
Other finance costs
Total finance expense
Finance costs, net

2020
$m

–
1.9
1.9

(39.2)
(5.9)
(1.8)
(3.8)
0.7
(0.3)
(50.3)
(48.4)

2019
$m

6.0
1.8
7.8

(60.7)
(17.2)
–
(3.6)
0.6
(0.5)
(81.4)
(73.6)

(a)  Interest expense relates to amounts payable on the Group’s borrowings which incorporates Term Loan Facility A and Term Loan Facility B. 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 the credit agreement. For the year ended 

31 December 2019, $11.2 million of deferred financing fees were recognised upon the early termination of the Group’s previous credit agreement.

(c)  Capitalised interest was calculated using the Group’s weighted average interest rate over the year of 2.6% (2019: 3.8%).

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continued

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
At 31 December 2020, the Group had non-cancellable commitments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment, capitalised 
software and development of $29.6 million (2019: $12.4 million).

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. ConvaTec Inc., in turn, has asserted 
a claim for damages against Scapa Tapes North America LLC and Scapa Group plc. All claims are being litigated before the Connecticut state 
court in the United States, discovery in the case is progressing, and the trial is presently scheduled for July 2022. The Group’s Board, in 
conjunction with its legal advisers, do not believe the claim has merit and no provision is recognised as at 31 December 2020.

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 9 and the 
Non-Executive Directors as set out on pages 90 and 91.

Key management personnel compensation
Key management personnel compensation for the year ended 31 December was as follows:

Short-term employee benefits
Share-based payment expense
Post-employment benefits
Termination benefits
Total

2020
$m
15.9
6.8
0.5
1.8
25.0

2019
$m
12.9
10.2
0.4
–
23.5

Further details of short-term employee benefits, share-based payment expense and post-employment benefits for the Executive Directors 
are shown on page 122. Details of the Non-Executive Directors’ fees, included in the table above, are provided on page 125.

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 4 March 2021, the date the Consolidated Financial Statements were approved by the 
Board of Directors. 

On 3 March 2021 the UK government announced an intention to increase the UK corporation tax rate to 25% with effect from 1 April 2023. 
If enacted this will impact the value of our UK deferred tax balances, and the tax charged on UK profits generated in 2023 and subsequently. 
We have yet to determine the full impact of these proposed changes.

Details of the proposed final dividend are disclosed in Note 16 – Dividends.

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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 sales, 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 the Board believes are not related to the 
underlying performance of the Group. Reconciliations for these adjusted measures determined under IFRS are shown on pages 191 to 194. 
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 explain 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 
123 and 124. The Group has made no adjustments to the Group’s reported results related to COVID-19.

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 termination benefits arising exclusively from major 
change programmes, together with CEO-related compensation not subject to continuing employment. 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 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 years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019 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) ($125.3 million and $140.2 million respectively).
 – Impairment of assets as a result of transformation or an unusual circumstance (loss of $1.7 million and $105.2 million respectively).
 – Divestiture activities (gain of $16.5 million for the year ended 31 December 2020).
 – Termination benefits in relation to major change programmes ($12.2 million and $5.8 million respectively).
 – CEO buy-out costs reflecting non-performance-related compensation for the loss of incentive awards from previous employment, not 

subject to continuing employment ($6.2 million for the year ended 31 December 2019).

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.

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continued

Acquisition-related amortisation of intangible assets
The Board, through the Audit and Risk Committee, continuously reviews the Group’s APM policy to ensure that it remains appropriate and 
represents the way in which the performance of the Group is managed. Since 2018, the Group has made two small acquisitions, each for 
a consideration of less than $15 million, for which the amortisation charge on acquisition intangibles was immaterial. Given the Group’s 
strategy to be more active and pursue larger acquisitions which strengthen our position in key geographies and/or business categories 
or which provide access to new technology, we believe that a refinement and clarification of the policy is required under which the Group 
will adjust for amortisation of intangible assets in relation to future acquisitions together with associated acquisition-related expenses. 
This refinement better reflects the underlying performance of the business and aids year-on-year comparability.

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 event are not reflective of our core business or when the transactions relate to acquisition-related intangible assets.

Divestiture activities
These include significant assets which are disposed of or divested 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 ongoing 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 discrete 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. 
No termination benefits or related costs have arisen related to COVID-19.

CEO buy-out costs
The Group 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 did 
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.

Other discrete tax items
Other discrete tax items relate to the recognition in 2019 of the best estimate of the deferred tax asset related to the Swiss tax reform 
which was substantively enacted on 4 October 2019 and was effective on 31 December 2019, and the subsequent reassessment of the 
deferred tax asset as a result of a change in the basis of estimate in 2020. The deferred tax asset arose due to grandfathering provisions 
that the Swiss tax reform had introduced with effect from 31 December 2019 to alleviate the higher Swiss tax rates that apply from 
1 January 2020. The deferred tax associated with the Swiss tax reform is adjusted as it is a significant tax item which does not reflect 
the underlying performance of the business.

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Reconciliation of reported earnings to adjusted earnings for the year ended 31 December 2020

Year ended 
31 December 2020
Reported
Amortisation of pre-2018 
acquisition intangibles
Divestiture activities
Impairment of assets
Termination benefits and 
other related 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
Share-based payments
Adjusted EBITDA

Revenue
$m
1,894.3

Gross 
margin
$m
1,018.8

Operating 
costs
$m
(807.8)

Operating 
profit
$m
211.0

Finance 
expense, 
net
$m
(48.4)

Non-
operating 
expense, 
net
$m
12.1

PBT
$m
174.7

Taxation
$m
(62.2)

Net profit
$m
112.5

–
–
–

–

–
(16.5)
–

125.3
(16.5)
1.7

(10.2)
–
–

115.1
(16.5)
1.7

–

12.2

(2.1)

10.1

–
–
(48.4)

(16.5)
–
(4.4)

122.7
–
297.4

(12.3)
17.6
(56.9)

110.4
17.6
240.5

–
–
–

–

–
–
1,894.3

106.7
–
–

1.3

108.0
–
1,126.8

18.6
–
1.7

10.9

31.2
–
(776.6)

125.3
–
1.7

12.2

139.2
–
350.2

9.4

2.1
60.9

10.0
12.4
445.0

Termination benefits and other related costs relate to the Transformation Initiative and amounted to $12.2 million, pre-tax, in the year ended 
31 December 2020. The Transformation Initiative is a global multi-year transformation programme which commenced in 2019 and will 
simplify the way in which the business operates. We expect to incur c.$10-15 million of severance and associated retention costs during 
2021. No termination benefits or related costs recognised by the Group are related to COVID-19.

Divestiture activities relate to the gain on the divestiture of the trade and assets of the US Skincare product line, a limited product 
range within Advanced Wound Care. Further details of the transaction and the calculation for the gain on divestiture are provided in 
Note 8.3 – Divestiture.

Other discrete tax items arose following a reassessment of the estimate of the deferred tax asset recognised in the prior year related to the 
Swiss tax reform. The revised estimate is based on the Discounted Cash Flow method, which reflects the Group’s transformation changes 
and the anticipated role of the Swiss-based operations in the Group. For further details on deferred taxation see Note 5 – Income Taxes to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Non-IFRS financial information
continued

Reconciliation of reported earnings to adjusted earnings for the year ended 31 December 2019

Finance 
expense, 
net
$m
(73.6)

Non-
operating 
expense, 
net
$m
(4.4)

–
–

–
–

–
–
(73.6)

–
–

–
–

–
–
(4.4)

PBT
$m
18.9

140.2
105.2

5.8
6.2

257.4
–
276.3

Taxation
$m
(9.1)

Net profit
$m
9.8

(10.1)
–

(0.9)
(1.2)

(12.2)
(23.0)
(44.3)

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
Share-based payments
Adjusted EBITDA

Revenue
$m
1,827.2

Gross profit
$m
955.6

Operating 
costs
$m
(858.7)

Operating 
profit
$m
96.9

–
–

–
–

122.6
–

–
–

–
–
1,827.2

122.6
–
1,078.2

17.6
105.2

5.8
6.2

134.8
–
(723.9)

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 had been undertaken as part of 
the Transformation Initiative which 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, comprising $1.5 million for 
programmes commenced in 2018 and completed in 2019, and $4.3 million in relation to the Transformation Initiative. 

CEO buy-out costs were $6.2 million, pre-tax, in the year ended 31 December 2019 and related 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 were a result of the Swiss tax reform which was substantively enacted on 4 October 2019 and was effective on 
31 December 2019. As a result, ConvaTec International Services GmbH, was 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 resulted in the 
estimation and recognition of a deferred tax asset. The value of the 2019 deferred tax asset of $23.0 million was estimated using the Swiss 
Practitioners method as permitted under Swiss law. 

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Reconciliation of reported and adjusted operating costs for the years ended 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019

Reported(e)
Amortisation of pre-2018 
acquisition intangibles
Impairment of assets
Termination benefits and 
other related costs
CEO buy-out costs
Adjusted

2020

2019

S&D(a)
$m
(463.3)

G&A(b)
$m
(262.1)

R&D(c)
$m
(82.4)

Operating 
costs
$m
(807.8)

S&D(a)
$m
(458.9)

G&A(b)
$m
(240.5)

R&D(c)
$m
(53.8)

Other(d)
$m
(105.5)

–
–

18.6
1.7

–
–

18.6
1.7

0.7
–
(462.6)

9.0
–
(232.8)

1.2
–
(81.2)

10.9
–
(776.6)

–
–

1.7
–
(457.2)

17.6
–

4.1
6.2
(212.6)

–
–

–
105.2

–
–
(53.8)

–
–
(0.3)

Operating 
costs
$m
(858.7)

17.6
105.2

5.8
6.2
(723.9)

(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.
(e)  Following a review of cost allocations, general and administrative expenses of $30.5 million (2019: $25.9 million), principally relating to employee costs and insurance, have been 

reclassified to selling and distribution expenses to better reflect the nature of the costs. The comparatives have been restated to reflect the revised classification.

Reconciliation of basic and diluted reported earnings per share to adjusted earnings per share for the years ended 31 December 
2020 and 31 December 2019

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 earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

(a)  See Note 6 – Earnings per share to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Reported 
2020
$m
112.5

cents per 
share
5.7
5.6

Adjusted 2020
$m
240.5
Number
1,991,596,105
2,006,590,463

cents per share
12.1
12.0

Reported 
2019
$m
9.8

cents per 
share
0.5
0.5

Adjusted 2019
$m
232.0
Number
1,971,014,011
1,976,156,374

cents per share
11.8
11.7

Net debt
Net debt is calculated as the carrying value of current and non-current borrowings on the face of the Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position (Note 19 – Borrowings), net of cash and cash equivalents (Note 20 – Cash and cash equivalents) and excluding lease liabilities.

Reported
2020
$m
1,456.4
92.1
1,548.5
(565.4)
983.1
891.0

Reported
2019
$m
1,486.1
88.5
1,574.6
(385.8)
1,188.8
1,100.3

2.0

2.5

Borrowings
Lease liabilities
Total interest-bearing borrowings
Cash and cash equivalents
Net debt (including lease liabilities)
Net debt

Net debt/adjusted EBITDA

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continued

Cash conversion for the years ended 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019

Reported Operating profit/EBIT
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
Amortisation
Impairment/write-off of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment
Reported EBITDA
Non-cash items in EBITDA
Share-based payment expense

Working capital movement
Gain on foreign exchange derivatives
Capital expenditure
Reported net cash for cash conversion
Less: tax paid
Reported free cash flow

2020
$m
211.0
38.5
22.4
136.8
11.7
420.4

12.4
12.4
47.8
21.9
(86.2)
416.3
(54.5)
361.8

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)

2020
$m
420.4
12.4
–
12.2
24.6
445.0
12.4
(12.4)
(12.4)
–
47.8
(4.9)
–
–
(4.9)
42.9
416.3
(21.7)
7.3
401.9
(54.5)
347.4

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

99.0%
90.3%

101.0%
97.9%

Reported EBITDA
Share-based payment expense
CEO buy-out costs
Termination benefits and other related costs
Total adjustments (a)
Adjusted EBITDA
Reported non-cash items
Share-based payment expense
Total adjustments (b)
Adjusted non-cash items
Reported working capital movement
(Increase)/decrease in severance provision
Decrease 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
Non-operating gain on foreign exchange forward contracts
Total adjustments above (a), (b), (c)
Adjusted net cash for cash conversion
Less: tax paid
Adjusted free cash flow

Reported cash conversion
Adjusted cash conversion

194
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Company Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 December 2020

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 reserves
Total equity
Total equity and liabilities

Notes

2020
$m

2019
$m

3 
4 

5 

6 

7 
7 
7 

4,305.9
2.7
4,308.6

27.3
–
27.3
4,335.9

4.7
4.7
4.7

245.5
115.3
(6.7)
1,653.1
1,765.6
499.8
58.6
4,331.2
4,335.9

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

The Company reported a net profit for the year ended 31 December 2020 of $234.7 million (2019: $66.8 million).

The Financial Statements of ConvaTec Group Plc (registered number 10361298) were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised 
for issue on 4 March 2021. They were signed on its behalf by:

Frank Schulkes
Chief Financial Officer

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Company Statement of Changes in Equity

As at 31 December 2020

At 1 January 2019
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
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 2020

Share 
capital
$m
240.7
–
–
–
–
2.2
–
–

–
–
242.9
–
–
–
–
2.6
–
–

–
–
245.5

Share 
premium
$m
39.8
–
–
–
–
30.9
–
–

–
–
70.7
–
–
–
–
44.6
–
–

–
–
115.3

Own 
shares
$m
(6.8)
–
–
–
–
–
–
10.0

–
(14.0)
(10.8)
–
–
–
–
–
–
9.7

–
(5.6)
(6.7)

Retained 
surplus
$m
1,574.7
66.8
–
66.8
(79.9)
(33.1)
–
–

–
–
1,528.5
234.7
–
234.7
(62.9)
(47.2)
–
–

–
–
1,653.1

Merger
reserve
$m
1,765.6
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
1,765.6
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
1,765.6

Cumulative 
translation 
reserve
$m
221.2
–
155.1
155.1
–
–
–
–

Other 
reserves
$m
51.0
–
–
–
–
–
14.2
(10.0)

–
–
376.3
–
123.5
123.5
–
–
–
–

–
–
499.8

0.2
–
55.4
–
–
–
–
–
12.4
(9.7)

0.5
–
58.6

Total
$m
3,886.2
66.8
155.1
221.9
(79.9)
–
14.2
–

0.2
(14.0)
4,028.6
234.7
123.5
358.2
(62.9)
–
12.4
–

0.5
(5.6)
4,331.2

For further information on share-based payments, refer to Note 17 – Share-based payments, and for dividends refer to Note 16 – Dividends 
to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

196
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

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 there are no critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty that could result 
in a material adjustment in the next 12 months. Further, no areas of critical accounting judgement or key sources of estimation uncertainty 
have been identified in relation to Brexit or COVID-19.

197
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Notes to the Company Financial Statements
continued

2. Staff costs

The Executive Directors of the ConvaTec Plc Group are the only employees of the Company. The remuneration of the Executive 
Directors is set out on pages 122 to 129 within the Remuneration Committee report.

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

Wages and salaries(a)(b)
Social security costs
Pension-related costs
Total

2020
$m
6.1
0.8
0.3
7.2

2019
$m
9.5
1.3
0.2
11.0

(a)  Included within wages and salaries are share-based payment charges of $2.8 million (2019: $4.9 million).
(b)  In 2019, CEO buy-out costs of $6.2 million are included within wages and salaries.

Average monthly number of employees (including Executive Directors) was 2 (2019: 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 201 to 203 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 2019
Capital contributions arising from share-based payments to employees of subsidiaries
Reduction due to reimbursement upon exercised awards
Foreign exchange
At 31 December 2019
Additions
Capital contributions arising from share-based payments to employees of subsidiaries
Reduction due to reimbursement upon exercised awards
Foreign exchange
At 31 December 2020

Cost
$m
5,503.7
11.5
(5.3)
217.0
5,726.9
127.5
8.7
(5.9)
181.0
6,038.2

Impairment
$m
(1,616.3)
–
–
(63.7)
(1,680.0)
–
–
–
(52.3)
(1,732.3)

Net book 
value
$m
3,887.4
11.5
(5.3)
153.3
4,046.9
127.5
8.7
(5.9)
128.7
4,305.9

A cash contribution of $127.5 million was made to ConvaTec Finance Holdings Limited in the form of a capital contribution in the financial year.

An impairment assessment was performed on the investments in subsidiaries at 31 December 2020 with no impairment identified. 
The share price at 31 December 2020 was £1.99 (2019: £1.99).

The following UK subsidiaries are exempt from the requirement to file audited accounts by virtue of Section 479A of the Companies 
Act 2006:

Name
ConvaTec Group Holdings Limited
ConvaTec International U.K. Limited

198
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Company 
registration 
number
12698069
06622355

4. Deferred tax assets

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 2019
Movement in Income Statement
Movement in Statement of Other Comprehensive Income
Transfer to Group companies
At 31 December 2019
Movement in Income Statement
Movement in Statement of Other Comprehensive Income
Foreign exchange
At 31 December 2020

The deferred tax asset consists of deferred tax on the following items:

Share-based payments
Tax losses
At 31 December

$m
2.6
(0.9)
0.2
0.1
2.0
0.1
0.5
0.1
2.7

2019
$m
0.5
1.5
2.0

2020
$m
1.0
1.7
2.7

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

2020
$m

26.4
0.2
0.7
27.3

2019
$m

12.3
7.5
0.9
20.7

Included in the amounts owed from Group undertakings at 31 December 2020 are intercompany loans of $17.4 million (2019: $6.8 million) 
with a variable interest rate of one-year LIBOR plus 1.64%. The loans are unsecured and are repayable on demand.

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

199
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

2020
$m

0.6
–
2.6
1.5
4.7

2019
$m

0.2
36.3
1.7
2.9
41.1

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Notes to the Company Financial Statements
continued

7. Reserves

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 2020 are $1,653.1 million (2019: $1,528.5 million).

Details of the considerations and rationale for the distribution of dividends are given in the Directors’ report on page 139.

9. Subsequent events
On 4 March 2021, the Board proposed the final dividend in respect of 2020 subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting 
on 7 May 2021, to be distributed on 13 May 2021. See Note 16 – Dividends to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

200
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Subsidiary and related undertakings
Details of the Company’s subsidiaries and associated undertakings at 31 December 2020 are as follows:

Name
Akers & Dickinson Limited1
Allied Medical (UK) Services Limited1
Alpha-Med (Medical & Surgical) Limited1
Amcare Limited1
Arthur Wood Limited1
B.C.A. Direct Limited1
Bradgate-Unitech Limited1
ConvaTec Accessories Limited1
ConvaTec Holdings U.K. Limited1
ConvaTec Speciality Fibres Limited1
ConvaTec International U.K. Limited1
ConvaTec Limited1
Farnhurst Medical Limited1
Lance Blades Limited1
M.S.B. Limited1
Needle Industries (Sheffield) Limited1
Nottingham Medical Equipment Limited1
Novacare UK Limited1
Pharma-Plast Limited1
Resus Positive Limited1
Rotax Razor Company Limited1
Shrimpton & Fletcher Limited1
Steriseal Limited1
SureCalm Healthcare Holdings Limited1
SureCalm Healthcare Ltd1
SureCalm Pharmacy Limited1
Unomedical Developments Limited1
Unomedical Holdings Limited1
Unomedical Limited1
Unoplast (U.K.) Limited1
ConvaTec Finance Holdings Limited*2
ConvaTec Management Holdings Limited*2
ConvaTec Group Holdings Limited*2
ConvaTec Services Limited2
Cidron Healthcare Limited*3
ConvaTec Healthcare Ireland Limited4
ConvaTec France Holdings SAS5
Laboratoires ConvaTec SAS5
ConvaTec Healthcare D S.à.r.l.6
ConvaTec Spain Holdings, S.L.7
ConvaTec Spain S.L.7
CVT Business Services, Unipessoal Lda.8
KVTech Portugal – Produtos Medicos Unipessoal Ltda9
ConvaTec OY10
ConvaTec (Switzerland) GmbH11
ConvaTec International Services GmbH12
ConvaTec (Austria) GmbH13
ConvaTec Italia S.r.l.14
ConvaTec Hellas Medical Products S.A.15
ConvaTec Polska Sp. Z.o.o16
ConvaTec Ceska Republika s.r.o.17
ConvaTec (Australia) PTY Limited18
ConvaTec (New Zealand) Limited19
FE Unomedical Limited20

201
ConvaTec Group Plc
Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Place of business and 
registered office
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Jersey
Ireland
France
France
Luxembourg
Spain
Spain
Portugal 
Portugal
Finland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Austria
Italy
Greece
Poland
Czech Republic
Australia
New Zealand
Belarus

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%
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%

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%
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%

Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Notes to the Company Financial Statements
continued

Subsidiary and related undertakings (continued)

Name
ConvaTec Sağlik Ürünleri Limited Şirketi21
ConvaTec (Sweden) AB22
ConvaTec Norway AS23
ConvaTec (Germany) GmbH24
EuroTec GmbH25
Unomedical s.r.o.26
EuroTec B.V.27
EuroTec Beheer B.V.27
ConvaTec Nederland B.V.28
ConvaTec Belgium BVBA29
EuroTec BV (Belgium Branch)30
Papyro-Tex A/S31
ConvaTec Denmark A/S32
Unomedical A/S33
ConvaTec South Africa (PTY) Limited34
ConvaCare Medical South Africa (PTY) Ltd34
ConvaTec Middle East & Africa LLC35
ConvaTec Middle East FZ-LLC36
ConvaTec (Singapore) PTE Limited37
ConvaCare Medical Singapore Pte Ltd37
ConvaTec Malaysia Sdn Bhd38
ConvaTec China Limited (Beijing Branch)39
ConvaTec China Limited (Guang Zhou Branch)40
ConvaTec China Limited41
ConvaTec Dominican Republic Inc.42
Boston Medical Device Dominicana S.R.L.43
ConvaTec Hong Kong Limited44
ConvaTec Japan KK45
ConvaTec (Singapore) PTE Limited (Taiwan Branch)46
ZAO ConvaTec47
ConvaTec (Thailand) Co. Limited48
ConvaTec Korea, Ltd49
ConvaTec Argentina SRL50
ConvaTec Canada Limited51
Unomedical S.A de C.V.52
Boston Medical Care, S. de R.L. de C.V.53
Boston Medical Device de México, S. de R.L. de C.V.53
Unomedical Devices S.A. de C.V.54
ConvaTec Peru S.A.C.55
BMD Comércio de Produtos Médicos Ltda.56
ConvaTec Medical Care Assistência a Paciente Ltda56
Boston Medical Devices Colombia Ltda.57
Boston Medical Care S.A.S IPS58
Boston Medical Care de Chile S.P.A59
Boston Medical Device de Chile S.A.59
Boston Medical Device Ecuador S.A.60
Boston Medical Device de Venezuela, C.A.61
ConvaTec India Private Limited62
180 Medical Acquisition Inc.63
180 Medical Holdings Inc.63
180 Medical Inc.63
AbViser Medical, LLC64
Boston Medical Device, Inc.64
Boston Medical Devices LLC64
ConvaTec Inc.64
Boston Medical Device International, LLC65

202
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Annual Report and Accounts 2020

Place of business and 
registered office
Turkey
Sweden
Norway
Germany
Germany
Slovakia
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Belgium
Belgium
Denmark
Denmark
Denmark
South Africa
South Africa
Egypt
United Arab Emirates
Singapore
Singapore
Malaysia
China 
China 
China
Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
Hong Kong
Japan
Taiwan
Russia
Thailand
Korea
Argentina
Canada
Mexico
Mexico
Mexico
Mexico
Peru
Brazil
Brazil
Colombia
Colombia
Chile
Chile
Ecuador
Venezuela
India
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
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%
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%

Portion of 
voting power 
held
%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
N/A
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
N/A
N/A
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
N/A
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%

Subsidiary and related undertakings (continued)

Name
Cidron Healthcare GP, Inc.66
ConvaTec Technologies Inc.67
Personally Delivered, Inc.68
Woodbury Holdings, Inc.68
WPI Acquisition Corporation68
WPI Holdings Corporation68
Wilmington Medical Supply, Inc.69
PRN Medical Services, LLC70
PRNMS Investments LLC70
Symbius Medical Inc.70
South Shore Medical Supply, Inc.71
Unomedical America, Inc.72
Unomedical, Inc.72
J&R Medical, LLC73
In-Home Products, Inc.74

Place of business and 
registered office
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US

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%

GDC First Avenue, Deeside Industrial Park, Deeside, Flintshire, CH5 2NU, UK
3 Forbury Place, 23 Forbury Road, Reading, RG1 3JH, UK
44 Esplanade, St. Helier, Jersey, JE4 9WG, Channel Islands 
10 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 T380, Ireland
90, Boulevard National, La Garenne Colombes, F-92250, Paris, France
12C, rue Guillaume Kroll, L-1882, Luxembourg

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7  Constitucion 1, 3ªPlanta, 08960 Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona, Spain
8  Avenida da Liberdade, 249-1, 1250-143 Lisbon, Portugal 
9  Avenida da Liberdade, 144, 7º 1250-146, Lisbon, Portugal
10  Life Science Center, Keilaranta 16 B, 02150 Espoo, Finland
11  Mühlentalstrasse 38, 8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland
12  Mühlentalstrasse 36/38, 8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland
13  Schubertring 6, 1010 Wien, Austria
14  Via della Sierra Nevada, 60-00144 Rome, Italy
15  392A Mesogeion Avenue, Ag. Paraskevi, 15341, Athens, Greece
16  Al. Armii Ludowej 26, 00-609 Warszawa, Poland
17  Olivova 2096/4, Prague 1, 110 00, Praha 1, Czech Republic
18  Level 2 Building 5, Brandon Office Park, 530-540 Springvale Road, Glen Waverley 

VIC 3150, Australia

19  Crowe Horwath, Level 29, 188 Quay Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
20  Zavodskaya Street, 50, 222750, Fanipol, Dzerzhinsk region, Minsk district, Republic 

of Belarus

21  Şehit İlknur Keles Sokak, Hüseyin Bağdatlioğlu Plaza 7/3, Kozyatagi, Istanbul, Turkey 

34742

22  Gårdsfogdevägen 18B, 168 67 Bromma, Sweden
23  Nils Hansen vei 2, 0667 Oslo, Norway
24  Gisela-Stein-Strasse 6, 81671 Munich, Germany
25  Solinger Strasse 93 40764 Langenfeld, Germany
26  Priemyselný Park 3, 071 01 Michalovce, Slovakia
27  Schotsbossenstraat 8, 4705AG Roosendaal, Netherlands
28  Houttuinlaan 5F, 3447 GM Woerden, Netherlands
29  Parc d’Alliance, Boulevard de France 9, B-1420 Braine l’Alleud, Belgium
30  Stationsstraat 35, 2950 Kapellen, Belgium
31  c/o ConvaTec Harlev Skinderskovvej 32-36, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
32  Lautruphøj 1 DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark
33  Åholmvej 1-3, 4320 Lejre, Denmark
34  Workshop 17 Office 1-4, 16 Baker Street, Rosebank, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2196, 

South Africa

35  22 Kamal El Din Hussein St, 3rd Floor, Heliopolis Sheraton, Post Code 11977, 

Cairo, Egypt

36  Customer Services Counter, Building N. 02, First Floor, Dubai Studio City, UAE 
37  456 Alexandra Road, Fragrance Empire Building #18-01/02, Singapore 119962
38  10th floor, Menara Hap Seng, No. 1 & 3, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, 

Malaysia

39  Unit 805, 8F Jinbao Tower, No.89 Jinbao Street Dongcheng District, Beijing 

100005, P.R.C.

40  Unit 808, Level 8, Fortune Plaza, No.116 Ti Yu Dong Road, Tianhe District, 

42  Carretera Sanchez km 18 ½, Parque Industrial Itabo, Haina, San Cristóbal, 

Dominican Republic 

43  Avenida Winston Churchill ES1. 27 de Febrero, Apto Plaza Central, Tercer Nivel, del 

Sector PIANTINI de la Ciudad de Santo Domingo de Guzman, Suite A-368, 
Dominican Republic

44  Unit 1901 Yue Xiu Bldg 160–174, Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
45  1-1-7 Choraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan
46  5F.-4, No. 57, Fuxing N. Rd, Songshan Dist., Taipei City, Taiwan (Post code: 10595)
47  Kosmodamianskaya nab. 52, building 1, 9th floor, 115054, Moscow, Russia
48  No. 87, 9th Floor M Thai Tower All Seasons Place, Wireless Road, Lumpini, 

Phatumwan, Bangkok, Thailand

49  4F, American Standard B/D, Yeongdongdaero 112gil 66, Gangnam-Gu, Seoul, 

Republic of Korea 06083

50  CERRITO 1070 Piso:3 Dpto:71, 1010-CIUDAD AUTONOMA BUENOS AIRES, 

Argentina

51  900-1959 Upper Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2N2, Canada
52  Avenida Industrial Falcón, L7, Parque Industrial del Norte, Reynosa Tamps, Mexico 

C.P. 88736

53  Avenida Insurgentes sur 619, 3° Piso, CIUDAD DE MEXICO, Nápoles, 03810, Mexico
54  Av. Fomento Industrial L9 M3, Parque Industrial del Norte, Reynosa Tamps, Mexico 

C.P. 88736

55  Av. La Encalada 1010 of. 806, Santiago de Surco, Lima 15023, Perú 
56  Rua Alexandre Dumas, 2100,15º. Andar, Ed Corporate Plaza, Conj 151 e 152, – 

Chácará Stº Antonio – São Paulo, Brazil Cep: 04717-913

57  Torre los Nogales, Calle 76 # 11-17, Fifth and Second Floor, Bogotá, Colombia
58  Calle 82 # 18-31, Bogotá, Colombia
59  Av Suecia 0181, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
60  Robles E4-136 y Av. Amazonas, Edificio Proinco Calisto, piso 12, Quito, Ecuador 

EC170526 

61  Av. Sorocaima, Libertador con Venezuela, Edif Atrium. Piso 3, Oficina 3G, Urb El 

Rosal, Municipio Chacao, Edo, Miranda, Venezuela

62  Next Logistics, No. 217, Soukya Road (Next to Scania warehouse), Korallur Village, 

Hoskote Taluk, Bangalore KA 560067, India

63  8516 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73162, US
64  1160 Route 22 East, Suite 304, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, US
65  2315 NW 107th Avenue Suite A30, Doral, Florida 33172, US
66  The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, 

Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801, US

67  3993 Howard Hughes Parkway Suite 250, Las Vagas, Nevada 89169-6754, US
68  725 Primera Blvd, Suite 230, Lake Mary, FL 32746-2127, US
69  1206 N. 23rd Street, Wilmington, NC 28405-1810, US
70  20333 N. 19th Avenue, Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85027-3627, US
71  58 Norfolk Avenue, Unit 2, South Easton, MA 02375-1907, US
72  5701-1 S Ware RD, McAllen, TX 78504, US
73  4635 Southwest Freeway, Suite 800, Houston, TX 77027-7105, US
74  14330 Midway Road, Building 1, Suite 100, Farmers Branch, TX 75244-3513, US 

Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, 510620, P.R.C.

* 

Directly held investment by ConvaTec Group Plc

41  Unit 1105-1106, Crystal Plaza Office Tower 1, No.1359 Yaolong Road, Pudong 

District, Shanghai 200124, P.R.C

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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 2020 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;
 – the Group Financial Statements have been properly prepared in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with 

the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and 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.

We have audited the financial statements which comprise:
 – the Consolidated Income Statement;
 – the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income;
 – the Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Financial Position;
 – the Consolidated and Parent 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 Parent Company Financial Statements.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group Financial Statements is applicable law and 
international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 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.

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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 the US. 
 – Taxation – focusing on the uncertain tax positions in connection with transfer pricing. 

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

Significant changes 
in our approach

The materiality that we used for the Group Financial Statements was $6.7m which was determined on the basis of 
4.2% of pre-tax profit, adjusted for certain non-recurring items.
We performed full scope audit procedures on fourteen components, as well as the Parent Company, covering a total 
of nine countries. In addition, we have performed specified audit procedures in nine components across eight 
countries. Together, these accounted for 82% of revenue, 91% of profit before tax and 85% of net assets.
In the prior year, we identified the impairment of certain finite-lived intangible assets, focusing on the judgements 
over the remaining useful life of the assets and the extent of inclusion of benefits from the Transformation Initiatives 
in management’s forecasts, to be a key audit matter. There have been no triggering events in the current year to 
indicate the risk of further indicators of impairment to the carrying value of these assets and as such, we no longer 
consider it to be a key audit matter. 

There have been no other significant changes to our audit approach for the period.

4. Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the Financial Statements, we have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation 
of the Financial Statements is appropriate.

Our evaluation of the Directors’ assessment of the Group’s and Parent Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis 
of accounting included:
 – Evaluating the Group’s existing access to sources of financing, including undrawn committed bank facilities;
 – Evaluating the linkage to the business model and medium-term risks; 
 – Comparing forecasted sales to recent historical financial information to assess forecasting accuracy; 
 – Testing the underlying data generated to prepare the forecast scenarios and determining whether there was adequate support for the 

assumptions underlying the forecast; and

 – Evaluating the Group’s disclosures on going concern against the requirements of IAS 1.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually 
or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s and Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least 
twelve months from when the Financial Statements are authorised for issue.

In relation to the reporting on how the Group has applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing material to add or draw 
attention to in relation to the Directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether the directors considered it appropriate to adopt 
the going concern basis of accounting.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of 
this report.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Independent auditor’s report 
to the members of ConvaTec Group Plc
continued

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 as a key audit matter. The risk is specifically focused on 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 2020 was $815.5 million (2019: $802.1 million). 

How the scope 
of our audit 
responded to the 
key audit matter

The associated disclosure by category and geographical region is included within Note 2. 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. Our 
component teams that performed full scope audits obtained an understanding of, and our significant component 
teams for the US and UK, tested the operating effectiveness, of relevant controls addressing the risk relating to the 
occurrence of revenue. 

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 Group’s 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 bi-annual review calls with category 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 obtain an understanding of the revenue cycle with a variety of procedures 
performed to address 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 occurrence of sales in certain US and UK entities.

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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 the US, as the recognition 
of these assets is based on management’s assessment of their recoverability. 

How the scope 
of our audit 
responded to the 
key audit matter

Total recognised US DTAs at 31 December 2020 were $88.7 million (2019: $75.9 million). At 31 December 2020, 
management assessed that unrecognised temporary differences for US federal tax purposes of $152.0 million 
(2019: $171.0 million) relating to the US were irrecoverable as management did not anticipate probable future 
taxable income in the entities 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 108. For specific detail on the Group’s accounting policy, please see Note 5.
We have obtained an understanding of the relevant controls that are involved in assessing whether the US 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 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 in the US.

5.3. Taxation – uncertain tax positions (UTPs) in connection with transfer pricing arrangements 
Key audit matter 
description

At 31 December 2020, within the current tax payable balance of $55.6 million (2019: $44.6 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 pivoting to focus more on business performance at the category 
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 UTPs. 

The associated disclosure is included within Note 5. The Audit and Risk Committee has included their assessment 
of this risk on page 108. For specific detail on the Group’s accounting policy, please see Note 5.
We obtained an understanding of the relevant 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 
challenged management’s judgements regarding the identification and quantification of uncertain tax treatments in 
relation to transfer pricing, including the judgements as to whether they 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 management’s analysis, supported by external professional advice, of the evolution in locations of 
the creation of value across the Group including the location of key strategic management roles 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 including identification, where applicable, of any 
significant changes in facts and circumstances as required by IFRIC 23. 

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 and have appropriately determined the extent to which UTPs relating to transfer pricing 
are required.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213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
$6.7m (2019: $6.9m)
4.2% (2019: 5.3%) of pre-tax profit, adjusted for the gain 
on the divestiture of the US Skincare product line.

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
$4.7m (2019: $5.2m)
Parent Company materiality equates to 0.3% 
(2019: 0.3%) of net assets, which is capped at 70% 
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.  PBT adjusted for certain items: $158.0m
2. Group materiality: $6.7m

1.

2.

Component materiality 
range $3.3m to $4.7m

Audit and Risk 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. 

Performance 
materiality
Basis and rationale 
for determining 
performance 
materiality

Group Financial Statements
70% (2019: 70%) of Group materiality

Parent Company Financial Statements
70% (2019: 70%) of Parent Company materiality 

In determining performance materiality, we considered the following factors:
 – our risk assessment, including our understanding of the entity and its environment; 
 – an assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on the Group’s overall control environment; and 
 – our cumulative experience from prior year audits, which has indicated a low number of corrected and 

uncorrected misstatements identified.

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 (2019: 
$0.3m), 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.

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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 (2019: fourteen) components covering nine (2019: eight) countries, 73% 
(2019: 73%) of revenue, 87% (2019: 89%) of profit before tax and 81% (2019: 81%) of net assets. All fourteen (2019: fourteen) components 
were subject to a full scope audit. The fourteen (2019: fourteen) components are located in: the United States of America, the United 
Kingdom, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Italy, France, Japan and Australia, which include the principal operating units of the Group. 

In addition, we have performed specified audit procedures in nine (2019: nine) components covering eight (2019: nine) countries, 9% 
(2019: 9%) of revenue, 4% (2019: 2%) of profit before tax, and 4% (2019: 6%) of net assets. The nine (2019: nine) components are located in: 
the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Spain, Canada, Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Slovakia. 

We also performed testing at a Group level. 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.

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: 87%
2. Specified audit procedures: 4%
3. Review at Group level 9%

1.  Full audit scope: 81%
2. Specified audit procedures: 4%
3. Review at Group level 15%

1.

1.

3.

2.

1.

3.

2.

3.

2.

7.2. Our consideration of the control environment 
We tested the relevant manual and automated controls in the revenue process (focusing on the key audit matter relating to revenue) within 
the entities designated as full scope audits. Our component audit teams within these entities tested the related relevant manual controls and 
we involved IT specialists to test the general IT controls over key financial reporting systems. 

7.3. Working with other auditors
As part of our oversight of the component teams, planning meetings were held with key component audit teams. The purpose of these 
planning meetings was to determine whether the component teams had sufficient understanding of the Group’s businesses, its core 
strategy and significant risks. 

We sent our component teams detailed instructions, included them in our team briefings and discussed their risk assessment. We also 
provided direction in response to enquiries made by the component auditors through online and telephone conversations. All the findings 
noted were discussed with the component auditors in detail and instructions to perform further procedures were issued where relevant. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited our ability to make component visits, more frequent calls were held between the 
Group and component teams and remote access to relevant documents was provided. Given the pandemic, the majority of our year-end 
audit was performed in a remote working environment. Throughout this time, we increased the frequency of interactions with management. 
Other than two locations where we needed to perform virtual stock counts, we were able to perform our procedures without needing to 
make substantial changes to our planned approach.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Independent auditor’s report 
to the members of ConvaTec Group Plc
continued

8. 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. The Directors are responsible for the other information 
contained within the Annual Report.

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.

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 course of 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 this gives rise to 
a material misstatement in the Financial Statements themselves. 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.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

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.

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
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our 
responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our 
procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below. 

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 component audit teams and 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.

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11.2. Audit response to risks identified
As a result of performing the above, we identified revenue recognition regarding the occurrence 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. 

In addition to the above, 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. Corporate Governance Statement
The Listing Rules require us to review the directors’ statement in relation to going concern, longer-term viability and that part of the 
Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Group’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified 
for our review.

Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the Corporate Governance 
Statement is materially consistent with the Financial Statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit: 
 – the Directors’ statement with regards to the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis of accounting and any material 

uncertainties identified set out on page 142;

 – the Directors’ explanation as to its assessment of the group’s prospects, the period this assessment covers and why the period is 

appropriate set out on page 80;

 – the Directors’ statement on fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 142;
 – the Board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks set out on page 85;
 – the section of the Annual Report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems set out 

on page 72; and

 – the section describing the work of the Audit and Risk Committee set out on page 105.

14. Matters on which we are required to report by exception
14.1. 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.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

14.2. 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.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213Independent auditor’s report 
to the members of ConvaTec Group Plc
continued

15. Other matters which we are required to address
15.1. Auditor tenure
Following the recommendation of the Audit and Risk Committee, we were appointed to audit the Financial Statements for the year ending 
31 December 2016 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals and 
reappointments of the firm is 5 years, covering the years ending 31 December 2016 to 31 December 2020.

15.2. Consistency of the audit report with the additional report to the Audit and Risk 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).

16. 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
4 March 2021

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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 2021 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 at www.convatecgroup.com/
investors/sign-up-for-more-information.

Share price information
Our closing share price as at 31 December 2020 was 199.20p.

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 the UK. 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 the UK. 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 
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

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213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”)

BEIS

Board

Brexit

Compound annual growth 
rate (“CAGR”)

Capital expenditure 
(“capex”)
Cash conversion

Cash-generating units 
(“CGUs”)

CE mark

Cidron Healthcare Limited 
(“CHL”)

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.
Business, Energy & Industrial 
Strategy.
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.

Code

Code of Conduct

Companies Act

Company or parent 
company
Constant exchange rates 
(“CER”) growth

Continence & Critical Care 
(“CCC”)

COVID-19
CELT

CR
Derivatives

UK Corporate Governance Code 
2018 in effect from 1 January 2019, 
issued by the FRC. 
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.
Coronavirus disease 2019.
ConvaTec Executive Leadership 
Team (see page 9).
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 
67) 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.
Environmental, Social and 
Corporate Governance.
European Securities and 
Markets Authority.
The European Union.
Financial Conduct Authority.
US Food and Drug Administration.

Director

Disclosure guidance and 
transparency rules 
(“DTRs”)
Dividend cover

EBIT or operating profit

EBIT margin
EBITDA

Effective tax rate

EMEA

ESG

ESMA

EU
FCA
FDA

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Opex

Organisational Health 
Index (“OHI”)
Ostomy Care (“OC”)

PBT
PP&E
Product Categories

R&D

ROIC
SID
SKU
SNC
Sterling, £, pence or p

Subsidiary

TCFD

Transformation Initiative

TSR
UKLA
US dollar, $, cent or ¢

Viability Period

Operating expenses, being the total 
of selling and distribution expenses, 
general administrative expenses and 
research and development, and other 
operating expenses.
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 has four product groups, 
being Advanced Wound Care, 
Ostomy Care, Continence & Critical 
Care and Infusion Care.
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.
Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures.
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 
2021 to December 2023.

FRC
FX
GDPR
GHG emissions
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

Financial Reporting Council.
Foreign exchange.
General Data Protection Regulation.
Greenhouse gas emissions.
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 2021. 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 and excluding 
lease liabilities.
The UK National Health Service.
Organisation for Economic 
Co-operation and Development.

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Overview – IFCStrategic report – 04Governance – 82Financial statements – 143Additional information – 213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 advisers 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 76. 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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Some of the photographs in this Annual Report and Accounts show our 
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© 2021 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