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Annual Report and Accounts
for the year ended 31 July 2017

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc 
Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017

Introduction

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc is an AIM listed 
exploration and production company focused 
on Europe. It offers an attractive mix of high 
impact exploration offshore Ireland, supported by 
exploration, appraisal and production onshore UK.

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www.europaoil.com

Highlights

Operational highlights

Offshore Ireland

Introduction / Highlights 
Chairman's statement 

•  Farm-out of 70% interest in Licensing Option (‘LO’) LO 16/19 in the 

Strategic report

South Porcupine Basin to a subsidiary of Cairn Energy plc which will 
fully fund a US$6 million work programme including the acquisition 
of 3D seismic over the licence which started in July 2017.

•  Discussions ongoing with a number of large operators with regards to 
farming-out Europa’s leading offshore Ireland licence position, which 
includes seven licences exposed to six different play types in three 
basins.

•  Extension of phase 1 of Irish South Porcupine Basin Frontier Exploration 
Licence (‘FEL’) FEL 2/13 and FEL 3/13 to July 2019 to enable completion 
of 3D seismic reprocessing and subsequent detailed mapping and 
maturation of prospects to drillable status.

•  Issued the results of an independent Competent Person’s Report 

(‘CPR’) prepared by ERC Equipoise Ltd (‘ERCE’), estimating gross mean 
un-risked Prospective Resources of 553 mmboe across two new pre-rift 
prospects, Ervine and Edgeworth, in LO 16/2.

•  Issued updated prospect inventory for FEL 2/13 based on in-house 

work identifying nine oil prospects with 1.1 billion boe including three 
new prospects Kiely, Keane and Kilroy.

•  Converted LO 16/2 into a 15 year Frontier Exploration Licence FEL 1/17 

effective from 1 July 2017.

•  Commenced Pre-Stack Depth Migration (‘PSDM’) reprocessing project 

over FEL 2/13, FEL 3/13 and FEL 1/17 with intent of improving mapping 
and interpretation of pre-rift prospects.

Onshore UK

•  Sale of 3.34% interest in PEDL180 & 182 (which includes the Wressle 
discovery) to Union Jack Oil plc (‘Union Jack’) for £0.6 million in cash.

•  Agreed sale, conditional on planning approval, of 10% interest in 

PEDL180 & 182 to Upland Resources (UK Onshore) Limited (‘Upland’) 
for up to £1.85 million: £1.3 million in cash, £0.3 million in Upland shares 
and a contingent consideration of £0.25 million in Upland shares.

•  Commencement of production at Wressle delayed pending 

appeal of planning decision – Planning Inspectorate appeal due 
in November 2017. 

•  Increase in Europa’s interest in PEDL299 (Hardstoft oil field) and 

PEDL343 (Cloughton gas discovery) to 25% and 35% respectively 
following acquisition of Shale Petroleum (UK) Limited (‘Shale 
Petroleum’). 

•  Farm-out of 12.5% interest in PEDL143 (‘Holmwood’) to Angus Energy 
– Europa retains 20% interest and is carried on upcoming well costs 
up to a cap of £3.2 million.

Our strategy 
Europa’s farm-out policy 
Operations 
Seismic reprocessing 
Risks and uncertainties 

Governance

Chairman’s introduction to governance 
Board of Directors 
Directors’ report 
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 
Report of the independent auditor 

Financial statements

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
Consolidated statement of financial position 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
Company statement of financial position 
Company statement of changes in equity 
Consolidated statement of cash flows 
Company statement of cash flows 
Notes to the financial statements 

Advisers 

Directors and advisers 

Post reporting date events

•  In September 2017 we announced an extension to the date by which 
the conditions of the Upland agreed sale of 10% interest in Wressle are 
to be satisfied to 28 February 2018.

•  In October 2017 Surrey County Council approved a security fence at 
the Holmwood site but deferred a decision on traffic conditions.

Latest online

=  Read all our latest news and  

 information on our website at  
 www.europaoil.com

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements2

Chairman’s statement

Having gained a presence in Atlantic Ireland in 2011, Europa has been 
able to capitalise on its first mover advantage to build and advance a 
leading portfolio of seven licences exposed to all six plays currently being 
targeted. To date, we have identified more than four billion barrels of 
oil equivalent and 1.5 tcf gas of gross mean un-risked prospective and 
indicative resources across our licences, half of which have been audited 
by a Competent Person. As a result, we have been actively involved in the 
spate of deals that have taken place across the region during the year, 
starting in March 2017 with our own farm-out of a 70% interest in LO 16/19 
to Cairn Energy in return for a carry on a US$6 million work programme. 
This included the shooting of 3D seismic during summer 2017 and we look 
forward to receiving the processed data in summer 2018 and delivering a 
prospect inventory by next calendar year end. 

At the same time, Cairn farmed into the recently drilled Providence 
Resources well, which was targeting the Paleocene and Cretaceous Fan 
prospects. They were subsequently joined by Total. Deals were also struck in 
the Greater Corrib area with the acquisition by a Canadian pension fund of 
an interest in the producing Corrib gas field, as well as Nexen farming into 
Faroe Petroleum’s neighbouring licence. 

History shows that new plays are rarely opened up by the first well drilled, 
and, following the result of the Providence Druid/Drombeg well, that is the 
case with the Cretaceous Fan and Paleocene plays in the South Porcupine 
Basin. As far as Europa’s portfolio is concerned, the result is only relevant to 
two of the six plays we are exposed to, but even here the Druid/Drombeg 
well offers encouragement by proving the presence of sandstone reservoir 
in the Drombeg Cretaceous fan. In our opinion, this has the potential to 
de-risk the reservoir presence component of other mid-Cretaceous aged 
fans in the South Porcupine including our three mid-Cretaceous aged 
fans: Wilde; Beckett and Shaw, in FEL 3/13. In addition, the presence of 
bitumen could also imply the presence of source rock. We expect to learn 
more about what the well encountered as and when news is released to 
the market.

Europa is not sitting idly waiting on the results of other operators’ activity. 
Work continues to be carried out across all seven of our licences, as we 
focus on our target to deliver six drill ready prospects by the end of 2018, 
each of which will have the potential to be a company-maker. We currently 
have two prospects at drill ready status. Shareholders can therefore expect 
more news flow as we home in on our target in the months ahead.

Onshore UK
As with offshore Ireland, onshore UK Europa has a diversified portfolio of 
licences including production, development and appraisal projects in the 
East Midlands and high impact exploration in the Weald Basin. We were 
expecting to see net production double to over 200 bopd during the year 
as the Wressle discovery was brought on stream. However, two applications 
for planning consent were refused by North Lincolnshire County Council 
during the year, despite being recommended by its own planning officers. 
The case for Wressle is strong and we look forward to the forthcoming 
appeal with the Planning Inspectorate in November 2017. Subject to a 
successful outcome, Wressle could be producing 500 bopd gross in 2018.

While a near-doubling in our production to over 200 bopd will be a 
milestone event for Europa onshore UK, it could be overshadowed by 
developments in the Weald Basin. With planning permission in place, we 
are moving forward to drill a well to test the 5.6 million barrel Holmwood 
prospect. Thanks to the deals we struck during the last 18 months, our share 
of the well costs is carried up to a cap of £3.2 million. In addition to the 
proven producing Portland sandstone reservoir, Holmwood is expected 
to encounter the Kimmeridge limestone, which has been the cause of 
much excitement at the nearby Horse Hill discovery. Having produced at 
Horse Hill, albeit for a limited period, at over 1,300 bopd, the Kimmeridge 

We focus on our 
target to deliver 
six drill ready 
prospects by the 
end of 2018, each 
of which will have 
the potential to be 
a company- maker.

Europa is positioned at the heart of two active and exciting 
exploration plays: 
•  Offshore Ireland.
•  Onshore UK, specifically the Weald Basin.

Offshore Ireland
The arrival of blue chip operators of the calibre of Statoil, ExxonMobil, 
Total, Nexen and Woodside in recent years has led to the major uptick 
in exploration activity that we expected. Initially this centred on the 
acquisition of 3D seismic over awarded acreage but has since moved on to 
drilling activity. The diversity of play types in the region has acted as a draw 
for the majors. The prolific Cretaceous Fan play as seen offshore West Africa, 
the Cretaceous shelf discoveries similar to those offshore Senegal and the 
Syn-rift play as seen offshore Newfoundland are analogues for three of six 
plays being pursued in Ireland.

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017www.europaoil.com

3

represents a new play in the basin which is now due to be tested at Horse 
Hill and the nearby Brockham field shortly. Together with the drilling of 
Holmwood, the months ahead promise to be an exciting period for UK 
onshore exploration, and once again Europa will be at the heart of it.

At the reporting date, we have £3.6 million cash and subject to a successful 
appeal at Wressle we will receive a further £1.1 million cash and £0.3 
million in paper with completion of the Upland transaction that will see 
our interest in Wressle move to 20%. Thanks to the deals we have secured 
during the year and the support we have received from shareholders, the 
various work streams that are underway across our asset base are fully 
funded. Rather than piggy-backing on the success of other operators in 
two hydrocarbon hotspots where we have a strong presence, Europa is well 
placed to generate value for shareholders from its own high impact activity 
across its own licences in the year ahead and we look forward to providing 
updates on progress made.

Financial performance
We have seen a reduction in administrative expenses from non-recurring 
2016 items and other savings, which has reduced our pre-tax loss to 
£675,000 (2016: loss £1,904,000 after £1,162,000 exploration write-off 
in Béarn des Gaves). The post-tax loss for the year also fell to £491,000 
(2016: loss £1,638,000).

All of this has been against a backdrop of modest growth in oil prices which 
has seen the price achieved for sales during the 12 months to end July 2017 
average US$48.9 per barrel (2016: US$41.5). 

The slight rise in sterling equivalent oil price achieved has helped to 
increase our revenues and the average of 113 boepd recovered from our 
UK onshore fields generated £1.6 million in revenues (2016: 123 boepd and 
£1.3 million). Net cash spent on operations was £0.25 million (2016: cash 
spent £0.32 million). Our cash balance at the end of July 2017 was £3.6 
million (31 July 2016: £1.7 million). 

Europa’s board continues its policy of seeking to maximise efficiencies and 
manage our cost and asset base to ensure we remain fully funded for future 
operations. We avoid incurring debt for our activities, preferring instead to 
Farm-out exploration obligations and/or monetise assets wherever possible 
and, although the market for Farm-outs is challenging, we believe we have 
an excellent portfolio of assets and that we will continue to be successful in 
this strategy during 2017/18.

In June we raised £3.4 million (£3.1 million after expenses) by a placing 
of shares to new and existing shareholders and an open offer to existing 
shareholders. I would like to thank shareholders for their support in this 
equity offering.

The specific geological work on our Irish acreage that is expected to be 
funded is as follows:

•   PSDM processing of 3D seismic over FEL 3/13 and FEL 1/17 with 

interpretation work to take the identified prospects to drillable status.
•   PSDM processing of 3D seismic over FEL 2/13 with interpretation work to 

take the identified prospects to drillable status and complete a CPR.

•   Acquiring existing 3D seismic volumes and well data for LO 16/20 and LO 

16/21, reprocess and remap leading to completion of a CPR.

•   Reprocessing existing 2D seismic for LO 16/22 with interpretation work to 

mature identified prospects to drillable status.

Financial performance

Group revenue 

£1.6m

(2016: £1.3m)

Pre-tax loss for the year 

 £0.7m

(2016: loss £1.9m after £1.2m exploration write-off in 
Béarn des Gaves) 

Post-tax loss for the year 

£0.5m

(2016: loss £1.6m)

Cash used in operations 

£0.26m

(2016: cash used £0.32m)

Net cash balance as at 31 July 2017 

£3.6m

(31 July 2016: £1.7m)

The Directors believe this near-term work programme will aid Europa in its 
aim of attracting farm-in partners.

In the UK, proceeds will be used as follows:

•  Funding equity share of a 3D seismic survey over the Cloughton gas 

discovery in PEDL343 in order to optimise drilling location.

•  Funding equity share of a 2D seismic survey over the Hardstoft oil field  

in PEDL299 so as to detail the structure and locate a well.

I would like to thank the management, operational teams, my fellow Board 
members and our advisers for their hard work over the year. 

Finally I would like to reiterate my thanks to our shareholders for their 
continued support during what has been another challenging year for 
the oil and gas sector as a whole, but particularly for small exploration and 
production companies.

Colin Bousfield 
Non-Executive Chairman 

27 October 2017

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements4

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Operations and 
development

The principal activity of the Group is investment 
in oil and gas exploration, development and 
production. The Group’s assets and activities are 
located in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The 
Board regards Atlantic Margin Ireland and onshore 
UK as core areas where we are actively seeking to 
build our portfolio. The Board has considered and 
will continue to consider investments in onshore 
Europe, North Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

Creating value

Europa’s objective is to generate substantial 
shareholder value by finding and producing  
oil and gas.

Our key performance indicators

Non-financial KPIs
1.  Health, safety and environmental measures.
2. 
3. 

Production (boepd and non-productive time).

 Progress with all the licences in which the Group 
has interests.

Participation in ongoing and future licensing rounds.

4. 
=    Non-financial analysis is provided in the Operations  

review (page 8)

Profit

Revenue

Financial KPIs
1. 
2. 
3. 
4.  Net cash balance
=    Financial analysis is provided in the Chairman‘s Statement (page 3)

Cash from operations

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Strategic report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
www.europaoil.com

5

Strategy

To increase the probability of success whilst managing risk, a 
disciplined approach to the management of the Company’s 
hydrocarbon assets is applied at all stages of the life of a licence. The 
Company is committed to taking commercial decisions on the entire 
asset base with management focused on exiting projects at the point 
of maximum value for investors through the rigid application of a drill, 
drop, dilute or divest policy. Europa’s highly prospective exploration 
portfolio is actively managed with each project being subjected to first 
class technical as well as commercial analysis allowing management to 
make informed decisions on whether individual projects ought to be 
pushed down the exploration and production funnel or out of it.

Management recognises the need to repopulate and replenish the 
asset base with new licences as existing projects are progressed 
along the development curve. An acceptable risk/reward profile 
for an individual project depends on its impact on the overall 
portfolio, the balance of assets at the time and the objective of the 
Company. Industry leading portfolio management methodologies 
are deployed to ensure the risk/reward trade-off inherent in the 
portfolio is transparent to ensure shareholder value is maximised. 

Europe is the current geographic focus. However management 
is prepared to evaluate and acquire quality assets wherever 
they become available preferably in countries that are politically 
stable, have transparent licensing processes, and offer acceptable 
commercial terms.

Strategy in action

Read our farm-out policy
=  page 6

Read more on our operations
=  page 8

Our portfolio

Country 

Area 

Ireland 

South Porcupine 

Slyne basin 

Padraig basin 

East Midlands 

UK 

Weald 

SNS 

1 
2 

 Reducing to 20% following the farm-out to Upland.
 Reducing to 20% following the farm-out to Upland.

Licence 

FEL 2/13 
FEL 3/13 
FEL 1/17 
LO 16/19 

LO 16/20 
LO 16/21 

LO 16/22 

DL 003 
DL 001 
PL 199/215 
PEDL180 
PEDL181 
PEDL182 
PEDL299 
PEDL343 

PEDL143 

Block 41/24 

Field/
Prospect 

Operator 

Equity 

9 prospects 
Beckett, Wilde, Shaw 
Ervine, Edgeworth, PR3 
2 leads 

2 leads 
4 leads 

6 leads 

West Firsby 
Crosby Warren 
Whisby-4 
Wressle 

Broughton North 
Hardstoft 
Cloughton 

Holmwood 

Maxwell 

Europa 
Europa 
Europa 
Cairn 

Europa 
Europa 

Europa 

Europa 
Europa 
BPEL 
Egdon 
Europa 
Egdon 
Ineos 
Third Energy 

Europa 

Europa 

100% 
100% 
100% 
30% 

100% 
100% 

100% 

100% 
100% 
65% 
30%1 
50% 
30%2 
25% 
35% 

20% 

50% 

Status

Exploration
Exploration
Exploration
Exploration

Exploration
Exploration

Exploration

Production
Production
Production
Development
Exploration
Exploration
Field rejuvenation
Appraisal

Exploration

Promote

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6

Europa’s farm-out policy

What is a Farm-out/why Farm-out licenses?
A Farm-out is an agreement between the holder of a hydrocarbon 
licence (the farmor) and another company who wishes to take an 
equity interest in the licence (the farminee) usually in exchange 
for funding of a work programme. Farm-outs may be conducted 
at any stage in the lifecycle of a project but are more commonly 
found at the exploration and appraisal stages.

Farm-outs are often used by junior oil companies as a means of 
funding exploration expenditure in a specific licence. For example 
a junior oil company may be first mover in a basin and have 
obtained a 100% interest in a licence that is considered attractive 
by potential partners. A farminee might offer to pay 100% of 
the costs of drilling an exploration well to obtain a 75% interest 
in the licence. In this example the farmor will pay zero costs for 
drilling the exploration well, this is sometimes called a free carry. 
Subject to negotiation the farmee may also pay the farmor an 
unpromoted 75% share of any previously incurred exploration 
costs on the licence (back costs). 

Farm-out is an attractive means of funding work:

1.  The farmor only takes dilution on their equity interest in the 

licence and this may be preferable to raising money in capital 
markets and taking dilution at a corporate level through 
issuing new shares.

2.  Bringing in a partner may provide an element of independent 

technical endorsement.

3.  Exploration and commercial risk is mitigated.

4.  The farmee may bring technical, commercial or other expertise 

that is of strategic interest to the farmor.

5. 

If operatorship is taken by the farmee then this may release 
human resources in the farmor who can redirect work on to 
other projects. 

Europa prefers not to undertake any drilling at 100% equity. We 
would rather participate in three drill projects at 33% interest 
than one at 100%. Exploration is inherently risky. Low exploration 
risk is one in three meaning if nine wells are drilled the last three 
might be successful. Farm-out enables portfolio diversification and 
mitigation of geological risk and financial exposure. 

Europa’s farm-outs this year

PEDL143
The farm-out of 12.5% interest to Angus, on the same 
terms as last year’s 7.5% deal with Union Jack Oil, leaves 
Europa with 20% interest and operatorship and a carry 
on a well up to £3.2 million. 

Interest after farm-out

12.5% 20%

LO 16/19
Under the terms of the farm-out, Cairn agreed to fully 
fund a US$6 million work programme including a 3D 
seismic survey over LO 16/19 to further mature the 
prospect inventory towards drillable status. 

Interest after farm-out

70% 30%

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Strategic reportwww.europaoil.com

7

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements8

Operations

Ireland 

Summary resources

Gross mean un-risked prospective resources

Net mean un-risked prospective resources

Oil (million boe)

Gas (tcf)

4,714

4,223

1.5

1.5

Gross mean un-risked prospective 
resources

Area km2

Basin

Term

Oil (million boe)

Gas (tcf)

768

781

523

976

945

832

992

5,818

South Porcupine

Phase 1 of 15 year 

South Porcupine

Phase 1 of 15 year

South Porcupine

Phase 1 of 15 year

South Porcupine

2 year 

Slyne

Slyne

Padraig

3 year

3 year

3 year

1,124

1,492

898

700

–

–

500

4,714

–

–

–

–

1.0

0.5

–

1.5

Licence

FEL 2/13

FEL 3/13

FEL 1/17

LO 16/19

LO 16/20

LO 16/21

LO 16/22

Total

Exploration

Europa is a leading operator in offshore Ireland exploration. The Company 
holds seven licences covering 5,818 sq km, six play types, three basins, and 
over 30 prospects and leads which potentially hold gross mean un-risked 
prospective resources (‘GMUPR’) of more than four billion barrels of oil 
equivalent and 1.5 TCF of gas (Europa estimates). The table below details 
Europa’s Irish licences and the relevant basins and play types they are 
exposed to:

The diversity of play types as well as the potential volumes of 
hydrocarbons being targeted has attracted majors such as ExxonMobil, 
Statoil, ENI, BP, Nexen, and Woodside to the basin, initially via the Atlantic 
Ireland Licensing round but lately via farm-ins including Europa’s own 
LO 16/19 where the Company has partnered with Cairn Energy. As the 
number and quality of companies operating in the region has increased, 
so too has the number of work programmes that are underway, 
predominantly involving the acquisition and processing of 3D seismic. 

South Porcupine

Corrib (Slynne)

Padraig

FEL 2/13

FEL 3/13

FEL 1/17

LO 16/19

LO 16/20

LO 16/21

LO 16/22

Basin

y
a
l
P

Paleocene

Cretaceous Fan

Cretaceous Shelf

Syn-rift

Pre-Rift

Triassic gas

play type possible

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Strategic report 
www.europaoil.com

9

Exploration (continued)

Europa expects this activity will lead to up to a dozen wells being 
drilled across the region over the next five or six years. Already, the first 
of these, the 53/6-A exploration well on the western side of the South 
Porcupine Basin in FEL 2/14, was drilled post period end between July 
and September by Providence Resources in partnership with Cairn Energy, 
Sosina and Total S.A. This exploration well was the first to evaluate both 
the Paleocene and the Cretaceous fan plays in the South Porcupine 
basin, and targeted two prospects: the Paleocene prospect ‘Druid’ and the 
Cretaceous fan prospect ‘Drombeg’. 

While live hydrocarbons were not encountered by the well at either of the 
two prospects, the presence of sandstone reservoir at Drombeg, together 
with the possible presence of bitumen in drill cuttings may provide 
some encouragement for the reservoir and source elements of the 
Cretaceous Fan hydrocarbon play (see Providence’s announcement on 
11 September 2017). The Cretaceous Fan play comprises Early Cretaceous 
turbidite sandstone reservoirs charged by mature Late Jurassic and 
possibly Early Cretaceous source rocks and contained in stratigraphic 
traps with elements of structural closure. Europa has mapped a number 
of Cretaceous fan prospects on 3D seismic in FEL 3/13 and LO 16/19 and 
the Board will be considering the implications of the Drombeg result on 
Europa’s prospectivity. Europa has no licence interest in FEL 2/14 and any 
thoughts Europa form will be based on public domain information about 
Drombeg, together with the Company’s in-house knowledge of the South 
Porcupine basin and hydrocarbon plays.

Out of the seven licences Europa holds offshore Ireland, four are located 
in the South Porcupine basin targeting prospectivity on multiple levels. As 
well as the Cretaceous Fan play, Europa is targeting the Cretaceous Shelf, 
pre-rift and syn-rift plays in the east on FEL 3/13 and FEL 1/17 (both 100% 
held) and in the west on FEL 2/13 (100%) and LO 16/19 (30% following 
the Cairn farm-in). 

In addition, LO 16/20 and LO 16/21 are located in the Greater Corrib area 
of the Slyne basin in the vicinity of the producing Corrib gas field and are 
targeting the Triassic gas play. Europa’s seventh licence lies in the Padraig 
basin, a remnant Jurassic basin on the eastern margin of the Rockall 
Trough, which provides the Company with exposure to the conjugate 
margin syn-rift and pre-rift plays analogous to the Flemish Pass play 
offshore Newfoundland. 

Work programmes are underway across all of Europa’s offshore Ireland 
licences to increase the number of drill ready prospects within the 
Company’s portfolio to six from the current two (Wilde and Beckett in FEL 
3/13) by the end of 2018. In parallel with this work, Europa continues to 
interact with prospective partners with whom it can progress its licences, 
particularly those in the South Porcupine Basin. 

FEL
 5/14 

LO
 16/18 

LO
 16/19
(30%) 

FEL
 2/13
(100%) 

LO
 16/27 

FEL
 3/14 

FEL
 5/13 

FEL
 1/13 

FEL
 4/14 

FEL
 3/04 

LO
 16/17 

LO
 16/25 

LO
LO
 16/7 
 16/7 

LO
 16/28 

FEL
 2/14 

FEL
 3/13
(100%) 

FEL
1/17
(100%) 

km

0

20

South Porcupine Basin: FEL 3/13 (Wilde, Beckett & Shaw)
A Competent Persons Report (‘CPR’) by ERC Equipoise confirmed gross 
mean un-risked prospective resources of 1,492 million boe and un-risked 
NPV10 of US$7 billion across three Cretaceous fan prospects on FEL 3/13: 
prospects Wilde (gross mean un-risked prospective resources 428 million 
boe), Beckett (749 million boe) and Shaw (315 million boe). Prospect Wilde 
is considered drill ready with a geological chance of success of one in five. 
Drill costs are estimated to be US$37 million excluding mobilisation and 
demobilisation.

During the period, the Irish Government granted its consent for the 
extension of Phase 1 of Frontier Exploration Licence 3/13 by two years to 
4 July 2019 to carry out further technical work on the licence to mature 
existing prospects and leads, particularly in the pre-rift and syn-rift plays, 
to drill ready status. The work, which includes PSDM of 3D seismic data 
previously acquired in 2013, may also de-risk existing drill-ready prospects 
in the Cretaceous fan play. 

South Porcupine Basin: FEL 1/17 (Ervine, Edgeworth, PR3)
In June 2017, the Irish Government approved an application to convert 
LO 16/2 to FEL 1/17. FEL 1/17 covers approximately 522 sq km of ground 
and adjoins the eastern boundary of FEL 3/13. Europa has identified three 
new pre-rift prospects in the licence with combined 898 million boe 
based on its proprietary 3D seismic which covers both FEL 1/13 and FEL 
3/13. The pre-rift play comprises Jurassic reservoirs in tilted fault block 
structures, the analogue is the Brent Province in the North Sea. Europa is 
conducting a 3D reprocessing project on its propriety data over both FEL 
3/13 and FEL 1/17 to de-risk the pre-rift prospects in both licences. This 
was completed during Q4 2017. 

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements10

Operations (continued)

Ireland (continued)

Exploration (continued)

South Porcupine Basin: FEL 2/13 (Doyle A,B,C Kilroy, Keane  
and Kiely)
To date, nine prospects in the pre-rift, syn-rift Cretaceous apron and 
Cretaceous slope plays have been identified on Europa’s 100% owned 
FEL 2/13. Combined gross mean un-risked prospective resources are 1.1 
billion boe. Europa is conducting a 3D reprocessing project over FEL 2/13 
with the intent of improving prospect definition and maturing prospects 
to drill ready status. This work is expected to be completed during H1 
2018 and will lead to a revised prospect inventory with emphasis on the 
pre-rift, syn-rift and Cretaceous shelf prospects. Europa has identified a 
number of Cretaceous submarine channels on FEL 2/13, which cross the 
licence from west to east on its proprietary 948 sq km 3D seismic survey. 

During the period, the Irish Government granted its consent for the 
extension of Phase 1 of Frontier Exploration Licence 2/13 by two  
years to 4 July 2019 to enable the Company to complete the above  
work programme.

South Porcupine Basin: LO 16/19
The channels identified in FEL 2/13 feed submarine fans developed in 
LO 16/19. The seismic architecture of the channels in FEL 2/13 contain 
features consistent with sandstone deposition and Europa believes that 
these sandstones are also deposited in the fans identified on LO 16/19. 
There is potential for several Cretaceous submarine fans with gross mean 
un-risked prospective resources of 700 million boe. In addition, evidence 
of gas escape features on seismic and sea bed pock marks suggest the 
presence of an active source rock. Well 43/13-1, which was drilled by BP in 
1998 approximately 20km from LO 16/19, saw oil shows and encountered 
source rocks.

On 8 March 2017, Europa announced the farm-out of a 70% interest in 
LO 16/19 to leading independent Cairn Energy plc. Under the terms of 
the farm-out, Cairn agreed to fully fund a US$6 million work programme 
including a 3D seismic survey over LO 16/19 to further mature the 
prospect inventory towards drillable status. The TGS Crean multi-client 3D 
survey is currently being acquired and is on course to be completed in 
the near term. Delivery of the processed dataset is expected in summer 
2018 after which geological and geophysical interpretation is expected 
to lead to a detailed prospect inventory over LO 16/19 towards the end 
of 2018.

Below is a table summarising the GMUPR in million boe across Europa’s 
four licences in the South Porcupine Basin: 

Licence 

FEL 3/13 

FEL 1/17 

FEL 2/13 

LO 16/19 

Total 

GMUPR 

1,492 

898 

1,124 

700 

4,214

Source

ERCE CPR

ERCE CPR and Europa in-house

Europa in-house

Europa in-house

LO 16/21 
(100%)

FEL 3/05 

LO 16/20 
(100%)

LO
 16/23 

LO
 16/26 

Shell E&P

Corrib

FEL 1/06 

LO
 11/13 

FEL
4/06 

Bellanaboy
Gas Terminal

km

0

20

Slyne Basin: LO 16/20 and LO 16/21
LO 16/20 and 16/21 are located in the Greater Corrib area of the Slyne 
basin adjacent to the producing Corrib gas field where substantial gas 
infrastructure is already in place. The field has a gross plant capacity of 
approximately 350 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, provides 
approximately 60% of Ireland's natural gas consumption and constitutes 
approximately 95% of Ireland's gas production. As a result, unlike licences 
in the Porcupine Basin, LO 16/20 and 16/21 are targeting a low risk 
infrastructure led play in the Greater Corrib area and represent exploration 
in a proven basin comprised of Triassic sandstone reservoirs in tilted fault 
block structures with gas generated from Carboniferous source rocks. 

The licences are partially covered by 3D seismic and extensively covered 
by historic 2D seismic. Based on the data, Europa has identified a number 
of prospects and leads on both licences with estimated gross mean 
un-risked prospective and indicative resources of 1.0 tcf gas on LO 16/20 
and 0.5 tcf gas on LO 16/21. Historic 3D seismic over the licences has been 
obtained and work has commenced with the intent of maturing these 
leads to drillable prospect status. A farm-in partner will be sought for both 
licences to drill a low-risk exploration well. Water depths range from 300 
to 2,000 metres. The Corrib area has been the subject of considerable 
corporate activity during the period: Nexen farmed into an 80% interest in 
Faroe Petroleum’s LO 16/23; while Vermilion and the Canada Pension Plan 
Investment Board, the investment arm of Canada Pension Plan, acquired a 
45% interest in the Corrib gas field for US$1.23 billion.

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Strategic reportwww.europaoil.com

11

Exploration (continued)

Padraig Basin: LO 16/22
The Padraig Basin is a remnant Jurassic basin on the eastern margin of 
the Rockall Trough. The most relevant analogue for the Padraig is the 
conjugate margin play offshore Newfoundland in the Flemish Pass basin, 
which was opened up by Statoil’s Bay du Nord oil discovery. Most industry 
efforts are concentrated on exploring for this play in the South Porcupine 
basin, but Europa’s restoration of the conjugate margin prior to Atlantic 
seafloor spreading suggests the possibility that the Padraig could be a 
better fit with the Flemish Pass basin.

Structures of significant size have been identified on 2D seismic 
acquired in 1998. In addition, multiple leads in both pre-rift and syn-rift 
hydrocarbon plays have been mapped in water depths ranging from 800 
to 2,000 metres. Gross mean un-risked indicative resources are estimated 
to be in the range of 300 to 600 million boe. Work is underway to mature 
the leads to drillable prospect status using historic data including 2D 
seismic and high quality technical work previously conducted by major 
oil companies. 

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements12

Operations (continued)

UK 

Summary (million boe)

Total gross

Total net

2P reserves (oil)

2C resources (oil)

GMUPR (oil)

GMUPR (gas)

1.0

0.46

3.1

0.78

13.15

2.98

27

9.5

Onshore Production

Development

East
Glentworth

Glentworth

DL3 (100%)

West Firsby

Torksey

RAF Scampton

W4 (65%)

Whisby

Scampton
North

Dunholme

Welton

Scampton

Nettleham

Lincoln

Barton upon
Humber

DL1 (100%) Crosby Warren

PEDL182 (20%)

Wressle

Scunthorpe

Broughton

PEDL180 (20%)

0

km

10

0

km

10

East Midlands: West Firsby; Crosby Warren; Whisby-4
The Company produces from three oilfields in the East Midlands: a 100% 
working interest in both the West Firsby and Crosby Warren fields and a 
65% non-operated interest in the Whisby-4 well. As these are mature oil 
fields, total production declined in line with expectations. During the year 
to 31 July 2017, 113 boepd were recovered (2016: 123 boepd). All the oil  
is transported by road to the Immingham refinery.

East Midlands: PEDL180 (Wressle); PEDL182 (Broughton North)
PEDL180 holds the Wressle oil discovery which lies 5km southeast of, 
and along the same structural trend as, Europa’s producing Crosby Warren 
field. Wressle was discovered by the Wressle-1 conventional exploration 
in August 2014. Production testing during 2015 delivered a combined 
flowrate over 700 boepd from three reservoir intervals: Ashover Grit; 
Wingfield Flags; and Penistone Flags. Reservoir engineering analyses 
indicate an initial production flow rate of 500 bopd gross from the 
Ashover Grit interval at Wressle.

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Strategic reportwww.europaoil.com

13

Development (continued)

Exploration

A CPR issued on 26 September 2016 identified gross 2P reserves on the 
structure of 0.65 million boe in the Ashover and Wingfield Flags and gross 
2C contingent resources of 1.86 million boe in the Penistone Flags. The 
CPR was undertaken by ERCE Equipoise, which at the same time assigned 
gross mean un-risked prospective resources of 0.6 million boe and a 
geological chance of success of 50% to the Broughton North exploration 
prospect on PEDL182 which lies adjacent and north of PEDL180. In 1984, a 
well was drilled by BP and discovered oil at Broughton.

During the period, Europa sold a 3.34% working interest in PEDLs180 & 
182 to Union Jack Oil & Gas (‘UJO’) for a cash consideration of £600,000. 
On 24 November 2016, Europa agreed the sale of a further 10% interest 
in the two licences to Upland for a total consideration of up to £1.85 
million. The transaction implies a value of up to £3.7 million for Europa’s 
remaining 20% interest in the licences. Completion of the sale to Upland 
is subject to planning, and Field Development Plan (‘FDP’) approvals. The 
FDP was submitted to the OGA on 8 September 2016. In January 2017, 
Lincolnshire County Council refused to grant planning consent. The 
partners announced their intention to appeal and at the same time file 
a new application which included more detailed information to address 
the specific concerns outlined by the Council. In July 2017, this second 
application was refused by the County Council’s Planning Committee. 
As with the first refusal, the decision of the Committee went against 
the positive recommendation of the County Council’s Planning Officer, 
which was determined after an extensive and thorough review of an 
augmented planning application. 

The partners are moving forward with the appeal against the January 
and July 2017 determinations, which is due to be heard by the Planning 
Inspectorate in November 2017. The partners remain confident that 
planning consent will be granted and that Wressle will be brought 
into production. 

M25M25

Dorking

M23M23

Brockham 

Albury-1

Holmwood-1
(proposed)

PEDL143 (20%)
PEDL143

Horsehill-1

Gatwick

Crawley

0

km

10

Weald Basin: PEDL143 (Holmwood)
PEDL143 is located in the Weald Basin, Surrey and contains the 
Holmwood conventional oil prospect, which is predicted to have the 
same conventional Jurassic sandstone and limestone reservoirs that have 
been proven to be productive at the nearby Brockham oil field and at the 
Horse Hill oil discovery. In a CPR dated June 2012, ERCE Equipoise assigned 
Holmwood gross mean prospective resources of 5.6 million boe with a 
range of 1 to 11 million boe. At 5.6 million boe, Holmwood would become 
the fifth largest onshore oil field in the UK. Planning permission has been 
granted to drill a temporary exploratory borehole to a depth of 1,400 
metres. Europa is working to discharge the remaining conditions before 
commencing drilling operations at Holmwood in the first half of 2018. 
Following the exploration success at Horse Hill, 8km to the East, Europa 
rates the geological chance of success at Holmwood as one in two. 

During the period, Europa agreed to farm-out a 12.5% interest in PEDL143 
to Angus Energy. Thanks to earlier farm-out activity, Europa’s remaining 
20% share of the exploration well costs at Holmwood will be fully carried 
up to a cap of £3.2 million. Europa is partnered in the licence with UK Oil 
& Gas Investments plc 30%, Egdon Resources 18.4%, Angus Energy 12.5%, 
Warwick Energy 10%, UJO 7.5% and Altwood Petroleum 1.6%. 

Aside from Holmwood, there is ongoing exploration and development 
activity in the Weald Basin, the results of which will be relevant to 
Holmwood. The Horse Hill discovery in PEDL137 lies 8km to the east 
of and along-strike in a very similar geological structure to Holmwood. 
Correlation of seismic data indicates that the Holmwood well will 
penetrate a similar stratigraphic section to Horse Hill which produced 
at a rate of 323 bopd over an 8.5-hour period from Portland sandstone 
reservoirs, a well-known producing reservoir in the Weald basin. In 
addition to the Portland, Horse Hill produced a combined 1,365 bopd 
from two micritic limestone formations in the Kimmeridge section over 
a period of up to 7.5 hours. As well as increasing the geological chance 
of success on the Portland sandstone reservoir at Holmwood, Horse Hill 
has opened up the Kimmeridge limestone as an exciting new play in the 
Weald Basin, one which we believe is also present at Holmwood. 

The Kimmeridge has also been identified in the Brockham field, which 
lies 5km to the north of Holmwood. Following OGA consent of the Field 
Development Plan, the operator, Angus Energy, intends to bring the 
Kimmeridge limestone reservoir into production from the Brockham-X4Z 
well. In addition, the Kimmeridge is due to be tested at the Broadford 

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements14

Operations (continued)

UK (continued)

Chesterfield

Calow

PEDL299 
(25%)

Mansfield

Hardstoft

km

0

10

Bothamshall

Farleys Wood

Whisby

Eakring

Egmanton

Newark

Cloughton-1

PEDL343 
(35%)

Lockton

Scarborough

Pickering

Kirby Misperton

Knapton

Malton Marishes

km

0

10

Bridlington

Bridge well in PEDL234, which encountered a thick sequence of 
Kimmeridge with five limestone intervals. The limestones were cored and 
found to have live light oil seeping at surface. The operator, UKOG, intends 
to conduct an extended well test (‘EWT’) of Kimmeridge limestone, which 
will go some way to determining the amount of connected volume of 
the Kimmeridge that can be accessed by a well, and, importantly, if this is 
sufficient to enable commercial production. 

Cleveland Basin: PEDL343 (Cloughton)
PEDL343 is operated by Third Energy and contains the Cloughton gas 
discovery made by Bow Valley. An exploration well was drilled in 1986 
and flowed a small amount of gas to surface on production test from 
Carboniferous sandstone reservoirs. Europa regards Cloughton as a 
gas appraisal opportunity with the critical challenge being to obtain 
commercial flowrates from future production testing operations. 

East Midlands: PEDL299 (Hardstoft) 
The Hardstoft oil field was discovered in 1919 by the UK’s first ever 
exploration well and produced 26,000 barrels of oil from Carboniferous 
limestone reservoirs. A CPR issued by joint venture partner Upland, 
identified gross 2C contingent resources of 3.1 million boe and gross 3C 
contingent resources of 18.5 million boe at Hardstoft. Production testing 
methodologies for carbonate reservoirs have evolved since 1919, which it 
is hoped will lead to commercial oil flowrates being achieved.

During the period, Europa acquired Shale Petroleum, which resulted in the 
Company’s interest in the licence increasing from 16.66% to 33.33%. This 
has subsequently been reduced following the reassignment of an 8.33% 
interest in the licence to existing partner Upland. As a result, Europa’s 
interest in PEDL299, which is restricted to the conventional prospectivity, 
now stands at 25%, alongside Upland 25% and INEOS, the operator, 50%. 

The acquisition of Shale Petroleum increased the Company’s equity in 
PEDL343 to 45% from 22.5%. This has subsequently been reduced to 35% 
following the assignment of a 10% interest to existing partner Arenite 
Petroleum Limited (‘Arenite’). Europa holds a 35% interest in PEDL343 
alongside Arenite 15%, Third Energy 20%, Egdon Resources 17.5% and 
Petrichor Energy 12.5%.

Southern North Sea: Block 41/24 
This is a promote licence over Block 41/24 in the Southern North Sea to 
a joint venture comprising Europa and Arenite. The licence was awarded 
as part of the 28th Seaward Licensing Round. Block 41/24 adjoins the 
Yorkshire coast and contains the Maxwell gas field which was discovered 
in Permian Zechstein carbonates by Total with the drilling of offshore well 
41/24a-1 in 1969. Two follow-up appraisal wells: 41/24a-2 drilled by Total 
(1981) and 41/24-3 by Conoco (1992) targeted this fractured Zechstein 
carbonate reservoir and flowed gas and condensate. The exploration 
emphasis of the licence is to address the Carboniferous prospectivity in 
the Namurian and Dinantian sequences. The adjoining onshore extension 
of the Cleveland basin contains a number of gas fields and discoveries 
including Kirby Misperton, Ebberstone Moor and Cloughton.

The licence expires in December 2017 and requires financial, technical 
and environmental capacity to be in place and a firm drilling (or agreed 
equivalent substantive activities) commitment to have been made by 
the end of the year.

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Strategic reportwww.europaoil.com

15

East Midlands: PEDL181 
The licence provides exposure to the hydrocarbon potential of the 
Humber basin. It has technical synergy with the adjacent PEDL334 which 
was awarded to an Egdon Resources led group in the 14th Round for the 
purpose of conventional and unconventional exploration.

New Ventures
We are actively evaluating high impact new venture opportunities 
outside of our core areas in Ireland and the UK.

Non financial KPI’s
There were no reportable accidents or incidents in the year (2016: zero). 
The Environment Agency has undertaken an exercise of repermitting 
all onshore production sites and we have completed re-applications for 
activities at both Crosby Warren and West Firsby in the year.

There were no new licence awards in the year (2016: five licences in Ireland 
and three in UK).

Financials
An average of 113 boepd were recovered from the Company’s three UK 
onshore fields in the period, which generated £1.6 million in revenue  
(2016: 123 boepd and £1.3 million). 

An improving oil price, together with favourable exchange rates, offset 
the natural decline in our production in the period. The average oil price 
achieved was US$48.9/bbl (2016: US$41.5/bbl) and the average Sterling 
exchange rate was $1.27 (2016: $1.45). 

Stringent cost controls continue to be implemented. Cost of sales were 
£1,459,000 (2016: £1,282,000) despite spending £62,000 on renewal of 
EA permits for the operated production sites and 2016 benefitting from 
£106,000 of rates refunds. 

Administrative expenses of £553,000 (2016: £593,000) as a result of the full 
year effect of the continuing temporary salary reduction agreed with head 
office staff £70,000 and non-recurrence of expenditure on Irish licence 
applications £80,000. Administrative expenses also include £98,000 of  
non-cash cost associated with the granting of stock options in the period.

Net cash spent on operating activities was £255,000 (2016: cash 
spent £322,000). 

Purchase of intangible fixed assets of £1.4 million (2016: £0.8 million) was 
largely spent advancing the Irish portfolio and on Holmwood. As a result 
of the delay in receipt of planning consent for the Wressle development, 
£1.14 million cash is still expected to be received from Upland.

The Company’s cash balance at 31 July 2017 was £3.6 million  
(31 July 2016: £1.7 million).

HGD Mackay 
Chief Executive Officer 

27 October 2017

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements16

Strategic report

Seismic reprocessing

In oil exploration our key dataset is the geophysical seismic survey. 
Offshore data are acquired by a marine seismic vessel (such as the Polar 
Marquis on the cover) towing an array of cables up to 10km long behind 
it whilst a seismic source generates a pulse of energy to illuminate the 
sub surface. Following acquisition these data are processed to create an 
image of the geology. A key step in the processing is ‘migration’ where the 
seismic events are geometrically re-located to their correct position. This is 
because of limitations in the geophysical acquisition method.

The migration process can be performed in the time or depth domains. 
The original 2013 seismic surveys over frontier exploration licences (‘FEL’) 
2/13 and 3/13 were processed in the time domain. This is normally the 
first step in a frontier exploration area because processing in the depth 
domain is time consuming, labour intensive and costly. However, in areas’ 
where the geology is complex, for example channels on the seabed, 
steeply dipping or heavily faulted sediments, migration in the time 
domain positions events in the wrong place. This is because the time 
migration algorithms assume that there are only mild lateral velocity 
variations in the sub surface.

In FEL 3/13 we have complex geology. A westerly dipping seabed with 
the dramatic Gollum channel system across the southern area. Steeply 
dipping geology that gives rise to rapid changes in lateral velocity. Also, 
the deep Jurassic sediments, 145 to 200 million years old, are heavily 
faulted. For these reasons the next best technical step on the route to 
drilling a well was to perform a depth imaging project. A comparison 
between the original 2013 pre-stack time migration and the 2017 pre-
stack depth migration is shown below. 

See the difference

2013 Pre-stack time migration

The example line is across one 
of our Jurassic pre rift tilted fault 
blocks. Improvement can be 
seen in the definition of the main 
angular unconformities (boundaries 
where beds meet at different 
angles), definition of the faults and 
improvement in their lateral position.

2017 Pre-stack depth migration 

These data are in depth and give 
us our best representation of the 
subsurface. The next step will be to 
interpret these data and update our 
existing maps. Our revised inventory 
of prospects will then be reviewed to 
select the most prospective for drilling.

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017www.europaoil.com

17

“Offshore data are acquired by a marine seismic vessel 
(such as the Polar Marquis on the cover) towing an array 
of cables up to 10km long behind it whilst a seismic 
source generates a pulse of energy to illuminate the 
sub surface.”

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements18

Strategic report

Risks and uncertainties

Europa’s activities are subject to a range of financial risks including commodity prices, liquidity, exchange rates and loss of operational equipment or 
wells. These risks are managed with the oversight of the Board and the Audit Committee through ongoing review taking into account the operational, 
business and economic circumstances at that time. The primary risk facing the business is that of liquidity.

Key risk

Description and impact

Mitigation

Detailed cash forecasts are prepared 
frequently and reviewed by management 
and the Board.

The Group’s production provides a monthly 
inflow of cash and is the main source 
of working capital and project finance. 
Additional cash is available through the 
placing of Europa shares in the market and 
the trading of assets.

The Board has considered the use of 
financial instruments to hedge oil price 
and US Dollar exchange rate movements. 
To date, the Board has not hedged against 
price or exchange rate movements, but 
intends to regularly review this policy.

Current production comes from five oil 
wells located at three different sites. This 
diversity of producing assets gives Europa 
resilience in the event of a problem with 
one well, or site.

Appropriate insurance cover is obtained 
annually for all of Europa’s exploration, 
development and production activities.

Financial risk

Funding

Significant expenditure is required to establish the extent of oil and gas 
reserves through seismic surveys and drilling and there can be no certainty that 
oil and gas reserves will be found. The exploration and development of oil and 
gas assets may be curtailed, delayed or cancelled by unusual or unexpected 
geological formation pressures, hazardous weather conditions or other factors.

Licences may be revoked by the relevant issuing authority if commitments 
under those licences are not met. Further details of current licence 
commitments are given in notes 11 and 22.

Commodity 
price and foreign 
exchange

Each month’s oil production is sold at a small discount to Brent price in 
US Dollars. These funds are matched where possible against expenditures 
within the business. As most capital and operating expenditures are Sterling 
denominated, US Dollars are periodically sold to purchase Sterling. A fall in oil 
price could make some projects economically unviable.

All oil production is sold to one UK based refinery – if they were to stop buying 
Europa’s crude, additional transportation costs would be incurred.

The business of exploration and production of oil and gas involves a high 
degree of risk. Few prospects that are explored are ultimately developed into 
producing oil and gas fields.

Securing planning consent for onshore wells takes times and the outcome of 
planning applications is not certain.

There are numerous risks inherent in drilling and operating wells, many of 
which are beyond the Company’s control. Operations may be curtailed, 
delayed or cancelled as a result of environmental hazards, industrial accidents, 
occupational and health hazards, technical failures, shortage or delays in the 
delivery of rigs and other equipment, labour disputes and compliance with 
governmental requirements. 

Drilling may involve unprofitable efforts, not only with respect to dry wells, 
but also to wells which, though yielding some oil or gas, are not sufficiently 
productive to justify commercial development. Completion of a well does 
not assure a profit on the investment or recovery of drilling, completion and 
operating costs. 

Operational risk

Exploration, 
drilling and 
operational risk

On behalf of the Board 

Phil Greenhalgh 
Finance Director

27 October 2017

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017www.europaoil.com

Governance

Chairman’s introduction to governance

19

How we govern the group
There is a commitment to high standards of corporate governance 
throughout the group. As an AIM listed company there is no requirement 
to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code (‘The Code’) (which 
is available on www.frc.org.uk) although the Board have regard for the 
general principles set out in the Code and is accountable to the group’s 
shareholders for good governance.

Board
The Board is responsible for the overall governance of the company. Its 
responsibilities include setting the strategic direction of the company, 
providing leadership to put the strategy into action and to supervise the 
management of the business.

The Audit Committee 
The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the 
integrity of the financial reporting process, including the appropriateness 
of any judgements and estimates taken in preparing the financial 
statements; external audit functions; and internal financial control.

The Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for determining the 
remuneration policy and the application of the policy in relation to the 
Chairman’s and Executive Directors’ remuneration. The remuneration 
of the Non-Executive Directors is determined by the Chairman and the 
Executive Directors.

Observations
During the year ended 31 July 2017 I highlight the following:

Two of the Board’s Non-Executive Directors, RJHM Corrie and CW 
Ahlefeldt, have been members of the Board for more than the 
recommended nine years. The Board has reviewed the roles of both 
individuals and concluded that they are independent in character 
and free from any relationship that could affect the exercise of 
their independent judgement. It is felt that their knowledge and 
understanding are fundamental to the Board’s deliberations.

In addition to their interest in the ordinary shares of the Company,  
C Bousfield and RJHM Corrie hold stock options. These options were 
awarded in connection with their appointment to the Board, with a 
further 300,000 options granted to RJHM Corrie this year. Full details of 
the options are included in note 20. Whilst recognising that the granting 
of options to Non-Executive Directors is contrary to the principles of The 
Code the Board considers that the quantum of options granted is not so 
significant as to raise any issue concerning the independence of these 
Directors. The Board wishes to retain the ability to grant stock options to 
Non-Executive Directors in future. 

Colin Bousfield 
Non-Executive Chairman 

27 October 2017

I hope this report 
demonstrates how 
our governance 
policies are helping 
us test whether  
we are doing the 
right thing, in the 
right way. 

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements20

Board of Directors

William Ahlefeldt

Colin Bousfield

Roderick Corrie

Role
Non-Executive Director
Skills and experience
William helped take Europa onto AIM 
and its largest shareholder. He started his 
career at Maersk as a petroleum engineer 
followed, in 1987, by IPEC, a London based 
consultancy, where he was responsible 
for field reserves estimations. In 1990, 
he became an independent consultant, 
undertaking field and portfolio evaluations 
for acquisitions and field development 
work on a range of projects in the North 
Sea, former Soviet Union and Middle East. 
He was also the founder of IFX Infoforex. 
William has continued to be active in 
petroleum engineering consulting, carrying 
out portfolio evaluations and project 
management.

Role
Non-Executive Chairman
Skills and experience
Colin is an Associate of the Chartered 
Institute of Banking having spent over  
30 years in banking with Barclays, Bank of 
Scotland, RBS and Commonwealth Bank 
of Australia, primarily involved in providing 
finance and corporate advice to oil and 
gas companies. Colin was CFO for a private 
unconventional resources group active  
in Europe, Composite Energy, prior to its  
sale to Dart Energy Ltd of Australia. He  
was then CFO for a European onshore 
drilling services company, Geometric 
Drilling Ltd, prior to its sale to the  
Entrepose Contracting group.

Role
Non-Executive Director
Skills and experience
Roderick is a graduate of Cambridge 
University and an Associate of the 
Chartered Institute of Banking. He has 
been a strategic adviser and financier 
with a variety of companies and holds 
or has held executive or non-executive 
roles in corporate finance, strategic 
advice, TV advertising, financial services, 
health, property, internet services, mineral 
exploration & development, investment 
and manufacturing companies. 

Committees
A   R  

Committees
A   R  

Committees
A   R  

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Governancewww.europaoil.com

21

Committees member key

A  Audit committee
R  Remuneration committee

  Chair of committee
  Member of committee

Phil Greenhalgh

Hugh Mackay

Role
Finance Director
Skills and experience
Phil graduated from Imperial College 
with a BEng in chemical engineering 
and subsequently became a member of 
the Chartered Institute of Management 
Accountants. He began his financial 
career as Financial Controller with Kelco 
International, a subsidiary of Merck & 
Co. He moved to Monsanto plc before 
becoming Finance Director with Pharmacia 
Ltd. He moved to Whatman plc, a FTSE 
250 company, where he led the financing 
of a €50 million acquisition, oversaw a 
substantial share price recovery and was a 
key player in the Whatman turnaround.

Role
Chief Executive Officer
Skills and experience
Hugh, a geologist who joined Europa 
in 2011, has a wealth of experience in 
the oil and gas sector, including eight 
years at BP in a variety of roles in the UK, 
Oman and Egypt, then at Enterprise Oil in 
leadership roles, culminating as head of 
the SE Asia division. Hugh sold the Peak 
Group to AGR ASA for US$50 million and 
founded Avannaa Resources, a leading 
mineral exploration company in Greenland. 
Hugh has a BSc in Geology from the 
University of Edinburgh and a Sloan MSc in 
Management from London Business School.

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
22

Directors’ report

Business review
A detailed review of the Group’s business is set out in the Chairman’s statement (pages 2 and 3) and Strategic report (pages 4 to 18). 

Future developments
Details of expected future developments for the Group are set out in the Chairman’s statement (pages 2 and 3) and Strategic report (pages 4 to 18).

Dividends
The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend (2016: £nil).

Directors and their interests
The Directors’ interests in the share capital of the Company at 31 July were: 

CW Ahlefeldt-Laurvig1 
C Bousfield 
RJHM Corrie2 
P Greenhalgh  
HGD Mackay 

Number of 
ordinary shares

2017 

2016 

2017 

33,752,442 
273,958 
1,251,631 
605,973 
4,700,000 

35,002,442 
273,958 
805,287 
520,973 
3,370,906 

— 
500,000 
950,000 
5,775,000 
11,700,000 

Number
of ordinary 
share options

2016

—
500,000
650,000
4,275,000
8,200,000

1.  CW Ahlefeldt-Laurvig holds his shares with HSBC Global Custody Nominee (UK) Limited.
2.  RJHM Corrie has interest in 1,062,951 shares held directly, plus 94,720 shares held by Corrie Limited, of which Mr Corrie is a Director and 93,960 shares held via a 50% interest in RT Property  

Investments Limited.

Details of the vesting conditions of the Directors’ stock options are included in note 20. 

Directors’ interests in transactions
No Director had, during the year or at the end of the year, other than disclosed above, a material interest in any contract in relation to the Group’s 
activities except in respect of service agreements.

Subject to the conditions set out in the Companies Act 2006, the Company has arranged appropriate Directors’ and Officers’ insurance to indemnify  
the Directors against liability in respect of proceedings brought by third parties. Such provisions remain in force at the date of this report. 

Financial instruments
See note 1 and note 21 to the financial statements.

Related party transactions
See note 24 to the financial statements.

Post reporting date events
See note 25 to the financial statements.

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23

Capital structure and going concern
Further details on the Group’s capital structure are included in note 19. Comments on going concern are included in note 1.

Accounting policies
A full list of accounting policies is set out in note 1 to the financial statements. The Group has not made any material changes to its accounting policies 
in the year to 31 July 2017.

Disclosure of information to the auditor
In the case of each person who was a Director at the time this report was approved:
•  So far as that Director was aware there was no relevant available information of which the Company’s auditor was unaware.
•  That Director had taken all necessary steps to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information, and to establish that the Company’s auditors 

were aware of that information.

Auditor
A resolution to re-appoint the auditor, BDO LLP will be proposed at the next Annual General Meeting.

On behalf of the Board

Phil Greenhalgh
Finance Director

27 October 2017 

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements24

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

Directors’ responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the 
Group and Company financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) as adopted by the European Union. 
Under Company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state  
of affairs of the Group and Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that year. The Directors are also required to prepare financial statements  
in accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on the Alternative Investment Market. 

In preparing these 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 they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, subject to any material departures disclosed  

and explained in the financial statements.

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

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s transactions and disclose 
with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps 
for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Website publication
The Directors are responsible for ensuring the annual report and the financial statements are made available on a website. Financial statements are 
published on the Company's website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial 
statements, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. The maintenance and integrity of the Company's website is the responsibility of the 
Directors. The Directors' responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial statements contained therein.

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Governancewww.europaoil.com

25

Report of the independent auditor

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Europa Oil and Gas (Holdings) Plc (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) for the year 
ended 31 July 2017 which comprise the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated and Company statement of financial 
position, the consolidated and Company statement of changes in equity, the consolidated and Company statement of cash flows and notes to the 
financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. 

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is applicable law and International Financial 
Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance with 
the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion:
•  the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 July 2017 and of the Group’s  

loss for the year then ended;

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union ;
•  the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and as applied  

in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

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 FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these 
requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:
•  the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or
•  the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the Group’s or 

the parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the 
financial statements are authorised for issue.

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) we identified, including 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.

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements26

Report of the independent auditor (continued)

Matter

Our response

Carrying value of producing assets 
As detailed in note 1 and 12, the assessment of any impairment to the 
carrying value of the three producing fields requires significant estimation 
by management. The key estimates and judgements include oil price, 
reserves, decline rate, and discount rate. 

We reviewed management’s discounted cash flow forecasts for each of 
the three producing fields and critically challenged the key estimates 
and assumptions used by management in the discounted cash flow 
models. 

Impairments have been previously recognised against the carrying values 
of the producing assets. Judgement is required as to whether there 
should be any further impairment recognised or whether an assessment 
that there has been an increase in value should give rise  
to any impairment reversals. 

Carrying amount of intangible assets 
The non-producing exploration assets of the Group are classified as 
intangible assets within non-current assets in the statement of financial 
position. As detailed in note 1 and 11, given the inherent uncertainties 
around the recoverability of exploration and evaluation assets, and the 
judgements involved, we consider the carrying amount of intangible 
assets to be a significant risk. 

We verified that the licences remain valid.

We agreed the reserves used in the models to the most recent 
competent persons reports and assessed the objectivity, competence 
and independence of these experts.

We challenged management’s sensitivity assessments and performed 
our own sensitivity calculations in respect of oil prices, decline rates and 
discount rate, along with considering the appropriateness of the related 
disclosures given in note 12.

We tested a sample of additions to exploration and evaluation assets to 
confirm they meet the criteria for capitalisation. 

We reviewed and challenged management’s impairment assessment 
which was carried out in accordance with IFRS 6 in order to determine 
whether there were any indicators of impairment.

We verified that the licences remain valid.

We assessed the disclosures included in the financial statements given 
in note 11.

Going Concern 
When preparing the financial statements, Management and the Directors 
are required to make an assessment of the Group’s ability to continue as a 
going concern for a period of at least 12 months from the date of signing 
the financial statements. 

We critically assessed management’s financial forecast models and the 
key underlying assumptions, including oil prices, reserves, production 
and expenditure. In doing so, we considered factors such as actual 
performance against budget and external market data.

As detailed in note 1 the appropriateness of the group’s financial 
assumptions, including funding for the exploration activities which may 
be dependent on raising finance through equity or from farm-in partners, 
and in turn the Group’s assessment of its ability to meet liabilities as they 
fall due represented a significant risk for our audit due to the inherent 
judgements and estimates required.

We reviewed management’s sensitivity analysis performed in respect 
of key assumptions underpinning the forecasts. We performed our own 
sensitivities in respect of oil prices, operating and capital expenditure.

We assessed the disclosures included in the financial statements given 
in note 1.

Recoverability of deferred tax asset 
As detailed in note 17 the Group has recognised a net deferred tax asset 
of £341,000 (2016: £157,000) which arises from ring-fenced trading losses. 
Management are required to make as assessment of future taxable profits 
which can be used to offset the tax losses. There is judgement involved in 
management’s profit forecasts and in turn management’s assessment of 
the recoverability of the deferred tax asset which represented a significant 
risk for our audit due to the inherent judgements required. 

We have critically assessed management’s profit forecasts to verify 
whether there will be sufficient taxable profits against which to 
offset the tax losses. In doing so, we considered factors such as actual 
performance against budget and external market data. We also 
considered the profit forecasts used to assess the recoverability of the 
deferred tax asset in relation to the discounted cashflow models used in 
the impairment assessment and the cashflow forecast used in the going 
concern assessment.

We assessed the disclosures included in the financial statements given 
in note 17.

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Governancewww.europaoil.com

27

Our application of materiality

Group materiality FY 2017

Group materiality FY 2016 

Basis for materiality

£167,000

£140,000

We consider total assets to be the most 
appropriate basis for materiality given 
the Group is focussed on exploration 
and development. 

We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit, and in evaluating the effect of misstatements. We consider materiality 
to be the magnitude by which misstatements, including omissions, could influence the economic decisions of reasonable users that are taken on the 
basis of the financial statements. Importantly, misstatements below these levels will not necessarily be evaluated as immaterial as we also take account 
of the nature of identified misstatements, and the particular circumstances of their occurrence, when evaluating their effect on the financial statements 
as a whole. 

Our determination of materiality has remained unchanged with no significant movement in the total assets in the year impacting materiality. We 
consider total assets to be the most significant determinant of the group’s financial performance used by shareholders. 

We agreed with the audit committee that we would report to the committee all individual audit differences identified during the course of our 
audit in excess of £8,000 (2016: £5,000). We also agreed to report differences below these thresholds that, in our view warranted reporting on 
qualitative grounds.

There were no misstatements identified during the course of our audit that were individually, or in aggregate, considered to be material in terms of their 
absolute monetary value or on qualitative grounds. 

An overview of the scope of our audit
Our group audit scope focused on the group’s principal operating subsidiaries, all being located in the UK, which were all subject to full scope audits. 
Together with the parent company which was also subject to a full scope audit, these represent the significant components of the Group. All of the 
components were audited by BDO UK LLP and 100% of the group’s revenue and assets were subject to audit. 

Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the 
financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the 
extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other 
information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially 
misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material 
misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude 
that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements28

Report of the independent auditor (continued)

Opinions on other matters prescribed by 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.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the parent company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have 
not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not 

visited by us; or

•  the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 
•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 24, 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.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
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.

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 Financial Reporting Council’s website at:  
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Jack Draycott (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of BDO LLP, Statutory Auditor
London 
27 October 2017
BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Governancewww.europaoil.com

Financial statements

29

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
For the year ended 31 July

Revenue 

Cost of sales 
Exploration write-off 

Total cost of sales 

Gross profit/(loss) 

Administrative expenses 
Profit on fixed asset disposal 
Finance income 
Finance expense 

Loss before taxation 

Taxation credit  

Total comprehensive loss for the year attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent 

Earnings per share (‘EPS’) attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent
Basic and diluted EPS  

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Note 

2 

2 
11 

6 
7 
8 

3 

9 

2017 
£000 

1,569 

(1,459) 
— 

(1,459) 

110 

(553) 
— 
2 
(234) 

(675) 

184 

(491) 

2016
£000

1,269

(1,282)
(1,162)

(2,444)

(1,175)

(593)
28
64
(228)

(1,904)

266

(1,638)

Note 

Pence  
per share 

Pence
per share

10 

(0.19p) 

(0.67p)

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30

Financial statements

Consolidated statement of financial position 
As at 31 July

Assets 
Non-current assets 
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Deferred tax asset 

Total non-current assets 

Current assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Current tax liabilities 

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 
Long-term provisions 

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the parent  
Share capital 
Share premium  
Merger reserve 
Retained deficit 

Total equity 

Note 

2017 
£000 

11 
12 
17 

14 
15 

16 

18 

19 
19 
19 

5,276 
882 
341 

6,499 

14 
886 
3,591 

4,491 

10,990 

(945) 
— 

(945) 

(2,570) 

(2,570) 

(3,515) 

7,475 

3,014 
18,481 
2,868 
(16,888) 

7,475 

2016
£000

4,453
1,060
157

5,670

23
210
1,718

1,951

7,621

(444)
(148)

(592)

(2,347)

(2,347)

(2,939)

4,682

2,449
15,901
2,868
(16,536)

4,682

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 27 October 2017 and signed on its behalf by: 

Phil Greenhalgh
Finance Director

Company registration number 5217946.
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

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31

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Balance at 1 August 2015  

Share  
capital 
£000 

2,449 

Share 
premium 
£000 

15,901 

Attributable to the equity holders of the parent

Merger 
reserve 
£000 

2,868 

Retained 
deficit 
£000 

(14,911) 

Total
equity
£000

6,307

Comprehensive loss for the year 
Loss for the year attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent 

Total comprehensive loss for the year 

Contributions by and distributions to owners
Share based payment (note 20) 

Total contributions by and distributions to owners 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(1,638) 

(1,638)  

(1,638)

(1,638)

13 

13 

13

13

Balance at 31 July 2016 

2,449 

15,901 

2,868 

(16,536) 

4,682

Balance at 1 August 2016  

2,449 

15,901 

2,868 

(16,536) 

4,682

Comprehensive loss for the year 
Loss for the year attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent 

Total comprehensive loss for the year 

Contributions by and distributions to owners
Issue of share capital (note 19) 
Issue of share options (note 20) 
Share based payment (note 20) 

Total contributions by and distributions to owners 

Balance at 31 July 2017 

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

— 

— 

565 
— 
— 

565 

3,014 

— 

— 

2,603 
(23) 
— 

2,580 

18,481 

— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

— 

(491) 

(491) 

— 
23 
116 

139 

2,868 

(16,888) 

(491)

(491)

3,168
—
116

3,284

7,475

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
 
 
 
32

Company statement of financial position
As at 31 July

Note 

2017 
£000 

Assets 
Non-current assets 
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investments 
Amounts due from Group companies 

Total non-current assets 

Current assets
Other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 

Total current liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the parent 
Share capital 
Share premium 
Merger reserve 
Retained deficit 

Total equity 

11 
12 
13 
24 

15 

16 

19 
19 
19 

2016
£000

43
4
2,335
491

2,873

44
1,250

1,294

4,167

(172)

(172)

—

(172)

3,995

577 
3 
2,340 
714 

3,634 

156 
2,863 

3,019 

6,653 

(199) 

(199) 

— 

(199) 

6,454 

3,014 
18,481 
2,868 
(17,909) 

6,454 

2,449
15,901
2,868
(17,223)

3,995

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption provided under Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to publish its individual statement of 
comprehensive income and related notes. The loss dealt with in the financial statements of the parent Company is £825,000 (2016: loss of £2,288,000).

These financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 27 October 2017 and signed on their behalf by: 

Phil Greenhalgh
Finance Director

Company registration number 5217946.
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 

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33

Company statement of changes in equity 

Balance at 1 August 2015 
Comprehensive loss for the year 
Loss for the year attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent 

Total comprehensive loss for the year 

Contributions by and distributions to owners
Share based payment (note 20) 

Total contributions by and distributions to owners 

Share  
capital 
£000 

2,449 

— 

— 

— 

— 

Share 
premium 
£000 

15,901 

— 

— 

— 

— 

Merger 
 reserve 
£000 

2,868 

— 

— 

— 

— 

Retained 
deficit 
£000 

(14,948) 

(2,288) 

(2,288) 

13 

13 

Total
equity
£000

6,270

(2,288)

(2,288)

13

13

Balance at 31 July 2016 

2,449 

15,901 

2,868 

(17,223) 

3,995

Balance at 1 August 2016 
Comprehensive loss for the year 
Loss for the year attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent 

Total comprehensive loss for the year 

Contributions by and distributions to owners
Issue of share capital (note 19) 
Issue of share options (note 20) 
Share based payment (note 20) 

Total contributions by and distributions to owners 

Balance at 31 July 2017 

2,449 

15,901 

2,868 

(17,223) 

3,995

— 

— 

565 
— 
— 

565 

3,014 

— 

— 

2,603 
(23) 
— 

2,580 

18,481 

— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

—  

(825) 

(825) 

— 
23 
116 

139 

2,868 

(17,909) 

(825)

(825)

3,168
—
116

3,284

6,454

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
 
 
34

Consolidated statement of cash flows 
For the year ended 31 July

Cash flows used in operating activities 
Loss after tax from continuing operations 
Adjustments for: 
  Share based payments 
  Depreciation  
  Exploration write-off 
  Disposal of fixed asset 
  Finance income 
  Finance expense 
  Taxation credit  

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 

  Decrease/(increase) in inventories 
  Decrease in trade and other payables 

Net cash used in operations 
Income taxes paid 

Net cash used in operating activities 

Cash flows used in investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Sale of property 
Purchase of intangible assets 
Sale of part interest in licence 
Repayment of derivative 
Interest received 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from/(used in) financing activities 
Proceeds from issue of share capital (net of issue costs) 
Increase/(decrease) in payables relating to share capital issue costs 
Option based equity movement on share issue 
Repayment of borrowings 
Finance costs 

Net cash from/(used in) financing activities 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Exchange (loss)/gain on cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Note 

2017 
£000 

2016
£000

(491) 

(1,638)

20 
12 
11 
6 
7 
8 
9 

19 

116 
184 
— 
— 
(2) 
234 
(184) 
(108) 
9 
(13) 

(255) 
(144) 

(399) 

(6) 
— 
(1,491) 
600 
— 
2 

(895) 

3,145 
16 
23 
— 
(3) 

3,181 

1,887 
(14) 
1,718 

3,591 

13
195
1,162
(28)
(64)
228
(266)
170
(10)
(84)

(322)
—

(322)

(1)
338
(1,224)
—
(30)
4

(913)

—
(71)
—
(164)
(17)

(252)

(1,487)
54
3,151

1,718

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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35

Company statement of cash flows 
For the year ended 31 July

Cash flows used in operating activities 
Loss after tax from continuing operations 
Adjustments for: 
  Share based payments 
  Depreciation 
  Disposal of asset 
  Exploration write off 
  Movement in intercompany loan 
  Finance income 
  Finance expense 

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables 

Net cash used in operating activities 

Cash flows used in investing activities 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Purchase of intangible assets 
Sale of property 
Repayment of derivative 
Movement on loan to Group companies 
Interest received 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from/(used in) financing activities 
Proceeds from issue of share capital (net of issue costs) 
Increase/(decrease) in payables relating to issue of share capital 
Option based equity movement on share issue 
Repayment of borrowings 
Finance costs 

Net cash from/(used in) financing activities 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Note 

2017 
£000 

2016
£000

(825) 

(2,288)

12 

19 

111 
2 
— 
— 
1,024 
(460) 
— 
(36) 
(74) 

(258) 

(1) 
(556) 
— 
— 
(756) 
— 

(1,313) 

3,145 
16 
23 
— 
— 

3,184 

1,613 
1,250 

2,863 

10
10
(28)
1,162
1,443
(470)
15
20
79

(47)

(1)
(48)
338
(30)
(1,139)
4

(876)

—
(71)
—
(164)
(15)

(250)

(1,173)
2,423

1,250

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36

Notes to the financial statements

1 Accounting policies
General information
Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc is a Company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales with registered number 5217946. The address of the registered 
office is 6 Porter Street, London, W1U 6DD. The Company’s administrative office is at the same address.

The functional and presentational currency of the Company is Sterling (UK£).

Basis of accounting
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) as adopted by the 
EU. The policies have not changed from the previous year.

The accounting policies that have been applied in the opening statement of financial position have also been applied throughout all periods presented in 
these financial statements. These accounting policies comply with each IFRS that is mandatory for accounting periods ending on 31 July 2017.

Going concern
Given the continuing cash inflow from the Group’s producing assets, the cash held by the group at the year end, less administrative expenses and planned 
capital expenditure, the Directors have concluded, at the time of approving the financial statements, that there is a reasonable expectation, based on the 
Group’s cash flow forecasts, that the Group can continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, which is deemed to be at least 12 months from  
the date of signing these financial statements. Accordingly they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Future changes in accounting standards
The IFRS financial statements have been drawn up on the basis of accounting standards, interpretations and amendments effective at the beginning of the 
accounting period. 

The following are amendments to existing standards and new standards which may apply to the Group in future accounting periods.

IFRS 15 is intended to introduce a single framework for revenue recognition and clarify principles of revenue recognition. This standard modifies the 
determination of when to recognise revenue and how much revenue to recognise. The core principle is that an entity recognises revenue to depict the  
transfer of promised goods and services to the customer of an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange  
for those goods or services. The Group is currently completing an assessment of the new standard based on the existing arrangements at their operations.

IFRS 16 introduces a single lease accounting model. This standard requires lessees to account for all leases under a single on-balance sheet model. Under the 
new standard, a lessee is required to recognise all lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet; recognise amortisation of leased assets and interest on lease 
liabilities over the lease term; and separately present the principal amount of cash paid and interest in the cash flow statement. The Group is currently assessing 
the impact of this standard.

IFRS 9 will replace existing accounting Standards in relation to Financial Instruments. It is applicable to financial assets and liabilities and will introduce changes 
to existing accounting concerning classification, measurement and impairment (introducing an expected loss method). The Group is currently assessing the 
impact of IFRS 9. 

The Group will adopt the above Standards at the time stipulated by that Standard. The Group does not at this time anticipate voluntary early adoption of any  
of the Standards.

IFRS 9 
IFRS 15 
IFRS 16* 
IAS 7 
IAS 12 

*  Not yet endorsed by the EU.

Financial instruments 
Revenue from Contracts with Customers 
Leases 
Disclosure initiative  
Recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealised losses 

Effective date
(periods beginning on or after)

1 Jan 2018
1 Jan 2018
1 Jan 2019
1 Jan 2017
1 Jan 2017

Basis of consolidation
Where the Company has control over an investee, it is classified as a subsidiary. The Company controls an investee if all three of the following elements 
are present: power over the investee, exposure to variable returns from the investee, and the ability of the investor to use its power to affect those 
variable returns. Control is reassessed whenever facts and circumstances indicate that there may be a change in any of these elements of control. Intra 
Group balances are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its subsidiaries are eliminated. Unrealised 
losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Amounts reported in the financial 
statements of subsidiaries have been adjusted where necessary to ensure consistency with the accounting policies adopted by the Group.

The Group is engaged in oil and gas exploration, development and production through unincorporated joint ventures. 

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
www.europaoil.com

37

1 Accounting policies (continued)
Joint arrangements
Joint arrangements are those arrangements in which the Group holds an interest on a long-term basis which are jointly controlled by the Group and 
one or more venturers under a contractual arrangement. When these arrangements do not constitute entities in their own right, the consolidated 
financial statements reflect the relevant proportion of costs, revenues, assets and liabilities applicable to the Group’s interests in accordance with IFRS 11. 
The Group’s exploration, development and production activities are presently conducted jointly with other companies in this way.

Revenue recognition
Revenue, excluding value added tax and similar taxes, represents net invoiced sales of the Group’s share of oil and gas revenues in the year.  
Revenue is recognised at the end of each month based upon the quantity and price of oil and gas delivered to the customer. 

Non-current assets
Oil and gas interests
The financial statements with regard to oil and gas exploration and appraisal expenditure have been prepared under the full cost basis. This accords 
with IFRS 6 which permits the continued application of a previously adopted accounting policy. The unit of account for exploration and evaluation 
assets is the individual licence.

Pre-production assets
Pre-production assets are categorised as intangible assets on the statement of financial position. Pre-licence expenditure is expensed as directed by 
IFRS 6. Expenditure on licence acquisition costs, geological and geophysical costs, costs of drilling exploration, appraisal and development wells, and an 
appropriate share of overheads (including Directors’ costs) are capitalised and accumulated on a licence by licence basis. These costs which relate to the 
exploration, appraisal and development of oil and gas interests are initially held as intangible non-current assets pending determination of technical 
feasibility and commercial viability. On commencement of production these costs are tested for impairment prior to transfer to production assets.

Production assets
Production assets are categorised within property, plant and equipment on the statement of financial position. With the determination of commercial 
viability and approval of an oil and gas project the related pre-production assets are transferred from intangible non-current assets to tangible  
non-current assets and depreciated upon commencement of production within the appropriate cash generating unit. 

Impairment tests
For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash generating 
units) as disclosed in notes 11 and 12. As a result, some assets are tested individually for impairment and some are tested at cash generating unit level.

Impairment tests are performed when indicators as described in IFRS6 are identified. In addition, indicators such as a lack of funding or farm-out options 
for a licence which is approaching termination, or the implied value of a farm-out transaction are considered as indicators of impairment.

An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's or cash generating unit's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.  
The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value, reflecting market conditions less costs to sell, and value in use based on an internal discounted  
cash flow evaluation. All assets are subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss previously recognised may no longer exist.

Property, plant and equipment
Items of property, plant and equipment are initially recognised at cost. As well as the purchase price, cost includes directly attributable costs and the 
estimated present value of any future unavoidable costs of dismantling and removing items. The corresponding liability is recognised within provisions.

Depreciation
All expenditure within tangible non-current assets is depreciated from the commencement of production, on a unit of production basis, which  
is the ratio of oil and gas production in the period to the estimated quantities of proven plus probable commercial reserves at the end of the period, 
plus the production in the period. Costs used in the unit of production calculation comprise the net book value of capitalised costs plus the estimated 
future field development costs within each licence. Changes in the estimates of commercial reserves or future field development costs are dealt  
with prospectively. 

Furniture and computers are depreciated on a 25% per annum straight line basis.

Leasehold buildings are depreciated on a 2% per annum straight line basis.

Reserves
Proven and probable oil and gas reserves are estimated quantities of commercially producible hydrocarbons which the existing geological, geophysical 
and engineering data shows to be recoverable in future years. The proven reserves included herein conform to the definition approved by the Society 
of Petroleum Engineers (‘SPE’) and the World Petroleum Congress (‘WPC’). The probable and possible reserves conform to definitions of probable 
and possible approved by the SPE/WPC using the deterministic methodology. Reserves used in accounting estimates for depreciation are updated 
periodically to reflect management’s view of reserves in conjunction with third party formal reports. Reserves are reviewed at the time of formal 
updates or as a consequence of operational performance, plans and the business environment at that time.

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements38

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

1 Accounting policies (continued)
Reserves are adjusted in the year that formal updates are undertaken or as a consequence of operational performance and plans, and the business 
environment at that time, with any resulting changes not applied retrospectively. 

Future decommissioning costs
A provision for decommissioning is recognised in full at the point that the Group has an obligation to decommission an appraisal, development 
or producing well. A corresponding non-current asset (included within producing fields in note 12) of an amount equivalent to the provision is 
also created. The amount recognised is the estimated cost of decommissioning, discounted to its net present value and is reassessed each year in 
accordance with local conditions and requirements. For producing wells, the asset is subsequently depreciated as part of the capital costs of production 
facilities within tangible non-current assets, on a unit of production basis. Any decommissioning obligation in respect of a pre-production asset is 
carried forward as part of its cost and tested annually for impairment in accordance with the above policy.

Changes in the estimates of commercial reserves or decommissioning cost estimates are dealt with prospectively by recording an adjustment to 
the provision, and a corresponding adjustment to the decommissioning asset. The unwinding of the discount on the decommissioning provision is 
included within finance expense.

Acquisitions of Exploration Licences 
Acquisitions of Exploration Licenses through acquisition of non-operational corporate structures that do not represent a business, and therefore do not 
meet the definition of a business combination, are accounted for as the acquisition of an asset. Related future consideration that is contingent is not 
recognised as an asset or liability until the contingent event has occurred.

Taxation
Current tax is the tax payable based on taxable profit/(loss) for the year.

Deferred income taxes are calculated using the balance sheet liability method on temporary differences. Deferred tax is generally provided on the 
difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. However, deferred tax is not provided on the initial recognition of 
goodwill, nor on the initial recognition of an asset or liability unless the related transaction is a business combination or affects tax or accounting profit. 
Deferred tax on temporary differences associated with shares in subsidiaries and joint ventures is not provided if reversal of these temporary differences 
can be controlled by the Group and it is probable that reversal will not occur in the foreseeable future. Tax losses available to be carried forward as well 
as other income tax credits to the Group are assessed for recognition as deferred tax assets.

Deferred tax liabilities are provided in full, with no discounting. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that the underlying 
deductible temporary difference will be able to be offset against future taxable income. Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at 
tax rates that are expected to apply to their respective period of realisation, provided they are enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

Changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised as a component of tax expense in the statement of comprehensive income, except where 
they relate to items that are charged or credited directly to equity in which case the related deferred tax is also charged or credited directly to equity.

Foreign currency
The Group and Company prepare their financial statements in Sterling. 

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and 
liabilities in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at the reporting date. Non-monetary items that are measured at historical 
cost in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate at the date of transaction. Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign 
currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date the fair value was determined.

Any exchange differences arising on the settlement of items or on translating items at rates different from those at which they were initially  
recorded are recognised in the Statement of comprehensive income in the period in which they arise. Exchange differences on non-monetary  
items are recognised in the Statement of changes in equity to the extent that they relate to a gain or loss on that non-monetary item taken to the 
Statement of changes in equity, otherwise such gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of comprehensive income.

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Financial statementswww.europaoil.com

39

1 Accounting policies (continued)
Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc is domiciled in the UK, which is its primary economic environment and the Company’s functional currency is Sterling. 
The Group’s current operations are based in the UK and Ireland and the functional currencies of the Group's entities are the prevailing local currencies
in each jurisdiction. Given that the functional currency of the Company is Sterling, management has elected to continue to present the consolidated 
financial statements of the Group and Company in Sterling.

Investments
Investments, which are only investments in subsidiaries, are carried at cost less any impairment. Additions include the net value of share options issued 
to employees of subsidiary companies less any lapsed, unvested options.

Financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are recognised on the statement of financial position when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of 
the instrument. The Group and Company classifies its financial assets into loans and receivables, which comprise trade and other receivables and cash 
and cash equivalents. The Group has not classified any of its financial assets as held to maturity or available for sale or fair value through profit or loss.

Trade and other receivables are measured initially at fair value plus directly attributable transaction costs, and subsequently at amortised cost using the 
effective interest rate method, less provision for impairment. A provision is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able 
to collect all amounts due. The amount of any provision is recognised in the Statement of comprehensive income.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash held by the Group, short-term bank deposits with an original maturity of three months or less and  
bank overdrafts. 

The Group and Company classify financial liabilities into one of two categories, depending on the purpose for which the asset was acquired.  
The accounting policy for each category is as follows:

Other financial liabilities
Include the following items:

Bank and other borrowings are initially recognised at fair value net of any transaction costs directly attributable to the issue of the instrument.  
Such interest bearing liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method, which ensures that any interest 
expense over the period to repayment is at a constant rate on the balance of the liability carried in the statement of financial position. Interest expense 
in this context includes initial transaction costs and any interest or coupon payable while the liability is outstanding.

Trade payables and other short-term monetary liabilities, which are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently carried at amortised cost using 
the effective interest method.

Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by the Group are classified in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangements entered 
into and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the 
assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct 
issue costs.

Leased assets
During the current and prior year the Group and Company did not have any finance leases. All leases are regarded as operating leases and the 
payments made under them are charged to the statement of comprehensive income on a straight line basis over the lease term. Lease incentives are 
spread over the term of the lease. 

Treatment of finance costs
All finance costs are expensed through the income statement. The Group does not incur any finance costs that qualify for capitalisation.

Defined contribution pension schemes
The pension costs charged against profits are the contributions payable to the scheme in respect of the accounting period.

Inventories
Inventories comprise oil in tanks stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined by reference to the actual cost of production  
in the period.

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements40

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

1 Accounting policies (continued)
Share based payments
All goods and services received in exchange for the grant of any share based payment are measured at their fair values. Where employees are rewarded 
using share based payments, the fair values of employees' services are determined indirectly by reference to the fair value of the instrument granted 
to the employee. This fair value is appraised at the grant date and excludes the impact of non-market vesting conditions (for example, profitability and 
sales growth targets).

All equity-settled share based payments are ultimately recognised as an expense in the statement of comprehensive income with a corresponding 
credit to reserves. Where options over the parent Company’s shares are granted to employees of subsidiaries of the parent, the charge is recognised 
in the statement of comprehensive income of the subsidiary. In the parent Company accounts there is an increase in the cost of the investment in the 
subsidiary receiving the benefit. 

If vesting periods or other non-market vesting conditions apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the best available estimate  
of the number of share options expected to vest. Estimates are subsequently revised if there is any indication that the number of share options 
expected to vest differs from previous estimates. Any cumulative adjustment prior to vesting is recognised in the current period. No adjustment  
is made to any expense recognised in prior periods if the number of share options ultimately exercised is different to that initially estimated.

Upon exercise of share options the proceeds received, net of attributable transaction costs, are credited to share capital, and where appropriate  
share premium.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
Details of the Group’s significant accounting judgements and critical accounting estimates are set out in these financial statements and include:

Accounting judgements and estimates:
•  Carrying value of intangible assets (note 11) – carrying values are justified with reference to indicators of impairment as set out in IFRS 6. Based on these 

estimates at 31 July 2017, no impairment is required.

•  Carrying value of property, plant and equipment (note 12) – carrying values are justified by reference to future estimates of cash flows, discounted at 

appropriate rates.

•  Deferred taxation (note 17) – assumptions regarding the future profitability of the Group and whether the deferred tax assets will be recovered.
•  Decommissioning provision (note 18) – inflation and discount rate estimates (2% and 10% respectively) are used in calculating the provision, along with 

third party estimates of remediation costs. 

•  Share-based payments (note 20) – various estimates, referenced to external sources where possible, are used in determining the fair value of options.

2 Operating segment analysis
In the opinion of the Directors the Group has two reportable segments as reported to the Chief Executive Officer, being the UK and Ireland. The Béarn 
des Gaves asset in France was written down in 2016. 

The reporting on these segments to management focuses on revenue, operating costs and capital expenditure. The impact of such criteria is discussed 
further in the Chairman’s statement and Strategic report of this annual report. 

Income statement for the year ended 31 July 2017

Revenue 

Cost of sales 
Exploration write-off 

Total cost of sales 

Gross profit 
Administrative expenses 
Profit on disposal of fixed asset 
Finance income 
Finance costs 

Loss before tax 
Taxation 

Loss for the year 

UK 
£000 

1,569 

(1,459) 
— 

(1,459) 

110 
(553) 
— 
2 
(237) 

(678) 
184 

(494) 

Ireland 
£000 

France 
£000 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
3 

3 
— 

3 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 

— 

Total
£000

1,569

(1,459)
—

(1,459)

110
(553)
—
2
(234)

(675)
184

(491)

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Financial statements 
 
www.europaoil.com

41

2 Operating segment analysis (continued)
Segmental assets and liabilities as at 31 July 2017

Non-current assets 
Current assets 

Total assets 

Non-current liabilities 
Current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Other segment items 
Capital expenditure 
Depreciation 
Share based payments 

Income statement for the year ended 31 July 2016

Revenue 

Cost of sales 
Exploration write-off 

Total cost of sales 

Gross loss 
Administrative expenses 
Profit on disposal of fixed asset 
Finance income 
Finance costs 

Loss before tax 
Taxation 

Loss for the year 

Segmental assets and liabilities as at 31 July 2016

Non-current assets 
Current assets 

Total assets 

Non-current liabilities 
Current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Other segment items 
Capital expenditure 
Depreciation 
Share based payments 

UK 
£000 

4,855 
4,491 

9,346 

(2,570) 
(795) 

(3,365) 

587 
184 
116 

UK 
£000 

1,269 

(1,282) 
— 

(1,282) 

(13) 
(498) 
28 
92 
(228) 

(619) 
266 

(353) 

UK 
£000 

4,913 
1,951 

6,864 

(2,342) 
(592) 

(2,934) 

925 
195 
13 

Ireland 
£000 

1,644 
— 

1,644 

— 
(150) 

(150) 

904 
— 
— 

Ireland 
£000 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 
(76) 
— 
(28) 
— 

(104) 
— 

(104) 

Ireland 
£000 

757 
— 

757 

(5) 
— 

(5) 

294 
— 
— 

France 
£000 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 
— 

France 
£000 

— 

— 
(1,162) 

(1,162) 

(1,162) 
(19) 
— 
— 
— 

(1,181) 
— 

(1,181) 

France 
£000 

— 
— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

5 
— 
— 

Total
£000

6,499
4,491

10,990

(2,570)
(945)

(3,515)

1,491
184
116

Total
£000

1,269

(1,282)
(1,162)

(2,444)

(1,175)
(593)
28
64
(228)

(1,904)
266

(1,638)

Total
£000

5,670
1,951

7,621

(2,347)
(592)

(2,939)

1,224
195
13

100% of the total revenue (2016: 100%) relates to UK based customers. Of this figure, one single customer (2016: one) commands more than 99%  
of the total.

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
42

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

3 Loss before taxation
Loss before taxation is stated after charging:

Depreciation on property, plant & equipment 
Staff costs including Directors 
Exploration write-off 
Fees payable to the auditor for the audit 
Fees payable to the auditor for taxation services 
Operating leases – land and buildings 
Amount of inventory recognised as an expense 
Foreign exchange loss 

4 Directors’ emoluments
Directors’ salaries and fees – Company and Group

CW Ahlefeldt-Laurvig 
C Bousfield  
RJHM Corrie 
P Greenhalgh 
HGD Mackay  

Directors’ pensions   
P Greenhalgh 
HGD Mackay 

The above charge represents premiums paid to money purchase pension plans during the year. 

Directors’ share based payments

C Bousfield  
RJHM Corrie 
P Greenhalgh 
HGD Mackay  

Note 

12 
5 
11 

23 

2017 
£000 

184 
903 
— 
46 
1 
40 
9 
12 

2017 
£000 

20 
32 
20 
123 
143 

338 

18 
21 

39 

2017 
£000 

3 
4 
32 
55 

94 

The above represents the accounting charge in respect of share options. No share options were exercised during the period (2016: none). 

4 Directors’ emoluments
Directors’ total emoluments

Salaries and fees 
Social security costs 
Pensions 
Share based payments 

2017 
£000 

338 
42 
39 
94 

513 

2016
£000

195
878
1,162
42
4
40
—
—

2016
£000

23
36
23
138
160

380

20
23

43

2016
£000

6
—
—
—

6

2016
£000

380
48
43
6

477

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43

5 Employee information
Average monthly number of employees including Directors – Group

Management and technical 
Field exploration and production 

Staff costs – Group

Wages and salaries (including Directors‘ emoluments) 
Social security 
Pensions 
Share based payment (note 20) 

Average monthly number of employees including Directors – Company

Management and technical 

Staff costs – Company

Wages and salaries (including Directors‘ emoluments) 
Social security 
Pensions 
Share based payment (note 20) 

6 Profit on disposal of fixed asset

Sales price 
Net book value of asset 
Legal fees 

The property in Abingdon was sold on 20 July 2016 for £337,500.

2017 
Number 

2016
Number

8 
4 

12 

2017 
£000 

631 
77 
79 
116 

903 

8
4

12

2016
£000

697
86
82
13

878

2017 
Number  

2016 
Number

8 

8 

2017 
£000 

467 
55 
56 
111 

689 

2017 
£000 

— 
— 
— 

— 

8

8

2016
£000

527
64
57
10

658

2016
£000

338
(308)
(2)

28

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
44

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

7 Finance income

Bank interest received 
Interest rate swap fair value credit  
Exchange rate gains 

8 Finance expense

Unwinding of discount on decommissioning provision (note 18) 
Other finance expense 

9 Taxation

Movement in deferred tax asset (note 17) 
Movement in deferred tax liability (note 17) 

Tax credit 

2017 
£000 

2 
— 
— 

2 

2017 
£000 

223 
11 

234 

2017 
£000 

(239) 
55 

(184) 

UK corporation tax is calculated at 30% (2016: 30%) of the estimated assessable profit for the year being the applicable rate for a ring-fence trade 
excluding the Supplementary Charge of 20% to December 2015 and 10% from January 2016. 

Loss before tax 

Tax reconciliation 
Loss multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 30% (2016: 30%) 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 
Other reconciling items including UK Supplementary Charge 

Total tax credit 

2017 
£000 

(675) 

(203) 
35 
(16) 

(184) 

2016
£000

4
2
58

64

2016
£000

204
24

228

2016
£000

(157)
(109)

(266)

2016
£000

(1,904)

(571)
353
(48)

(266)

10 Earnings per share 
Basic earnings per share EPS has been calculated on the loss after taxation divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the 
period. Diluted EPS uses an average number of shares adjusted to allow for the issue of shares on the assumed conversion of all in-the-money options. 

As the Group made a loss from continuing operations in both the current and prior years, any potentially dilutive instruments are considered to be  
anti-dilutive. Therefore the diluted EPS is equal to the basic EPS. As at 31 July 2017 there were 23,264,440 (2016: 15,445,000) potentially dilutive 
instruments in issue. 

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following:

Loss for the year attributable to the equity shareholders of the parent 

Weighted average number of shares 
For the purposes of basic and diluted EPS 

2017 
£000 

(491) 

2016
£000

(1,638)

252,472,992 

244,888,011

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45

11 Intangible assets 
Intangible assets – Group

At 1 August 
Additions 
Sale of 3.34% interest in PEDL180 and PEDL182  
Exploration write-off 

At 31 July 

2017 
£000 

4,453 
1,423 
(600) 
— 

5,276 

2016
£000

4,839
776
—
(1,162)

4,453

During the year the Group sold 3.34% of its interest in both PEDL180 and PEDL182 to Union Jack Oil for £600,000. The sale of a further 10% interest 
in PEDL180 and PEDL182 to Upland was not completed in the period and as the £160,000 received is potentially repayable, it is reported in ‘Other 
Payables’ in note 16. Intangible assets comprise the Group’s pre-production expenditure on licence interests as follows:

Ireland FEL 2/13 (Doyle A,B,C, Kilroy, Keane & Kiely) 
Ireland FEL 3/13 (Beckett, Wilde, Shaw) 
Ireland FEL 1/17 (LO 16/2) 
Ireland LO 16/19 
Ireland LO 16/20 
Ireland LO 16/21 
Ireland LO 16/22 
UK PEDL143 (Holmwood) 
UK PEDL180 (Wressle) 
UK PEDL181 
UK PEDL182 (Broughton North) 
UK PEDL299 (Hardstoft) 
UK PEDL343 (Cloughton) 
UK Block 41/24 (Maxwell) 

Total 

Exploration write-off 
France (Béarn des Gaves) 

Total 

2017 
£000 

340 
725 
224 
61 
206 
38 
48 
901 
2,527 
60 
24 
12 
69 
41 

5,276 

— 

— 

2016
£000

224
487
35
8
—
—
—
721
2,672
47
223
5
—
31

4,453

1,162

1,162

The drilling of an exploration well at Holmwood and developing the discovery at Wressle are subject to the securing of certain planning permissions. 
If these are not secured then the PEDL143 and PEDL180 intangible assets disclosed above will be impaired. If the Group is not able to or elects not 
to continue in any other licence, then the impact on the financial statements will be the impairment of some or all of the intangible assets disclosed 
above. Further details of commitments are included in note 22.

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Notes to the financial statements (continued)

11 Intangible assets (continued)
Intangible assets – Company

At 1 August 
Additions 
Exploration write-off 

At 31 July 

Intangible assets comprise the Company’s pre-production expenditure on licence interests as follows:

Ireland FEL 1/17 (LO 16/2) 
Ireland LO 16/19 
Ireland LO 16/20 
Ireland LO 16/21 
Ireland LO 16/22 

Total 

2017 
£000 

43 
534 
— 

577 

2017 
£000 

224 
61 
206 
38 
48 

577 

2016
£000

1,160
45
(1,162)

43

2016
£000

35
8
—
—
—

43

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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47

12 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment – Group

Cost 
At 1 August 2015 
Additions 
Disposal 

At 31 July 2016 

Additions 

At 31 July 2017 

Depreciation, depletion and impairment 
At 1 August 2015 
Charge for year 
Disposal 

At 31 July 2016 

Charge for year 

At 31 July 2017 

Net book value 
At 31 July 2015 

At 31 July 2016 

At 31 July 2017 

Furniture &  
computers 
£000 

Leasehold 
building 
£000 

Producing
fields 
£000 

50 
1 
— 

51 

1 

52 

44 
3 
— 

47 

2 

49 

6 

4 

3 

437 
— 
(437) 

— 

— 

— 

122 
7 
(129) 

— 

— 

— 

315 

— 

— 

Total
£000

11,272
1
(437)

10,836

10,785 
— 
— 

10,785 

5 

6

10,790 

10,842

9,544 
185 
— 

9,729 

182 

9,911 

1,241 

1,056 

879 

9,710
195
(129)

9,776

184

9,960

1,562

1,060

882

The producing fields referred to in the table above are the production assets of the Group, namely the oilfields at Crosby Warren and West Firsby,  
and the Group’s interest in the Whisby W4 well, representing three of the Group’s cash generating units. 

The carrying value of each producing field was tested for impairment by comparing the carrying value with the value-in-use. The value in use  
was calculated using a discounted cash flow model with production decline rates of 7-8%, Brent crude prices rising from US$56 per barrel in 2018  
to US$71 in 2021 and a pre-tax discount rate of 21%. The pre-tax discount rate is derived from a post-tax rate of 10%, and is high because of the 
applicable rate of tax in the UK. Cash flows were projected over the expected life of the fields which is expected to be longer than five years. There was 
no impairment in the year (2016: no impairment).

Sensitivity to key assumption changes
Variations to the key assumptions used in the value-in-use calculation would cause impairment of the producing fields as follows: 

Production decline rate (current assumption 7-8%) 
20% 
30% 
Brent crude price per barrel (current assumption US$54/bbl in 2016 rising to US$74/bbl in 2020) 
10% reduction in the assumed forward price 
20% reduction in the assumed forward price 

Impairment of 
producing fields
£000

—
27

76
247

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48

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

12 Property, plant and equipment (continued)
Property, plant and equipment – Company

Cost 
At 1 August 2015 
Additions 
Disposals 

At 31 July 2016 
Additions 
Disposals 

At 31 July 2017 

Depreciation 
At 1 August 2015 
Charge for the year 
Disposals 

At 31 July 2016 
Charge for year 
Disposals 

At 31 July 2017 

Net book value 
At 31 July 2015 

At 31 July 2016 

At 31 July 2017 

Furniture &  
computers 
£000 

Long leasehold
building 
£000 

50 
1 
— 

51 
1 
— 

52 

44 
3 
— 

47 
2 
— 

49 

6 

4 

3 

437 
— 
(437) 

— 
— 
— 

— 

122 
7 
(129) 

— 
— 
— 

— 

315 

— 

— 

Total
£000

487
1
(437)

51
1
—

52

166
10
(129)

47
2
—

49

321

4

3

The Abingdon property was sold in July 2016 for £337,500. The proceeds were used to fully repay the loan secured against the property and an interest 
rate swap. 

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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49

13 Investments – Company 
Investment in subsidiaries

At 1 August 
Provide against investment in subsidiary 
Current year additions 

At 31 July 

2017 
£000 

2,335 
— 
5 

2,340 

2016
£000

2,332
—
3

2,335

The Company’s investments at the reporting date include 100% of the share capital in the following unlisted companies:
•  Europa Oil & Gas Limited, which undertakes oil and gas exploration, development and production in the UK.
•  Europa Oil & Gas (West Firsby) Limited, which is non-trading.
•  Europa Oil & Gas (Ireland West) Limited, which holds the interest in the FEL 2/13 licence.
•  Europa Oil & Gas (Ireland East) Limited, which holds the interest in the FEL 3/13 and FEL 1/17 licences.

All four companies are registered in England and Wales, all having their registered office at 6 Porter Street, London W1U 6DD.

The results of the four companies have been included in the consolidated accounts. Europa Oil & Gas Limited owns 100% of the ordinary share capital 
of Europa Oil & Gas Resources Limited (this UK company is non-trading). On 12 August 2016, Europa Oil & Gas Limited acquired 100% of the ordinary 
share capital of Europa Oil & Gas (UK) Limited which held a 22.5% interest in the UK licence PEDL343. The interest in PEDL343 was transferred to Europa 
Oil & Gas Limited and Europa Oil & Gas (UK) Limited is non trading.

In 2015, with the impairment of intangible assets (note 11) and property, plant and equipment (note 12) held by Europa Oil & Gas Limited, the Directors 
considered that the recoverable amount of investment by the Company in the subsidiary was also impaired. The value of the investment was therefore 
written down to the net asset value, which is considered to equate to the fair value.

Additions to the cost of investments represent the net value of options over the shares of the Company issued to employees of subsidiary companies 
less any lapsed, unvested options.

14 Inventories – Group

Oil in tanks 

15 Trade and other receivables  

Current trade and other receivables
Trade receivables 
Other receivables 
Prepayments 

Non current other receivables 
Owed by Group undertakings (note 24) 

2017 
£000 

14 

2017 
£000 

— 
30 
126 

156 

2016
£000

23

Company

2016
£000

—
—
44

44

2017 
£000 

612 
117 
157 

886 

Group  

2016 
£000 

120 
— 
90 

210 

— 

— 

714 

491

At the reporting date one amount of £218,000 owed by a partner on a UK licence was past due. The receivable was not impaired as it was expected that 
the sum would be collected. The sum was received in full on 14 August 2017.

16 Trade and other payables 

Trade payables 
Other payables 

Group other payables includes advances received from partners on projects in UK. 

Group  

Company

2017 
£000 

697 
248 

945 

2016 
£000 

313 
131 

444 

2017 
£000 

151 
48 

199 

2016
£000

58
114

172

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50

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

17 Deferred tax – Group
Recognised deferred tax asset/(liability):

As at 1 August  
Credited to statement of comprehensive income 

At 31 July  

2017 
£000 

157 
184 

341 

2016
£000

(109)
266

157

The Group has a deferred tax liability of £1,542,000 (2016: £1,487,000) arising from accelerated capital allowances and a deferred tax asset of £1,883,000 
(2016: £1,644,000) arising from trading losses which will be utilised against future taxable profits. These have been offset against each other resulting  
in the total net asset of £341,000 (2016: net asset £157,000). This offsetting is required because the Group settles current tax assets and liabilities on  
a net basis. 

Non-recognised long-term deferred tax asset
The Group has a non-recognised deferred tax asset of £3,162,000 (2016: £3,378,000), which arises mainly in relation to non ring-fence UK trading losses  
of £11.7 million (2016: £11.8 million) and Company losses of £0.5 million (2016: £0.1 million), that have not been recognised in the accounts as the  
timing of the utilisation of the losses is considered uncertain. 

No deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognised in the Company. 

18 Provisions – Group
Decommissioning provisions are based on third party estimates of work which will be required and the judgement of Directors. By its nature, the 
detailed scope of work required and timing is uncertain. 

Long-term provisions

As at 1 August 
Charged to statement of comprehensive income (note 8) 

At 31 July 

No provisions have been recognised in the Company. 

19 Called up share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid ordinary shares of 1p 
At 1 August 244,888,011 shares (2016: 244,888,011) 
Issued in the year 56,500,368 shares (2016: nil) 

At 31 July 301,388,379 shares (2016: 244,888,011) 

Date 

Type of issue 

Number of shares 

Issue price 

Ordinary shares issued 2017 

13 June 2017 
13 June 2017 

Placing 
Open offer 

35,000,000 
21,500,368 

56,500,368 

6p 
6p 

All of the allotted shares are ordinary shares of the same class and rank pari passu. 

2017 
£000 

2,347 
223 

2,570 

2017 
£000 

2,449 
565 

3,014 

Raised net 
of costs 
£000 

1,927 
1,218 

3,145 

2016
£000

2,143
204

2,347

2016
£000

2,449
—

2,449

Nominal
value
£000

350
215

565

In 2005, the Company issued 39,999,998 ordinary shares of 1p at a nil premium in exchange for the entire shareholding of Europa Oil & Gas Limited.  
This gave rise to the merger reserve at 31 July 2017 of £2,868,000 (2016: £2,868,000).

The following describes the purpose of each reserve within owners’ equity:

Reserve 

Share premium 
Merger reserve 
Retained deficit 

Description and purpose

Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value
Reserve created on issue of shares on acquisition of subsidiaries in prior years
Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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51

20 Share based payments 
There are 23,264,440 ordinary 1p share options outstanding (2016: 15,445,000). These are held by certain members of the Board: C Bousfield 500,000 
(2016: 500,000); RJHM Corrie 950,000 (2016: 650,000); P Greenhalgh 5,775,000 (2016: 4,275,000); HGD Mackay 11,700,000 (2016: 8,200,000) and employees 
of the Group 2,490,000 (2016: 1,820,000) consultants and advisors 1,849,440 (2016: nil).

The fair values of all options were determined using a Black Scholes Merton model. Volatility is based on the Company's share price volatility since 
flotation. 

The inputs used to determine the values of the 7,899,440 options granted in 2017 are detailed in the table below:

Grant date 

Number of options 
Share price at grant 
Exercise price 

Volatility 
Dividend yield 
Risk free investment rate 
Option life (years) 
Fair value per share 

13 June  
2017 

1,399,440 
6.2p 
6p 

60% 
nil 
0.07% 
1.5 
1.65p 

13 June 
2017 

450,000 
6.2p 
8p 

60% 
nil 
0.08% 
2.5 
0.48p 

13 June
2017

6,050,000
6.2p
8p

60%
nil
0.29%
6
0.83p

The 1,399,440 options are subject to no further vesting conditions and expire on the 2nd anniversary of the grant date.

The 450,000 options vest if the share price is above 10p for 30 days and expire on the 3rd anniversary of the grant date.

The 6,050,000 options vest if the share price is above 10p for 30 days and expire on the 10th anniversary of the grant date.

The inputs used to determine the values of the 3,560,000 options granted in 2016 are detailed in the table below:

Grant date 

Number of options 
Share price at grant 
Exercise price 

Volatility 
Dividend yield 
Risk free investment rate 
Option life (years) 
Fair value per share 

13 July  
2016 

610,000 
3.75p 
6.5p 

75% 
nil 
0.41% 
6 
1.9p 

13 July 
2016 

1,550,000 
3.75p 
6.5p 

75% 
nil 
0.41% 
6 
1.33p 

13 July 
2016 

980,000 
3.75p 
6.5p 

75% 
nil 
0.41% 
6 
1.9p 

13 July
2016

420,000
3.75p
6.5p

75%
nil
0.41%
6
1.9p

The 610,000 options are exercisable 12 months after grant, with no further vesting conditions.

The 1,550,000 options vest if the share price is above 10p for 30 days. 

The 980,000 and 420,000 options vest subject to a Farm-out of the Irish licences and Wressle production respectively.

The latest date at which these options can be exercised is the 10th anniversary of the grant date. 

Based on the fair values above, the charge arising from employee share options was £114,000 (2016: £13,000). The charge relating to non-employee 
share options was £2,000 (2016: £nil). The charge allocated direct to equity, relating to the issue of options on the issue of share capital, was £23,000 
(2016: £nil). 

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52

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

20 Share based payments (continued)
In the year 80,000 options expired, none were forfeited or exercised (2016: 1,391,626 expired, 80,000 forfeited and none were exercised).

Outstanding at the start of the year 
Granted 
Expired 
Forfeited 

Outstanding at the end of the year 
Exercisable at the end of the year 

2017 
Number  
of options 

2017 
Average 
exercise price 

2016 
Number 
of options 

2016
Average
exercise price

15,445,000 
7,899,440 
(80,000) 
— 

23,264,440 
14,494,436 

11.62p 
6.65p 
25.0p 
— 

10.22p 
11.75p 

13,356,626 
3,560,000 
(1,391,626) 
(80,000) 

15,445,000 
11,285,000 

12.38p
6.5p
6.0p
9.45p

11.62p
13.37p

The weighted average remaining contractual life of share options outstanding at the end of the period was 6.1 years (2016: 6.1 years). 

21 Financial instruments 
The Group’s and Company’s financial instruments comprise cash and cash equivalents, bank borrowings, loans, and items such as trade and other 
receivables and trade and other payables which arise directly from its operations. Europa’s activities are subject to a range of financial risks the main 
ones being: credit; liquidity; interest rates; commodity prices; foreign exchange and capital. These risks are managed through ongoing review taking into 
account the operational, business and economic circumstances at that time.

Credit risk
The Group is exposed to credit risk as all crude oil production is sold to one multinational oil company. The customer is invoiced monthly for the oil 
delivered to the refinery in the previous month and invoices are settled in full on the 15th of the following month. At 31 July 2017 trade receivables were 
£612,000 representing one month of oil revenue and receivables due from project partners (2016: £120,000 representing one month of oil revenue). 
The fair value of trade receivables and payables approximates to their carrying value because of their short maturity. Any surplus cash is held on  
short-term deposit with Royal Bank of Scotland. The maximum credit exposure in the year was £612,000 (2016: £140,000). The Company exposure 
to third party credit risk is negligible. All material intercompany balances have been fully provided.

Liquidity risk
The Company currently has no overdraft or overdraft facility with its bankers. 

The Group and Company monitor their levels of working capital to ensure they can meet liabilities as they fall due. The following table shows the 
contractual maturities (representing the undiscounted cashflows) of the Group’s and Company’s financial liabilities. 

At 31 July 

6 months or less 

Total 

Group Trade  

and other payables

Company Trade 
 and other payables

2017 
£000 

945 

945 

2016 
£000 

444 

444 

2017 
£000 

199 

199 

2016
£000

172

172

Cash and cash equivalents in both Group and Company are all available at short notice.

Trade and other payables do not normally incur interest charges. There is no difference between the fair value of the trade and other payables and their 
carrying amounts.

Interest rate risk
The Group has no interest bearing liabilities. 

Commodity price risk
The selling price of the Group’s production of crude oil is set at a small discount to Brent prices. The table below shows the range of prices achieved 
in the year and the sensitivity of the Group’s Loss Before Taxation (‘LBT’) to such movements in oil price. There would be a corresponding increase or 
decrease to net assets. There is no commodity price risk in the Company.

Oil price 

Highest  
Average 
Lowest  

Month 

Feb 17 

Nov 16 

Price 
2017 
US$/bbl 

54.1 
49.0 
44.1 

LBT 
2017 
£000 

(478) 
(641) 
(804) 

Price 
2016 
US$/bbl 

47.3 
41.5 
30.0 

LBT
2016
£000

(1,731)
(1,904)
(2,257)

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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53

21 Financial instruments (continued)
Foreign exchange risk
The Group’s production of crude oil is invoiced in US$. Revenue is translated into Sterling using a monthly exchange rate set by reference to the 
market rate. The table below shows the range of average monthly US$ exchange rates used in the year and the sensitivity of the Group’s LBT to similar 
movements in US$ exchange. There would be a corresponding increase or decrease to net assets.

US Dollar 

Highest 
Average 
Lowest 

Month 

Jul 17 

Oct 16 

2017 
Rate 
US$/£ 

1.318 
1.272 
1.221 

2017 
LBT 
£000 

(697) 
(641) 
(574) 

2016 
Rate 
US$/£ 

1.544 
1.452 
1.327 

2016
LBT
£000

(1,979)
(1,904)
(1,785)

The table below shows the Group’s currency exposures. Exposures comprise the net financial assets and liabilities of the Group that are not 
denominated in the functional currency.

Currency  

Euro 

US Dollar 

Total 

Item 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other payables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Trade and other payables 

Group  

Company

2017 
£000 

11 
(5) 
691 
118 
(71) 

744 

2016 
£000 

1 
(49) 
397 
326 
(15) 

660 

2017 
£000 

11 
(5) 
4 
— 
— 

10 

2016
£000

1
(18)
8
—
(3)

(12)

Capital risk management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for 
shareholders and maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. The Group defines capital as being the consolidated shareholder 
equity (note 19) and bank borrowings (currently nil). The Board monitors the level of capital as compared to the Group’s long-term debt commitments 
and adjusts the ratio of debt to capital as is determined to be necessary, by issuing new shares, reducing or increasing debt, paying dividends and 
returning capital to shareholders. The Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.

22 Capital commitments and guarantees
At the reporting date, the Group had a contractual commitment to drill a well on PEDL143 (Holmwood) before September 2018. Europa’s share of the 
well cost is expected to be £0.2 million. For PEDL299 (Hardstoft) and PEDL343 (Cloughton) there is a commitment to acquire seismic and Europa’s share 
of combined cost is expected to be £0.9 million. The four Irish LOs and FEL 1/17 have a total work commitment which is expected to cost £1.1 million. 

If the Group is not able to raise funds, farm-down, or extend licences; or elects not to continue in an exploration licence, then the impact on the financial 
statements will be the impairment of the relevant intangible asset disclosed in note 11.

23 Operating lease commitments
Europa Oil & Gas Limited pays annual site rentals for the land upon which the West Firsby and Crosby Warren oil field facilities are located. The West 
Firsby lease runs until September 2022 and can be terminated upon giving two months’ notice. The annual cost is currently £20,000 (2016: £20,000) and 
increases annually in line with the retail price index. The Crosby Warren lease runs until December 2022 and can be terminated on three months’ notice. 
The annual cost is currently £20,000 (2016: £20,000).

Future minimum lease payments are as follows:

Less than 1 year 
2-5 years 
5+ years 

Total 

2017 
£000 

40 
160 
— 

200 

2016
£000

40
160
40

240

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Notes to the financial statements (continued)

24 Related party transactions
Key management are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, controlling and directing the activities of the Group. In the 
opinion of the Board, the Group’s and the Company’s key management are the Directors of Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc. Information regarding their 
compensation is given in note 4.

During the year, the Company provided services to subsidiary companies as follows:

Europa Oil & Gas Limited 
Europa Oil & Gas (Ireland West) Limited 
Europa Oil & Gas (Ireland East) Limited 

Total 

At the end of the year the Company was owed the following amounts by subsidiaries:

Europa Oil & Gas (Ireland West) Limited 
Europa Oil & Gas (Ireland East) Limited 

Total 

2017 
£000 

1,165 
4 
4 

1,173 

2017 
£000 

240 
474 

714 

2016
£000

1,129
22
24

1,175

2016
£000

173
318

491

The Directors consider it is prudent to provide fully against the Company’s intercompany loan to Europa Oil & Gas Limited due to the questionability of 
its recovery. The movement in the provision was as follows:

Provision against intercompany loan at start of year 
Increase in provision during the year 

Provision against intercompany loan at end of year 

25 Post reporting date events

2017 
£000 

12,197 
1,038 

13,235 

2016
£000

10,754
1,443

12,197

•  In September 2017 we announced an extension to the date by which the conditions of the Upland agreed sale of 10% interest in Wressle are to be 

satisfied to 28 February 2018.

•  In October 2017 Surrey County Council approved a security fence at the Holmwood site but deferred a decision on traffic conditions.

Europa Oil & Gas (Holdings) plc Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2017Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Advisers

Directors and advisers

Company registration number 

5217946

Registered office 

6 Porter Street
London
W1U 6DD

Directors 

Secretary 

Banker 

Solicitor 

Auditor 

Nominated advisor and broker 

Registrar 

CW Ahlefeldt-Laurvig – Non-Executive 
C Bousfield – Non-Executive Chairman
RJHM Corrie – Non-Executive
P Greenhalgh – Finance Director
HGD Mackay – Chief Executive Officer

P Greenhalgh

Royal Bank of Scotland plc
1 Albyn Place
Aberdeen
AB10 1BR

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
5 Fleet Place
London
EC4M 7RD

BDO LLP
55 Baker Street
London
W1U 7EU

finnCap Ltd
60 New Broad Street 
London
EC2M 1JJ

Computershare Investor Services plc
PO Box 82
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol 
BS99 7NH

Design & production
www.carrkamasa.co.uk

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EUROPA OIL & GAS (HOLDINGS) PLC
6 Porter Street
London, W1U 6DD
Tel: +44 (0)20 7224 3770

www.europaoil.com