Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Packaging & Containers / Globe International Limited

Globe International Limited

glb · LSE Consumer Cyclical
Claim this profile
Ticker glb
Exchange LSE
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Packaging & Containers
Employees 5001-10,000
← All annual reports
FY2008 Annual Report · Globe International Limited
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
�������������������

��������������������

����������

�������������������������������������

����������������������������������������������

�������������������������������������������

���������������

��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

Overview of Glanbia

Who we are

Glanbia plc is an international cheese and nutritional ingredients group, 
headquartered in Ireland. The Group has 4,300 employees in seven countries and 
sales offices in a further five. International operations include Food Ingredients & 
Nutritionals, while Irish operations incorporate Consumer Foods and Agribusiness & 
Property. The Group has three strategic joint ventures, which are based in the UK, USA 
and Nigeria. Glanbia is listed on the Irish and London Stock Exchanges (Symbol: GLB).

Overview of Glanbia
Our performance and outlook 
Our business 
Our global footprint 
Our vision and strategy 
Chairman’s statement 

Directors’ report  
Business review
Group Managing Director’s review 
Operations review  
- International 
- Ireland 
- Joint Ventures & Associates 
Our people 
Our responsibilities 
Finance review 
Risk and risk management 

1
2
4
6
8

10

14
20
24
26
29
32
36

Corporate governance
38
Board of Directors 
40
Senior management 
Report of the Directors 
41
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities  44
Directors’ statement of  
corporate governance 

45

Financial statements
Independent auditor’s report 
Consolidated income statement 
Consolidated statement of recognised  
income and expense 
Consolidated balance sheet 
Consolidated cash flow statement 
Company balance sheet 
Company statement of recognised 
income and expense and cash  
flow statement 
Notes to the financial statements 

Other information
Shareholder information  
Five year trends 
Index 

54
56

57
58
59
60

61
62

117
119
120

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

The Group’s vision is to be a world leader  
in cheese and nutritional ingredients, built 
on strong positions in key food markets  
and sectors around the world. 

Glanbia is continuing to maximise organic 
growth opportunities and aggressively 
manage costs to sustain the business 
through the current challenging environment.

In a business that operates from local 
to global, Glanbia’s people strategy 
provides a common approach and a clear 
framework to develop people and deliver 
the Group’s growth strategy.

The Board and management of Glanbia 
are committed to the highest standards of 
corporate governance and ethical conduct 
in all aspects of the business.

Glanbia maintains robust financial ratios, 
well within its bank debt covenants and 
for financial prudence sets more stringent 
internal targets, which gives the Group 
good financial capacity and flexibility.

In a two year period the performance of 
Glanbia has comfortably exceeded the 
Group’s strategic growth objectives set out 
for the three year period 2007 to 2009.

Glanbia has prioritised debt reduction for 
2009, recognising the significant investment 
made in recent years and the current 
turmoil in global credit markets.

This year over 18,000 shareholders will 
receive their Annual Report electronically. 
This creates a significant environmental 
benefit with a reduction in paper used and 
waste paper produced.

Go online for more information at
www.glanbia.com

 
 
 
 
Overview of Glanbia

Our performance and outlook

Glanbia performed well in 2008, delivering a good set of results, completing a major 
strategic acquisition and achieving key financial targets. All businesses performed 
to or better than anticipated with the exception of Food Ingredients Ireland which 
suffered a sharp decline in profits and margins in 2008. Glanbia is well invested, 
financially strong and has a diversified earnings base with good organic growth 
opportunities. These should enable the Group to deliver further progress in 2009.

Revenue (€ billion) 

Operating margin pre exceptional (%) 

2.2bn

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
Operating profit pre exceptional (€ million)

134.1m

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��

up 1.0%
���
���
���
���
���
���
���
���
���

up 15.7%
�����
�����
�����
�����
�����
����
����
�����
����

6.0%

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
Adjusted earnings per share (cents)

Up 80
basis points
���
���
���
���
���
���
���
���
���

35.9c

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��

Profit before tax pre exceptional (€ million) 

Dividend per share (cents)

120.3m

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��

�����
up 20.8%
�����
����
�����
����
����
����
����
����

6.5c

��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
��

up 18.5%
����
����
����
����
����
����
����
����
����

���
up 7.1%
���
���
���
���
���
���
���
���

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t
G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1

Overview of Glanbia

Our business

International operations contributed 71% of 2008 revenue and 65% of operating profit 
pre exceptional. Irish operations accounted for 29% of 2008 revenue and 35% of 2008 
operating profit pre exceptional. These percentages include the Group’s share of Joint 
Ventures & Associates.

International

Overview

International markets are served by Food Ingredients & Nutritionals. 
Food  Ingredients  processes  3.4  billion  litres  of  milk  and  produces 
cheese, butter, casein and protein ingredients at world-class facilities 
in Ireland and the USA. The Group’s Nutritionals business produces a 
wide range of speciality whey proteins, customised premix solutions 
and nutritional ingredients for use by food and beverage companies. 

2008 Performance

In 2008, results for the International division were adversely affected 
by  the  performance  of  Food  Ingredients  Ireland.  The  decline  in 
global  dairy  commodity  prices  lowered  margins  in  this  business 
as reductions in the price paid for milk lagged the decline in global 
dairy prices. Elsewhere in the International division, Food Ingredients 
USA  had  a  strong  performance,  generating  record  revenues  and 
positive margin expansion. Nutritionals had a good year. Optimum 
Nutrition, Inc. (Optimum) acquired in August 2008, made a first time 
contribution in line with expectations.

Ireland

Overview
Glanbia  operates  in  the  Irish  market  through  Consumer  Foods  and 
Agribusiness  &  Property.  Consumer  Foods  incorporates  nutritional 
beverages, fresh dairy products and cheese, and soups and spreads. 
Agribusiness is engaged primarily in feed milling, grain processing and 
retailing. Property is responsible for the management of all the Group’s 
surplus properties in Ireland. In March 2008, the Group announced the 
sale of its Pigmeat business in a management buy-out. 

2008 Performance
In Ireland, Consumer Foods had a satisfactory year. This compares with 
a very challenging 2007 when results were affected by a time lag in 
recovering the impact of higher costs in the marketplace. Agribusiness 
was  ahead  of  2007  as  a  result  of  a  good  performance  in  the  feed 
and fertiliser segments and a strong focus on cost reduction. Property 
performed broadly in line with 2007. 

Joint Ventures & Associates

Overview
The  Group  has  three  key  international  joint  ventures.  Southwest 
Cheese  is  based  in  New  Mexico,  USA  and  is  one  of  the  largest 
natural cheese and high protein whey processing plants in the world. 
Glanbia Cheese is based in the UK and produces pizza cheese for 
the  UK  and  European  markets.  Nutricima  is  based  in  Nigeria  and 
the  company  manufactures  and  markets  branded  dairy-based 
consumer  products  for  the  Nigerian  and  African  market.  Glanbia 
also  has  a  number  of  smaller  Agribusiness  and  Food  Ingredients 
joint ventures & associates.

2008 Performance
In  2008  there  was  a  significant  improvement  in  the  performance 
of  Glanbia’s  Joint  Ventures  &  Associates,  most  notably  Southwest 
Cheese,  which  had  an  excellent  year.  Glanbia  Cheese  achieved 
margin  growth,  despite  a  challenging  market  in  2008.  However, 
Nutricima  had  a  difficult  year  where,  despite  volume  growth  and 
increased brand awareness, it was not possible to pass on the full 
extent of the significant increases in raw material commodity prices. 
As a result Nutricima’s profits and margins were behind 2007. 

2

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

���������������������

���������������������

����������������������������������������������

����������������������������������������������

��

��

��

��

��

��

���

���

���

���

���

���

��

��

��

��

��

��

�����

�����

����

�����

�����

����

2008 % of Group*

57% 

55%

Revenue
€1,489.2m

Operating profit  
pre exceptional
€82.5m

Food Ingredients  
& Nutritionals

processing locations

18 manufacturing/
1,694 employees

2008 % of Group*

Consumer Foods 
Agribusiness & Property

29% 

34%

Revenue
€743.0m

Operating profit  
pre exceptional
€51.5m

71 locations 
1,706 employees

2008 % of Group*

Strategic joint ventures in  
the USA, UK and Nigeria

14% 

11%

Revenue
€370.3m

Operating profit  
pre exceptional
€17.0m

*  inclusive of the Group’s share of Joint Ventures & Associates

globally

5 locations
882 employees

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

3

Overview of Glanbia

Our global footprint

Glanbia has a strong position in key food markets and sectors around 
the world and an ongoing investment programme continued to expand 
operations in Ireland, China, Nigeria and the USA during 2008. In 
developed economies the focus is on health, wellness and general 
nutrition. In developing economies the Group is building a range of 
products which can deliver mass market nutrition.

Market positions

International
No.1 

• Irish dairy processor

• Irish cheese producer

•  American-style cheddar 

cheese in the USA

•  Global supplier of whey 

protein isolates

No.2 

•  Globally in sports 

nutrition business to 
consumer sector

 No.3

•   Globally in micro-nutrient 

• European producer of casein

solutions 

•  North American producer of 

flax seed derivatives

Ireland
No.1 

• Fresh milk 

• Fresh cream 

• Fruit yogurts

• Fromage frais

• Fresh soups

•  Brand block cheddar cheese

Joint Ventures & Associates
No.1 

• Pizza cheese supplier in Europe

• American-style cheddar cheese in USA 

No.3 

• Consumer packaged dairy powders in Nigeria

Idaho
Glanbia has two 
cheese processing 
plants in Gooding 
and Twin Falls and 
two whey processing 
plants in Gooding 
and Richfield. The US 
Innovation Centre is 
located in Twin Falls, 
Idaho.

Manitoba 
Glanbia Nutritionals (Canada), 
North America’s largest 
processor of speciality-flaxseed 
ingredients, has facilities in 
Angusville, Manitoba and 
Gurnee, Illinois, USA.

California 
Seltzer, located 
in Carlsbad, CA, 
manufactures micro-
nutrient premixes 
and sells nutritional 
ingredients. A new 
manufacturing facility 
has been opened in 
Springfield, Missouri.

Mexico 

Zymalact 
manufactures a 
range of processed 
cheeses for the 
domestic market and 
also operates a dairy 
ingredients sales office. 

Wisconsin 
Glanbia Nutritionals-Ingredient 
Technologies HQ is situated in 
Monroe, Wisconsin.

Illinois 
Glanbia’s US headquarters  
is situated in Chicago, 
Illinois. Optimum operates 
from a production facility 
in Aurora, Illinois and has 
facilities in South Carolina 
and Florida manufacturing 
nutritional supplements.

New Mexico 

Southwest Cheese, 
located in Clovis, New 
Mexico, is one of the 
largest natural cheese 
and high protein whey 
processing plants in the 
world. It is a 50:50 joint 
venture between Glanbia 
and the Greater  
Southwest Agency. 

Uruguay 
Glanbia Nutritionals has a 
sales office in Montevideo.

Brazil 
Glanbia Nutritionals 
has a sales office 
in Curitiba.

4

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

Total Group including Joint Ventures & Associates
4,300 
employees

4,900 
milk suppliers

5.3 billion 
litres of milk processed

432,000 tonnes 
cheese produced

225,000 tonnes  
food ingredients manufactured 

Ireland 
Irish operations include Consumer Foods and 
Agribusiness & Property. Consumer Foods has 10 
locations producing a range of branded milk, fresh 
dairy products, natural cheeses and fresh soups. 
Agribusiness has 61 locations and is the Group’s 
key linkage with its farmer supply base. Food 
Ingredients Ireland has two manufacturing facilities 
producing cheese and a range of food ingredients. 
Also located in Ireland is the Group’s headquarters 
and Innovation Centre.

UK 
Glanbia Cheese has processing facilities in Northern Ireland 
and Wales manufacturing mozzarella cheese. It is a 50:50  
joint venture with Leprino Foods, USA. Glanbia Nutritionals 
UK, located in Middlesborough, manufactures high protein 
bars, beverages and ready to mix ingredients for the sports 
performance market.

Belgium 
Glanbia Nutritionals has a 
sales office in Brussels.

Germany 
Glanbia Nutritionals 
Deutschland produces 
customised micro-nutrient 
premixes for Europe, Middle 
East and Africa from a facility  
in Orsingen-Nenzingen.

Nigeria 
Nutricima, located 
near Lagos, supplies 
reconstituted evaporated 
milk, milk powder and 
energy powder to the 
Nigerian market and is a 
50:50 joint venture with 
PZ Cussons plc. 

Malaysia 
Glanbia Nutritionals 
has a sales office in 
Kuala Lumpur.

Singapore 
Glanbia Nutritionals has a 
sales office in Singapore.

Indonesia 
Glanbia Nutritionals has a 
sales office in Jakarta.

China 
Glanbia Nutritionals, 
located in Suzhou, has a 
premix facility supplying 
customers globally. 
Glanbia also has a sales 
office in Shanghai.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

5

Overview of Glanbia

Our vision and strategy

Our vision is to be a world leader in  
cheese and nutritional ingredients. 

Our International business model

e
t
a
r
n
o

i
t

a
v
o
n
n

I

i

s
t
n
e
d
e
r
g
n

i

l

d
e
d
d
a
-
e
u
a
v
s
e
t
a
e
r
c
n
o

i
t

a
v
o
n
n

i

d
e
s
a
b
-
e
c
n
e
c
S

i

r
o

f
s
t
c
u
d
o
r
p
n
g
r
a
m

i

r
e
h
g
h
g
n

i

i
t
e
g
r
a

t
s
n
o

i
t

l

u
o
s
d
n
a

t

.
s
t
c
e
p
s
o
r
p
h
w
o
r
g
g
n
o
r
t
s
h

t
i

w
s
t
n
e
m
g
e
s
d
n
a
s
t
e
k
r
a
m

�

�

�

Nutritional ingredients
Nutritional ingredients for the health and wellness, sports and lifestyle sectors have strong 
growth drivers including favourable demographics, increasing obesity, rising levels of self-care 
and a growing understanding of the relationship between diet and exercise. 

Whey ingredients
The application of science and innovation together with the acquisition of complementary 
ingredients and technologies converts this valuable whey stream into a range of high margin 
nutritional ingredients focused on growth markets.

Global cheese and dairy ingredients
Large scale processing and manufacturing facilities are at the heart of Glanbia. These are efficient, 
cost competitive and operationally strong with high levels of productivity. Through these facilities 
Glanbia processes a large supply of milk, which is then manufactured into a range of cheese and 
dairy products. Also derived from these processes is a large and valuable stream of whey proteins. 

Innovation

Glanbia has two Innovation Centres based in Ireland 
and the USA focusing on developing a range of 
science-based food and nutritional ingredients and 
solutions in areas such as weight loss, protein bars, 
sports nutrition, long-life dairy-based beverages and 
ingredients, functional dairy foods, and value-added 
consumer food products and packaging formats. 

6

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our strategic objectives 

Our competencies

Glanbia’s strategic objectives are focused on developing a more 
diversified earnings base, achieving a sustainable operating 
margin, generating strong cash flow and delivering continuous 
earnings growth.

While growing internationalisation and complementary 
acquisitions are significant drivers of growth, 2009 will be a 
period of consolidation. This prudent approach reflects the 
level of investment by the Group in recent years and the current 
global credit and economic environment. 

Glanbia has a range of competencies that help in continuing to 
grow and develop the business. These are:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 World-class and proven manufacturing skills in a wide variety 
of dairy products and ingredients;
 Strong technical and innovation skills, which are an 
important part of delivering applications for customers and 
driving new formats, products and services;
 Excellent relationships and contacts in all key beverage, 
dairy food and food ingredients segments; and
 Partnering with leading companies and organisations in high 
growth markets.

2007-2009 Targets

Adjusted earnings per share growth

Operating margin pre exceptional  
(excluding Joint Ventures & Associates)

10-14%

2008 up 18.5%

2007 up 26.6%

5% +

2008 6.0%

2007 5.2%

Free cash flow pre exceptional

Potential development spend per annum

€45m+

2008 €72.4m

2007 €53.1m

€150m

2008 €292.8m

2007 €58.2m

EBIT from International operations

EBIT interest cover

>50%

2008 65%

2007 74%

5-6 times

2008 6.4 times

2007 6.7 times

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

7

Overview of Glanbia

Chairman’s statement

Glanbia achieved a good performance in 2008 despite 
deteriorating market conditions, in particular the decline 
in the second half of the year of global dairy markets. 

Liam Herlihy

In 2008, adjusted 
earnings per share grew 
18.5%, following a 26.6% 
increase in 2007.

in global dairy prices resulted in an 
imbalance between market returns and 
milk input costs throughout 2008. Margins 
in Ireland increased 310 basis points to 6.9% 
(2007: 3.8%), benefiting from improvements 
in Consumer Foods and Agribusiness and 
the exit during the year from the Pigmeat 
business. Margins in Joint Ventures & 
Associates increased significantly during the 
year chiefly as a result of margin correction 
in Southwest Cheese.

Full details of the Group’s divisional 
performances are contained in the 
Group Managing Director’s review, 
the operations review and the finance 
review, which follow.

Another year of growth
2008 was a good year for the Group 
and follows a strong performance in 
2007. Profit before tax pre exceptional 
increased 20.8% to €120.3 million  
(2007: €99.5 million) and adjusted 
earnings per share grew 18.5% to 35.86 
cents per share (2007: 30.25 cents  
per share). 

Revenue from the International division 
increased 6.1% to €1,489.2 million  
(2007: €1,403.2 million), primarily 
reflecting good organic growth in 
Food Ingredients USA and Nutritionals. 
Revenue in the Ireland division declined 
7.5% to €743.0 million (2007: €803.4 
million). The exit from the Irish Pigmeat 
business in March 2008 reduced revenue 

by €168.0 million in the year. Revenue 
growth was achieved in both Consumer 
Foods and Agribusiness. The Group’s 
share of revenue from Joint Ventures & 
Associates increased 4.9% from €353.0 
million to €370.3 million, driven by an 
excellent performance from Southwest 
Cheese, USA.

The Group’s operating margin pre 
exceptional, excluding Joint Ventures 
& Associates, increased 80 basis points 
to 6.0% in 2008 (2007: 5.2%). Operating 
margins for the International division 
reduced by 60 basis points to 5.5% 
(2007: 6.1%). Margin expansion in Food 
Ingredients USA and Nutritionals was 
offset by significant margin pressures in 
Food Ingredients Ireland, as the decline 

8

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

Global dairy markets have reached very low levels since the 
beginning of the year and in light of the current economic 
uncertainty are likely to remain volatile for the rest of the year.

Dividend
The Board is recommending a final dividend 
of 3.76 cents per share, compared with a 
3.58 cents per share final dividend in 2007. 
This brings the total for the year to 6.51 
cents per share (2007: 6.08 cents per share) 
representing a 7.1% increase. Subject to 
shareholder approval, dividends will be paid 
on Wednesday 20 May 2009 to shareholders 
on the register as at Friday 24 April 2009. Irish 
dividend withholding tax will be deducted at 
the standard rate where appropriate.

Strong corporate governance
The Board and management are 
committed to achieving the highest 
standards of corporate governance 
and being ethical in the conduct of all 
aspects of the business. For the period 
under review the Board is fully satisfied 
that appropriate systems of internal 
control are in place throughout the 
Group. A detailed Directors’ statement 
of corporate governance is set out on 
pages 45 to 52 of this report. 

Board changes
Michael Walsh retired from the Board and 
the Chairmanship of Glanbia, following the 
Group’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) 
on 14 May 2008. Michael had served as 
a Director since 1989, as Vice-Chairman 
since 1996 and as a Chairman since 2005. 
His tenure, particularly in the period 
since 1996, has been a remarkable and 
exciting time for the Group reflecting a 
decade of progress and the successful 
implementation of Glanbia’s growth 
strategy. Michael will remain as a member 
of the Group’s US Advisory Board for a 
period of three years.

I am delighted with the honour of 
being elected Chairman of the Board in 
succession to Michael who chaired the 
Group with distinction. 

In May 2008 a number of changes were 
made to the Board. John Fitzgerald, who 
has served on the Glanbia Board since 
2004 was elected Vice-Chairman. Anthony 
O’Connor and Robert Prendergast, both 
dairy farmers and Directors of Glanbia Co-
operative Society Limited, were appointed 
as Directors. Eamon Power retired as a 
Director having served nine years. 

In March 2009, the Group announced the 
retirement of Geoff Meagher on 30 June 
2009 from his executive roles as Deputy 
Group Managing Director and Group 
Finance Director and from the Board. 
Geoff has given exceptional service and 
commitment to Glanbia since he joined 
what was the Avonmore Group in 1975. 
He has been an integral part of the 
growth and internationalisation of the 
Group and a great pleasure to work with. 
Glanbia will be maintaining a consultancy 
relationship with Geoff to avail of his 
extensive experience. 

Siobhan Talbot, who was Deputy Group 
Finance Director since 2005, has been 
appointed Group Finance Director 
Designate with immediate effect and 
will succeed Geoff and join the Board 
on 1 July 2009. Siobhan, a Chartered 
Accountant, has been with the Group 
since 1992.

On behalf of the Board I would like 
to welcome the new members and 
acknowledge with sincere thanks, the 
commitment and contribution departing 
members made to Glanbia. We wish them 
all well in the future. 

Management and staff
I would like to personally thank John 
Moloney, Group Managing Director and 
all our employees for their dedication and 
commitment during the year. 

Effective risk management 
The Group’s management of risk is key 
to achieving our strategic, financial 
and operational objectives. While risk 
is the ultimate responsibility of the 
Board, throughout Glanbia there are risk 
mitigation and management procedures 
and policies in place. The Group’s risk falls 
into four principal categories – strategic, 
financial, operational and external. In 
light of the current environment, there are 
short term risks to the delivery of Glanbia’s 
strategic objectives. The driver of these 
risks is the unprecedented and sustained 
nature of the global economic downturn 
and as a consequence volatility in global 
dairy markets. While there are some 
natural hedges in the business such as the 
geographic split in earnings, with the USA 
likely to respond faster to stimulus, there 
are some very significant challenges as we 
head into 2009. Risk and risk management 
is comprehensively dealt with on pages  
36 and 37 of this report.

Conclusion
Detailed views on the outlook for 2009 
are set out in the Group Managing 
Director’s review and operations reviews 
on page 10 to 25.

Trading conditions became progressively 
more challenging in the second half of 
2008 and into 2009. Global dairy markets 
have reached very low levels and in 
light of the current global economic 
uncertainty are likely to remain volatile 
for the rest of this year. However, the 
Group is well invested, financially strong 
and has a diversified earnings base with 
good organic growth opportunities. 
These should enable the Group to deliver 
further progress in 2009. 

Liam Herlihy
Chairman

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

9

Directors’ report: Business review

Group Managing Director’s review

2008 was a year of delivery. Across the business  
a strong operational performance underpinned a 
good set of results. The Group also completed a major 
strategic acquisition and achieved key financial targets.

John Moloney

A year of delivery
Glanbia’s businesses performed well 
during 2008. Throughout the Group, 
revenues, profits and operating margins 
improved with the exception of Food 
Ingredients Ireland. For this business unit 
the downturn in global dairy commodity 
prices affected margins, as reductions in 
the price paid for milk lagged the decline 
in global dairy prices. Elsewhere in the 
International division, Food Ingredients 
USA had a strong performance with high 
cheese prices, good demand and very 
efficient production, generating record 
revenues and positive margin expansion. 
Nutritionals had a good year driven 
by organic volume growth, buoyant 
whey markets and a continued good 
performance from the premix business. 

Optimum, acquired in August 2008, 
made a first time contribution in line 
with expectations.

In the Ireland division, Consumer Foods 
had a satisfactory year. This compares 
with a very challenging 2007 when results 
were affected by a time lag in recovering 
the impact of higher costs in the market 
place. Agribusiness results were ahead of 
2007 as a result of a good performance 
in the feed and fertiliser segments and a 
strong focus on cost reduction. Glanbia 
has a very conservative approach to its 
Property business, which manages the 
Group’s surplus property. This business 
performed broadly in line with 2007. 

A highlight of the year was a significant 
improvement in the performance of the 
Group’s Joint Ventures & Associates, most 
notably Southwest Cheese, which had an 
excellent year. Glanbia Cheese achieved 
margin growth despite a challenging 
market in 2008. 

However, Nutricima had a difficult 
year, where it was not possible to pass 
on the full extent of the significant 
increases in raw material commodity 
prices. Notwithstanding this, Nutricima 
is, I believe, an excellent long-term 
strategic investment and is developing a 
branded milk product portfolio of liquid, 
condensed and powder formats to serve 
a growing market. 

10

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

€351 million 

Acquisition and development capital 
expenditure since 2007

Major strategic acquisition
Glanbia has also developed the capability 
to successfully acquire and integrate 
strategic acquisitions. The latest of which 
is Optimum, acquired in August 2008, for 
a total consideration of US$323.0 million 
(€217.9 million). 

Optimum is a leading manufacturer of 
nutritional supplements for the sports 
nutrition sector, in particular the use of 
whey protein as a functional supplement, 
where ‘ON’ is a leading brand. Optimum 
was a privately owned company with 
a successful 22-year history in the 
manufacture and supply of premium 
nutritional supplements to the US and 
global sports nutrition markets. It has 
three operating facilities in Illinois, South 
Carolina and Florida. 

Optimum takes Glanbia’s nutritional 
business further up the value chain and 
enhances the Group’s route to market 
for innovative nutritional applications 
and solutions. An opportunity also exists 
to grow the business internationally 
through Glanbia’s nutritional sales 
network, with offices in China, 
Singapore and Latin America.

Optimum has performed in line with 
expectations since acquisition and sales 
have remained resilient. We believe this 
is because in sports nutrition, protein is 
a key lifestyle component as opposed to 
discretionary spending. 

Optimum is an excellent strategic fit with 
Glanbia’s existing businesses and also fits 
well with the Group’s stated growth strategy 
and ambition to continue to internationalise 
Glanbia, in high growth markets. 

Overall, Glanbia’s share of profit after 
tax and interest, from Joint Ventures & 
Associates, grew to €7.3 million, up from 
€1.0 million in 2007.

World-class capability
Food Ingredients USA, together with 
Southwest Cheese, is the largest producer 
of American-style cheddar cheese in the 
USA, with close to 20% market share. In 
2008, the Group’s three US cheese plants 
produced and sold over 340,000 tonnes 
of cheese. Glanbia is one of the world’s 
leading manufacturers of whey-based 
nutritional ingredients, producing 59,000 
tonnes of value-added whey products in 
its three whey-based ingredients plants. 
In total, over 3 billion litres of milk was 
processed in 2008 by businesses that 
employ 900 people.

Southwest Cheese is the Group’s joint 
venture with The Greater Southwest 
Agency. It is based in Clovis, which is 
located in the high plains of eastern 
New Mexico, USA. Southwest Cheese 
is a US$226.0 million cheese and whey 
products facility, built on a greenfield 
site. From commissioning of the facility in 
October 2006 to today, this business has 
grown significantly and now generates 
revenue in excess of US$600.0 million. 
The success of Southwest Cheese in three 
years is a strong illustration of Glanbia’s 
core capabilities, which include:

•   the ability to foster long-term 

partnerships with leading companies and 
organisations in high growth markets;

•   the management skills to deliver major 
investment projects, on time and on 
budget, from a greenfield site to fully 
commissioned large scale facilities;

•   world-class manufacturing skills in a 
wide variety of dairy products and 
ingredients; and

•   strong and deep customer 

relationships in all key cheese and 
food ingredients markets.

A difficult macro environment
Much has and will be written about the 
global economic downturn and the 
crisis in financial and credit markets. 
Commodity prices are also very volatile. 
While a reduction in oil prices is a positive 
for the energy intensive elements of our 
business, the decline in world dairy prices 
has an asymmetric – plus and minus 
– affect across the Group’s portfolio of 
businesses. In Food Ingredients Ireland, 
where the bulk of output is exported into 
global commodity dairy markets, the 
price we pay for milk to farmer suppliers 
lags the price for dairy products on world 
markets. As a consequence this business 
encountered very difficult trading 
conditions in 2008 as global dairy markets 
experienced a steep decline, from the 
historic highs achieved in 2007. 

Changing consumer trends
Another facet of the current downturn 
is the effect it is having on consumer 
confidence and spending patterns. 
Consumers have become more value 
conscious and Glanbia is addressing this 
in two ways. 

The first is to manage our branded 
product portfolio more strategically, 
adding key offerings for the value 
conscious consumer or ‘quality at a price’. 

Glanbia is also addressing the flight to 
value through a strong cost focus.  
A significant rationalisation programme, 
costing €14.5 million is ongoing across 
the Group. This is as a result of an 
imperative to remain cost competitive, 
particularly in relation to the effect the 
global economic downturn is having on 
consumer demand. The rationalisation 
programme is mainly focused on 
Consumer Foods, Agribusiness and Food 
Ingredients Ireland and associated costs 
relate primarily to redundancy.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1 1

Directors’ report: Business review

Group Managing Director’s review (continued)

Rationalisation is not simply to cut costs 
but to actively manage our business 
consistent with the current reality and in 
anticipation of these trends continuing. 

Balance sheet capacity and strength
Glanbia is in a good financial position. 
After a period of significant acquisition 
and development expenditure with 
€351.0 million invested in acquisitions 
and development capital expenditure in 
the past two years, the Group will now 
consolidate its operations, particularly as 
ample opportunity for growth exists within 
the current business. 

A prudent and conservative approach to 
reduce capital and operating spend is 
consistent with the challenging external 
environment that is affecting every aspect 
of the Group.

In the finance review, on pages 32 to 35, 
detailed information is given on the Group’s 
debt position and financial covenants. 

Our people and responsibilities
Today, Glanbia has a local and global 
footprint through its operations, partners 
and customer relationships. The Group, 
including Joint Ventures & Associates is 
a significant employer with 4,300 people 
working across the business. 

In some instances Glanbia is the 
principal employer in an area. Therefore 
our presence in a local community and 
the values that we set ourselves in how 
we engage with our employees, interact 
with that local community and run our 
business are very important. 

On the other hand, aspects of our 
business have the potential to impact 
major world issues, such as climate 
change, through our carbon footprint. 

The Group’s Ballyragget facility in Ireland 
is the largest integrated dairy processing 
plant in Europe and Glanbia’s facility in 
Gooding, Idaho, USA is the world’s largest 
barrel cheese facility. 

As a result of the scale of these and other 
operations, we are equally mindful of our 
environmental responsibilities and the 
need to manage and grow our businesses 
in a sustainable way. 

In recognition of the importance of 
people to the Group we have a dedicated 
‘Our people’ section on page 26 to 28 
of this report. We also recognise the 
growing importance of Corporate Social 
Responsibility (CSR) and during 2009 will 
be formalising a Group-wide approach to 
key elements. The CSR section is on page 
29 to 31 of this report.

2007 to 2009 Strategic roadmap
As part of the repositioning and 
internationalisation of Glanbia, the Group 
set out key financial targets in the 2006 
Annual Report. Adjusted earnings per 
share growth was targeted at 10% to 14% 
per annum. In 2008, adjusted earnings 
per share grew 18.5%, following a 26.6% 
increase in 2007. 

Total development expenditure in 2007 
and 2008 amounted to €351.0 million. 
Earnings before interest and tax from 
International operations now represent 
almost two-thirds of total earnings, 
reflecting the Group’s significant and 
successful presence overseas. 

In a two year period the performance of 
Glanbia has comfortably exceeded all the 
Group’s growth objectives for the three 
years 2007 to 2009.

2009 Group outlook
Glanbia performed well in 2008, delivering 
a good set of results, completing a major 
strategic acquisition and achieving key 
financial targets. All businesses performed 
to or better than anticipated, with the 
exception of Food Ingredients Ireland 
which suffered a sharp decline in profits 
and margins in 2008.

2009 will be a tough year. Global dairy 
markets have weakened considerably 
from previous high levels with the 
outlook for 2009 deteriorating further 
since the beginning of the year. In broad 
terms in 2009 we expect that global dairy 
markets will remain weak and somewhat 
volatile.  We would expect that these 
markets will bottom out as a result of 
some supply contraction in a number 
of countries and as a result are likely to 
begin to rebalance through the end of 
2009 and into early next year with some 
price recovery as a consequence.  

However, in 2009 Food Ingredients Ireland 
will be the most challenged in the context 
of Global dairy markets. We expect this 
business to breakeven in 2009. Food 
Ingredients USA is expected to deliver a 
resilient performance, albeit down when 
compared with a strong result in 2008. 

Reducing farm incomes will have 
implications for farm input sales and 
as a result for revenue and profits 
in Agribusiness. Consumer Foods, 
Nutritionals and Joint Ventures & 
Associates are expected to deliver 
robust performances. 

Based on current market conditions, 
the Group now expects 2009 earnings 
to be in a range of low to mid single 
digit growth. Glanbia is continuing to 
maximise organic growth opportunities 
and aggressively manage costs to 
sustain the business through the current 
challenging environment.

12

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

Recent acquisitions and the Group’s direct investment 
in science and technology has put in place a strong 
framework for Glanbia’s continued growth in nutritional 
ingredients; a high margin, high growth sector.

Southwest Cheese in New Mexico, one of the largest natural cheese and whey processing plants in the world.

Optimum sports nutrition supplements.

Looking ahead
The Group is well positioned. We made 
significant investment in recent years 
which has enhanced the geographic and 
sectoral spread of the business.  We have 
diversified our earnings base from Ireland 
to International. 

Within the International division we have 
diversified further up the value chain from 
cheese to advanced whey and into a range 
of nutritional products.  This includes a 
solid mineral and vitamin formulation 
business, which has blue chip customers 
and facilities in China, Germany, California 
and a new plant being commissioned in 
Missouri in the second quarter of 2009.

There is a robust programme of cost saving 
measures in place across the Group and we 
would expect those to yield considerable 
benefits on an annualised basis.  

2009 will be a year of consolidation for 
Glanbia, prioritising debt reduction, 
after having made a major acquisition in 
Optimum in 2008. 

We have good organic growth 
opportunities in the business including 
Nutricima, Southwest Cheese, Nutritionals 
and Optimum in particular.

I believe that as the general economic 
environment improves over the next few 
years Glanbia is in a good place to benefit. 

John Moloney
Group Managing Director

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1 3

Directors’ report: Business review

Operations review International

Food Ingredients USA and global Nutritionals had a 
strong performance in 2008, driven by favourable pricing 
and good organic volume increases. This underpinned  
a satisfactory performance by the International division 
for the full year. 

In 2008, revenue for the International 
division grew 6.1% to €1,489.2 million 
(2007: €1,403.2 million). Operating 
profit pre exceptional declined 3.2%  
to €82.5 million (2007: €85.2 million). 
Operating margin pre exceptional  
reduced 60 basis points to 5.5%  
(2007: 6.1%). 

These results reflect the impact of a 
deterioration in the performance of Food 
Ingredients Ireland, particularly in the 
second half of the year, when the decline 

in global dairy markets and the resulting 
imbalance in milk cost and market pricing 
led to a significant reduction in profits and 
margins for this business unit. 

Nutritionals
The Nutritionals business unit is a 
leading supplier of advanced technology 
whey proteins and fractions, flax and 
customised micro-nutrients, vitamin 
and mineral premixes. It comprises 
three separate businesses - Ingredient 
Technologies (business to business 
ingredient developer and distributor); 
Customised Solutions (business to 
business premix solutions provider) 
and Optimum (business to consumer, 
manufacturer and marketer of nutritional 
supplements) – serving the health and 
wellness, functional foods, sports nutrition, 
infant and clinical nutrition sectors.

Nutritionals employs 555 people at 
locations in the USA (Wisconsin, Idaho, 
Illinois, California, Missouri, Florida and 
South Carolina); Canada (Manitoba); 
Europe (Ireland, UK, Belgium and 
Germany) and Asia Pacific (China, 
Singapore and Malaysia). 

Acquisition of Optimum
A highlight of 2008 was the acquisition 
in August of Optimum, a leading 
manufacturer of nutritional supplements 
for the sports sector, with some of sports 
nutrition’s most trusted brands in the USA, 
including ‘ON’, ‘Gold Standard 100% 
Whey’ and ‘ABB’. The total consideration 
was US$323.0 million (€217.9 million). 

Optimum has a 22-year track record in 
the manufacture and supply of a range 
of whey-based, premium nutritional 
supplements to the US and global sports 
nutrition markets. The company is the 
largest US manufacturer of whey-protein-
based, sports nutrition products in powder, 
beverage, capsule and bar format. 

This is an exciting acquisition for Glanbia 
as it gives the Group a leading position 
of scale in a fast growing segment of the 
nutrition market. It is also a close strategic 
fit with existing core areas of nutritional 
expertise in whey and sports nutrition 
and gives the Group a direct presence in 
valuable consumer markets. 

14

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
Revenue 
up 6.1%

Operating profit pre exceptional 

down 3.2%

Operating margin pre exceptional
down 60 basis points

€1.49 bn

€82.5m

��
��

��
��

��
��

�������
�������

�������
�������

�������
�������

��
��

��
��

��
��

������
������

������
������

������
������

5.5%

��
��

��
��

��
��

����
����

����
����

����
����

A highlight of the year was 
the acquisition in August of 
Optimum, a leading US sports 
nutrition manufacturer.

2008 Performance
The global nutritional market exhibited 
strong growth in 2008 with an estimated 
value of US$244 billion per annum. 
Glanbia has approximately 9% of the US 
sports nutrition sector; 18% of the global 
premix market; 29% of Global Whey 
Protein Isolate (WPI) market; and 8% of 
global Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) 
80 market.

All areas in the whey business 
experienced growth in 2008 with volume 
and pricing in whey protein isolates and 
concentrates showing steady growth. 
Functionally advanced whey, servicing the 
bar and beverage sectors, in particular, 
showed significant growth. 

Glanbia’s position in the global premix 
market was strengthened in 2008 with the 
commissioning of a new wholly owned and 
operated plant in Suzhou near Shanghai, 
China. Investment continued in facilities in 
Canada, Germany and the UK to increase 
efficiency and capacity at those facilities 

and a new US premix plant in Missouri 
is expected to be commissioned in the 
second quarter 2009. 

In 2008, further investment was made 
in developing internal science and 
technological capabilities in whey 
fractionation through research and 
development facilities in Ireland and 
the USA. This is creating real benefits as 
Nutritionals moves into higher value added 
solutions and formulations for the food, 
beverage and pharmaceutical industries. 

Brand strength improved in 2008 with 
the addition of the ON and ABB brands. 
Other brands include Provon® WPI, 
AvonlacTM WPC, Thermax® whey proteins, 
Prolibra® weight management solution, 
MeadowpureTM, CFM® WPI, Bioferrin® 
lactoferrin, Salibra® bioactive whey 
fraction, Trucal® dairy calcium, Provon® 
Revive a sports protein recovery solution; 
Barflex®; BarmaxTM, BarGainTM, and 
BarProTM bar solutions.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1 5

Directors’ report: Business review

Operations review International (continued)

The vision for Nutritionals 
is to become one of the 
leading providers of 
science-based nutritional 
ingredients, solutions and 
sports supplements to the 
global nutrition industry. 

Provon Revive is the ultimate recovery solution and the choice of Irelands elite athletes.

Nutritionals strategic objective is to 
deliver new and innovative products and 
solutions that will afford Glanbia a point 
of difference in the market place and 
deliver value to customers. 

2009 Outlook
A significant investment in and 
commitment to innovation and a full year 
contribution from Optimum is expected 
to contribute to growth in 2009. 
Nutritionals is well positioned for 2009 
and has strong brands and capabilities to 
continue to develop a business of scale 
in both the business to business and 
business to consumer areas.

Nutritionals revenues, profits and 
margins grew for the year driven by 
strong organic volume growth, good 
value added whey markets, notably 
in the first half, and continued good 
performance in premix businesses. 2008 
results reflect a first time contribution by 
Optimum, in line with expectations.

Strategy
The strategy for this business is based  
on building a high margin business, with 
positions of scale in both dairy and  
non-dairy sectors; in particular:

• 

 ingredient solutions in core health 
areas of sports and performance 
nutrition, weight management, health 
and wellness; and

• 

 functional solutions in bars, beverages 
and processed foods.

16

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

International markets are served by Food Ingredients 
& Nutritionals and these businesses collectively 
represented 71% of Group revenue and 65% of Group 
operating profit pre exceptional in 2008.

Julie Kolsen checking solids in a refiner tank in the Gooding whey facility.

The Group’s businesses in the 
USA have been accepted for 
membership to the Energy 
Star Programme, a national 
call to action to improve the 
energy efficiency of America’s 
commercial and industrial 
sectors by 10% or more. 

Glanbia added four additional medals 
to its trophy case in 2008 earning two 
gold medals and two silver medals in the 
World Cheese Championship contest 
held in Madison, Wisconsin. A record 
breaking eight medals were awarded, 
including two gold and four silver, in the 
US Cheese Championships in March 2009.

Strategy
The strategy for Food Ingredients USA 
is to continue to be the most relevant 
supplier of American-style cheddar 
cheese to key industrial customers, retain 
leading market positions, grow market 
share and continue to be an efficient, 
high-quality producer of whey-based 
ingredients to support Glanbia Nutritionals 
growth strategy.

Food Ingredients USA
Food Ingredients USA processed 
2.0 billion litres of milk into 205,000 
tonnes of cheese and 50,000 tonnes of 
whey-based ingredients from facilities 
located in Idaho.

Food Ingredients Idaho plants, corporate 
head office and state-of-the-art research 
and development facility employs 640 
people. The business purchases over one-
third of the milk produced in Idaho. Idaho 
is the third largest milk producing state 
in the USA and is amongst the fastest 
growing states for milk production, up by 
approximately 7% in 2008. 

2008 Performance
High cheese prices enabled Food 
Ingredients USA to post record revenues 
in 2008, with strong demand and pricing 
during the year. Positive market conditions 
and continued investment in production 
capabilities and efficiencies, underpinned 
margin improvement in 2008. 

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1 7

Directors’ report: Business review

Operations review International (continued)

The cheddar cheese block line at our Ballyragget facility.

2009 Outlook
Domestic demand for cheddar cheese is 
good. However, having reached historical 
highs during 2008, US cheese prices 
reduced significantly late in the year. For 
2009, despite expected volatility, cheese 
prices are forecast to remain above 
historical averages, albeit lower than 2008 
average prices. Whey prices are lower 
year-on-year and only a marginal recovery 
is expected during 2009. Therefore 
market conditions for Food Ingredients 
USA will be more challenging this year 
and as a result a lower performance is 
expected in 2009, following a strong set 
of results in 2008.

18

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

Food Ingredients Ireland
Food Ingredients Ireland is the largest 
dairy ingredients business in the 
country, assembling a milk pool of  
1.4 billion litres annually and processing 
it into butter, cheese, milk proteins 
and whey derivatives. It markets over 
190,000 tonnes of dairy products and 
ingredients on a business to business 
basis to customers in over 40 countries. 

Food Ingredients Ireland employs over 
440 people at two large processing 
facilities in Ballyragget, County Kilkenny 
and Virginia, County Cavan. It operates 
a joint venture with Corman SA, for the 
manufacture of butter fractions and dairy 
spreads in Ireland and has a sales and 
blending operation in Mexico.

The Ballyragget facility is the largest 
integrated dairy site in Europe, processing 
20% of the Irish milk pool and 40% of 
the Irish whey pool. Food Ingredients 
Ireland is the pre-eminent Irish supplier 

of lactose and other whey proteins to the 
three largest infant formula manufacturers 
in the world. It is also Ireland’s largest 
manufacturer of casein – another protein 
found in milk – and cheddar cheese. 

The Virginia facility produces a range of 
fat-filled milk powders and fresh creams. 
It has exclusive responsibility for cream 
and casein procurement and supply to 
Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur following the 
renewal of a new five-year contract. It is 
also the main supplier of milk powder to 
Nutricima, the Group’s joint venture with 
PZ Cussons plc in Nigeria. In addition 
to customers who have strong market 
positions in West Africa such as Senegal, 
Togo, Mali and Benin. 

2008 Performance
2008 was a very challenging year for 
Food Ingredients Ireland. Global dairy 
markets were volatile and prices reached 
historic lows. 

As a result of the scale of our processing businesses we are very 
mindful of our economic and environmental responsibilities and 
the imperative to grow our business in a sustainable way.

Food Ingredients Ireland is the largest manufacturer of cheddar cheese in Ireland.

This decline in global dairy prices, 
particularly in the second half of the year, 
led to a sharp imbalance in the raw material 
input cost and market prices for products. 
As a result, while revenues remained 
robust, profits and margins were back 
significantly when compared with 2007.

The co-operation agreement with 
Dairygold, including the contract 
manufacture by Dairygold of cheese for 
Glanbia and by Glanbia of butter for 
Dairygold, operated well during the year. 

The joint venture with Corman SA 
progressed satisfactorily throughout 
2008 with the commissioning of a butter 
fractionation facility, which is the only such 
facility in Ireland. 

In the fourth quarter of 2007 and into the 
first quarter of 2008, Food Ingredients 
Ireland carried out a complete replacement 
of its cheese facility in Ballyragget and 
increased capacity by 33%. A further 
investment in a Milk Protein Concentrate 

(MPC) facility enabled the production of 
MPC 80 and Milk Protein Isolate (MPI) which 
are targeted at nutritional and fresh dairy 
product markets. 

Strategy
While recognising that a significant 
proportion of Food Ingredients Ireland’s 
product base is commodity dairy 
products, the strategy for this business 
is to provide a growing and innovative 
offering of higher margin ingredient 
solutions to an expanding customer base. 

2009 Outlook
The market outlook for Food Ingredients 
Ireland in 2009 is difficult, with global 
dairy markets at extremely low levels. 
While a realignment of raw material costs 
and market pricing is expected, given 
current conditions we expect this business 
to breakeven this year. We continue to 
drive efficiency and cost improvements 
in the business through a rationalisation 
programme and other initiatives.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1 9

Directors’ report: Business review

Operations review Ireland

The Ireland division performed well despite a challenging 
market environment. This delivered an increase in operating 
profit, together with a significant improvement in operating 
margin for the year. 

Focused marketing investment 
and a new two litre size 
delivered double digit volume 
growth in Avonmore Supermilk.

2008 Performance
Consumer Foods had a satisfactory 
year, although the marketplace became 
particularly challenging in the latter half of 
2008 with the economic downturn affecting 
consumer confidence and shopping 
behaviour. Despite this, Consumer Foods 
delivered good growth in revenue and 
improved its operating profit and margin 
position during the year, after a number 
of years where higher costs were not fully 
recovered in the marketplace.

Beverages
Consumer Foods increased its marketing 
investment in its milk portfolio in 2008. 
Good progress was achieved in 2008 
with double digit volume growth in the 
Avonmore Supermilk brand. The launch 
of a two litre family pack was a key driver 
for this growth coupled with an innovative 
advertising and direct marketing activity 
targeting health professionals. The 
sponsorship of the 2008 World Barista 
Championship served to highlight the 
superior quality of Avonmore milk in the 
food service channel.

In recognising the increased value 
conscious consumer, the business 
supported a price decrease on its key 
selling Avonmore Fresh, Low Fat and 
Supermilk brands in late 2008, helping 
to maintain a strong market share for its 
liquid milk products. This focus on cost 
and value are key agenda items in the 
marketing strategy going forward. 

Consumer Foods had a satisfactory year 
and this compares with a very challenging 
2007 when results were affected by a time 
lag in recovering the impact of higher costs 
in the marketplace. 

Agribusiness was ahead of 2007 as a result 
of a good performance in the feed and 
fertiliser segments and a strong focus on 
cost reduction. Glanbia’s Property business 
performed broadly in line with 2007. 

In the Ireland division, although overall 
revenue declined 7.5% by €60.4 million 
to €743.0 million (2007: €803.4 million), 
the exit from the Group’s Pigmeat 
business in March 2008 reduced revenue 
by €168.0 million in the year. Revenue 
growth was achieved in both Consumer 
Foods and Agribusiness. 

Operating profit pre exceptional increased 
68% to €51.5 million (2007: €30.6 million) 
and operating margin pre exceptional grew 
by 310 basis points to 6.9% (2007: 3.8%). 

Consumer Foods 
Consumer Foods is the largest branded 
food supplier into the Irish grocery sector 
with more food brands in The Top 100 
than any other supplier. 

With household brands such as 
‘Avonmore’, ‘Premier’, ‘Yoplait’, 
‘Kilmeaden’, ‘Snowcream’, ‘Petits Filous’, 
and ‘CMP’ in its portfolio, Consumer 
Foods has the No.1 market position in 
all sectors of fresh milk and cream, block 
cheddar cheese, grated cheddar cheese, 
fruit yogurts, kid’s fromage frais, drinking 
yogurt, fresh soup and smoothies.

Consumer Foods employs just under 800 
people at 10 locations throughout Ireland 
and processes almost 300 million litres of 
milk annually. The business unit supplies 
over 4,000 customers with almost two 
million consumer packs each day.

20

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

Revenue 

Operating profit pre exceptional 

down 7.5%

up 68%

Operating margin pre exceptional
up 310 basis points

€743.0m

€51.5m

��
��
��
��
��
��

�������
�������
�������
�������
�������
�������

��
��
��
��
��
��

������
������
������
������
������
������

6.9%

��
��
��
��
��
��

����
����
����
����
����
����

A further development in 2008 was the 
introduction of other leading beverage 
brands into the Consumer Foods 
beverage portfolio. Distribution of the 
biggest selling smoothie brand ‘Innocent’ 
and the biggest energy drink challenger 
brand ‘Monster’ into the range served to 
strengthen the businesses presence in the 
nutritional beverage category.

Food
Consumers have moved towards more 
mainstream products in pursuit of value 
and this has led to increasing demand 
for the Yoplait family yogurt range. 
Innovation and investment, particularly 
in the value-added portfolio, showed 
good results in 2008 with sales of Yoplait 
Mixed Seeds yogurt growing strongly. 
The new ‘100% Natural’ strategy for the 
Petits Filous range is proving effective 
with increasing consumer loyalty and a 
stronger market position. 

2008 was Consumer Foods best year 
ever for its value-added cream sales. 
Extending the Avonmore cream franchise 
into special occasions usage delivered 
well, with the launch of Avonmore Baileys 
Fresh Cream delivering strong sales 
during Christmas 2008. 

Key offerings for the value 
conscious consumer or ‘quality 
at a price’ led to increasing 
demand in 2008 for the Yoplait 
family yogurt range.

Innovation and marketing investment 
behind the Kilmeaden brand proved 
effective in 2008, strengthening the 
brand’s competitive position in the 
marketplace. New products and 
packaging formats helped to provide 
more convenient choices for consumers 
and boosted sales.

Avonmore Fresh Soup defended 
its leading market position, despite 
increased competition in the fresh 
soup category. The launch of Chunky 
Soup achieved incremental volume as 
it extends the Avonmore brand into 
more meal-type usage that appeals to a 
younger demographic.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

2 1

Directors’ report: Business review

Operations review Ireland (continued)

The Ireland division represented 29% of Group revenue 
and 35% of Group operating profit pre exceptional in 2008.

Avonmore Fresh Soup holds the number one position in the Irish fresh soup category.

2009 Outlook
The marketplace will remain competitive 
and challenging during this year. Against 
this backdrop the emphasis in Consumer 
Foods will be on delivering and 
promoting enhanced value to customers 
and continuing to differentiate its key 
brands, while aggressively managing 
costs. The outlook for Consumer Foods  
is satisfactory for 2009.

Consumer Foods is at the 
forefront in promoting the 
understanding of nutritional 
values in food, with the 
introduction of Guideline Daily 
Amounts (GDA) labelling across 
90% of its product range.

Strategy
Consumer Foods is responding strongly 
to the current economic and market 
reality, in anticipation that the changing 
trends in consumer culture and spending 
will continue into 2009 and beyond. 

There is a significant ongoing 
rationalisation programme costing over 
€11.0 million, which will further improve 
cost competitiveness and efficiency. 

Innovation and value-added products 
represent a strong growth opportunity 
as demonstrated by the performance 
of Supermilk, Bailey’s Cream and soup 
packaging formats.

Active management of Consumer Foods 
strong brand portfolio, in milk, cream and 
selected food categories, and strategically 
differentiating key products is enabling 
Consumer Foods to maintain good market 
share and leadership positions.

22

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

catering for the needs of the core farmer 
customer base with an extended farm 
hardware offering.

2009 Outlook
2009 will be an extremely challenging 
year for farmers across all sectors, with 
strong negative headwinds including 
a reduction in farm incomes and the 
continuing economic downturn. For the 
longer-term, Agribusiness is positioning 
itself to be able to service the changing 
needs of its farmer base whilst 
recognising the potential created by a 
growing and diverse rural population.

Property
The remit of Property is to review and 
maximise the value of Glanbia’s portfolio 
of properties, with a particular focus on 
surplus property. 

2008 Performance
The 2008 performance of Property was 
broadly in line with 2007, despite a very 
different environment with a dramatic 
slowdown in the property market and lack 
of available credit. 

2009 Outlook
While the market will undoubtedly 
continue to be very difficult in 2009, 
there are a number of transactions 
planned which should support activity 
in the coming year. Results for 2009 are 
expected to be broadly in line with 2008.

Agribusiness & Property
Agribusiness & Property had a satisfactory 
year with improved revenue, operating 
profit and margins in 2008.

Agribusiness
Agribusiness is engaged primarily in feed 
milling, grain processing and marketing, 
and the retailing of a range of farm inputs, 
to the Group’s large farmer supply base. 
Its portfolio also includes CountryLife, 
which is a broader retail offering. 

Agribusiness is market leader in animal 
feeds, fertilisers, seed grain, chemicals 
and veterinary product sales. The 
business employs over 600 people and 
operates in 16 counties in Ireland, with a 
total of 61 locations.

2008 Performance
Agribusiness had a satisfactory 
performance in a competitive trading 
environment and results for 2008 were 
ahead of 2007. This business unit 
performed well in its core feed and fertiliser 
markets and continued to rationalise and 
reinvest to ensure a cost effective and 
efficient supply chain. The Agribusiness 
retail strategy, under the CountryLife 
format, is making good progress with 14 
branches redeveloped to date. 

Strategy
The strategy for Agribusiness is to grow 
market share in core sectors by focusing 
on the development of distinctive 
propositions for target customers in retail 
and farm segments. The reshaping of the 
business will continue to ensure Glanbia 
has the most cost effective and efficient 
value chain for each core offering. 

The retail strategy under the CountryLife 
banner is to capture the convenience 
needs of a growing and diverse rural 
population. Agribusiness is developing a 
focused offering in gardening, pet care 
and equestrian products, whilst also 

The retail strategy for CountryLife 
is to capture the convenience 
needs of a growing and diverse 
rural population.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

2 3

Directors’ report: Business review

Operations review Joint Ventures & Associates

In 2008, Joint Ventures & Associates performed strongly, 
in particular Southwest Cheese in the USA, which is 
a world-class cheese and whey-based nutritional 
ingredients manufacturer. Overall, Glanbia’s share of 
profit after tax and interest pre exceptional increased by 
€6.3 million to €7.3 million for the year.

In 2008 there was a significant 
improvement in the performance of the 
Group’s Joint Ventures & Associates, 
most notably Southwest Cheese which 
had an excellent year. Glanbia Cheese in 
the UK achieved margin growth despite 
a challenging market in 2008. However, 
Nutricima in Nigeria had a difficult year 
as it was not possible to pass on the full 
extent of the significant increases in raw 
material commodity prices. As a result, 
Nutricima’s profits and margins were 
behind 2007. 

Glanbia’s share of revenue of Joint Ventures  
& Associates grew 4.9% to €370.3 million  
(2007: €353.0 million). Operating margin 
increased 290 basis points to 4.6%  
(2007: 1.7%). Glanbia’s share of profit after 
tax and interest pre exceptional improved 
considerably, increasing to €7.3 million 
(2007: €1.0 million).

Southwest Cheese
Southwest Cheese is located in Clovis, 
New Mexico, USA, and is one of the 
largest natural cheese and high-protein 
whey processing plants in the world. 
The business is in its third year of 
operation and produced 136,000 tonnes 
of American-style cheddar cheese 
and other American-style varieties of 
cheese in 2008, equivalent to 7.5% of 
the US market. It is a 50:50 joint venture 
between Glanbia and The Greater 
Southwest Agency. Glanbia markets all 
of the products produced. Southwest 
Cheese employs over 270 people. 

2008 Performance
2008 was an excellent year for Southwest 
Cheese and the business delivered a 
strong recovery in results for the year, 
compared with 2007. Output increased  
as planned to reach full capacity. 

Demand was favourable and operational 
excellence continued with strong  
day-to-day management at the facility. 

A highlight of 2008 was achieving a World 
Cheese Championship gold medal in the 
first year of entering the competition.  
A gold medal was also awarded at the  
US Cheese Championship in March 2009.

2009 Outlook
The outlook for Southwest Cheese is 
good. The people, plant and processes 
have proven capabilities with the 
markets for American-style cheddar 
cheese and high-protein whey product 
continuing to grow. Milk production 
is robust in the New Mexico and West 
Texas regions and this positions the 
business for continued growth.  
A planned 50% expansion in production 
capacity is currently being finalised.

24

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
Revenue 
up 4.9%

€370.3m

�������
�������
�������
�������

��
��
��
��

Profit after interest and tax pre exceptional

up €6.3m

€7.3m

��
��
��
��

�����
�����
�����
�����

Glanbia has three principle 
International joint ventures - 
Southwest Cheese in the USA, 
Glanbia Cheese in the UK and 
Nutricima in Nigeria - and a 
number of smaller Irish based 
joint ventures & associates.

Nunu, one of Nutricima’s leading brands of milk-based powder for the developing Nigerian market.

Glanbia Cheese 
The Group has a 51% interest in Glanbia 
Cheese which is a joint venture with 
Leprino Foods, USA. The business 
produces mozzarella cheese for the 
European pizza market in shredded, 
ribbon and string formats and is Europe’s 
No.1 supplier of mozzarella cheese to the 
foodservice and retail pizza sector. Glanbia 
Cheese employs 350 people at three sites, 
which includes two cheese processing 
facilities in the UK. 

2008 Performance
Glanbia Cheese’s performance in 2008 
showed a marked improvement over 2007, 
as the business fully recovered the milk cost 
inflation experienced in the second half 
of 2007. However, the external operating 
environment disimproved in the second 
half of 2008 as a result of the weakness in 
the global economy and its detrimental 
knock-on effect both on consumer 
confidence and demand. Despite the 
difficult market conditions Glanbia Cheese 
delivered margin growth in 2008.

2009 Outlook
Glanbia Cheese is well positioned to 
deal with the significant challenges 
anticipated in 2009. A combination of 
efficiency benefits and an improved sales 
mix underpins volume growth, which is 
supported by increased consumption 
trends in quick foodservice markets.

Nutricima
Nutricima is a 50:50 joint venture with  
PZ Cussons plc in Nigeria. This business 
has developed a branded product 
portfolio to serve all market segments 
including liquid, condensed and 
powdered milk-based products. Nigeria 
is a large and developing market, 
catering for a population estimated at 
151 million people, with a fast growing 
urban middle class. Local oil production 
and a relatively stable political 
environment has supported strong GDP 
growth. Nutricima employs 260 people 
at its evaporated milk manufacturing and 
powder packing facility near Lagos. 

2008 Performance
2008 was a challenging year as the 
business continued to experience the 
impact of significant increases in raw 
material commodity prices, which could 
not be fully passed on in the marketplace. 
Good operational progress continued 
to be made with the capacity expansion 
project for reconstituted evaporated milk 
now complete and the factory producing 
‘ready-to-drink’ products is on target to 
be commissioned in the first half of 2009.

2009 Outlook
Nutricima is expected to make good 
progress in 2009, with improvements in 
its brand portfolio, market positions and 
increased top line growth forecast. Raw 
material commodity prices have reduced 
significantly and this is expected to 
improve margins. 

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

2 5

Directors’ report: Business review

Our people

In a business that operates from local to global, 
Glanbia’s people strategy provides a common approach 
and a clear framework to develop people and deliver the 
Group’s growth strategy. 

Our people strategy has two core 
elements – sustained succession 
management and effective Human 
Resources (HR) organisation and systems. 
The emphasis is on maximising the 
contribution of people to the overall 
business, in an empowering, positive and 
safe working environment. 

Sustained succession management 
This focuses on ensuring that Glanbia 
has the right people and skills in place to 
deliver its growth and strategic objectives.

Phase I of the sustained succession 
management programme focuses 
on strong performance and career 
management through building and 
rolling out a consistent process for 
annual performance and development 
potential assessment. Detailed action 
plans are agreed from these reviews. 
High performers, depending on 
their roles and experience, have the 
opportunity to participate in Glanbia’s 
Senior Leadership Programme (SLP) or 
the Group Management Development 
Programme (GMDP). 

Both are customised programmes, 
with the SLP focusing on the strategic 
challenges facing the Group and its key 
operating divisions. The GMDP provides 
learning, support and awareness to high 
performing managers of what is required 
to be successful at the next level. It 
focuses on the skills required to become 
a business leader and strategic partner 
in the business. Both programmes also 
crucially provide an invaluable forum 
for collaboration and sharing of ideas 
among managers across the Group. The 
overall goal is for people to become more 
effective in their roles and to increase 
their contribution to Glanbia. 

Phase II concentrates on strengthening 
the Group’s development programmes 
to include coaching/mentoring, peer 
and colleague reviews, individual 
stretch objectives and the opportunity 
to participate in key projects, which are 
independent from day-to-day activities.

Another pillar of sustained succession 
management is Glanbia’s Graduate 
Programme (GP). This is designed to 
hire and develop ‘the managers of the 
future’ and is a two-year programme that 
offers graduates the chance to work in 
three or four business units, in a number 
of different countries. In essence, their 
career journey starts here and they have 
the prospect of refining and honing 
their academic skills in key disciplines 
such as science, finance, marketing, 
and engineering. Such is the success of 
this programme that each year Glanbia 
receives in excess of 600 applications for 
10 places on the GP.

Effective HR organisation and systems
Group HR’s remit is to deal with cross 
business unit issues and HR issues that 
have group-wide implications. It is also 
involved in setting Group HR strategy 
policy and in managing the performance 
and development programme for 
Glanbia’s senior managers.  

Other key responsibilities include the 
Group’s health and safety forum. Across 
Glanbia, there are HR managers in 
business units who interact with Group 
HR to ensure a unified and consistent 
approach to key Group HR policies  
and programmes.

A significant part of creating an effective 
HR organisation and systems is ‘Project 
Perform’ which is ongoing since May 
2008. This is being rolled out from 
the end of quarter one of 2009, for all 
salaried staff. This is a SAP-based HR 
system with key workflows embedded 

26

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

to deal with all aspects of an employee’s 
life-cycle, such as compensation and 
benefits, performance management and 
development, leave and absenteeism. 
The objective is to empower HR and 
business unit managers through providing 
real time information, measuring key 
HR performance indicators and linking 
individual performance directly to  
Group performance. 

Glanbia’s people strategy is 
based on a simple proposition. 
The Group gives an individual 
opportunity, development 
and reward for performance. 
This is ‘our investment in 
you’. In return Glanbia gets 
accountability, delivery and 
commitment, which is ‘your 
investment in us’.

Daragh Maccabee 
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer  
Food Ingredients USA

In the 10 years since joining Glanbia from the Coca-Cola business in Siberia, 
I have held positions as Financial Controller of Consumer Foods and Group 
Financial Controller before moving to head up the finance function of 
the Group’s US cheese operations based in Idaho. My Glanbia career has 
been one of many challenges and rewarding opportunities. My personal 
development has been further enhanced during 2008 through participation 
in the Glanbia Senior Leadership Programme.

Michelle Naughton 
Quality Assurance Team Lead
Southwest Cheese USA

I joined Glanbia on the Graduate Programme in 2004 and after six months 
in Ireland, I got the opportunity to move to Idaho. I spent five months there 
between the three Glanbia production facilities. Then I had the opportunity 
to be part of the start-up at Southwest Cheese in New Mexico which 
has been a great learning experience. During the last year I became the 
Environmental Manager here and also took part in the Glanbia Management 
Development Programme which was a great opportunity to meet with  
co-workers from other divisions. I am now the Quality Assurance Team Lead 
and appreciate the wealth of opportunities that has been offered to me in 
the short time since I started with Glanbia.

Joseph Collum 
Marketing Director 
Consumer Foods Ireland

Given the dynamic market environment and the challenges and 
opportunities that this presents for the Consumer Foods business, the 
company places a strong emphasis on performance development. I recently 
participated in the Senior Leadership Programme and found the content 
and sharing of experiences with fellow senior managers across the Group 
to be informative and helpful. I am applying new thinking on growth and 
innovation to our business and expect this to improve our ability to compete 
in the months and years ahead.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

2 7

Directors’ report: Business review

Our people (continued)

28

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

Loren Ward
Director of Research and Development
Nutritionals USA

I joined Glanbia in 1998 after completing a PhD in Nutrition and  
Food Science at the University of Minnesota. Glanbia has provided 
opportunities for me to develop my professional career and manage 
the development of innovative, science-based nutritional solutions for 
global applications. In 2006, I enjoyed attending Glanbia’s Management 
Development Programme at the Irish Management Institute in Dublin.

Ivy Xiang 
Commercial Manager 
Nutritionals China

I studied in Massey University in New Zealand for a Masters in Dairy Science 
and Technology and later completed an M.Sc Food Science at the Wuxi 
Institute in China. I joined Glanbia three years ago and as Commercial Sales 
Manager for China I am now responsible for the sale of both dairy ingredients 
and vitamin and mineral premix. I am glad to have taken every opportunity 
to advance my career at Glanbia and in 2008 I enjoyed particular success 
promoting the sales of Glanbia’s Trucal® milk mineral product in China. 

Michael O’Leary 
Human Resources Manager
Agribusiness Ireland

Having graduated from University of Limerick with an honours degree in 
Business Studies, I joined the Glanbia Graduate Programme in November 
1997. During my 11 years with the company I have had the opportunity to work 
in a variety of HR roles in Group IT, Consumer Foods and Agribusiness. My 
development has been supported by participation in the Glanbia Management 
Development Programme and my recent role as HR lead of Project Perform.

Our responsibilities

At the heart of Glanbia’s CSR is the Group’s commitment 
to the sustainable development of our business and to 
making a positive contribution to our local communities.

CSR is increasingly seen as a crucial 
element of any business. Consumers 
want to shop more in line with their 
personal values, as well as getting more 
value for money while still purchasing 
safe, nutritious and healthy foods. 
Sustainability is high on the global 
agenda as the world strives not to 
exhaust natural resources or cause severe 
ecological damage. Companies recognise 
that they can make a significant social 
contribution, on top of their economic 
and environmental impact, by engaging 
and working with their local communities.

Governance and risk management
A cornerstone of managing our business 
responsibility is a strong commitment by 
Glanbia’s Board and management to all 
aspects of good corporate governance 
and risk management. The Board has 
overall responsibility for the stewardship of 
the Group including annual and strategic 
business plans, capital expenditure 
programmes, acquisitions and disposals 
together with dividend, treasury and 
risk management policies. The Board 
comprises 21 members including 
a Non-executive Chairman, Senior 
Independent Director and three Executive 
Directors. Further information on the 
Board, Directors’ statement of corporate 
governance and information on risk 
management are contained in pages  
38, 36 and 45 respectively.

The environment 
We are committed to continuous 
environmental improvement at all of  
our operations. The Energy Star 
Programme, sponsored by the US 
Environmental Protection Agency and the 
Department of Energy, is a national call to 
action to improve the energy efficiency of 
America’s commercial and industrial sectors 
by 10% or more. In 2008, our businesses 
in the USA were formally accepted for 
membership of this programme, which is a 
strong statement of intent on their part to 
reducing their carbon footprint. 

Waste water which is a by-product of milk processing is polished, stored and reused in plant boilers in Gooding.

In Ireland, there is a carbon reduction 
programme for Irish processing facilities, 
with dedicated resources in place.  
Food Ingredients Ireland appointed 
a Carbon Footprint and Sustainability 
Manager in 2008, to complement a fulltime 
engineer focusing on energy efficiencies 
in what is a very energy intensive business. 
This business is working closely with the 
Government through the policy formulation 
phase on global warming initiatives in 
order to balance the future potential 
growth of the industry with the emissions 
reduction programme. This is in addition to 
ISO14001 accreditation for environmental 
management systems and IS393 
accreditation for energy management. 
Other key environment initiatives include an 
active recycling programme with over  
12 tonnes of paper recycled during the year, 
together with 33 tonnes of cardboard,  
7 tonnes of plastic, 51 tonnes of timber and 
420 tonnes of stainless and mild steel.

Sustainability 
The barrel cheese and whey plant in 
Gooding, Idaho, is the world’s largest 
barrel cheese facility, with a total 
processing capacity of over four million 
litres of milk daily, producing 4.5 million 
litres of raw whey per day and  
149,000 tonnes of cheese annually. 

Despite the sheer scale of the Gooding 
plant, its manufacturing operations are 
almost water-neutral as the operations 
team get the most out of precious 
water resources. Waste water, which is 
a bi-product of processing, is polished 
and stored in silos. 1.4 million litres of 
this water is used in plant boilers with 
other waste water reprocessed in an 
anaerobic treatment plant. The gas 
generated in this activity is used to heat 
water for cleaning at the plant and the 
treated water is used to irrigate corn 
and alfalfa grown on the 1,200 acres 
surrounding the plant. 

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

2 9

Directors’ report: Business review

Our responsibilities (continued)

Barretstown Camp.

Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

These crops are fed to suppliers cows, 
whose milk is then sent to the plant to 
start the cycle again. That is the essence 
of sustainability and it’s good economics. 

panels in both counties. Kilkenny’s 
famous black-and-amber jerseys carry 
the ‘Avonmore’ logo while in 2008, the 
Waterford jerseys sported the ‘Yop’ brand. 

Other efficiency measures at Gooding 
include enhanced receiving bays which 
reduced the number of bays from six to 
four while allowing 31,000 litres of milk 
to be uploaded in 12 minutes, 24/7. Milk 
hauliers are using new, lighter tanker 
trucks, delivering better mileage, reduced 
energy consumption and lower costs. 

Corporate giving and volunteerism
In Ireland Glanbia continued its support 
for the GAA which represents strong 
community values and actively promotes 
health and fitness with the sponsorship 
of the Kilkenny and Waterford senior 
hurling teams in the provincial and All 
Ireland championships as well as the 
National Hurling League. Glanbia has 
been a long-term sponsor of the senior, 
intermediate, under 21 and minor hurling 

The Group continues its strong association 
with Junior Achievement Ireland through 
ongoing employee volunteering whereby 
the Group allows people time out to 
mentor primary and secondary school 
students, particularly on business subjects.

As part of our CSR initiatives, we select 
a local charity and make a multi-year 
commitment to not only fund a need but 
provide employee volunteers to serve that 
charity. In 2008, Glanbia selected two new 
charities to work with. 

In Ireland, the Group choose Barretstown. 
This is a specially designed camp, providing 
a programme of adventure, activities and 
fun, which helps children with serious 
illness, such as childhood cancer, to regain 
their confidence and self-esteem through 

We pride ourselves in being 
a local company and we 
try to be a good corporate 
citizen and give back to the 
communities where we have  
a presence.

therapeutic recreation. This initiative has 
a consumer dimension through its direct 
association with Consumer Foods and the 
Avonmore brand. This is about increasing 
awareness for Barretstown to help capture 
the benefits of mutual social responsibility, 
where consumers are increasingly using 
their brand choices to support ethical or 
social issues and as a means to get more 
involved and participate in these causes. 
Apart from the corporate and Consumer 
Foods business financial commitments, 
eight champions have been appointed 
around the Group to raise employee 
awareness and support their fundraising 
efforts. Collectively, these are targeting a 

30

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

In recognition of the importance of CSR to us, Glanbia is 
undertaking a review of CSR and EHS (Environment, Health 
and Safety) around the Group during 2009, with the aim 
of formalising key group-wide policies, and promoting 
continuous improvement in all our standards and practices. 

Despite the sheer scale 
of the Gooding plant, its 
manufacturing operations are 
almost water-neutral as the 
operations team get the most 
out of precious water resources.

The combined heat and power plant at Ballyragget.

contribution of approximately €1 million 
over a three year period from 2008. 
Ultimately for Consumer Foods and Glanbia 
the goal is to make a meaningful and 
measurable contribution to Barretstown. 

Food Ingredients USA and Nutritionals 
have partnered with Shriners Hospital for 
Children in Salt Lake City, for the period 
2008 and 2009. Shriners Hospitals for 
Children is a network of 22 paediatric 
hospitals in the USA, Canada and Mexico. 
They specialise in providing care for 
children under 18 with orthopaedic 
conditions, burns, spinal injuries and cleft 
lip and palate. All services are provided 
free of charge. The Glanbia donation, 
of US$35,000 in 2008, is being used to 
upgrade the parent lounge and laundry 
facilities, followed by parent bedrooms. 
Similar to Ireland, a group of employee 
champions in the USA will promote 
and support employee fundraising to 
complement corporate giving. 

As one of the largest employers in the 
Magic Valley region of south-central 
Idaho, Glanbia is regarded as one of the 
top employers in terms of opportunity, 
development and reward. The Group 
also has a good reputation as a generous 
benefactor having made pledges of over 
US$226,000 to various charities and public 
institutions in 2008 alone. The highlight of 
the year was the Glanbia Charity Challenge 
golf tournament, which has been one of 
the largest fundraisers in Magic Valley since 
its inception in 1994. Set at the bottom of 
the Snake River canyon at the beautiful 
Blue Lakes Country Club, the Glanbia 
Charity Challenge has raised a total of 
US$883,000 and benefited 36 local charities 
since it began. 

Strong health and safety performance
Overall this has been a good year for the 
advancement of Health and Safety (H&S) 
and legal compliance. Steady progress has 
been made in audit scores and in the further 
integration of H&S and risk management 
processes across all businesses. 

Glanbia continues to invest in improving 
both the plant infrastructure through 
capital investment and the management 
of H&S compliance through investment in 
H&S personnel and training. During 2008, 
993 employees received approx 6,800 days 
of H&S training.

Social performance
Glanbia is committed to developing and 
nurturing internal talent. This will help 
ensure that the Group has the people, 
capabilities and skills in place needed 
to support the continued growth and 
internationalisation of Glanbia. For more 
information on our social performance 
please refer to the dedicated ‘Our people’ 
section of this report on pages 26 to 28.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

3 1

 
Directors’ report: Business review

Finance review

Glanbia delivered a good set of results in 2008 and the 
Group’s key annual financial targets set out in our 2007 to 
2009 Strategic Roadmap were comfortably achieved or 
exceeded. This positions us well for a challenging 2009. 

Geoff Meagher

2008 Highlights
•   Operating margin pre exceptional  

up 80 basis points;

•   Profit before tax pre exceptional  

up 20.8%;

•   Adjusted earnings per share up 18.5%, 
following a 26.6% increase in 2007;
•   Good cash generation and robust  

debt ratios;

•   2008 EBITDA / net financing cost cover  

at 7.9 times; 

•   EBIT to net financing cost cover at  

6.4 times; and 

•   Net debt/EBITDA ratio at 2.7 times.

Summary 
Revenue grew 1.0% to €2,232.2 million 
(2007: €2,206.6 million). Revenue 
growth was positive across almost all 
the business, with favourable pricing 

32

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

and good organic volume increases, 
particularly in Food Ingredients USA 
and Nutritionals. Revenue growth was 
offset by the sale of the Group’s Pigmeat 
business in March 2008 and the effect 
of currency translation. Like-for-like 
revenue grew 8.9%. Operating profit pre 
exceptional increased 15.7% to  
€134.1 million (2007: €115.8 million).

Operating margin pre exceptional 
increased 80 basis points to 6.0%  
(2007: 5.2%). All businesses in the 
Group increased margins in 2008 with 
the exception of Food Ingredients 
Ireland where the decline in global 
dairy markets resulted in a significant 
imbalance between market returns and 
raw material input costs. 

Profit before tax pre exceptional grew 
20.8% in the year to €120.3 million  
(2007: €99.5 million) driven by the first time 
contribution of Optimum and good organic 
growth in all business segments except 
Food Ingredients Ireland. Like-for-like profit 
before tax pre exceptional grew 21.4%.

Net financing costs
Financing costs increased €3.8 million 
to €21.1 million (2007: €17.3 million) 
due mainly to the financing cost 
associated with the acquisition of 
Optimum. EBIT to net financing cost 
cover was 6.4 times in 2008 compared 
to 6.7 times in 2007. EBITDA to net 
financing cost cover was 7.9 times 
compared to 8.6 times in 2007.

Operating margin pre exceptional

Adjusted earnings per share

+80

basis
points

+18.5%

Table 1: Summary income statement

Revenue 
Operating profit pre exceptional 
Operating margin pre exceptional 
Net financing costs 
Share of results of Joint Ventures & Associates 
Profit before tax pre exceptional 
Taxation pre exceptional 
Profit after tax pre exceptional 
Exceptional items 
Earnings per share 
Adjusted earnings per share1 
Dividend per share in respect of the full year 
1: Before exceptional items and amortisation of intangibles (net of related tax) 

2008 
 €2,232.2m 
  €134.1m 
6.0% 
(€21.1m) 
  €7.3m 
  €120.3m 
(€21.5m) 
  €98.7m 
(€19.4m) 
26.76c 
35.86c 
6.51c 

2007 
€2,206.6m 
€115.8m 
5.2% 
(€17.3m) 
€1.0m 
€99.5m 
(€16.4m) 
€83.1m 
(€22.8m) 
20.42c 
30.25c 
6.08c 

Change
Up 1.0%
Up 15.7%
Up 80 bps
Up €3.8m
Up €6.3m
Up 20.8%
Up €5.1m
Up 18.8%
Down €3.4m
Up 31.0%
Up 18.5%
Up 7.1%

In 2008, the average interest rate for 
the Group reduced by approximately 
70 basis points to 5.1% primarily due 
to lower US dollar rates. The Group 
operates a policy of fixing a significant 
amount of its interest exposure with 
approximately 80% of the Group’s 
net debt currently contracted at fixed 
interest rates for 2009 and approximately 
70% contracted at fixed rates for 2010.

Joint Ventures & Associates
Glanbia’s share of revenue from Joint 
Ventures & Associates increased 4.9% 
to €370.3 million (2007: €353.0 million) 
with strong growth in Southwest Cheese. 
Glanbia’s share of profits post interest and 
tax grew strongly in 2008 to €7.3 million 
(2007: €1.0 million). Both Southwest 
Cheese and Glanbia Cheese improved 
profitability and margins. Nutricima, 
the Group’s Nigerian joint venture, 
consolidated its market position in 2008 
but it was not possible in a developing 
economy to pass on all of the increases in 
raw material costs and as a result profits 
and margins were below 2007. 

Taxation
The 2008 pre exceptional tax charge 
increased €5.1 million to €21.5 million 
(2007: €16.4 million), reflecting growth in 
international profits, which attract higher tax 
rates. The effective tax rate for the Group, 
excluding Joint Ventures & Associates, was 
19.1% in 2008 (2007: 16.7%).

Exceptional items
In 2008, Glanbia initiated a 
rationalisation programme costing 
€14.5 million. This is as a result of an 
imperative to remain cost competitive, 
particularly in relation to the effect the 
global economic downturn is having on 
consumer demand. This programme is 
mainly focused on the Consumer Foods, 
Agribusiness and Food Ingredients 
Ireland businesses and associated costs 
relate primarily to redundancy. 

An exceptional charge of €3.9 million 
was incurred on finalising the Group’s exit 
from its Pigmeat business announced in 
March 2008. A deferred taxation charge of 
€1.0 million arose in Glanbia Cheese due 
to a change in UK taxation legislation. 

Total exceptional costs for 2008 
amounted to €19.4 million  
(2007: €22.8 million). Exceptional costs 
in 2007 arose due to a provision for the 
exit from Pigmeat and restructuring costs 
incurred in Consumer Foods.

Earnings per share
Earnings per share increased 31.0% to 
26.8 cents (2007: 20.4 cents) due to higher 
profits and lower exceptional costs, 
relative to 2007. Adjusted earnings per 
share increased 18.5% to 35.86 cents 
(2007: 30.25 cents). 

Dividends 
The Board is recommending a final 
dividend of 3.76 cents per share  
(2007: final dividend 3.58 cents per share), 
an increase of 5.0%. This brings the total 
dividend for the year to 6.51 cents per share 
(2007: 6.08 cents per share), representing a 
total increase of 7.1% for the year. 

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

3 3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report: Business review

Finance review (continued)

Glanbia will concentrate on the opportunities for 
organic growth that exist within the current business, 
as a prudent and conservative approach to reduce 
capital and operating spend is consistent with the 
challenging external environment.

Table 2: Divisional results pre exceptional

International  
Ireland  

Total    
Joint Ventures & Associates  

Revenue 

€’m 
1,489.2 
743.0 

2,232.2 
370.3 

2008 
Operating  
profit 
€’m 
82.5 
51.5 

Operating 
margin 
% 
5.5% 
6.9% 

Revenue 

€’m 
1,403.2 
803.4 

2007

Operating  
profit 
€’m 
85.2 
30.6 

134.1 
17.0 

6.0% 
4.6% 

2,206.6 
353.0 

115.8 
5.9 

Group total  

2,602.5 

151.1 

5.8% 

2,559.6 

121.7 

Operating
margin
%
6.1%
3.8%

5.2%
1.7%

4.8%

2008 Divisional results
International activities include Food 
Ingredients, in Ireland and the USA, 
and the Group’s global Nutritionals 
business. Food Ingredients Ireland is 
included in international activities as 
the majority of its products are sold to 
international customers. 

The Ireland division includes Consumer 
Foods and Agribusiness & Property. 

Joint Ventures & Associates includes the 
Group’s three key strategic joint ventures, 
which are Southwest Cheese, Glanbia 
Cheese and Nutricima. 

Segmental analysis is contained in  
Table 2 above and further more detailed 
information on divisional results is in the 
operations reviews commencing  
on page 14. 

Development expenditure
In August 2008 the Group completed 
the acquisition of Optimum for a total 
consideration of €217.9 million  
(US$323.0 million). This was funded from 
the Group’s existing bank facilities. 

During the year Glanbia continued its 
strategic capital investment programme 
with €63.4 million expenditure focused 
mainly on Food Ingredients and 
Nutritionals. In the two-year period since 
2007, the Group has invested a total 
of €351.0 million on acquisitions and 
development capital expenditure. 

34

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

Cash flow
Net debt increased €231.9 million in the 
year to €452.1 million (2007: €220.2 million) 
primarily due to the acquisition of Optimum. 

•   That consolidated net bank borrowings 
shall not exceed four times EBITDA on 
any other day of the financial year; and 

•   That consolidated EBIT shall not be 

The Group generated good free 
cash flow of €72.4 million in 2008, 
(2007: €53.1 million). A summary 2008 
cash flow is contained in Table 3 on 
page 35. Free cash flow is after charging 
business sustaining capital expenditure 
and before acquisition costs, strategic 
capital expenditure and the payment of 
equity dividends.

Financing and financial flexibility
The Group has total debt facilities of 
€661.5 million - bank facilities of  
€598.0 million and €63.5 million 
cumulative redeemable preference 
shares. Bank facilities are held with nine 
banks under bilateral arrangements with 
common documentation and terms.  

€30.0 million of the facilities are 
renewable in December 2009,  
€158 million in July 2012 and €410 million 
in July 2013. The cumulative redeemable 
preference shares mature in July 2014.
Glanbia manages its bank debt position 
within a number of financial covenants. 
The key covenants are:

•   That consolidated net bank borrowings 
shall not exceed three times EBITDA  
on the last day in any financial year; 

less than 3.5 times of consolidated net 
borrowing costs in any financial year.

Group Treasury monitors compliance with 
all financial covenants and recent trends 
in these ratios are outlined in Table 4.

For financial prudence Glanbia sets more 
stringent internal net debt to EBITDA 
targets to recognise that the Group’s net 
debt is subject to seasonal fluctuations 
and as a result average debt can be up  
to 30% above year-end debt levels. 

In light of the above, the Directors of 
Glanbia have a reasonable expectation 
that the Group has adequate resources 
to operate for the foreseeable future. 
Therefore they continue to adopt the 
going concern basis in the preparation  
of this Annual Report.

Balance sheet
The equity of the Group decreased  
€6.7 million to €227.9 million at the 
end of the year (2007: €234.6 million). 
Retained earnings in 2008 decreased  
€1.5 million as retained profits of  
€78.4 million were offset by adverse 
reserve movements due to the increase  
in the pension deficit. 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Pension deficit
Glanbia operates defined contribution 
and defined benefit pension schemes 
in Ireland and the UK and defined 
contribution schemes in the USA and 
other international locations. The deficit 
in the Group’s defined benefit pension 
schemes increased at the year-end by 
€50.2 million to €164.4 million  
(2007: €114.2 million). The deficit on the 
Irish schemes at year-end amounted to 
€142.2 million and €22.2 million related 
to UK schemes. This total deficit was 
adversely impacted in the year by a 
negative return on pension fund assets 
and an enhancement in the actuarial 
assumptions used in the calculation of 
the pension liabilities. A review of the 
funding deficit of the Irish schemes is 
currently underway as the 10-year funding 
proposal submitted to the Irish Pensions 
Board is not currently on track due to 
low investment returns in 2008. The 
Group operates defined benefit pension 
schemes in the UK that relate to UK liquid 
milk businesses which were disposed of 
in 1999. Funding is in place to fund the 
deficit of the UK pension schemes over  
a 10-year period. 

Financial risk management
The conduct of Glanbia’s ordinary 
business operations necessitates 
the holding and issuing of financial 
instruments and derivative financial 
instruments by the Group. The main 
risks, arising from issuing, holding and 
managing these financial instruments, 
typically include liquidity risk, interest 
rate risk and currency risk. The Group’s 
approach is to centrally manage these 
risks against comprehensive policy 
guidelines. The Board agrees and 
regularly reviews these guidelines and 
more detailed information on financial 
risk is contained in Note 3.1 ‘Financial 
risk factors’ in the notes to the financial 
statements and in the risk section on 
pages 36 to 37 in this report.

Table 3: Summary cash flow 

EBITDA pre exceptional 
Working capital movement 
Net interest and taxation paid 
Additional pension contributions 
Business sustaining capital investment 
Other   
Free cashflow 
Acquisitions 
Disposals   
Strategic capital expenditure 
Equity dividends 
Currency exchange/fair value adjustments 
Net (increase)/decrease in debt during the year 
Net debt at beginning of the year 
Net debt at end of the year 

2008 
€’m 
167.6 
0.5 
(49.7) 
(14.0) 
(23.6) 
(8.4) 
72.4 
(229.4) 
22.2 
(63.4) 
(18.5) 
(15.2) 
(231.9) 
(220.2) 
(452.1) 

2007
€’m
149.2
(39.1)
(20.0)
(11.0)
(20.8)
(5.2)
53.1
(19.7)
18.4
(38.5)
(17.3)
8.2
4.2
(224.4)
(220.2)

Table 4: Net finance cost ratios

Net debt : EBITDA (times) 
EBITDA : Net finance cost (times) 
EBIT: Net finance cost (times) 

Investor relations
Glanbia operates an active domestic 
and international Investor Relations and 
Financial Media Relations Programme 
each year. Glanbia plc is a subsidiary of 
Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited, an 
Irish industrial and provident society, which 
owns 54.6% of the Company. 
The remaining 45.4% free float is well 
balanced between institutional and retail 
investor ownership and between domestic 
and international institutional ownership. 
In 2008, management met with over 190 
existing and potential investors. 

Farewell
This will be my last finance review as I am 
retiring from Glanbia on 30 June 2009. 
I would like to take this opportunity to 
express my thanks to John Moloney 
and all the team at Glanbia. It has been 
a wonderful privilege to work with a 
great group of people and I wish them 
continued success in the future. 

2008 
2.7 
7.9 
6.4 

2007 
1.5 
8.6 
6.7 

2006 
2.0 
8.1 
6.1 

2005
2.1
8.2
6.2

Conclusion
Glanbia delivered a strong set of results in 
2008 and the Group is well positioned for 
a challenging 2009. Glanbia has prioritised 
debt reduction for 2009, recognising the 
significant investment made in recent years 
and the current turmoil in global credit 
markets. The Group will concentrate on the 
opportunities for organic growth that exist 
within the current business, as a prudent 
and conservative approach to reduce 
capital and operating spend is consistent 
with the challenging external environment.

Geoff Meagher
Deputy Group Managing Director 
Group Finance Director 

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

3 5

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Directors’ report: Business review

Risk and risk management

The management of risk is central to achieving Glanbia’s strategic and financial 
objectives that are set out on page 6 to 7 of this report. The Board of Glanbia is 
responsible for the Group’s risk management systems, which are designed to manage 
and mitigate the risk of failure to achieve strategic and business objectives. 

Strategic risks 

Impact  

Mitigation

Global economic 
downturn and dairy 
market volatility

Demand  for  the  Group’s  products  could 
be  curtailed,  which  when  coupled  with 
dairy  market  volatility  represents  a  very 
material risk to the operating performance 
and financial stability of the Group.

The  Group  maintains  a  balanced  spread  of  businesses  and 
continues to diversify its earnings base to reduce volatility in 
financial  performance.  In  2008,  71%  of  Group  revenue  and 
65% of Group operating profit pre exceptional was generated 
from the International Division. The Group also continues to 
streamline  its  cost  base  to  ensure  it  remains  competitive.  In 
2008,  Glanbia  initiated  a  rationalisation  programme  costing 
€14.5 million, focused on Consumer Foods, Agribusiness and 
Food Ingredients Ireland.

Financing and 
liquidity constraints, 
associated with 
current credit markets

Lack of financial capacity could affect the 
Group’s  ability  to  conduct  its  business 
and  maintain 
investment 
programmes,  dividend  payments  and 
debt service commitments.

capital 

The Group closely monitors and manages its cash flow, with 
regular forecasting. Glanbia has in place total debt facilities 
of  €661.5  million  with  a  weighted  average  maturity  of  4.2 
years. The Group manages its bank debt position within a 
number of financial covenants that are closely monitored for 
compliance by Group Treasury. Strong banking relationships 
are maintained through regular meetings and updates. 

Inability to leverage 
the Group’s significant 
recent investment in 
acquisitions

There  is  a  risk  to  the  business  if  the 
Group  is  unable  to  deliver  significant 
organic growth from recent acquisitions 
and fully integrate the operations of the 
acquired businesses.

Recruitment and 
retention

The  ongoing  success  of  the  Group  is 
dependent  on  attracting  and  retaining 
high  quality  management  and  staff 
throughout the business.

Increasing 
competition

Significant product innovations, technical 
advances  or  the 
intensification  of 
competition  could  adversely  affect  
the Group.

The  Group’s  management  team  has  significant  experience 
in  the  areas  of  pre  acquisition  due  diligence  and  post 
acquisition  integration.  Specific  information  on  Nutritionals 
growth strategy is outlined on page 16 of this report. For 2009, 
Glanbia  will  concentrate  on  organic  growth  opportunities 
within  the  existing  business,  adopting  a  conservative 
approach to further acquisitive growth in the context of the 
challenging external environment.

The  Group  mitigates  any  risk  associated  with  loss  of  key 
personnel  through  sustained  succession  management, 
strong  recruitment  processes,  long-term  incentives  and 
retention  initiatives.  Glanbia  also  operates  management 
development  programmes  to  ensure  there  is  a  continuous 
pipeline of talent within the Group to support the ongoing 
growth and development of the business. Further information 
is contained in the Our people section on pages 26 to 28.

The Group invests in research and development and ensures 
that  the  introduction  of  new  products  and  product  formats 
and improved production processes positions the Group well 
in its chosen markets. Glanbia has Innovation Centres located 
in Ireland and the USA as well as associations with a number of 
research programmes at third level institutions. 

Financial risks  

Impact  

Mitigation

Financial and 
taxation risk

The  conduct  of  ordinary  business 
the  holding 
operations  necessitates 
and  issuing  of  financial  instruments  and 
derivative  financial  instruments  by  the 
Group. The main risks arising from issuing, 
holding  and  managing  these  financial 
instruments typically include liquidity risk, 
interest rate risk and currency risk. 

The  Group’s  approach  is  to  centrally  manage  financial  and 
taxation  risks  against  comprehensive  policy  guidelines, 
details of which are outlined in Note 3.1 Financial Risk Factors 
in  the  notes  to  the  financial  statements.  The  Board  agrees 
and  regularly  reviews  these  guidelines.  Group  corporate 
taxation planning and compliance is managed centrally.

36

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

Across the business, there is an ongoing process in place for identifying, assessing, 
managing, monitoring and reporting on the significant risks faced by individual business 
units and by the Group as a whole. This process has been in place for the year under 
review and up to and including the date of approval of the 2008 Annual Report.

Operational risk 

Impact  

Mitigation

Food safety 
legislation and 
regulation

Supply chain

Glanbia  must  maintain 
the  highest 
standards of food safety in the interest of 
the health and well being of its consumers 
and  sustaining 
reputation 
as  a  leading  international  cheese  and 
nutritional ingredients group.

its  strong 

Group  operations  in  processing,  distribution,  packaging 
and  labelling  of  food  are  governed  by  extensive  legislation, 
regulation,  codes  of  practice  and  guidance.  The  Group 
conforms fully to international and local food safety, quality and 
environmental regulations and employs best practice across all 
of its production facilities to maintain the highest standards.

The Group’s ability to fulfill the demand for 
its products is dependent on an efficient 
supply  chain.  Glanbia  also  needs  to 
ensure that its own suppliers comply with 
the highest health and safety standards. 

The  Group  mitigates  supply  chain  risk  by  maintaining  a 
broad supplier base and the Group is committed to ensuring 
that suppliers continue to choose Glanbia as their partner of 
choice. All of the Group’s key sites operate quality control 
assessments  on  products  supplied  to  ensure  world-class 
quality and food safety targets are maintained throughout  
the supply chain.

Health and safety

Ensuring the safety, health and welfare of 
employees, visitors to Glanbia operations, 
surrounding communities and the public. 

Environment

is  subject  to  strict  and 
The  Group 
developing  environmental 
laws  and 
regulations which could result in an increase 
in  the  cost  of  achieving  compliance  that 
might  impact  the  Group’s  operational  or 
financial performance.

Loss of a major site

The  loss  or  significant  destruction  of  any 
one of the Group’s key sites would present 
significant  operational  and  financial 
difficulties for Glanbia. 

Processes  and  policies  have  been  put  in  place  throughout 
the Group to ensure that workplace conditions, practices and 
procedures are maintained to high levels of safety in line with 
relevant safety, health and welfare legislation. An independent 
risk manager carries out an annual risk management audit for 
all the Group’s main locations in accordance with the Glanbia 
risk management system and this incorporates a separately 
reported health and safety audit.

together  with  a  commitment 

The  inclusion  of  environmental  and  sustainability  objectives 
and risk management as part of the Group’s overall business 
to  continuous 
strategy, 
improvement  ensures  that  Glanbia  is  ahead  of  evolving 
environmental  standards.  The  ‘Our  responsibilities’  section 
of  this  report  starting  on  page  29  outlines  a  number  of  key 
initiatives  from  around  the  Group  which  demonstrate  the 
Group’s  commitment  and  investment  in  energy  efficiency, 
carbon reduction, recycling and emissions programmes.

The  Group’s  operations  have  business  continuity  and 
communication  plans  in  place  to  manage  the  impact  of 
the  loss  of  a  major  site.    The  Group  also  monitors  overall 
safety  and  loss  prevention  performance  through  its  risk 
management  system  to  assist  operational  management 
responsible for the day-to-day management of business risk.  
An insurance cover programme is in place for all significant 
insurable  risks  and  major  catastrophes  to  mitigate  the 
financial consequences.

External risks 

Impact  

Mitigation

Energy costs

Large  scale  processing 
intensive operation. 

is  an  energy  

Energy  efficiency  programmes  are  operated  across  all 
sites  and  the  Group  was  the  first  dairy  processor  in  the 
world to be accredited with the IS393 Energy Management 
Standard at its processing site in Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny. 
In order to minimise the impact on energy costs of price 
volatility,  the  Group  will,  where  necessary,  enter  into 
fixed  price  arrangements  to  cover  certain  future  energy 
requirements.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

3 7

Directors’ report:  Corporate governance

Board of Directors

The Directors of Glanbia are committed to maintaining the highest standards 
of corporate governance which they see as fundamental to discharging their 
stewardship responsibilities. The Board strives to provide the right leadership, 
strategic oversight and control environment to produce and sustain the delivery 
of value to shareholders.

Chairman

Executive Directors

 Liam Herlihy1 (aged 57) is Chairman of Glanbia plc. He was appointed to the Board in 1997, as Vice-Chairman of the Group 
in 2001 and Chairman in May 2008. He is also Chairman of Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited and a director of the Irish 
Co-operative Organisation Society Limited. He completed the Institute of Directors Development Programme (2006) and holds 
a certifi cate of merit in Corporate Governance from University College Dublin. He farms at Headborough, Knockanore, Tallow, 
Co. Waterford.

 John Moloney B.Agr.Sc., MBA, (aged 54) is Group Managing Director since 2001, having been appointed to the Board in 1997. 
He joined the Group in 1987 and held a number of senior management positions including Chief Executive of Food Ingredients 
and Agribusiness. He was appointed Deputy Group Managing Director in 2000 and assumed the responsibilities of Chief 
Operating Offi cer in 2001. Prior to joining the Group he worked with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and in the 
meat industry in Ireland. He is a director of The Irish Dairy Board Co-operative Limited, DCC plc and a Council Member of the Irish 
Business and Employers Confederation. 

 Geoff Meagher CPA, (aged 59) joined the Board as Group Finance Director in 1993 and was appointed Deputy Group 
Managing Director in 2005. He joined the Group in 1975 and held a number of positions including that of Group Financial 
Controller. Prior to that he trained and worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Chartered Accountants. Geoff has resigned 
from his executive roles and from the Board with effect from 30 June 2009.

 Kevin Toland FCMA, (aged 43) was appointed to the Board in 2003. He is CEO and President of Glanbia USA and Nutritionals, 
having previously held the positions of Group Development Director and Chief Executive of the Consumer Foods Division. Prior 
to joining Glanbia in 1999, he held a number of senior management positions with Coca-Cola Bottlers in Russia and with Grand 
Metropolitan plc in Ireland and Central Europe.

Secretary 

 Michael Horan B. Comm, FCA

Board Committees

Audit 
Committee
J Callaghan - Chairman, 
H Corbally, 
J Fitzgerald, P Haran, 
L Herlihy, J Liston, 
V Quinlan

Remuneration 
Committee
J Liston - Chairman, 
J Callaghan, P Haran, 
L Herlihy, V Quinlan, 
J Fitzgerald

Nomination 
Committee
L Herlihy - Chairman, 
J Callaghan, 
P Haran, J Liston

38

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

  
 
  
  
 
Non-executive Directors

 John Fitzgerald1 (aged 53) is Vice-Chairman 
of Glanbia plc. He was fi rst appointed to the 
Board in 1997 and was appointed Vice-Chairman 
in May 2008. He farms at Ross, Kilmeaden, 
Co. Waterford. 

 John Callaghan FCA, FIB, (aged 66) was 
appointed to the Board in 1998 and is the 
Senior Independent Director. He is a director 
of ACC Bank plc and Rabobank Ireland plc. 
He was formerly Managing Partner of KPMG 
(Ireland), Chief Executive of Fyffes plc and 
Chairman of First Active plc.

 Nicholas Dunphy, (aged 48) was appointed 
to the Board in 2007. He farms at Grawn, 
Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford.

 James Gilsenan1 (aged 49) was appointed 
to the Board in 1999. He farms at Drogheda 
Road, Collon, Co. Louth.

 Paul Haran (aged 51) was appointed to 
the Board in 2005. He serves on the Court of 
Directors of the Bank of Ireland, Chairs the 
Board of the UCD Michael Smurfi t Graduate 
School of Business and holds a number of 
other directorships. 

 Martin Keane (aged 53) was appointed 
to the Board in 2006. He is a director of 
Donaghmore Famine Work House and 
Agricultural Museum Co-operative Society 
Limited. He farms at Errill, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.

 Matthew Merrick (aged 57) was appointed 
to the Board in 2005. He is Chairman of the 
Offaly County Enterprise Board and a board 
member of IFAC Accountants. He farms at 
Shean, Edenderry, Co. Offaly.

 Anthony O’Connor (aged 57) was 
appointed to the Board in May 2008. 
He farms at Ballymacsimon, Kilmuckridge, 
Gorey, Co. Wexford.

 Robert Prendergast (aged 47) was 
appointed to the Board in May 2008. He farms 
at Jeanville, Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny.

 Victor Quinlan1 B.Agr.Sc., (aged 63) is 
Vice-Chairman of Glanbia plc. He was appointed 
to the Board in 1996 and as Vice-Chairman in 
2005. He is Chairman of Irish Co-operative Society 
Limited and a director of Malting Company 
of Ireland Limited. He farms at Baptistgrange, 
Lisronagh, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

 Henry Corbally1 (aged 54) was appointed 
to the Board in 1999. He is Vice-Chairman of 
the National Dairy Council and a director of 
Kilmainhamwood Community Employment 
Scheme Limited. He farms at Kilmainhamwood, 
Kells, Co. Meath.

 Edward Fitzpatrick1 (aged 60) was 
appointed to the Board in 1999. He is a director 
of South Eastern Cattle Breeding Society 
Limited and Castlegannon Show Limited. He 
farms at Knockmoylan, Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny.

 Patrick Gleeson (aged 47) was appointed to 
the Board in 2006. He is a Committee Member 
of Centenary Thurles Co-operative Society 
Limited and farms at Loughmore, Templemore, 
Co. Tipperary.

 Christopher Hill1 B.Agr.Sc., (aged 50) was 
appointed to the Board in 2000. He is a director 
of Wicklow Rural Partnership Limited and 
Wicklow County Partnership and a member of 
the Wicklow County Development Board. He 
farms at Johnstown House, Arklow, Co. Wicklow. 

 Jerry Liston B.A., MBA, (aged 68) was 
appointed to the Board in 2002. He is Chairman 
of the Irish Aviation Authority. He was formerly 
Chief Executive of United Drug plc and past 
Executive Chairman of the Michael Smurfi t 
Graduate School of Business.

 William Murphy B. Comm, (aged 63) retired 
as Deputy Group Managing Director of Glanbia 
plc in 2005. He was appointed to the Board 
in 1989. He is a director of Aryzta plc and a 
number of unlisted companies.

 Michael Parsons (aged 59) was appointed to 
the Board in 2000. He is Chairman of Kilkenny 
Co-operative Livestock Market Limited and a 
director of Kilkenny, Carlow and District Farm 
Relief Services Society Limited. He farms at 
Outrath, Kilkenny.

1 Completed the University College Cork Diploma in Corporate Direction.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

3 9

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report: Corporate governance

Senior management

John Moloney 

  *   
  *    Geoff Meagher 1 
  *    Kevin Toland 2 

Group Managing Director

Deputy Group Managing Director/Group Finance Director (retiring 30 June 2009)

CEO & President Glanbia USA & Nutritionals

  Brian Phelan 

Group HR & Operations Development Director

  Siobhan Talbot 

Group Finance Director Designate

International

Jim Bergin 

CEO Glanbia Ingredients Ireland

Raimund Hoenes 

COO Glanbia Nutritionals - Customised Solutions

  Hugh McGuire 

Optimum Nutrition, Inc.

Jerry O’Dea 

CEO & President Glanbia Nutritionals - Ingredient Technologies

Jeff Williams 

CEO & President Glanbia Foods Inc

Ireland

  Colm Eustace 

CEO Glanbia Agribusiness

  Colin Gordon 

CEO Consumer Foods Ireland

  Ger Mullally 

CEO Glanbia Estates

Joint Ventures & Associates

  Mel Glentzes 

CEO Nutricima

Frank Stephenson  CEO President Southwest Cheese

Paul Vernon 

CEO Glanbia Cheese

 Member of the Glanbia Executive Committee, chaired by John Moloney which has overall 
responsibility for overseeing the development and execution of Group strategy and achieving business results.

*  Director of Glanbia plc
 1  Responsibility for the Ireland division
 2  Responsibility for the International division

40

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report: Corporate governance

Report of the Directors 
for the year ended 3 January 2009 

Introduction
The Directors are pleased to present their report to shareholders 
together with the audited financial statements for the year ended 
3 January 2009.

Principal activities
Glanbia is an international dairy, consumer foods and nutritional 
products group. It is principally engaged in the processing and 
marketing of cheese, dairy-based food ingredient and nutritional 
products; dairy-based consumer products; manufacture of animal 
feedstuffs and trading in agricultural products.

Results and dividends
Revenue grew 1.0% to €2,232.2 million (2007: €2,206.6 million). 
Revenue growth was positive across almost all the businesses, 
with favourable pricing and good organic volume increases, 
particularly in the International division. This positive revenue 
growth was offset by a decline in revenue due to the sale of 
the Group’s Pigmeat business in March 2008 and the effect of 
currency translation. Like-for-like revenue grew 8.9%. 

Operating profit pre exceptional increased 15.7% to  
€134.1 million (2007: €115.8 million). The International division 
was broadly in line with 2008, as a strong performance by Food 
Ingredients USA and Nutritionals was offset by a difficult year 
for Food Ingredients Ireland. The Ireland division delivered a 
satisfactory result from Consumer Foods and Agribusiness & 
Property. Joint Ventures & Associates had a good year with a 
particularly strong performance from Southwest Cheese.

Operating margin pre exceptional increased 80 basis points to 
6.0% (2007: 5.2%). All businesses in the Group increased margins 
in 2008, with the exception of Food Ingredients Ireland where the 
decline in global dairy markets resulted in a significant imbalance 
between market returns and raw material input costs. 

Profit before tax pre exceptional grew 20.8% in the year to 
€120.3 million (2007: €99.5 million) driven by the first time 
contribution of Optimum and good organic growth in all 
businesses, except Food Ingredients Ireland. Like-for-like profit 
before tax pre exceptional grew 21.4%.

In 2008, the Group initiated a rationalisation programme 
costing €14.5 million. This is as a result of an imperative to 
remain cost competitive, particularly in relation to the effect 
the global economic downturn is having on consumer demand. 
This programme is mainly focused in the Consumer Foods, 
Agribusiness and Food Ingredients Ireland businesses and 
associated costs relate primarily to redundancy. An exceptional 
charge of €3.9 million was incurred in the year on finalising 
the Group’s exit from its Pigmeat business and an exceptional 
deferred taxation charge of €1.0 million arose in Glanbia 
Cheese due to a change in UK taxation legislation. Total 
exceptional costs for 2008 amounted to €19.4 million  
(2007: €22.8 million). Exceptional costs in 2007 arose due to 
a provision for the exit from Pigmeat and restructuring costs 
incurred in Consumer Foods. 

Earnings per share increased 31.0% to 26.76 cents per share  
(2007: 20.42 cents per share) due to higher profits and lower 
exceptional costs, relative to 2007. Adjusted earnings per 
share increased 18.5% to 35.86 cents per share  
(2007: 30.25 cents per share). 

Net debt increased €231.9 million in the year to €452.1 million 
(2007: €220.2 million), mainly as a result of the acquisition of 
Optimum. The Group generated good free cash flow of €72.4 
million in 2008 (2007: €53.1 million). Free cash flow is after 
charging business sustaining capital expenditure and before 
acquisition costs, strategic capital expenditure and the payment 
of equity dividends. The Group has prioritised debt reduction 
for 2009, recognising the significant investment made in recent 
years and the current turmoil in global credit markets. Glanbia 
will concentrate on the opportunities for organic growth that 
exist within the current business, as a prudent and conservative 
approach to reduce capital and operating spend that is 
consistent with the challenging external environment.

An interim dividend of 2.75 cents per share on the ordinary 
shares amounting to €8.1 million was paid to shareholders 
on 1 October 2008. The Directors have recommended the 
payment of a final dividend of 3.76 cents per share on the 
ordinary shares which amounts to €11.0 million. Subject to 
shareholders approval this dividend will be paid on 20 May 2009 
to shareholders on the register of members as at 24 April 2009, 
the record date.

Some key performance indicators are set out in the finance 
review on pages 32 to 35. The financial statements for the year 
ended 3 January 2009 are set out in detail on pages 53 to 116.

Business review
Glanbia is organised into two main geographic areas, International 
and Ireland. The International division activities include Food 
Ingredients Ireland and the USA and Nutritionals. Food Ingredients 
Ireland is included in international activities as the majority of its 
products are sold to international customers. The Ireland division 
includes Consumer Foods and Agribusiness & Property. Joint 
Ventures & Associates includes the Group’s three key strategic joint 
ventures, which are Southwest Cheese in the USA, Glanbia Cheese 
in the UK and Nutricima in Nigeria.

For the full year 2008, 71% of Group revenue and 65% of Group 
operating profit pre exceptional were generated from the 
International division, 29% of Group revenue and 35% of  
Group operating profit pre exceptional was generated in the  
Ireland division. 

Results for the International division were adversely affected by 
the performance of Food Ingredients Ireland. The decline in 
global dairy commodity prices lowered margins in this business 
as reductions in the price paid for milk lagged the decrease in 
global dairy prices. Elsewhere in the International division, Food 
Ingredients USA had a strong performance with high cheese 
prices, good demand and very efficient production, generating 
record revenues and positive margin expansion. Nutritionals 
had a good year driven by strong organic volume growth, 
buoyant value added whey markets and a continued good 
performance from the premix business. Optimum made a first 
time contribution in line with expectations.

In the Ireland division, Consumer Foods had a satisfactory year. 
This compares with a very challenging 2007 when results were 
affected by a time lag in recovering the impact of higher costs 
in the marketplace. Agribusiness results were ahead of 2007 as a 
result of a good performance in the feed and fertiliser segments 
and a strong focus on cost reduction. Glanbia’s Property business 
performed broadly in line with 2007. 

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

4 1

Directors’ report: Corporate governance

Report of the Directors (continued)
for the year ended 3 January 2009 

Comprehensive reviews of the development, financial and 
operating performance of the Group during 2008 are set out in 
the Group Managing Director’s review on pages 10 to 13, the 
separate operations reviews for each of the divisions on pages 
14 to 25 and the finance review on pages 32 to 35. The treasury 
policy and objectives of the Group are set out in Note 3.1 to the 
financial statements.

Outlook
Glanbia performed well in 2008, delivering a good set of results, 
completing a major strategic acquisition and achieving key 
financial targets. All businesses, including Joint Ventures & 
Associates, performed to or better than anticipated, with the 
exception of Food Ingredients Ireland which suffered a sharp 
decline in profits and margins in 2008.

2009 will be a tough year. Global dairy markets have weakened 
considerably from previous high levels with the outlook for 
2009 deteriorating further since the beginning of the year. Food 
Ingredients Ireland will be the most challenged in this context 
and we expect this business to breakeven this year. Food 
Ingredients USA is expected to deliver a resilient performance, 
albeit down when compared with a strong result in 2008. 
Reducing farm incomes will have implications for farm input 
sales and as a result for revenue and profits in Agribusiness. 
Consumer Foods, Nutritionals and Joint Ventures & Associates 
are expected to deliver robust performances. 

Based on current market conditions, the Group now expects 
2009 earnings to be in a range of low to mid single digit growth. 
Glanbia is continuing to maximise organic growth opportunities 
and aggressively manage costs to sustain the business through 
the current challenging environment.

Board of Directors
Mr E Power and Mr M Walsh retired on 28 May 2008 and  
Mr A O’Connor and Mr R Prendergast were appointed to the 
Board on the same day. In accordance with the Articles of 
Association of the Company, Mr A O’Connor and  
Mr R Prendergast will retire at the 2009 Annual General Meeting 
and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-appointment. 

In accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, 
Mr H Corbally, Mr E Fitzpatrick, Mr J Gilsenan, Mr P Haran,  
Mr L Herlihy, Mr J Liston, Mr M Merrick and Mr K Toland retire 
from the Board by rotation and, being eligible, offer themselves 
for re-appointment. 

In accordance with the provisions of the 2006 Combined Code on 
Corporate Governance of the Irish and London Stock Exchanges, 
Mr J Callaghan, Mr W Murphy and Mr V Quinlan, being Directors 
who have each served a period in excess of nine years on the 
Board will retire at the 2009 Annual General Meeting and, being 
eligible, offer themselves for re-appointment. 

The Chairman of the Company is Mr L Herlihy. Mr Herlihy was 
appointed as Chairman on 28 May 2008 following the retirement 
of Mr M Walsh. The Company has two Vice-Chairmen,  
Mr J Fitzgerald and Mr V Quinlan. Mr Fitzgerald was appointed 
Vice-Chairman on 28 May 2008 in succession to  Mr Herlihy.

Employees 
The Group’s 4,300 employees are the key to building sustainable 
growth through delivery of the strategy. The Group provides 
opportunity, development and reward to those who enjoy 
working in a challenging, delivery focused environment and is 
proud to be an employer of choice at its worldwide locations. 

Books of account
The measures taken by the Directors to secure compliance with 
the Company’s obligations to keep proper books of account are 
the use of appropriate systems and procedures and employment 
of competent persons. The books of account are kept at Glanbia 
House, Kilkenny, Ireland.

Share capital and options
The authorised share capital of the Company is 306,000,000 
ordinary shares of €0.06 each. The issued share capital as at 3 
January 2009 was 293,555,684 ordinary shares of €0.06 each, of 
which 54.6% was held by Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited 
(‘the Society’), an Irish industrial and provident society. 

The rights attaching to the ordinary shares of €0.06 each are 
set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the 
Company, a copy of which may be obtained from the Company’s 
website www.glanbia.com. All shares rank pari passu and the 
principal rights are the right to vote, the right to receive a 
dividend and the right to capital on a winding up or a return of 
capital.

Options outstanding under the Company’s 2002 LTIP as at 
3 January 2009 amounted to 2,258,000 ordinary shares (29 
December 2007: 2,467,000) as set out hereunder. There were no 
options outstanding under the Company’s 1988 Share Option 
Scheme as at 3 January 2009 (29 December 2007: 325,000).

No of ordinary  

Price range 

Dates 

shares 

exercisable

2002 LTIP 

2,258,000  €1.55 - €4.25 

2009 – 2017

As at 3 January 2009 share awards had been granted under  
the Company’s 2002 LTIP over 118,600 ordinary shares  
(29 December 2007: 134,600).

As at 3 January 2009 share awards had been granted under  
the Company’s 2007 LTIP over 169,500 ordinary shares  
(29 December 2007: 183,500).

None of the Directors proposed for re-appointment has a service 
contract with the Company. 

As at 3 January 2009, share awards had been granted under  
the Company’s 2008 LTIP over 583,000 ordinary shares  
(29 December 2007: nil).

The Chairman wishes to confirm that, following the completion 
of the performance evaluation process, all Directors proposed 
for re-appointment continue to be effective and these Directors 
continue to demonstrate commitment to their roles. 

42

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share trust
As detailed in Note 27 to the financial statements at 3 January 
2009, 570,054 ordinary shares were held in an employee benefit 
trust for the purpose of the Group’s employee share schemes. 
Whilst any shares in the Company are held by the trustees, the 
trustees shall refrain from exercising any voting rights which may 
attach to the shares save that, if the beneficial interest in any 
share has been vested in any beneficiary, the trustees shall seek 
and comply with any direction from such beneficiary as to the 
exercise of voting rights attaching to such share.

Substantial interests
As at 3 March 2009, the Company has been advised of the 
following notifiable interests in its ordinary share capital:

Shareholder   

No of ordinary  

% of issued

shares 

 share capital

Glanbia Co-operative  
Society Limited 

160,277,308 

54.6%

Authority to purchase own shares/Authority to allot relevant 
securities
At the annual general meeting in 2008 the Company was 
authorised by shareholders to purchase up to 10% of the 
aggregate nominal value of the issued share capital of the 
Company as at the close of business on 14 May 2008.  
The Company allotted 209,000 ordinary shares during 2008. 
As detailed in Note 27 to the financial statements at 3 January 
2009, 570,054 ordinary shares were held in an employee benefit 
trust for the purpose of the Group’s employee share schemes. 
During the year, the Glanbia Employees Share Trust purchased 
381,510 shares, with 50,000 shares being issued.

A comprehensive analysis on the financial risk management 
objectives and policies of the Company and the Group, including 
the policy for hedging each major type of forecasted transaction 
for which hedge accounting is used and the exposure of the 
Company and the Group to price risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and 
cash flow risk, is contained in Note 3.1 to the financial statements.

Corporate governance
The Directors of the Company are committed to maintaining the 
highest standards of corporate governance and a statement of 
how the Company applies the main and supporting principles of 
the 2006 Combined Code on Corporate Governance of the Irish 
and London Stock Exchanges (‘the Combined Code’) appears on 
pages 45 to 52.

Research and development
The Group is committed to an ongoing and extensive innovation 
programme to support a customer led business and marketing 
approach. There is growing consumer awareness of the link 
between health and diet and the Group is committed to achieving 
the highest standards of best practice in relation to science-based 
innovation. It is directed towards the development of technically 
superior dairy-based food ingredient and nutritional products, 
cheese, high value consumer food products, other products and 
the enhancement of proprietary technologies and processes. 

Through its research and development facilities in Kilkenny and 
Idaho, USA, the Group’s business has developed and launched 
advanced, differentiated and branded ingredients and consumer 
products targeted at a range of nutritional benefits such as weight 
management and immune enhancement.

Subsidiary and associated undertakings
A list of the principal subsidiary and associated undertakings is 
included in Note 44 to the financial statements.

Directors’ and Secretary’s share interests
The interests of the Directors and Group Secretary and their 
spouses and minor children in the share capital of the Company, 
subsidiary companies and the holding society are disclosed in 
Note 43 to the financial statements.

Political donations
The Electoral Act, 1997 requires companies to disclose all 
political donations over €5,079 in aggregate made during 
the financial year. The Directors, on enquiry, have satisfied 
themselves that no such donations in excess of this amount  
have been made by the Company.

Appointment and replacement of Directors
The Company is a subsidiary of Glanbia Co-operative Society 
Limited (‘the Society’), an Irish industrial and provident society, 
which owns 54.6% of the issued share capital of the Company. The 
Society nominates from its Board of Directors, which is elected 
on a three-year basis, fourteen of the eighteen non-executive 
Directors for appointment to the Board of the Company.

Principal risks and uncertainties and financial risk 
management
Under Irish company law (Statutory Instrument 116.2005-
European Communities (International Financial Reporting 
Standards and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2005), 
the Group is required to give a description of the principal risks 
and uncertainties which it faces. These appear on pages 36 to 37 
of the risk and risk management report.

Auditors
The auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, have expressed their 
willingness to continue in office in accordance with Section 160(2) 
of the Companies Act, 1963.

Special business at the Annual General Meeting
Notice of the 2009 Annual General Meeting with details of the 
special business to be considered at the meeting is set out in a 
separate circular which is enclosed with this Annual Report.

Authority to allot relevant securities
Under the first item of special business, shareholders are being 
asked to renew the Directors’ authority to allot relevant securities, 
within the meaning of Section 20 of the Companies (Amendment) 
Act, 1983, up to an aggregate nominal value of €746,658.96.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

4 3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report: Corporate governance

Report of the Directors (continued)
for the year ended 3 January 2009 

Disapplication of pre-emption rights, purchase of Company 
shares and treasury shares
Under the second item of special business, shareholders are 
being asked to renew the authority to disapply the strict statutory 
pre-emption provisions in the event of a rights issue or any other 
issue up to an aggregate amount of €746,658.96 in nominal 
value of ordinary shares, representing 4.24% of the nominal 
value of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital for the time 
being. This authority will expire on the earlier of the close of 
business on 12 August 2010 or the date of the Annual General 
Meeting of the Company in 2010. 

At the last annual general meeting of the Company shareholders 
passed a resolution to give the Company, or any of its 
subsidiaries, the authority to purchase up to 10% of its own 
shares. This authority will expire on 13 May 2009. Under the 
third item of special business, shareholders are being asked to 
extend this authority until the earlier of the close of business on 
12 August 2010 or the date of the Annual General Meeting of the 
Company in 2010. While the Directors do not have any current 
intention to exercise this power, this authority is being sought as 
it is common practice for public companies. 

Shareholders are also being asked under the fourth item of 
special business to pass a resolution authorising the Company 
to reissue such shares purchased by it and not cancelled as 
treasury shares. Such purchases would be made only at price 
levels which it considered to be in the best interests of the 
shareholders generally, after taking into account the Company’s 
overall financial position. Furthermore the authority being sought 
from shareholders will provide that the minimum price which may 
be paid for such shares shall not be less than the nominal value 
of the shares and the maximum price will be 105% of the then 
market price of such shares. 

Statement of 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 prepared the group and parent company financial 
statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. The 
financial statements are required by law to give a true and 
fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position of the 
Company and the Group and of the profit of the Group for  
that period. 

 In preparing these financial statements the Directors are  
required to: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 
consistently; 
 Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and 
prudent; 
 State that the financial statements comply with IFRSs as 
adopted by the European Union; and
 Prepare the financial statements on the going concern 
basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group 
will continue in business, in which case there should be 
supporting assumptions or qualifications as necessary. 

 The Directors are also required by the Transparency (Directive 
2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 to include a management report 
containing a fair review of the development and performance of 
the business, the position of the Company and the Group and a 
description of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group.

 The Directors confirm to the best of each person’s knowledge 
and belief that they have complied with the above requirements 
in preparing the financial statements. 

 The Directors are responsible for keeping proper books of 
account that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Company and the Group and to enable 
them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the 
Companies Acts 1963 to 2006 and, as regards the group financial 
statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. They are also 
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the 
Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 
and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

 The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity 
of the website. Legislation in the Republic of Ireland concerning 
the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

On behalf of the Board
L Herlihy 
Chairman   

J Moloney
Group Managing Director

Glanbia House
Kilkenny 
3 March 2009

44

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
Directors’ statement of corporate governance  

Glanbia plc (the ‘Company’) has primary listings on the Irish 
and London Stock Exchanges.

1  The Directors’ report on corporate governance

 The Directors are committed to maintaining the highest 
standards of corporate governance which they see as 
fundamental to discharging their stewardship responsibilities. 
The Board strives to provide the right leadership, strategic 
oversight and control environment to produce and sustain 
the delivery of value to the Company’s shareholders. The 
Board applies integrity, principles of good governance and 
accountability throughout its activities and each Director brings 
independence of character and judgement to the role. All of 
the members of the Board are individually and collectively 
aware of their responsibilities to the Company’s stakeholders.

 The principal governance rules applying to Irish companies 
listed on the Irish and London Stock Exchanges are currently 
contained in the Combined Code on Corporate Governance  
adopted by the Financial Reporting Council in June 2006 
(‘the Combined Code’) .

 This report describes the Board’s approach to corporate 
governance and explains how it applies the Combined Code.

2  The Board of Directors (‘the Board’)
2.1 The composition of the Board 
 The Board consists of the Chairman (Mr L Herlihy); seventeen 
other non-executive Directors (including Mr J Callaghan, the 
Senior Independent Director) and three executive Directors 
(Mr J Moloney, the Group Managing Director, Mr G Meagher, 
the Deputy Group Managing Director and Group Finance 
Director and Mr K Toland, the CEO & President Glanbia USA 
& Nutritionals). 

 The Company is a subsidiary of Glanbia Co-operative 
Society Limited (‘the Society’), an Irish industrial and 
provident society, which owns 54.6% of the issued share 
capital of the Company. Many of the members of the Society 
supply milk and trade with Irish subsidiaries of the Company. 

 The Society nominates from its Board of Directors, which 
is elected on a three-year basis, fourteen of the eighteen 
non-executive Directors for appointment to the Board of the 
Company. Mr M Walsh retired as a Director and Chairman 
of the Company on 28 May 2008 following his retirement 
as a Director and Chairman of the Society. Mr E Power also 
stepped down as a Director of the Company on the same 
date following his retirement as a Director of the Society. The 
Society nominated Mr A O’ Connor and Mr R Prendergast 
to replace Mr E Power and Mr M Walsh and they joined the 
Board as non-executive Directors with effect from  
28 May 2008. In addition, Mr L Herlihy and Mr J Fitzgerald 
were appointed Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively  
on 28 May 2008. 

 Biographies of each of the Directors are set out on pages 
38 and 39.

 The Board considers that the Directors bring to the 
Company and its subsidiaries (‘the Group’) the range of 
skills, knowledge and experience, including international 
experience, necessary to lead the Group. 

2.2 Directors’ independence
  The Board assesses and reviews the independence of 
each of the Directors at least annually having regard to the 
potential relevance and materiality of a Director’s interests.

 Following this assessment, the Board has determined that 
throughout the reporting period, Mr J Callaghan,  
Mr P Haran and Mr J Liston were independent. In particular, the 
Board reviewed the position of Mr J Callaghan in the context 
of the guidance in the Combined Code and determined 
that, notwithstanding his 11 years on the Board, he remains 
independent. In the same manner as the other non-executive 
Directors, he discharges his duties in a proper and consistently 
independent manner and constructively and appropriately 
challenges the executive Directors and the Board.

  Fourteen of the remaining fifteen non-executive Directors 
are nominated by the Board of the Society for appointment 
to the Board of the Company. Additionally, Mr W Murphy 
who retired as Deputy Group Managing Director in 2005 
remains on the Board as a non-executive Director. The Board 
recognises that these Directors do not meet the criteria for 
independence as specified in the Combined Code. The 
Board, however, considers that they are independent in 
character and judgement.

 All of the non-executive Directors bring an independent 
perspective to their advisory and monitoring roles.

2.3 The role and operation of the Board 
2.3.1  Board meetings and attendance
 There were 11 scheduled meetings of the Board during 
2008. Details of Directors’ attendance at those meetings 
are set out in the table on page 46:

2.3.2  Operation of the Board 
 The Board is responsible for the leadership, direction and 
control of the Company and its subsidiary companies and 
is accountable to shareholders for financial performance.

2.3.3  Matters reserved for the Board 
 There is a schedule of matters which is dealt with 
exclusively by the Board. These include approval of 
annual and strategic business plans, capital expenditure, 
any change in Group strategy and any acquisition or 
disposal of Group assets, the recommendation and 
approval of any dividends and Group treasury and risk 
management policies.

2.3.4  The roles of executive and non-executive Directors 
 The executive Directors are responsible for proposing 
strategy and for making and implementing operational 
decisions. Non-executive Directors complement the 
skills and experience of the executive Directors, bring 
an independent judgement, and contribute to the 
formulation of strategy, policy and decision-making 
through their knowledge and experience of other 
businesses and sectors.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

4 5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report: Corporate governance

Directors’ statement of corporate governance (continued) 

L Herlihy 
J Fitzgerald 
V Quinlan 
J Moloney 
J Callaghan 
H Corbally 
N Dunphy 
E Fitzpatrick 
J Gilsenan 
P Gleeson 
P Haran 
C Hill 
M Keane 
J Liston 
G Meagher 
M Merrick 
W Murphy 
A O’Connor** 
M Parsons 
E Power* 
R Prendergast** 
K Toland 
M Walsh* 

Board 

B 
11 
11 
10 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
10 
11 
11 
11 
7 
11 
4 
7 
7 
4 

A 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
7 
11 
4 
7 
11 
4 

Audit  
Committee 
B 
A 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 

Nomination 
 Committee 
A 

B 

Remuneration
     Committee
B
4
2
3

A 
4 
2 
4 

3 
3 

3 

3 

3 
3 

3 

3 

2 

2 

2 

2 

4 

2 

2 

2 

2 

4 

4 

4

3

4

1 

1 

2 

2

Column A indicates the number of meetings held during the period the Director was a member of the Board and /or the Committee.
Column B indicates the number of meetings attended during the period the Director was a member of the Board and /or the Committee.
*Retired 28 May 2008 **Appointed 28 May 2008

2.3.5  Information and training 
 All Directors receive monthly Group management accounts 
and reports and full Board papers are sent to each Director 
in sufficient time before Board meetings. Any further 
information required is available to all Directors on request.

 Directors are provided with a comprehensive information 
pack on joining the Company and advised of their 
legal and other duties and obligations as a director of 
a listed company. In addition, all new Directors receive 
induction on their appointment covering such matters 
as the operation and activities of the Company and the 
Group, the role of the Board and the Group’s corporate 
governance procedures. As part of this programme, 
major shareholders are offered an opportunity to meet 
new non-executive Directors. 

 Directors are also briefed, where appropriate, on changes 
to legislation, regulation or market practices, as well as 
receiving briefings from business groups throughout 
the year. During the year, Directors received regular 
presentations on different aspects of the Company’s 
business.

 All Directors have access to independent professional 
advice at the Group’s expense where they judge it 
necessary to discharge their responsibilities as Directors. 
Committees are provided with sufficient resources to 
undertake their duties.

2.3.6  Outside appointments 
 Non-executive Directors may serve on a number of 
outside Boards, provided they continue to demonstrate 
the requisite commitment to discharge effectively their 
duties to the Company. The Nomination Committee 
keeps the extent of Directors’ other interests under 
review to ensure that the effectiveness of the Board is not 
compromised. The Board is satisfied that the Chairman 
and each of the non-executive Directors commit sufficient 
time to the fulfilment of their duties as Chairman and 
Directors of the Company respectively.

 The Board believes, in principle, in the benefit of 
executive Directors and members of the Executive 
Committee accepting non-executive directorships of 
other companies in order to widen their experience and 
knowledge for the benefit of the Company. Accordingly, 
executive Directors are permitted to accept external non-
executive Board appointments, subject to the agreement 
of the Board, and are allowed to retain any fees received 
from that appointment. The Group Managing Director, 
Mr John Moloney, is a Director of The Irish Dairy Board 
Co-operative Limited for which he received fees of 
€12,000 which he retained. He has also been recently 
appointed a director of the publicly-quoted DCC plc. 

46

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2.3.7  Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, Group Managing 
Director, Senior Independent Director and Group 
Secretary

 Separation of role of Chairman and Group Managing 
Director
 The role of the Chairman, which is non-executive, is 
separate (and always has been separate) from the 
role of the Group Managing Director. The division of 
responsibilities between the Chairman and Group 
Managing Director have been clearly established, set out 
in writing and agreed by the Board. 

Director in addition, held a meeting of non-executive 
Directors without the presence of the Chairman at which, 
among other things, the performance of the Chairman 
was discussed.

  Group Secretary

 Mr M Horan is the Group Secretary. All Directors have 
access to the advice and service of the Group Secretary 
who is responsible to the Board for ensuring that Board 
procedures are complied with and that applicable rules 
and regulations are followed. Both the appointment and 
removal of the Group Secretary is a matter for the Board.

  Chairman

 Mr L Herlihy was appointed Chairman of the Board on 28 
May 2008. The Chairman is responsible for the efficient 
and effective working of the Board. He ensures that the 
Board agenda covers the key strategic issues confronting 
the Group and that Directors receive accurate, timely, 
clear and relevant information. 

 The Chairman is available to consult with shareholders 
throughout the year. The Board is kept informed of the 
views of shareholders through regular updates from 
the Chairman, the Group Secretary and the executive 
Directors, as well as through the inclusion in the Board 
papers of relevant reports and commentaries of, and 
exchanges with, shareholders and investor bodies.

 While Mr L Herlihy holds a number of other directorships 
(see details on page 38) and farms at Headborough, 
Knockanore, Tallow, Co. Waterford, the Board considers 
that these do not interfere with the discharge of his 
duties to the Group. 

Vice-Chairmen
 The Company has two Vice-Chairmen, Mr J Fitzgerald 
and Mr V Quinlan. 

  Group Managing Director

 The day to day management of the Group has been 
delegated to the Group Managing Director,  
Mr J Moloney, whose appointment to that position was 
effective from July 2001. His responsibilities include the 
formulation of strategy and related plans and, subject to 
Board approval, their execution. He is also responsible 
for ensuring an effective organisation structure, for 
the appointment and direction of the senior executive 
management and for the operational management of all 
the Group’s businesses.

Senior Independent Director
 Mr J Callaghan is the Senior Independent Director.  
As Senior Independent Director, Mr. Callaghan is 
available to shareholders if they have concerns which 
contact, through the normal channels, has failed to 
resolve. Mr Callaghan is also available to fellow non-
executive Directors, either individually or collectively, to 
discuss any matters of concern in a forum that does not 
include executive Directors or the management of the 
Company. In the year under review, the Chairman hosted 
a meeting of the non-executive Directors, without the 
executive Directors present. The Senior Independent 

 2.3.8  Board, Committee and Director performance 
evaluation 
 A formal evaluation of the performance and effectiveness 
of the Board and of the Audit, Remuneration and 
Nomination Committees was carried out this year, by an 
external party. 

 In completing the annual performance evaluation, each 
Director was met individually to discuss the performance 
of the Board and individual Directors. In advance of 
the meetings, a comprehensive questionnaire was 
circulated to Directors for their consideration and the 
Directors were encouraged to raise any other issues on 
Board matters during the meetings. Based on the verbal 
and written feedback from the Directors, a report was 
prepared for the Board summarising the outcome of the 
performance evaluation process and recommending a 
number of actions. 

 For the year under review, the Chairman concluded that 
all Directors continue to make an effective contribution to 
the Board. 

 The Chairman confirms that each of Mr J Callaghan,  
Mr H Corbally, Mr E Fitzpatrick, Mr J Gilsenan,  
Mr P Haran, Mr J Liston, Mr M Merrick, Mr W Murphy,  
Mr A O’Connor, Mr R Prendergast, Mr V Quinlan and 
Mr K Toland standing for re-appointment at this year’s 
Annual General Meeting, continue to perform effectively 
and to demonstrate commitment to their roles.  
Mr J Callaghan, as Senior Independent Director, confirms 
that Mr L Herlihy, also standing for re-appointment at 
this year’s Annual General Meeting, continues to perform 
effectively and demonstrates commitment to his role. 

 The Nomination Committee considered the nomination 
for the re-appointment of the non-executive Directors, 
Mr J Callaghan, Mr H Corbally, Mr E Fitzpatrick,  
Mr J Gilsenan, Mr L Herlihy, Mr W Murphy and  
Mr V Quinlan respectively, with particular rigour, as they 
have served as Directors for nine years or more, and 
were satisfied that their re-appointment as Directors 
for a further term was warranted having regard to their 
continuing contribution and valuable experience on 
the Board, which in the Board’s view enhanced their 
effectiveness and commitment to their roles.  
Mr J Callaghan, Mr P Haran, Mr J Liston and Mr L Herlihy 
respectively excused themselves from the consideration 
of their own nomination for re-appointment.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

4 7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report: Corporate governance

Directors’ statement of corporate governance (continued) 

 The Board also evaluated the performance of the   
 Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees and 
has assessed that they continue to make an effective 
contribution to the Board. 

2.3.9  Retirement of Directors 
 New Directors are subject to election at the first Annual 
General Meeting following their appointment, and 
Directors are subject to retirement and re-appointment 
by shareholders every three years. The re-appointment 
of non-executive Directors is not automatic. The Board 
has determined that non-executive Directors who have 
served for nine years or more will be asked to stand 
for re-appointment annually provided that the Board 
remains satisfied both with the Director’s performance 
and that nine or more years’ service does not 
compromise the Director’s continuing independence.

2.3.10  Terms of appointment
 The terms and conditions of appointment of non-
executive Directors are available for inspection at the 
Company’s registered office during normal business hours 
and at the Annual General Meeting of the Company.

2.3.11  Share ownership and dealing
 In order to maintain investor confidence in the stock 
markets, quoted companies have an obligation to 
ensure that their Directors and employees, and anyone 
closely associated or connected to them, do not place 
themselves in positions where investors might suspect 
them of abusing inside information. For this reason, the 
Company issued revised rules, in early 2006, covering 
share dealings by Directors and employees who regularly, 
or even occasionally, have access to inside information.

 The main principle underlying the rules is that no 
one should trade in shares of the Company while in 
possession of inside information about the Company. 
Likewise, no one should deal in the shares of the 
Company, if it would give rise to a suspicion that they are 
abusing inside information. As a safeguard against any 
actual or potential abuse of these rules, the Company has 
appointed as Compliance Officers, the Group Secretary 
and the Group Finance Director Designate from whom 
approval must be obtained, in advance, for any share 
dealings by persons to whom the rules apply.

 The interests of the Directors and Secretary and their 
spouses and minor children in the share capital of the 
Company, the holding Society and subsidiary companies/
societies are set out on pages 112 to 114.

2.3.12  Board succession planning
 The Board plans for its own succession with the 
assistance of the Nomination Committee. In so doing, 
the Board considers the knowledge and experience 
necessary to allow it to meet the strategic vision for the 
Company and the Group.

2.4  The Board’s Committees

 The Board has established a committee structure to assist 
it in the discharge of its responsibilities. The Committees 
and their membership are detailed on page 38 of this 
report. All Committees of the Board have written terms of 
reference dealing with their role and authority delegated 
by the Board and are available on the Group’s website at 
www.glanbia.com. Membership of the Nomination, Audit 
and Remuneration Committees is comprised exclusively 
of non-executive Directors. The Group Secretary acts as 
secretary to each of these committees.

  Nomination Committee 

 Fourteen non-executive Directors are nominated by 
the Board of the Society for appointment to the Board 
of the Company. For the remaining non-executive and 
executive Directors, the Nomination Committee of the 
Company leads the process for Board appointments.

 The appointment to the Board of non-executive 
Directors nominated by the Society is subject to and 
co-terminus with their appointment as Directors of 
the Society and is further subject to their removal 
as Directors under the Articles of Association of the 
Company. The remaining non-executive Directors are 
appointed to the Board on the basis of a three-year term 
which may be renewed and are also subject to early 
removal under the Articles of Association. 

 The Nomination Committee did not use an external 
search consultancy or open advertising in the 
appointment of the new non-executive Directors,  
Mr A O’Connor and Mr R Prendergast, as they were 
nominated by the Board of the Society for appointment to 
the Board of the Company. The Nomination Committee 
uses industry and professional contacts to identify 
suitable candidates for the appointment of non-executive 
Directors other than those appointed by the Society.

 The Nomination Committee also considers and 
recommends the appointment of the Chairman and Vice-
Chairmen of the Company. It is the custom and practice 
that the Chairman and Vice-Chairmen of the Society are 
also Chairman and Vice-Chairmen of the Company. 

 The Chairman of the Company chairs meetings of the 
Nomination Committee except when it is dealing with 
the appointment of a successor to the Chairmanship. 

 The Chairman of the Nomination Committee reports to 
the Board after each meeting of the Committee. 

48

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Audit Committee

 The main role and responsibilities of the Audit 
Committee are set out in written terms of reference which 
are available on the Group’s website at www.glanbia.com 
and include:

•   to monitor the integrity of the financial statements of 
the Group, and any formal announcements relating to 
the Group’s financial performance, reviewing significant 
financial reporting judgements contained in them;
•   to review the Group’s internal financial controls and, 
unless expressly addressed by a separate Board risk 
committee composed of non-executive Directors, or by 
the Board itself, to review the Group’s internal control 
and risk management systems;

•   to monitor and review the effectiveness of the Group’s 

internal audit function;

•   to make recommendations to the Board, and to the 
shareholders for their approval in general meeting, 
in relation to the appointment, re-appointment and 
removal of the external auditors and to approve the 
remuneration and terms of engagement of the external 
auditors;

•   to review and monitor the external auditors’ 

independence and objectivity and the effectiveness of 
the audit process, taking into consideration relevant 
Irish professional and regulatory requirements;

•   to develop and implement policy on the engagement 
of the external auditors to supply non-audit services, 
taking into account relevant ethical guidance 
regarding the provision of non-audit services by 
the external audit firm; and to report to the Board, 
identifying any matters in respect of which it considers 
that action or improvement is needed and making 
recommendations as to the steps to be taken; and

•   to review the arrangements by which staff of the Group 

may, in confidence, raise concerns about possible 
improprieties in matters of financial reporting or other 
matters.

 In discharging its responsibilities the Audit Committee 
met three times during the period. It reviewed the interim 
and final results for the Group prior to their submission 
to the Board for approval. It approved the internal audit 
plan and reviewed progress against this plan at intervals 
during the year. The Chairman and Members of the Audit 
Committee received an executive summary of all audit 
reports issued by the internal audit department and 
maintains dialogue with the Group Head of Internal Audit 
on a regular basis. 

 Mr J Callaghan is Chairman of the Audit Committee 
and he reports to the Board after each meeting of the 
Committee. 

Remuneration Committee
 The Remuneration Committee determines, on behalf 
of the Board, the Group’s framework of executive 
remuneration and the specific packages and conditions 
of employment for each of the executive Directors and 
certain senior executives, as decided by the Board. The 
Committee consults with the Group Managing Director 
regarding remuneration proposals and obtains internal 

and external professional advice as deemed appropriate. 
The Remuneration Committee operates the Company’s 
Share Option and Long Term Incentive Schemes. 

 The ordinary remuneration of the non-executive Directors 
is determined by the Remuneration Committee within the 
total amount approved by the Company’s shareholders in 
general meeting from time to time.

 The terms of reference of the Remuneration Committee, 
including its role and the authority delegated to it by 
the Board, are available on the Group’s website at www.
glanbia.com.

 Mr J Liston is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
and formally reports to the Board after each meeting of 
the Committee.

  US Advisory Board

 The US Advisory Board was established to assist the 
Board in developing a greater awareness of activities 
and market trends in the relevant USA industry sectors.  
Mr L Herlihy, Group Chairman, is Chairman of the US 
Advisory Board. The membership of the Advisory Board 
currently comprises Mr J Callaghan, Senior Independent 
Director, Mr K Toland, executive Director, Mr J Fitzgerald 
and Mr V Quinlan, Vice-Chairmen, Mr M Walsh, Glanbia 
Group Chairman from 2005 to 2008 and Mr Joe 
McCullough, Mr Peter Rogers, Mr Wayne Seltzer and 
Ms Susan Davis, * USA based members. Mr J Moloney, 
Group Managing Director, also attends meetings of the 
US Advisory Board. 

*   Mr J McCullough, was previously Chief Executive 

Officer of CRH Americas Products and Distribution. He 
joined CRH in 1979 and has held a number of senior 
management positions with that company. 

 Mr P Rogers, was previously President of Nabisco 
Foods Americas and held a variety of other senior 
positions in food companies.

 Mr W Seltzer recently retired as Chief Executive Officer 
of Seltzer Companies, Inc.

 Ms S Davis is Chairperson of Susan Davis International, 
a Washington D.C. based public affairs agency.

3  Remuneration policy

 Remuneration policy is based on attracting, retaining 
and motivating executives to ensure that they perform 
in the best interests of the Group and its shareholders. 
Performance-related elements of remuneration form a 
significant proportion of the total remuneration package of 
executive Directors. The Remuneration Committee obtains 
external advice on remuneration in comparable companies 
as necessary and has given full consideration to the 
Combined Code. 

 Currently the components of the remuneration package 
for executive Directors are basic salary and benefits, 
performance-related annual bonus, participation in the 2002 
Long Term Incentive Plan (‘the 2002 LTIP’), participation 

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

4 9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report: Corporate governance

Directors’ statement of corporate governance (continued) 

in the 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan (‘the 2008 LTIP’) and 
participation in a defined benefit pension scheme. Executive 
Directors also participated in the share option scheme of the 
Company which expired in August 1998. 

Basic salaries and benefits
 The basic salaries of executive Directors are reviewed 
annually having regard to personal performance, competitive 
market practice or where a change of responsibility occurs. 
Benefits-in-kind consist principally of a company car. No fees 
are payable to executive Directors for their attendance at 
Board meetings.

Performance-related annual bonus
 The Group operates a performance-related bonus scheme 
for executive Directors, senior executives and other 
management. Payments under the scheme for executive 
Directors depend on the achievement of pre-determined 
goals for Group performance and an assessment of individual 
performance against agreed objectives.

Long Term Incentive Plans
The 2002 LTIP
 In 2002 shareholders approved the introduction of the 
2002 LTIP for selected Group employees in order to further 
align the interests of key Group personnel with those of 
shareholders. Under the 2002 LTIP options cannot be 
exercised before the expiration of three years from the 
date of grant and can only be exercised if a predetermined 
performance criterion for the Company has been achieved. 
The performance criterion is that there has been an increase 
in the adjusted earnings per share of the Company of at 
least the increase in the Consumer Price Index plus 5% 
compounded over a three-year period. 

 To encourage participating executives to hold the shares 
issued to them on the exercise of their options, share awards 
specified as a percentage of the shares held will be made 
on the second and fifth anniversaries of the exercise of the 
option. The number of shares which may be the subject of 
such awards may not exceed 20% and 10% of the number of 
shares so held on the respective anniversaries.

 Benefits under the 2002 LTIP are not pensionable.

 Review of compensation arrangements
 Arising from a review in 2007 carried out by the Remuneration 
Committee with the assistance of external advisers, Mercer 
Limited, it was concluded that the Group should introduce 
a new Long Term Incentive Plan. Accordingly, the 2007 Long 
Term Incentive Plan (‘the 2007 LTIP’) was approved by the 
Board in May 2007 for selected senior managers only. As 
the 2007 LTIP was not approved by shareholders in general 
meeting, executive Directors are not entitled to participate.

 At the Annual General Meeting held in May 2008, the 
introduction of the 2008 LTIP was approved for both 
executive Directors and senior managers. Details of both 
LTIPs are provided below. 

 The 2008 LTIP
 The 2008 LTIP has been designed so that any rewards will be 
dependent on the growth in the Company’s EPS (earnings 
per share) and the Company’s TSR (total shareholder return) 
performance (the ‘EPS condition’ and the ‘TSR Performance 
Condition’, respectively). The vesting of 50% of the shares 
which are the subject of an award will be subject to the EPS 
condition and the remaining 50% shall be subject to the TSR 
Performance condition. EPS is the adjusted consolidated 
earnings or profit made by the Company divided by the 
number of shares outstanding (as shown in the Annual 
Report). TSR represents the change in capital value of a listed/
quoted company over a period, plus dividends, expressed as 
a plus or minus percentage of the opening value. 

 Under the EPS condition, there must be an increase in the 
adjusted consolidated earnings per share of the Company 
of at least the increase in the Consumer Price Index plus 5% 
compounded over a three year period. The benefit which 
a participant can receive under the 2008 LTIP will depend 
on the annualised percentage increase in the Company’s 
EPS over the performance period. There will be three pre-
defined levels of EPS performance, which will govern the 
percentage level of vesting that may occur under an award. 
The 2008 LTIP will provide that at the lowest level, no part of 
an award may vest unless the Company’s EPS performance 
over the performance period achieves at least the annualised 
percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index plus 5% 
compounded over the performance period. Where the 
Company’s EPS performance over the performance period 
equals the annualised percentage increase in the Consumer 
Price Index plus 5% compounded over the performance 
period, then 25% of the award shall vest. Where the 
Company’s EPS performance over the performance period 
equals or is greater than the annualised percentage increase 
in the Consumer Price Index plus 10% compounded over the 
performance period, then 50% of the award shall vest. Where 
the Company’s EPS performance over the performance 
period is between the thresholds of the annualised 
percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index plus 5% 
and the annualised percentage increase in the Consumer 
Price Index plus 10% compounded, then a pro rata vesting 
on a straight line basis shall apply.

 Under the TSR Performance Condition, the Company’s TSR 
performance will be compared against the TSR performance 
of a peer group of food companies. The benefit which a 
participant can receive under the 2008 LTIP will depend 
on how well the Company’s TSR performance compares 
against this peer group over the performance period. There 
will be three pre-defined levels of TSR performance, which 
will govern the percentage level of vesting that may occur 
under an award. The 2008 LTIP provides that at the lowest 
level, no part of an award may vest unless the Company’s 
TSR performance over the performance period achieves at 
least the median TSR performance of the peer group of food 
companies. Where the Company’s TSR performance equals 
the median TSR performance of the peer group, then 15% of 
the award shall vest. Where the Company’s TSR performance 
is equal to or above the top 25% of TSR performance of the 
peer group, then 50% of the award shall vest. Where the 
Company’s TSR performance is between the median and top 

50

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25% of TSR performance of the peer group, then a pro rata 
vesting on a straight line basis shall apply.

 The first awards under the 2008 LTIP were made in August 
2008 to executive Directors, senior managers and the Group 
Secretary, immediately following the publication of the 
interim results for 2008. Details of the awards are provided on 
page 94 to 95.

4 

The 2007 LTIP
 The 2007 LTIP corresponds with the 2008 LTIP with the 
exception that Directors were excluded from participating 
as it did not receive shareholder approval. Awards under the 
2007 LTIP were made in August 2007 and detailed in note 24.

Share options
 Options outstanding under the Company’s 2002 LTIP as at  
3 January 2009 amounted to 2,258,000 ordinary shares  
(29 December 2007: 2,467,000) as set out hereunder.  
There were no options outstanding under the Company’s 
1988 Share Option Scheme as at 3 January 2009  
(29 December 2007: 325,000).

No of ordinary  

Price range 

Dates 

shares 

exercisable

2002 LTIP 

2,258,000  €1.55 - €4.25 

2009 – 2017

Share awards
 As at 3 January 2009, share awards had been granted under 
the Company’s 2002 LTIP over 118,600 ordinary shares (29 
December 2007: 134,600).

 As at 3 January 2009, share awards had been granted under 
the Company’s 2007 LTIP over 169,500 ordinary shares (29 
December 2007: 183,500).

 As at 3 January 2009, Share Awards had been granted under 
the Company’s 2008 LTIP over 583,000 ordinary shares (29 
December 2007: Nil).

Share trust
 As detailed in Note 27 to the financial statements at 3 
January 2009, 570,054 ordinary shares were held in an 
employee benefit trust for the purpose of the Group’s 
employee share schemes.

Pension benefits 
 Pension benefits for executive Directors are calculated on 
basic salary only. Benefits, which are agreed on appointment, 
are designed to provide a percentage of basic salary at 
retirement for full service.

 Directors’ emoluments and attributable pension benefits
 Details of Directors’ emoluments and attributable pension 
benefits are set out in Note 9 and details of share options are 
included in Note 43 to the financial statements.

Service contracts
 No Director has a service contract with a notice period in 
excess of one year or with provisions for pre-determined 
compensation on termination which exceed one year’s salary 
and benefits-in-kind.

Internal control
 The Turnbull Guidance sets out best practice on internal 
control for Irish and UK listed companies to assist them in 
assessing the application of the Combined Code’s principles 
and compliance with the Combined Code’s provisions with 
regard to internal control. 

 The Group’s systems of internal control are designed and 
operated to support the identification, evaluation and 
management of risks affecting the Group and the business 
environment in which it operates. These, or their equivalent, 
have been in place for the year covered in this Annual 
Report and financial statements and up to the date of its 
approval and are themselves regularly reviewed by the 
Board and accord with the Turnbull guidance which the 
Board has fully adopted. 

 While acknowledging its responsibility for the system of 
internal control, the Board is aware that such a system 
is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of 
failure to achieve business objectives, and can only provide 
reasonable and not absolute assurance against material 
misstatement or loss. 

 Key features of the systems of internal control are:
•   a Code of Conduct that defines a set of agreed standards 

and guidelines for corporate behaviour;

•   an organisational structure with clearly defined lines of 

responsibility and delegation of authority;

•   appropriate terms of reference for Board committees with 

responsibility for policy areas;

•   a formal schedule of matters specifically referred to the 

Board for its decision;

•   a comprehensive system of financial reporting to the 

Board, based on an annual budget with monthly reports 
against actual results, analysis of variances, review of key 
performance indicators and regular re-forecasting;

•   clearly defined guidelines for capital expenditure, including 
detailed budgeting, appraisal and post-investment review;
•   a Group financial management manual that clearly sets out 
the accounting policies and financial control procedures to 
be followed by business units;

•   a treasury risk management policy approved by the Board 
which ensures that foreign exchange and interest rate 
exposures of the Group are managed within defined 
parameters;

•   a Group-wide risk assessment process which is maintained 

by business unit management reporting to the Group 
Executive and Board as required;

•   a Group Internal Audit function operating globally which 

monitors and supports the internal financial control system 
and reports to the Audit Committee and management. 
Internal Audit work is focused on the areas of greatest 
risk to the Group determined on the basis of a risk 
management approach to audit; and

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

5 1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report: Corporate governance

Directors’ statement of corporate governance (continued) 

•   the Audit Committee, a formally constituted committee of 
the Board comprising non-executive Directors only, meets 
with internal and external auditors to satisfy itself that 
control procedures are in place and are being followed.

 The Board has reviewed the effectiveness of the current 
system of internal control specifically for the purpose of this 
statement.

 In judging the effectiveness of the Group’s controls, the 
Board monitors the reports of the Audit Committee and 
management. Without diminishing its own responsibilities 
the Board has delegated certain acts to the Audit 
Committee. These include detailed reviews of key risks 
inherent in the business and of the systems for managing 
these risks. The Chairman of the Audit Committee reports to 
the Board after each meeting of the Committee.

 The Directors, through the use of appropriate procedures 
and systems, have also ensured that measures are in place 
to secure compliance with the Company’s obligation to keep 
proper books of account. These books of account are kept at 
the registered office of the Company.

5  Relations with auditors

 PricewaterhouseCoopers have been appointed as auditors of 
the Company. 

 The Company has in place a formal policy on Auditor 
Relationship and Independence with which the external 
auditors are required to comply, to ensure that the 
independence of the auditors is not impaired by the nature 
of non-audit work. This policy provides that the Group shall 
not retain its independent auditors to provide services 
other than audit and audit-related services other than in 
exceptional circumstances. 

 The following services are prohibited unless approved under 
the terms of the Policy:

•   Bookkeeping or other administrative services related to the 

Group’s accounting records or financial statements;

•   Financial information systems design and implementation;
•  Internal audit services;
•   Management functions;
•   Executive searches for the Group Managing Director or 

Group Finance Director;

•  Legal services. 

 The Group’s website, www.glanbia.com, provides the full 
text of the Annual and Interim Reports and presentations to 
analysts and investors through the Investors section. Stock 
Exchange announcements are also made available, in the 
Investors section of the website, after release to the Stock 
Exchange.

7  Annual General Meeting 

 The Notice of the 2008 Annual General Meeting was 
despatched to shareholders not less than 20 business days 
before the meeting. Separate resolutions were proposed at 
the meeting on each substantially separate issue, including 
a resolution to receive and consider the 2007 financial 
statements and the reports of the Directors and auditors 
thereon. The level of proxy votes for and against and 
withheld was announced after each resolution had been 
passed on a show of hands. 

 It is Group policy for all Directors to attend the Annual 
General Meeting. The Chairmen of the Audit, Nomination 
and Remuneration Committees attend the Annual General 
Meeting and are available to answer relevant questions.

8  Corporate Social Responsibility

 As the Group grows and develops as a leading international 
cheese and nutritional ingredients group, so also does our 
commitment to conducting our business in a way that is 
economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. 

 During 2008 we made further progress in our corporate 
citizenship objectives under the four pillars of Community, 
Environment, Workplace and Marketplace, more particular 
details of which are summarised in our corporate social 
responsibility statement on pages 29 to 31.

9  Accountability and audit - Our responsibilities

Financial reporting 
 Directors’ responsibilities for preparing the financial 
statements for the Company and the Group are detailed on 
page 44. The external auditors’ report details the respective 
responsibilities of Directors and auditors.

  Going concern

 After making enquiries the Directors have a reasonable 
expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate 
resources to continue in operation and existence for the 
foreseeable future, and accordingly they continue to adopt a 
Going Concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

6  Relations with shareholders

10  Compliance

 The Board believes that, except in relation to the 
composition of the Board, as explained above, the Company 
has complied throughout the financial period with the 
principles and provisions of the Combined Code. 

 During the year the Company has continued to promote 
dialogue with its major institutional shareholders. The 
Company has dialogue with institutional shareholders during 
the year and immediately following the announcement of 
the half year and full year results. The Company presents 
these results to investors and analysts. The Chairman 
discusses governance and strategy with major shareholders. 
Non-executive Directors are offered an opportunity to 
attend meetings with major shareholders. The Senior 
Independent Director has also attended meetings with 
major shareholders. The Company responds to enquiries 
from all shareholders and welcomes their attendance at the 
Annual General Meeting .

52

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements contents

Independent auditors’ report: to the members of Glanbia plc 
Consolidated income statement 
Consolidated statement of recognised income and expense 
Consolidated balance sheet  
Consolidated cash flow statement 
Company balance sheet 
Company statement of recognised income and expense and cash flow statement 
Notes to the financial statements 

1.  General information 
2.  Summary of significant accounting polices 
3.  Financial risk management 
4.  Critical accounting estimates and judgements 
5.  Segment information 
6.  Operating expenses 
7.  Exceptional items 
8.  Employee benefit expense 
9.  Directors’ remuneration 
10.  Finance income and costs 
11.  Income taxes 
12.  Earnings per share 
13.  Dividends 
14.  Property, plant and equipment – Group 
15.  Intangible assets 
16.  Investments in associates 
17.  Investments in joint ventures 
18.  Investments 
19.  Trade and other receivables 
20.  Inventories 
21.  Cash and cash equivalents 
22.   Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale and included in disposal groups 
23.  Reconciliation of changes in equity 
24.  Share capital and share premium 
25.  Other reserves 
26.  Retained earnings 
27.  Own shares (Company and Group) 
28.  Capital reserves 
29.  Merger reserve – Group 
30.  Minority interests 
31.  Borrowings 
32.  Deferred income taxes 
33.  Retirement benefit obligations 
34.  Provisions for other liabilities and charges 
35.  Capital grants 
36.  Trade and other payables 
37.  Derivative financial instruments 
38.  Contingent liabilities 
39.  Commitments 
40.  Cash generated from operations 
41.  Business combinations 
42.  Related party transactions 
43.  Directors’ and Secretary’s interests 
44.  Principal subsidiary and associated undertakings 

54
56
57
58
59
60
61
62

62
62
72
75
76
78
79
79
80
81
82
83
83
84
85
87
87
88
89
91
91
91
92
93
96
97
97
98
98
98
98
100
102
105
105
106
106
107
107
108
108
110
112
115

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

5 3

Financial statements

Independent auditors’ report: to the members of Glanbia plc

We have audited the Group and Parent Company financial statements (the ‘financial statements’) of Glanbia plc for the year ended 
3 January 2009, which comprise the consolidated income statement, the consolidated and Parent Company balance sheets, the 
consolidated and Parent Company cash flow statements, the consolidated and Parent Company statement of recognised income 
and expense and the related notes. These financial statements have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein.

Respective responsibilities of Directors and auditors
The Directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements, in accordance with applicable Irish 
law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union, are set out in the Statement of 
Directors’ Responsibilities.

Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and 
International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). This report, including the opinion, has been prepared for and only for the 
Company’s members as a body in accordance with Section 193 of the Companies Act, 1990 and for no other purpose. We do not, 
in giving this opinion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or 
into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

We report to you our opinion as to whether the Group financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as 
adopted by the European Union. We report to you our opinion as to whether the Parent Company financial statements give a true 
and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the 
Companies Acts, 1963 to 2006. We also report to you whether the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance 
with Irish statute comprising the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. We state whether we have 
obtained all the information and explanations we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit, and whether the Company 
balance sheet is in agreement with the books of account. We also report to you our opinion as to: 

-  whether the Company has kept proper books of account;
-  whether the Directors’ Report is consistent with the financial statements; and 
- 

 whether at the balance sheet date there existed a financial situation which may require the Company to convene an 
extraordinary general meeting of the Company; such a financial situation may exist if the net assets of the Company, as stated in 
the Company balance sheet, are not more than half of its called-up share capital.

We also report to you if, in our opinion, any information specified by law or the Listing Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange regarding 
Directors’ remuneration and Directors’ transactions is not disclosed and, where practicable, include such information in our report.

We review whether the Corporate Governance Statement which is included in the Directors’ Report, reflects the Company’s 
compliance with the nine provisions of the 2006 FRC Combined Code specified for our review by the Listing Rules of the Irish Stock 
Exchange, and we report if it does not. We are not required to consider whether the Board’s statements on internal control cover all 
risks and controls, or form an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s corporate governance procedures or its risk and control 
procedures.

We read the other information contained in the Annual Report and consider whether it is consistent with the audited financial 
statements. The other information comprises only the report of the Directors, the Chairman’s Statement, the Group Managing 
Director’s review, the operations review, the Directors’ statement of corporate governance and the finance review. We consider 
the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial 
statements. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information.

Basis of audit opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices 
Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgments made by the Directors in the preparation 
of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s and Company’s circumstances, 
consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in 
order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material 
misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy 
of the presentation of information in the financial statements.

54

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
Opinion
In our opinion:
- 

 the Group financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, of the 
state of the Group’s affairs as at 3 January 2009 and of its profit and cash flows for the year then ended;
 the Parent Company financial statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, 
as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Acts 1963 to 2006, of the state of the Parent Company’s affairs as 
at 3 January 2009 and cash flows for the year then ended;
 the financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2006 and Article 4 of the 
IAS Regulation. 

- 

- 

We have obtained all the information and explanations which we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit. In our opinion 
proper books of account have been kept by the Company. The Company balance sheet is in agreement with the books of account.

In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report is consistent with the financial statements.

The net assets of the Company, as stated in the Company balance sheet are more than half of the amount of its called-up share 
capital and, in our opinion, on that basis there did not exist at 3 January 2009 a financial situation which under section 40(1) of the 
Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983 would require the convening of an extraordinary general meeting of the Company.

PricewaterhouseCoopers
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
Waterford
3 March 2009

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

5 5

Financial statements

Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 3 January 2009

Notes 

Pre- 
exceptional 
2008 
€’000 

Exceptional 
2008 
€’000 

Total 
2008 
€’000 

Pre- 
exceptional 
2007 
€’000 

Exceptional 
2007 
€’000 

Total
2007
€’000

Revenue 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

Distribution expenses 
Administration expenses 

Operating profit  

Finance income 
Finance costs 
Share of results of joint ventures
and associates 

Profit before taxation  
Income taxes 

5 

2,232,161 
(1,890,549) 

- 
(10,113) 

2,232,161 
(1,900,662) 

2,206,567 
(1,882,648) 

- 
(27,168) 

2,206,567
(1,909,816)

341,612 

(10,113) 

331,499 

323,919 

(27,168) 

296,751

(121,373) 
(86,185) 

(3,251) 
(5,939) 

(124,624) 
(92,124) 

(114,180) 
(93,905) 

(165) 
3,870 

(114,345)
(90,035)

6 

10 
10 

11 

134,054 

(19,303) 

114,751 

115,834 

(23,463) 

92,371

5,590 
(26,695) 

- 
- 

5,590 
(26,695) 

4,813 
(22,095) 

7,306 

(947) 

6,359 

992 

- 
- 

- 

120,255 
(21,528) 

(20,250) 
892 

100,005 
(20,636) 

99,544 
(16,458) 

(23,463) 
617 

4,813
(22,095)

992

76,081
(15,841)

Profit for the year 

98,727 

(19,358) 

79,369 

83,086 

(22,846) 

60,240

Attributable to: 
Equity holders of the Parent 
Minority interests 

Basic earnings per share (cents) 

Diluted earnings per share (cents) 

12 

12 

78,399 
970 

79,369 

26.76 

26.63 

59,833
407

60,240

20.42

20.34

On behalf of the Board 
L Herlihy  
Directors

J Moloney   G Meagher

56

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of recognised income and expense
for the year ended 3 January 2009

Actuarial loss - defined benefit schemes 
Deferred tax on actuarial loss 
Share of actuarial (loss)/gain - joint ventures  
Currency translation differences 
Fair value adjustments (net of tax) 
- Group 
- Joint ventures 

Net expense recognised directly in equity 
Profit for the year 

Total recognised income for the year 

Attributable to: 
Equity holders of the Parent 
Minority interest 

Notes 

33 
32 
23 
23 

23 
23 

2008 
€’000 

(68,246) 
7,084 
(204) 
17,251 

(20,841) 
(2,089) 

(67,045) 
79,369 

2007
€’000

(4,539)
1,102
230
(14,878)

10,733
(2,155)

(9,507)
60,240

12,324 

50,733

11,354 
970 

50,326
407

12,324 

50,733

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

5 7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Consolidated balance sheet
as at 3 January 2009

ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Intangible assets 
Investments in associates 
Investments in joint ventures 
Trade and other receivables 
Deferred tax assets 
Available for sale financial assets 
Derivative financial instruments 

Current assets 
Inventories  
Trade and other receivables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Assets in disposal group held for sale 

Total assets 

EQUITY 
Issued capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the Parent
Share capital and share premium 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 

Minority interests 

Total equity 

LIABILITIES 
Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Provisions for other liabilities and charges 
Capital grants 

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Current tax liabilities 
Borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Provisions for other liabilities and charges 

Liabilities in disposal group held for sale 

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

On behalf of the Board
L Herlihy  
Directors 

J Moloney   G Meagher

58

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

Notes 

14 
15 
16 
17 
19 
32 
18 
37 

20 
19 
37 
21 

22 

24 
25 
26 

30 

31 
37 
32 
33 
34 
35 

36 

31 
37 
34 

22  

2008 
€’000 

361,131 
359,212 
11,597 
64,895 
11,929 
25,380 
24,112 
2,754 

2007
€’000

298,771
137,565
10,729
57,328
6,971
21,672
30,089
763

861,010 

563,888

267,422 
183,587 
10,378 
132,572 

593,959 
- 

225,057
202,234
4,990
159,819

592,100
20,304

593,959 

612,404

1,454,969 

1,176,292

97,320 
102,882 
19,707 

219,909 
8,010 

98,450
107,909
21,176

227,535
7,040

227,919 

234,575

569,374 
9,248 
59,056 
164,410 
4,899 
12,694 

379,028
3,736
37,587
114,248
13,660
3,535

819,681 

551,794

351,452 
332 
15,281 
16,815 
23,489 

407,369 
- 

336,663
9,182
966
3,187
22,278

372,276
17,647

407,369 

389,923

1,227,050 

941,717

1,454,969 

1,176,292

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 3 January 2009

Cash flows from operating activities 
Cash generated from operations 
Interest received 
Interest paid 
Tax paid 

Net cash from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired 
Payment of deferred consideration on acquisition of subsidiaries 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment   
Loans advanced to joint ventures 
Disposal/(purchase) of available for sale investments 
Disposal proceeds received - exit from Pigmeat 
Insurance proceeds received - exit from Pigmeat 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares 
Purchase of treasury shares 
Increase in borrowings 
Decrease in borrowings 
Finance lease principal payments 
Dividends paid to Company’s shareholders   
Capital grants received 

Net cash from/(used in) financing activities 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 

Notes 

40 

41 

24 

13 

2008 
€’000 

146,946 
7,149 
(30,768) 
(26,096) 

2007
€’000

85,110
3,015
(17,613)
(5,401)

97,231 

65,111

(217,942) 
(11,427) 
(84,507) 
(12,151) 
2,513 
3,308 
8,820 
7,629 

-
(17,742)
(51,662)
(9,001)
(2,000)
-
12,937
13,419

(303,757) 

(54,049)

360 
(1,665) 
188,090 
- 
(934) 
(18,502) 
9,655 

167
(95)
-
(84,056)
(954)
(17,334)
1,399

177,004 

(100,873)

(29,522) 

(89,811)

159,819 
2,275 

259,311
(9,681)

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

21 

132,572 

159,819

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents   
Cash (outflow)/inflow from debt financing 

Fair value of interest rate swaps qualifying as fair value hedges 
Exchange translation adjustment on net debt 

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

Net debt at end of year 

Net debt comprises: 

Borrowings  
Cash and cash equivalents  

2008 
€’000 

(29,522) 
(187,156) 

(216,678) 
(5,544) 
(9,686) 

2007
€’000

(89,811)
85,889

(3,922)
(764)
9,005

(231,908) 
(220,175) 

4,319
(224,494)

(452,083) 

(220,175)

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

31 
21 

(584,655) 
132,572 

(379,994)
159,819

(452,083) 

(220,175)

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

5 9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Company balance sheet 
as at 3 January 2009

ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Investments in associates 
Available for sale investments 
Investments in subsidiaries 

Current assets
Trade and other receivables 

Total assets 

EQUITY 
Issued capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the Company 
Share capital and share premium 
Retained earnings 
Capital reserve 

Total equity 

LIABILITIES 
Current liabilities 
Borrowings  
Trade and other payables 

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

Notes 

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

16 
18 
18 

1,395 
1,290 
459,481 

1,395
1,290
454,013

462,166 

456,698

19 

48,340 

24,023

48,340 

24,023

510,506 

480,721

24 
26 
28 

31 
36 

452,588 
36,056 
5,839 

453,718
18,354
5,187

494,483 

477,259

13,740 
2,283 

16,023 

1,928
1,534

3,462

510,506 

480,721

As permitted by section 148(8) of the Companies Act, 1963 and section 7(1A) of the Companies (Amendment Act), 1986 the Parent 
Company is availing of the exemption from presenting its separate income statement in these financial statements and from 
filing it with the Registrar of Companies. The profit for the year dealt with in the financial statements of Glanbia plc, amounts to 
€36,204,000 (2007: (€12,236,000) loss).

On behalf of the Board
L Herlihy  
Directors 

J Moloney   G Meagher

60

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company statement of recognised income and expense 
and cash flow statement for the year ended 3 January 2009

Company statement of recognised income and expense

Profit/(loss) for the year 

Total recognised income/(expense) for the year 

Company cash flow statement

Cash flows from operating activities 
Cash generated from/(used in) operations 
Interest received 

Net cash from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 
Dividends received 
Proceeds received - exit from Pigmeat 

Net cash from investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares 
Shares purchased 
Redemption of shares 
Dividends paid to Company’s shareholders   

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

Notes 

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

26 

36,204  

(12,236)

36,204  

(12,236)

40 

2008 
€’000 

4,687 
- 

2007
€’000

(23,600)
1,255

4,687 

(22,345)

- 
3,308 

3,308 

8,000
-

8,000

24 
24 

13 

360 
(1,665) 
- 
(18,502) 

167
(95)
25,303
(17,334)

(19,807) 

8,041

(11,812) 

(6,304)

(1,928) 

4,376

(13,740) 

(1,928)

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

6 1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements
for the year ended 3 January 2009

1.  General information

 Glanbia plc (‘the Company’) and its subsidiaries (together ‘the Group’) is an international dairy, consumer foods and nutritional 
products group with operations in Ireland, Europe, Canada, China, the USA and Nigeria.

 The Company is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in Ireland. The address of its registered office is Glanbia 
House, Kilkenny, Ireland. The Group is controlled by Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited (‘the Society’), which holds 54.6% of 
the issued share capital of the Company and is the ultimate parent of the Group.

The Company shares are quoted on the Irish and London Stock Exchanges.

These consolidated financial statements have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 3 March 2009.

2.  Summary of significant accounting polices

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

(a)  Basis of preparation

 These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with EU adopted International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS), IFRIC interpretations and those parts of the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2006 applicable to companies reporting 
under IFRS. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by use 
of fair values for available for sale financial assets and derivative financial instruments. A summary of the more important Group 
accounting policies is set out below.

 The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of estimates, judgements and assumptions 
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of 
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of 
the amount, event or actions, actual results ultimately may differ from these estimates. 

Amounts are stated in euro thousands (€’000) unless otherwise stated.

 These financial statements are prepared for a 53 week period ending on 3 January 2009, comparatives are for the 52 week 
period ended 29 December 2007. The balance sheets for 2008 and 2007 have been drawn up as at 3 January 2009 and 29 
December 2007 respectively.

(b)  Consolidation

The Group financial statements incorporate:
(i) 

 The financial statements of Glanbia plc (the Company) and enterprises controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries). Control 
is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain 
benefits from its activities.

 Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and are no longer consolidated from 
the date that control ceases. The purchase method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries. The 
cost of an acquisition is measured as the fair value of the assets given up, shares issued or liabilities incurred or assumed at the 
date of acquisition plus costs directly attributable to the acquisition. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of 
the Group’s share of the identifiable net assets is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the 
Group’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired, the difference is recognised directly in the income statement.

 Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. 
Where necessary, the accounting policies for subsidiaries have been changed to ensure consistency with the policies 
adopted by the Group.

(ii)   The Group’s share of the results and net assets of associated companies and joint ventures are included  based on the equity 
method of accounting. An associate is an enterprise over which the Group has significant influence, but not control, through 
participation in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee. A joint venture is an entity subject to joint 
control by the Group and other parties. Under the equity method of accounting, the Group’s share of the post-acquisition 
profits and losses of associates and joint ventures is recognised in the income statement and its share of post acquisition 
movements in reserves is recognised directly in equity. The cumulative post acquisition movements are adjusted against 
the cost of the investment. Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its associates and joint ventures are 
eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the associate or joint venture. Unrealised losses are also eliminated 
unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. When the Group’s share of losses in 
an associate or joint venture equals or exceeds its interest in the associate or joint venture, the Group does not recognise 
further losses, unless the Group has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate or joint venture.

62

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c)  Segment reporting

 The Group’s reporting segment, for which detailed disclosures are required is by geographical area. A geographic segment 
is a distinguishable component of the Group that is engaged in providing products or services within a particular economic 
environment that are subject to risks and returns that are different to those of other geographic segments. 
The Group reports segment performance by two geographic areas - Ireland and International.  

 Segment assets consist primarily of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, inventories, derivatives designated as 
hedges of future transactions and receivables. Unallocated amounts include deferred taxation, cash, investments and derivatives 
held for trading or designated as hedges of borrowings.

 Segment liabilities comprise operating liabilities. Unallocated amounts include items such as taxation, corporate borrowings 
and related hedging derivatives.

(d)  Foreign currency translation

(i)  Functional and presentation currency

 Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary 
economic environment in which the entity operates (the ‘functional currency’). The consolidated financial statements are 
presented in euro, which is the Company’s functional and presentation currency.

(ii) Transactions and balances

 Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the date 
of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions are recognised 
in the income statement, except when deferred in equity as qualifying cash flow hedges. Monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Currency 
translation differences on monetary assets and liabilities are taken to the income statement, except when deferred in equity 
as qualifying cash flow hedges.

 Translation differences on non-monetary financial assets and liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss are recognised 
in the income statement as part of the fair value gain or loss. Translation differences on non-monetary financial assets such 
as equities classified as available for sale are included in the fair value reserve in equity. 

(iii) Group companies

 The income statement and balance sheet of Group companies that have a functional currency different from the 
presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:
•  assets and liabilities at each balance sheet date are translated at the closing rate at the date of the balance sheet.
•   income and expenses in the income statement are translated at average exchange rates for the year, or for the period 

since acquisition, if appropriate.

 Resulting exchange differences are taken to a separate currency reserve within equity. When a foreign entity is sold, such 
exchange differences are recognised in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on sale.

 Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as local currency assets and 
liabilities of the foreign entity and are translated at the balance sheet rate. In accordance with IFRS 1, the cumulative 
translation differences on foreign subsidiaries was set to zero on IFRS transition date (4 January 2004). 

(e)  Property, plant and equipment

 Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost or deemed cost less subsequent depreciation less any impairment loss. Historic 
cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Cost may also include transfers from equity 
of any gains/losses on qualifying cash flow hedges of foreign currency purchases of property, plant and equipment. 

 Certain items of property, plant and equipment that had been revalued prior to the date of transition to IFRS (4 January 2004) are 
measured on the basis of deemed cost, being the revalued amount depreciated to date of transition. Items of property, plant and 
equipment that were fair valued at date of transition are also measured at deemed cost, being the fair value at date of transition.

 Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method to write-off the cost of each asset over their estimated useful life as at the 
following rates:

Land 
Buildings 
Plant and equipment 

  Motor vehicles 

%
Nil
2.5 – 5
5 - 33
20 – 25

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

6 3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

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

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

 Property, plant and equipment is tested for impairment when indicators arise. Where the carrying amount of an asset is greater 
than its estimated recoverable amount, it is written down immediately to its recoverable amount.

 Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount and are included in operating profit.

 Repairs and maintenance are charged to the income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred. The 
cost of major renovations is included in the carrying amount of the asset when it is probable that future economic benefits in 
excess of the originally assessed standard of performance of the existing asset will flow to the Group. Major renovations are 
depreciated over the remaining useful life of the related asset.

(f)  Intangible assets
(i)  Goodwill

 Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable 
assets of the acquired subsidiary or associate at the date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included 
in intangible assets. Goodwill associated with the acquisition of associates is included within the investment in associates. 

 Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses, if applicable. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual 
basis. Goodwill impairments are not reversed. 

 In accordance with IFRS 1, goodwill written off to reserves prior to date of transition to IFRS remains written off. In respect 
of goodwill capitalised and amortised at transition date, its carrying value at date of transition to IFRS remains unchanged. 
Goodwill is allocated to cash generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those cash 
generating units or groups of cash generating units that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the 
goodwill arose. 

(ii)  Research and development costs

 Research expenditure is recognised as an expense as incurred. Costs incurred on development projects (relating to the 
design and testing of new or improved products) are recognised as intangible assets when it is probable that the project 
will be a success, considering its commercial and technological feasibility, and costs can be measured reliably. Development 
costs are amortised using the straight line method over their estimated useful lives, which is normally 6 years.

(iii)  Intellectual property

 Expenditure to acquire intellectual property is capitalised and amortised using the straight line method over its useful 
life, which is normally between 10 and 20 years. Indefinite life intangible assets are those for which there is no foreseeable 
limit to their expected useful life. Indefinite life intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses, if 
applicable and are not amortised on an annual basis. 

(iv)  Computer software

 Costs incurred on the acquisition of computer software are capitalised, as are costs directly associated with developing 
computer software programmes, if they meet the recognition criteria of IAS 38 - Intangible Assets. Computer software costs 
recognised as assets are written off over their estimated useful lives, which is normally between 5 and 10 years. 

(g)  Available for sale investments

 Available for sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated in this category or not classified in any of the 
other categories. They are included in non-current assets unless management intends to dispose of the investment within 12 
months of the balance sheet date. They are initially recognised at fair value plus transaction costs and are subsequently adjusted 
to fair value at each balance sheet date. Unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of investments 
classified as available for sale are recognised in equity. When such investments are sold or impaired, the accumulated fair value 
adjustments are included in the income statement as gains or losses from investments.

 The fair values of quoted investments are based on current bid prices. If the market for a financial asset is not active the Group 
establishes fair value using valuation techniques. Where the range of reasonable fair values is significant and the probability of 
various estimates cannot be reasonably assessed, the Group measures the investment at cost. 

Investments in subsidiaries held by the Company are carried at cost. 

Impairment losses recognised in the income statement on equity instruments are not reversed through the income statement.

64

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(h)  Leases

 Leases of assets where the Group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. A 
determination is also made as to whether the substance of an arrangement could equate to a finance lease, considering 
whether fulfilment of the arrangement is dependant upon the use of a specific asset and the arrangement contains the right to 
use an asset. If the specified criteria are met, the arrangement is classified as a finance lease. Finance leases are capitalised at 
the inception of the lease at the lower of the fair value of the leased asset or the present value of the minimum lease payments. 
Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance charges so as to achieve a constant rate on the finance 
balance outstanding. The corresponding rental obligation, net of finance charges, is included in borrowings, split between 
current and non-current, as appropriate. The interest element of the finance cost is charged to the income statement over the 
lease period. The property, plant and equipment acquired under finance leases is depreciated over the shorter of the useful life 
of the asset or the lease term.

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

(i)  Inventories

 Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (‘FIFO’) method. The 
cost of finished goods and work in progress comprises raw materials, direct labour, other direct costs and related production 
overheads (based on normal capacity). Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less 
the estimated costs of completion and the costs of selling expenses. Costs of inventories include the transfer from equity of any 
gains/losses on qualifying cash flow hedges which relate to purchases of raw materials. 

(j)  Trade and other receivables

 Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method less provision for impairment. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when there is objective 
evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. Significant 
financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation, and default or 
delinquency in payments are considered indicators that the trade receivable is impaired. The amount of the provision is the 
difference between the asset’s carrying value and the estimated future cash flows. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced 
through the use of a provision account and the amount of the loss is recognised in the income statement within distribution 
costs. When a trade receivable is uncollectible, it is written off against the provision account for trade receivables. Subsequent 
recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against distribution costs in the income statement. 
 Where risks associated with receivables are transferred out of the Group under debt purchase agreements, such receivables are 
recognised on the balance sheet to the extent of the Group’s continued involvement and retained risk.

 Loan receivables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method, less provision for impairment. These are classified as non-current assets, except for those maturing within 12 months of 
the balance sheet date.

(k)  Cash and cash equivalents

 Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments 
with original maturities of 3 months or less and bank overdrafts. In the balance sheet, bank overdrafts, if applicable, are included 
in borrowings in current liabilities.

(l)  Income taxes

 Current tax represents the expected tax payable or recoverable on the taxable profit for the period, taking into account 
adjustments relating to prior years.

 Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of 
assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. Tax rates enacted or substantively enacted by the 
balance sheet date are used to determine deferred income tax.

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

 Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, 
except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary 
difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition 
of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither 
accounting nor taxable profit or loss.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

6 5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

(m) Employee benefits

(i)  Pension obligations

 Group companies operate various pension schemes. The schemes are generally funded through payments to insurance 
companies or trustee-administered funds, determined by periodic actuarial calculations. The Group has both defined 
benefit and defined contribution plans.

 The liability recognised in the balance sheet in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the 
defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date less the fair value of the plan assets, together with adjustments for 
unrecognised past-service costs. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using 
the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the 
estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in 
which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related pension liability. 
The fair value of plan assets are measured at their bid value. 

 Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or 
credited to equity in the statement of recognised income and expense in the period in which they arise. Past-service 
costs are recognised immediately in the income statement, unless the changes to the pension plan are conditional on the 
employees remaining in service for a specified period of time (the vesting period). In this case, the past-service costs are 
amortised on a straight line basis over the vesting period.

 A curtailment arises where an event reduces the expected years of future service of employees or reduces the accrual of 
defined benefits for their future service. A settlement arises where the Group is relieved of responsibility for a pension 
obligation and eliminates significant risk relating the obligation and the assets used to effect the settlement. Losses arising 
on settlement or curtailment not allowed for in the actuarial assumptions are measured at the date on which the Group 
becomes demonstrably committed to the transaction. Gains arising on a settlement or curtailment are measured at the date 
on which all parties whose consent is required are irrevocably committed to the transaction. Curtailments and settlement 
gains on losses are dealt with in the income statement.

Payments to defined contribution schemes are charged as an expense when they fall due.

(ii)  Share based payments

 The Group operates a number of equity settled share based compensation plans which include executive share option 
schemes, employee sharesave schemes and share awards.

 The charge to the income statement in respect of share-based payments is based on the fair value of the equity instruments 
granted and is spread over the vesting period of the instrument. The fair value of the instruments is calculated using the 
Trinomial Model. In accordance with the transition arrangements set out in IFRS 2 - Share Based Payments, this standard has 
been applied in respect of share options granted after 7 November 2002 which had not vested by transition date (4 January 
2004). 

 Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to vest. At each 
balance sheet date, the Group revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest. It recognises the 
impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in the income statement, with a corresponding adjustment to equity. The 
proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share 
premium when the options are exercised. 

(iii)  Awards under the 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan and 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan

 The fair value of shares awarded under the 2007 LTIP and 2008 LTIP schemes are determined using a Monte Carlo simulation 
technique. The performance share plan contains inter-alia a Total Shareholder Return (TSR) based (and hence market-based) 
vesting condition, and accordingly, the fair value assigned to the related equity instruments on initial application of IFRS 2 
– Share-based payment is adjusted so as to reflect the anticipated likelihood as at the grant date of achieving the market-
based vesting condition.

(n)  Government grants

 Grants from the government are recognised at their fair value where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be 
received and the Group will comply with all attached conditions. Government grants relating to costs are deferred and 
recognised in the income statement over the period necessary to match them with the costs they are intended to compensate. 
Government grants relating to the purchase of property, plant and equipment are included in non-current liabilities and are 
credited to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the expected lives of the related assets.

66

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(o)  Revenue recognition

 Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration receivable for the sale of goods and services to external customers net of 
value-added tax, rebates and discounts. The Group recognises revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, 
it is probable that future economic benefit will flow to the entity and when specific criteria have been met for each of the 
Group’s activities. Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods 
are transferred to the buyer, in the ordinary course of the Group’s business which generally arises on delivery, or in accordance 
with specific terms and conditions agreed with customers. Service income is recognised on a straight line basis over the life of 
the arrangement to which it relates. The timing of recognition of services revenue equals the timing of when the services are 
rendered. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method. Dividends are recognised when the right to receive 
payment is established. Revenue from the sale of property is recognised when there is an unconditional and irrevocable contract 
for sale. Revenue is only recognised when it is possible that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to 
the entity. 

(p)  Impairment of assets
(i)  Financial assets

 The Group assesses at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of 
financial assets is impaired. In the case of equity securities classified as available for sale, a significant or prolonged decline 
in the fair value of the security below its cost is considered an indicator that the securities are impaired. If any such evidence 
exists for available for sale financial assets, the cumulative loss measured as the difference between the acquisition cost and 
the current fair value, less any impairment loss on that financial asset previously recognised in the profit or loss is removed 
from equity and recognised in the income statement. Impairment losses recognised in the income statement on equity 
instruments are not reversed through the income statement. Impairment testing of trade receivables is described in (j) 
above.

(ii)  Non-financial assets

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

(q)  Share capital

 Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in 
equity as a deduction from the proceeds. 

  Own shares

 The cost of own shares, held by an Employee Share Trust in connection with the Company’s Sharesave Scheme, is deducted 
from equity. Ordinary shares purchased under the terms of the 2007 LTIP and 2008 LTIP schemes are accounted for as own 
shares and recorded as a deduction from equity. 

(r)  Dividends

 Dividends to the Company’s shareholders are recognised as a liability of the Company when approved by the Company’s 
shareholders.

(s)  Derivative financial instruments 

 The activities of the Group expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest 
rates. The Group uses derivative financial instruments such as foreign exchange contracts and options, interest rate swap 
contracts and forward rate agreements to hedge these exposures.

 The Group accounts for financial instruments under IAS 32 (Financial Instruments: Presentation), IAS 39 (Financial Instruments: 
Recognition and Measurement) and IFRS 7 (Financial Instruments Disclosures). Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on 
the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at their fair value at balance sheet date. 

 The fair value of forward foreign currency contracts is estimated by discounting the difference between the contractual forward 
price and the current forward price for the residual maturity of the contract using a risk-free interest rate (based on government 
bonds).

 The fair value of interest rate swaps is based on discounting estimated future cash flows based on the terms and maturity of 
each contract and using market interest rates for a similar instrument at the measurement date.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

6 7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

 The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, 
and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. The Group designates certain derivatives as either: (1) hedges of the fair value 
of recognised assets or liabilities or a firm commitment (fair value hedge); (2) hedges of a particular risk associated with a 
recognised asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction (cash flow hedge).

 The Group documents at the inception of the transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as 
well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Group also documents its 
assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions 
are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.

 The fair values of various derivative instruments used for hedging purposes are disclosed in note 37. Movements on the fair 
value reserve are shown in note 25. The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability if the 
remaining maturity of the hedged item is more than 12 months, and as a current asset or liability, if the remaining maturity of the 
hedged item is less than 12 months. Trading derivatives are classified as a current asset or liability.

(i)  Fair value hedge

 Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in the income 
statement, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged 
risk. If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the adjustment to the carrying amount of a hedged 
item for which the effective interest method is used is amortised to profit or loss over the period to maturity.

(ii)  Cash flow hedge

 The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are 
recognised in equity. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income statement.

 Amounts accumulated in equity are recycled in the income statement in the periods when the hedged item affects profit 
or loss (for instance when the forecast sale that is hedged takes place). The recycled gain or loss relating to the effective 
portion of interest rate swaps hedging variable interest rates on borrowings is recognised in the income statement within 
‘finance costs’. The recycled gain or loss relating to the effective portion of forward foreign exchange contracts hedging 
export sales is recognised in the income statement within revenue. However, when the forecast transaction that is hedged 
results in the recognition of a non-financial asset (for example, inventory) or a non-financial liability, the gains and losses 
previously deferred in equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the asset or 
liability.

 When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any 
cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is 
ultimately recognised in the income statement. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative 
gain or loss that was reported in equity is immediately transferred to the income statement.

(iii)  Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

 Certain derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting. Changes in the fair value of any derivative instruments 
that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised immediately in the income statement.

(iv)  Financial guarantee contracts

 Financial guarantee contracts are issued to banking institutions by the entity Glanbia plc on behalf of certain of its 
subsidiaries. These subsidiaries engage in ongoing financing arrangements with these banking institutions. Under the terms 
of amended IAS 39 (Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement) financial guarantee contracts are required to 
be recognised at fair value at inception and subsequently measured as a provision under IAS 37 – Provisions, Contingent 
Liabilities and Contingent Assets on the Glanbia plc company balance sheet. 

(t)  Earnings per share

 Earnings per share represents the profit in cent attributable to share holders of the Company, divided by the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares in issue in respect of the period. Adjusted earnings per share is calculated after tax, pre exceptional, 
before intangible asset amortisation (net of related tax). Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

(u)  Borrowing costs

 Borrowing costs incurred for significant assets under construction are capitalised during the period of time that is required to 
complete and prepare the asset for its intended use. Other borrowing costs are expensed.

68

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(v)  Borrowings

 Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at 
amortised cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in 
the income statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. Preference shares, which are 
mandatorily redeemable on a specific date, are classified as liabilities. The dividends on these preference shares are recognised 
in the income statement as a finance cost. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional 
right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date.

(w) Provisions

 Provisions are recognised when the Group has a constructive or legal obligation as a result of past events; it is more likely than 
not that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation; and the amount has been reliably estimated. Provisions 
are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that 
reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in provision 
due to passage of time is recognised as an interest expense. 

(x)  Termination benefits

 Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated by the Group before the normal retirement date, or whenever 
an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Group recognises termination benefits when 
it is demonstrably committed to either terminating the employment of current employees according to a detailed formal 
plan without possibility of withdrawal or providing termination benefits as a result of an offer made to encourage voluntary 
redundancy.

(y)  Exceptional items

 The Group has adopted an income statement format, which seeks to highlight significant items within the Group results for 
the year. Such items may include restructuring, impairment of assets, profit or loss on disposal or termination of operations, 
litigation settlements, legislative changes and profit or loss on disposal of investments. Judgement is used by the Group in 
assessing the particular items, which by virtue of their scale and nature, should be disclosed in the income statement and notes 
as exceptional items.

(z)  Business combinations

The purchase method of accounting is employed in accounting for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group.

 The cost of a business combination is measured as the aggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange of assets given, 
liabilities incurred or assumed and equity instruments issued in exchange for control together with any directly attributable 
costs. To the extent that settlement of all or any part of a business combination is deferred, the fair value of the deferred 
component is determined through discounting the amounts payable to their present value at the date of exchange. The 
discount component is unwound as an interest charge in the income statement over the life of the obligation.

 Where a business combination agreement provides for an adjustment to the cost of the combination contingent on future 
events, the amount of the adjustment is included in the cost at the acquisition date if the adjustment can be reliably measured. 
Contingent consideration is included in the balance sheet on a discounted basis.

 The assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of a subsidiary are measured at their fair values at the date of acquisition. When 
the initial accounting for a business combination is determined provisionally, any adjustments to the provisional values allocated 
to the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are made within 12 months of the acquisition date.

 Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination are capitalised separately from goodwill if the intangible asset 
meets the definition of an asset and the fair value can be reliably measured on initial recognition.

 In accordance with IFRS 1, business combinations that took place before the transition date (4 January 2004) have not been 
restated. All goodwill written off to reserves or amortised prior to the transition date remains written off. 

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

6 9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

(aa) New accounting standards and IFRIC interpretations

The Group’s assessment of the impact of these new standards and interpretations is set out below;

 Standards, amendments and interpretations effective in 2008, reviewed by the Group and determined not applicable for the 
financial year ended 3 January 2009:

 The following standards, amendments and interpretations are mandatory for the Group for accounting periods beginning on or 
after 30 December 2007 but are not relevant to the Group’s operations:
- 
- 
- 
- 

IFRIC 11 ‘IFRS 2 – Group and treasury share transactions’
IFRIC 12 ‘Service concession arrangements’
IFRIC 14 ‘IAS 19 – The limit on defined benefit asset, minimum funding requirements and their interaction’
IAS 39 and IFRS 7 (amendments) – ‘Reclassification of financial assets’

 The following standards, amendments and interpretations are mandatory for the Group for accounting periods beginning on or 
after 1 July 2008 but are not relevant to the Group’s operations:
- 

IFRIC 13 ‘Customer loyalty programmes’

Standards and interpretations to existing standards that are not yet effective and have not been early adopted by the Group

 The following standards, amendments to and interpretations to existing standards have been published and are mandatory for 
future accounting periods and have not been early adopted:

Improvements to IFRSs, (effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009).
 The improvements to IFRS are still subject to EU endorsement. The IASB has issued the ‘Improvements to IFRSs’ standard 
which amends 20 standards, basis of conclusions and guidance based on the exposure draft issued in October 2007. The 
improvements include changes in presentation, recognition and measurement plus terminology and editorial changes. The 
Group has reviewed the ‘Improvements to IFRSs’ and will apply the revised applicable standards from the effective date and is 
currently assessing their impact on the Group’s financial statements.

 IFRS 1 (Amendment) ‘First time adoption of IFRS’ and IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and separate financial statements’ (effective for 
financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). 
 The amendments to the two standards are still subject to endorsement by the EU. The amended IFRS 1 allows first-time 
adopters to use a deemed cost of either fair value or the carrying amount under previous accounting practice to measure 
the initial cost of investments in subsidiaries, jointly controlled entities and associates in the separate financial statements. 
The amendment also removes the definition of the cost method from IAS 27 and replaces it with a requirement to present 
dividends as income in the separate financial statements of the investor. As the Group is not a first-time adopter of IFRS, IFRS 1 
(Amendment) is not relevant to the Group’s activities.

 IFRS 1 (Revised), ‘First-time adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards’, (effective for financial periods beginning 
on or after 1 July 2009).
 The revised standard is still subject to EU endorsement. The current IFRS 1 has been amended many times to accommodate 
first time adoption requirements of new and amended IFRSs, resulting in a more complex and less clear standard. This revised 
version retains the substance of the original standard but with a changed structure. The Group will apply this revised standard 
from the effective date and is currently assessing the impact on the Group’s financial statements.

IFRS 2 (Amendment), ‘Share based payment’ (effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). 
 The amended standard deals with vesting conditions and cancellations. It clarifies that vesting conditions are service conditions 
and performance conditions only. Other features of a share based payment are not vesting conditions. As such these features 
would need to be included in the grant date fair value for transactions with employees and others providing similar services, 
that is, these features would not impact the number of awards expected to vest or valuation thereof subsequent to grant 
date. The amendment also clarifies that all cancellations, whether by the entity or by other parties, should receive the same 
accounting treatment. The Group will apply the amendment from the effective date and is currently assessing the impact on the 
Group’s financial statements.

IFRS 3 (Revised), ‘Business combinations’, (effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009). 
 The revised standard is still subject to EU endorsement. The revised standard continues to apply the acquisition method to 
business combinations, with some significant changes. For example, all payments to purchase a business are to be recorded at 
fair value at the acquisition date, with contingent payments classified as debt subsequently re-measured through the income 
statement. There is a choice on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis to measure the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either 
at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s net assets. All acquisition-related costs 
should be expensed. The Group will apply this revised standard from the effective date and is currently assessing the impact on 
the Group’s financial statements.

70

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IFRS 8, ‘Operating segments’ (effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009).
 IFRS 8 replaces IAS 14 ‘Segment reporting’, and aligns segment reporting with the requirements of the US standard SFAS 131, 
‘Disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information’. IFRS 8 sets out the requirements for disclosure of 
financial and descriptive information about an entity’s operating segments and also about the entity’s products and services, the 
geographical areas in which it operates and its major customers. The new standard requires a ‘management approach’, under 
which segment information is presented on the same basis as that used for internal reporting purposes. The Group will apply 
IFRS 8 from the effective date and is currently considering the impact of this standard on its disclosures.

IFRIC 15, ‘Agreements for construction of real estates’ (effective from 1 January 2009).  
 The interpretation is still subject to EU endorsement. The interpretation clarifies whether IAS 18, ‘Revenue’, or IAS 11, 
’Construction contracts’ should be applied to particular transactions. It is likely to result in IAS 18 being applied to a wider range 
of transactions. As the Group is not involved in construction IFRIC 15 is not relevant to the Groups activities.

IFRIC 16, ‘Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation’ (effective from 1 October 2008). 
 The interpretation is still subject to EU endorsement. IFRIC 16 clarifies the accounting treatment in respect of net investment 
hedging. This includes the fact that net investment hedging relates to differences in functional currency not presentation 
currency, and hedging instruments may be held anywhere in the Group. The requirements of IAS 21, ‘The effects of changes 
in foreign exchange rates’, do apply to the hedged item. As the Group does not hedge against net investments in foreign 
operations IFRIC 16 is not relevant to the Group’s activities.

IFRIC 17, ‘Distributions of non-cash assets to owners’ (effective from 1 July 2009).  
 This interpretation applies to transactions in which an entity distributes assets (other than cash) as dividends to its owners acting 
in their capacity as owners and how an entity should measure the dividend payable. The IFRIC also clarifies when an entity 
should recognise a dividend payable, i.e. when the dividend is appropriately authorised and no longer at the discretion of 
the entity. The Group will apply IFRIC 17 from the effective date and is currently assessing the impact on the Group’s financial 
statements.

 IFRIC 18, ‘Transfers of assets from customers’ (effective for transfers of assets from customers received on or after 1 July 2009)
 This interpretation applies to agreements in which an entity receives from a customer an item of property, plant and equipment 
(for an amount of cash which must be used to construct or acquire an item of property, plant and equipment) that the entity 
must use either to connect the customer to a network or to provide a customer with ongoing access to a supply of goods or 
services, or do both. The Group will apply IFRIC 18 from the effective date and is currently assessing the impact on the Group’s 
financial statements.

IAS 1 (Amendment), ‘Presentation of financial statements’, (effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). 
 The revised standard will prohibit the presentation of items of income and expense (that is, ‘non-owner changes in equity’) in 
the statement of changes in equity, requiring ‘non-owner changes in equity’ to be presented separately from owner changes 
in equity. All non-owner changes in equity will be required to be shown in a performance statement, but entities can choose 
whether to present one performance statement (the statement of comprehensive income) or two statements (the income 
statement and statement of comprehensive income). Where entities restate or reclassify comparative information, they will be 
required to present a restated balance sheet as at the beginning comparative period in addition to the current requirement to 
present balance sheets at the end of the current period and comparative period. The Group will apply the amendment from the 
effective date and is currently assessing the impact on the Group’s financial statements.

 IAS 23 (Amendment), ‘Borrowing costs’, (effective for financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009).  
The amendment requires an entity to capitalise borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or 
production of a qualifying asset (one that takes a substantial period of time to get ready for use or sale) as part of the cost of 
that asset. The option of immediately expensing those borrowing costs will be removed. The Group will apply the amendment 
from the effective date and is currently assessing the impact on the Group’s financial statements.

 IAS 27 (Revised), ‘Consolidated and separate financial statements’, (effective for annual periods beginning on or after  
1 July 2009). 
 The revised standard is still subject to endorsement by the EU. The revised standard requires the effects of all transactions with 
non-controlling interests to be recorded in equity if there is no change in control and these transactions will no longer result 
in goodwill on acquisitions from non-controlling interests or gains and losses on disposals to non-controlling interests. The 
standard also specifies the accounting when control is lost. Any remaining interest in the entity is re-measured to fair value, and 
a gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss. The Group will apply this revised standard from the effective date and is currently 
assessing the impact on the Group’s financial statements.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

7 1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

 IAS 32 and IAS 1 (Amendment) ‘Puttable financial instruments and obligations arising on liquidation’, (effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009). 
 The amendments to the two standards are still subject to endorsement by the EU. The amended standards require entities to 
classify puttable financial instruments and instruments, or components of instruments that impose on the entity an obligation 
to deliver to another party a pro rata share of the net assets of the entity only on liquidation as equity, provided the financial 
instruments have particular features and meet specific conditions. The Group will apply the amendment from the effective date 
and is currently assessing the impact on the Group’s financial statements.

 IAS 39 (Amendment) – Eligible hedged items, ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ (effective for annual 
periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009). 
 The amendment to the standard is still subject to endorsement by the EU. This amendment to IAS 39 clarifies how the principles 
that determine whether a hedged risk or portions of cash flows is eligible for designation should be applied. The Group will 
apply the amendment from the effective date and is currently assessing the impact on the Group’s financial statements.

3.  Financial risk management

3.1 Financial risk factors 

 The conduct of its ordinary business operations necessitates the holding and issuing of financial instruments and derivative 
financial instruments by the Group. The main risks arising from issuing, holding and managing these financial instruments 
typically include liquidity risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and currency risk. The Group approach is to centrally manage these 
risks against comprehensive policy guidelines, which are summarised below. 

 The Group does not engage in holding or issuing speculative financial instruments or derivatives thereof. The Group finances 
its operations by a mixture of retained profits, preference shares, medium and short-term committed bank borrowings and 
uncommitted bank borrowings. The Group borrows in the major global debt markets in a range of currencies at both fixed and 
floating rates of interest, using derivatives where appropriate to generate the desired effective currency profile and interest rate 
basis.

 Risk management, other than credit risk, is carried out by a central treasury department (Group Treasury) under policies 
approved by the Board of Directors. Credit risk is discussed below. Group Treasury identifies, evaluates and hedges financial 
risks in close co-operation with the Group’s operating units. 

 The Board provides written principles for overall risk management, as well as written policies covering specific areas, such 
as foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, use of derivative financial instruments and non-derivative financial 
instruments, and investment of excess liquidity.

  Market risk
(a)  Currency risk

 Although the Group is based in Ireland, it has significant investment in overseas operations primarily in the USA. As a result 
movements in the US dollar/euro exchange rate can significantly affect the Group’s euro balance sheet and income statement. 
The Group seeks to match, to a certain extent, the currency of its borrowings, with that of its assets. The Group also has 
transactional currency exposures that arise from sales or purchases by an operating unit in currencies other than the unit’s 
operating functional currency. Management has set up a policy to require Group companies to manage their foreign exchange 
risk against their functional currency. The Group companies are required to hedge foreign exchange risk exposure through 
Group Treasury.

 Group Treasury reviews exposure reports on a regular basis. To manage their foreign exchange risk arising from future 
commercial transactions and recognised assets and liabilities, entities in the Group use forward contracts, administered 
by Group Treasury. Foreign exchange risk arises when future commercial transactions or recognised assets or liabilities are 
denominated in a currency that is not the entity’s functional currency.

 Group Treasury’s risk management practice is to hedge up to 100% of anticipated cash flows (mainly export sales and purchase 
of inventory) in each major foreign currency to which the Group is exposed for the following financial year. The Group does not 
take out cover unless the prospective sale is highly probable.

 For reporting purposes, each subsidiary designates contracts with Group Treasury as fair value hedges or cash flow hedges, as 
appropriate. External foreign exchange contracts are designated at Group level as hedges of foreign exchange risk on specific 
assets, liabilities or future transactions. 

72

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The Group has certain investments in foreign operations, whose net assets are exposed to foreign currency translation risk. 
Currency exposure arising from the net assets of the Group’s foreign operations is managed primarily through borrowings 
denominated in the relevant foreign currencies.

 At 3 January 2009 and 29 December 2007, if the euro had weakened/strengthened by 5% against the US dollar with all other 
variables held constant, post-tax profit for the year would not have been materially impacted as a result of foreign exchange 
gains/losses on translation of US dollar denominated non-hedged trade receivables, and cash and cash equivalents.

 A weakening/strengthening of the euro against the US dollar by 5% as at 3 January 2009 would have resulted in a currency 
translation gain/loss respectively of approximately €8.5 million (2007: €7.5 million), which would be recognised directly in equity. 

 At 3 January 2009 and 29 December 2007, if the currency had weakened/strengthened by 5% against the UK pound with 
all other variables held constant, post-tax profit for the year would not have been materially impacted as a result of foreign 
exchange gains/losses on translation of UK pound-denominated non-hedged trade receivables, and cash and cash equivalents. 

 A weakening/strengthening of the euro against the UK pound by 5% as at 3 January 2009 would have resulted in a currency 
translation gain/loss respectively of approximately €3.0 million (2007: €1.6 million), which would be recognised directly in equity. 

(b)  Interest rate risk

 The Group’s objective in relation to interest rate management is to minimise the impact of interest rate volatility on interest 
costs in order to protect reported profitability. This is achieved by determining a long-term strategy against a number of policy 
guidelines, which focus on (a) the amount of floating rate indebtedness anticipated over such a period and (b) the consequent 
sensitivity of interest costs to interest rate movements on this indebtedness and the resultant impact on reported profitability. 
The Group borrows at both fixed and floating rates of interest and uses interest rate swaps to manage the Group’s exposure to 
interest rate fluctuations. 

 Borrowings issued at floating rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk. Borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the 
Group to fair value interest rate risk. Group policy is to maintain no more than one third of its projected debt exposure on a 
floating rate basis over any succeeding 12 month period. 

 The Group, on a continuous basis, maintains a level of fixed rate cover dependent on prevailing fixed market rates, projected 
debt and market informed interest rate outlook. 

 Based on the Group’s unhedged variable rate debt in all currencies throughout 2008, a 1% increase in prevailing market interest 
rates would have resulted in a €1.8 million loss (2007: €0.7 million loss), with no impact on equity. 

 The Group manages its cash flow interest rate risk by using floating to fixed interest rate swaps. Such interest rate swaps have 
the economic effect of converting borrowings from floating rates to fixed rates. Under the interest rate swaps, the Group agrees 
with other parties to exchange at specified intervals, the difference between fixed interest rate amounts and floating rate 
interest amounts calculated by reference to the agreed notional amounts. 

 Occasionally the Group enters into fixed to floating interest rate swaps to hedge the fair value interest rate risk arising where it 
has borrowed at fixed rates. 

(c)  Price risk

 The Group is exposed to equity securities price risk because of investments held by the Group and classified on the 
consolidated balance sheet as available for sale. 

 To manage its exposure to certain commodity markets the Group enters commodity future contracts. Such commodity 
futures are subject to fair value changes which are recognised in the income statement. To manage its price risk arising from 
investments in equity securities, the Group does not maintain a significant balance with any one entity. 

 Diversification of the portfolio must be done in accordance with the limits set by the Group. The impact of a 5% increase or 
decrease in equity indexes across the eurozone countries would not have any significant impact on Group operating profit. 

Liquidity and cash flow risk
 The Group’s objective is to maintain a balance between the continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of borrowings 
with a range of maturities. In order to preserve continuity of funding, the Group’s policy is that, at a minimum, committed 
facilities should be available at all times to meet the full extent of its anticipated finance requirements, arising in the ordinary 
course of business, during the succeeding 12 month period. This means that at any time the lenders providing facilities in 
respect of this finance requirement are required to give at least 12 months notice of their intention to seek repayment of such 
facilities. At the year end, the Group had multi-currency committed term facilities of €661.5 million of which €82.9 million was 
undrawn. The weighted average maturity of these facilities was 4.2 years.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

7 3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

 The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities which will be settled on a net basis into relevant maturity groupings 
based on the remaining period at the balance sheet to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the 
contractual undiscounted cash flows. Balances due within 12 months equal their carrying balances as the impact of discounting 
is not significant.

  At 3 January 2009 

Borrowings  

  Derivative financial instruments  
Trade and other payables  

  At 29 December 2007 

Borrowings  

  Derivative financial instruments  
Trade and other payables  

Less than 1 
year  
€’000 

Between 1  
and 2 years 
€’000 

Between 2  
and 5 years 
€’000 

15,281 
16,815 
351,452 

926 
5,171 
- 

501,325 
4,417 
- 

Over 5

years  
€’000 

64,624 
76 
- 

Total 
€’000

582,156
26,479
351,452

383,548 

6,097 

505,742 

64,700 

960,087

Less than 1 
year  
€’000 

Between 1  
and 2 years 
€’000 

Between 2  
and 5 years 
€’000 

Over 5

years  
€’000 

Total 
€’000

966 
3,187 
336,663 

904 
1,633 
- 

316,047 
2,538 
- 

65,643 
- 
- 

383,560
7,358
336,663

340,816 

2,537 

318,585 

65,643 

727,581

 The Company has an overdraft of €13,740,000 at year ended 3 January 2009. The contractual undiscounted cash flows equal the  
year end balance.

 The table below analyses the Group’s foreign exchange contracts which will be settled on a gross basis into relevant maturity 
groupings based on the remaining period at the balance sheet to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the 
table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. Balances due within 12 months equal their carrying balances as the impact of 
discounting is not significant.

  At 3 January 2009 

Foreign exchange contracts - cash flow hedges 

  Outflow 

  At 29 December 2007 

Foreign exchange contracts - cash flow hedges 
Inflow    

Less than 1 
year  
€’000 

Between 1  
and 2 years 
€’000 

Between 2  
and 5 years 
€’000 

Over 5 
years  
€’000 

Total 
€’000

(59) 

- 

- 

- 

(59)

Less than 1 
year  
€’000 

Between 1  
and 2 years 
€’000 

Between 2  
and 5 years 
€’000 

Over 5

years  
€’000 

Total 
€’000

2,872  

- 

- 

- 

2,872

Credit Risk
 Credit risk is managed on a Group basis. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments, 
available for sale financial investments and deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures 
to customers, including outstanding receivables and committed transactions. For banks and financial institutions, only 
independently rated parties with a minimum credit rating of ‘A’ are accepted. 

 The Group’s credit risk management policy in relation to trade receivables involves periodically assessing the financial reliability 
of customers, taking into account their financial position, past experience and other factors. The utilisation of credit limits is 
regularly monitored and where appropriate, credit risk is covered by credit insurance.

 The Group enters into debt purchase agreements with certain financial institutions for part of its debtors’ balances. Where this is 
done the credit risk is transferred but the late payment risk is retained.

74

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.2 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 benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the 
cost of capital.

 In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return 
capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to increase or reduce debt or buy back shares.

 The Group monitors debt capital on the basis of interest cover and debt to EBITDA ratios. At 3 January 2009, the Group’s debt/
EBITDA ratio was 2.7 times (2007: 1.5 times), which is deemed by management to be prudent and in line with industry norms. 

3.3 Fair value estimation

 The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as available for sale securities) is based on quoted market 
prices at the balance sheet date. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Group is the current bid price.

 The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the counter derivatives) is 
determined by using valuation techniques. The Group uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based on 
market conditions existing at each balance sheet date. Quoted market prices or dealer quotes for similar instruments are 
used for long-term debt. Other techniques, such as estimated discounted cash flows, are used to determine fair value for the 
remaining financial instruments. The fair value of interest rate swaps is calculated as the present value of the estimated future 
cash flows. The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined using quoted forward exchange rates at the 
balance sheet date.

  The carrying value less impairment provision of trade receivables and payables are assumed to approximate their fair values 
due to the short-term nature of trade receivables. The fair value of financial liabilities for disclosure purposes is estimated by 
discounting the future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rate that is available to the Group for similar financial 
instruments.

4.  Critical accounting estimates and judgements

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

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

(a)  Impairment reviews of goodwill 

 The Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment, in accordance with the accounting policy stated in 
note 2(f). The recoverable amounts of cash generating units have been determined based on value in use calculations. These 
calculations require the use of estimates. 

 The assets of Seltzer Companies, Inc., Optimum Nutrition, Inc. and Glanbia Nutritionals Deutschland GmbH, including goodwill 
arising on acquisition of €131.133 million, were tested for impairment using projected cash flows over a 10 year period. A 
reduction in projected EBITDA of 10% or an increase in the discount factor used from 6.5% to 7.5% would not result in an 
impairment of the assets. A rate of zero percent has been used to estimate cash flow growth between 3 and 10 years. Indefinite 
life intangible assets are those for which there is no foreseeable limit to their expected useful life. The classification of intangible 
assets as indefinite is reviewed annually. 

(b)  Income taxes 

 The Group is subject to income tax in numerous jurisdictions. Significant judgement is required in determining the worldwide 
provision for income taxes. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain 
during the ordinary course of business. The Group recognises liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates 
of whether additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that 
were initially recorded, such differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such 
determination is made. Were the actual final outcome of these matters to differ by 10% from management’s estimates, the 
Group would need to revise its tax liabilities by approximately €1 million.

 Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the 
unused tax losses and unused tax credits can be utilised. The Group estimates the most probable amount of future taxable 
profits, using assumptions consistent with those employed in impairment calculations, and taking into consideration applicable 
tax legislation in the relevant jurisdiction. These calculations require the use of estimates. An increase in the Group’s effective 
tax rate by 1% would reduce profit after tax by €1.129 million.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

7 5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

(c)  Post-employment benefits

 The Group operates a number of post employment defined benefit plans. The rates of contributions payable, the pension cost 
and the Group’s total obligation in respect of defined benefit plans is calculated and determined by independent qualified 
actuaries and updated at least annually. The Group also has plan assets totalling €301.5 million giving a net pension liability of 
€164.4 million for the Group. The size of the obligation and cost of the benefits are sensitive to actuarial assumptions. These 
include demographic assumptions covering mortality and longevity, and economic assumptions covering price inflation, benefit 
and salary increases together with the discount rate used. The Group has reviewed the impact of a change in the discount rate 
used and concluded that based on the pension deficit at 3 January 2009, an increase in the discount rates applied of 10 basis 
points across the various defined benefit plans, would have the impact of decreasing the pension deficit for the Group by  
€6.2 million. 

(d)  Establishing lives for depreciation of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 

 Long-lived assets comprising primarily property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, represent a significant portion of 
total assets. The annual depreciation and amortisation charge depends primarily on the estimated lives of each type of asset and, 
in certain circumstances, estimates of fair values and residual values. The Directors regularly review these useful lives and change 
them as necessary to reflect current thinking on remaining lives in light of technological change, pattern of consumption, the 
physical condition and expected economic utilisation of the asset. Changes in the useful lives can have a significant impact on the 
depreciation and amortisation charge for the period. Details of the useful lives are included in the accounting policy  
2 (e) and 2 (f). The impact of any change could vary significantly depending on the individual changes in assets and the classes 
of assets impacted. The Group has reviewed the impact of a change in useful lives on land and buildings and a 1 year reduction 
in useful lives would have a €0.2 million reduction impact on operating profit. The Group has also reviewed the impact of a 
change in useful lives in plant and equipment and a 1 year reduction in useful lives would have a €2.1 million reduction impact on 
operating profit. 

 The Group has reviewed the impact on indefinite life intangible assets of assigning a finite life to these assets and a 20 year useful 
life estimate would have a €4.4 million reduction impact on operating profit. 

(e)  Fair value of derivatives and other financial instruments. 

 The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives) is 
determined by using valuation techniques. The Group uses its judgement to select a variety of methods and make assumptions 
that are mainly based on market conditions existing at each balance sheet date. The Group has used discounted cash flow 
analysis for various available for sale financial assets that are not traded in active markets. 

 The carrying amount of available for sale financial assets would not be materially different were the discounted rate used in the 
discounted cash flow analysis to differ by 10% from management’s estimates.

5.  Segment information

Primary reporting format – geographic segments
 The Group’s internal financial system reports segment performance by two main geographic areas, Ireland and International.  
On this basis segment information has been restated to include Consumer Foods and Agribusiness & Property under Ireland and 
Food Ingredients and Nutritionals under International. The comparatives for year ended 29 December 2007 have been restated.

The segment results for the year ended 29 December 2007 are as follows:

2007 

Total gross segment revenue 
Inter-segment revenue 

Revenue 

  Operating profit pre exceptional items   

Exceptional items 

Finance income and costs 
Share of results of joint ventures and associates 

Profit before tax  
Tax  

Profit for the year 

76

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

Ireland 
€’000 

International 
€’000 

Group
€’000

803,855 
(492) 

1,529,310 
(126,106) 

2,333,165
(126,598)

803,363 

1,403,204 

2,206,567

30,640 
(23,463) 

85,194 
- 

115,834
(23,463)

7,177 

85,194 

92,371

(17,282)
992

76,081
(15,841)

60,240

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The segment results for the year ended 3 January 2009 are as follows:

2008 

Total gross segment revenue 
Inter-segment revenue 

Revenue 

  Operating profit pre exceptional items   

Exceptional items 

Finance income and costs 
Share of results of joint ventures and associates 

Profit before tax  
Tax  

Profit for the year 

Ireland 
€’000 

International 
€’000 

Group
€’000

743,061 
(85) 

1,630,682 
(141,497) 

2,373,743
(141,582)

742,976 

1,489,185 

2,232,161

51,530 
(15,548) 

82,524 
(3,755) 

134,054
(19,303)

35,982 

78,769  

114,751

(21,105)
6,359

100,005
(20,636)

79,369

 Inter-segment transfers or transactions are entered into under the normal commercial terms and conditions that would also be 
available to unrelated third parties.

  Other segment items included in the income statement for the year ended 29 December 2007 are as follows:

2007 

  Depreciation 

Amortisation of intangibles 

  Capital grants released to income statement 
Restructuring costs - exceptional items   

Ireland 
€’000 

International 
€’000 

9,828  
3,076  
(669) 
(23,463) 

17,418  
3,740  
(67) 
-  

  Other segment items included in the income statement for the year ended 3 January 2009 are as follows:

2008 

  Depreciation 

Amortisation of intangibles 

  Capital grants released to income statement 
Restructuring costs - exceptional items   

Ireland 
€’000 

International 
€’000 

7,463  
2,771  
(106) 
(15,548) 

18,326  
5,586  
(494) 
(3,755) 

The segment assets and liabilities at 29 December 2007 and capital expenditure for the year then ended are as follows:

Group
€’000

27,246 
6,816 
(736)
(23,463)

Group
€’000

25,789 
8,357 
(600)
(19,303)

2007 

Assets   
Associates and joint ventures 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Ireland 
€’000 

International  Unallocated 
€’000 

€’000 

Group
€’000

232,934  
-  

651,291  
 -  

224,010  
68,057  

1,108,235 
68,057 

232,934  

651,291  

292,067   1,176,292 

(113,212) 

(257,977) 

(570,528) 

(941,717)

  Group capital expenditure and acquisitions 

9,564  

59,542  

878  

69,984 

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

7 7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

The segment assets and liabilities at 3 January 2009 and capital expenditure for the year then ended are as follows:

2008 

Assets   
Associates and joint ventures 

Total assets 

Liabilities 

Ireland 
€’000 

International  Unallocated 
€’000 

€’000 

Group
€’000

233,713  
- 

946,569  
- 

198,195  
76,492 

1,378,477 
76,492

233,713  

946,569  

274,687   1,454,969 

(106,920) 

(393,261) 

(726,869) 

(1,227,050)

  Group capital expenditure and acquisitions 

24,338  

276,125  

4,151  

304,614 

6.  Operating expenses

The following items have been included in arriving at operating profit:

  Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 14) 

- Owned assets 
- Leased assets under finance leases 

Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment 

Repairs and maintenance expenditure on property, plant and equipment 

Exceptional item - exit from Pigmeat 

Amortisation of intangible assets (note 15) 
- Software costs 
- Other intangible assets 

Increase in inventories  

Raw materials and consumables used 

Energy costs 

Sales and marketing 

Trade receivables - impairment charge for bad and doubtful debts 

Amortisation of government grants received (note 35)   

  Operating lease rentals payable  

- Plant and machinery 
- Other  

Employee benefit expense (note 8) 

Auditors’ remuneration 

Research and development costs  

  Net foreign exchange gains 

  Other    

Total operating expenses 

78

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

24,149 
1,640 

24,994
2,252

(5,319) 

(3,002)

25,698 

28,459

3,332 

20,756

3,685 
4,672 

3,824
2,992

42,365 

92,053

1,662,357 

1,637,623

39,714 

32,031

54,110 

45,089

1,384 

(600) 

297

(736)

4,775 
5,582 

4,561
4,556

200,093 

197,170

639 

6,880 

627

7,509

(4,019) 

(611)

46,273 

13,752

2,117,410  

2,114,196 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.  Exceptional items

Exit from Pigmeat 
Rationalisation costs 
Joint Venture - deferred tax charge 

Exceptional tax credit (note 11) 

  Net exceptional item 

Notes 

2008 
€’000 

(a) 
(b) 
(c) 

(3,332) 
(15,971) 
(947) 

2007
€’000

(20,756)
(2,707)
-

(20,250) 

(23,463)

892 

617

(19,358) 

(22,846)

(a)   An exceptional charge of €3.3 million was incurred on the finalisation of the exit from the Pigmeat business announced in 

March 2008. 

(b)   €16.0 million relates to a rationalisation programme, primarily redundancy costs, in Consumer Foods, Agribusiness and 

Food Ingredients Ireland. 

(c)   An exceptional deferred tax charge of €1.0 million (Group share) arises in the Group’s joint venture, Glanbia Cheese.  
This relates to a recent UK tax legislation change providing for the withdrawal of industrial buildings allowances.

8.  Employee benefit expense

  Wages and salaries 
Termination costs  
Social security costs 
Share options and share awards under 2007 LTIP and 2008 LTIP 
Pension costs - defined contribution plans (note 33) 
Pension costs - defined benefit plans (note 33) 

Exceptional item - curtailment gain (note 33) 
Exceptional item - termination costs (note 7(b)) 

2008 
€’000 

157,510 
708 
17,036 
515 
1,719 
7,913 

2007
€’000

169,554
2,877
17,673
587
1,217
4,981

185,401 

196,889

(376) 
15,068 

(1,843)
2,124

200,093 

197,170

 The average number of employees, excluding the Group’s Joint Ventures & Associates in 2008 was 3,400 (2007: 3,993) and is 
analysed into the following categories:

Ireland   
International  

2008 

2007

1,706 
1,694 

3,400 

2,517
1,476

3,993

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

7 9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

9.  Directors’ remuneration 

The salary, fees and other benefits for each of the Directors during the year were:

Executive  
J Moloney 
  G Meagher 
K Toland  

2008 

2007 

  Non-executive

L Herlihy (note (a)) 
J Fitzgerald (note (b)) 
V Quinlan 
J Callaghan 

  H Corbally 
  N Dunphy (note (c)) 

E Fitzpatrick 
J Gilsenan 
P Gleeson  
P Haran 
  C Hill    
  Ml Keane (note (e)) 
  M Keane  
J Liston 
  M Merrick  
  W Murphy 

A O’Connor (note (d)) 

  M Parsons  

E Power (note (f)) 
R Prendergast (note (d)) 

  M Walsh (note (g)) 

2008 

2007 

Total 2008 

Total 2007 

Salary 
€’000 

509 
306 
326 

1,141 

1,032 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

-  

- 

1,141 

1,032 

  Performance 
bonus 
€’000 

Fees 
€’000 

Pension 
contribution 
€’000 

Other 
benefits 
€’000 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

69 
33 
42 
70 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
62 
20 
- 
20 
70 
20 
62 
12 
20 
8 
12 
36 

656 

621 

656 

621 

460 
284 
314 

1,058 

1,391 

162 
102 
120 

384 

342 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

36 
22 
7 

65 

61 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

1,058 

1,391 

384 

342 

65 

61 

2008 
Total 
€’000 

1,167 
714 
767 

2,648 

69 
33 
42 
70 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
62 
20 
- 
20 
70 
20 
62 
12 
20 
8 
12 
36 

2007
Total
€’000

1,194
756
876

2,826

41
19
41
63
19
12
19
19
19
59
19
8
19
63
19
59
-
19
19
-
85

656

3,304

621

3,447

(a)  Mr L Herlihy was appointed Chairman on 28 May 2008.
(b)  Mr J Fitzgerald was appointed Vice Chairman on 28 May 2008.
(c)  Mr N Dunphy was appointed as a Director on 31 May 2007.
(d)  Mr A O’Connor and Mr R Prendergast were appointed Directors on 28 May 2008.
(e)  Mr Ml Keane resigned as a Director on 31 May 2007.
(f)  Mr E Power resigned as a Director on 28 May 2008.
(g)  Mr M Walsh resigned both as Chairman and Director on 28 May 2008.

  Details of Directors’ share options are set out in note 24 and note 43 to the financial statements.

 In 2008 holders of options granted in 1998 under the Avonmore share option scheme were given the option to receive the 
value of the option in cash in lieu of exercising the option. Mr J Moloney and Mr G Meagher both elected to receive payment 
respectively of €105,000 and €52,500 in lieu of exercising the options, which then lapsed.

80

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The Remuneration Committee of the Board, which comprises solely of non-executive Directors, determines the Company’s 
policy on executive Director remuneration and sets the remuneration package of each of the executive Directors. There are no 
contracts of service for executive Directors which are required to be made available for inspection.

The defined benefit pension benefits of each of the executive Directors during the year were as follows:

  Transfer value 
  of increase in 
accrued pension 
€’ 000 

Annual pension  
accrued in 2008 
in excess of inflation 
€’ 000 

Total annual
accrued pension at
3 January 2009
€’ 000

776 
185 
179 

1,140 

508 

38 
8 
17 

63 

30 

J Moloney 
  G Meagher 
K Toland 

2008 

2007 

10. Finance income and costs

(a) Finance income  

Interest income  
Interest income on deferred consideration 

(b) Finance costs  

Interest expense 
- Bank borrowings repayable within 5 years 
- Interest cost on deferred consideration 
- Finance lease costs 
- Interest rate swaps, transfer from equity 
- Interest rate swaps, fair value hedges 
- Fair value adjustment of borrowings attributable to interest rate risk 

Finance cost of preference shares 

Total finance costs 

  Net finance costs 

283
200
99

582

563

2007
€’000

4,813
-

4,813

2008 
€’000 

5,164 
426 

5,590 

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

(21,471) 
(22) 
(360) 
(477) 
(1,295) 
1,295 

(22,330) 
(4,365) 

(19,084)
(450)
(272)
1,401
676
(676)

(18,405)
(3,690)

(26,695) 

(22,095)

(21,105) 

(17,282)

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

8 1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

11. Income taxes

Irish corporation tax 
Adjustments in respect of prior years 

Irish current tax on income for the year   

Foreign tax 
Adjustments in respect of prior years 

Foreign current tax on income for the year 

Total current tax 

  Deferred tax (note 32) 

Pre exceptional tax charge 
Exceptional tax credit 
- Current 
- Deferred 

2008 
€’000 

8,961 
(99) 

8,862 

11,857 
(607) 

11,250 

2007
€’000

7,284
(100)

7,184

6,338
327

6,665

20,112 

13,849

1,416 

2,609

21,528 

16,458

(1,073) 
181 

1,975
(2,592)

20,636 

15,841

(i)  The restructuring provisions made in 2008 resulted in an exceptional current tax credit of €1.6 million.

(ii)   During 2008 adjustments were made in connection with the Group’s 2007 decision to exit meat processing, resulting in an 

exceptional current tax charge of €0.5 million and deferred tax charge of €0.1 million.

(iii)   Recent UK tax legislation provided for the phased withdrawal of industrial building allowances from April 2008 (with full 

abolition from April 2011) resulting in a deferred tax charge of €0.1 million. This change in UK tax legislation also resulted in 
an exceptional deferred tax charge in the Group’s UK joint venture, Glanbia Cheese, of which the Group’s share is  
€0.9 million.

 The tax on the Group’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the corporation tax rate in 
Ireland, as follows:

Profit before tax  

Tax calculated at Irish rate of 12.5% (2007: 12.5%) 
Earnings at reduced and higher Irish rates 

  Difference due to overseas tax rates 

Adjustment to tax charge in respect of previous periods 
Tax on profits of joint ventures and associates shown in profit before tax 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes and other differences 

Tax charge 

  Details of tax charged or credited directly to equity during the year are outlined in note 32.

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

100,005 

76,081

12,501 
(2,732) 
9,396 
(54) 
(913) 
2,438 

9,510
(1,176)
7,359
57
(124)
215

20,636 

15,841

82

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12. Earnings per share

Basic
 Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company by the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year, excluding ordinary shares purchased by the Group and held as own 
shares (note 27).

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company 

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

78,399 

59,833

  Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue   

  293,018,610  293,012,540

Basic earnings per share (cents per share) 

26.76 

20.42

  Diluted

 Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume 
conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. Share options are dilutive potential ordinary shares. In respect of share 
options, a calculation is done to determine the number of shares that could have been acquired at fair value (determined as the 
average annual market share price of the Company’s shares) based on the monetary value of the subscription rights attached to 
outstanding share options. The number of shares calculated as above is compared with the number of shares that would have 
been issued assuming the exercise of the share options.

  Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue   

Adjustments for share options  

Adjusted weighted average number of ordinary shares  

  Diluted earnings per share (cents per share) 

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

  293,018,610 

293,012,540

1,356,809 

1,110,557

  294,375,419 

294,123,097

26.63 

20.34

  Adjusted

 Adjusted earnings per share is calculated on the net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company, pre exceptional and 
before intangible asset amortisation (net of related tax). Adjusted earnings per share is considered to be more reflective of the 
Group’s underlying trading performance. Adjusted EPS as reported in 2007 was stated after amortisation on intangible assets 
€5,964,000 (net of related tax).

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company 
Amortisation of intangible assets (net of related tax) 

  Net exceptional items 

Adjusted earnings per share (cents per share) 

  Diluted adjusted earnings per share (cents per share)   

2008 
€’000 

78,399 
7,312 
19,358 

2007
€’000

59,833
5,964
22,846

105,069 

88,643

35.86 

35.69 

30.25

30.14

13. Dividends 

 The dividends paid in 2008 and 2007 were €18.5 million (6.33 cents per share) and €17.3 million (5.91 cents per share) 
respectively. On 1 October 2008 an interim dividend of 2.75 cents per share on the ordinary shares amounting to €8.1 million 
was paid to shareholders on the register of members as at 12 September 2008. The Directors have recommended the payment 
of a final dividend of 3.76 cents per share on the ordinary shares which amounts to €11.0 million. Subject to shareholders 
approval this dividend will be paid on 20 May 2009 to shareholders on the register of members as at 24 April 2009, the record 
date. These financial statements do not reflect this final dividend.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

8 3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

14. Property, plant and equipment – Group 

Year ended 29 December 2007 

  Opening net book amount 
Exchange differences 
Acquisition of subsidiaries  
Additions 
  Disposals 

Reclassification 
Transfer to disposal group held for sale   

  Depreciation charge  

Closing net book amount 

  At 29 December 2007 
  Cost  

Accumulated depreciation 

  Net book amount 

Year ended 3 January 2009 

  Opening net book amount 
Exchange differences 
Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 41) 
Additions 
  Disposals 

Reclassification 
  Depreciation charge  

Closing net book amount 

  At 3 January 2009 
  Cost  

Accumulated depreciation 

  Net book amount 

Land and 
buildings 
€’000 

Plant and 
equipment 
€’000 

Motor  
vehicles 
€’000 

Total
€’000

139,000 
(3,382) 
1,849 
9,117 
(9,426) 
- 
(20,649) 
(4,922) 

195,375 
(7,218) 
1,455 
41,816 
(6,801) 
266 
(16,681) 
(21,747) 

777 
(34) 
278 
392 
(117) 
- 
- 
(577) 

335,152
(10,634)
3,582
51,325
(16,344)
266
(37,330)
(27,246)

111,587 

186,465 

719 

298,771

167,604 
(56,017) 

523,626 
(337,161) 

18,463 
(17,744) 

709,693
(410,922)

111,587 

186,465 

719 

298,771

111,587 
2,075 
1,330 
23,753 
(1,184) 
- 
(4,566) 

186,465 
4,342 
2,033 
57,374 
(1,604) 
(289) 
(20,698) 

719 
(12) 
26 
299 
(50) 
56 
(525) 

298,771
6,405
3,389
81,426
(2,838)
(233)
(25,789)

132,995 

227,623 

513 

361,131

193,578 
(60,583) 

585,482 
(357,859) 

18,782 
(18,269) 

797,842
(436,711)

132,995 

227,623 

513 

361,131

 Depreciation expense of €25,789,158 (2007: €27,245,814) has been charged as follows: cost of sales €22,989,638 (2007: 
€24,483,735), distribution expenses €1,159,010 (2007: €1,101,849) and administration expenses €1,640,510 (2007: €1,660,230).

Leased assets, comprising plant and equipment where the Group is a lessee under a finance lease, comprise as follows:

  Cost - capitalised finance leases 
Accumulated depreciation 

  Net book amount 

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

41,673 
(27,830) 

43,976
(27,250)

13,843 

16,726

  Operating lease rentals amounting to €10,356,958 (2007: €9,116,980) are included in the income statement.

 Included in the cost of plant and equipment is an amount of €18,042,531 (2007: €24,780,022) incurred in respect of assets under 
construction. 

 Borrowing costs incurred on significant capital projects are capitalised. The amount capitalised, using the Group’s incremental 
cost of borrowing amounted to €589,000 in 2008 (2007: nil).

 Capitalised borrowing costs will be depreciated to the income statement and will be deducted in determining taxable profit 
over the life of the underlying asset. 

The Group does not have any assets secured against borrowings.

84

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15. Intangible assets

Year ended 29 December 2007

  Opening net book amount 
Exchange differences 
Additions 
Adjustments re acquisitions 
Acquisition of subsidiaries  
Reclassification 
Amortisation 

Previously stated closing net book amount 
Final intellectual property valuation adjustment 

Other 
intangibles 
See note (a) 
€’000 

Goodwill 
€’000 

Software  Development 
costs 
€’000 

costs 
€’000 

85,132 
(6,761) 
360 
(189) 
6,125 
- 
- 

84,667 
3,356 

25,935 
(1,820) 
91 
- 
5,545 
- 
(2,363) 

27,388 
(3,356) 

24,112 
(287) 
1,341 
- 
- 
(266) 
(3,824) 

21,076 
- 

3,545 
(286) 
1,804 
- 
- 
- 
(629) 

4,434 
- 

Total
€’000

138,724
(9,154)
3,596
(189)
11,670
(266)
(6,816)

137,565
-

Restated closing net book amount 

88,023 

24,032 

21,076 

4,434 

137,565

  At 29 December 2007 
  Cost  

Accumulated amortisation  

88,023 
- 

27,827 
(3,795) 

41,887 
(20,811) 

5,277 
(843) 

163,014
(25,449)

  Net book amount 

88,023 

24,032 

21,076 

4,434 

137,565

Year ended 3 January 2009 

  Opening net book amount 
Exchange differences 
Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 41) 
Additions  
Reclassification 

  Write-off of goodwill/intangibles 

Reduction in contingent consideration (note 41) 
Amortisation 

88,023 
5,515 
58,065 
77 
- 
(635) 
(5,461) 
- 

24,032 
10,336 
154,028 
- 
- 
(282) 
- 
(3,817) 

21,076 
157 
- 
4,376 
233 
- 
- 
(3,685) 

4,434 
342 
- 
3,253 
- 
- 
- 
(855) 

137,565
16,350
212,093
7,706
233
(917)
(5,461)
(8,357)

Closing net book amount 

145,584 

184,297 

22,157 

7,174 

359,212

  At 3 January 2009
  Cost  

Accumulated amortisation  

145,584 
- 

191,909 
(7,612) 

46,653 
(24,496) 

8,872 
(1,698) 

393,018
(33,806)

  Net book amount 

145,584 

184,297 

22,157 

7,174 

359,212

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

8 5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

  Note (a) - other intangibles 

  At 29 December 2007 
  Cost  

Accumulated amortisation 

Previously stated closing net book amount 
Final intellectual property valuation adjustment 

Brands/ 
know-how 
€’000 

Customer  
relationships 
€’000 

Other  
€’000 

Total other
intangibles
€’000

11,080 
(1,673) 

9,407 
- 

13,149 
(1,781) 

11,368 
- 

6,954 
(341) 

6,613 
(3,356) 

31,183
(3,795)

27,388
(3,356)

Restated closing net book amount 

9,407 

11,368 

3,257 

24,032

Year ended 3 January 2009 

  Opening net book amount 
Exchange differences 
Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 41) 

  Write-off of intangibles 

Amortisation 

Closing net book amount 

  At 3 January 2009 
  Cost  

Accumulated amortisation 

  Net book amount 

9,407 
5,681 
82,855 
- 
(749) 

11,368 
5,119 
71,173 
- 
(2,908) 

3,257 
(464) 
- 
(282) 
(160) 

24,032
10,336
154,028
(282)
(3,817)

97,194  

84,752  

2,351 

184,297

99,616 
(2,422) 

89,441 
(4,689) 

2,852 
(501) 

191,909
(7,612)

97,194 

84,752 

2,351 

184,297

 Included in intangibles is a carrying value of €88.35 million relating primarily to brands/know-how with indefinite useful lives. 
In arriving at the conclusion that brands/know-how have indefinite useful lives, it has been determined that these assets will 
contribute indefinitely to the cash flows of the Group. The factors that result in the durability of brands/know how capitalised is 
that there are no known material legal, regulatory, contractual or other factors that limit the useful life of these intangibles.

Impairment tests for goodwill
 Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash generating units. A summary of the goodwill allocation by principle cash generating 
units is as follows:

  Glanbia Nutritionals Deutschland GmbH 

Seltzer Companies, Inc. 
  Optimum Nutrition, Inc. 

  Multiple units without individual significant amounts of goodwill 

2008 
€’000 

11,297 
57,921 
61,915 

2007
€’000

11,297
54,604
-

131,133 

65,901

14,451 

18,766

145,584  

84,667 

 The recoverable amount allocated to a cash generating unit is determined based on value in use calculations. These 
calculations use cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management covering a three year period. Cash 
flows beyond the three year period are extrapolated using estimated growth rates which are not in excess of forecast inflation. 
A rate of zero percent has been used to estimate cash flow growth between three and ten years, which is consistent with prior 
years. Key assumptions include management’s estimates of future profitability, capital expenditure requirements and working 
capital investment. Capital expenditure requirements are based on the Group’s strategic plans and broadly assume that historic 
investment patterns will be maintained. Working capital requirements are forecast to increase in line with activity. Discount rates 
used reflect specific risks relating to relevant cash generating units.

 The value in use calculations are prepared using a pre tax discount rate of 6.5%, which is the Group’s weighted average cost of 
capital, and incorporate terminal values. The above rate is consistent for each cash generating unit. The indefinite useful lives 
have been included in the Optimum Nutrition, Inc. cash generating unit for the purposes of impairment testing. In forecasting 
terminal values, a multiple of five to ten times EBITDA is generally used.

86

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16. Investments in associates

  At the beginning of the year 

Share of profit after tax 
Exchange differences 
Additions 
Funding repaid 

  At the end of the year 

2008 
Company 
€’000 

2008 
Group 
€’000 

2007 
Company 
€’000 

1,395 
- 
- 
- 
- 

10,729 
457 
- 
611 
(200) 

1,395 

11,597 

1,395 
- 
- 
- 
- 

1,395 

2007
Group
€’000

10,933
158
(157)
-
(205)

10,729

 The Group’s share of the results of principal associates, all of which are unlisted, and its share of the assets (including goodwill) 
and liabilities are as follows:

2007 

  Co-operative Animal Health Limited* 

South Eastern Cattle Breeding Society Limited* 

  Malting Company of Ireland Limited 
South East Port Services Limited 

  Westgate Biological Limited 

2008 

  Co-operative Animal Health Limited* 

South Eastern Cattle Breeding Society Limited* 

  Malting Company of Ireland Limited 
South East Port Services Limited 

  Westgate Biological Limited 

Assets 
€’000 

Liabilities 
€’000 

Revenues 
€’000 

Profit/ 
(loss) 
€’000 

Interest
held
%

7,968 
1,851 
4,793 
7,417 
103 

5,916 
878 
2,102 
5,175 
112 

15,098 
1,735 
3,773 
1,451 
- 

22,132 

14,183 

22,057 

(271) 
102 
310 
165 
(148) 

158

50
57
33.3
49
41.8

Assets 
€’000 

Liabilities 
€’000 

Revenues 
€’000 

Profit/ 
(loss) 
€’000 

Interest
held
%

8,463 
4,837 
5,092 
7,582 
325 

6,219 
832 
2,245 
6,071 
197 

15,411 
1,824 
5,288 
1,792 
- 

26,299 

15,564 

24,315 

50
57
33.3
49
49.99

163 
130 
156 
195 
(186) 

458

  *  In accordance with Group accounting policy, Co-operative Animal Health Limited and South Eastern Cattle Breeding Society 

Limited are included in the Group result based on the equity method of accounting, as the Group has significant influence over 
the entities but not control, due to their co-operative structure.

Further details in relation to principal associates are outlined in note 44.

17. Investments in joint ventures

  At the beginning of the year 

Share of profit after tax - including exceptional tax charge 

  Other reserve movements 
  Deferred tax provision 
  Write-down of investment 
Exchange differences 
Funding advanced 

  At the end of the year 

2008 
€’000 

57,328 
5,901 
(2,961) 
(2,420) 
(335) 
(224) 
7,606 

2007
€’000

58,668
834
(1,925)
(3,312)
(380)
(5,671)
9,114

64,895 

57,328

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

8 7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

The following amounts represent the Group’s share of the assets and liabilities, revenue and results in joint ventures:

  Assets  
  Non-current assets 
  Current assets 

Liabilities 
Long-term liabilities 

  Current liabilities 

  Net assets 

Revenue 
Expenses 

Profit after income tax 

Proportionate interest in joint venture’s commitments   

A listing and description of interests in significant joint ventures is outlined in note 44.

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

101,573 
69,598 

100,418
63,819

171,171 

164,237

63,361 
42,915 

53,356
60,511

106,276 

113,867

64,895 

50,370

346,000 
(340,099) 

330,906
(330,072)

5,901 

834

31,812 

15,700

 The Group holds 51% of the share capital of Glanbia Cheese but this is considered to be a joint venture as the Group does not 
have control of the company.

18. Investments

  At the beginning of the year 
  Disposals/redemption 
Fair value adjustment 
Amounts written off  
Additions 

  At the end of the year 

Available  
for sale 
investments 
2008 
Group 
€’000 

Investments 
2007 
Company 
€’000 

Available 
for sale
investments
2007
Group
€’000

30,089 
(3,139) 
(3,371) 
- 
533 

510,412 
(27,251) 
- 
(27,858) 
- 

12,527
(37)
17,512
-
87

Investments 
2008 
Company 
€’000 

455,303 
- 
- 
- 
5,468 

460,771 

24,112 

455,303 

30,089

   There was a disposal of shares held in One51 plc during the year, this is outlined in note 42.

There were no impairment provisions on available for sale investments in 2008 or 2007.

88

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments include the following:

Listed securities 
- Equity securities – eurozone countries   

  Unlisted securities 

- One51 plc 
- Irish Dairy Board 
- Glanbia Enterprise Fund Limited 
- Moorepark Technology 
- Other Group companies 

  Other   

Available  
for sale 
investments 
2008 
Group 
€’000 

Investments 
2007 
Company 
€’000 

Available 
for sale
investments
2007
Group
€’000

Investments 
2008 
Company 
€’000 

1 

182 

1 

526

- 
- 
1,290 
- 
459,480 

11,692 
9,986 
1,290 
198 
- 

- 
- 
1,290 
- 
454,012 

17,856
9,644
1,290
198
-

- 

764 

- 

575

460,771 

24,112 

455,303 

30,089

 The unlisted equity shares in One51 plc are currently traded on an informal ‘grey’ market. These shares are fair valued by 
reference to published bid prices. 

 Available for sale financial assets are fair valued at each reporting date. For investments traded in active markets, fair value is 
determined by reference to Stock Exchange quoted bid prices. For other investments, fair value is estimated by reference to the 
current market value of similar instruments or by reference to cash flows discounted using a rate based on the market interest 
rate and the risk premium specific to the unlisted securities. 

 Available for sale investments are classified as non-current assets, unless they are expected to be realised within 12 months of 
the balance sheet date or unless they will need to be sold to raise operating capital. All available for sale financial assets are 
euro denominated.

19. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables 
Less provision for impairment of receivables 

Trade receivables - net 
Prepayments 
Receivable from associates and joint ventures 
Loans to related parties (note 42) 
Amounts due from subsidiary companies  
Value added tax 

  Other receivables 

2008 
Company 
€’000 

2008 
Group 
€’000 

2007 
Company 
€’000 

2007
Group
€’000

- 
- 

152,005 
(8,091) 

- 
- 

157,415
(7,834)

- 
31 
- 
- 
48,309 
- 
- 

143,914 
21,562 
2,430 
11,929 
- 
6,841 
8,840 

- 
39 
- 
- 
23,984 
- 
- 

149,581
29,189
6,757
6,971
-
9,848
6,859

48,340 

195,516 

24,023 

209,205

Less non current portion: loans to related parties 

- 

(11,929) 

- 

(6,971)

48,340  

183,587 

24,023  

202,234

 In 2008, under a debt purchase agreement with a financial institution, the Group has transferred credit risk and retained late 
payment risk on certain trade receivables, amounting to €37.0 million (2007: €27.6 million). The Group has continued to 
recognise an asset of €663,000 (2007: €515,000), representing the extent of its continuing involvement, and an associated 
liability of a similar amount.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

8 9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

 The carrying value of receivables are a reasonable approximation of fair value. The net movement in the provision for 
impairment of receivables has been included in distribution expenses in the income statement.

 There is no concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables as the Group has a large number of customers, 
internationally dispersed.

 The Group’s objective is to minimise credit risk by carrying out credit checks where appropriate by the use of credit insurance 
in certain situations and by active credit management. Management does not expect any significant losses of receivables that 
have not been provided for.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s trade and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies:

Euro 
US dollar 
  GBP sterling 
  Other    

2008 
Company 
€’000 

48,340 
- 
- 
- 

2008 
Group 
€’000 

2007 
Company 
€’000 

81,658 
96,976 
9,166 
7,716 

24,023 
- 
- 
- 

2007
Group
€’000

106,173
96,497
6,374
161

48,340 

195,516 

24,023 

209,205

  Movements on the Group provision for impairment of trade receivables are as follows:

  At the beginning of the year 

Provision for receivables impairment 
Receivables written off during the year as uncollectable 
Unused amounts reversed 

  At the end of the year 

2008 
€’000 

7,834 
1,797 
(1,194) 
(346) 

2007
€’000

10,439
859
(1,909)
(1,555)

8,091 

7,834

 As of 3 January 2009, trade receivables of €8.2 million (2007: €9.1 million) were impaired. Trade receivable balances are 
considered to be impaired in full when falling due outside trade terms and are partially or wholly provided for. The amount of 
the provision was €8.1 million (2007: €7.8 million)

The breakdown of impaired trade receivables was as follows:

Past due: 
Up to 3 months 
3 to 6 months 
  Over 6 months 

2008 
€’000 

2,739 
613 
4,880 

8,232 

2007
€’000

1,094
60
7,992

9,146

 As of 3 January 2009, trade receivables of €29.6 million (2007: €23.8 million) were past due but not impaired, as they are 
considered recoverable.

Past due not impaired: 
Up to 3 months 
3 to 6 months 
  Over 6 months 

2008 
€’000 

17,518 
10,122 
1,997 

2007
€’000

20,558
3,158
81

29,637 

23,797

 The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of each class of receivable mentioned above. 
The Group does not hold any collateral as security. 

90

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20. Inventories 

Raw materials 
Finished goods 

  Consumables 

2008 
€’000 

40,009 
216,259 
11,154 

2007
€’000

18,071
195,342
11,644

267,422 

225,057

 Included in the above are inventories carried at fair value less costs to sell amounting to €115.3 million (2007: €3.1 million). The 
amounts written off in respect of these inventories was €18.8 million.

21. Cash and cash equivalents

  Cash at bank and in hand 
Short term bank deposits 

2008 
Company 
€’000 

2008 
Group 
€’000 

2007 
Company 
€’000 

- 
- 

- 

22,998 
109,574 

132,572 

- 
- 

- 

2007
Group
€’000

62,478
97,341

159,819

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents are not materially different to the book values.

22. Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale and included in disposal groups

  Assets   

Inventory  
Trade and other receivables  

Assets included in disposal group  

Liabilities 
Trade and other payables  

Liabilities included in disposal group 

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

9,224
11,080

20,304

17,647

17,647

 A strategic review of Pigmeat operations was conducted during 2007, following which a decision was made to exit these 
operations. On 19 December 2007, the Group signed non-binding heads of agreement and following further negotiation, an 
agreement was signed on 3 March 2008 to sell the Pigmeat operations to the Management Buy Out (‘MBO’) team.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

9 1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

23. Reconciliation of changes in equity

Notes 

Share 
capital 
€’000 
(note 24) 

Other 
reserves 
€’000 
(note 25) 

Retained 
earnings 
€’000 
(note 26) 

Minority
interest 
€’000 
(note 30) 

Total
€’000

Balance at 30 December 2006 

98,304 

113,696 

(18,116) 

6,635 

200,519

Actuarial loss - defined benefit schemes  

  Deferred tax on pension loss 

Share of actuarial gain - joint ventures 

  Currency translation differences 

Fair value adjustments 

  Net expense recognised directly in equity 

Profit for the year 

Total recognised (expense)/income for 2007 

  Change in minority interest in subsidiaries 

Shares issued 
Premium on shares issued 

  Cost of share options 
  Discount on options 
Shares purchased 
  Dividends paid in 2007 

Balance at 29 December 2007 

Actuarial loss - defined benefit schemes  

  Deferred tax on pension loss 

Share of actuarial loss - joint ventures 

  Currency translation differences 

Fair value adjustments 

  Net expense recognised directly in equity 

Profit for the year 

Total recognised (expense)/income for 2008 

Shares issued 
Premium on shares issued 

  Cost of share options 
  Discount on options 
Shares purchased 
  Dividends paid in 2008 

33 
32 

25 
25 

30 
24 
24 
28 
28 
27 

33 
32 

25 
25 

24 
24 
28 
28 
27 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
6 
161 
- 
74 
(95) 
- 

146 

- 
- 
- 
(14,878) 
8,578 

(6,300) 
- 

(4,539) 
1,102 
230 
- 
- 

(3,207) 
59,833 

(6,300) 

56,626 

- 
- 
- 
587 
(74) 
- 
- 

513 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(17,334) 

(17,334) 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
407 

407 

(2) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(2) 

(4,539)
1,102
230
(14,878)
8,578

(9,507)
60,240

50,733

(2)
6
161
587
-
(95)
(17,334)

(16,677)

98,450 

107,909 

21,176 

7,040 

234,575

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

13 
347 
- 
175 
(1,665) 
- 

(1,130) 

- 
- 
- 
17,251 
(22,930) 

(5,679) 
- 

(68,246) 
7,084 
(204) 
- 
- 

(61,366) 
78,399 

(5,679) 

17,033 

- 
- 
827 
(175) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(18,502) 

652 

(18,502) 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
970 

970 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

(68,246)
7,084
(204)
17,251
(22,930)

(67,045)
79,369

12,324

13
347
827
-
(1,665)
(18,502)

(18,980)

Balance at 3 January 2009 

97,320 

102,882 

19,707 

8,010 

227,919

92

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24. Share capital and share premium

Company 

  At 30 December 2006 
  Discount on options 
Shares purchased 
Issue of shares - option scheme 

  At 29 December 2007 
  Discount on options 
Shares purchased 
Issue of shares - option scheme 

   Number of 
shares 

Ordinary 
shares 

(thousands) 

€’000 

293,239 
- 
- 
108 

293,347 
- 
- 
209 

17,594 
- 
- 
6 

17,600 
- 
- 
13 

Share 
premium 
Company 
€’000 

436,366 
- 
- 
161 

436,527 
- 
- 
347 

Own  
shares 

Total
Company

€’000 

€’000

(388) 
74 
(95) 
- 

(409) 
175 
(1,665) 
- 

453,572
74
(95)
167

453,718
175
(1,665)
360

  At 3 January 2009 

293,556 

17,613 

436,874 

(1,899) 

452,588

  Group   

  At 30 December 2006 
  Discount on options 
Shares purchased 
Issue of shares - option scheme 

  At 29 December 2007 
  Discount on options 
Shares purchased 
Issue of shares - option scheme 

Number of 
shares 

Ordinary 
shares 

(thousands) 

€’000 

293,239 
- 
- 
108 

293,347 
- 
- 
209 

17,594 
- 
- 
6 

17,600 
- 
- 
13 

Share 
premium 
Group 
€’000 

81,098 
- 
- 
161 

81,259 
- 
- 
347 

Own  
shares 

Total
Group

€’000 

€’000

(388) 
74 
(95) 
- 

(409) 
175 
(1,665) 
- 

98,304
74
(95)
167

98,450
175
(1,665)
360

  At 3 January 2009 

293,556 

17,613 

81,606 

(1,899) 

97,320

 The total authorised number of ordinary shares is 306 million shares (2007: 306 million shares) with a par value of €0.06 per share 
(2007: €0.06 per share). All issued shares are fully paid.

Share options
 Share options are granted to Directors and to employees. Movements in the number of share options outstanding are as 
follows:

2008 

2008 
Average 
exercise 
 price in   Number of 

2007

2007 
Average
exercise
 price in   Number of
options

 € per share 

options  € per share 

  At the beginning of the year 
  Granted 

Exercised 
Lapsed  

2.52 
- 
1.72 
4.25 

2,792,000 
- 
(209,000) 
(325,000) 

2.39 
4.03 
1.55 
- 

2,734,000
166,000
(108,000)
-

  At the end of the year 

2.35 

2,258,000 

2.52 

2,792,000

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

9 3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

Expiry date in 

2008 
2008 
2012 
2013 
2014 
2014 
2016 
2017 

Exercise 
 price 
€

 Stg£2.90  
4.25  
1.55  
1.90  
2.47  
2.73  
2.87  
4.03  

2008 
Number 

2007
Number

-  
-  
782,000  
160,000  
100,000  
1,000,000  
50,000  
166,000  

10,000 
315,000 
961,000 
160,000 
100,000 
1,030,000 
50,000 
166,000 

2,258,000  

2,792,000 

 Total options over 2,258,000 (2007: 2,467,000) ordinary shares were outstanding at 3 January 2009 under the 2002 Long Term 
Incentive Plan (the 2002 LTIP), at prices ranging between €1.55 and €4.03. Furthermore, in accordance with the terms of the 
2002 LTIP, certain executives to whom options were granted in 2002 and 2004 are eligible to receive share awards related to the 
number of ordinary shares which they hold on the second anniversary of the exercise of the option, to a maximum of 118,600 
(2007: 134,600) ordinary shares.

 In May 2002, the Company established an Employee Share Trust to operate in connection with the Company’s Sharesave 
Scheme. As detailed in note 27 to the financial statements, the Employee Share Trust held 570,054 (2007: 238,544) ordinary 
shares at 3 January 2009. The dividend rights in respect of these shares have been waived, save 0.001 pence per share.

 Under the 2002 LTIP and the 1988 Share Option Scheme, options cannot be exercised before the expiration of three years 
from the date of grant and can only be exercised if a predetermined performance criterion for the Group has been achieved. 
The performance criterion is that there has been an increase in the adjusted earnings per share of the Group of at least the 
Consumer Price Index plus 5% over a three year period. 

2007 Long Term Incentive Plan (‘the 2007 LTIP’) and 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan (‘the 2008 LTIP’)
 In August 2007, arising from the review of the Group’s compensation arrangements for executive Directors and senior managers, 
the Directors approved the introduction of the 2007 LTIP for selected senior managers in order to further align the interests 
of such senior managers with those of shareholders. Awards outstanding under the Company’s 2007 LTIP as at 3 January 2009 
amounted to 169,500 ordinary shares (2007: 183,500). 

 In August 2008, arising from the review of the Group’s compensation arrangements for executive Directors and senior managers, 
the Directors approved the introduction of the 2008 LTIP for selected senior managers in order to further align the interests 
of such senior managers with those of shareholders. Awards outstanding under the Company’s 2008 LTIP as at 3 January 2009 
amounted to 583,000 ordinary shares (2007: nil). 

The LTIP schemes are tied 50% to achievement of targeted EPS growth and 50% to Total Shareholder Return (TSR). 
 The TSR element is assessed against a group of leading peer companies and the EPS element is measured against pre-set 
targeted adjusted EPS growth criteria for the Group. The maximum award under the LTIP schemes is 115% of base salary per 
annum in the form of conditional shares and the vesting period is three years.

 Shares awarded under the Group’s LTIP schemes are equity settled share based payments as defined in IFRS 2 - Share 
Based Payments. The IFRS requires that a recognised valuation methodology be employed to determine the fair value of 
shares awarded and stipulates that this methodology should be consistent with methodologies used for pricing of financial 
instruments. The combined expense of €888,398 (2008 LTIP: €677,985, 2007 LTIP: €210,413) charged in the Group income 
statement has been arrived at through applying a Monte Carlo simulation technique to model the combination of market and 
non-market based performance conditions of the plan. 

The 2007 LTIP
Impact on Group income statement

The total expense is analysed as follows:

  Granted in 2007 

Share price 
at date 

Period 
to earliest 
of award  release date 

Number 
of 
shares 

€ 

Fair value 
€

Expense in Group 
income statement
2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000 

2007 Long Term Incentive Plan  

4.03 

2 years 

 169,500  

3.85 

€210 

€210

94

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares awarded under the 2007 LTIP are nil based payments. The 2007 awards will expire in 2011.

 The fair value of the shares awarded were determined using a Monte Carlo simulation technique taking account of peer group 
total share return volatilities and correlations together with the following assumptions:

Risk free interest rate 
Expected volatility  

  Dividend yield  

4%
25%
2%

 Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Company’s share price over a period equivalent 
to the expected life of the option.

The 2008 LTIP
Impact on Group income statement 

The total expense is analysed as follows: 

  Granted in 2008 

Share Price 
at date 
of award 
€ 

Period 
to earliest 
release date 

Number 
of 
shares 

Fair value 
€ 

Expense in Group 
income statement
2008 
€’000 

2007 
€’000 

2008 Long Term Incentive Plan 

4.45 

3 years 

583,000  

4.32 

€678 

-

Shares awarded under the 2008 LTIP are nil based payments. The 2008 awards will expire in 2012.

 The fair value of the shares awarded were determined using a Monte Carlo simulation technique taking account of peer group 
total share return volatilities and correlations together with the following assumptions:

Risk free interest rate 
Expected volatility  

  Dividend yield  

4%
29%
1%

 Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Company’s share price over a period equivalent 
to the expected life of the option.

Impact on Group balance sheet of the 2007 LTIP and the 2008 LTIP 
 The Glanbia Employees’ Share Trust (‘the Trust’) was retained during the year to manage the 2007 LTIP and 2008 LTIP. The Trust 
purchased the following shares:

  Number of shares held by the Trust at 29 December 2007 
  Number of shares purchased by the Trust 
  Number of shares issued by the Trust 

  Number of shares held by the Trust at 3 January 2009 

These shares were accounted for as own shares in the Group balance sheet.

Number of  
shares  
purchased 

Cost of 
shares 
purchased
€

238,544 
381,510 
(50,000) 

415,770
1,658,175
(175,293)

570,054 

1,898,652

 The fair value of share options has been calculated using the Trinomial Model. Options over 2,042,000 (2007: 2,576,000) ordinary 
shares were exercisable at 3 January 2009 at a weighted average price of €2.20 (2007: €2.42).

The weighted average life for share options outstanding is five years. 

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

9 5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

25. Other reserves

Capital 
and 
merger 
reserves 
€’000 

Currency 
reserve 
€’000 

Fair value
reserve 
€’000 

Total
€’000

Balance at 30 December 2006 

116,421 

(7,603) 

4,878 

113,696

Translation differences on foreign currency net investments 
Revaluation of interest rate swaps - loss in year 
Foreign exchange contracts - gain in year 
Transfers to income statement 
 - Foreign exchange contracts - gain in year 
 - Forward commodity contracts - gain in year 
 - Interest rate swaps - gain in year 
Revaluation of forward commodity contracts - gain in year 
Revaluation of available for sale investments - gain in year 

  Deferred tax on fair value adjustments 
  Cost of share options 
  Discount on own shares vested 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
587 
(74) 

(14,878) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
(3,714) 
2,237 

(2,445) 
(594) 
(1,401) 
11 
17,512 
(3,028) 
- 
- 

(14,878)
(3,714)
2,237

(2,445)
(594)
(1,401)
11
17,512
(3,028)
587
(74)

Balance at 29 December 2007 

116,934 

(22,481) 

13,456 

107,909

Translation differences on foreign currency net investments 
Revaluation of interest rate swaps - loss in year 
Foreign exchange contracts - loss in year 
Transfers to income statement 
 - Foreign exchange contracts - gain in year 
 - Forward commodity contracts - gain in year 
 - Interest rate swaps - loss in year 
 - Sale of quoted investments - gain in year 
Revaluation of forward commodity contracts - loss in year 
Revaluation of available for sale investments - loss in year 

  Deferred tax on fair value adjustments 
  Cost of share options 
  Discount on options 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
827 
(175) 

17,251 
- 
- 

- 
(16,508) 
(484) 

17,251
(16,508)
(484)

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(342) 
(11) 
477 
(2,910) 
(519) 
(3,597) 
964 
- 
- 

(342)
(11)
477
(2,910)
(519)
(3,597)
964
827
(175)

Balance at 3 January 2009 

117,586 

(5,230) 

(9,474) 

102,882

Capital and merger reserves
 Capital and merger reserves reflect (i) Sharesave Scheme through which charges relating to granting of both shares and options 
are recorded (ii) cost of share options under the 2007 LTIP and 2008 LTIP schemes accounted for as own shares, (iii) the net 
share premium, that is the excess of fair value over nominal value of ordinary shares issued, in connection with the merger of 
Avonmore Foods plc and Waterford Foods plc.

Currency reserve
 Currency reserve reflects the foreign exchange gains and losses that form part of the net investment in foreign operations. 
Where Group companies have a functional currency different from the presentation currency, their assets and liabilities are 
translated at closing rate at the balance sheet date, income and expenses in the income statement are translated at the average 
rate for the year, resulting exchange differences are taken to the currency reserve within equity.

Fair value reserve
 Fair value reserve reflects the effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as 
cash flow hedges. Amounts accumulated in the fair value reserve are recycled to the income statement in the periods when 
the hedged item affects profit or loss. Unrealised gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of available for sale 
investments are recognised in the fair value reserve. When such investments are sold or impaired, the accumulated fair value 
adjustments are recycled to the income statement.

96

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26. Retained earnings

Company 
retained 
earnings 
€’000 

Group 
retained 
earnings 
€’000 

Group 
goodwill
write-off 
€’000 

Group

Total
€’000

Balance at 30 December 2006 

47,924 

74,845 

(92,961) 

(18,116)

Actuarial loss - defined benefit schemes  

  Deferred tax on pension loss 

Share of actuarial gain - joint ventures  

  Net expense recognised directly in equity 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

Total recognised (expense)/income for 2007 

  Dividends paid in 2007 

- 
- 
- 

- 
(12,236) 

(4,539) 
1,102 
230 

(3,207) 
59,833 

(12,236) 

56,626 

(17,334) 

(17,334) 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

(4,539)
1,102
230

(3,207)
59,833

56,626

(17,334)

Balance at 29 December 2007 

18,354 

114,137 

(92,961) 

21,176

Actuarial loss - defined benefit schemes  

  Deferred tax on pension loss 

Share of actuarial loss - joint ventures  

  Net expense recognised directly in equity 

Profit for the year 

Total recognised income for 2008 

  Dividends paid in 2008 

- 
- 
- 

- 
36,204 

(68,246) 
7,084 
(204) 

(61,366) 
78,399 

36,204 

17,033 

(18,502) 

(18,502) 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

(68,246)
7,084
(204)

(61,366)
78,399

17,033

(18,502)

Balance at 3 January 2009 

36,056 

112,668 

(92,961) 

19,707

27. Own shares (Company and Group)

  At the beginning of the year  
  Discount on options 
Shares purchased 

  At the end of the year 

2008 
€’000 

(409) 
175 
(1,665) 

(1,899) 

2007
€’000

(388)
74
(95)

(409)

 The amount included above as own shares relates to 570,054 (2007: 238,544) ordinary shares in Glanbia plc held by an Employee 
Share Trust which was established in May 2002 to operate in connection with the Company’s Saving Related Share Option 
Scheme (‘Sharesave Scheme’). The trustee of the Employee Share Trust is Halifax EES Trustees International Limited; a Jersey 
based trustee services company.

 The shares included in the Employee Trust at 3 January 2009 cost €1,898,652 and had a market value of €1,180,012 at 3 January 
2009. The transfer from capital reserve represents the excess of the purchase price over the weighted average price in respect of 
50,000 ordinary shares (2007: 50,000 ordinary shares) on which options vested during the year.

 Shares purchased under the 2007 LTIP scheme and the 2008 LTIP scheme are deemed to be own shares in accordance with 
IAS 32 – Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation. 

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

9 7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

28. Capital reserves

  At the beginning of the year 

Sharesave Scheme - discount on options 
  Cost of share options and share awards  

2008 
Company 
€’000 

5,187 
(175) 
827 

2008 
Group 
€’000 

3,786 
(175) 
827 

2007 
Company 
€’000 

4,674 
(74) 
587 

  At the end of the year 

5,839 

4,438 

5,187 

2007
Group
€’000

3,273
(74)
587

3,786

29. Merger reserve – Group

 Share premium – representing excess of fair value over nominal value of ordinary shares 
issued in connection with the merger of Avonmore Foods plc and Waterford Foods plc 

  Merger adjustment  

Share premium and other reserves relating to nominal value of shares in Waterford Foods plc  

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

355,271 
(327,085) 
84,962 

355,271
(327,085)
84,962

113,148 

113,148

 The merger adjustment represents the difference between the nominal value of the issued share capital of Waterford Foods plc 
and the fair value of the shares issued by Avonmore Foods plc in 1997 (now named Glanbia plc).

30. Minority interests

  At the beginning of the year 
Share of profit for the year 
Reduction in minority interest in subsidiaries 

  At the end of the year 

31. Borrowings

Current 
Bank overdrafts/borrowings 
Finance lease liabilities 

  Non-current 

Bank borrowings 

  Cumulative redeemable preference shares 

Finance lease liabilities 

2008 
€’000 

7,040 
970 
- 

8,010 

2007
€’000

6,635
407
(2)

7,040

2008 
Company 
€’000 

2008 
Group 
€’000 

2007 
Company 
€’000 

2007
Group
€’000

13,740 
- 

14,401 
880 

13,740 

15,281 

1,928 
- 

1,928 

-
966

966

- 
- 
- 

- 

500,742 
63,487 
5,145 

569,374 

- 
- 
- 

- 

309,548
63,487
5,993

379,028

Total borrowings  

13,740 

584,655 

1,928 

379,994

 Bank borrowings are secured by cross-guarantees from Group companies. Lease liabilities are effectively secured as the rights 
to the leased asset revert to the lessor in the event of default.

98

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The maturity of non-current borrowings is as follows:

Between 1 and 2 years 
Between 2 and 5 years 

  Over 5 years 

2008 
€’000 

926 
503,824 
64,624 

2007
€’000

904
312,481
65,643

569,374 

379,028

 The exposure of the Group’s total borrowings to interest rate changes having consideration for the contractual repricing dates 
at the balance sheet date are as follows:

6 months or less 
Between 2 and 5 years 

  Over 5 years 

2008 
€’000 

325,143 
190,000 
69,512 

2007
€’000

119,645
190,000
70,349

584,655 

379,994

The effective interest rates at the balance sheet date, were as follows:

EUR 

GBP 

USD 

CAD 

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007

Bank overdrafts 

Bank borrowings 

3.55% 

4.34% 

5.47% 

4.46% 

2.60% 

3.76% 

6.10% 

6.81% 

5.25% 

2.57% 

9.25% 

4.97% 

4.50% 

3.32% 

7.25%

5.50%

The carrying amounts and fair values of non-current borrowings are as follows:

Net carrying  
amount 

Estimated
fair values

2008 
€’000 

2007 
€’000 

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

  Non-current borrowings 

569,374 

379,028 

571,306 

372,772

The carrying value of current borrowings approximates their fair value.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s total borrowings are denominated in the following currencies:

Euro 

  GBP sterling 
US dollar 

  Canadian dollar  

2008 
€’000 

287,143 
22,348 
265,159 
10,005 

2007
€’000

278,204
6,958
87,145
7,687

584,655 

379,994

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

9 9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

The Group has the following undrawn borrowing facilities:

Floating rate: 
- Expiring within 1 year 
- Expiring beyond 1 year 

Finance lease liabilities - minimum lease payments:

12 months or less 
Between 1 and 2 years 
Between 2 and 5 years 

  Over 5 years 

Future finance charges on finance leases 

Present value of finance lease liabilities   

The present value of finance lease liabilities is as follows:

12 months or less 
Between 1 and 2 years 
Between 2 and 5 years 

  Over 5 years 

32. Deferred income taxes

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

31,803 
67,302 

16,785
144,122

99,105 

160,907

2008 
€’000 

1,197 
1,197 
3,588 
1,197 

7,179 
(1,154) 

2007
€’000

1,240
1,143
3,430
2,286

8,099
(1,140)

6,025 

6,959

2008 
€’000 

880 
926 
3,082 
1,137 

6,025 

2007
€’000

966
904
2,933
2,156

6,959

 Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority. The following amounts, determined 
after appropriate offsetting, are shown in the consolidated balance sheet:

  Deferred tax assets 

  Deferred tax liabilities 

  Net deferred tax liability 

The gross movement on the deferred income tax account is as follows:

  At the beginning of the year 

Income statement - pre exceptional charge (note 11) 
Income statement - exceptional charge/(credit) 
Acquisition of subsidiary and purchase of intellectual property 
  Deferred tax (credit)/charge to the fair value reserve (note 25) 
  Deferred tax credit relating to the actuarial loss in the year  

Exchange differences 

  At the end of the year 

100

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

(25,380) 

(21,672)

59,056 

37,587

33,676 

15,915

2008 
€’000 

15,915  
1,416  
181  
20,631  
(964) 
(7,084) 
3,581  

2007
€’000

14,688 
2,609 
(2,592)
462 
3,028 
(1,102)
(1,178)

33,676  

15,915 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the year, without taking into consideration the offsetting of balances 
within the same tax jurisdiction, is as follows:

  Deferred tax liabilities 

  Accelerated  
tax  
  depreciation 
€’000 

Deferred 
Fair value  development
costs 
€’000 

gains 
€’000 

Other 
€’000 

Total
€’000

  At 30 December 2006 

(Credited)/charged to income statement 

  Charged against equity (note 25) 

Acquisition of subsidiaries and  intellectual property  
Exchange differences 

32,861 

(4,230) 
- 
- 
(1,978) 

905 

- 
3,028 
- 
- 

376 

4,469 

38,611

209 
- 
- 
(53) 

1,695 
- 
462 
(157) 

(2,326)
3,028
462
(2,188)

  At 29 December 2007 

26,653 

3,933 

532 

6,469 

37,587

(Credited)/charged to income statement 

  Credited to equity (note 25) 

Acquisition of subsidiaries and intellectual property 
Exchange differences 

(1,798) 
- 
- 
831 

- 
(964) 
- 
- 

309 
- 
- 
45 

2,147 
- 
20,631 
268 

658
(964)
20,631
1,144

  At 3 January 2009 

25,686 

2,969 

886 

29,515 

59,056

  Deferred tax assets 

  At 30 December 2006 

  Charged to income statement 
  Credited to equity (note 23) 

Exchange differences 

  At 29 December 2007 
  Charged/(credited) to income statement 
  Credited to equity (note 23) 

Exchange differences 

  At 3 January 2009 

The deferred tax credited to equity during the year is as follows:

Fair value reserve in equity 
 - Available for sale investments  
 - Hedging reserve  
Impact of increase in retirement benefit obligations 

Retirement  
obligations 
€’000 

Tax
losses 
€’000 

Total
€’000

(11,667) 

(12,256) 

(23,923)

1,570  
(1,102) 
 -  

(11,199) 
1,196  
(7,084) 
 -  

773  
 -  
1,010  

(10,473) 
(257) 
 -  
2,437  

2,343 
(1,102)
1,010 

(21,672)
939 
(7,084)
2,437 

(17,087) 

(8,293) 

(25,380)

2008 
€’000 

(752) 
(212) 
(7,084) 

2007
€’000

3,503 
(475)
(1,102)

(8,048) 

1,926 

 The increase in the retirement benefit obligation has given rise to an increase in the related deferred tax asset. A deferred tax 
asset has been recognised on the basis that the realisation of the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is probable.
 Deferred tax assets are recognised for tax losses carry forwards to the extent that realisation of the related tax benefit through 
the future taxable profits is probable. The Group has unrecognised tax losses of €11.1 million (2007: €20.7 million) to carry 
forward against future taxable income. Deferred tax liabilities have not been recognised for withholding tax and other taxes that 
would be payable on the unremitted earnings of certain subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1 0 1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

33. Retirement benefit obligations

Pension benefits
 The Group operates a number of defined benefit and defined contribution schemes which provide retirement and death 
benefits for the majority of employees. The schemes are funded through separate trustee controlled funds.

 The contributions paid to the defined benefit schemes are in accordance with the advice of professionally qualified actuaries. 
The latest actuarial valuation reports for these schemes, which are not available for public inspection, are dated between 5 April 
2005 and 1 July 2008. The contributions paid to the scheme in 2008 are in accordance with the contribution rates recommended 
in the actuarial valuation reports. 

The amounts recognised in the balance sheet are determined as follows:

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

(465,909) 
301,499 

(496,769)
382,521

(164,410) 

(114,248)

2008 
€’000 

(7,594) 
(23,147) 
22,828 

2007
€’000

(9,315)
(18,885)
23,219

(7,913) 

(4,981)

376 

1,843

(7,537) 

(3,138)

(1,719) 

(1,217)

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

(114,248) 
6,101 
(500) 
(7,537) 
(68,246) 
20,020 

(124,888)
2,161
1,230
(3,138)
(4,539)
14,926

(164,410) 

(114,248)

Present value of funded obligations 
Fair value of plan assets 

Liability in the balance sheet 

The amounts recognised in the income statement are as follows:

Service cost - current 
Interest cost 
Expected return on plan assets 

Exceptional item - curtailment gain (note 8) 

  Defined contribution 

The actual return on plan assets was a loss of €81.4 million (2007: €9.3 million loss).

The movement in the liability recognised in the balance sheet over the year is as follows:

  At the beginning of the year 

Exchange differences 

  Movements relating to disposed operations  

Total expense  
Actuarial loss – shown in equity 

  Contributions paid 

  At the end of the year 

102

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The movement in obligations over the year is as follows:

  At the beginning of the year 

Exchange differences 

  Movements relating to disposed operations 
  Current service cost 

Interest cost 
Actuarial (loss)/gain – shown in equity 
- Experience losses 
- Change in assumptions 

  Contributions by plan participants 
  Curtailment gain 
Benefits paid 

  At the end of the year 

The movement in the fair value of plan assets over the year is as follows:

  At the beginning of the year 

Exchange differences 

  Movements relating to disposed operations 

Expected return on plan assets 
Actuarial loss shown in equity  
  Contributions by plan participants 
  Contributions by employer 

Benefits paid 

  At the end of the year 

The principal actuarial assumptions used were as follows:

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

(496,769) 
17,833 
(4,208) 
(7,594) 
(23,147) 

(3,175) 
39,158 
(4,163) 
376 
15,780 

(501,473)
7,910
(18,787)
(9,315)
(18,885)

(7,160)
35,165
(4,147)
1,843
18,080

(465,909) 

(496,769)

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

382,521 
(11,732) 
3,708 
22,828 
(104,229) 
4,163 
20,020 
(15,780) 

376,585
(5,751)
20,017
23,219
(32,542)
4,147
14,926
(18,080)

301,499 

382,521

  Discount rate 

5.9% 

6.6% 

5.5% 

6.0%

2008 

2007

IRL 

UK 

IRL 

UK

Expected return on plan assets 
- Equities  
- Bonds  
- Gilts   
- Cash   
- Property 
- Other assets 
Inflation rate 
Future salary increases 
Future pension increases 

8.25% 
4.25% 
n/a 
3.25% 
7.25% 
7.25% 
2.5% 
3.5% 
  1.5%-3.5% 

8.7% 
6.7% 
3.9% 
3.5% 
7.8% 
7.8% 
3.1% 
3.85% 
3.0% 

8.7% 
5.0% 
n/a 
4.0% 
7.5% 
7.5% 
2.5% 
4.0% 

8.1%
5.3%
4.5%
6.0%
7.75%
5.9%-7%
3.4%
4.2%
2.5%-3.5%  2.25%-3.25%

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

Actuarial loss recognised in the statement of recognised income and expense 

68,246 

4,539

  Cumulative actuarial losses recognised in the statement of recognised income and expense 

123,991 

55,745

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1 0 3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

Plan assets are comprised as follows:

Equity   
Bonds   

  Gilts 

Property  

  Cash 

2008 

2007

€’000 

125,893 
90,961 
4,346 
40,392 
39,907 

% 

42 
30 
2 
13 
13 

€’000 

214,040 
84,861 
9,230 
36,418 
37,972 

%

56
22
2
10
10

301,499 

100 

382,521 

100

 The expected return on plan assets was determined by considering the expected returns available on the assets underlying the 
current investment policy. Expected yields on fixed interest investments are based on gross redemption yields as at the balance 
sheet date. Expected returns on equity and property reflect long-term real rates of return experienced in the respective markets.

  Contributions to post-employment benefit plans are expected to increase in 2009.

  Mortality rates

 Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are set based on actuarial advice in accordance with published statistics and 
experience in each territory. The mortality assumptions imply the following life expectancies in years of an active member on 
retiring at age 65, 20 years from now:

  Male 

Female  

   Irish mortality  UK mortality
rates

rates 

20 
22.9 

24
26.8

The mortality assumptions imply the following life expectancies in years of an active member, aged 65, retiring now:

  Male 

Female  

  At the end of the year 

  Irish mortality  UK mortality
rates

rates 

18.9 
21.8 

22.9
25.8

2008 
€’000 

2007 
€’000 

2006 
€’000 

2005 
€’000 

2004
€’000

Fair value of plan assets 
Present value of defined benefit obligations 

301,499 
(465,909) 

382,521 
(496,769) 

376,585 
(501,473) 

338,829 
(503,845) 

285,376
(412,052)

  Deficit   

(164,410) 

(114,248) 

(124,888) 

(165,016) 

(126,676)

Experience adjustments on plan liabilities 

(3,175) 

(7,160) 

(12,651) 

(2,037) 

(6,341)

Experience adjustments on plan assets   

(104,229) 

(32,542) 

11,575 

28,383 

5,911

104

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sensitivity analysis for principal assumptions used to measure scheme liabilities 
 There are inherent uncertainties surrounding the financial assumptions adopted in calculating the actuarial valuation of the 
Group’s defined benefit pension schemes. The following table analyses, for the Group’s Irish and UK pension schemes, the 
estimated impact on the plan liabilities resulting from changes to key actuarial assumptions, whilst holding all other assumptions 
constant.

Assumption 

Change in assumption 

Impact on Irish plan liabilities 

Impact on UK plan liabilities

  Discount rate 
Price inflation 

  Mortality 

Increase/decrease 0.25% 
Increase/decrease 0.25% 
Increase/decrease by one year 

Increase/decrease by 4.3% 
Increase/decrease by 2.4% 
Increase/decrease by 3.7% 

Decrease/increase by 4.3% to 5.0%
Decrease/increase by 2.5% to 3.4%
Decrease/increase by 2.0% to 2.2%

34. Provisions for other liabilities and charges

  At 29 December 2007 
  Charged to the consolidated income statement 

- Additional provisions 

  Net amounts charged to provision 

Exchange differences 

  At 3 January 2009 

  Non-current 
  Current 

  Restructuring 
€’000 

UK pension 
€’000 

Other 
€’000 

Total
€’000

6,284 

3,845 

25,809 

35,938

16,669 
(3,516) 
- 

- 
(1,635) 
(876) 

2,055 
(18,636) 
(1,611) 

18,724
(23,787)
(2,487)

19,437 

1,334 

7,617 

28,388

- 
19,437 

1,334 
- 

3,565 
4,052 

4,899
23,489

19,437 

1,334 

7,617 

28,388

(a)   The restructuring provision relates to the rationalisation programme Glanbia is currently undertaking. The provision which 

relates mainly to redundancy is expected to be fully utilised in 2009. 

(b)   The UK pension provision relates to administration and certain costs associated with pension schemes relating to businesses 

disposed of in prior years. This provision is expected to be fully utilised within two to three years.

(c)   Included in ‘Other’ above are provisions in respect of property lease commitments, deferred consideration in respect of 
recent acquisitions, insurance and certain legal claims pending against the Group. It is expected that €4.0 million of this 
provision will be utilised in 2009, with the balance being utilised over a further five year period. Due to the nature of these 
items, there is some uncertainly around their amount and the timing of payment.

35. Capital grants

  At 29 December 2007 
Receivable for year 
In acquired subsidiaries 
Exchange differences 
Transfer to disposal group held for sale   
Released to income statement 

  At 3 January 2009 

2008 
€’000 

3,535 
9,802 
- 
(43) 
- 
(600) 

2007
€’000

10,660
1,399
45
(19)
(7,814)
(736)

12,694 

3,535

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1 0 5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

36. Trade and other payables

Trade payables 
Amounts due to associates and joint ventures 
Amounts due to other related parties (note 42) 
PAYE and PRSI 
Accrued expenses 

  Other payables 

2008 
Company 
€’000 

2008 
Group 
€’000 

2007 
Company 
€’000 

- 
- 
- 
- 
2,283 
- 

116,132 
39,723 
1,148 
3,576 
188,965 
1,908 

- 
- 
- 
- 
1,534 
- 

2007
Group
€’000

111,785
32,868
930
4,016
185,133
1,931

2,283 

351,452 

1,534 

336,663

The carrying value of payables are a reasonable approximation of fair value.

37. Derivative financial instruments

Interest rate swaps - cash flow hedges 
Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges 
Foreign exchange contracts - cash flow hedges 

  Commodity futures - cash flow hedges   
  Commodity futures - fair value hedges 

Total 

Less non-current portion 
Interest rate swaps - cash flow hedges 
Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges 
  Commodity futures - fair value hedges 

  Non-current portion 

Current portion 

2008 
Assets 
€‘000 

- 
4,156 
2,400 
236 
6,340 

2008 
Liabilities 
€‘000 

(14,957) 
(1,657) 
(2,459) 
(650) 
(6,340) 

13,132 

(26,063) 

- 
2,501 
253 

(8,388) 
(607) 
(253) 

2,754 

(9,248) 

2007 
Assets 
€‘000 

82 
1,172 
2,980 
9 
1,510 

5,753 

43 
720 
- 

763 

2007
Liabilities
€‘000

(528)
(4,738)
(108)
(39)
(1,510)

(6,923)

(259)
(3,477)
-

(3,736)

10,378 

(16,815) 

4,990 

(3,187)

Interest rate swaps
 The notional principal amounts of the outstanding interest rate swap contracts, qualifying as cash flow hedges at 3 January 2009 
were €317.6 million (2007: €96.4 million).

 The notional principal amounts of the outstanding interest rate swap contracts, qualifying as fair value hedges at 3 January 2009 
were €265.1 million (2007: €265.1 million).

 At 3 January 2009, the fixed interest rates vary from 3.665% to 4.94% (2007: 3.79% to 4.3722%) and the main floating rates are set 
in advance by reference to inter-bank interest rates (5.151% EURIBOR, 2.3225% $LIBOR). 

 Gains and losses recognised in the fair value reserve in equity on interest rate swap contracts at 3 January 2009 will be 
continuously released to the income statement until repayment of the bank borrowings.

Foreign exchange contracts 
 The notional principal amounts of the outstanding foreign exchange contracts at 3 January 2009 are €78.3 million  
(2007: €71.8 million).

 Gains and losses recognised in the fair value reserve in equity on foreign exchange contracts at 3 January 2009 will be released 
to the income statement at various dates between one day and one year from the balance sheet date.

106

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity futures
 The notional principal amounts of the outstanding commodity (milk, gas, oil and propane) futures, qualifying as cash flow 
hedges and fair value hedges at 3 January 2009 were €5.6 million and €28.8 million (2007: €1.2 million and €7.6 million) 
respectively. Gains and losses recognised in the fair value reserve on these futures as at 3 January 2009 will be released to the 
income statement at various dates within one year from the balance sheet date.

Financial guarantee contracts
 In accordance with Group accounting policy, management has reviewed the fair values associated with financial guarantee 
contracts, as defined within IAS 39 (Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement) issued in the name of Glanbia plc  
(the Company) and has determined that their value is not significant, therefore no adjustment has been made to the Glanbia plc 
company balance sheet to reflect fair value of the financial guarantee contracts issued in its name.

38. Contingent liabilities

Company
 The Company has guaranteed the liabilities of certain subsidiaries in Ireland in respect of any losses or liabilities (as defined in 
Section 5(c) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986) for the year ended 3 January 2009 and the Directors are of the opinion 
that no losses will arise thereon. These subsidiaries avail of the exemption from the filing of audited financial statements, as 
permitted by Section 17 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1986. 

  Group

 Bank guarantees amounting to €4,522,000 (2007: €7,495,000) are outstanding as at 3 January 2009, mainly in respect of 
payment of EU subsidies. The Group does not expect any material loss to arise from these guarantees.

39. Commitments

Capital commitments 

  Capital expenditure contracted for at the balance sheet date but not recognised in the financial statements is as follows:

Property, plant and equipment 

  Capital commitments not contracted for amounted to €40.8 million (2007: €107.0 million)

2008 
€’000 

2007
€’000

20,050 

19,856

  Operating lease commitments - where the Group is the lessee

 The Group leases various assets. Generally operating leases are on a short-term basis with no purchase options. The future 
aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

  Not later than 1 year 

Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years 
Later than 5 years 

2008 
€’000 

7,736 
20,255 
5,390 

2007
€’000

5,947
14,606
5,868

33,381 

26,421

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1 0 7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

40. Cash generated from operations

2008 
Company 
€’000 

2008 
Group 
€’000 

2007 
Company 
€’000 

2007
Group
€’000

Profit/(loss) before tax 

36,204 

100,005 

(12,236) 

76,081

  Development costs capitalised 
  Other movements - impairment charge   
  Non-cash exceptional - rationalisation/exit from Pigmeat 
  Non-cash - redemption of shares 

Share of results of associates and joint ventures 

  Depreciation 
Amortisation 

  Cost of share options 
  Difference between pension charge and cash contributions 
  Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment 

Interest income 
Interest expense 
  Dividends received 

Amortisation of government grants received 

  Net profit before changes in working capital 
  Change in net working capital 

 - (Increase in) inventory 
 - (Increase)/decrease in short term receivables 
 - Increase/(decrease) in short term liabilities 
 - Increase in provisions 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

(3,253) 
620 
943 
- 
(6,359) 
25,789 
8,358 
827 
(13,984) 
(5,319) 
(5,590) 
26,695 
- 
(600) 

- 
- 
27,858 
1,948 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
(1,255) 
- 
(8,000) 
- 

(1,804)
-
13,706
-
(992)
27,246
6,816
587
(10,971)
(3,002)
(4,813)
22,095
-
(736)

36,204 

128,132 

8,315 

124,213

- 
(32,266) 
749 
- 

(20,888) 
27,088 
(1,481) 
14,095 

- 
(21,555) 
(10,360) 
- 

(82,093)
(36,615)
78,744
861

Cash generated from operations 

4,687 

146,946 

(23,600) 

85,110

41. Business combinations

 On 22 August 2008 Glanbia plc acquired a US based sports nutritional business, Optimum Nutrition, Inc. (Optimum). Optimum 
manufactures, markets and retails whey based, premium nutritional ingredients to the US and global sports nutrition markets.

  Details of net assets acquired and goodwill arising from the above business combinations are as follows:

Purchase consideration: 
- Cash paid 
- Direct costs relating to the acquisition   

Total purchase consideration 
Fair value of assets acquired 

  Goodwill (note 15) 

2008
€’000

216,023
1,919

217,942
(159,877)

58,065

 The goodwill is attributable to the profitability and workforce of the acquired business and the benefits associated with the 
extension of Glanbia’s scale and specific capabilities to the acquired business, synergies and other benefits.

108

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The assets and liabilities arising from the acquisition are as follows:

Property, plant and equipment (note 14)  

  Other intangible assets (note 15) 

Inventories 
Receivables 
Payables 
  Deferred tax 

  Net assets acquired 

Purchase consideration  
  Contingent consideration 

  Cash outflow on acquisition 

Fair 
value 
€’000 

3,389 
154,028 
18,198 
13,097 
(9,581) 
(19,254) 

Acquiree’s
carrying
amount
€’000

3,389
68
18,198
13,097
(9,581)
-

159,877 

25,171

217,942
-

217,942

 The post acquisition impact of Optimum Nutrition, Inc. completed during the year on Group results for the financial year was as 
follows:

Revenue  

Profit before taxation  

  Consolidated

2008 

 acquisition   
€’000 

 Group excl   
 acquisition   
€’000 

 Group incl  
 acquisition  
€’000

58,194 

2,173,967 

2,232,161

9,134 

90,871 

100,005

 The revenue and profit for the financial year determined in accordance with IFRS 3 - Business Combinations as though the 
acquisition date for the business combination effected during the year had been the beginning of that year, would be as follows:

Revenue  

Profit before taxation  

2008 

 acquisition   
€’000 

Pro Forma 
 Group excl    consolidated 
Group
 acquisition   
€’000
€’000 

157,741 

2,173,967 

2,331,708

17,799 

90,871 

108,670

 The fair values assigned to the identifiable assets and liabilities have been determined provisionally due to proximity of the 
acquisition to year end date. Any adjustments to these provisional valuations will be recognised within 12 months of the 
acquisition date.

 In the year ended 29 December 2007, the Group acquired the business of Pizzey’s Milling. Glanbia Nutritionals (Canada), Inc. 
(Pizzey’s Milling), produces and markets nutritional ingredients predominantly derived from flax seed, a primary source of plant 
based Omega-3 fatty acids.

 Final valuation adjustments to the provisional intangible asset valuations were carried out during the year resulting in an 
adjustment of €3.4 million to intellectual property. In December 2008, the terms of the purchase agreement between Glanbia 
plc and the previous owners of Pizzey’s Milling were revised. On determination of the final deferred consideration, goodwill was 
revised downwards by €5.5 million. These adjustments were made prospectively in the Group in line with IFRS 3.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1 0 9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

42. Related party transactions

 The Group is controlled by Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited (‘the Society’), which holds 54.6% of the issued share capital of 
the Company and is the ultimate parent of the Group.

The following transactions were carried out with related parties:

(a) Sales of goods and services

Sales of goods: 
 - Associates 
 - Joint ventures 
 - Key management* 

Sales of services: 
 - The Society 
 - Associates 
 - Joint ventures 
 - Subsidiaries 

2008 
Company 
€’000 

2008 
Group 
€’000 

2007 
Company 
€’000 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
17,651 

5,875 
69,484 
829 

76,188 

212 
22 
6,429 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
11,684 

17,651 

6,663 

11,684 

Sales to related parties were carried out on normal commercial terms and conditions.

(b)  Purchases of goods and services

2007
Group
€’000

3,871
82,543
578

86,992

187
20
4,671
-

4,878

2007
Group
€’000

10,675
14,221
2,169

27,065

2008 
Company  
€’000 

2008 
Group 
€’000 

2007 
Company  
€’000 

- 
- 
- 

- 

10,468 
5,467 
2,646 

18,581 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
2,139 

2,470 
424,680 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
1,702 

1,953
374,593
4
-

2,139 

427,150 

1,702 

376,550

Purchases of goods: 
 - Associates 
 - Joint ventures 
 - Key management* 

Purchases of services: 
 - Associates 
 - Joint ventures  
 - Key management* 
 - Subsidiaries 

Purchases from related parties were carried out on normal commercial terms and conditions.

(c)  Key management compensation1

Salaries and other short-term employee benefits 
Post-employment benefits 
Share based payments 

2008 
Company  
€’000 

- 
- 
- 

- 

2008 
Group 
€’000 

3,817 
624 
645 

5,086 

2007 
Company  
€’000 

- 
- 
- 

- 

2007
Group
€’000

4,123
582
159

4,864

1  Key management compensation includes Board of Directors and Glanbia Executive Committee.

110

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(d)  Year-end balances arising from sales/purchases of goods/services

Receivables from related parties: 
 - Associates 
 - Joint ventures 
 - Key management* 
 - Subsidiaries 

Payables to related parties: 
 - The Society 
 - Associates 
 - Joint ventures 
 - Key management* 

(e)  Loans to Joint Ventures

Loan to Southwest Cheese Company, LLC 

Loan to Milk Ventures (UK) Limited  

2008 
Company  
€’000 

- 
- 
- 
51,617 

2008 
Group 
€’000 

447 
1,983 
139 
- 

2007 
Company  
€’000 

- 
- 
- 
23,984 

51,617 

2,569 

23,984 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

1,148 
1,338 
38,385 
3 

40,874 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

2008 
Company  
€’000 

- 

- 

2008 
Group 
€’000 

6,930 

4,999 

2007 
Company  
€’000 

- 

- 

2007
Group
€’000

42
6,715
88
-

6,845

930
1,749
31,119
5

33,803

2007
Group
€’000

6,971

-

 Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited approved the payment of a milk and grain bonus of €6.7 million to the suppliers of 
Glanbia plc for 2008 on 15 January 2009. Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited is the ultimate holding company of Glanbia plc. 
The cost of this milk/grain bonus top up will be borne by Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited.

 During 2008, the Company disposed of 800,000 shares of its investment in One51 plc for a consideration of €3,139,000 to its 
ultimate parent company Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited.

*  

 Purchases, sales and related year end balances to key management refer to trading balances with Directors who are engaged in 
farming activities.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1 1 1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

43. Directors’ and Secretary’s interests

 The interests of the Directors and Secretary and their spouses and minor children in the share capital of the Company, the 
holding Society and subsidiary companies/societies were as follows:

(a)  Glanbia plc

Beneficial  

  Directors 
L Herlihy 
J Fitzgerald 
V Quinlan  
J Moloney   
J Callaghan  

  H Corbally 
  N Dunphy 

E Fitzpatrick 
J Gilsenan  
P Gleeson 
P Haran    

  C Hill 
  M Keane 

J Liston 
  G Meagher    
  M Merrick 
  W Murphy 

* 

* 

A O’Connor 

§ 

  M Parsons 

R Prendergast  § 
* 
K Toland    

Secretary 
  M Horan    

*     Executive Director. 
**   Or at date of appointment if later. 
§     Appointed on 28 May 2008. 

(b)  Glanbia plc

  Directors’ and Secretary’s options

Ordinary shares of €0.06
30/12/2007
03/01/2009 
**

91,804 
24,171 
31,347 
104,593 
35,000 
7,495 
10,390 
50,501 
5,842 
31,923 
7,462 
30,029 
20,000 
15,000 
212,327 
3,600 
230,827 
15,743 
38,344 
4,007 
23,243 

91,804
24,171
21,347
104,593
35,000
7,495
10,390
50,501
5,842
31,923
7,462
30,029
20,000
15,000
212,327
2,600
230,827
15,743
26,344
4,007
23,243

4,593 

4,593

 Details of movements on outstanding options over the Company’s ordinary share capital are set out below. Outstanding options 
are exercisable on dates between 2009 and 2017.

112

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Beneficial 

Directors 
J Moloney 

  G Meagher 

1988 Share Option Scheme 
2002 Long Term Incentive Plan 
2002 Long Term Incentive Plan 
2002 Long Term Incentive Plan 

1988 Share Option Scheme 
2002 Long Term Incentive Plan 
2002 Long Term Incentive Plan 
2002 Long Term Incentive Plan 

K Toland 

2002 Long Term Incentive Plan 
2002 Long Term Incentive Plan 
2002 Long Term Incentive Plan 

  Options:

Options - ordinary shares of €0.06 

30/12/2007  Movements 
during year 

03/01/2009 

150,000 
290,000 
150,000 
70,000 

75,000 
205,000 
75,000 
48,000 

164,000 
100,000 
48,000 

(150,000) 
- 
- 
- 

(75,000) 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
290,000 
150,000 
70,000 

- 
205,000 
75,000 
48,000 

164,000 
100,000 
48,000 

Exercise  
price  
€

4.25 
1.55 
2.725 
4.03 

4.25 
1.55 
2.725 
4.03 

1.55 
2.725 
4.03 

[a]
[b]
[c]
[d]

[a]
[b]
[c]
[d]

[b]
[c]
[d]

[a]   Options lapsed on 10 May 2008. The Remuneration Committee gave the holders of these options, which were issued in 

1998, the choice to receive the value of the option in lieu of exercising the option. Mr J Moloney and Mr G Meagher both 
elected to receive a payment respectively of €105,000 and €52,500 in lieu of exercising the options, which then lapsed.

[b]  Exercisable by Directors at any time up to 2012.
[c]  Exercisable by Directors at any time up to 2014.
[d]  Exercisable by Directors between 2010 and 2017.

There were no other changes in the interests of the Directors and Secretary between 3 January 2009 and 20 February 2009.

 G Meagher, J Moloney and K Toland as participants of the 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan as noted at [b] above, are eligible for 
a share award of 10% of the ordinary shares they continue to hold following the second anniversary of the exercise of the option.

 G Meagher as a participant of the 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan as noted at [c] above, is eligible for a share award of 10% of 
the ordinary shares he continues to hold following the second anniversary of the exercise of the option.

 J Moloney as participant of the 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan as noted at [c] above, is eligible for a share award of 6.6% of the 
ordinary shares he continues to hold following the second anniversary of the exercise of the option.

 The market price of the ordinary shares as at 3 January 2009 was €2.07 and the range during the year was €1.80 to €5.31. The 
average price for the year was €4.13. The 1988 Share Option Scheme expired on 31 August 1998.

(c)  Directors’ and Secretary’s awards under the 2008 LTIP and the 2007 LTIP

Initial 
allocation 
of shares 
during 
2008 

Market
 price
in euro 
on award 
date 
€ 

Number at 
30/12/2007 

 Performance period 

 Earliest date   Number at
03/01/2009

of release 

  Directors

J Moloney 

2008 LTIP 

K Toland 

2008 LTIP 

- 

- 

142,000 

96,000 

Secretary
  M Horan 

2007 LTIP 

2008 LTIP 

11,000 

- 

- 

24,000 

4.45 

4.45 

4.03 

4.45 

 30/12/07- 01/01/11 

March 2011 

30/12/07- 01/01/11 

March 2011 

142,000

96,000

 31/12/06 - 02/01/10 

March 2010 

 30/12/07 - 01/01/11 

March 2011 

11,000

24,000

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1 1 3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

  Awards under the 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan (the 2008 LTIP) 

 This is a long-term share incentive plan under which share awards are granted in the form of a provisional allocation of shares for 
which no exercise price is payable. The shares are scheduled for release in March 2011 to the extent that the relative earnings 
per share (EPS) and total shareholder return (TSR) conditions are achieved. 

  Awards under the 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan (the 2007 LTIP)

 The 2007 LTIP corresponds with the 2008 LTIP with the exception that Directors were excluded from participating as it did not 
receive shareholder approval. The shares are scheduled for release in March 2010.

The structures of the 2007 LTIP and the 2008 LTIP are set out on pages 50 and 51.

(d)  Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited  

‘A’ ordinary shares 
of €1 

Convertible 
loan stock units  
of €0.01269738 

‘C’ shares 
of €0.01 

‘F’ shares
of €0.01

03/01/2009 

30/12/2007 
** 

03/01/2009 

30/12/2007 
** 

03/01/2009 

30/12/2007 
** 

03/01/2009 

30/12/2007
**

Beneficial 

  Directors 
L Herlihy 
J Fitzgerald 
V Quinlan 
J Moloney  
  H Corbally 
  N Dunphy  

E Fitzpatrick 
J Gilsenan 

  89,398 
  25,563 
  12,085 
- 
* 
5,675 
  11,633 
  24,034 
2,844 
  20,480 
6,117 
- 
1,824 
- 
A O’Connor   §  19,449 
7,810 
6,455 

  C Hill 
  M Keane 
  G Meagher  
  M Merrick 
  W Murphy 

R Prendergast   § 

  M Parsons 

* 

89,398 
25,563 
9,585 
- 
5,675 
11,633 
24,034 
2,844 
20,480 
6,117 
- 
1,824 
- 
19,449 
7,810 
6,455 

803,500 
258,267 
- 
- 
156,687 
92,245 
172,417 
168,175 
- 
113,156 
- 
206,540 
- 
221,932 
188,848 
97,055 

1,209,101 
397,025 
- 
- 
237,665 
134,947 
263,957 
231,647 
- 
170,314 
- 
297,069 
- 
324,039 
248,122 
139,122 

47,527,630 
- 
2,826,185 
4,952,304 
912,739 
341,850 
10,036,078 
5,157,402 
5,990,461 
84,564 
12,750,000 
387,464 
1,714,149 
- 
2,093,255 
- 

37,837,394 
- 
2,330,185 
7,952,304 
505,681 
260,518 
8,609,862 
7,157,402 
4,840,461 
84,564 
6,500,000 
387,464 
1,904,610 
- 
1,980,360 
- 

1,226 
376 
392 
- 
226 
310 
560 
89 
283 
353 
- 
173 
- 
430 
658 
19 

1,226
376
392
-
226
310
560
89
283
353
-
173
-
430
658
19

Secretary 

  M Horan 

 -  

 -  

 -  

 -  

1,000,000 

1,000,000 

- 

- 

*     Executive Director. 
**   Or at date of appointment if later. 
§     Appointed on 28 May 2008.

There have been no changes in the above interests between 3 January 2009 and 20 February 2009.

114

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
44. Principal subsidiary and associated undertakings

(a)  Subsidiaries 

Incorporated and operating in 

Principal place of business 

Principal activities 

Group interest
% 

Ireland  

  Glanbia Foods Society Limited 

  Glanbia Consumer Foods Limited 
  Glanbia Ingredients (Ballyragget) Limited  Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny 
  Glanbia Ingredients (Virginia) Limited 
  Glanbia Nutritionals (Ireland) Limited 
  Glanbia Nutritionals (Blending) Limited 
  Glanbia Nutritionals (Optimum) Limited 
  Glanbia Nutritionals (Europe) Limited 
  Glanbia Nutritionals (Research) Limited 
  Glanbia Feeds Limited 

Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny and  
Citywest, Dublin 24 
Inch, Co. Wexford and Kilkenny 

Virginia, Co. Cavan 
Kilkenny 
Kilkenny 
Kilkenny 
Kilkenny 
Kilkenny 
Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford and  
Portlaoise, Co. Laois 
Kilkenny 
Kilkenny 
Kilkenny 
Kilkenny 
Kilkenny 
Kilkenny 
Palmerstown, Co. Kilkenny 
Palmerstown, Co. Kilkenny 
Newtown Mount Kennedy,  
Co. Wicklow 

Dairying, liquid milk, consumer  
food products and general trading
Fresh dairy products and soups 
Milk products 
Milk products 
Nutritional products 
Nutritional products 
Nutritional products 
Nutritional products 
Research and development 
Manufacture of animal feed products 

Property and land dealing 
Financing 
Financing 
Investment company 
Holding company 
Holding company 
Fertilizers 
Grain and fertilizers 
Biofuels  

  Glanbia Estates Limited 

Avonmore Proteins Limited 

  Glanbia Financial Services 
  Glanbia Investments (Ireland) Limited 
  Glassonby 
  Waterford Foods plc 
  Grassland Fertilizers (Kilkenny) Limited 
  D. Walsh & Sons Limited 

Eilish Oils Limited  

Britain and Northern Ireland 

  Glanbia (UK) Limited 
  Glanbia Holdings Limited 
  Glanbia Investments (UK) Limited 
  Glanbia Nutritionals (UK) Limited 
  Glanbia Foods (NI) Limited 
  Glanbia Feedstuffs Limited 

  United States 
  Glanbia, Inc. 
  Glanbia Foods, Inc. 
  Optimum Nutrition, Inc.  
Seltzer Companies, Inc. 
  Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc.  

Canada 

Tamworth, Staffordshire 
Tamworth, Staffordshire 
Tamworth, Staffordshire 
Middlesborough 
Portadown, Co. Armagh 
Tamworth, Staffordshire 

Holding company 
Holding company 
Holding company 
Sports nutrition products 
Consumer food products 
Supply of animal feeds 

Delaware 
Twin Falls, Idaho 
Illinois, South Carolina, Florida 
San Diego, California 
Monroe, Wisconsin 

Holding company 
Milk products 
Sports nutrition products 
Nutrient delivery systems 
Nutritional distribution 

  Glanbia Nutritionals (Canada), Inc. 

Angusville, Manitoba 

Nutrient delivery systems 

  Germany 
  Glanbia Nutritionals Deutschland GmbH  Orsingen-Nensingen, Germany 

Nutrient delivery systems 

  Netherlands 
  Glanbia Foods B.V. 

  Mexico 

Moergestel, Netherlands 

Holding company 

Zymalact Mexico S.A. de C.V. 

Lerma, Mexico City 

Dairy blending and processed cheese 

100

  Uruguay 
  Glanbia (Uruguay Exports) S.A. 

China   

  Glanbia Nutritionals (Suzhou)  
  Company Limited

Uruguay 

Nutritional distribution 

Suzhou, China 

Nutrient delivery systems 

100

100 

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1 1 5

100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
73
60
80

100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100

100

100

100

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements (continued) 
for the year ended 3 January 2009

(b)  Associates and joint ventures

Incorporated in 

Ireland  

Date to which 
results included 

Principal place 
of business 

Principal activities 

  Co-operative Animal Health Limited * 

31 December 2007 

Tullow, Co. Carlow 

Agri chemicals 

South Eastern Cattle Breeders 
Society Limited * 

31 December 2007 

Thurles, Co. Tipperary 

Cattle breeding 

Group 
 interest
%

50

57

  Malting Company of Ireland Limited * 

31 October 2008 

Togher, Cork 

Malting 

33.33 

South East Port Services Limited * 

3 January 2009 

Kilkenny 

  Nashs Mineral Waters 
 (Marketing) Limited ** 

3 January 2009 

  Corman Miloko Ireland Limited ** 

3 January 2009 

Newcastle West,  
Co. Limerick 

Carrick-on-Suir,  
Co. Tipperary

Port services 

Mineral waters  
and soft drinks

Dairy spreads 

Britain and Northern Ireland 

  Glanbia Cheese Limited ** 

3 January 2009 

Magheralin and Llangefni  Cheese products 

  Milk Ventures (UK) Limited ** 

30 November 2008 

Stockport, England 

Holding company 

  Nigeria 
  Nutricima Limited ** 

  United States 

30 November 2008 

Nigeria 

Evaporated and  
powdered milk

Southwest Cheese Company, LLC ** 

3 January 2009 

Clovis, New Mexico 

Milk products 

49

50

45

51

50

50

50

 Pursuant to Section 16 of the Companies Act, 1986 a full list of subsidiaries, joint venture and associated undertakings will be 
annexed to the Company’s Annual Return to be filed in the Companies Registration Office in Ireland.

*   Associate
** Joint venture

116

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other information

Shareholders information

Dividend payments
An interim dividend of 2.75 cents per share was paid in respect 
of ordinary shares on 1 October 2008.

A final dividend of 3.76 cents per share, if approved, will be paid 
in respect of ordinary shares on 20 May 2009. 

Dividend Withholding Tax (DWT) is deductible from dividends 
paid by an Irish resident company, unless the shareholder 
is entitled to an exemption and has submitted a properly 
completed exemption form to the Company’s Registrar, 
Computershare Investor Services (Ireland) Limited (‘the 
Registrar‘). DWT applies to dividends paid by way of cash and 
is deducted at the standard rate of income tax . Non-resident 
shareholders and certain Irish companies, trusts, pension 
schemes, investment undertakings and charities may be entitled 
to claim exemption from DWT and are thereby required to send 
the relevant form to the Registrar. Further copies of this form 
may be obtained from the Registrar. 

Financial calendar
Announcement of final results for 2008 
Ex-dividend date 
Record date for dividend 
Annual General Meeting 
Interim management statement 
Dividend payment date 
Interim management statement 
Announcement of interim results for 2009 

4 March 2009
22 April 2009
24 April 2009
13 May 2009
13 May 2009
20 May 2009
8 July 2009
26 August 2009

Auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ballycar House, Newtown, Waterford, 
Ireland.

Principal bankers 
ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c., The Governor 
& Company of the Bank of Ireland, BNP Paribas S.A., Barclays 
Bank Ireland PLC, Citibank Europe plc, KBC Bank Ireland plc, 
Danske Bank A/S trading as National Irish Bank, Rabobank 
Ireland plc, Ulster Bank Ireland Limited.

Shareholders who wish to have their dividend paid direct to a 
bank account, by electronic funds transfer, should contact the 
Registrar to obtain a mandate form. Tax vouchers will be sent to 
the shareholders’ registered address under this arrangement.

Solicitors 
Arthur Cox, Earlsfort Centre, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Pinsent Masons, 3 Colmore Circus, Birmingham B4 6BH, UK. 

Share price data

2008 
€ 

2007
€

Share price at 3 January 2009  
Market capitalisation 
Share price movements during the year: - high 
- low 

2.07 
608m 
5.31 
1.80 

4.59
1,346m
5.08
3.12

Geographic analysis of shareholdings at 3 January 2009

Ireland 
United Kingdom 
United States 
Europe 
Other 

Holdings 
1 – 1,000 
1,001 – 5,000 
5,001 – 10,000 
10,001 – 100,000 
Over 100,000 

Number of  
Shares held 
242,783,280 
50,399,046 
172,035 
157,333 
43,990 

% of 
total
82.70
17.17
0.06
0.05
0.02

293,555,684 

100.00

Number of  
shareholders 
12,214 
9,355 
1,713 
896 
95 

Number of  
shares held 
5,148,844 
21,842,933 
12,166,070 
19,502,283 
234,895,554 

% of
 total
1.76
7.44
4.14
6.64
80.02

24,273 

293,555,684 

100.00

Stock exchange listings
Glanbia plc has primary listings on the Irish and London Stock 
Exchanges. 

Stockbrokers 
Davy Stockbrokers, 49 Dawson Street, Dublin 2, Ireland  
(joint broker).
RBS Hoare Govett Limited, 250 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 
4AA (joint broker).

Registrar and transfer office
Computershare Investor Services (Ireland) Limited, Heron 
House, Corrig Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin 18, 
Ireland. The Registrar can be contacted on telephone number 
01 2475349 (within Ireland), 00353 1 247 5349 (outside Ireland), 
or by email to webqueries@computershare.ie.

Shareholder enquiries
All shareholders’ enquiries should be addressed to the Registrar 
at the above address, telephone number or email address. 

Shareholders may check their accounts on the Company’s 
Share Register by accessing the Company’s website at www.
glanbia.com and selecting ‘Investors’ – ’Shareholder centre’. 
Shareholders may check their shareholdings, recent dividend 
payment details and can also download forms required to notify 
the Registrar of changes in their details.

Electronic communication
Shareholders who would like to receive shareholder 
communications electronically, including half yearly reports, annual 
reports and notices of meetings, can register their email address by 
accessing the Company’s website at www.glanbia.com, selecting 
‘Investors’ – ’Shareholder centre’ – ’E-communications’ and clicking 
on the link www.computershare.com/register/ie, selecting Glanbia 
plc from the drop down menu ‘Company Selection’ and clicking on 
‘submit’. You will need your Shareholder Reference Number (SRN) 
which is located on your share certificate or dividend counterfoil. 
Following registration, shareholders will be notified by email when 
a half yearly report, annual report or notice of meeting is published 
and available for viewing on the Glanbia website. 

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1 1 7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other information

Shareholders information (continued) 

Website
The Group’s website, www.glanbia.com, provides in full the text 
of half yearly and annual reports, trading statements, voting 
results and copies of presentations to analysts and investors. 
News releases are made available, in the Investors’ section of 
the website, immediately after release to the Stock Exchanges.

• 

Additional shareholder information

Share capital 
The authorised share capital of the Company is 306,000,000 
ordinary shares of €0.06 each. The issued share capital as at 3 
January 2009 was 293,555,684 ordinary shares of €0.06 each.

The rights and obligations attaching to the shares are as follows:

 Distribution on winding up - If the Company shall 
be wound up and the assets available for distribution 
among the members as such shall be insufficient to 
repay the whole of the paid up or credited as paid up 
share capital, such assets shall be distributed so that, 
as nearly as may be, the losses shall be borne by the 
members in proportion to the capital paid up or credited 
as paid up at the commencement of the winding up 
on the shares held by them respectively. And if, in a 
winding up, the assets available for distribution among 
the members shall be more than sufficient to repay the 
whole of the share capital paid up or credited as paid 
up at the commencement of the winding up, the excess 
shall be distributed among the members in proportion 
to the capital at the commencement of the winding up 
paid up or credited as paid up on the said shares held by 
them respectively. 

Substantial shareholdings 
The table below details the significant holding (3% or more) in 
the Company’s ordinary share capital that has been disclosed 
to the Company as at 3 March 2009 in accordance with the 
requirements of section 5.1.2 of the UK Listing Authority’s 
Disclosure and Transparency Rules. 

Shareholder 
Glanbia Co-operative  
Society Limited 

No of ordinary 

shares 

% of issued 

share capital

160,277,308 

54.6%

Employee share schemes
The Company operates a number of employee share schemes. 
At 3 January 2009, 570,054 ordinary shares were held in 
an employee benefit trust for the purpose of the Group’s 
employee share schemes. Whilst any shares in the Company 
are held by the Trustees, the Trustees shall refrain from 
exercising any voting rights which may attach to the shares 
save that if the beneficial interest in any share has been vested 
in any beneficiary the Trustees shall seek and comply with any 
direction from such beneficiary as to the exercise of voting 
rights attaching to such share.

• 

 Voting rights - votes may be given either personally or 
by proxy. Subject to any rights or restrictions attached to 
the shares, on a show of hands every member present in 
person and every proxy shall have one vote, so, however, 
that no individual shall have more than one vote, and 
on a poll every member present in person or by proxy 
shall have one vote for every share carrying voting rights 
of which he is the holder. On a poll a member entitled 
to more than one vote need not use all his votes or cast 
all the votes he uses in the same way. A poll may be 
demanded:
(a)  by the chairman of the meeting;
(b)   by at least three members present (in person or by 
proxy) having the right to vote at the meeting;
(c)   by any member or members present (in person or 
by proxy) representing not less than one tenth of 
the total voting rights of all the members having the 
right to vote at the meeting; or

(d)   by a member or members present (in person or by 

proxy) holding shares in the Company conferring the 
right to vote at the meeting being shares on which 
an aggregate sum has been paid up equal to not less 
than one tenth of the total sum paid up on all the 
shares conferring that right.

 In the case of an equality of votes, whether on a show of 
hands or on a poll, the chairman of the meeting at which 
the show of hands takes place or at which the poll is 
demanded shall be entitled to a casting vote in addition 
to any other vote he may have. 

• 

 Dividend rights - the Company may by ordinary 
resolution declare dividends in accordance with the 
respective rights of the members, but no dividend shall 
exceed the amount recommended by the Directors. The 
Directors may also declare and pay interim dividends if 
it appears to them that they are justified by the profits of 
the Company available for distribution. 

118

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Five year trends

Summary income statement 

Revenue  
Operating profit pre exceptional 
Operating margin pre exceptional  
Net financing costs 
Share of results of joint ventures and associates 
Profit before tax pre exceptional 
Taxation pre exceptional 
Profit after tax pre exceptional 
Exceptional items 
Basic earnings per share 
Adjusted earnings per share* 
Dividend per share in respect of the full year 

Adjusted earnings per share

2008 

2007 

2006 

2005 

**
2004

  €2,232.2m 
€134.1m 
6.0% 
(€21.1m) 
€7.3m 
€120.3m 
(€21.5m) 
€98.7m 
(€19.4m) 
26.76c 
35.86c 
6.51c 

 €2,206.6m   €1,853.4m  €1,830.0m  €1,753.6m
€86.3m
4.9%
(€16.1m)
(€1.5m)
€68.6m
(€8.4m)
€60.2m
(€1.3m)
21.03c
21.36c
5.25c

€115.8m 
5.2% 
(€17.3m) 
€1.0m 
€99.5m 
(€16.4m) 
€83.1m 
(€22.8m) 
20.42c 
30.25c 
6.08c 

€85.6m 
4.6% 
(€14.0m) 
€2.8m 
€74.4m 
(€8.0m) 
€66.4m 
(€0.1m) 
22.51c 
23.89c 
5.79c 

€80.9m 
4.4% 
(€13.1m) 
€0.9m 
€68.7m 
(€7.6m) 
€61.1m 
(€3.4m) 
19.69c 
21.86c 
5.51c 

2008 
€000 

2007 
€000 

2006 
€000 

2005 
€000 

2004
€000

Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company 
Amortisation on intangible assets (net of related tax) 
Exceptional items 

 78,399  
 7,312  
 19,358  

 59,833  
 5,964  
 22,846  

 65,964  
 3,896  
 134  

 57,396  
 2,899  
 3,410  

 61,119 
2,238
 (1,294) 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issues 

  293,018,610 

 293,012,540    292,958,667    291,469,902    290,617,359 

Adjusted earnings per share (cents per share) 

 35.86  

30.25 

23.89 

21.86 

21.36

 105,069  

 88,643  

 69,994  

 63,705  

 62,063 

*  Adjusted earnings per share is calculated after tax, pre exceptional items and before intangible asset amortisation (net of tax).

**   2004 figures are presented under IFRS and have been restated.

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

1 1 9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
M
Merger reserve – Group   
Minority interests   

N
Notes to the financial statements   

O
Operating expenses  
Operations review – international  
Operations review – Ireland   
Operations review – Joint Ventures & Associates   
Other reserves  
Our business  
Our global footprint  
Our people  
Our responsibilities   
Our performance and outlook  
Own shares (Company and Group)   
Our vision and strategy   

P
Principal subsidiary and associated undertakings   
Property, plant and equipment – Group   
Provision for other liabilities and charges   

R
Reconciliation of changes in equity   
Related party transactions  
Responsibility statement   
Retained earnings   
Retirement benefit obligations   
Risk and risk management   
Report of the Directors   

S
Segment information   
Senior management team  
Share capital and share premium   
Shareholders information   
Summary of significant accounting policies   

T
Trade and other receivables   
Trade and other payables   

98
98

62

78
14
20
24
96
2
4
26
29
1
97
6

115
84
105

92
110
44
97
102
36
41

76
40
93
117
62

89
106

Other information

Index

A 
Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale   

B
Board of Directors   
Borrowings   
Business combinations  

C
Capital grants   
Capital reserves   
Cash and cash equivalents   
Consolidated cash flow statement  
Cash generated from operations  
Chairman’s statement  
Commitments  
Company balance sheet  
Company statement of recognised income 
and expense and cash flow statement  
Consolidated balance sheet  
Consolidated income statement  
Consolidated statement of recognised  
income and expense  
Contingent liabilities  
Critical accounting estimates and judgements  

D
Deferred income taxes  
Derivative financial instruments  
Directors’ and Secretary’s interests   
Directors’ remuneration   
Directors’ statement of corporate governance   
Dividends   

E
Earnings per share   
Employee benefit expense   
Exceptional items   

F
Finance income and costs  
Financial risk management   
Financial statements contents   
Finance review   

G
General information   
Group Managing Director’s review  

I
Income taxes   
Independent auditors’ report   
Intangible assets   
Inventories   
Investments   
Investments in associates  
Investments in joint ventures   

120

G l a n b i a   p l c   2 0 0 8   A n n u a l   R e p o r t

91

38
98
108

105
98
91
59
108
8
107
60

61
58
56

57
107
75 

100
106
112
80
45
83

83
79
79

81
72
53
32

62
10

82
54
85
91
88
87
87