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Grainger

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Annual Report and Accounts 2012

grainger = residential

 
 
 
 
 
 
Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Our business is to provide investors with a range of 
returns from the residential sector. Our wholly-owned 
portfolio and assets under management provide 
balanced income streams from Sales, Rents and Fees.
With over 100 years experience Grainger is uniquely 
placed to take a leading role in, and benefit from, 
shifts in the residential property market. 
All of our activities are underpinned by our core 
skills in property and asset management and by 
long-term relationships with our partners.

grainger = residential 

Designed and produced by Radley Yeldar
www.ry.com

1

Overview

grainger	=	residential

  02  /  Our report in brief
  04  /  Chairman’s statement
  06  /  100 years in property
  08  /  Our business model
  10  /  How we deliver our business model
  12  /  Our locations
  16  /  Chief executive’s review
  21  /  Our performance – group KPIs

Business review

Business	review

  22  /  grainger	=	sales

£

t
r
o
p
e
r
’
s
r
o
t
c
e
r
i
D

  24  /  grainger	=	rents

  26  /  grainger	=	fees

  28  /  Asset performance
  30  /  Financial review
  36  /  Our people, tenants and partners
  40  /  Corporate responsibility
  48  /  Risk management

Governance

  50  /  The Grainger board
  52  /  Corporate governance
  59  /  Audit committee report
  61  /  Nominations committee report
  62  /  Remuneration committee report
  71  /   Board risk and compliance 

committee report
  72  /  Other disclosures

Financials

  75  /  Independent auditors’ report
  76  /  Financial statements
162  /  EPRA performance measures
163  /  Five year summary
164  /  Shareholders’ information
165  /  Advisers
166  /  Glossary of terms
168  /  Corporate addresses

100 Years...

and counting

Centenary 
Grainger was founded in 
Newcastle upon Tyne on 
27 November 1912. This 
year we celebrated our 
centenary and laid the 
foundations for our 
second century. 

Read more on page 06

9

More information

This report and other 
information can be found 
online including:
 – Corporate responsibility 

site and reports

 – Centenary information 

and reports

 – Grainger research 

and reports 

 – Investor information 

and downloads

www.graingerplc.co.uk

„

	
 
 
2

Grainger	plc		
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Our report in brief

Our business model
Our business model is dedicated  
to ensuring Grainger is the  
first port of call for residential 
investment. Our expertise and 
the scale of our assets and 
operations enable us to generate 
sustainable income streams  
from three sources:

Who we are: 
Grainger is the UK’s largest 
specialist listed residential landlord 
and property manager. We own 
£2.23bn of residential property  
of which 84% is located in the  
UK and the balance in Germany.  
We manage 18,500 properties  
in the UK and 6,500 in Germany. 

£

Sales
+
Rents
+
Fees

Grainger was founded  
in Newcastle-upon-Tyne  
in 1912 and we have 
sought to be at the 
forefront of the residential 
property market ever 
since. In our centenary 
year we have continued  
to drive standards  
and lay the foundations 
for the future.

Our strategy:
Our strategy remains focused  
on the residential space. We aim 
to deliver value to shareholders  
by focusing on four key objectives:

1.
Maintaining our  
leading position 
in residential property

2.
Locating our assets  
in areas of higher  
economic activity

3.
Increasing the proportion  
of non-trading income 

4.
Reducing our financial 
and operational gearing

Read more on pages 8 and 9

Read more on page 10

Read more on pages 18 and 19

9

9

9

3

Our strategy in action: 
Delivering results across 
our markets. 

Strategic outcomes: 
Delivering results for Grainger.

Our financial performance: 
Operating profit has been maintained; 
Net Asset values have risen; Dividend 
has increased; Net debt has reduced; 
Result before tax (after a non-cash 
derivative charge) is reduced. 

1.
Repeated contributions to the development 
of the residential market

1.
New opportunities presented to us  
because of our leading position 

Operating profit (OPBVM)*

£126.4m 

2011: £126.2m
+0.2%

2.
62% of the UK portfolio is in London  
and the South East

2.
Outperformance of market indices in 
valuation and sales

3.
Rents: Innovative transactions to increase 
exposure to the rental market such as ‘Build 
to Rent’ and ‘Registered Provider’ provision
Fees: Continuing demand for our operational 
expertise from new high quality partners
4.
Reduction in financial gearing and a more 
efficient cost base in light of a reduction in 
owned assets and an increase in assets 
under management

3.
Rents: HI Tricomm, Royal Borough 
of Kensington & Chelsea and For Profit 
Registered Provider of social housing
Fees: Income up by 45% to £10m

4.
Debt reduced by £260m and we are 
targeting a fall to £1bn by the end of 2013. 
LTV reduced to 55% and we are targeting a 
fall to approximately 50% by the end of 
2013. Cost reduction of 5% on a run rate 
basis anticipated by the end of 2013

Gross NAV per share

223p

NNNAV per share

157p

Dividend per share

1.92p

Net debt

£1,194m

(Loss)/profit before tax

£(1.7)m

2011: 216p
+3.2%

2011: 153p
+2.5%

2011: 1.83p

+4.9%

2011: £1,454m

-18.0%

2011: £26.1m
-106.5%

*  Operating profit before valuation movements 
and non-recurring items

Read more on pages 18 and 19

Read more on pages 18 and 19

Read more on pages 30 to 35

9

9

9

 
 
 
 
4

Grainger	plc		
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Chairman’s statement
In our centenary year we have both looked back and 
prepared for our second century. However our focus 
remains firmly on delivering shareholder returns.  
This year we have grown our net assets and maintained 
operating profit, whilst reducing debt.

Robin Broadhurst
Chairman

Grainger remains uniquely placed to take a leading role 
in, and to benefit from, opportunities arising in all parts 
of the residential property market using our core skills in 
property and asset management. The recently published 
Montague Review, the Government commissioned 
‘Review of the barriers to institutional investment in 
private rented homes’ reiterates the requirement for 
more homes and a diverse range of tenure types in the 
UK. This has been reinforced by recent Government 
announcements and, while the report’s recommendations 
will take time to translate into reality, it demonstrates the 
major opportunities that are available to us.

Grainger is at the forefront of these changes and we 

are reshaping the business to reflect long-term changes 
in the market. We have rebalanced the portfolio to have 
greater weight in economically strong areas and this, 
together with our active management, has enabled us 
to build a track record of out-performance against the 
market. Over a period of time we will increase our 
exposure to rental property through our Build to Rent 
and affordable housing initiatives. We are also taking 
advantage of our strong operating platform to build 
strategic alliances with excellent partners, the latest 
being our joint venture with Heitman in Germany in 
which we will hold a 25% equity stake.

Results 
Operating profit before valuation movements and 
non-recurring items to 30 September 2012 has 
marginally improved to £126.4m (2011: £126.2m). 
Recurring profit before tax was £34.6m (2011: £48.3m). 

We incurred a loss before tax of £1.7m (2011: £26.1m 
profit) which is after a charge of £31.2m (2011: £28.0m) 
relating to mark to market movements on our interest 
rate derivatives. Net debt fell by £260m to £1,194m 
from £1,454m. Gross net asset value (NAV) increased by 
over 3% to 223p per share (2011: 216p per share).

Dividends 
The directors have recommended a final dividend of 
1.37p per ordinary share (2011: 1.30p). The total 
dividend for the year will therefore be 1.92p per ordinary 
share (2011: 1.83p), an increase of 4.9%, following the 
interim dividend of 0.55p per ordinary share (2011: 
0.53p equivalent by way of a tender offer). Before the 
effect of charges for the change in the mark to market 
of derivatives (which is a non-cash item) the dividend is 
covered 3.2 times.

Board changes 
Robert Hiscox retired from the board at the Annual 
General Meeting (AGM) on 8 February 2012 and I 
would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his 
significant contribution over the years. Tony Wray, Chief 
Executive of Severn Trent plc was appointed to the board 
on 24 October 2011 and we have already benefitted 
from his considerable operational and corporate 
knowledge and experience during the course of the 
year. Henry Pitman will retire from the board at the next 
AGM on 6 February 2013. Henry has been a director 
since May 2007 and we thank him for his invaluable 
advice and contribution to the business over that period. 

I am pleased to announce the appointment 
of Simon Davies as a non-executive director (subject to 

Read more on pages 
22 and 23

Sales

£

Read more on pages 
24 and 25

Rents

Read more on pages 
26 and 27

Fees

5

Group net debt fell by £260m to £1.19bn from the 
September 2011 position of £1.45bn. This includes  
the effect of the transfer of a proportion of our German 
assets into the joint venture with Heitman announced 
recently. On this basis, since March 2011, we have 
reduced net debt by £376m whilst increasing gross net 
asset value by £54m. This degearing has therefore been 
performed without any overall loss of value as our 
gross net asset value has improved by 6.2% over that 
18 month period.

We have now set ourselves the target of reducing 

group debt to below £1bn by the end of 2013. 
Assuming no changes to valuation this would result in a 
consolidated loan to value approaching  
50% from its September 2012 level of 55% (September 
2011: 61%).

In conjunction with this financial de-gearing we 
have also set ourselves the goal of reducing our cost run 
rate by at least 5% by the end of 2013.

The actions we have taken in 2012 and those we 
anticipate taking in 2013 has given us the confidence to 
increase our dividend by 5% until we reach a target net 
debt of £1bn, at which point we will reappraise 
the policy. 

By changing the profiles of our asset base and 
income streams and by reducing gearing, we have been 
repositioning our business for the future. We will retain 
this focus which will enable the group to take advantage 
of opportunities as they arise.

As we close our centenary year we continue 
to evolve our brand and maintain our reputation as a 
professional and caring landlord. To have reached 100 
years as a company is a tremendous achievement and 
this is thanks to the enthusiasm, skill and commitment 
of all our staff over the years. I would like to extend my 
continuing thanks to them all.

Robin Broadhurst  
Chairman 

6 December 2012

normal FSA confirmations) Simon retired from the role 
of Executive Chairman at Threadneedle earlier this year 
after five years in the position, having previously been 
Chief Executive (1999-2007) and Chief Investment 
Officer (1995-1998). His long and wide experience  
in the financial sector and within wider industry will  
be a valuable supplement to our board.

Outlook 
The major housing market indices show that UK 
national house prices have declined slightly over the  
last 12 months and liquidity and transaction volumes 
remain low. The UK economy is likely to remain fragile  
in the short to medium-term, exacerbated by the 
continuing lack of resolution of the issues around the 
Euro. We anticipate that these subdued market 
conditions will persist through 2013. 

Against this background however, through strategic 

acquisitions and disposals, we have successfully 
repositioned Grainger to be more focused on 
geographic locations where economic activity is more 
robust and on activities less reliant on trading Grainger 
assets which has continued to show benefits. At 30 
September 2012, 62% of the UK portfolio was located 
in London and the South East (September 2009: 54%). 
In Germany, 82% (September 2011: 81%) of our 
properties lie in four of the more affluent areas of the 
country: Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, North Rhine-
Westphalia and Bavaria. 

As a result of the specialist nature of our UK 
properties (predominantly second-hand, low average 
value and un-refurbished) along with our active 
value-added management, we continue to outperform 
general UK house price indices. We are maintaining both 
sales velocity and prices, achieving good rental growth 
and growing our fee income.

Strategy and Financial Position
As we have stated previously, our two key strategic 
objectives for 2012 have been firstly to increase the 
proportion of profit generated from rents and fees 
and secondly to reduce our overall net debt within the 
business. We have made good progress in both regards. 
In the 12 months ended 30 September 2012 the 
proportion of operating profit composed of rents and 
fees was 48.4% (2011: 46.1%). Our fee income has 
increased from £6.9m to £10.0m, up 45% in the year. 
This focus on the composition of profit will be 
maintained in 2013 as we continue to build sustainable 
sources of income and further strengthen and diversify 
the company’s platform. 

6

Grainger	plc		
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

grainger = 
100 years in property

Centenary video launched

Public attitudes survey

Rental Review

We explored Grainger’s 
history, the range of activities 
we undertake and talked to 
our customers.

We interviewed 2,200 people 
in the UK’s most authoritative 
survey on attitudes to renting. 

We asked the experts on the 
housing market, with very 
distinct perspectives, for their 
views on the future of the 
housing and rental market. 

Asset Manager of the year
Grainger awarded ‘Asset 
Manager of the Year’ for 
G:RAMP at Resi awards 2012.

NOV 
2011

People expect that in 15 years’ 
time there will be more  
people renting than owning 
their own property.

DEC
2011

MAR
2012

FEB
2012

Grainger was founded in Newcastle-upon-Tyne  
on 27 November 1912 and this year marked our 
centenary. We have celebrated our achievements, 
given back to the communities where we live  
and operate and prepared for our second century. 

Paralympians go for gold

Our athletes from the North 
East, represented Team GB at 
the 2012 Paralympic games. 

SEPT
2012

Charity targets exceeded

The chairman, Robin Broadhurst 
set a challenge to raise £25,000 
for charity. We reached this target 
three months early and raised 
£29,000 in total. 

AUG
2012

Total
£29,000
Target
£25,000

OCT
2012

Kilimanjaro conquered 

Our team of trekkers reached 
the peak of Kilimanjaro and 
raised £8,000 for LandAid.

7

100th Birthday

The end of our first century–  
we look forward to our second!

NOV 
2012

Grainger Trust
Our original name ‘Grainger 
Trust’ is reborn in our For 
Profit Registered Provider (RP) 
of social housing.

Best home  
reversion provider

For the 7th consecutive year, 
Bridgewater awarded ‘Best 
Home Reversion Provider’  
at the Equity Release awards. 

 
8

Grainger	plc		
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

How we do business

Our business model
Our business model is dedicated  
to ensuring Grainger is the  
first port of call for residential 
investment. Our expertise 
and the scale of our assets and 
operations enable us to generate 
sustainable income streams 
from three sources:

Large scale assets

Wholly-owned property 
UK: 
Germany: 
Value:

£1.87bn
£0.36bn
£2.23bn

Our wholly-owned portfolios are at the heart of  
our business and through the benefits of long-term  
asset and property management produce regular  
and consistent income.

Sales + Rents + Fees

£

Assets under management
Units: 
Value: 

24,870
£2.94bn

Stakeholder value

Our wholly-owned portfolios of regulated 
tenancies and home reversion properties 
provide us with stable and predictable 
long-term cash flows made up of rental 
and sales. Long-term rentals in Germany 
add further stability and together these 
underpin the income we derive from open 
market rents and fees. 

1   Recession/Low growth; Euro crisis still  

destabilising financial markets.

2   Recession/Low growth; massive cuts in  

public spending announced.

3   October 2008, Government rescues RBS/Lloyds. 

April 2009, Government announce record budget deficit.

4   March 2008, Bear Stearns collapse. 

September 2008, Lehmans bankrupt.

Assets to be sold to the JV with Heitman earned gross rents 
of £13m in 2012.

Inclusive of 12,064 third party properties in Germany 
managed by our joint venture, Gebau Vermogen,  
total property under management is 36,934 units.

Regular, resilient cash flows £m

Financial years ended 30 September

Gross rents
UK residential
Retirement solutions
Development
Germany
Total
Property Sales net  
of sales fees
UK residential
Retirement solutions
Development
Germany
Total
Fees/other income
Overall total
Group overheads
Net Interest Payable

2012

20111

20102

20093

20084

58
5
–
27
90

172
38
18
24
252
11
353
(31)
(91)

51
5
1
30
87

148
27
22
21
218
8
313
(32)
(76)

39
6
1
30
76

118
29
19
4
170
7
253
(29)
(77)

41
6
1
30
78

139
27
46
3
215
7
300
(30)
(79)

42
6
1
22
71

137
27
10
2
176
9
256
(30)
(89)

 
 
9

Net rents 

£63.5m

Most of our existing UK residential properties are 
subject to regulated tenancies or home reversion 
plans and provide below market or no rental income. 
Returns from our German portfolio are more heavily 
rental income based and as we deliver our strategy 
of leadership and involvement in the PRS our UK 
returns will follow this same trend. 

A balanced risk profile: 
Whilst we receive sub-market 
rental income from our UK 
residential properties that are 
subject to regulated tenancies 
and home reversion plans, 
these incomes are highly 
predictable, secure, and in 
many cases, are supported by 
housing benefit. In Germany, 
long-term rentals also deliver 
stable income flows. 

How we maintain success: 

 –  A dedicated in-house  

lettings team 

 –  Detailed knowledge of 

local markets 

 – A focus on voids and arrears
 –  Focused maintenance  

to protect and add value. 

Read more on pages 24 and 25

£

Profit from sales  £77.6m

Our reversionary portfolios have been purchased  
at a significant discount to the vacant possession 
value. When the property is vacated we are able 
to sell it and crystallise the value of the reversion 
together with any growth in value from house price 
inflation. We also realise value by selling tenanted 
properties and development sites at the most 
appropriate point to maximise returns.

A balanced risk profile: 

How we maintain success: 

The UK residential  
portfolios have a reversionary 
surplus of £500m. This 
represents a pipeline of future 
added value without any 
planning, development  
or construction risk. 

Read more on pages 22 and 23

 –  Detailed knowledge 
of local markets

 –  Rigorous assessment 
of individual asset 
performance

 –  Selective refurbishment 

to add value

 –  An optimised and effective 

sales process 

Gross fees and 
other income 

£11.0m

The scale of our residential operations has enabled  
us to invest in systems, processes and procedures 
which, together with the breadth of our residential 
expertise, can provide value to other parties. 
Consequently, we derive income from fund, property 
and asset management as well as direct returns  
from any stakes we hold in co-investment vehicles.

A balanced risk profile: 
The development of our fee 
generating business is built 
upon our proven expertise  
in owning and managing  
our own assets. This together  
with alignment of interests 
through co-ownership and 
performance based rewards 
lays the foundation for  
long-term success. 

How we maintain success: 

 –  Deep expertise across  
all market segments 
 –  Owner manager mentality
 –  Co-investment to  
align interests

 –  Reward structures based 

on added value

Read more on pages 26 and 27

10
10

Grainger	plc		
Grainger	plc		
Annual Report and Accounts 2012
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

grainger = 
residential expertise

Over 100 years Grainger has built portfolios of wholly  
and co-owned properties across the UK and Germany. 
These portfolios reflect the diversity of the existing  
housing stock and demonstrate the expertise and detailed 
knowledge of location and potential required to identify, 
manage and deliver value from residential property. 

£

Sales

1111

Sales
Every year we sell c.600 properties 
when they become vacant (normal 
sales) and we sell further properties 
when we decide that a particular 
property although still occupied  
no longer offers the potential to 
deliver the value that we are seeking 
(investment sales). We can refurbish 
vacant properties before sale to 
increase their value or saleability,  
but in many cases we sell unimproved 
to buyers who wish to carry out 
improvements themselves. 
  We also realise value through 
sales of properties or land that we 
have developed.

Importantly the scale of our 
operations is such that we can focus 
on continuous improvement to our 
efficiency and speed of sale.

Rents
Our gross rent for 2011/12 was  
£89.8m and we collected £31.7m rent 
on behalf of third parties, whose 
properties we manage.

The rent from the wholly owned 

and German portfolios is highly 
predictable and our opportunities  
to increase the rent come largely from 
rent reviews. 

In our market let properties and 
those we manage on behalf of others, 
rents follow market trends and reflect 
the quality of the unit. As the average 
length of tenure is around 20 months 
we have regular opportunities to 
ensure that we maximise rents (and 
our related fees) through our market 
awareness, our proactive lettings 
team and our asset management 
activities.

Fees
We earned £10m in fees in 2011/12, 
an increase of 45% and evidence of 
the delivery of our strategic intent.  
We earn fees through the demonstration 
of our track record and expertise  
in development, fund management, 
asset and property management  
and sales. 
  Our owner manager mentality 
enables us to base our performance 
related fees on the value that we add 
to the assets under our management. 
The size of our operations and the 
proven processes that we employ 
provide us with a scalable and flexible 
platform that can be deployed to  
meet a range of diverse requirements 
and opportunities. 

See pages 22 and 23 for further details. 

See pages 24 and 25 for further details. 

See pages 26 and 27 for further details. 

Fees

Rents

 
 
 
12

Grainger	plc		
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Focused on key locations

C
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MANCHESTER

N
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UK

We have continued to follow our strategic objective of 
locating our properties in the most economically attractive 
areas, where prospects for rental and capital growth are 
highest. In September 2012 62% of our owned assets were 
located in London and the South East which has increased 
from 54% over the past three years. 

Germany

The economically successful areas in the West and  
South of the country continue to be the most attractive  
in terms of rental demand and prices. The majority of 
our portfolio is located in these more attractive regions  
such as Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, North Rhine – 
Westphalia and Bavaria and this has provided a good 
platform for rental and price growth. 

 
 
 
13

We identify and invest in properties where  
we can maximise our returns through our three 
revenue streams – Sales, Rents and Fees.

Assets by region 2012

Properties

1.  London & South East
2.   South West, Midlands 

& East

3.  North & Scotland
4. Wales & Ireland
Total 

% of 
Grainger 
market 
value

Market 
value

Units

VPV

5,591 1,443

1,115

62

3

4

1

4,383
2,446
144

629
254
15
12,564 2,341

491
181
10
1,797

27
11
–
100

2

Vacant Possession Value

12,564
£2,341m
£1,797m

Market Value

Assets by region 2012

Properties

UK

Germany

1.  Baden–Württemberg
2.  Hesse
3.  North Rhine – Westphalia
4. Bavaria
5.  Lower Saxony
6. Rhineland – Palatinate
7.  Other
Total 

Number  
of units

1,489
1,329
1,655
560
749
230
384
6,396

Market 
 value  
€m

119
100
100
56
36
18
27
456

% of  
Grainger  
investment  
value

26%
22%
22%
12%
8%
4%
6%
100%

5

4

Includes the assets classified as held-for-sale

7

6

1

2

3

Market Value

Annual gross rental yield

6,396
£363m
7.0%
4.2%

Annual net rental yield

 
 
14
14

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

grainger = 
recognising  
long-term value

The strategic drive to locate our assets in the areas  
of greatest economic activity has resulted in a 
concentration in London. 50% by value of our UK 
wholly‑owned portfolios are distributed across the 
metropolis. Attractive opportunities for development, 
to add value through refurbishment and to co‑invest  
also arise and we continue to apply our expertise  
to identify and realise these.

1

4

5

2

3

6

1515

1.

5.

9.

Bethnal Green 
G:res 
Mixed use estate of 96 units

2.

Dalston 
G:res  
Ability House, Ability View,  
Ability Plaza, Ability Towers, 
Springfield House  
and Kingsland Road 

3.

East Dulwich 
Core Portfolio 
The Tilt Estate. See page 24

4.

Islington 
Core Portfolio 
Amwell Street. See page 22

Waterloo 
Core Portfolio (Grainger 
Invest) 276 mixed tenure units 
and redevelopment opportunities

6.

Walworth 
Core Portfolio (Grainger 
Invest) The Walworth Estate – 
617 mixed tenure units

7.

Vauxhall 
Core Portfolio (Grainger 
Invest) 257 mixed tenure units

8.

Clapham 
Development 
Macaulay Road – 97 residential 
units and 30,000 sq. ft. of offices

Bayswater 
Core Portfolio  
Caroline House – mixed  
tenure building and penthouse 
development

10.

Knightsbridge 
Core Portfolio  
Trevor Square, 3 houses subject  
to regulated tenancies

11.

Royal Borough of  
Kensington and Chelsea 
Development  
Hortensia Road and Young Street 
– PRS opportunity of 80 units

12.

Kensington 
Core Portfolio  
Emperor’s Gate. See page 23

10

9

11

12

7

8

16

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Chief executive’s review
Our UK assets continue to outperform the market 
indices; the portion of profit derived from rents and 
fees has increased; our sales margins on normal 
trading sales have been maintained; our net asset 
values have increased and our gearing has reduced. 

Andrew Cunningham
Chief Executive

Market Overview 
The residential market in 2012 continued to show marked 
regional variations in valuation movements. In London, 
where 50% of our assets by market value are located, 
we saw year-on-year growth of 7.4% with Central 
London showing the highest growth at 12.0% and Inner 
and Outer London showing increases of 6.4% and 
3.0% respectively. Our assets in some Northern regions 
of the country saw further falls in value (Scotland -1.7% 
and North East -1.7%) compared to the smaller falls/
marginal increases in other regions (South West -0.3% 
and East Anglia 1.0%). More recently, however, there 
are some signs of stability in the regions as confidence 
improves at the lower end of the market where much  
of Grainger’s stock is priced.

One significant area of growth in the housing 
market is the private rented sector (PRS). The sector 
comprises 3.65m households, a rise of over a million  
in the last 10 years and in London the PRS is estimated 
to now exceed 25% of households or 800,000 homes, 
with the sector expected to continue to grow.

The Montague Review, set up by the Housing 
Minister in December 2011, highlighted the need to 
build more homes for rent and to increase the level of 
institutional investment in the sector. The Review made  
a number of recommendations including better use of 
public land, the creation of an enabling fund to bridge 
the gap between conception and completion of purpose 
built rental stock and a reduction in the requirement  
for the provision of affordable housing on build to rent 
schemes. The Government embraced the report and 
shortly afterwards announced a £200m enabling fund 
for the PRS specifically and a £10bn loan guarantee for 
the acquisition of new homes built for rent (private or 

affordable). Local Planning Authorities already have the 
power to determine the amount of affordable housing 
each development proposal should build and there are 
already signs that some Local Authorities are considering 
the opportunities the recommendations provide on land 
in their ownership.

These changes in tenure mix, development focus 
and attitudes to renting provide a huge opportunity for 
multi-disciplined residential investors and developers 
such as Grainger. Indeed we are already creating 
opportunities as evidenced by our innovative agreement 
with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, 
announced recently, and our ongoing development of 
activities in the build to rent sector.

The final area of the residential market that is 
growing with central and local government support  
is the affordable housing or Social Housing Sector  
which is owned by Local Authorities 47% and Registered 
Providers (RP’s formerly called Housing Associations) 
53%. The Government’s Welfare Reform Act, in its 
desire to see the delivery of more new affordable housing, 
includes an ability for RP’s to charge ‘Affordable Rents’ 
of up to 80% of open market rents (subject to caps that 
impact some London Boroughs) making affordable 
housing much more viable than previously. The Act also 
allows private sector companies to become ‘For Profit 
Registered Providers’ (FPRP) of social housing in the hope 
that the private sector can assist in the building of new 
stock. This blurring of the dividing lines between the 
private and public sector provides opportunities for 
organisations such as Grainger to build on its existing 
infrastructure and expertise to operate in this arena. 
Consequently, as announced on 9 November, we have 
formed our own FPRP by re-incarnating the name 

Read more on pages 
22 and 23

Sales

£

Read more on pages 
24 and 25

Rents

Read more on pages 
26 and 27

Fees

17

Grainger Trust as a subsidiary of Grainger plc which  
was formally registered by the Homes and Community 
Agency in November 2012. Its first properties will be  
the 77 affordable units in the first phase of Berewood, 
our 2,500 unit development site in Hampshire, currently 
being built by Bloor Homes. 

Business Overview
Grainger operates as owner, manager and trader  
of residential properties and has three main sources of 
income:
 – Receipts from the sale of assets (profit from sales: 

£78m; 2011: £81m)

 – Rents (net rents: £63m; 2011: £62m)
 – Fees from co-invested and/or managed vehicles (total 

fees: £10m; 2011: £6.9m)

We have repositioned the business over the last two 
years to reduce gearing and to increase the proportion 
of our income from rents and fees. 

We have continued to outperform the general 
residential market. In the year ended 30 September 
2012 the average of the two major housing indices  
(as provided by Halifax and the Nationwide) showed a 
fall of 1.3%. By contrast, Grainger’s UK portfolio 
increased in value by 3.9%. The valuations are supported 
by sales results in the year. Sales of property with vacant 
possession were made 6.1% above last year’s valuation. 
On a vacant possession basis, since 2004 our residential 
portfolio in the UK has shown cumulative valuation 
increases of 14.5% compared to the average index 
increase of 2.5%. 

This outperformance has come from active 

management of the portfolio:
 – Geographic weighting to areas of stronger 

economic activity
• At 30 September 2012 62% of our UK portfolio 
was situated in London and the South East of 
England. In Germany, 82% of our properties were 
in four of the more affluent areas of the country 
before the Heitman transaction and 90% after it

 – Strategic sales

• During the year lower performing assets or assets  

in areas of lower expected economic activity  
were disposed of, generating £83m in sales and 
£11m in profit, which further assists the geographic 
re-weighting of the Company’s portfolio
 – Refurbishment, development and other added 

value projects
• During the year we sold refurbished, high  

value and development assets totalling £54m, 
generating £19.6m profit 

 – Leveraging people and processes as well as our assets

• We manage assets largely or entirely owned  
by third parties to the value of £706m which 
generated £10.0m of fees during the year 

The three income streams in our business have the 
following characteristics:
 – The trading element comprises sales of largely 

reversionary assets (including home reversion assets), 
a long-term strategic land bank and low risk 
development schemes. The UK residential portfolio 
has a reversionary surplus of £500m. This represents  
a ‘pipeline’ of future added value which does not 
carry any planning, development or construction  
risk. The total value of these assets, including the 
reversionary surplus, amounts to £1,917m. In addition 
to this, there is a development pipeline of gross 
development value with current planning permission 
of £243m. This increases to £496m to include schemes 
progressing to planning permission 

 – The rental element comprises a market rented 

portfolio of £743m of assets (UK and Germany), 
producing an overall gross yield of 6.6%. This part of 
the business incorporates market-focused but multiple 
tenure types. (This value is before a reversionary 
surplus of £44m)

 – Fees primarily arise from co-investment vehicles or 

where our returns are based upon portfolio 
performance which enhance recurring profits and 
increase our overall return on capital. The joint venture 
with Heitman announced after the year end which 
will be managed by our German platform is our most 
recent example

On 9 November 2012, we announced that we had 
signed an agreement with global real estate investment 
firm Heitman to create a joint venture, to invest in 
c.3,000 German rented residential units which are 
currently wholly owned by Grainger. The JV will be 
75:25 owned by Heitman, on behalf of a global 
institutional investor, and Grainger, respectively. The JV’s 
long-term strategy is aimed at maximising returns 
through income growth and active asset management. 
The deal is subject to a set of Conditions Precedent  
and is expected to complete soon.

Our accounts for the year ended 30 September 

2012 recognise this transaction with the assets of 
£182m and liabilities of £130m classified as held-for-sale 
and we have written down the investment property 
assets to be transferred by £6.9m (£5.2m net of tax).

18

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Chief executive’s review 
continued

Near term objectives

Strategic objective

We will 
improve total 
returns to 
shareholders 
by: 

Maintaining our 
leading position in 
residential property

1

Strategic objective

2
Locating our assets 
in areas of higher 
economic activity

Achievements in 2012 

Achievements in 2012 

 – Contributed to Montague Review through 
executive director Nick Jopling, who was a 
member of the Review Group

 – Launched For Profit Registered Provider
 – Published the Rental Review and Public 

Attitudes survey

 – Awarded Asset Manager of the year and 

Best Home Reversion provider for the 7th  
year running (Equity Release awards 2012)

 – Celebrated 100 years in business.

 – Continued to shift the focus of our UK and  

German portfolios to areas of higher 
economic activity.

 – Outperformed the Halifax and Nationwide  

UK House Price indices

 – Sold £83m of assets that were lower 

performing or in areas of lower expected 
activity.

How we are measuring success 

How we are measuring success 

 – Recognition by our peers, our stakeholders  

and by government 

 – Regular contributions to the development  

of thinking about the future of UK housing and 
solutions to pressing issues

 – The number and type of opportunities that are 
presented to us as a result of our position. 

 – The proportion of our UK and German assets 
located in areas of higher economic activity:
• 62% of UK portfolio in London and the 

South East

• 82% of German portfolio in four of the more 

attractive areas

 – Outperformance of general UK house price 

indices:
• UK portfolio increased in value by 3.9%
• Average of Halifax and Nationwide indices  

fell by 1.3%

Priorities for 2013 

Priorities for 2013 

 – Continue to focus on delivering  

outperformance of our assets through  
relocation and portfolio optimisation. 

 – Continue to focus on sustainable long‑term 

business

 – Continue to develop our activities and 
influence as recognised in our maxim 
‘Grainger = Residential’

 – Aim to exceed the expectations of our 

stakeholders

 – Continue to evolve our brand and maintain 

our reputation as a professional and  
caring landlord.

19

3

Strategic objective

4 Outcome

Strategic objective

Increasing the 
proportion of 
non-trading income

Reducing our 
financial and 
operational gearing

Achievements in 2012 

Achievements in 2012 

 – Increased the proportion of operating profits 

composed of rents and fees 

 – In 2012 net debt reduced to £1.19bn 
and consolidated group LTV to 55%.

 – Continued success of relationship with Lloyds 

Banking Group through G:Ramp
• 1,595 units under management at year end 
• 1,110 units sold since start of agreement
 – New opportunities through German joint  

venture with Heitman and agreement with  
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

How we are measuring success 

How we are measuring success 

 – The proportion of operating profits  
composed of net rents and fees:
• 2012 – 48.4% (2011 – 46.1%)

 – Growth in net rental income:

• 2012 – £63.5m (2011 – £62.4m)

 – Growth in fees and other income
• 2012 – £11.0m (2011 – £8.0m)

 – Debt reduction both in absolute terms  
and by consolidated loan to value: 
• By the end of 2013 we are targeting net 
debt of below £1bn and consolidated 
group LTV of approaching 50%

 – Our average cost of debt at 30 September 
2012 was 6.0%. We anticipate it remaining 
at around this level in 2013.

 – We anticipate removing 5% of costs, on a run 

rate basis, by the end of 2013.

Priorities for 2013 

Priorities for 2013 

 – Continue to grow the proportion of operating 
profits composed of rents and fees through 
developing relationships with existing and 
future partners and building operating and 
management platforms.

 – Build on opportunities arising in all parts of 

the residential property market using our core 
skills in property and asset management.

As our debt and LTV ratios reduce we will:
 – Match our operational gearing to our  

business model

 – Efficiently and transparently manage interest  

rate derivatives

By changing the profiles of 
our asset base and income 
streams and by reducing 
gearing, we have been 
repositioning our business 
for the future. We will  
retain this focus which will 
enable the Group to take 
advantage of opportunities 
as they arise.
grainger = residential 

The Grainger of the future 
will have a greater proportion 
of its activities in the rented 
sector and will supplement 
these by leveraging its asset 
and property management 
platform in co‑investment 
vehicles and fee income 
business. 

20

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Chief executive’s review 
continued

Strategy and Future Outlook
Historically Grainger’s business was in the trading of 
reversionary residential assets, primarily those subject 
to regulated tenancies. The scale and quality of this 
portfolio will continue to provide healthy cash flows and 
opportunities to produce added value for many years to 
come. We are constantly seeking ways to maintain and 
maximise returns from this portfolio. 

The expertise and infrastructure that Grainger has 
built up in accumulating and managing this portfolio 
also has ensured that we have the platform in place that 
positions the business strongly in terms of long-term 
sustainability and the potential for accretive growth.  
The Grainger of the future will have a greater proportion 
of its activities in the rented sector and will supplement 
these by leveraging its asset and property management 
capabilities to manage and expand its co-investment 
vehicles and fee income business. 

This reflects the changing nature of the housing 
market. The continued imbalance between supply and 
demand has led to pressure points. For example, in value 
terms, areas of strong economic performance such as 
London, the South East and parts of Germany show 
resilience and growth, with demand for good quality, 
well priced rental property continuing to climb. In these 
areas we see particular opportunities in the build to rent 
sector including affordable housing. 

These business activities together with the prevailing 
economic conditions dictate that we will operate at 
lower levels of gearing. In the last 18 months we have 
reduced debt by £376m in a controlled and managed 
way, whilst increasing the net asset value of the business 
by £54m. We intend to continue this policy of debt 
reduction so that by the end of 2013 our overall 
Group debt will fall below £1bn. At equivalent levels 
of value our group loan-to-value (LTV) at that point will 
approach 50%.

Once we reach these targeted levels we will 
consider further our dividend policy. In the meantime 
we intend to continue our recent policy of increasing 
dividends by 5% per annum.

Alongside this debt reduction programme we plan 
to remove 5% of costs, on a run rate basis, from across 
the business by the end of 2013. 

Andrew Cunningham 
Chief Executive

6 December 2012

21

Our performance

Key performance indicators  
We measure our performance through a clear set of KPIs

Operating profit before valuation 
movements and non-recurring items 
– OPBVM (£m)

Gross net asset value per share 
– NAV (pence)

Triple net asset value per share 
– NNNAV (pence)

Return on capital employed 
– ROCE (%)

126.2

126.4

216

223

194

200

141

140

153

157

6.5

5.9

5.3

94.2

78.8

(4.3)

09

10

11

12

09

10

11

12

09

10

11

12

09

10

11

12

OPBVM 
Is a measure of the profit generated  
by our key income streams of profits 
on sale of property, net rents, and fees 
and other income, net of overheads.

OPBVM reached £126.4m in 2012 

up by 0.2% from 2011.

NAV 
Is based on property assets stated at 
market value. It is stated after adding 
back deferred tax on property 
revaluations and the balance sheet 
value of derivatives.

NAV increased from 216p to 223p  

at the 2012 year end primarily as a 
result of an increase of 3.9% in the 
market value of our UK properties.

NNNAV 
Is also based on property assets at 
market value but also includes the 
contingent tax on this uplift, deferred 
tax on asset revaluations and the full 
balance sheet value of derivatives net 
of deferred tax.

NNNAV increased from 153p to 
157p at the 2012 year end primarily as 
a result of the increase of 3.9% in the 
market value of our property assets. 

Growth in NNNAV is a key measure 
in the determination of the vesting of 
executive director LTIP awards. See 
further details on pages 63 to 65.

ROCE 
Measures the overall profit of the 
business including the movement in 
the uplift of trading stock to market 
value but before interest and derivative 
expense, as a percentage of the 
opening market value of all property 
assets and investments in JV’s/
associates.

ROCE was 5.9% in 2012 assisted  
by the trading performance noted in 
OPBVM and a net £20m uplift of 
trading stock to market value.

Return on shareholder equity 
– ROSE (%)

Profit/(loss) before tax  
– PBT (£m)

Sales price compared to previous year end vacant possession value  
– VPV (%) 

11.1

26.1

(1.7)

0.6

3.8

(170.0)

(20.8)

(33.7)

7.5

5.7

6.7

6.1

3.7

3.2

(6.8)

(6.8)

09

10

11

12

09

10

11

12

09

09

10

10

11

11

12

12

ROSE 
Measures the movement in NNNAV  
in the year plus the dividend relating  
to the year as a percentage of opening 
NNNAV.

ROSE was 3.8% in 2012 reflecting 

the increase in NNNAV from 153p  
to 157p and also the dividend declared  
for the year of 1.92p.

PBT 
Whereas OPBVM above measures 
specific elements of the income 
statement, PBT includes all items taken 
through the income statement before 
tax, including net interest expense.
PBT was a loss of £1.7m in 2012 
after a charge to income of £31.2m 
arising from the change in fair value 
of derivatives.

VPV
We compare actual prices achieved  
on sales of vacant properties in our  
UK residential and retirement solutions 
businesses to their VPV at the previous 
year end. This measure shows how 
prices are moving and the effectiveness 
of our sales process. 

Pre refurb

After refurb 

Excluding the impact of pre‑sale 
refurbishment, sales were, on average 
3.2% above the 2011 year end VPV. 
Including the impact of pre‑sale 
refurbishment this increased to 6.1%.

 
22

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

£

grainger = sales 

We maintained both sales velocity and prices. 
Sales of property with vacant possession 
were made 6.1% above last year’s valuation.

Sales  
case study

Amwell Street
28 Amwell Street, Islington was acquired in 2010 
and comprised 14 units over 7 floors. After a 
sensitively managed programme we were able 
to obtain vacant possession of 10 of the units 
with the others being subject to regulated 
tenancies. We then undertook a comprehensive 
internal and external refurbishment programme 
and created 10 high quality apartments that 
are now being disposed of. Through the works 
that we have undertaken we anticipate achieving 
an uplift of c.50% on a £/sq. ft. basis after allowing 
for costs.

23

176
39
19
24
258

60
13
4
1
78

Sales 
Profit from sales of property, was £77.6m, compared to £81.0m 
in 2011, generated from gross sales proceeds of £258.4m 
compared to £223.3m in 2011. 

Margins on our normal sales of vacant trading properties 

in 2012 of 43.6% were in line with the 44.0% achieved in 
2011.

During the year the first sales were generated within our 

development business from our Berewood scheme in 
Hampshire. This is a scheme where we own 460 acres of 
land near West Waterlooville representing a pipeline of 
2,550 houses to be built out by housebuilders. The scheme 
is expected to generate sales over the next 15 years and will 
be a source of both profit and cash. 

Sales of tenanted trading stock and other sales rose from 

£63.2m in 2011 to £68.8m in 2012. Sales included £38.7m 
of tenanted sales, £18.5m from the sale of high value 
elements from our central London stock and £7.1m of 
agricultural sales. 

Sales of investment properties and CHARM were £56.8m 
(2011: £31.5m) generating profits of £3.6m (2011: £1.9m). 
As at 30 November our total Group sales pipeline 
(completed sales, contracts exchanged and properties in 
solicitors’ hands) amounted to £66.6m with UK normal 
sales values 3.6% above September 2012 valuations. 
(£60.3m as at 25 November 2011). In addition to this 
pipeline, and further sales of property as it becomes vacant, 
we have identified potential additional tenanted sales of 
c.£67m as at 30 September 2012.

Sales income £m
1. UK residential
2. Retirement solutions
3. Development
4. German residential
Total

1

4

3

2

Profit from sales £m
1. UK residential
2. Retirement solutions
3. Development
4. German residential
Total

4

3

1

2

Sales feature

Refurbishment of  
Emperor’s Gate, London
Grainger has continued to refurbish 
selected vacant properties within  
our core portfolio before bringing 
them to the market for sale. The stand 
out project of the year was the 
redevelopment of 46 Emperors Gate, 
SW7. Vacant possession of the whole 
building was achieved early in 2011 
and c.£1m was spent remodelling  
and refurbishing 5 flats and the 
common parts. Flat 3, pictured above, 
was remodelled with a mezzanine  
floor to the double height reception 
room and sold for £1.75m, (£1,600 
per square foot).

Sales performance

Trading stock – Sales on vacancy
Trading stock – Development
Trading stock – Sales of tenanted and other 
Investment property sales
Statutory sales and profit 
(see accounts notes 7 and 8)
Sales of CHARM properties
Overall Total

Full Year 2012

Full Year 2011

Units  
sold
605
–
395
436

Sales 
£m
113.9
18.9
68.8
48.9

1,436
68
1,504

250.5
7.9
258.4

Profit 
£m
49.6
3.4
21.0
3.0

77.0
0.6
77.6

Units  
sold
561
–
607
461

1,629
56
1,685

Sales 
£m
106.5
22.1
63.2
25.2

217.0
6.3
223.3

Profit 
£m
46.8
15.1
17.2
1.1

80.2
0.8
81.0

24

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

grainger = rents 

This year has seen good rental growth and a 
continued strengthening of the rental market.

Rents
case study

Café on the Tilt Estate
The Tilt Estate in East Dulwich is made up 
of three sides of a garden square in a 
conservation area. We invest in place making 
to enhance the attractiveness of this asset and 
maximise its rental potential. As part of this 
programme we refurbished the old electrical 
store on one corner of the estate that had 
been used as a site office for 10 years. 

We let the unit to a local entrepreneur to create 
an independent café with a specific community 
focus and continue to work closely with the 
tenant to develop the business and to enhance 
the estate. 

25

58
5
27
90

42
4
17
63

Rents 
Total net rents in the year amounted to £63m (2011: £62m). 
UK Residential net rental income in the year increased  
to £42.5m from last year’s figure of £38.4m, assisted by  
the strategic portfolio acquisitions during the previous year 
of HI Tricomm and the Grainger Invest LLPs. This represents  
an annual gross yield of 4.1% (net yield of 3.0%).

The German business delivered net rents, before property 

management expenses, of €22.8m (2011: €25.3m) at an 
annual gross yield of 7.0% (net yield of 4.23%). The decrease 
is due to strategic sales made at the end of 2011 and during 
2012 including the sale of our portfolio in Berlin in 2011 for 
€16m and sales of Frankfurt property in 2012 for €21m. 

Certain assets in the Retirement Solutions portfolio also 

produce a net rental income and this amounted to £3.7m 
in the year (2011: £3.8m). 

“The continued imbalance between supply and demand  
has led to pressure points – in value terms areas of strong 
economic performance such as London, the South East  
and parts of Germany show resilience and growth, and the 
demand for good quality, well priced rental property continues 
to climb. We see particular opportunities in the Build to Rent 
sector including that set aside for affordable housing.”

Andrew Cunningham 

Gross rents £m
1. UK residential
2. Retirement solutions
3. German residential
Total

1

3

2

Net rents £m
1. UK residential
2. Retirement solutions
3. German residential
Total

1

3

2

Rents feature 

Refurbishment of  
Mariners cottages, South Shields
Mariners Cottages comprise 39  
grade II listed properties. We undertook  
a five year programme to improve  
the fabric and windows to modern 
standards and restore the external 
décor to how the cottages would  
have looked when constructed in 1843. 
We now have satisfied tenants and 
properties that are in high demand. 

  
26

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

grainger = fees 

Our fee income has increased 
by 45% in the year

Fees  
case study

Aldershot, Hampshire
In 2011 we were appointed to create a 
community of c.4,500 homes on surplus 
military land in Aldershot, Hampshire. 
This 25 year place making project includes 
the provision of schools, leisure facilities 
and the restoration and conversion of the 
historic Cambridge Military Hospital. 
Our fees for this project include a yearly 
management retainer and a share of profits 
which is directly linked to the value we add 
for the MoD, the asset owners.

27

Gross fees and other income £m
1.  Fund management and 
residential investments

2. UK residential
3. Retirement solutions
4. Development
Total

8
1
1
1
11

4

1

3

2

Fees and other Income 
Gross fee income increased by 45% to £10.0m (2011: £6.9m) 
derived from asset and property management fees from our 
co-investment vehicles and management contracts. In addition, 
the group earned other income of £1.0m (2011: £1.1m).
The progress seen in the fee earning element of this 
business in the year to September 2011, with the agreement 
with Lloyds Banking Group to establish G:RAMP, has 
continued and the numbers of properties under management 
have risen, with no requirement for Grainger to invest in this 
particular arrangement. By 30 September 2012, G:RAMP 
had 1,595 units under management and, even more 
importantly, had sold 1,110 units on behalf of Lloyds since 
the start of the agreement. 

The UK Residential division generated £0.2m in service 
charge management fees and £0.8m in sundry other income. 
In Retirement Solutions, management fees of £1.1m 
were earned. These fees relate to the management both of 
the assets owned by our Sovereign joint venture and the 
third-party assets managed under external management 
contracts with Sovereign. 

During 2011 the Development business was appointed 
as development partner for the Aldershot Urban Extension 
working with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation. 
Although this scheme is at an early stage it generated 
management fee income of £0.3m in 2012.

The recently announced joint venture in Germany will 
further increase fee generation for the group as Grainger will 
provide asset management services to the joint venture.

G:RAMP feature 

Grainger’s Residential Asset 
Management Platform (G:RAMP) 
provides clients with an integrated 
strategic and operational property 
and asset management solution for 
their residential property portfolios. 
G:RAMP secures maximum value 
from clients’ residential property 
portfolios by handling them in the 
same way that Grainger handles its 
own, through a tried and tested 
process of inspection, migration 
onto our platform, stabilisation 
and then realisation.

Alignment of interests 
G:RAMP processes ensure an alignment 
of interest between Grainger’s property 
and asset management teams and the 
portfolio owner, our client. 

We understand the importance of 
making informed decisions to ensure 
we achieve best value. An integrated 
team considers property and asset 
management at every level, from the 
most cost effective ways to manage  
a portfolio on a day-to-day basis to 
maximising sales value on realisation. 

G:RAMP can provide the portfolio 
owner with anything from large scale 
accretive refurbishment projects to 
simply creating liquidity.

 G:RAMP processes 

Inspection

Migration

Stabilisation

Realisation

–  High level analysis  
of the portfolio

–  Business plan

–  Identify gaps

A

G

R

E

E

S
T
R
A
T
E
G
Y

–  Absorbing portfolios 

– Closing the gap

into Grainger’s  
existing platform  
(IT, Asset management, 
Property management, 
Lettings etc)

–  Working through  

the portfolio

–  Execution on pre-agreed 

business plan

–  Getting the benefit  
from closing the gap

–  Combination of 

improved yields, sales  
& valuations

 
28

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Asset performance

Whilst we generate income from 
sales, rents and fees, we look to 
our assets to deliver capital growth. 
Once again this year, our wholly‑ 
owned UK assets outperformed 
the Halifax and Nationwide House 
Price indices.

Performance of Grainger UK assets vs Halifax and Nationwide indices

Grainger UKR

Grainger UKR and RS

Halifax

Nationwide

125

120

115

110

105

100

95

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Valuations in our UK Residential portfolio were up 4.8% 
at the year end from the previous September compared 
to decreases in the Nationwide and Halifax House Price 
indices of 1.4% and 1.2% respectively. This clearly 
illustrates the specific characteristics of our property 
assets and the value we add to them through expert 
asset and property management. One of the features 
of our business, given its trading nature, is that carrying 
values are tested throughout the year by sales. Vacant 
(normal) sales were at values, on average, 4.5% above 
September 2011 vacant possession valuations. Selective 
refurbishment works prior to sale can improve returns 
and when these are taken into account we have sold 
at 8.9% above September 2011 vacant possession. 
The liquidity of the properties was again demonstrated 
by the time taken for sale, measured from the date of 
vacancy to receipt of cash, being a slight improvement 
at 98 days (99 days in 2011).

We have been extremely selective as regards buying 
property in the UK residential business in 2012 acquiring 
86 units for £13.0m (2011: 1,950 units for £402m 
including assets acquired in the Grainger Invest and 
HI Tricomm transactions). 

The assets in the Retirement Solutions portfolio are 

more geographically widespread than the UK Residential 
portfolio and do not benefit from the bias they have 
towards London and the South East. This geographic 

29

30 September 2012. Operational results at G:res provide 
a continuing insight into the current UK residential rental 
market. Rental increases on renewals amounted to 
4.6% for the year ended 30 September 2012 and 
increases on new lets for the same period were 8.1%. 
Both results indicate a continued strengthening of the 
rental market. The investors in this fund voted to extend 
its duration by two years to 2013 and its controlled 
liquidation is under way as planned. In 2013 the German 
joint venture referred to above will form part of this element 
of the Group.

In summary, our UK assets continue to outperform the 

market indices; the proportion of profit derived from 
rents and fees has increased; our sales margins on normal 
trading sales have been maintained; our net asset values 
have increased and our gearing has reduced. 

difference is reflected in the valuation results for the year, 
which showed a small increase of 1.0% in market value, 
although this is still above the average decrease of 1.3% 
in the Nationwide and Halifax House Price indices. 
Retirement Solutions sales were at values, on average, 
0.6% above September 2011 vacant possession values.
Overall, combining UK Residential and Retirement 

Solutions, valuations were up 3.9% from September 
2011, and sales were at values, on average, 6.1% above 
September 2011 vacant possession values.

We bought £8.8m of home reversion assets in the 

year (2011: £14.0m). 

In the year ended 30 September 2012 the market 

value of the UK Development portfolio increased by 
£7.8m after allowing for the disposal of the first tranche 
of land at Berewood. This increase primarily relates to 
Berewood given the greater certainty over values at this 
scheme after the signing this year of the Section 106 
Agreement and the first sales of land with associated 
infrastructure. 

Grainger’s equity investment of £41.2m in its fund 

and Third Party Management division comprises our 
21.96% stake in G:res, which is a market rented fund 
of 1,677 units. G:res is subject to a full external valuation 
in December and June of each year and for the twelve 
months ended 30 June 2012 showed an increase in 
market values of 5.8%, producing an increase in net 
asset value in the fund of 18.9% in the year ended 

30

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Financial review

We have maintained OPBVM in 2012 
at £126m and group net debt has fallen 
by £260m in the year. Group net debt 
has fallen by £376m since March 2011 
whilst over the same period gross NAV 
has increased by £54m (6.2%).

Our key performance indicators are: 

Operating profit before valuation 
movements and non‑recurring items 
(OPBVM)
Recurring Profit
(Loss) / profit before tax
Gross net asset value per share 
(pence) 
Triple net asset value per share 
(pence) 
Excess on sale of normal sales to 
previous valuation 
Return on capital employed*
Return on shareholder equity** 

2012

2011

£126.4m £126.2m
£34.6m £48.3m
£(1.7m) £26.1m

223p

216p

157p

153p

6.1%
5.9%
3.8%

6.7%
6.5%
11.1%

*  Operating profit after net valuation movements on investment 
properties plus share of results from joint venture/associates 
plus the movement on the uplift of trading stock to market 
value as a percentage of opening gross capital defined as 
investment property, financial interest in property assets 
(CHARM), investment in joint venture/associates and trading 
stock at market value.

**  Growth in net net net asset value (‘NNNAV’) in the year plus 
the dividend per share relating to each year as a percentage 
of opening NNNAV.

Income Performance
The table below summarises our Operating Profit before 
valuation movements (OPBVM), recurring profit and loss 
before tax.

Profit on sale of assets
Net Rents
Fees/ other income
CHARM
Overheads /other expenses
OPBVM 
Finance costs, net
JV’s and associates
Recurring Profit before tax
Valuation movements including 
derivatives
Non‑recurring items
(Loss)/profit before tax

2012 
£m
77.6
63.5
11.0
7.1
(32.8)
126.4
(90.7)
(1.1)
34.6

(24.6)
(11.7)
(1.7)

2011 
£m
81.0
62.4
8.0
7.1
(32.3)
126.2
(76.3)
(1.6)
48.3

(14.0)
(8.2)
26.1

31

We have three income streams within operating profit 
before valuation movements and non-recurring items 
(OPBVM). These are sales of residential properties, rental 
income and fees or other income, net of property 
expenses and overheads and before valuation and 
non-recurring items. The rebalancing of the three 
sources of income has continued and operating profit 
has been maintained.

In the year, net rents rose by 1.8% from £62.4m 

to £63.5m primarily due to contributions from our 
acquisitions in the previous year of Grainger Invest 
and HI Tricomm which are both performing in line 
with expectations. 

Profit from sales of property was £77.6m, compared 
to £81.0m 2011. This was generated from gross sales 
proceeds of £258.4m compared to £223.3m in 2011. 
This movement in volume was driven mainly by an 
increase of £11.1m in Retirement Solutions sales and 
also in value added and agricultural sales which totalled 
£25.6m in 2012 (2011: £1.8m). Margins on normal 
vacant sales were maintained.

Fees have risen to £10.0m from £6.9m assisted by 
increased income from G:RAMP. Other income at £1.0m 
was similar to last year’s figure of £1.1m. 

Divisional Analysis of Operating Profit before valuation movements
Management 
Fees/other 
income 
£m
1.0
1.1
8.3
0.5
0.1
–
11.0
8.0

UK Residential Portfolio
Retirement Solutions Portfolio
Fund and third‑party management
Development Assets 
German Residential Portfolio
Group and other
OPBVM 2012
OPBVM 2011

Profit on sale 
of assets 
£m
59.8
13.3
–
3.4
1.1
–
77.6
81.0

Net Rents 
£m
42.5
3.7
–
0.2
17.1
–
63.5
62.4

Overheads/ 
Other  
£m
(8.6)
4.2
(6.4)
(1.3)
(2.6)
(11.0)
(25.7)
(25.2)

Total 
2012  
£m
94.7
22.3
1.9
2.8
15.7
(11.0)
126.4

Total 
2011  
£m
86.0
18.7
1.8
14.4
18.3
(13.0)

126.2

Main movements within OPBVM
2011 OPBVM
Increase in gross rents 
Increase in residential trading profit
Increase in gross management fees and other 
income
Decrease in interest income from CHARM
Decrease in development trading profit
Increase in property expenses/  
overheads/ other
2012 OPBVM 

£m
126.2
3.5
6.5

3.0
(0.2)
(11.7)

(0.9)
126.4

The major movements within OPBVM are: 
 – An increase of £3.5m in gross rents. A full year’s gross 
rent from our 2011 acquisition of HI Tricomm and 
Grainger Invest has added £9.1m. Rent increases in 
the year, including an average increase in regulated 
rents of 12.6%, added £2.0m. These increases were 
negated by net sales of assets which resulted in a 
reduction of £6.0m, and a reduction of £1.6m due 
to exchange movements on rent in Germany.

 – An increase of £6.5m in residential trading profits. 
This arose from value added sales in UK Residential 
and additional margin from higher sales of £11m 
in Retirement Solutions.

 – An increase in gross management fees and other 
income of £3.0m arising primarily from G:RAMP 
which commenced during the second half of 2011.

 – A reduction of £11.7m in development profits.

Interest expense 
Net recurring interest charge has increased by £14.4m 
from £76.3m in 2011 to £90.7m at 30 September 
2012. The interest charge increased following debt 
either assumed or raised in connection with the 
acquisitions of HI Tricomm and Grainger Invest. 
These acquisitions were made at the end of the first 
half of 2011. There is also an increase in the average 
cost of debt following the refinancing activities of 2011 
and our increasing proportion of hedged debt. 

 
 
32

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Financial review 
continued

Other than movements on derivatives the major items 
in 2012 are a £2.1m valuation gain on our investment 
property compared to a £2m deficit in 2011 and a 
£6.9m write down applied to the net assets in Germany 
being sold as part of the Heitman transaction to their 
agreed value (see note 40 to the accounts).

Fair value movements on derivatives is a charge of 
£31.2m. This comprises a £24.6m adverse movement 
on the yield curve in the year and £6.6m in relation to 
the settlement of swap contracts in both the current 
and prior years. 

Including an amount of £21.7m relating to an 
agreed swap settlement value and £4.8m included in 
liabilities related to assets held-for-sale, the fair value of 
swaps at 30 September 2012 is a liability of £171.9m 
compared to £154.3m at 30 September 2011.

Loss before tax
Having taken account of interest and derivative 
movements and our share of profits from joint ventures 
and associates of £3.5m, loss before tax was £1.7m 
compared to a profit of £26.1m in 2011.

Tax
The group has an overall tax credit of £2.1m. In achieving 
this credit, the group has released certain overseas tax 
provisions following a reorganisation within the group. 
In addition, there is a £1.7m reduction in deferred tax 
liabilities relating to the assets in Germany being sold as 
part of the Heitman transaction.

Joint ventures and associates
Joint ventures and associates contributed a loss of £1.1m 
to recurring profit in the year (2011: loss of £1.6m). 
Included within valuation movements is a profit of 
£4.6m derived from our share of the G:res revaluation 
surplus. In 2011 our share of revaluation surplus was 
£8.1m which derived from G:res and Grainger Invest 
(Grainger Invest was wholly owned by Grainger 
throughout 2012). 

Valuation and non‑recurring 
The movement in valuation and non-recurring items is 
analysed as follows:

30 
September 
2012 
£m 

30 
September 
2011 

£m Movement

Gain on acquisition of 
subsidiaries
Goodwill impairment
Write down of inventories 
to net realisable value
Impairment provisions 
against loans
Valuation gain/(deficit) on 
investment property
Write down of investment 
property in disposal group
Change in fair value of 
derivatives 
Valuation gains on 
investment property in 
joint venture and 
associates
Other non‑recurring costs

–
–

16.1
(2.2)

(16.1)
2.2

(0.1)

(1.8)

–

2.1

(4.2)

(2.0)

1.7

4.2

4.1

(6.9)

–

(6.9)

(31.2)

(28.0)

(3.2)

4.6
(4.8)
(36.3)

8.1
(8.2)
(22.2)

(3.5)
3.4
(14.1)

In 2011 the gain on acquisition arose from our 
acquisition of HI Tricomm which provided a gain of 
£14.9m, and in the case of Grainger Invest, £1.2m. 

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is a profit of 0.1p (2011: a profit 
of 9.5p). A year-on-year comparison is shown below:

2011 Profit/earnings per share
Movements in:
OPBVM 
Contribution from joint ventures 
and associates
Fair value of derivatives
Revaluation of investment properties
Provisions against trading stock 
values and loans
Gain on acquisition of subsidiaries
Net interest payable
Write down of investment property 
in disposal group
Taxation and other
2012 Profit/ earnings per share

Pence 
per share
9.5

£m
39.1

0.2

(2.8)
(3.2)
4.1

5.9
(13.9)
(13.3)

(6.9)
(8.8)
0.4

–

(0.7)
(0.8)
1.0

1.5
(3.4)
(3.2)

(1.7)
(2.1)
0.1

Dividend for the year
After considering the investment and working capital 
needs of the business, the directors have recommended 
a final dividend of 1.37p per ordinary share (2011: 
1.30p). This is in addition to the dividend at the half year 
of 0.55p per ordinary share (2011: 0.53p) equivalent by 
way of a tender offer). The total dividend for the year 
will therefore be 1.92p per ordinary share (2011: 1.83p), 
an increase of 4.9%.

33

Asset Performance

Net asset value 
We set out two measurements to enable shareholders 
to compare our performance year on year.

30 
September 
2012

30 
September 

2011  Movement

223p

216p

3.2%

157p

153p

2.5%

Gross net assets per share 
(NAV)
–  Market value of net 

assets per share before 
deduction for deferred 
tax on property 
revaluations and before 
adjustments for the fair 
value of derivatives
Triple net asset value per 
share (NNNAV)
–  Gross NAV per share 
adjusted for deferred 
and contingent tax on 
revaluation gains and 
for the fair value of 
derivatives

The European Public Real Estate Association (‘EPRA’) 
Best Practices Committee has recommended the 
calculation and use of an EPRA NAV and an EPRA 
NNNAV. The definitions of these measures are consistent 
with Gross NAV and Triple NAV as described and shown 
in the table above.

A reconciliation between the statutory balance sheet 
and the market value balance sheets for both Gross NAV 
and NNNAV is set out below.

Reconciliation of Gross NAV to NNNAV

Gross NAV
Deferred and contingent tax
Fair value of derivatives adjustments 
net of tax
NNNAV

Pence per 
share
223
(29)

(37)
157

£m
929
(120)

(155)
654

34

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Financial review 
continued

The major movements in Gross NAV in the year are: 

The major movements in NNNAV in the year are:

Gross NAV at 30 September 2011
Profit after tax 
Revaluation gains
Elimination of previously recognised 
surplus on sales
Dividends paid
Derivatives movement net of tax
Others
Gross NAV at 30 September 2012

Pence per 
share
216
–
16

(11)
(2)
6
(2)
223

£m
900
–
67

(47)
(8)
25
(8)
929

NNNAV at 30 September 2011
Profit after tax 
Revaluation gains
Elimination of previously recognised 
surplus on sales
Dividends paid
Cash flow hedge reserve net of tax
Contingent tax
Others
NNNAV at 30 September 2012

Pence per 
share
153
–
16

(11)
(2)
2
1
(2)
157

£m
638
–
67

(47)
(8)
10
2
(8)
654

Market value analysis of property assets

Shown as  
stock at cost  
£m
953
70
1,023
1,105

Market value 
adjustment  
£m
364
–
364
344

Investment 
property/financial 
interest in property 
assets  
£m
843
–
843
922

Market value  
£m
1,317
70
1,387
1,449

Total  
£m
2,160
70
2,230
2,371

Residential 
Development
Total at 30 September 2012
Total at 30 September 2011

Financial resources 
We have reduced net debt by a further £260m in the 
year from £1,454m to £1,194m and maintained 
headroom at appropriate levels. Included in the 
reduction is net debt to be transferred to the new joint 
venture with Heitman of £118m.

The Group significantly refreshed and diversified its 

sources of finance during 2011. A total of £1.2bn of 
new debt was secured for the purposes of refinancing 
existing debt and in connection with acquisitions. 

Our core group syndicated facility – with RBS, Lloyds, 
Barclays, Nationwide, HSBC and Allied Irish – agreed in 
September 2011 and drawn during the year provides 
£840m of committed facilities. Of this, £606m matures 
in July 2016. The balance of the facilities mature in three 
stages, with £166.5m maturing in December 2014, 
£7.5m maturing in July 2018 and £60m maturing in July 
2020. Given the cash generative capabilities of the 
business we will consider whether to repay, rather than 
refinance, the December 2014 maturity. 

35

Subsequent to the year end we also refinanced the 
element of our German operations that were transferred 
to the new joint venture with Heitman. The financing of 
€164.9m was achieved at attractive interest rates with a 
new lender. In the UK we attracted development finance 
of £23m for our Macaulay Road development scheme in 
Clapham again at competitive rates. Both these examples 
evidence our continued ability to raise finance for our 
activities and lenders’ confidence in our business model.
As at 30 September 2012, the average maturity of 

the group’s committed facilities was 5.1 years 
(September 2011: 5.5 years) and the average maturity of 
the group’s drawn debt was 5.5 years (September 2011: 
5.9 years). 

The group has free cash balances of £26m plus 

available overdraft of £5m along with undrawn 
committed facilities of £117m. Thus headroom totals 
£148m as at 30 September 2012 (2011: £214m). 

The group’s average interest rate, excluding costs, as 

At 30 September 2012 gross debt was 85% hedged 
(September 2011: 73%) of which 4% was subject to 
caps. This reduces to 84% following the Heitman 
transaction.

At the year end LTV on the core facility was 48% 

(September 2011: 52%). This compares to a minimum 
required LTV covenant of 75%. Taking into account the 
reduction in net debt of £118m arising from the 
Heitman transaction group consolidated LTV was 55% 
(September 2011: 61%) and upon receipt of proceeds 
on completion the LTV will fall to 54%. 

At 30 September 2012 the interest cover ratio on 
the core facility stood at 3.0 times (September 2011: 
3.1 times). This compares to an interest cover covenant 
of 1.35 times. 

Given the progress already made and our objective 

of materially reducing debt and gearing we have set 
ourselves the specific target of attaining a group net 
debt figure of less than £1bn by the end of 2013. 

at 30 September 2012 (based on current Libor/Euribor 
rates and on current debt hedging) was 6.0% 
(September 2011: 5.3%). 

The group’s average cost of debt, including costs, 

On the basis of the group’s current trading, cash 
flow generation and debt reduction the directors have 
concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the group 
financial statements on a going concern basis.

through the year to 30 September was 6.1% 
(September 2011: 5.4%).

The business has produced £267m of cash from its 

operating activities derived from net rents and other 
income, property sales and other working capital 
movements net of overheads. The largest outflow of 
cash is £77m of net interest.

At 30 September 2012 and taking into account the 

reduction in net debt of £118m arising from the 
Heitman transaction, net debt levels had fallen from 
£1,454m at September 2011 to £1,194m which is a 
decrease of £260m. Net debt is now £376m lower than 
18 months ago at 31 March 2011 when net debt was 
£1,570m.

Mark Greenwood
Finance Director

6 December 2012

36

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Our people, tenants and partners 

The successful delivery of our 
business model depends on strong 
relationships with a range of 
stakeholders. Our employees 
play a key role in building these 
relationships.

Introduction
Grainger does not operate in isolation, as a business 
we depend on our customers, those who purchase 
our properties, our tenants who rent our properties and 
our partners who provide the opportunities to manage 
their portfolios and to develop places and homes 
together. Our success comes only though understanding 
and creating products that meet their needs at a price 
and a quality that is competitive. 

Underpinning all we that we achieve as an 

organisation are our people and Grainger is committed 
to providing opportunities for all our staff to contribute 
to the success of the company and to develop their own 
careers in a stimulating and rewarding environment. 

Achieving our centenary is testimony to the efforts 

of all of our people and our partners over the last 
100 years and stands us in good stead for the future. 

Our people
Our aim is to continue to 
be an employer of choice for 
talented people, whatever 
their professional background. 

Our tenants
Our tenants are the heart of our 
business; as the Private Rented 
Sector grows in importance so 
too will our focus on providing 
homes and services that meet 
their changing aspirations.

Our partners
Our partners are key to our 
success; we create mutually 
beneficial relationships that 
enable us to create value for 
ourselves and our partners in 
the residential property market.

Read more about our people on page 37

Read more about our tenants on page 38

Read more about our partners on page 39

9

9

9

37

Leadership & Development 
We have made significant investment in our Senior 
Managers this year, all of whom have undertaken a 
corporate Leadership Development Programme linked 
to succession planning and personal development. 
This autumn we will launch our Emerging Leaders 
Programme aimed at our Senior Managers of the future. 

Supporting Our People 
Over the past year in addition to core training courses 
we have continued with our Women in Business and 
Property Management CPD programmes. 21 staff 
are currently being supported financially in undertaking 
a professional qualification and we are proud of 
our continuing 100% first time success rate in the 
APC examination. 

Graduate Programme
2012 is the first year of our Graduate Programme. 
Aimed at those keen to develop careers in residential 
property, this is a two year programme including 
placements across the business. We received over 
450 applications and the first graduates started with 
us on the 1st September. In addition we provided 
work experience for 18 young people. 

Engagement 
We regularly conduct Staff Surveys and this year 
participated in the Sunday Times Best Companies 
Employee Engagement Survey. We achieved one 
star accreditation which recognises Grainger as 
a First Class Employer.

Health & Wellbeing 
Supporting our sponsorship of 2012 Paralympic 
athletes we continued the fitness theme with a 
Pedometer Challenge. 31 teams from all our offices 
in the UK and Germany took part with a target of 
10,000 steps per day per individual.

Our people

Achievements in 2012

Our aim is to continue to be 
an employer of choice for 
talented people, whatever their 
professional background.

Per employee invested in training

£625
72%

Of staff rate Grainger as an extremely or 
very good employer

Employee profile

6

1

5

4

3

Employee profile

7

1

6

5

4

3

2

2

Role 
1. Executive directors
2. Senior managers
3. Managers
4. Associate
5. Support
6. Off‑site

No. Employees
4
30
89
43
101
15
282

Age 
1. 18 – 25 Years
2. 26 – 33 Years
3. 34 – 41 Years
4. 42 – 49 Years
5. 50 – 57 Years
6. 58 – 65 Years
7. 66 Years

No. Employees
40
87
61
38
36
19
1
282

„

Developing residential expertise 
Residential property provides a broad range 
of challenges and opportunities to develop 
technical and management expertise.

38

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Our tenants

Achievements in 2011/2012

Gross rents

£89.8m
24,870

Units managed

Our tenants are the heart of our 
business; as the Private Rented 
Sector grows in importance so 
too will our focus on providing 
homes and services that meet 
their changing aspirations.

„

Looking after the long term 

Building mutually beneficial relationships with  
our tenants is central to Grainger’s purpose. 

A diversity of tenures
Just as our wholly owned and managed portfolios vary 
by tenure types, so too do our tenants, our services and 
relationships reflect this variety. 

Our regulated portfolios largely comprise houses 
and flats that are homes to our tenants for many years. 
We provide a caring and responsible service that reflects 
their needs and recognises their desire for privacy and 
security. Tenants in our equity release properties also 
enjoy lifetime tenure providing them with long term 
security. Our impact on their day-to-day lives is 
deliberately limited, enabling the householder to 
continue living in his or her home as if it were their own. 
In our AST properties, whether wholly owned, 
co-owned or managed on behalf of others, we engage 
in a much more active customer – supplier relationship. 
With an average length of tenure of 20 months, our 
focus has to be on ensuring that we provide and 
manage properties that can attract tenants, whether 
these are students looking for value for money 
accommodation or city professionals looking for high 
quality urban environments. 

Our agreements with our German tenants are 
open ended and many choose to stay in our properties 
for many years. Here too we are focused on offering 
a high level of service as well as an attractive product 
to new tenants. 

As Grainger’s focus on tenants with choice grows 

so too will the need to understand our current and 
future customers and how we can meet their needs 
and ambitions better than our competitors in order to 
deliver superior returns through rental and fee income. 

Achievements in 2011/2012

Fee income

£10m
45%

Increase

Our partners

Our partners are key to our 
success; we create mutually 
beneficial relationships that 
enable us to create value for 
ourselves and our partners in 
the residential property market.

„

Working together for the future 
Aligning our interests with those of our partners is 
a key part of the construction of our joint ventures.

39

Grainger = Residential
Grainger aims to be the first port of call for any organisation 
seeking to participate in the residential property market, 
or requiring a solution to issues facing it in this market. 
We are a long-term player and aligning our interests to 
those of our partners, through co-investment or shared 
reward arrangements is at the heart of our values. 

Our Partnerships
In Aldershot we have entered a long-term relationship 
with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation of the 
Ministry of Defence, leading a highly complex project to 
deliver approximately 4,000 homes and community facilities 
on historically important, but surplus, military land to 
create a thriving community to the benefit of Aldershot 
and delivering the best value for the Ministry of Defence. 
In London and the South East, we are working 

with Bouygues Group, one of the world’s leading 
construction and services groups, to provide institutional 
investors with the opportunity to invest in scale into the 
PRS through a dedicated portfolio of purpose built 
development sites. 

For Lloyds Banking Group’s Commercial Real Estate 
Business Support Unit team we provide a Residential Asset 
Management Platform (RAMP) to manage residential 
buy-to-let portfolios that have entered into administration. 
In this deal, the first of its kind in the UK, we receive fees 
based on rent, disposals and shared success fees, fully 
aligning our interests with those of Lloyds Banking 
Group for any assets placed into the RAMP. 

In Hampshire, we are working with Winchester City 

Council and Havant Borough Council to create 
Berewood, a new community of 2,550 homes. We have 
been working for more than 15 years on this project 
and have spent five years in extensive consultation with 
the local community to ensure that Berewood will be a 
place where people want to live. 

At London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, we 

are working with Helical Bar to create a new civic 
community that will regenerate King Street. The scheme 
will deliver new council offices, new and improved public 
areas, new retail units and residential accommodation. 
Grainger and Helical Bar are working together to bring 
their specific and complimentary expertise to this scheme. 

40

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Corporate responsibility
Why does CR matter? 
The CEO perspective from Andrew Cunningham

Andrew Cunningham  
Chief executive officer

How has Corporate Responsibility at 
Grainger evolved in the last year?
AC. There is greater investment in our Corporate 
Responsibility performance at the highest levels. 
Each executive director now takes responsibility for 
the achievement of a subset of targets. Demonstrating 
leadership by the executive team is key to embedding 
Corporate Responsibility into the fabric of the business. 
Our chairman, Robin Broadhurst, is also active in this 
area, both in demonstrating a personal interest 
in Granger’s CR activities and in recognising our CR 
successes. I think that he puts our commitment very 
well when he says that, as well as being a successful 
business, Grainger is and should continue to be a 
‘good-hearted’ organisation.

Why do you think it is important for Grainger 
to invest in Corporate Responsibility? 
AC. Our customers are individuals and families rather 
than the corporate clients of most UK real estate 
companies. As the largest business in our sector and a 
publicly listed company, Grainger has a duty to act 
responsibly and to be seen to be doing so. Historically, 
that has meant taking special care to consider the needs 
of our elderly tenants who have little housing choice. 
In the next 10–15 years, Grainger’s tenant base will 
become more market based. Our future tenants will be 
able to vote with their feet, and we need to focus on 
providing housing choices and services that meet their 
aspirations and needs across a range of economic levels. 

How do you view the value of Corporate 
Responsibility to the business?
AC. Ove Arup made a speech to his staff in 1970 that 
articulates well my personal understanding of the main 
aims of a business, which include social usefulness, 
straight and honourable dealings, and humanity. 
These, plus delivering value for shareholders and quality 
services and products, lead to satisfied customers, 
satisfied staff and a strong brand or reputation. 
Grainger has frequently been successful at putting 
these principles into practice. For example, part of the 
reason that we were awarded the development 
programme at Aldershot was because we took a 
different approach to our competitors and focused on 
our history of place-making, our understanding of 
‘Grainger in the community.’ These things are part of 
how we do business and are the practical 
demonstration of the business value of our Corporate 
Responsibility programme.

What achievements are you proudest 
of over the last 12 months?
AC. I am particularly proud of our giving, organised by 
Grainger’s new charity committee, which I chair though 
the work is done by others. As part of our centenary 
activities, Robin Broadhurst set everyone a challenge 
of raising £25,000 for charity, about £100 per member 
of staff. We met this target within nine months as well 
as meeting our regular volunteering target of 30% of 
our staff giving a working day to charitable activities. 
The 2012 centenary celebration was a positive driver for 
this but every year our people give very generously of 
their time and money to help others.

41

Our new complaints handling processes is another 
important step forward in ensuring that we handle 
tenant issues effectively. Our analysis of recent 
complaints has identified improving communication as 
an issue that we will focus on going forward. We have 
also invested tremendously in the personal development 
of our staff at all levels which is a key value for me as 
CEO as well as a practical investment in the future of 
the business. 

What is your vision for 2012/13?
AC. We have recently spent a significant amount of time 
focusing on risk management, which is at the heart of 
future proofing the business and of our CR objectives. 
I intend to see risk management integrated even more 
closely into the way we do business. 

In thinking about CR targets for 2012/13, these should 
set the direction for Grainger to assist us to implement 
the principles underpinning our CR strategy (ETHOS), 
without being an end in themselves. I would rather set 
stretch targets and see 50% of them achieved, than 
80% tick-box completion. As CR becomes ever more 
embedded in the way we do business, then the more 
staff we can involve in setting and delivering our CR 
objectives and targets and the more we will be able to 
demonstrate the business value. 

Taken from an interview with Andrew Cunningham 
conducted by Jones Lang LaSalle, Upstream Sustainability 
Services on 21 August 2012.

How we are creating a leading residential business

Our ETHOS strategy is focused on five CR principles  
which we apply in our day-to-day operations:

Embedding the ETHOS strategy 
in our business practices:

Protecting  
assets &  
income

Driving  
efficiency

Our CR  
principles

Investing in  
communities  
& places

Influencing  
the future

Responsibility to
stakeholders

Supports our ambition to be a 
leader in the residential sector

Helps to build relationships with 
stakeholders who are critical to our 
ongoing success

Protects and enhances our income 
streams and the long-term value of 
our portfolio

42

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Corporate responsibility 
continued

What have we achieved this year? 
Significant progress against our 2011/12 targets

Influencing the future

Targets

Establishing Grainger as a CR leader 
through active government 
engagement and industry debate

Commission two research reports on relevant CR related 
policy issues for Grainger (e.g. the rented housing sector or equity 
release sector).

Organise and host one practical workshop/roundtable with another 
organisation to investigate a relevant CR policy issue.

Protecting assets and income

Targets

Proactive management of  
CR risks and opportunities to 
protect income streams

Publish an executive director approved policy outlining how 
Grainger values sustainability risks and opportunities in its 
investment process.

k

Establish a formal tenant complaints procedure with performance 
standards for response times and response quality. Ensure that all 
staff are trained on this new procedure.

Update Grainger’s existing auditing process for managing agents 
and contractors to include environmental criteria. Managing agents 
to be asked to supply details of their environmental management/
sustainability procedures. Contractors to be measured against 
standards set by Grainger (based on Considerate Constructors 
Scheme criteria).

Investing in communities and places

Targets

Maximising portfolio value by 
investing in places and engaging 
with communities

Place ten individuals in new apprenticeship or trainee management 
positions within Grainger’s own UK operations or with contractors 
through agreements. 

Put in place a committee to oversee volunteering and charity 
activities to help achieve Grainger’s benchmark KPI of 30% of staff 
volunteering one working day and to coordinate and promote 
charitable fundraising, giving and other relevant activities.

43

k

l

k

k

Driving efficiency

Targets

Efficiency in working practices to 
make Grainger a lean business and  
to minimise environmental impact

Organise a Corporate Responsibility innovation day for 30 Grainger 
staff and selected external stakeholders to identify opportunities for 
Grainger to improve its environmental and community performance.

Create and document standards for purchasing IT equipment 
to ensure acquiring environmentally friendly kit. 

Update the existing EMS to integrate the system more closely with 
Grainger’s refurbishment and property service operations.

Collect annual electricity, gas and water meter readings at all blocks 
for which Grainger purchases energy.

Analyse the environmental and socio-economic costs and 
benefits of our procurement strategy in terms of using local 
vs national suppliers. This target will be reformulated next year. 

Responsibility to stakeholders

Targets

Managing stakeholder relationships 
to achieve transparency 
understanding and trust

Include updates on all CR benchmark KPIs and target progress 
in the monthly senior management information pack.

Plan and implement a 1-month employee health and wellbeing 
initiative in Summer 2012 connected to the Olympics.

Create a CR library on Grainger policies, achievements and FAQs 
for use in internal and external communications on Grainger’s 
Corporate Responsibility approach. Explore how the CR website 
could help achieve this target.

 Key: Progress against targets

Achieved

Not achieved

l

In progress

For more details about our 2011/12 CR initiatives, 
achievements and performance, please go to  
www.graingercr.com

44

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Corporate responsibility 
continued

Influencing the future

Contributing to industry discussions 
around the future of UK housing

Protecting assets and income

Responding more effectively 
to tenants’ concerns

Throughout the year, Grainger has actively engaged 
with government representatives, politicians, policy 
makers, partners and peers on a number of key issues, 
such as residential real estate investment trusts, stamp 
duty land tax, planning and the future of housing, 
particularly the private rented sector and Build-To-Rent. 
Grainger has met with key influencers, spoken at 
conferences, held private roundtables, supported a 
number of research reports, undertaken a national 
survey of people’s attitudes to renting, published its own 
review of the rental market and submitted evidence to 
a number of Government consultations. In addition, 
Grainger’s Executive Property Director, Nick Jopling, 
was an adviser to the Government-commissioned 
‘Review of the barriers to institutional investment in 
the private rented sector’ led by Sir Adrian Montague 
(the Montague Review).

Over the last year, Grainger has implemented an 
improved procedure for capturing and responding to 
tenant complaints, including minimum response times. 
Our CEO, Andrew Cunningham, now reviews the 
complaints register on a monthly basis and Grainger 
uses the results to identify key areas for improvement in 
terms of customer service. Repairs and communication 
are themes that Grainger has identified as priorities 
for 2012/13. 

Tenant complaints received 
since October 2011

Complaints fully resolved  
as of 30 September 2012

60

73%

Grainger’s ambition is to be the 
company to talk to on any issue 
relating to the future of UK  
residential property.

Kurt Mueller, Director of Corporate Affairs

Responsibility to stakeholders

Incorporating the views of local communities 
into new development designs

At the recently acquired Woodcroft Farm, Grainger’s 
consultation strategy drew from our previous local 
experience to proactively address public concerns. Public 
exhibitions and meetings were held to hear from those 
that live closest to the site. The sessions ran before the 
masterplan was fixed, so that community members 
could meet Grainger’s professional team and influence 
the final design. Contact details were provided so that 
residents could make contact with the team directly – 
with many specific queries personally followed up 
afterwards. The planning application is currently being 
finalised, with submission anticipated late in 2012. 

„

2012 London Paralympics

Grainger was proud to sponsor three athletes 
from the North-East, Stephen Miller, Eleni 
Papadopoulos and John Robertson. Stephen  
and John represented Team GB at the 2012 
London Paralympics. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
45

Key performance indicators
We monitor a number of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure that we are on track to achieve our long-term 
vision. These include benchmark KPIs, which we aim to meet or exceed every year.

KPI

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

1-year trend

Our properties
EPC energy efficiency ratings (% of properties)1

Average Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) score2

Supply chain
Customers rating contractors’ service at good or above (%)3
Suppliers with audit scores of satisfactory or above (%)4

A–C: 43% 
D–E: 41% 
F–G: 16%
Not measured

A–C: 47% 
D–E: 42% 
F–G: 11%
28

A–C: 36% 
D–E: 44% 
F–G: 20%
31

94%
Not measured

98%
Not measured

87%
Managing 
agents: 75%
Contractors: 75%

Customers
Tenants rating Grainger’s management service as good or above (%)5 
Percentage of tenant complaints fully resolved (% as of year end)6

68%
Not measured 

61%
Not measured

GHG reporting7
Scope 1 total
Business car travel (tCO2e)8
Fuels on development sites (tCO2e)9
Scope 2 total
Office electricity (tCO2e)10 
Electricity on development sites (tCO2e)
Scope 3 total
Air travel (tCO2e)11
Rail travel (tCO2e)11

249
249

228
228
No developments No developments
342
342
No developments No developments
60
23
37

76
35
41

345
345

77%
73%

398
263
135
379
340
39
80
33
47

x

h

x

h

h

h

x

Tenant-related emissions (tCO2)12

Not measured

37,000

2011/12 total being 
calculated13

 Key: Key performance indicators

Improved

Worsened

h

x

More detailed data notes are available  
in our online CR report, available at 
www.graingercr.com

Notes
1  All properties in EPC database (2,287 as of 30 September 2012 up from 1,254 in 2010/11) – UK only.
2  Major refurbishment and development sites – UK only.
3  Existing market rented and regulated tenants – UK only. New contractor survey process introduced  

in 2011/12.

4  All managing agents and major contractors. Based on health, safety and environment audits – UK only.
5  Existing market rented and regulated tenants – UK only. New survey process of existing market rented 

and regulated tenants introduced in 2011/12. Results based on exit surveys of market rented tenants only 
in 2009/10 and 2010/11.

6  All complaints via the Executive and through Grainger website – UK only.
 7  Reported on an operational control basis as in previous years. Grainger will align its reporting to a financial 
control approach in 2012/13 in line with the requirements of UK mandatory GHG reporting regulation.  
All office electricity CO2e figures prior to 2011/12 have been recalculated using the same emissions 
factor from DEFRA 2012 guidance to highlight energy efficiency changes in Grainger’s operations.
8  Company leased cars (tCO2) and staff cars used for business purposes (tCO2e)– UK and Germany 

from 2011/12.

9  Diesel.
10 Small power and lighting – UK and Germany.
11  UK and Germany.
12  Estimate based on EPCs – UK Residential.
13  This figure, and more detailed data notes, will be published in our online CR report at www.graingercr.com. 

 
46

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Corporate responsibility 
continued

Summary of EPRA Sustainability Performance Measures 
The following information provides an overview of the EPRA sustainability performance measures that Grainger 
is able to report on, an explanation for those that we cannot report on and outlines our plans to expand our 
data collection in 2012/13 to be able to report more fully against the recommendations next year. Please refer 
to www.graingercr.com for commentary on trends. 

Energy Consumption

Total energy consumption 
from electricity (kWh)
Energy intensity  
(kWh/FTE/year)

GHG emissions

Total indirect 
GHG emissions (tCO2e)
Greenhouse  
gas intensity  
(tCO2e/FTE/year)

UK 
623,426 

2010/11
Germany 
47,590

UK 
621,153

2011/12
Germany 
39,807

UK 
–0.4%

% Change
Germany 
–16.4%

2,389

4,759

2,275

4,423

–5%

–7%

2010/11
Germany 
20

UK 
324 

2011/12
Germany 
17

UK 
323

UK 
–0.4%

% Change
Germany 
–16.4%

1.24

2.05

1.18

1.90

–5%

–7%

Notes:
Grainger currently only reports on its own offices. 2010/11 and 2011/12 own office coverage – 7 out of 7 offices.
Grainger does not currently report on heating or cooling consumption for its own offices or residential portfolio (Grainger is responsible for common parts of flat blocks 
and commercial units only).
Grainger has put in place processes to collect electricity and gas meter readings for the common parts of its flat blocks and commercial units from 2012/13. 
Grainger does not currently measure energy on an intensity basis for its residential properties.

Total water withdrawal by source 
Grainger does not currently measure water use for its own offices. For our residential portfolio, Grainger has put 
in place processes to collect water meter readings for the common parts of its flat blocks and commercial units 
from 2012/13. 

Waste by disposal route 

% of waste is recycled 
(estimated)

UK 
Not measured 

2010/11
Germany 
Not measured

2011/12
Germany 
80%

UK 
77%

% Change
Germany 
N/A

UK 
N/A

Notes:
Grainger only reports on its own offices. 2010/11 and 2011/12 own office coverage – 3 out of 7 offices.
Quantities by disposal route not currently measured for own offices. 
Waste data is not collected for residential portfolio as Grainger has no control over tenants’ waste.

47

Advisor’s statement
Upstream Sustainability Services, part of Jones Lang 
LaSalle, has advised Grainger plc on its Corporate 
Responsibility (CR) strategy for several years. This 
programme of work includes helping Grainger set its CR 
targets, and assessing target achievement at year end.

Due to Upstream’s long-standing relationship with 
Grainger, the review of performance against targets and 
this statement itself cannot be considered as fully 
independent. Upstream’s observations and 
recommendations are based on independent analysis of 
documents, interviews and/or other secondary evidence 
provided by Grainger and relevant third-parties. 
Reasonable efforts were made to check the quality, 
accuracy and credibility of all available information but 
site visits or audits on primary data (e.g. meter readings 
and invoices) were not performed. Consequently, this 
Statement does not represent formal assurance or 
verification of the Corporate Responsibility content of 
Grainger plc’s 2011/12 annual report and accounts.

Observations and recommendations
Grainger continues to mature in its approach to 
Corporate Responsibility. A two-year push to embed 
CR throughout the business is starting to bear fruit with 
a notable increase in executive commitment and 
management coordination. Additionally, a wider 
cross-section of employees at all levels have been 
involved in the CR programme through charity activities 
and the CR Innovation Day. This is reflected in a near 
doubling of target achievement since 2010/11. 

 – Grainger has made progress in its ambition to be 

recognised as a CR sector leader through participation 
in government consultations on housing, investor 
surveys such as the Global Real Estate Sustainability 
Benchmark (GRESB) and industry research using the 
company’s unique access to residential information. 

 – Grainger has taken an important step in its maturity 
by setting culturally appropriate CR targets for its 
German business for the first time in 2012/13.

 – Overall in 2011/12, we found that 11 targets were 
fully achieved (73%), 3 partially achieved (20%) 
and 1 not achieved (7%).

Looking ahead, Grainger is taking an ambitious step 
to fully integrate CR targets with its business strategy. 
Five key focus areas have been identified by the 
executive directors, who will each take responsibility 
for managing initiatives and business value in a 
specific area for 2012/13. The level of ownership is 
dramatically increasing at the highest levels with this 
step. We fully support Grainger’s focus on its properties 
as these represent the company’s most material 
environmental impact.

Upstream recommends that Grainger pay 
particular attention in 2012/13 to:
 – Maintaining and directing the momentum built 

during 2011/12, particularly through updating its 
governance structure;

 – Incorporating the German business into the 

 – We commend Grainger for improving customer 

CR strategy;

service with its new tenant complaints procedure. 
Improving customer service is as at the heart of 
Grainger’s future business strategy.

 – Collecting utility readings for the common parts of 
all flat blocks for which Grainger procures energy 
was a challenge for the third year in 2011/12 and 
is still in progress.

 – We commend Grainger for partnering with suppliers 
to deliver better social and environmental outcomes 
through its apprenticeship scheme and environmental 
audits of managing agents and contractors.

 – Ensuring that robust data collection processes are in 
place to prepare for UK mandatory carbon reporting.

Lora Brill 
Senior Sustainability Consultant

Jones Lang LaSalle,  
Upstream Sustainability Services

6 December 2012

For the full Advisor’s Statement, please go to  
www.graingercr.com

48

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Risk management

The Grainger plc board is ultimately 
responsible for the group’s risk 
management framework. The new 
Board Risk and Compliance Committee 
(BRCC), set up during the period, 
regularly reviews the group’s key risks  
and is supported in the discharge 
of this responsibility by the internal 
executive risk committee.

Grainger has a structured risk management process 
that recognises the following risk categories: Strategic, 
Operational, Financial, Project, Legal & Regulatory, 
Information Technology (IT) and People Risks. This 
categorisation is aligned to the group’s business objectives 
and enables a comprehensive approach to risk assessment. 
In the last year the BRCC and Executive have agreed 
a risk appetite and tolerance policy aligned to the above 
risk categories. This policy is now being implemented 
and will provide a clear and agreed view of the level of 
risk the group is prepared to accept in each of its risk 
categories, acting as high level governance guides for 
the business in its risk assessment and controls.

The risk management process is designed to capture 

key risks from across the whole group. Each Division or 
Corporate Department assesses its key risks using our 
internal risk scoring matrix based on the level of 
potential impact and the probability of the risk event 
occurring. These risks are reviewed and monitored by 
the executive risk committee on a regular basis. Macro 
economic risks such as the Euro crisis, and their potential 
impact on Grainger have also been considered by the 
Executive. The subsequent agreed group top risks and 
their management are then reviewed by the BRCC on 
a quarterly basis.

The risk reporting framework below enables a two 

way approach to monitoring and reporting risk across 
the group. 

Risk reporting framework

Grainger management framework 

Grainger plc board

Grainger Risk management policy

Group audit committee

Board risk and 
compliance committee

People risks

Grainger executive

Internal audit

Executive risk committee

Business unit boards

Operations team

Market &  
strategic risk

Operational  
risk

Legal &  
regulatory risk

Project  
assurance risk

Financial  
risk

IT  
risk

Business unit/shared service management teams

Grainger staff

Independent monitoring
Risk based monitoring plan
External verification
Key control checks

The principal risks faced by the group are:

Description and relevance to strategy

Mitigation

Negative impact on 
Germany and UK of 
deterioration of Eurozone

 – De-gearing and hedging
 – Euro exposure counter balanced by euro denominated debt
 – Euro debt held in UK flexible facility that could be repaid and redrawn 

in sterling if necessary

Legal and Regulatory Obligations

 – Internal General Counsel team supervise and advise
 – Clear corporate project management protocols
 – Three lines of defence approach to FSA regulatory obligations

Failure to comply with 
financial covenants

 – Regular executive monitoring of loan to value and interest cover ratios

Long-term flat or negative 
growth in value of group assets

 – Portfolio weighting towards areas of higher economic growth
 – Growth of non-HPI dependent income streams
 – Maintenance of liquidity of assets to enable sale where necessary

Inadequate or inappropriately 
implemented Health and Safety 
procedures and controls 
by external contractor base

 – Full utilities management plan in place
 – Health and Safety training provided to relevant staff
 – Appropriately qualified and certified contractors used
 – Executive and board oversight

Availability of sufficient funds 
at the right price

 – De-gearing 
 – Establishing other potential sources of debt
 – Recruitment of specialist in strategic capital markets

Lack of clarity of values  
and culture

 – Internal values project
 – Review of recruitment, induction and appraisal
 – Staff engagement surveys

Key person risk

 – Succession planning project
 – Emerging leaders programme
 – Retention policies in place for key staff

Rapid cataclysmic decline 
in house prices

 – Deleveraging
 – Maintenance of low loan to value

49

Change during 
the period

k

k

k

k

k

k

k

k

k

The principal risks faced by the group are:

No change

Increased risk

k

Decreased risk

k

k

50

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

The Grainger board

The board is 
responsible to 
the company’s 
shareholders for 
the long-term 
success of the 
group, its strategy, 
values and 
its governance.

Robin Broadhurst CVO, CBE, FRICS 
Non-executive chairman Aged 66

Andrew Cunningham FCA, FRICS 
Chief executive Aged 56

Appointment
Appointed to the board in February 2004 and 
became Chairman in February 2007

Experience
Robin was previously European Chairman at 
Jones Lang LaSalle and served as trustee and 
non-executive director at Grosvenor for eleven 
years. He is a property consultant to Sir Robert 
McAlpine Limited and is a Non-executive director 
of Chelsfield Partners

Committee membership
Chairman of nominations committee

Appointment
Appointed to the board as Finance Director in 
1996 and became Deputy Chief Executive in 2002 
and Chief Executive in 2009 

Experience
Andrew is a chartered accountant and before 
joining Grainger was a partner in a predecessor 
firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a member 
of the British Property Federation Policy Committee 
and in 2012 was appointed a Fellow of the Royal 
Institution of Chartered Surveyors and was also 
appointed a member of the Cambridge University 
Land Economy Advisory Board. 

Committee membership
None 

John Barnsley 
Non-executive director Aged 64

Appointment
Appointed to the board in 2003 and became 
Senior Independent Director in February 2011.

Experience
John is a Non-executive director of Northern 
Investors Company plc, American Appraisal 
Associates LLP and Hippodrome Casino Limited. 
Until December 2001 he was a senior Partner at 
PricewaterhouseCoopers. 

Committee membership
Senior independent director 
Chairman of audit committee 
Member of board risk and compliance committee 
Member of nominations committee 

Henry Pitman  
Non-executive director Aged 50

Appointment
Appointed to the board in 2007. 

Baroness Margaret Ford 
Non-executive director Aged 54

Appointment
Appointed to the board in 2008. 

Experience
Henry is currently Chairman of African Century, an 
African investment business. Previously he was 
Chief Executive of Tribal Group plc. Prior to this he 
was managing director of JHP Group Limited and 
from 1990 to 1995 he worked for the Property 
Corporation of South Africa. 

Committee membership
Member of remuneration committee 

Experience
Margaret is Chairman of Barchester Healthcare Ltd 
and May Gurney Group Ltd. She was Chairman of 
the Olympic Park Legacy Company from 2009 to 
2012, was a Managing Director in the Royal Bank 
of Canada’s Global Infrastructure Group from 
2007 to 2009, and between 2002 and 2007 
was Chairman of English Partnerships. 

Committee membership
Chairman of remuneration committee 
Member of audit committee 
Member of nominations committee

51

Mark Greenwood FCMA 
Finance director Aged 53

Nick Jopling FRICS 
Executive director Aged 51

Peter Couch Executive director, 
Chief operating officer Aged 54

Appointment
Appointed to the board as Finance Director in 
September 2010.

Appointment
Appointed to the board in 2010 as Executive 
Director with responsibility for property.

Experience
Mark has worked in finance since 1982 and held a 
number of senior positions within Alfred McAlpine 
plc from 1989 to 2008. He was Group Finance 
Director from 2007 until its takeover in 2008 by 
Carillion. From 2008 to 2010 Mark was Finance 
Director of the Middle East and North Africa 
business of Carillion plc. 

Experience
Nick was previously with CB Richard Ellis where he 
was executive director of residential. He is the 
Chairman of the UK Urban Land Institute Executive 
Committee and was a member of Sir Adrian 
Montague’s Committee which reviewed the 
Barriers to Institutional Investment in Private 
Rented Homes. 

Appointment
Appointed to the board as executive director 
responsible for Grainger’s retirement solutions 
business in 2010.

Experience
Prior to joining Grainger in 2005 Peter spent most 
of his career in the financial services sector and 
held several senior roles within the AMP Group. 

Committee membership
Member of board risk and compliance committee 

Committee membership
Member of board risk and compliance committee 

Committee membership
None

Belinda Richards  
Non-executive director Aged 54

Appointment
Appointed to the board in 2011.

Tony Wray  
Non-executive director Aged 51

Simon Davies 
Non-executive director Aged 53

Appointment
Appointed to the board in 2011.

Appointment
Appointed to the board in 2012.

Experience
Belinda was previously Global Head of Deloitte’s 
Merger Integration and Separation Advisory 
Services and is also a Non-executive director 
of Friends Life Group plc.

Committee membership
Chairman of board risk  
and compliance committee 
Member of audit committee 
Member of remuneration committee

Experience
Tony has been the Chief Executive of FTSE 100 
water company Severn Trent plc since 2007, 
having joined their board in 2005. He is also a 
member of the Water UK Board and has held 
director roles within Transco and National Grid 
Transco. 

Committee membership
Member of audit committee 
Member of board Risk  
and compliance committee

Experience
Simon retired from the role of Executive Chairman 
at Threadneedle Asset Management in 2012 after 
five years in the position, having previously been 
Chief Executive (1999 – 2007) and Chief 
Investment Officer (1995 – 1998). He is currently 
Chairman of JP Morgan Overseas Investment 
Trust plc and is also a director of Intrinsic Financial 
Services Ltd.

Committee membership
None

52

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Corporate governance

The board of Grainger is 
committed to maintaining high 
standards of corporate governance. 
The directors and I see this 
as fundamental to effective 
management of the business 
and delivery of long-term 
shareholder value.

Robin Broadhurst  
Chairman

Chairman’s Introduction
Compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code
The governance rules applicable to all UK companies admitted 
to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority are set out in the 
UK Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’), published by the 
Financial Reporting Council. The board fully supports the principles 
set out in the Code and confirms that it has complied with all of 
the provisions of the Code throughout the financial year ended 
30 September 2012.

This report sets out Grainger’s governance policies and practices 

and includes details of how the group applies the principles and 
complies with the provisions of the Code.

Composition and independence
The board reviews non-executive director independence on an 
annual basis and takes into account the individual’s professional 
characteristics, their behaviour at board meetings and their 
contribution to unbiased and independent debate. All of the 
non-executive directors are considered by the board to be 
independent.

We are aware that, for some investors, length of non-executive 

director’s service beyond nine years will prejudice their 
independence. John Barnsley, the senior independent director, has 
served on the board since February 2003.

The board and myself believe that John Barnsley continues to 
exercise a degree of rigorous enquiry and intellectual challenge in 
respect of his role as non-executive director and as such continues to 
regard him as independent. His continuity of service has been, and 
continues to be of considerable benefit to the company through a 
period of significant change in both the executive and non-executive 
directors and provides an important knowledge link with the past 
and an in-depth understanding of the company which is considered 
to be highly beneficial to the board. Further, this enhanced duration 
of service is complementary to the longer term business cycle 
applicable to the Grainger business model. 

53

Shareholder engagement
The board regards it as important to maintain an active dialogue 
with our shareholders. Further details regarding this engagement 
with our shareholders are set out on page 58.

Robin Broadhurst  
Chairman 

6 December 2012

The board consisted of a majority of independent non-executive 
directors (excluding the chairman) throughout the year.

Biographical details of all the current directors are set out on 

pages 50 and 51.

In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, all the 

directors, with the exception of Henry Pitman who is retiring from 
the board, will stand for re-election at the AGM. 

Diversity
Grainger believes that a diverse culture is a key factor in driving its 
success, and supports the Davies Reports’ aspiration to promote 
greater female representation on listed company boards.

As at 30 September 2012, the Grainger board had two female 

non-executive directors, Baroness Margaret Ford and Belinda 
Richards, representing 20% of board membership. Margaret and 
Belinda bring invaluable skills to the composition of the board, and 
as and when board appointments arise, we will look to follow the 
procedures recommended by the Davies Report and by the 
Governance Code to maintain a balanced board.

Board evaluation
As reported last year, an independent evaluation of the Grainger 
board was carried out in 2011. This year I have personally carried out 
an evaluation of the board, considering the recommendations from 
2011. Further details are available on page 57.

54

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Corporate governance 
continued

Leadership
The board
The board is responsible to the company’s shareholders for the long-term success of the group, its strategy, values and its governance.

Governance framework 
30 September 2012

Chairman

Board: non-executive chairman, four executive directors and five non-executive directors

Nominations committee

Audit committee

Chief executive

Remuneration committee

Board risk and compliance committee

Executive directors

Executive risk committee

Divisional operating boards

Corporate business functions

The role of the board
The board provides leadership of the group and, either directly or 
through the operation of committees of directors and delegated 
authority, applies independent judgement on matters of strategy, 
performance, resources (including key appointments) and standards 
of behaviour. The board sets the group’s strategic objectives and 
approves and monitors business plans and budgets submitted by the 
executive directors and senior management. The written statement 
of matters reserved to the board is reviewed and approved 
annually by the board and a copy is available on the group’s website 
www.graingerplc.co.uk or from the company secretary on request.

Length of service 
30 September 2012
1. One – Two years
2. Two – Three years
3. Four – Six years
4. >Six years

1

4

Balance of directors 
30 September 2012
1. Male
2. Female
3. Chairman
4. Exec directors
5. Non-executives

2
3
2
3

8
2
1
4
5

3

1

4

2

2

3

5

The directors
As at the date of this report the directors of the company are:

Chairman
 – Robin Broadhurst

Executive directors
 – Andrew Cunningham
 – Peter Couch
 – Mark Greenwood
 – Nick Jopling

Non-executive directors
 – John Barnsley (Senior independent director)
 – Henry Pitman
 – Baroness Margaret Ford
 – Belinda Richards
 – Tony Wray
 – Simon Davies

Tony Wray was appointed to the board as a non-executive director 
with effect from 24 October 2011. Robert Hiscox retired from 
the board following the conclusion of the company’s AGM on 
8 February 2012 and Simon Davies was appointed to the board 
on 20 November 2012. Henry Pitman will be retiring from the board 
at the AGM in February 2013.

55

Chairman and chief executive
The posts of chairman and chief executive are separate and their 
roles and responsibilities are clearly established, set out in writing and 
agreed by the board. A copy of the written statement of roles is 
available on the group’s website www.graingerplc.co.uk or from the 
company secretary on request. The chairman is responsible for 
running the board and ensuring its effectiveness. The chief executive 
reports to the chairman, as does the company secretary on matters 
of corporate governance. The chairman is the guardian of the 
board’s decision making and is responsible for ensuring a constructive 
relationship between executive and non-executive directors and for 
fostering a culture of challenge and debate in the boardroom.

The chief executive is responsible for running the business and 

implementing the board’s decisions. He chairs a weekly meeting 
with the other executive directors, all of whom report directly to him, 
and, together with the executive directors, holds monthly meetings 
with each of the divisional boards to review all operational issues.

Non-executive directors
The non-executive directors are responsible for bringing independent 
and objective judgement and scrutiny to all matters before the board 
and its committees, using their substantial and wide ranging 
experience. The key responsibilities of non-executive directors are set 
out in their letters of appointment and include requirements to:

 – Challenge and contribute to the development of the company’s 

strategy;

 – Scrutinise the performance of management in meeting agreed 
goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance; 
and to

 – Satisfy themselves that financial information is accurate and  
that financial controls and systems of risk management are  
robust and defensible.

A copy of the standard letter of appointment for a non-executive 
director is available on the group’s website www.graingerplc.co.uk 
or from the company secretary on request. The non-executive 
directors meet periodically without the executive directors present. 
There were two such meetings in the year and an additional 
meeting of the non-executive directors without the chairman  
or the executive directors present.

Senior independent director
The senior independent director is available to shareholders if they 
request a meeting or have concerns, which contact through the 

normal channels has failed to resolve or where such contact is 
inappropriate. No such requests were received from shareholders 
during the year. The senior independent director leads the annual 
performance review of the chairman.

Effectiveness
Meetings
There were six meetings of the board in the year. The board has  
a list of matters reserved to it and a rolling annual plan of items for 
discussion, agreed between the chairman and the chief executive. 
The list of reserved matters and annual plan are reviewed regularly  
to ensure all matters reserved to the board, as well as other key 
issues, are discussed at the appropriate time. At each board meeting 
the chief executive provided a review of the business, how it was 
performing and strategic issues arising. In the year the range of 
subjects discussed included:

 – The strategy of the group in response to changing  

economic conditions;

 – Key business areas, including Germany, retirement solutions, 

residential and funds;

 – The group’s debt and capital structure;
 – The group’s financial results;
 – Dividend policy;
 – Regulatory and governance issues; and
 – The development of the group’s people.

Three of the meetings were preceded, the evening before, by 
an informal meeting allowing more time to debate issues in depth. 
Two of the board meetings were held at the company’s head office 
in Newcastle upon Tyne and three of the board meetings were held 
in the company’s London office. The meeting in June 2012 was held 
in a central London hotel to coincide with a full day’s strategy 
conference with senior management – giving the board the opportunity 
to engage with key staff on a range of issues. During the course of 
these meetings the directors have heard presentations from divisional 
directors on the following matters;

 – Property and asset management.
 – Development of the group’s core IT systems.
 – Health & Safety Management within the group.
 – The group’s German business.
 – Grainger’s Asset Management platform.
 – The business improvement programme.
 – Accessing capital markets.

56

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Corporate governance 
continued

Attendance table
Executive directors
Andrew Cunningham
Peter Couch
Nick Jopling
Mark Greenwood

Non-executive directors
Robin Broadhurst
John Barnsley
Henry Pitman
Baroness Margaret Ford
Belinda Richards
Tony Wray
Robert Hiscox

Meetings attended Meetings eligible to attend
6
6
6
6

6
6
6
6

Meetings attended Meetings eligible to attend
6
6
6
6
6
6
2

6
6
6
6
5
6
2

Board committees
The board has established four principal board committees to which 
it has delegated certain of its responsibilities. They are the audit 
committee, remuneration committee, nominations committee and 
the board risk and compliance committee. The roles, membership 
and activities of these committees are described in more detail later 
in the Corporate Governance statement.

Information flow
The chairman, together with the company secretary, ensures that 
the directors receive clear information on all relevant matters in a 
timely manner. Board papers are circulated sufficiently in advance of 
meetings for them to be thoroughly digested in advance of the 
meeting to ensure clarity of informed debate. The board papers 
contain the chief executive’s written report, high level papers on 
each business area, key metrics and specific papers relating to 
agenda items. The board papers are accompanied by a 
management information pack containing detailed financial and 
other supporting information. The board receives a bi-weekly update 
throughout the year and occasional ad hoc papers on matters of 
particular relevance or importance. As highlighted above the board 
also received presentations from various business units.

Time commitment
The board is satisfied that the chairman and each of the non-
executive directors committed sufficient time during the year to 
enable them to fulfil their duties as directors of the company. None 
of the non-executive directors has any conflict of interest which has 
not been disclosed to the board in accordance with the company’s 
articles of association.

Induction and professional development
The chairman is responsible for ensuring that induction and training 
are provided to each director and the company secretary organises 
the induction process and regular updating and training of board 
members.

Tony Wray was appointed in the year and received a 

comprehensive, tailored induction to the company. This consisted 
of the provision of a corporate handbook covering such items as 
matters reserved for the board, division of responsibility between 
the chairman and chief executive and the terms of reference of 
the various board committees as well as individual sessions with 
members of the senior management team in both the Newcastle 
and London offices. He was also taken on a property tour to enable 
him to see some of the company’s properties – ranging from the 
core regulated portfolio through to some of the development 
activities. 

Training and updating as to the business of the group and the 

legal and regulatory responsibilities of directors was provided 
throughout the year by a variety of means to board members 
including presentations by executives, visits to business operations 
and circulation of briefing materials. Individual directors are also 
expected to take responsibility for identifying their training needs 
and to ensure they are adequately informed about the group and 
their responsibilities as a director.

The board is confident that all its members have the knowledge, 
ability and experience to perform the functions required of a director 
of a listed company.

57

Access to independent advice
All directors have access to the advice and services of the company 
secretary who ensures that board processes are followed and good 
corporate governance standards are maintained. Any director who 
considers it necessary or appropriate may take independent, 
professional advice at the company’s expense. None of the directors 
sought such advice in the year.

Performance evaluation
As reported last year, the board evaluation in 2011 was undertaken 
by Independent Audit Limited, an independent firm of consultants, 
who concluded that there was considerable evidence to show that 
the board and its committees were effective. Areas which have been 
developed further subsequent to that report have been:

 – the strategic messaging;
 – risk related work;
 – succession planning; and
 – board information

The 2012 evaluation was led by the chairman who had private one 
to one meetings with each of the directors. The company secretary 
collated the evaluation results and these were considered by the 
chairman and the company secretary and reported back to the 
board. These were positive and indicated that the board, its 
committees and individual directors were all operating effectively. 
The review of the chairman’s performance, which review was led by 
the senior independent director, concluded that the chairman’s 
leadership and performance were considered to have been of a high 
standard.

No major areas were highlighted within this review process but the 
board intend to continue to develop themes arising from the review, 
specifically on:

 – strategic messaging; 
 – board information; and
 – succession

The board and its committees will monitor progress and continue 
their critical review of its effectiveness during the year ahead. In 
accordance with the prevailing provisions of the Code, it is the 
current intention of the board that external facilitation of the board 
evaluation will be carried out every three years. 

Re-election of directors
Notwithstanding that the company’s articles of association require 
the directors to offer themselves for re-election at least once every 
three years, in accordance with the recommendations of the Code 
all of the directors (except for Henry Pitman who will be retiring from 
the board), will be offering themselves for re-election at the AGM in 
February 2013. In light of the performance evaluations summarised 
above and the provisions of the company’s articles of association, the 
board recommends that all of the directors be re-elected.

Accountability
Internal control
The board is responsible for reviewing and approving the group’s 
system of internal control and its adequacy and effectiveness. The 
group has a cyclical process for identifying, assessing and managing 
its significant risks, which has been in place for the full year under 
review. The process is designed to enable the board to be confident 
that such risks are mitigated, or controlled as far as possible. It 
should be noted however, that no system can eliminate the risk of 
failure to achieve business objectives entirely and can only provide 
reasonable and not absolute assurance against material 
misstatement or loss. The risk and compliance committee is 
delegated the task of reviewing all identified risks, with the ultimate 
key risks retained for full board review. The audit committee reports 
to the board at every board meeting. Risks and controls are reviewed 
to ensure effective management of appropriate strategic, financial, 
operational and compliance issues. The audit committee also reviews 
the half year and full year financial statements, which includes the 
results of our associate and joint ventures, which are subject to the 
same internal controls as within the group. In addition, the group 
has an internal audit function which performs relevant reviews as 
part of a programme approved by the audit committee. The 
committee considers any issues or risks arising from internal audit in 
order that appropriate actions can be undertaken for their 
satisfactory resolution. The internal audit manager has a direct 
reporting line to the chairman of the audit committee. A detailed 
annual budget is produced each year, together with longer-term 
projections in accordance with the agreed strategy, which are 
presented to the board for consideration and approval. A 
fundamental part of the control process is the diligent monitoring of 

58

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Corporate governance 
continued

actual performance against this budget by the board. Where 
applicable, revisions are made to expected out-turn against which 
further progress can be monitored. A detailed monthly management 
information pack is prepared which covers each major area of the 
business and which includes detailed consolidated results and 
financial information for the business as a whole. The performance 
of each business area is reviewed monthly by both divisional 
management and the executive directors and is subsequently 
reported to the board.

The board also discusses in detail the projected financial impact 

of major proposed acquisitions and disposals, including their 
financing. All such proposed substantial investments are considered 
by all directors. Where meetings are required between board 
meetings and a full complement of directors cannot be achieved, 
a committee of directors considers the necessary formalities. The 
board is also responsible for reviewing and approving the group’s 
treasury strategy, including mitigation against changes in interest 
rates. The group’s processes for internal control have been in place 
throughout the year and accord with the Turnbull guidelines (2005). 
The board regularly reviews the group’s processes for internal control 
and conducts a formal annual review of these processes and the 
risks relating to the business. No significant failings or weaknesses 
were identified from this review in the year.

Going concern
The Group closely monitors its future anticipated cash flows and 
compliance with its banking covenants. Based on these forecasts 
and the sensitivities which have been run on different scenarios the 
directors have a reasonable expectation that the group and 
company have adequate resources to continue in existence for the 
foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going 
concern basis in preparing the accounts.

Relations with shareholders
The company has held over 100 meetings with shareholders, 
analysts and potential investors in the year in addition to the usual 
half-yearly results announcements and briefings. Andrew 
Cunningham and Mark Greenwood, chief executive and finance 
director respectively, have had the vast majority of these meetings 
and manage the group’s investor relations programme with the 
head of corporate affairs. Some of the key issues raised were the 
levels of debt within the business and the strategy for the company’s 
investment in Germany. Feedback is always sought following such 
meetings and this feedback is presented to the board. 

The chairman and Baroness Ford, the chairman of the 

remuneration committee, also met with the Corporate Governance 
officers of the company’s major shareholders in advance of the AGM 
where the keys issues discussed were the company’s policy for 
director’s remuneration and succession. The group’s website includes 
a specific and comprehensive Investor Relations section, containing 
all RNS announcements, share price information, annual documents 
available for download and similar materials. All the directors intend 
to be in attendance at the AGM in February 2013 and to be 
available to answer questions. All shareholders have the opportunity 
to attend the AGM, which continues as a route for communication 
with smaller and private shareholders.

The notice of meeting and annual report and accounts are sent 
out at least 20 working days before the meeting. Separate votes are 
held for each proposed resolution, including the approval of the 
remuneration committee report, and a proxy count is given in each 
case after the voting on a show of hands. Grainger includes, as 
standard, a ‘vote withheld’ category, in line with best practice. 
Shareholders are also able to lodge their votes through the CREST 
system.

Substantial shareholdings
As at 30 November 2012, the company is aware of the following 
interests amounting to 3% or more in the company’s shares:

Schroder Investment Management Ltd
Standard Life Investments Ltd
BlackRock Inc
Henderson Global Investors
Franklin Templeton Fund Management Ltd

Holding 
million
79.4
24.1
19.3
15.6
13.4

Holding  
%
19.06
5.79
4.63
3.75
3.22

Audit committee report

John Barnsley  
Committee Chairman

The audit committee currently comprises four independent 
non-executive directors.

Member  
since

Committee member
John Barnsley 
(committee chairman)
Baroness Margaret Ford July 2008
April 2011
Belinda Richards
November 2011
Tony Wray

February 2003

Biographical details relating to each  
of the committee members is shown  
on pages 50 and 51.

Meetings 
attended

Meetings 
eligible to 
attend

4
3
4
4

4
4
4
4

59

John Barnsley, the chairman of the committee is a chartered 
accountant and Belinda Richards, who prior to joining the board 
was Global Head of Deloitte’s Merger, Integration and Separation 
Advisory Services both have recent and relevant financial experience 
as required by the UK Corporate Governance Code. 

The Group’s external auditors are PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 
The audit committee is responsible for reviewing the independence 
and objectivity of the external auditor, and ensuring this is 
safeguarded notwithstanding any provision of any other services 
to the group.

The board recognises the importance of safeguarding auditor 
objectivity and has taken the following steps to ensure that auditor 
independence is not compromised:

 – The audit committee carries out each year a full evaluation of the 
external auditor as to its complete independence from the group 
and relevant officers of the group in all material respects and that 
it is adequately resourced and technically capable to deliver an 
objective audit to shareholders. Based on this review the audit 
committee recommends to the board each year the continuation, 
or removal and replacement, of the external auditor; 

 – The external auditors provide audit-related services such as 

regulatory and statutory reporting as well as formalities relating to 
shareholders and other circulars;

 – The external auditors may undertake due diligence reviews and 

provide assistance on tax and pension matters given its 
knowledge of the group’s businesses. Such provision will however 
be assessed on a case-by-case basis so that the best placed adviser 
is retained. The audit committee monitors the application of policy 
in this regard and keeps the policy under review;

60

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Audit committee report 
continued

 – The audit committee reviews on a regular basis all fees paid for 

audit, and all consultancy fees, with a view to assessing 
reasonableness of fees, value of delivery, and any independence 
issues that may have arisen or may potentially arise in the future; 

 – The auditors report to the directors and the audit committee 
confirming their independence in accordance with Auditing 
Standards. In addition to the steps taken by the board to 
safeguard auditor objectivity, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
operates a five-year rotation policy for audit partners. During the 
year a rotation occurred and a new audit partner took over 
responsibility for the audit; and

 – Different teams are utilised on all other assignments undertaken 
by the auditors. Before any such assignments can commence 
teams must obtain approval from the senior statutory audit 
partner and the approval of the audit committee. This approval 
confirms that sufficient and appropriate safeguards are put in 
place to ensure that auditor independence is retained. 

The audit committee give careful consideration before appointing 
the auditors to provide other services. The group regularly use other 
providers to ensure that independence and full value for money are 
achieved. Other services are generally limited to work that is closely 
related to the annual audit or where the work is of such a nature 
that a detailed understanding of the business is necessary.
During the year, £64,000 was paid by the group to 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for taxation services. A further 
£368,000 was paid for other services, the main element of which 
was £325,000 relating to the preparation of a financial due diligence 
report in relation to the group’s German business.

Key activities
They key work undertaken by the committee during the year was 
as follows:

 – Consideration and review of full year and half year results.
 – Meeting with the external auditors and discussing with them the 

significant financial reporting issues and accounting policies.

 – Agreeing the scope of the work to be undertaken by the external 

auditors for their review of the half year results and year end 
statutory audit.

 – Discussing with the external auditors the anticipated impact of 

changes in forthcoming accounting standards. 

 – Consideration and approval of the annual internal audit plan, 

internal audit resources and periodic reports from internal audit.

 – Reviewing the audit committee’s terms of reference.
 – Reviewing the Group’s Whistleblowing Policy and satisfying 
themselves that this meets FSA rules and good standards of 
corporate governance.

The Group’s Internal Audit Manager has direct access to the 
chairman of the audit committee, and meets with him, without 
the presence of management, to discuss the planning of audit 
committee meetings.

Nominations committee report

61

Robin Broadhurst  
Committee Chairman

The nominations committee currently comprises the chairman and 
two independent non-executive directors.

Baroness Margaret Ford was appointed to the committee 
in February 2012 to replace Robert Hiscox when he retired from the 
board after the 2012 AGM.

Meetings 
attended

Meetings 
eligible to 
attend

Member 
since

February 2005

Committee member
Robin Broadhurst 
(company chairman)
John Barnsley 
(senior independent director)
Baroness Margaret Ford 
(independent non-executive director) February 2012
Robert Hiscox 
(independent non-executive director)

(retired 
February 2012)

February 2011

Key responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the committee are to:

 – Review the size, balance and constitution of the board, including 
the diversity and balance of skills, knowledge and experience of 
the non-executive directors.

 – Identify and make recommendations to the board regarding 
candidates to fill board vacancies as and when they arise.

 – Review annually the time commitment required of non-executive 

directors.

 – Make recommendations for the board, in consultation with the 
respective committee chairman regarding membership of the 
audit, risk and compliance and remuneration committees.
 – Review the tenure of each of the non-executive directors.

Main activities of the committee during the year and 
subsequent to the year end
The committee met twice during the year to 30 September 2012 
and has met once subsequently.

The key matters considered at these meetings were:

2

2

1

1

2

2

1

1

 – Succession plans for both the executive and non-executive 

directors.

 – Membership of board committees.
 – The time commitment required of non-executive directors.
 – The qualities and skills that would be desirable in the new 

non-executive director who was to be recruited in advance of 
Henry Pitman’s retirement from the board at the 2013 AGM.
 – Undertaking a selection process in conjunction with a specialist 
recruitment consultancy to identify suitable candidates to fill 
the board vacancy and subsequently recommending to the board 
that Simon Davies be appointed as a non-executive director 
in November 2012.

 – The identification, after consulting with the CEO, of any existing 
employees who could be developed to take on more senior roles 
and any who may have the potential to become, in due course, 
executive directors.

62

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Remuneration committee report

Baroness Margaret Ford 
Committee Chairman

The remuneration committee currently comprises three independent 
non-executive directors.

Committee member
Baroness Margaret Ford 
(Committee chairman)
Henry Pitman
Belinda Richards

Robert Hiscox

Member 
since

Meetings 
attended

Meetings 
eligible to 
attend

January 2010
January 2010
May 2011
(Retired 
February 2012)

4
3
4

2

4
4
4

2

Remuneration policy
Grainger’s remuneration policy is designed to attract, motivate and 
retain high calibre individuals to enable the group to operate 
strategically for the continued benefit of shareholders, over the long 
term. In order to operate this policy, the remuneration committee 
receives information on remuneration packages awarded to 
directors in comparable organisations and aims to ensure that the 
rewards paid by Grainger are competitive. However the board does 
not follow benchmark data slavishly. We decide on what is correct 
for our business.

The policy is also designed to align the directors’ interests with 
those of shareholders. This is principally achieved through the use of 
share-based incentives and by encouraging executive directors to 
maintain a reasonable shareholding in the group. As a guideline, 
executive directors are expected to hold the equivalent value of 
at least one year’s salary in Grainger shares and they are encouraged 
to build their shareholding over a five year period following their 
appointment to the board. Details of executive directors’ share 
options and share awards are shown on pages 68 and 69 respectively 
and their shareholdings are shown within the table on page 70. 
Share awards are generally satisfied by the acquisition of shares in 
the market, so are not dilutive to shareholders. Share options are 
usually satisfied by the issue of new share capital although the majority 
of share options exercised during the year have been satisfied by 
shares which have been acquired in the market and which have 
been held within the company’s Employee Benefit Trust.

Remuneration packages balance both short and long-term 
rewards. They include salary, bonus and pension elements as well as 
long-term share incentives and option schemes. Usual benefits are 
also provided. 

No executive director is involved in the determination of his own 

remuneration. Fees of the non-executive directors, which include 
increments where a committee chairmanship or senior independent 
position is held, are determined by the executive committee of the 
board. 

The remuneration committee also review the total level 

of salaries and bonuses paid to the group as a whole.

Other directorships
The board has an approved policy on other directorships. 
This permits a full-time executive director to hold non-executive 
directorships, and to retain fees from any such appointment, 
provided that the board considers that this will not adversely affect 
their executive responsibilities. None of the executive directors held 
any other directorships outside of the group during the year.

63

Elements of remuneration

Basic salaries and benefits
Basic salaries are reviewed by the remuneration committee annually 
with uplifts being by reference to cost of living, responsibilities and 
market rates, as for all employees. 

The salaries for the executive directors have remained 

unchanged for the last two years and it has been determined by  
the committee that these will be unchanged for 2013. The salary 
of the chief executive has remained the same since October 2009 
and for the other three executives directors since they were 
appointed to the board in 2010.

The non-salary benefits for executive directors comprise: 

 – a car allowance
 – private medical insurance
 – life insurance

The fees for the chairman and non-executive directors are reviewed 
on a biennial basis by the executive committee to the board. 

Following the biennial review undertaken by the executive 
committee during the year it was agreed that the basic fees for the 
chairman and non-executive directors would remain unaltered for 
the forthcoming year. 

Non-executive directors do not receive performance-related 

remuneration, or any form of benefits.

Annual cash bonus
Under the new annual bonus scheme that was introduced in 2011 
75% of the performance measure is based on the following two 
financial measures – operating profit before valuation movements 
and non-recurring items (OPBVM) and return on shareholders’ 
equity. The remaining 25% of the performance measure is based 
on an assessment of personal performance.

The assessment of the personal performance for the chief 
executive is undertaken by the chairman and for the other executive 
directors by the chief executive. 

The maximum potential bonus for the chief executive is capped 

at a multiple of 150% of salary with the other executive directors 
maximum bonus being capped at 125% of salary. These maximum 
potential figures are meant to represent stretch targets and to reflect 
really exceptional performance. 

Following an assessment of all of the above measures the total 

bonuses payable relative to their salary for the executive directors 
were 28% for the chief executive and 23% for the other directors.

Legacy bonus scheme
Up to the financial year ended 30 September 2010 Andrew 
Cunningham had participated in an arrangement introduced in 
2003 whereby each year a notional provisional bonus amount was 
calculated by reference to the enhancement of the triple net asset 
value of Grainger, relative to a theoretical market comparator. 
The comparator movement was calculated with regard to the 
Nationwide and Halifax house price indices and also interest rates – 
using five-year swap rates.

The calculated amount was aggregated with the unpaid 

notional amounts from previous years and each year the 
remuneration committee considered the appropriate proportion, 
if any, of this aggregate notional sum to be approved for payment. 
The notional balance, after any approved payment, remained to be 
taken into account over future years. The maximum amount that 
could be transferred into the pool in any one year was 150% of 
salary and this could only be achieved under exceptional 
performance conditions.

As at 30 September 2010 the balance in the notional 
bonus pool stood at £545,621. Following the review of bonus 
arrangements in 2011 the remuneration committee agreed to 
close this bonus scheme as we did not feel that it was sufficiently 
transparent and the deferred nature of the payments was not in line 
with good practice. However a bonus pool remained in respect 
of the chief executive. This reflected performance between 2003 
and 2010, had been fully earned and had been approved by 
shareholders. This legacy scheme is being paid out in five equal 
tranches, beginning in 2011. The second instalment of £109,124 
was paid in March 2012. The balance in the pool at 30 September 
2012 was £327,373.

Long-term Incentives
Grainger’s policy in relation to long-term incentive schemes has 
evolved over time to more closely align the long-term interests of 
executives and senior management with those of shareholders, 
to reward sustained performance over a number of financial years 
and to encourage these employees to grow their shareholdings. 

The current LTIS was approved by shareholders in February 2007 
and makes conditional awards of shares to reward performance and 
retain key staff over rolling three-year periods.

The awards are based upon the absolute levels of increase in 

both NNNAV and TSR. Fundamentally it was considered that 
absolute measures of performance were suitable because Grainger 
is unusual in nature and has no natural comparator group. 
Grainger is the only listed company of its size to invest primarily 

64

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Remuneration committee report 
continued

in residential property assets. All other comparably sized property 
companies are principally commercial and/or development focused. 
For awards granted before September 2010 two-thirds of the award 
was based on the absolute level of increase in NNNAV and one-third 
on the increase in absolute TSR. However, following a review of 
remuneration arrangements in 2010 it was determined that, with 
effect from 1 October 2010 awards would be split equally between 
NNNAV and TSR, with the TSR target range having been adjusted 
from 8% – 16% to 5% – 15%, as follows:

LTIS awards granted before September 2010

LTIS awards granted after October 2010

TSR Performance Conditions (50%)
Growth in TSR over 3 years
TSR
The base threshold for vesting is 5% 
with the maximum at 15%
Less than 5%
Between 5% and 15%
More than 15%

Percentage of the TSR element of an 
award which will vest

Nil
Pro rata vesting
100%

TSR Performance conditions (33.33%)
Growth in TSR over 3 years
TSR 
The base threshold for vesting is 8% 
with the maximum of 16%
Less than 8%
Between 8% and 16%
More than 16%

NNNAV Performance Conditions (66.67%)
NNNAV
Base threshold for vesting where 
NNNAV growth exceeded the 
average WACC. The maximum level 
occurs when growth in NNNAV 
exceeds average WACC plus 3%.
Less than or equal to average WACC
Between average WACC and average 
WACC + 3%
Equal to or greater than average 
WACC + 3%

Percentage of the TSR element of 
an award which will vest

Nil
Pro rata vesting
100%

Percentage of the NNNAV element 
of an award which will vest

Percentage of the NNNAV element 
of an award which will vest

NNNAV Performance Conditions (50%)
Growth in NNNAV over a three-year 
period relative to the average of 
the Halifax and Nationwide indices 
by a factor of:
NNNAV Base threshold for vesting 
where NNNAV growth exceeded the 
average of Halifax and Nationwide 
indices by a factor of 1.5. The maximum 
level occurs at a factor of 3.
Less than 1.5
Between 1.5 & 3
Greater than 3

Nil
Pro rata vesting
100%

Nil

Pro rata vesting

100%

There is also a matching awards element to the scheme, to 
encourage executives to develop and maintain a shareholding in the 
company. Participants are able to pledge or buy shares of equivalent 
value to 30% of their relevant salary and to the extent that 
performance criteria are met, these shares will be matched 
one-for-one at the end of the three-year period. 

These performance criteria are believed to be stretching, 
but realistic, and to reward executives if Grainger’s return to 
shareholders is significant in absolute terms. 

65

Performance-related remuneration 
As should be expected and in accordance with the Code, a significant element of executive directors’ and senior management’s potential 
remuneration is performance related. The combination of short and long-term incentives attempts to align the interests of executives and 
senior management with the interests of shareholders, and to reward significant outperformance of expectations. 

Policy objective

Short-term incentives

Long-term incentives

Clear incentive for delivery of strategic objectives

Supported by competitive base salaries  
and annual bonus measures

Supported by LTIS operational measures  
and long-term personal shareholdings

Clear incentive for delivery 
of strategic objectives

Alignment with shareholder’ 
longer term interests

Annual bonus weightings

LTIS weightings

37.5%
25.0%

37.5%

Linked to OPBVM

Linked to an assessment 
of personal performance

Linked to return on 
shareholders’ equity

50.0%

Linked to absolute total shareholder 
return performance measured over 
a three-year period

50.0%

Linked to growth in NNNAV compared to 
growth in Halifax & Nationwide indices 
measured over a three-year period 

Shareholding (expectation)

Effect of policy for executive directors
The charts below illustrate the total pay of the executive directors in 2011 and 2012, and the sources of that remuneration.

Andrew Cunningham (£’000s)

Peter Couch (£’000s)

Actual 
2011

Actual
2012

Actual 
2011

Actual
2012

0

300

600

900

1200

0

300

600

900

1200

Mark Greenwood (£’000s)

Nick Jopling (£’000s)

Actual 
2011

Actual
2012

Actual 
2011

Actual
2012

0

300

600

900

1200

0

300

600

900

1200

Actual 2011:   This chart reflects the total pay of the executive directors in 2011. None of the LTIS share awards which were granted in 2008 vested during the 

year as the performance criteria were not met.

Actual 2012:   This chart reflects the total pay of the executive directors in 2012 including the value of the LTIS share awards which were granted in 2009, and 

which vested during the year.

 Salary, pension and benefits 

 Bonus 

 Legacy bonus 

 LTIS – Performance 

 LTIS – Matching 

 Misc share award

66

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Remuneration committee report 
continued

Shareholding Guidelines for Executive Directors
The committee believes that it is important for a significant investment to be made by each executive director in the shares of the company 
and has established share ownership guidelines for the Grainger executive directors.

These guidelines state that executive directors are expected and encouraged to build over a five year period a shareholding, equivalent 

in value to at least one year’s salary.

Pensions
The group contributes 15% of basic salary as a pension allowance or into a personal pension arrangement for all of the executive directors. 
No other elements of remuneration are pensionable.

Share schemes open to all employees
The four executive directors are eligible to participate in a save as you earn scheme (‘SAYE’), and in a share incentive plan (‘SIP’). Both the 
SAYE and SIP are Inland Revenue approved and therefore subject to the limits prescribed, and both schemes are open to all employees, 
subject to the rules of the schemes.

Amounts relating to directors’ participation in the SIP and share options under the SAYE scheme are shown on pages 67 and 68.

67

Total
£’000

1,410
84
16
1,510

316
109
425
1,935
2,442

196
182

Total all 
directors 
2012
£’000

1,647
84
16

1,747

316

109

425

2,172

2,657

The auditors have audited the following parts of the remuneration report.

Directors’ remuneration

Chairman and executive directors
Non-performance-related remuneration
Salary and fees
Taxable benefits
Share incentive plan
Total non-performance-related remuneration
Performance-related remuneration
Annual discretionary bonus
Unwinding of previous bonus scheme
Total performance-related remuneration
Total remuneration for the year ended 30 September 2012
Total remuneration for the year ended 30 September 2011
Pension contributions 
Year ended 30 September 2012
Year ended 30 September 2011

Robin 
Broadhurst
£’000

Andrew 
Cunningham
£’000

Peter  
Couch
£’000

Nick  
Jopling
£’000

Mark 
Greenwood
£’000

140
–
–
140

–
–
–
140
140

–
–

420
18
6
444

117
109
226
670
870

63
58

265
34
6
305

62
–
62
367
464

40
41

325
16
2
343

76
–
76
419
536

49
49

260
16
2
278

61
–
61
339
432

44
34

Non-executive directors
Non-performance-related 
remuneration
Salary and fees
Taxable benefits
Share incentive plan
Total non-performance-related 
remuneration
Performance-related 
remuneration
Annual discretionary bonus
Unwinding of previous 
bonus scheme
Total performance-related 
remuneration
Total remuneration for the year 
ended 30 September 2012
Total remuneration for the year 
ended 30 September 2011

John  
Barnsley
£’000

Baroness 
Margaret 
Ford
£’000

Robert  
Hiscox
£’000

Henry  
Pitman
£’000

Bill Tudor 
John
£’000

Belinda 
Richards
£’000

Tony  
Wray
£’000

Total
£’000

52
–
–

52

–

–

52

51

47
–
–

47

–

–

47

47

14
–
–

14

–

–

14

40

40
–
–

40

–

–

40

40

–
–
–

–

–

–

–

17

46
–
–

46

–

–

46

20

38
–
–

38

–

–

38

–

237
–
–

237

–

–

237

215

Bill Tudor John retired from the board on 9 February 2011
Belinda Richards was appointed to the board on 5 April 2011
Tony Wray was appointed to the board on 24 October 2011
Robert Hiscox retired from the board on 8 February 2012

68

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Remuneration committee report 
continued

Directors’ share options

Granted in year

Exercised during year

Share 
options at  
1 Oct  
2011 Number

Grant 
price  
(p)

Number

Exercise 
price  
(p)

Market 
price on 
exercise  
(p)

Share 
options at 
30 Sept 
2012

Exercise 
price  
(p)

Earliest  
exercise date

Latest  
exercise date

Andrew 
Cunningham

Peter Couch

Mark Greenwood

Nick Jopling

SAYE
CSOP
SAYE
SAYE
CSOP
SAYE
CSOP
SAYE
CSOP

44,415
31,772
25,454

31,772

31,772

31,772

13,062

68.90

13,062

68.90

21,770

68.90

25,454

37.70 104.00

44,415
31,772
–
13,062
31,772
13,062
31,772
21,770
31,772

1 Feb 2014

31 Jul 2014
37.70
94.42 26 Nov 2013 26 Nov 2020

1 Sep 2015

1 Sep 2015

68.90
1 Mar 2016
94.42 26 Nov 2013 26 Nov 2020
1 Mar 2016
68.90
94.42 26 Nov 2013 26 Nov 2020
68.90
1 Mar 2018
94.42 26 Nov 2013 26 Nov 2020

1 Sep 2017

Performance share awards

Andrew Cunningham
LTIS shares

Awards granted Maximum award

Awards vested

Awards lapsed

Maximum 
outstanding  
awards at  
30 Sept 2012

Market price at  
date of vesting  
(p)

Matching shares

Peter Couch
LTIS shares

Matching shares

Mark Greenwood
LTIS shares

Matching shares

Nick Jopling
LTIS shares

Matching shares

23 Dec 2008
9 Dec 2009
26 Nov 2010
2 Dec 2011

23 Dec 2008
9 Dec 2009
26 Nov 2010
2 Dec 2011

23 Dec 2008
26 Nov 2010
2 Dec 2011

23 Dec 2008
26 Nov 2010
2 Dec 2011

21 Sep 2010
26 Nov 2010
2 Dec 2011

21 Sep 2010
26 Nov 2010
2 Dec 2011

21 Sep 2010
26 Nov 2010
2 Dec 2011

21 Sep 2010
26 Nov 2010
2 Dec 2011

778,850
480,695
667,231
625,496

155,769
96,139
133,446
125,099

429,418
280,660
263,105

85,884
13,168
78,931

230,129
275,365
258,141

10,000
10,498
10,000

283,235
344,206
322,676

22,615
38,888
40,000

124,948

653,902

24,988

130,781

68,890

360,528

13,778

72,106

–
480,695
667,231
625,496

–
96,139
133,446
125,099

–
280,660
263,105

–
13,168
78,931

230,129
275,365
258,141

10,000
10,498
10,000

283,235
344,206
322,676

22,615
38,888
40,000

69

Vesting date

23 Dec 2011
9 Dec 2012
26 Nov 2013
2 Dec 2014

23 Dec 2011
9 Dec 2012
26 Nov 2013
2 Dec 2014

103.2

103.2

103.2

103.2

23 Dec 2011
26 Nov 2013
2 Dec 2014

23 Dec 2011
26 Nov 2013
2 Dec 2014

9 Dec 2012
26 Nov 2013
2 Dec 2014

9 Dec 2012
26 Nov 2013
2 Dec 2014

9 Dec 2012
26 Nov 2013
2 Dec 2014

9 Dec 2012
26 Nov 2013
2 Dec 2014

Non-performance share awards
Peter Couch
Deferred Bonus (DBP) shares

3 Feb 2010

90,615

90,615

3 Feb 2013

70

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Remuneration committee report 
continued

Directors’ shareholdings

Total shareholder return

Ordinary shares of 5p each (thousands)

Grainger

FTSE 250 Index

FTSE 350 Real Estate/Real Estate Investment 
& Services indices

150

120

90

60

30

0

30 Sept
2007

30 Sept
2008

30 Sept
2009

30 Sept
2010

30 Sept
2011

30 Sept
2012

This graph shows the value by 30 September 2012 of £100 invested 
in Grainger on 30 September 2007 compared with the value of 
£100 invested in the FTSE 250 Index and in the FTSE 350 Real 
Estate/Real Estate Investment & Services indices.

This report meets the disclosure requirements of the Companies Act 
2006 and the Listing Rules and in accordance with usual practice will 
be put to shareholders for approval at the AGM.

On behalf of the board

Baroness Margaret Ford 
Chairman of the remuneration committee

6 December 2012

Andrew Cunningham
Peter Couch
Nick Jopling
Mark Greenwood
Robin Broadhurst
John Barnsley
Henry Pitman
Baroness Margaret Ford
Belinda Richards
Tony Wray
Simon Davies

1 Oct 2011
1,115
121
82
30
110
103
101
18
–
–
–
1,680

Beneficial  
30 Sept 2012
1,194
193
166
83
121
103
101
18
–
10
–
1,989

30 Nov 2012
1,195
194
166
103
121
103
101
18
–
10
100
2,111

Directors’ service agreements and letters of appointment
Contract Commencement Date Notice period
Executive directors
12 months
October 2009
Andrew Cunningham
12 months
June 2010
Peter Couch
6 months
September 2010
Nick Jopling
6 months
September 2010
Mark Greenwood

Non-executive directors
Robin Broadhurst
John Barnsley
Henry Pitman
Baroness Margaret Ford
Belinda Richards
Tony Wray
Simon Davies

Date of initial appointment
February 2004 
February 2003
May 2007
July 2008
April 2011
October 2011
November 2012

Total shareholder return
As required by legislation covering the directors’ remuneration 
report, the graph below shows TSR (based upon share price growth 
with dividends reinvested) for Grainger, compared to the FTSE 250 
and the FTSE Real Estate Index. These comparators have been 
chosen on the basis that they are the markets within which Grainger 
operates, albeit that the real estate index comprises mainly 
commercial property companies.

 
Board risk and compliance  
committee report

71

Belinda Richards  
Committee chairman

The Board Risk and Compliance Committee currently comprise three 
independent non-executive directors and two executive directors.

Committee member
Belinda Richards 
(Committee chairman)
John Barnsley
Tony Wray
Mark Greenwood
Peter Couch

Meetings 
attended

Meetings 
eligible to 
attend

2
2
2
2
2

2
2
2
2
2

The committee was established during the year and held its first 
formal meeting in May 2012. Since its inception the committee has 
overseen the development of a group wide risk appetite statement 
which clearly lays out the level of risk that the business is prepared to 
tolerate in order to achieve its goals in each of the key risk areas – 
strategic, operational, financial, people, project, legal & regulatory 
and IT. The statement has been adopted and now forms a 
framework within which management decisions and reporting 
occur. 

On a standing agenda basis, the committee reviews the group’s 
top risks, key projects, complaints register, internal audit risk reports 
and the quarterly report from the group risk and compliance 
manager. On a rolling basis there is a thorough review of each 
division and each core business activity/process. This year there have 
been specific reviews of the German business, Retirement Solutions, 
Block Management and Health & Safety Management. The purpose 
of these detailed reviews is to highlight the principal risks and 
processes of each division at a more detailed level and to ensure that 
the risk mitigation plans are robust. 

The Retirement Solutions business is regulated by the FSA. The 

committee oversees compliance with regulatory obligations and 
receives regular updates on proposed future regulatory 
developments, such as the formation of the Financial Conduct 
Authority. Treating Customers Fairly, one of our key regulatory 
obligations, is at the heart of Grainger’s operating philosophy. 

The culture of risk awareness, and effective risk management, is 
becoming embedded in the way that Grainger thinks and operates 
at all levels within the business. This focus will be critical in protecting 
our outstanding reputation in the market as we move forward. 

72

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Other disclosures

Principal activities
Grainger plc is a holding company and during the year the group 
(through subsidiaries of Grainger plc) has continued its activities of 
property trading, investment, development and management.

Review of business development and prospects
The information that fulfils the requirements of the Business review 
can be found on pages 2 to 49, which are incorporated into this 
report by reference. A review of the performance and development 
of the business during the year, the position of the group at the year 
end and its future prospects, is set out in the sections of the Annual 
report from pages 2 to 35.

Details of the group’s KPIs are provided on page 21. 

A description of the principal risks and uncertainties facing the group 
and how these are mitigated can be found on pages 48 and 49. 
Additional information on environmental matters, on employees, 
tenants and partners and on social and community matters is set out 
on pages 36 to 47.

Results for the year

The results of the group are set out in the consolidated income 

statement on page 76 which shows a profit for the financial year 
attributable to the owners of the company of £0.4m (2011: 
£39.1m).

Dividends
An interim dividend of 0.55p per share was paid on 6 July 2012. 
Although no interim dividend was declared for 2011, in June 2011 
the directors distributed £2.2m by means of a tender buy-back of 
shares. This represented an effective dividend of 0.53p per share. 
The directors recommend the payment of a final dividend of 1.37p 
per share (2011: 1.30p), to be paid on 8 February 2013 making a 
total dividend for the year of 1.92p (2011: 1.83p) per share. Any 
shareholder wishing to participate in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan 
for the 2012 final dividend will need to ensure that their application 
form is returned to our registrars by 14 January 2013.

Share Capital
In October 2011 9,103 shares were issued pursuant to the exercise 
of share options under the group’s SAYE scheme. The company has 
one class of ordinary shares and all shares rank equally and are fully 
paid. No person holds shares carrying special rights with regard to 
control of the company. There are neither restrictions on the transfer 
of shares nor the size of a holding which are both governed by the 
Articles of Association and prevailing legislation. The directors are not 
aware of any agreements between holders of shares in the 
company that may result in restrictions on the transfer of shares or 
on voting rights.

At 30 September 2012, the directors had unexpired power to 

repurchase up to 41,600,000 shares. 

Directors’ interests in significant contracts
No directors were materially interested in any contract of 
significance.

Statement of directors’ responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report, the 
directors’ remuneration 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 financial statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union, and the parent company financial statements in 
accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). 
Under company law the directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view of the state of affairs of the group and the company and of the 
profit or loss 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 accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent;

 – state whether IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and 

applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject 
to any material departures disclosed and explained in the group 
and parent company financial statements respectively; and 
 – prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will 
continue in business.

73

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time 
the financial position of the company and the group and enable 
them to ensure that the financial statements and the directors’ 
remuneration report comply with the Companies Act 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.
Each of the directors, whose names and functions are listed on 
pages 50 and 51 confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

 – the group financial statements, which have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give a true and 
fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit 
of the group;

 – the business review on pages 2 to 49 includes a fair review of the 
development and performance of the business and the position 
of the group, together with a description of the principal risks 
and uncertainties that it faces;

 – so far as the directors are aware, there is no relevant audit 

information of which the company’s auditors are unaware; and

 – the directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have 
taken as a director in order to make themselves aware of any 
relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s 
auditors are aware of that information.

The maintenance and integrity of the Grainger plc website is the 
responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors 
does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, 
the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may 
have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially 
presented on the website.

Insurance of directors
The company has put in place insurance to cover its directors and 
officers against the costs of defending themselves in civil legal 
proceedings taken against them in that capacity and in respect 
of damages awarded in such proceedings. Following shareholder 
approval, the group maintains insurance for Grainger plc’s directors 

in respect of their duties as director, which is a qualifying third party 
indemnity provision for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006. 
This cover was in place during the financial year and at the date of 
approval of these financial statements.

Creditor payment policy
It is the group’s policy to pay suppliers in accordance with their 
normal terms and conditions of trading. Payment in respect of the 
purchase of property is subject to and will comply with contractual 
terms. Trade creditors existing at 30 September 2012 relating to 
purchases of property generally complete 28 days after exchange 
of contracts. The company has no trade creditors. Trade creditor 
days of the group were calculated as 22 days (2011: 22 days).

Financial Risk Management
Details are included in note 28 to the financial statements.

Sustainability
Our approach to sustainability is based on our assessment of the 
potential risk and opportunity to our business. In the year ended 
30 September 2012 93% of the applicable sustainability targets that 
we committed to meeting by that date were either fully achieved or 
in progress. Further information is provided in the corporate 
responsibility report on pages 40 to 47.

Charitable donations
During the year the group made charitable donations amounting to 
£30,000 (2011: £17,500). Grainger makes charitable donations in 
three ways. Firstly, we are a Foundation Partner member of LandAid, 
the property industry charity, and have committed to donating 
£10,000 per annum to LandAid for a period of three years of which 
this is the third year of contribution. Secondly, we match fund our 
staff’s individual fundraising efforts up to a maximum of £100 per 
person per annum and we make occasional donations to specific 
events or good causes. We have not made any contributions for 
political purposes.

International operations
Our German portfolio continues to be centrally managed and 
controlled from our overseas offices.

74

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Other disclosures 
continued

Health and safety
Grainger has a well-developed Health and Safety Management 
System for the internal and external control of health and safety risks 
which is managed by the Director of Health and Safety. This includes 
the use of online risk management systems for the identification, 
mitigation and reporting of real time health and safety management 
information. The group health and safety committee consists of 
members from across the organisation and is chaired by the chief 
operating officer. The committee continues to monitor the delivery 
of legal compliance in health and safety through audit and 
implementation of improvements to enable us to become ‘best 
in class’.

Employment of disabled persons
The company gives full and fair consideration to applications 
for employment made by disabled persons, having regard 
to their particular aptitudes and abilities. In the event of an 
employee becoming disabled every effort is made to ensure 
that their employment within the company continues and 
that appropriate training is arranged where necessary. It is the policy 
of the company that the training, career development and 
promotion of disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical 
to that of other employees.

Employee involvement
The group places considerable value on the involvement of its 
employees and has continued its practice of keeping them informed 
on matters affecting them as employees, for example, eligibility to 
join company share schemes, and on the various factors affecting 
the performance of the group. Communication is made using the 
intranet, ‘The Source’, and through regular meetings with, and 
presentations by, senior management.

Independent auditors and disclosure of information 
to auditors
As far as each director is aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the company’s auditors are unaware. Each 
director has taken steps that they ought to have taken as directors in 
order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information 
and to establish that the company’s auditors are aware of that 
information. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have expressed their 
willingness to continue in office as auditors to the company and 
group. A resolution to reappoint them as auditors to the company 
and group will be proposed at the next AGM.

Takeover directive
On a change of control, the core banking facilities (described in note 
29 to the accounts) will become repayable should alternative terms 
for continuing the facilities not be agreed with the lenders within 
45 days. There are no other material matters relating to a change 
of control of the company following a takeover bid.

Post balance sheet events
On 9 November 2012, the group announced that it had signed 
an agreement with Heitman, to create a new company which will 
acquire, through a share purchase, a portfolio of German residential 
assets currently wholly owned by the group. As a result of the 
transaction, the new company will acquire €232m of investment 
property from the group and €152m of debt will be transferred 
to it from the group. Grainger will hold a 25% equity stake in the 
new company which the group will account for as an associate. 
The group will provide management services for which it will receive 
standard management and incentive fees. It is anticipated that 
completion will take place before the end of the 2012 calendar year. 
On 5 October 2012, the group signed a facility agreement with 

Coreal Credit Bank for a loan of €164.9m to refinance the existing 
facility from Eurohypo which expires in October 2013. The facility 
was drawn on 25 October 2012 and was used to settle the 
Eurohypo loan in full. €152m of the Coreal loan will be transferred 
to the new company referred to above.

By order of the board

Michael Windle 
Company Secretary

6 December 2012

75

Independent auditors’ report  
to the members of Grainger plc on the group financial statements 

We have audited the group financial statements of Grainger plc 
for the year ended 30 September 2012 which comprise the 
consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of financial 
position, the consolidated statement of changes in equity, the 
consolidated statement of cash flows and the related notes. 
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in 
their preparation is applicable law and International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.  

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors  
As explained more fully in the statement of directors’ 
responsibilities set out on pages 72 and 73, the directors are 
responsible for the preparation of the group financial statements 
and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our 
responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the group 
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and 
International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those 
standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. This report, including the 
opinions, has been prepared for and only for the company’s 
members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of 
the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, 
in giving these opinions, 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. 

− Have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 

adopted by the European Union; and  

− Have been prepared in accordance with the requirements 

of the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the lAS Regulation.  

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies 
Act 2006  
In our opinion: 
− The information given in the directors’ report for the financial 
year for which the group financial statements are prepared is 
consistent with the group financial statements; and 

− The information given in the Corporate Governance Statement 
set out on pages 52 to 58 with respect to internal control and 
risk management systems and about share capital structures is 
consistent with the financial statements.  

Matters on which we are required to report by exception  
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:  
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you 
if, in our opinion:  
− Certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law 

are not made; or  

− We have not received all the information and explanations 

we require for our audit; or 

− A corporate governance statement has not been prepared 

by the parent company. 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements  
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable 
assurance that the financial statements are free from material 
misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an 
assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to 
the group’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and 
adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting 
estimates made by the directors; and the overall presentation 
of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial 
and non-financial information in the annual report and accounts 
to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial 
statements. If we become aware of any apparent material 
misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications 
for our report. 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:  
− The directors’ statement, set out on page 58, in relation to 

going concern;  

− The part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to 
the company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code specified for our review; and 

− Certain elements of the report to shareholders by the board 

on directors’ remuneration. 

Other matter  
We have reported separately on the parent company financial 
statements of Grainger plc for the year ended 30 September 
2012 and on the information in the directors’ remuneration 
report that is described as having been audited.  

Opinion on financial statements  
In our opinion the group financial statements:  
− Give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s affairs 

as at 30 September 2012 and of its profit and cash flows for 
the year then ended;  

David A Snell
(Senior Statutory Auditor)  
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP  
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors  
London 
6 December 2012 

 
 
76

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Consolidated income statement 

For the year ended 30 September 2012 

Group revenue 

Net rental income 

Profit on disposal of trading property 

Administrative expenses 

Other income  

Other expenses 

Net gain on acquisition of subsidiary 

Goodwill impairment 

Profit on disposal of investment property 

Income from financial interest in property assets 

Write down of inventories to net realisable value 

Notes

4, 5

6

7

9

10

11

39

23

8

22

24

Provision for impairment of loans receivable net of write backs 

21, 25

Operating profit before net valuation gains/(deficits) on investment property 

Net valuation gains/(deficits) on investment property 

Write down of investment property in disposal group  

Operating profit after net valuation gains/(deficits) on investment property 

Change in fair value of derivatives 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Share of profit of associates after tax 

Share of (loss)/profit of joint ventures after tax 

(Loss)/profit before tax 

 Tax credit before exceptional item  

 Exceptional tax credit  

 Tax credit for the year 

Profit for the year attributable to the owners of the company 

Basic earnings per share  

Diluted earnings per share  

18

40

28

14

14

20

21

13

15

15

15

34

17

17

2012 

£m 

311.4 

62.8 

74.0 

(31.0) 

11.0 

(3.4) 

– 

– 

3.0 

7.7 

(0.1) 

– 

124.0 

2.1 

(6.9) 

119.2 

(31.2) 

(95.3) 

2.1 

4.5 

(1.0) 

(1.7) 

2.1 

– 

2.1 

0.4 

0.1p 

0.1p 

2011
(restated)
£m

296.2

62.4

79.1

(33.1)

8.0

(3.8)

16.1

(2.2)

1.1

7.9

(1.8)

(4.2)

129.5

(2.0)

–

127.5

(28.0)

(82.6)

2.7

4.4

2.1

26.1

2.8

10.2

13.0

39.1

9.5p

9.4p

 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income 

For the year ended 30 September 2012 

Profit for the year 

Actuarial (loss)/gain on BPT Limited defined benefit pension scheme  

Fair value movement on financial interest in property assets  

Exchange adjustments offset in reserves  

Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges  

Other comprehensive income and expense for the year before tax 

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income 

Other comprehensive income and expense for the year after tax 

Total comprehensive income and expense for the year attributable to the owners 
of the company 

77

Notes

34

30

22

15

2012 

£m 

0.4 

(2.0) 

(0.4) 

(0.6) 

14.1 

11.1 

(2.4) 

8.7 

2011
(restated)
£m

39.1

1.2

(0.3)

(0.9)

13.2

13.2

(4.5)

8.7

9.1 

47.8

Included within comprehensive income is £5.0m (2011: £8.8m) relating to associates and joint ventures accounted for under the 
equity method.  

Consolidated income statement 

For the year ended 30 September 2012 

Group revenue 

Net rental income 

Profit on disposal of trading property 

Administrative expenses 

Other income  

Other expenses 

Net gain on acquisition of subsidiary 

Goodwill impairment 

Profit on disposal of investment property 

Income from financial interest in property assets 

Write down of inventories to net realisable value 

Change in fair value of derivatives 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Share of profit of associates after tax 

Share of (loss)/profit of joint ventures after tax 

(Loss)/profit before tax 

 Tax credit before exceptional item  

 Exceptional tax credit  

 Tax credit for the year 

Profit for the year attributable to the owners of the company 

Basic earnings per share  

Diluted earnings per share  

Provision for impairment of loans receivable net of write backs 

21, 25

Operating profit before net valuation gains/(deficits) on investment property 

Net valuation gains/(deficits) on investment property 

Write down of investment property in disposal group  

Operating profit after net valuation gains/(deficits) on investment property 

Notes

4, 5

6

7

9

10

11

39

23

8

22

24

18

40

28

14

14

20

21

13

15

15

15

34

17

17

2012 

£m 

311.4 

62.8 

74.0 

(31.0) 

11.0 

(3.4) 

– 

– 

3.0 

7.7 

(0.1) 

– 

124.0 

2.1 

(6.9) 

119.2 

(31.2) 

(95.3) 

2.1 

4.5 

(1.0) 

(1.7) 

2.1 

– 

2.1 

0.4 

0.1p 

0.1p 

2011

(restated)

£m

296.2

62.4

79.1

(33.1)

8.0

(3.8)

16.1

(2.2)

1.1

7.9

(1.8)

(4.2)

129.5

(2.0)

–

127.5

(28.0)

(82.6)

2.7

4.4

2.1

26.1

2.8

10.2

13.0

39.1

9.5p

9.4p

 
 
 
 
 
 
78

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Consolidated statement of financial position 

As at 30 September 2012 

ASSETS 

Non-current assets 

Investment property 

Property, plant and equipment 

Investment in associates 

Investment in joint ventures 

Financial interest in property assets 

Deferred tax assets 

Goodwill 

Current assets 

Inventories – trading property 

Trade and other receivables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Assets classified as held-for-sale 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES 

Non-current liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Retirement benefits 

Provisions for other liabilities and charges 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Current tax liabilities 

Derivative financial instruments  

Liabilities associated with assets held-for-sale 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Notes

2012 
£m 

2011
£m

18

19

20

21

22

15

23

24

25

28

29

40

29

26

30

26

15

29

27

15

28

40

525.9 

0.8 

41.2 

19.2 

99.0 

44.5 

5.3 

819.9

1.2

34.6

23.9

102.3

42.7

5.3

735.9 

1,029.9

1,023.4 

1,105.1

35.6 

– 

73.3 

222.1 

1,354.4 

2,090.3 

18.3

0.2

90.9

–

1,214.5

2,244.4

1,240.1 

1,428.0

– 

5.8 

0.5 

37.8 

4.0

4.5

0.6

47.7

1,284.2 

1,484.8

27.3 

88.4 

24.4 

145.4 

129.7 

415.2 

1,699.4 

390.9 

116.7

76.4

24.6

154.5

–

372.2

1,857.0

387.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of financial position 

79

Notes

31

34

2012 
£m 

2011
£m

20.8 

109.8 

20.1 

0.3 

(24.5) 

5.0 

3.9 

255.4 

390.8 

0.1 

390.9 

20.8

109.8

20.1

0.3

(34.4)

5.0

4.1

261.6

387.3

0.1

387.4

As at 30 September 2012 

EQUITY 

Capital and reserves attributable to the owners of the company 

Issued share capital 

Share premium 

Merger reserve 

Capital redemption reserve  

Cash flow hedge reserve 

Equity component of convertible bond 

Available-for-sale reserve 

Retained earnings 

Equity attributable to the owners of the company 

Non-controlling interests 

Total equity  

The financial statements on pages 76 to 152 were approved by the board of directors on 6 December 2012 and were signed on their 
behalf by: 

Andrew R Cunningham   
Director 

Mark Greenwood  
Director 

1,240.1 

1,428.0

Company registration number: 125575

Notes

2012 

£m 

2011

£m

18

19

20

21

22

15

23

24

25

28

29

40

29

26

30

26

15

29

27

15

28

40

735.9 

1,029.9

1,023.4 

1,105.1

525.9 

0.8 

41.2 

19.2 

99.0 

44.5 

5.3 

35.6 

– 

73.3 

222.1 

1,354.4 

2,090.3 

– 

5.8 

0.5 

37.8 

27.3 

88.4 

24.4 

145.4 

129.7 

415.2 

1,699.4 

390.9 

819.9

1.2

34.6

23.9

102.3

42.7

5.3

18.3

0.2

90.9

–

1,214.5

2,244.4

4.0

4.5

0.6

47.7

116.7

76.4

24.6

154.5

–

372.2

1,857.0

387.4

1,284.2 

1,484.8

As at 30 September 2012 

ASSETS 

Non-current assets 

Investment property 

Property, plant and equipment 

Investment in associates 

Investment in joint ventures 

Financial interest in property assets 

Deferred tax assets 

Goodwill 

Current assets 

Inventories – trading property 

Trade and other receivables 

Derivative financial instruments 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Assets classified as held-for-sale 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES 

Non-current liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Retirement benefits 

Provisions for other liabilities and charges 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Current tax liabilities 

Derivative financial instruments  

Liabilities associated with assets held-for-sale 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
80

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

Issued 
share 
capital 
£m

Share 
premium 
£m

Merger 
reserve  
£m 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
 £m

Cash flow 
hedge 
reserve 
£m

  Notes 

Equity 
component 
of 
convertible 
bond 
£m

Available- 
for-sale 
reserve  
£m 

Retained 
earnings  
£m 

Non-
controlling 
interests 
£m 

Total 
equity 
£m

Balance as at 
1 October 2010  

Profit for the year 

Actuarial gain on BPT 
Limited defined benefit 
pension scheme  

Fair value movement 
on financial interest 
in property assets  

Exchange adjustments 
offset in reserves  

Changes in fair value 
of cash flow hedges  

Tax relating to 
components of other 
comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive 
income and expense 
for the year 

34 

30 

22 

15 

– 

Purchase of own shares 

31, 34 

Share-based 
payments charge 

Dividends paid  

Balance as at 
30 September 2011 

 32 

16 

20.8

109.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

20.1 

– 

0.3

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(43.0)

–

–

–

–

13.2

(4.6)

8.6

–

–

–

5.0

–

4.2 

– 

228.0 

39.1 

0.1 

345.3

– 

39.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

1.2 

– 

1.2

(0.3) 

– 

– 

(0.3)

– 

– 

(0.9) 

– 

(0.9)

– 

– 

13.2

0.2 

(0.1) 

– 

(4.5)

(0.1) 

– 

– 

– 

39.3 

(2.8) 

2.0 

(4.9) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

47.8

(2.8)

2.0

(4.9)

20.8

109.8

20.1 

0.3

(34.4)

5.0

4.1 

261.6 

0.1 

387.4

 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity  

Issued 

share 

capital 

£m

Capital 

Cash flow 

of 

Available- 

Non-

Share 

premium 

£m

Merger 

reserve  

£m 

redemption 

reserve

 £m

hedge 

reserve 

£m

convertible 

bond 

£m

for-sale 

reserve  

Retained 

earnings  

controlling 

interests 

£m 

£m 

£m 

Total 

equity 

£m

  Notes 

Equity 

component 

20.8

109.8

20.1 

– 

0.3

–

(43.0)

5.0

–

4.2 

– 

228.0 

39.1 

0.1 

345.3

– 

39.1

Balance as at 

1 October 2010  

Profit for the year 

Actuarial gain on BPT 

Limited defined benefit 

pension scheme  

Fair value movement 

on financial interest 

in property assets  

Exchange adjustments 

offset in reserves  

Changes in fair value 

of cash flow hedges  

Tax relating to 

components of other 

comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive 

income and expense 

for the year 

Share-based 

payments charge 

Dividends paid  

Balance as at 

30 September 2011 

Purchase of own shares 

31, 34 

34 

30 

22 

15 

– 

 32 

16 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

13.2

(4.6)

8.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

1.2 

– 

1.2

(0.3) 

– 

– 

(0.3)

– 

– 

(0.9) 

– 

(0.9)

– 

– 

13.2

0.2 

(0.1) 

– 

(4.5)

(0.1) 

– 

– 

– 

39.3 

(2.8) 

2.0 

(4.9) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

47.8

(2.8)

2.0

(4.9)

20.8

109.8

20.1 

0.3

(34.4)

5.0

4.1 

261.6 

0.1 

387.4

81

Issued 
share 
capital  
£m 

Share 
premium  
£m 

Merger 
reserve 
£m

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
 £m

Cash flow 
hedge 
reserve 
£m

  Notes

Equity 
component 
of 
convertible 
bond 
£m

Available- 
for-sale 
reserve  
£m 

Retained 
earnings  
£m 

Non-
controlling 
interests 
£m 

Total 
equity 
£m

Balance as at  
1 October 2011  

Profit for the year 

Actuarial loss on BPT 
Limited defined benefit 
pension scheme  

Fair value movement 
on financial interest 
in property assets  

Exchange adjustments 
offset in reserves  

Changes in fair value 
of cash flow hedges  

Tax relating to 
components of other 
comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive 
income and expense 
for the year 

34

30

22

15

–

Purchase of own shares 

31, 34

Proceeds from SAYE shares 

34

Share-based 
payments charge 

Dividends paid  

Balance as at 
30 September 2012 

32

16

20.8 

109.8 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

20.1

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(34.4)

–

–

–

–

14.1

(4.2)

9.9

–

–

–

–

5.0

–

4.1 

– 

261.6 

0.4 

0.1 

387.4

– 

0.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

(2.0) 

– 

(2.0)

(0.4) 

– 

– 

(0.4)

– 

– 

(0.6) 

– 

(0.6)

– 

– 

14.1

0.2 

1.6 

– 

(2.4)

(0.2) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.6) 

(0.5) 

0.4 

2.1 

(7.6) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

9.1

(0.5)

0.4

2.1

(7.6)

20.8 

109.8 

20.1

0.3

(24.5)

5.0

3.9 

255.4 

0.1  390.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
82

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Consolidated statement of cash flows  

For the year ended 30 September 2012 

Cash flow from operating activities 

Profit for the year 

Depreciation 

Net gain on acquisition of subsidiary 

Goodwill impairment  

Write down of investment property in disposal group  

Net valuation (gains)/deficits on investment property 

Net finance costs 

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures 

Profit on disposal of investment property 

Provision for impairment of loans receivable net of write-backs 

Share-based payment charge  

Change in fair value of derivatives 

Interest income from financial interest in property assets 

Taxation 

Operating profit before changes in working capital 

Increase in trade and other receivables 

Decrease in trade and other payables 

Decrease in provisions for liabilities and charges 

Decrease in trading property 

Cash generated from operations 

Interest paid 

Taxation paid 

Net cash inflow from operating activities  

Cash flow from investing activities  

Proceeds from sale of investment property  

Proceeds from financial interest in property assets 

Proceeds from redemption of equity units in associate 

Dividend and loan repayment from joint venture 

Interest received 

Proceeds from disposal of interest in subsidiary 

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired 

Investment in associates and joint ventures 

Acquisition of investment property and property, plant and equipment 

Net cash inflow from investing activities 

Notes

19

39

23

40

18

14

20, 21

8

21, 25

32, 34

28

22

15

15

8

22

20

21

39

20, 21

18, 19

2012 
£m 

0.4 

0.4 

– 

– 

6.9 

(2.1) 

93.2 

(3.5) 

(3.0) 

– 

2.1 

31.2 

(7.7) 

(2.1) 

115.8 

(13.5) 

(3.8) 

(0.1) 

78.3 

176.7 

(78.1) 

(12.0) 

86.6 

48.3 

10.6 

– 

3.5 

0.7 

– 

– 

(0.5) 

(5.5) 

57.1 

2011
£m

39.1

0.6

(16.1)

2.2

–

2.0

79.9

(6.5)

(1.1)

4.2

2.0

28.0

(7.9)

(13.0)

113.4

(0.8)

(4.8)

(0.2)

71.7

179.3

(73.1)

(4.4)

101.8

24.6

9.2

0.1

–

1.9

17.5

(23.1)

(2.4)

(5.9)

21.9

 
 
 
83

2011
£m

–

(2.8)

220.0

–

–

(335.1)

(4.9)

(0.6)

(123.4)

0.3

91.5

(0.9)

90.9

–

90.9

Notes

34

31, 34

16

30

29

40

29

2012 
£m 

0.4 

(0.5) 

79.0 

(10.5) 

(1.2) 

(215.5) 

(7.6) 

(1.0) 

(156.9) 

(13.2) 

90.9 

(1.8) 

75.9 

(2.6) 

73.3 

For the year ended 30 September 2012 

Cash flows from financing activities  

Proceeds from SAYE options 

Purchase of own shares 

Proceeds from new borrowings  

Payment of loan costs  

Settlement of derivative contracts 

Repayment of borrowings 

Dividends paid 

Payments to defined benefit pension scheme 

Net cash outflow from financing activities 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 

Net exchange movements on cash and cash equivalents 

Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

Cash held in assets classified as held-for-sale at the end of the year 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

Consolidated statement of cash flows  

For the year ended 30 September 2012 

Cash flow from operating activities 

Profit for the year 

Depreciation 

Net gain on acquisition of subsidiary 

Goodwill impairment  

Write down of investment property in disposal group  

Net valuation (gains)/deficits on investment property 

Net finance costs 

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures 

Profit on disposal of investment property 

Provision for impairment of loans receivable net of write-backs 

Share-based payment charge  

Change in fair value of derivatives 

Interest income from financial interest in property assets 

Taxation 

Operating profit before changes in working capital 

Increase in trade and other receivables 

Decrease in trade and other payables 

Decrease in provisions for liabilities and charges 

Decrease in trading property 

Cash generated from operations 

Interest paid 

Taxation paid 

Net cash inflow from operating activities  

Cash flow from investing activities  

Proceeds from sale of investment property  

Proceeds from financial interest in property assets 

Proceeds from redemption of equity units in associate 

Dividend and loan repayment from joint venture 

Interest received 

Proceeds from disposal of interest in subsidiary 

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired 

Investment in associates and joint ventures 

Acquisition of investment property and property, plant and equipment 

Net cash inflow from investing activities 

Notes

19

39

23

40

18

14

8

28

22

15

20, 21

21, 25

32, 34

15

8

22

20

21

39

20, 21

18, 19

2012 

£m 

0.4 

0.4 

– 

– 

6.9 

(2.1) 

93.2 

(3.5) 

(3.0) 

– 

2.1 

31.2 

(7.7) 

(2.1) 

115.8 

(13.5) 

(3.8) 

(0.1) 

78.3 

176.7 

(78.1) 

(12.0) 

86.6 

48.3 

10.6 

– 

3.5 

0.7 

– 

– 

(0.5) 

(5.5) 

57.1 

2011

£m

39.1

0.6

(16.1)

2.2

–

2.0

79.9

(6.5)

(1.1)

4.2

2.0

28.0

(7.9)

(13.0)

113.4

(0.8)

(4.8)

(0.2)

71.7

179.3

(73.1)

(4.4)

101.8

24.6

9.2

0.1

–

1.9

17.5

(23.1)

(2.4)

(5.9)

21.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
84

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements  

1 Accounting policies 

(a) Basis of preparation 
Grainger plc is a company incorporated and domiciled in the UK. 
It is a public limited liability company listed on the London Stock 
Exchange and the address of the registered office is given on 
page 164. The group financial statements consolidate those of 
the company and its subsidiaries, together referred to as the 
‘group’, and equity account the group’s interest in joint ventures 
and associates. The parent company financial statements present 
information about the company and not about its group. 

These financial statements for the year ended 30 September 

2012 have been prepared in accordance with EU endorsed 
International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’), IFRIC 
interpretations and those parts of the Companies Act 2006 
applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The company has 
elected to prepare its company financial statements in accordance 
with UK GAAP. These are presented on pages 154 to 161. 

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise 

stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in the 
group financial statements.  

The group financial statements have been prepared under the 

historical cost convention except for the following assets and 
liabilities, and corresponding income statement accounts, which 
are stated at their fair value; investment property, derivative 
financial instruments and financial interest in property assets. 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 
IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and 
assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and 
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and 
expenses. Although these estimates are based on management’s 
best knowledge of the events and amounts involved, actual 
results ultimately may differ from those estimates. The areas 
involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas 
where assumptions and estimates are significant to the 
consolidated financial statements are disclosed in note 2. 

(b) Basis of consolidation 
i) Subsidiaries Subsidiaries are all entities (including special 
purposes entities) over which the group has the power 
to govern the financial and operating policies generally 
accompanying a shareholding of more than one half of the 
voting rights. The existence and effect of potential voting rights 
that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered 
when assessing whether the group controls another entity.  

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control 
is transferred to the group. They are de-consolidated from the 
date control ceases.  

Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains on 

transactions between group companies are eliminated. 
Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where 
necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by 
the group. 

ii) Goodwill and impairment The purchase method of accounting 
is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the group. 
The cost of the acquisition is measured as the fair value of the 
assets given and equity instruments issued. Identifiable assets 
acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a 
business combination are measured initially at their fair values 
at the date of acquisition. Goodwill represents the excess of the 
cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the group’s share of 
net identifiable assets including intangible assets of the acquired 
entity at the date of acquisition. If the cost of the acquisition is 
less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary 
acquired, the difference is recognised directly in the income 
statement. Costs attributable to an acquisition are expensed 
in the consolidated income statement under the heading 
‘Other expenses’.  

Goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries is included within this 

caption on the statement of financial position. Goodwill on 
acquisition of joint ventures and associates is included in 
investments in joint ventures and associates.  

Goodwill is allocated to cash generating units for the purpose 

of impairment testing and is tested annually for impairment and 
carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Impairment 
losses on goodwill are not reversed. Gains and losses on the 
disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill 
relating to the entity sold. 

iii) Joint ventures and associates Joint ventures are those entities 
over whose activities the group has joint control, established by 
contractual agreement. Associates are all entities over which 
the group has significant influence but not control, generally 
accompanying a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the 
voting rights. Significant influence is the power to participate in 
the financial and operating decisions of the investee but is not 
control or joint control over those policies.  

 
Notes to the financial statements  

1 Accounting policies 

(a) Basis of preparation 

Grainger plc is a company incorporated and domiciled in the UK. 

It is a public limited liability company listed on the London Stock 

Exchange and the address of the registered office is given on 

page 164. The group financial statements consolidate those of 

the company and its subsidiaries, together referred to as the 

‘group’, and equity account the group’s interest in joint ventures 

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control 

is transferred to the group. They are de-consolidated from the 

date control ceases.  

Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains on 

transactions between group companies are eliminated. 

Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where 

necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by 

the group. 

and associates. The parent company financial statements present 

ii) Goodwill and impairment The purchase method of accounting 

information about the company and not about its group. 

is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the group. 

These financial statements for the year ended 30 September 

The cost of the acquisition is measured as the fair value of the 

2012 have been prepared in accordance with EU endorsed 

assets given and equity instruments issued. Identifiable assets 

International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’), IFRIC 

acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a 

interpretations and those parts of the Companies Act 2006 

business combination are measured initially at their fair values 

applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The company has 

at the date of acquisition. Goodwill represents the excess of the 

elected to prepare its company financial statements in accordance 

cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the group’s share of 

with UK GAAP. These are presented on pages 154 to 161. 

net identifiable assets including intangible assets of the acquired 

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise 

entity at the date of acquisition. If the cost of the acquisition is 

stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in the 

less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary 

group financial statements.  

acquired, the difference is recognised directly in the income 

The group financial statements have been prepared under the 

statement. Costs attributable to an acquisition are expensed 

historical cost convention except for the following assets and 

in the consolidated income statement under the heading 

liabilities, and corresponding income statement accounts, which 

‘Other expenses’.  

are stated at their fair value; investment property, derivative 

Goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries is included within this 

financial instruments and financial interest in property assets. 

caption on the statement of financial position. Goodwill on 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 

acquisition of joint ventures and associates is included in 

IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and 

investments in joint ventures and associates.  

assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and 

Goodwill is allocated to cash generating units for the purpose 

the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and 

of impairment testing and is tested annually for impairment and 

expenses. Although these estimates are based on management’s 

carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Impairment 

best knowledge of the events and amounts involved, actual 

losses on goodwill are not reversed. Gains and losses on the 

results ultimately may differ from those estimates. The areas 

disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill 

involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas 

relating to the entity sold. 

where assumptions and estimates are significant to the 

consolidated financial statements are disclosed in note 2. 

(b) Basis of consolidation 

i) Subsidiaries Subsidiaries are all entities (including special 

iii) Joint ventures and associates Joint ventures are those entities 

over whose activities the group has joint control, established by 

contractual agreement. Associates are all entities over which 

the group has significant influence but not control, generally 

purposes entities) over which the group has the power 

accompanying a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the 

to govern the financial and operating policies generally 

voting rights. Significant influence is the power to participate in 

accompanying a shareholding of more than one half of the 

the financial and operating decisions of the investee but is not 

voting rights. The existence and effect of potential voting rights 

control or joint control over those policies.  

that are currently exercisable or convertible are considered 

when assessing whether the group controls another entity.  

85

Investments in joint ventures and associates are accounted for 
by the equity method of accounting and are initially recognised 
at cost. The group’s investment in joint ventures and associates 
includes goodwill (net of any accumulated impairment loss) 
identified on acquisition. 

The group’s share of its joint ventures’ and associates’ post-
acquisition profits or losses is recognised in the income statement, 
and its share of post-acquisition movements in reserves is 
recognised in other comprehensive income. Where the group’s 
interest has been reduced to £nil, additional losses are provided 
for, and a liability is recognised, only to the extent that the group 
has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments 
on behalf of the joint venture or associate. The cumulative post-
acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amount 
of the investment.  

Unrealised gains on transactions between the group and its 
joint ventures and associates are eliminated to the extent of the 
group’s interest in joint ventures and associates. The accounting 
policies of joint ventures and associates have been changed 
where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted 
by the group.  

(c) Segmental reporting 
The group’s risks and rates of return are affected predominantly 
by differences between the property asset types it owns and 
manages. A business segment is a distinguishable group of assets 
and operations, reflected in the way that the group manages its 
business, that is subject to risks and returns that are different 
from those of other business segments. 

IFRS 8, ‘Operating Segments’ (‘IFRS 8’) requires operating 

segments to be identified based upon the Group’s internal 
reporting to the chief operating decision maker (‘CODM’) to 
make decisions about resources to be allocated to segments 
and to assess their performance. The group’s CODM is the 
chief executive officer.  

The group has identified five such segments as follows: 
− UK residential; 

− Retirement solutions; 

− Fund and third party management; 

− UK and European development; and 

− German residential.  

All of the above segments are UK based except German 
residential which has its assets and tenants based in Germany and 
UK and European Development which includes assets based in 
the Czech Republic. More detail is given relating to each of the 
above segments in note 4.  

The group has a segment director responsible for the 
performance of each of these five segments and the group 
reports key financial information to the CODM on the basis of 
these five segments. Each of these five segments operates within 
a different part of the overall residential market. 

The title ‘All other segments’ has been included in the 

segmental tables in note 4 to reconcile the segments to the 
figures reviewed by the CODM. 

The measure of profit or loss used by the CODM is 
the trading profit or loss before valuation gains or deficits on 
investment properties and excluding all revaluation and non 
recurring items as set out in note 3. The CODM reviews by 
segment two key statements of financial position measures 
of net asset value. These are Gross net asset value (‘NAV’) 
and Triple net asset value (‘NNNAV’) measures. Further detail 
is provided in note 4. 

(d) 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, net of tax, from the proceeds. 

(e) 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 pounds Sterling, which is 
the company’s functional and presentation currency. 

ii) Foreign currency transactions Foreign currency transactions 
are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the 
dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities 
denominated in foreign currencies at the statement of financial 
position date are translated into sterling at the foreign exchange 
rate ruling at that date. Foreign exchange gains and losses 
resulting from the settlement of such transactions are recognised 
in the income statement. 

 
 
 
86

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

1 Accounting policies continued 

iii) Foreign operations The assets and liabilities of foreign 
operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising 
on consolidation, are translated to Sterling at foreign exchange 
rates ruling at the statement of financial position date. Revenues 
and expenses of foreign operations are translated at average 
foreign exchange rates for the relevant period. Foreign exchange 
gains and losses are recognised within the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income. 

iv) Net investment hedges Hedges of net investments in foreign 
operations are accounted for similarly to cash flow hedges. Any 
gain or loss on the hedging instrument relating to the effective 
portion of the hedge is recognised in other comprehensive 
income within the translation reserve as part of retained earnings. 
Any gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised in 
the income statement within interest expense and similar charges. 
Gains and losses accumulated in equity are included in the 
income statement when the foreign operation is partially 
disposed of or sold. 

(f) Investment property 
Property that is held for long-term rental yields or for capital 
appreciation or both, and that is not occupied by the companies 
in the consolidated group, is classified as investment property. 

Investment property is measured initially at its cost, including 

related transaction costs. 

After initial recognition, investment property is carried at fair 

value. Fair value is based on active market prices, adjusted, if 
necessary, for any difference in the nature, location or condition 
of the specified asset. If this information is not available, the 
group uses alternative valuation methods such as recent prices 
on less active markets or discounted cash flow projections.  

Subsequent expenditure is included in the carrying amount of 

the property when it is probable that the future economic 
benefits associated with the item will flow to the group and the 
cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and 
maintenance costs are charged to the income statement during 
the financial period in which they are incurred.  

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of the 

group’s investment properties are included in the income 
statement of the period in which they arise. 

Where specific investment properties have been identified as 
being for sale within the next 12 months their fair value is shown 
under assets classified as held-for-sale within current assets. 

In general, however, it is not possible for the group to identify 
which properties will be sold within the next 12 months. 
Although the size of the group’s property portfolio does result in 
a relatively predictable vacancy rate, it is not possible to predict in 
advance the specific properties that will become vacant. 

(g) Financial interest in property assets 
Financial interest in property assets is initially recognised at fair 
value plus transaction costs and subsequently carried at fair value. 
Subsequent to initial recognition, the net change in value that is 
recorded through the income statement is as follows: i) the 
carrying value of the assets is increased by the effective interest 
rate and ii) the carrying value of the assets is revised to the net 
present value of the updated projected cash flows arising from 
the instrument using the effective interest rate applicable at 
acquisition. The change in value recorded through the income 
statement is shown on the line ‘Income from financial interest 
in property assets’. Cash received from the instrument in the year 
is deducted from the carrying value of the asset.  

Differences between the updated projected cash flows using 

the effective interest rate applicable at acquisition compared to 
updated projected cash flows using a year end effective interest 
rate, assessed as the rate available in the market for an instrument 
with a similar maturity and credit risk, are taken through other 
comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the 
carrying value of the assets. When gains or losses in the assets are 
realised, the accumulated fair value adjustments recognised in 
equity are included in the income statement as gains and losses 
from financial interest in property assets.  

(h) Inventories – trading property 
Tenanted residential properties held for sale in the normal course 
of business are shown in the financial statements as a current 
asset at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost includes 
legal and surveying charges and introducer fees incurred during 
acquisition together with improvement costs. Net realisable value 
is the net sale proceeds which the group expects on sale of a 
property with vacant possession. 

Land and property held within the development segment of 

the business are shown in the financial statements at the lower of 
cost and net realisable value. Cost represents the acquisition price 
including legal and other professional costs associated with the 
acquisition together with subsequent development costs net of 
amounts transferred to costs of sale. Net realisable value is the 
expected net sales proceeds of the developed property.  

 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

1 Accounting policies continued 

iii) Foreign operations The assets and liabilities of foreign 

operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising 

on consolidation, are translated to Sterling at foreign exchange 

rates ruling at the statement of financial position date. Revenues 

In general, however, it is not possible for the group to identify 

which properties will be sold within the next 12 months. 

Although the size of the group’s property portfolio does result in 

a relatively predictable vacancy rate, it is not possible to predict in 

advance the specific properties that will become vacant. 

and expenses of foreign operations are translated at average 

(g) Financial interest in property assets 

foreign exchange rates for the relevant period. Foreign exchange 

Financial interest in property assets is initially recognised at fair 

gains and losses are recognised within the consolidated statement 

value plus transaction costs and subsequently carried at fair value. 

of comprehensive income. 

Subsequent to initial recognition, the net change in value that is 

recorded through the income statement is as follows: i) the 

iv) Net investment hedges Hedges of net investments in foreign 

carrying value of the assets is increased by the effective interest 

operations are accounted for similarly to cash flow hedges. Any 

rate and ii) the carrying value of the assets is revised to the net 

gain or loss on the hedging instrument relating to the effective 

present value of the updated projected cash flows arising from 

portion of the hedge is recognised in other comprehensive 

the instrument using the effective interest rate applicable at 

income within the translation reserve as part of retained earnings. 

acquisition. The change in value recorded through the income 

Any gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised in 

statement is shown on the line ‘Income from financial interest 

the income statement within interest expense and similar charges. 

in property assets’. Cash received from the instrument in the year 

Gains and losses accumulated in equity are included in the 

is deducted from the carrying value of the asset.  

income statement when the foreign operation is partially 

Differences between the updated projected cash flows using 

disposed of or sold. 

(f) Investment property 

Property that is held for long-term rental yields or for capital 

appreciation or both, and that is not occupied by the companies 

in the consolidated group, is classified as investment property. 

Investment property is measured initially at its cost, including 

related transaction costs. 

After initial recognition, investment property is carried at fair 

value. Fair value is based on active market prices, adjusted, if 

the effective interest rate applicable at acquisition compared to 

updated projected cash flows using a year end effective interest 

rate, assessed as the rate available in the market for an instrument 

with a similar maturity and credit risk, are taken through other 

comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the 

carrying value of the assets. When gains or losses in the assets are 

realised, the accumulated fair value adjustments recognised in 

equity are included in the income statement as gains and losses 

from financial interest in property assets.  

necessary, for any difference in the nature, location or condition 

(h) Inventories – trading property 

of the specified asset. If this information is not available, the 

Tenanted residential properties held for sale in the normal course 

group uses alternative valuation methods such as recent prices 

of business are shown in the financial statements as a current 

on less active markets or discounted cash flow projections.  

asset at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost includes 

Subsequent expenditure is included in the carrying amount of 

legal and surveying charges and introducer fees incurred during 

the property when it is probable that the future economic 

acquisition together with improvement costs. Net realisable value 

benefits associated with the item will flow to the group and the 

is the net sale proceeds which the group expects on sale of a 

cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and 

property with vacant possession. 

maintenance costs are charged to the income statement during 

Land and property held within the development segment of 

the financial period in which they are incurred.  

the business are shown in the financial statements at the lower of 

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of the 

cost and net realisable value. Cost represents the acquisition price 

group’s investment properties are included in the income 

including legal and other professional costs associated with the 

statement of the period in which they arise. 

acquisition together with subsequent development costs net of 

Where specific investment properties have been identified as 

amounts transferred to costs of sale. Net realisable value is the 

being for sale within the next 12 months their fair value is shown 

expected net sales proceeds of the developed property.  

under assets classified as held-for-sale within current assets. 

87

Where residential properties are sold tenanted or where land is 
sold without development, net realisable value is the current 
market value net of associated selling costs. 

(i) Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash in hand, deposits held 
at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments 
with original maturities of three months or less. 

(j) Income tax 
Income tax on the profits or losses for the periods presented 
comprises both current and deferred tax. Current tax is the 
expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year 
using rates applicable during the year. Tax payable upon the 
realisation of revaluation gains recognised in prior periods is 
recorded as a current tax charge with a release of the associated 
deferred taxation. 

Deferred income tax is recognised, using the liability method, 
on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets 
and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated 
financial statements. Deferred income tax is determined using tax 
rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted 
by the statement of financial position date and are expected to 
apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or 
the deferred income tax liability is settled. 

Deferred income 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 and associates, except 
where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is 
controlled by the group and it is probable that the temporary 
difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

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 
assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same 
taxation authority on either the taxable entity or different taxable 
entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a 
net basis. 

ii) Defined benefit pension scheme The group currently 
contributes to a defined benefit pension scheme that was closed 
to new members and employee contributions in 2003. The full 
deficit in the scheme was recognised in the statement of financial 
position as at 1 October 2004. 

An actuarial valuation of the scheme is carried out every three 

years. The cost of providing benefits is determined using 
the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial valuations being 
carried out at each statement of financial position date by a 
qualified actuary, also under the Projected Unit Credit Method, 
for the purpose of determining the amounts to be reflected in 
the group’s financial statements under IAS 19. 

The liability recognised in the statement of financial position is 

the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the 
statement of financial position date less the fair value of scheme 
assets. 

There are no current or past service costs as the scheme 
is closed to new members and employee contributions. Interest 
on pension scheme liabilities and the expected return on pension 
scheme assets are reflected in the income statement each year. 
Actuarial gains and losses net of deferred income tax are 
reflected in the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income each year. 

iii) Share-based compensation The group operates a number 
of equity-settled, share-based compensation plans comprising 
awards under a Long-term Incentive Scheme (‘LTIS’), a deferred 
bonus plan (‘DBP’), a Share Incentive Plan (‘SIP’) and a save as you 
earn (‘SAYE’) scheme. The fair value of the employee services 
received in exchange for the grant of shares and options is 
recognised as an employee expense. The total amount to be 
expensed over the vesting period is determined by reference to 
the fair value of the shares and options granted. For market based 
conditions, the probability of vesting is taken into account in the 
fair value calculation and no revision is made to the number of 
shares or options expected to vest. For non-market conditions, 
each year the group revises its estimate of the number of options 
or shares 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. 

(k) Employee benefits 
i) Defined contribution pension scheme Obligations for 
contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are 
recognised as an expense in the income statement in the period 
to which they relate. 

Awards that are subject to a market-based performance 

condition are valued at fair value using the Monte Carlo 
simulation model. Awards not subject to a market-based 
performance condition are valued at fair value using the Black 
Scholes valuation model. 

 
 
 
 
 
88

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

1 Accounting policies continued 

When options are exercised the proceeds received net of any 
directly attributable transaction costs, are credited to share capital 
(nominal value) and share premium. 

(l) Revenue recognition 
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration 
received or receivable and is stated net of sales taxes and value 
added taxes. Revenue is recognised on our three primary income 
streams as follows:  

i) Income from property trading Revenue and profits or losses 
arising from the sale of trading and investment property are 
included in the income statement where contract completion has 
taken place. Profits or losses are calculated by reference to the 
carrying value of property and are included in operating profit. 

ii) Rental income Rental income is recognised on a straight-line 
basis over the lease term on an accruals basis.  

iii) Management fee income Management fee income is 
recognised in the accounting period in which the services 
are rendered.  

In addition, income is recognised as follows on service charges 
and investments: 

Service charges 
The group is responsible for providing service charge services in 
both the UK and in Germany. Where Grainger is exposed to the 
significant risks and rewards associated with the rendering of 
services it is acting as principal. Otherwise it is acting as agent. 
In the UK, Grainger acts primarily as agent. Accordingly 
service charge receivables and payables are shown net in the 
statement of financial position.  

In Germany, Grainger acts primarily as principal. Accordingly 
service charge income and costs are shown gross in the income 
statement with service charge recoveries from tenants recorded 
as a component of group revenue. Where recovery of service 
charges is doubtful a provision for impairment is made. 

Income from investments 
Dividend income from investments is recognised when the 
shareholders’ rights to receive payment have been established. 

Group revenue 
Group revenue set out in note 5, comprises gross rental income, 
service charge income on a principal basis, gross proceeds, before 

sales costs, from the sale of trading properties and management 
fee and other income. 

(m) Leases 
i) Group as lessor The net present value of ground rents receivable 
is, in the opinion of the directors, immaterial. Accordingly, ground 
rents receivable are taken to the income statement on a straight-
line basis over the period of the lease. Properties leased out to 
tenants are included in the statement of financial position as 
either investment property or as trading property under inventories.  
Where the group grants a lifetime lease on an investment 

property and receives from the lessee an upfront payment in 
respect of the grant of the lease, the upfront payment is treated 
as deferred rent in the statement of financial position. This 
deferred rent is released to the income statement on a straight-
line basis over the projected term of the lease. At each year end 
the projected term of the lease is revised on an actuarial basis and 
the remaining deferred rent is released to the income statement 
on a straight-line basis over this revised lease term. 

ii) Group as lessee The group occupies a number of its offices 
as a lessee. After a review of all of its occupational leases, the 
directors have concluded that all such leases are operating leases. 
Payments, including prepayments, 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. 

The net present value of ground rents payable is, in the 
opinion of the directors, immaterial. Accordingly, ground rent 
expenses are taken to the income statement on a straight-line 
basis over the lease term.  

(n) Derivative financial instruments  
Derivatives 
The group uses derivative instruments to help manage its interest 
rate risk. In accordance with its treasury policy, the group does 
not hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes. Derivatives are 
classified as current assets and current liabilities.  

The derivatives are recognised initially at fair value. 

Subsequently, the gain or loss on re-measurement to fair value 
is recognised immediately in the income statement, unless the 
derivatives qualify for cash flow hedge accounting in which case 
any gain or loss is taken to equity in a cash flow hedge reserve.  
In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the group is 
required to document in advance the relationship between the 
item being hedged and the hedging instrument. The group is also 
required to demonstrate that the hedge will be highly effective on 

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

1 Accounting policies continued 

sales costs, from the sale of trading properties and management 

When options are exercised the proceeds received net of any 

directly attributable transaction costs, are credited to share capital 

(m) Leases 

fee and other income. 

(nominal value) and share premium. 

(l) Revenue recognition 

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration 

received or receivable and is stated net of sales taxes and value 

added taxes. Revenue is recognised on our three primary income 

streams as follows:  

i) Group as lessor The net present value of ground rents receivable 

is, in the opinion of the directors, immaterial. Accordingly, ground 

rents receivable are taken to the income statement on a straight-

line basis over the period of the lease. Properties leased out to 

tenants are included in the statement of financial position as 

either investment property or as trading property under inventories.  

Where the group grants a lifetime lease on an investment 

i) Income from property trading Revenue and profits or losses 

property and receives from the lessee an upfront payment in 

arising from the sale of trading and investment property are 

respect of the grant of the lease, the upfront payment is treated 

included in the income statement where contract completion has 

as deferred rent in the statement of financial position. This 

taken place. Profits or losses are calculated by reference to the 

deferred rent is released to the income statement on a straight-

carrying value of property and are included in operating profit. 

line basis over the projected term of the lease. At each year end 

In addition, income is recognised as follows on service charges 

Payments, including prepayments, made under operating leases 

ii) Rental income Rental income is recognised on a straight-line 

basis over the lease term on an accruals basis.  

iii) Management fee income Management fee income is 

recognised in the accounting period in which the services 

are rendered.  

and investments: 

Service charges 

The group is responsible for providing service charge services in 

both the UK and in Germany. Where Grainger is exposed to the 

significant risks and rewards associated with the rendering of 

services it is acting as principal. Otherwise it is acting as agent. 

In the UK, Grainger acts primarily as agent. Accordingly 

the projected term of the lease is revised on an actuarial basis and 

the remaining deferred rent is released to the income statement 

on a straight-line basis over this revised lease term. 

ii) Group as lessee The group occupies a number of its offices 

as a lessee. After a review of all of its occupational leases, the 

directors have concluded that all such leases are 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. 

The net present value of ground rents payable is, in the 

opinion of the directors, immaterial. Accordingly, ground rent 

expenses are taken to the income statement on a straight-line 

basis over the lease term.  

service charge receivables and payables are shown net in the 

(n) Derivative financial instruments  

statement of financial position.  

Derivatives 

In Germany, Grainger acts primarily as principal. Accordingly 

The group uses derivative instruments to help manage its interest 

service charge income and costs are shown gross in the income 

rate risk. In accordance with its treasury policy, the group does 

statement with service charge recoveries from tenants recorded 

not hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes. Derivatives are 

as a component of group revenue. Where recovery of service 

classified as current assets and current liabilities.  

charges is doubtful a provision for impairment is made. 

The derivatives are recognised initially at fair value. 

Income from investments 

Dividend income from investments is recognised when the 

shareholders’ rights to receive payment have been established. 

Group revenue 

Subsequently, the gain or loss on re-measurement to fair value 

is recognised immediately in the income statement, unless the 

derivatives qualify for cash flow hedge accounting in which case 

any gain or loss is taken to equity in a cash flow hedge reserve.  

In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the group is 

Group revenue set out in note 5, comprises gross rental income, 

required to document in advance the relationship between the 

service charge income on a principal basis, gross proceeds, before 

item being hedged and the hedging instrument. The group is also 

required to demonstrate that the hedge will be highly effective on 

89

an ongoing basis. This effectiveness testing is re-performed at 
each period end to ensure that the hedge remains highly 
effective. 

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 forecasted transaction 
is ultimately recognised in the income statement. When a 
forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, the 
cumulative gain or loss that was recognised in equity is 
immediately transferred to the income statement. 

Fair value estimation 
The fair value of interest rate swaps is based on a discounted 
cash flow model using quoted market information. 

(o) Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities  
Derecognition is the point at which the group removes an asset 
or a liability from its statement of financial position. The group’s 
policy is to derecognise financial assets only when the contractual 
right to the cash flows from the financial asset expires. The group 
also derecognises financial assets that it transfers to another party 
provided that the transfer of the assets also transfers the right to 
receive cash flows from the financial asset. When the transfer 
does not result in the group transferring the right to receive 
cash flows from the financial asset but it does result in the group 
assuming a corresponding obligation to pay cash flows to another 
recipient, the financial asset is derecognised. 

The group derecognises financial liabilities only when its 

obligation is discharged, is cancelled or expires. 

Financial assets classified as available-for-sale is the financial 
interest in property assets. Derivative financial instruments not in 
hedge accounting relationships are classified as fair value through 
profit and loss.  

(p) Borrowings 
Borrowings are initially recognised at cost, being the fair value 
of consideration received, 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. 
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 statement of financial position date. 

(q) Convertible bond  
The convertible bond is a compound financial instrument and the 
carrying amount has been allocated to its equity and liability 
components in the group statement of financial position. The 
liability component has been determined by measuring the fair 
value of a similar liability that does not have an associated equity 
component. The discount rate used for this was based on a rate 
of 7.5% compounded semi-annually. The liability component has 
been deducted from the fair value of the compound financial 
instrument as a whole and the residual element has been 
assigned to the equity component. The liability element is 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest rate method. 

(r) Trade 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 in trade receivables is established when there is 
objective evidence that the group will not be able to collect all 
amounts due. The amount of the provision is the difference 
between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value 
of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the effective 
interest rate. The movement in the provision is recognised 
in the income statement. 

(s) Trade payables 
Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method. 

(t) Provisions 
Provisions are recognised when (a) the group has a present 
obligation as a result of a past event and (b) it is probable 
that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the 
obligation and (c) a reliable estimate can be made of the 
amount of the obligation. 

(u) Dividends 
Dividend distributions to the company’s shareholders are 
recognised as a liability in the group financial statements in 
the period in which the dividends either are approved by the 
company’s shareholders or are appropriately authorised and 
no longer at the discretion of the group. Interim dividends are 
recognised on payment. 

 
 
 
 
90

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

1 Accounting policies continued 

(v) Assets and associated liabilities classified as held-for-sale 
Where a group of assets are to be disposed of by sale as a single 
group, they are classified as a disposal group. The disposal group 
is classified as held-for-sale as defined by IFRS 5 when the assets 
are available-for-sale in their present condition, the sale is highly 
probable and it is expected to be completed within one year from 
the date of classification.  

(w) Acquisition of and investment in own shares 
The group acquires its own shares to enable it to meet its 
obligations under the various share schemes in operation. No gain 
or loss is recognised in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue or 
cancellation of the company’s own shares. The acquisition cost 
of the shares is debited to an investment in own shares reserve 
within retained earnings.  

Where the group buys back its own shares as treasury shares 

it adopts the accounting as described above. Where it 
subsequently cancels them, issued share capital is reduced by the 
nominal value of the shares cancelled and this same amount is 
transferred to the capital redemption reserve. 

(x) Impact of standards and interpretations issued 
i) New standards and interpretations issued in the year At the 
date of approval of these financial statements, the following 
interpretations and amendments were issued, endorsed by 
the EU and are mandatory for the group for the first time for 
the financial year beginning 1 October 2011. 

Amendments to existing standards 
− Amendment to IFRS 1 ‘First time adoption’ was updated to 
clarify that a first-time adopter that changes its accounting 
policies or its use of IFRS 1 exemptions after publishing a set 
of IAS 34 interim financial information should explain those 
changes and include the effects of such changes in its opening 
reconciliations within the first annual IFRS reporting. 
Amendments to IFRS 1 ‘First time adoption’ was updated to 
extend the exemption to use a ‘deemed cost’ arising from a 
revaluation triggered by an event such as a privatisation that 
occurred at or before the date of transition to IFRS, to 
revaluations that occur during the period covered by the first 
IFRS financial statements. 

− Amendments to IFRS 1 ‘First time Adoption’ amends fixed 
dates and includes guidance on implementations affected 
by hyperinflation. 

− Amendments to IFRS 1 ‘First time adoption’ was updated 

to clarify that entities subject to rate regulation are allowed 
to use previous GAAP carrying amounts of property, plant 
and equipment or intangible assets as deemed cost on an  
item-by-item basis.  

− Amendments to IFRS 3 ‘Business combinations’ was updated 

to extend the application guidance to all share-based payment 
transactions that are part of a business combination, 
including un-replaced and voluntarily replaced share-based 
payment awards. 

− Amendments to IFRS 3 ‘Business combinations’ was updated 

to clarify that the choice of measuring non-controlling interests 
at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s 
net assets applies only to instruments that represent present 
ownership interests and entitle their holders to a proportionate 
share of the net assets in the event of liquidation. All other 
components of non-controlling interest are measured at fair 
value unless another measurement basis is required by IFRS. 

− Amendments to IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ 

includes changes to promote transparency in the reporting of 
transfer transactions and improve users’ understanding of the 
risk exposures of transfers of financial assets. 

− Amendments to IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ 
was updated to include multiple clarifications related to the 
disclosure of financial instruments. 

− Amendments to IAS 24 (revised) ‘Related party disclosures’ 
was updated to remove the requirement for government 
related entities to disclose details of all transactions with the 
government-related entities and it clarifies and simplifies the 
definition of a related party. 

− Amendment to IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and Separate Financial 
Statements’ was updated to clarify that the consequential 
amendments to IAS 21, IAS 28 and IAS 31 following the 2008 
revisions to IAS 27 are to be applied prospectively.  

− Amendment to IAS 34 ‘Interim Financial Reporting’ was 

updated to place greater emphasis on the disclosure principles 
involving significant events and transactions, including changes 
to fair value measurements, and the need to update relevant 
information from the most recent annual report.  

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

1 Accounting policies continued 

(v) Assets and associated liabilities classified as held-for-sale 

Where a group of assets are to be disposed of by sale as a single 

group, they are classified as a disposal group. The disposal group 

is classified as held-for-sale as defined by IFRS 5 when the assets 

are available-for-sale in their present condition, the sale is highly 

probable and it is expected to be completed within one year from 

the date of classification.  

− Amendments to IFRS 1 ‘First time adoption’ was updated 

to clarify that entities subject to rate regulation are allowed 

to use previous GAAP carrying amounts of property, plant 

and equipment or intangible assets as deemed cost on an  

item-by-item basis.  

− Amendments to IFRS 3 ‘Business combinations’ was updated 

to extend the application guidance to all share-based payment 

transactions that are part of a business combination, 

including un-replaced and voluntarily replaced share-based 

(w) Acquisition of and investment in own shares 

payment awards. 

The group acquires its own shares to enable it to meet its 

− Amendments to IFRS 3 ‘Business combinations’ was updated 

obligations under the various share schemes in operation. No gain 

to clarify that the choice of measuring non-controlling interests 

or loss is recognised in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue or 

at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s 

cancellation of the company’s own shares. The acquisition cost 

net assets applies only to instruments that represent present 

of the shares is debited to an investment in own shares reserve 

ownership interests and entitle their holders to a proportionate 

within retained earnings.  

share of the net assets in the event of liquidation. All other 

Where the group buys back its own shares as treasury shares 

components of non-controlling interest are measured at fair 

it adopts the accounting as described above. Where it 

value unless another measurement basis is required by IFRS. 

subsequently cancels them, issued share capital is reduced by the 

− Amendments to IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ 

nominal value of the shares cancelled and this same amount is 

includes changes to promote transparency in the reporting of 

transferred to the capital redemption reserve. 

transfer transactions and improve users’ understanding of the 

(x) Impact of standards and interpretations issued 

i) New standards and interpretations issued in the year At the 

date of approval of these financial statements, the following 

interpretations and amendments were issued, endorsed by 

the EU and are mandatory for the group for the first time for 

the financial year beginning 1 October 2011. 

Amendments to existing standards 

risk exposures of transfers of financial assets. 

− Amendments to IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ 

was updated to include multiple clarifications related to the 

disclosure of financial instruments. 

− Amendments to IAS 24 (revised) ‘Related party disclosures’ 

was updated to remove the requirement for government 

related entities to disclose details of all transactions with the 

government-related entities and it clarifies and simplifies the 

− Amendment to IFRS 1 ‘First time adoption’ was updated to 

definition of a related party. 

clarify that a first-time adopter that changes its accounting 

− Amendment to IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and Separate Financial 

policies or its use of IFRS 1 exemptions after publishing a set 

Statements’ was updated to clarify that the consequential 

of IAS 34 interim financial information should explain those 

amendments to IAS 21, IAS 28 and IAS 31 following the 2008 

changes and include the effects of such changes in its opening 

revisions to IAS 27 are to be applied prospectively.  

reconciliations within the first annual IFRS reporting. 

− Amendment to IAS 34 ‘Interim Financial Reporting’ was 

Amendments to IFRS 1 ‘First time adoption’ was updated to 

updated to place greater emphasis on the disclosure principles 

extend the exemption to use a ‘deemed cost’ arising from a 

involving significant events and transactions, including changes 

revaluation triggered by an event such as a privatisation that 

to fair value measurements, and the need to update relevant 

occurred at or before the date of transition to IFRS, to 

information from the most recent annual report.  

revaluations that occur during the period covered by the first 

IFRS financial statements. 

− Amendments to IFRS 1 ‘First time Adoption’ amends fixed 

dates and includes guidance on implementations affected 

by hyperinflation. 

91

International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee 
(‘IFRIC’) interpretations 
− IFRIC 15 ‘Arrangement for construction of real estates’ clarifies 
when IAS 18 ‘Revenue Recognition’ and IAS 11 ‘Construction 
contracts’ should be applied to particular transactions. 
− IFRIC 18 ‘Transfer of assets from customers’ clarifies the 

accounting for arrangements where an item of property, plant 
and equipment that is provided by the customer is used to 
provide an ongoing service. 

− IFRIC 19 ‘Extinguishing financial liabilities with equity 
instruments’ clarifies the accounting when an entity 
renegotiates the terms of its debt with the result that the 
liability is extinguished through the creditor issuing its own 
equity instruments to the debtor. 

Amendments to existing interpretations 
− Amendment to IFRIC 13 ‘Customer loyalty programmes’ to 

clarify the term ‘fair value’ in the context of measuring award 
credits under customer loyalty programmes.  

− Amendment to IFRIC 14 ‘Prepayments of a minimum funding 
requirement’ applies only to entities that are required to make 
minimum funding contributions to a defined benefit pension 
plan. 

These standards and amendments to these standards and 
interpretations have had no material financial impact on these 
financial statements.  

ii) Standards and interpretations in issue but not yet effective  
At the date of authorisation of these financial statements there 
are a number of standards, amendments and interpretations to 
existing standards that have been published but which are not yet 
effective and which have not been early adopted by the group. 
These are as follows: 

International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) 
− Amendment to IAS 1 ‘Financial statement presentation’ 

introduces a requirement for entities to group items presented 
in other comprehensive income on the basis of whether they 
are potentially reclassifiable to profit or loss subsequently. 

− Amendment to IAS 12 (revised) ‘Income taxes’ introduces an 
exception to the existing principle for the measurement of 
deferred tax assets or liabilities arising on investment property 
measured at fair value. 

− Amendment to IAS 19 ‘Employee benefits’ eliminates the 

corridor approach and calculates finance costs on a net funding 
basis and also introduces a requirement to group items 
presented in Other Comprehensive Income on the basis of 
whether they are potentially recycled to income statement. 
− IAS 27 (revised) ‘Separate Financial Statements’ and IAS 28 
(revised 2011) ‘Associates and joint ventures’ include the 
provisions on separate financial statements which are not 
included in IFRS 10. 

− Amendment to IAS 32 ‘Financial instruments: Presentation’ 
clarifies the offsetting requirements for amounts presented 
in the statement of financial position.  

− Amendment to IFRS 1 ‘First time adoption’ addresses how a 
first time adopter would account for a government loan with 
a below-market rate of interest when transitioning to IFRS.  
− IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments: classification and measurement’ 

which has two measurement categories: amortised cost and fair 
value. All equity instruments are measured at fair value. A debt 
instrument is measured at amortised cost only if the entity is 
holding it to collect contractual cash flows and the cash flows 
represent principal and interest.  

− IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated financial statements’ which identifies 
the concept of control as the determining factor of whether 
an entity should be included within the consolidated 
financial statements. 

− IFRS 11 ‘Joint arrangements’ includes revised definitions of 

joint arrangements which focus on the rights and obligations 
over the legal form. The standard removes the option of 
proportional consolidation.  

− IFRS 12 ‘Disclosure of interests in other entities’ requires 

disclosure of all interests in other entities. 

− IFRS 13 ‘Fair value measurement’ provides a precise definition 

of fair value and a single source of fair value measurement and 
disclosure requirements. 

 
 
 
 
92

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

1 Accounting policies continued 

International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee 
(‘IFRIC’) interpretations 
− IFRIC 20 ‘Stripping costs in the production phase of a surface 
mine’ sets out the accounting for overburden waste removal 
(stripping) costs in the production phase of a mine. 

All the above IFRSs, IFRIC interpretations and amendments to 
existing standards are yet to be endorsed by the European Union 
(‘EU’) at the date of approval of these financial statements with 
the exception of IFRS 7. 

The directors are currently considering the potential impact 

arising from the future adoption of these standards and 
interpretations listed above. 

2 Critical accounting estimates and assumptions 

The group’s significant accounting policies are stated in note 1 
above. Not all of these accounting policies require management 
to make subjective or complex judgements or estimates. The 
following is intended to provide further detail relating to those 
accounting policies that management consider critical because 
of the level of complexity, judgement or estimation involved in 
their application and their impact on the consolidated financial 
statements. The group performs sensitivity analysis as part of the 
risk management process.  

The directors consider that a +/- 1% (2011: 1%) movement 
in interest rates, a +/- 10 percentage point (2011: 10 percentage 
point) movement in sterling and a +/- 1 percentage point (2011: 
1 percentage point) movement in house prices represents a 
reasonable possible change.  

Valuation of residential property  
The group’s residential trading property is carried in the statement 
of financial position at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 
The group’s investment property is carried in the statement of 
financial position at fair value. The group does, however, in its 
principal net asset value measures, NAV and NNNAV, include 
trading stock at market value. The market value of the group’s 
property which, in the case of investment property, is the same 
as fair value, is established as set out below.  

i) The group’s own in-house qualified surveying team provided a 
vacant possession value for the majority of the group’s UK based 
property as at 30 September 2012. A structured sample of these 
in-house valuations was reviewed by Allsop LLP, an external 
independent valuer. Valuing the large number of properties in the 
portfolio is a significant task. For this reason it is undertaken on an 
external inspection basis only. Invariably, when the in-house 
valuations are compared to those of the external valuer, around 
85% of the valuations are within a small acceptable tolerance. 
Where the difference is more significant this is discussed with the 
valuer to determine the reasons for the difference. Typically the 
reasons vary but it could be, for example, that further or better 
information about internal condition is available or that respective 
valuers have placed a different interpretation on comparable 
sales. Once such reasons have been identified the group and the 
valuer agree the appropriate valuation that should be adopted as 
the directors’ valuation. Overall, across all of the properties valued 
by Allsop LLP, the directors’ valuations were approximately 0.4% 
lower than the Allsop LLP values. 

Allsop LLP has provided the directors with the following 
opinion on the directors’ valuation. Property held in the core 
residential and retirement solutions portfolios was valued 
as at 30 September 2012 by Grainger’s in-house surveyors. 
These valuations were reviewed and approved by the directors. 
Allsop LLP has undertaken a comprehensive review of the 
directors’ valuation and they are satisfied with the process 
by which the in-house valuations were conducted. As part of 
the review, Allsop LLP valued approximately 50% of the core 
residential portfolio and approximately 37% of the retirement 
solutions portfolio, independently of the in-house surveyors. 
Based on the results of that review Allsop LLP has concluded 
that they have a high degree of confidence in those directors’ 
valuations.  

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

1 Accounting policies continued 

International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee 

(‘IFRIC’) interpretations 

− IFRIC 20 ‘Stripping costs in the production phase of a surface 

mine’ sets out the accounting for overburden waste removal 

(stripping) costs in the production phase of a mine. 

i) The group’s own in-house qualified surveying team provided a 

vacant possession value for the majority of the group’s UK based 

property as at 30 September 2012. A structured sample of these 

in-house valuations was reviewed by Allsop LLP, an external 

independent valuer. Valuing the large number of properties in the 

portfolio is a significant task. For this reason it is undertaken on an 

external inspection basis only. Invariably, when the in-house 

All the above IFRSs, IFRIC interpretations and amendments to 

valuations are compared to those of the external valuer, around 

existing standards are yet to be endorsed by the European Union 

85% of the valuations are within a small acceptable tolerance. 

(‘EU’) at the date of approval of these financial statements with 

Where the difference is more significant this is discussed with the 

the exception of IFRS 7. 

valuer to determine the reasons for the difference. Typically the 

The directors are currently considering the potential impact 

reasons vary but it could be, for example, that further or better 

arising from the future adoption of these standards and 

information about internal condition is available or that respective 

valuers have placed a different interpretation on comparable 

sales. Once such reasons have been identified the group and the 

valuer agree the appropriate valuation that should be adopted as 

the directors’ valuation. Overall, across all of the properties valued 

by Allsop LLP, the directors’ valuations were approximately 0.4% 

lower than the Allsop LLP values. 

Allsop LLP has provided the directors with the following 

opinion on the directors’ valuation. Property held in the core 

residential and retirement solutions portfolios was valued 

as at 30 September 2012 by Grainger’s in-house surveyors. 

These valuations were reviewed and approved by the directors. 

Allsop LLP has undertaken a comprehensive review of the 

directors’ valuation and they are satisfied with the process 

by which the in-house valuations were conducted. As part of 

the review, Allsop LLP valued approximately 50% of the core 

residential portfolio and approximately 37% of the retirement 

solutions portfolio, independently of the in-house surveyors. 

Based on the results of that review Allsop LLP has concluded 

that they have a high degree of confidence in those directors’ 

interpretations listed above. 

2 Critical accounting estimates and assumptions 

The group’s significant accounting policies are stated in note 1 

above. Not all of these accounting policies require management 

to make subjective or complex judgements or estimates. The 

following is intended to provide further detail relating to those 

accounting policies that management consider critical because 

of the level of complexity, judgement or estimation involved in 

their application and their impact on the consolidated financial 

statements. The group performs sensitivity analysis as part of the 

risk management process.  

The directors consider that a +/- 1% (2011: 1%) movement 

in interest rates, a +/- 10 percentage point (2011: 10 percentage 

point) movement in sterling and a +/- 1 percentage point (2011: 

1 percentage point) movement in house prices represents a 

reasonable possible change.  

Valuation of residential property  

of financial position at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 

The group’s investment property is carried in the statement of 

financial position at fair value. The group does, however, in its 

principal net asset value measures, NAV and NNNAV, include 

trading stock at market value. The market value of the group’s 

property which, in the case of investment property, is the same 

as fair value, is established as set out below.  

The group’s residential trading property is carried in the statement 

valuations.  

93

Allsop LLP also recommend the discount to apply to the vacant 
possession valuations to establish the market value of each 
property. For property in UK residential the discounts are 
established by tenancy type and are based on evidence gathered 
by Allsop LLP from recent transactional market evidence. For 
property in retirement solutions the discounts recommended by 
Allsop LLP are on a property-by-property basis taking into account 
a number of factors, primarily the estimated period until vacant 
possession may arise and the appropriate discount rate. The 
directors have adopted all of the recommendations made by 
Allsop LLP in relation to the discounts.  

For the property held in the group statement of financial 
position as investment property, the valuation process as set out 
above gave a market value of £141.6m. A net valuation gain of 
£1.3m has been taken through the income statement in relation 
to this property. The remaining property is held in the group’s 
statement of financial position as trading property at the lower of 
cost and net realisable value of £772.8m.  

ii) All of the property owned by the group in the Grainger Invest 
portfolio was valued as at 30 September 2012 by Allsop LLP who 
are external independent valuers.  

The aggregate of the market values of the properties at 30 
September 2012 was £309.3m, subject to the assumption that 
the dwellings would be sold individually, in their existing 
condition, and subject to any existing leases or tenancies. The 
valuers opinion of market value was primarily derived using 
comparable recent market transactions on arm’s-length terms. 
Part of the property is held in the group’s statement of financial 
position as investment property with a market value of £108.4m 
at 30 September 2012. The remaining property is held in the 
group’s statement of financial position as trading property at the 
lower of cost and net realisable value of £180.8m. The net gain 
on valuation of the investment property in this portfolio was 
£4.1m which has been taken through the income statement.  

iii) The whole of the property portfolio in Germany is investment 
property and was valued at 30 September 2012 by Cushman 
and Wakefield LLP who are external independent valuers. 
The Germany portfolio held in the group statement of 
financial position as investment property has a market value 
at 30 September 2012 of €213.1m (£169.7m). The net deficit 
on valuation of the Germany portfolio was £2.8m which has 
been taken through the income statement. 

Whilst in the UK, valuers rely predominantly on recent 
transactional evidence for similar properties to value investment 
property, in Germany investment property is valued using an 
income capitalisation approach under which net rental income 
is discounted to a net present value. Both methodologies are 
permitted under IAS 40. 

iv) Allsop LLP has also valued as at 30 September 2012 the 
property assets owned by the group and let under a long-term 
lease arrangement with the Secretary of State for Defence under 
a PFI Project Agreement. Allsop LLP has provided an Investment 
Valuation, formerly described as Calculation of Worth, which is 
defined as ‘the value of an asset to the owner or a prospective 
owner for individual investment or operational objectives’. The 
Investment Valuation has been made in accordance with RICS 
Valuation Professional Standards, is based on a discounted cash 
flow model, and results in an Investment Value of £106.2m as at 
30 September 2012. The property is held in the group statement 
of financial position as investment property at this figure.  

v) At the year end the group had a 21.96% interest in G:res 
which has invested in investment property. Valuations of 100% 
of the G:res portfolio were carried out at both 31 December 2011 
and 30 June 2012 by external valuers, Allsop LLP and DTZ 
Debenham Tie Leung Limited. In aggregate, the valuation of the 
individual dwellings at 30 June 2012 was £377.9m. After full 
consideration of house price movements in those areas where 
G:res property assets are situated the group’s directors made no 
adjustment to the 30 June 2012 valuations, other than for sales 
and purchases, in assessing the group’s share of G:res net assets 
for the purposes of the group’s accounts to 30 September 2012. 
For every 1% movement in the market value of the G:res 
investment property the group’s share of the movement 
would amount to £0.8m.  

All of the external valuers in the UK mentioned above have 
made full disclosure, as required by RICS Valuation Professional 
Standards, of the extent and duration of their work for, and fees 
earned by them from, the group, which in all cases are less than 
5% of their total fees. 

 
 
 
 
94

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

2 Critical accounting estimates and assumptions 
continued 

Net realisable value of trading property 
The group’s residential trading properties are carried in the 
statement of financial position at the lower of cost and net 
realisable value.  

As the group’s business model is to sell trading stock on 
vacancy, net realisable value is the net sales proceeds which the 
group expects on sale of a property with vacant possession.  
A net realisable value provision has been made at 

30 September 2012 to write down properties expected to be 
sold ultimately at vacant possession value. The provision has 
been assessed on what the group considers to be reasonable 
assumptions. These allow for a 2% growth in property prices 
in 2013 followed by growth in house prices of 3% in 2014 
with price increases thereafter in line with conservative historical 
house price growth rates. The assumptions also allow for an 
annual vacancy rate of 7.6%. The group does sell some property 
as investment sales, a sale with the tenant still in situ. A net 
realisable value provision has been made at 30 September 2012 
against projected investment sales. 

In aggregate a charge of £0.1m has been made in the 2012 

Decisions regarding whether to develop a site or to sell a site 
undeveloped are made by the directors based on market 
conditions prevailing at the time. The assumptions adopted as at 
30 September 2012 are based upon the current intentions of the 
directors. In addition, estimates at 30 September 2012 of project 
profitability are based on assumptions regarding projected build 
costs and sales proceeds for those sites where development is 
expected to occur. In some cases these projections are made 
without the benefit of planning permission having been agreed. 
The assumptions made may or may not be borne out in practice. 
It is possible therefore that any net realisable value provision 
required should be more than or less than that made. 

No charge has been made in the 2012 income statement 
(2011: £1.0m) in adjusting the book value of development stock 
to net realisable value.  

Valuation of financial interest in property assets 
The valuation is based on an assessment of the future cash flows 
that will arise from our financial interest and on the effective 
interest rate used to discount those cash flows. The valuation 
methodology adopted is set out in note 1(g) above. The key 
assumptions affecting the carrying value are house price inflation 
and the effective interest rate.  

income statement (2011: charge of £0.8m) to adjust the book 
value of trading properties to the lower of cost and net realisable 
value and at the year end the group is holding a provision of 
£4.4m (2011: £4.4m) in its statement of financial position.  

The fair value of our interest has decreased as cash flows are 

realised and this decrease of £0.4m (2011: £0.3m) has been 
recognised in the statement of other comprehensive income and 
the available-for-sale reserve.  

Land and property held within the development segment of 
the business, are shown in the financial statements at the lower 
of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is the 
expected net sales proceeds of the developed property and a 
provision is made when, and to the extent that, total projected 
project costs exceed total projected project revenues. 

Where land and property is sold without development, net 

realisable value is the current market value net of associated 
selling costs. The current market value of the group’s land and 
property held within the development segment has been assessed 
by CBRE Limited who are external independent valuers. Their 
valuation is on the basis of fair value as defined in the RICS 
Professional Valuation Standards (2012) where fair value is the 
same as market value.  

The assumptions adopted with regard to house prices are the 

same as those set out under ‘net realisable value of trading 
property’ above. A change of 1% to average house price inflation 
over the 10-year period from 1 October 2012 would either 
increase the valuation by £4.0m or reduce the valuation by 
£4.8m. At 30 September 2012 it is estimated that, with respect 
to the group’s financial interest in property assets a general 
increase/(decrease) of one percentage point in house prices at the 
statement of financial position date would increase/(decrease) the 
group’s profit before tax by approximately £1.5m (2011: £0.8m).  
There is no effect on equity as a result of a change in house 
prices as in accordance with IAS 39 AG8 changes to future cash 
flow assumptions are recognised though the income statement.  

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

2 Critical accounting estimates and assumptions 

continued 

Net realisable value of trading property 

The group’s residential trading properties are carried in the 

statement of financial position at the lower of cost and net 

realisable value.  

As the group’s business model is to sell trading stock on 

vacancy, net realisable value is the net sales proceeds which the 

group expects on sale of a property with vacant possession.  

A net realisable value provision has been made at 

30 September 2012 to write down properties expected to be 

sold ultimately at vacant possession value. The provision has 

been assessed on what the group considers to be reasonable 

assumptions. These allow for a 2% growth in property prices 

in 2013 followed by growth in house prices of 3% in 2014 

Decisions regarding whether to develop a site or to sell a site 

undeveloped are made by the directors based on market 

conditions prevailing at the time. The assumptions adopted as at 

30 September 2012 are based upon the current intentions of the 

directors. In addition, estimates at 30 September 2012 of project 

profitability are based on assumptions regarding projected build 

costs and sales proceeds for those sites where development is 

expected to occur. In some cases these projections are made 

without the benefit of planning permission having been agreed. 

The assumptions made may or may not be borne out in practice. 

It is possible therefore that any net realisable value provision 

required should be more than or less than that made. 

No charge has been made in the 2012 income statement 

(2011: £1.0m) in adjusting the book value of development stock 

to net realisable value.  

with price increases thereafter in line with conservative historical 

Valuation of financial interest in property assets 

house price growth rates. The assumptions also allow for an 

The valuation is based on an assessment of the future cash flows 

annual vacancy rate of 7.6%. The group does sell some property 

that will arise from our financial interest and on the effective 

as investment sales, a sale with the tenant still in situ. A net 

interest rate used to discount those cash flows. The valuation 

realisable value provision has been made at 30 September 2012 

methodology adopted is set out in note 1(g) above. The key 

against projected investment sales. 

assumptions affecting the carrying value are house price inflation 

In aggregate a charge of £0.1m has been made in the 2012 

and the effective interest rate.  

income statement (2011: charge of £0.8m) to adjust the book 

The fair value of our interest has decreased as cash flows are 

value of trading properties to the lower of cost and net realisable 

realised and this decrease of £0.4m (2011: £0.3m) has been 

value and at the year end the group is holding a provision of 

recognised in the statement of other comprehensive income and 

£4.4m (2011: £4.4m) in its statement of financial position.  

the available-for-sale reserve.  

Land and property held within the development segment of 

The assumptions adopted with regard to house prices are the 

the business, are shown in the financial statements at the lower 

same as those set out under ‘net realisable value of trading 

of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is the 

property’ above. A change of 1% to average house price inflation 

expected net sales proceeds of the developed property and a 

over the 10-year period from 1 October 2012 would either 

provision is made when, and to the extent that, total projected 

increase the valuation by £4.0m or reduce the valuation by 

project costs exceed total projected project revenues. 

£4.8m. At 30 September 2012 it is estimated that, with respect 

Where land and property is sold without development, net 

to the group’s financial interest in property assets a general 

realisable value is the current market value net of associated 

increase/(decrease) of one percentage point in house prices at the 

selling costs. The current market value of the group’s land and 

statement of financial position date would increase/(decrease) the 

property held within the development segment has been assessed 

group’s profit before tax by approximately £1.5m (2011: £0.8m).  

by CBRE Limited who are external independent valuers. Their 

There is no effect on equity as a result of a change in house 

valuation is on the basis of fair value as defined in the RICS 

prices as in accordance with IAS 39 AG8 changes to future cash 

Professional Valuation Standards (2012) where fair value is the 

flow assumptions are recognised though the income statement.  

same as market value.  

95

Consideration has been given to the current market value of the 
financial asset based on our assessment of a market discount rate. 
We have concluded that the discount rate as at 30 September 
2012 should be the same as the rate adopted at 30 September 
2011 which is 0.85% lower than the effective interest rate when 
the financial interest was acquired. A 1% change to this discount 
rate would either increase the carrying value by £6.7m or reduce 
the carrying value by £6.0m. 

We have considered the impact of changes to the vacation 
rate used in the cash flow model. However, we do not consider 
this to be a material risk and actual experience to date has been 
very close to the vacation assumption adopted in the model. 
Credit risk arises from the credit exposure relating to cash 
receipts from the financial instrument. All of the cash receipts are 
payable by the Church Commissioners, a counterparty considered 
to be low risk as they have no history of past due or impaired 
amounts and there are no past due amounts outstanding at the 
year end.  

Distinction between investment and trading property 
The group considers the intention at the outset when each 
property is acquired in order to classify the property as either an 
investment or a trading property. Where the intention is to either 
trade the property or where the property is held for immediate 
sale upon receiving vacant possession within the ordinary course 
of business, the property is classified as trading property.  

Where the intention is to hold the property for its long-term 
rental yield and/or capital appreciation, the property is classified as 
an investment property. 

Going concern 
The directors are required to make an assessment of the group’s 
ability to continue to trade as a going concern for the foreseeable 
future. The directors have given this matter due consideration 
and have concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the group 
financial statements on a going concern basis. The main 
considerations were as follows: 

i) Covenant compliance – The group’s core banking facility has 
two covenants, being loan to value (‘LTV’) and interest cover. 
At 30 September 2012 the LTV was 48.0% compared to a 
default level of 75% and the interest cover ratio was 3.0 times 
compared to a minimum requirement of 1.35 times. The group 
has other bank debt on which there are also covenant 
requirements. As at 30 September 2012, the group is operating 
comfortably within these requirements. The directors have 
reviewed the group’s financial projections covering a minimum 
period of at least 12 months beyond the date of signing of these 
financial statements, and which include covenant compliance 
forecasts. These projections show that the group will comfortably 
meet its covenant requirements. 

ii) Banking facilities – The group’s existing core facilities were 
£840m on 30 September 2012, of which £745m were drawn. 
The group had free cash balances plus available overdraft of 
£31m and undrawn committed facilities of £117m at 
30 September 2012.  

As has been demonstrated over the past few years, the group 
is able to generate strong cash flows even in very difficult general 
market conditions. The group’s cash flow projections confirm that 
the group will remain well within its facilities for a minimum 
period of at least 12 months beyond the date of signing of these 
financial statements. 

 
 
 
 
 
96

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

3 Analysis of profit after tax 

The results for the years ended 30 September 2011 and 2012 respectively have been affected by valuation movements and 
non-recurring items. The table below provides further analysis of the consolidated income statement showing the results of trading 
activities separately from these other items.  

Group revenue 

Net rental income 

Profit on disposal of trading property 

Administrative expenses 

Other income  

Other expenses 

Net gain on acquisition of subsidiary 

Goodwill impairment 

Profit on disposal of investment property 

Finance income from financial interest 
in property assets 
Write down of inventories 
to net realisable value 
Provision for impairment of 
loans receivable net of write-backs 
Operating profit before net valuation 
gains/(deficits) on investment property 
Net valuation gains/(deficits) 
on investment property 
Write down of investment property 
in disposal group  
Operating profit after net valuation 
gains/(deficits) on investment property 

Change in fair value of derivatives 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Share of profit of associates after tax 

Share of (loss)/profit of joint ventures 
after tax 

(Loss)/profit before tax 

Tax 

Profit after tax 

2012 

Trading 
£m

Valuation 
£m

Non-
recurring
 £m

311.4

63.5

74.0

(31.0)

11.0

(1.8)

–

–

3.0

7.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.1)

–

–

(0.7)

–

–

–

(1.6)

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total 
£m

311.4

62.8

74.0

(31.0)

11.0

(3.4)

–

–

3.0

7.7

(0.1)

–

Trading 
£m

296.2

62.4

79.1

(32.3)

8.0

–

–

–

1.1

7.9

–

–

2011 

Valuation  
£m 

Non-
recurring  
£m 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

16.1 

(2.2) 

– 

– 

(1.8) 

(4.2) 

– 

– 

– 

(0.8) 

– 

(3.8) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Total 
£m

296.2

62.4

79.1

(33.1)

8.0

(3.8)

16.1

(2.2)

1.1

7.9

(1.8)

(4.2)

126.4

(0.1)

(2.3)

124.0

126.2

7.9 

(4.6) 

129.5

–

–

126.4

–

(92.8)

2.1

(0.1)

(1.0)

34.6

(6.3)

28.3

2.1

–

2.0

(31.2)

–

–

4.6

–

(24.6)

6.7

(17.9)

–

2.1

(6.9)

(6.9)

(9.2)

–

(2.5)

–

–

–

(11.7)

1.7

(10.0)

119.2

(31.2)

(95.3)

2.1

4.5

(1.0)

(1.7)

2.1

0.4

–

–

126.2

–

(79.0)

2.7

0.2

(1.8)

48.3

(7.9)

40.4

(2.0) 

– 

5.9 

(28.0) 

– 

– 

4.2 

3.9 

(14.0) 

10.7 

(3.3) 

– 

– 

(4.6) 

– 

(3.6) 

– 

– 

– 

(8.2) 

10.2 

2.0 

(2.0)

–

127.5

(28.0)

(82.6)

2.7

4.4

2.1

26.1

13.0

39.1

 
 
3 Analysis of profit after tax 

The results for the years ended 30 September 2011 and 2012 respectively have been affected by valuation movements and 

non-recurring items. The table below provides further analysis of the consolidated income statement showing the results of trading 

activities separately from these other items.  

The non-recurring charge of £0.7m under ‘net rental income’ relates to a specific provision made against a one-off structural issue at 
one of our properties and a charge of £1.6m under ‘other expenses’ relates primarily to transaction costs. The non-recurring charge 
of £6.9m relates to the disposal group of assets transferred into a joint venture vehicle post year end as explained further in note 40. 
The non-recurring charge of £2.5m under ‘Finance costs’ includes interest payable on overdue tax of £1.5m. 

Trading 

Valuation 

recurring

Trading 

Valuation  

recurring  

Information relating to the group’s operating segments is set out in the tables below: 

4 Segmental information 

97

2012 Income statement 

(£m) 

Group revenue 

Segment revenue-external 

Net rental income 

Profit on disposal of trading property 

Administrative expenses 

Other income and expenses 

Profit on disposal of investment property 

Finance income from financial interest 
in property assets 

Operating profit before net valuation 
deficits on investment property 

Net trading interest payable 

Share of trading loss of joint ventures and 
associates after tax 

Trading profit before tax, valuation and 
non-recurring items 

UK 
residential 

Retirement 
solutions

Fund and third 
party 
management

 UK and 
European 
development

German 
residential  

All other 
segments 

211.4 

42.5 

57.6 

(8.6) 

1.0 

2.2 

– 

94.7 

(10.0) 

35.5

3.7

12.7

(2.9)

1.1

–

7.7

22.3

(8.3)

8.3

–

–

(4.6)

6.5

–

–

1.9

–

– 

(0.7)

(0.1)

(0.3)

19.6

36.6 

0.2

3.4

(1.3)

0.5

–

–

2.8

1.4

–

–

–

–

17.1 

0.3 

(2.6) 

0.1 

0.8 

– 

15.7 

(12.7) 

– 

– 

(2.8) 

– 

– 

(0.1)

(8.5) 

Total

311.4

63.5

74.0

(31.0)

9.2

3.0

7.7

– 

– 

– 

(11.0) 

 –  

– 

– 

(11.0) 

(61.1) 

126.4

(90.7)

– 

– 

– 

(31.2) 

– 

(2.2) 

(1.1)

34.6

(0.1)

2.1

(31.2)

4.6

(11.7)

(1.7)

Write down of inventories to net realisable value 

(0.1) 

Net valuation gains/(deficits) on 
investment property 

Fair value movements on derivatives 

Share of valuation gains in joint ventures and 
associates after tax 

Other net non-recurring items  

Loss before tax 

8.2 

– 

– 

(0.9) 

–

(3.3)

–

–

–

–

–

–

4.6

–

Notes to the financial statements continued 

Group revenue 

Net rental income 

Profit on disposal of trading property 

Administrative expenses 

Other income  

Other expenses 

Net gain on acquisition of subsidiary 

Goodwill impairment 

Profit on disposal of investment property 

Finance income from financial interest 

in property assets 

Write down of inventories 

to net realisable value 

Provision for impairment of 

loans receivable net of write-backs 

Operating profit before net valuation 

gains/(deficits) on investment property 

Net valuation gains/(deficits) 

on investment property 

Write down of investment property 

in disposal group  

Operating profit after net valuation 

gains/(deficits) on investment property 

Change in fair value of derivatives 

Finance costs 

Finance income 

Share of profit of associates after tax 

Share of (loss)/profit of joint ventures 

after tax 

(Loss)/profit before tax 

Tax 

Profit after tax 

2012 

£m

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.1)

2.1

–

2.0

(31.2)

–

–

4.6

–

(24.6)

6.7

(17.9)

Non-

 £m

–

(0.7)

(1.6)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(9.2)

(2.5)

–

–

–

–

(11.7)

1.7

(10.0)

2011 

£m 

Non-

£m 

Total 

£m

311.4

62.8

74.0

(31.0)

11.0

(3.4)

–

–

3.0

7.7

(0.1)

–

2.1

119.2

(31.2)

(95.3)

2.1

4.5

(1.0)

(1.7)

2.1

0.4

£m

296.2

62.4

79.1

(32.3)

8.0

–

–

–

1.1

7.9

–

–

–

–

–

126.2

(79.0)

2.7

0.2

(1.8)

48.3

(7.9)

40.4

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

16.1 

(2.2) 

(1.8) 

(4.2) 

(2.0) 

– 

5.9 

(28.0) 

– 

– 

4.2 

3.9 

(14.0) 

10.7 

(3.3) 

Total 

£m

296.2

62.4

79.1

(33.1)

8.0

(3.8)

16.1

(2.2)

1.1

7.9

(1.8)

(4.2)

(2.0)

–

127.5

(28.0)

(82.6)

2.7

4.4

2.1

26.1

13.0

39.1

(0.8) 

(3.8) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(4.6) 

(3.6) 

(8.2) 

10.2 

2.0 

(6.9)

(6.9)

£m

311.4

63.5

74.0

(31.0)

11.0

(1.8)

–

–

3.0

7.7

–

–

–

–

–

126.4

(92.8)

2.1

(0.1)

(1.0)

34.6

(6.3)

28.3

126.4

(0.1)

(2.3)

124.0

126.2

7.9 

(4.6) 

129.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
98

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

4 Segmental information continued 

2011 Income Statement (Restated) 

(£m) 

Group revenue 

Segment revenue-external 

Segment revenue-internal 

Net rental income 

Profit on disposal of trading property 

Administrative expenses 

Other income and expenses 

Profit/(loss) on disposal of investment property 

Finance income from financial interest 
in property assets 

Operating profit before net valuation deficits 
on investment property 

Net trading interest payable 

Share of trading loss of joint ventures and associates 
after tax 

Trading profit before tax, valuation and  
non-recurring items 

Write down of inventories to net realisable value 

Net valuation gains/(deficits) on investment property 

Fair value movements on derivatives 

Provision for impairment of loans receivable net 
of write-backs  

Net gain on acquisition of subsidiary 

Goodwill impairment 

Share of valuation gains in joint ventures and 
associates after tax 

Other net non-recurring items 

Profit before tax 

UK 
residential 

Retirement 
solutions

Fund and third 
party 
management

 UK and 
European 
development

German 
residential  

All other 
segments 

200.6 

25.9

– 

38.4 

54.7 

(7.9) 

0.5 

0.3 

– 

86.0 

(2.9) 

–

3.8

9.3

(2.7)

0.5

(0.1)

7.9

18.7

(3.2)

6.3

7.4

–

–

(4.5)

6.3

–

–

1.8

1.2

22.8

–

–

15.1

(1.1)

0.4

–

–

14.4

0.1

Total

296.2

7.4

62.4

79.1

– 

– 

– 

– 

(13.0) 

(32.3)

– 

– 

– 

8.0

1.1

7.9

40.6 

– 

20.2 

– 

(3.1) 

0.3 

0.9 

– 

18.3 

(13.9) 

(13.0) 

(57.6) 

126.2

(76.3)

– 

(0.1)

(1.0)

(0.5)

– 

– 

(1.6)

(0.8) 

4.7 

– 

– 

16.1 

(0.9) 

– 

(2.3) 

–

(5.1)

–

–

–

–

–

(0.1)

–

–

(0.8)

3.3

–

–

8.1

(0.2)

(1.0)

–

–

(5.2)

–

–

–

(0.2)

– 

(1.6) 

(1.6) 

– 

– 

(1.3) 

– 

(0.8) 

48.3

(1.8)

(2.0)

– 

– 

(25.6) 

(28.0)

(2.3) 

– 

– 

– 

(4.6) 

(4.2)

16.1

(2.2)

8.1

(8.2)

26.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
99

Segmental revenue from external customers is derived as follows: 
£274.8m from UK customers (2011: £255.6m) 
£36.6m from Germany (2011: £40.6m).  
There are no other material revenue streams from external customers in foreign countries.  

Non-current assets other than financial instruments and deferred tax assets are located as follows: 
£422.2m within the UK (2011: £462.9m) 
£170.2m in Germany (2011: £422.0m) 

The majority of the group’s properties are held as trading stock and are therefore shown in the statutory statement of financial 
position at the lower of cost and net realisable value. This does not reflect the market value of the assets and, accordingly, our key 
statement of financial position measures of net asset value include trading stock at market value. The two principal net asset value 
measures reviewed by the CODM are gross net asset value (‘NAV’) and triple net asset value (‘NNNAV’). 

NAV is the statutory net assets plus the adjustment required to increase the value of trading stock from its statutory accounts value 

of the lower of cost and net realisable value, to its market value. In addition, the statutory statement of financial position amounts for 
both deferred tax on property revaluations and derivative financial instruments net of deferred tax, including those in joint ventures 
and associates, are added back to statutory net assets. Finally, the market value of Grainger plc shares owned by the group are added 
back to statutory net assets. 

NNNAV reverses some of the adjustments made between statutory net assets and NAV. All of the adjustments for the value 
of derivative financial instruments net of deferred tax, including those in joint ventures and associates, are reversed. The adjustment 
for the deferred tax on property revaluations is also reversed. In addition, adjustments are made to net assets to reflect the fair value, 
net of deferred tax, of the group’s fixed rate debt and to deduct from net assets the contingent tax calculated by applying the 
expected rate of tax to the adjustment to increase the value of trading stock from its statutory accounts value of the lower of cost 
and net realisable value, to its market value. 

These measures are set out below by segment along with a reconciliation to the summarised statutory statement 

of financial position.  

2012 Segment net assets 

(25.6) 

(28.0)

(£m) 

  UK residential 

Retirement 
solutions

Fund and third 
party 
management

 UK and 
European 
development

German 
residential  

All other 
segments 

(5.2)

(2.3) 

Total segment net assets (statutory) 

Total segment net assets (NAV) 

Total segment net assets (NNNAV) 

838.8 

1,181.3 

1,080.6 

287.3

341.1

307.0

44.1

45.9

44.1

90.6

86.8

87.6

118.4 

132.4 

118.2 

(988.3) 

(858.7) 

(983.1) 

Total

390.9

928.8

654.4

UK 

Retirement 

Fund and third 

party 

 UK and 

European 

residential 

solutions

management

development

residential  

German 

All other 

segments 

200.6 

25.9

Notes to the financial statements continued 

4 Segmental information continued 

2011 Income Statement (Restated) 

(£m) 

Group revenue 

Segment revenue-external 

Segment revenue-internal 

Net rental income 

Profit on disposal of trading property 

Administrative expenses 

Other income and expenses 

Profit/(loss) on disposal of investment property 

Finance income from financial interest 

in property assets 

Operating profit before net valuation deficits 

on investment property 

Net trading interest payable 

Share of trading loss of joint ventures and associates 

Trading profit before tax, valuation and  

non-recurring items 

Write down of inventories to net realisable value 

Fair value movements on derivatives 

Provision for impairment of loans receivable net 

of write-backs  

Net gain on acquisition of subsidiary 

Goodwill impairment 

Share of valuation gains in joint ventures and 

associates after tax 

Other net non-recurring items 

Profit before tax 

– 

38.4 

54.7 

(7.9) 

0.5 

0.3 

– 

86.0 

(2.9) 

(0.8) 

4.7 

– 

– 

16.1 

(0.9) 

– 

(2.3) 

–

3.8

9.3

(2.7)

0.5

(0.1)

7.9

18.7

(3.2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

6.3

7.4

–

–

(4.5)

6.3

–

–

1.8

1.2

–

–

(0.8)

3.3

–

–

8.1

(0.2)

Net valuation gains/(deficits) on investment property 

(5.1)

(13.0) 

(32.3)

18.3 

(13.9) 

(13.0) 

(57.6) 

126.2

(76.3)

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Total

296.2

7.4

62.4

79.1

8.0

1.1

7.9

48.3

(1.8)

(2.0)

(4.2)

16.1

(2.2)

8.1

(8.2)

26.1

22.8

–

–

15.1

(1.1)

0.4

–

–

14.4

0.1

(1.0)

–

–

–

–

–

40.6 

– 

20.2 

– 

(3.1) 

0.3 

0.9 

– 

– 

(1.6) 

(1.6) 

– 

– 

(1.3) 

– 

(0.8) 

after tax 

– 

(0.1)

(1.0)

(0.5)

– 

– 

(1.6)

(0.1)

(0.2)

(4.6) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
100

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

4 Segmental information continued 

2012 Reconciliation of NAV measures 

(£m) 

Investment property 

CHARM 

Trading stock 

JV/Associates 

Cash 

Deferred tax 

Assets held for sale 

Other assets 

Total assets 

External debt 

Derivatives 

Deferred tax 

Liabilities held for sale 

Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Statutory  
balance  
sheet 

525.9 

99.0 

1,023.4 

60.4 

73.3 

44.5 

222.1 

41.7 

2,090.3 

(1,267.4) 

(145.4) 

(37.8) 

(129.7) 

(119.1) 

(1,699.4) 

390.9 

Adjustments to 
market value, 
deferred tax and 
derivatives

–

–

364.0

(1.3)

–

(40.2)

–

6.3

328.8

–

145.4

37.2

4.8

21.7

209.1

537.9

Gross NAV 
balance 
sheet

525.9

99.0

1,387.4

59.1

73.3

4.3

222.1

48.0

2,419.1

(1,267.4)

–

(0.6)

(124.9)

(97.4)

(1,490.3)

928.8

Deferred and 
contingent tax

Derivatives 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(120.0)

–

–

(120.0)

(120.0)

– 

– 

– 

(2.8) 

– 

46.1 

– 

– 

43.3 

– 

(171.2) 

– 

(4.8) 

(21.7) 

(197.7) 

(154.4) 

Triple NAV 
balance 
sheet

525.9

99.0

1,387.4

56.3

73.3

50.4

222.1

48.0

2,462.4

(1,267.4)

(171.2)

(120.6)

(129.7)

(119.1)

(1,808.0)

654.4

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

(£m) 

Investment property 

Assets held for sale 

CHARM 

Trading stock 

JV/Associates 

Cash 

Deferred tax 

Other assets 

Total assets 

External debt 

Derivatives 

Deferred tax 

Liabilities held for sale 

Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Adjustments to 

market value, 

deferred tax and 

derivatives

Deferred and 

contingent tax

Derivatives 

Statutory  

balance  

sheet 

525.9 

99.0 

1,023.4 

60.4 

73.3 

44.5 

222.1 

41.7 

2,090.3 

(1,267.4) 

(145.4) 

(37.8) 

(129.7) 

(119.1) 

(1,699.4) 

390.9 

Gross NAV 

balance 

sheet

525.9

99.0

1,387.4

59.1

73.3

4.3

222.1

48.0

2,419.1

(1,267.4)

–

(0.6)

(124.9)

(97.4)

(1,490.3)

928.8

–

–

364.0

(1.3)

–

(40.2)

–

6.3

328.8

–

145.4

37.2

4.8

21.7

209.1

537.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(120.0)

(120.0)

(120.0)

Triple NAV 

balance 

sheet

525.9

99.0

1,387.4

56.3

73.3

50.4

222.1

48.0

2,462.4

(1,267.4)

(171.2)

(120.6)

(129.7)

(119.1)

(1,808.0)

654.4

(2.8) 

46.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

43.3 

(171.2) 

(4.8) 

(21.7) 

(197.7) 

(154.4) 

4 Segmental information continued 

2012 Reconciliation of NAV measures 

In order to provide further analysis the following table sets out NNNAV assets and liabilities by segment.  

Segment assets and liabilities for NNNAV 

101

UK residential 
portfolio 

Retirement 
solutions

Fund and third 
party 
management

 UK and 
European 
development

German 
residential  

All other 
segments 

Total

30 September 2012 
(£m) 

NNNAV assets 

Investment property 

Investment in associates 

Investment in joint ventures 

Financial interest in property assets 

Goodwill 

308.5 

– 

– 

– 

5.3 

47.7

–

15.3

99.0

–

Inventories – trading property 

1,029.6 

287.6

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Property, plant and equipment 

Deferred tax asset 

Assets classified as held-for-sale 

Value of own shares held 

3.3 

26.4 

– 

2.0 

– 

– 

2.6

7.9

–

5.6

24.9

–

–

41.2

–

–

–

–

2.7

0.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.6)

–

–

70.2

22.3

2.9

–

1.1

–

–

Total segment NNNAV assets 

1,375.1 

490.6

44.6

95.9

NNNAV liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Retirement benefits 

Current tax liabilities 

Provisions for other liabilities  
and charges 

181.2 

11.5 

116.6

28.0

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

Deferred and contingent tax liabilities 

101.8 

14.8

Liabilities associated with assets 
held-for-sale 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total segment NNNAV liabilities 

Net NNNAV assets 

– 

– 

294.5 

1,080.6 

–

24.2

183.6

307.0

–

0.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.5

44.1

0.1

9.1

–

–

–

(0.9)

–

–

8.3

87.6

169.7 

– 

0.4 

– 

– 

– 

1.7 

10.3 

0.1 

0.1 

197.2 

– 

379.5 

115.0 

4.4 

– 

– 

– 

4.9 

129.7 

7.3 

261.3 

118.2 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

3.0 

25.1 

0.7 

41.6 

– 

6.3 

525.9

41.2

15.1

99.0

5.3

1,387.4

35.6

73.3

0.8

50.4

222.1

6.3

76.7 

2,462.4

854.5 

1,267.4

34.9 

5.8 

24.4 

0.5 

– 

– 

139.7 

88.4

5.8

24.4

0.5

120.6

129.7

171.2

1,059.8 

1,808.0

(983.1) 

654.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
102

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

4 Segmental information continued  

2011 Segment net assets 

(£m) 

Total segment net assets (statutory) 

Total segment net assets (NAV) 

Total segment net assets (NNNAV) 

2011 Reconciliation of NAV measures 

(£m) 

Investment property 

CHARM 

Trading stock 

JV/Associates 

Cash 

Deferred tax 

Derivatives 

Other assets 

Total assets 

External debt 

Derivatives 

Deferred tax 

Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

UK 
 residential 

Retirement 
solutions

886.9 

1,227.3 

1,112.2 

385.0

437.7

414.3

Fund and 
 third party 
management

 UK and 
European 
development

German 
residential  

All other 
segments 

37.6

41.0

37.6

84.1

72.3

75.3

132.8 

151.4 

132.7 

(1,139.0) 

(1,029.7) 

(1,133.9) 

Statutory  
balance  
sheet 

819.9 

102.3 

1,105.1 

58.5 

90.9 

42.7 

0.2 

24.8 

2,244.4 

(1,544.7) 

(154.5) 

(47.7) 

(110.1) 

(1,857.0) 

387.4 

Adjustments to 
market value, 
deferred tax and 
derivatives

–

–

344.0

0.4

–

(39.7)

(0.2)

6.4

310.9

–

154.5

47.2

–

201.7

512.6

Gross NAV 
balance 
sheet

819.9

102.3

1,449.1

58.9

90.9

3.0

–

31.2

2,555.3

(1,544.7)

–

(0.5)

(110.1)

(1,655.3)

900.0

Deferred and 
contingent tax

Derivatives 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(132.2)

–

(132.2)

(132.2)

– 

– 

– 

(4.6) 

– 

43.2 

0.2 

– 

38.8 

– 

(168.4) 

– 

– 

(168.4) 

(129.6) 

Total

387.4

900.0

638.2

Triple NAV 
balance 
sheet

819.9

102.3

1,449.1

54.3

90.9

46.2

0.2

31.2

2,594.1

(1,544.7)

(168.4)

(132.7)

(110.1)

(1,955.9)

638.2

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

4 Segmental information continued  

2011 Segment net assets 

(£m) 

Total segment net assets (statutory) 

Total segment net assets (NAV) 

Total segment net assets (NNNAV) 

2011 Reconciliation of NAV measures 

(£m) 

Investment property 

CHARM 

Trading stock 

JV/Associates 

Cash 

Deferred tax 

Derivatives 

Other assets 

Total assets 

External debt 

Derivatives 

Deferred tax 

Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

UK 

 residential 

Retirement 

solutions

886.9 

1,227.3 

1,112.2 

385.0

437.7

414.3

Fund and 

 third party 

 UK and 

European 

management

development

German 

residential  

All other 

segments 

37.6

41.0

37.6

84.1

72.3

75.3

132.8 

151.4 

132.7 

(1,139.0) 

(1,029.7) 

(1,133.9) 

Adjustments to 

market value, 

deferred tax and 

derivatives

Deferred and 

contingent tax

Derivatives 

Statutory  

balance  

sheet 

819.9 

102.3 

1,105.1 

58.5 

90.9 

42.7 

0.2 

24.8 

2,244.4 

(1,544.7) 

(154.5) 

(47.7) 

(110.1) 

(1,857.0) 

387.4 

Gross NAV 

balance 

sheet

819.9

102.3

1,449.1

58.9

90.9

3.0

–

31.2

2,555.3

(1,544.7)

–

(0.5)

(110.1)

(1,655.3)

900.0

–

–

344.0

0.4

–

(39.7)

(0.2)

6.4

310.9

154.5

47.2

–

–

201.7

512.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(132.2)

(132.2)

(132.2)

– 

– 

– 

– 

(4.6) 

43.2 

0.2 

– 

38.8 

(168.4) 

– 

– 

– 

(168.4) 

(129.6) 

Total

387.4

900.0

638.2

Triple NAV 

balance 

sheet

819.9

102.3

1,449.1

54.3

90.9

46.2

0.2

31.2

2,594.1

(1,544.7)

(168.4)

(132.7)

(110.1)

(1,955.9)

638.2

In order to provide further analysis the following table sets out NNNAV assets and liabilities by segment.  

Segment assets and liabilities for NNNAV 

UK residential 
portfolio 

Retirement 
solutions

Fund and third 
party 
management

 UK and 
European 
development

German 
residential  

All other 
segments 

30 September 2011 
(£m) 

NNNAV assets 

Investment property 

Investment in associates 

Investment in joint ventures 

Financial interest in property assets 

Goodwill 

320.9 

– 

– 

– 

5.3 

77.6

–

19.3

102.3

–

Inventories – trading property 

1,081.1 

294.6

Trade and other receivables 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Property, plant and equipment 

Deferred tax asset 

Derivative financial instruments 

Value of own shares held 

1.4 

19.3 

– 

2.1 

– 

– 

1.9

1.1

–

2.9

–

–

–

34.6

–

–

–

–

2.8

0.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

72.5

5.9

0.2

–

1.5

–

–

421.4 

– 

0.4 

– 

– 

0.9 

2.6 

25.8 

0.2 

0.1 

0.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

3.7 

44.1 

1.0 

39.6 

0.1 

6.4 

103

Total

819.9

34.6

19.7

102.3

5.3

1,449.1

18.3

90.9

1.2

46.2

0.2

6.4

Total segment NNNAV assets 

1,430.1 

499.7

37.8

80.1

451.5 

94.9 

2,594.1

NNNAV liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Retirement benefits 

Current tax liabilities 

Provisions for other liabilities and charges

Deferred and contingent tax liabilities 

Derivative financial instruments 

Total segment NNNAV liabilities 

Net NNNAV assets 

193.0 

8.8 

– 

– 

– 

116.1 

– 

317.9 

1,112.2 

32.4

27.8

–

–

–

13.4

11.8

85.4

414.3

–

0.2

–

–

–

–

–

0.2

37.6

–

7.8

–

–

–

(3.0)

–

4.8

75.3

287.4 

1,031.9 

1,544.7

8.3 

– 

– 

– 

5.9 

17.2 

318.8 

132.7 

27.5 

4.5 

24.6 

0.6 

0.3 

139.4 

80.4

4.5

24.6

0.6

132.7

168.4

1,228.8 

1,955.9

(1,133.9) 

638.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
104

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

5 Group revenue 

Gross rental income (see note 6) 

Service charge income on a principal basis (see note 6) 

Proceeds from sale of trading property (see note 7) 

Management fee and other income (see note 10) 

6 Net rental income 

Gross rental income 

Service charge income on a principal basis 

Property repair and maintenance costs 

Service charge expense on a principal basis 

2012 
£m 

89.8 

9.0 

201.6 

11.0 

311.4 

2012 

£m 

89.8 

9.0 

(25.6) 

(10.4) 

62.8 

2011
£m

86.3

10.1

191.8

8.0

296.2

2011
(restated)
£m

86.3

10.1

(22.4)

(11.6)

62.4

There are no contingent rents recognised within net rental income in 2012 and 2011 relating to properties where the group acts as a 
lessor of assets under operating leases.  

7 Profit on disposal of trading property 

Gross proceeds from sale of trading property 

Selling costs 

Net proceeds from sale of trading property 

Carrying value of trading property sold 

2012 

£m 

201.6 

(5.6) 

196.0 

(122.0) 

74.0 

2011
(restated)
£m

191.8

(4.5)

187.3

(108.2)

79.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

5 Group revenue 

Gross rental income (see note 6) 

Service charge income on a principal basis (see note 6) 

Proceeds from sale of trading property (see note 7) 

Management fee and other income (see note 10) 

6 Net rental income 

Gross rental income 

Service charge income on a principal basis 

Property repair and maintenance costs 

Service charge expense on a principal basis 

lessor of assets under operating leases.  

7 Profit on disposal of trading property 

Gross proceeds from sale of trading property 

Selling costs 

Net proceeds from sale of trading property 

Carrying value of trading property sold 

2012 

£m 

89.8 

9.0 

201.6 

11.0 

311.4 

2012 

£m 

89.8 

9.0 

(25.6) 

(10.4) 

62.8 

2012 

£m 

201.6 

(5.6) 

196.0 

(122.0) 

74.0 

2011

£m

86.3

10.1

191.8

8.0

296.2

2011

(restated)

£m

86.3

10.1

(22.4)

(11.6)

62.4

2011

(restated)

£m

191.8

(4.5)

187.3

(108.2)

79.1

There are no contingent rents recognised within net rental income in 2012 and 2011 relating to properties where the group acts as a 

105

2012 

£m 

48.9 

(0.6) 

48.3 

(45.3) 

3.0 

2011
(restated)
£m

25.2

(0.6)

24.6 

(23.5)

1.1

8 Profit on disposal of investment property  

Gross proceeds from sale of investment property 

Selling costs 

Net proceeds from sale of investment property 

Carrying value of investment property sold 

9 Administrative expenses 

In prior years some of the group’s expenses have been allocated against net rental income and profit on disposal of trading property 
with the balance shown as administrative expenses. The directors have reviewed this presentation and have concluded that it provides 
a clearer picture of the group’s results by showing all of the group’s expenses as administrative expenses. The comparatives in the 
consolidated income statement and in notes 6, 7 and this note have been restated to reflect the change which is presentational only 
with no impact on profit. 

Total group expenses 

10 Other income  

Property and asset management fee income 

Other sundry income 

11 Other expenses  

Cost on acquisition of subsidiary undertakings 

External costs relating to fee income 

Other transaction expenses 

2012 

£m 

31.0 

2012 

£m 

10.0 

1.0 

11.0 

2012 

£m 

– 

1.8 

1.6 

3.4 

2011
(restated)
£m

33.1

2011
(restated)
£m

6.9

1.1

8.0

2011
(restated)
£m

2.4

–

1.4

3.8

Other income and expenses were presented as a single line item in the 2011 consolidated income statement and notes to the 
accounts. In 2012 other income and other expenses have been presented separately and the comparatives restated. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
106

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

12 Employees 

Wages and salaries 

Termination benefits 

Social security costs 

Other pension costs – defined contribution scheme (see note 30) 

Share-based payments (see note 32) 

2012 
£m 

12.9 

0.1 

1.5 

0.9 

2.1 

17.5 

2011
£m

13.9

0.2

1.3

0.8

2.0

18.2

Interest on net pension scheme liabilities amounted to £0.3m in 2012 (2011: £0.3m) and is included within finance costs (see note 14). 

The average monthly number of group employees during the year (including executive directors) was: 

UK tenanted residential 

UK development 

Germany tenanted residential 

2012 
Number 

2011
Number

267 

8 

9 

284 

258

6

10

274

Details of directors’ remuneration, including pension costs, share options and interests in the LTIS are provided in the audited section 
of the remuneration committee report on pages 67 to 70. 

Key management compensation 

Salaries and short-term employee benefits 

Termination benefits 

Post-employment benefits 

Share-based payments 

2012 

£m 

5.6 

– 

0.4 

1.4 

7.4 

2011
(restated)
£m

6.2

0.2

0.4

1.1

7.9

Key management figures shown include executive and non-executive directors. In the previous year key management also included 
members of the Operations board. However this board has been restructured during the year and key management now includes all 
internal directors of specific functions. The 2011 comparatives have been restated to reflect this change.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
13 (Loss)/profit before tax 

(Loss)/profit before tax is stated after charging/(crediting): 

  Depreciation on fixtures, fittings and equipment (see note 19) 

Impairment of goodwill (see note 23) 

  Net gain on acquisition of subsidiary (see note 39) 

  Bad debt expense (see note 25) 

  Foreign exchange gains 

  Operating lease payments (see note 37) 

  Auditors’ remuneration (see below) 

The remuneration paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the group’s principal auditors, is disclosed below: 

Auditors’ remuneration 

Audit fees 

Fees payable to the company’s auditors for the audit of the company’s annual accounts 

Fees payable to the company’s auditors and their associates for other services to the group: 

The audit of the company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation 

Total audit fees 

Other fees 

  Tax services 

  Other services 

Total other fees 

Total fees 

107

2011
£m

0.6

2.2

(16.1)

0.7

(0.8)

1.6

0.6

2012 
£m 

0.4 

– 

– 

0.2 

– 

1.7 

0.7 

2012 
£’000 

2011
£’000

120 

139 

259 

64 

368 

432 

691 

146

122

268

90

227

317

585

Key management figures shown include executive and non-executive directors. In the previous year key management also included 

members of the Operations board. However this board has been restructured during the year and key management now includes all 

internal directors of specific functions. The 2011 comparatives have been restated to reflect this change.  

During the year, £64,000 was paid by the group to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for taxation services. A further £368,000 was paid 
for other services, the main element of which was £325,000 relating to the preparation of a financial due diligence report in relation 
to the group’s German business.  

Details of the group’s policy on the use of the group’s auditors for other services, the reasons why the firm was used rather than 
another supplier and how the auditor’s independence and objectivity was safeguarded are set out in the Audit Committee Report on 
pages 59 and 60. No services were provided pursuant to contingent fee arrangements. 

Notes to the financial statements continued 

12 Employees 

Wages and salaries 

Termination benefits 

Social security costs 

Other pension costs – defined contribution scheme (see note 30) 

Share-based payments (see note 32) 

Interest on net pension scheme liabilities amounted to £0.3m in 2012 (2011: £0.3m) and is included within finance costs (see note 14). 

The average monthly number of group employees during the year (including executive directors) was: 

Details of directors’ remuneration, including pension costs, share options and interests in the LTIS are provided in the audited section 

of the remuneration committee report on pages 67 to 70. 

Key management compensation 

UK tenanted residential 

UK development 

Germany tenanted residential 

Salaries and short-term employee benefits 

Termination benefits 

Post-employment benefits 

Share-based payments 

2012 

£m 

12.9 

0.1 

1.5 

0.9 

2.1 

17.5 

2012 

Number 

267 

8 

9 

284 

2012 

£m 

5.6 

– 

0.4 

1.4 

7.4 

2011

£m

13.9

0.2

1.3

0.8

2.0

18.2

2011

Number

258

6

10

274

2011

(restated)

£m

6.2

0.2

0.4

1.1

7.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
108

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

14 Finance costs and income 

Finance costs 

Bank loans and mortgages 

Non-bank Financial Institution 

Convertible bond 

Other finance costs  

Foreign exchange gains on financing activities 

Loan issue costs – amortisation and write-off 

Interest on net pension scheme liabilities (see note 30) 

Finance income 

Interest receivable from associates and joint ventures (see note 36) 

Other interest receivable 

Bank deposits 

Net finance costs 

15 Taxation 

Current tax 

Corporation tax on (loss)/profit 

Adjustments relating to prior years 

Deferred tax 

Origination and reversal of temporary differences 

Adjustments relating to prior years 

Impact of tax rate change 

Income tax credit for the year 

2012 
£m 

76.5 

10.1 

1.8 

2.5 

– 

4.1 

0.3 

95.3 

– 

1.3 

0.8 

2.1 

93.2 

2012 
£m 

13.2 

(1.2) 

12.0 

(12.6) 

(1.7) 

0.2 

(14.1) 

(2.1) 

2011
£m

71.9

2.8

1.7

2.9

(0.8)

3.8

0.3

82.6

1.2

–

1.5

2.7

79.9

2011
£m

11.9

(11.3)

0.6

(7.6)

(5.2)

(0.8)

(13.6)

(13.0)

In 2011, prior year tax credits of £16.5m included a non-recurring exceptional credit of £10.2m arising from the conclusion of the 
group’s discussion with HM Revenue and Customs on various outstanding tax matters. 

The group works in an open and transparent manner and maintains a regular dialogue with HM Revenue & Customs. 
This approach is consistent with the ‘low risk’ rating we have been awarded by HM Revenue & Customs and to which the group 
is committed.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

Interest receivable from associates and joint ventures (see note 36) 

14 Finance costs and income 

Finance costs 

Bank loans and mortgages 

Non-bank Financial Institution 

Convertible bond 

Other finance costs  

Foreign exchange gains on financing activities 

Loan issue costs – amortisation and write-off 

Interest on net pension scheme liabilities (see note 30) 

Finance income 

Other interest receivable 

Bank deposits 

Net finance costs 

15 Taxation 

Current tax 

Corporation tax on (loss)/profit 

Adjustments relating to prior years 

Deferred tax 

Origination and reversal of temporary differences 

Adjustments relating to prior years 

Impact of tax rate change 

Income tax credit for the year 

2012 

£m 

76.5 

10.1 

1.8 

2.5 

– 

4.1 

0.3 

95.3 

– 

1.3 

0.8 

2.1 

93.2 

2012 

£m 

13.2 

(1.2) 

12.0 

(12.6) 

(1.7) 

0.2 

(14.1) 

(2.1) 

2011

£m

71.9

2.8

1.7

2.9

(0.8)

3.8

0.3

82.6

1.2

–

1.5

2.7

79.9

2011

£m

11.9

(11.3)

0.6

(7.6)

(5.2)

(0.8)

(13.6)

(13.0)

109

Closing 
balance 
£m

24.4

29.5

6.1

0.7

(32.6)

(0.7)

1.2

(10.9)

(6.7)

17.7

2011
£m

42.7

(47.7)

(5.0)

Movements 
recognised  
in other 
comprehensive 
income  
£m 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.5) 

(0.2) 

3.1 

2.4 

2.4 

2012 
£m 

44.5 

(37.8) 

6.7 

Movements in taxation during the year are set out below: 

2012 Movement in taxation 

Current tax 

Deferred tax 

Trading property uplift to fair value 
on acquisition  

Investment property revaluation  

Accelerated capital allowances 

Short-term temporary differences 

Actuarial deficit on BPT Limited 
pension scheme 

Equity component  
of available-for-sale financial asset 

Fair value movement in cash flow 
hedges and exchange adjustments 

Total tax – 2012 movement 

Opening  
balance  
£m 

24.6 

Payments 
made in 
the year 
£m

(12.0)

Movements 
recognised in 
income 
£m

Exchange  
adjustments  
£m

12.0

(0.2) 

37.8 

7.2 

1.3 

(28.2) 

(0.2) 

1.4 

(14.3) 

5.0 

29.6 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(12.0)

(8.3)

(0.8)

(0.6)

(4.4)

–

–

–

(14.1)

(2.1)

–

(0.3) 

–

–

–

–

0.3

– 

(0.2) 

Deferred tax balances are disclosed as follows: 

  Deferred tax assets: non-current assets 

  Deferred tax liabilities: non-current liabilities  

Deferred tax  

In 2011, prior year tax credits of £16.5m included a non-recurring exceptional credit of £10.2m arising from the conclusion of the 

group’s discussion with HM Revenue and Customs on various outstanding tax matters. 

The group works in an open and transparent manner and maintains a regular dialogue with HM Revenue & Customs. 

This approach is consistent with the ‘low risk’ rating we have been awarded by HM Revenue & Customs and to which the group 

is committed.  

Deferred tax has been calculated at a rate of 23% (2011:25%).  

In addition to the above the group has a contingent tax liability representing the difference between the carrying value of trading 

properties in the statement of financial position and their market value. This contingent tax, which is not provided in the accounts, 
amounts to £82.9m (2011: £84.9m).  

No benefit has been recognised in respect of unused tax credits with a tax value of £nil (2011: £nil); unexpired trading losses 
carried forward with a tax value of £2.1m (2011: £2.3m); or deductible temporary differences with a tax value of £1.3m (2011: £nil). 
It is not possible for the group to identify the timing of movements in deferred tax between those expected within one year and 

those expected in greater than one year. This is because movements in the main balances, both assets and liabilities, will be 
determined by factors outside the control of the group, namely the vacation date of properties and interest yield curve movements. 
However, given the long-term nature of our property ownership, we anticipate that the balance will predominantly be crystallised 
in a period greater than one year.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
110

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

15 Taxation continued 

2011 Movement in taxation 

Current tax 

Deferred tax 

Trading property uplift to fair 
value on acquisition  

Investment property revaluation  

Accelerated capital allowances 

Short-term temporary differences 

Actuarial deficit on BPT Limited 
pension scheme 

Equity component of available-
for-sale financial asset 

Fair value movement in 
cash flow hedges and 
exchange adjustments 

Total tax – 2011 movement 

Opening  
balance  
£m 

27.8 

Payments  
made in  
the year  
£m 

Acquired in 
the year 
£m

Movements 
recognised in 
income 
£m

Exchange  
adjustments  
£m

(4.4) 

0.7

0.6

(0.1) 

41.5 

9.2 

0.4 

(21.6) 

(0.5) 

1.5 

(16.3) 

14.2 

42.0 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(4.4) 

–

1.2

1.0

–

–

–

(2.3)

(0.1)

0.6

(3.7)

(3.2)

(0.1)

(6.6)

–

–

–

(13.6)

(13.0)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.1) 

The tax credit for the year of £2.1m (2011: credit of £13.0m) comprises: 

UK taxation 

Overseas taxation 

Movements 
recognised  
in other 
comprehensive 
income  
£m 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.3 

(0.1) 

4.3 

4.5 

4.5 

2012 
£m 

1.0 

(3.1) 

(2.1) 

Closing 
balance 
£m

24.6

37.8

7.2

1.3

(28.2)

(0.2)

1.4

(14.3)

5.0

29.6

2011
£m

(11.5)

(1.5)

(13.0)

The main rate of Corporation Tax in the UK changed from 26% to 24% with effect from 1 April 2012 and will change to 23% from 
1 April 2013. Accordingly the group’s results for this accounting period are taxed at an effective rate of 25% and should be taxed 
at 23.5% in the 2013 period. The change in tax rate has resulted in a £0.2m charge to the income statement in the current year. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

15 Taxation continued 

2011 Movement in taxation 

Current tax 

Deferred tax 

Trading property uplift to fair 

value on acquisition  

Investment property revaluation  

Accelerated capital allowances 

Short-term temporary differences 

Actuarial deficit on BPT Limited 

pension scheme 

Equity component of available-

for-sale financial asset 

Fair value movement in 

cash flow hedges and 

exchange adjustments 

UK taxation 

Overseas taxation 

Movements 

recognised in 

Acquired in 

the year 

Exchange  

comprehensive 

income 

adjustments  

income  

Movements 

recognised  

in other 

Opening  

balance  

£m 

27.8 

Payments  

made in  

the year  

£m 

(4.4) 

£m

0.7

–

1.2

1.0

–

–

–

(2.3)

(0.1)

0.6

£m

0.6

(3.7)

(3.2)

(0.1)

(6.6)

–

–

–

(13.6)

(13.0)

£m

(0.1) 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

41.5 

9.2 

0.4 

(21.6) 

(0.5) 

1.5 

(16.3) 

14.2 

42.0 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

£m 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.3 

(0.1) 

4.3 

4.5 

4.5 

2012 

£m 

1.0 

(3.1) 

(2.1) 

Closing 

balance 

£m

24.6

37.8

7.2

1.3

(28.2)

(0.2)

1.4

(14.3)

5.0

29.6

2011

£m

(11.5)

(1.5)

(13.0)

Total tax – 2011 movement 

(4.4) 

(0.1) 

The tax credit for the year of £2.1m (2011: credit of £13.0m) comprises: 

The main rate of Corporation Tax in the UK changed from 26% to 24% with effect from 1 April 2012 and will change to 23% from 

1 April 2013. Accordingly the group’s results for this accounting period are taxed at an effective rate of 25% and should be taxed 

at 23.5% in the 2013 period. The change in tax rate has resulted in a £0.2m charge to the income statement in the current year. 

The tax credit for the year is different to the credit for the year derived by applying the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK 
of 25% (2011: 27%) to the (loss)/profit before tax. The differences are explained below: 

(Loss)/profit before tax 

(Loss)/profit before tax at a rate of 25% (2011: 27%) 

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 

Goodwill credit not taxable 

Impact of tax rate change  

Other losses and non-taxable items 

Adjustment in respect of prior periods 

2012 
£m 

(1.7) 

(0.4) 

1.1 

– 

0.2 

(0.1) 

(2.9) 

(2.1) 

111

2011
£m

26.1

7.0

1.8

(3.8)

(0.8)

(0.7)

(16.5)

(13.0)

As shown above, deferred tax has been taken directly to other comprehensive income in relation to the actuarial gain or loss on 
the BPT Limited pension scheme, the equity component of available-for-sale financial assets and the fair value movement in cash 
flow hedges and exchange adjustments. The tax effect is shown separately within the statement of other comprehensive income 
on page 77. 

Factors that may affect future tax charges 
In addition to the changes in rates of Corporation Tax disclosed above, a number of changes to the UK Corporation Tax system 
are proposed. A further reduction in the main rate was proposed in the Autumn Statement on 5 December 2012 to reduce the rate to 
21% from 1 April 2014. This change has not been substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date and, therefore, is 
not included in these financial statements. 

The effect of the changes expected to be enacted would be to reduce the deferred tax asset provided at the statement of financial 

position date by £0.5m. This £0.5m reduction in the deferred tax asset would reduce profit by £0.2m and decrease other 
comprehensive income by £0.3m.  

16 Dividends 

Under IAS 10, final dividends are excluded from the statement of financial position either until they are approved by the company in 
general meeting or until they have been appropriately authorised and are no longer at the company’s discretion. Dividends paid in the 
year are shown below: 

Ordinary dividends on equity shares: 

Final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2010 – 1.20p per share 

Final dividend for the year ended 30 September 2011 – 1.30p per share 

Interim dividend for the year ended 30 September 2012 – 0.55p per share 

2012 
£m 

– 

5.3 

2.3 

7.6 

2011
£m

4.9

–

–

4.9

A final dividend in respect of the year ended 30 September 2012 of 1.37p per share amounting to £5.6m will be proposed 
at the 2013 AGM. If approved, this dividend will be paid on 8 February 2013 to shareholders on the register at close of business 
on 7 December 2012. The 2012 interim dividend of 0.55p per share was paid in July 2012. This gives a total dividend for 2012 
of 1.92p per share (2011: 1.83p per share). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
112

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

17 Earnings per share 

Basic 
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to the owners 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 both in trust and as 
treasury shares to meet its obligations under the long-term incentive scheme (‘LTIS’), Deferred Bonus Plan (‘DBP’) and SAYE schemes. 

Diluted 
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of shares in issue by the dilutive effect 
of ordinary shares that the company may potentially issue relating to its convertible bond and its share option schemes and contingent 
share awards under the LTIS and DBP, based upon the number of shares that would be issued if 30 September 2012 was the end 
of the contingency period. The profit for the year is adjusted to add back the after tax interest cost on the debt component 
of the convertible bond. Where the effect of the above adjustments is antidilutive, as it is in relation to the convertible bond, they 
are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Further details in relation to the redemption of the convertible bond 
are set out in note 29. 

30 September 2012 

30 September 2011 

Profit 
for the 
year 
£m 

Weighted 
average 
number 
of shares 
(thousands)

Earnings
per share 
pence

Profit 
for the 
year 
£m

Weighted  
average  
number  
of shares  
(thousands) 

Earnings 
per share 
pence

Basic earnings per share 

Profit attributable to equity holders  

0.4 

409,937

Effect of potentially 
dilutive securities 

Share options and contingent shares

– 

4,971

Diluted earnings per share 

Profit attributable to equity holders 

0.4 

414,908

0.1

–

0.1

39.1

410,003 

9.5

–

5,472 

39.1

415,475 

(0.1)

9.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to the owners 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 both in trust and as 

treasury shares to meet its obligations under the long-term incentive scheme (‘LTIS’), Deferred Bonus Plan (‘DBP’) and SAYE schemes. 

Opening balance  

Additions: 

18 Investment property  

  Acquisitions arising from business combinations (see note 39) 

  Subsequent expenditure 

Disposals 

Write down of investment property in disposal group (see note 40) 

Transfer to assets classified as held-for-sale (see note 40) 

Net valuation gains/(deficits) 

Exchange adjustments 

Closing balance 

113

2011
£m

634.7

207.8

5.4

(23.5)

–

–

(2.0)

(2.5)

819.9

2012 
£m 

819.9 

– 

5.5 

(45.3) 

(6.9) 

(218.1) 

2.1 

(31.3) 

525.9 

Share options and contingent shares

– 

4,971

–

5,472 

£12.4m (2011: £12.4m).  

Profit attributable to equity holders 

0.4 

414,908

39.1

415,475 

The reduction in value of £31.3m (2011: £2.5m) relates to an exchange movement on the group’s German residential property. 

This reflects the movement in the sterling/euro exchange rate between the respective year end dates.  

The group has valued all of its investment property as at 30 September 2012 at fair value. 

Information relating to the basis of valuation of investment property, the use of external independent valuers, and the judgements 

and assumptions adopted by management is set out in note 2 ‘Critical accounting estimates and assumptions’. The fees paid 
to the independent valuers were not on a contingent basis. 

A revaluation gain of £2.1m has arisen on valuation of investment property to fair value as at 30 September 2012 (2011: deficit 

of £2.0m) and this has been taken to the income statement.  

The historical cost of the group’s investment property as at 30 September 2012 is £534.2m (2011: £824.8m).  
Rental income from investment property during the year was £46.7m (2011: £49.7m). 
Direct property repair and maintenance costs arising from investment property that generated rental income during the year was 

Notes to the financial statements continued 

17 Earnings per share 

Basic 

Diluted 

Basic earnings per share 

Effect of potentially 

dilutive securities 

Diluted earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of shares in issue by the dilutive effect 

of ordinary shares that the company may potentially issue relating to its convertible bond and its share option schemes and contingent 

share awards under the LTIS and DBP, based upon the number of shares that would be issued if 30 September 2012 was the end 

of the contingency period. The profit for the year is adjusted to add back the after tax interest cost on the debt component 

of the convertible bond. Where the effect of the above adjustments is antidilutive, as it is in relation to the convertible bond, they 

are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Further details in relation to the redemption of the convertible bond 

are set out in note 29. 

30 September 2012 

30 September 2011 

Profit 

for the 

year 

£m 

Weighted 

average 

number 

of shares 

(thousands)

Earnings

per share 

pence

Profit 

for the 

year 

£m

Weighted  

average  

number  

of shares  

(thousands) 

Earnings 

per share 

pence

Profit attributable to equity holders  

0.4 

409,937

39.1

410,003 

9.5

0.1

–

0.1

(0.1)

9.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
114

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

19 Property, plant and equipment  

Cost 

Opening cost 

Additions 

Closing cost 

Accumulated depreciation 

Opening accumulated depreciation 

Charge for the year 

Closing accumulated depreciation 

Net book value: 

Closing net book value 

Opening net book value 

All Property, plant and equipment relates to fixtures, fittings and equipment.  

20 Investment in associates 

Opening balance 

Share of profit 

Proceeds on redemption of equity units 

Acquisition of additional equity in G:res 

Share of change in fair value of cash flow hedges taken through other comprehensive income 

Closing balance 

Total  
2012 
 £m 

5.5 

– 

5.5 

4.3 

0.4 

4.7 

0.8 

1.2 

2012 
£m 

34.6 

4.5 

– 

– 

2.1 

41.2 

Total 
2011
 £m

5.0

0.5

5.5

3.7

0.6

4.3

1.2

1.3

2011
£m

28.7

4.4

(0.1)

0.3

1.3

34.6

 
 
 
 
 
115

19 Property, plant and equipment  

As at 30 September 2012, the group’s interest in associates was as follows: 

G:res1 Limited 

% of ordinary 
share capital/ 
units held 

Country of 
incorporation

21.96 

Jersey

The accounting period end of G:res 1 Limited is 31 December 2012. Their results for the 12 months to 30 September 2012 and their 
financial position as at that date have been equity accounted in these accounts.  

In relation to the group’s investment in G:res 1 Limited, the group’s share of the aggregated assets, liabilities, revenues and profit 

or loss are shown below: 

Non-current assets 

Current assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Net assets 

Revenues 

Profit (including share of gain on revaluation of investment property) 

2012 
£m 

81.6 

4.8 

(43.4) 

(1.8) 

41.2 

4.7 

4.5 

2011
£m

83.9

5.5

(53.2)

(1.6)

34.6

4.7

4.4

Notes to the financial statements continued 

Cost 

Opening cost 

Additions 

Closing cost 

Accumulated depreciation 

Opening accumulated depreciation 

Charge for the year 

Closing accumulated depreciation 

Net book value: 

Closing net book value 

Opening net book value 

20 Investment in associates 

Opening balance 

Share of profit 

Proceeds on redemption of equity units 

Acquisition of additional equity in G:res 

Closing balance 

All Property, plant and equipment relates to fixtures, fittings and equipment.  

Share of change in fair value of cash flow hedges taken through other comprehensive income 

Total  

2012 

 £m 

5.5 

– 

5.5 

4.3 

0.4 

4.7 

0.8 

1.2 

2012 

£m 

34.6 

4.5 

– 

– 

2.1 

41.2 

Total 

2011

 £m

5.0

0.5

5.5

3.7

0.6

4.3

1.2

1.3

2011

£m

28.7

4.4

(0.1)

0.3

1.3

34.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
116

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

21 Investment in joint ventures 

At 1 October 2010 

Loans advanced 

Provision for impairment of loans receivable  

Share of profit 

Consolidation adjustment 

Net assets acquired through sale of subsidiary into a joint venture 

Net assets disposed of through transfer to subsidiary 

Goodwill impairment arising on investment in Gebau Vermogen GmbH 
(see note 23) 

Exchange adjustment 

Share of change in fair value of cash flow hedges taken through other 
comprehensive income 

At 30 September 2011 

Loans advanced 

Loans repaid 

Share of loss 

Exchange adjustment 

Distributions received 

At 30 September 2012 

Net 
assets 
£m

4.1

–

–

2.1

(1.3)

19.2

(7.5)

–

(0.1)

1.3

17.8

–

–

(1.0)

(0.4)

(1.9)

14.5

Loans 
£m

85.6

3.3

(1.9)

–

–

–

(80.9)

–

–

–

6.1

0.5

(1.6)

–

(0.3)

–

4.7

Goodwill  
£m 

1.3 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(1.3) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Total 
£m

91.0

3.3

(1.9)

2.1

(1.3)

19.2

(88.4)

(1.3)

(0.1)

1.3

23.9

0.5

(1.6)

(1.0)

(0.7)

(1.9)

19.2

Loans repaid of £1.6m in 2012 relates to repayment of loans to the group by its Sovereign joint venture. Distributions received of 
£1.9m in 2012 relate to dividends received from the Sovereign joint venture.  

The provision for impairment/(write-back) of loans receivable in 2011 of £1.9m comprises the release of £3.3m of the provision 
made against the group’s mezzanine loan to Grainger GenInvest No.2 (2006) LLP prior to the group’s acquisition of the remaining 
50% equity in that company and a further provision of £5.2m against the group’s investments in its Czech Republic joint ventures.  
These amounts were included within the provision for impairment on loans receivable net of write backs on the face of the 

consolidated income statement. 

The net assets disposed of through transfer to a subsidiary of £88.4m in 2011 represented the group’s share of net assets and its 

loans to the two Grainger GenInvest LLP’s which became subsidiaries of Grainger on 22 March 2011. 

Of the loans advanced in 2011 of £3.3m only £2.1m was advanced in cash. The remaining £1.2m relates to interest income 

earned from the Grainger Invest LLP’s that was not received in cash. 

 
 
117

A White Paper on the proposed High Speed Rail Network from London to Birmingham (HS2), was presented to Parliament on 11 
March 2010 by the Secretary of State for Transport. This indicated that the potential route would cover at least part of our 
development site (held in joint venture with Development Securities plc) at Curzon Park in Birmingham. In January 2012, the 
Government confirmed their intention to proceed with HS2. The group, in conjunction with our joint venture partner, are liaising with 
HS2 and the Department of Transport to discuss the impact on, and a revised plan for, the site. A provision of £4.9m was made in our 
2010 year end accounts against the carrying value of our joint venture investment to write down its value to £nil and this provision is 
still being held. In view of the continuing uncertainty relating to the future of the Curzon Park site, it is difficult to estimate the net 
realisable value of the site. However the directors believe no further impairment provision is required at the statement of financial 
position date. Should the value of the site, together with any compensation received, be insufficient to repay the bank loan in the joint 
venture entity, the group may incur further charges in respect of its obligations to the joint venture and the bank. 

At 30 September 2012, the group’s interest in joint ventures was as follows: 

% of ordinary share capital held

Country of incorporation

Curzon Park Limited 

King Street Developments (Hammersmith) Limited 

New Sovereign Reversions Limited 

CCZ a.s. 

CCY a.s. 

Prazsky Project a.s. 

Gebau Vermogen GmbH 

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

United Kingdom

Czech Republic

Czech Republic

Czech Republic

Germany

The accounting period end of Curzon Park Limited is 28 February 2013. The results for the 12 months to 30 September 2012 and the 
financial position as at that date have been equity accounted in these accounts.  

The accounting period end of King Street Developments (Hammersmith) Limited is 31 March 2013. The results for the 12 months 

to 30 September 2012 and the financial position as at that date have been equity accounted in these accounts.  

In relation to the group’s investment in joint ventures, the group’s share of the aggregated assets, liabilities, revenues and profit or 

Loans repaid of £1.6m in 2012 relates to repayment of loans to the group by its Sovereign joint venture. Distributions received of 

loss are shown below.  

Notes to the financial statements continued 

21 Investment in joint ventures 

At 1 October 2010 

Loans advanced 

Provision for impairment of loans receivable  

Share of profit 

Consolidation adjustment 

Net assets acquired through sale of subsidiary into a joint venture 

Net assets disposed of through transfer to subsidiary 

Goodwill impairment arising on investment in Gebau Vermogen GmbH 

Share of change in fair value of cash flow hedges taken through other 

(see note 23) 

Exchange adjustment 

comprehensive income 

At 30 September 2011 

Loans advanced 

Loans repaid 

Share of loss 

Exchange adjustment 

Distributions received 

At 30 September 2012 

Net 

assets 

£m

4.1

–

–

2.1

(1.3)

19.2

(7.5)

–

(0.1)

1.3

17.8

–

–

(1.0)

(0.4)

(1.9)

14.5

Loans 

£m

85.6

3.3

(1.9)

(80.9)

–

–

–

–

–

–

6.1

0.5

(1.6)

–

(0.3)

–

4.7

Goodwill  

£m 

1.3 

(1.3) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Total 

£m

91.0

3.3

(1.9)

2.1

(1.3)

19.2

(88.4)

(1.3)

(0.1)

1.3

23.9

0.5

(1.6)

(1.0)

(0.7)

(1.9)

19.2

£1.9m in 2012 relate to dividends received from the Sovereign joint venture.  

The provision for impairment/(write-back) of loans receivable in 2011 of £1.9m comprises the release of £3.3m of the provision 

made against the group’s mezzanine loan to Grainger GenInvest No.2 (2006) LLP prior to the group’s acquisition of the remaining 

50% equity in that company and a further provision of £5.2m against the group’s investments in its Czech Republic joint ventures.  

These amounts were included within the provision for impairment on loans receivable net of write backs on the face of the 

consolidated income statement. 

The net assets disposed of through transfer to a subsidiary of £88.4m in 2011 represented the group’s share of net assets and its 

loans to the two Grainger GenInvest LLP’s which became subsidiaries of Grainger on 22 March 2011. 

Of the loans advanced in 2011 of £3.3m only £2.1m was advanced in cash. The remaining £1.2m relates to interest income 

earned from the Grainger Invest LLP’s that was not received in cash. 

 
 
 
 
118

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

21 Investment in joint ventures continued 

2012 Summarised income statement 

Net rental income and other income 

Administration and other expenses 

Profit on disposal of trading property 

Operating profit  

Interest payable 

Change in fair value derivatives  

Loss before tax 

Taxation 

Loss after tax 

2012 Summarised statement of financial position 

Trading property 

Current assets 

Total assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Net assets/(liabilities) 

2012 

Czech 
Republic 
combined 
£m

Curzon Park 
Limited 
£m

King Street 
Developments 
(Hammersmith) 
Limited 
£m

New 
Sovereign 
Reversions 
Limited  
£m 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.3)

–

(0.3)

–

(0.3)

– 

(0.5) 

0.7 

0.2 

(0.7) 

(0.2) 

(0.7) 

– 

(0.7) 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2012 

Gebau 
Vermogen 
GmbH  
£m 

4.9 

(4.9) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Czech 
Republic 
combined 
£m

Curzon Park 
Limited 
£m

King Street 
Developments 
(Hammersmith) 
Limited 
£m

New 
Sovereign 
Reversions 
Limited  
£m 

Gebau 
Vermogen 
GmbH  
£m 

12.9

0.6

13.5

(5.4)

(6.4)

1.7

18.6

–

18.6

(19.1)

(2.3)

(2.8)

–

2.2

2.2

–

(2.2)

–

29.8 

1.5 

31.3 

(14.3) 

(1.8) 

15.2 

– 

0.5 

0.5 

(0.1) 

– 

0.4 

Total 
£m

4.9

(5.4)

0.7

0.2

(1.1)

(0.2)

(1.0)

–

(1.0)

Total 
£m

61.3

4.8

66.1

(38.9)

(12.7)

14.5

The results and financial position of the three Czech Republic companies have been aggregated in the above tables as individually they 
are not material and the development being undertaken in Prague is being managed as a single development with each company 
owning part of the combined site. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

21 Investment in joint ventures continued 

2012 Summarised income statement 

Net rental income and other income 

Administration and other expenses 

Profit on disposal of trading property 

Change in fair value derivatives  

Operating profit  

Interest payable 

Loss before tax 

Taxation 

Loss after tax 

2012 Summarised statement of financial position 

Trading property 

Current assets 

Total assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Net assets/(liabilities) 

Czech 

Republic 

combined 

£m

Curzon Park 

Limited 

£m

2012 

King Street 

Developments 

(Hammersmith) 

Limited 

£m

New 

Sovereign 

Reversions 

Limited  

Gebau 

Vermogen 

GmbH  

£m 

4.9 

(4.9) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.5 

0.5 

(0.1) 

– 

0.4 

£m 

– 

(0.5) 

0.7 

0.2 

(0.7) 

(0.2) 

(0.7) 

– 

(0.7) 

£m 

29.8 

1.5 

31.3 

(14.3) 

(1.8) 

15.2 

Total 

£m

4.9

(5.4)

0.7

0.2

(1.1)

(0.2)

(1.0)

–

(1.0)

Total 

£m

61.3

4.8

66.1

(38.9)

(12.7)

14.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2012 

£m

–

2.2

2.2

–

(2.2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

£m

12.9

0.6

13.5

(5.4)

(6.4)

1.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.3)

(0.3)

(0.3)

18.6

–

18.6

(19.1)

(2.3)

(2.8)

Czech 

Republic 

combined 

Curzon Park 

Limited 

£m

King Street 

Developments 

(Hammersmith) 

Limited 

New 

Sovereign 

Reversions 

Limited  

Gebau 

Vermogen 

GmbH  

£m 

The results and financial position of the three Czech Republic companies have been aggregated in the above tables as individually they 

are not material and the development being undertaken in Prague is being managed as a single development with each company 

owning part of the combined site. 

2011 Summarised income statement 

2011 

Grainger 
GenInvest 
LLP  
£m 

Grainger 
GenInvest 
No.2 (2006) 
LLP  
£m 

Czech 
Republic 
combined 
£m

Curzon Park 
Limited 
£m

King Street 
Developments 
(Hammersmith) 
Limited 
£m

New 
Sovereign 
Reversions 
Limited  
£m 

Gebau 
Vermogen 
GmbH  
£m 

Net rental income and 
other income 

Administration and other expenses

Profit on disposal of 
trading property 

Profit on disposal of 
investment property 

Operating profit before 
valuation gains 

Net valuation gains on 
investment property 

Operating profit after 
valuation gains 

Interest payable 

Change in fair value derivatives  

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Taxation 

Profit/(loss) after tax 

0.3 

– 

– 

0.1 

0.4 

1.7 

2.1 

(0.6) 

– 

1.5 

– 

1.5 

1.7 

– 

– 

– 

1.7 

2.2 

3.9 

(2.7) 

– 

1.2 

– 

1.2 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.2)

–

(0.2)

–

(0.2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(0.3)

–

(0.3)

–

(0.3)

2011 Summarised statement of financial position 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.4) 

0.6 

– 

0.2 

– 

0.2 

(0.4) 

(0.2) 

(0.4) 

0.3 

(0.1) 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2011 

Trading property 

Current assets 

Total assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Net assets/(liabilities) 

Czech 
Republic 
combined 
£m

Curzon Park 
Limited 
£m

King Street 
Developments 
(Hammersmith) 
Limited 
£m

New 
Sovereign 
Reversions 
Limited  
£m 

Gebau 
Vermogen 
GmbH  
£m 

14.0

0.8

14.8

–

(12.6)

2.2

18.5

0.1

18.6

(21.1)

–

(2.5)

–

2.0

2.0

–

(2.0)

–

32.2 

4.4 

36.6 

(16.7) 

(2.1) 

17.8 

– 

0.7 

0.7 

(0.4) 

– 

0.3 

119

Total 
£m

2.0

(0.4)

0.6

0.1

2.3

3.9

6.2

(4.2)

(0.2)

1.8

0.3

2.1

Total 
£m

64.7

8.0

72.7

(38.2)

(16.7)

17.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
120

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

22 Financial interest in property assets 

Opening balance 

Cash received from the instrument 

Amounts taken to income statement 

Amounts taken to other comprehensive income before tax 

Closing balance 

2012 
£m 

102.3 

(10.6) 

7.7 

(0.4) 

99.0 

2011
£m

103.9

(9.2)

7.9

(0.3)

102.3

Financial interest in property assets relates to the CHARM portfolio, which is a financial interest in equity mortgages held by the 
Church of England Pensions Board as mortgagee. It is accounted for under IAS 39 in accordance with the designation available-for-
sale financial assets and is valued at fair value.  

The CHARM portfolio is considered to be a level 3 financial asset as defined by IFRS 7. The key assumptions used to value the asset 

are set out within note 2 ‘Critical accounting estimates and assumptions’, and the financial asset is included within the fair value 
hierarchy within note 28. 

23 Goodwill 

Opening balance 

Impairment charge taken to income statement 

Closing balance 

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment based on a value in use calculation. 

The total goodwill impairment charge in the income statement comprises: 

Impairment charge as shown above 

Impairment charge relating to Gebau Vermogen GmbH (see note 21) 

2012 
£m 

5.3 

– 

5.3 

2012 
£m 

– 

– 

– 

2011
£m

6.2

(0.9)

5.3

2011
£m

(0.9)

(1.3)

(2.2)

 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

Opening balance 

Cash received from the instrument 

Amounts taken to income statement 

Amounts taken to other comprehensive income before tax 

Closing balance 

Financial interest in property assets relates to the CHARM portfolio, which is a financial interest in equity mortgages held by the 

Church of England Pensions Board as mortgagee. It is accounted for under IAS 39 in accordance with the designation available-for-

sale financial assets and is valued at fair value.  

The CHARM portfolio is considered to be a level 3 financial asset as defined by IFRS 7. The key assumptions used to value the asset 

are set out within note 2 ‘Critical accounting estimates and assumptions’, and the financial asset is included within the fair value 

hierarchy within note 28. 

23 Goodwill 

Opening balance 

Closing balance 

Impairment charge taken to income statement 

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment based on a value in use calculation. 

The total goodwill impairment charge in the income statement comprises: 

Impairment charge as shown above 

Impairment charge relating to Gebau Vermogen GmbH (see note 21) 

2012 

£m 

102.3 

(10.6) 

7.7 

(0.4) 

99.0 

2011

£m

103.9

(9.2)

7.9

(0.3)

102.3

2012 

£m 

5.3 

– 

5.3 

2012 

£m 

– 

– 

– 

2011

£m

6.2

(0.9)

5.3

2011

£m

(0.9)

(1.3)

(2.2)

22 Financial interest in property assets 

24 Inventories – trading property 

Residential trading property 

Development trading property 

121

2012 
£m 

953.6 

69.8 

1,023.4 

2011
£m

1,024.9

80.2

1,105.1

The market value of inventories as at 30 September 2012 was £1,387.4m (2011: £1,449.1m). 

Provisions of £0.1m against the net realisable value of residential trade property have been charged to the consolidated income 

statement in the year (2011: £1.8m). Further details are given in note 2 ‘Critical accounting estimates and assumptions’.  

It is not possible for the group to identify which properties will be sold within the next 12 months. The size of the group’s property 
portfolio does result in a relatively predictable vacancy rate. However, it is not possible to predict in advance the specific properties that 
will become vacant. Trading property is shown as a current asset in the consolidated statement of financial position. 

25 Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables 

Deduct: Provision for impairment of trade receivables 

Trade receivables – net 

Other receivables 

Deduct: Provision for impairment of other receivables 

Other receivables – net 

Prepayments  

2012 
£m 

27.4 

(1.4) 

26.0 

4.9 

– 

4.9 

4.7 

35.6 

2011
£m

11.5

(2.1)

9.4

17.7

(12.9)

4.8

4.1

18.3

The fair values of trade and other receivables are considered to be equal to their carrying amounts. 

Other receivables in 2011 included a loan of £12.9m and an impairment provision of £12.9m relating to a loan made to the 
Mornington Capital Special Situations Co-investment Fund 1 Limited Partnership (‘Mornington’). This loan and the associated provision 
have been written off during the year. 

Trade receivables in 2012 includes deferred consideration receivable of £11.8m from the sale of Gateshead College and our first 

land sale at the Berewood site. 

Other receivables include a loan of £3.8m (2011: £3.2m) made to Clarins Limited to enable that company to develop a property in 

the City of Westminster. The loan is interest free and subordinated to the senior debt provider funding the development. Grainger is 
entitled to a priority profit share on sale of the developed property. The loan is secured by a charge on the property being developed.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
122

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

25 Trade and other receivables continued 

As at 30 September 2012, tenant arrears of £1.4m within trade receivables were impaired and fully provided for (2011: £2.1m). The 
individually impaired receivables are based on a review of outstanding arrears and an assessment of collectability. The ageing of these 
receivables is: 

Up to two months 

Three months or more 

2012 
£m 

0.1 

1.3 

1.4 

2011
£m

0.1

2.0

2.1

Rental receivables are due on demand and hence all balances outstanding at the year end are past due. The balances within trade 
receivables which are past due but are not considered to be impaired, because we have either collected the debt since the statement 
of financial position date or there is a history of regular payment, are as follows: 

Up to two months 

The carrying amounts of the group’s trade and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies: 

Pounds Sterling 

Euros 

Movements on the group provision for impairment of trade receivables are as follows: 

Opening balance 

Provision for receivables impairment during the year 

Receivables written off during the period as not recoverable 

Unused amounts reversed 

Closing balance 

2012 
£m 

1.7 

2012 
£m 

33.9 

1.7 

35.6 

2012 
£m 

2.1 

0.8 

(0.9) 

(0.6) 

1.4 

2011
£m

2.7

2011
£m

15.7

2.6

18.3

2011
£m

2.0

0.7

(0.6)

–

2.1

 
 
 
 
 
123

Notes to the financial statements continued 

25 Trade and other receivables continued 

As at 30 September 2012, tenant arrears of £1.4m within trade receivables were impaired and fully provided for (2011: £2.1m). The 

individually impaired receivables are based on a review of outstanding arrears and an assessment of collectability. The ageing of these 

receivables is: 

Up to two months 

Three months or more 

Up to two months 

Pounds Sterling 

Euros 

The charge/credit relating to the creation and release of provisions for impaired receivables have been included in property repair and 
maintenance costs in the consolidated income statement (see note 6). Amounts provided for are generally written off when there is 
no expectation of recovering additional cash. 

The credit quality of financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired is discussed in note 28, ‘financial risk management and 

derivative instruments’. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of each class of receivables 
mentioned above. Tenant deposits of £2.6m (2011: £4.0m) are held which provide some security against rental arrears and property 
dilapidations caused by the tenant. In addition the loan to Clarins is secured as described above. The group does not hold any other 
collateral as security. 

Rental receivables are due on demand and hence all balances outstanding at the year end are past due. The balances within trade 

receivables which are past due but are not considered to be impaired, because we have either collected the debt since the statement 

of financial position date or there is a history of regular payment, are as follows: 

26 Non-current liabilities 

i) Trade and other payables 

Deferred consideration payable 

2012 
£m 

– 

2011
£m

4.0

Trade and other payables is deferred consideration for the purchase of land at Berewood, West Waterlooville payable in April 2013 
and is included within current payables in the current year. 

The carrying amounts of the group’s trade and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies: 

Movements on the group provision for impairment of trade receivables are as follows: 

Opening balance 

Provision for receivables impairment during the year 

Receivables written off during the period as not recoverable 

Unused amounts reversed 

Closing balance 

ii) Provisions for other liabilities and charges 

Other 

27 Trade and other payables 

Deposits received 

Trade payables 

Taxation and social security 

Accruals and deferred income 

Other payables 

Deferred consideration payable 

2012 
£m 

0.5 

2012 
£m 

2.6 

13.8 

5.5 

40.8 

21.7 

4.0 

88.4 

2011
£m

0.6

2011
£m

4.0

12.7

1.5

58.2

–

–

76.4

Accruals and deferred income includes £17.3m (2011: £20.1m) of rent received in advance relating to lifetime leases. It is not possible 
for the group to identify which properties will become vacant within the next 12 months and therefore to identify the proportion of 
rent received in advance which is expected to be released to the income statement within the next 12 months.  

Other payables of £21.7m (2011: £nil) relates to the settlement value of the interest rate swap contracts which were agreed in 

September 2012 and settled in October 2012. 

2012 

£m 

0.1 

1.3 

1.4 

2012 

£m 

1.7 

2012 

£m 

33.9 

1.7 

35.6 

2012 

£m 

2.1 

0.8 

(0.9) 

(0.6) 

1.4 

2011

£m

0.1

2.0

2.1

2011

£m

2.7

2011

£m

15.7

2.6

18.3

2011

£m

2.0

0.7

(0.6)

–

2.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
124

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

28 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments 

Categories of financial instruments 
A summary of the classifications of the financial assets and liabilities held by the group is set out in the following table: 

Loans and 
receivables/
cash and 
cash equivalents
£m

Assets at  
fair value  
through  
profit and loss 
£m 

Derivatives 
used for 
hedging
£m

Available-
for-sale
£m

Total 
book value
£m

Fair value 
£m 

Fair value 
adjustment
£m

2012 

Financial interest 
in property assets 

Trade and other 
receivables 

Cash and cash 
equivalents 

Total financial assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans 
and borrowings 

Provisions for other 
liabilities and charges 

Current liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans 
and borrowings 

Trade and other 
payables 

Derivative financial 
instruments 

Total financial liabilities

Total net financial 
assets/(liabilities) 

–

30.9

73.3

104.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

99.0

–

–

99.0

99.0

30.9

73.3

203.2

99.0 

30.9 

73.3 

203.2 

–

–

–

–

Liabilities at 
fair value  
through  
profit and loss 
£m 

Derivatives 
used for 
hedging
£m

Other financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost
£m

Total 
book value
£m

Fair value 
£m 

Fair value 
adjustment
£m

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

94.7 

94.7 

50.7

50.7

1,240.1

1,240.1

1,266.0 

25.9

0.5

0.5

0.5 

27.3

47.6

–

1,315.5

27.3

47.6

27.3 

47.6 

145.4

1,460.9

145.4 

1,486.8 

–

–

–

–

25.9

104.2

(94.7) 

 (50.7)

(1,216.5)

(1,257.7)

(1,283.6) 

(25.9)

The fair value adjustment relates to the group’s fixed rate loan with Lloyds TSB Bank plc, the liability component of the convertible 
bond, and the group’s fixed rate loans with UniCredit Bank AG all of which are stated at amortised cost in the consolidated statement 
of financial position. There is no requirement under IAS 39 to revalue these loans to fair value in the consolidated statement of 
financial position. 

 
 
 
 
           
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

28 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments 

Categories of financial instruments 

A summary of the classifications of the financial assets and liabilities held by the group is set out in the following table: 

Loans and 

receivables/

cash and 

cash equivalents

profit and loss 

Assets at  

fair value  

through  

£m 

Derivatives 

used for 

hedging

£m

2012 

Available-

for-sale

£m

Total 

book value

£m

Fair value 

£m 

Fair value 

adjustment

£m

£m

–

30.9

73.3

104.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

99.0

–

–

99.0

99.0

30.9

73.3

203.2

99.0 

30.9 

73.3 

203.2 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Liabilities at 

fair value  

through  

profit and loss 

£m 

Derivatives 

used for 

hedging

£m

Other financial 

liabilities at 

amortised 

cost

£m

Total 

book value

£m

Fair value 

£m 

Fair value 

adjustment

£m

1,240.1

1,240.1

1,266.0 

25.9

0.5

0.5

0.5 

27.3

47.6

27.3 

47.6 

27.3

47.6

–

1,315.5

94.7 

94.7 

50.7

50.7

145.4

1,460.9

145.4 

1,486.8 

25.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Financial interest 

in property assets 

Trade and other 

receivables 

Cash and cash 

equivalents 

Total financial assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans 

and borrowings 

Provisions for other 

liabilities and charges 

Current liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans 

and borrowings 

Trade and other 

payables 

Derivative financial 

instruments 

Total financial liabilities

Total net financial 

assets/(liabilities) 

financial position. 

104.2

(94.7) 

 (50.7)

(1,216.5)

(1,257.7)

(1,283.6) 

(25.9)

The fair value adjustment relates to the group’s fixed rate loan with Lloyds TSB Bank plc, the liability component of the convertible 

bond, and the group’s fixed rate loans with UniCredit Bank AG all of which are stated at amortised cost in the consolidated statement 

of financial position. There is no requirement under IAS 39 to revalue these loans to fair value in the consolidated statement of 

Financial interest in 
property assets 

Trade and other 
receivables 

Derivative financial 
instruments 

Cash and cash 
equivalents 

Total financial assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans 
and borrowings 

Trade and other 
payables 

Provisions for other 
liabilities and charges 

Current liabilities 

Interest-bearing loans 
and borrowings 

Trade and other 
payables 

Derivative financial 
instruments 

Total financial liabilities 

Total net financial 
assets/(liabilities) 

125

Loans and 
receivables/
cash and cash 
equivalents
£m

Assets at  
fair value  
through  
profit and loss 
£m 

Derivatives 
used for 
hedging
£m

Available-
for-sale
£m

Total  
book value
£m

Fair value 
£m 

Fair value 
adjustment
£m

2011 

– 

– 

0.2 

– 

0.2 

–

–

–

–

–

102.3

102.3

102.3 

–

–

–

102.3

14.2

0.2

90.9

207.6

14.2 

0.2 

90.9 

207.6 

–

–

–

–

–

Liabilities at fair 
value through 
profit and loss 
£m 

Derivatives 
used for 
hedging
£m

Other financial 
liabilities at 
amortised 
cost
£m

Total
book value
£m

Fair value 
£m 

Fair value 
adjustment
£m

1,428.0

1,428.0

1,441.9 

13.9

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–

–

–

–

–

91.8 

91.8 

62.7

62.7

4.0

0.6

116.7

18.2

–

1,567.5

4.0

0.6

116.7

18.2

154.5

1,722.0

4.0 

0.6 

116.7 

18.2 

154.5 

1,735.9 

–

–

–

–

–

13.9

(13.9)

105.1

(91.6) 

(62.7)

(1,465.2)

(1,514.4) 

(1,528.3) 

–

14.2

–

90.9

105.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 
 
 
 
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
126

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

28 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments continued 

Financial risk management 
The group’s objectives for managing financial risk are to minimise the risk of adverse effects on performance and to ensure the ability 
of the group to continue as a going concern while securing access to cost effective finance and maintaining flexibility to respond 
quickly to opportunities which arise. 

The group’s policies on financial risk management are approved by the board of directors and implemented by group treasury. 
Written policies and procedures cover interest rate risk, credit risk, the use of derivative and non-derivative financial instruments and 
investment of excess liquidity. Compliance is monitored by Internal Audit. Group treasury reports to the Board Risk and Compliance 
committee. 

The group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to financial risk but does not take positions for speculative 

purposes. 

The sources of financial risk and the policies and activities used to mitigate each are discussed below and include credit risk, 

liquidity risk and market risk which includes interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk, house price risk in relation to the CHARM 
portfolio, our financial interest in property assets, and capital risk. 

Credit risk 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss due to a counterparty’s failure to honour its obligations. The group’s principal financial assets 
include its financial interest in property assets, bank balances and cash, trade and other receivables and financial derivatives. The 
carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements represents the group’s maximum exposure to credit risk 
without taking account of the value of any collateral obtained. 

The group’s financial interest in property assets relates to a financial interest in equity mortgages held by the Church of England 
Pensions Board as mortgagee, a counterparty considered to be low risk as they have no history of past due or impaired amounts and 
there are no past due amounts outstanding at the year end. 

The group’s principal credit risk relates to trade receivables. Where it is identified that recovery is doubtful a provision for 
impairment is made. For all Assured Shorthold Tenancies credit checks are performed prior to acceptance of the tenant. Regulated 
tenants are incentivised through the benefit of their tenancy agreement to avoid default on their rent. Lifetime tenancies are generally 
at low or zero rent and hence suffer minimal credit risk. Rent deposits and personal guarantees are held in respect of some leases. 
Taking these factors into account, the risk to the group of individual tenant default and the credit risk of trade receivables is considered 
low, as is borne out by the low level of trade receivables written off both in this year and in prior years. 

The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is managed through the group’s policies of monitoring 

counterparty exposure, concentration of credit risk through the use of multiple counterparties and the use of counterparties of good 
financial standing. Cash and short-term deposits at 30 September 2012 amounted to £73.3m (2011: £90.9m). Deposits were placed 
with financial institutions with A- or better credit ratings. 

At 30 September 2012, the fair value of all interest rate derivatives which had a positive value was £nil (2011: £0.2m).  
At 30 September 2012, the largest combined credit exposure to a single counterparty arising from money market deposits and 

interest rate swaps was £255.1m (2011: £246.8m) which represents 12.2% (2011: 11.0%) of total assets. 

Liquidity risk 
The group ensures that it maintains continuity and flexibility through a spread of maturities. 

Although the group’s core funding is supported by covenants requiring certain levels of loan to value with respect to the entities in 

the group of obligors and to maintaining a certain level of interest cover at the group level the loan is not secured directly against any 
property allowing operational flexibility. The group has operated well within its covenants during 2012 and as at 30 September 2012 
(see note 2 ‘Critical accounting estimates and assumptions’). 

The group ensures that it maintains sufficient cash for operational requirements at all times. The group uses short-term 

money market deposits to manage its liquidity. The group also ensures that it has sufficient undrawn committed borrowing facilities 
from a diverse range of banks and other sources to allow for operational flexibility and to meet committed expenditure. 

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

28 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments continued 

Financial risk management 

quickly to opportunities which arise. 

The group’s objectives for managing financial risk are to minimise the risk of adverse effects on performance and to ensure the ability 

of the group to continue as a going concern while securing access to cost effective finance and maintaining flexibility to respond 

The group’s policies on financial risk management are approved by the board of directors and implemented by group treasury. 

Written policies and procedures cover interest rate risk, credit risk, the use of derivative and non-derivative financial instruments and 

investment of excess liquidity. Compliance is monitored by Internal Audit. Group treasury reports to the Board Risk and Compliance 

The group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to financial risk but does not take positions for speculative 

The sources of financial risk and the policies and activities used to mitigate each are discussed below and include credit risk, 

liquidity risk and market risk which includes interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk, house price risk in relation to the CHARM 

portfolio, our financial interest in property assets, and capital risk. 

committee. 

purposes. 

Credit risk 

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss due to a counterparty’s failure to honour its obligations. The group’s principal financial assets 

include its financial interest in property assets, bank balances and cash, trade and other receivables and financial derivatives. The 

carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements represents the group’s maximum exposure to credit risk 

without taking account of the value of any collateral obtained. 

The group’s financial interest in property assets relates to a financial interest in equity mortgages held by the Church of England 

Pensions Board as mortgagee, a counterparty considered to be low risk as they have no history of past due or impaired amounts and 

there are no past due amounts outstanding at the year end. 

The group’s principal credit risk relates to trade receivables. Where it is identified that recovery is doubtful a provision for 

impairment is made. For all Assured Shorthold Tenancies credit checks are performed prior to acceptance of the tenant. Regulated 

tenants are incentivised through the benefit of their tenancy agreement to avoid default on their rent. Lifetime tenancies are generally 

at low or zero rent and hence suffer minimal credit risk. Rent deposits and personal guarantees are held in respect of some leases. 

Taking these factors into account, the risk to the group of individual tenant default and the credit risk of trade receivables is considered 

low, as is borne out by the low level of trade receivables written off both in this year and in prior years. 

The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is managed through the group’s policies of monitoring 

counterparty exposure, concentration of credit risk through the use of multiple counterparties and the use of counterparties of good 

financial standing. Cash and short-term deposits at 30 September 2012 amounted to £73.3m (2011: £90.9m). Deposits were placed 

with financial institutions with A- or better credit ratings. 

At 30 September 2012, the fair value of all interest rate derivatives which had a positive value was £nil (2011: £0.2m).  

At 30 September 2012, the largest combined credit exposure to a single counterparty arising from money market deposits and 

interest rate swaps was £255.1m (2011: £246.8m) which represents 12.2% (2011: 11.0%) of total assets. 

Liquidity risk 

The group ensures that it maintains continuity and flexibility through a spread of maturities. 

Although the group’s core funding is supported by covenants requiring certain levels of loan to value with respect to the entities in 

the group of obligors and to maintaining a certain level of interest cover at the group level the loan is not secured directly against any 

property allowing operational flexibility. The group has operated well within its covenants during 2012 and as at 30 September 2012 

(see note 2 ‘Critical accounting estimates and assumptions’). 

The group ensures that it maintains sufficient cash for operational requirements at all times. The group uses short-term 

money market deposits to manage its liquidity. The group also ensures that it has sufficient undrawn committed borrowing facilities 

from a diverse range of banks and other sources to allow for operational flexibility and to meet committed expenditure. 

127

The UK residential business in particular is very cash generative from its gross rents and sales of trading properties. In adverse trading 
conditions, investment sales can be increased and new acquisitions can be stopped. Consequently, the group is able to reduce gearing 
levels and improve liquidity quickly. 

The following table analyses the group’s financial liabilities and net-settled derivative financial liabilities at the statement of financial 
position date into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed 
in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. As the amounts included in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash 
flows, these amounts will not equal the amounts disclosed on the statement of financial position for borrowings, derivative financial 
instruments, trade and other payables and provisions for liabilities and charges. A reconciliation to the statement of financial position 
amounts is given below and on page 128. Trade and other payables due within 12 months equal their carrying balances as the impact 
of discounting is not significant. The cash flows are calculated using yield curves for floating rate interest-bearing liabilities. Foreign 
currency related cash flows are calculated by means of the forward rates relevant to each maturity date. 

At 30 September 2012 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Cash flow hedges 

Derivatives at fair value through profit and loss 

Trade and other payables 

Provision for liabilities and charges 

At 30 September 2011 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Cash flow hedges 

Derivatives at fair value through profit and loss 

Trade and other payables 

Provision for liabilities and charges 

Reconciliation of maturity analysis  

At 30 September 2012 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (see note 29) 

Foreign exchange impact of forward rates 

Interest 

Unamortised borrowing costs 

Financial liability cash flows shown above 

Less than 
1 year
£m

68.5

18.3

14.6

71.1

0.1

Less than 
1 year
£m

173.3

23.2

12.0

56.3

0.1

Between
1 and 2
years
£m

79.8

10.3

14.8

–

0.1

Between
1 and 2
years
£m

62.9

18.5

12.9

4.0

0.1

Less than
1 year
£m

Between 
1 and 2
years
£m

Between  
2 and 5
years
£m

27.3

(0.8)

37.5

4.5

68.5

39.5

(0.9)

36.6

4.6

79.8

903.7

(1.8) 

80.7

6.1

988.7

Between
2 and 5
years
£m

Over 5 
years 
£m 

Total
£m

988.7

421.4 

1,558.4

13.3

34.5

–

0.4

Between
2 and 5
years
£m

12.5 

34.5 

– 

0.3 

Over 5 
years 
£m 

54.4

98.4

71.1

0.9

Total
£m

1,240.7

447.2 

1,924.1

17.8

35.7

–

0.4

11.2 

35.8 

– 

0.4 

Over 5 
years 
£m 

296.9 

– 

120.7 

3.8 

421.4 

70.7

96.4

60.3

1.0

Total
£m

1,267.4

(3.5)

275.5

19.0

1,558.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
128

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

28 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments continued 

At 30 September 2011 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (see note 29) 

Foreign exchange impact of forward rates 

Interest 

Unamortised borrowing costs 

Financial liability cash flows shown above 

Less than
1 year
£m

Between 
1 and 2
years
£m

116.7

–

52.0

4.6

173.3

8.9

–

49.4

4.6

62.9

Between 
2 and 5
years
£m

1,082.0

(0.4)

148.1

11.0

1,240.7

The group’s undrawn committed borrowing facilities are monitored against projected cash flows. 

Maturity of committed undrawn borrowing facilities 

Expiring: 

Within one year 

Between one and two years 

Between two and five years 

Over five years 

Over 5 
years 
£m 

337.1 

(0.4) 

107.0 

3.5 

447.2 

2012 
£m 

5.0 

– 

79.9 

37.5 

122.4 

Total
£m

1,544.7

(0.8)

356.5

23.7

1,924.1

2011
£m

171.2

–

–

–

171.2

The above facilities are those freely available to be drawn for group purposes. 

Market risk 
The group is exposed to market risk through interest rates, foreign exchange fluctuations, the availability of credit and house price 
movements relating to the CHARM portfolio. The group internally measures its market risk exposure by running various sensitivity 
analyses. The directors consider that a +/- 1% (2011: 1%) movement in interest rates, a +/- 10 percentage point (2011: 10 percentage 
point) movement in sterling and a +/- 1 percentage point (2011: 1 percentage point) movement in house prices represents a 
reasonable possible change. The approach the group takes to each of these risks is set out below. The group is not significantly 
exposed to equity price risk or to commodity price risk. 

Fair values 
IFRS 7 sets out a three-tier hierarchy for financial assets and liabilities valued at fair value. These are as follows: 
Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identified assets and liabilities 
Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly as prices 
or indirectly as derived from prices; and 
Level 3 – inputs for assets and liabilities that are not based on observable market data. 

The fair value of swaps and other financial instruments is derived from the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates 
obtained by means of the current yield curve appropriate for those instruments. As all significant inputs required to value the swaps 
are observable, they all fall within level 2. 

The CHARM portfolio falls within level 3, inputs not based on observable market data. Note 22 provides a reconciliation 
of movements and amounts recognised in the income statement and other comprehensive income. The basis of valuation and the 
sensitivity to changes in the key valuation assumptions are documented in note 2, ‘Critical accounting estimates and assumptions’.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

129

28 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments continued 

The following table presents the group’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value.  

At 30 September 2011 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings (see note 29) 

Foreign exchange impact of forward rates 

Interest 

Unamortised borrowing costs 

Financial liability cash flows shown above 

Less than

1 year

£m

Between 

1 and 2

years

£m

116.7

–

52.0

4.6

173.3

8.9

–

49.4

4.6

62.9

Between 

2 and 5

years

£m

1,082.0

(0.4)

148.1

11.0

1,240.7

The group’s undrawn committed borrowing facilities are monitored against projected cash flows. 

Maturity of committed undrawn borrowing facilities 

Expiring: 

Within one year 

Between one and two years 

Between two and five years 

Over five years 

Over 5 

years 

£m 

337.1 

(0.4) 

107.0 

3.5 

447.2 

2012 

£m 

5.0 

– 

79.9 

37.5 

122.4 

Total

£m

1,544.7

(0.8)

356.5

23.7

1,924.1

2011

£m

171.2

–

–

–

171.2

Level 3 

Financial interest in property assets 

Level 2 

Interest rate swaps – in cash flow hedge accounting relationships 

Interest rate swaps – not in cash flow hedge accounting relationships 

2012 

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

2011 

Assets 
£m 

Liabilities
£m

99.0

–

–

99.0

–

102.3 

–

50.7

94.7

145.4

– 

0.2 

102.5 

62.7

91.8

154.5

Interest rate swaps are all classified as either current assets or current liabilities. 

The notional principal amount of the outstanding interest rate swap contracts as at 30 September 2012 was £973.1m 

(2011: £986.5m).  

All of the financial derivatives included in the above table were valued by external consultants, J.C. Rathbone Associates Ltd, using 

a discounted cash flow model and quoted market information and were checked internally using a bespoke software package. 

In accordance with IAS 39, the group has reviewed its interest rate hedges. In the absence of hedge accounting, movements in 

fair value are taken directly to the income statement. However, where cash flow hedges have been viewed as being effective, 
and have been designated as such, any gains or losses have been taken to other comprehensive income through the cash flow 
hedge reserve. 

A valuation was carried out at 30 September 2012 by external consultants, J.C. Rathbone Associates Ltd, to calculate the market 
value of the group’s fixed rate debt on a replacement basis, taking into account the difference between the fixed interest rates for the 
group’s borrowings and the market value and prevailing interest rate of appropriate debt instruments, as a fair value adjustment. The 
fair values compared to the carrying amounts of the group’s fixed rate financial liabilities are analysed below. 

Fixed rate loan facilities 

Fixed rate loan facilities 

Book value at 
30 September 
2012 
£m 

Fair value at
30 September
2012
£m

162.9 

188.8

Book value at 
30 September 
2011 
£m 

Fair value at
30 September
2011
£m

80.8 

94.7

The above facilities are those freely available to be drawn for group purposes. 

Market risk 

The group is exposed to market risk through interest rates, foreign exchange fluctuations, the availability of credit and house price 

movements relating to the CHARM portfolio. The group internally measures its market risk exposure by running various sensitivity 

analyses. The directors consider that a +/- 1% (2011: 1%) movement in interest rates, a +/- 10 percentage point (2011: 10 percentage 

point) movement in sterling and a +/- 1 percentage point (2011: 1 percentage point) movement in house prices represents a 

reasonable possible change. The approach the group takes to each of these risks is set out below. The group is not significantly 

exposed to equity price risk or to commodity price risk. 

Fair values 

IFRS 7 sets out a three-tier hierarchy for financial assets and liabilities valued at fair value. These are as follows: 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identified assets and liabilities 

Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly as prices 

or indirectly as derived from prices; and 

Level 3 – inputs for assets and liabilities that are not based on observable market data. 

The fair value of swaps and other financial instruments is derived from the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates 

obtained by means of the current yield curve appropriate for those instruments. As all significant inputs required to value the swaps 

are observable, they all fall within level 2. 

The CHARM portfolio falls within level 3, inputs not based on observable market data. Note 22 provides a reconciliation 

of movements and amounts recognised in the income statement and other comprehensive income. The basis of valuation and the 

sensitivity to changes in the key valuation assumptions are documented in note 2, ‘Critical accounting estimates and assumptions’.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
130

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

28 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments continued 

Interest rate risk 
The group’s interest rate risk arises from the risk of fluctuations in interest charges on floating rate borrowings. The group mitigates 
this risk through the use of variable to fixed interest rate swaps, caps and collars. This subjects the group to fair value risk as the value 
of the financial derivatives fluctuates in line with variations in interest rates. However, the group seeks to cash flow hedge account 
where applicable. The group is, however, driven by commercial considerations when hedging its interest rate risk and is not driven 
by the strict requirements of the hedge accounting rules under IAS 39 if this is to the detriment of achieving the best commercial 
arrangement. 

Hedging activities are carried out under the terms of the group’s hedging policies and are regularly reviewed by the board 
to ensure compliance with this policy. The board reviews its policy on interest rate exposure regularly with a view to establishing that 
it is still relevant in the prevailing and forecast economic environment. The current group treasury policy is to maintain floating rate 
exposure of no greater than 35% of expected borrowing. As at 30 September 2012, 84% (2011: 73%) of the group’s net 
borrowings were economically hedged to fixed or capped rates. 

At 30 September 2012, the weighted average interest rate of the group’s fixed rate debt is 6.3% (2011: 4.2%). The weighted 

average period for which the rate is fixed is 11.7 years (2011: 17.9 years).  

At 30 September 2012 the fixed interest rates on the interest rate swap contracts vary from 0.67% to 5.38% (2011: 2.81% to 

5.26%) with a weighted average rate of 4.6% (2011: 4.5%) and a weighted average maturity of 5.7 years (2011: 7.0 years). 

At 30 September 2012 the weighted average interest rate of the group’s variable rate debt is 4.8% (2011: 2.9%). The weighted 

average debt maturity is 4.6 years (2011: 5.0 years).  

Based on the group’s interest rate profile at the statement of financial position date a 1% increase in interest rates would decrease 

annual profits by £2.6m (2011: £4.6m). Similarly a 1% decrease would increase annual profits by £2.6m (2011: £4.4m).  

Based on the group’s interest rate profile at the statement of financial position date a 1% increase in interest rates would decrease 

the group’s equity by £1.9m (2011: £3.4m). Similarly a 1% decrease would increase the group’s equity by £1.9m (2011: £3.2m).  

Upward movements in medium and long-term interest rates, associated with higher interest rate expectation, increase the value of 

the group’s interest rate swaps that provide protection against such moves. The converse is true for downward movements in the 
interest yield curve. Where the group’s swaps qualify as effective hedges under IAS 39, these movements in fair value are recognised 
directly in other comprehensive income rather than the income statement. 

As at 30 September 2012, the market value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges under IAS 39, is a net liability of 
£50.7m (2011: net liability of £62.7m). The fair value movement on derivatives not in hedge accounting relationships and amounts 
reclassified from equity to the income statement amounted, in aggregate, to a charge of £31.2m (2011: charge of £28.0m) in the 
income statement analysed as follows: 

Fair value movement on derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges 

Amounts reclassified from equity to the income statement 

2012 
£m 

24.6 

6.6 

31.2 

2011
£m

18.8

9.2

28.0

At 30 September 2012, the market value of derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges under IAS 39, is a net liability of £94.7m 
(2011: net liability of £91.6m). The cash flows occur and enter in the determination of profit and loss until the maturity of the 
hedged debt.  

 
 
 
28 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments continued 

The table below summarises debt hedged at 30 September 2012. 

Cash flow hedged debt 

Cash flow hedges maturing: 

  Within one year 

  Between one and two years 

  Between two and five years 

  Over five years 

2012 
£m 

291.4 

384.4 

229.7 

67.6 

973.1 

Interest rate profile – including the effect of derivatives 

Fixed rate 

Hedged rate 

Variable rate 

2012 

2011 

Sterling 
£m 

141.7 

756.4 

137.9 

1,036.0 

Euro
£m

21.2

150.9

78.3

250.4

Total
£m

162.9

907.3

216.2

1,286.4

Sterling
£m

56.8

712.9

364.2

1,133.9

Euro 
£m 

24.0 

349.7 

60.8 

434.5 

131

2011
£m

24.1

298.8

553.2

110.4

986.5

Total
£m

80.8

1,062.6

425.0

1,568.4

Foreign exchange risk 
The group’s foreign exchange risk arises from the exposure due to translating overseas trading performance and overseas net assets 
into sterling. The group does not have foreign currency trading with cross border currency flows. The group hedges foreign currency 
assets naturally by funding them through borrowings in the applicable foreign currency and aims to ensure that it has no material 
unhedged net assets or liabilities denominated in a foreign currency. Profit translation is not hedged. 

The group’s statement of financial position translation exposure is summarised below: 

Gross foreign currency assets 

Gross foreign currency liabilities 

Net exposure 

2012
Euro
£m

379.4

(393.5)

(14.1)

2011
Euro
£m

451.2

(461.1)

(9.9)

2012 
Czech Koruna 
£m 

2011
Czech Koruna
£m

1.4 

– 

1.4 

2.2

–

2.2

As at 30 September 2012 it is estimated that a general increase/decrease of 10 percentage points in the value of Sterling against the 
Euro would increase/decrease the group’s profit before tax by approximately £0.7m (2011: £0.3m) and equity by £1.4m (2011: £1.0m). 

As at 30 September 2012 it is estimated that a general increase/decrease of 10 percentage points in the value of Sterling against 

the Czech Koruna would decrease/increase the group’s profit before tax by approximately £nil (2011: £0.5m) and equity by £0.1m 
(2011: £0.2m). 

Notes to the financial statements continued 

Interest rate risk 

arrangement. 

The group’s interest rate risk arises from the risk of fluctuations in interest charges on floating rate borrowings. The group mitigates 

this risk through the use of variable to fixed interest rate swaps, caps and collars. This subjects the group to fair value risk as the value 

of the financial derivatives fluctuates in line with variations in interest rates. However, the group seeks to cash flow hedge account 

where applicable. The group is, however, driven by commercial considerations when hedging its interest rate risk and is not driven 

by the strict requirements of the hedge accounting rules under IAS 39 if this is to the detriment of achieving the best commercial 

Hedging activities are carried out under the terms of the group’s hedging policies and are regularly reviewed by the board 

to ensure compliance with this policy. The board reviews its policy on interest rate exposure regularly with a view to establishing that 

it is still relevant in the prevailing and forecast economic environment. The current group treasury policy is to maintain floating rate 

exposure of no greater than 35% of expected borrowing. As at 30 September 2012, 84% (2011: 73%) of the group’s net 

borrowings were economically hedged to fixed or capped rates. 

At 30 September 2012, the weighted average interest rate of the group’s fixed rate debt is 6.3% (2011: 4.2%). The weighted 

average period for which the rate is fixed is 11.7 years (2011: 17.9 years).  

At 30 September 2012 the fixed interest rates on the interest rate swap contracts vary from 0.67% to 5.38% (2011: 2.81% to 

5.26%) with a weighted average rate of 4.6% (2011: 4.5%) and a weighted average maturity of 5.7 years (2011: 7.0 years). 

At 30 September 2012 the weighted average interest rate of the group’s variable rate debt is 4.8% (2011: 2.9%). The weighted 

average debt maturity is 4.6 years (2011: 5.0 years).  

Based on the group’s interest rate profile at the statement of financial position date a 1% increase in interest rates would decrease 

annual profits by £2.6m (2011: £4.6m). Similarly a 1% decrease would increase annual profits by £2.6m (2011: £4.4m).  

Based on the group’s interest rate profile at the statement of financial position date a 1% increase in interest rates would decrease 

the group’s equity by £1.9m (2011: £3.4m). Similarly a 1% decrease would increase the group’s equity by £1.9m (2011: £3.2m).  

Upward movements in medium and long-term interest rates, associated with higher interest rate expectation, increase the value of 

the group’s interest rate swaps that provide protection against such moves. The converse is true for downward movements in the 

interest yield curve. Where the group’s swaps qualify as effective hedges under IAS 39, these movements in fair value are recognised 

directly in other comprehensive income rather than the income statement. 

As at 30 September 2012, the market value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges under IAS 39, is a net liability of 

£50.7m (2011: net liability of £62.7m). The fair value movement on derivatives not in hedge accounting relationships and amounts 

reclassified from equity to the income statement amounted, in aggregate, to a charge of £31.2m (2011: charge of £28.0m) in the 

income statement analysed as follows: 

Fair value movement on derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges 

Amounts reclassified from equity to the income statement 

At 30 September 2012, the market value of derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges under IAS 39, is a net liability of £94.7m 

(2011: net liability of £91.6m). The cash flows occur and enter in the determination of profit and loss until the maturity of the 

hedged debt.  

2012 

£m 

24.6 

6.6 

31.2 

2011

£m

18.8

9.2

28.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
132

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

28 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments continued 

Credit availability risk 
Credit availability risk relates to the group’s ability to refinance its borrowings at the end of their terms or to secure additional financing 
where necessary. The group maintains relationships with a range of lenders and maintains sufficient headroom through cash and 
committed borrowings. On 7 September 2012 the group drew down its new Forward Start Facility providing £840m of committed 
facilities and this was used to refinance the group’s existing core facilities. More information is provided in note 2 ‘Critical accounting 
estimates and assumptions’. 

House price risk 
The cash flows arising from the group’s financial interest in property assets (CHARM) are related to the movement in value of the 
underlying property assets and, therefore, are subject to movements in house prices. However, consistent with the group’s approach 
to house price risk across its portfolio of trading and investment properties the group does not seek to eliminate this risk as it is a 
fundamental part of the group’s business model. 

Capital risk management 
The board manages the group’s capital through the regular review of: cash flow projections, the ability of the group to meet 
contractual commitments, covenant tests, dividend cover and gearing. The current capital structure of the group comprises a mix of 
debt and equity. Debt is both current and non-current interest bearing loans and borrowings as set out in the consolidated statement 
of financial position. Equity comprises issued share capital, reserves and retained earnings as set out in the consolidated statement of 
changes in equity. 

Group loans and borrowings have associated covenant requirements with respect to loan to value and interest cover ratios. The 
board regularly reviews all current and projected future levels to monitor anticipated compliance and available headroom against key 
thresholds. For the group as a whole the board does not have a specific loan to value target but it is reviewed in the context 
of the board’s view of markets, the prospects of, and risks relating to, the portfolio and the recurring cash flows of the business. 

The group monitors its cost of debt and weighted average cost of capital (WACC) on a regular basis. At 30 September 2012, the 

weighted average cost of debt was 6.0% (2011: 5.3%) and the WACC was 5.08% (2011: 4.91%). Investment and development 
opportunities are evaluated using a risk adjusted WACC in order to ensure long-term shareholder value is created. 

Certain group subsidiaries are regulated by the Financial Services Authority and therefore have externally applied capital adequacy 

requirements; however, these do not have any material impact on the group as a whole. 

 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

28 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments continued 

Credit availability risk 

Credit availability risk relates to the group’s ability to refinance its borrowings at the end of their terms or to secure additional financing 

where necessary. The group maintains relationships with a range of lenders and maintains sufficient headroom through cash and 

committed borrowings. On 7 September 2012 the group drew down its new Forward Start Facility providing £840m of committed 

facilities and this was used to refinance the group’s existing core facilities. More information is provided in note 2 ‘Critical accounting 

The cash flows arising from the group’s financial interest in property assets (CHARM) are related to the movement in value of the 

underlying property assets and, therefore, are subject to movements in house prices. However, consistent with the group’s approach 

to house price risk across its portfolio of trading and investment properties the group does not seek to eliminate this risk as it is a 

estimates and assumptions’. 

House price risk 

fundamental part of the group’s business model. 

Capital risk management 

The board manages the group’s capital through the regular review of: cash flow projections, the ability of the group to meet 

contractual commitments, covenant tests, dividend cover and gearing. The current capital structure of the group comprises a mix of 

debt and equity. Debt is both current and non-current interest bearing loans and borrowings as set out in the consolidated statement 

of financial position. Equity comprises issued share capital, reserves and retained earnings as set out in the consolidated statement of 

changes in equity. 

Group loans and borrowings have associated covenant requirements with respect to loan to value and interest cover ratios. The 

board regularly reviews all current and projected future levels to monitor anticipated compliance and available headroom against key 

thresholds. For the group as a whole the board does not have a specific loan to value target but it is reviewed in the context 

of the board’s view of markets, the prospects of, and risks relating to, the portfolio and the recurring cash flows of the business. 

The group monitors its cost of debt and weighted average cost of capital (WACC) on a regular basis. At 30 September 2012, the 

weighted average cost of debt was 6.0% (2011: 5.3%) and the WACC was 5.08% (2011: 4.91%). Investment and development 

opportunities are evaluated using a risk adjusted WACC in order to ensure long-term shareholder value is created. 

Certain group subsidiaries are regulated by the Financial Services Authority and therefore have externally applied capital adequacy 

requirements; however, these do not have any material impact on the group as a whole. 

29 Financial assets and liabilities 

i) Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Current liabilities 

Bank loans  

Non-bank financial institution 

Mortgages 

Non-current liabilities 

Bank loans 

Non-bank financial institution 

Mortgages 

Convertible bond 

Total interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

133

2011
£m

116.3

–

0.4

116.7

2012 
£m 

21.0 

6.0 

0.3 

27.3 

1,023.0 

1,285.7

174.9 

18.9 

23.3 

1,240.1 

1,267.4 

98.9

20.9

22.5

1,428.0

1,544.7

The group’s core banking facility as at 30 September 2012 was £840m of which £745m was drawn. Committed but undrawn 
amounts under the group’s core banking facility were therefore £95m. In addition, the group has £22m of committed but undrawn 
facilities outside the core banking facility and free cash balances plus available overdraft facilities of £31m. Total undrawn committed 
facilities and cash therefore are £148m.  

The group has sufficient flexibility through cash generation and these new facilities to ensure that it can operate its business as 

planned and meet its strategic objectives. 

The analysis of the loans and borrowings in the below tables (a) to (d) is before deducting unamortised issue costs of £19.0m 

(2011: £23.7m) relating to the raising of the loan finance.  

(a) Analysis of bank loans 

Bank loans – Pounds Sterling 

Bank loans – Euro 

2012  
£m 

830.6 

231.2 

1,061.8 

2011 
£m

1,011.2

413.2

1,424.4

Sterling bank loans include variable rate loans bearing interest at rates between 1.0% and 3.8% above LIBOR and Euro bank loans 
include variable rate loans bearing interest at rates between 0.8% and 2.2% above EURIBOR. Fixed rate loans bear interest at rates 
between 5.2% and 6.3%. 

The weighted average variable interest rate on bank loans as at 30 September 2012 was 2.9% (2011: 3.2%). Bank loans are 

secured by fixed and floating charges over specific property and other assets of the group. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
134

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

29 Financial assets and liabilities continued 

(b) Analysis of non-bank financial institutions 

Fixed rate – Pounds Sterling 

Variable rate – Pounds Sterling 

2012 
£m 

81.9 

100.0 

181.9 

2011
£m

–

100.0

100.0

The fixed rate loan is secured by specific assets within the retirement solutions division and bears interest at 7.2%. The variable rate 
loan is secured by floating charges over the assets of the group and bears interest at 4% over LIBOR. 

(c) Mortgages 

Mortgages – Euro 

2012 
£m 

19.2 

2011
£m

21.3

The mortgages are secured by fixed and floating charges over specific investment property in the group’s German residential portfolio 
and bear interest at a fixed rate of 0.5%. 

(d) Convertible bond 

Opening balance 

Amortised during the year 

Closing balance (Pounds Sterling) 

2012 
£m 

22.7 

0.8 

23.5 

2011
£m

21.9

0.8

22.7

Other loans and borrowings information 
The core banking facility, variable rate UK bank loans and the European bank loans are generally rolled over every three months. 
At roll over, LIBOR, EURIBOR and PRIBOR are reset for the following interest period. 

The fixed rate UK bank loan, mortgages and non-bank financial institution debt are at fixed rates of interest which do not reprice. 

The £112m, 3.625% convertible bond due 2014 was issued in May 2007. Interest is payable semi-annually. Unless previously 
redeemed, converted, purchased or cancelled the bond is convertible at any time up to 12 May 2014 into fully paid up ordinary shares 
at a conversion price of £4.70. As part of the early conversion in November 2008, holders representing £87.1m of the £112m 2014 
convertible bond accepted a cash payment of £35,000 per £100,000 nominal bond value to convert early. The nominal value 
remaining on the bond is £24.9m. 

The maturity profile of the group’s debt, net of finance costs is as follows: 

Within one year 

Between one and two years 

Between two and five years 

Over five years 

Total non-current interest bearing loans and borrowings 

2012 
£m 

27.3 

39.5 

903.7 

296.9 

1,240.1 

1,267.4 

2011
£m

116.7

8.9

1,082.0

337.1

1,428.0

1,544.7

 
 
 
 
ii) Financial assets 
The group has the following cash and cash equivalents at 30 September 2012: 

Pounds Sterling 

Euros 

Czech Koruna 

The fixed rate loan is secured by specific assets within the retirement solutions division and bears interest at 7.2%. The variable rate 

loan is secured by floating charges over the assets of the group and bears interest at 4% over LIBOR. 

Cash and cash equivalents can be analysed as follows: 

The mortgages are secured by fixed and floating charges over specific investment property in the group’s German residential portfolio 

Cash at bank  

Short-term deposits 

135

2011
£m

64.8

25.9

0.2

90.9

2011
£m

23.4

67.5

90.9

2012 
£m 

62.7 

10.4 

0.2 

73.3 

2012 
£m 

31.7 

41.6 

73.3 

Included within 2012 year end cash balances is £11.5m (2011: £11.7m) held in third-party client accounts where Grainger acts 
as Trustee or agent. The corresponding liability is included within trade payables. 

At the year end £41.6m was placed on deposit (2011: £67.5m) at effective interest rates between 0.05% and 1.59% 

(2011: 0.75% and 1.23%). Remaining cash and cash equivalents are held as cash at bank or in hand. 

The group has an overdraft facility of £5m as at 30 September 2012 (2011: £5m). 

30 Pension costs 

Defined contribution scheme 
The group operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from 
those of the group in independently administered funds. Pension arrangements for directors are disclosed in the report of the 
remuneration committee and the directors’ remuneration report on pages 66 and 67. The pension cost charge in these financial 
statements represents contributions payable by the group. The charge of £0.9m (2011: £0.8m) is included within employee 
remuneration in note 12.  

Defined benefit scheme 
In addition to the above, the group also operates a final salary defined benefit pension scheme, the BPT Limited Retirement Benefits 
Scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately in funds administered by trustees and are invested with Friends Life, an independent 
investment manager. Costs and funding are assessed with the advice of an independent qualified actuary using the projected unit 
credit method. Actuarial valuations are carried out every three years. The last actuarial valuation issued was as at 1 July 2010. 

No benefits have accrued since 30 June 2003 although active members retain a final salary link.  
Pension benefits for deferred members are based on the members’ final pensionable salaries and service at the date accrual ceased 

(or date of leaving if earlier).  

The actuarial valuation as at 1 July 2010 was based on the main actuarial assumptions of an investment return of 5.0% per 
annum, salary increases of 4.0% per annum and inflation-linked increases to pensions in deferment of 3.0% per annum. The scheme 
assets were valued at £17.6m and scheme liabilities at £23.6m, a funding level of 75%. The funding level for the scheme at the 
previous valuation as at 1 July 2007 was 85%. The actuary also undertook a Section 179 valuation as at 1 July 2010 as required 
by the Pension Protection Fund. The funding level on a Section 179 valuation basis was 120%. 
The scheme was closed to new members and to employee contributions in 2003. Accordingly, there is no current service cost for 
the scheme. 

Notes to the financial statements continued 

29 Financial assets and liabilities continued 

(b) Analysis of non-bank financial institutions 

Fixed rate – Pounds Sterling 

Variable rate – Pounds Sterling 

(c) Mortgages 

Mortgages – Euro 

and bear interest at a fixed rate of 0.5%. 

(d) Convertible bond 

Opening balance 

Amortised during the year 

Closing balance (Pounds Sterling) 

Other loans and borrowings information 

Within one year 

Between one and two years 

Between two and five years 

Over five years 

Total non-current interest bearing loans and borrowings 

The core banking facility, variable rate UK bank loans and the European bank loans are generally rolled over every three months. 

At roll over, LIBOR, EURIBOR and PRIBOR are reset for the following interest period. 

The fixed rate UK bank loan, mortgages and non-bank financial institution debt are at fixed rates of interest which do not reprice. 

The £112m, 3.625% convertible bond due 2014 was issued in May 2007. Interest is payable semi-annually. Unless previously 

redeemed, converted, purchased or cancelled the bond is convertible at any time up to 12 May 2014 into fully paid up ordinary shares 

at a conversion price of £4.70. As part of the early conversion in November 2008, holders representing £87.1m of the £112m 2014 

convertible bond accepted a cash payment of £35,000 per £100,000 nominal bond value to convert early. The nominal value 

remaining on the bond is £24.9m. 

The maturity profile of the group’s debt, net of finance costs is as follows: 

2012 

£m 

81.9 

100.0 

181.9 

2012 

£m 

19.2 

2012 

£m 

22.7 

0.8 

23.5 

2011

£m

–

100.0

100.0

2011

£m

21.3

2011

£m

21.9

0.8

22.7

2012 

£m 

27.3 

39.5 

903.7 

296.9 

1,240.1 

1,267.4 

2011

£m

116.7

8.9

1,082.0

337.1

1,428.0

1,544.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
136

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

30 Pension costs continued 

The IAS 19 calculations for disclosure purposes have been based upon the actuarial valuation carried out as at 1 July 2010 which was 
updated to 30 September 2012 by a qualified independent actuary. 

Principal actuarial assumptions under IAS 19 

Discount rate 

Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation 

Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation 

Salary increases 

Rate of increase of pensions in payment 

Rate of increase for deferred pensioners 

Expected return on assets 

2012 

2011

4.20% p.a. 

5.30% p.a.

2.80% p.a. 

3.40% p.a.

1.80% p.a. 

–

3.80% p.a.  

4.40% p.a.

5.00% p.a. 

5.00% p.a.

1.80% p.a. 

3.40% p.a.

Year commencing  
1 October 2012 

Year commencing 
1 October 2011

4.40% p.a. 

4.80% p.a.

The overall expected return on assets assumption of 4.4% p.a. as at 30 September 2012 has been derived by calculating the weighted 
average of the expected rate of return for each asset class. The following approach has been used to determine the expected rate 
of return for each asset class:  
− fixed interest securities, current market yields 
− equities and property, net dividend yield plus RPI inflation plus an allowance for future real dividend growth 
− cash, current Bank of England base rate 
− insured pensioner policies, in line with the discount rate 
− a deduction of 0.5% to allow for investment expenses 

Demographic assumptions  

Mortality tables for pensioners  

Mortality tables for non-pensioners  

Life expectancies  

Life expectancy for a current 65 year old  

Life expectancy at age 65 for a current 55 year old  

2012 

  2011 

100% of S1PAlc year of birth  
tables allowing for a minimum 
improvement factor of 1.25% 
for males and 0.75% for females  
each year 

100% of S1PAIc year of birth  
tables allowing for a minimum 
improvement factor of 1.25% 
for males and 0.75% for females 
each year 

As for pensioners  

  As for pensioners 

30 September 2012 

30 September 2011 

Males

Females

Males 

Females

87.9 years

90.3 years

90.1 years

91.7 years

87.7 years 

90.1 years

89.0 years 

90.9 years

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

The IAS 19 calculations for disclosure purposes have been based upon the actuarial valuation carried out as at 1 July 2010 which was 

30 Pension costs continued 

updated to 30 September 2012 by a qualified independent actuary. 

Principal actuarial assumptions under IAS 19 

Discount rate 

Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation 

Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation 

Salary increases 

Rate of increase of pensions in payment 

Rate of increase for deferred pensioners 

Expected return on assets 

2012 

2011

4.20% p.a. 

5.30% p.a.

2.80% p.a. 

3.40% p.a.

1.80% p.a. 

–

3.80% p.a.  

4.40% p.a.

5.00% p.a. 

5.00% p.a.

1.80% p.a. 

3.40% p.a.

Year commencing  

Year commencing 

1 October 2012 

1 October 2011

4.40% p.a. 

4.80% p.a.

The overall expected return on assets assumption of 4.4% p.a. as at 30 September 2012 has been derived by calculating the weighted 

average of the expected rate of return for each asset class. The following approach has been used to determine the expected rate 

− equities and property, net dividend yield plus RPI inflation plus an allowance for future real dividend growth 

of return for each asset class:  

− fixed interest securities, current market yields 

− cash, current Bank of England base rate 

− insured pensioner policies, in line with the discount rate 

− a deduction of 0.5% to allow for investment expenses 

Demographic assumptions  

Mortality tables for pensioners  

Mortality tables for non-pensioners  

Life expectancies  

Life expectancy for a current 65 year old  

Life expectancy at age 65 for a current 55 year old  

2012 

  2011 

100% of S1PAlc year of birth  

100% of S1PAIc year of birth  

tables allowing for a minimum 

tables allowing for a minimum 

improvement factor of 1.25% 

improvement factor of 1.25% 

for males and 0.75% for females  

for males and 0.75% for females 

each year 

each year 

As for pensioners  

  As for pensioners 

30 September 2012 

30 September 2011 

Males

Females

Males 

Females

87.9 years

90.3 years

90.1 years

91.7 years

87.7 years 

90.1 years

89.0 years 

90.9 years

137

Market value of scheme assets and expected rates of return 
The assets of the scheme are invested in a diversified portfolio as follows:  

Equities 

Bonds 

Properties 

Other 

Insurance policies 

Total value of assets 

The actual return on assets 
over the period was  

30 September 2012 

30 September 2011 

Market 
value 
£m 

% of total 
scheme assets

Long-term
expected rate 
of return 
%

31%

42%

2%

5%

20%

100%

7.9%

4.0%

7.9%

0.5%

4.2%

6.8 

9.1 

0.4 

1.0 

4.4 

21.7 

2.9 

% of total  
Scheme assets 

Long-term
expected rate 
of return 
%

32% 

42% 

2% 

3% 

21% 

100% 

5.5%

5.1%

5.5%

0.5%

5.3%

Market
value
£m

5.9

7.9

0.4

0.5

3.9

18.6

0.4

The assets of the scheme are held with Friends Life in a managed fund. As the above table shows, the assets of the scheme are 
primarily held within equities and bonds. The equity return in 2012 is based upon the net dividend yield on the FTSE All Share Index 
plus RPI inflation, plus a real dividend growth assumption of 1.5% p.a. The return on bonds in 2012 is based on the iBoxx AA rated 
Sterling Corporate Bond Index for bonds with a term greater than 15 years. 

Defined benefit obligations, scheme assets and scheme deficit 

Market value of scheme assets 

Present value of scheme liabilities 

Scheme deficit at 30 September 

History of assets, liabilities, experience gains and losses  

Gains/(losses) arising on scheme liabilities: 

  Due to experience 

  Percentage of defined benefit obligation 

  Due to change of basis  

  Percentage of defined benefit obligation 

Experience adjustments: 

  Gains/(losses) arising on scheme assets  

  Percentage of scheme assets 

2012
£m

21.7

(27.5)

(5.8)

2011
£m

18.6

(23.1)

(4.5)

2010
£m

18.6

(24.6) 

(6.0) 

2009 
£m 

16.7 

(22.5) 

(5.8) 

2008
£m

15.2

(17.3)

(2.1)

2012

2011

2010

2009 

2008

–

–

£(4.0)m

(14.5)%

£2.0m

9.2%

£0.1m

0.4%

£1.7m

7.4%

£(0.6)m

(3.2)%

–

–

£(1.6)m 

(6.5)% 

£1.1m

5.9%

– 

– 

£(5.0)m 

(22.2)% 

£1.0m 

6.0% 

£1.3m

7.5%

£1.7m

9.8%

£(2.6)m

 (17.1)%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
138

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

30 Pension costs continued 

The change in the present value of defined benefit obligation over the year was as follows: 

Present value of projected defined benefit obligation at the start of the year 

Interest on pension scheme liabilities 

Actuarial loss/(gain) 

Benefits paid 

Present value of projected defined benefit obligation at the end of the year 

The change in the market value of the scheme assets over the year was as follows: 

Market value of scheme assets at the start of the year 

Expected return on scheme assets 

Employer contributions 

Actuarial gain/(loss) 

Benefits paid 

Market value of scheme assets at the end of the year 

Pension cost recognised in the income statement 

Interest on pension scheme liabilities 

Expected return on pension scheme assets 

The total pension cost shown above has been included within Finance costs (see note 14). 

Actuarial (loss)/gain recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Actual return less expected return on assets 

(Loss)/gain on change of assumptions 

2012 
£m 

23.1 

1.2 

4.0 

(0.8) 

27.5 

2012 
£m 

18.6 

0.9 

1.0 

2.0 

(0.8) 

21.7 

2012 
£m 

1.2 

(0.9) 

0.3 

2012 
£m 

2.0 

(4.0) 

(2.0) 

2011
£m

24.6

1.2

(1.8)

(0.9)

23.1

2011
£m

18.6

0.9

0.6

(0.6)

(0.9)

18.6

2011
£m

1.2

(0.9)

0.3

2011
£m

(0.6)

1.8

1.2

The actuarial loss shown in the above table of £2.0m (2011: gain of £1.2m) has been included in the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income on page 77.  

Future funding obligation  
The last actuarial valuation of the scheme was performed by the Actuary for the Trustees as at 1 July 2010. As a result of this valuation 
the group agreed a recovery plan with the Trustees to pay additional contributions to clear the deficit by 31 January 2020. Based on 
this plan the company expects to pay £1.1m, including the standard expense charges payable under the Managed Fund policy, to the 
scheme during the year beginning 1 October 2012.  

 
 
 
 
139

Sensitivity analysis  
Set out below is an analysis of how the scheme deficit would vary with changes to the key actuarial assumptions: 
decrease in deficit of £0.4m 
Discount rate increased by 0.1% p.a. 
increase in deficit of £0.1m 
Inflation increased by 0.1% p.a. 
increase in deficit of £1.0m 
Life expectancies increased by one year 

The cumulative amount of actuarial losses recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income before deferred 
taxation is £3.0m (2011: £1.0m). 

31 Share capital 

Allotted, called-up and fully paid: 

416,381,206 (2011: 416,372,103) ordinary shares of 5p each 

2012 
£m 

2011
£m

20.8 

20.8

The group paid £0.5m to the share incentive plan during the year for the purchase of matching shares and free shares in the scheme. 
The total cost of acquiring own shares of £0.5m (2011: £2.8m) has been deducted from retained earnings within shareholders’ equity.  
As at 30 September 2012, share capital included 4,375,984 (2011: 5,833,401) shares held by The Grainger Employee Benefit 

Trust and 1,506,300 (2011: 1,506,300) shares held by Grainger plc as treasury shares. The total of these shares is 5,882,284 
(2011: 7,339,701) with a nominal value of £294,114 (2011: £366,985) and a market value as at 30 September 2012 of £6.3m 
(2011: £6.4m).  

Movements in issued share capital during the year and the previous year were as follows: 

At 1 October 2010 

Options exercised under the SAYE scheme 

At 30 September 2011 

Options exercised under the SAYE scheme 

At 30 September 2012 

Number 

416,362,420 

9,683 

Nominal
value
£’000

20,818

–

416,372,103 

20,818

9,103 

1

416,381,206 

20,819

Notes to the financial statements continued 

30 Pension costs continued 

The change in the present value of defined benefit obligation over the year was as follows: 

Present value of projected defined benefit obligation at the start of the year 

Interest on pension scheme liabilities 

Actuarial loss/(gain) 

Benefits paid 

Present value of projected defined benefit obligation at the end of the year 

The change in the market value of the scheme assets over the year was as follows: 

Market value of scheme assets at the start of the year 

Expected return on scheme assets 

Employer contributions 

Actuarial gain/(loss) 

Benefits paid 

Market value of scheme assets at the end of the year 

Pension cost recognised in the income statement 

Interest on pension scheme liabilities 

Expected return on pension scheme assets 

The total pension cost shown above has been included within Finance costs (see note 14). 

Actuarial (loss)/gain recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Actual return less expected return on assets 

(Loss)/gain on change of assumptions 

of comprehensive income on page 77.  

Future funding obligation  

The actuarial loss shown in the above table of £2.0m (2011: gain of £1.2m) has been included in the consolidated statement 

The last actuarial valuation of the scheme was performed by the Actuary for the Trustees as at 1 July 2010. As a result of this valuation 

the group agreed a recovery plan with the Trustees to pay additional contributions to clear the deficit by 31 January 2020. Based on 

this plan the company expects to pay £1.1m, including the standard expense charges payable under the Managed Fund policy, to the 

scheme during the year beginning 1 October 2012.  

2012 

£m 

23.1 

1.2 

4.0 

(0.8) 

27.5 

2012 

£m 

18.6 

0.9 

1.0 

2.0 

(0.8) 

21.7 

2012 

£m 

1.2 

(0.9) 

0.3 

2012 

£m 

2.0 

(4.0) 

(2.0) 

2011

£m

24.6

1.2

(1.8)

(0.9)

23.1

2011

£m

18.6

0.9

0.6

(0.6)

(0.9)

18.6

2011

£m

1.2

(0.9)

0.3

2011

£m

(0.6)

1.8

1.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
140

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

31 Share capital continued 

Share options 
Certain senior executives hold options to subscribe for shares in the company under the long-term incentive scheme (‘LTIS’). 
In addition, the company operates a SAYE share option scheme available to employees. The number of shares subject to options 
as at 30 September 2012, the periods in which they were granted and the periods in which they may be exercised are  
given below.  

Year of grant 

Long-term Incentive Scheme (LTIS) 

2003 

HMR & C Approved Executive Share Option Scheme (CSOP) 

2011 

SAYE share options 

2008 (A) 

2008 (B) 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

Total share options 

Exercise price
(pence)

Exercise
period

2012 
number 

111.0

2006 – 13

20,814 

20,814 

2011
number

20,814

20,814

94.4

2013 – 20

127,088 

127,088 

127,088

127,088

97.1

37.7

68.3

90.8

98.7

68.9

2011 – 14

2012 – 14

2012 – 15

2013 – 16

2014 – 17

2015 – 18

38,220 

100,872

1,180,549 

2,086,814

53,837 

78,415 

49,022 

660,916 

127,788

102,998

99,722

–

2,060,959 

2,518,194

2,208,861 

2,666,096

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The movement on the share options schemes during the year is as follows: 

Exercised

Granted

Lapsed 

Notes to the financial statements continued 

HMR & C Approved Executive Share Option Scheme (CSOP) 

31 Share capital continued 

Share options 

given below.  

Year of grant 

Long-term Incentive Scheme (LTIS) 

SAYE share options 

2003 

2011 

2008 (A) 

2008 (B) 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

Total share options 

Exercise price

(pence)

Exercise

period

2012 

number 

111.0

2006 – 13

94.4

2013 – 20

97.1

37.7

68.3

90.8

98.7

68.9

2011 – 14

2012 – 14

2012 – 15

2013 – 16

2014 – 17

2015 – 18

2011

number

20,814

20,814

127,088

127,088

20,814 

20,814 

127,088 

127,088 

38,220 

100,872

1,180,549 

2,086,814

53,837 

78,415 

49,022 

660,916 

127,788

102,998

99,722

–

2,060,959 

2,518,194

2,208,861 

2,666,096

Certain senior executives hold options to subscribe for shares in the company under the long-term incentive scheme (‘LTIS’). 

In addition, the company operates a SAYE share option scheme available to employees. The number of shares subject to options 

as at 30 September 2012, the periods in which they were granted and the periods in which they may be exercised are  

LTIS schemes 

2003 

Weighted average exercise price (pence per share) 

HMR & C Approved Executive Share Option Scheme (CSOP) 

2011 

Weighted average exercise price (pence per share) 

SAYE scheme 

2008 (A) 

2008 (B) 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

Opening
position

20,814

111.0

127,088

94.4

–

–

–

–

100,872

(7,744)

2,086,814

(880,994)

127,788

102,998

99,722

–

(56,101)

–

–

–

2,518,194

(944,839)

– 

– 

– 

– 

(54,908) 

(25,271) 

(17,850) 

(24,583) 

(50,700) 

(21,770) 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

682,686

682,686

68.9

Weighted average exercise price (pence per share) 

46.2

40.0

(195,082) 

2,060,959

83.2 

53.1

For those share options exercised during the year, the weighted average share price at the date of exercise was 103.7p (2011: 86.6p). 
For share options outstanding at the end of the year, the weighted average remaining contractual life is 2.8 years (2011: 2.4 years). 
There were 30,914 (2011: 56,638) share options exercisable at the year end with a weighted average exercise price of 97.0p 
(2011: 102.2p). 

141

Closing
position

20,814

111.0

127,088

94.4

38,220

1,180,549

53,837

78,415

49,022

660,916

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
142

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

32 Share-based payments  

The group operates an equity-settled, share-based compensation plan comprising awards under a long-term incentive scheme (‘LTIS’), 
a deferred bonus plan (‘DBP’), a share incentive plan (‘SIP’) and a save as you earn (‘SAYE’) scheme. 

For LTIS awards granted before 30 September 2010, one-third are subject to an absolute total shareholder return performance 
condition measured over three years from the date of grant and two-thirds are subject to annual growth in Net Net Net Asset Value 
(‘NNNAV’) measured over three years from the date of grant. For the LTIS awards granted after 30 September 2010 one-half are 
subject to an absolute total shareholder return performance condition measured over three years from the date of grant and one-half 
are subject to annual growth in Net Net Net Asset Value (‘NNNAV’) compared to the average growth in the Halifax and Nationwide 
House Price indices all measured over three years from the date of grant. Awards subject to an absolute total shareholder return 
performance, which is a market based performance condition, have been valued at fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation 
model. Awards subject to growth in NNNAV, which is a non-market based performance condition, have been valued at fair value 
using a Black-Scholes valuation model.  

Awards granted under the DBP have no specific performance conditions other than the company meeting its target for operating 
profit before valuation movements and non-recurring items (OPBVM) and continued employment by the group. There is a three-year 
vesting period from the date of grant. One-third of the awards vest at the end of each year. Participants can choose to exercise their 
awards on vesting or to retain their awards within the plan until the end of the third year at which point a 50% matching element is 
added to their award entitlement. There are currently three schemes in operation commencing on 3 February 2010, 6 December 2010 
and 16 December 2011 respectively. 

Awards under the DBP have been valued based on the share price at the date of the award less the dividend yield at the award 

date as there is no entitlement to dividends during the vesting period. 

Awards under the SAYE scheme have been valued at fair value using a Black-Scholes valuation model. 
Awards under the SIP scheme have been based on the share price at the date of the award. 
Shares were awarded, subject to any vesting conditions set out above, to executive directors and selected employees during the 
year under the LTIS and the DBP. Share options were granted to employees of the group during the year under the SAYE scheme. The 
main assumptions used to value the share awards and SAYE options granted during the year are set out in the tables below.  

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

32 Share-based payments  

The group operates an equity-settled, share-based compensation plan comprising awards under a long-term incentive scheme (‘LTIS’), 

a deferred bonus plan (‘DBP’), a share incentive plan (‘SIP’) and a save as you earn (‘SAYE’) scheme. 

For LTIS awards granted before 30 September 2010, one-third are subject to an absolute total shareholder return performance 

condition measured over three years from the date of grant and two-thirds are subject to annual growth in Net Net Net Asset Value 

(‘NNNAV’) measured over three years from the date of grant. For the LTIS awards granted after 30 September 2010 one-half are 

subject to an absolute total shareholder return performance condition measured over three years from the date of grant and one-half 

are subject to annual growth in Net Net Net Asset Value (‘NNNAV’) compared to the average growth in the Halifax and Nationwide 

House Price indices all measured over three years from the date of grant. Awards subject to an absolute total shareholder return 

performance, which is a market based performance condition, have been valued at fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation 

model. Awards subject to growth in NNNAV, which is a non-market based performance condition, have been valued at fair value 

using a Black-Scholes valuation model.  

Awards granted under the DBP have no specific performance conditions other than the company meeting its target for operating 

profit before valuation movements and non-recurring items (OPBVM) and continued employment by the group. There is a three-year 

vesting period from the date of grant. One-third of the awards vest at the end of each year. Participants can choose to exercise their 

awards on vesting or to retain their awards within the plan until the end of the third year at which point a 50% matching element is 

added to their award entitlement. There are currently three schemes in operation commencing on 3 February 2010, 6 December 2010 

and 16 December 2011 respectively. 

Awards under the DBP have been valued based on the share price at the date of the award less the dividend yield at the award 

date as there is no entitlement to dividends during the vesting period. 

Awards under the SAYE scheme have been valued at fair value using a Black-Scholes valuation model. 

Awards under the SIP scheme have been based on the share price at the date of the award. 

Shares were awarded, subject to any vesting conditions set out above, to executive directors and selected employees during the 

year under the LTIS and the DBP. Share options were granted to employees of the group during the year under the SAYE scheme. The 

main assumptions used to value the share awards and SAYE options granted during the year are set out in the tables below.  

LTIS 
Share awards: 

Award date 

Number of shares on grant 

Exercise price (£) 

Vesting period from date of grant (years) 

Exercise period after vesting (years) 

Share price at grant (£) 

Expected risk free rate (%) 

Expected dividend yield (%) 

Expected volatility (%) 

Fair value (£) 

DBP 
Share awards: 

Award date 

Number of shares on grant 

Potential 50% matching element 

Exercise price (£) 

Vesting period from date of grant (years) 

Exercise period after vesting (years) 

Share price at grant (£) 

Dividend yield (£) 

Fair value (£) 

143

2 December  
2011 
Market based 

2 December 
2011
Non-market based

861,724 

861,724

– 

3 

7 

1.01 

0.59 

1.18 

66.04 

0.61 

–

3

7

1.01

0.59

1.18

66.04

0.97

16 December
2011

191,320

95,660

–

1 to 3

7

1.01

0.02

0.99

 
 
 
 
 
144

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

32 Share-based payments continued 

SAYE 
Share options: 

Award date 

Number of shares on grant 

Exercise price (£) 

Vesting period from date of grant (years) 

Expected exercise date  

Share price at grant (£) 

Expected risk free rate (%) 

Expected dividend yield (%) 

Expected volatility (%) 

Fair value (£) 

11 July 2012 
3-year scheme 

11 July 2012
5-year scheme

556,420 

0.689 

3 

126,266

0.689

5

11/7/2015 

11/07/2017

1.08 

0.82 

1.90 

62.44 

0.54 

1.08

1.48

1.90

47.91

0.52

The expected volatility figures used in the valuation were calculated based on the historic volatility over a period equal to the expected 
term from the date of grant. 

The share-based payments charge recognised in the income statement is £2.1m (2011: £2.0m).  
Movements in options and options exercisable as at 30 September 2012 are shown in note 31. 

33 Changes in equity 

The consolidated statement of changes in equity is shown on pages 80 and 81. Further information relating to the merger reserve 
and cash flow hedge reserve is provided below. Movements on the retained earnings reserve are set out in note 34.  

Merger reserve 
The merger reserve arose when the company issued shares in partial consideration for the acquisition of City North Group plc. 
The issue satisfied the provisions of section 612 of the Companies Act 2006 and the premium relating to the shares issued was 
credited to a merger reserve. 

Cash flow hedge reserve  
The fair value movements on those derivative financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting under IAS 39 are taken to this 
reserve net of tax.  

 
 
  
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

11 July 2012 

3-year scheme 

11 July 2012

5-year scheme

556,420 

0.689 

3 

126,266

0.689

5

11/7/2015 

11/07/2017

1.08 

0.82 

1.90 

62.44 

0.54 

1.08

1.48

1.90

47.91

0.52

32 Share-based payments continued 

SAYE 

Share options: 

Award date 

Number of shares on grant 

Exercise price (£) 

Vesting period from date of grant (years) 

Expected exercise date  

Share price at grant (£) 

Expected risk free rate (%) 

Expected dividend yield (%) 

Expected volatility (%) 

Fair value (£) 

term from the date of grant. 

33 Changes in equity 

Merger reserve 

credited to a merger reserve. 

Cash flow hedge reserve  

reserve net of tax.  

The expected volatility figures used in the valuation were calculated based on the historic volatility over a period equal to the expected 

The share-based payments charge recognised in the income statement is £2.1m (2011: £2.0m).  

Movements in options and options exercisable as at 30 September 2012 are shown in note 31. 

The consolidated statement of changes in equity is shown on pages 80 and 81. Further information relating to the merger reserve 

and cash flow hedge reserve is provided below. Movements on the retained earnings reserve are set out in note 34.  

The merger reserve arose when the company issued shares in partial consideration for the acquisition of City North Group plc. 

The issue satisfied the provisions of section 612 of the Companies Act 2006 and the premium relating to the shares issued was 

The fair value movements on those derivative financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting under IAS 39 are taken to this 

145

34 Movement in retained earnings 

The retained earnings reserve comprises various elements. Those elements, and the movements in each, are set out below: 

Share-based 
payment reserve 
£m 

Treasury shares
bought back and 
cancelled 
£m

Investment in own 
shares
£m

Translation
reserve
£m

Retained 
earnings 
£m 

Total retained
earnings reserve
£m

Balance as at 1 October 2010 

Profit for the year 

Actuarial gain on BPT Limited pension 
scheme net of tax 

Net exchange adjustment offset 
in reserves 

Purchase of own shares 

Award of shares from own shares 

Share-based payments charge 

Dividends  

Balance as at 30 September 2011 

Profit for the year 

Actuarial loss on BPT Limited pension 
scheme net of tax 

Exchange adjustments offset in reserves 
net of tax 

Purchase of own shares 

Award of shares from own shares 

Proceeds from SAYE shares 

Share-based payments charge 

Dividends  

Balance as at 30 September 2012 

2.9 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.7) 

2.0 

– 

4.2 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.9) 

– 

2.1 

– 

5.4 

(7.8)

(13.1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(7.8)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(7.8)

–

–

–

(2.8)

0.7

–

–

(15.2)

–

–

–

(0.5)

0.9

0.4

–

–

(14.4)

2.7

–

–

(0.6) 

–

–

–

–

2.1

–

–

0.5

–

–

–

–

–

2.6

243.3 

39.1 

0.8 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(4.9) 

278.3 

0.4 

(1.5) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(7.6) 

269.6 

228.0

39.1

0.8

(0.6)

(2.8)

–

2.0

(4.9)

261.6

0.4

(1.5)

0.5

(0.5)

–

0.4

2.1

(7.6)

255.4

Share-based payments reserve  
This reserve comprises the cumulative credit entries relating to the share-based payments charge made in the income statement less 
the average cost of shares issued to employees.  

Investment in own shares reserve  
As at 30 September 2012, the group owned its own shares as follows: 4,375,984 (2011: 5,833,401) shares held by The Grainger 
Employee Benefit Trust and 1,506,300 (2011: 1,506,300) shares held by Grainger plc as treasury shares. The total of these shares is 
5,882,284 (2011: 7,339,701) with a nominal value of £294,114 (2011: £366,985) and a market value as at 30 September 2012 of 
£6.3m (2011: £6.4m).  

 
 
  
 
 
 
146

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

35 List of principal subsidiaries 

The directors consider that providing details of all subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates as at 30 September 2012 would result in 
disclosure of excessive length. The following information relates to those subsidiary undertakings whose results or financial position, in 
the opinion of the directors, are material to the group. A full list will be appended to the next annual return. 

Proportion of nominal value of  
ordinary issued shares held by: 

Group 
% 

Company
%

Name of undertaking 

Northumberland & Durham Property Trust Limited 

Grainger Residential Management Limited 

Grainger Asset Management Limited 

Grainger Unitholder No. 1 Limited 

West Waterlooville Developments Limited 

BPT (Bradford Property Trust) Limited 

BPT (Residential Investments) Limited 

Grainger Finance Company Limited 

Bromley Property Investments Limited 

Home Properties Limited 

Bridgewater Tenancies Limited 

Bridgewater Equity Release Limited 

Homesafe Equity Release LP 

Hamsard 2517 Limited 

Grainger Recklinghausen Portfolio one Sarl & Co KG 

Grainger Recklinghausen Portfolio two Sarl & Co KG 

Grainger Stuttgart Portfolio one GmbH 

Grainger Stuttgart Portfolio two Gmbh 

Francono Rhein-Main GmbH 

Grainger Invest No. 1 LLP 

Grainger Invest No. 2 LLP 

Tricomm Housing Limited 

Grainger Treasury Property (2006) LLP 

The Tilt Estate Company Limited 

Grainger Retirement Housing No.1 (2007) Limited 

BPT Limited 

All subsidiaries are consolidated in the group accounts. 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100

100

100

Incorporated

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

100

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Activity

Property Trading

Property Management

Asset Management

Investment Company

Development

Property Trading

Property Investment

Finance Company

Investment Company

Property Trading

Property Trading

Property Trading

Property Trading

Property Trading

Property Investment

Property Investment

Property Investment

Property Investment

Property Investment

England & Wales

Property Trading and Investment

England & Wales

Property Trading and Investment

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

Property Investment

Investment Partnership

Property Investment

Property Investment

Investment Company

 
 
 
 
147

35 List of principal subsidiaries 

36 Related party transactions 

The directors consider that providing details of all subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates as at 30 September 2012 would result in 

disclosure of excessive length. The following information relates to those subsidiary undertakings whose results or financial position, in 

the opinion of the directors, are material to the group. A full list will be appended to the next annual return. 

The remaining 50% equity in Grainger GenInvest LLP and Grainger GenInvest No. 2 (2006) LLP were acquired by the group on 22 
March 2011. Prior to the acquisition, the group provided a number of services to both partnerships and received an asset adviser fee, a 
sales fee, a commercial management fee and a treasury services fee. Amounts recognised in the 2011 income statement for the 
portion of the year where the Grainger share was 50% are as follows: 

Asset adviser fee 

Sales fee 

Commercial management fee 

Treasury fee 

2012
Fees 
recognised
£’000

2012
Year end 
balance
£’000

2011 
Fees  
recognised 
£’000 

2011
Year end 
balance
£’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

298 

26 

7 

15 

346 

–

–

–

–

–

100

England & Wales

In addition, the group had provided loans to both partnerships. Interest receivable in 2011 prior to the acquisition on 22 March 2011 
was as follows: 

Grainger GenInvest LLP – 8.5% fixed interest loan note 

Grainger GenInvest No. 2 (2006) LLP – 11.0% fixed interest loan note 

Grainger GenInvest No. 2 (2006) LLP – mezzanine loan at LIBOR plus 4% 

2012  
Interest 
receivable 
£m 

2011
 Interest
receivable
£m

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.3

0.2

1.9

2.4

The group held a 50% interest in Curzon Park Limited as at 30 September 2012. The group has provided a loan to Curzon Park 
Limited as at 30 September 2012 of £13.5m (2011: £13.2m). The loan is repayable on demand.  

The group held a 21.96% interest in G:res1 Limited as at 30 September 2012. The group provides a number of services to the fund 
and receives a property management fee, a lettings and renewal fee, and an asset management fee. Amounts recognised in the 
income statement and the outstanding balance at the year end are as follows: 

Property management fees 

Lettings and renewal fees 

Asset management fees 

2012
Fees 
recognised
£’000

1,350

151

2,221

3,722

2012
Year end 
balance
£’000

981

116

1,416

2,513

2011 
Fees  
recognised 
£’000 

1,657 

202 

2,658 

4,517 

2011
Year end 
balance
£’000

528

80

835

1,443

Notes to the financial statements continued 

Proportion of nominal value of  

ordinary issued shares held by: 

Group 

% 

Company

%

100

100

100

Name of undertaking 

Northumberland & Durham Property Trust Limited 

Grainger Residential Management Limited 

Grainger Asset Management Limited 

Grainger Unitholder No. 1 Limited 

West Waterlooville Developments Limited 

BPT (Bradford Property Trust) Limited 

BPT (Residential Investments) Limited 

Grainger Finance Company Limited 

Bromley Property Investments Limited 

Home Properties Limited 

Bridgewater Tenancies Limited 

Bridgewater Equity Release Limited 

Homesafe Equity Release LP 

Hamsard 2517 Limited 

Grainger Recklinghausen Portfolio one Sarl & Co KG 

Grainger Recklinghausen Portfolio two Sarl & Co KG 

Grainger Stuttgart Portfolio one GmbH 

Grainger Stuttgart Portfolio two Gmbh 

Francono Rhein-Main GmbH 

Grainger Invest No. 1 LLP 

Grainger Invest No. 2 LLP 

Tricomm Housing Limited 

Grainger Treasury Property (2006) LLP 

The Tilt Estate Company Limited 

Grainger Retirement Housing No.1 (2007) Limited 

BPT Limited 

All subsidiaries are consolidated in the group accounts. 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

Incorporated

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

Germany

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

England & Wales

Activity

Property Trading

Property Management

Asset Management

Investment Company

Development

Property Trading

Property Investment

Finance Company

Investment Company

Property Trading

Property Trading

Property Trading

Property Trading

Property Trading

Property Investment

Property Investment

Property Investment

Property Investment

Property Investment

Property Investment

Investment Partnership

Property Investment

Property Investment

Investment Company

England & Wales

Property Trading and Investment

England & Wales

Property Trading and Investment

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
148

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

36 Related party transactions continued 

The group held a 50% interest in New Sovereign Reversions Limited as at 30 September 2012. The group had provided a loan 
of £1.5m, with interest payable at LIBOR plus 7% per annum, to Sovereign Reversions Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New 
Sovereign Reversions Limited. The loan was repaid in full in January 2012. 

The group provides management services to the New Sovereign Reversions Limited group for which it receives a management fee. 

Amounts recognised in the income statement and outstanding balances at the year end are as follows:  

Asset management fees 

2012
Fees 
recognised
£’000

1,052

2012
Year end 
balance
£’000

166

2011 
Fees  
recognised 
£’000 

1,190 

2011
Year end 
balance
£’000

235

The group’s key management are the only other related party. Details of key management compensation are provided in note 12. 

37 Operating lease commitments 

The future aggregate minimum lease payments payable by the group under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 

Operating lease payments due: 

  Not later than one year 

  Later than one year and not later than five years 

  Later than five years 

2012 
£m 

1.3 

2.5 

0.4 

4.2 

2011
£m

1.4

3.5

0.7

5.6

The group expects to receive £nil under non-cancellable sub-leases (2011: £0.1m). Operating lease payments represent the lease 
payments made in the year relating to renting of office space used by the group, car leases under contract hire arrangements and 
operating lease payments relating to office equipment such as photocopiers. Leases relating to office space used by the group have 
initial terms of varying lengths, between one to ten years.  

Rent reviews generally take place every five years. Contract hire car leases generally have a three-year term. There are no other 

significant operating lease arrangements requiring disclosure under IAS 17.  

38 Contingent liabilities 

The properties in certain subsidiary companies forming a ‘guarantee group’ provide the security for the group’s core debt facility.  
Barclays Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Bank plc have provided guarantees under performance bonds relating to the group’s UK 

development division. As at 30 September 2012 total guarantees amounted to £1.8m (2011: £2.1m). 

In addition, the group has an obligation, under the sale and purchase agreement for the land at West Waterlooville, to pay further 

consideration should the site value exceed certain pre-agreed amounts. It is not possible to determine the amount or timing of any 
such future payments due to the long-term nature of the site’s development and the associated uncertainties. However, it is unlikely 
that any future payments will fall due until at least 2015 and any payments made will be spread over a number of years. 

As explained in more detail in note 21, there is uncertainty relating to the future of the site of Curzon Park in which the group has 
a 50% joint venture interest. Should the value of the site, together with any compensation received, be insufficient to repay the bank 
loan in the joint venture entity, the group may incur charges in excess of those provided in these financial statements, in respect of 
obligations to the joint venture and the bank.  

 
 
 
 
36 Related party transactions continued 

39 Acquisitions in the prior year 

149

i) Acquisition of HI Tricomm Holdings Limited 
On 4 February 2011 Grainger acquired the HI Tricomm Holdings Limited (‘HITHL’) group including its trading subsidiary Tricomm 
Housing Limited (‘THL’) from Invista Castle Limited.  

The main reason for the acquisition was reflective of Grainger’s strategy to diversify its assets into selective areas of value or 
growth. THL owns a high quality portfolio of 317 freehold houses in five separate locations around the Bristol and Portsmouth areas 
and the assets are high yielding. The houses are let under a long-term lease arrangement with the Secretary of State for Defence until 
2028 providing a consistent revenue stream. 

The fair value at acquisition of the total consideration transferred amounted to £6.8m. 
The acquisition has been treated as a business combination and resulted in a gain on acquisition of £14.9m. This gain on 

acquisition arose due to it being a bargain purchase reflecting the particular situation of the vendors and their requirement to dispose 
of HITHL quickly. 

The identifiable assets and liabilities acquired were as follows: 

Assets 

Investment property 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables 

Deferred tax assets 

Liabilities 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Loan notes payable 

Amounts payable to Invista Castle Limited 

Derivative financial instruments 

Net assets acquired 

Fair value of consideration paid 

Gain on acquisition 

£m

105.4

5.4

0.8

2.3

113.9

67.6

2.1

2.2

9.5

2.2

8.6

92.2

21.7

6.8

14.9

Investment property acquired of £105.4m represents its fair value. For the acquired trade and other receivables the above values 
represent the fair values. They are the expected amounts receivable and, at the acquisition date, there are no amounts not expected 
to be collected. Trade and other payables primarily represent amounts payable for bank interest, corporation tax and VAT. There was 
no contingent consideration and there are no contingent liabilities that have not been recognised. 

In addition to the consideration of £6.8m for the share capital of HITHL, Grainger settled on acquisition the amount of 

£2.2m payable to Invista Castle Limited by the HITHL group and Grainger also acquired a loan note receivable plus accrued interest 
thereon totalling £9.5m from Invista Castle Limited. The loan note payable was part of the liabilities acquired as shown in the above 
table. All three amounts together made up the total consideration of £18.5m which was paid in cash. 

Notes to the financial statements continued 

The group held a 50% interest in New Sovereign Reversions Limited as at 30 September 2012. The group had provided a loan 

of £1.5m, with interest payable at LIBOR plus 7% per annum, to Sovereign Reversions Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New 

Sovereign Reversions Limited. The loan was repaid in full in January 2012. 

The group provides management services to the New Sovereign Reversions Limited group for which it receives a management fee. 

Amounts recognised in the income statement and outstanding balances at the year end are as follows:  

2012

Fees 

recognised

£’000

1,052

2012

Year end 

balance

£’000

166

2011 

Fees  

recognised 

£’000 

1,190 

2011

Year end 

balance

£’000

235

The group’s key management are the only other related party. Details of key management compensation are provided in note 12. 

The future aggregate minimum lease payments payable by the group under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 

Asset management fees 

37 Operating lease commitments 

Operating lease payments due: 

  Not later than one year 

  Later than one year and not later than five years 

  Later than five years 

2012 

£m 

1.3 

2.5 

0.4 

4.2 

2011

£m

1.4

3.5

0.7

5.6

The group expects to receive £nil under non-cancellable sub-leases (2011: £0.1m). Operating lease payments represent the lease 

payments made in the year relating to renting of office space used by the group, car leases under contract hire arrangements and 

operating lease payments relating to office equipment such as photocopiers. Leases relating to office space used by the group have 

initial terms of varying lengths, between one to ten years.  

Rent reviews generally take place every five years. Contract hire car leases generally have a three-year term. There are no other 

significant operating lease arrangements requiring disclosure under IAS 17.  

38 Contingent liabilities 

The properties in certain subsidiary companies forming a ‘guarantee group’ provide the security for the group’s core debt facility.  

Barclays Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Bank plc have provided guarantees under performance bonds relating to the group’s UK 

development division. As at 30 September 2012 total guarantees amounted to £1.8m (2011: £2.1m). 

In addition, the group has an obligation, under the sale and purchase agreement for the land at West Waterlooville, to pay further 

consideration should the site value exceed certain pre-agreed amounts. It is not possible to determine the amount or timing of any 

such future payments due to the long-term nature of the site’s development and the associated uncertainties. However, it is unlikely 

that any future payments will fall due until at least 2015 and any payments made will be spread over a number of years. 

As explained in more detail in note 21, there is uncertainty relating to the future of the site of Curzon Park in which the group has 

a 50% joint venture interest. Should the value of the site, together with any compensation received, be insufficient to repay the bank 

loan in the joint venture entity, the group may incur charges in excess of those provided in these financial statements, in respect of 

obligations to the joint venture and the bank.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
150

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

39 Acquisitions in the prior year continued 

The post acquisition revenue and profit before tax included in the group’s consolidated income statement for year to 30 September 
2011 were £5.9m and £2.0m respectively. Had the acquisition taken place on 1 October 2010, we estimate on a pro forma basis, that 
the revenue and profit of HITHL for the 12 month period from that date to be consolidated in the 2011 group accounts would have 
been £8.9m and £3.1m respectively. 

ii) Acquisition of 50% equity in Grainger GenInvest LLP’s  
On 22 March 2011, Grainger acquired the 50% interest of Genesis Housing Group in the two Grainger GenInvest LLP’s thereby 
becoming the sole owner of both entities.  

The main reason for the acquisition is as part of Grainger’s strategy to diversify its assets into selective areas of value or 
growth. The partnerships own c.1,650 properties in Central London where we believe there are good prospects for long-term 
capital appreciation.  

The fair value at acquisition of the total consideration transferred amounted to £15.0m and was paid in cash. This consideration 
was paid to acquire the remaining 50% equity in Grainger GenInvest LLP. No consideration was paid for the remaining 50% equity in 
Grainger GenInvest No. 2 (2006) LLP. The acquisition has been treated as a business combination and resulted in a gain on acquisition 
of Grainger GenInvest LLP of £1.2m. This gain on acquisition arose due to it being a bargain purchase and reflected the particular 
situation of the vendor and the requirement to re-finance the debt in the two LLP’s. 

The identifiable assets and liabilities acquired were as follows: 

Assets 

Investment property 

Trading property 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Liabilities 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Interest bearing loans due to Grainger 

Net assets acquired 

50% of net assets acquired 

Fair value of consideration paid 

Gain on acquisition 

£m

102.4

186.9

5.0

294.3

187.0

2.7

72.2

261.9

32.4

16.2

15.0

1.2

Investment and trading property acquired of £289.3m in aggregate, represents its fair value.  

Trade and other payables primarily represent amounts payable to external suppliers and for bank interest. 
There was no contingent consideration and there are no contingent liabilities that have not been recognised. 
The post acquisition revenue and profit before tax included in the group’s consolidated income statement for year to 

30 September 2011 were £6.6m and £4.6m respectively. Had the acquisition taken place on 1 October 2010, we estimate on a pro 
forma basis, that the revenue and profit of Grainger GenInvest LLP for the 12 month period from that date to be consolidated in the 
2011 group accounts would have been £12.0m and £5.7m respectively. 

 
 
 
 
 
39 Acquisitions in the prior year continued 

40 Assets classified as held-for-sale 

The post acquisition revenue and profit before tax included in the group’s consolidated income statement for year to 30 September 

The group has identified certain of its investment properties as held-for-sale in accordance with the criteria set out in IFRS 5.  

2011 were £5.9m and £2.0m respectively. Had the acquisition taken place on 1 October 2010, we estimate on a pro forma basis, that 

The group announced on 9 November 2012, that it had signed an agreement with Heitman, to create a new company in which 

151

Grainger will have a 25% equity holding. The new company will acquire two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the group for cash of 
€54.5m. This has been classified as a disposal group with the assets and liabilities shown as held-for-sale as at 30 September 2012.  

A write down of £6.9m (€8.4m), before tax, has been recognised representing the director’s assessment of the loss on revaluation 

to fair value, under IAS 40, of the investment property in the disposal group based on the transaction. A reduction in deferred tax 
liabilities of £1.7m (€2.1m) arises in relation to the loss on revaluation. The net income statement impact after tax is therefore £5.2m 
(€6.3m). 

In addition, investment property in the Retirement Solutions portfolio with a value of £24.9m is being actively marketed. 

Investment property within the Germany portfolio, with a value of €19.1m (£15.3m) is also being actively marketed. Both are expected 
to be sold within the next financial year.  

Included on the face of the consolidated statement of financial position are total assets of £222.1m and total liabilities associated with 
those assets of £129.7m classified as held-for-sale. These balances comprise the following: 

Total assets 

Disposal Group 

Investment property 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other receivables 

Investment property – Germany portfolio 

Investment property – Retirement Solutions portfolio 

Total liabilities 

Disposal Group 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Derivative financial instruments 

£m

102.4

186.9

5.0

294.3

187.0

2.7

72.2

261.9

32.4

16.2

15.0

1.2

£m

177.9

2.6

1.4

181.9

15.3

24.9

222.1

120.9

4.0

4.8

129.7

Notes to the financial statements continued 

the revenue and profit of HITHL for the 12 month period from that date to be consolidated in the 2011 group accounts would have 

been £8.9m and £3.1m respectively. 

ii) Acquisition of 50% equity in Grainger GenInvest LLP’s  

becoming the sole owner of both entities.  

On 22 March 2011, Grainger acquired the 50% interest of Genesis Housing Group in the two Grainger GenInvest LLP’s thereby 

The main reason for the acquisition is as part of Grainger’s strategy to diversify its assets into selective areas of value or 

growth. The partnerships own c.1,650 properties in Central London where we believe there are good prospects for long-term 

capital appreciation.  

The fair value at acquisition of the total consideration transferred amounted to £15.0m and was paid in cash. This consideration 

was paid to acquire the remaining 50% equity in Grainger GenInvest LLP. No consideration was paid for the remaining 50% equity in 

Grainger GenInvest No. 2 (2006) LLP. The acquisition has been treated as a business combination and resulted in a gain on acquisition 

of Grainger GenInvest LLP of £1.2m. This gain on acquisition arose due to it being a bargain purchase and reflected the particular 

situation of the vendor and the requirement to re-finance the debt in the two LLP’s. 

The identifiable assets and liabilities acquired were as follows: 

Assets 

Investment property 

Trading property 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Liabilities 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Trade and other payables 

Interest bearing loans due to Grainger 

Net assets acquired 

50% of net assets acquired 

Fair value of consideration paid 

Gain on acquisition 

Investment and trading property acquired of £289.3m in aggregate, represents its fair value.  

Trade and other payables primarily represent amounts payable to external suppliers and for bank interest. 

There was no contingent consideration and there are no contingent liabilities that have not been recognised. 

The post acquisition revenue and profit before tax included in the group’s consolidated income statement for year to 

30 September 2011 were £6.6m and £4.6m respectively. Had the acquisition taken place on 1 October 2010, we estimate on a pro 

forma basis, that the revenue and profit of Grainger GenInvest LLP for the 12 month period from that date to be consolidated in the 

2011 group accounts would have been £12.0m and £5.7m respectively. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
152

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the financial statements continued 

41 Capital Commitments 

The group has current commitments under a number of its development projects totalling £34.0m as at 30 September 2012 
(2011: £nil). 

42 Post balance sheet events 

On 9 November 2012, the group announced that it had signed an agreement with Heitman, to create a new company which will 
acquire, through a share purchase, a portfolio of German residential assets currently wholly owned by the group. As a result of the 
transaction, the new company will acquire €232m of investment property from the group and €152m of debt will be transferred 
to it from the group. Grainger will hold a 25% equity stake in the new company which the group will account for as an associate. 
The group will provide management services for which it will receive standard management and incentive fees. It is anticipated that 
completion will take place before the end of the 2012 calendar year. 

On 5 October 2012, the group signed a facility agreement with Coreal Credit Bank for a loan of €164.9m to refinance the existing 

facility from Eurohypo which expires in October 2013. The facility was drawn on 25 October 2012 and was used to settle the 
Eurohypo loan in full. €152m of the Coreal loan will be transferred to the new company referred to above.  

 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

The group has current commitments under a number of its development projects totalling £34.0m as at 30 September 2012 

41 Capital Commitments 

(2011: £nil). 

42 Post balance sheet events 

On 9 November 2012, the group announced that it had signed an agreement with Heitman, to create a new company which will 

acquire, through a share purchase, a portfolio of German residential assets currently wholly owned by the group. As a result of the 

transaction, the new company will acquire €232m of investment property from the group and €152m of debt will be transferred 

to it from the group. Grainger will hold a 25% equity stake in the new company which the group will account for as an associate. 

The group will provide management services for which it will receive standard management and incentive fees. It is anticipated that 

completion will take place before the end of the 2012 calendar year. 

On 5 October 2012, the group signed a facility agreement with Coreal Credit Bank for a loan of €164.9m to refinance the existing 

facility from Eurohypo which expires in October 2013. The facility was drawn on 25 October 2012 and was used to settle the 

Eurohypo loan in full. €152m of the Coreal loan will be transferred to the new company referred to above.  

153

Independent auditors’ report on the  
parent company financial statements 

We have audited the parent company financial statements of 
Grainger plc for the year ended 30 September 2012 which 
comprise the parent company balance sheet and the related 
notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied 
in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice). 

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors  
As explained more fully in the statement of directors’ 
responsibilities set out on pages 72 and 73, the directors are 
responsible for the preparation of the parent company financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on 
the parent company financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and 
Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing 
Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.  

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for, 
and only for, the company’s members as a body in accordance 
with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for 
no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, 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. 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements 
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable 
assurance that the financial statements are free from material 
misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an 
assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to 
the parent company’s circumstances and have been consistently 
applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of 
significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the 
overall presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we 
read all the financial and non-financial information in the annual 
report and accounts to identify material inconsistencies with 
the audited financial statements. If we become aware of any 
apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider 
the implications for our report. 

Opinion on financial statements  
In our opinion the parent company financial statements:  
− Give a true and fair view of the state of the company’s affairs as 

at 30 September 2012 

− Have been properly prepared in accordance with United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and  

− Have been prepared in accordance with the requirements 

of the Companies Act 2006.  

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the 
Companies Act 2006  
In our opinion:  
− The part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited 

has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies 
Act 2006; and  

− The information given in the directors’ report for the 
financial year for which the parent company financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the parent 
company financial statements.  

Matters on which we are required to report by exception  
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters 
where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, 
in our opinion:  
− Adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent 

company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 
received from branches not visited by us; or  

− The parent company financial statements and the part of the 

directors’ remuneration report to be audited are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns; or  

− Certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law 

are not made; or  

− We have not received all the information and explanations 

we require for our audit.  

Other matter  
We have reported separately on the group financial statements 
of Grainger plc for the year ended 30 September 2012.  

David A Snell
(Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London 
6 December 2012 

 
 
 
 
 
154

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Parent company balance sheet 

As at 30 September 2012 

Fixed assets 

Investments 

Current assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Cash at bank and in hand 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Net current liabilities 

Total assets less current liabilities 

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 

Convertible bond 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Net assets 

EQUITY 

Capital and reserves  

Called-up equity share capital 

Share premium 

Capital redemption reserve  

Equity component of convertible bond 

Profit and loss account 

Total shareholders’ funds 

Notes

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

8

8

8

2012 
£m 

841.4 

841.4 

20.9 

13.8 

34.7 

283.0 

(248.3) 

593.1 

23.3 

99.0 

470.8 

20.8 

109.8 

0.3 

5.0 

334.9 

470.8 

2011
£m

806.4

806.4

11.4

33.1

44.5

218.5

(174.0)

632.4

22.5

98.9

511.0

20.8

109.8

0.3

5.0

375.1

511.0

The financial statements on pages 154 to 161 were approved by the board of directors on 6 December 2012 and were signed on their 
behalf by: 

Andrew Cunningham
Director 

Mark Greenwood
Director 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Parent company balance sheet 

As at 30 September 2012 

Fixed assets 

Investments 

Current assets 

Trade and other receivables 

Cash at bank and in hand 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Net current liabilities 

Total assets less current liabilities 

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 

Convertible bond 

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

Net assets 

EQUITY 

Capital and reserves  

Called-up equity share capital 

Share premium 

Capital redemption reserve  

Equity component of convertible bond 

Profit and loss account 

Total shareholders’ funds 

behalf by: 

Andrew R Cunningham   

Director 

Mark Greenwood  

Director 

Notes

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

8

8

8

2012 

£m 

841.4 

841.4 

20.9 

13.8 

34.7 

283.0 

(248.3) 

593.1 

23.3 

99.0 

470.8 

20.8 

109.8 

0.3 

5.0 

334.9 

470.8 

2011

£m

806.4

806.4

11.4

33.1

44.5

218.5

(174.0)

632.4

22.5

98.9

511.0

20.8

109.8

0.3

5.0

375.1

511.0

The financial statements on pages 154 to 161 were approved by the board of directors on 6 December 2012 and were signed on their 

155

Notes to the parent company  
financial statements 

1 Accounting policies 

(a) Basis of preparation 
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006 and applicable UK accounting standards. 

The company has taken the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 from the requirement to present 

its own profit and loss account. The loss for the year was £34.6m (2011 profit: £25.4m). These financial statements present 
information about the company as an individual undertaking and not about its group. 

The company has taken advantage of the exemption in FRS 8 ‘Related Party Transactions’, from the requirement to disclose such 

transactions on the grounds that it has presented its own consolidated financial statements. 

(b) Accounting policies 
The company financial statements have been prepared under UK GAAP rather than under IFRS which has been adopted for group 
reporting. The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in 
relation to the company’s financial statements. 

(c) Investment in subsidiaries 
Investments in subsidiaries are carried at historical cost less provision for impairment based upon an assessment of the net recoverable 
amount of each investment. To the extent that the assessment of recoverable amount improves, impairment provisions are reversed.  

(d) Taxation 
Corporation tax is provided on taxable profits or losses at the current rate. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities arise from timing differences between the recognition of gains and losses in the accounts and 

their recognition in a tax computation. 

In accordance with FRS 19 ‘Deferred Tax’, deferred tax is provided in respect of all timing differences that have originated, but not 

reversed, at the balance sheet date that may give rise to an obligation to pay more or less tax in future. Deferred tax is measured on 
a non-discounted basis. 

(e) Own shares including treasury shares 
Transactions of The Grainger Trust Employee Trustee Company Limited and The Grainger Employee Benefit Trusts are included in the 
company’s financial statements. The purchase of shares in the company by each trust and any treasury shares bought back by the 
company are debited direct to equity. 

(f) Convertible bond 
The £112m, 3.625% convertible bond due 2014 was issued in May 2007. Interest is payable semi-annually. Unless previously 
redeemed, converted, purchased or cancelled the bond is convertible at any time up to 12 May 2014 into fully paid up ordinary shares 
at a conversion price of £4.70. The convertible bond is a compound financial instrument and the carrying amount has been allocated 
to its equity and liability components in the company’s balance sheet. The liability component has been determined by measuring the 
fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated equity component. The discount rate used for this was based on a rate 
of 7.5% compounded semi-annually. The liability component has been deducted from the fair value of the compound financial 
instrument as a whole and the residual element has been assigned to the equity component. The liability element is subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. 

(g) Share-based payments 
Under the share-based compensation arrangements set out in note 1(k)(iii) on page 87 and note 32 on pages 142 to 144, employees 
of Grainger Employees Limited have been awarded options and conditional shares in the company. These share-based arrangements 
have been treated as equity-settled in the consolidated financial statements. In the company accounts the share-based payment 
charge has been added to the cost of investment in subsidiaries with a corresponding adjustment to equity.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
156

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the parent company financial statements continued 

2 Investments 

Valuation 

At 1 October  

Additions 

Disposals 

(Provision for)/write-back of impairment 

At 30 September  

2012 
£m 

806.4 

42.4 

– 

(7.4) 

841.4 

2011
£m

348.3

438.6

(0.1)

19.6

806.4

The additions in the year relate to a further investment of £21.5m in Atlantic Metropolitan (UK) Limited and an £18.7m investment 
in Reversions Financing Limited. The balance of £0.1m comprises other smaller investments in group subsidiaries.  

The investments made by the parent company have, in most instances, been passed down the group in order to facilitate group 

restructuring.  

The additions also include a capital contribution during the year of £2.1m in respect of share-based payment awards granted to 

subsidiary employees.  

After an assessment of net recoverable value an impairment provision of £7.4m has been made. 
A list of the principal subsidiaries of the company is given in note 35 on page 146. 

3 Trade and other receivables 

Amounts owed by group undertakings 

Other receivables 

Receivables in both 2012 and 2011 are all due within one year. 

4 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Amounts owed to group undertakings 

Other taxation and social security 

Accruals and deferred income 

2012 
£m 

20.8 

0.1 

20.9 

2012 
£m 
278.2 

3.8 

1.0 

283.0 

2011
£m

11.2

0.2

11.4

2011
£m
216.2

1.1

1.2

218.5

Amounts owed to group undertakings bear interest at a rate of 3.9% per annum and are repayable on demand.  

 
 
 
 
Notes to the parent company financial statements continued 

2 Investments 

Valuation 

At 1 October  

Additions 

Disposals 

(Provision for)/write-back of impairment 

At 30 September  

restructuring.  

subsidiary employees.  

3 Trade and other receivables 

Amounts owed by group undertakings 

Other receivables 

The additions in the year relate to a further investment of £21.5m in Atlantic Metropolitan (UK) Limited and an £18.7m investment 

in Reversions Financing Limited. The balance of £0.1m comprises other smaller investments in group subsidiaries.  

The investments made by the parent company have, in most instances, been passed down the group in order to facilitate group 

The additions also include a capital contribution during the year of £2.1m in respect of share-based payment awards granted to 

After an assessment of net recoverable value an impairment provision of £7.4m has been made. 

A list of the principal subsidiaries of the company is given in note 35 on page 146. 

Receivables in both 2012 and 2011 are all due within one year. 

4 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Amounts owed to group undertakings 

Other taxation and social security 

Accruals and deferred income 

Amounts owed to group undertakings bear interest at a rate of 3.9% per annum and are repayable on demand.  

2012 

£m 

20.8 

0.1 

20.9 

2012 

£m 

278.2 

3.8 

1.0 

283.0 

2011

£m

11.2

0.2

11.4

2011

£m

216.2

1.1

1.2

218.5

2012 

£m 

806.4 

42.4 

– 

(7.4) 

841.4 

2011

£m

348.3

438.6

(0.1)

19.6

806.4

5 Convertible bond 

Opening balance 

Amortised during the year 

Unamortised issue costs 

Closing balance 

157

2011
£m

21.9

0.8

22.7

(0.2)

22.5

2012 
£m 

22.7 

0.8 

23.5 

(0.2) 

23.3 

As part of the early conversion in November 2008, holders representing £87.1m of the £112m 2014 convertible bond accepted a cash 
payment of £35,000 per £100,000 nominal bond value to convert early. The nominal value remaining on the bond is £24.9m. 

6 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings  

Variable rate – Pounds Sterling 

2012 
£m 
99.0 

The variable rate loan is secured by floating charges over the assets of the group. The loan bears interest at 4% over LIBOR. 

7 Share capital 

Allotted, called-up and fully paid 

416,381,206 (2011: 416,372,103) ordinary shares of 5p each 

2012 
£m 

20.8 

2011
£m
98.9

2011
£m

20.8

The group paid £0.5m to the share incentive plan during the year for the purchase of matching shares and free shares in the scheme. 
The total cost of acquiring own shares of £0.5m (2011: £2.8m) has been deducted from retained earnings within shareholders’ equity 
(see note 8).  

As at 30 September 2012, share capital included 4,375,984 (2011: 5,833,401) shares held by The Grainger Employee Benefit 
Trust and 1,506,300 (2011: 1,506,300) shares held by Grainger plc as treasury shares. The total of these shares is 5,882,284 (2011: 
7,339,701) with a nominal value of £294,114 (2011: £366,985) and a market value as at 30 September 2012 of £6.3m (2011: £6.4m).  

Movements in issued share capital during the year and the previous year were as follows: 

At 1 October 2010 

Options exercised under the SAYE scheme 

At 30 September 2011 

Options exercised under the SAYE scheme 

At 30 September 2012 

Details of share options granted by the company are provided in note 31 on pages 140 and 141. 

Number 

416,362,420 

9,683 

Nominal
value 
£’000

20,818

–

416,372,103 

20,818

9,103 

1

416,381,206 

20,819

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
158

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the parent company financial statements continued 

8 Reserves 

At 1 October 2010 

Retained profit for the year 

Share-based payment charge 

Purchase of own shares 

Dividends paid 

At 1 October 2011 

Retained loss for the year 

Share-based payment charge 

Purchase of own shares 

Proceeds from SAYE shares 

Dividends paid 

At 30 September 2012 

Share 
premium 
£m

109.8

–

–

–

–

109.8

–

–

–

–

–

109.8

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m

Equity component  
of convertible 
bond  
£m 

Profit and 
loss account 
£m

0.3

–

–

–

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

0.3

5.0 

– 

– 

– 

– 

5.0 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

355.4

25.4

2.0

(2.8)

(4.9)

375.1

(34.6)

2.1

(0.5)

0.4

(7.6)

5.0 

334.9

 
 
159

Notes to the parent company financial statements continued 

8 Reserves 

At 1 October 2010 

Retained profit for the year 

Share-based payment charge 

Purchase of own shares 

Dividends paid 

At 1 October 2011 

Retained loss for the year 

Share-based payment charge 

Purchase of own shares 

Proceeds from SAYE shares 

Dividends paid 

At 30 September 2012 

Share 

premium 

£m

109.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

£m

0.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

bond  

£m 

5.0 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

£m

355.4

25.4

2.0

(2.8)

(4.9)

375.1

(34.6)

2.1

(0.5)

0.4

(7.6)

109.8

0.3

5.0 

109.8

0.3

5.0 

334.9

Capital 

Equity component  

of convertible 

redemption 

reserve 

Profit and 

loss account 

Dividends 
Information on dividends paid and declared is given in note 16 of the group accounts on page 111. 

9 Other information 

Directors’ share options and share awards 
Details of the directors’ share options and of their share awards are set out below.  

Directors’ share options 

Granted in year 

  Exercised during year 

Share 
options at 
1 Oct 2011

Grant 

Number   

price (p)    Number

Exercise 
price (p)

Market 
price on 
exercise 
(p)

Share 
options at 
30 Sept 
2012

Exercise 
price (p)   

Earliest 

exercise date   

Latest exercise 
date

Andrew 
Cunningham 

 SAYE 

  44,415

 CSOP 

31,772

Peter Couch 

 SAYE 

  25,454

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–

–

–

–

–

–

44,415

37.70   

1 Feb 2014   

31 Jul 2014

31,772

94.42    26 Nov 2013    26 Nov 2020

–    25,454

37.70

104.00

–

–   

–   

–

Mark 
Greenwood 

 SAYE 

 CSOP 

 SAYE 

 CSOP 

–

13,062    68.90   

31,772

–   

–   

–

13,062    68.90   

31,772

–   

–   

Nick Jopling 

 SAYE 

–

21,770    68.90   

 CSOP 

31,772

–   

–   

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

13,062

68.90   

1 Sep 2015   

1 Mar 2016

31,772

94.42    26 Nov 2013    26 Nov 2020

13,062

68.90   

1 Sep 2015   

1 Mar 2016

31,772

94.42    26 Nov 2013    26 Nov 2020

21,770

68.90   

1 Sep 2017   

1 Mar 2018

–

31,772

94.42    26 Nov 2013    26 Nov 2020

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
160

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Notes to the parent company financial statements continued 

9 Other information continued 
Directors’ share awards 
Performance share awards 

Andrew Cunningham 

LTIS shares 

Matching shares 

Peter Couch 

LTIS shares 

Matching shares 

Mark Greenwood 

LTIS shares 

Matching shares 

Awards granted

Maximum 
award

Awards 
vested

Awards 
lapsed

Maximum 
outstanding 
awards at 30 

Sept 2012  

Market price at 
date of vesting 

(p)   

Vesting date

23 Dec 2008

778,850

124,948

653,902

–  

103.2    23 Dec 2011

9 Dec 2009

480,695

26 Nov 2010

667,231

2 Dec 2011

625,496

480,695  

667,231  

625,496  

    9 Dec 2012

    26 Nov 2013

2 Dec 2014

23 Dec 2008

155,769

24,988

130,781

–  

103.2    23 Dec 2011

9 Dec 2009

96,139

26 Nov 2010

133,446

2 Dec 2011

125,099

96,139  

133,446  

125,099  

    9 Dec 2012

    26 Nov 2013

2 Dec 2014

23 Dec 2008

429,418

68,890

360,528

–  

103.2    23 Dec 2011

26 Nov 2010

280,660

2 Dec 2011

263,105

280,660  

263,105  

    26 Nov 2013

2 Dec 2014

23 Dec 2008

85,884

13,778

72,106

–  

103.2    23 Dec 2011

26 Nov 2010

2 Dec 2011

13,168

78,931

13,168  

78,931  

    26 Nov 2013

2 Dec 2014

21 Sep 2010

230,129

26 Nov 2010

275,365

2 Dec 2011

258,141

21 Sep 2010

10,000

26 Nov 2010

10,498

2 Dec 2011

10,000

230,129  

275,365  

258,141  

10,000  

10,498  

10,000  

    9 Dec 2012

    26 Nov 2013

2 Dec 2014

    9 Dec 2012

    26 Nov 2013

2 Dec 2014

 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
161

Performance share awards 

Nick Jopling 

LTIS shares 

Matching shares 

Non-performance share award 

Peter Couch 

Awards granted

Maximum 
award

Awards vested

Awards lapsed

Sept 2012   

Maximum 
outstanding 
awards at 30 

Market price 
at date of 
vesting (p)   

Vesting date

21 Sep 2010

283,235

26 Nov 2010

344,206

2 Dec 2011

322,676

21 Sep 2010

26 Nov 2010

22,615

38,888

2 Dec 2011

40,000

283,235   

344,206   

322,676   

22,615   

38,888   

40,000   

    9 Dec 2012

    26 Nov 2013

    2 Dec 2014

    9 Dec 2012

    26 Nov 2013

    2 Dec 2014

Deferred Bonus (DBP) shares  

3 Feb 2010

90,615

90,615   

    3 Feb 2013

Audit fees 
The audit fee for the year was £8,000 (2011: £8,000). 

Notes to the parent company financial statements continued 

9 Other information continued 

Directors’ share awards 

Performance share awards 

Andrew Cunningham 

LTIS shares 

Matching shares 

Peter Couch 

LTIS shares 

Matching shares 

Mark Greenwood 

LTIS shares 

Matching shares 

Awards granted

Maximum 

award

Awards 

vested

Awards 

lapsed

Maximum 

outstanding 

awards at 30 

Sept 2012  

Market price at 

date of vesting 

(p)   

Vesting date

23 Dec 2008

778,850

124,948

653,902

–  

103.2    23 Dec 2011

9 Dec 2009

480,695

26 Nov 2010

667,231

2 Dec 2011

625,496

9 Dec 2009

96,139

26 Nov 2010

133,446

2 Dec 2011

125,099

480,695  

667,231  

625,496  

96,139  

133,446  

125,099  

    9 Dec 2012

    26 Nov 2013

2 Dec 2014

    9 Dec 2012

    26 Nov 2013

2 Dec 2014

23 Dec 2008

155,769

24,988

130,781

–  

103.2    23 Dec 2011

23 Dec 2008

429,418

68,890

360,528

–  

103.2    23 Dec 2011

26 Nov 2010

280,660

2 Dec 2011

263,105

280,660  

263,105  

    26 Nov 2013

2 Dec 2014

23 Dec 2008

85,884

13,778

72,106

–  

103.2    23 Dec 2011

26 Nov 2010

2 Dec 2011

13,168

78,931

13,168  

78,931  

    26 Nov 2013

2 Dec 2014

21 Sep 2010

230,129

26 Nov 2010

275,365

2 Dec 2011

258,141

21 Sep 2010

10,000

26 Nov 2010

10,498

2 Dec 2011

10,000

230,129  

275,365  

258,141  

10,000  

10,498  

10,000  

    9 Dec 2012

    26 Nov 2013

2 Dec 2014

    9 Dec 2012

    26 Nov 2013

2 Dec 2014

 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
162

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

EPRA performance measures 

The EPRA Best Practise Recommendations issued in 2010 identified 5 key performance measures. The measures are deemed to be of 
importance for investors in property companies and aim to encourage more consistent and widespread disclosure.  

The EPRA measures are defined below: 

Definition 

1) EPRA Earnings 

2) EPRA NAV 

3) EPRA Triple Net Asset Value (NNNAV) 

4i) EPRA Net initial yield (NIY) 

4ii) EPRA ‘topped-up’ yield 

Recurring earnings from core operational activities. Property trading is not considered to be a 
core activity of property investment companies therefore this measure excludes results from 
property sales. 

Net Asset Value adjusted to include properties and other investment interests at fair value and to 
exclude certain items not expected to crystallise in a long-term investment property business 
model. This measure is in line with the NAV as defined and disclosed in note 4 of the group 
accounts. 

EPRA NAV adjusted to include the fair values of (i) financial instruments, (ii) debt and (iii) deferred 
taxes. This measure is in line with the Triple NAV as defined and disclosed in note 4 of the 
group accounts. 

Annualised rental income based on cash rents at the balance sheet date, less non-recoverable 
property operating expenses, divided by the market value of the property, increased with 
(estimated) purchasers’ costs. 

This measure incorporates an adjustment to EPRA NIY in respect of the expiration of rent-free 
periods (or other unexpired lease incentives such as discounted rent periods and step rents). 

5) EPRA Vacancy Rate 

Estimated Market Rent Value (ERV) of vacant space divided by ERV of the whole portfolio. 

The group is supportive of the EPRA initiative however, we believe that three of the EPRA measures are not appropriate to the group 
and its current operations. 

EPRA Earnings exclude profits from sales of property which is a core element of the group’s earnings, contributing £77m (2011: 

£80m) to earnings in the year. Accordingly, we believe that this measure does not provide a useful indication of the performance 
of the group.  

The EPRA NIY and ‘topped-up’ yields do not take into account the reversionary aspect of our portfolio. The UK reversionary 
portfolio has a reversionary surplus of £500m not included within earnings or adjusted for within this measure. This represents a 
‘pipeline’ of future added value but without any material planning, development or construction risk. A significant portion of our 
reversionary portfolio relates to home reversion assets which do not generate a rental income. Therefore we do not believe that this 
measure is appropriate for our business.  

The EPRA Vacancy Rate focuses on rental values of vacant space at a point in time which would not accurately reflect the 

experience of our portfolio. The group’s business model in relation to its reversionary portfolio is to sell assets on vacancy, therefore the 
EPRA Vacancy Rate is not an appropriate measure of performance.  

 
EPRA performance measures 

Five year record  
for the year ended 30 September 2012 

The EPRA Best Practise Recommendations issued in 2010 identified 5 key performance measures. The measures are deemed to be of 

importance for investors in property companies and aim to encourage more consistent and widespread disclosure.  

The EPRA measures are defined below: 

Definition 

property sales. 

accounts. 

group accounts. 

1) EPRA Earnings 

2) EPRA NAV 

Recurring earnings from core operational activities. Property trading is not considered to be a 

core activity of property investment companies therefore this measure excludes results from 

Net Asset Value adjusted to include properties and other investment interests at fair value and to 

exclude certain items not expected to crystallise in a long-term investment property business 

model. This measure is in line with the NAV as defined and disclosed in note 4 of the group 

3) EPRA Triple Net Asset Value (NNNAV) 

EPRA NAV adjusted to include the fair values of (i) financial instruments, (ii) debt and (iii) deferred 

taxes. This measure is in line with the Triple NAV as defined and disclosed in note 4 of the 

4i) EPRA Net initial yield (NIY) 

Annualised rental income based on cash rents at the balance sheet date, less non-recoverable 

property operating expenses, divided by the market value of the property, increased with 

(estimated) purchasers’ costs. 

4ii) EPRA ‘topped-up’ yield 

This measure incorporates an adjustment to EPRA NIY in respect of the expiration of rent-free 

periods (or other unexpired lease incentives such as discounted rent periods and step rents). 

5) EPRA Vacancy Rate 

Estimated Market Rent Value (ERV) of vacant space divided by ERV of the whole portfolio. 

The group is supportive of the EPRA initiative however, we believe that three of the EPRA measures are not appropriate to the group 

and its current operations. 

of the group.  

EPRA Earnings exclude profits from sales of property which is a core element of the group’s earnings, contributing £77m (2011: 

£80m) to earnings in the year. Accordingly, we believe that this measure does not provide a useful indication of the performance 

The EPRA NIY and ‘topped-up’ yields do not take into account the reversionary aspect of our portfolio. The UK reversionary 

portfolio has a reversionary surplus of £500m not included within earnings or adjusted for within this measure. This represents a 

‘pipeline’ of future added value but without any material planning, development or construction risk. A significant portion of our 

reversionary portfolio relates to home reversion assets which do not generate a rental income. Therefore we do not believe that this 

measure is appropriate for our business.  

The EPRA Vacancy Rate focuses on rental values of vacant space at a point in time which would not accurately reflect the 

experience of our portfolio. The group’s business model in relation to its reversionary portfolio is to sell assets on vacancy, therefore the 

EPRA Vacancy Rate is not an appropriate measure of performance.  

Revenue 

Gross proceeds from property sales  

Gross rental income 

Gross fee income 

Operating profit before valuation and non-recurring 
items (OPBVM) 

Profit/(loss) before taxation 

Profit/(loss) after taxation  

Dividends taken to equity 

Earnings/(loss) per share 

Dividends per share 

Gross net asset value per share  

Triple net asset value per share 

Share price at 30 September 

Return on capital employed  

Return on shareholder equity 

2008
£m

246.2

174.4

70.7

7.0

106.0

(112.1)

(77.4)

8.3

Pence 

(19.1)

2.0

Pence

227.9

180.7

114.1

%

(11.4)

(36.1)

2009
£m

302.2

212.7

77.9

5.7

78.8

(170.0)

(122.0)

5.2

Pence 

(29.5)

1.3

Pence

194.0

141.0

170.0

%

(4.3)

(33.7)

2010
£m

244.5

165.3

75.6

5.5

94.2

(20.8)

(10.8)

7.4

Pence 

(2.9)

1.7

Pence

199.8

139.7

109.8

%

5.3

0.6

Where relevant adjustment has been made to historical figures to reflect the impact of the rights issue in December 2009.  

163

2012
£m

311.4

250.5

89.8

10.0

126.4

(1.7)

0.4

7.6

2011 
£m 

296.2 

217.0 

86.3 

6.9 

126.2 

26.1 

39.1 

4.9 

Pence  

Pence 

9.5 

1.8 

Pence 

216.2 

153.3 

86.6 

% 

6.5 

11.1 

0.1

1.9

Pence

223.0

157.1

107.7

%

5.9

3.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
164

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Shareholders’ information 

Financial calendar 
AGM  

Payment of 2012 final dividend  

Announcement of 2013 interim results  

Announcement of 2013 final results  

6 February 2013

8 February 2013

May 2013

November 2013

Share dealing service 
A share dealing service is available to existing shareholders to buy 
or sell the company’s shares via Capita Share Dealing Services. 
Online and telephone dealing facilities provide an easy to access 
and simple to use service. 

For further information on this service, or to buy or sell shares, 

please contact: 

www.capitadeal.com – online dealing 

0870 458 4577 – telephone dealing 

Please note that the directors of the company are not seeking to 
encourage shareholders to either buy or sell their shares. 
Shareholders in any doubt as to what action to take are 
recommended to seek financial advice from an independent 
financial adviser authorised by the Financial Services and Markets 
Act 2000. 

Company secretary and registered office 
Michael Windle  
Citygate 
St James’ Boulevard 
Newcastle upon Tyne 
NE1 4JE 

Company registration number 125575 

Share price 
During the year ended 30 September 2012, the range of the 
closing mid-market prices of the company’s ordinary shares were: 

Price at 30 September 2012 

Lowest price during the year 

Highest price during the year 

107.7p

77.3p

116.0p

Daily information on the company’s share price can be obtained 
on our website or by telephoning: The Financial Times Cityline 
Service on 09068 432 750. 

Capital gains tax 
The market value of the company’s shares for capital gains tax 
purposes at 31 March 1982 was 2.03p. 

Website 
Website address www.graingerplc.co.uk 

Shareholders’ enquiries 
All administrative enquiries relating to shareholdings (for example, 
notification of change of address, loss of share certificates, 
dividend payments) should be addressed to the company’s 
registrar at: 
Capita IRG Plc 
Northern House 
Woodsome Park 
Fenay Bridge 
Huddersfield 
West Yorkshire 
HD8 0LA 

 
 
Shareholders’ information 

Financial calendar 

AGM  

Payment of 2012 final dividend  

Announcement of 2013 interim results  

Announcement of 2013 final results  

Share price 

6 February 2013

8 February 2013

May 2013

November 2013

Share dealing service 

A share dealing service is available to existing shareholders to buy 

or sell the company’s shares via Capita Share Dealing Services. 

Online and telephone dealing facilities provide an easy to access 

and simple to use service. 

please contact: 

For further information on this service, or to buy or sell shares, 

During the year ended 30 September 2012, the range of the 

www.capitadeal.com – online dealing 

closing mid-market prices of the company’s ordinary shares were: 

0870 458 4577 – telephone dealing 

Price at 30 September 2012 

Lowest price during the year 

Highest price during the year 

Service on 09068 432 750. 

Capital gains tax 

Daily information on the company’s share price can be obtained 

on our website or by telephoning: The Financial Times Cityline 

The market value of the company’s shares for capital gains tax 

purposes at 31 March 1982 was 2.03p. 

Website 

Website address www.graingerplc.co.uk 

Shareholders’ enquiries 

All administrative enquiries relating to shareholdings (for example, 

notification of change of address, loss of share certificates, 

dividend payments) should be addressed to the company’s 

107.7p

77.3p

116.0p

Please note that the directors of the company are not seeking to 

encourage shareholders to either buy or sell their shares. 

Shareholders in any doubt as to what action to take are 

recommended to seek financial advice from an independent 

financial adviser authorised by the Financial Services and Markets 

Company secretary and registered office 

Act 2000. 

Michael Windle  

Citygate 

St James’ Boulevard 

Newcastle upon Tyne 

NE1 4JE 

Company registration number 125575 

registrar at: 

Capita IRG Plc 

Northern House 

Woodsome Park 

Fenay Bridge 

Huddersfield 

West Yorkshire 

HD8 0LA 

Advisers 

Solicitors 
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 
65 Fleet Street 
London 
EC4Y 1HS 

Financial public relations 
FTI Consulting  
Holborn Gate 
26 Southampton Buildings 
London 
WC2A 1PB 

165

Banking 
Clearing Bank and Facility Agent 
Barclays Bank PLC 

Other bankers 
Allied Irish Banks plc 
Bank of America N.A. 
Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG 
HSBC Bank plc 
HSH Nordbank AG 
Hypothekenbank Frankfurt AG 
Lloyds TSB Bank plc 
M&G UK Companies Financing Fund LP 
Nationwide Building Society 
Santander UK plc  
SEB AG 
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc 
UniCredit Bank AG 

Independent auditors 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
89 Sandyford Road 
Newcastle upon Tyne  
NE1 8HW 

Stockbrokers 
JP Morgan Cazenove Limited 
25 Bank Street 
London 
E14 5JP 

Numis Securities Limited 
10 Paternoster Square 
London 
EC4M 7LT 

Registrars and transfer office 
Capita Registers plc 
Northern House 
Woodsome Park 
Fenay Bridge 
Huddersfield 
West Yorkshire 
HD8 0LA 

 
 
 
 
166

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Glossary of terms 

Property  

Assured periodic tenancy (‘APT’) 
Market-rented tenancy arising from 
succession from a regulated tenancy. 
Tenant has security of tenure.  

Assured shorthold tenancy (‘AST’) 
Market-rented tenancy where landlord 
may obtain possession if appropriate 
notice is served. 

Assured tenancy (‘AT’) 
Market-rented tenancy where tenant has 
the right to renew. 

Investment value (‘IV’) or market value 
Open market value of a property subject 
to relevant tenancy in place. 

Home reversion 
Rent free tenancy where tenant has the 
right of occupation until possession is 
forfeited (usually on death). If the tenant 
retains an equity interest in the property 
this is a partial life tenancy.  

PRS 
Private rented sector. 

Regulated tenancy 
Tenancy regulated under the 1977 Rent 
Act. Rent (usually sub-market) is set by the 
rent officer and the tenant has security of 
tenure. 

Tenanted residential (‘TR’) 
Activity covering the acquisition, renting 
out and subsequent sale (usually on 
vacancy) of residential units subject to a 
tenancy agreement. 

Vacant possession value (‘VP’ or ‘VPV’) 
Open market value of a property free 
from any tenancy. 

Corporate 

IFRS 
International Financial Reporting 
Standards, mandatory for UK-listed 
companies for accounting periods ending 
on or after 31 December 2005.  

Financial 

Cap 
Financial instrument which, in return for 
a fee, guarantees an upper limit for the 
interest rate on a loan.  

Contingent tax 
The amount of tax that would be payable 
should assets be sold at the market value 
shown in the market value balance sheet. 

Dividend cover 
Earnings per share divided by dividends 
per share. 

Earnings per share (‘EPS’) 
Profit after tax attributable to shareholders 
divided by the weighted average number 
of shares in issue in the year. 

Gearing 
The ratio of borrowings, net of cash, 
to market net asset value. 

Goodwill 
On acquisition of a company, the 
difference between the fair value of net 
assets acquired and the fair value of the 
purchase price paid. 

Gross net asset value (‘NAV’) 
Shareholders’ funds adjusted for the 
market value of property assets held as 
stock but before deduction for deferred 
tax on property revaluations and before 
adjustments for the fair value of 
derivatives. 

 
 
 
167

Glossary of terms 

Property  

Financial 

Cap 

Assured periodic tenancy (‘APT’) 

Regulated tenancy 

Market-rented tenancy arising from 

Tenancy regulated under the 1977 Rent 

Financial instrument which, in return for 

succession from a regulated tenancy. 

Act. Rent (usually sub-market) is set by the 

a fee, guarantees an upper limit for the 

Tenant has security of tenure.  

rent officer and the tenant has security of 

interest rate on a loan.  

Assured shorthold tenancy (‘AST’) 

tenure. 

Contingent tax 

Market-rented tenancy where landlord 

Tenanted residential (‘TR’) 

The amount of tax that would be payable 

may obtain possession if appropriate 

Activity covering the acquisition, renting 

should assets be sold at the market value 

notice is served. 

Assured tenancy (‘AT’) 

out and subsequent sale (usually on 

shown in the market value balance sheet. 

vacancy) of residential units subject to a 

tenancy agreement. 

Dividend cover 

Market-rented tenancy where tenant has 

Earnings per share divided by dividends 

the right to renew. 

Vacant possession value (‘VP’ or ‘VPV’) 

per share. 

Investment value (‘IV’) or market value 

Open market value of a property subject 

to relevant tenancy in place. 

Home reversion 

Rent free tenancy where tenant has the 

right of occupation until possession is 

forfeited (usually on death). If the tenant 

retains an equity interest in the property 

this is a partial life tenancy.  

PRS 

Private rented sector. 

Open market value of a property free 

from any tenancy. 

Corporate 

IFRS 

International Financial Reporting 

Standards, mandatory for UK-listed 

Earnings per share (‘EPS’) 

Profit after tax attributable to shareholders 

divided by the weighted average number 

of shares in issue in the year. 

Gearing 

The ratio of borrowings, net of cash, 

to market net asset value. 

companies for accounting periods ending 

Goodwill 

on or after 31 December 2005.  

On acquisition of a company, the 

difference between the fair value of net 

assets acquired and the fair value of the 

purchase price paid. 

Gross net asset value (‘NAV’) 

Shareholders’ funds adjusted for the 

market value of property assets held as 

stock but before deduction for deferred 

tax on property revaluations and before 

adjustments for the fair value of 

derivatives. 

Return on shareholders’ equity 
Growth in NNNAV in the year plus the 
dividend per share relating to each year as 
a percentage of opening NNNAV. 

Swap 
Financial instrument to protect against 
interest rate movements. 

Total shareholder return (‘TSR’) 
Return attributable to shareholders on the 
basis of share price growth with 
dividends reinvested. 

Weighted average cost of capital 
(‘WACC’) 
The weighted average cost of funding the 
group’s activities through a combination of 
shareholders’ funds and debt. 

Hedging 
The use of financial instruments to 
protect against interest rate movements. 

Interest cover 
Profit on ordinary activities before interest 
and tax divided by net interest payable.  

Loan to value (‘LTV’) 
Ratio of net debt to the market value 
of properties.  

Net net net asset value (triple net or 
‘NNNAV’) 
Gross NAV adjusted for deferred tax and 
those contingent tax liabilities which 
would accrue if assets were sold at market 
value and for the fair value of long-term 
debt and derivatives. 

Return on capital employed 
Operating profit after net valuation 
movements on investment properties plus 
the share of results from joint venture/ 
associates plus the movement on the 
uplift of trading stock to market value 
as a percentage of opening gross capital 
defined as investment property, financial 
interest in property assets (CHARM), 
investment in joint venture/associates 
and trading stock at market value. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
168

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Corporate addresses

Ipswich
42a Barrack Square
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP5 3RF

Luxembourg
16 Avenue Pasteur
L-2310
Luxembourg

Germany
Weissfrauenstrasse 12-16
Entrance: Friedenstrasse 6-10
60311 Frankfurt am Main
Hesse
Germany

Newcastle
Citygate
St James’ Boulevard
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4JE
Tel: 0191 261 1819

London
161 Brompton Road
Knightsbridge
London
SW3 1QP
Tel: 020 7795 4700

Birmingham
Elm House
Edgbaston Park
351 Bristol Road
Birmingham
B5 7SW

Putney
1st Floor
SWISH Building
73-75 Upper Richmond Road
London
SW15 2SR

Manchester
St John’s House
Barrington Road
Altrincham
Cheshire
WA14 1TJ

Grainger plc  
Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Our business is to provide investors with a range of 
returns from the residential sector. Our wholly-owned 
portfolio and assets under management provide 
balanced income streams from Sales, Rents and Fees.
With over 100 years experience Grainger is uniquely 
placed to take a leading role in, and benefit from, 
shifts in the residential property market. 
All of our activities are underpinned by our core 
skills in property and asset management and by 
long-term relationships with our partners.

grainger = residential 

Designed and produced by Radley Yeldar
www.ry.com

View our website
www.graingerplc.co.uk

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Annual Report and Accounts 2012

grainger = residential