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Holders Technology plc

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FY2012 Annual Report · Holders Technology plc
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Holders Technology 
Annual Report & Accounts 2012 

Specialised Materials, LED Components and Lighting Solutions 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year in brief 

Holders  Technology  supplies  special  laminates  and  materials  for  printed  circuit  boards,  and 
operates as a LED solutions provider to the lighting and industrial markets.   

The  overall  results  for  2012  were  mixed:    the  PCB  divisions  faced  challenging  market  conditions 
throughout  2012,  especially  during  the  first  half  of  the  year.    PCB  operations  in  China  were 
significantly  restructured,  resulting  in  a  non-cash  impairment  cost.    The  LED  divisions  overall 
performed well and made a positive contribution.    

Holders Technology recorded the following results: 

  Revenue 21% lower at £15.6m 

  PCB revenue 30% lower; LED revenue 27% higher 

  Margins 1.6% higher at 24.6% 

  Overheads reduced by £355,000 

 

Impairment costs for China PCB operations £287,000 

  Group Loss before impairment costs £78,000 

  Group Loss after impairment costs £365,000 

  Cash balances £700,000.  No debt. 

  Proposed final dividend 1.0 pence per share 

Contents 

Chairman’s statement 
Operating review 
Company information 
Report of the directors 
Directors’ remuneration report 
Corporate governance 
Report of the independent auditors to the members of Holders Technology plc 
Consolidated income statement 
Statement of comprehensive income 
Consolidated statements of changes in equity 
Balance sheets 
Cash flow statements 
Notes to the financial statements 
Notice of annual general meeting 
Five year summary   

Page 
1 
2 
6 
7 
10 
11 
13 
14 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
44  
     48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Review 

Chairman’s statement 

In  the  Chairman’s  Statement  accompanying  the 
Report  and  Accounts  for  the  year  to  30th  November 
2011  I  said,  “We  see  the  forthcoming  year  as one  of 
both  significant  challenge  and  great  opportunity”.  
Those words proved to be well chosen in that our PCB 
operations faced severe challenges particularly in the 
first half of the year, while our LED activities achieved  
significant sales growth and, for the first time, made a 
positive contribution to the overall Group result. 

impacting  both 

Our PCB activities continue to maintain their position 
in  the  markets  they  serve  but  inevitably  they  have 
been  adversely  affected  by  the  continuing  economic 
the  UK  and  Europe 
problems 
generally.  In total our PCB sales in the year declined 
by 30% but margin was maintained. Given the severe 
difficulties we experienced in the first half of the year 
it is pleasing to be able to report that some recovery 
was  seen  in  the  second  half  of  the  year.    Further 
reductions  in  overheads  combined  with  continuing 
successful  efforts  to  redeploy  PCB  staff  to  our  LED 
operations  ameliorated  the  full  potential  impact  of 
this marked fall in sales.   

By contrast the general LED market is expanding, as a 
result  of  technical  performance  improvements  and 
market acceptance of their economic benefits.  These 
factors  taken  together  give  us  grounds  for  expecting 
that  this  market  will  see  continuing  substantial 
growth.  In  the  year  to  30th  November  2012  our  LED 
sales grew by 27% and margins increased by 11%; our 
LED  activities  now  contribute  26%  of  total  Group 
margin.   

Our  Chinese  and  Indian  ventures  were  entered  into 
largely  to  service  certain  of  our  PCB  customers  who, 
at  the  time,  required  support  in  these  markets.    The 
venture in China also facilitated the sourcing of lower 
cost  Far Eastern products for the Group to distribute 
in Europe.   

While the Group has seen past benefits from both of 
these  areas  of  activity,  changing  market  conditions 
have  required  us  to  critically  appraise  our  Chinese 
operations.    The  ability  to  utilise  our  Chinese  and 
Indian  low  cost  assembly  operations  to  enable  our 
European  LED  activities  to  offer  customised  lighting 
solutions is of benefit and will be retained.  However, 
our Chinese PCB activities no longer offer the same  

prospects  and  we  have  therefore  restructured  our 
Chinese  operations.    The  details  of  the  non-cash 
impairment  cost  of  this  restructuring  amounting  to 
£287,000 in total, are set out in the Financial Review 
which follows this Statement.   

As  a  Group  our  general  strategy  remains  unchanged; 
we seek to maintain our position in the PCB markets 
we  serve  while  further  expanding  our  LED  activities. 
As part of this policy during the last year we entered 
the  market 
lighting  and 
for  energy  efficient 
encouraging  progress  has  been  made  particularly  in 
the retail area.  

Implementing  change  is  difficult  and  disruptive  and 
the  cooperation  of  our  staff  in  assisting  the  process 
within  the  Group  has  been  vital  in  achieving  the 
progress  we  have  made;  on  behalf  of  the  Board  and 
shareholders  I  would  like  to  thank  them  for  their 
continuing commitment. 

As a Board we have carefully considered the outcome 
for the year to 30th November 2012, the prospects for 
the future and the company’s strong cash position.  In 
light  of  these  factors  we  consider  it  both  justifiable 
and  prudent  to  recommend  a  final  dividend  of  1.0p 
per share. 

Inevitably  having  a  30th  November  year  end  will 
always result in a slow start to our Financial Year but I 
can  report  that  the  opening  months  of  the  current 
year  have  seen  trading  at better  levels  than  resulted 
from  the  very  difficult  conditions  we  experienced  in 
the opening months of the  preceding year.  The cost 
reductions  already  implemented  across  the  Group, 
which have included salary sacrifices by the plc board, 
will  further  benefit  the  financial  results  for  the  first 
half of the current year. 

We  believe  our  PCB  activities  can  maintain  their 
relative position and be of continuing major benefit to 
the  Group.  The  growing  opportunities  we  see  in  our 
LED  markets  coupled  with  the  commitment  of  our 
staff and the strength of our balance  sheet leaves  us 
well  placed  to  make  further  progress  in  this  area. 
Overall  we  expect  a  stronger  performance  by  the 
Group in the current year. 

R W Weinreich  
Executive Chairman 
14 March 2013 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Review 

Operating review 

Corporate strategy 
Holders is committed to maintaining its position in the 
PCB industry, and increasing  sales and profitability in 
LED lighting. 

The  board  seeks  to  enhance  shareholder  value  over 
the  medium  to  long  term,  whilst  maintaining  a 
conservative 
  Where  an 
opportunity to increase market share is identified, this 
internally 
is  addressed  within 
generated cash flow and bank facilities.   

the  bounds  of 

framework. 

financial 

Product strategy 
Holders has operated for many years as a distributor 
of specialised materials and equipment to the printed 
circuit  board  (PCB)  industry.    The  European  PCB 
industry  has  strengths  in  the  defence,  aerospace, 
automotive and medical sectors, while the Far East is 
dominant 
in  the  production  of  consumer-related 
electronics. 

Holders continues to pursue its PCB strategy based on 
dual  positioning:  both  as  a 
low-cost  source  of 
standard products used throughout the industry; and 
as  an  exclusive  supplier  of  technically  sophisticated 
products to the PCB sector. 

The two elements of this strategy are interdependent 
and  complementary.    The  high  volumes  achieved  on 
standard products ensure a competitive cost-base for 
this  part  of  the  business  thus  enabling  the  territorial 
coverage  and  technical  support  levels  required  to 
support  customers  who  manufacture  sophisticated 
niche products. 

In addition to the PCB industry, Holders operates as a 
LED  solutions  provider  to  the  lighting  and  industrial 
markets.  The product offering ranges from single LED 
components,  to  semi  assembled 
light  modules, 
through  to  finished  LED  lighting  products.    Holders 
continues to expand its LED product range for the LED 
lighting  sector,  as  well  as  developing  a  range  of 
modules tailored to customers’ requirements.   

As  well  as  specialising  in  LED  solutions,  Holders  has 
furthered  broadened  its  product  portfolio,  to  include 
lighting 
the  offering  of  other  energy  efficient 
solutions, such as fluorescent lighting.  

Economic environment 
In 2012, the PCB industry faced a difficult year, due to 
the  economic  problems  within  the  Eurozone.    With 
the  private  sector  facing  reduced  demand  and  the 
public sector reducing investment, PCB manufacturers 
have experienced a marked slowdown in business.  

both 

resulting 

The LED industry in 2012 continued to experience an 
oversupply  of  LEDs  and  strong  competition  between 
continuous 
manufacturers, 
downward  pressure  on  prices  of  LED  components.  
The  reduction  in  prices  coupled  with  the  efficiencies 
now available from LED technology is expected to lead 
to an increasing uptake of LED lighting products across 
both the commercial and domestic markets.  

in 

PCB operations 

UK  
UK  trading  operations  are  based 
in  Galashiels, 
Scotland.    The  PCB  industry  in  the  UK  is  oriented 
towards  the  aerospace  and  defence  industries,  both 
of  which  require  a  broad  range  of  products.   The  UK 
market  deteriorated  in  2012,  resulting  in  a  fall  in 
revenue to £4.1m.  (2011: £5.1m) 

Germany 
The  German  PCB  industry  is  particularly  driven  by 
demand from the automotive and solar sectors.  2012 
was a difficult year for the German market, leading to 
a fall in revenue to £7.0m. (2011: £10.6m) 

LED & Lighting products 

UK/Scandinavia 
In  addition,  to  its  PCB  business,  Holders  Technology 
UK has three LED trading divisions. 

Holders  Components  specialises  in  providing  LED 
solutions  both  to  the  general  lighting  market  and  to 
selected industrial and commercial market  segments.  
Over the last year, sales have increased significantly in 
the UK market.  

Opteon  offers  a  range  of  LED  products  to  the 
electrical wholesale market.  Trading for the year was 
modest but showed an increase in profitability. 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Review 

Operating review (continued) 

range  of  energy  efficient 

NRGstar,  which  commenced  trading  in  March  2012, 
lighting 
offers  a 
technologies, focussing on the Retail and Commercial 
market segments.  NRGstar commences 2013 with an 
encouraging  sales  pipeline  of  blue  chip  retail  and 
commercial customers. 

Continental Europe  
In  Germany,  Holders  Components  and  Opteon  are 
trading  divisions  of  Holders  Technology  GmbH  and 
these divisions serve the rest of the European market.  
During  the  last  year,  both  divisions  increased  their 
product offering and expanded their customer base in 
the German speaking markets.  

Far East  
Far  East  operations  comprise:  Topgrow  Technologies 
Limited  (Topgrow),  a  Hong  Kong  based  holding 
company,  and  Dongguan  Hui  Zhan  Electronic 
Company (DHZ), based in Dongguan, Southern China.   

DHZ provides LED lighting assembly  services  and PCB 
materials.  

As  a  result  of  market  conditions,  the  ongoing  PCB 
business in China was re-appraised.  This resulted in a 
non  cash  impairment  charge  of  £287,000.    Further 
details are shown in the Financial Review.  In 2013, we 
anticipate  further  growth  on  the  LED  side  of  the 
business and reduced business on the PCB side. 

Revenue  from  Far  East  operations  increased  in  2012 
from £1.5m to £2.0m. 

India  
Holders  Technology  (India)  Private  Limited  provides 
materials and services to the local PCB industry and is 
also  now  providing  LED  lighting  assembly  services  to 
European customers.  The company has continued to 
make satisfactory progress. 

Victoria Blaisdell 
Group Managing Director 
14 March 2013 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Review 

Financial review 

Key performance indicators 
The  directors  believe 
following  key 
that 
performance  indicators  are  of  most  significance  to 
assessment of the group’s performance  and financial 
position: 

the 

level  of  turnover  provides  an 

 Revenue  
The 
important 
indication  of  the  strength  of  the  group’s  product 
range and coverage.   

 Profitability  
Profitability is largely a function of the gross margins 
achieved  and  management’s  success  in  containing 
administrative expenses in relation to turnover.   

 Gearing and liquidity  
The  group  operates  in  a  cyclical  industry  and  the 
directors  have  consistently  applied  a  conservative 
approach to financing the group’s activities.  The key 
measures are net liquid funds and gearing, which are 
described in more detail below. 

Revenue 
Group  revenue  from  continuing  operations  reduced 
from  £19.6m  to  £15.6m.    PCB  revenue  reduced  by 
£5.0m and LED revenue increased by £0.9m. 

Profitability 
The  operating  result  before  exceptional  items  was  a 
loss  of  £0.1m  compared  to  a  profit  £0.4m  in  2011.  
The gross profit margin was 24.6% compared to 23.0% 
in 2011. 

reviewed. 

During  the  year  the  Group’s  China  PCB  operations 
  The  operations  have  been 
were 
restructured  and  the  non-profitable  elements  will  be 
discontinued. 
in  a  non-cash 
  This  has  resulted 
impairment  cost  totalling  £287,000.      Details  are 
shown in note 7 of the financial statements. 

Total  administrative  expenses  were  reduced  by 
£355,000  compared  to  2012.    However,  due  to  the 
lower  sales 
levels,  the  administration  cost  as  a 
proportion  of  revenue  increased  from  19.5%  in  2012 
to  22.7%  in  2012.    Cost  savings  made  during  2012 
should further reduce overhead costs in 2013.   

The group loss before tax, after including exceptional 
items, was £0.4m compared with £0.4m profit before 
tax last year.  

Post tax result 
The loss for the financial year after tax, attributable to 
equity  shareholders  was  £0.4m  (2011:  profit  of 
£0.4m).  The basic loss per share was 9.49p per share 
(2011:  profit  6.70p  per  share).    The  fully  diluted  loss 
per share was 9.49p per share (2011: profit 6.63p per 
share).   

Dividends 
The board proposes a final dividend of 1.0p per share 
to  be  paid  on  21  May  2013  to  shareholders  on  the 
register  on  1  May  2013.    Including  the  1.0p  interim 
dividend  already  paid  on  2  October  2012  the  total 
dividend for 2012 would be 2.0p (2011: 5.35p).   

Principal risks and uncertainties 
The  directors  believe  that  the  following  are  the 
principal risks and uncertainties faced by the group: 

 Competition  
Both the PCB and LED sectors are highly competitive 
and the group faces competition from a wide range 
of companies.   The group continually seeks out  the 
most cost-effective sources for its products in order 
to remain competitive. 

 Customers 
The  group  is  exposed  to  the  risk  of  bad  debts.  
Within the major European markets, the group uses 
credit  analysis  data  to  monitor  customer  risk  levels 
  Credit 
and  maintain  appropriate  credit 
insurance  is  used  for  UK  customers  where  it  is 
available. 

limits. 

 Suppliers  
As  with  any  distribution  business,  the  group  is 
dependent  on  maintaining  supply.    The  group  has 
diversified  its  product  range  and  sources  in  order 
not to be overly dependent on any single supplier. 

Cash flow, liquidity and financing 
As a result of the reduced sales levels the group was 
able  to  reduce  stock  levels  from  £3.8m  in  2011  to 
£3.2m in 2012.   

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Review 

Financial review (continued) 

The  group  maintains  overdraft  and  trade  financing 
facilities  with  its  banks  to  meet  short  term  financing  
requirements 
European 
the 
requirements  were  denominated  in  euros.      At  30 
November  2012,  the  group  had  net  cash  of  £0.7m 
compared with £0.1m at the previous year end. 

during 

year. 

forward  USD  purchase  contracts  totalling  £587,000 
were held as detailed in note 21.   

Conclusion 
The  group  continues  to  operate  a  conservative 
financial policy, which leaves it well placed to benefit 
from future growth opportunities. 

At 30 November 2012 the group had net liquid funds 
(trade  and  other  receivables  plus  cash minus  current 
liabilities)  of  £1.6m  compared  to  £1.4m 
in  the 
preceding year.  

Paul Geraghty 
Group Finance Director 

Net  assets  per  ordinary  share  at  30  November  2012 
were £1.24 compared with £1.44 in 2011. 

14 March 2013 

Derivatives and other financial instruments 
Operations  are  financed  by  a  mixture  of  retained 
profits and overdrafts.  The board’s current policy is to 
use  variable  rate  overdraft  facilities  in  order  to 
maintain short term flexibility. At 30 November 2012, 
the  group  had  gearing,  being  debt  divided  by  debt 
plus shareholders’ funds, of 0.0% (2012: 0.4%). 

The group’s financial instruments, other than forward 
currency  contracts,  comprise  borrowings,  cash  and 
items,  such  as  trade  receivables  and  payables  that 
arise  directly  from  its  operations.    The  main  purpose 
of these instruments is to raise finance for operations. 

It  is,  and  has  been  throughout  the  period  under 
review, the group’s policy that no trading in financial 
instruments shall be undertaken. 

Currency risk and exposure 
The group enters into derivatives transactions, in the 
form  of  forward  currency  contracts  that  are  used  to 
manage  the  currency  risks  arising  from  purchases 
from foreign suppliers where the products are sold in 
local  currencies.    Forward  currency  contracts  have 
also  been  used  to  reduce  the  company’s  foreign 
currency exposure when it has provided euro loans to 
finance its European subsidiaries. 

The  overseas  sales  operations  are  in  the  European 
Community, China and India. The group has currency 
exposures in US dollars, euros, Hong Kong dollars and 
the  Chinese  Renminbi. 
  Although  day  to  day 
transactional  exposures  are  regularly  covered  by 
forward  contracts,  the  group  has  an  underlying 
exposure, particularly to the euro.   At the year end  

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance 

Company information 

Directors 

R W Weinreich, Executive Chairman  
V M Blaisdell, BSc, Group Managing Director 
P K I Geraghty BSc, ACA, Group Finance Director  
D A Mahony, BA (Econ), MSc, Non-Executive Director 

Secretary 

P K I Geraghty BSc, ACA  

Registered office 

Elstree House 
Elstree Way 
Borehamwood 
Hertfordshire WD6 1SD 

Website 

www.holderstechnology.com 

Registered number 

1730535 

Auditors 

Bankers 

Registrars 

Grant Thornton UK LLP 
101 Cambridge Science Park 
Milton Road 
Cambridge CB4 0FY 

HSBC 
City CBC 
60 Queen Victoria Street 
London EC4N 4TR 

Neville Registrars 
Neville House 
18 Laurel Lane 
Halesowen 
West Midlands B63 3DA 

Nominated Advisor and 
Broker 

Northland Capital Partners Limited 
60 Gresham Street 
London 
EC2V 7BB 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance 

Report of the directors  

Principal activities 
The principal activity of the group is to provide specialised materials,  components, finished goods and services for 
the electronics and lighting sectors. 

Business review and future developments 
A review of the year and likely developments is contained in the Chairman’s Statement and the Business Review. 

Results and dividends 
The  group  made  a  loss  after  taxation  for  the  financial  year  attributable  to  shareholders of  £374,000  (2011:  profit 
£264,000). 

Full  details  are  contained  in  the  consolidated  income  statement  on  page  14.   The  directors  have  proposed  a  final 
dividend of 1.0p per share payable on 21 May 2013 to shareholders on the register at close of business on  1 May 
2013.    The  total  dividend  for  the  year,  including  the  interim  dividend  of  1.0p  (2011:  2.1p)  per  share  paid  on  2 
October 2012, amounts to £79,000 (2011: £211,000), which is equivalent to 2.0p (2011: 5.35p) per share. 

Payment of suppliers 
The group’s policy is to use its best endeavours to settle with suppliers in accordance with agreed payment terms.  
For  the  group,  the  average  number  of  days’  credit  taken  from  trade  suppliers  at  30  November  2012  was  36  days 
(2011: 30 days).  For the company, the average number of days credit taken from trade suppliers at 30 November 
2012 was nil days (2011: nil days).  

Financial risk management 
Details of the group’s financial risk management are contained in note 4 to the financial statements. 

Directors 
The directors currently holding office are listed on page 6, all of whom served throughout the year.  The beneficial 
shareholdings of the directors at 30 November 2012 are set out in note 28 to the financial statements. 

Rudi Weinreich, aged 66, Chairman and Chief Executive, was born in Austria.  He has been responsible for all aspects 
of  the  business  since  he  started  it  in  1972,  particularly  the  assessment  of  new  products  and  distributorship 
agreements. 

Victoria Blaisdell, aged 40, joined the Group in 2004 and is now Group Managing Director.  She has worked in the IT 
industry  for  over  12  years  and  has  previously  worked  in  several  countries  as  a  Senior  Consultant  for  American 
Management Systems Inc. 

Paul Geraghty, aged 52, joined the Group in 2012 as Group Finance Director and Company Secretary.  He previously 
held senior financial roles in engineering companies, including Elektron Components Limited and Protec plc. 

David Mahony, aged 69, is the Senior Non-executive Director, appointed in 1988.  He is chairman of Opsec Security 
Group plc. 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance 

Report of the directors (continued) 

Substantial shareholdings 
At 12  March  2013  the  company had been informed of the following interests, in addition to the interests of R W 
Weinreich, amounting to 3% or more in the issued ordinary share capital of the company, excluding treasury shares: 

Andre Marcou 
Armstrong Investments Limited 
Rath Dhu Limited 
Stockinvest Limited 
Hugh S Pearson Gregory 

Number  % 

447,000 
275,000 
272,500 
171,500 
136,109 

11.35% 
6.98% 
6.92% 
4.35% 
3.45% 

Annual General Meeting 
The  Annual  General  Meeting  of  the  Company  will  be  held  at  Elstree  House,  Elstree  Way,  Borehamwood, 
Hertfordshire WD6 1SD at 11.30 a.m. on 26 April 2013.   

Special business at the Annual General Meeting 
An ordinary resolution (set out as resolution 6 in the Notice of the Annual General Meeting) will be proposed to give 
the  directors  authority  to  allot  1,386,517  ordinary  shares  being  approximately  33%  of  the  issued  ordinary  share 
capital  of  the  company  as  at  the  date  of  this  report  which  includes  295,000  ordinary  shares  being  the  maximum 
number  of  shares  the  company  may  be  obliged  to  issue  under  its  employee  share  option  scheme.  The  authority, 
when  given,  will  expire  at  the  conclusion  of  next  year's  annual  general  meeting.    The  directors  have  no  present 
intention of exercising this authority. 

A special resolution (set out as resolution 7 in the Notice of Annual General Meeting) will be proposed to empower 
the directors to allot  securities  of the  company up to a specified amount  in connection with rights  issues without 
having to obtain prior approval from shareholders on each occasion and also to allot a smaller number of these for 
cash without first being required to offer such shares to existing shareholders.  The number of ordinary shares which 
may  be  issued  for  cash  under  the  latter  authority  will  not  exceed  207,978  being  approximately  5%  of  the  issued 
ordinary share capital of the company as at the date of this report.  The proposed power will expire at the conclusion 
of next year's Annual General Meeting. 

A special resolution (set out as resolution 8 in the Notice of Annual General Meeting) will be proposed to authorise 
the company to buy on the open market up to 393,955 ordinary shares of 10p each, representing 10% of the issued 
ordinary  share  capital  of  the  company  as  at  the  date  of  this  report,  excluding  treasury  shares.    The  directors,  in 
reaching  any  decision  to  purchase  ordinary  shares,  will  take  into  account  the  company’s  cash  resources,  capital 
requirements and the effect of any purchase on earnings per share. 

Going Concern 
The company’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and 
position are set out in the Business Review on page 3. The financial position of the company, its cash flows, liquidity 
position and borrowing facilities are described in the Financial Review on page 5. In addition, notes 2, 3, 4, 21 and 26 
to  the  financial  statements  include  the  company’s  objectives,  policies  and  processes  for  managing  its  capital;  its 
financial risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments and hedging activities; and its exposures to 
credit risk and liquidity risk. 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance 

Report of the directors (continued) 

The  company  has  good  financial  resources  together  with  a  number  of  customers  and  suppliers  across  different 
geographic areas and industries. As a consequence, the directors believe that the company is well placed to manage 
its business risks successfully despite the current uncertain economic outlook. 

Statement of directors' responsibilities 
The  directors  are  responsible  for  preparing  the  Directors’ 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 to prepare the financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union (IFRSs). 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 and profit or loss of the company 
and group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to: 
 
  make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 
 

state whether applicable IFRSs have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained 
in the financial statements; 
prepare  the  financial  statements  on  the  going  concern  basis  unless  it  is  inappropriate  to  presume  that  the 
company will continue in business. 

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

 

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

The directors confirm that: 
 

so far as each of the directors is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditors 
are unaware; and 
the directors have taken all 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 auditors are aware of that information. 

 

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included 
on  the  company’s  website.  Legislation  in  the  United  Kingdom  governing  the  preparation  and  dissemination  of 
financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.  

Directors’ indemnity arrangements 
The company has purchased and maintained throughout the year directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in respect 
of its directors. The directors also have the benefit of the indemnity provision contained in the company’s Articles of 
Association. These provisions, which are qualifying third party indemnity provisions as defined by the Companies Act, 
were in force since 30 April 2007, and are currently in force. 

Auditors 
The auditors, Grant Thornton UK LLP, are willing to continue in office as auditors of the company and a resolution to 
reappoint them will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. 

By order of the board 

Paul Geraghty 
Secretary   
14 March 2013 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance 

Directors’ remuneration report  

The directors present  the directors’ remuneration report for the financial year ended 30 November  2012.   As the 
company is listed on AIM, it does not have to comply with the requirements of the remuneration report contained in 
the listing rules. 

Remuneration policy 
The company policy is to design prudent executive remuneration packages to attract, motivate and retain directors 
of  a  high  calibre  and  to  reward  them  for  enhancing  value  to  shareholders.    The  determination  of  the  annual 
remuneration packages of the senior executive directors and key members of senior management are undertaken as 
set out in the corporate governance report on page 11. 

There are three main elements of the remuneration packages of the executive directors: 

  Basic annual salary and benefits; 
  Share option incentives; and 
  Pension arrangements. 

The  company  believes  that  share  option  incentives  encourage  long  term  commitment  to  shareholder  value  and 
ensure that rewards for executive directors and senior managers are aligned with the interests of shareholders. 

There is no company pension scheme in place.  Contributions are made to the personal pension schemes of certain 
directors. 

Executive  directors  may  accept  up  to  two  external  non-executive  appointments,  as  long  as  these  are  not  with 
competing  companies  and  are  not  likely  to  lead  to  conflicts  of  interest.    This  policy  is  followed  where  such 
appointments would beneficially broaden experience and knowledge. 

Executive directors’ remuneration and terms of appointment 
Base salaries are reviewed annually and are set to reflect responsibilities, experience and marketability.  Regard is 
also  given  to  the  level  of  rewards  made  in  the  year  to  staff.    The  mechanism  for  supervising  the  company  share 
option scheme and the granting of options under it is as set out in the corporate governance report on page 11. 

None of the directors have service contracts with a notice period exceeding one year.  Each director is entitled to 
contributions  to  personal  pension  schemes  and  benefits  in  kind,  which  include  car  allowance  and  private  health 
insurance. 

Non-executive directors’ remuneration  
The  fees  paid  to  non-executive  directors  are  determined  by  the  board.    Non-executive  directors  are  normally 
appointed for an initial period of three years.  Appointments are made subject to retirement by rotation or removal 
under  the  company’s  articles  of  association.    Non-executive  directors  do  not  participate  in  the  company's  option 
scheme. 

Details of the directors’ remuneration, pension entitlements, shareholdings and share options are included in note 
25 to the financial statements. 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance 

Corporate governance 

independent. 

Board composition and responsibility 
During  the  year  the  board  comprised  three  executive 
directors and one non-executive director.  None of the 
directors  are 
  The  appointment  of 
another  non-executive  director  will  be  considered 
when  it  is  judged  appropriate.    Given  the  size  of  the 
company  it  is  not  considered  by  the  board  that  it  is 
either  necessary  or  appropriate  to  incur  the  cost  of 
employing  a  separate  chairman.    All  directors  are 
required  to  retire  and  submit  themselves  for  re-
election  at  three  yearly  intervals.    No  director  has  a 
service agreement requiring more than twelve months 
notice of termination to be given. 

approval, 

information 

All  directors  receive  management 
in 
advance  of  board  meetings,  which  are  held  monthly, 
the  board  visits  subsidiary  companies  as 
and 
appropriate.  There  is a schedule of matters  requiring 
board 
strategy, 
acquisitions  and  disposals,  key  appointments  and 
group  funding  strategy.    All  directors  have  access  to 
the advice and services of the Company Secretary (and 
there are processes in place enabling directors to take 
independent legal advice at the company’s expense in 
the furtherance of their duties). 

corporate 

including 

The  following  table  shows  the  number  of  scheduled 
board and board committee meetings held during the 
year  ended  30  November  2012  and  details  of  each 
director’s attendance. 

Number held 
R Weinreich 
V Blaisdell 
D Mahony 
P Geraghty 

Board 
11 
11 
10 
11 
11 

Audit 
2 
1 
1 
2 
2 

Remuneration 
1 
- 
- 
1 
- 

the 

interim  and 

 Audit Committee 
The  Group  Finance  Director  and  the  Non-executive 
Director  act  as  the  audit  committee  which 
is 
responsible for reviewing a range of financial matters, 
final  accounts,  and 
including 
monitoring  the  controls  which  are  in  force  to  ensure 
the  integrity  of  the  financial  information  reported  to 
the shareholders.  The committee reviews the need for 
internal audit on an annual basis and, due  to the size 
of the company, the committee believes that the cost 
of introducing this function would outweigh any  

perceived  benefits.    The  audit  committee  has  met 
twice  in  the  year.    The  Non-executive  Director  meets 
separately with the auditors as part of such meetings. 

Remuneration Committee  
During the year, the Non-executive Director has acted 
as the sole member of the remuneration committee. 

The principal function of the remuneration committee 
is  to  determine  on  behalf  of  the  board  the 
remuneration  and  other  benefits  of  the  executive 
directors,  including  pensions,  share  options,  service 
  The 
contracts  and 
remuneration  policy  and  key  elements  of 
the 
remuneration  packages  of  the  executive  directors  are 
included  in  the  Directors’  Remuneration  Report  on 
page 10.  

compensation  payments. 

the 

The  principal  objectives  of 
remuneration 
committee  in  respect  of  executive  directors  and  the 
board  in  respect  of  the  company  as  a  whole  are  to 
ensure  that  the  company's  senior  management 
remuneration  policies  and  practice  facilitate  the 
recruitment,  retention  and  motivation  of  top  quality 
personnel  and  to  ensure  that  senior  management 
remuneration  operates  on  a  best-practice  basis, 
aligning,  where  practicable,  the  remuneration  of 
executives with the interests of shareholders. 

Each of the company's executive directors is subject to 
an annual appraisal of their performance as executives 
which is conducted by the Non-executive Director. 

Board nominations 
The  company  has  formal  procedures  for  making 
appointments to the board and these would be applied 
to  ensure  that  any  new  appointments  that  might  be 
made meet the desired criteria. 

Shareholder relationships 
The  objective  of  the  board  is  to  create  increased 
shareholder value by growing the business in a manner 
that delivers sustainable improvement in earnings over 
the medium and long term. 

The  board  regards  the  annual  general  meeting  as  an 
important  opportunity  to  communicate  with  private 
investors  in  particular.    Directors  make  themselves 
available  to  shareholders  both  before  and  after  the 
annual general meeting and at other times. 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance 

Corporate governance (continued) 

Internal Control 
The  system  of  internal  controls  established  by  the 
directors  is  intended  to  be  comprehensive,  although 
the limitations of any system of control is such that it 
is  designed  to  manage  rather  than  eliminate  the  risk 
of  failure  to  achieve  business  objectives  and  to 
provide  a  reasonable,  rather  than  absolute,  level  of 
assurance against material misstatement or loss.  The 
directors  acknowledge  their  responsibilities  for  the 
group’s  system  of  internal  control  and  for  reviewing 
its effectiveness. 

The  principal  features  of  the  system  of  internal 
financial controls are: 

  budgetary  control  over  all  operating  units, 

measuring performance against pre- 

  determined targets on at least a monthly basis; 

 

regular  forecasting  and  reviews  covering  trading 
performance, assets, liabilities and cash flows; 

  delegated 
financial 
expenditure and recruitment; 

limits  of  authority  covering  key 
capital 
commitments 

including 

 

identification  and  management  of  key  business 
risks. 

The  board  continually  reviews  the  effectiveness  of 
financial, 
other 
risk 
operational, 
management. 

compliance 

including 

controls, 

controls 

internal 

and 

Financial reporting 
  A detailed formal budgeting process for all group 
businesses culminates in an annual group budget 
which  is  approved  by  the  board.    Results  for  the 
company  and  for  its  main  constituent  businesses 
are reported monthly to the board against this  

budget  and  revised  forecasts  for  the  year  are 
prepared each quarter. 

Financial and accounting principles 
  A  comprehensive 

financial  and  accounting 
controls  manual  sets  out  the  principles  of  and 
minimum  standards  required  by  the  board  for 
effective  financial  control.    The  manual  sets  out 
the 
financial  and  accounting  policies  and 
procedures  to  be  applied  throughout  the  group. 
Compliance  with  the  policies  and  procedures  set 
out in the manual is reviewed on a regular basis. 

Internal financial controls assurance 
 

In addition to the existing procedures, during the 
year  senior  executives  have  prepared  detailed 
reports on the operation of those elements of the 
system for which they are responsible. 

Capital investment 
  The  group  has  clearly  defined  guidelines  for 
include  annual 
capital  expenditure. 
budgets, 
review 
procedures,  levels  of  authority  and  due  diligence 
requirements  where  businesses  are  being 
acquired.   

  These 
appraisals 

detailed 

and 

Turnbull risk assessment 
  The  group  has 

implemented  a  process  for 
identifying,  reporting  and  assessing  risk  at  each 
subsidiary. 
  The  board  regularly  reviews  the 
subsidiaries’ risk assessments. 

The  directors  confirm  that  they  have  reviewed  the 
effectiveness  of  the  system  of  internal  controls  in 
operation during the year and the period to the date 
of the approval of the annual report and accounts. 

The board is committed to the principles of openness, 
integrity and accountability in dealing with the 
company's affairs.  It believes it has always acted with 
probity in the best interests of the company, its 
employees and shareholders and fully intends to 
continue to do so in the future. 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Governance 

Independent auditor's report to the members of Holders Technology plc  

We  have  audited  the  financial  statements  of  Holders  Technology  plc  for  the  year  ended  30  November  2012  which 
comprise the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, group and company 
statements  of  changes in  equity,  group  and  company balance  sheets,  the  group  and  company  statements  of cash flow, 
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 and, as regards the parent company 
financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. 

This  report  is  made  solely  to  the  company’s  members,  as  a  body,  in  accordance  with  Chapter  3  of  Part  16  of  the 
Companies  Act  2006.  Our  audit  work  has  been  undertaken  so  that  we  might  state  to  the  company’s  members  those 
matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted 
by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a 
body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

Respective Responsibilities of Directors and Auditors 
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 9, the directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the 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 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  (APB’s)  Ethical 
Standards for Auditors. 

Scope of the Audit of the Financial Statements 
A  description  of  the  scope  of  an  audit  of 
www.frc.org.uk/apb/scope/private.cfm. 

financial  statements 

is  provided  on  the  APB's  website  at 

Opinion on Financial Statements 
In our opinion: 
 

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and of the parent company's affairs as at 
30 November 2012 and of the group's loss for the year then ended;  
the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European 
Union;  
the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and 
the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

 

 

 

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. 

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 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. 

Paul Naylor 
Senior Statutory Auditor 
for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP 
Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants 
Cambridge 
14 March 2013 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Consolidated income statement for the year ended 30 November 2012 

Continuing operations 
Revenue 
Cost of sales 
Gross profit 
Distribution costs 
Administrative expenses 
Impairment costs 
Other operating (expenses)/ income 
Operating (loss)/ profit 
Finance income 
Finance expenses 
(Loss)/ profit before taxation 
Tax expense 
(Loss)/ profit for the year  
(Loss)/ profit for the year attributable to: 
Owners of the parent 
Non-controlling interest 
(Loss)/ profit for the financial year 
Total and continuing 
Basic (loss)/ earnings per share 
Diluted (loss)/ earnings per share 

Note 

5 

7 

6 
6 

8 

10 
10 

2012 
£’000 

15,605 
(11,763) 
3,842 
(376) 
(3,550) 
(287) 
6 
(365) 
1 
(15) 
(379) 
(58) 
(437) 

(374) 
(63) 
(437) 

(9.49p) 
(9.49p) 

2011 
£’000 

19,636 
(15,127) 
4,509 
(404) 
(3,828) 
-  
98 
375 
- 
(12) 
363 
(123) 
240 

264 
(24) 
240 

6.70p 
6.63p 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 30 November 2012 

(Loss)/ profit for the year 
Reclassification adjustment related to terminated foreign 
operations 
Change in actuarial assumption re pension liability 
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations 
Total comprehensive income and expense for the year 
Total comprehensive income and expense for the year 
attributable to: 
Owners of the parent 
Non-controlling interests 

2012 
£’000 
(437) 

- 
(45) 
(163) 
(645) 

(577) 
(68) 
(645) 

2011 
£’000 

240 

412 
- 
60 
712 

788 
(76) 
712 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Statements of changes in equity 

Company  

Balance at 1 December 2010 
Profit and total comprehensive income for the 
year 
Dividends 
Share-based payment charge 
Balance at 30 November 2011 

Profit and total comprehensive income for the 
year 
Dividends 
Share-based payment charge 
 Balance at 30 November 2012 

 Share 
capital  

Share 
premium 

 £'000 
416 
-  

-  
-  
416  

-  

-  
-  
416 

£'000 

1,531 
-  

-  
-  
1,531  

-  

-  
-  
1,531 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£'000 
1 
- 

- 
- 
1 

- 

- 
- 
1 

Retained 
earnings 

Total equity 

£'000 
539  
404 

(211) 
(4) 
728 

(166) 

(168) 
1 
395 

£'000 

2,487 
404 

(211) 
(4) 
2,676 

(166) 

(168) 
1 
2,343 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     15 

 Share capitalShare premiumCapital redemption reserveTranslation reserve Retained earningsTotal attributable to owners of parentNon-controlling interestTotal equityGroup £'000£'000£'000£'000£'000£'000£'000£'000Balance at                                          1 December 20104161,5311 6293,2645,841915,932Dividends- - - -(211)(211)-(211)Employee share-based payment options- - - -(4)(4)-(4)Transactions with owners- - - -(215)(215)-(215)Profit/(loss) for the year- - - -264264(24)240Reclassification adjustment related to terminated foreign operations- - - (412)412---Exchange differences on translating foreign operations- - - 51 -51960Total comprehensive income for the year---(361)676315(15)300Balance at                                     30 November 20114161,5311 2683,7255,941766,017Dividends- - - -(168)(168)-(168)Employee share-based payment options- - - -11-1Transactions with owners- - - -(167)(167)-(167)Profit/(loss) for the year- - - -(374)(374)(63)(437)Effect of change in pension liability assumptions- - - - (45)(45)-(45)Exchange differences on translating foreign operations- - - (163)-(163)(5)(168)Total comprehensive income for the year---(163)(419)(582)(68)(650)Balance at                                     30 November 20124161,5311 2683,1395,19285,200 
 
  
 
 
 
Accounts 

Balance sheets at 30 November 2012 

Company number: 1730535 

Assets 
Non-current assets 
Goodwill 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investments in subsidiaries 
Investment in joint venture 
Investments in associates 
Deferred tax assets 

Current assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Current tax assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Liabilities 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings 
Current tax liabilities 

Net current assets 
Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings 
Retirement benefit liability 
Contingent consideration 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Shareholders’ equity 
Share capital 
Share premium account 
Capital redemption reserve 
Retained earnings 
Cumulative translation adjustment reserve 
Equity attributable to the shareholders of the 

parent 

Non-controlling interest 

  Note 

Group 

2012 
£’000 

2011 
£’000 

12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
23 

17 
18 

19 
20 

20 
22 
29 
23 

24 

318 
398 
- 
- 
- 
41 
757 

3,140 
2,397 
57 
700 
6,294 

(1,556) 
- 
(35) 
(1,591) 
4,703 

- 
(199) 
(29) 
(32) 
(260) 
5,200 

416 
1,531 
1 
3,139 
105 

5,192 
8 
5,200 

318 
556 
- 
- 
- 
72 
946 

3,834 
2,951 
95 
67 
6,947 

(1,591) 
(26) 
(35) 
(1,652) 
5,295 

- 
(167) 
(29) 
(28) 
(224) 
6,017 

416 
1,531 
1 
3,725 
268 

5,941 
76 
6,017 

Company 

2012 
£’000 

- 
21 
2,780 
15 
- 
- 
2,816 

- 
387 
- 
6 
393 

(800) 
- 
(32) 
(832) 
(439) 

- 
- 
(29) 
(5) 
(34) 
2,343 

416 
1,531 
1 
395 
- 

2,343 
- 
2,343 

2011 
£’000 

- 
29 
2,780 
15 
- 
- 
2,824 

- 
676 
- 
15 
691 

(766) 
(6) 
(33) 
(805) 
(114) 

- 
- 
(29) 
(5) 
(34) 
2,676 

416 
1,531 
1 
728 
- 

5,941 
- 
2,676 

The financial statements were approved by the Board on 14 March 2013 and signed on its behalf by: 

R W Weinreich 
Director 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Cash flow statements for the year ended 30 November 2012 

Group 

Company 

Note 

2012 
£’000 

 2011 
£’000 

2012 
£’000 

 2011 
£’000 

Cash flows from operating activities 
Operating (loss)/ profit 
Share-based payment credit 
Depreciation 
Impairment costs 
Currency translation 
(Gain)/ Loss on sale of property, plant and 
equipment 
(Increase)/decrease in inventories 
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other 
receivables 
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other 
payables 
Investment in subsidiary fair value adjustment 
Cash (used in)/generated from operations 
Corporation tax (paid)/received 
Net cash (used in)/generated from operations 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiary 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 
Income from investments 
Interest received 
Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Interest paid 
Loan repayments 
Movement in contingent consideration 
Finance lease principal repayments 
Equity dividends paid 
Net cash used in financing activities 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period 
Effect of foreign exchange rates 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 

(365) 
1 
151 
287 
10 
(3) 

488 
415 

(92) 

- 
892 
15 
907 

- 
(74) 
18 
- 
1 
(55) 

(15) 
(26) 
- 
- 
(168) 
(209) 
643 
67 
(10) 
700 

375 
(4) 
144 
20 
40 
(16) 

(8) 
(257) 

(582) 

- 
(288) 
(155) 
(443) 

- 
(137) 
24 
               - 
               - 
(113) 

(12) 
(27) 
(16) 
(3) 
(211) 
(253) 
(825) 
888 
4 
67 

(175) 
1 
9 
- 
- 
- 

- 
289 

34 

- 
158 
(1) 
157 

- 
(1) 
- 
- 
14 
13 

(5) 
- 
- 
- 
(168) 
(173) 
(3) 
9 
- 
6 

(158) 
(4) 
3 
- 
- 
- 

- 
(253) 

(796) 

16 
(1,192) 
(156) 
(1,348) 

1,157 
(29) 
- 
77 
6 
1,211 

     (2) 
- 
(16) 
- 
(211) 
(213) 
(54) 
63 
- 
9 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Notes to the financial statements 

1.  General information 

Holders Technology plc is incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act.   

These consolidated financial statements are presented in pounds sterling and all information has been rounded 
to the nearest thousand.  Foreign operations are consolidated in accordance with the policies set out in note 2 
below. 

2.  Accounting policies 
Basis of preparation 
The  group  and  parent  company  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  EU  endorsed 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee 
(IFRIC) interpretations and with those parts of the Companies Act applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.  
All  accounting  standards  and  interpretations  issued  by  the  International  Accounting  Standards  Board  and  the 
International  Financial  Reporting  Interpretations  Committee  effective  at  the  time  of  preparing  these  financial 
statements have been applied. 

The group and parent company financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.  A 
summary of the significant group accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements is 
set out below.  These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. 

Going concern 
The company’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance 
and position are set out in the Business Review on page 3. The financial position of the company, its cash flows, 
liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the Financial Review on page 5. In addition, notes 2, 3, 
4, 21 and 26 to the financial statements include the company’s objectives, policies and processes for managing 
its capital; its financial risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments and hedging activities; and 
its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk. 

The company has good financial resources together with a number of customers and suppliers across different 
geographic areas and industries. The Board pursues a cautious strategy, combined with effective cost control in 
order to maintain a strong working capital position.  As a consequence, the directors believe that the company is 
well placed to manage its business risks successfully despite the current uncertain economic outlook. 

Standards and Interpretations to Standards not yet effective 
The following Standards and Interpretations have been issued, but are not yet effective and have not been early 
adopted by the group: 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective 1 January 2015)  
IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements (effective 1 January 2013)  
IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements (effective 1 January 2013)  
IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities (effective 1 January 2013)  
IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement (effective 1 January 2013)  
IAS 19 Employee Benefits (Revised June 2011) (effective 1 January 2013)  
IAS 27 (Revised), Separate Financial Statements (effective 1 January 2013)  
IAS 28 (Revised), Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (effective 1 January 2013)  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income - Amendments to IAS 1 (effective 1 July 2012)  
  Disclosures - Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Amendments to IFRS 7 (effective 1 January 

2013)  

  Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Amendments to IAS 32 (effective 1 January 2014)  

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Accounting policies (continued) 
  Mandatory Effective Date and Transition Disclosures - Amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7 (effective 1 January 

2015)Annual Improvements 2009-2011 Cycle (effective 1 January 2013)  

  Transition Guidance - Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12 (effective 1 January 2013)  
Investment Entities - Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27 (effective 1 January 2014) 
 

The directors anticipate that the adoption of these standards and interpretations in future periods will have no 
material  impact  on  the  financial  statements  of  the  group  except  for  additional  disclosures  when  the  relevant 
standard comes into effect.   

Use of estimates 
The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  IFRS  requires  management  to  make  judgements, 
estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 
income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various 
other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of 
making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other 
sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Critical judgements and key estimates and assumptions 
are disclosed in note 3. 

Principles of consolidation 
The  consolidated  financial  statements  incorporate  the  financial  statements  of  the  company  and  all  its 
subsidiaries. Intra-group transactions, including sales, profits, receivables and payables, have been eliminated in 
the group consolidation. 

Subsidiaries 
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the company. Control exists when the company has the power, directly or 
indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In 
assessing  control,  potential  voting  rights  that  presently  are  exercisable  are  taken  into  account.  The  financial 
statements of subsidiaries are included from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. 

In the parent company accounts investments and long term loans to subsidiaries are initially recorded at cost.  
The investment value is subsequently recorded at cost less any impairment value. 

Associates 
An  entity  is  treated  as  an  associated  undertaking  where  the  group  has  a  participating  interest  and  exercises 
significant  influence  over  its  operating  and  financial  policy  decisions.  In  the  group  accounts,  interests  in 
associated undertakings are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The consolidated profit and 
loss  account  includes  the  group’s  share  of  the  operating  results,  interest,  pre-tax  results  and  attributable 
taxation  of  such  undertakings  based  on  audited  financial  statements.  In  the  consolidated  balance  sheet,  the 
interests in associated undertakings are shown as the group’s share of the identifiable net assets. 

Goodwill and business combinations 
The results  of  subsidiaries  acquired  in the  period  are  included  in the  income statement from  the  date 
they are acquired. On acquisition, all of the subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities that exist at the date of 
acquisition  are  recorded  at  their  fair  values  reflecting  their  condition  at  that  date.  For  business 
combinations  occurring  since  1  December  2009,  the  requirements  of  IFRS  3R  have  been  applied.  The 
consideration  transferred  by  the  group  to  obtain  control  of  a  subsidiary  is  calculated  as  the  sum  of  the 
acquisition-date fair values of assets transferred, liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the group, 
which  includes  the  fair  value  of  any  asset  or  liability  arising  from  a  contingent  consideration  arrangement. 
Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Accounts 

       Accounting policies (continued) 

The group recognises identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination regardless of 
whether  they  have  been  previously  recognised  in  the  acquiree's  financial  statements  prior  to  the  acquisition. 
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are generally measured at their acquisition-date fair values.  Goodwill is 
stated after separate recognition of identifiable intangible assets. It is calculated as the excess of the sum of a) 
fair value of consideration transferred, b) the recognised amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree 
and  c)  acquisition-date  fair  value  of  any  existing  equity  interest  in  the  acquiree,  over  the  acquisition-date  fair 
values of identifiable net assets. If the fair values of identifiable net assets exceed the sum calculated above, the 
excess amount (ie gain on a bargain purchase) is recognised in profit or loss immediately.   

As permitted by IFRS 1, goodwill arising on acquisitions before 1 December 2005 (date of transition to IFRS) has 
been frozen at the UK GAAP amounts subject to being tested for impairment at that date.  

Impairment charges 
The company considers at each reporting date whether there is any indication that assets are impaired. If there 
is such an indication, the company carries out an impairment test by measuring an asset’s recoverable amount, 
which is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use.  Goodwill, which is allocated to individual 
cash  generating  units,  is  reviewed  annually  for  impairment.    Value  in  use  represents  the  present  value  of  the 
future cash flows expected to be derived from the cash generating unit. The present value is discounted using a 
pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and of the risks specific to the 
cash generating unit for which future cash flow estimates have not been adjusted. If the recoverable amount is 
less than the carrying amount an impairment loss is recognised, and the asset is written down to its recoverable 
amount. 

Revenue recognition 
Revenue  comprises  the  value  of sales of goods and services  to third party customers occurring in the period, 
stated exclusive of value  added tax and net of trade discounts  and rebates.  Revenue is measured at  the fair 
value of the consideration received or receivable. 

Revenue on the sale of goods is recognised when substantially all of the risks and rewards in the product have 
passed to the customer, which is usually upon delivery to the customer.  Revenue is recognised to the extent 
that it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow into the company. 

Exceptional Items 
Exceptional items are those significant items which are separately disclosed by virtue of their size or incidence 
to enable a full understanding of the financial performance. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash  and  cash  equivalents  comprise  cash  balances  and  call  deposits.  The  company  considers  all  highly  liquid 
investments with original maturity dates of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Bank overdrafts that 
are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the group’s cash management system are included as a 
component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows. 

Trade and other receivables 
Trade  and  other  receivables  do  not  carry  interest  and  are  initially  stated  at  fair  value  and  subsequently 
measured  at  amortised  cost  using  the  effective  interest  rate,  as  reduced  by  appropriate  allowances  for 
estimated irrecoverable amounts.  A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when there is 
evidence  that  the  group  will  not  be  able  to  collect  all  amounts  due  according  to  the  original  terms  of  these 
receivables.  The amount of the provision is the difference between the carrying value and the present value of  

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Accounting policies (continued) 
estimated future cash flows, discounted at the effective interest rate.  Impairment losses are recognised in the 
income statement. 

Trade and other payables 
Trade  and  other  payables  are  not  interest  bearing  and  are  initially  stated  at  fair  value  and  subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate. 

Borrowings 
Borrowings  are  recognised  initially  at  fair  value,  net  of  transaction  costs.    Subsequent  measurement  is  at 
amortised  cost.    Finance  charges,  including  any  premiums  payable  or  discounts,  and  direct  issue  costs  are 
recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest rate 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 balance sheet date. 

Inventory 
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined on a first-in-first-out basis. 
Net realisable value is based on the estimated sales price after allowing for all further costs of completion and 
disposal.  Where necessary, provision is made for obsolete, slow-moving and defective inventory. 

Property, plant and equipment 
The cost of items of property, plant and equipment is its purchase cost, together with any incidental costs of 
acquisition. 

Depreciation  is  calculated  to  write  off  assets  over  their  expected  useful  lives.    Where  there  is  evidence  of 
impairment,  property,  plant  and  equipment  is  written  down  to  the  recoverable  amount.  Depreciation  is 
calculated at the following rates: 

Leasehold building improvements 
Motor vehicles 
Plant and machinery 
Office equipment 

Over the period of the lease 
20% on either cost or written down value 
20% - 33% on either cost or written down value 
25% on cost 

Methods  of  depreciation,  recoverable  amounts  and useful  lives  are  reviewed and  adjusted,  if  appropriate,  at 
each balance sheet date. 

Provision is made against the carrying value of items of property, plant and equipment where an impairment in 
value is deemed to have occurred. 

Leased assets 
Leases are classified as operating leases when a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are 
retained  by  the  lessor.    Rentals  payable  under  operating  leases  are  charged  to  the  income  statement  on  a 
straight line basis over the periods of the leases. 

Foreign currencies 
Transactions  in  foreign  currencies  are  translated  at  the  exchange  rate  ruling  at  the  date  of  each  transaction.  
Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are retranslated using the exchange rates at the balance sheet 
date.  Gains and losses arising from changes in exchange rates after the date of the transaction are recognised 
in the income statement.  Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in a 
foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate at the date of the original transaction. 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Accounting policies (continued) 
In the consolidated financial statements, the net assets of the group’s foreign operations are translated at the 
rate of exchange at the balance sheet date.  Income and expense items are translated at the average rates for 
the period where these rates approximate to actual rates.  Otherwise actual rates are used.   The resulting  
exchange  differences  are  charged/  credited  to  other  comprehensive  income  and  recognised  in  the  currency 
translation reserve in equity.  Such translation differences are recognised in the income statement on the  
disposal of the foreign operation.  All other currency differences are taken to the income statement.  Profit and 
losses on holding foreign currency balances are treated as a finance cost. 

Derivative financial instruments 
The  group  uses  derivative  financial  instruments  to  hedge  its  exposure  to  foreign  exchange  risks  arising  from 
operational, financing and investment activities. In accordance with its treasury policy, the group does not hold 
or  issue  derivative  financial  instruments  for  trading  purposes.  However,  derivatives  that  do  not  qualify  for 
hedge accounting are accounted for as trading instruments. 

Derivative  financial  instruments  are  recognised  initially  at  cost.  Subsequent  to  initial  recognition,  derivative 
financial  instruments  are  stated  at  fair  value.  The  gain  or  loss  on  re-measurement  to  fair  value  is  recognised 
immediately in the income statement.  

Equity instruments 
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the group after deducting 
all  its  liabilities.    Equity  instruments  issued  by  the  company  are  recorded  at  the  proceeds  received,  net  of 
directly attributable issue costs. 

Taxes 
Current  tax,  including  UK  corporation  tax  and  foreign  tax,  is  provided  at  amounts  expected  to  be  paid  (or 
recovered) using the tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.  

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between 
the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation 
purposes. Deferred tax is measured using the tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the 
balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the asset is realised or the liability settled. 

Provision  is  not  made  for  deferred  tax  on  the  unremitted  earnings  of  foreign  subsidiaries  where  such 
remittances  are  not  considered  probable  as  the  group’s  policy  is  to  reinvest  profits  to  fund  growth  locally.  
Provision is made where it is likely that dividends will be remitted within the foreseeable future. 

A deferred tax asset is recognised only when it is probable that suitable taxable profits will be available in the 
foreseeable future from which the reversal of the temporary differences can be deducted. 

Employee share option scheme 
The fair value of employee share plans is calculated using an appropriate actuarial model.  In accordance with 
IFRS  2  the  resulting  cost  is  charged  to  the  income  statement  over  the  vesting  period  of  the  plans,  with  a 
corresponding credit to retained earnings.  The value of the charge is adjusted to reflect the expected and the 
actual levels of options vesting.  IFRS 2 has been applied to all grants of equity instruments after 7 November 
2002 that were unvested as of 1 December 2005, in accordance with the transitional arrangements of IFRS 1. 

The proceeds received, net of any directly attributable transaction costs, are credited to share capital and share 
premium when the options are exercised. 

Pension contributions 
The  group  does  not  operate  a  pension  scheme.    Pension  costs  relate  to  group  contributions  to  the  personal 
pension schemes of certain directors and employees.  The contributions are recognised as an employee benefit  

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Accounting policies (continued) 
expense  when  they  are  due.    There  is  also  a  retirement  benefit  liability  arising  from  an  asset  purchase  of 
Cimatec GmbH as disclosed in note 22.   The liability in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present  

value  of  the  defined  benefit  obligation  at  the  end  of  the  accounting  period  less  the  fair  value  of  plan  assets, 
together with adjustments for past-service costs.  The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by  
independent actuaries.   Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial 
assumptions are charged or credited to equity in other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise  

Dividends payable 
Distributions to equity holders are disclosed as a component of the movement in shareholders’ equity. A liability 
is  recorded  for  a  final  dividend  when  the  dividend  is  approved  by  the  company’s  shareholders,  and,  for  an 
interim dividend, when the dividend is paid. 

Provisions 
A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a 
result  of  a  past  event,  and  it  is  probable  that  an  outflow  of  economic  benefits  will  be  required  to  settle  the 
obligation.  

Treasury shares 
When the company purchases its own equity share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid, including 
any directly attributable incremental costs (net of tax), is deducted from equity attributable to the company’s 
equity holders until the shares are cancelled, reissued or disposed of. Where such shares are subsequently sold 
or reissued, any consideration received, net of any directly attributable  incremental transaction costs  and the 
related tax effects, is included in equity attributable to the company’s equity holders. 

3.  Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty 

Critical judgement in applying the group’s accounting policies 

Income taxes 
The  determination  of  the  group’s  tax  liabilities  requires  the  interpretation  of  tax  law.    The  group  obtains 
appropriate  professional  advice  from  its  tax  advisors  in  relation  to  all  significant  tax  matters.    The  directors 
believe  that  the  judgements  made  in  determining  the  group’s  tax  liabilities  are  reasonable  and  appropriate, 
however, actual experience may differ and materially affect future tax charges. 

Estimation uncertainty 

Impairment testing 
Impairment  testing  of  goodwill  involves  comparing  the  carrying  value  of  an  asset  with  its  value  in  use,  based 
upon  a  discounted  cash  flow  model.  This  model  involves  making  assumptions  involving  future  revenues  and 
profits as well as long-term growth rates and the appropriate discount rate. Further details are set out in note 
13. 

4.  Financial risk management 

Treasury management 
Group treasury policies are reviewed and approved by the board.  The objectives of group treasury policies are 
to  ensure  that  adequate  financial  resources  are  available  for  development  of  the  business  while  at  the  same 
time  managing  financial  risks.    Derivative  financial  instruments  are  used  to  reduce  financial  risk  exposures 
arising from the group’s business activities and not for speculative purposes. 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Accounting policies (continued) 
The group’s treasury activities are managed by the Group Finance Director.  The Group Finance Director reports 
to the board on the implementation of group treasury policy. 
The group’s business activities expose it to a variety of financial risks that include: 

Liquidity risk; 

• 
•  Credit risk; 
•  Cash flow interest rate risk; and 
•  Currency risk. 

The policies for managing these risks are described below: 

Liquidity risk 
The group finances its operations through a combination of bank borrowings, finance leases and cash generated 
from operations.  The group’s treasury policy aims to ensure that there are sufficient funds available to meet the 
projected cash flow requirements in the business plan. 

The  group’s  principal  source  of  funding  is  cash  generated  from  operations.    Liquidity  is  maintained  through 
committed bank credit facilities (note 21). 

Credit risk 
Credit risk on trade receivables is managed by monitoring the amount and duration of exposures to individual 
customers  depending  on  their  credit  rating.    Where  possible,  trade  receivables  are  insured.    The  amounts  of 
trade  receivables  presented  in  the  balance  sheet  are  net  of  allowances  for  doubtful  accounts  estimated  by 
management based on prior experience and their assessment of the current economic environment. 

The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are high 
credit quality financial institutions. 

The  group  has  no  significant  concentration  of  credit  risk,  with  exposure  spread  over  a  large  number  of 
customers and counterparties. 

Currency risk 
The group is exposed to currency risk through movements in exchange rates on its purchases and sales that are 
not  denominated  in  the  local  functional  currencies.    The  group  uses  forward  foreign  exchange  contracts  to 
hedge the currency risk associated with these transactions, where material exposure exists.  The contracts are 
denominated primarily in US dollars and Euros.  Such contracts are accounted for in accordance with the policies 
set out in note 2.   At the year end forward purchase contracts totalling £587,000 were held as described in note 
21. 

Cash flow interest rate risk 
The group is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on bank borrowings, which are, arranged at floating rates.  
The board monitors the overall level of bank debt and interest costs to limit any adverse effects on the financial 
performance of the group.  The group does not use interest rate swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rate 
fluctuations at the present time. 

Fair value estimation 
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables and borrowings with a maturity of less than 
one year approximate their book values. 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

5.  Segment reporting 

Management currently identifies two operating segments:  

  PCB, which distributes materials, equipment and supplies  to the PCB industry.  This includes  the  following 

operations: UK PCB, German PCB, Far East PCB and India PCB. 

  LED, which distributes LED-related components and lighting products to the lighting industry.  This includes 

Holders Components UK and Germany, Opteon UK and Germany, NRGstar UK, China LED and India LED. 

These  operating  segments  are  monitored  and  strategic  decisions  are  made  on  the  basis  of  adjusted  segment 
operating results.   Segment information can be analysed as follows for the reporting periods under review: 

PCB 

LED 

Other 

2012 

£’000 

11,549 
(8,721)  
2,828 
(316) 
(2,482) 

2011 

£’000 

16,451 
(12,396) 
4,055 
(362) 
(2,756) 

(287) 

- 

42  
(215)  

(98)  
1,035 

2012 

£’000 

4,056 
(3,042) 
1,014 
(60) 
(923) 

- 

 (6) 
25 

2011 

£’000 

3,185 
(2,731) 
454 
(42) 
(913) 

- 

(1)  
502 

2012 

£’000 

- 
 - 
- 
- 
(145) 

Total 

2012 

£’000 

2011 

£’000 

15,605 
 (11,763) 
3,842 
(376) 
(3,550) 

19,636 
15,127 
4,509 
(404) 
(3,828) 

2011 

£’000 

- 
- 
- 
- 
(159) 

- 

- 

(287) 

- 

 (30) 
(175) 

1  
(158) 

6  
(365) 

98 
375 

138 

126 

4 

21 

9 

1 

151 

148 

8,522 
 (2,467) 

10,420 
(3,071) 

1,918 
(2,353) 

1,600 
(2,093) 

(3,389) 
2,969 

(4,127) 
3,288 

7,051 
(1,851) 

7,893 
(1,876) 

Revenue  
Cost of sales 
Gross profit 
Distribution costs 
Administrative 
expenses 
Exceptional costs 
Other operating 
income/(expenses) 
Segment operating 
profit 
Other segmental 
information 
Depreciation (Note 
13) 
Segment assets 
Segment liabilities 

“Other” amounts relate to central group activities, which are not identifiable to the operating segments. 

Analysis of external revenue by geographic region 

UK  

2012 
£’000 

2011 
£’000 

Rest of Europe  
2011 
2011 
£’000 
£’000 

Revenue  -  PCB 
-  LED 

4,074 
1,673 
5,747 
(340) 

5,101 
1,311 
6,412 
34 

920 

6,930  10,595 
1,164 
7,850  11,759 
343 

Non-current assets 
External revenue is allocated to regions based on where it originates from. 

430 

Asia  

Total 

2012 
£’000 

545 
1,463 
2,008 
667 

2011 
£’000 

755 
710 
1,465 
569 

2012 
£’000 

2011 
£’000 

4,056 

11,549  16,451 
3,185 
15,605  19,636 
946 

757 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

6.  Finance income and expenses 

Interest on bank deposits 
Interest on loans and overdrafts 

7.  Loss for the year  

The following items have been included in arriving at the loss for the year: 

Costs of inventories recognised as an expense 
Write-down of inventory to net realisable value 
Impairment of fixed assets 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 13)  
(Gain)/ loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Fees payable to the company’s auditors for the audit  
of the financial statements 
Fees payable to the company’s auditors and its  
associates for other services: 

- Audit of the financial statements of the company’s 
subsidiaries (associates) pursuant to legislation 

 - Other services relating to taxation 

Operating leases - land and buildings 
Operating leases – plant and machinery 
Exchange (profit)/loss 

Impairment costs consist of the following: 

Impairment of China PCB assets 
Impairment of China PCB inventories 

8.  Taxation 

Analysis of the charge in the period 
Current tax  
-   Current period 
-   Adjustments in respect of prior periods 

Deferred tax (note 23) 
Total tax 

2012 
£’000 

1 
(15) 

2012 
£’000 
10,023 
10 
(50) 
147 
(3) 

12 

58 
16 
183 
14 
18 

2012 
£’000 

(168) 
(119) 
(287) 

2012 
£’000 

30 
(7) 
23 
35 
58 

2011 
£’000 
- 
12 

2011 
£’000 
12,884 
(17) 
(20) 
144 
(16) 

11 

41 
26 
189 
16 
13 

2011 
£’000 
- 
- 
- 

2011 
£’000 

91 
5 
96 
27 
123 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Tax reconciliation 

The tax for the period is higher (2011: higher) than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK, 
effectively 24.67% (2011: 26.67%) for the company’s financial year.  The differences are explained below: 

Profit/(loss) before taxation 
Profit/(loss) before taxation multiplied by rate of corporation 
tax in the UK of 24.67 % (2011: 26.67%) 
Effects of: 
Differences between capital allowances and depreciation 
Amounts not deductible for taxation purposes 
Non taxable income 
Adjustments in respect of prior years 
Taxation losses 
Other temporary differences 
Taxation 

2012 
£’000 
(379) 

(98) 

(2) 
44 
- 
- 
43 
71 
58 

2011     
£’000 
363 

92 

6 
46 
(42) 
5 
11 
5 
123 

9.  Loss/profit of the parent company for the financial year 

The result for the financial year dealt with in the accounts of the parent company was a loss of £166,000 (2011 
profit: £254,000). 

As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, no separate income statement is presented in respect 
of the parent company. 

10. Earnings per share 

Basic  earnings  per  share  is  calculated  by  dividing  the  earnings  attributable  to  ordinary  shareholders  by  the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.  The weighted average number of 
treasury shares are deducted from the number of shares issued in arriving at the weighted average number of 
shares outstanding during the period. 

For diluted earnings per share the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue is adjusted to assume 
conversion of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares.  Potentially dilutive ordinary shares are those share options 
granted to employees where the exercise price is less than the average market price of the company’s ordinary 
shares during the period. 

Reconciliations of the earnings and weighted average number of shares used in the calculations are set out 
below. 

2012 

Basic 
earnings 
per share 

Earnings 
£’000 

Diluted 
earnings 
per share 

Earnings 
  £’000 

2011 

Basic  
earnings  
per share 

Diluted 
earnings  
per share 

Profit/(loss) 
attributable to equity 
shareholders 

(374) 

(9.49p) 

(9.49p) 

264 

6.70p 

6.63p 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Earnings per share (continued) 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares 
Dilutive effect of share options 
Fully diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares 

11. Ordinary dividends 

Final dividend for the year ended 30 November 2011 of 3.25p 
(year ended 30 November 2010 final dividend: 3.25p) 
Interim dividend paid in respect of the year of 2.1p (2011: 2.1p) 
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders 

2012 
Number 

3,939,551 
- 
3,939,551 

2012 
£’000 

128 
40 
168 

2011 
Number 
3,939,551 
39,457 
3,979,008 

2011 
£’000 

128 
83 
211 

In addition, the directors are proposing a final dividend in respect of the year ended 30 November 2012 of 1.0p 
per share.  If approved by shareholders, it will be paid on 21 May 2013 to shareholders on the register of 
members on 1 May 2013. 

12. Goodwill 

Group 

Cost 
At 1 December  
Currency translation 
Arising on acquisition of JK Components Limited 
Impairment charge in respect of JK Components Ltd 
At 30 November  

Analysis by cash generating unit 
PCB 
LED  

2012 
£’000 

318 
- 
- 
- 
318 
£’000 

146 
172 
318 

2011 
£’000 

318 
- 
16 
(16) 
318 
£’000 

146 
172 
318 

As permitted by IFRS 1, goodwill arising on acquisitions before 1 December 2005 (date of transition to IFRS) has 
been frozen at the UK GAAP amounts subject to being tested for impairment at that date, the results of which 
assessment indicated no such impairment. 

Under UK GAAP, goodwill of £239,000 arising on acquisitions prior to 1 July 1998 was eliminated directly against 
reserves.  The gain or loss on the disposal of a previously acquired business reflects the attributable amount of 
purchased goodwill in  respect of that business. As the  group has opted not  to restate business  combinations 
prior to the date of transition, the goodwill written off to reserves under UK GAAP has been frozen and remains 
in  reserves.    Goodwill  previously  written  off  to  reserves  is  not  written  back  to  the  income  statement  on 
subsequent disposal. 

The recoverable amount of a cash-generating unit is based on its value-in-use.  Value-in-use is the present value 
of the projected cash flows of the cash-generating unit (CGU).  The key assumptions regarding the value-in-use  

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

 Goodwill (continued) 
calculations  are  those  regarding  the  discount  rates  and  growth  rates.    Management  estimates  discount  rates 
using pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of a number of factors that impact on the time value 
of money  and  any  risk  specific  to  the  CGU.  The  rate includes  management’s  assessment of  a  normal  level  of 
debt: equity ratio within similar companies in its sector and reflects the risks specific to the relevant business 
segment. 

The group prepares cash flow forecasts based on the most recent financial budgets approved by management, 
which cover a two year period.  Cash flows for 10 years beyond the budgeted periods are extrapolated using a 
growth rate approximating the long term average growth rates for the product sectors concerned.  The growth 
rates were assessed at 2.5% for Holders Technology Germany (PCB) and 3.0% for Holders Components UK (LED).  
The discount rate applied for each CGU was 10.0%. 

13. Property, plant and equipment 

Group 

Motor 
vehicles, 
plant and 
machinery 
and office 
equipment 

£’000      

Short 
leasehold 
land and 
buildings 
£’000 

94 
- 
- 
- 
- 
94 
- 
- 
- 
94 

94 
- 
- 
- 
- 
94 
- 
- 
- 
- 
94 

- 
- 

2,389 
22 
137 
2 
(35) 
2,515 
(61) 
74 
(121) 
2,407 

1,807 
15 
144 
20 
(27) 
1,959 
(45) 
151 
50 
(106) 
2,009 

398 
556 

Total 
£’000 

2,483 
22 
137 
2 
(35) 
2,609 
(61) 
74 
(121) 
2,501 

1,901 
15 
144 
20 
(27) 
2,053 
(45) 
151 
50 
(106) 
2,103 

398 
556 

Company 

Office 
equipment 

£’000      

Total 
£’000 

20 
- 
29 
- 
- 
49 
- 
1 
- 
50 

17 
- 
3 

- 
20 
- 
9 
- 
- 
29 

21 
29 

20 
- 
29 
- 
- 
49 
- 
1 
- 
50 

17 
- 
3 

- 
20 
- 
9 
- 
- 
29 

21 
29 

Cost 
At 1 December 2010 
Currency translation 
Additions  
Transfer from current assets 
Disposals 
At 30 November 2011 
Currency translation 
Additions  
Disposals 
At 30 November 2012 
Depreciation 
At 1 December 2010 
Currency translation 
Provided in year 
Impairment provision 
Disposals 
At 30 November 2011 
Currency translation 
Provided in year 
Impairment provision 
Disposals 
At 30 November 2012 
Net book value 
At 30 November 2012 
At 30 November 2011 

The net book value of property, plant and equipment includes £nil (2011: £nil) in respect of assets held under 
finance leases.  Depreciation charged in the year on those assets amounted to £nil (2012: £3,000) 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

14. Investments in subsidiaries 

Cost 
At 1 December 2010 
Addition 
Impairment provision 
Disposal 
At 1 December 2011 
Addition 
Disposal 
Impairment Provision 
At 30 November 2012 

Shares 
£’000 

1,352 
- 
(16) 
(826) 
510 
- 
- 
- 
510 

Loans 
£’000 

2,270 
- 
- 
- 
2,270 
- 
- 
- 
2,270 

Total 
£’000 

3,622 
- 
(16) 
(826) 
2,780 
- 
- 
- 
2,780 

The following were subsidiary undertakings at the end of the year and have all been included in the 
consolidated financial statements. 

Country of incorporation 
and operation 

Name 

Holders Technology GmbH  Germany 

Holders Technology UK 
Limited 

England and Wales 

Holders Components 
Limited 
Opteon Limited 
Topgrow Technologies 
Limited 
Dongguan Hui Zhan 
Electronic Limited# 

England and Wales 

England and Wales 
Hong Kong 

China 

Holders Property GmbH 

Germany 

Nature of business 
Specialised materials and 
equipment 
Specialised materials, 
equipment and 
components 
Dormant 

Dormant 
Specialised materials and 
equipment  
Specialised materials, 
equipment and 
components 
Dormant 

Interest in ordinary 
shares and voting rights 
100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 
70% 

70% 

100% 

# Dongguan Hui Zhan Electronic Limited is owned indirectly through Topgrow Technologies Limited.  The latter 
owns 100% of Dongguan Hui Zhan Electronic Limited. 

15. Investment in Joint Venture 

In April 2007, the company formed a joint venture called Holders Technology (India) Private Limited, based in 
Mysore, India to service the Indian market.  Holders Technology plc owns 60% of the Joint Venture. 

Cost 
Investment at 30 November 

Company 

2012 
£’000 

2011 
£’000 

15 

15 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

16. Investments in associates 

The group has the following investment in associate: 

Name 

Country of incorporation 
and operation 

Waysky Technology Limited  Hong Kong 

Nature of business 
Specialised materials and 
equipment 

Interest in ordinary 
shares and voting rights 
34% 

Waysky has suffered difficult trading conditions since 2007 and it is uncertain whether it will be able to continue 
as a going concern.  The directors have concluded that the investment in this company is impaired and have fully 
provided against the investment. 

17. Inventories 

Raw materials and consumables 
Goods for resale 

18. Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables 
Less: provision for impairment 
Net trade receivables 
Amounts due from group 
undertakings 
Other receivables 
Prepayments and accrued income 

2012 
£’000 
1,636 
1,504 
3,140 

2012 
£’000 
2,304 
(130) 
2,174 
2 

111 
110 
2,397 

Group 

Company 

2011 
£’000 
2,205 
1,629 
3,834 

2012 
£’000 
- 
- 
- 

2011 
£’000 
- 
- 
- 

Group 

Company 

2011 
£’000 
2,733 
(78) 
2,655 
2 

132 
162 
2,951 

2012 
£’000 
- 
- 
- 
313 

59 
15 
387 

2011 
£’000 
- 
- 
- 
614 

53 
9 
676 

The group has provided for all amounts that are deemed doubtful, based on all trade receivables that are more 
than 365 days overdue except in certain circumstances where monies have been received after the reporting 
date. The group also provides for all other specifically identified amounts that are less than  365 days overdue 
based  on  known  impairment  indicators  including  known  trading  difficulties.  The  table  below  shows  the 
movements in the provision for impairment of trade receivables: 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Trade and other receivables (continued) 

Group 
Impairment at 1 December 2011 
Currency translation 
Impairment losses recognised 
Amounts written off as irrecoverable 
Amounts recovered 
Impairment losses reversed 
Balance 30 November 2012 

Ageing of past due unimpaired debt: 

Not past due 
Past due 0-30 days 
Past due 31-60 days 
Past due 61-90 days 
Past due 91-365 days 
Past due > 365 days 

2012 
£’000 
78 
2 
67 
(17) 

130 

2012 
£’000 

5 
15 
21 
85 
4 
130 

19. Trade and other payables 

Group 

Company 

Trade payables 
Amounts due to group 
undertakings 
Other taxation and social security 
Other payables 
Accruals 

20. Borrowings 

Current 
Finance lease obligations 
Loans 

Non-current 
Loans 

2011 
£’000 
888 
- 

263 
73 
367 
1,591 

2011 
£’000 

26 
26 

2012 
£’000 
1,140 
- 

125 
48 
243 
1,556 

Group 

2012 
£’000 

- 
- 

- 
- 

2012 
£’000 
22 
738 

- 
- 
40 
800 

Company 

2012 

- 
- 

- 
- 

2011 
£’000 
78 
1 
23 
(38) 
17 
(3) 
78 

2011 
£’000 
- 
447 
51 
36 
80 
             3 
617 

2011 
£’000 
35 
673 

- 
3 
55 
766 

2011 
£’000 

- 
6 
6 

- 
- 

The weighted average effective interest rates on the group and company’s borrowings during the year were 
2.75% (2011: 2.75%). 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

21. Financial instruments 

a)  The carrying amount and fair value of financial assets and liabilities at 30 November 

Financial assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other 
receivables 
Cash and receivables 
Financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Bank overdraft 
Contingent consideration 
Financial liabilities at 
amortised cost 

Group 

2012 
£’000 

700 
2,287 

2,987 

1,424 
- 
29 
1,453 

2011 
£’000 

67 
2,789 

2,856 

1,183 

29 
1,212 

Company 
2012 
£’000 

6 
374 

380 

789 
- 
29 
818 

2011 
£’000 

15 
511 

526 

746 

29 
775 

The carrying value of the group’s financial assets and liabilities are considered to approximate their respective 
fair values. 

b)  Interest rate and currency profile of financial assets and liabilities 

Currency profiles of the group’s financial assets and liabilities are set out below: 

Group 

Company 

Net financial 
assets / 
(liabilities) 

£’000 
386 
326 
391 
26 
21 
429 
1,579 

532 
463 
34 
26 
13 
604 
1,672 

Financial 
liabilities 
£’000 
469 
545 
258 
11 
1 
124 
1,408 

182 
385 
510 
19 
7 
80 
1,183 

Financial 
assets 

£’000 

132 
245 
1 

378 

74 
452 
- 
- 
- 
- 
526 

Financial 
liabilities 
£’000 
751 
30 

781 

740 
- 
6 
- 
- 
- 
746 

Net financial 
assets / 
(liabilities) 

£’000 
(619) 
215 
1 

(403) 

(666) 
452 
(6) 
- 
- 
- 
(220) 

Financial 
assets 
£’000 
855 
871 
649 
37 
22 
553 
2,987 

714 
848 
544 
45 
20 
684 
2,855 

Sterling 
Euro 
US dollar 
Indian rupee 
Hong Kong dollar 
Renminbi 

At 30 November 
2012 
Sterling 
Euro 
US dollar 
Indian rupee 
Hong Kong dollar 
Renminbi 

At 30 November 
2011 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Financial instruments (continued) 
All the group’s financial assets and liabilities are non-interest bearing or have floating interest rates.  There are 
no fixed rate financial assets.  Floating rate financial assets earn interest at rates based on local bank deposit 
rates.  Floating rate financial liabilities bear interest at rates based on the Bank of England Base Rate or relevant 
national equivalents. 

c)  Currency profile of net foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities 

The table below shows the net unhedged monetary assets/(liabilities) of the group that are not denominated in 
the functional currency of the operating unit and which therefore give rise to exchange gains and losses in the 
income statement. 

Group 

Sterling 
At 30 November 2012 
Sterling 
At 30 November 2011 

Euro 

£’000 

326 
326 
545 
545 

US dollar  Renminbi 
£’000 

£’000 

(196) 
(196) 
34 
34 

429 
429 
604 
604 

Total 

£’000 

559 
559 
1,183 
1,183 

Euro 

£’000 

215 
215 
452 
452 

Company 

US dollar 
£’000 

1 
1 
(6) 
(6) 

Total 

£’000 

216 
216 
446 
446 

d)  Market risk: objectives, policies and strategies 

The group’s interest rate risks, liquidity risks and currency risks are managed centrally within policies approved 
by the board. 

No hedging of interest rates has been undertaken. The net interest receivable for the year was nil compared to 
nil receivable last year. No speculative transactions are undertaken. 
At present there is no policy to hedge the group’s currency exposures arising from the profit translation or the 
effect of exchange rate movements on the group’s overseas net assets. 

e)  Market risk: sensitivities 

A  sensitivity  analysis  for  financial  assets  and  liabilities  affected  by  market  risk  is  set  out  below.  Each  risk  is 
analysed  separately  and  shows  the  sensitivity  of  financial  assets  and  liabilities  when  a  certain  parameter  is 
changed. The sensitivity analysis has been performed on balances at  30 November each year and therefore is 
not representative of transactions throughout the year. The rates used are based on historical trends and, where 
relevant, projected forecasts. 

(i) Currencies 
The  group  is  exposed  to  currency  risk  in  relation  to  the  value  of  its  financial  assets  and  liabilities  that  are 
denominated  in  currencies  other  than  sterling  (see  note  21(b)  above),  arising  from  fluctuations  in  exchange 
rates.  The  table  below  shows  the  impact  on  the  value  of  the  group’s  reported  net  financial  assets  at  30 
November of exchange rates either strengthening or weakening by 10 per cent against sterling and the impact 
this would have on the reported profit or loss and equity. The group’s reported profit is not materially impacted 
by the effect of changes in exchange rates on the value of its net financial assets, but equity would be £391,000 
lower if sterling strengthened by 10 per cent and £478,000 higher if sterling weakened by 10 per cent. 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     34 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Financial instruments (continued) 
Group 

Net financial assets/(liabilities) 

Denominated in sterling 
Not denominated in sterling 
Net financial assets 

2012 
As  
reported 
£’000 
386 
1,193 
1,670 

Effect of sterling strengthening 
by 10% 

Effect of sterling weakening by 

Rate 
+10% 
£’000 
- 
(108) 
(108) 

Profit 
£’000 
- 
20 
20 

Equity 
£’000 
- 
(342) 
(342) 

Rate 

-10% 
£’000 
- 
133 
133 

10% 

Profit 
£’000 
- 
  (20) 
(20) 

Equity 
£’000 

- 
342 
342 

Net financial assets/(liabilities) 

Denominated in sterling 
Not denominated in sterling 
Net financial assets 

Company 

Net financial assets/(liabilities) 

2011 
As 
reported 
£’000 
532 
1,138 
1,670 

2012 
As 
reported 
£’000 

Denominated in sterling 
Not denominated in sterling 
Net financial assets 

(619) 
206 
(413) 

  Effect of sterling strengthening by 
10% 

Effect of sterling weakening by 
10% 

Rate 
+10% 

Profit 

Equity 

Rate 

-10% 

Profit 

Equity 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

£’000 

- 
(104) 
(104) 

- 
1 
1 

- 
(391) 
(391) 

- 
127 
127 

£’000 
- 
  (1) 
(1) 

£’000 

- 
478 
478 

Effect of sterling strengthening 
by 10% 

Effect of sterling weakening by 

10% 

Rate 
+10% 
£’000 

- 
(20) 
(20) 

Profit 
£’000 

Equity 
£’000 

Rate 

-10% 
£’000 

Profit 
Equity 
£’000  £’000 

- 
(20) 
(20) 

- 
- 
- 

- 
24 
24 

- 
24 
24 

  Effect of sterling strengthening by 

Effect of sterling weakening by 

10% 

10% 

Net financial assets/(liabilities) 

Denominated in sterling 
Not denominated in sterling 
Net financial assets 

2011 
As 
reported 
£’000 
(666) 
446 
(220) 

Rate 

+10% 

Profit 

Equity 

£’000 
- 
(41) 
(41) 

£’000 
- 
(41) 
(41) 

£’000 
- 
- 
- 

Rate 

-10% 

£’000 
- 
50 
50 

Profit 

Equity 

£’000  £’000 

- 
50 
50 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

(ii) Interest rates 
Changes  in  market  interest  rates  expose  the  group  to  the  risk  of  fluctuations  in  the  cash  flow  relating  to  its 
financial assets and liabilities that attract interest at floating rates (see note 21(b)). Based upon the interest rate 
profile of the group’s financial assets and liabilities as at both 30 November 2012 and 30 November 2011, there 
would be no material impact of a one percentage point change in the market interest rates on the group’s profit 
and equity. 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Financial instruments (continued) 

f)  Liquidity risk 

The  group  monitors  its  liquidity  to  maintain  a  sufficient  level  of  undrawn  debt  facilities  together  with  central 
management of the group’s cash resources to minimise liquidity risk. 
All the trade and other payables at 30 November 2012 amounting to £1,453,000 (2011: £1,183,000) are payable 
within three months.   

Borrowings  
Overdraft borrowings attract interest rates of 2.25% above HSBC’s relevant currency base rates.   Overdrafts are 
repayable on demand.  There were no overdraft borrowings at either 30 November 2011 or 30 November 2012.   

Bank  borrowings  are  secured  by  debentures  comprising  fixed  and  floating  charges  over  all  the  assets  and 
undertaking of the company and its UK-based operating subsidiaries.  The company and its principle operating 
subsidiaries are parties to Unlimited Composite Company Guarantees to secure all liabilities of each other. 

Financial liabilities and loans have the following repayment profile: 

Group 

0-6 months 
6-12 months 
Over 12 months 

Financial Liabilities 
2011 
2012 
£’000 
£’000 

Loans 

2012 
£’000 

1,254 
12 
187 
1,453 

987 
12 
184 
1,183 

- 
- 
- 
- 

2011 
£’000 

3 
23 
- 
26 

Borrowing facilities 
The group has various borrowing facilities available to it.   The unutilised portion of the facilities at 30 November 
2012 amounted to £1,171,000 (2011: £1,550,000). 

g)  Credit risk 

Group policies are aimed at minimising losses due to customer payment default. Deferred payment terms are 
only granted to those customers who satisfy creditworthiness criteria and individual exposures to customers are 
monitored. Where possible, operations purchase credit insurance. 
The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade and other receivables at the reporting date by geographic region 
is as follows: 

UK 
Rest of Europe 
Asia 
At 30 November 

h)  Capital risk 

Group 

Company 

2012 
£’000 
1,207 
569 
511 
2,287 

2011 
£’000 
1,268 
768 
753 
2,789 

2012 
£’000 
129 
242 
1 
372 

2011 
£’000 
511 
- 
- 
511 

The  group’s  primary  objective  is  to  ensure  its  continued  ability  to  provide  a  consistent  return  for  its  equity 
shareholders through a combination of capital growth and proposed dividend policy.  It aims to  minimise  any 
capital risk by maintaining a conservative financing structure.  The board’s current policy is to use the group’s 
cash resources for any capital requirements  and, where  necessary, by adjustment  to the amount of dividends 
paid  to  shareholders.  At  30  November  2012,  the  group  had  gearing,  being  debt  divided  by  debt  plus 
shareholders’ funds, of 0.4% (2011: 0.9%). 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Financial instruments (continued) 

i)  Hedging instruments 

The  group  held  forward  exchange  contracts  with  values  of  £587,000  at  30  November  2012  (2011:  £301,000).  
When appropriate  during the  year,  contracts were  taken out  to hedge trade  payables denominated in foreign 
currencies.  

22. Retirement benefit liability 

Group 
At 1 December 2010 
Currency  translation 
Charged to the income statement 
Utilised 
At 1 December 2011 
Currency  translation 
Change in actuarial assumptions 
Utilised 
At 30 November 2012 

Retirement benefit liability 
£’000 
192 
2 
(14) 
(13) 
167 
(3) 
45 
(10) 
199 

The  retirement  benefit  liability  arose  from  the  2002  acquisition  of  assets  by  Holders  Technology  GmbH  from 
Cimatec GmbH.  Following the bankruptcy of Cimatec GmbH, a German court determined that Cimatec’s pension 
obligation  to  one  former  Cimatec  employee  must  be  met  by  Holders  Technology  GmbH.    The  provision 
represents the estimated net present value of the liability to pay an annuity to that employee upon retirement, 
which  began  in  2008.    No other  Holders  Technology employees  have  any  retirement  benefit  rights  from  their 
previous employment at Cimatec. 

23. Deferred tax 

Deferred tax is calculated in full on temporary differences under the liability method using tax rates of 24.67% to 
30% (2011: 26.67% to 30%). 

The movement on the deferred tax account is as shown below: 

At 1 December – deferred tax assets 
Income statement credit/(charge) 
Transfer to deferred tax liabilities 
At 30 November 

2012 
£’000 
72 
(33) 
2 
41 

Group 
2011 
£’000 
73 
(1) 
- 
72 

2012 
£’000 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Company 
2011 
£’000 
- 
- 
- 
- 

The  movements  in  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities  (prior  to  the  offsetting  of  balances  within  the  same 
jurisdiction as permitted by IAS 12) during the period are shown below: 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

 Deferred tax (continued) 
Deferred tax assets 

Group 
At 1 December 2010 
Transfer to deferred tax liabilities 
At 30 November 2011 
(Charged)/credited to income statement 
Transfer to deferred tax liabilities 
At 30 November 2012 

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances 
£’000 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Other 
£’000 
73 
(1) 
72 
(33) 
2 
41 

Total 
£’000 

73 
(1) 
72 
(33) 
2 
41 

At the year  end the  amount  of temporary differences associated with the undistributed earnings of overseas 
subsidiaries for which deferred tax liabilities had not been recognised was insignificant. 

Deferred tax assets 

Company 
At 1 December 2010 
Credited to income statement 
At 30 November 2011 
Charged  to income statement 
At 30 November 2012 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Group 
At 1 December 20010 
Transfer from deferred tax assets 
At 30 November 2011 
Transfer from profit and loss 
Transfer from deferred tax assets 
At 30 November 2012 

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances 
£’000 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances 
£’000 

2 
26 
28 
2 
2 
32 

Deferred tax assets are only recognised where in the Directors’ opinion there is a reasonable expectation of the 
tax  asset  being  realised.    Assets  are  recognised  based  on  business  forecasts  and  the  local  tax  environment.  
Deferred tax assets have not been recognised for losses in China.    

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

24. Share Capital 

Authorised 
6,000,000 ordinary shares of 10p each (2011: 6,000,000) 

Allotted and fully paid ordinary shares of 10p each 
At 30 November 2011 and 30 November 2012 

2012 
£’000 

600 

Number 
of shares 

2011 
£’000 

600 

£ 

4,159,551 

4,159,551 

220,000 (2011: 220,000) 10p ordinary shares with an aggregate nominal value of £22,000 (2011: £22,000) are 
held in treasury and are available for issue upon the exercise of options under the company’s employee share 
option scheme.   

25. Employees and staff costs 

Group 

Company 

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Other pension costs 
Share based payments 

2012 
£’000 
2,005 
285 
44 
1 
2,335 

2011 
£’000 
2,319 
336 
58 
(4) 
2,709 

Average monthly number of permanent employees, including executive directors: 

Group 
Administration and sales 
Service and fabrication 

Part-time 

2012 
£’000 
419 
43 
33 
- 
495 

2012 
Number 
54 
46 
100 
4 
104 

2011 
£’000 
461 
48 
50 
(4) 
555 

2011 
Number 
57 
46 
103 
4 
107 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Employees and staff costs (continued) 
Directors’ remuneration 
Directors’ remuneration for the year was as follows: 

R W Weinreich 
(Chairman)* 
V M Blaisdell 
D A Mahony 
P Geraghty 
J S Shawyer 

Basic salary fees, 
bonuses and 
expenses 

Benefits in kind 

£’000 
85 

110 
24 
95 
- 
314 

£’000 
3 

- 
- 
1 
- 
4 

Total emoluments 
2011 
£’000 
158 

2012 
£’000 
88 

110 
24 
96 
- 
318 

114 
27 
19 
85 
403 

*The company paid £nil (2011: £ 10,000) in respect of director’s fees for Mr R W Weinreich to the third party 
Vingnum Limited.  This is included within directors’ emoluments above.  

Pension entitlement 

Directors are entitled to receive their remuneration either as salary or as pension contributions.   
Pension contributions to directors’ personal pension schemes are as follows: 

V M Blaisdell 
P K I Geraghty 
J S Shawyer 

Directors’ shareholdings 
The shareholdings of those serving at the end of the year were as follows: 

R W Weinreich 
D A Mahony 
V M Blaisdell 

Pension Contributions 
2011 
2012 
£’000 
£’000 
10 
11 
- 
9 
26 
- 
36 
20 

Ordinary shares 

2012 
1,851,202 
26,300 
32,102 

2011 
1,851,202 
26,300 
32,102 

The shareholdings are all beneficial and have not changed between 30 November 2012 and 14 March 2013. 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Employees and staff costs (continued) 
Directors’ interests in share options 

At start of year 
or on date of 
appointment 

15,000 
20,000 
15,000 
12,500 
12,500 
25,000 
- 
- 

No. of options 
granted / 
(exercised) 
during year 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
46,598 
38,444 

V M Blaisdell 
V M Blaisdell 
V M Blaisdell 
V M Blaisdell 
V M Blaisdell 
V M Blaisdell 
V M Blaisdell 
P K Geraghty 

At end of year 

Exercise price 

- 
- 
15,000 
12,500 
12,500 
25,000 
46,598 
38,444 

90.5p 
133.91p 
116.5p 
68.5p 
93.5p 
123.18p 
10.0p 
10.0p 

Date from 
which 
exercisable 
11/04/09 
09/05/10 
14/03/11 
28/07/12 
28/05/13 
21/07/14 
26/03/15 
26/03/15 

Expiry date 

10/04/12 
08/05/13 
13/03/14 
27/07/15 
27/05/16 
21/07/17 
26/03/16 
26/03/16 

The share price at 30 November 2012 was 70.75p (2011: 110.5p) whilst during the year the high and low prices 
were 117.0p and 70.75p.  

In respect of the options held at the start of the year, no option may be exercised unless there is (as shown by 
the audited accounts) an increase in the fully diluted earnings per share for the financial year immediately prior 
to the date of exercise compared with the highest earnings per share figure for the three preceding years unless 
the board in its absolute discretion decides otherwise. 

For options granted during the year, no option may be exercised unless the share price exceeds 117.15p after 3 
years.  The number  of exercisable options is proportionate  to the share price after 3 years.  For all the  2012 
options to be exercisable the share price must reach 213.0p   

Key management compensation 
Group 

Short-term employee benefits 
Post-employment benefits 
Termination benefits 
Share-based payments 

Key management includes Directors and senior executives. 

Total share options in issue 

Options in issue 1 December 2011 
Issued during year 
Lapsed 
Forfeited 
Leavers 
Total options in issue 30 November 2012 

2012 
£’000 
679 
23 
20 
1 
723 

2012 
No 
310,000 
179,703 
(120,000) 
(80,000) 
(25,000) 
264,703 

2011 
£’000 
769 
43 
- 
(4) 
808 

2011 
No 
260,000 
35,000 
- 
- 
- 
310,000 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

26. Financial commitments 
Capital commitments 
There were no capital expenditure commitments at 30 November 2012 (2011: nil). 

Operating lease commitments 
The group leases various offices and warehouses under non-cancellable operating lease agreements.  The lease 
terms are between 1 and 5 years and the majority of lease agreements are renewable at the end of the lease 
period at market rate. 

The total aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases were as follows: 

Land and buildings  
 - No later than one year 
 - Later than one year and no later than five years 
 - Later than 5 years 
Motor vehicles, plant and machinery 
 - No later than one year 
 - Later than one year and no later than five years 
Other equipment 
 - No later than one year 
 - Later than one year and no later than five years 

2012 
£’000 

2011 
£’000 

249 
509 
- 

31 
33 

- 
- 

207 
202 
- 

24 
42 

- 
- 

27. Share based payments 

The  Company  operates  a  share  option  scheme  under  which  options  are  exercisable  at  a  price  equal  to  the 
average  quotation  of  a  share  as  derived  from  the  AIM  appendix  of  the  Daily  Official  List  of  the  London  Stock 
Exchange  for  the  five  dealing  days  immediately  preceding  the  date  of  grant,  subject  to  relevant  performance 
criteria, as described in note 25, being satisfied.  The normal minimum vesting period is three years. 

Options to subscribe for ordinary shares of 10p each are as follows: 

Subscription 
Price 
87.2p 
90.5p 
96.4p 
133.91p 
116.5p 
77.4p 
68.5p 
93.5p 
123.18 
117.15 

Dates when exercisable 
15 March 2011 to 14 March 2012 
11 April 2011 to 10 April 2012 
26 July 2011 to 25 July 2012 
9 May 2011 to 8 May 2013 
14 March 2012 to 13 March 2014 
4 August 2012 to 3 August 2014 
28 July 2012 to 27 July 2015 
28 May 2013 to 27 May 2016 
21 July 2014 to 21 July 2017 
26 Mar 2015 to 26 Mar 2016 

Number of shares 
2011 
25,000 
40,000 
60,000 
45,000 
33,324 
1,676 
67,500 
12,500 
25,000 
- 

2012 
- 
- 
- 
- 
15,000 
- 
32,500 
12,500 
25,000 
179,703 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

 Share based payments (continued) 
The estimated fair values were calculated using the option pricing model with the following inputs: 

Grant date 
Share price at date of 
grant  

Exercise price 

21 July 
2012 

26 March 
2012 

123.18 

123.18 

106.5 

117.15 

No. of employees 

1 

8 

Shares under option 

25,000 

179,703 

Vesting period (years) 

3 

3 

Expected volatility 

22% 

22% 

Option life (years) 

Expected life (years) 

3 

4.5 

1 

3.5 

Risk free rates 

1.03% 

0.76% 

Expected dividends 

4.8% 

4.0% 

Possibility of ceasing 
employment before 
vesting 

Expectations of meeting 
performance criteria 

Fair value of option 

25.0% 

11.0% 

95% 

10p 

75% 

13p 

The  expected  volatility  is based  on  historical  volatility over  the  expected  life  period.   The  expected  life  is  the 
average expected period to exercise based on historical experience and the terms of the scheme.  The risk free 
return is the yield on zero-coupon UK government bonds of a term consistent with the assumed option life. 

The group recognised a total cost of £1,000 (2011: credit £4,000) related to equity-settled share-based payment 
transactions during the year. 

Final dividend for the year ended 30 November 2011 of 3.25p 
(year ended 30 November 2010 final dividend: 3.25p) 
Interim dividend paid in respect of the year of 2.1p (2011: 2.1p) 
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders 

2012 
£’000 

128 
40 
168 

2011 
£’000 

128 
83 
211 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

28. Related party transactions 

Group 
Transactions  between  the  company  and  its  subsidiaries,  which  are  related  parties,  have  been  eliminated  on 
consolidation and are not disclosed. 

Dividends were paid to directors as follows: 

R W Weinreich 
D A Mahony 
V M Blaisdell 

2012 
£’000 
79 
1 
1 
81 

Company 
The company carried out the following transactions with its subsidiaries and joint venture: 

Consultancy fees charged to subsidiaries and joint venture 
Interest on short term loans 

2012 
£’000 
568 
14 

2011 
£’000 
99 
2 
2 
103 

2011 
£’000 
645 
7 

29. Contingent Consideration 

On  21  December  2009,  the  company  acquired  100%  of  the  share  capital  of  J  K  Components  Limited  (since 
renamed Holders Components Limited).   

The  consideration  for  the  acquisition  was  £1  plus  contingent  consideration  representing  50%,  30%  and  15% 
respectively of the net profits for each of the three years following the date of acquisition, payable 30 days after 
the signing of the accounts for each respective year.   

The  £29,000  fair  value  of  the  contingent  consideration  liability  represents  the  present  value  of  the  group’s 
probability-weighted estimate of the cash outflow.   

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     44 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Notice of annual general meeting  

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Holders Technology plc (the "Company") will be held at 
Elstree House, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 1SD on 26 April 2013 at 11.30 a.m. for the following 
purposes: 

Ordinary business 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

To  receive  and  adopt  the  accounts  of  the  Company  together  with  the  directors’  and  auditors’  reports 
thereon for the year ended 30 November 2012. 

To declare a final dividend in respect of the year ended 30 November 2012. 

To re-elect D Mahony as a director. 

To re-appoint Grant Thornton UK LLP as auditors and to authorise the directors to fix their remuneration. 

Special business 

To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolution as an Ordinary Resolution: 

5. 

That, in substitution for any equivalent authorities and powers granted to the directors prior to the passing 
of this resolution, the directors be and they are generally and unconditionally authorised pursuant to Section 
551  of the  Act to  exercise  all  powers  of the  Company  to  allot  shares  in  the  Company,  and  grant  rights  to 
subscribe for or to convert any security into shares of the Company (such shares, and rights to subscribe for 
or  to  convert  any  security  into  shares  of  the  Company  being  "relevant  securities")  up  to  an  aggregate 
nominal amount of £138,651.70, provided that, unless previously revoked, varied or extended, this authority 
shall expire on the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in 2013, except that 
the Company may at any time before such expiry make an offer or agreement which would or might require 
relevant  securities  to  be  allotted  after  such  expiry  and  the  directors  may  allot  relevant  securities  in 
pursuance of such an offer or agreement as if this authority had not expired. 

To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions as Special Resolutions: 

6. 

That the directors be and they are empowered pursuant to Section 570(1) of the Act to allot equity securities 
(as  defined  in  Section  560(1)  of  the  Act)  of  the  Company  wholly  for  cash  pursuant  to  the  authority of  the 
directors under Section 551 of the Act conferred by resolution 6 above, and/or by way of a sale of treasury 
shares (by virtue of Section 573 of the Act), in each case as if Section 561(1) of the Act did not apply to such 
allotment, provided that:  

 (a) 

the power conferred by this resolution shall be limited to: 

(i) 

 the  allotment  of  equity  securities  in  connection  with  an  offer  of  equity  securities  to  the 
holders  of  ordinary  shares  in  the  capital  of  the  Company  in  proportion  as  nearly  as 
practicable  to  their  respective  holdings  of  such  shares,  but  subject  to  such  exclusions  or 
other  arrangements  as  the  directors  may  deem  necessary  or  expedient  to  deal  with 
fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems arising under the laws or requirements 
of any overseas territory or by virtue of shares being represented by depository receipts or 
the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange or any other matter whatsoever; 
and

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     45 

 
 
 
 
Accounts 

(ii) 

 the allotment, otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) above, of equity securities up to 
an aggregate nominal value equal to £20,797.80; and 

(b) 

unless  previously  revoked,  varied  or  extended,  this  power  shall  expire  on  the  conclusion  of  the 
Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in 2013  except that the Company may before 
the expiry of this power make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities 
to be allotted after such expiry and the directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of such an 
offer or agreement as if this power had not expired.  

7. 

That the Company be and it is hereby generally and unconditionally authorised to make market purchases 
(within  the  meaning  of  Section  693(4)  of  the  Act)  of  Ordinary  Shares  of  10p  each  in  the  capital  of  the 
Company (“Ordinary Shares”) provided that: 

(a) 

the  maximum  number  of  Ordinary  Shares  hereby  authorised  to  be  purchased  is  393,955 
(representing 10 per cent of the issued share capital of the Company, excluding treasury shares); 

(b) 

the minimum price which may be paid for each Ordinary Share is 10p (nominal value); 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

the maximum price which may be paid for each ordinary share is an amount equal to 105 per cent of 
the average of the middle market quotations for an ordinary share as derived from The London Stock 
Exchange for the five business days immediately preceding the day on which the Ordinary Shares are 
purchased; 

the authority hereby conferred shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of 
the Company to be held in 2013, unless such authority is renewed prior to such time; and 

the  Company  may  make  a  contract  to  purchase  its  ordinary  shares  under  the  authority  hereby 
conferred  prior  to  the  expiry  of  such  authority,  which  will  or  may  be  executed  wholly  or  partially 
after  the  expiry of such authority, and may purchase its Ordinary  Shares in pursuance  of any such 
contract. 

By order of the board 

Paul Geraghty 
Secretary 
13 February 2012 

Registered Office: 

Elstree House 
Elstree Way 
Borehamwood 
Hertfordshire 
WD6 1SD 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Notes 
1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

A member who is entitled to attend, speak and vote may appoint a proxy to attend, speak and vote instead 
of him.  

A proxy need not also be a member of the Company but must attend the meeting in order to represent his 
appointor.  A member may appoint more than one proxy provided each proxy is appointed to exercise rights 
attached to different shares (so a member must have more than one share to be able to appoint more than 
one  proxy).    A  form  of  proxy  is  enclosed.    The  notes  to  the  form  of  proxy  include  instructions  on  how  to 
appoint the Chairman of the meeting or another person as proxy.  To be effective, forms of proxy must be 
duly  completed  and  returned  so  as  to  reach  Neville  Registrars,  New  Issue  Department,  Neville  House,  18 
Laurel Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands, B63 3BR not less than 48 hours before the time appointed for the 
meeting, or adjourned meeting, as the case may be. 

Only those shareholders registered in the register of members of the Company as at 6 p.m. on Wednesday 
25  April  2012  shall  be  entitled  to  attend  and  vote  at  the  meeting  in  respect  of  the  number  of  shares 
registered in their name at that time. Changes to entries on the relevant register of securities after 6 p.m. on 
Wednesday 25 April 2012 shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend and vote at 
the meeting.   

As  at  18  March  2012  (being  the  latest  practicable  date  prior  to  the  publication  of  this  notice  of  annual 
general meeting) the Company’s issued share capital consists of 4,159,551 ordinary shares carrying one vote 
each.  There are currently 220,000 ordinary shares held in treasury which currently do not carry the right to 
vote.    Therefore the total voting rights in the Company as at 18 March 2012 are 3,939,551. 

To appoint  a proxy or to amend an instruction to a previously appointed proxy via the  CREST  system, the 
CREST message must be received by the issuer's agent (ID 7RA11) by 11.30 a.m. on Thursday 26 April 2012. 
For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the timestamp applied to 
the message by the CREST Applications Host) from which the issuer's agent is able to retrieve the message. 
After this time any change of instructions to a proxy appointed through CREST should be communicated to 
the  proxy  by  other means.  CREST  should  be  communicated  to  the  proxy  by other  means.  CREST Personal 
Members or other CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) should contact their CREST sponsor or voting 
service  provider(s)  for  assistance  with  appointing  proxies  via  CREST.  For  further  information  on  CREST 
procedures,  limitations  and  system  timings,  please  refer  to  the  CREST  Manual.  We  may  treat  as  invalid  a 
proxy appointment sent by CREST in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the Uncertificated 
Securities Regulations 2001. 

The  following  documents  are  available  for  inspection  at  the  registered  office  of  the  Company  during  the 
usual business hours on any weekday (Saturday, Sunday or public holidays excluded) from the date of this 
notice  until  the  conclusion  of  the  annual  general  meeting  and  will  also  be  available  for  inspection  at  the 
place of the meeting from 11.15 a.m. on the day of the meeting until its conclusion: 

copies  of  the  executive  directors'  service  contracts  with  the  Company  and  any  of  its  subsidiary 
undertakings and letters of appointment of the non-executive directors.  

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts 

Five year summary 

Group revenue 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 
Distribution costs 
Administrative expenses 
Exceptional items 
Other operating income/(expense) 

Group operating profit 
Finance income 
Finance expenses 

2012 
£’000 
15,605 
(11,763) 

2011  
£'000  
19,636 
(15,127) 

2010  
£'000  
16,314 
(12,116) 

2009  
£'000  
12,966 
(9,770) 

2008 
£'000  
17,481 
(13,057) 

3,842 
(376) 
(3,550) 
(287) 
6 

(365) 
1 
(15) 

4,509 
(404) 
(3,828) 
- 
98 

4,198 
(390) 
(3,273) 
(83) 
39 

3,196 
(301) 
(3,044) 
(176) 
(90) 

4,424 
(427) 
(3,285) 
(215) 
11 

375 
- 
(12) 

491 
- 
(1) 

(415) 
20 
(13) 

508 
43 
(38) 

Profit before taxation 

(379) 

363 

490 

(408) 

513 

Taxation 

Profit after tax 

Attributable to: 
Owners of the parent 
Non-controlling interest 

(58) 

(123) 

(59) 

9 

(243) 

(437) 

240 

431 

(399) 

270 

(374) 
(63) 

264 
(24) 

507 
(76) 

(375) 
(24) 

322 
(52) 

(437) 

240 

431 

(399) 

270 

Earnings per share - basic 
Earnings per share - diluted 

(9.49p) 
(9.49p) 

6.70p 
6.63p 

12.87p 
12.87p 

(9.52p) 
(9.52p) 

8.21p 
8.21p 

Dividends  per  share  in  respect  of 
each year 

Equity  attributable  to  shareholders 
of the parent 

2.0p 

5.35p 

5.35p 

5.35p 

5.35p 

5,192 

5,941 

5,841 

5,751 

6,036 

Holders Technology plc ¦ Annual Report & Accounts 2012     48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Form of Proxy 

Holders Technology plc 
Form of proxy for use at the Annual General Meeting of Holders Technology plc ("the Company") to be held on 26 
April 2013 at 11.30 a.m. 

I/We ………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 
of …………………………………………………………………………….……………………………... 
being a member/members of the Company entitled to receive notice, attend, speak and vote at general meetings of 
the Company, hereby appoint the Chairman of the Meeting (Note 1) 
………………………………………………………………… as my/our proxy to vote for me/us and on my/our behalf at the Annual 
General Meeting and at any adjournment and any other business of it which may properly come before the Meeting 
or any adjournment of it. 

I/We direct my/our proxy to attend, speak and vote as follows in respect of the resolutions set out in the Notice of 
Annual General Meeting (Note 2): 

Ordinary business 

For 

Against  Abstain 

1.   To receive and adopt the accounts of the Company, together with 
the  directors'  and  auditors'  reports  thereon,  for  the  year  ended 
30 November 2012. 

2.  To declare a final dividend. 

3.  To re-elect D Mahony as a Director. 

4.  To re-appoint Grant Thornton UK LLP as auditors of the Company 

and to authorise the directors to fix their remuneration. 

Special business 

5.  To authorise the directors to allot shares (Ordinary Resolution). 

6.  To empower the directors to allot shares outside of statutory pre-
emption rights subject to normal conditions (Special Resolution). 

7.  To empower the Company to repurchase ordinary shares (Special 

Resolution). 

In the absence of instructions the proxy is authorised to vote (or abstain from voting) on the resolutions at his or her 
discretion.  The proxy is also authorised to vote (or abstain from voting) on any other business which may properly 
come before the Meeting. 

Signed ……………………………………  Dated ………………………………...…………………2013 

Notes: 

(1) 

A member who is entitled to attend, speak and vote may appoint a proxy to attend, speak and vote instead 
of him.  A member wishing to appoint someone other than the Chairman of the Meeting as his or her proxy 
(who  need  not  be  a  member  of  the  Company)  should  insert  that  person's  name  in  the  space  provided  in 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

substitution for the reference to "the Chairman of the Meeting" and initial the alteration.  You may appoint 
more than one proxy provided each proxy is appointed to exercise rights attached to different shares (so a 
shareholder  must  hold  more  than  one  share  to  appoint  more  than  one  proxy).    A  member  wishing  to 
exercise this right should contact Neville Registrars. 
Please indicate by inserting an "X" under "FOR" or "AGAINST" or "ABSTAIN" how you wish your vote to be 
cast on each resolution.  On receipt of this form of proxy duly signed but without any specific directions as to 
how you wish your vote to be cast, you will be considered to have authorised the proxy to vote or abstain at 
his or her discretion. 
To be effective, this form of proxy together with any power of attorney or other authority under which it is 
signed or notarially certified copy thereof must either (a)  reach Neville Registrars, New Issue  Department, 
Neville House, 18 Laurel Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands B63 3BR not less than 48 hours before the time 
fixed  for  the  holding  of  the  Meeting  or  (b)  be  lodged  using  the  CREST  Proxy  Voting  Service  –  see  note  8 
below.    The  completion  and  return  of  a  form  of  proxy  will  not  preclude  a  member  from  attending  the 
Meeting and voting in person. 
In the case of a corporation, this form of proxy must be under the common seal or signed by an officer or 
attorney duly authorised in writing. 
In the case of joint holders, the vote of the senior who tenders a vote will be accepted to the exclusion of the 
votes of the other joint holders.  For this purpose, seniority is determined by the order in which the names 
stated in the register of members of the Company in respect of the joint holding. 
Any alterations made to this form of proxy should be initialled. 
Pursuant  to  Regulation  41  of  the  Uncertificated  Securities  Regulations  2001,  to  be  entitled  to  vote  at  the 
Meeting (and for the purposes of the determination by the Company of the number of votes they may cast) 
members must be entered on the register of members of the Company by 6 p.m. on 24 April 2013.      
CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies by utilising the proxy voting service may do so for 
the  Meeting  (and  any  adjournment  thereof)  by  following  the  procedures  described  in  the  CREST  Manual. 
CREST  Personal  Members  or  other  CREST  sponsored  members  (and  those  CREST  members  who  have 
appointed a voting service provider) should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider, who will 
be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf. 

In order for a proxy appointment made by means of CREST to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a 
"CREST Proxy Instruction") must be properly authenticated in accordance with CRESTCo's specifications and 
must contain the information required for such instructions, as described in the CREST Manual. The message 
(regardless of whether it relates to the appointment of a proxy, the revocation of a proxy appointment or to 
an  amendment  to  the  instruction  given  to  a  previously  appointed  proxy)  must,  in  order  to  be  valid,  be 
transmitted  so  as  to  be  received  by  the  issuer’s  agent  (ID  7RA11)  by  the  last  time(s)  for  receipt  of  proxy 
appointments specified in Note 3 above. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as 
determined by the timestamp applied to the message  by the CREST Applications Host) from which Neville 
Registrars is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. 

 
 
 
BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE 
Licence No.MB 3865 

Neville Registrars Limited 
New Issue Department 
Neville House 
18 Laurel Lane 
Halesowen 
West Midlands 
B63 3BR