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Inchcape

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FY2012 Annual Report · Inchcape
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Annual Report and Accounts 2012

The premium choice  
in the automotive industry 

RIGHT MARKETS

RIGHT BRANDS

RIGHT CATEGORIES

RIGHT FINANCIALS

RIGHT GROWTH STRATEGY

The premium choice in the automotive industry
Central to everything we do is our focus on customer service, operational 
excellence and world-class governance, which differentiates us in each 
of our 26 markets globally. Our distinctive business model in the automotive
industry makes us the premium choice as we create sustainable, long-term 
growth for all of our stakeholders. 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

SALES

£6.1bn

2011: £5.8bn

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CASH GENERATED 
FROM OPERATIONS

£249.2m

2011: £244.7m

NET ASSETS 

£1,507.4m

2011: £1,357.5m

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OPERATING PROFIT
(before exceptional items)

PROFIT BEFORE TAX 
(before exceptional items)

£261.9m

2011: £244.4m

£250.3m

2011: £227.7m

ADJUSTED EARNINGS 
PER SHARE* 
(before exceptional items)

39.7p

2011: 35.5p

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OPERATING PROFIT

PROFIT BEFORE TAX

EARNINGS PER SHARE*

£263.1m

2011: £231.0m

£251.5m

2011: £203.4m

40.0p

2011: 31.0p

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*  2008/09 numbers restated to reflect the bonus element of the Rights Issue and the Share Consolidation

BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Strategic partnerships with the 
world’s leading automotive brands
Inchcape is a global premium automotive group, operating 
as a strategic partner to the world’s leading car brands in the 
fast growing luxury and premium automotive sector. The 
Group provides a professional and well fi nanced route to 
market for vehicle and parts manufacturers across fi ve 
continents. Working across the value chain with brand 
partners, Inchcape operates as both a distributor and retailer.

MANUFACTURER

RETAILER

VEHICLES, F&I,*
PARTS & SERVICE

DISTRIBUTOR

VEHICLES & PARTS

CUSTOMER

*  F&I: fi nance & insurance

INCHCAPE

OUR ROLE AS A DISTRIBUTOR
In 22 of our 26 markets, Inchcape is responsible for the fulfi lment of the entire 
marketing, supply and sales programme for our brand partners’ vehicles and spare 
parts. As the exclusive brand representative, we provide the local expertise, unrivalled 
market understanding and scale to deploy market leading operational standards 
and world class governance:

(cid:116)(cid:1)Product development – specifying the models and volumes for each market

(cid:116)(cid:1)Logistics – from factory gate to retail centre

(cid:116)(cid:1)National marketing and sales – all promotional and pricing activities to enhance 

the brand

(cid:116)(cid:1)Retail network management – appointing, managing, training and supporting 

franchised dealer networks

(cid:116)(cid:1)Operational excellence – delivering competitive advantage through unrivalled 

levels of customer service.

In city-state markets (e.g. Hong Kong and Singapore) Inchcape operates as both 
the exclusive distributor and the exclusive retailer for its brand partners, capitalising 
on important margin opportunities.

OUR ROLE AS A RETAILER
In our four retail only markets (UK, Russia, China and Poland) where our 
partners manage their brand themselves, Inchcape provides high quality brand 
representation through large-scale retail facilities on a regional basis. Inchcape’s 
competitive advantage is achieved through exceptional customer service standards 
delivered globally through our unique Inchcape Advantage programme.

DIRECTORS’ REPORT: 
BUSINESS REVIEW

The premium choice
Five performance differentiators

2 
5  
12  Chairman’s statement
14 

 Group Chief Executive’s 
strategic review

19  Key performance indicators
22   Operating review
31   Finance review
32   Principal risks
34   Corporate Responsibility report

DIRECTORS’ REPORT: 
GOVERNANCE

38   Board of Directors
40   Executive committee
42   Corporate governance report
50 
62  Other statutory information

 Directors’ report on remuneration

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

68 

70 

69 

66 
67 

 Consolidated income statement
 Consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income
 Consolidated statement 
of fi nancial position
 Consolidated statement 
of changes in equity
 Consolidated statement 
of cash fl ows
71  Accounting policies
80  Notes to the accounts
125  Five year record
126  Auditors’ report – Group
127  Company balance sheet
128  Accounting policies
129  Notes to the accounts
135  Auditors’ report – Company

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

136   Company details

More information within Report

More information online

www.inchcape.com 

 1

 
 
The premium choice in the 
automotive industry...

OUR SHAREHOLDERS

OUR CUSTOMERS

(cid:116)(cid:1)Distinct business model, disciplined performance management 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Unwavering Customer 1st focus 

and a clear strategy delivering profitable, sustainable growth

(cid:116)(cid:1)Strong earnings growth in the last three years and record profit 

before tax and profit after tax in 2012

(cid:116)(cid:1)Leading presence in high-margin, high-growth Asia Pacific and 
Emerging Markets – strategic partnerships with the world’s best 
luxury and premium automotive brands

(cid:116)(cid:1)Low fixed cost, cash generative business with considerable 

growth prospects, set to outperform in a dynamic market place

(cid:116)(cid:1)Insights gained through 14,000 interviews every  

month with buyers and non-buyers enable on-going  
refinement of customer-centric operating standards  
and value-for-money propositions

(cid:116)(cid:1)Proprietary operating processes of our unique Inchcape 
Advantage programme deliver consistently superior  
customer service, every day, every time, everywhere

+52%

2012 total shareholder return

14,000

monthly customer interviews

2 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

...creating sustainable, long-
term value for all stakeholders

OUR BRAND PARTNERS

OUR PEOPLE

(cid:116)(cid:1)Focus on six leading premium manufacturer groups ensures 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Every individual is encouraged to be a leader, empowered  

deep business understanding, close relationships and a 
matchless product portfolio

(cid:116)(cid:1)As their strategic partner, manufacturers value Inchcape as  
a provider of a comprehensive, financially sound and trusted 
route to market

(cid:116)(cid:1)World class retail operating standards, global scale and local 

agility drive enhanced market share

(cid:116)(cid:1)Distribution model uniquely embraces the automotive  

value chain from factory gate through the entire ownership  
life-cycle

(cid:116)(cid:1)Expertise to create superior customer value and pricing power 

for market leading margins

to make decisions that make a positive difference

(cid:116)(cid:1)Leadership teams are proactively developed through industry-

leading talent review and planning process

(cid:116)(cid:1)Reward and recognition is focused on differentiating high 

performers and driving high performance

(cid:116)(cid:1)Global training and education programmes enable us to share 
experience and best practices between teams across the world

(cid:116)(cid:1)We leverage our Group structure to provide our people with 

outstanding growth opportunities

c.90%

of Group’s profit from six  
core manufacturer relationships

14,400

employees globally

www.inchcape.com 

  3

Delivering sustainable growth...

Throughout the most challenging trading  
conditions that our industry has ever known,  
Inchcape has consistently outperformed the  
market place – locally, regionally and globally.

Our performance in 2012 illustrates that we  
operate in the right markets, work with the right  
brands, trade in the right categories and deliver  
the right financials – all driven by our Customer  
1st growth strategy, which makes us the  
premium choice for shareholders, customers,  
partners and our people.

SALES

ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
(before exceptional items)

£6.1bn

2011: £5.8bn

39.7p

2011: 35.5p

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*  adjusted for the Share Consolidation

4 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

...through five  
performance differentiators:
3
1

4

5

2

Right
Markets

Right
Brands

Right
Categories

Right
Financials

Right
Growth strategy

21 of our 26 markets  
are in high-growth, 
high-margin economies 
of Asia Pacific and the 
Emerging Markets

Focus on the premium 
and luxury brands of  
six world leading  
vehicle manufacturers, 
generating c.90%  
of Group’s profits

Category range 
provides a well 
balanced profit  
stream and  
healthy margins

Low fixed costs and 
operational discipline 
deliver sustainable 
revenue and  
earnings growth

Unique customer  
focus enables us  
to capture growth 
opportunities  
in existing and  
new markets

See page 6

See page 7

See page 8

See page 9

See page 10

www.inchcape.com 

  5

 
 
 
 
 
Markets1

Right 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Growing population and increasing wealth will 
drive car penetration growth in Asia Pacific and 
Emerging Markets (APAC/EMs)

(cid:116)(cid:1)The structural premiumisation of demand for  
new cars in APAC/EMs positions our premium  
brand partners to outperform the industry

(cid:116)(cid:1)APAC/EMs value chain growth opportunities  

for used cars, service and parts

(cid:116)(cid:1)Premium brand partners are well positioned to  
gain share in developed markets with leading  
fuel efficiency technology

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT UNIQUELY POSITIONS INCHCAPE FOR FUTURE GROWTH

Broad international 
portfolio of scale 
operations in 26 markets

26

Over

70%profits from APAC/EMs

94%APAC/EMs will represent  

94% of global population 
growth from 2012-17 and  
69% of GDP growth

APAC/EMs will represent 67% 
of global car sales by 2017 
and 80% of car industry 
growth from 2012-17

80%

Distribution in

22markets

Retail only in

4markets

See Chief Executive’s review for more information

6 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Brands2

Right 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Focused portfolio of leading premium and luxury 
brands enabling deep brand knowledge and 
strong manufacturer relationships

(cid:116)(cid:1)Inchcape brand partners have strong 
R&D capability to lead powertrain and 
segment innovation

(cid:116)(cid:1)c.90% of Group’s profi ts from six leading premium 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Premium brands’ pricing power deliver 

manufacturer groups

superior margins

(cid:116)(cid:1)Established relationships with brand partners 

across multiple continents

(cid:116)(cid:1)Unparalleled depth of expertise

(cid:116)(cid:1)Inchcape delivers on market share and customer 
service excellence – e.g. Toyota Triple Crown Award 
in Hong Kong for 21 consecutive years

CREATING VALUE WITH THE WORLD’S LEADING AUTOMOTIVE BRANDS

Six core manufacturer 
relationships deliver

c.90%

of Group’s profi t

INCHCAPE LENGTH OF BRAND RELATIONSHIPS
Deep and global understanding of our brand partners enables us to deliver best in class performance

Subaru

BMW

Volkswagen

Mercedes-Benz

Jaguar & Land Rover

Toyota

See Chief Executive’s review for more information

20years

23years

24years

25years

42years

45years

www.inchcape.com 

 7

 
 
3

Right 
Categories

(cid:116)(cid:1)Five distinct revenue streams enable  

(cid:116)(cid:1)Revenue stream diversity provides a balance 

the Group to capture more of the value 
chain: new vehicle sales, finance &  
insurance, used vehicle sales, aftersales  
service and spare parts

of growth and defensive value drivers 
enabling the Group to deliver a resilient 
performance across the economic cycle

(cid:116)(cid:1)Scale presence in new car markets with 
market leadership in numerous markets 
provides scale in aftersales

DIVERSITY OF REVENUE STREAMS
Our diversified revenue streams are balanced to deliver healthy margins during all economic cycles

GROWTH VALUE DRIVERS
Our ‘growth’ value drivers are sales of  
new vehicles, alongside the finance & 
insurance products that are associated 
with them.

c.40% of gross profit

DEFENSIVE VALUE DRIVERS
Inchcape’s ‘defensive’ value drivers are used 
vehicle sales, aftersales service and spare 
parts, which deliver c.60% of our annual 
gross profit.

c.60% of gross profit

NEW  
VEHICLE  
SALES

VEHICLE FINANCE  
& INSURANCE

USED  
VEHICLE  
SALES

AFTERSALES  
SERVICE

SPARE PARTS

NEW VEHICLE SALES
Inchcape provides high quality brand representation  
through state of the art retail centres and outstanding levels  
of customer service through world leading operating and 
customer facing processes.

VEHICLE FINANCE & INSURANCE (F&I)
Our F&I specialists help customers to find the most efficient  
way to finance their vehicle. Additionally, we offer motorists the 
opportunity to purchase ancillary products, such as vehicle 
service contracts or maintenance programmes, in conjunction 
with the sale of a vehicle.

USED VEHICLE SALES
Used vehicle sales are significant for Inchcape in our advanced 
markets like the UK and Australia, where they represent a powerful 
profit stream. Resilient during a market downturn, this category 
develops as a market matures and as such, provides a meaningful 
growth opportunity for the Group in our Emerging Markets. 

AFTERSALES SERVICE
The profit potential from this category is a function of the number 
of cars on the road (car parc). Inchcape has built a strong 
market share over a number of years in many territories and 
consequently even small city-state markets like Hong Kong deliver 
significant profits for us due to their high aftersales throughput, 
where our well trained technicians and hi-tech facilities give us  
a unique competitive advantage.

SPARE PARTS
Ensuring customers have immediate access to genuine spare 
parts from our manufacturer brand partners strengthens our 
relationship in the automotive value chain and provides a 
resilient source of revenue.

See Chief Executive’s review for more information

8 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

4

Right 
Financials

(cid:116)(cid:1)Record profit before tax (PBT) and profit after 

(cid:116)(cid:1)The operational discipline and rigorous 

tax (PAT) in 2012

(cid:116)(cid:1)The Group has delivered substantial earnings 

growth in the last three years

performance management of the Group 
deliver best in class profitability, cashflow and 
return on capital 

(cid:116)(cid:1)The Group has a robust balance sheet and is  

strongly positioned for profitable growth

INCHCAPE MARGIN PROGRESS 

4.6

4.0

3.4

2.8

2.2

09

10

11

12

CASH CONVERSION
(of statutory operating profit)

94.7%

See Chief Executive’s review for more information

4.3%

The 2012 operating 
profit margin of 4.3%  
is 1.2ppt ahead of 
2009 and marks 
another year of 
improvement. This 
strong margin 
performance reflects 
the operational focus 
on cost efficiency 
throughout the Group 
and the operating 
leverage driven by 
revenue growth and 
margin management.

Cash conversion  
has been consistently 
strong, reflecting the 
Group’s operational 
focus on cash 
initiatives.

Management of 
working capital has 
been a key driver of 
this performance.

ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
(before exceptional items)

40

35

30

25

20

39.7p

2012 EPS growth  
was strong at 11.8%. 
The three year EPS 
compound annual 
growth rate is 13.6% 
which, against a 
backdrop of difficult 
trading conditions  
in some markets, is 
testament to the 
resilience of our 
business model and 
the action taken on 
the Group’s cost base.

09*

10

11

12

* adjusted for Share Consolidation

HIGH ROCE BUSINESS MODEL

22.3%

Distribution, the  
core of Inchcape  
(69% of Group  
trading profit), has  
low capital intensity.

Inchcape ROCE 
compares favourably 
across industries.

www.inchcape.com 

  9

 
5

Right 
Growth 
strategy

(cid:116)(cid:1)Our Customer 1st strategy is to create 

differentiation through consistently providing 
a superior customer experience, which we 
enable through our unique Inchcape 
Advantage programme

(cid:116)(cid:1)This Customer 1st strategy strengthens the 
performance of existing assets through  
improved market share, and aftersales 
service retention       

(cid:116)(cid:1)Through the strong brand partner relationships 
our Customer 1st strategy creates, Inchcape 
gains access to expansion opportunities in 
high margin, high growth areas of the world

GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE MARKET POISED FOR GROWTH
Growth opportunities across all categories: new vehicle sales, used cars, aftersales service, spare parts

GLOBAL TIV +26% 

GLOBAL CAR PARC +20% 

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The magnitude of the forecast automotive 
industry growth is signifi cant. We operate 
in an industry where global car sales are 
forecast to grow by 26% over the next fi ve 
years and the global car parc – the key driver 
of used cars and aftersales – is expected to 
grow by 20%. 

Our broad geographic spread means 
we are well positioned to seize these exciting 
growth opportunities.

See Chief Executive’s review for more information

CLEAR VISION AND GROWTH STRATEGY DELIVERING CONSISTENT EARNINGS GROWTH

OUR VISION
Our Customer 1st journey will create 
incredible growth for our people, our 
brand partners and our shareholders

EXPAND

STRENGTHEN

CUSTOMER 1ST STRATEGY
Our differentiated Customer 1st strategy is to Strengthen the business through delivering a superior customer 
value proposition, and Expand through selective investment in high margin, high growth areas

STRONG OPERATIONAL DISCIPLINE ON TOP FIVE PRIORITIES SUPPORTS INCHCAPE’S GROWTH STRATEGY
Balanced focus on two commercial initiatives (increasing market share and aftersales) to grow revenue ahead of our competitors 
and three cash initiatives (improving margin, controlling working capital and being selective about capital expenditure) to grow 
profi t and operating cash faster than revenue.

1 strategy

Commercial initiatives 
to grow revenues ahead 
of competitors

GROWING 
MARKET SHARE
Strong revenue and market 
share growth from new 
vehicle sales driven by 
differentiated Customer 
1st strategy.

GROWING 
AFTERSALES
Outperforming competitors 
through effective customer 
contact and retention 
programmes during both 
the warranty and 
post-warranty period.

Cash initiatives
to grow profi t and 
operating cash 
faster than 
revenues

IMPROVING 
MARGIN
Tight cost discipline fi rmly in 
place and continuous focus on 
the pricing power of our brands.

CONTROLLING 
WORKING CAPITAL
Robust daily discipline 
on working capital and 
inventory management.

SELECTIVE CAPITAL 
EXPENDITURE
Disciplined capital investment 
initiatives to increase capacity 
in strategic markets.

 10 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

INCHCAPE ADVANTAGE DRIVING REVENUE AHEAD OF COMPETITION
Delivering differentiated customer service is the over-arching strategic goal for the Group. Underpinned by customer insights 
and cutting edge retail metrics, Inchcape Advantage, our programme to deliver consistently superior customer service in 
every centre through our proprietary processes, is driving a sustained and continuous improvement in performance.

INCHCAPE ADVANTAGE IS OUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Leading indicators captured in real time though the customer sales and aftersales journey 
provide metrics for performance management. c14,000 customer satisfaction interviews 
every month provide valuable insights to drive revenue ahead of our competitors.

PURCHASE

CUSTOMER DATA

OWNERSHIP

CUSTOMER TRAFFIC

CUSTOMER ENQUIRIES

SALES LEADS

SERVICE BOOKINGS

TEST DRIVES

SERVICE LEAD TIMES

CAPTURE RATE

IDENTIFY FOCUS 
AREAS & 
RECOGNISE PROGRESS

SUPERIOR 
CUSTOMER 
VALUE

RIGOROUS PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT WITH INDUSTRY LEADING PROCESSES
The Group has a deeply ingrained performance management discipline, in breadth and in depth. Our approach combines 
strong central governance alongside tools for knowledgeable local management to respond rapidly and effectively to changing 
market conditions.

INCHCAPE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT CYCLE

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Board Governance

5 Year Strategy Plan

Annual Operating Plan

3+9 Forecast

9+3 Forecast

CAPEX Committee

iPOM Committee

IA Committee

Talent Performance Review

Customer Traffi c and Sales Volume Data

P&L, Cash Flow, Working Capital Reports

Balanced Scorecard by Site, Country, Region

Daily, Weekly, Monthly

Weekly, Monthly

Monthly

www.inchcape.com 

 11

 
I am delighted to report that the strength of Inchcape’s 
differentiated business model, together with our global portfolio,  
a clear strategy and passionate colleagues, enabled the Group 
to deliver record results in 2012.

The Group also benefited from normalised supply conditions in 
Australia and Singapore in 2012, following the disruption caused 
by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. 

In Australia, our Subaru distribution business achieved an 
excellent performance, selling 18.2% more vehicles than in 2011. 
In Singapore, where the new vehicle market declined 5.4% in 
2012, our South Asia business significantly outperformed with 
sales up 31.6%. Overall, year on year profit growth in four of our  
six geographic segments more than offset challenging trading 
conditions in Europe and the pressure on new vehicle margins  
in our Russia and Emerging Markets segment. 

The Group retains a strong balance sheet, ending the year  
with net cash of £276.2m. The Group follows a disciplined 
approach to capital allocation which ensures that the cash 
which we generate is deployed to drive long-term shareholder 
value creation. In February 2013, we announced the acquisition  
of Trivett Automotive Group, Australia’s leading premium 
automotive group.

PERFORMANCE
Group sales increased by 4.4% to £6.1bn for the full year to  
31 December 2012. Sales growth was achieved in all of the 
geographic segments, other than Europe which experienced  
a decline of 23.5% as trading conditions, particularly those in 
Greece, continued to be challenging. Many of the markets 
delivered results ahead of our expectations, including the UK 
which saw sales grow by 3.6%.

Our 4.6% Group trading margin is a 0.1ppt improvement on last 
year. The highly focused approach by the Group to managing 
the cost base has resulted in a reduction in overheads before 
exceptional items as a percentage of sales to 10.1%, 0.4ppt  
lower than 2011.

Profit before tax and exceptional items of £250.3m was 10% 
higher than 2011 and a record for the business. On a statutory 
basis, profit before tax was £251.5m, 24% above 2011. Adjusted 
earnings per share rose by 12% to 39.7p, representing a three 
year compound annual growth rate of 14%. 

The three year earnings performance is best viewed in the 
context of the corresponding three year compound annual  
sales growth rate of 2.9%, which demonstrates the potential for 
the Group to deliver significant operational leverage as we 
continue to grow the top line. We are set to benefit from structural 
growth in many of our markets and over the medium term will 
start to see recovery in markets that have remained difficult over 
the past three years.

Cash generated from operations during the year was £249.2m 
which represents a 95% conversion of statutory operating profit.

Chairman’s statement

Inchcape has delivered a record 
profit in 2012. 

Ken Hanna
Chairman

PROFIT AFTER TAX

£190.4m +28.8%

2011: £147.8m

DIVIDEND

14.5pper share

2011: 11.0p

+32%

12 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

OUTLOOK
As a leading global premium automotive group, we are set  
to benefit from the forecast growth in both the global new car 
market and the global car parc, as we operate in the right 
markets, represent the right brands, trade in the right categories, 
deliver the right financials and we are pursuing the right growth 
strategy. We therefore expect the Group to deliver a robust 
performance in 2013, notwithstanding the increased competitive 
pressure on vehicle margin.

Moreover, the Group is extremely well positioned to take 
advantage of the exciting growth prospects in Asia Pacific  
and Emerging Markets which are underpinned by population 
growth, wealth creation, increasing car penetration and industry 
premiumisation. We are confident that Inchcape will continue  
to produce sustainable earnings growth and strong returns for 
our shareholders. 

Ken Hanna,
Chairman

ONLINE DRIVER/REPORTING FORMAT
We continue to minimise the 
environmental impact of our printed 
report by reducing the print run, length 
and weight of paper used, while aiming 
to raise the quality of the report

     SEE ONLINE:
www.inchcape.com/reportingcentre2012 
www.inchcape.com/yearinreview2012

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
The Group continued to be selective on capital expenditure  
in 2012, ensuring that cash was allocated to the right growth 
prospects that meet our high return requirements. We are 
expanding our capacity in Chile, Peru, Poland, Australia  
and Russia. We have also made further strategic greenfield 
investments in China, with our new Porsche site in Nanchang  
set to open in 2013 and a Mercedes-Benz site in Jiujiang that  
will be completed later in the year.

BOARD
Following seven years’ service, David Scotland retired from the 
Board on 10 May 2012. Vicky Bindra has taken over the role of 
Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee from  
David, who we thank for his tireless commitment to the Group.

DIVIDEND
The Board has decided to increase the dividend payout  
ratio from 30% to 40% at this year’s final dividend and is 
recommending a final dividend of 10.5p per share giving a  
total dividend for the year of 14.5p per share (2011: 11.0p), up 
32%. The increase on 2011 and in the payout ratio is a reflection of 
the confidence the Board has in the business and is consistent 
with our progressive dividend policy. Subject to approval at the 
Company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 16 May 2013, the 
final dividend will be paid on 19 June 2013 to shareholders of the 
Company on the register of members at the close of business on 
24 May 2013.

APPROACH TO GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE  
RESPONSIBILITY (CR)
We view governance as a continually evolving set of principles 
and the Annual Report gives the Board an opportunity to 
communicate to our stakeholders how we have incorporated 
these principles in order to underpin the delivery of the Group’s 
strategy. The Corporate governance report on pages 42 to 49 
aims to set out clearly how we have structured the Board, how  
we have reviewed and evaluated ourselves and our processes 
and what changes we have made to ensure the Board and its 
committees remain effective. In 2012 the CR Board Committee, 
responsible for the strategic direction of the Group’s CR 
programme, continued to develop a global approach to  
making responsible economic, environmental and social 
behaviour fundamental to the way we work.

PEOPLE
On behalf of the Board, I wish to express my sincere thanks  
to all our colleagues across the Group for their outstanding 
commitment and support in 2012.

www.inchcape.com 

  13

Group Chief Executive’s strategic review

Importantly, our distinct business model is driven by the right 
growth strategy, our differentiated Customer 1st strategy. Our five 
differentiators of right markets, right brands, right categories, right 
financials and right growth strategy make us the premium choice 
in the automotive industry for our customers, our manufacturer 
brand partners, our people and our shareholders. So, as I reflect 
on the year, it is inevitable that I will describe those five strengths 
that are unique to Inchcape – the strengths that continue to give 
us a distinct and attractive business model in the global 
automotive industry.

OUR STRATEGIC ROLE IN THE GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
As the global industry leader, Inchcape provides a trusted,  
highly professional and well financed route to market for the 
world’s leading car brands, fulfilling an important role as vehicle 
manufacturers’ strategic partner in the automotive value chain: 
importing, distributing, marketing and retailing premium and 
luxury vehicles and providing motorists with high-quality, 
dedicated aftersales services. 

We operate as a distributor for our manufacturer brand partners 
in 22 of our 26 markets across the world. This involves the effective 
fulfilment of a wide range of critical functions, including many 
activities that in larger markets would be carried out by the 
manufacturer themselves. Under a distribution contract, we have 
the exclusive responsibility for every aspect of marketing and 
selling their vehicles and spare parts in a particular country. This 
ranges from specifying market-appropriate vehicles, ordering  
and distributing vehicle and parts stock and setting prices, to 
advertising and brand management, public relations and 
customer database management across the entire national 
market place. 

Critically, it also includes managing the complete retail  
network, covering all back-office functions and the  
appointment and management of independent franchised 
dealerships (although typically, we would also own some 10-20% 
of the dealer network ourselves). 

In city-state markets such as Hong Kong and Singapore,  
we operate as both the exclusive distributor and the exclusive 
retailer for our brand partners. Known as vertically integrated 
retailing (VIR), this enables us to capitalise on important  
margin opportunities.

In our four retail only markets – the UK, Russia, China and Poland 
– our manufacturer partners operate as the national sales and 
marketing company. Our role here is to provide quality brand 
representation through our large-scale retail facilities. Our 
competitive differentiation is that we provide exceptional 
standards of customer service through the deployment of the 
proprietary operating processes of our unique Inchcape 
Advantage programme.

Therefore, our role as a strategic partner in the automotive value 
chain across five continents makes us unique within the global 
industry. We believe there are five key differentiators that enable  
us to deliver sustainable growth for our shareholders.

Delivering sustainable earnings with 
a high return on capital. 

André Lacroix
Group Chief Executive

THE PREMIUM CHOICE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Inchcape is a leading global premium automotive group. 
Operating in 26 markets worldwide with a portfolio of the  
world’s leading car brands in the fast-growing luxury and 
premium segments, our differentiated Customer 1st strategy  
is creating sustainable growth for our people, our brand  
partners and our shareholders.

Amidst challenging trading conditions, we have delivered robust 
earnings growth over the last three years and outperformed the 
industry by growing share in most of our markets.

I am delighted to report that our 2012 profit before tax and 
exceptional items of £250.3m was a record and up 10% on  
last year.

Given that many Inchcape new car markets remain below their 
previous peaks, this is a strong performance and I thank all my 
colleagues across the Group for their incredible efforts that have 
helped us achieve this outcome. 

Our 2012 results demonstrate the value of our disciplined 
approach to performance management and re-emphasise  
that we operate in the right markets, representing the right 
brands, trading in the right categories which deliver the  
right financials. 

14 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

THE RIGHT MARKETS
The fi rst of those fi ve differentiators that set us apart is that we 
operate with a scale presence in the right markets – in fact, 21 
of the 26 markets where we operate are in the fast-growing 
economies of the Asia Pacifi c region and Emerging Markets. It is 
fundamental to Inchcape’s success that we operate in so many 
of the world’s most dynamic growth markets. Asia Pacifi c and 
Emerging Markets together represent 94% of the forecast global 
population growth and 69% of GDP growth over the next fi ve 
years. So it is not surprising that these markets, with their 
increasingly wealthy and urbanised populations, also represent 
80% of projected global car industry growth from 2012 to 2017 – a 
period during which these regions will also account for two-thirds 
of global car sales. When you consider that global car sales are 
set to grow by 26% over the same period and the global car parc 
(the key driver of aftersales and used car revenue) by 20%, these 
are clearly signifi cant fi gures.

We derive around half of Group revenue from these high growth, 
high margin Asia Pacifi c and Emerging Market regions, which 
deliver more than 70% of our profi ts. This means we are well 
positioned to continue achieving margin and profi t improvement 
moving forward. The importance of our established presence 
in these markets cannot be overemphasised and, as such, we 
continue to make disciplined capital investments to enhance 
our presence in these regions. In 2012 this included:

(cid:116)(cid:1)Winning three new distribution contracts – Land Rover in Hong 
Kong, Ford in Hong Kong and Rolls-Royce in Chile. All are now 
fully operational, and in Hong Kong we have increased Land 
Rover volume by 95% after taking responsibility for the brand 
at the end of 2011;

(cid:116)(cid:1)Opening a new BMW facility in Wroclaw, south western Poland, 

which has increased our capacity in the market;

(cid:116)(cid:1)Commencing construction work to increase car retail capacity 

in Moscow, Lima and Santiago; and 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Starting to build two new sites in China with Porsche and 

Mercedes-Benz. 

Our access to new distribution, VIR and retail opportunities 
in high-growth, high-margin territories is the reward for our 
reputation for professionalism, performance and integrity without 
compromise. Manufacturers require well-fi nanced and highly 
experienced partners whom they can trust to represent them 
effectively and profi tably. 

THE RIGHT BRAND PARTNERS
We focus on six leading premium vehicle manufacturer groups 
as our core brand partners, which between them deliver around 
90% of our profi t. These valued partnerships that form our portfolio 
of the world’s leading premium automotive brands are with 
Volkswagen/Audi/Porsche; BMW/MINI/Rolls-Royce; Subaru; 
Mercedes-Benz; Toyota/Lexus; and Jaguar/Land Rover. This 
focused core allows for a consistently robust product line-up 
across the Group.

In short, rather than spread our focus, we choose to truly 
understand the brands we work with and to deliver them in an 
exceptional way. This is an important strategic decision, which 
enables us to benefi t from ever-deeper relationships and to build 
best-in-class market share and superior customer service. These 
are key metrics used to judge an independent distributor and 
retailer; increasingly, therefore, vehicle manufacturers turn to us 
to provide a well-fi nanced and trusted route to market.

There are also sound business reasons for our chosen brand 
focus. First, these are the premium brands that are growing 
ahead of the global automotive market as a whole, due to their 
luxury appeal to the burgeoning middle classes in emerging 

THE INCHCAPE BUSINESS MODEL HAS FIVE DIFFERENTIATORS
Inchcape is distributor and retailer for the world’s leading premium and luxury automotive brands with a distinctive and attractive 
business model.

RIGHT MARKETS
Over 70% profi ts 
from Asia Pacifi c & 
Emerging Markets

RIGHT BRANDS
90% of profi ts from six 
leading premium 
manufacturer groups

                             P

       Servic e              

          D i s t r ibution

V

e

h

i

c

l
e

 s

        Reta i
ales               F i n a n c

l

a

r
t
s

e
c
n

n d Insura

e   a

RIGHT CATEGORIES
Five distinct revenue streams 
offering growth/defensive mix

RIGHT FINANCIALS
Attractive growth prospects, strong 
cash generation and robust 
balance sheet

RIGHT GROWTH STRATEGY
Customer 1st strategy to capture growth in 
existing and new markets

www.inchcape.com 

 15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Chief Executive’s strategic review continued

markets. Second, these same manufacturers have the strength  
to win share by investing ahead of their competition in fuel 
efficient automotive technology that appeals to customers in 
more developed markets. And third, the pricing power of these 
brands helps us to secure and grow our margins, which enable 
us to achieve strong returns.

make up just one of the five important automotive segments  
that we address. In fact, for the average UK consumer for 
example, vehicle purchase only represents around a third of 
lifetime motoring costs, while repairs, servicing, spare parts, 
accessories, insurance and taxation combined add up to 
another third (with fuel taking the balance). 

In those markets where we are the appointed distributor,  
an important point of differentiation is our ability to have the 
appropriate brand positioning in every country – it is our 
marketing expertise that positions each brand to build a strong 
pricing power and to grow market share.

We have worked with our core brand partners for many years –  
in some cases across multiple continents – and have consistently 
delivered for them. This is how we have retained and built upon 
these deep and long-standing relationships, enabling 
manufacturers to trust Inchcape with their brand stewardship  
on which we build to create superior customer value and 
outstanding levels of customer service. 

A leading example of a key brand relationship is that with Toyota, 
with whom we have now partnered for 45 years – on multiple 
levels and across several continents. Of these, our Hong Kong-
based distribution business, Crown Motors, was the first company 
in the world to be appointed distributor of all the Toyota Group’s 
main brands. This is building on a performance that is 
exceptional by any measurement, and which includes 21 
consecutive years of market leadership. In 2012, we yet again 
increased Toyota’s market share in the territory. This contributed  
to Crown Motors being presented with the Toyota Triple Crown 
Award for the 21st year in a row, which rewards being number 
one in passenger cars, in commercial vehicles and in the market 
as a whole.

THE RIGHT CATEGORIES
The range of categories in which we operate gives us a healthy 
diversity of profit streams, which we classify into what we call 
‘growth’ and ‘defensive’ value drivers. This approach means that, 
no matter the state of health of an individual market place, we 
have an appropriate balance of offerings to meet its needs and 
generate profits. 

Our two growth streams – which represent some 40% of our gross 
profit – are new vehicle sales and finance and insurance 
products (F&I). Clearly, new vehicle sales are the heart of our 
business, but it is fundamental to our business model that these 

Our three defensive value drivers, representing approximately  
60% of our gross profit, are used vehicle sales, aftersales servicing 
and the sale of spare parts.

Illustrating the role of defensive value drivers, demand for used 
vehicles during the economic downturn proved more resilient  
in the UK than for new vehicles. In addition, smaller new vehicle 
volumes have meant that fewer cars have been reaching the 
used vehicle market, which has driven up our margins in this  
key category.

This is not to say that used vehicles are exclusively part of  
a defensive strategy. The evolutionary stage of many of the 
emerging states where we operate means that there is not yet a 
scale market for used vehicles. Clearly, such markets will develop 
and this presents us with a significant future growth opportunity, 
which we intend to seize.

Another key defensive profit stream is aftersales servicing, which 
delivers approximately half of the Group’s profits. The margins in 
this area are very attractive, which makes territories where we 
have built market share over a number of years particularly 
profitable for us. In Hong Kong, for example, 33% of the existing 
vehicles on the road are brands we distribute, amounting to  
close to 140,000 units. This illustrates how a flourishing aftersales 
business enables even relatively small markets to deliver large 
profits for us. 

It is for such reasons that our distribution marketing teams 
continue to focus on customer contact and retention 
programmes, both up to and beyond warranty expiry. And  
in our retail operations, rigorous sales processes are constantly 
enhancing our performance through the daily capture of 
customer metrics including aftersales bookings, hours sold  
and workshop productivity. In addition, we run innovative 
aftersales initiatives and call centre programmes to capture  
share of the servicing market that is ahead of our competitors, 
consistently measuring their effectiveness so that we can focus 
increasingly on the best means of maximising customer  
retention. Such initiatives contribute strongly to the success  
of our aftersales activities.

TRADING ACROSS THE RIGHT CATEGORIES PROVIDES WELL 
DIVERSIFIED PROFIT STREAMS

UK MOTORING COSTS BREAKDOWN

Inchcape has a number of significant addressable automotive 
segments beyond new vehicles. The diversity of our profit streams 
coupled with a disciplined focus on costs has enabled the 
Group to deliver sustainable earnings growth since 2009.

  See online www.inchcape.com/yearinreview2012 

£59.9bn*

(cid:3) Cars, vans and motorcycle 
  purchase 33%
(cid:3) Repairs, servicing, spare 
  parts and accessories 13%
(cid:3) Vehicle insurance and 

taxation 18%

  Petrol, diesel and other 
  oils 32%
  Other motoring costs 4%

*  ONS data 2009

16 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

THE RIGHT FINANCIALS
Inchcape’s strong financial success, which has seen consistent 
and sustainable growth in all key metrics in the last three years, 
owes much to the agility we gain thanks to our relatively low  
fixed costs. 

I have already referred to the record level of profit before tax  
we achieved in 2012. This was partially due to several years of 
strong discipline on costs, which has seen Inchcape maximise 
the benefits of its flexible cost structure to strip out £124 million  
in operating costs before inflation since 2008, which represents  
a reduction of 18%. We have also built on our defensive profit 
streams since 2007 to deliver a consistently strong operating profit 
margin that at 4.3% in 2012 is 1.2ppt ahead of 2009, marking yet 
another year of improvement. 

Taking tough decisions early regarding under-performing sites 
and headcount, along with a strong ongoing focus on day-to-
day cash discipline, has been an important part of the Inchcape 
productivity strategy of recent years. These decisive actions have 
enabled us to maintain our investment programme in strategic 
initiatives, which ensures we are well placed to take advantage  
of future opportunities.

We have also achieved a strong return on capital employed, 
standing at more than 22%. This is largely due to the 
comparatively low level of fixed capital tied up in our distribution 
activities, which deliver around two-thirds of Group profits. 

We have delivered strong earnings growth over the last three 
years, a commendable performance during a time of enormous 
challenge and turbulence in our market place. In 2012, our basic 
adjusted earnings per share rose to 39.7p, up 12% on last year. 

Importantly, our business model is highly cash-generative. Our 
balance sheet is therefore very strong, with net cash of £276.2m. 
At the end of 2012, our net cash position was better than 
expected as we deferred some capital expenditure to 2013, 
benefited from favourable phasing in our working capital and 
maintained our strong controls on cash. Our strong financial 
position gives us the opportunity to continue our investments  
to support organic growth as well as consider opportunities  
to maximise shareholder value creation.

THE RIGHT GROWTH STRATEGY
None of the various initiatives and successes I have outlined  
here would have been possible without the underpinning 
strength of our Group-wide Customer 1st strategy, which places 
the customer right at the heart of our business worldwide, as we 
both strengthen our existing operations and expand our Group 
selectively in high margin, high growth areas. 

The automotive industry is not widely recognised for the quality  
of its customer service, so the fact that we are single-mindedly 
focused on being the world’s most customer-centric automotive 
group is our number one source of competitive advantage. The 
key tool that we use to ensure that every customer receives 
consistently superior customer service is our proprietary Inchcape 
Advantage programme, first launched in 2007 and consistently 
refined and enhanced every year since then. 

In each of our sites worldwide, Inchcape Advantage continues  
to drive all the performance management disciplines that are 
vital to the constant year on year improvement that we continue 
to deliver – unique insights into customer behaviour and trends, 
for example, that enable us to carry the optimum amount of the 
right stock at all times. 

Inchcape Advantage is a core enabler of our Customer 1st 
strategy. First, to strengthen the performance of our existing  
assets by delivering a superior value proposition that helps us 
constantly to improve market share in both vehicle sales and 
aftersales. And second, to help us seize expansion opportunities 
in the premium and luxury segments by leveraging our brand 
partner relationships based on outstanding service and  
satisfied customers.

Naturally, the implementation of this strategy is rigorously 
controlled. To do so, we use the strong operational discipline  
that results from our focus on what we call Inchcape’s Top Five 
Priorities. We ensure that at all times we have a balanced focus 
between commercial and cash initiatives. 

Our two key commercial priorities are to increase market share 
and aftersales, enabling us to grow our revenues at a rate that  
is ahead of our competitors. Responsibility for these areas resides 
chiefly at a local level, where our empowered teams use 
innovative marketing to drive customers into our showrooms  
and service centres and once there, to delight them with an 
outstanding customer experience.

INCHCAPE DELIVERS FOR ITS BRAND PARTNERS

4.0%

Vehicle manufacturers trust Inchcape  
with brand stewardship and we build upon  
this to create superior customer value and 
outstanding levels of customer service. One 
such example of the strength of our brand 
partner relationships is in Australia where 
Inchcape has been the distributor for Subaru 
vehicles since 1992. Our expert marketing 
teams have positioned Subaru as a premium 
vehicle brand in Australia and we have taken 
market share from c.1% in 1992 to 3.9% in 2012. 

3.0%

2.0%

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9
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6
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4
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3

  See online www.inchcape.com/yearinreview2012

92

97

02

07

12

www.inchcape.com 

  17

Group Chief Executive’s strategic review continued

And our three cash initiatives, which aim to grow our profi t 
and operating cash faster than our revenue, are to improve 
our margins, to control our working capital and to be highly 
selective on our capital expenditure investments. Our Top Five 
Priorities are fully integrated in our Group-wide performance 
management processes. 

Our decentralised organisation plays an important role 
as our managers across the world have high levels of 
empowerment that they can wield at a local level. Under 
this model, a clear set of policies are provided centrally and 
implemented locally, in a way that takes advantage of high 
levels of local market understanding paired with our deep 
knowledge of our manufacturer partners’ brands. Our glo-cal 
operating model provides global scale and local agility.

Our glo-cal organisational model is enabled on a daily basis 
by our Group-wide focus on performance management with 
rigorous monitoring across a range of operational and customer 
metrics. This performance management discipline is deeply 
ingrained both centrally and locally, in breadth and in depth, 
and we consider this to be fundamental to the Group’s 
operational effi ciency. 

We drive performance management with industry leading 
processes. This gives us the opportunity to make well informed 
decisions quickly as we leverage both a comprehensive set of 
performance management processes and the accuracy of 
our performance management tools. 

Against a challenging backdrop, the Group has delivered 
profi table growth in the last three years, growing revenue ahead 
of our competitors and growing profi t ahead of revenue. During 
this period, our Group revenue has grown on average by c.3% 
and operating profi t has grown on average by c.14% per annum. 
Margins are up 1.2ppt over this same three year period. 

I believe that this consistent performance demonstrates 
the strength of our business model, the effectiveness of our  
Customer 1st strategy and our operational discipline just 
described. We are confi dent moving forward in the Group’s 
earnings growth potential as Inchcape is uniquely positioned 
to take advantage of the exciting growth prospects in the 
global automotive market.

THE RIGHT FUTURE
Inchcape is a company that is focused on profi table growth 
for its brand partners and shareholders. 

We are uniquely placed to fully leverage the opportunities ahead 
of us as a highly professional and well-fi nanced route to market 
for the world’s best car brands in what I consider to be the world’s 
most exciting and dynamic industry.

We operate with a distinctive and attractive business model 
in an industry with considerable growth prospects. We have scale 
operations in the right markets, with more than 70% of our trading 
profi t coming from Asia Pacifi c and the Emerging Markets. We 
operate in the right categories, with a healthy balance of fi ve 
growth and defensive value drivers. We distribute and retail the 
right brands in the premium and luxury sector, which continues 
to outperform the industry. We have the right fi nancials with strong 
cash generation, a robust balance sheet and high returns on 
capital employed. We are convinced that we pursue the right 
growth strategy based on a differentiated Customer 1st 
approach combined with a strong operational discipline.

We therefore believe that Inchcape is indeed the premium 
choice in the automotive industry – for our people for whom 
we offer an exciting work environment; for our brand partners for 
whom we provide trusted brand stewardship and growth; for our 
customers for whom we provide a superior customer experience; 
and for our shareholders for whom we provide sustainable 
earnings growth.

André Lacroix, 
Group Chief Executive

 www.inchcape.com/reportingcentre

INCHCAPE ADVANTAGE – OUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

NET PROMOTER SCORE (NPS) SALES AND SERVICE*

Customer service is our number one competitive advantage. 
Not only does it enable the strengthening of our existing assets 
through improved market share and aftersales service retention, 
it also facilitates expansion opportunities as we leverage our 
global brand partner relationships. Inchcape Advantage, our 
unique Group-wide programme to deliver a consistently superior 
customer experience at every stage of the customer journey, 
which is now in its sixth year, lies at the heart of our strategic 
commitment to customer-centric operational excellence. Its 
proprietary processes drive the organic growth of our business 
and create strong relationships with our brand partners.

190

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130

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  See online www.inchcape.com/yearinreview2012 

Sales NPS (LHS)

Service NPS (RHS)

*  Scores re-based to 100

 18 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

160

150

140

130

120

110

100

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BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Key performance indicators (KPIs) 

THESE KPIS ARE  
HOW WE MEASURE OUR 
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

The Inchcape plc Board  
of Directors and the Group 
Executive Committee monitor 
the Group’s progress against 
its strategic objectives and 
the financial performance  
of the Group’s operations on  
a regular basis. Performance is 
assessed against the strategy, 
budgets and forecasts. We 
also measure the quality of 
revenues through the mix of 
revenue streams, and the flow 
through of value from sales 
revenue to trading profit.

SALES

TRADING PROFIT 

TRADING MARGIN 

DEFINITION
Consideration receivable from  
the sale of goods and services.  
It is stated net of rebates and any 
discounts, and excludes sales 
related taxes.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2012
Sales grew by a robust 4.4% with 
strong growth reported in the 
entire Group with the exception of 
Europe, which has continued to 
experience challenging trading 
conditions, most notably in Greece. 

DEFINITION
Operating profit excluding the 
impact of exceptional items 
and unallocated central costs.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2012
A continued focus on cost control 
and accretive margin growth 
has meant that trading profit 
has grown by 7.0% year on year.  

DEFINITION
Calculated by dividing trading 
profit by sales.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2012
The Group’s trading margin grew 
to 4.6% (+0.1ppt). 

£6.1bn

2011: £5.8bn

£280.1m

2011: £261.8m

4.6%

2011: 4.5%

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

n
b
3
.
6
£

n
b
9
.
5
£

n
b
8
.
5
£

n
b
1
.
6
£

n
b
6
.
5
£

TRADING PROFIT CONTRIBUTION

Australasia 

Europe 

North Asia 

South Asia 

UK 

24.0%

6.0%

18.9%

12.5%

23.3%

08

09

10

11

12

Russia and Emerging Markets  15.3%

5

4

3

2

1

0

%
5
.
4

%
6
.
4

%
2
.
4

%
0
.
4

%
5
.
3

08

09

10

11

12

PROFIT BEFORE TAX AND 
EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 

DEFINITION
Represents the profit made after 
operating and interest expense 
excluding the impact of 
exceptional items and before  
tax is charged.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2012
Profit before tax and exceptional 
items increased by 9.9%, to a 
record £250.3m. 

WORKING CAPITAL  

DEFINITION
Inventory, receivables, payables, 
and supplier related credit.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2012
Stock cover is 1.4 months and 
working capital ended at £25.9m.

CASH GENERATED  
FROM OPERATIONS 

DEFINITION
Trading profit adjusted for 
depreciation, amortisation  
and other non-cash items  
plus the change in working  
capital, provisions and  
pension contributions.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2012
The Group has generated an 
operating cash flow of £249.2m.

£250.3m

2011: £227.7m

£25.9m

2011: £12.2m

£249.2m

2011: £244.7m

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

m
3
.
0
5
2
£

m
7
.
7
2
2
£

m
0
.
4
1
2
£

m
7
.
0
9
1
£

m
1
.
5
5
1
£

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

m
5
.
2
5
2
£

m
7
.
6
7
£

m
4
.
8
1
£

m
2
.
2
1
£

m
9
.
5
2
£

m
7
.
6
3
3
£

m
7
.
3
8
1
£

m
3
.
4
7
2
£

m
7
.
4
4
2
£

m
2
.
9
4
2
£

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

08

09

10

11

12

08

09

10

11

12

08

09

10

11

12

LIKE FOR LIKE SALES AND  
TRADING PROFIT

DEFINITION
Excludes the impact of acquisitions 
from the date of acquisition until 
the 13th month of ownership and 
businesses that are sold or closed. 
It further removes the impact of 
retail centres that are relocated 
from the date of opening until 
the 13th month of trading in the 
new location. These numbers are 
presented in constant currency.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2012
Like for like sales increased by  
6.0% while like for like trading  
profit grew by 7.1% as the  
focus on cost management  
continued unabated.

 +7.1%

Like for like trading profit

www.inchcape.com 

  19

 
 
 
Inchcape worldwide

Distribution and 
Retail businesses 
on a global scale

Australasia

Inchcape is the distributor for Subaru in Australia and New Zealand and operates a multi brand 
retail strategy in Australia.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

BRAND PARTNERS 

MARKET CHANNELS

SALES

£1,168.7m

2011: £1,011.0m 

TRADING PROFIT

£67.2m

2011: £55.3m

 See page 25

Europe

Inchcape  operates distribution and retail across four western European markets – Belgium, Greece, 
Finland and Luxembourg.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

BRAND PARTNERS 

MARKET CHANNELS

SALES

£616.6m

2011: £806.0m 

North Asia

TRADING PROFIT

£16.8m

2011: £24.0m

 See page 26

Inchcape operates a multi brand VIR model in Hong Kong, Macau, Guam and Saipan.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

BRAND PARTNERS

MARKET CHANNELS

SALES

£518.7m

2011: £433.3m 

TRADING PROFIT

£52.8m

2011: £42.0m

 20 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 See page 27

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Global footprint 
uniquely positions 
Inchcape for 
future growth 

KEY

Distribution

Retail

Vertically 
integrated 
retail (VIR)

See online 
www.inchcape.com/yearinreview2012

South Asia

Inchcape operates a multi brand VIR model in Singapore and Brunei. 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

BRAND PARTNERS 

MARKET CHANNELS

SALES

£385.1m

2011: £296.2m 

TRADING PROFIT

£35.1m

2011: £26.0m

 See page 28

United Kingdom  Inchcape operates a scale retail business with premium brand partners in key regions 

together with a fl eet leasing business.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

BRAND PARTNERS 

MARKET CHANNELS

SALES

£2,133.8m

2011: £2,059.3m 

TRADING PROFIT

£65.2m

2011: £60.4m

 See page 29

Russia and Emerging Markets

 Inchcape operates a VIR model in the Baltics, Africa and South America, 
distribution and retail in the Balkans, and retail in Russia, China and Poland.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

BRAND PARTNERS

MARKET CHANNELS

SALES

£1,262.5m

2011: £1,220.5m 

TRADING PROFIT

£43.0m

2011: £54.1m

 See page 30

www.inchcape.com 

 21

 
 
Our results are stated at actual rates of exchange. However 
to enhance comparability we also present year on year 
changes in sales and trading profit in constant currency, 
thereby isolating the impact of exchange. Unless otherwise 
stated, changes in sales and trading profit in the operating 
review are at constant currency.

The Group has delivered record results, as we continue to benefit 
from our broad geographic spread and our partnership with the 
leading OEMs in the premium and luxury segment. The Group 
strengthened its profitability, its balance sheet and its return on 
capital employed while continuing to make progress on 
customer service and market share around the world.

2012 saw a strong rebound in performance in South Asia and 
Australasia following a challenging 2011. Europe remained  
weak, with the Greek economy in particular facing continuing 
challenging conditions while we saw improved customer 
confidence in the UK. After a strong first quarter, we saw a 
weakening of consumer demand in Russia and Emerging 
Markets which, when combined with volume push activities  
from manufacturers to offset trading weaknesses in Europe, 
resulted in an over-supply and margin pressure on vehicles. 

Group sales at £6.1bn were up 5.8% on last year – driven by 
strong growth in key markets such as Singapore, Hong Kong 
and Australia. The UK car market grew by over 5% on last year’s 
levels with our luxury and premium brand partners continuing 
to outperform the market as a whole. 

Continued focus on growth, margins and disciplined cost control 
enabled the Group to achieve an increase of 7.7% in trading 
profit to £280.1m. Overheads as a percentage of sales have 
decreased by 0.4ppt compared to 2011.

Working capital was tightly managed throughout the year 
and resulted in a year end position of £25.9m, which was better 
than expected as we benefited from favourable working capital 
phasing. We had another year of strong cash generation from 
our operations of £249.2m.

Net capital expenditure of £87.3m was slightly lower than 
expected as some expenditure was deferred into 2013. We 
continued to invest in capacity expansion and greenfield sites, 
mainly in Asia Pacific, Russia and Emerging Markets.

Net cash at the end of the year was £276.2m, up by £32.7m 
compared to the end of 2011. 

Operating review

Our disciplined focus on the 
Top Five Priorities has delivered 
sustained margin growth and 
cash generation.

John McConnell
Group Finance Director

SALES

£6.1bn

TRADING PROFIT

£280.1m

WORKING CAPITAL

£25.9m

SELECTIVE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

£87.3m

22 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS – RESULTS

Sales
Trading profit
Trading margin %
Like for like sales
Like for like trading profit
Like for like sales growth % 
Like for like trading profit growth %
Profit before tax before exceptional items
Working capital
Cash generated from operations
Net cash

Australasia
Europe
North Asia
South Asia
United Kingdom
Russia and Emerging Markets
Central Costs
Operating Profit

Year ended
31.12.2012
£m

Year ended 
31.12.2011
£m

6,085.4
280.1
4.6
5,951.5
277.2
4.6
6.4
250.3
25.9
249.2
276.2

5,826.3
261.8
4.5
5,690.4
260.5
0.1
5.3
227.7
12.2
244.7
243.5

% change

4.4
7.0
0.1ppt
4.6
6.4
4.5ppt
1.1ppt
9.9
112.3
1.8
13.4

% change  
in constant 
currency

5.8
7.7
0.1ppt
6.0
7.1

10.5

2012
Operating 
profit  
£m

2012
Exceptional 
items  
£m

2012
Trading  
profit 
£m

2011
Operating 
profit  
£m

2011
Exceptional 
items  
£m

2011
Trading  
profit 
£m

65.0
12.1
52.7
35.1
62.3
34.9
1.0
263.1

(2.2)
(4.7)
(0.1)

(2.9)
(8.1)
19.2
1.2

67.2
16.8
52.8
35.1
65.2
43.0

54.6
21.3
41.9
26.0
52.5
53.7
(19.0)
231.0

(0.7)
(2.7)
(0.1)

(7.9)
(0.4)
(1.6)
(13.4)

55.3
24.0
42.0
26.0
60.4
54.1

www.inchcape.com 

  23

 
 
In South Asia year on year sales grew by 27.4% and trading  
profit by 32.4%. This was due to a number of successful product 
launches and improved supply following the 2011 Japanese 
earthquake and flooding in Thailand. 

In North Asia sales grew by 17.9% and trading profit by 23.6%, 
which was a record. This was driven by increased market  
share in all markets in the North Asia region and a strong  
aftersales performance.

Russia and Emerging Markets continued to grow in 2012 with 
sales up by 10.4% and trading profit up by 2.3%. Our Ethiopian 
business delivered another strong year while trading conditions  
in Eastern Europe and South America were challenging.

Our European region saw a decline in sales of 20.9% mainly  
due to Greece where challenging economic conditions remain. 
In Belgium we saw an expected sales decline due to the end of 
the Government CO2 incentives in December 2011.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS
The Group reports its regional analysis in line with IFRS 8 
‘Operating Segments’. This standard requires operating 
segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports 
about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed 
by the chief operating decision maker in order to assess their 
performance and to allocate resources to the segments. 
These operating segments are then aggregated into reporting 
segments to combine those with similar characteristics.

Distribution

Retail 

Australasia
Europe
North Asia
South Asia
United Kingdom
Russia and Emerging Markets

Australasia
Europe
United Kingdom
Russia and Emerging Markets

Included within the Russia and Emerging Markets segment  
are Russia, China, South America, Africa, the Balkans, the Baltics, 
and Poland on the basis that these markets have started to grow 
but have yet to reach a mature stage of development and 
accordingly are in, or are expected to return to, the growth  
phase of the development cycle.

Operating review continued

BUSINESS ANALYSIS

Year ended
31.12.2012
£m

Year ended
31.12.2011
£m

% change  
in constant 
currency

% change

Sales
Retail
Distribution
Like for like sales
Retail
Distribution
Trading profit
Retail
Distribution
Like for like trading profit
Retail
Distribution

3,573.9
2,511.5

3,468.9
2,357.4

3,514.8
2,436.7

3,384.3
2,306.1

86.1
194.0

88.6
188.6

89.8
172.0

90.4
170.1

3.0
6.5

3.9
5.7

(4.1)
12.8

(2.0)
10.9

4.3
8.1

5.1
7.3

(3.1)
13.2

(0.9)
11.3

RETAIL BUSINESS
Retail sales saw a 4.3% growth year on year at £3.6bn. Trading 
profit saw a decline of 3.1% mainly due to challenging trading 
conditions in Europe and Emerging Markets which were partially 
offset by strong results in the UK and Australia.

The Group’s UK retail business grew sales by 3.6%. The UK new car 
market reached a four year high and we increased our overall 
market share. Continued focus on margins and overheads has 
resulted in a year on year growth in trading profit of 8.4% and a 
record return on sales of 2.8%.

The Australian retail business benefited from growth in the car 
market as supply constraints following the 2011 Japanese 
earthquake and flooding in Thailand were resolved. Year on 
year sales grew by 7.3% and trading profit by 25.8% resulting  
in a return on sales of 3.8%.

The European region experienced a decline in sales in 2012  
but at a slower rate than 2011. Sales declined by 6.0% compared 
to a decline of 14.5% in 2011. This was primarily due to the 
continued market contraction in Greece which declined 40%  
in the year.

The Russia and Emerging Markets region continued to grow  
in 2012 with sales up by 6.0% to £926.9m. Trading profit was  
down 45% year on year as we faced challenging trading 
conditions in a number of markets with a slowing of market 
growth and volume push activities from OEMs which  
impacted new car margins.

DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS
Our distribution business grew year on year by 8.1% to £2.5bn 
and 13.2% to £194.0m in terms of sales and trading profit 
respectively. The distribution business has continued to perform 
well in all regions except Europe where we were impacted by  
the challenging market conditions in Belgium and Greece. 

The Australasian business grew sales and trading profit by 19.4%, 
delivering trading profit of £51.3m. We grew market share by 
0.2ppt as we benefited from better supply and the launch of  
new models.

24 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Australasia

Strong revenue and profit growth

KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Year ended
31.12.2012
£m

Year ended
31.12.2011
£m

% change 
in constant 
currency

% change

Sales
Retail
Distribution
Like for like sales
Retail
Distribution
Trading profit
Retail
Distribution
Like for like  
trading profit
Retail
Distribution
Trading margin %
Retail
Distribution

1,168.7
420.9
747.8
1,168.5
420.7
747.8
67.2
15.9
51.3

67.4
16.1
51.3
5.7
3.8
6.9

1,011.0
389.6
621.4
1,005.9
384.5
621.4
55.3
12.6
42.7

55.9
13.2
42.7
5.5
3.2
6.9

CONTRIBUTION 
TO GROUP SALES 

CONTRIBUTION 
TO GROUP PROFIT

19.2%

24.0%

15.6
8.0
20.3
16.2
9.4
20.3
21.5
26.2
20.1

20.6
22.0
20.1
0.2ppt
0.6ppt
-ppt

14.8
7.3
19.4
15.3
8.7
19.4
20.8
25.8
19.4

19.9
21.7
19.4
0.3ppt
0.6ppt
 -ppt

SALES
£1,168.7m +15.6%
(2011: £1,011.0m)*

TRADING PROFIT
£67.2m + 21.5%
(2011: £55.3m)*

* at actual exchange rates

THE MARKET
The Australian economy has performed well in 2012, and the  
car market continued to grow and was up by 10.3% to 1.1 million 
units reflecting an improvement of the supply situation and the 
underlying strengths of the Australian economy. 

BUSINESS MODEL & STRATEGY
We are the distributor for Subaru in both Australia and New 
Zealand. In addition we have multi-franchise retail operations 
based in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. These operations 
hold franchises for Subaru, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, Isuzu and Kia. 
At the end of 2012, we owned 21 retail centres and managed  
a network of 101 independently owned Subaru centres 
throughout Australasia.

Supporting these operations, our logistics business AutoNexus is 
responsible for managing vehicle and parts inventory, distribution 
and vehicle preparation on behalf of Subaru Australia, our retail 
business, as well as other independent dealers.

Our strategy for our distribution operations is to continue to grow 
market share through our superior Customer 1st operational 
processes. Our retail operations are focused on delivering an 
outstanding customer experience for our brand partners and 
driving revenue from sales of new and used cars, service and 
vehicle parts. 

OUR OPERATING PERFORMANCE
We have delivered a strong revenue and operating profit 
performance in Australasia. In a growing market, we were able 
to gain share as we benefited from improved supply and the 
successful launches of the new Subaru XV and Impreza.

Our gross margin in our distribution business was impacted, as 
expected, by the unfavourable Yen exchange rate which was 
partly mitigated by a strong performance of our parts business. 
Nevertheless, our distribution trading profit of £51.3m was 19.4% 
up on the previous year.

The retail business delivered a record trading profit of £15.9m, 
up 25.8% on 2011. This was driven by increases in both new and 
used car margins as well as a strong penetration of finance 
and insurance sales. 

ACQUISITION
In February 2013 we announced an important step in the  
further development of our Asia Pacific presence, having 
acquired Trivett Automotive Group, the leading premium 
automotive group in Australia.

OUTLOOK FOR 2013
The Australian car market is expected to continue to grow over 
2012 levels and in 2013 we will launch the new Subaru Forester  
to capitalise on the growing SUV sector. VW is also expected to 
continue its growth and we will leverage the new VW North  
Shore showroom. 

Our operational focus on our Top Five Priorities of growing market 
share, improving margins, growing aftersales, controlling working 
capital and selective capital expenditure remains firmly in place 
and will further strengthen our business. We continue to expect  
to deliver a strong performance in 2013. 

George Ashford,
Chief Executive Officer, Inchcape Australasia

www.inchcape.com 

  25

Operating review continued
Europe

Resilient performance despite 
challenging trading conditions

KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Sales
Retail
Distribution
Like for like sales
Retail
Distribution
Trading profit
Retail
Distribution
Like for like  
trading profit
Retail
Distribution
Trading margin %
Retail
Distribution

Year ended
31.12.2012
£m

Year ended
31.12.2011
£m

% change 
in constant 
currency

% change

616.6
129.7
486.9
614.4
127.5
486.9
16.8
(0.5)
17.3

17.0
(0.3)
17.3
2.7
(0.4)
3.6

806.0
147.5
658.5
802.4
143.9
658.5
24.0
(0.3)
24.3

(23.5)
(12.1)
(26.1)
(23.4)
(11.4)
(26.1)
(30.0)
(66.7)
(28.8)

(18.2)
(6.0)
(20.9)
(18.1)
(5.2)
(20.9)
(25.2)
(79.5)
(23.9)

24.2
(0.1)
24.3
3.0
(0.2)
3.7

(29.8)
(200.0)
(28.8)
(0.3)ppt
(0.2)ppt
(0.1)ppt

(24.7)
(170.8)
(23.9)
(0.3)ppt
(0.2)ppt
(0.1)ppt

CONTRIBUTION 
TO GROUP SALES 

CONTRIBUTION 
TO GROUP PROFIT

10.1%

6.0%

SALES
£616.6m -23.5%
(2011: £806.0m)*

TRADING PROFIT
£16.8m -30.0%
(2011: £24.0m)*

* at actual exchange rates

THE MARKET
The Belgian private car market contracted by 14.9% in 2012 and 
this was primarily driven by the end of the Government’s CO2 
incentive scheme. 

The Greek market declined by 40.2% year on year reflecting the 
continued deep economic recession affecting the country. 

BUSINESS MODEL & STRATEGY
In Belgium and Luxembourg we distribute Toyota and Lexus 
and own 10 retail centres with a network of 100 retail centres 
operated by independent third party retailers and 31 repair 
outlets. In Luxembourg we also have a retail centre for Jaguar. 

In Greece we are the distributor for Toyota and Lexus, owning 
five retail centres and overseeing a further 43 which are 
independently owned. 

In Finland we are the distributor for Jaguar, Land Rover and 
Mazda, owning four retail centres and managing a network  
of 48 independent retailers.

In distribution, growth will be driven by strong marketing 
programmes increasing traffic into the dealer network with 
new model launches supported by tight overhead control.

In retail, we focus on customer-centric operational excellence 
and improving footfall conversion.

OUR OPERATING PERFORMANCE
In challenging trading conditions we remained focused on 
protecting the pricing power of our brands and on leveraging our 
aftersales activities while reducing our cost base. Our European 
businesses have delivered a resilient trading profit of £16.8m. 

We saw a significant decline of new car volume in both 
Greece and Belgium which triggered, as expected, an increase 
of promotional activities from our competitors, affecting new  
car margin.

OUTLOOK FOR 2013
We expect the trading conditions in Europe to remain 
challenging in 2013 with a further industry decline given  
the low level of consumer confidence and the uncertainties  
in the Eurozone.

Our teams will continue to protect the pricing power of our 
brands by not pushing volume at the expense of profitability 
and by making sure we successfully launch the new Toyota Auris, 
the new RAV4 and the new Lexus IS. We will continue to leverage 
the strength of our profitable aftersales segments and our control 
on costs will remain firmly in place.

While our European business will continue to face a challenging 
trading environment in 2013, we continue to expect to deliver  
a resilient financial performance.

Bertrand Mallet,
Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Belgium

Aris Aravanis,
Chairman & Managing Director, Toyota Hellas

Jean Van der Hasselt,
Chief Executive Officer, Russia and the Nordics

26 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

North Asia

Market leadership for 21 years  
and record profitability

KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Sales
Distribution
Like for like sales
Distribution
Trading profit
Distribution
Like for like  
trading profit
Distribution
Trading margin %
Distribution

Year ended
31.12.2012
£m

Year ended
31.12.2011
£m

% change 
in constant 
currency

% change

518.7

433.3

19.7

17.9

445.7

384.9

15.8

14.0

52.8

42.0

25.7

23.6

47.5

39.8

19.3

17.3

10.2

9.7

0.5ppt

0.5ppt

CONTRIBUTION 
TO GROUP SALES 

CONTRIBUTION 
TO GROUP PROFIT

8.5%

18.9%

SALES
£518.7m +19.7%
(2011: £433.3m)*

TRADING PROFIT
£52.8m +25.7%
(2011: £42.0m)*

* at actual exchange rates

THE MARKET
The Hong Kong market grew by 3.7% compared to 2011, 
reflecting the underlying strengths of the Hong Kong economy.

BUSINESS MODEL & STRATEGY
In Hong Kong and Macau we are the exclusive distributor for 
Toyota, Lexus, Land Rover, Jaguar, Ford, Daihatsu and Hino Trucks. 
We also own and operate all 19 retail centres for these brand 
partners in this market. 

In Guam we are the exclusive distributor and retailer for Toyota, 
Lexus, Chevrolet and Scion, owning all three retail centres. 
In Saipan we are distributor and retailer for Toyota with one 
further retail centre. 

OUR OPERATING PERFORMANCE
We have delivered another strong performance, gaining 
market share in all our North Asian markets having successfully 
leveraged a number of new products such as the new Prius C, 
new Camry and new Lexus GS.

Sales revenue and trading profit for North Asia grew by 17.9% 
and 23.6% respectively and we have delivered a trading profit  
of £52.8m, which was a record.

At the end of 2011, we won the distribution contract for Land 
Rover in Hong Kong and in our first year, performance was ahead 
of expectations as we increased Land Rover volume by 95%.

Trading margin increased 0.5ppt to 10.2% due to a stronger 
product mix, the pricing power of our brands and a strong 
aftersales performance. 

In Hong Kong, we have been market leader in the overall market, 
the passenger car market and the commercial vehicle market for 
21 years in a row. Hong Kong is the only Toyota distributor in the 
world to have received a Triple Crown award for 21 years.

OUTLOOK FOR 2013
We expect the Hong Kong economy to remain strong and the 
new car market to continue to grow in 2013. 

There are a number of product launches planned for in 2013 
which we intend to fully leverage, including the Toyota Corolla, 
RAV4 and Previa Hybrid, the Lexus LS 600h and IS, ES, GS 300h 
and CT200h. 

We continue to expect to deliver a strong performance in North 
Asia in 2013.

Patrick S Lee,
Chief Executive Officer, Inchcape North Asia and China

www.inchcape.com 

  27

Operating review continued
South Asia

Strong revenue and operating  
profit growth

KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Sales
Distribution
Like for like sales
Distribution
Trading profit
Distribution
Like for like  
trading profit
Distribution
Trading margin %
Distribution 

Year ended
31.12.2012
£m

Year ended
31.12.2011
£m

% change 
in constant 
currency

% change

385.1

296.2

30.0

27.4

385.0

293.2

31.3

28.7

35.1

26.0

35.0

32.4

35.2

26.3

33.8

31.3

9.1

8.8

0.3ppt

0.3ppt

CONTRIBUTION 
TO GROUP SALES 

CONTRIBUTION 
TO GROUP PROFIT

6.3%

12.5%

SALES
£385.1m +30.0%
(2011: £296.2m)*

TRADING PROFIT
£35.1m +35.0%
(2011: £26.0m)*

* at actual exchange rates

THE MARKET
The car market in Singapore continued to decline in 2012, as 
expected, and ended the year 5.4% lower than 2011 due to a 
reduction in the number of government-issued Certificates of 
Entitlement (“COEs”) available.

BUSINESS MODEL & STRATEGY
In Singapore we are the distributor for Toyota, Lexus, Hino Trucks 
and Suzuki. We have represented Toyota in Singapore since 1967. 
We have held the Suzuki distribution franchise since 1977. We own 
and operate all five retail centres in the market.

In Brunei we are the distributor for both Toyota and Lexus, owning 
and operating all four retail centres there.

OUR OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Our businesses in South Asia delivered a strong performance in 
2012, where our sales have increased 27.4% to £385.1m as we 
gained share with a number of successful product launches 
and benefited from a return to our normal stock supplies 
following the earthquake in Japan and the floods in Thailand. 

South Asia delivered £35.1m trading profit, an increase of 32.4% 
on 2011 with a higher trading margin of 9.1% up by 0.3ppt on 
2011, as we continued to protect the pricing power of our brands 
despite strong price competition. 

Our aftersales operations also continued to perform well through 
efficient customer contact programmes and high levels of 
customer service.

OUTLOOK FOR 2013
Trading conditions will remain challenging in 2013 as we 
expect the industry to decline further due to the reduction of 
de-registrations in 2012. We will continue to protect the pricing 
power of our brands by not pushing volume at the expense of 
profitability and by continuing to leverage our strong aftersales 
operation with innovative loyalty programmes. We will also 
successfully launch exciting new models from Toyota, Lexus 
and Suzuki.

We will continue to have tight control on costs and cash in 
2013 and we continue to expect our South Asia business to 
deliver a resilient performance in 2013.

Koh Ching Hong,
Managing Director, Inchcape South Asia

28 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
Business Review

GoveRnance

Financial statements

shaReholdeR inFoRmation

United Kingdom

Record retail operating margin

Key Financial hiGhliGhts

year ended
31.12.2012
£m

Year ended
31.12.2011
£m

% change 
in constant 
currency

% change

sales
Retail
Distribution
like for like sales
Retail
Distribution
trading profit
Retail
Distribution
like for like  
trading profit
Retail
Distribution
trading margin %
Retail
Distribution

2,133.8
2,096.4
37.4
2,084.8
2,047.4
37.4
65.2
58.0
7.2

66.1
58.9
7.2
3.1
2.8
19.3

2,059.3
2,023.2
36.1
1,984.7
1,948.6
36.1
60.4
53.5
6.9

60.0
53.1
6.9
2.9
2.6
19.1

CONTRIBUTION 
TO GROUP SALES 

CONTRIBUTION 
TO GROUP PROFIT

35.1%

23.3%

3.6
3.6
3.6
5.0
5.1
3.6
7.9
8.4
4.3

3.6
3.6
3.6
5.0
5.1
3.6
7.9
8.4
4.3

10.2
10.9
4.3
0.2ppt
0.2ppt
0.2ppt

10.2
10.9
4.3
0.2ppt
0.2ppt
0.2ppt

SaleS
£2,133.8m +3.6% 
(2011: £2,059.3m)

TRaDing pRofiT
£65.2m +7.9%
(2011: £60.4m)

the maRKet
The UK new car market reached a four year high of 2.045 million 
units in 2012, some 5.3% up on 2011’s level. The recovery in the 
retail market was the key driver of growth, rising by some 13% year 
on year. Strong consumer demand was driven by increased 
promotional activities as well as competitive financing. 

Business model & stRateGy
We have scale operations in the core regions of the South east, 
Midlands, north and north east of england with a streamlined 
portfolio of 117 retail centres focused on luxury and premium 
brands. We aim to create significant differentiation by delivering  
a superior level of customer service through the bespoke 
operating processes of our inchcape advantage programme 
and to drive growth in aftersales and car finance penetration.

The distribution element of our results is made up of our fleet 
management and leasing business, inchcape fleet Solutions 
(ifS) which offers services to corporate and government 
customers. With over 50 years’ experience in the automotive 
industry, ifS has a combined fleet size of approximately  
41,000 vehicles. 

ouR opeRatinG peRFoRmance
our Customer 1st strategy and portfolio of leading luxury and 
premium brands continued to provide strong results. our share 
of the total UK market increased and retail sales were up 3.6% 
compared to 2011 with trading profit increasing by 8.4% to 
£58.0m. Through a rigorous focus on costs, our retail trading 
margin increased by 0.2ppt to reach a record 2.8% in 2012. 

our ifS business delivered a strong £7.2m trading profit, up 4.3% 
on 2011. The ifS trading margin increased to 19.3%, 0.2ppt ahead 
of last year. 

outlooK FoR 2013
in 2013, we believe the UK car industry will continue its gradual 
recovery driven by affordable consumer finance and increased 
level of promotional activities. 

We are well positioned to outperform the industry as we stay 
focused on delivering a superior customer service. We will 
leverage the exciting pipeline of new models launched by our 
brand partners, including the new Range Rover, Range Rover 
Sport, Jaguar f Type, Mini paceman, Mercedes-Benz a-Class  
and S-Class relaunches and the porsche Cayman.

We continue to expect to deliver a solid performance in the UK  
in 2013. 

connor mccormack,
Chief executive officer, inchcape UK

www.inchcape.com 

  29

Operating review continued
Russia and Emerging Markets

Resilient financial performance despite 
challenging trading conditions

KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Sales
Retail
Distribution
Like for like sales
Retail
Distribution
Trading profit
Retail
Distribution
Like for like  
trading profit
Retail
Distribution
Trading margin %
Retail
Distribution

Year ended
31.12.2012
£m

Year ended
31.12.2011
£m

% change 
in constant 
currency

% change

1,262.5
926.9
335.6
1,253.1
919.2
333.9
43.0
12.7
30.3

44.0
13.9
30.1
3.4
1.4
9.0

1,220.5
908.6
311.9
1,219.3
907.4
312.0
54.1
24.0
30.1

3.4
2.0
7.6
2.8
1.3
7.0
(20.5)
(47.1)
0.7

7.1
6.0
10.4
6.5
5.3
9.9
(18.2)
(44.6)
2.3

54.3
24.2
30.1
4.4
2.6
9.7

(19.0)
(42.6)
–
(1.0)ppt
(1.2)ppt
(0.7)ppt

(16.6)
(40.1)
1.7
(1.1)ppt
(1.3)ppt
(0.7)ppt

CONTRIBUTION 
TO GROUP SALES 

CONTRIBUTION 
TO GROUP PROFIT

20.8%

15.3%

SALES
£1,262.5m +3.4%
(2011: £1,220.5m)*

TRADING PROFIT
£43.0m -20.5%
(2011: £54.1m)*

* at actual exchange rates

THE MARKET
Since the second quarter of 2012, there has been a temporary 
slowdown in demand for premium and luxury cars in all 
Emerging Markets except Africa, as affluent buyers have been 
increasingly concerned about the impact on their economies  
of the Euro crisis and uncertainties in China and North America. 

There has been an increased level of promotional activities  
from manufacturers throughout 2012 as they try to offset weak 
demand for their vehicles in Europe. This has created significant 
pressure on margins as the level of supply has been greater  
than the underlying level of demand.

BUSINESS MODEL & STRATEGY
In Russia we operate 22 scale retail centres in St Petersburg 
and Moscow representing 12 brands. In November 2012 we 
completed the buyout of the Independence Toyota joint venture 
at Vnukovo in Eastern Moscow for a final payment of £17.3m.

In the Balkans we are the distributor for Toyota and Lexus, 
operating five retail centres, and in Poland we own four retail 
centres for BMW and MINI.

We operate VIR for Mazda, Jaguar and Land Rover across  
the Baltic region and we operate VIR for Mitsubishi in Lithuania. 
Additionally we retail BMW, Ford and MINI in Latvia and Ford and 
Hyundai in Lithuania. We operate a total of 23 centres across  
the region.

In Ethiopia we operate VIR for Toyota and in South America as 
distributor and retailer for BMW. We also distribute Rolls-Royce 
in Chile.

In China we have four scale retail centres for Toyota, Lexus, Jaguar 
Land Rover in Shanghai and Shaoxing and we will be opening  
a new Porsche centre in Nanchang in early 2013. 

OUR OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Russia and the Emerging Markets managed to grow sales by 
7.1% over 2011, and trading profit declined by 18.2% to £43.0m. 

Our Russian business delivered £678.8m of revenue in 2012, and  
a trading profit of £13.3m,resulting in a return on sales of 2.0%. 

Ethiopia performed well as we continued to benefit from a 
strong aftersales market in an economy that remains robust.

Demand for new cars weakened in Eastern Europe,  
impacting margins.

Demand for luxury vehicles was lower than expected in South 
America where we saw an increase of competitive activities.

Our Chinese operations were adversely impacted as of the 
second quarter by a general weakening in demand and 
pressure on new car margins and by an anti-Japanese sentiment 
in the fourth quarter.

OUTLOOK FOR 2013
We expect moderate industry growth in our Russia and Emerging 
Markets segment in 2013, weighted towards the second half of 
the year as it will take time for consumer confidence among 
affluent buyers to return. We see these challenging trading 
conditions in emerging markets as temporary, with attractive 
structural growth prospects in the medium and long term given 
the strong fundamentals of these economies.

Our businesses will remain focused on our Top 5 Priorities with firm 
controls on cost and cash. We plan to continue to grow our 
aftersales business with our proven marketing initiatives and we 
will focus on profitable market share growth. We will benefit from 
several new product launches from our brand partners and we 
will continue to protect the pricing power of our brands despite 
price competition due to over-supply in the market. Our control 
on costs will remain firmly in place.

Overall, we continue to expect our Russia and Emerging Markets 
segment to deliver a solid performance in 2013.

Louis Fallenstein,
Managing Director, Emerging Markets

Jean Van der Hasselt,
Chief Executive Officer, Russia and the Nordics

Patrick S Lee,
Chief Executive Officer, Inchape North Asia and China

30 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Finance review

The Group has delivered a robust performance in 2012. In addition to the 
segmental results, detailed below are the financial implications of our 
operating activities.

schemes on a proposal that both schemes be closed to future 
accrual with effect from 31 December 2012. The proposal was 
confirmed by the Group on 21 December 2012 and active 
members ceased to accrue benefits under the schemes with 
effect from 31 December 2012. A revision of market and actuarial 
assumptions for the UK defined benefit schemes, combined with 
the closure of two schemes to future accrual and amendments 
to scheme rules, has resulted in a closing surplus on Group 
schemes of £72.7m, compared to a deficit of £14.9m in 2011.

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS
In November, the Group acquired the remaining 49% interest 
which it did not already own in the Inchcape Independence 
group, a retail business in Moscow, from Independence Holdings 
Limited for a cash consideration of £17.3m.

During the year, the Group disposed of its interest in a retail centre 
in Russia at book value, generating disposal proceeds of £2.9m.

Post the period end, we have announced an important step  
in the further development of our Asia Pacific presence, having 
acquired Trivett Automotive Group, a scale premium and luxury 
automotive group in Australia, for a total expected cash 
consideration of £78m. This transaction adds further scale to  
our Australian business in the premium and luxury segments.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
During the year, the Group invested £87.3m (2011: £88.5m) of net 
capital expenditure in the development of greenfield sites and 
the enlargement of existing facilities, primarily in Asia Pacific and 
the Emerging Markets.

CASHFLOW AND NET FUNDS
The Group’s operations have generated strong cashflow in 2012. 
Working capital ended the year at £25.9m (2011: £12.2m) 
primarily due to favourable phasing. At the end of 2012, the 
Group had net funds of £276.2m (2011: £243.5m).

John McConnell,
Group Finance Director

CENTRAL COSTS
Unallocated central costs for the full year are £18.2m before 
exceptional items (2011: £17.4m). 

JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES
The share of profit after tax from joint ventures was a gain of 
£0.2m (2011: loss of £3.0m) driven by an improvement in the 
profitability of our operations in Greece and Russia. 

OPERATING EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
We have reported an exceptional operating income of £1.2m  
for 2012 (2011: a cost of £13.4m). Included within this is a gain  
of £19.7m arising from the closure to future accrual of some of 
the Group’s UK final salary pension schemes and restructuring 
costs of £17.3m (2011: £13.4m), which primarily relate to 
restructuring initiatives conducted in the fourth quarter of 2012. 
We also incurred a loss on the deemed disposal of our Russian 
joint venture of £1.2m.

NET FINANCING COSTS
Net financing costs before exceptional items have decreased 
from £13.7m in 2011 to £11.8m in 2012. Included within this is  
a gain of £4.8m (2011: a loss of £2.4m) in our mark to market 
reporting of the hedges for the US loan notes and interest 
receivable on tax refunds.

Exceptional finance costs in 2011 of £10.9m represented an 
impairment charge on Greek Government Bonds held by our 
insurance business in Greece to back warranty liabilities.

TAX
The effective tax rate before exceptional items for the year is  
25% compared to 26% in 2011. This is due to the impact of 
reducing tax rates in a number of our markets and the successful 
conclusion of overseas territories audits. The rate is expected to  
be similar for 2013. 

NON CONTROLLING INTERESTS
Profits attributable to our non controlling interests were £5.9m, 
compared to £5.6m in 2011. At the year end the Group’s non 
controlling interests principally comprise a 33% minority holding 
in UAB Vitvela in Lithuania, a 30% share in NBT Brunei and a 10% 
share of Subaru Australia.

FOREIGN CURRENCY
During 2012, the Group derived no benefit (2011 benefit: £1.2m) 
from the translation of its overseas profits before tax into sterling 
at the 2012 average exchange rate.

DIVIDEND
The Board recommends a final ordinary dividend of 10.5p per 
ordinary share which is subject to the approval of shareholders 
at the 2013 Annual General Meeting. This gives a total dividend 
for the year of 14.5p per ordinary share (2011: 11.0p).

PENSIONS
During the year, and in line with the funding programme agreed 
with the Trustees, the Group made cash contributions to the UK 
defined benefit scheme amounting to £27.7m (2011: £24.1m).  
In addition, the Group commenced a consultation process with 
members and trustees of two of the UK defined benefit pension 

www.inchcape.com 

  31

Principal risks

The Group applies an effective system of risk management  
which identifies, monitors and mitigates risks 

Further details of the Group’s risk management process can  
be found on pages 45 to 46. Risk is a part of doing business:  
the risk management system aims to provide assurance to all 
stakeholders of the effectiveness of our control framework in 
managing risk against a background of highly diverse and 
competitive markets. 

The key benefits of the system include maximised  
resource efficiency through controlled prioritisation of  
issues, benchmarking between business units, sharing  
best practice and effective crisis management. The following 
provides an overview of the principal business risk areas  
facing the Group, along with the mitigating actions in place.

STRATEGY INCLUDING CUSTOMER AND CONSUMER

Description of risk

Impact

Mitigation

Failure to deliver on our 
five key areas of strategic 
focus: Growing market share, 
Growing aftersales, Improving 
margin, Controlling working 
capital and Selective  
capital expenditure

We do not increase our profits, 
revenues and margins. There  
may be an impact on our 
relationships with the brand 
partners whom we represent

(cid:116)(cid:1) The Group is investing in its Inchcape Advantage and Customer  
1st programmes to ensure that we win new customers and retain 
existing ones, with particular emphasis upon retaining customer 
loyalty in respect of older vehicles

(cid:116)(cid:1) The Group is investing in new ways of reaching its customers 
including through the use of the internet and social media 
(cid:116)(cid:1) Obtaining favourable credit terms and making improvements  

in supply chain management 

(cid:116)(cid:1) Group-wide focus on working capital (particularly aged  

stock) reduction

(cid:116)(cid:1) Thorough reviews of all proposed capital expenditure to ensure 

Group investment hurdles are met

BRAND PARTNERS, KEY RELATIONSHIPS AND REPUTATION

Description of risk

Impact

Mitigation

Inability to sustain current  
high quality relationships  
with brand partners

Impact on our ability to retain 
existing businesses on contract 
renewal and to take on new 
opportunities for growth

(cid:116)(cid:1) Constant focus on performance and continuous improvement,  
effective communication and ensuring that our objectives are  
closely linked to those of our brand partners

(cid:116)(cid:1) Constant focus on improving governance practices and ‘the  
right way of doing business’ to enhance and maintain our  
market leading reputation

SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY

Description of risk

Impact

Mitigation

Execution risk of delivery  
to twin track SAP/ADP strategy

Inability to support key  
business processes

(cid:116)(cid:1) Detailed global and local implementation plans in place, supported 

by dedicated project management resource

(cid:116)(cid:1) Global and in-market steering committee (including all local 
executive teams) to continuously monitor implementation
(cid:116)(cid:1) Post implementation reviews to identify future improvements

PEOPLE, INCLUDING EH&S

Description of risk

Impact

Mitigation

Failure to attract, develop  
and retain talent

Unable to deliver business plans

Employees who lack motivation 
and engagement

Failure to comply with  
EH&S standards

Injury to customers/employees

(cid:116)(cid:1) Global annual performance review process
(cid:116)(cid:1) Talent review and planning process
(cid:116)(cid:1) Annual employee engagement survey and action planning
(cid:116)(cid:1) External benchmarking of remuneration
(cid:116)(cid:1) Succession plans in place for key positions

(cid:116)(cid:1) Local EH&S co-ordinators in place in all markets
(cid:116)(cid:1) Group and Regional EH&S steering committees in place with  

defined reporting lines to iPOM Committees

(cid:116)(cid:1) Training for all staff
(cid:116)(cid:1) Specific EH&S audit plan

32 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

Description of risk

Impact

Mitigation

European economic  
instability and failure to 
recognise the potential 
contagion risk from a  
Greek exit from the Euro

Lower purchases of new vehicles

(cid:116)(cid:1) Review of strategic plans/joint development of asset and  

Market uncertainty

dividend plans

(cid:116)(cid:1) The Group has a multi market strategy with presence in Asia  

Pacific and Emerging Markets where the potential for strong growth 
is forecast

(cid:116)(cid:1) The Group has a multi channel business model including  
used cars and aftersales which reduce dependency on a  
single revenue stream

Increased demand for  
greener technologies

Consumers seek  
alternative vehicles

(cid:116)(cid:1) The Group works closely with manufacturers who recognise their 

environmental responsibility

LEGAL AND REGULATORY

Description of risk

Impact

Mitigation

Litigation and regulatory risk 
in an environment of ever 
increasing regulatory scrutiny

Litigation or breaching the  
laws or regulations of the  
countries in which we operate 
could have a financial and/or 
reputational impact

(cid:116)(cid:1) The Group ensures that it receives timely information about 

forthcoming changes in legislation and that it has robust procedures 
in place to minimise any risk of detriment or non-compliance

(cid:116)(cid:1) Policies and procedures in place, including subsidiary governance 

manual to emphasise compliance with proper process

(cid:116)(cid:1) The Group has a risk management programme (iPOM) in place 

aimed at preventing issues from arising where possible and 
responding to those which do crystallise

TAX, PENSIONS AND INSURANCE

Description of risk

Impact

Mitigation

Propensity of highly leveraged 
governments to seek higher  
tax from the Group

Increased tax liability

(cid:116)(cid:1) Ensure adequate tax compliance readiness carried out locally
(cid:116)(cid:1) Maintain accurate and robust tax records
(cid:116)(cid:1) Monitor tax audits

FINANCE AND TREASURY

Description of risk

Impact

Mitigation

Availability of debt funding

Unable to meet obligations with 
existing committed facilities

(cid:116)(cid:1) The Group maintains adequate committed facilities to meet forecast 

debt requirements

(cid:116)(cid:1) Effective cash forecasting
(cid:116)(cid:1) Regular reviews of cash position/location to ensure adequate 

headroom maintained

Counterparty risk

Credit losses

(cid:116)(cid:1) Deposits concentrated with counterparties approved in advance  

by Group Treasury 

(cid:116)(cid:1) Cash deposits held locally in line with Group policy
(cid:116)(cid:1) Continuous review of ratings of major banking partners to ensure 

they maintain investment grade status

Currency risk

Transactional foreign  
exchange exposures

(cid:116)(cid:1) A significant proportion of Group trading is denominated  

in local currency

(cid:116)(cid:1) Where possible, foreign exchange exposures are matched internally 

before hedging externally

(cid:116)(cid:1) Where businesses are billed in a foreign currency, committed 

transactional exposures are hedged back to the reporting currency

www.inchcape.com 

  33

Corporate Responsibility report

As a global industry leader, we seek to make a positive impact 
on the lives of our people, our customers and the communities 
in which we operate around the world. During the year, we 
developed a clear Corporate Responsibility (CR) mission to 
promote ‘Mobility with Passion and Care’ and we aim to achieve 
our mission by adopting a global approach to embedding 
responsible behaviour into the way we operate, growing a 
sustainable business for the benefi t of all our stakeholders – our 
Communities, Environment, Customers, People and Brand Partners. 

It is the spirit and energy of our people that shapes and defi nes 
how we bring CR to life and we celebrate local activities and 
share CR best practices with the whole organisation through 
our Green Baton programme. The baton passes from market to 
market throughout the year, giving each of our businesses the 
opportunity to showcase the inspirational CR activities they are 
implementing in their communities. Our Green Baton initiatives 
are shared with the Group on our intranet site, The Light. 

In 2012 we launched ‘Incredible Inchcape’, our Group-wide 
engagement programme designed to mobilise our colleagues 
to take the Company to new heights, which gave us the 
opportunity to refresh our core purpose and vision in line with 
our Customer 1st strategy. Following a launch event in Scotland, 
the programme was rolled out across the Group to engage our 
colleagues in our Values and to give them new tools designed 
to help them fulfi l their role in shaping the Group’s future growth. 

We have effectively communicated our refreshed Values across 
all our businesses through our ‘Living Inchcapeness’ programme. 
Our Values act as a backdrop against which we make our 
decisions on a day to day basis across the Group.

Inchcape Peace of Mind (iPOM), our Group-wide risk 
management programme, helps to defi ne and encourage the 
‘right way of doing business’ for our people across the globe, and 
ensures we drive good behaviours across the Group. The iPOM 
Committee remit covers all risk including non fi nancial risks and 
is constructed with the Group’s Values at its heart. Further 
information can be found in the Corporate Governance report 
on page 46.

We believe that our colleagues’ spirit, passion and enthusiasm, 
combined with our mission to promote ‘Mobility with Passion and 
Care’, underpinned by our Values, means that we will continue to 
make a positive bearing on the lives of our people, our customers 
and the communities in which we operate, while managing our 
impact on the environment. 

Our Corporate Responsibility 
mission is to promote ‘Mobility 
with Passion and Care’. 

André Lacroix
Group Chief Executive

WE CONTINUED TO DELIVER AGAINST OUR STATED GOALS 
IN 2012. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
(cid:116)(cid:1)The successful global rollout of the ‘Green Baton’ 

programme, which highlights local CR activities from 
across our markets globally

(cid:116)(cid:1)Creation of a Group EH&S Steering Committee 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Refreshed our Values and Core Purpose

(cid:116)(cid:1)Strengthened our CR presence on our Group intranet site, 

The Light

(cid:116)(cid:1)Developed a new mission for our CR activities to promote 

‘Mobility with Passion and Care’

OUR FIVE CORE AREAS:

André Lacroix, 
Group Chief Executive

Communities

We support our 
local communities 
to make positive 
impacts where 
we operate

Environment

We manage our 
CO2 footprint by 
understanding 
our impact

Customers

We drive constantly 
improving levels 
of customer service 
every day, every 
time, everywhere

People

We attract, train 
and motivate by 
engaging our people 
in the strategy 
and vision of 
the Group

Brand Partners

We partner with 
brands that are 
at the forefront of 
green technology 
developments

 34 

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GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The Board is responsible for the strategic direction of Corporate 
Responsibility and ensuring that it is integrated into the Group’s 
strategy. The CR Committee is responsible for setting the policy 
within the framework established by the Board and ensuring that 
our businesses respond to the opportunities and risks posed by  
CR issues. The CR Committee report can be found on page 49.

CR working groups and local CR Champions are responsible  
for the day to day implementation of the CR policy. 

OUR VALUES
Our Values are living, shared beliefs within our business that 
inform our day to day behaviours. These Values empower our 
culture, drive our business and enable us to contribute 
responsibly and sustainably to society.

PASSIONATE ABOUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE
We feel empowered to make a difference and have the  
courage, determination and commitment to do so. We are 
committed to giving growth opportunities to our people, 
delivering performance for our brand partners and creating 
magic moments for our customers as we take our Company  
to new heights.

RESPECT AND CAMARADERIE
Our people are at the heart of who we are as a Company. We 
celebrate diversity, learn from each other and are proud to be 
working with the best. We rise to any challenge together; our 
friendship, respect for each other and sense of ‘Inchcape family’ 
make us incredibly strong and we have fun along the way.

CORE AREAS AND THEIR RISKS 

BEING ALWAYS AHEAD
A pioneering spirit is the very essence of the Company. We 
liberate talent, prize bold innovation and are passionate about 
seizing opportunities ahead of our competitors. 

WINNING TOGETHER
We are strong as individuals but we’re even stronger when we 
work together as a team. We are proud to be part of a rich global 
network of incredible Inchcape people.

INTEGRITY WITHOUT COMPROMISE
We have an uncompromising commitment to transparency and 
ethical principles. We believe in straight talking and taking 
responsibility for what we say and do. 

CARING FOR OUR SOCIETY
We are aware of our responsibilities as the global industry leader. 
We seek to make a positive impact on the lives of our People, our 
Customers and the Communities in which we operate around 
the world. Our Corporate Responsibility mission is to promote 
‘Mobility with Passion and Care’.

TREATING EVERY £ AS OUR OWN
Each one of us feels and acts like an owner of our Company.  
We see cost as a good thing as long as it creates value. We  
hate waste and therefore think before we spend. We leverage  
our scale to achieve a cost and speed advantage over  
our competitors.

Core Element

Description and risk

Mitigation

Communities

Lack of engagement with the communities in which we 
operate leading to a poor reputation and lack  
of understanding of our customer base

Encourage employees to support local charities and  
initiatives that directly benefit their community

Environment

Energy can be a significant cost to the Group as  
well as increasing our CO2 footprint

By finding ways to cut back on energy usage the  
Group saves money and also significantly reduces its  
CO2 emissions

Unnecessary business travel can increase the CO2  
footprint of the Group

Manage travel by use of alternative communication tools

Unmanaged shipments of cars and parts can adversely 
impact our CO2 footprint

Ensure co-ordinated shipping programmes to meet supply

Customers

Poor customer service leads to decrease in revenue

Inchcape Advantage embedded in all our sales and 
aftersales operations

People

Employees lack motivation and engagement; unable  
to attract and retain talent

Brand Partners

Unable to deliver on strategy through lack of  
competitive products

Net Promoter Score to measure customer satisfaction  
and identify areas for improvement

Differentiated service and customer feedback instills pride 
and continuous engagement in the workforce. Expansion of 
business creates good career opportunities  
for employees

Carefully selecting brand partners that invest in technology

Support brand partners in seeking positive labour practices 
including safe working environments and the eradication  
of child labour

www.inchcape.com 

  35

 
 
Corporate Responsibility report continued

COMMUNITIES
Our people are core to driving our CR strategy by implementing 
local programmes across our markets. This ensures that we create 
CR programmes and activities which engage with and have an 
impact within the communities in which we operate. The Mother 
and Child Rehabilitation Centre supported by our colleagues in 
Ethiopia, is just one of the incredible examples of the inspiring 
work carried out by our employees in their communities, across 
the Group. 

In 2012 these activities were shared at a Group level with the 
launch of the Green Baton programme. The Green Baton is 
passed between markets every two weeks and the markets  
are encouraged to share with colleagues the CR initiatives 
implemented and the impact this is creating within their 
communities. This can be found within the CR section of our 
Group intranet The Light, and has proved highly successful in 
showcasing specific market CR initiatives from around the Group, 
providing inspiration and motivation amongst our employees. 
Further detail of our CR initiatives can be found in the 
Responsibilty section at www.inchcape.com. 

ENVIRONMENT
During 2012, we reviewed our data collection process and  
the KPIs measured in order to ascertain our CO2 usage. The 
Committee agreed that the current KPIs, Energy, Transport and 
Flights previously identified as the areas having the most impact, 
remained relevant and will continue to be measured. 

CO2 DATA CAPTURE & REPORTING SYSTEM
The Group is currently developing a secure Intranet based web 
application that will allow each market to submit monthly CO2 
data and provide the Company with the ability to review and 
summarise the data. Following the Department for Environment, 
Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) guidance, the system will utilise 
the standard conversion factors to report environmental KPIs  
and greenhouse gas emissions in a uniform and concise way, 
showing trends with year on year variances.

The following measures will be reported for Group and  
each market:

(cid:116)(cid:1)Energy consumption from utilities

(cid:116)(cid:1)Transportation of vehicles (distribution markets)

(cid:116)(cid:1)Transportation of parts (distribution markets)

(cid:116)(cid:1)Business travel (not commuting)

(cid:116)(cid:1)Number of and distance travelled during test drives 

(cid:116)(cid:1)CO2 per £/revenue

CUSTOMERS
Our Customer 1st strategy is at the heart of everything we do and 
creates incredible growth for our people, our brand partners and 
our shareholders. Our strategy is to strengthen the business 
through delivering a superior customer experience.

CUSTOMER 1ST IN 2012
(cid:116)(cid:1)We carried out 2,431 mystery shop exercises in 211 retail centre 

showrooms across the Group

(cid:116)(cid:1)We carried out 2,284 mystery shop exercises in 200 service 

centres across the Group

(cid:116)(cid:1)We talked to 85,400 customers for our vehicle sales  

NPS programme 

(cid:116)(cid:1)We talked to 85,634 service customers for our aftersales NPS

The Net Promoter Score (NPS) has improved again across the 
Group in both Sales and Service. 

PEOPLE
We know that it is our people that make all the difference and 
throughout 2012 we continued to develop our people strategy  
of ‘engaged people in winning teams’ by focusing on the Right 
People, Right Learning, Right Reward and Right Culture. In 2012 
we launched ‘Incredible Inchcape’; our Group-wide 
engagement programme designed to mobilise our colleagues 
to take the Company to new heights. 

RIGHT PEOPLE 
As a global company, we are able to leverage the benefits of a 
diverse workforce. We have strong processes which are aimed at 
constantly improving the quality of our hiring and our talent 
planning and reviews. As a consequence we are able to offer 
exciting development opportunities for our talent, including 
international transfers. 

RIGHT LEARNING
We aim to create and promote a rich environment of learning for 
everyone. Through programmes such as ‘Grow with Inchcape’ we 
ensure that internal development happens for everyone. This can 
be on the job training or through a variety of development 
options, including job rotation or stretching new roles. By doing 
this, we are creating a pipeline of talent who have been internally 
nurtured and developed. Our Executive Committee is a great 
example of this, where most of the current Committee members 
have been developed within the Group before being appointed 
to their current role. Biographies of the Executive Committee can 
be found on pages 40 to 41. 

RIGHT REWARD 
We have several schemes across the Group which are designed 
to ensure that our people feel valued and are recognised for their 
contribution to the business. Our recognition and rewards policy 
is geared towards reinforcing the right behaviours in keeping with 
our Values and the interests of our shareholders. 

RIGHT CULTURE 
We recognise that it is the engagement of our colleagues 
around the world that brings our Customer 1st strategy to life.  
We proactively develop employee engagement through a variety 
of programmes, including workshops designed to align each 
colleague with the strategic plan as well as give them toolkits  
to help them unleash their own potential as well as the potential 
of their colleagues. 

BRAND PARTNERS
Our brand partners are carefully selected for each market in 
which we operate. They have each developed comprehensive 
sustainability programmes and the automotive industry in 
general has made significant progress in reducing vehicle 
emissions. Our brand partners are at the forefront of 
technological advances to improve fuel efficiency. 

36 

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BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 2012 

14,422

Australasia 
Europe 
North Asia 
South Asia 
UK
Russia and Emerging Markets

Our approach to safety aims to manage risks effectively by 
ensuring that our employees are fully trained and workplaces 
comply with safety regulations. We report and monitor accidents 
to ensure that the safety of our employees and customers 
remains at the top of our agenda.

NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS 2012

Location

Australasia 
Europe 
North Asia 
South Asia 
UK
Russia & Emerging Markets

2012 

2011 

16
19
26
4
82
8

7
9
32
2
74
5

We are committed to providing a safe environment for our 
employees and in 2012 we created a Group EH&S Steering 
Committee. The Committee will provide the leadership to deliver  
a clear Policy Statement, maintain an effective organisational 
structure and to provide systematic tools which will allow the 
Group to significantly and consistently improve its focus and 
delivery on EH&S. 

The Committee is made up of regional EH&S co-ordinators and 
external experts and will meet at least three times a year to review 
progress against targets, develop tools and techniques which 
address any process or capability gaps and to allocate resource 
where required to support implementation of the required 
standards across the Group. 

PROGRESS AGAINST GOALS 

THE EH&S ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE 

Inchcape plc Board

Group iPOM Committee

EH&S Steering Committee

Market iPOM Committees 

Local EH&S 
Champions

Local EH&S 
Champions

Local EH&S 
Champions

Local EH&S 
Champions

The Committee’s key tasks are: 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Develop and maintain the Group EH&S Policy Statement 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Identify and deliver priority areas for the development of 

Group-wide minimum standards and the roll out plan for  
these standards 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Review EH&S Audit results / self audit reviews 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Maintain EH&S organisational structure and allocate relevant 

resource to markets to help with EH&S embedding 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Develop and implement in-market EH&S Audits 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Develop and conduct in-market training 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Identify key issues / trends for senior management action 

Objective

2012 progress

What we aim to do in 2013

Our intranet, The Light, has been rolled out in all 
jurisdictions. The Green Baton was launched in the 
summer and started in the UK. More information  
about the Green Baton journey can be found at  
www.inchcape.com/responsibility.

The Green Baton initiative will continue in 2013 and inspire 
colleagues to develop new local initiatives.

Established a global EH&S Steering Committee.

The EH&S Committee will identify and roll out best practice 
standards throughout the Group. 

Raising awareness 
of local CR activities 
and employee 
engagement 
through the  
Green Baton

Extending Health  
& Safety best 
practice to 
our operations 
worldwide

CO2 data collection The CO2 data collection process was reviewed during  

the year.

Prepare and review data in accordance with DEFRA 
standards in order to analyse global usage and trends. 

www.inchcape.com 

  37

Board of Directors

KEN HANNA
Chairman

ANDRÉ LACROIX 
Group Chief Executive

WILL SAMUEL
Deputy Chairman and 
Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director

JOHN MCCONNELL
Group Finance Director

ALISON COOPER
Non-Executive Director

APPOINTMENT  
TO BOARD:
September 2001

APPOINTMENT  
TO BOARD:
September 2005

APPOINTMENT  
TO BOARD: 
January 2005

APPOINTMENT  
TO BOARD: 
October 2009

APPOINTMENT  
TO BOARD: 
July 2009

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
André is a Non-Executive 
Director of Reckitt 
Benckiser Group plc  
and the Chairman of 
Good Restaurants AG.  
He was previously 
Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer of Euro 
Disney S.C.A. Prior to this 
he was the President of 
Burger King International, 
previously part of Diageo.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Ken was appointed as 
Chairman of Aggreko plc 
in April 2012 and is also a 
Non-Executive Director of 
Tesco plc. Prior to joining 
Inchcape, Ken was an 
Executive Director and 
Chief Financial Officer  
of Cadbury plc. He was 
previously a Partner of 
Compass Partners 
International and Group 
Finance Director and 
Chief Executive of 
Dalgety plc and had 
previous experience  
with Guinness plc (now 
Diageo plc), Avis Europe 
and Black & Decker. 

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 
Ken is Chairman of the 
Nominations Committee 
and a member of the 
Remuneration and CR 
Committees. 

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 
André is a member of the 
Nominations and  
CR Committees.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Will is Chairman of 
Howden Joinery Group 
plc and a Senior Advisor 
to Lazard & Co Ltd. He  
is also Chairman of 
Ecclesiastical Insurance 
Group plc. He was also 
appointed a Senior 
Advisor to the Financial 
Services Authority (FSA)  
in January 2012. Prior to 
this he was a director of 
Schroders plc, Co-Chief 
Executive Officer at 
Schroder Salomon Smith 
Barney and Vice 
Chairman, European 
Investment Bank of 
Citigroup Inc and 
Chairman of H P Bulmer 
plc. Will stepped down 
from his position as 
Non-Executive Director of 
the Edinburgh Investment 
Trust plc at the end of 
2012 having served his 
nine year term. Will is a 
Chartered Accountant.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 
Will is a member of  
the Remuneration,  
Audit and Nominations 
Committees.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
John was appointed as 
Group Finance Director 
of Inchcape plc in 
October 2009, having 
worked with the Group 
since 1999. John joined 
Inchcape Australasia as 
Chief Financial Officer 
before moving to the role 
of Chief Executive Officer 
of Australasia. Prior to 
joining Inchcape he 
worked with Reckitt and 
Colman (now Reckitt 
Benckiser) for 13 years  
in a variety of senior 
financial roles in the UK, 
Germany and Australia.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Alison is Chief Executive 
of Imperial Tobacco 
Group PLC. Alison joined 
Imperial Tobacco Group 
in 1999 and has held a 
number of senior roles 
including Director of 
Finance and Planning, 
Regional Director 
Western Europe, 
Corporate Development 
Director and Chief 
Operating Officer.  
Alison is a Chartered 
Accountant and was 
previously with 
Pricewaterhouse 
Coopers LLP.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 
Alison is a member of 
the Audit Committee.

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GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

SIMON BORROWS
Non-Executive Director

NIGEL NORTHRIDGE
Non-Executive Director

VICKY BINDRA
Non-Executive Director

TILL VESTRING
Non-Executive Director

APPOINTMENT  
TO BOARD:
October 2010

APPOINTMENT 
TO BOARD: 
July 2009

APPOINTMENT  
TO BOARD: 
July 2011

APPOINTMENT  
TO BOARD: 
September 2011

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Simon was appointed  
as Chief Executive  
Officer of 3i Group plc  
in May 2012. He is also  
a Non-Executive Director 
of The British Land 
Company PLC. Previously, 
Simon was the Chairman 
of Greenhill & Co 
International LLP and  
was a founding partner 
of Greenhill’s European 
business. Before starting 
Greenhill he was 
Managing Director  
of Baring Brothers 
International Limited. 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Nigel is Chairman of 
Paddy Power plc  
and Debenhams plc.  
He spent 32 years with 
Gallaher Group plc in 
sales and marketing 
roles, becoming the 
Group Chief Executive  
in 2000. He was previously 
a Non-Executive Director 
of Thomas Cook plc and 
the Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director  
of Aggreko plc.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Vicky is President of Asia/
Pacific, Middle East & 
Africa (APMEA) for 
MasterCard Worldwide. 
Prior to joining 
MasterCard in June 2009, 
Vicky worked with  
Bain & Company, Citi 
and GE Capital. He  
was a member of the  
Citi Management 
Committee and held 
various senior roles within 
the company including  
head of SME Business  
for International, Sales  
& Marketing for North 
America Retail. He was  
a financial services 
partner for Bain & 
Company in the  
New York office.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 
Till is Managing Partner 
of Bain & Company 
South East Asia. Till has  
a 20 year career at  
Bain & Company of 
which the last 18 were  
spent in Asia with 
postings in Sydney,  
Hong Kong, Tokyo and 
Singapore. He has 
served as head of Bain’s 
Automotive & Industrial 
Practice in Asia as well  
as on Bain’s global 
Partner Nomination  
& Compensation 
Committee. He has 
extensive experience 
advising multinationals 
on growth strategy 
across Asia as well as 
advising leading Asian 
companies on strategy,  
M&A and organisation.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 
Simon is Chairman of  
the Audit Committee  
and a member of the 
Nominations Committee. 

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 
Nigel is Chairman  
of the Remuneration 
Committee.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP 
Vicky is Chairman  
of the CR Committee.

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Till is a member of the 
Remuneration 
Committee.

www.inchcape.com 

  39

Executive committee

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 ANDRÉ LACROIX 
Group Chief Executive

5 KOH CHING HONG
Managing Director, Inchcape South Asia

APPOINTMENT TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: February 2006

APPOINTMENT TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: August 2009 

Please see page 38 for full biography.

2 JOHN MCCONNELL
Group Finance Director

APPOINTMENT TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: February 2006 

Please see page 38 for full biography.

3 ARIS ARAVANIS
Chairman & Managing Director, Toyota Hellas

APPOINTMENT TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: July 2009

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: During his tenure with Inchcape, Aris  
has led the establishment and development of Tefin, a finance 
company that was constituted by Toyota Hellas and EFG 
Eurobank, to the top of the automotive financing market in 
Greece. In February 2000, Aris assumed the position of General 
Manager of Toyota Hellas and then became Deputy Managing 
Director and a member of the Board of Directors. 

Before joining Toyota Hellas and Inchcape, Aris had extensive 
experience in the finance field working in various sectors including 
the food industry, electric cabling and banking.

4 GEORGE ASHFORD
Chief Executive Officer, Inchcape Australasia

APPOINTMENT TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: October 2006

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: George was appointed as Chief Executive 
Officer, Inchcape Australasia in January 2012. George joined the 
Group in March 2006 as Director of Implementation, Inchcape 
Advantage. In this role George led the implementation of 
Inchcape Advantage, a Group-wide strategic programme  
putting the customer at the heart of the Group’s service initiatives. 
In October 2006, George was appointed Managing Director 
European Retail where he led the implementation of world  
class retail operation programmes across the European retail 
network. He was also responsible for the integration of businesses 
acquired in the Baltics and the construction and opening of four 
greenfield operations in eastern Europe. George was Chief 
Executive Officer, Toyota Belgium from July 2009 to December 2011. 

George joined Inchcape from Yum Restaurants International 
(previously Pepsi Restaurants International), where he spent  
10 years holding several senior management positions.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Ching Hong joined Borneo Motors as  
its Managing Director in January 2008. He was appointed as 
Managing Director, Inchcape South Asia in August 2009 and  
is responsible for Borneo Motors and Champion Motors in 
Singapore and NBT in Brunei. Prior to joining the Group, Ching 
Hong was Managing Director of Fuji Xerox Singapore and an 
Executive member of Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific Senior Management 
from 1996 to 2008. In these roles he led the transformation and 
restructuring of its business model and business approach, 
thereby increasing market share, doubling revenue and leading 
the organisation into the prestigious Singapore Quality Class, 
achieving a high customer satisfaction index.

6 STÉPHANE CHATAL
Group Chief Information Officer

APPOINTMENT TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: November 2011

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Stéphane was appointed as Chief 
Information Officer in 2008 and is responsible for the Group’s IS 
strategy, its implementation and the IS function. Before joining the 
Group, Stéphane spent over four years with Reckitt Benckiser in 
senior IT roles, most recently as Global Solutions Director.

Prior to Reckitt Benckiser, Stéphane worked for Procter & Gamble 
for 12 years, where he was responsible for the global 
implementation of multi-country, single instance SAP systems  
and centralised shared service centres.

7 LOUIS FALLENSTEIN
Managing Director, Emerging Markets

APPOINTMENT TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: January 2012

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Louis was appointed as the Managing 
Director, Emerging Markets in January 2012 . He is responsible for 
all of our retail and distribution activities in Poland, the Balkans, 
South America and Africa. He oversees both current operations 
and our future expansion plans in these markets.

Prior to this, Louis was Franchise Director BMW for our UK business. 
Louis has been with the Group since the acquisition of European 
Motor Holdings plc in 2006. Prior to that, he spent the majority of 
his career in senior roles within the UK automotive industry. Louis 
has been a major force in the integration of the Lind Automotive 
Group and European Motor Holdings with existing UK retail 
businesses and has been a key member of the UK leadership 
team over the last six years. 

40 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

8

9

10

11

12

13

8 TONY GEORGE
Group HR and Business Development Director

11 BERTRAND MALLET 
Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Belgium 

APPOINTMENT TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: February 2007

APPOINTMENT TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: July 2008

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: In addition to his role as Group HR  
Director, Tony took over responsibility for strategy and business 
development in August 2012. He has over 25 years experience  
in Human Resources and General Management in International 
FMCG, chemicals, telecommunications and customer service 
oriented retail companies. In his previous role he was HR Director, 
Corporate Functions for Vodafone plc and prior to that, SVP 
International Partner Resources for Starbucks Coffee Company 
based in the US. He has also worked with ICI in India and Diageo 
plc where, at the time of the formation of the company, he was 
the first Global Management Development Director UDV in the  
UK and latterly was the SVP International HR for the Burger King 
business. During his career Tony has lived and worked in India,  
the UK, USA and Australia. 

9 KEN LEE
Group Communications Director 

APPOINTMENT TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: November 2006 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Ken joined Inchcape in September 2003 
as Marketing Director for the UK businesses, where he led the 
development of online car retailing and a pioneering customer 
experience programme. In early 2006 he was appointed 
Customer Strategy Director to lead the Group-wide identification 
of customer insights to drive the Company’s pioneering Inchcape 
Advantage programme. In late 2006 he was appointed to the 
Executive Committee as Group Communications Director with 
global responsibility for internal and external communications. 

Prior to joining Inchcape, Ken held the position of Group 
Marketing Director at the RAC from 1999 to 2003 having been  
part of the team that acquired and then led the business post 
demutualisation. During his tenure the company moved from  
a car breakdown organisation to a customer focused motoring 
services group. Before joining the RAC, Ken worked for Lex Service 
plc, where as Marketing Director he successfully established the 
Hyundai brand in the UK.

10 PATRICK S LEE
Chief Executive Officer, Inchcape North Asia and China

APPOINTMENT TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: November 2006

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Patrick is in charge of our VIR operations  
in Hong Kong, Macau and Guam. Representing Toyota in all three 
markets, Toyota has maintained the No.1 position for several years. 
He is also responsible for Inchcape’s operations in China. Before 
joining Inchcape, Patrick was the Group General Manager, Sales 
and Marketing of Kerry Beverages Ltd from 1998 to 2006. Kerry 
Beverages owned and operated 11 Coca-Cola bottling plants  
in China. Patrick’s experience in auto retailing came from a 
Toronto Honda dealership where he worked for three years  
and was awarded the highest honour of ‘Sales Master’ by Honda 
Canada for two consecutive years. Patrick started his career in 
brand marketing with Procter & Gamble and has worked in 
various locations including Canada, Switzerland, Thailand and 
Hong Kong. Patrick holds a BBA and an MBA from the Chinese 
University of Hong Kong.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Bertrand was appointed as Chief 
Executive Officer, Toyota Belgium in January 2012. Prior to this 
appointment he was Managing Director of the Emerging Markets 
and previously the Group Strategy Director. 

Before joining the Group in 2008, Bertrand spent over six years  
with Euro Disney in both strategy and sales roles, including as the 
Managing Director for the French market. During his tenure, a new 
sales and marketing approach was defined and implemented. 
Prior to Euro Disney, he spent five years as a senior consultant with 
Bain & Company, both in France and in the US. His main areas of 
focus were around retail and distribution. Bertrand began his 
career in Sales and Marketing with Automobiles Peugeot 
in Sweden. 

12 CONNOR MCCORMACK
Chief Executive Officer, Inchcape UK

APPOINTMENT TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: November 2009

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Connor has been with the Group since 
July 2005, having initially joined Inchcape as Finance Director, UK 
Retail. Connor has led the business through the acquisitions and 
integrations of the Lind Automotive Group and European Motor 
Holdings, as well as playing an instrumental part in the right sizing 
of the UK business in the second half of 2008, as the global 
economy entered the downturn. Connor was appointed  
Chief Executive Officer of the UK business in November 2009. 

Prior to Inchcape, Connor held senior positions with B&Q plc, 
Kingfisher plc, the L’Oreal Group and the Gillette Company. 

13 JEAN VAN DER HASSELT
Chief Executive Officer, Russia and the Nordics

APPOINTMENT TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: June 2009

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Jean joined Inchcape in 2003 as  
Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Belgium, having been in the 
automotive industry since 1985. During this tenure the network  
has been successfully restructured, leading to fewer and better 
retailers whilst improving market share and maximising the 
profitability for Toyota Belgium. The successful run out campaign  
of Toyota’s best selling model in 2006 led to an overall best market 
share performance. In 2010, Jean was appointed CEO Russia and  
the Nordics and has responsibility for our Russian and Nordic 
operations that include Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. 

Prior to Inchcape, Jean held several Director positions within the 
Volvo organisation and was Managing Director for the Volvo Cars 
operations in Belgium, actively contributing to the set up of the 
PAG structure, leading to effective synergies within Ford’s luxury 
brand cluster.

www.inchcape.com 

  41

Corporate governance report

Governance is at the heart of 
everything we do.

Ken Hanna
Chairman

IN THIS SECTION

47  Audit Committee Report
48  Nominations Committee Report
49  CR Committee Report
50  Directors' report on remuneration
62  Other statutory information

ONLINE DRIVER/REPORTING FORMAT
We continue to minimise the 
environmental impact of our printed 
report by reducing the print run, length 
and weight of paper used, while aiming 
to raise the quality of report

     SEE ONLINE:
www.inchcape.com/reportingcentre2012 
www.inchcape.com/annualreport2012 
www.inchcape.com/yearinreview2012 

42 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

DEAR SHAREHOLDER 
The Board is responsible for promoting the long-term success  
of the Company and we meet regularly to discuss, debate  
and review the Company's current and future strategy as well  
as its financial performance and how to mitigate any risks the 
Company may face. The decisions made by the Board aim to 
strengthen the Group's position as the premium choice in the 
automotive industry, located in the right markets, with the right 
brands, in the right categories with the right financials and the 
right growth strategy. 

During the year the Board visited several of the Group's retail  
and service centres to gain a deeper understanding of how the 
business operates and to experience our unique Customer 1st 
strategy around the world. In October we travelled to Hong Kong 
and China. In Hong Kong we visited the Land Rover, Jaguar, Lexus 
and Toyota retail centres and a large service centre. In Shanghai 
we visited the Inchcape Lexus retail centre. The site visits included 
an update from the management teams on performance to 
date and achievements specific to their business as well as a 
review of the Inchcape Advantage programme. In the UK, we 
held a board meeting at the new Porsche retail centre in 
Portsmouth where we discussed the market update presented  
by the Chief Executive Officer of Inchcape UK and had a tour  
of the centre. In addition to these visits, we also received market 
updates during the year from the Chairman and Managing 
Director of Greece and the Chief Executive Officer of Australasia. 

We have continued our focus on the composition of the  
Board to ensure that the Board has the right mix of members to 
contribute effectively to the development of the Group's strategy 
and business model. We will continue to review the composition 
of the Board annually to ensure that it remains effective, and 
through our succession planning process, this remains a key 
priority in 2013.

I hope that the following information will give some clarity as to 
how the Board and its Committees have discharged their duties 
throughout the year. The Board and I are proud of the way the 
Group has performed during the year and are looking forward  
to serving your Company in 2013.

STATEMENT OF CODE COMPLIANCE 
The Board has been fully compliant with the 2010 UK 
Corporate Governance Code (the Code) during 2012.

The information required under DTR 7.2.6 is given on pages  
62 to 64 and forms part of the Corporate Governance Report. 

Ken Hanna,  
Chairman 

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

LEADERSHIP 
THE BOARD

Inchcape plc Board

Audit
Committee

Remuneration
Committee

Executive
Committee

Nominations
Committee

Corporate
Responsibility
Committee

Delegated authorities:
Financial Reporting 
Financial Risk Management 
Internal Control

Delegated authorities:
Remuneration Policy 
Incentive Plans
Performance Targets

Delegated authorities:
Group Strategy
Operational Management

Delegated authorities:
Balance of the Board 
Leadership of the Group

Delegated authorities:
Oversight of the 
Group CR Programme

Delegated authorities:
Risk Oversight
Principal Risks Assessment 
Control Processes

iPOM Committee

Group Capital Committee

Delegated authorities:
Oversight of Group 
Capital Expenditure 

Name of Director 

Chairman 
Ken Hanna
Deputy Chairman & Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director 
Will Samuel
Group Chief Executive 
André Lacroix
Group Finance Director 
John McConnell
Non-Executive Directors 
Vicky Bindra 
Simon Borrows 
Alison Cooper 
Nigel Northridge 
David Scotland*
Till Vestring 

*  David Scotland left on 10 May 2012

Board Meetings

Scheduled

Attended

(cid:116)(cid:1)Risk – regularly reviewing the risk management programme 

and internal control processes;

6

6

6

6

6
6
6
6
3
6

6

6

6

6

6
6
6
6
3
6

(cid:116)(cid:1)Performance of the Group – by regular updates throughout 

the year;

(cid:116)(cid:1)Evaluation – reviewing the performance of the Board and its 

Committees to ensure that they remain effective; and

(cid:116)(cid:1)Information, training and development – by ensuring the Board 
has the right information, knowledge and skills to facilitate open, 
transparent and constructive debate.

To help the Board discharge its duties, a formal schedule 
of Matters Reserved for the Board sets out the decisions 
it is responsible for and can be found on our website 
www.inchcape.com. If a Director has any concerns about 
the running of the Company, his or her concerns would be 
recorded in the Board minutes. No concerns were raised in 2012. 

The Board delegates some decisions to its Committees and 
further information on the decisions which they make can 
be found in their reports on pages 47 to 50. Day to day 
management is the responsibility of the Executive Directors 
and the Executive Committee.

Biographies of the Directors can be found on page 38 to 39.

DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES

STATEMENT OF HOW THE BOARD OPERATES 
The Board is collectively responsible for the long-term success 
of the Group and aims to achieve this by developing strategy, 
monitoring fi nancial performance, maintaining an effective 
system of internal controls and establishing the Group's risk 
appetite. To facilitate this, the Board regularly meets to discuss 
and review: 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Strategy – contributes to the development of the Group's 

strategy by holding a two day strategy meeting and receiving 
updates on progress to date throughout the year; 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Composition – to ensure that the Board comprises competent 

individuals with a breadth of knowledge and experience which 
brings independent views to the decisions being made;

(cid:116)(cid:1)Senior Management – to ensure that the Executive Committee 
have the skills to deliver the strategy and a suitable succession 
plan is in place;

(cid:116)(cid:1)Internal Controls – to ensure that the systems of controls remain 

sound and relevant;

ROLE OF THE CHAIRMAN 
Leads the Board by setting 
the agenda, agreeing 
strategy and risk appetite of 
the Group

Ensures that Non-Executive 
Directors receive information 
that is accurate, relevant 
and timely to enable effective 
and open discussion
Responsible for the 
composition of the Board 
by ensuring that it has the 
right mix of skills, knowledge 
and experience 
Leads the Board 
evaluation process 

ROLE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE 
Leads the Executive 
Committee, develops and 
implements strategy, manages 
risk and the internal 
control framework 
Responsible for the day to 
day operations of the Group, 
providing information to the 
Board to aid the decision 
making process
Reports to the Board on 
performance, the 
implementation of strategy 
and signifi cant developments 

Regularly engages with 
shareholders on the Group's 
activities and progress 

www.inchcape.com 

 43

 
Corporate governance report continued

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 
The Non-Executive Directors, as members of the Board and  
its Committees, are responsible for ensuring the Company  
has sound systems of internal controls and an effective risk 
management process. They are also responsible for monitoring 
financial performance, the performance of the Executive 
Committee and for determining suitable levels of remuneration. 
They do this by attending Board and Committee meetings 
throughout the year and using their collective knowledge, skills 
and experience to contribute to the decisions being made. 

All Committee Chairmen report to the Board on the Committee's 
activities at each Board meeting. Will Samuel is the Deputy 
Chairman and Senior Independent Director and in this role  
he acts as a sounding board for the Chairman and, should the 
need arise, is available to shareholders whose concerns have  
not been resolved by the Chairman or the Executive Directors  
or should such contact not be appropriate. 

A meeting was held in May 2012, in which Ken Hanna met  
with the Non-Executive Directors without the Executive Directors 
present. In addition, Will Samuel also met with the Non-Executive 
Directors without Ken Hanna or the Executive Directors present. 

EFFECTIVENESS 
The Board reviewed its effectiveness within the context of the 
principles and provisions of section B of the Code.

APPOINTMENTS TO THE BOARD 
The Nominations Committee has responsibility for referring 
potential appointments to the Board for approval and is assisted 
by external search consultants. No appointments were made in 
2012. Further information on its activities can be found in the 
Nominations Committee report on page 48.

COMPOSITION

THE GEOGRAPHIC MAKE-UP 
OF THE BOARD

LENGTH OF SERVICE OF 
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
3

Asia 22%
UK 78%

INDUSTRY BACKGROUND 

2

1

0

0-2
years

2-5
years

5-9
years

BALANCE OF NON- 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Financial 56%
Retail 33%
Consultancy 11%

Non-Executive Directors 67%
Executive Directors 22%
Chairman 11%

All of the Non-Executive Directors are considered independent in 
accordance with the Code.

44 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Will Samuel completed seven years service in 2012. His length  
of service was taken into account when considering the 
composition of the Board and it was felt that his knowledge  
and understanding of the Group remained crucial to the 
effectiveness of the Board during the year. 

COMMITMENT 
The time commitment required by Non-Executive Directors is  
set out in their Letter of Appointment and is reviewed annually  
by the Nominations Committee to ensure that it remains 
appropriate. The Company recognises that its Board members 
may be invited to become directors of other companies and that 
this additional experience is likely to benefit the deliberations of 
the Board. Details of other directorships held by the Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors are given in their biographies on page 38 
to 39. The Executive Directors are generally permitted to take one 
Non-Executive Directorship as long as it does not lead to conflicts 
of interest or undue time commitment. André Lacroix holds two 
such positions: Non-Executive Director for Reckitt Benckiser Group 
plc for which he received a fee of £85,000 and as Non-Executive 
Chairman of Good Restaurants AG for which he does not receive 
a fee.

DEVELOPMENT 
New Directors receive a tailored induction programme designed 
to give a comprehensive understanding of the Values, operations 
and strategy of the Group. The induction programme is split into 
two parts: operational and head office. A typical operational 
induction would consist of visits to retail centres and service 
facilities and meetings with regional executives. The head office 
induction would comprise meetings with functional heads to 
cover all aspects of plc operations and Directors' duties under 
the UK Governance and Compliance regulations. The induction 
programme is reviewed prior to any new Directors joining the 
Group and tailored to their specific needs. 

INFORMATION AND SUPPORT 
The information received by the Board is vital to ensure that 
members are able to contribute fully to discussions. The 
Chairman and the Group Company Secretary ensure that  
the information received by Directors encourages open debate 
and enables the Board to make well informed decisions. 

All Directors receive Committee papers regardless of whether 
they are members of that Committee to ensure that each 
member has access to all available information. All Directors 
have access to the advice and services of the Group  
Company Secretary. 

The Board also receives regular financial and governance 
updates to enable the Directors to keep informed of progress to 
date and best practice developments between Board meetings. 
Independent professional advice and support are available to  
all Directors should they request it.

BOARD EVALUATION 
In 2012 the Board carried out an internal evaluation facilitated by 
the Chairman. The evaluation reviewed the results from the action 
plan arising from the external evaluation in 2011 and each Board 
member discussed any areas of concern in 2012. The evaluation 
was carried out as a structured one on one interview with each 
Board member. Overall the Board were happy with the progress 
made during the year and felt the Board and its Committees 
continue to function well.

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

FOCUS FOR 2012
Continue to focus on strategy 
and processes for measuring 
performance to date against 
objectives 
Enhance the process for 
succession planning at 
Board and Executive 
Committee level 
Review composition of the 
Board and its Committees

2012 ACHIEVEMENTS 
Regular updates on 
performance against strategic 
objectives have been added 
to the Board calendar.
A succession planning strategy 
session facilitated by the 
Group HR Director was carried 
out in 2012.
David Scotland stepped down 
from the Board after 7 years' 
service. The subsequent 
changes to the Committees 
are set out in the Nominations 
Committee Report on page 48. 

The results of the evaluation were presented to the Board and 
as a result of the evaluation there will be a continued focus on 
Board composition and succession planning for the Board and 
senior management during 2013. 

Ken Hanna also discussed with each Board member his or her 
performance during the year and identifi ed any training or 
development areas which may be required. 

Will Samuel also met with the Non-Executive Directors to evaluate 
the performance of Ken Hanna.

RE-ELECTION 
In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 
all Directors will stand for re-election at the 2013 Annual 
General Meeting.

ACCOUNTABILITY
FINANCIAL & BUSINESS REPORTING 
The Board is responsible for establishing and maintaining 
adequate internal controls over regular fi nancial reporting for 
the Group, including the consolidation process. There is a 
comprehensive system of internal controls in place, including 
an Annual Operating Plan (AOP) which is reviewed and 

approved by the Board. Monthly actual results are reviewed by 
management against the AOP, and where appropriate, revised 
forecasts are presented to the Board. All data to be consolidated 
into the Group's Financial Statements is reviewed thoroughly by 
management to ensure that it complies with relevant accounting 
policies, and that fi nancial reporting gives a true and fair 
refl ection of the fi nancial position of the Group.

Internal controls over this fi nancial reporting framework are 
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of regular internal fi nancial reporting as well as the 
preparation of Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS. 
Management and Internal Audit conduct regular assessments 
of the effectiveness of internal controls over fi nancial reporting 
based on the framework contained in the Turnbull Guidance. 
There have been no signifi cant changes in internal controls 
over fi nancial reporting during 2012 that have, or are likely to 
have, materially affected the Group's internal controls over 
fi nancial reporting. 

Based on these statements, the Board concludes that as at 
31 December 2012, the Group's internal system of control over 
fi nancial reporting was effective.

RISK MANAGEMENT 
The Group has in place comprehensive processes to manage 
risk across its businesses, which are regularly subject to audit and 
the results reported to the Audit Committee and the Board for 
their review. Inchcape Peace of Mind (iPOM) is the Group-wide 
risk management programme which has as its objective to drive 
risk management and risk aware behaviours across the Group.

identify and 
reduce our 
risks

raise
awareness 
through 
education 
and training

embed the 
prevention 
of risk within 
our business 
processes

RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS

The Board
Overall 
responsibility 
for determining 
the Group's risk 
appetite, and 
oversight of the 
principal risks to 
the Group's 
strategic 
objectives

Audit 
Committee
Delegated 
responsibility from 
the Board for Risk 
Management, 
Compliance and 
Internal Controls

Group iPOM
Committee
Key day to day 
risk oversight 
is managed 
through the 
Group iPOM 
Committee 

Internal Audit
In addition to reviews of fi nancial and operational 
controls, Internal Audit monitor risk capture and 
mitigating actions as part of their review

Market iPOM Committees
Sub-committees of the Executive Committee in each market 
report into the Group iPOM Committee to ensure that risk 
management oversight remains at the highest level in each market. 
Meetings are co-ordinated to ensure that appropriate reviews are 
performed in line with the Group iPOM Committee, Audit Committee 
and Board meetings

ENABLERS

Functional Assurance 
Providers
iPOM emphasises that 
risk management is the 
responsibility of each 
and every function and 
employee. Therefore 
functional teams are 
a key source of risk 
management effort

Corporate Assurance
A new role created 
in 2012 to drive 
the embedding of 
iPOM into Group-wide 
business practice 
and lead continuous 
improvement in our risk 
management practices

www.inchcape.com 

 45

 
Corporate governance report continued

iPOM emphasises 'the right way to do business' and is 
constructed with the Company's Values at its heart to ensure  
we drive the right behaviours across the business and embed 
compliance and the principles of risk management in everything 
that we do.

Whilst the ultimate accountability for risk oversight lies with  
the Board, it has formally delegated the responsibility for risk 
management to the Audit Committee under the terms of 
reference and reporting framework. Through these, the Board is 
advised of key risks facing the Group on a rolling basis over each 
12 month period, with a formal review of the most significant risks 
at least twice annually or more frequently if required.

GROUP iPOM COMMITTEE
Responsibility for the day to day management of risk  
oversight is further delegated to the Group iPOM Committee.  
The Committee is chaired by the Group Chief Executive and its 
constituent members are the Group Finance Director, Group HR 
Director, Group General Counsel, Group Audit Director and  
Group Head of Corporate Assurance.

The Group iPOM Committee meets six times a year to manage 
oversight of systemic and dynamic risk at Group level and 
throughout the markets. It has a broad remit which ensures that:

(cid:116)(cid:1)The correct management focus is on key risks and actions to 

mitigate or respond to identified and emerging risks;

(cid:116)(cid:1)A compliance programme is in place in all markets and head 
offices which meets or exceeds external benchmarks, and is 
appropriate in terms of the legal requirements, content, sector, 
cost and resource requirement; and

(cid:116)(cid:1)Appropriate defences are in place to mitigate exposure to,  

or effect a response to, any risk that may crystallise.

The Group iPOM Committee develops and manages the  
Group's Principal Risk Register, which summarises the Group's  
risk exposure and associated mitigation or response plan based 
on risks identified at Group level and at market or regional level.

The Group uses an online risk management and reporting 
solution, FlexEye, to record and monitor its risk profile and the 
corresponding mitigation and response plans. The Group iPOM 
Committee uses FlexEye reports as a key tool at each meeting to 
formally review the risk profile at Group and market level to allow:

(cid:116)(cid:1)Better cross market or region trend analysis;

(cid:116)(cid:1)Better cross risk analysis; and

(cid:116)(cid:1)Full visibility of actions and mitigation plans progress.

Executive sub committees (Market iPOM Committees) exist  
in each of the Group's markets and have a similar seniority of 
membership. Each Market iPOM Committee operates through  
a standard terms of reference to ensure a consistent approach  
to identifying and managing systemic and dynamic risks.

Additionally, the meeting dates are co-ordinated throughout the 
Group to ensure that appropriate risk reviews are performed in 
alignment with the schedules of the Group iPOM Committee, the 
Audit Committee and the Board.

To ensure consistency and transparency across risk reporting,  
risks are reported under eight principal risk categories:

(cid:116)(cid:1)Strategic, including customer and consumer;

(cid:116)(cid:1)Brand Partners, key relationships and reputation; 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Systems and Technology;

(cid:116)(cid:1)People, including EH&S;

(cid:116)(cid:1)Economic, Political and Environmental;

(cid:116)(cid:1)Legal and Regulatory; 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Tax, Pensions and Insurance; and

(cid:116)(cid:1)Finance and Treasury.

Risks are further categorised as either;

(cid:116)(cid:1)systemic risks – known risks which are largely unchanging or 
which apply Group-wide and can be managed through 
standard policies and procedures; or 

(cid:116)(cid:1)dynamic risks – forward looking risks which are specific to a 

market, region or function, which change in nature constantly 
and which must be managed through bespoke mitigation or 
response plans.

AUDIT COMMITTEE AND AUDITORS 
The Board has delegated responsibility for risk management  
and internal controls to the Audit Committee. Details of the 
Committee's activities during the year can be found in the  
Audit Committee Report on pages 47 to 48. A statement of the 
Directors' responsibility for reporting the Financial Statements is  
set out on page 63.

REMUNERATION 
The Board has delegated responsibility for setting the level  
and components of remuneration and for developing the 
remuneration policy to the Remuneration Committee. Details  
of the Committee's activities during the year can be found in  
the Directors' report on remuneration on page 55.

RELATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS 
The Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director met with 
institutional investors throughout the year. Three investor days were 
held at the Cooper Croydon retail centre to which institutional 
investors were invited to receive an update on strategy, 
performance to date and future expectations. The Company's 
Investor Relations programme is an important part of investor 
interaction providing perspective and feedback from investors. 
Further detail of the Investor Relations events held throughout the 
year can be found on page 47. 

In the past year the proactive programme has included site visits, 
roadshows and regular financial calendar linked conference 
calls and presentations. During the year approximately 250 
existing or prospective shareholders or their representatives 
attended such meetings. 

The Board recognises that maintaining good communications 
with all shareholders is essential to understanding the Group's 
performance and strategy. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) 
gives institutional and private shareholders an opportunity to 
meet the Board and ask any questions they may have regarding 
the Group. Each year we send shareholders a prepaid reply form 
which gives any shareholders unable to attend the AGM an 
opportunity to give their views. 

The Group is committed to reducing its impact on the 
environment in line with its CR policy and encourages 
shareholders to receive communications electronically in order  
to reduce printing and paper usage. Shareholders can register 
for email alerts on our website at www.inchcape.com/investors.  
It is important for investors to receive communications in the form 
most appropriate to their needs and they can change the way  
in which they receive shareholder communications at any time.

46 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

INVESTOR RELATIONS CALENDAR

Annual  
results

Interim Management 
Statement

Interim  
results

Interim Management 
Statement

Audiocast  
& presentation

Audiocast 

Audiocast  
& presentation

Audiocast 

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Retail Conference

Roadshow

Retail Conference

Roadshow

Retail Conference

Roadshow

Broker &  
Retail Conferences

Annual General  
Meeting

Throughout the year 1:1 meetings and Inchcape Advantage site visits held

Audit Committee Report 

Simon Borrows 
Chairman

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 
(cid:116)(cid:1)Monitor the integrity of Financial Statements and formal 

announcements 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Review and approve the Annual Report and Accounts 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Review Group accounting policies, disclosures in the Annual 

Report and Accounts and significant financial reporting issues 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Review internal controls and risk management 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Internal and external audit function 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Re-appointment of the external auditors

(cid:116)(cid:1)Whistleblowing 

The terms of reference for the Audit Committee can be found on 
the website www.inchcape.com/aboutus/governance.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS 

Member

Simon Borrows
Alison Cooper 
Will Samuel 

Member  
throughout 2012

Meetings 
Held

Meetings 
Attended

4
4
4

4
4
4

Only members of the Committee have the right to attend 
Committee meetings however, other individuals such as the 
Chairman, Group Chief Executive, Group Finance Director,  
Group Audit Director and external auditors attend by invitation. 
Membership and meetings held in 2012 are shown in the table.

COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR: 
(cid:116)(cid:1)Review and approval of the interim and year end results –  
The Committee met with the external auditors to review the 
interim and year end results. The Committee considered the 
appropriate accounting treatment and disclosures of any 
matters identified in the review process and recommended  
the results be approved by the Board. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)External auditors – PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, as part of their 
assurance process, confirmed that they are considered to be 
independent and objective. The Committee agreed with their 
assessment and no matters of concern were raised. During the 
year the external auditors presented the plan for the interim 
review and year end audit and the Committee approved the 
scope of the work to be undertaken. PricewaterhouseCoopers 
presented its report on Internal Controls to the Committee 
during the year which provided a benchmark for additional 
efficiencies improvement. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Effectiveness of external audit process – An assessment of  

the 2011 audit process was carried out through completion  
of a Client Satisfaction Survey, to obtain the views of senior 
finance management globally along with Group Finance, Tax, 
Legal and Audit. The results were presented to management 
and the Committee to assist in the review of the effectiveness  
of the audit process for the prior year. Based on the results of  
this process the key areas for improvement were agreed for the 
2012 audit process. 

www.inchcape.com 

  47

Corporate governance report continued

(cid:116)(cid:1)Non-audit services – The Committee reviewed the level of audit 
and non-audit services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP during the year. A breakdown of the fees paid to the external 
auditors can be found in note 3d on page 90 of the Financial 
Statements. A policy is in place in respect of non-audit services 
provided to the Group with a guideline of a 1:1 fee ratio. The 
purpose of the policy is to ensure that the auditors remain 
objective and independent, and as such the services are 
limited to assignments that are closely related to the annual 
audit or where work is of such a nature that detailed knowledge 
of the Group's activities is necessary. The Audit Committee  
is responsible for authorising any non-audit services before  
they commence. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Internal Audit – The Committee reviewed progress against the 

internal audit plan for 2012. Audits carried out covered a range 
of operational, financial and IT processes in the Group's 
businesses and were prioritised according to risk. The results 
from the audits were reported to management and the Audit 
Committee during the year and no significant issues were 
identified as a result of risk management and internal control 
reviews in 2012. The Committee reviewed and approved the 
internal audit plan for 2013, and approved the updated Internal 
Audit Charter. During the year the Group Audit Director and his 
team met with the Audit Committee Chairman without the 
presence of management to discuss the results of audits 
carried out during the year.

(cid:116)(cid:1)Review of the whistleblowing arrangements – The Committee 
considered the whistleblowing procedure which has been in 
operation during the year to allow staff to confidentially raise 
any concerns about business practices. The Committee agreed 
the whistleblowing procedures are appropriate for the Group.

(cid:116)(cid:1)Tax update – The Committee received regular updates from the 
Group Tax Director on tax matters including strategic tax risks. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Litigation update – The Committee received regular reports  

on current litigation matters and any future litigation risks likely  
to affect the Group. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)The Committee discussed the performance and reviewed  
the effectiveness of the external auditor without the auditor 
being present.

GOVERNANCE:
(cid:116)(cid:1)The Committee recommended to the Board that a resolution be 
put to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting to re-appoint 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Auditors of the Company. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)The Committee confirmed that it had complied with its terms  

of reference throughout the year.

(cid:116)(cid:1)The Committee reviewed its membership and confirmed that  

it complied with the Code and approved the recommendation 
for Simon Borrows to continue as Chairman of the Committee.

(cid:116)(cid:1)The Committee confirmed that, in accordance with the 

provisions of the Code, Will Samuel and Alison Cooper had 
recent and relevant financial experience. 

Nominations Committee Report

Ken Hanna 
Chairman

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 
(cid:116)(cid:1)Evaluate the balance of skills, knowledge and experience  

on the Board

(cid:116)(cid:1)Agree skills profile for candidates to fill vacant Board positions

(cid:116)(cid:1)Nominate suitable candidates to the Board for approval

(cid:116)(cid:1)Succession planning for Executive Directors and  

Senior Management 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Review size and structure of the Board 

The terms of reference for the Nominations Committee  
can be found on the website  
www.inchcape.com/about us/governance.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS 

Member

Ken Hanna 
Will Samuel
André Lacroix 
Simon Borrows 
David Scotland

Member  
throughout 2012

Meetings 
Scheduled

Meetings 
Attended

Joined May 2012 
Left May 2012 

3
3
3
1
2

3
3
3
1
2

Only members of the Committee have the right to attend 
Committee meetings however other individuals such as the 
Group HR Director and external consultants attend by invitation. 
During 2012, David Scotland stepped down from the Committee 
and was replaced by Simon Borrows. Membership and meetings 
held in 2012 are shown in the table above.

ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR: 
(cid:116)(cid:1)Composition of the Board and its Committees – The Committee 
reviewed the composition of the Board, including gender and 
geographic diversity, required by the Company to support its 
strategy. As a result of the review it was recommended that after 
seven years' service, David Scotland retire at the 2012 AGM. The 
Committee reviewed the composition of the Board committees 
and discussed the skills and experience needed on each, 
particularly in light of David Scotland's retirement. It was  
agreed to recommend to the Board that: 

 – Vicky Bindra become Chairman of the CR Committee; 

 – Ken Hanna become a member of the CR Committee; 

48 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 – Till Vestring become a member of the Remuneration 

Committee; and

 – Simon Borrows become a member of the  

Nominations Committee. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Renewal of Chairman's engagement letter – Ken Hanna's initial 
term as Chairman expired on 1 May 2012. The Board reviewed 
his tenure and the Directors supported the renewal of his tenure 
for a further three year term. Ken Hanna was not involved in the 
discussions regarding the renewal of his tenure. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Report to shareholders in the 2011 Annual Report – The 

Committee reviewed the report to shareholders for the year 
ended 31 December 2011 and recommended it for approval 
by the Board. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Election/Re-election of Directors – In accordance with the UK 

Corporate Governance Code, the Committee recommended 
to the Board that all Directors stand for election or re-election  
at the Annual General Meeting. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Review of time served on the Board – The Committee reviewed 
the time served by the Non-Executive Directors and confirmed 
that it was comfortable with the continued service of the 
Non-Executive Directors. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Review of time commitments – The Committee reviewed the 

time commitment required by the Non-Executive Directors and 
confirmed that it was satisfied that all Directors had met or 
exceeded the time commitment required. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Policy on multiple board appointments – The Committee 
reviewed its policy on multiple board appointments and 
confirmed that the Directors had complied with the policy 
during the year. 

GOVERNANCE: 
(cid:116)(cid:1)The Committee reviewed the independence of the  

Non-Executive Directors and agreed to recommend to the 
Board that it should determine that they remain independent  
in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)The Committee concluded that, in accordance with the UK 

Corporate Governance Code, at least half the Board, excluding 
the Chairman, comprised independent Non-Executive Directors. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)The Committee reviewed its terms of reference and confirmed 

that it had been fully compliant throughout the year.

(cid:116)(cid:1)The Committee reviewed the job description of the Senior 
Independent Director and agreed that Will Samuel should 
continue in this role.

(cid:116)(cid:1)The Committee reviewed its membership and confirmed that  

it complied with the Code and approved the recommendation 
for Ken Hanna to continue as Chairman of the Committee.

CR Committee Report

Vicky Bindra 
Chairman

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 
(cid:116)(cid:1)Develop Group's CR strategy and monitor  

external developments 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Review Group's CR Policy 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Monitor Group's CR risk exposure 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Review annual CR Report 

The terms of reference for the CR Committee can be found  
on the website www.inchcape.com/about us/governance.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS 

Member

David Scotland
Vicky Bindra 
André Lacroix 
Ken Hanna 
Tony George 
Claire Chapman

Member  
throughout 2012

Left May 2012

Joined May 2012

Left July 2012

Meetings 
Scheduled

Meetings 
Attended

2
3
3
2
3
1

2
3
3
2
3
1

Only members of the Committee have the right to attend 
Committee meetings however other individuals such as the 
Group Communications Director and external consultants attend 
by invitation. During 2012, David Scotland stepped down as 
Chairman of the Committee and was replaced by Vicky Bindra. 
Ken Hanna also joined the Committee. Membership and 
meetings held in 2012 are shown in the table above.

ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR:
(cid:116)(cid:1)2011 Corporate Responsibility Report – The Committee reviewed 
and approved the Corporate Responsibility Report for the year 
ended 31 December 2011. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)CR strategy and communication – The Committee reviewed the 
Green Baton initiative which was rolled out during the year and 
assessed how employees were engaging with CR in their day to 
day activities. The Committee agreed that a simple over-arching 
statement should be developed which would unite the five core 
CR areas and inspire employees. The statement was developed 
during the year and is included in the 2012 Corporate 
Responsibility Report on pages 34 to 37. 

GOVERNANCE 
(cid:116)(cid:1)The Committee reviewed its terms of reference and confirmed 

that it had been compliant throughout the year.

www.inchcape.com 

  49

Directors’ report on remuneration

DEAR SHAREHOLDER 
I am pleased to introduce the Directors’ report on remuneration 
for the year ended 31 December 2012, which has been prepared 
by the Remuneration Committee and approved by the Board.

The Group delivered a strong performance in 2012. Sales 
increased by 4.4%, profit before tax and exceptional items  
were up 9.9% to a record for the business of £250.3m.  
Adjusted earnings per share rose by 11.8%. 

The UK Government Department of Business Innovation & Skills 
(BIS) is currently proposing changes to the structure and content 
of the Directors’ report on remuneration. The Committee has 
decided to adopt the majority of these changes early and as 
such this report is divided into three sections. The first is the Policy 
Report which details the Group’s remuneration policies and  
links to strategy as well as projected pay outcomes under  
various performance scenarios. The second section is the 
Implementation Report, which focuses on the remuneration 
arrangements and outcomes for the year under review including 
the total actual remuneration paid to each Director and details  
of performance against targets. There were no changes to the 
remuneration policy during the year. The final section contains 
any additional information required this year under the  
existing regulations. 

Other than the closure of our UK final salary pension plan to 
future accrual, we are not proposing any changes to executive 
remuneration in 2013. Details of the new pension scheme are 
given on page 52. 

The Report complies with Regulation 11 and Schedule 8  
of the Large and Medium–Sized Companies and Groups 
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and other relevant 
requirements of the FSA Listing Rules. The Committee believes  
that the Company has complied with the provisions regarding 
remuneration matters contained within the UK Corporate 
Governance Code. In particular, the Committee is satisfied  
that the approach to setting the structure of remuneration 
packages for senior executives underpins the effective and 
proper management of risk by rewarding executives fairly for 
sustainable profit growth and long-term returns to shareholders 
and delivering a significant portion of senior executive 
remuneration in shares.

At such time as we are legally required to do so, we will be  
putting the Policy Report to a binding shareholder vote. For the 
time being though, and in compliance with our existing legal 
obligations, the vote remains advisory only. A resolution will 
therefore be put to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting 
on Thursday 16 May 2013 asking them to approve this report.

Nigel Northridge,  
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Our remuneration policy is designed 
to ensure that it attracts, retains and 
motivates our people whilst providing 
an appropriate alignment between 
reward and performance to protect  
the long-term interests of the 
Company’s stakeholders.

Nigel Northridge
Chairman

OUR REMUNERATION POLICY IS BASED ON THE  
FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES: 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Align with and support the Group’s business strategy;

(cid:116)(cid:1)Enable the Company to attract, retain and motivate  

executive management; 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Encourage the right behaviours, drive performance and reward 

results by delivering upper quartile pay for upper quartile 
performance; and 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Align executive management and shareholders’ interests.

In addition, the Committee considers performance on 
environmental, social and governance issues when setting the 
remuneration policy and believes that the policy does not raise 
risks in these areas by motivating irresponsible behaviour.

50 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

PART 1 – POLICY REPORT

EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION POLICY 
The elements of the remuneration policy for Executive Directors for 2013 are set out below. There are no changes to the remuneration 
policy compared to 2012 apart from the pension plan. The Group formally closed the UK final salary pension plan to future accrual on 
31 December 2012. The Executive Directors will be offered membership of the Group’s new pension arrangement (on the same basis 
as all other colleagues) from 1 January 2013 in line with auto-enrolment. 

Element
Base salary

Objective and link to strategy
To pay competitive salary to 
attract, retain and motivate talent

Annual bonus

Motivate outstanding 
performance; specifically, reward 
sustainable growth in profits, i.e. 
growth that comes from the top 
line as well as from improving 
margins. The matrix is intended  
to provide a balanced focus 
between commercial and cash 
initiatives; Net Promoter Score 
(NPS) multiplier is applied to  
the outcome to reinforce our 
Customer 1st strategy and 
maintain exceptional levels  
of customer service

Co-investment 
plan (CIP)

Encourage executive  
share ownership

Ensure balance between 
growth and returns

Reward performance against  
EPS and ROCE targets; EPS  
growth is a good measure of 
profitable growth while ROCE 
supports our cash initiatives  
of controlling working capital  
and capital expenditure

Opportunity
From 1 April 2013 salaries will be 
£810,140 and £426,123 for the Group 
Chief Executive and Group Finance 
Director respectively. These represent 
increases of 2% for the Group Chief 
Executive and 4% for the Group 
Finance Director on 2012 salaries, 
compared to an average increase 
across the Group of 2.84%

60% of salary payable for  
target performance

150% of salary maximum payable  
for achieving stretch performance 
against all measures

Operation and performance metrics
Salaries are reviewed annually  
and any increases typically take  
effect from 1 April of each year

Reviews take account of:

(cid:116)(cid:1)scope of the role
(cid:116)(cid:1)experience of the individual
(cid:116)(cid:1)pay levels at organisations of a 
similar size, complexity and type
(cid:116)(cid:1)pay and conditions elsewhere  

in the Group 

Matrix structure rewarding growth  
in revenue and operating profit, 
heavily weighted towards delivery  
of profit growth

Any annual bonus earned above 
100% of salary is paid in shares which 
are automatically invested  
in the co-investment plan

NPS that falls below target levels of 
performance reduces bonus earned 
by up to 20%

Offers Executive Directors a voluntary 
share investment opportunity in return 
for a performance based match 

Executive Directors may invest up  
to an overall maximum of 50% of 
post-tax salary

Maximum match of 2:1, threshold  
of 0.5:1

Maximum matching award is 
therefore 100% of salary in any year

Any bonus over 100% of salary will  
be paid in shares which will be 
automatically invested in the plan. 
Further voluntary investments may  
be made up to the investment limit

Invested shares can be withdrawn  
at any time but the entitlement to  
a match would be lost if the invested 
shares are withdrawn before the  
end of the relevant three year  
vesting period

Vesting of matching awards  
based 75% on three year EPS  
growth and 25% on three year 
average ROCE performance

www.inchcape.com 

  51

Directors’ report on remuneration continued

Element

Objective and link to strategy

Operation and performance metrics

Opportunity

Performance  
share plan (PSP)

Provide a meaningful reward  
to senior executives linked to the 
long-term success of the business

The mix of ‘normal’ and ‘enhanced’ 
performance shares enables the 
delivery of median pay for median 
performance; upper quartile pay 
for upper quartile performance; 
and upper decile pay for upper 
decile performance

Ensure balance between  
growth and returns as above

Strengthen alignment with 
shareholders by defining award 
sizes as a number of shares

Save as you earn 
(SAYE)

To encourage share ownership 
across the organisation

Share ownership 
guidelines

To encourage share ownership  
and ensure alignment of executive 
interests with those of shareholders

Pension 

To provide market competitive 
pension benefits where it is cost 
effective and tax efficient to do so

Other benefits

To provide market competitive 
benefits where it is cost effective 
and tax efficient to do so

Non-Executive 
Directors fees

To provide fair remuneration, 
reflecting the time commitment 
and responsibilities of the roles

52 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Annual awards of ‘normal’ 
performance shares, vesting 75%  
on three year EPS growth, and 25%  
on three year average ROCE

Annual awards of ‘enhanced’ 
performance shares, vesting on 
stretch EPS targets, over and above 
those attached to ‘normal’ 
performance shares

Any dividends paid would accrue 
over the vesting period and would  
be paid only on those shares  
that vest

The Committee can reduce or 
prevent vesting in the event of  
a material restatement of the  
Group Financial Statements  
or gross misconduct

Participants make monthly savings, 
over a three year period. At the end  
of the savings period the funds are 
used to purchase shares under option

As this is an all-employee scheme 
and Executive Directors participate  
on the same terms as other 
employees, the acquisition of shares 
is not subject to the satisfaction of  
a performance target

Requirement to hold a fixed  
number of shares. Executives are 
required to make progress in 
achieving these targets with their 
personal, after tax, funds regardless  
of the extent to which long-term 
incentives vest, if at all

The Group’s new pension scheme, 
Cash+, is a career average cash 
retirement scheme which accrues 
16% of earnings (capped at £300,000 
p.a.) paid as a lump sum at the age  
of 65. Members are required to 
contribute 7% of pensionable salary

Includes:

(cid:116)(cid:1)company cars
(cid:116)(cid:1)medical care
(cid:116)(cid:1)life assurance premiums

All benefits are non-pensionable

Non-Executive Directors receive  
a fixed fee and do not participate  
in any incentive schemes or receive 
any other benefits

Award levels are expressed as a 
number of shares, subject to an 
individual limit of 300% of salary

However, the Committee will review 
award sizes prior to each grant to 
ensure that they are appropriate in 
light of market data and individual 
and Group performance 

Subject to this review, and the 
individual salary limit, for 2013 the 
Group Chief Executive will receive 
304,170 normal awards and 101,390 
enhanced awards, and the Group 
Finance Director will receive 130,760 
normal awards and 26,150  
enhanced awards

Maximum savings of £250 per month

Equivalent to 200% of base salary  
for Executive Directors

Each Executive Director has five years 
from 2007, or date of appointment if 
later, to reach this shareholding target

André Lacroix receives a cash 
supplement of 40% of his base  
salary and is eligible to join the  
Cash+ scheme

John McConnell receives a 
supplement of 30% of base  
salary and is eligible to join the  
Cash+ scheme

André Lacroix: £18,400

John McConnell: £6,200

From 1 May 2013 the standard 
Non-Executive Director fee is £55,000 
with an additional fee for a 
Chairmanship of a Committee of 
£10,000. The Deputy Chairman is  
paid a single fee of £76,000 and the 
Chairman a single fee of £300,000

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

SELECTION OF LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES
The Committee continues to believe that EPS is the best measure 
of long-term performance for the Group and should therefore 
remain the primary long-term incentive measure. It provides 
strong line of sight for executives, who are familiar with the existing 
basis of EPS performance measurement and is consistent with 
the Group’s long-term strategy focusing on sustainable growth. 
ROCE, combined with EPS, provides a balance between growth 
and returns. 

REMUNERATION POLICY FOR OTHER EMPLOYEES
Our approach to salary reviews is consistent across the Group, 
with consideration given to the level of responsibility, experience, 
individual performance, salary levels in comparable companies 
and the Company’s ability to pay. Remuneration surveys are 
used, where appropriate, to establish market rates. 

Senior managers participate in an annual bonus scheme  
which has similar performance targets to those of the  
Executive Directors. Below this level, local incentive schemes  
are in place for management and non-management 
employees. Opportunities and performance conditions  
vary by organisational level with business unit specific  
metrics incorporated where appropriate. Commission  
based arrangements are also operated for certain roles.

Senior managers (c.300 individuals) also receive normal PSP 
awards, while enhanced PSP awards and participation in the  
CIP is limited to Executive Directors, Executive Committee 
members and the next level of executives (c.30 individuals). 
Performance conditions are consistent for all participants,  
while award sizes vary by organisational level. Share ownership 
guidelines apply to Executive Directors.

All UK employees are eligible to participate in the SAYE scheme 
on the same terms. 

Pension and benefits arrangements are tailored to local market 
conditions, and so various arrangements are in place for different 
populations within the Group. Executive Directors participate in 
the same scheme as other senior executives.

CONSIDERATION OF CONDITIONS ELSEWHERE IN THE GROUP
 In 2013, the average salary increase across the Group was 2.84% 
compared to 2% for the Group Chief Executive and 4% for the 
Group Finance Director. 

Prior to the annual salary review, the Committee receives an 
update from the Group HR Director on the average salary 
increases across the Group. This is considered by the Committee 
when determining salary increases for the Executive Directors 
and the Executive Committee. The Company has a diverse 
international spread of business as well as a wide variety of roles 
from petrol pump attendants and valeters through to Managing 
Directors of our individual businesses and therefore pay levels 
and structures vary to reflect local market conditions. 

Although the Company has not carried out a formal employee 
consultation regarding Board remuneration, it does comply with 
local regulations and practices regarding employee consultation 
more broadly. 

CONSIDERATION OF SHAREHOLDER VIEWS
When determining remuneration, the Committee takes into 
account the guidelines of investor bodies and shareholder views. 
In light of the high level of support for the 2011 Directors’ report  
on remuneration, the extensive consultation that was carried out 
in 2010/11 following the last remuneration review, and the fact 
that no changes to remuneration policy are being proposed  
for 2013, the Committee did not carry out a formal shareholder 
consultation exercise in 2012. However, the Committee is always 
open to feedback from shareholders on remuneration policy  

and arrangements, and commits to undergoing shareholder 
consultation in advance of any changes to remuneration policy. 
The votes received on the 2011 Directors’ report on remuneration 
are provided in the Implementation Report. 

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF SPEND ON PAY
The table below shows the percentage change in profit after tax, 
dividends, and total employee compensation spend from the 
financial year ended 31 December 2010 to the financial year 
ended 31 December 2012.

PROFIT AFTER TAX

DIVIDEND

TOTAL EMPLOYEE
PAY EXPENDITURE

m
0
9
1
£

m
8
4
1
£

m
3
3
1
£

200

150

100

50

0

200

150

100

50

0

m
7
4
£

m
3
5
£

m
0
£

800

600

400

200

0

m
4
4
4
£

m
3
3
4
£

m
3
4
4
£

10

11

12

10

11

12

10

11

12

SERVICE CONTRACTS
The Company’s policy is for Executive Directors’ service contract 
notice periods to be no longer than 12 months, except in 
exceptional circumstances. All current contracts contain notice 
periods of 12 months. 

Name 

Date of contract 

Notice period

Unexpired term 

André Lacroix 

John McConnell 

1 September 
2005

1 October 
2009 

12 months 
from Director 
or Company
12 months 
from Director 
or Company

To retirement 
age 

To retirement 
age 

The Company may terminate the contract by paying the 
Executive Director a sum equal to his basic salary and, in certain 
circumstances, benefits including pension and life assurance, car 
and entitlement to holiday pay for the 12 month period. In the 
event that an Executive Director is not required to work their full 
notice period, the Company may also, in certain circumstances, 
exercise discretion to pay the Executive Director a proportion  
of the annual bonus that they would otherwise have received.

The Non-Executive Directors receive a letter of appointment and 
are normally appointed for an initial three year period, subject to 
their re-appointment by shareholders at the AGM. 

No Non-Executive Director is engaged on a service contract with 
the Company.

Name 

Date of Appointment 

Expiry of 
current term

Ken Hanna 
(Chairman)
Vicky Bindra 
Simon Borrows
Alison Cooper
Nigel Northridge 
Will Samuel 
Till Vestring 

14 May 2009

14 May 2015

1 July 2011
1 October 2010
1 July 2009
1 July 2009
26 January 2005
1 September 2011

20 June 2014 
20 September 2013 
30 June 2015
30 June 2015
25 January 2014 
31 August 2014 

www.inchcape.com 

  53

Directors’ report on remuneration continued

PERFORMANCE SCENARIOS
The charts below show the remuneration that Executive Directors could be expected to obtain based on varying  
performance scenarios.

In order to achieve maximum vesting of all incentives, as illustrated in the ‘maximum’ scenario below, the Executive Directors  
would need to deliver EPS growth in excess of 20% p.a. over the next three years. Illustrations are intended to provide further information  
to shareholders regarding the pay for performance relationship. However, actual pay delivered will be influenced by changes in  
share price and the vesting period of awards.

GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE

GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR

)
s
0
0
0
£
(
n
o

i
t

a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r

l

t

a
o
T

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0

4,820
9%

26%

17%

25%

7%

17%

)
s
0
0
0
£
(
n
o

i
t

a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r

l

t

a
o
T

3000

2400

1800

1200

600

0

43%

2,266
5%
23%

19%

28%

6%

19%

17%

1,060
13%
10%
24%

13%
40%

565

25%
75%

2,149
14%

9%
23%

16%

38%

1,152
30%

70%

Fixed

On-plan

Maximum

Fixed

On-plan

Maximum

Key:

Enhanced PSP

Normal PSP

CIP

Bonus

Pension & bens

Salary

Key:

Enhanced PSP

Normal PSP

CIP

Bonus

Pension & bens

Salary

Annual base salary: £810k
40% of salary
Taxable value of annual benefits provided: £18k

Annual base salary: £426k
30% of salary
Taxable value of annual benefits provided: £6k

Base salary
Pension
Benefits
Annual 
Bonus
CIP

No incentives 
included
No incentives 
included

Normal  
PSP

No incentives 
included

Enhanced 
PSP

No incentives 
included

60% of salary

150% of salary

25% of salary

100% of salary

i.e. 50% of salary 
invested matched  
2:1 vesting 25%  
at threshold

i.e. 50% of salary 
invested matched  
2:1 vesting 100%  
at max

£308k

£1,232k

i.e. 304.170 shares  
at £4.05, vesting 25% 
at threshold

i.e. 304.170 shares  
at £4.05, vesting  
100% at max

£0k

£411k

No vesting –  
rewards superior 
performance only

i.e. 101.390 shares  
at £4.05, vesting  
100% at max

Base salary
Pension
Benefits
Annual 
Bonus
CIP

No incentives 
included
No incentives 
included

Normal  
PSP

No incentives 
included

Enhanced 
PSP

No incentives 
included

60% of salary

150% of salary

25% of salary

100% of salary

i.e. 50% of salary 
invested matched  
2:1 vesting 25%  
at threshold

i.e. 50% of salary 
invested matched  
2:1 vesting 100%  
at max

£132k

£530k

i.e. 130.760 shares  
at £4.05, vesting  
25% at threshold

i.e. 130.760 shares  
at £4.05, vesting  
100% at max

£0k

£106k

No vesting –  
rewards superior 
performance only

i.e. 26.150 shares  
at £4.05, vesting  
100% at max

Potential reward opportunities illustrated above are based on the policy which will apply in the forthcoming financial year, applied  
to the base salary effective 1 April 2013. 

For the annual bonus, the amounts illustrated are those potentially receivable in respect of performance for 2013. For the CIP,  
the award opportunities assume full voluntary investment in Inchcape shares. It should be noted that any awards granted under  
the CIP and PSP in a year do not normally vest until the third anniversary of the date of grant. The projected value of CIP and PSP  
amounts excludes the impact of share price growth and dividend accrual. PSP values are based on the average share price  
from 1 October 2012 to 31 December 2012 of £4.05. 

54 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

EXIT PAYMENT POLICY 
The Company’s policy is to limit severance payments on 
termination to pre-established contractual arrangements. In the 
event that the employment of an Executive Director is terminated, 
any compensation payable will be determined in accordance 
with the terms of the service contract between the Company 
and the employee, as well as the rules of any incentive plans.

Bonus – The Committee reviewed and agreed the achievement 
of the performance targets for the 2011 bonus (payable in 2012). 
The Committee also discussed the performance targets for the 
2012 bonus (payable in 2013) and agreed that these were both 
relevant and satisfactory in light of the Group strategy. Details of 
the 2012 bonus paid to the Executive Directors can be found  
on page 59. 

Executive Remuneration – The Committee reviewed the proposals 
for Executive Directors and senior management, taking into 
account pay and conditions of employees across the Group. 
Details of the salaries paid to the Executive Directors can be 
found on page 56. 

Chairman’s fee – The Committee reviewed the Chairman’s fee 
and agreed that it remained appropriate; therefore Ken Hanna 
did not receive an increase in 2012. His fee has remained 
unchanged since his appointment in 2009. The Chairman’s  
fee was reviewed in March 2013. Details are given on page 52.

Share plans – The Committee agreed the vesting level of the  
2009 Executive Share Option Plan, reviewed the performance 
targets of the 2010 Executive Share Option Plan and the 2011 
Performance Share Plan and reviewed and approved the 
performance targets and grant level of the 2012 Performance 
Share Plan, the 2012 Share Matching Plan and the 2012 SAYE 
grant. Details of the awards made to Executive Directors can  
be found on pages 60 to 61. The Committee also monitored 
headroom limits in accordance with ABI guidelines.

Remuneration update – The Committee received an annual 
update from its advisors, Kepler, on the current remuneration 
trends, industry best practice and external developments 
including the BIS proposals.

GOVERNANCE
(cid:116)(cid:1)The Committee reviewed its terms of reference and confirmed 

that it had been fully compliant throughout the year.

(cid:116)(cid:1)The Committee reviewed its membership and confirmed  

that it complied with the Code.

ADVISORS TO THE COMMITTEE
Kepler acted as the independent remuneration advisor to the 
Committee during the year. Kepler attends Committee meetings 
and provides advice on remuneration for executives, analysis  
on all elements of the remuneration policy and regular market 
and best practice updates. Kepler reports directly to the 
Committee Chairman and complies with the Code of  
Conduct for Remuneration Consultants (which can be  
found at www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com). 

Kepler provides no other services to the Company. Kepler’s  
fees are charged at an hourly rate in accordance with the  
terms & conditions set out in the Engagement Letter. They were 
paid fees of £35,733 for their services during the year including 
expenses and VAT.

Under normal circumstances, Executive Directors receive 
termination payments in lieu of notice equal to pay and  
benefits for the length of their contractual notice period. 

In the event an Executive Director leaves for reasons of  
death, ill-health, redundancy, retirement (CIP only), or any other 
reason which the Remuneration Committee may, in its absolute 
discretion, permit, any outstanding long-term incentive (LTI) 
awards will be pro-rated for time and performance and will  
either vest at the end of the performance period or immediately, 
at the Committee’s discretion. Upon a change of control of the 
Company, awards will be pro-rated for time and vest immediately 
based on the extent to which the Committee determines that the 
performance conditions have been met or are likely to be met. 
For all other leavers, outstanding LTI awards will lapse. 

The Committee retains discretion to alter these provisions on  
a case-by-case basis following a review of circumstances and  
to ensure fairness for both shareholders and participants.

PART 2 – IMPLEMENTATION REPORT

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE 
(cid:116)(cid:1)Remuneration Policy

(cid:116)(cid:1)Annual bonus targets

(cid:116)(cid:1)Performance targets for share incentive plans 

(cid:116)(cid:1)Executive Committee remuneration 

The terms of reference for the Remuneration Committee can be 
found on the website www.inchcape.com/aboutus/governance.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS 

Member

Nigel Northridge 
Ken Hanna 
Will Samuel 
Till Vestring

Member 
throughout 2012

Meetings 
Held

Meetings 
Attended

Joined May 2012

2
2
2
1

2
2
2
1

Only members of the Committee have the right to attend 
Committee meetings; however other individuals such as the 
Group Chief Executive, Group HR Director and external 
consultants advise the Committee and attend by invitation. 
Membership and attendance at meetings are shown in the  
table above. No Director takes part in any decision affecting  
his own remuneration.

COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR: 
Directors’ report on remuneration – The Committee approved 
the 2011 Directors’ report on remuneration and recommended 
to the Board that the Report be approved by shareholders  
at the AGM. Kepler Associates (Kepler) gave the Committee  
an update on the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills 
(‘BIS’) proposals to be adopted by companies from 2013. The 
Committee reviewed each element and agreed to adopt the 
majority of the proposals early. 

www.inchcape.com 

  55

Directors’ report on remuneration continued

TOTAL ACTUAL REMUNERATION
To aid transparency for our shareholders, the table below sets out the total actual remuneration received by each Director for the year 
to 31 December 2012. 

Executive Director

André Lacroix
John McConnell

Director

Ken Hanna
Vicky Bindra 
Simon Borrows
Alison Cooper
Nigel Northridge 
Will Samuel 
David Scotland 
Till Vestring 

1. Base salary
£’000

2. Benefi ts
£’000

3. Pension
£’000

4. Annual bonus
£’000

5. Long-term incentives
£’000

Total remuneration
£’000

790
408

1. Fee
£’000

275
57
60
50
60
76
23
50

18
10

311
168 

815
420

232
120

2,166
1,126

2. Benefi ts
£’000

3. Pension
£’000

4. Annual bonus
£’000

5. Long-term incentives
£’000

Total remuneration
£’000

7
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

282
57
60
50
60
76
23
50

The fi gures have been calculated as follows:

1.  Base salary/fee: amount earned for the year. Non-Executive Directors received a fee of £50,000 p.a. plus an additional £10,000 for Committee Chair. The Deputy 

Chairman received a fee of £76,000 p.a. 

2.  Benefi ts: the taxable value of annual benefi ts received in the year

3.  Pension: the value of the Company’s contribution during the year

4.  Annual bonus: the value at grant of the annual incentive payable for performance over 2012, including amounts paid in shares

5.  Long-term incentives: Includes any CIP, PSP and options based on the value at vesting of shares or options vesting on performance over the three year period ending 
31 December 2012. Value stated relates to the vesting of 2010 option grants, valued based on the average share price from 1 October to 31 December 2012 of £4.05.

BASE SALARY 
Salaries are reviewed annually and typically take effect from 
1 April of each year. The Committee reviews base salary for 
the Executive Directors and Executive Committee against 
organisations of similar size, complexity and type, and also 
takes into account pay and conditions elsewhere in the Group. 
During the year the quantum of executive total remuneration 
was reviewed against four comparator groups: retailers, 
distributors, companies of similar market cap and companies 
with similar revenues. 

The salaries for 2011, 2012 and 2013 are set out in the table below, 
together with the average increases across the Group. 

Name

André Lacroix

John McConnell

Average increase 
across the Group 

1 April 2011

1 April 2012

1 April 2013

£778,680
(3% increase)
£401,700
(3% increase)

£794,254 
(2% increase)
£409,734
(2% increase)
3.16% 
increase

£810,140
(2% increase)
£426,123
(4% increase)
2.84% 
increase

ANNUAL BONUS 
In 2012, as for 2011, the Executive Directors’ annual bonuses were 
assessed against a fi nancial performance matrix. This matrix was 
designed to reward stretching targets of revenue and operating 
profi t, whilst maintaining exceptional levels of customer service. 

During the year, the Group delivered revenue above target and 
operating profi t between target and maximum. The Group met 

the NPS targets. The Committee reviewed performance against 
the targets and rules of the scheme and, taking into account all 
relevant factors, has determined that both the Group Chief 
Executive and the Group Finance Director receive a bonus of 
102.6% of salary for 2012. 

As the 2012 bonuses were more than 100% of salary the 
Executive Directors will have 2.6% of salary automatically invested 
in Company shares through the co-investment plan. Executive 
Directors will also be able to make voluntary investments up to 
47.4% of salary into the scheme to make a maximum investment 
of 50% of salary.

ILLUSTRATION OF BONUS STRUCTURE FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 
Financial performance matrix (% of salary) 

Stretch

30%

90%

150%

Target

20%

60%

120%

e
u
n
e
v
e
R

Threshold

15%

45%

90%

NPS multiplier

X 0.8 -1.0

Threshold

Target

Stretch

Operating profi t

Note: In this way, 
20% of total bonus 
is based on NPS – 
the customer measure

 56 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN 

AWARDS MADE DURING THE YEAR
The performance share plan (PSP) was approved by shareholders at the 2011 AGM, and awards of normal and enhanced awards 
were made to Executive Directors and other senior executives under this plan in 2011 and 2012. Awards in 2011 were based on a 
percentage of salary, but were then fixed as a number of shares for 2012. The Committee feels that fixing the award sizes as a number 
of shares provides strong alignment with shareholders, as the face value of awards will fall if the share price falls and vice versa.

Awards made in 2012 to Executive Directors are summarised below:

Type of award
Basis of award
Face value of awards made during 2012*

Performance period
Performance conditions

% vesting at threshold

‘Normal’ performance shares
Absolute number of shares calculated on the basis of shares granted in 2011 
Group Chief Executive: £1,077,674 
(304,170 shares)

Group Chief Executive: £359,225 
(101,390 shares)

‘Enhanced’ performance shares

Group Finance Director: £463,283 
(130,760 shares)
3 years (i.e. 1 January 2012 – 31 December 2014)
75% on EPS growth

100% on EPS growth

Group Finance Director: £92,649 
(26,150 shares)

25% on average ROCE
25% of award

 0% of award

*  Calculated using the share price of £3.543 which was the closing price on date of grant 10 April 2012.

Performance conditions are as follows:

NORMAL AWARDS

3 year EPS growth p.a. 

Less than 7%
7% 
15%
Between 7% and 15% 

3 year average ROCE 

Less than 18% 
18% 
21%
Between 18% and 21%

ENHANCED AWARDS

Vesting Percentage

3 year EPS growth p.a. 

Less than 15% 
20% 
Between 15% and 20% 

0%
25%
100% 
Straight line basis

Vesting Percentage

0% 
25%
100%
Straight line basis 

Targets were set taking into account a range of reference points 
including the Group’s strategic plan and broker forecasts for both 
the Group and other sector peers. The Committee believes that 
these targets are very stretching, and that the maximum will only 
be available for truly outstanding performance.

Vesting Percentage 

0%
100% 
Straight line basis

AWARDS VESTING DURING THE YEAR
No award under the PSP is due to vest for Executive Directors until 2014 (subject to performance).

CO-INVESTMENT PLAN

AWARDS MADE DURING THE YEAR
The renewal of the Co-investment plan (CIP) was approved by shareholders in 2011. During 2012, both Executive Directors made 
investments, and therefore were granted matching awards as detailed below:

Type of award
Basis of award
Face value of awards made during 2012*

Matching award
2:1 match on invested amounts 
Group Chief Executive: £398,357(117,164 shares)

Performance period
Performance conditions

% vesting at threshold

Group Finance Director: £408,051 (120,015 shares)
3 years (i.e. 1 January 2012 – 31 December 2014)
75% on EPS growth  
25% on average ROCE
25% of award

*  Calculated using the share price of £3.40 which was the closing price on date of grant 22 June 2012.

For simplicity and alignment, the performance targets for the CIP awards are the same as the normal PSP award made in 2012.

AWARDS VESTING DURING THE YEAR
No award under the CIP is due to vest for either individual until 2014 (subject to performance).

www.inchcape.com 

  57

Directors’ report on remuneration continued

ExEcutIvE shARE optIons 

AwArds vesting during the yeAr
the final grant of share options under this scheme was made in 2010. the grant level for these options was half the normal level to 
reflect the fall in the group’s share price at that time as well as the strategy to reduce operating costs. these options vest on three year 
ePs growth as follows: 

ePs growth p.a. 

Less than rPi+3% 
rPi+3% 
rPi+8% 
Between rPi+3% and rPi+8% 

there will be no retesting.

vesting Percentage

0%
25%
100% 
straight line basis

these options will vest in full based on performance to 31 december 2012. details of awards vesting to executive directors are shown in 
the table below.

Options held

exercise price

period

vesting date

ePs growth p.a.1

Performance  

8 April 2013

rPi+9.35%

% vesting

100%

8 April 2013

rPi+9.35%

100%

André Lacroix

243,870

£3.10

John McConnell

125,806

£3.10

1 Jan 2010 – 
31 dec 2012
1 Jan 2010 – 
31 dec 2012

1.   Based on 2012 ePs of 39.7p, 2009 ePs of 27.1p, and rPi growth of 4.22%.

2.   Based on the average share price from 1 October 2012 – 31 december 2012.

ExEcutIvE shARE ownERshIp
As at 31 december 2012, the directors held the following shares: 

share price at 
vesting2

value (£000)

£4.05

£4.05

232

120

André Lacroix
John McConnell

shares held 

guideline met

536,148
210,676

y
y

nil cost awards

Options held

subject to  
performance 
conditions

1,123,607
537,076

subject to 
deferral 

n
n

subject to  
performance 
conditions

243,870
125,806

vested but not 
yet exercised

961,467
337,465

details of the shares held by the non-executive directors are given on page 62.

the executive directors are required to hold a fixed number of shares equivalent to 200% of base salary. the share price as at  
31 december 2012 was 430.9p. 

DIlutIon lImIts 
Options granted under the executive share option scheme, the 
sAye scheme and awards granted under the performance share 
plan are met by the issue of new shares or treasury shares. 

All other plans are satisfied on exercise by market purchase 
shares. dilution limits are monitored throughout the year by the 
remuneration Committee and the Company complies with  
the limits set by the Association of British insurers.

issued share capital as at 31 december 2012 
All schemes – 10% over 10 year rolling period 
remaining headroom for all schemes 
executive schemes – 5% over a 10 year rolling period
remaining headroom for executive schemes

468m
46.8m
18.7m
23.4m
2.4m

shAREholDER contExt
the table below shows the advisory vote on the 2011 directors’ 
report on remuneration at the 2012 AgM. it is the policy of the 
Committee to consult with major shareholders prior to any major 
changes to the remuneration Policy. 

ExIt pAymEnts mADE In yEAR
there were no exit payments made in 2012. 

totAl shAREholDER REtuRns (tsR)
the following graph illustrates the group’s tsr over a five year 
period, relative to the performance of the total return index of the 
Ftse mid-250 group of companies (excluding investment trusts). 
tsr is essentially share price growth plus re-invested dividends.  
the Ftse mid-250 has been chosen as the most suitable 
comparator group as it is the general market index in which  
the Company appears.

HISTORICAL TSR PERFORMANCE

200

150

100

50

0

Dec 07

Dec 08

Dec 09

Dec 10

Dec 11

Dec 12

votes

For

91.72%

Against

4.46%

Abstentions*

Inchcape

FTSE mid 250 excluding investment trust

3.82%

*  Abstain votes are not included in the final proxy figures as they are not 

recognised as a vote in law. the figures above are for illustration purposes, 
consistent with what is required under the Bis recommendations. 

58 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

PART 3 – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION [AUDITED]

This section contains information that is required under current regulations, but which will no longer be required for the 2013 Directors’ 
report on remuneration.

INDIVIDUAL EMOLUMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2012 

Base salary/fees

Bonus

Taxable and 
other benefits (e)

Company contributions 
paid in year in respect of 
pension arrangements

Termination 
payment

2012

£’000

2011

£’000

2012

2011

£’000

£’000

2012

£’000

2011

£’000

2012

£’000

2011

£’000

2012

2011

£’000

£’000

275.0

275.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

6.8

22.1

–

0.6

–

–

–

–

790.4
407.7

773.0
398.8

814.9 607.4
420.4 313.3

18.4
9.9

18.4
49.4

311.5
81.7

309.2
81.2

56.7
60.0

50.0
60.0
76.0

22.5
50.0

25.0
55.3

46.7
56.7
74.0

59.3
16.7

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
1,848.3 1,799.5 1,235.3 920.7

19.0

–

–
35.1

–
90.5

–
393.2

–
390.4

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–

Total remuneration

2012

£’000

2011

£’000

281.8

297.1

–

0.6

1,935.2
919.7

1,708.0
842.7

56.7
60.0

50.0
60.0
76.0

22.5
50.0

25.0
55.3

46.7
56.7
74.0

59.3
16.7

–
3,511.9

19.0
3,201.1

Chairman
Ken Hanna 
Peter Johnson  
(left 14 May 2009) (a)
Executive Directors
André Lacroix (b)
John McConnell (c) 
Non–Executive  
Directors (d)
Vicky Bindra 
Simon Borrows 

Alison Cooper 
Nigel Northridge 
Will Samuel 
David Scotland  
(left 10 May 2012)
Till Vestring 
Michael Wemms  
(left 11 May 2010)
Total

Notes on Directors’ emoluments

(a) The Company agreed to extend post retirement medical expenses for Peter Johnson and his wife until 13 May 2011. 

(b) The payment of £311,472 (2011 – £309,204) was paid directly to André Lacroix to allow him to make his own pension arrangements outside of the Company’s pension 

plan. This payment was subject to tax. 

(c) The payment of £81,676 (2011 – £81,202) was paid to John McConnell to allow him to make his own pension arrangements outside the Company’s pension plan. This 

payment was subject to tax.

(d) The Non-Executive Directors receive a fee of £50,000 p.a. with an additional £10,000 for chairmanship of a committee. The Deputy Chairman receives a fee of £76,000. 

(e) Taxable and other benefits comprise such items as company car, medical care, life assurance premiums, petrol allowance and relocation expenses. All Executive 

Directors are entitled to such benefits.

No Directors waived emoluments in respect of the year ended 31 December 2012 (2011 – none).

www.inchcape.com 

  59

Directors’ report on remuneration continued

PENSION ENTITLEMENTS 
The Group closed the UK final salary pension plan to future accrual on 31 December 2012. Under the scheme the Group offered 
defined benefit pensions for Executive Directors and other senior executives at the normal retirement age of 65. The maximum pension 
benefit was two-thirds of a scheme specific ceiling of £137,400 in the 2012/13 tax year, subject to completion of between 20 and 40 
years’ service. Members who joined after March 2005 contributed 7% of pensionable salary. The Group Chief Executive did not 
participate in the plan and received a cash supplement of 40% of base salary in lieu of a final pension provision. The Group  
Finance Director received a cash supplement above the cap in 2012. Details are given in the emoluments table on page 59.

DIRECTORS’ PENSION ENTITLEMENTS 

Increase in 
accrued 
pension during 
the year £’000

Increase in 
accrued 
pension during 
the year (net of 
inflation)

Accumulated 
total of accrued 
pension at 
31.12.11

Accumulated 
total of accrued 
pension at 
31.12.12

Transfer value  
(less Director’s 
contributions) of  
the increase in 
accrued benefit  
net of inflation

Transfer value of 
accrued benefits 
at 31.12.12

Transfer value 
of accrued 
benefits at 
01.01.12

John McConnell

5.1

4.7

9.6

14.7

88.7

284.3

194.7

Difference in 
transfer value 
less any 
contributions 
made in 
the year
80.1

The transfer value has been calculated in accordance with the Retirement Benefits Transfer Values (GN 11), 6 April 2002.

The transfer values of the accrued benefits represent the value of assets that the pension scheme would need to transfer to another pension provider on transferring the 
scheme’s liability in respect of the Directors’ pension benefits. The transfer values do not represent sums payable or due to the individual Directors and therefore cannot  
be added meaningfully to annual remuneration.

John McConnell made a contribution to his pension of 7% of capped salary via salary sacrifice during the year.

DIRECTORS’ SHARE OPTIONS 

André Lacroix

John McConnell

Held at 31.12.12

205,468 (a)
755,999 (a)
243,870 (a)
4,390 (b)

17,746 (a)
28,428 (a)
21,644 (a)
222,772 (a)
46,875 (a)
125,806 (a)
3,703 (b)

Lapsed 
 during 
 year

Exercised 
 during the  

year

Granted 
 during the 
 year

Held at 01.01.12

Exercise price (c)

Exercise period

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

205,468 (a)
755,999 (a)
243,870 (a)
4,390 (b)

17,746 (a)
28,428 (a)
21,644 (a)
222,772 (a)
46,875 (a)
125,806 (a)
3,703 (b)

£6.034
£2.00
£3.10
£2.05

£2.140
£4.416
£5.776
£2.00
£3.20
£3.10
£2.43

Sept 2008 – Sept 2015
May 2012 – May 2019
Apr 2013 – Apr 2020
Nov 2013 – Apr 2014

Mar 2006 – Mar 2013
May 2007 – May 2014
Mar 2008 – Mar 2015
May 2012 – May 2019
Nov 2012 – Nov 2019
Apr 2013 – Apr 2020
Nov 2014 – Apr 2015

Notes on share options

(a) Under the Inchcape 1999 Share Option Plan. 

(cid:116)(cid:1) Options under the Inchcape 1999 Share Option Plan are granted on a discretionary basis to certain full time senior executives based within and outside the  

UK including Executive Directors of the Company. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)

Such options are normally exercisable between three and ten years of grant.

(cid:116)(cid:1) Details of performance targets are given on page 58.

(b) Under the Inchcape SAYE Share Option Scheme. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)

(cid:116)(cid:1)

(cid:116)(cid:1)

There were no option exercises by Executive Directors during 2012.

The Inchcape SAYE Share Option Scheme is open to employees in the UK with at least three months’ service. 

Participants make monthly savings for a three year period. At the end of the savings period options become exercisable within a six month period.

(c) Exercise prices are determined in accordance with the rules of the relevant share option scheme.

(cid:116)(cid:1) All options were granted for nil consideration 

(cid:116)(cid:1)

(cid:116)(cid:1)

The table shows Executive Directors’ options over ordinary shares of 10.0p at 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2012. 

The mid market price for shares at the close of business on 31 December 2012 was 430.9p. The price range during 2012 was 292.6p to 446.4p.

60 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN

André Lacroix

John McConnell

Share 
 awards as at 
31.12.12

304,171 (a)
101,390 (b)
304,170 (a)
101,390 (b)

130,761 (a)
26,152 (b)
130,760 (a)
26, 150 (b)

Share awards 
lapsed  
during the 
 year

Share awards 
exercised  
during the 
 year

Share awards 
granted during 
the year

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
– 304,170 (a)
– 101,390 (b)

–
–
–
–
– 130,760 (a)
26, 150 (b)
–

Share 
 awards as at 
01.01.12

304,171 (a)
101,390 (b)
–
–

130,761 (a)
26,152 (b)
–
–

Date of grant

23-May-11
23-May-11
10-Apr-12
10-Apr-12

23-May-11
23-May-11
10-Apr-12
10-Apr-12

Exercise Period

May 2014 – May 2015
May 2014 – May 2015
April 2015 – April 2016
April 2015 – April 2016

May 2014 – May 2015
May 2014 – May 2015
April 2015 – April 2016
April 2015 – April 2016

Notes on the Performance Share Plan 

(cid:116)(cid:1) Awards under the Inchcape Performance Share Plan are granted on a discretionary basis to certain full time senior executives based within and outside the  

UK including Executive Directors of the Company. 

(a) Normal awards vest 75% on three year EPS growth and 25% on three year average ROCE.

(b) Enhanced awards vest 100% on stretch EPS performance over three years above those attached to normal awards. 

(cid:116)(cid:1) Details of the performance targets are given on page 57.

(cid:116)(cid:1) All awards were granted for nil consideration. 

(cid:116)(cid:1)

(cid:116)(cid:1)

The table shows Executive Directors’ awards over ordinary shares of 10.0p at 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2012. 

The mid market price for shares at the close of business on 31 December 2012 was 430.9p. The price range during 2012 was 292.6p to 446.4p.

CO-INVESTMENT PLAN

Awarded 
ordinary shares 
31.12.12

Ordinary shares 
lapsed  
during the 
 year

Ordinary shares 
exercised  
during the 
 year

Ordinary shares 
awarded during 
the year

André Lacroix

John McConnell

195,322
117,164
103,238
120,015

Notes on Co-investment plan 

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
117,164
–
120,015

Awarded  
ordinary shares  

01.01.12

Date of grant

Exercise Period

195,322
–
103,238
–

02-Jun-11
22-Jun-12
02-Jun-11
22-Jun-12

Jun 2014 – Dec 2014
Jun 2015 – Dec 2015
Jun 2014 – Dec 2014
Jun 2015 – Dec 2015

(cid:116)(cid:1)

Executive Directors will be entitled to matching shares if they remain employed by the Company for three years and retain the shares they have purchased under  
the Plan throughout that period and the performance targets are met. 

(cid:116)(cid:1) Awards vest 75% on three year EPS growth and 25% on three year average ROCE.

(cid:116)(cid:1)

(cid:116)(cid:1)

The share price on the date of grant in 2011 was 389.7p.

The share price on the date of grant in 2012 was 340.3p.

(cid:116)(cid:1) Details of the performance targets are given on page 57.

www.inchcape.com 

  61

Other statutory information 

The information that fulfils the requirements of the business review 
can be found in the Operating Review on pages 22 to 30, which 
is incorporated into this Report by reference. Information on the 
environment, employees, community and social issues is given  
in the Corporate Responsibility Report on pages 34 to 37.

DIRECTORS
The names of the Directors, plus brief biographical details are 
given on page 38 to 39. Each Director held office throughout  
the year except David Scotland who retired from the Board  
on 10 May 2012.

In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code all  
of the Directors will stand for re-election at the Annual General 
Meeting (AGM) on 16 May 2013.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
A description of the principal activities of the Group and likely 
future developments and important events occurring since the 
end of the year are given in the Operating Review on pages  
22 to 30.

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS
The Group’s audited Financial Statements for the year ended  
31 December 2012 are shown on pages 66 to 134. The Board 
recommends a final ordinary dividend of 10.5p per ordinary 
share. If approved at the 2013 AGM, the final ordinary dividend 
will be paid on 19 June 2013 to shareholders registered in the 
books of the Company at the close of business on 24 May 2013. 
Together with the interim dividend of 4.0p per ordinary share paid 
on 4 September 2012, this makes a total ordinary dividend for the 
year of 14.5p per ordinary share (2011 – 11.0p).

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS
The table shows the beneficial interests, other than share options, 
including family interests, in the ordinary shares of the Company 
of the persons who were Directors at 31 December 2012.

Name

31 December 2012

1 January 2012 

Ken Hanna
André Lacroix 
John McConnell 
Simon Borrows
Alison Cooper
Nigel Northridge 
Will Samuel 
Till Vestring 

70,000
536,148
210,676
1,000,000
2,500
25,000
12,000
30,000

70,000
507,124 
181,038
1,000,000
2,500
25,000
12,000
30,000

There have been no changes to the number of shares held by 
Directors between 31 December 2012 and 11 March 2013.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT TRUST 
The Executive Directors of the Company, together with other 
employees of the Group, are potential beneficiaries of the 
Inchcape Employee Trust (Trust) and, as such, are deemed  
to be interested in any ordinary shares held by the Trust. At  
31 December 2012, the Trust’s shareholding totalled 1,692,848 
ordinary shares. Between 1 January 2013 and 11 March 2013  
the Trust transferred 8,610 ordinary shares to satisfy the exercise  
of awards under employee share plans.

SIGNIFICANT SHAREHOLDINGS
As at 11 March 2013, the Company had been notified of the 
following significant interests:

Holding

percentage notified

Prudential plc
Mr George Horesh
Standard Life
Schroders plc
Legal & General
The Capital Group Companies, Inc

10.94%
7.99%
6.05%
5.07%
3.99%
3.12%

Source: TR-1 notifications. These are updated on the Company’s website

SHARE CAPITAL
As at 31 December 2012, the Company’s issued share capital of 
£46,810,820.20 comprised 468,108,202 ordinary shares of 10.0p.

Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive the Company’s 
Report and Accounts, to attend and speak at General Meetings 
and to appoint proxies and exercise voting rights. The shares  
do not carry any special rights with regard to control of  
the Company. 

The rights are set out in the Articles of Association of  
the Company. 

There are no restrictions or limitations on the holding of ordinary 
shares and no requirements for prior approval of any transfers. 

There are no known arrangements under which financial rights 
are held by a person other than the holder of the shares.

Shares acquired through the Company share schemes rank pari 
passu with the shares in issue and have no special rights. 

AUTHORITY TO PURCHASE SHARES
At the Company’s AGM on Thursday 10 May 2012, the Company 
was authorised to make market purchases of up to 46,139,276 
ordinary shares (representing approximately 10.0% of its issued 
share capital). No such purchases were made during 2012.

62 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

AUDITORS AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS 
So far as the Directors are aware, there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware. The 
Directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken 
as Directors in order to make themselves aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditors 
are aware of that information.

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITY
A qualifying third party indemnity (QTPI), as permitted by the 
Company’s Articles of Association and sections 232 and 234  
of the Companies Act 2006, has been granted by the Company  
to each of the Directors of the Company. Under the provisions  
of the QTPI the Company undertakes to indemnify each Director 
against liability to third parties (excluding criminal and regulatory 
penalties) and to pay Directors’ costs as incurred, provided that 
they are reimbursed to the Company if the Director is found guilty 
or, in an action brought by the Company, judgement is given 
against the Director.

GOING CONCERN 
A full description of the Group’s business activities, financial 
position, cash flows, liquidity position, committed facilities and 
borrowing position, together with the factors likely to affect its 
future development and performance, is set out in the Operating 
and Financial Reviews on pages 22 to 31 and in the notes to the 
accounts on pages 80 to 124.

The Group has significant financial resources and the Directors, 
having reviewed the Group’s operating budgets, investment 
plans and financing arrangements, have assessed the future 
funding requirements of the Group and compared this to the 
level of committed facilities and cash resources.

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company 
and the Group have adequate resources to continue in 
operation for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Directors  
are satisfied that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern 
basis in preparing the Annual Report and Accounts.

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES 
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report,  
the Directors’ report on remuneration and the Financial 
Statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. 
Company law requires the Directors to prepare Financial 
Statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors 
have prepared the Group Financial Statements in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as 
adopted by the European Union, and the parent Company 
Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and 
United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

Under company law the Directors must not approve the Financial 
Statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Company and  
of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing  
these Financial Statements, the Directors are required to:

(cid:116)(cid:1)select suitable accounting policies and then apply  

them consistently;

(cid:116)(cid:1)make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent;

(cid:116)(cid:1)state whether IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and 

applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards have been 
followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the Group and parent Company Financial 
Statements respectively;

(cid:116)(cid:1)prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will 
continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time 
the financial position of the Company and the Group and 
enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements and the 
Directors’ report on remuneration comply with the Companies 
Act 2006 and, as regards the Group Financial Statements, Article 
4 of the IAS Regulation. They are also responsible for safeguarding 
the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking 
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and 
other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity  
of the Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom 
governing the preparation and dissemination of Financial 
Statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Each of the Directors confirms that, to the best of their knowledge:

(cid:116)(cid:1)the Group Financial Statements, which have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU, give a true and 
fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of 
the Group; and

(cid:116)(cid:1)the Operating Review contained on pages 22 to 30 includes  

a fair review of the development and performance of the 
business and the position of the Group, together with a 
description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.

www.inchcape.com 

  63

CHANGE OF CONTROL 
The Company is not party to any significant agreements that 
would take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control  
of the Company following a takeover bid. However, certain of the 
Group’s third party funding arrangements would terminate upon 
a change of control of the Company. The Group’s relationships 
with its brand partners are managed at Group level, however the 
relevant contracts are entered into at a local level with day to day 
management being led by each operating business. Certain of 
the contracts may terminate on a change of control of the local 
contracting company. 

The Company does not have agreements with any Director  
or employee providing compensation for loss of office or 
employment that occurs because of a takeover bid, except for 
provisions in the rules of the Company’s share schemes which 
may result in options or awards granted to employees to vest  
on a takeover.

TRANSACTIONS WITH DIRECTORS
No transaction, arrangement or agreement required to be 
disclosed in terms of the Companies Act 2006 and IAS 24 
‘Related Parties’ was outstanding at 31 December 2012, or was 
entered into during the year for any Director and/or connected 
person (2011 – none).

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM will be held at 11.30 a.m. on Thursday 16 May 2013 at 
MWB Business Exchange, 1st Floor, 55 Old Broad Street, London, 
EC2M 1RX. The notice convening the meeting and the resolutions 
to be put to the meeting, together with the explanatory notes, are 
given in the Circular to all shareholders.

The auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, have indicated their 
willingness to continue in office. A resolution to reappoint them  
as auditors will be proposed at the AGM.

By order of the Board

Tamsin Waterhouse  
Group Company Secretary

Other statutory information continued

CHARITABLE AND POLITICAL DONATIONS
The Company made a charitable donation to Kids Company of 
£13,616.39 during 2012. In 2011, the Company donated £19,290 
to Chase Shooting Star Children’s Hospice. No political donations 
were made during 2012. 

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS 
These risks are shown on pages 32 to 33.

EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE
The Group acquired the Trivett Automotive Group on  
1 March 2013. 

CREDITOR PAYMENT POLICY 
The Company has no trade creditors (2011 – nil). The Group  
is responsible for agreeing the terms and conditions including 
terms of payment under which business transactions with the 
Group’s suppliers are conducted. Whilst the Group does not 
follow any single external code or standard, in line with Group 
policy, payments to suppliers are made in accordance with 
agreed terms and conditions.

EMPLOYEES 
The Company is committed to a policy of treating all its 
colleagues and job applicants equally and to increasing the 
involvement of colleagues through engagement activities. Full 
details can be found in the Corporate Responsibility Report on 
pages 34 to 37.

We are committed to the employment of people with disabilities 
and will interview those candidates who meet the minimum 
selection criteria. We provide training and career development for 
our employees, tailored where appropriate to their specific needs, 
to ensure they achieve their potential. If an individual becomes 
disabled while in our employment, we will do our best to ensure 
continued development in their role, including consulting them 
about their requirements, making appropriate adjustments and 
providing suitable alternative positions.

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION 
The appointment and replacement of Directors are governed  
by the Company’s Articles of Association. Any changes to the 
Articles of Association must be approved by the shareholders  
in accordance with the legislation in force from time to time.

The Directors have authority to issue and allot ordinary  
shares pursuant to article 10 of the Articles of Association and 
shareholder authority is requested at each AGM. The Directors 
have authority to make market purchases of ordinary shares  
and this authority is also renewed annually at the AGM. 

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST 
The Articles of Association permit the Board to authorise any 
matter which would otherwise involve a Director breaching his 
duty under the Companies Act 2006 to avoid conflicts of interest. 
When authorising a conflict of interest the Board must do so 
without the conflicting Director counting as part of the quorum.  
In the event that the Board considers it appropriate, the conflicted 
Director may be permitted to participate in the debate, but will 
neither be permitted to vote nor count in the quorum when the 
decision is being agreed. The Directors are aware that it is their 
responsibility to inform the Board of any potential conflicts as soon 
as possible and procedures are in place to facilitate disclosure.

64 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 Consolidated income statement
 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
 Consolidated statement of financial position
 Consolidated statement of changes in equity
 Consolidated statement of cash flows
Accounting policies
Notes to the accounts
Five year record
Report of the auditors – Group

Financial statements
66
67
68
69
70
71
80
125
126
127 Company balance sheet
128 Accounting policies
129 Notes to the accounts
135

Report of the auditors – Company  

www.inchcape.com 

  65

 Total
2011
£m 

5,826.3
(4,970.2)
856.1
(625.1)
231.0
(3.0)
228.0
57.3
(81.9)
203.4
(55.6)
147.8

142.2
5.6
147.8

31.0p
30.5p

Consolidated income statement 
For the year ended 31 December 2012 

 Before 
exceptional 
items 
2012
£m 

 Exceptional 
items
(note 2)
2012
£m 

  Notes 

 Before 
exceptional 
items  
2011 
£m 

 Exceptional 
items
(note 2)
2011
£m 

 Total
2012
£m 

–

6,085.4

5,826.3 
(0.4) (5,211.1) (4,970.2) 
856.1 
(0.4)
(611.7) 
1.6
244.4 
1.2
(3.0) 
–
241.4 
1.2
57.3 
–
(71.0) 
–
227.7 
1.2
(59.2) 
0.4
168.5 
1.6

874.3
(611.2)
263.1
0.2
263.3
56.8
(68.6)
251.5
(61.1)
190.4

–
–
–
(13.4)
(13.4)
–
(13.4)
–
(10.9)
(24.3)
3.6
(20.7)

184.5
5.9
190.4

40.0p
39.4p

Revenue 
Cost of sales 
Gross profit 
Net operating expenses  
Operating profit  
Share of profit / (loss) after tax of joint ventures and associates
Profit before finance and tax 
Finance income  
Finance costs 
Profit before tax 
Tax  
Profit for the year 

Profit attributable to: 
– Owners of the parent 
– Non controlling interests 

Basic earnings per share (pence) 
Diluted earnings per share (pence) 

6,085.4
(5,210.7)
874.7
(612.8)
261.9
0.2
262.1
56.8
(68.6)
250.3
(61.5)
188.8

1, 3

3

13

6
7

8

9
9

66 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
For the year ended 31 December 2012 

Profit for the year 

Notes 

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m 

190.4

147.8

Other comprehensive income: 
Cash flow hedges 
Fair value gains / (losses) on available for sale financial assets 
Impairment losses on available for sale financial assets transferred to consolidated income statement 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
Net actuarial (losses) / gains on defined benefit pension schemes  
Recoverable / (irrecoverable) element of pension surplus 
Current tax recognised directly in shareholders’ equity 
Deferred tax recognised directly in shareholders’ equity  
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax 
Total comprehensive income for the year 

14 

5 
5 

16 

Total comprehensive income attributable to: 
– Owners of the parent 
– Non controlling interests 
Total comprehensive income for the year 

(46.1)
0.1
1.0
(12.3)
(39.3)
72.9
–
22.6
(1.1)
189.3

186.8
2.5
189.3

5.7
(6.5)
10.9
(26.5)
18.0
(36.7)
7.0
(8.4)
(36.5)
111.3

105.7
5.6
111.3

www.inchcape.com 

  67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of financial position 
As at 31 December 2012 

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

Current assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Available for sale financial assets 
Derivative financial instruments 
Current tax assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Assets held for sale and disposal group 

Total assets 

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

Non-current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Borrowings 
Retirement benefit liability 

Liabilities directly associated with the disposal group 
Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Shareholders’ equity 
Share capital  
Share premium 
Capital redemption reserve 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 
Equity attributable to owners of the parent 
Non controlling interests 
Total shareholders’ equity 

 Notes  

2012 
£m 

 2011
£m 

11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
5 

17 
15 
14 
23 

18 

19 

20 
23 

21 
22 

20 
21 
16 
22 
5 

19 

24 

25 
26 

559.5
693.1
13.8
4.0
31.2
40.4
100.6
1,442.6

928.9
258.4
2.7
116.1
3.0
597.9
1,907.0
31.3
1,938.3
3,380.9

542.6
647.6
29.5
5.6
34.4
43.0
47.3
1,350.0

905.5
251.5
0.5
139.7
2.2
558.9
1,858.3
5.7
1,864.0
3,214.0

(1,150.7)
(62.6)
(47.5)
(41.9)
(113.5)
(1,416.2)

(22.4)
(43.0)
(24.9)
(320.0)
(27.9)
(438.2)
(19.1)
(1,873.5)

(1,140.6)
(7.4)
(45.1)
(36.8)
(101.9)
(1,331.8)

(29.6)
(54.1)
(40.2)
(338.6)
(62.2)
(524.7)
–
(1,856.5)

1,507.4

1,357.5

46.9
136.5
133.3
86.7
1,078.2
1,481.6
25.8
1,507.4

46.4
126.9
133.3
126.8
895.7
1,329.1
28.4
1,357.5

The consolidated Financial Statements on pages 66 to 124 were approved by the Board of Directors on 11 March 2013 and were 
signed on its behalf by: 

André Lacroix,  
Group Chief Executive 

John McConnell,  
Group Finance Director 

68 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
For the year ended 31 December 2012 

At 1 January 2011 

46.4

126.3

133.3

145.2

811.9 

1,263.1 

26.2

1,289.3

Share 
capital
£m 

Share 
premium 
£m 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£m 

Other 
reserves
(note 25) 
£m 

  Notes 

Retained 
earnings 
(note 26)  
£m 

Equity 
attributable 
to owners of 
the parent 
£m 

Non 
controlling 
interests
£m 

Total
shareholders’
 equity
£m 

Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income for the year 
Total comprehensive income for the year  

Share-based payments, net of tax 
Net purchase of own shares by ESOP Trust 
Issue of ordinary share capital 
Dividends: 
– Owners of the parent 
– Non controlling interests 
At 1 January 2012 

4,16 

10 

Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income for the year 
Total comprehensive income for the year  

Share-based payments, net of tax 
Net purchase of own shares by ESOP Trust 
Issue of ordinary share capital 
Dividends: 
– Owners of the parent 
– Non controlling interests 
Disposal of businesses 
At 31 December 2012 

4,16 

10 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
0.6

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

–
(18.4)
(18.4)

142.2 
(18.1) 
124.1 

142.2 
(36.5) 
105.7 

– 
– 
– 

6.7 
(0.2) 
–  

6.7 
(0.2) 
0.6 

– 
– 
46.4

– 
– 
126.9

– 
– 
133.3

– 
– 
126.8

(46.8) 
–  

(46.8) 
–  
895.7  1,329.1 

–
–
–

–
–
9.6

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
(40.1)
(40.1)

184.5 
42.4 
226.9 

184.5 
2.3 
186.8 

–
–
–

10.4 
(2.3) 
– 

10.4 
(2.3) 
10.1 

5.6
– 
5.6

– 
– 
– 

– 
(3.4)
28.4

5.9
(3.4)
2.5

–
–
–

147.8
(36.5)
111.3

6.7
(0.2)
0.6

(46.8)
(3.4)
1,357.5

190.4
(1.1)
189.3

10.4
(2.3)
10.1

–
–
–
136.5

–
–
–
133.3

–
–
–
86.7

(52.5) 
– 
– 

(52.5) 
– 
– 
1,078.2  1,481.6 

–
(3.3)
(1.8)
25.8

(52.5)
(3.3)
(1.8)
1,507.4

–
–
–

–
–
0.5

–
–
–
46.9

Share-based payments have been stated net of a tax credit of £3.6m (2011 – charge of £0.6m). 

Cumulative goodwill of £108.1m (2011 – £108.1m) has been written off against the retained earnings reserve. 

www.inchcape.com 

  69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2012 
£m 

 2011
£m 

Notes 

27a 

28a 
28b 

13 

10 

27b 

249.2
(47.2)
14.7
(32.3)
184.4

(15.8)
2.9
(83.8)
(13.9)
10.4
(0.8)
(101.0)

10.1
(2.3)
(3.5)
(0.4)
(3.2)
(0.8)
(52.5)
(3.3)
(55.9)

27.5
461.3
(3.9)
484.9

18 
18 
22 

324.4
273.5
(113.0)
484.9

244.7
(45.2)
10.9
(20.4)
190.0

(20.2)
5.5
(80.7)
(14.3)
6.5
2.4
(100.8)

0.6
(0.2)
1.5
(0.8)
0.3
4.7
(46.8)
(3.4)
(44.1)

45.1
419.6
(3.4)
461.3

385.6
173.3
(97.6)
461.3

Consolidated statement of cash flows 
For the year ended 31 December 2012 

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

Cash flows from investing activities 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash and overdrafts acquired 
Net cash inflow from sale of businesses 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Purchase of intangible assets 
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Net (purchase) / disposal of available for sale financial assets 
Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities  
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares 
Net purchase of own shares by ESOP Trust 
Net cash (outflow) / inflow from borrowings 
Payment of capital element of finance leases 
Loans (granted to) / received from joint ventures 
Settlement of derivatives 
Equity dividends paid  
Dividends paid to non controlling interests 
Net cash used in financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of: 
– Cash at bank and cash equivalents 
– Short-term deposits 
– Bank overdrafts 

70 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Accounting policies 

The consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
as adopted by the European Union, and International Financial Reporting Interpretation Committee (IFRIC) interpretations and with 
those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. 

ACCOUNTING CONVENTION 
The consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for certain balances, 
including financial instruments, that have been measured at fair value as disclosed in the accounting policies below. 

GOING CONCERN 
After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in 
operation for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Directors are satisfied that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern  
basis in preparing the Financial Statements. 

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICY AND DISCLOSURES 
The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the reporting period, other than where new policies have  
been adopted as presented below. 

The following new standards are effective for accounting periods beginning 1 January 2012 but have not had a material impact  
on the results or financial position of the Group: 
–(cid:3) IAS 12, ‘Amendment to IAS 12, Income Taxes: Deferred taxes’ 
–(cid:3) IFRS 7, ‘Amendment to IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Transfers of financial assets’. 

At the reporting date, IAS 19 (revised), ‘Employee benefits’, was in issue but was not yet effective. It was amended in June 2011,  
and will be applied for the financial year commencing on 1 January 2013. The revised standard is expected to impact the way  
the Group accounts for pensions and other post-retirement benefits as follows: 
–(cid:3) the interest cost and expected return on plan assets will be replaced with a net interest amount, calculated by applying the 
discount rate to the net defined benefit liability. Under the existing standard, the expected return on plan assets represented  
the weighted average expected return on the assets held by the pension schemes; and 

–(cid:3) expenses, other than investment management expenses, should be recognised as a period cost when incurred. Under  

the existing standard, expenses incurred in connection with running the pension schemes have formed part of the defined 
benefit obligation. 

Under the current accounting policy, the Group recognises actuarial gains and losses directly in other comprehensive income  
as required by the new standard. 

Had the revised standard been applied to these Financial Statements, the effect would have been a decrease in operating profit 
for the year of approximately £2.1m, a decrease in profit before tax for the year of approximately £2.8m and an increase in net 
assets as at the end of the year of approximately £20.7m. 

The following standards were also in issue but were not yet effective at the balance sheet date. These standards have not yet  
been early adopted by the Group and will be applied for the Group’s financial years commencing on or after 1 January 2013: 
–(cid:3) IAS 1, ‘Amendment to IAS 1, Presentation of financial statements: Other comprehensive income’ 
–(cid:3) IAS 27 (revised), ‘Separate financial statements’ 
–(cid:3) IAS 28 (revised), ‘Associates and joint ventures’ 
–(cid:3) IAS 32, ‘Amendment to IAS 32, Financial Instruments: Presentation’ 
–(cid:3) IFRS 7, ‘Amendment to IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ 
–(cid:3) IFRS 9, ‘Financial instruments’ 
–(cid:3) IFRS 10, ‘Consolidated financial statements’ 
–(cid:3) IFRS 11, ‘Joint arrangements’ 
–(cid:3) IFRS 12, ‘Disclosure of interests in other entities’ 
–(cid:3) IFRS 13, ‘Fair value measurement’. 

The above standards are not expected to have a material impact on the Group’s reported position or performance. 

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Accounting policies continued 

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION 
The consolidated Financial Statements comprise the Financial Statements of the parent Company (Inchcape plc) and all of its 
subsidiary undertakings (defined as those where the Group has control), together with the Group’s share of the results of its joint 
ventures (defined as those where the Group has joint control) and associates (defined as those where the Group has significant 
influence but not control). The results of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates are consolidated as of the same reporting date 
as the parent Company, using consistent accounting policies.  

The results of subsidiaries are consolidated using the acquisition method of accounting from the date on which control of the  
net assets and operations of the acquired company are effectively transferred to the Group. Similarly, the results of subsidiaries 
disposed of cease to be consolidated from the date on which control of the net assets and operations are transferred out of  
the Group. 

The Group treats transactions with non controlling interests as transactions with equity owners of the Group. For purchases from  
non controlling interests, the difference between any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying value of 
net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in equity. Gains or losses on disposals to non controlling interests are also recorded in equity. 

Where the Group acquires a controlling interest in a subsidiary with a contractual obligation to purchase the remaining non 
controlling interest, the acquired company is accounted for as a 100% subsidiary, with the liability for the purchase of the remaining 
non controlling interest recorded as deferred consideration. Subsequent changes to estimates of the deferred consideration are 
recorded as additions / reductions to the amount of goodwill arising on acquisition. 

Investments in joint ventures and associates are accounted for using the equity method, whereby the Group’s share of  
post-acquisition profits or losses is recognised in the consolidated income statement, and its share of post-acquisition movements 
in shareholders’ equity is recognised in shareholders’ equity. If the Group’s share of losses in a joint venture or associate equals or 
exceeds its investment in the joint venture or associate, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has contractual 
obligations or made payments on behalf of the joint venture or associate. 

Intercompany balances and transactions and any unrealised profits arising from intercompany transactions are eliminated in 
preparing the consolidated Financial Statements. 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION 
Transactions included in the results of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). The consolidated Financial Statements are presented in  
Sterling, which is the functional currency of the parent company, Inchcape plc, and the presentation currency of the Group.  

In the individual entities, transactions in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the rates of exchange 
prevailing at the dates of the individual transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are 
subsequently retranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at the end of the reporting period. All differences are taken to the 
consolidated income statement, except those arising on long-term foreign currency borrowings used to finance or hedge  
foreign currency investments which on consolidation are taken directly to other comprehensive income.  

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into Sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the end of the reporting 
period. The income statements of foreign operations are translated into Sterling at the average rates of exchange for the period. 
Exchange differences arising from 1 January 2004 are recognised as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. On disposal  
of a foreign operation, any cumulative exchange differences held in shareholders’ equity are transferred to the consolidated  
income statement.  

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GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

REVENUE, OTHER INCOME AND COST OF SALES 
Revenue from the sale of goods and services is measured at the fair value of consideration receivable, net of rebates and any 
discounts, and includes lease rentals and finance and insurance commission. It excludes sales related taxes and intra-group 
transactions. Where the Group acts as an agent on behalf of a principal, the commission earned is recorded within revenue. 

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be  
reliably measured. In practice this means that revenue is recognised when vehicles or parts are invoiced and physically dispatched 
or when the service has been undertaken. Revenue from commission is recognised when receipt of payment can be assured. 

Where a vehicle is sold to a leasing company and a Group company retains a residual value commitment to buy back the vehicle  
for a specified value at a specified date, the sale is not recognised on the basis that the value of the asset will be realised over the 
lease period and from the disposal of the vehicle at the end of the lease period. These vehicles are retained within ‘property, plant 
and equipment’ on the consolidated statement of financial position at cost, and are depreciated to their residual value over the life  
of the lease. Total revenue on a leased vehicle comprises the difference between consideration received and residual value. This 
sits as deferred revenue on the consolidated statement of financial position and is released to the consolidated income statement 
on a straight line basis over the life of the lease. The residual value commitment, which reflects the price at which the vehicle will be 
bought back, is held within ‘trade and other payables’, according to the date of the commitment. 

Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established.  

Finance income is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the amount of income  
can be measured reliably. It is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest  
rate applicable. 

Cost of sales includes the expense relating to the estimated cost of self-insured warranties offered to customers. These  
warranties form part of the package of goods and services provided to the customer when purchasing a vehicle and are  
not a separable product. 

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS 
The Group operates various share-based award schemes. The fair value at the date at which the share-based awards are granted  
is recognised in the consolidated income statement (together with a corresponding increase in shareholders’ equity) on a straight 
line basis over the vesting period, based on an estimate of the number of shares that will eventually vest. At the end of each 
reporting period, the Group revises its estimates of the number of awards that are expected to vest. The impact of any revision  
is recognised in the consolidated income statement with a corresponding adjustment to equity. 

For equity-settled share-based awards, the services received from employees are measured by reference to the fair value of the 
awards granted. With the exception of the Group ‘Save as you earn’ scheme, the vesting of all share-based awards under all 
schemes is solely reliant upon non-market conditions, therefore no expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest. 
Where an employee or the Company cancels an award, the charge for that award is recognised as an expense immediately,  
even though the award does not vest. 

FINANCE COSTS 
Borrowing costs which are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalised  
as part of the cost of that asset from the first date on which the expenditure is incurred for the asset and until such time as the asset  
is ready for its intended use. A Group capitalisation rate is used to determine the magnitude of borrowing costs capitalised on each 
qualifying asset. This rate is the weighted average of Group borrowing costs, excluding those borrowings made specifically for the 
purpose of obtaining a qualifying asset. 

All other borrowing costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred. 

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Accounting policies continued 

INCOME TAX  
The charge for current income tax is based on the results for the period as adjusted for items which are not taxed or disallowed.  
It is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.  

Deferred income tax is accounted for using the liability method in respect of temporary differences arising from differences between 
the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated Financial Statements.  

In principle, deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to  
the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised.  
Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference is due to goodwill arising on a business combination,  
or to an asset or liability, the initial recognition of which does not affect either taxable or accounting income. 

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and 
associates, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary 
difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or the liability is settled 
using rates enacted at the end of the reporting period. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the consolidated income statement, 
except when it relates to items credited or charged directly to shareholders’ equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with 
in shareholders’ equity. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are only offset where there is a legally enforceable right of offset and there is an intention to settle 
balances net. 

EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS  
Items which are both material and non-recurring are presented as exceptional items within their relevant consolidated income 
statement category. The separate reporting of exceptional items helps provide additional useful information regarding the Group’s 
underlying business performance. Examples of events which may give rise to the classification of items as exceptional include gains 
or losses on the disposal of businesses, restructuring of businesses, litigation, asset impairments and exceptional tax related matters.  

GOODWILL 
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition of a business combination over the Group’s share of the fair value of 
identifiable net assets of the business acquired at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is initially recognised at cost and is held in the 
currency of the acquired entity and revalued at the closing exchange rate at the end of each reporting period. 

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. At the date of acquisition, the 
goodwill is allocated to cash generating units for the purpose of impairment testing and is tested at least annually for impairment.  

Gains and losses on disposal of a business include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the business sold except for goodwill 
arising on business combinations on or before 31 December 1997 which has been deducted from shareholders’ equity and 
remains indefinitely in shareholders’ equity. 

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS 
Intangible assets, when acquired separately from a business (including computer software), are carried at cost less accumulated 
amortisation and impairment losses. Costs comprise purchase price from third parties as well as internally generated development 
costs where relevant. Amortisation is provided on a straight line basis to allocate the cost of the asset over its estimated useful life, 
which in the case of computer software is three to seven years. Amortisation is recognised in the consolidated income statement 
within ‘net operating expenses’. 

Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination (including back orders and customer contracts) are capitalised 
separately from goodwill if the fair value can be measured reliably on initial recognition. These intangible assets are amortised  
over their estimated useful life, which is generally less than a year.  

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost comprises the 
purchase price and directly attributable costs of the asset and includes, where relevant, capitalised borrowing costs. Depreciation 
is based on cost less estimated residual value and is included within ‘net operating expenses’ in the consolidated income 
statement, with the exception of depreciation on ‘interest in leased vehicles’ which is charged to ‘cost of sales’. It is provided on  
a straight line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset, except for freehold land which is not depreciated. For the following 
categories, the annual rates used are:  

Freehold buildings and long leasehold buildings  
Short leasehold buildings  
Plant, machinery and equipment  
Interest in leased vehicles  

2.0% 
shorter of lease term or useful life 
5.0% – 33.3% 
over the lease term 

The residual values and useful lives of all assets are reviewed at least at the end of each reporting period and adjusted if necessary. 

IMPAIRMENT  
Assets that are subject to amortisation or depreciation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate  
that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  

In addition, goodwill is not subject to amortisation but is tested at least annually for impairment. An impairment loss is recognised  
for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, the latter being the higher of the asset’s  
fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Value in use calculations are performed using cash flow projections, discounted at  
a pre-tax rate which reflects the asset specific risks and the time value of money.  

A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able  
to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced through  
the use of an allowance account, and the amount of the loss is recognised in the consolidated income statement within ‘net 
operating expenses’. When a trade receivable is uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account for trade receivables. 
Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against ‘net operating expenses’ in the consolidated  
income statement. 

Non-financial assets, other than goodwill, which have previously been impaired, are reviewed for possible reversal of the 
impairment at each reporting date. 

INVENTORIES 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises expenditure incurred in bringing inventories  
to their present location and condition. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of 
completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution. Used vehicles are carried at the lower of cost or fair  
value less costs to sell, generally based on external market data available for used vehicles. 

Vehicles held on consignment are included within inventories as the Group is considered to have the risks and rewards of 
ownership. The corresponding liability is included within ‘trade and other payables’.  

Inventory can be held on deferred payment terms. All costs associated with this deferral are expensed in the period in which  
they are incurred. 

An inventory provision is recognised in situations where net realisable value is likely to be less than cost (such as obsolescence, 
deterioration, fall in selling price). When calculating the provision, management considers the nature and condition of the 
inventory, as well as applying assumptions around anticipated saleability, determined on conditions that exist at the end of the 
reporting period. With the exception of parts, generally net realisable value adjustments are applied on an item-by-item basis. 

TRADE RECEIVABLES 
Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.  
These are recognised as current assets if collection is due in one year or less. If collection is due in over a year, they are presented 
as non-current assets. 

Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method, less provision for impairment. A provision for impairment is established when there is objective evidence that the Group  
will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. The amount of the provision is the 
difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows. 

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Accounting policies continued 

TRADE PAYABLES 
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business. These  
are classified as current liabilities if payment is due in one year or less. If payment is due at a later date, they are presented as  
non-current liabilities.  

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

Trade payables include the liability for vehicles held on consignment, with the corresponding asset included within inventories. 

BORROWINGS 
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred and are subsequently stated at amortised cost. 
Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the consolidated 
income statement over the period of the borrowings, using the effective interest method. 

PENSIONS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS 
The Group operates a number of retirement benefit schemes.  

The major schemes are defined benefit pension funds with assets held separately from the Group. The cost of providing benefits 
under the plans is determined separately for each plan using the projected unit credit actuarial valuation method. 

The current service cost and gains and losses on settlements and curtailments are included in ‘cost of sales’ or ‘net operating 
expenses’ in the consolidated income statement. Past service costs are similarly included where the benefits have vested, otherwise 
they are amortised on a straight line basis over the vesting period. The expected return on assets of funded defined benefit pension 
plans and the imputed interest on pension plan liabilities comprise the post-retirement benefit element of finance costs and finance 
income in the consolidated income statement. 

Differences between the actual and expected return on assets, changes in the retirement benefit obligation due to experience  
and changes in actuarial assumptions are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, as actuarial gains 
and losses, in full in the period in which they arise. 

Where scheme assets exceed the defined benefit obligation, a net asset is only recognised to the extent that an economic benefit 
is available to the Group, in accordance with the terms of the scheme and, where relevant, statutory requirements. 

The Group’s contributions to defined contribution plans are charged to the consolidated income statement in the period to which 
the contributions relate. 

The Group also has a liability in respect of past employees under post-retirement healthcare schemes which have been closed  
to new entrants. These schemes are accounted for on a similar basis to that for defined benefit pension plans in accordance with 
the advice of independent qualified actuaries.  

PROVISIONS 
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation in respect of a past event, when it is more likely than not that  
an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and where the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions are 
discounted when the time value of money is considered to be material, using an appropriate risk free rate on government bonds.  

PRODUCT WARRANTY PROVISION 
A product warranty provision corresponds to self-insured extended warranties beyond those provided by the manufacturer, as part 
of the sale of a vehicle. Provision is made for the expected cost of labour and parts based on historical claims experience and 
expected future trends.  

VACANT LEASEHOLD PROVISION 
A vacant leasehold provision is recognised when the Group is committed to certain leasehold premises for which it no longer has  
a commercial use. It is made to the extent of the estimated future net cost, including existing subtenant arrangements if any.  

LITIGATION PROVISION 
A litigation provision is recognised when a litigation case is outstanding at the end of the reporting period and there is a likelihood 
that the legal claim will be settled.  

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GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

DISPOSAL GROUP AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE  
Where the Group is actively marketing a business and disposal is expected within one year of the end of the reporting period, the 
assets and liabilities of the associated businesses are separately disclosed on the consolidated statement of financial position as  
a disposal group. Assets are classified as assets held for sale if their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale 
transaction rather than through continuing use. Both disposal groups and assets held for sale are stated at the lower of their 
carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. 

SEGMENTAL REPORTING 
Segment information is reported in accordance with IFRS 8, ‘Operating segments’, which requires segmental reporting to be 
presented on the same basis as the internal management reporting. The Group has identified operating segments, corresponding 
to the six main regions in which it operates. These segments are then categorised into the Group’s two distinctive market channels, 
distribution and retail. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  
The Group classifies its financial instruments in the following categories: loans and receivables; held at fair value; amortised cost; 
and available for sale. The classification is determined at initial recognition and depends on the purpose for which the financial 
instruments are required.  

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active 
market. They are included in current assets, except where the maturity date is more than 12 months after the end of the reporting 
period. They are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently recorded at amortised cost.  

Held at fair value includes derivative financial assets and liabilities, which are further explained below. They are classified according 
to maturity date, within current and non-current assets and liabilities respectively.  

Amortised cost includes non-derivative financial assets and liabilities which are held at original cost, less amortisation or  
provision raised.  

Available for sale financial assets include non-derivative financial assets, such as bonds and equity investments. They are classified 
as non-current assets unless management intends to dispose of them within 12 months of the end of the reporting period and are 
held at fair value.  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 
Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated statement of financial position comprise cash at bank and in hand, short-term 
bank deposits and money market funds.  

In the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and cash equivalents, as defined above, 
net of bank overdrafts.  

LEASES 
Finance leases, which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the leased item, are capitalised  
at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. 
Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant  
rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged to the consolidated income statement. 
Capitalised leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. 

Leases where the Group does not retain substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset are classified as operating 
leases. Operating lease rental payments are recognised as an expense in the consolidated income statement on a straight line 
basis over the lease term. 

OFFSETTING  
Netting in the consolidated statement of financial position only occurs to the extent that there is the legal ability and intention  
to settle net. As such, bank overdrafts are presented in current liabilities to the extent that there is no intention to offset with the  
cash balance. 

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS  
An outline of the objectives, policies and strategies pursued by the Group in relation to its financial instruments is set out in note 23 
to the consolidated Financial Statements. 

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured 
at their fair value. The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a 
hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. The Group designates certain derivatives as:  

•(cid:3)hedges of the fair value of recognised assets or liabilities or a firm commitment (fair value hedge); or 

•(cid:3)hedges of a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction  

(cash flow hedge); or  

•(cid:3)hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation (net investment hedge). 

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Accounting policies continued 

FAIR VALUE HEDGE 
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in the consolidated 
income statement, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged 
risk. The Group only applies fair value hedge accounting for hedging fixed interest risk on borrowings and future fixed amount 
currency liabilities (on its cross currency interest rate swaps). The gain or loss relating to the effective portion of interest rate swaps 
hedging fixed rate borrowings and changes in the fair value of those borrowings are recognised in the consolidated income 
statement within ‘finance costs’. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is also recognised in the consolidated income 
statement within ‘finance costs’. 

CASH FLOW HEDGE 
For cash flow hedges that meet the conditions for hedge accounting, the portion of the gains or losses on the hedging instrument 
that is determined to be an effective hedge is recognised directly in other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion is 
recognised within ‘net operating expenses’ in the consolidated income statement. When the hedged forecast transaction results in 
the recognition of a non-financial asset or liability then, at the time the asset or liability is recognised, the associated gains or losses 
that had previously been recognised in other comprehensive income are included in the initial measurement of the acquisition 
cost or other carrying amount of the asset or liability. For all other cash flow hedges, the gains or losses that are recognised in other 
comprehensive income are transferred to the consolidated income statement in the same period in which the hedged forecast 
transaction affects the consolidated income statement. 

NET INVESTMENT HEDGE 
The Group uses borrowings denominated in foreign currency to hedge net investments in foreign operations. These are accounted 
for similarly to cash flow hedges. Any gain or loss on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of the hedge is 
recognised in other comprehensive income; the gain or loss relating to any ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the 
consolidated income statement in ‘net operating expenses’. Gains and losses accumulated in equity are included in the 
consolidated income statement when the foreign operation is disposed of. 

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires, is sold, terminated, exercised or no longer qualifies for 
hedge accounting. At that point in time any cumulative gains or losses on the hedging instrument which have been recognised  
in other comprehensive income are kept in other comprehensive income until the forecast transaction occurs. If a hedged 
transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gains or losses that have been recognised in other comprehensive 
income are transferred to the consolidated income statement for the period.  

For derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting, any gains or losses arising from changes in fair value are taken directly  
to the consolidated income statement. 

INVESTMENTS  
The Group’s investments are classified as available for sale or held to maturity (where management has a positive intention and 
ability to hold the asset to maturity).  

Gains and losses on available for sale financial assets are recognised in other comprehensive income, until the investment is sold  
or is considered to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously reported in other comprehensive income is 
included in the consolidated income statement. Cumulative gains and losses on investments held for operational reasons are 
included within ‘net operating expenses’. Cumulative gains and losses on investments held for financing purposes are included 
within ‘finance costs’. 

Held to maturity financial assets are carried at amortised cost. 

SHARE CAPITAL 
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Where the Group purchases the Group’s equity share capital (treasury shares), the 
consideration paid is deducted from shareholders’ equity until the shares are cancelled, reissued or disposed of. Where such 
shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received is included in shareholders’ equity.  

DIVIDENDS 
Final dividends proposed by the Board of Directors and unpaid at the year end are not recognised in the consolidated Financial 
Statements until they have been approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. Interim dividends are recognised 
when they are paid. 

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GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES 
JUDGEMENTS 
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, the Directors have made the following judgements which have the 
most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the consolidated Financial Statements. 

REVENUE RECOGNITION ON VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RESIDUAL VALUE COMMITMENTS 
Where the Group sells vehicles sourced from within the Group to a finance provider for the purpose of leasing the vehicles to a third 
party, and retains a residual value commitment, the sale is not recognised on the basis that the value of these assets will be realised 
over the lease period and from the disposal of the vehicles at the end of the lease period. 

CONSIGNMENT STOCK 
Vehicles held on consignment have been included in ‘finished goods’ within ‘inventories’ on the basis that the Group has 
determined that it holds the significant risks and rewards attached to these vehicles. 

ESTIMATES 
The key assumptions concerning the future and other sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period, that 
have a significant risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, 
are discussed below: 

PRODUCT WARRANTY PROVISION  
The product warranty provision requires an estimation of the number of expected warranty claims, and the expected cost of labour 
and parts necessary to satisfy these warranty claims (see note 21).  

PENSIONS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS 
The net retirement benefit asset or liability is calculated based on the actuarial assumptions detailed in note 5. A number of these 
assumptions involve a considerable degree of estimation, including the rate of inflation, discount rate and expected mortality rates.  

TAX 
The Group is subject to income taxes in a number of jurisdictions. Some degree of estimation is required in determining the 
worldwide provision for income taxes (see note 8). There are a number of transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax 
determination is uncertain during the ordinary course of business. The Group recognises liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues 
based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the 
amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the current tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which 
such determination is made.  

In addition, the recognition of deferred tax assets is dependent upon an estimation of future taxable profits that will be available 
against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised (see note 16). In the event that actual taxable profits are different, 
such differences may impact the carrying value of such deferred tax assets in future periods.  

GOODWILL 
Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment in accordance with the accounting policy set out above. The recoverable 
amount of cash generating units is determined based on value in use calculations. These impairment calculations require the use 
of estimates including projected future cash flows (see note 11). 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS 
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are reviewed for impairment if events or circumstances indicate that the 
carrying value may not be recoverable. When an impairment review is carried out, the recoverable value is determined based on 
value in use calculations which require estimates to be made of future cash flows. 

RESIDUAL VALUE COMMITMENTS 
The Group has residual value commitments on certain leased vehicles. These commitments are an estimate of future market value 
at a specified point in time. The actual market value of vehicles bought back may vary from the committed purchase value. 

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Notes to the accounts 

1 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS 
The Group has determined that the chief operating decision maker is the Executive Committee. 

Emerging markets are those countries in which the Group operates that have started to grow but have yet to reach a mature stage 
of development and accordingly are in or are expected to return to the growth phase of their development cycle. These currently 
comprise China, the Balkans, the Baltics, Poland, South America and Africa. 

The Group’s reported segments are based on the location of the Group’s assets. Revenue earned from sales is disclosed by origin 
and is not materially different from revenue by destination.  

Transfer prices between segments are set on an arm’s length basis. 

Distribution comprises Vertically Integrated Retail businesses as well as Financial Services and other businesses. 

 Australasia 
£m 

 Europe 
£m 

 North Asia 
£m 

 South Asia
£m 

978.4
(230.6)
747.8

617.3
(130.4)
486.9

518.9
(0.2)
518.7

51.3
(0.8)
50.5

–
50.5

17.3
(3.6)
13.7

(0.1)
13.6

52.8
(0.1)
52.7

–
52.7

385.1
–
385.1

35.1
–
35.1

–
35.1

 United 
Kingdom  
£m 

 Russia and 
Emerging 
Markets 
£m  

Distribution 

 Total 
Distribution 
£m 

37.4 
– 
37.4 

7.2 
– 
7.2 

– 
7.2 

364.3 
(28.7)
335.6 

2,901.4
(389.9)
2,511.5

30.3 
(0.2)
30.1 

– 
30.1 

194.0
(4.7)
189.3

(0.1)
189.2

2012 

Revenue 
Total revenue  
Inter-segment revenue  
Revenue from third parties  

Results  
Segment result  
Operating exceptional items  
Operating profit after exceptional items  
Share of profit / (loss) after tax of joint  
ventures and associates  
Profit before finance and tax  

Finance income  
Finance costs  
Profit before tax  
Tax  
Profit for the year  

80 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

1 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED 

2012 

Revenue 
Total revenue  
Inter-segment revenue  
Revenue from third parties  

Results  
Segment result  
Operating exceptional items  
Operating profit after exceptional items 
Share of profit / (loss) after tax of joint 
ventures and associates  
Profit before finance and tax  

Finance income  
Finance costs  
Profit before tax  
Tax  
Profit for the year  

Australasia 
£m 

 Europe 
£m 

 United 
Kingdom
£m 

 Russia and 
Emerging 
Markets
£m 

Retail 

 Total 
Retail 
£m 

 Total pre 
Central  
£m 

 Central
£m 

 Total
£m 

420.9 
– 
420.9 

129.7
–
129.7

2,096.4
–
2,096.4

926.9
–
926.9

3,573.9
–
3,573.9

6,475.3 
(389.9) 
6,085.4 

–
–
–

6,475.3
(389.9)
6,085.4

15.9 
(1.4) 
14.5 

– 
14.5 

(0.5)
(1.1)
(1.6)

–
(1.6)

58.0
(2.9)
55.1

–
55.1

12.7
(7.9)
4.8

0.3
5.1

86.1
(13.3)
72.8

0.3
73.1

280.1 
(18.0) 
262.1 

0.2 
262.3 

(18.2)
19.2
1.0

–
1.0

261.9
1.2
263.1

0.2
263.3

56.8
(68.6)
251.5
(61.1)
190.4

Net finance costs of £11.8m are not allocated to individual segments. 

www.inchcape.com 

  81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

1 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED 

2012 

Segment assets and liabilities  
Segment assets  

Other current assets  
Non-current assets  
Segment liabilities  

Other liabilities  
Net assets  

 Australasia
£m 

 Europe
£m 

 North Asia 
£m 

 South Asia 
£m 

 United 
Kingdom  
£m 

 Russia and 
Emerging 
Markets 
£m 

 Distribution 

 Total 
Distribution
£m 

84.5

104.8

87.5

76.7

33.1 

117.0 

503.6

(250.5)

(117.8)

(76.7)

(57.0)

(54.3) 

(94.9)

(651.2)

Segment assets include net inventory, trade receivables and derivative assets. Segment liabilities include payables, provisions and 
derivative liabilities. 

2012 

Other segment items  
Capital expenditure:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
– Intangible assets  
Depreciation:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
Amortisation of intangible assets  
Impairment of goodwill 
Impairment of intangible assets 
Impairment of property, plant  
and equipment 
Net provisions charged / (released) to the 
consolidated income statement 

 Australasia 
£m 

 Europe 
£m 

 North Asia 
£m 

 South Asia 
£m 

 United 
Kingdom  
£m 

 Russia and 
Emerging 
Markets  
£m 

 Distribution 

 Total 
Distribution 
£m 

5.3
11.2
0.5

3.0
1.7
0.5
–
–

–

3.9

1.7
0.2
0.4

1.0
1.4
0.2
–
–

–

6.4

2.8
2.9
0.4

2.0
1.6
–
–
–

–

2.5

6.7
–
1.6

2.0
–
0.1
–
–

–

2.3

0.2 
25.2 
0.2 

0.1 
7.4 
0.1 
– 
– 

– 

13.7 
2.1 
0.3 

2.5 
1.5 
0.1 
– 
– 

– 

30.4
41.6
3.4

10.6
13.6
1.0
–
–

–

(1.2) 

4.7 

18.6

Net provisions include inventory, trade receivables impairment and other liability provisions. 

82 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

1 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED 

2012 

Segment assets and liabilities  
Segment assets  

Other current assets  
Non-current assets  
Segment liabilities  

Other liabilities  
Net assets  

 Australasia 
£m 

 Europe 
£m 

 United 
Kingdom  
£m 

 Russia and 
Emerging 
Markets  
£m 

Retail 

 Total 
Retail 
£m 

 Total 
£m 

85.0

18.5

389.2 

218.0 

710.7

1,214.3

(87.8)

(11.3)

(391.3) 

(138.2) 

(628.6)

755.4
1,411.2
(1,279.8)

(593.7)
1,507.4

Segment assets include net inventory, trade receivables and derivative assets. Segment liabilities include payables, provisions and 
derivative liabilities. 

2012 

Other segment items  
Capital expenditure:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
– Intangible assets  
Depreciation:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
Amortisation of intangible assets  
Impairment of goodwill 
Impairment of intangible assets 
Impairment of property, plant  
and equipment 
Net provisions charged / (released) to the 
consolidated income statement 

 Australasia 
£m 

 Europe 
£m 

 United 
Kingdom 
£m 

 Russia and 
Emerging 
Markets
£m 

 Total  
Retail  
£m 

 Total pre 
Central  
£m 

 Central 
£m 

 Total 
£m 

 Retail  

1.3
–
–

0.7
–
–
–
–

–

4.0

0.4
0.9
–

0.9
–
–
–
–

–

22.3
–
2.1

10.0
–
1.2
0.2
0.8

–

2.3

21.5

30.9
0.1
1.7

7.3
0.1
1.5
–
1.1

0.8

0.5

54.9 
1.0 
3.8 

18.9 
0.1 
2.7 
0.2 
1.9 

85.3 
42.6 
7.2 

29.5 
13.7 
3.7 
0.2 
1.9 

0.8 

0.8 

0.7
–
7.9

0.2
–
–
–
–

–

86.0
42.6
15.1

29.7
13.7
3.7
0.2
1.9

0.8

28.3 

46.9 

5.9

52.8

Net provisions include inventory, trade receivables impairment and other liability provisions. 

www.inchcape.com 

  83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

1 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED 

2011 

Revenue 
Total revenue  
Inter-segment revenue  
Revenue from third parties  

Results  
Segment result  
Operating exceptional items  
Operating profit after exceptional items  
Share of (loss) / profit after tax of joint  
ventures and associates  
Profit before finance and tax  

Finance income  
Finance costs  
Profit before tax  
Tax  
Profit for the year  

 Australasia 
£m 

 Europe 
£m 

 North Asia 
£m 

 South Asia
£m 

801.6
(180.2)
621.4

766.7
(108.2)
658.5

42.7
(0.3)
42.4

–
42.4

24.3
(2.7)
21.6

(1.3)
20.3

433.4
(0.1)
433.3

42.0
(0.1)
41.9

–
41.9

296.2
–
296.2

26.0
–
26.0

–
26.0

 United 
Kingdom  
£m 

 Russia and 
Emerging 
Markets 
£m  

Distribution 

 Total 
Distribution 
£m 

36.1 
– 
36.1 

6.9 
– 
6.9 

0.1 
7.0 

336.0 
(24.1)
311.9 

2,670.0
(312.6)
2,357.4

30.1 
(0.3)
29.8 

– 
29.8 

172.0
(3.4)
168.6

(1.2)
167.4

84 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

1 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED 

2011 

Revenue 
Total revenue  
Inter-segment revenue  
Revenue from third parties  

Results  
Segment result  
Operating exceptional items  
Operating profit after exceptional items 
Share of (loss) / profit after tax of joint 
ventures and associates  
Profit before finance and tax  

Finance income  
Finance costs  
Profit before tax  
Tax  
Profit for the year  

Australasia 
£m 

 Europe 
£m 

 United 
Kingdom
£m 

 Russia and 
Emerging 
Markets
£m 

Retail 

 Total 
Retail 
£m 

 Total pre 
Central  
£m 

 Central
£m 

 Total
£m 

389.6 
– 
389.6 

147.5
–
147.5

2,023.2
–
2,023.2

908.6
–
908.6

3,468.9
–
3,468.9

6,138.9 
(312.6) 
5,826.3 

–
–
–

6,138.9
(312.6)
5,826.3

12.6 
(0.4) 
12.2 

– 
12.2 

(0.3)
–
(0.3)

–
(0.3)

53.5
(7.9)
45.6

(0.4)
45.2

24.0
(0.1)
23.9

(1.4)
22.5

89.8
(8.4)
81.4

(1.8)
79.6

261.8 
(11.8) 
250.0 

(3.0) 
247.0 

(17.4)
(1.6)
(19.0)

–
(19.0)

244.4
(13.4)
231.0

(3.0)
228.0

57.3
(81.9)
203.4
(55.6)
147.8

Central costs include a post-retirement settlement gain of £6.1m. 

Net finance costs of £24.6m are not allocated to individual segments and include an exceptional charge of £10.9m relating to the 
impairment losses on Greek Government Bonds (see note 2). 

www.inchcape.com 

  85

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

1 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED 

2011 

Segment assets and liabilities  
Segment assets  

Other current assets  
Non-current assets  
Segment liabilities  

Other liabilities  
Net assets  

 Australasia
£m 

 Europe
£m 

 North Asia 
£m 

 South Asia 
£m 

 United 
Kingdom  
£m 

 Russia and 
Emerging 
Markets 
£m 

 Distribution 

 Total 
Distribution
£m 

110.4

142.5

94.6

50.1

27.1 

103.7 

528.4

(237.8)

(182.8)

(67.0)

(37.6)

(48.4) 

(78.3)

(651.9)

Segment assets include net inventory, trade receivables and derivative assets. Segment liabilities include payables, provisions and 
derivative liabilities. 

2011 

Other segment items  
Capital expenditure:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
– Intangible assets  
Depreciation:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
Amortisation of intangible assets  
Impairment of intangible assets  
Net provisions charged / (released) to the 
consolidated income statement 

 Australasia 
£m 

 Europe 
£m 

 North Asia 
£m 

 South Asia 
£m 

 United 
Kingdom  
£m 

 Russia and 
Emerging 
Markets  
£m 

 Distribution 

 Total 
Distribution 
£m 

1.4
7.3
1.1

3.0
1.6
0.3
–

7.2

0.7
3.5
0.4

1.2
3.2
0.1
–

17.9

3.1
2.8
0.2

1.5
1.6
–
–

1.6

2.6
–
0.9

2.2
–
–
–

4.2

0.3 
23.7 
0.1 

0.1 
8.6 
0.2 
– 

(1.1) 

6.4 
0.9 
– 

2.2 
1.1 
0.1 
– 

1.1 

14.5
38.2
2.7

10.2
16.1
0.7
–

30.9

Net provisions include inventory, trade receivables impairment and other liability provisions. 

86 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

1 SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED 

2011 

Segment assets and liabilities  
Segment assets  

Other current assets  
Non-current assets  
Segment liabilities  

Other liabilities  
Net assets  

 Australasia 
£m 

 Europe 
£m 

 United 
Kingdom  
£m 

 Russia and 
Emerging 
Markets  
£m 

Retail 

 Total 
Retail 
£m 

 Total 
£m 

61.3

23.9

394.8 

184.7 

664.7

1,193.1

(62.7)

(9.5)

(405.7) 

(101.2) 

(579.1)

705.1
1,315.8
(1,231.0)

(625.5)
1,357.5

Segment assets include net inventory, trade receivables and derivative assets. Segment liabilities include payables, provisions and 
derivative liabilities. 

2011 

Other segment items  
Capital expenditure:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
– Intangible assets  
Depreciation:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
Amortisation of intangible assets  
Impairment of intangible assets  
Net provisions charged / (released) to the 
consolidated income statement 

 Australasia 
£m 

 Europe 
£m 

 United 
Kingdom 
£m 

 Russia and 
Emerging 
Markets
£m 

 Total  
Retail  
£m 

 Total pre 
Central  
£m 

 Central 
£m 

 Total 
£m 

 Retail  

1.2
–
–

0.6
–
–
–

3.9

0.4
0.4
–

1.0
0.1
–
–

1.0

22.0
–
3.3

9.4
–
2.3
7.1

21.6

42.6
0.3
1.8

7.3
0.1
1.3
–

0.8

66.2 
0.7 
5.1 

18.3 
0.2 
3.6 
7.1 

80.7 
38.9 
7.8 

28.5 
16.3 
4.3 
7.1 

27.3 

58.2 

0.5
–
5.3

0.5
–
0.2
–

–

81.2
38.9
13.1

29.0
16.3
4.5
7.1

58.2

Net provisions include inventory, trade receivables impairment and other liability provisions. 

www.inchcape.com 

  87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

2 EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 

Restructuring costs 
Closure of defined benefit pension schemes to future accrual 
Loss on deemed disposal of joint venture (note 28) 
Operating exceptional items 
Impairment of available for sale financial assets (note 7) 
Finance exceptional items 
Total exceptional items before tax 
Exceptional tax credit 
Total exceptional items 

2012
 £m 

(17.3)
19.7
(1.2)
1.2
–
–
1.2
0.4
1.6

2011
 £m 

(13.4)
–
–
(13.4)
(10.9)
(10.9)
(24.3)
3.6
(20.7)

The restructuring costs of £17.3m represent the cost of headcount reduction across the Group together with the closure of less 
profitable sites. The restructuring was carried out to ensure that the Group maintains an organisational structure and efficient cost 
base across the Group. Included within this is an impairment charge of £0.8m in respect of property, plant and equipment  
and £2.1m in respect of goodwill and other intangible assets. 

During the year, the Group closed two of its UK defined benefit pension schemes to future accrual. The net gain to the  
Group of £19.7m comprises a curtailment gain of £26.0m (see note 5) net of costs of £6.3m associated with implementing  
the changes including the harmonisation of pension arrangements. 

The Group has recognised a loss of £1.2m as a result of measuring at fair value its 51% equity interest in the Inchcape 
Independence group prior to the acquisition of the remaining 49%. 

The exceptional tax credit of £0.4m represents relief on restructuring and property costs (£3.1m credit), the use of brought  
forward unprovided tax losses and other reliefs (£1.7m credit), offset by a charge arising on pension scheme curtailment  
gains (£4.4m charge). 

In 2011, the restructuring costs of £13.4m represented the cost of a global restructuring exercise to improve the efficiency of the 
Group's operations as well as improving the cost effectiveness of the Group's global IT strategy. Included within the restructuring 
costs was a £7.1m impairment of computer software costs in the UK. 

The £10.9m charge on the impairment of available for sale financial assets related to the impairment losses on Greek Government 
Bonds to reflect the difficult market conditions.  

The exceptional tax credit of £3.6m represented relief on restructuring costs and impairment of software costs. No relief was 
available for the impairment of available for sale financial assets. 

88 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

3 REVENUE AND EXPENSES  
A. REVENUE  
An analysis of the Group’s revenue for the year is as follows:  

Sale of goods  
Provision of services  

B. ANALYSIS OF NET OPERATING EXPENSES  

Distribution costs  
Administrative expenses / (income) 
Other operating (income) / expenses  

Net operating 
expenses before 
exceptional 
items 
2012
 £m 

 Exceptional 
items 
2012
 £m 

330.5
286.7
(4.4)
612.8

3.1
(5.9)
1.2
(1.6)

 Net 
operating 
expenses 
2012
 £m 

333.6
280.8
(3.2)
611.2

 Net operating 
expenses before 
exceptional  
items  
2011 
 £m 

 Exceptional 
items 
2011
 £m 

329.7 
291.0 
(9.0) 
611.7 

In 2011, other operating (income) / expenses included a £6.1m gain in relation to post-retirement settlements.  

C. PROFIT BEFORE TAX IS STATED AFTER THE FOLLOWING CHARGES / (CREDITS):  

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets: 
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Impairment of intangible assets 
Impairment of goodwill 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment 
Impairment of trade receivables 
Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Operating lease rentals  

2012 
£m 

5,579.7
505.7
6,085.4

2011 
£m 

5,317.1
509.2
5,826.3

 Net 
operating 
expenses 
2011
 £m 

330.1
304.0
(9.0)
625.1

2011
 £m 

29.0
16.3
4.5
7.1
–
–
1.2
(0.1)
48.3

0.4
13.0
–
13.4

2012
 £m 

29.7
13.7
3.7
1.9
0.2
0.8
2.1
(0.2)
47.8

www.inchcape.com 

  89

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

3 REVENUE AND EXPENSES CONTINUED 
D. AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION 
During the year the Group (including its overseas subsidiaries) obtained the following services from the Group’s auditors at costs  
as detailed below:  

Audit services:  
Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and its associates for the audit of the parent company and the 
consolidated Financial Statements  
Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and its associates for other services:  
– The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries  
– Audit related assurance services  
– Tax advisory services  
– Tax compliance services  
– All other services  
Total fees payable to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP  

Audit fees – firms other than PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP  

E. STAFF COSTS 

Wages and salaries  
Social security costs  
Other pension costs  
Share-based payment charge 

 2012 
£m  

2011 
£m 

0.6 

1.4 
0.1 
0.6 
0.3 
0.3 
3.3 

0.2 

 2012 
£m  

381.3 
43.3 
12.0 
6.8 
443.4 

0.6

1.4
0.1
0.8
0.3
0.2
3.4

0.2

 2011
£m 

370.5
43.2
12.2
7.3
433.2

Other pension costs correspond to the current service charge and contributions to the defined contribution schemes. 

Information on Directors’ emoluments and interests which forms part of these audited consolidated Financial Statements is given 
in the Directors’ report on remuneration which can be found on pages 50 to 61 of this document. Information on compensation of 
key management personnel is set out in note 31c. 

F. AVERAGE MONTHLY NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 

Australasia 
Europe 
North Asia 
South Asia 
United Kingdom  
Russia and Emerging Markets 
Total operational 
Central 

2012
 Number 

536
287
1,404
878
179
1,412
4,696

Distribution 

2011
 Number 

455
321
1,398
842
166
1,346
4,528

2012
 Number 

699
359
–
–
4,805
3,421
9,284

Retail   

2011 

 Number   

679   
391   
–   
–   
4,819   
3,290   
9,179   

2012 
 Number  

1,235 
646 
1,404 
878 
4,984 
4,833 
13,980 
140 
14,120 

Total 

2011
 Number 

1,134
712
1,398
842
4,985
4,636
13,707
147
13,854

90 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

4 SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS 
The terms and conditions of the Group’s share-based payment plans are detailed in the Directors’ report on remuneration.  

The charge arising from share-based payment transactions during the year is £6.8m (2011 – £7.3m), of which £6.8m (2011 – £7.3m) 
is equity-settled and £nil (2011 – £nil) is cash-settled.  

The Other Share Plans disclosures below include other share-based incentive plans for senior executives and employees. 

The following table sets out the movements in the number of share options and awards during the year: 

2012 

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted 
Exercised 
Lapsed 
Outstanding at 31 December  

Exercisable at 31 December  

2011 

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted 
Exercised 
Lapsed 
Outstanding at 31 December  

Exercisable at 31 December  

Weighted average
 exercise price* 

Performance 
Share Plan 

Executive Share 
Option Plan 

Save As You 
Earn Plan 

2,553,653
2,673,542
(44,274)
(339,839)
4,843,082

9,426,525 
– 
(2,924,659) 
(351,483) 
6,150,383 

3,736,488
1,129,041
(1,709,358)
(523,697)
2,632,474

Other 
Share Plans 

1,309,577
598,506
(232,300)
(129,860)
1,545,923

–

4,319,659 

108,129

–

Weighted average
 exercise price* 

Performance
Share Plan 

Executive Share 
Option Plan 

–
2,670,797
(930)
(116,214)
2,553,653

11,711,713 
– 
(229,198) 
(2,055,990) 
9,426,525 

Save As You
 Earn Plan 

3,721,983
758,105
(52,690)
(690,910)
3,736,488

Other 
Share Plans 

1,101,278
936,460
(153,347)
(574,814)
1,309,577

–

1,084,758 

97,598

–

£2.52
£3.07
£2.15
£3.17
£2.71

£2.63

£3.01
£2.43
£2.06
£5.29
£2.52

£4.94

* 

The weighted average exercise price excludes awards made under the Performance Share Plan and Other Share Plans as there is no exercise price attached to these  
share awards.  

Included in the table above are nil (2011 – 18,171) share options outstanding at 31 December 2012 granted before 7 November 
2002 which have been excluded from the share-based payments charge in accordance with the IFRS 2 transitional provisions.  

The weighted average remaining contractual life for the share options outstanding at 31 December 2012 is 3.7 years (2011 – 5.0 years). 

The range of exercise prices for options outstanding at the end of the year was £2.00 to £6.03 (2011 – £1.93 to £7.43). See note 24  
for further details.  

The fair value of options granted under the Save As You Earn Plan is estimated as at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes  
option pricing model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The fair value of awards 
granted under the Performance Share Plan and Other Share Plan is the market value of the related shares at the time of grant.  
The following table lists the main inputs to the model for awards granted during the years ended 31 December 2012 and  
31 December 2011: 

Weighted average share price at grant date 
Weighted average exercise price 
Vesting period 
Expected volatility 
Expected life of award 
Weighted average risk free rate 
Expected dividend yield 
Weighted average fair value per option 

Performance

 Share Plan   

Save As You 

 Earn Plan   

Other
 Share Plans 

2012 

2011   

2012 

2011   

2012 

2011 

£3.55
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
n/a
£3.55

£3.84
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
n/a
£3.84

£3.70
£3.07
3.0 years
40.6%
3.2 years
0.4%
3.1%
£1.07

£2.96   
£2.43   
3.0 years   
48.5%   
3.2 years   
1.0%   
3.5%   
£0.99 

£3.62
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
n/a
£3.62

£3.74
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
n/a
£3.74

No options were granted under the Executive Share Option Plan in 2012 and 2011. 

The expected life and volatility of the options are based upon historical data. 

www.inchcape.com 

  91

 
 
   
   
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

5 PENSIONS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS 
The Group operates a number of pension and post-retirement benefit schemes for its employees in a number of its businesses.  

A. UK SCHEMES 
The Group operates five main defined benefit pension schemes in the UK, namely the Inchcape Group (UK) Pension Scheme,  
the Inchcape Motors Pension Scheme, the Inchcape Cash+ Pension Scheme, the Inchcape Overseas Pension Scheme and the 
TKM Group Pension Scheme. These schemes, further details of which are provided below, have assets held in trust in separately 
administered funds. The Group also has some minor unfunded arrangements relating to post-retirement health and medical  
plans in respect of past employees. There are no material defined contribution schemes in the UK. 

During the year, the Group commenced a consultation process with members and trustees of the Inchcape Group (UK) Pension 
Scheme and the Inchcape Motors Pension Scheme on a proposal that both schemes be closed to future accrual with effect from 
31 December 2012. The proposal was confirmed by the Group on 21 December 2012 and active members ceased to accrue 
benefits under the schemes with effect from 31 December 2012. This change gave rise to an exceptional item in the Group’s 
income statement for the year ended 31 December 2012 (see note 2). 

At the same time, the Group introduced a new defined benefit pension scheme in the UK under which members accrue a 
percentage of their earnings each year, a sum which then grows to provide a lump sum payment on retirement. Members  
accrue benefits under this scheme with effect from 1 January 2013. 

During the year, amendments were also made to certain scheme rules which clarified the Group’s right to any surplus. This resulted 
in a previously unrecognised surplus of £72.9m being recognised in the year. 

INCHCAPE GROUP (UK) PENSION SCHEME (CLOSED SCHEME) 
The latest triennial actuarial valuation for this scheme was carried out as at 31 March 2012 on a market related basis and 
determined in accordance with the advice of independent professionally qualified actuaries based on the projected unit method. 
The scheme was closed to future accrual with effect from 31 December 2012. The investment strategy is to hold a broadly balanced 
portfolio of diversified growth funds and bonds. 

INCHCAPE MOTORS PENSION SCHEME (CLOSED SCHEME) 
The latest triennial actuarial valuation for this scheme was carried out as at 5 April 2012 on a market related basis and determined 
in accordance with the advice of independent professionally qualified actuaries based on the projected unit method. The scheme 
was closed to future accrual with effect from 31 December 2012. The investment strategy is to hold a broadly balanced portfolio of 
equities, diversified growth funds and bonds.  

INCHCAPE CASH+ PENSION SCHEME 
This scheme is a new defined benefit scheme under which members accrue benefits with effect from 1 January 2013. 

INCHCAPE OVERSEAS PENSION SCHEME 
This scheme is managed from Guernsey and is therefore reported under the United Kingdom in this note. The latest triennial 
actuarial valuation for this scheme was carried out as at 31 March 2012 and determined in accordance with the advice of 
independent professionally qualified actuaries based on the projected unit method. A significant majority of the scheme’s 
members are pensioners and deferred pensioners. Investments are held in a balanced portfolio of equities and bonds. 

TKM GROUP PENSION SCHEME (CLOSED SCHEME) 
The latest triennial actuarial valuation for this closed scheme was carried out at 5 April 2010 on a market related basis and 
determined in accordance with the advice of independent professionally qualified actuaries based on the projected unit method. 
The scheme has a prudent investment strategy and the majority of the assets are invested in bonds, cash or gilts. Approximately 
half the members are pensioners and half are deferred pensioners and as such no further pension accrual arises. 

B. OVERSEAS SCHEMES 
There are a number of smaller defined benefit schemes overseas, the most significant being the Inchcape Motors Limited 
Retirement Scheme in Hong Kong. In general these schemes offer a lump sum on retirement with no further obligation to the 
employee and assets held in trust in separately administered funds. These schemes are typically subject to triennial valuations.  
The overseas defined contribution schemes are principally linked to local statutory arrangements. 

C. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS 
The total expense recognised in the consolidated income statement is £4.8m (2011 – £5.0m). There are no outstanding 
contributions to the defined contribution schemes at the year end (2011 – £nil). 

D. DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS 
As the Group’s principal defined benefit schemes are in the UK, these have been reported separately to the overseas schemes.  
For the purposes of reporting, actuarial updates have been obtained for the Group’s material schemes and these updates are 
reflected in the amounts reported in the following tables.  

92 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

5 PENSIONS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS CONTINUED 
THE PRINCIPAL WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS USED BY THE ACTUARIES WERE: 

Rate of increase in salaries 
Rate of increase in pensions 
Discount rate 
Rate of inflation:  
– Retail price index 
– Consumer price index 
Expected return on plan assets 

United Kingdom   

Overseas 

2012
% 

4.5
3.0
4.3

3.0
2.3
4.3

2011 

%   

4.5   
3.0   
4.7   

3.0   
2.3   
5.2   

2012
% 

3.6
0.2
1.3

0.4
n/a
6.7

2011
% 

4.9
–
2.7

0.4
n/a
7.0

The rate of increase in healthcare costs is 6.1% (2011 – 5.2%) per annum. 

Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are set based on published statistics and experience. For the UK schemes,  
the average life expectancy of a pensioner retiring at age 65 is 23.0 years (2011 – 22.9 years) for current pensioners and 25.4 years  
(2011 – 25.3 years) for current non pensioners. Most of the overseas schemes only offer a lump sum on retirement and therefore 
mortality assumptions are not applicable. 

The expected return on plan assets is based on the weighted average expected return on each type of asset (principally equities, 
bonds and diversified growth funds). The overall expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected real rates  
of return on equities, expected yields on bonds and expected returns on the diversified growth funds applicable to the period over 
which the obligation is to be settled. 

THE ASSET / (LIABILITY) RECOGNISED IN THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION IS DETERMINED AS FOLLOWS: 

Present value of funded obligations 
Fair value of plan assets 
Surplus / (deficit) in funded obligations 
Irrecoverable element of pension surplus 
Net surplus / (deficit) in funded obligations 
Present value of unfunded obligations 

The net pension asset is analysed as follows:  

Schemes in surplus 
Schemes in deficit 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2012
£m 

(864.8)
947.0
82.2
–
82.2
(1.2)
81.0

2011
£m 

(837.3)
906.5
69.2
(72.9)
(3.7)
(1.2)
(4.9)

2012
£m 

(44.2)
37.5
(6.7)
(0.4)
(7.1)
(1.2)
(8.3)

2011 

£m   

(44.0)  
35.9   
(8.1)  
(0.4)  
(8.5)  
(1.5)  
(10.0)  

2012
£m 

(909.0)
984.5
75.5
(0.4)
75.1
(2.4)
72.7

100.4
(19.4)
81.0

47.0
(51.9)
(4.9)

0.2
(8.5)
(8.3)

0.3   
(10.3)  
(10.0)  

100.6
(27.9)
72.7

THE AMOUNTS RECOGNISED IN THE CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT ARE AS FOLLOWS: 

Current service cost 
Interest expense on plan liabilities 
Expected return on plan assets  
Plan settlements 
Plan curtailments 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2012
£m 

(4.8)
(38.3)
39.1
3.0
26.0
25.0

2011
£m 

(5.1)
(42.5)
42.8
6.1
–
1.3

2012
£m 

(2.4)
(0.8)
2.1
–
0.1
(1.0)

2011 

£m   

(2.1)  
(1.2)  
2.3   
–   
–   
(1.0)  

2012
£m 

(7.2)
(39.1)
41.2
3.0
26.1
24.0

The actual gain on plan assets amounts to £62.9m (2011 – £94.1m). 

Total 

2011
£m 

(881.3)
942.4
61.1
(73.3)
(12.2)
(2.7)
(14.9)

47.3
(62.2)
(14.9)

Total 

2011
£m 

(7.2)
(43.7)
45.1
6.1
–
0.3

www.inchcape.com 

  93

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

5 PENSIONS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS CONTINUED 
THE TOTALS IN THE PREVIOUS TABLE ARE ANALYSED AS FOLLOWS: 

Cost of sales 

Distribution costs 

Administrative expenses   

2012 
£m 

(0.5) 

2011
£m 

(0.4)

2012
£m 

(2.3)

2011
£m 

(1.1)

2012
£m 

(4.4)

2011 

£m   

(5.7)  

Current service cost 
Interest expense on plan liabilities 
Expected return on plan assets 
Plan settlements 
Plan curtailments 

THE AMOUNTS RECOGNISED IN THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ARE AS FOLLOWS: 

Actuarial gains / (losses) on liabilities: 
– Experience gains and losses 
– Changes in assumptions 
Actuarial gains / (losses) on assets: 
– Experience gains and losses 
Recoverable / (irrecoverable) element of pension surplus 

ANALYSIS OF THE MOVEMENT IN THE NET ASSET / (LIABILITY): 

At 1 January 
Amount recognised in the consolidated income statement 
Contributions by employer 
Actuarial (losses) / gains recognised in the year 
Recoverable / (irrecoverable) surplus recognised in the year 
Effect of foreign exchange rates 
At 31 December 

United Kingdom 

2012
£m 

2011
£m 

2.8
(62.1)

19.6
72.9
33.2

(0.4)
(25.5)

53.0
(36.7)
(9.6)

Overseas   

2011 

£m   

(0.6)  
(4.5)  

(4.0)  
–   
(9.1)  

2012
£m 

(2.0)
0.3

2.1
–
0.4

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2012
£m 

(4.9)
25.0
27.7
(39.7)
72.9
–
81.0

2011
£m 

(20.7)
1.3
24.1
27.1
(36.7)
–
(4.9)

2012
£m 

(10.0)
(1.0)
1.9
0.4
–
0.4
(8.3)

2011 

£m   

(1.5)  
(1.0)  
1.9   
(9.1)  
–   
(0.3)  
(10.0)  

CHANGES IN THE PRESENT VALUE OF THE DEFINED BENEFIT OBLIGATION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2012
£m 

(838.5)
(4.8)
(38.3)

2.8
(62.1)
(0.4)
40.0
9.3
26.0
–
(866.0)

2011
£m 

(826.1)
(5.1)
(42.5)

(0.4)
(25.5)
(0.3)
39.6
21.8
–
–
(838.5)

2012
£m 

(45.5)
(2.4)
(0.8)

(2.0)
0.3
(0.1)
3.2
–
0.1
1.8
(45.4)

2011 

£m   

(39.2)  
(2.1)  
(1.2)  

(0.6)  
(4.5)  
(0.1)  
2.6   
–   
–   
(0.4)  
(45.5)  

At 1 January 
Current service cost 
Interest expense on plan liabilities 
Actuarial gains / (losses): 
– Experience gains and losses 
– Changes in assumptions 
Contributions by employees 
Benefits paid  
Plan settlements 
Plan curtailments 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 

94 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

2012 
£m 

(7.2)
(39.1)
41.2 
3.0 
26.1 
24.0 

2012
£m 

0.8
(61.8)

21.7
72.9
33.6

2012
£m 

(14.9)
24.0
29.6
(39.3)
72.9
0.4
72.7

2012
£m 

(884.0)
(7.2)
(39.1)

0.8
(61.8)
(0.5)
43.2
9.3
26.1
1.8
(911.4)

Total 

2011
£m 

(7.2)
(43.7)
45.1
6.1
–
0.3

Total 

2011
£m 

(1.0)
(30.0)

49.0
(36.7)
(18.7)

Total 

2011
£m 

(22.2)
0.3
26.0
18.0
(36.7)
(0.3)
(14.9)

Total 

2011
£m 

(865.3)
(7.2)
(43.7)

(1.0)
(30.0)
(0.4)
42.2
21.8
–
(0.4)
(884.0)

 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

5 PENSIONS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS CONTINUED 
CHANGES IN THE FAIR VALUE OF THE DEFINED BENEFIT ASSET ARE AS FOLLOWS: 

At 1 January 
Expected return on plan assets 
Actuarial gains / (losses): 
– Experience gains and losses 
Contributions by employer 
Contributions by employees 
Benefits paid 
Plan settlements 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 
Irrecoverable element of pension surplus 
Revised value at 31 December 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2012
£m 

906.5
39.1

19.6
27.7
0.4
(40.0)
(6.3)
–
947.0
–
947.0

2011
£m 

841.6
42.8

53.0
24.1
0.3
(39.6)
(15.7)
–
906.5
(72.9)
833.6

2012
£m 

35.9
2.1

2.1
1.9
0.1
(3.2)
–
(1.4)
37.5
(0.4)
37.1

2011 

£m   

38.1   
2.3   

(4.0)  
1.9   
0.1   
(2.6)  
–   
0.1   
35.9   
(0.4)  
35.5   

2012
£m 

942.4
41.2

21.7
29.6
0.5
(43.2)
(6.3)
(1.4)
984.5
(0.4)
984.1

Total 

2011
£m 

879.7
45.1

49.0
26.0
0.4
(42.2)
(15.7)
0.1
942.4
(73.3)
869.1

AT THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD, THE PERCENTAGE OF THE PLAN ASSETS BY CATEGORY HAD BEEN INVESTED AS FOLLOWS: 

Equities 
Corporate bonds 
Government bonds 
Diversified growth funds 
Other 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2012 

2011 

2012 

2011   

2012 

6.4%
33.5%
29.8%
24.0%
6.3%
100.0%

8.4%
32.3%
26.3%
24.5%
8.5%
100.0%

65.9%
26.8%
–
–
7.3%
100.0%

65.5%   
25.5%   
–   
–   
9.0%   
100.0%   

8.6%
33.3%
28.7%
23.0%
6.4%
100.0%

THE HISTORY OF THE PLANS FOR THE CURRENT AND PREVIOUS YEARS IS AS FOLLOWS: 
2012
£m 

Present value of defined benefit obligation 
Fair value of plan assets 
Surplus / (deficit)  
Irrecoverable element of pension surplus 
Revised surplus / (deficit)  

Experience adjustments on plan liabilities 

Experience adjustments on plan assets 

(911.4)
984.5
73.1
(0.4)
72.7

0.8

21.7

2011
£m 

(884.0)
942.4
58.4
(73.3)
(14.9)

(1.0)

49.0

2010 
£m 

(865.3) 
879.7 
14.4 
(36.6) 
(22.2) 

4.3 

72.8 

2009
£m 

(845.3)
770.8
(74.5)
(0.3)
(74.8)

5.2

4.3

Total 

2011 

10.6%
32.0%
25.3%
23.5%
8.6%
100.0%

2008
£m 

(677.4)
727.3
49.9
(43.9)
6.0

16.7

(117.0)

The cumulative actuarial gains and losses arising since 1 January 2004 recognised in shareholders’ equity amounted to a £105.4m loss 
at 31 December 2012 (2011 – £139.0m loss). 

The Group has agreed to pay approximately £32.5m to its defined benefit plans in 2013. 

www.inchcape.com 

  95

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

6 FINANCE INCOME 

Bank and other interest receivable 
Expected return on post-retirement plan assets 
Other finance income 
Total finance income 

 2012  
£m 

3.7 
41.2 
11.9 
56.8 

 2011 
£m 

5.6
45.1
6.6
57.3

During the period, the Group recognised £3.7m of interest relating to tax refunds which is included within ‘other finance income’ 
(2011 – £nil). 

7 FINANCE COSTS  

Interest payable on bank borrowings 
Interest payable on Private Placement  
Interest payable on other borrowings 
Fair value adjustment on Private Placement 
Fair value loss / (gain) on cross currency interest rate swaps  
Stock holding interest 
Interest expense on post-retirement plan liabilities 
Other finance costs 
Capitalised borrowing costs 
Total finance costs before exceptional items 
Exceptional items: 
– Impairment of available for sale financial assets (note 2) 
Total finance costs 

 2012  
£m 

0.6 
4.4 
0.2 
(18.0)
13.2 
18.0 
39.1 
11.7 
(0.6)
68.6 

– 
68.6 

 2011 
£m 

2.0
3.9
0.3
18.5
(16.1)
13.6
43.7
5.8
(0.7)
71.0

10.9
81.9

The Group capitalisation rate used for general borrowing costs in accordance with IAS 23 was a weighted average rate for the year 
of 2.0% (2011 – 2.0%). 

96 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

8 INCOME TAX 

Current tax: 
– UK corporation tax 

Overseas tax 

Adjustments to prior year liabilities: 
– UK 
– Overseas 
Current tax 
Deferred tax (note 16) 
Tax before exceptional tax 
Exceptional tax – current tax 
Exceptional tax – deferred tax (note 16) 
Exceptional tax (note 2) 
Total tax charge 

2012
£m 

2.4
2.4
54.0
56.4

–
(0.9)
55.5
6.0
61.5
(4.6)
4.2
(0.4)
61.1

2011
£m 

7.0
7.0
49.0
56.0

(0.3)
(0.9)
54.8
4.4
59.2
(1.0)
(2.6)
(3.6)
55.6

The UK corporation tax charge is calculated upon net UK profit and after taking account of all relevant prior year losses and other 
deductions including pension contributions and capital allowances on plant and buildings. 

The effective tax rate for the year, before exceptional items, of 24.6% (2011 – 26%) is higher than the standard blended rate of tax  
of 23.4% (2011 – 23.8%) as explained below. The standard rate comprises the average statutory rates across the Group, weighted  
in proportion to accounting profits. 

Profit before tax  
Profit before tax multiplied by the standard rate of tax of 23.4% (2011 – 23.8%) 
Effects of: 
– Amortisation and impairment 
– Non-tax deductible items 
– Unrecognised tax losses  
– Overseas tax levies and austerity taxes 
– Prior year items  
– Withholding tax on overseas dividends 
– Profit on disposal of joint ventures 
– Other items 
Total tax charge  

2012
£m 

251.5
58.9

0.1
4.9
(0.3)
1.7
(6.1)
2.7
0.4
(1.2)
61.1

 2011
£m 

203.4
48.4

2.9
4.5
(0.8)
2.1
(2.0)
–
–
0.5
55.6

www.inchcape.com 

  97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

9 EARNINGS PER SHARE 

Profit for the year 
Non controlling interests 
Basic earnings 
Exceptional items  
Adjusted earnings 

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 
Basic Adjusted earnings per share 
Diluted Adjusted earnings per share 

 2012
£m 

190.4
(5.9)
184.5
(1.6)
182.9

40.0p
39.4p
39.7p
39.1p

2011
£m 

147.8
(5.6)
142.2
20.7
162.9

31.0p
30.5p
35.5p
34.9p

2011
number 

 2012 
number  

Weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares in issue during the year 
Weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares in issue during the year: 
– Held by the ESOP Trust 
– Repurchased as part of the share buy back programme 
Weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares for the purposes of basic EPS 
Dilutive effect of potential ordinary shares 
Adjusted weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares in issue during the 
year for the purposes of diluted EPS 

465,120,309 

463,324,543

(1,552,107) 
(2,687,560) 
460,880,642 
7,318,204 

(1,372,654)
(2,687,560)
459,264,329
7,193,499

468,198,846 

466,457,828

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the basic earnings for the year by the weighted average number of fully paid 
ordinary shares in issue during the year, less those shares held by the ESOP Trust and those repurchased as part of the share buy 
back programme. 

Diluted earnings per share is calculated on the same basis as the basic earnings per share with a further adjustment to the 
weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares to reflect the effect of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. Dilutive potential 
ordinary shares comprise share options and other share-based awards. 

Adjusted earnings (which excludes exceptional items) is adopted to assist the reader in understanding the underlying performance 
of the Group. Adjusted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the Adjusted earnings for the year by the weighted average 
number of fully paid ordinary shares in issue during the year, less those shares held by the ESOP Trust and those repurchased as 
part of the share buy back programme. 

Diluted Adjusted earnings per share is calculated on the same basis as the basic Adjusted earnings per share with a further 
adjustment to the weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares to reflect the effect of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. 
Dilutive potential ordinary shares comprise share options and other share-based awards. 

98 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

10 DIVIDENDS 
The following dividends were paid by the Group: 

Interim dividend for the six months ended 30 June 2012 of 4.0p per share (2011 – 3.6p per share) 
Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2011 of 7.4p per share (2010 – 6.6p per share) 

 2012
£m 

18.5
34.0
52.5

2011
£m 

16.5
30.3
46.8

A final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2012 of 10.5p per share amounting to £48.9m is subject to approval by 
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and has not been included as a liability as at 31 December 2012. 

11 INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Cost 
At 1 January 2011 
Businesses acquired 
Businesses sold 
Additions 
Retirement of fully amortised assets not in use 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 1 January 2012 
Businesses acquired 
Businesses sold 
Additions 
Retirement of fully amortised assets not in use 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 2012 

Accumulated amortisation and impairment 
At 1 January 2011 
Businesses sold 
Amortisation charge for the year 
Impairment charge for the year 
Retirement of fully amortised assets not in use 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 1 January 2012 
Amortisation charge for the year 
Impairment charge for the year 
Retirement of fully amortised assets not in use 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 2012 

Net book value at 31 December 2012 

Net book value at 31 December 2011 

 Goodwill
£m 

 Computer 
software 
£m  

 Other 
intangible 
assets
£m 

576.7
0.2
(2.3)
–
–
(10.6)
564.0
8.3
(0.7)
–
–
(1.3)
570.3

(64.6)
2.3
–
–
–
0.6
(61.7)
–
(0.2)
–
1.3
(60.6)

509.7

502.3

68.3 
– 
– 
13.1 
(3.9) 
(0.9) 
76.6 
– 
– 
15.1 
(0.8) 
(0.5) 
90.4 

(29.2) 
– 
(4.5) 
(7.1) 
3.9 
0.6 
(36.3) 
(3.7) 
(1.9) 
0.8 
0.4 
(40.7) 

49.7 

40.3 

7.1
–
–
–
(7.1)
–
–
0.1
–
–
–
–
0.1

(7.1)
–
–
–
7.1
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

0.1

–

 Total 
£m 

652.1
0.2
(2.3)
13.1
(11.0)
(11.5)
640.6
8.4
(0.7)
15.1
(0.8)
(1.8)
660.8

(100.9)
2.3
(4.5)
(7.1)
11.0
1.2
(98.0)
(3.7)
(2.1)
0.8
1.7
(101.3)

559.5

542.6

As at 31 December 2012, capitalised borrowing costs of £1.5m (2011 – £1.5m) were included within ‘computer software’, £nil of which 
was capitalised in 2012 (2011 – £nil). 

www.inchcape.com 

  99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

11 INTANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED 
A. GOODWILL 
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to the cash generating units (CGUs) that are expected to benefit from  
that business combination. These are independent sources of income streams and represent the lowest level within the Group at 
which the associated goodwill is monitored for management purposes. This may be at country, regional or brand level. 

Following the acquisition of the non-controlling interest in the Musa Motors group in 2011, the Inchcape Olimp and Musa Motors 
businesses have been integrated under a single management structure. As a consequence, the lowest level at which goodwill is 
now monitored for management purposes is at the total Russia level. 

The carrying amount of goodwill has been allocated to the following operating segments: 

United Kingdom 
Russia and Emerging Markets 
South Asia 
Australasia 

2012 
£m 

262.1 
217.6 
20.5 
9.5 
509.7 

2011
£m 

262.3 
210.0 
20.2 
9.8 
502.3

Goodwill is subject to impairment testing annually, or more frequently where there are indications that the goodwill may be 
impaired. Impairment tests were performed for all CGUs during the year ended 31 December 2012.  

The recoverable amounts of all CGUs were determined based on value in use calculations. These calculations use cash flow 
projections based on five year financial forecasts prepared by management. The key assumptions for these forecasts are those 
relating to revenue growth / decline, operating margins and the level of working capital required to support trading, which have 
been based on past experience, recent trading and expectations of future changes in the relevant markets. They also reflect 
expectations about continuing relationships with key brand partners. 

Cash flows after the five year period are extrapolated at an estimated average long-term growth rate for each market. These 
growth rates reflect the long-term growth prospects of the markets in which the CGUs operate. The growth rates used vary  
between 2% and 5% and are consistent with appropriate external sources for the relevant markets. 

Cash flows are discounted back to present value using a risk adjusted discount rate. The discount rate assumptions are based  
on an estimate of the Group’s weighted average cost of capital adjusted for a risk premium attributable to the relevant CGU.  
The pre-tax discount rates used vary between 10% and 13%, and reflect long-term country risk. 

100 

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GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

11 INTANGIBLE ASSETS CONTINUED 
The assumptions used with regards to pre-tax discount rates and long-term growth rates in those segments with material goodwill 
balances were as follows: 

United Kingdom 
Russia and Emerging Markets 
South Asia 
Australasia 

Discount rate 

10%
11% to 13%
10%
12%

Long-term 
growth rate 

2%
5%
2%
2%

IMPAIRMENT 
An impairment charge of £0.2m has been recognised in the year ended 31 December 2012 (2011 – £nil) relating to sites that are  
to be sold or closed. 

SENSITIVITIES 
The Group’s value in use calculations are sensitive to a change in the key assumptions used, most notably the discount rates and 
the long-term growth rates. With the exception of the Group’s businesses in Russia and Lithuania, a reasonably possible change in 
a key assumption will not cause a material impairment of goodwill in any of the other CGUs. 

The Group’s goodwill in the Russia and Emerging Markets segment at 31 December 2012 is allocated as follows: 

Russia 
Latvia 
Lithuania 
Other 
At 31 December 2012 

Cost 
£m 

194.1 
43.2 
21.0 
2.7 
261.0 

Impairment 
provision
£m 

Net book 
value
£m 

–
(43.2)
–
(0.2)
(43.4)

194.1
–
21.0
2.5
217.6

The value in use calculations for the Group’s business in Russia currently exceed the carrying value by approximately 20%.  
A 0.5% increase in the discount rate or a 0.5% reduction in the long-term growth rate would reduce the headroom available  
to approximately 10% of the carrying value.  

The value in use calculations for the Group’s business in Lithuania currently exceed the carrying value by approximately 10%.  
A 0.5% increase in the discount rate or a 0.5% reduction in the long-term growth rate would reduce the headroom available  
to approximately 5% of the carrying value. 

www.inchcape.com 

  101

 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

12 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Cost 
At 1 January 2011 
Additions 
Disposals 
Transferred to inventory 
Retirement of fully depreciated assets not in use 
Reclassified to assets held for sale (note 19) 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 1 January 2012 
Businesses acquired 
Businesses sold 
Additions 
Disposals 
Transferred to inventory 
Retirement of fully depreciated assets not in use 
Reclassified to assets held for sale and disposal group (note 19) 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 2012 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment 
At 1 January 2011 
Depreciation charge for the year 
Disposals 
Transferred to inventory 
Retirement of fully depreciated assets not in use 
Reclassified to assets held for sale (note 19) 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 1 January 2012 
Businesses sold 
Depreciation charge for the year 
Disposals 
Impairment losses recognised during the year 
Transferred to inventory 
Retirement of fully depreciated assets not in use 
Reclassified to assets held for sale and disposal group (note 19) 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 2012 

Net book value at 31 December 2012 

Net book value at 31 December 2011 

Plant,
machinery 
and
equipment
£m 

Land and
buildings
£m 

Subtotal 
£m 

Interest 
in leased 
vehicles 
£m 

591.5
51.2
(3.1)
–
(0.6)
(3.6)
(7.7)
627.7
20.7
–
52.4
(5.6)
–
(0.1)
(14.6)
(4.8)
675.7

(100.2)
(10.4)
1.5
–
0.6
0.7
0.9
(106.9)
–
(11.6)
2.9
(0.8)
–
0.1
3.7
1.7
(110.9)

564.8

520.8

188.1
30.0
(9.9)
(2.4)
(18.3)
–
(2.3)
185.2
1.5
(0.2)
33.6
(10.7)
(5.5)
(5.2)
(1.5)
(2.9)
194.3

(125.8)
(18.6)
5.1
0.8
18.3
–
1.4
(118.8)
0.1
(18.1)
7.7
–
0.8
5.2
1.3
2.0
(119.8)

74.5

66.4

779.6 
81.2 
(13.0) 
(2.4) 
(18.9) 
(3.6) 
(10.0) 
812.9 
22.2 
(0.2) 
86.0 
(16.3) 
(5.5) 
(5.3) 
(16.1) 
(7.7) 
870.0 

(226.0) 
(29.0) 
6.6 
0.8 
18.9 
0.7 
2.3 
(225.7) 
0.1 
(29.7) 
10.6 
(0.8) 
0.8 
5.3 
5.0 
3.7 
(230.7) 

639.3 

587.2 

120.9 
38.9 
(0.1)
(64.2)
– 
– 
(0.6)
94.9 
– 
– 
42.6 
(0.7)
(51.5)
– 
– 
(1.4)
83.9 

(42.2)
(16.3)
0.1 
23.6 
– 
– 
0.3 
(34.5)
– 
(13.7)
0.3 
– 
17.2 
– 
– 
0.6 
(30.1)

53.8 

60.4 

Total
£m 

900.5
120.1
(13.1)
(66.6)
(18.9)
(3.6)
(10.6)
907.8
22.2
(0.2)
128.6
(17.0)
(57.0)
(5.3)
(16.1)
(9.1)
953.9

(268.2)
(45.3)
6.7
24.4
18.9
0.7
2.6
(260.2)
0.1
(43.4)
10.9
(0.8)
18.0
5.3
5.0
4.3
(260.8)

693.1

647.6

Certain subsidiaries have an obligation to repurchase, at a guaranteed residual value, vehicles which have been legally sold for 
leasing contracts. These assets are included in ‘interest in leased vehicles’ in the table above.  

102 

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GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

12 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT CONTINUED 
Assets held under finance leases have the following net book values: 

Leasehold buildings 
Plant, machinery and equipment 

The book value of land and buildings is analysed between: 

Freehold 
Leasehold with over fifty years unexpired 
Short leasehold 

2012
£m 

2.0
0.5
2.5

2012
£m 

410.5
37.0
117.3
564.8

2011
£m 

2.3
1.2
3.5

2011
£m 

384.3
35.5
101.0
520.8

As at 31 December 2012, £4.4m (2011 – £4.0m) of capitalised borrowing costs were included within ‘land and buildings’, £0.6m of 
which was capitalised in 2012 (2011 – £0.7m). 

13 INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES 

At 1 January 
Additions  
Disposals  
Share of profit / (loss) after tax of joint ventures and associates  
Loan advances / (repayment) 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December  

GROUP’S SHARE OF NET ASSETS OF JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES 

Joint ventures 

Associates   

Non-current assets  
Current assets 
Group’s share of gross assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Group’s share of gross liabilities 
Group’s share of net assets 

2012
£m 

–
6.4
6.4
(0.6)
–
(0.6)
5.8

GROUP’S SHARE OF RESULTS OF JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES
Revenue 
Expenses 
Profit / (loss) before tax 
Tax 
Share of profit / (loss) after tax of joint ventures  
and associates  

1.7
(1.6)
0.1
0.1

0.2

2011
£m 

26.7
12.4
39.1
(11.0)
(6.9)
(17.9)
21.2

3.6
(6.6)
(3.0)
(0.3)

(3.3)

2012
£m 

0.1
26.1
26.2
(11.6)
(6.6)
(18.2)
8.0

1.7
(1.7)
–
–

2011 

£m   

0.1   
34.4   
34.5   
(24.3)  
(1.9)  
(26.2)  
8.3   

2.4   
(2.0)  
0.4   
(0.1)  

2012
£m 

29.5
–
(18.7)
0.2
3.2
(0.4)
13.8

2012
£m 

0.1
32.5
32.6
(12.2)
(6.6)
(18.8)
13.8

3.4
(3.3)
0.1
0.1

2011
£m 

33.1
0.1
–
(3.0)
(0.3)
(0.4)
29.5

Total 

2011
£m 

26.8
46.8
73.6
(35.3)
(8.8)
(44.1)
29.5

6.0
(8.6)
(2.6)
(0.4)

(3.0)

–

0.3   

0.2

As at 31 December 2012, no guarantees were provided in respect of joint ventures and associates borrowings (2011 – £nil). 

Principal joint ventures and associates are disclosed in note 31 of this report. 

www.inchcape.com 

  103

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

14 AVAILABLE FOR SALE FINANCIAL ASSETS 

At 1 January  
Additions 
Disposals  
Fair value movement transferred to shareholders’ equity 
Fair value movement charged to consolidated income statement 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 

Analysed as: 

Non-current 
Current 

Assets held are analysed as follows: 

Equity securities 
Bonds 
Other 

2012 
£m 

6.1 
1.9 
(1.1)
0.1 
(0.1)
(0.2)
6.7 

2012 
£m 

4.0 
2.7 
6.7 

2012 
£m 

0.2 
3.6 
2.9 
6.7 

2011
£m 

14.1
–
(1.5)
(6.5)
–
–
6.1

2011
£m 

5.6
0.5
6.1

2011
£m 

0.2
3.7
2.2
6.1

In 2011, the Group recycled impairment losses relating to Greek Government Bonds of £10.9m from equity into the consolidated 
income statement. The impairment loss represented the difference between the fair value of the bonds at 31 December 2011 and 
historical cost. The charge was recognised as exceptional finance costs (see note 7).  

At 31 December 2012, the bonds attracted a weighted average fixed interest rate of 0.4% (2011 – 5.1%). The bonds are traded on 
active markets with coupons generally paid on an annual basis. 

Other includes debentures that are not subject to interest rates and do not have fixed maturity dates. They are valued by reference 
to traded market values. 

Available for sale financial assets, which are valued based on active markets’ prices, are reported under Level 1 in note 23 on 
financial instruments. 

Available for sale financial assets subject to fixed interest rates are aged by maturity date as follows: 

2012 

2011 

Less than
1 year
£m 

2.6

0.4

Between
1 and
2 years
£m 

1.0

0.5

Between
2 and
3 years
£m 

–

0.3

Between
3 and
4 years
£m 

–

0.8

Between 
4 and 
5 years 
£m 

– 

– 

Greater 
than 5 
years 
£m 

– 

1.7 

Total
interest
bearing
£m 

3.6

3.7

In certain jurisdictions management holds bonds to offset future vehicle warranty obligations. To meet this requirement, 
management purchases and sells bonds regularly and does not usually hold the bonds to maturity. Accordingly, the maturity 
profile of the bonds is not necessarily an indication of when management intends to realise the associated future cash flows. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the fair value of the bonds classified as available for sale.  

104 

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GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

15 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

Trade receivables 
Less: provision for impairment of trade receivables 
Net trade receivables 
Amounts receivable from related parties 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Other receivables 

Movements in the provision for impairment of receivables were as follows:  

At 1 January  
Charge for the year 
Amounts written off  
Unused amounts reversed 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 

At 31 December, the analysis of trade receivables is as follows: 

2012
 £m 

148.3
(8.5)
139.8
0.1
76.7
41.8
258.4

Current   

2011 
 £m    

152.7   
(7.7)  
145.0   
0.4   
70.2   
35.9   
251.5   

Non-current 

2011
 £m 

0.2
–
0.2
–
14.3
19.9
34.4

2011
£m 

(7.8)
(1.2)
0.6
0.5
0.2
(7.7)

2012
 £m 

0.1
–
0.1
–
14.3
16.8
31.2

2012
£m 

(7.7)
(2.1)
0.6
0.5
0.2
(8.5)

2012 

2011 

Neither past 
due nor 
impaired
£m 

101.9

111.0

Total
£m 

148.4

152.9

 Past due but not impaired 

0 < 30 days
£m 

30 – 90 days 
£m 

> 90 days
£m 

Impaired
£m 

22.3

19.3

9.3 

8.2 

6.4

6.7

8.5

7.7

Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on credit terms of 30 to 60 days. 

Management considers the carrying amount of trade and other receivables to approximate to their fair value. Long-term 
receivables have been discounted where the time value of money is considered to be material.  

Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is very limited due to the Group’s broad customer base across  
a number of geographic regions.  

www.inchcape.com 

  105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

16 DEFERRED TAX 

Net deferred tax asset / (liability) 
At 1 January 2012 
(Charged) / credited to the consolidated 
income statement 
Credited to shareholders’ equity  
Businesses acquired 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 2012 

Pension and 
other post-
retirement 
benefits
£m 

Cash flow 
hedges
£m 

Share-based 
payments
£m 

(3.5)

(0.8)

2.7

(9.0)
8.8
–
–
(3.7)

–
13.8
–
–
13.0

(0.5)
2.9
–
–
5.1

Tax
 losses
£m 

8.5

2.1
–
–
(0.1)
10.5

Analysed as: 

Deferred tax assets 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Accelerated  
tax 
depreciation 
£m 

Provisions 
and other 
timing 
differences 
£m 

8.6 

(12.7)

(4.9) 
– 
– 
– 
3.7 

2.1 
– 
(1.4)
(1.1)
(13.1)

2012 
 £m  

40.4 
(24.9)
15.5 

Total
£m 

2.8

(10.2)
25.5
(1.4)
(1.2)
15.5

2011
 £m 

43.0
(40.2)
2.8

The Group has unrecognised deferred tax assets of £27m (2011 – £34m) relating to tax relief on trading losses. The asset represents 
£115m (2011 – £144m) of losses at the standard blended rate of 23.4%. The asset is not recognised, as £115m (2011 – £144m) 
relates to losses which exist within legal entities that are not forecast to generate taxable income with reasonable certainty in the 
foreseeable future. 

The deferred tax asset of £10.5m (2011 – £8.5m) in respect of tax losses relates to trading losses in Russia (£5.5m), Belgium (£3.5m) 
and other territories (£1.5m) where future profits are anticipated with reasonable certainty. 

The Group has unrecognised deferred tax assets of £30m (2011 – £33m) relating to capital losses. The asset represents £133m  
(2011 – £131m) of losses at the UK standard rate of 23.0%. The key territory holding the losses is the UK. 

No deferred tax is recognised on unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries and joint ventures. The vast majority of overseas 
reserves can now be repatriated to the UK with no tax cost. There are a small number of territories that do not qualify for this 
treatment but the annual profits for these territories are self assessed for UK current tax each year and hence no deferred tax 
accrues. If all overseas earnings were repatriated with immediate effect, no tax charge (2011 – £nil) would be payable. 

The £13.1m (2011 – £12.7m) deferred tax liability for ‘provisions and other timing differences’ consists of a £31.1m (2011 – £32.0m) 
liability in respect of the net book value of property, plant and equipment that do not qualify for tax allowances and property 
revaluations, and a £18.0m (2011 – £19.3m) deferred tax asset in respect of provisions and other temporary differences between  
the accounts base and the tax base. The key temporary differences are £15.0m for Australia, £2.0m for South America and £1.0m in 
other territories (2011 – £14.0m for Australia, £3.0m for the UK and £2.3m in other territories). 

106 

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GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

17 INVENTORIES 

Raw materials and work in progress 
Finished goods and merchandise  

2012
£m 

11.5
917.4
928.9

2011
£m  

13.2
892.3
905.5

Vehicles held on consignment which are in substance assets of the Group amount to £128.1m (2011 – £124.5m). These have been 
included in ‘finished goods and merchandise’ with the corresponding liability included within ‘trade and other payables’. Payment 
becomes due when title passes to the Group, which is generally the earlier of six months from delivery or the date of sale.  

An amount of £28.0m (2011 – £33.0m) has been provided against the gross cost of inventory at the year end. The cost of inventories 
recognised as an expense in the year is £4,926.6m (2011 restated* – £4,711.4m). The write down of inventory to net realisable value 
recognised as an expense during the year was £30.5m (2011 – £34.6m). All of these items have been included within ‘cost of sales’ 
in the consolidated income statement.  

* 

The basis of allocation has been revised and the prior year figure has been amended accordingly (2011 previously reported: £4,271.0m). 

18 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 

Cash at bank and cash equivalents 
Short-term deposits 

2012
 £m 

324.4
273.5
597.9

2011 
 £m  

385.6
173.3
558.9

Cash and cash equivalents are generally subject to floating interest rates determined by reference to short-term benchmark rates 
applicable in the relevant currency or market (primarily LIBOR or the local equivalent). At 31 December 2012, the weighted average 
floating rate was 0.9% (2011 – 1.5%). 

£20.9m (2011 – £20.3m) of cash and cash equivalents are held in countries where prior approval is required to transfer funds 
abroad. If the Group complies with the required procedures, such liquid funds are at its disposition within a reasonable period  
of time. 

At 31 December 2012, short-term deposits have a weighted average period to maturity of 19 days (2011 – 45 days). 

www.inchcape.com 

  107

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

19 ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND DISPOSAL GROUP 

Assets directly associated with the disposal group 
Assets held for sale 
Assets held for sale and disposal group 

Liabilities directly associated with the disposal group  

The assets and liabilities in the disposal group comprise the following: 

Property, plant and equipment 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Assets directly associated with the disposal group 

Trade and other payables 
Liabilities directly associated with the disposal group  

2012 
 £m  

22.7 
8.6 
31.3 

(19.1)

2012 
 £m  

3.6 
17.1 
2.0 
22.7 

(19.1)
(19.1)

2011 
 £m  

2.8
2.9
5.7

–

2011 
 £m  

2.8
–
–
2.8

–
–

Assets held for sale relate to surplus properties within the UK being actively marketed with a view to sale.  

The disposal group corresponds to assets and liabilities of the Group’s Ford retail centres in the UK, which were disposed of  
in February 2013. 

20 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

Trade payables:  payments received on account 

vehicle funding agreements 
other trade payables 

Other taxation and social security payable 
Accruals and deferred income 
Amounts payable to related parties 
Other payables 

2012
 £m 

57.7
157.4
722.9
19.0
176.1
0.2
17.4
1,150.7

Current   

2011  
 £m    

55.8   
144.9   
722.4   
25.8   
175.4   
0.2   
16.1   
1,140.6   

Non-current 

2011 
 £m  

0.2
–
14.8
 – 
 14.6 
 – 
–
29.6

2012 
 £m  

0.2 
– 
9.4 
– 
12.8 
– 
– 
22.4 

The Group has entered into vehicle funding agreements whereby the Group is able to refinance interest bearing amounts due to 
suppliers on similar terms. Amounts outstanding under these agreements are included within vehicle funding agreements above 
and interest charged under this agreement is included within stock holding interest. 

At 31 December 2012 current other trade payables includes £325.8m (2011 – £386.8m) of creditors where payment is made on 
deferred terms and is subject to a weighted average floating interest rate of 2.6% (2011 – 2.0%). Interest charged on these balances 
is included within stock holding interest. 

Management considers the carrying amount of trade and other payables to approximate to their fair value. Long-term payables 
have been discounted where the time value of money is considered to be material. 

108 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 21 PROVISIONS 

At 1 January 2012 
Charged to the consolidated income statement 
Released to the consolidated income statement 
Effect of unwinding of discount factor 
Utilised during the year 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 2012 

Analysed as: 

Current 
Non-current 

Product 
warranty 
£m 

Vacant 
leasehold 
£m 

Litigation  
£m 

61.1
19.6
(9.8)
1.7
(20.4)
(1.2)
51.0

8.1
–
(1.0)
0.1
(1.5)
–
5.7

10.5 
2.0 
(1.3) 
– 
(3.2) 
(0.1) 
7.9 

Other 
£m 

11.2
14.0
(2.8)
–
(1.9)
(0.2)
20.3

2012
£m 

41.9
43.0
84.9

Total 
£m 

90.9
35.6
(14.9)
1.8
(27.0)
(1.5)
84.9

2011
£m 

36.8
54.1
90.9

PRODUCT WARRANTY 
Certain Group companies provide self-insured extended warranties beyond those provided by the manufacturer, as part of the 
sale of a vehicle. These are not separable products. The warranty periods covered are up to six years and / or specific mileage 
limits. Provision is made for the expected cost of labour and parts based on historical claims experience and expected future 
trends. These assumptions are reviewed regularly.  

VACANT LEASEHOLD 
The Group is committed to certain leasehold premises for which it no longer has a commercial use. These are principally located  
in the UK. Provision has been made to the extent of the estimated future net cost. This includes taking into account existing 
subtenant arrangements. The expected utilisation period of these provisions is generally over the next 10 years.  

LITIGATION 
This includes a number of litigation provisions in respect of the exit of certain motors and non-motors businesses. The majority  
of these relate to the exit of our former South American bottling business and shipping business. The cases are largely historical 
claims and are generally expected to be concluded within the next three to five years. 

OTHER 
This category principally includes provisions relating to residual values on leased vehicles and provisions relating to restructuring 
activities. These provisions are expected to be utilised within three years. 

www.inchcape.com 

  109

 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

22 BORROWINGS  

2012 
Current 
Bank overdrafts 
Finance leases  

Non-current 
Private Placement 
Finance leases  

Total borrowings 

2011 
Current 
Bank overdrafts 
Bank loans  
Other loans 
Finance leases  

Non-current 
Private Placement 
Finance leases  

Total borrowings 

Floating rate 

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate 
% 

0.1
–
0.1

2.1
–
2.1
1.6

Floating rate 

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate 
% 

0.1
7.1
0.1
3.3
0.3

2.2
–
2.2
1.8

£m 

110.5
–
110.5

317.6
–
317.6
428.1

£m 

97.5
2.3
0.3
0.2
100.3

335.8
–
335.8
436.1

Fixed rate 

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate 
% 

Total interest 
bearing  
£m 

On which 
no interest 
is paid  
£m 

–
7.3
7.3

–
7.0
7.0
7.1

110.5 
0.5 
111.0 

317.6 
2.4 
320.0 
431.0 

2.5 
– 
2.5 

– 
– 
– 
2.5 

Fixed rate 

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate 
% 

Total interest 
bearing  
£m 

On which 
no interest 
is paid  
£m 

–
4.2
–
7.1
5.2

–
7.1
7.1
6.4

97.5 
3.3 
0.3 
0.7 
101.8 

335.8 
2.8 
338.6 
440.4 

0.1 
– 
– 
– 
0.1 

– 
– 
– 
0.1 

£m 

–
0.5
0.5

–
2.4
2.4
2.9

£m 

–
1.0
–
0.5
1.5

–
2.8
2.8
4.3

2012
Total 
£m 

113.0
0.5
113.5

317.6
2.4
320.0
433.5

2011
Total 
£m 

97.6
3.3
0.3
0.7
101.9

335.8
2.8
338.6
440.5

Interest payments on floating rate financial liabilities are determined by reference to short-term benchmark rates applicable in the 
relevant currency or market (primarily LIBOR or the local equivalent). 

The fair values of the Group's borrowings are not considered to be materially different from their book value, with the exception  
of the Private Placement which includes a fair value basis adjustment of £49.0 m (2011 – £54.9m). 

The Group’s borrowings are unsecured. 

At 31 December 2012, the committed funding facilities of the Group comprised syndicated bank facilities of £450m (2011 – £500m), 
a bi-lateral facility of €65m (2011 – €nil) and Private Placement loan notes totalling US$436m (2011 – US$436m). 

At 31 December 2012, none (2011 – none) of the £450m syndicated credit facility or the €65m bi-lateral facility was drawn down. 
Both facilities expire in 2017. 

All US$436m of the Group’s Private Placement loan notes is swapped into Sterling. US$275m is repayable in five years, and US$161m 
in seven years. 

110 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

22 BORROWINGS CONTINUED 
The table below sets out the maturity profile of the Group’s borrowings that are exposed to interest rate risk. This analysis is presented 
after taking account of the cross currency fixed to floating interest rate swap on US$436m of the Private Placement. 

2012 
Fixed rate 
Finance leases 

Floating rate 
Bank overdrafts 
Private Placement 

2011 
Fixed rate 
Other loans 
Finance leases 

Floating rate 
Bank overdrafts 
Bank loans  
Other loans 
Private Placement 
Finance leases  

Less than 
 1 year  
£m 

Between 1 
 and 2 years 
£m 

Between 2 
and 3 years 
£m 

Between 3 
and 4 years 
£m 

Between 4  
and 5 years  
£m 

Greater than 
5 years 
£m 

Total interest 
bearing 
£m 

0.5 

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1 

2.0

2.9

110.5 
– 

–
–

–
–

–
–

– 
200.4 

–
117.2

110.5
317.6

Less than 
 1 year  
£m 

Between 1
 and 2 years 
£m 

Between 2 
and 3 years 
£m 

Between 3 
and 4 years 
£m 

Between 4  
and 5 years  
£m 

Greater than 
5 years 
£m 

Total interest 
bearing 
£m 

1.0 
0.5 

97.5 
2.3 
0.3 
– 
0.2 

–
0.4

–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

–
2.4

–
–
–
335.8
–

1.0
3.3

97.5
2.3
0.3
335.8
0.2

23 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
The Group’s financial liabilities, other than derivatives, comprise bank loans and overdrafts, loan notes, finance leases and trade 
and other payables. The main purpose of these instruments is to raise finance for the Group’s operations. The Group also has 
various financial assets such as trade and other receivables, cash and short-term deposits which arise from its trading operations. 

The Group’s primary derivative transactions are forward and swap currency contracts, and cross currency interest rate swaps. The 
purpose is to manage the currency and interest rate risks arising from the Group’s trading operations and its sources of finance. 

The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are interest rate risk, currency risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. 

A. CLASSES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

2012 
Financial assets 
Available for sale financial assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total financial assets 

Financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Borrowings 
Total financial liabilities 

 Loans and 
receivables 
£m 

 Available for 
sale 
£m 

 Held at fair 
value 
£m 

 Amortised  
cost  
£m  

Cash and cash 
equivalents 
£m 

–
209.6
–
–
209.6

–
–
–
–
209.6

6.7
–
–
–
6.7

–
–
–
–
6.7

–
–
116.1
–
116.1

–
(62.6)
–
(62.6)
53.5

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(1,041.8) 
– 
(433.5) 
(1,475.3) 
(1,475.3) 

–
–
–
597.9
597.9

–
–
–
–
597.9

 Total 
£m 

6.7
209.6
116.1
597.9
930.3

(1,041.8)
(62.6)
(433.5)
(1,537.9)
(607.6)

www.inchcape.com 

  111

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

23 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 

2011 
Financial assets 
Available for sale financial assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total financial assets 

Financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Borrowings 
Total financial liabilities 

 Loans and 
receivables 
£m 

 Available for 
sale 
£m 

 Held at fair 
value 
£m 

 Amortised  
cost  
£m  

Cash and 
cash 
equivalents  
£m 

–
213.1
–
–
213.1

–
–
–
–
213.1

6.1
–
–
–
6.1

–
–
–
–
6.1

–
–
139.7
–
139.7

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

–
(7.4)
–
(7.4)
132.3

(1,038.7) 
– 
(440.5) 
(1,479.2) 
(1,479.2) 

– 
– 
– 
558.9 
558.9 

– 
– 
– 
– 
558.9 

 Total 
£m 

6.1
213.1
139.7
558.9
917.8

(1,038.7)
(7.4)
(440.5)
(1,486.6)
(568.8)

B. MARKET RISK AND SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS 
Financial instruments affected by market risk include borrowings, deposits and derivative financial instruments. The Group is not 
exposed to commodity price risk. The following analysis, required by IFRS 7, is intended to illustrate the sensitivity to changes in 
market variables, being primarily UK interest rates and the Australian Dollar to Japanese Yen exchange rate. 

The following assumptions were made in calculating the sensitivity analysis: 

•(cid:3)changes in the carrying value of derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges from movements in interest rates 

are assumed to be recorded fully in equity; 

•(cid:3)changes in the carrying value of derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges from movements in interest rates 
have an immaterial effect on the consolidated income statement and equity due to compensating adjustments in the carrying 
value of debt; 

•(cid:3)changes in the carrying value of financial instruments designated as net investment hedges from movements in the US Dollar  

to Sterling exchange rate are recorded directly in equity; 

•(cid:3)changes in the carrying value of financial instruments not in hedging relationships only affect the consolidated  

income statement; 

•(cid:3)all other changes in the carrying value of derivative financial instruments designated as hedges are fully effective with no impact 

on the consolidated income statement. 

C. INTEREST RATE RISK AND SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS 
The Group’s interest rate policy has the objective of minimising net interest expense, and protecting the Group from material 
adverse movements in interest rates. Throughout 2012 the Group has borrowed at floating rates only (after taking into account 
existing interest rate hedging activities). This approach maximises the Group’s exposure to the current low interest rate environment. 
If hedging is deemed appropriate by management in the future, the Board has approved the fixing of up to 30% of gross 
borrowings. Instruments approved for this purpose include interest rate swaps, forward rate agreements and options. The Group’s 
exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates arises primarily from the floating rate interest payable on the Group’s 10 and 
12 year loan notes, bank borrowings, supplier related finance and the returns available on surplus cash. 

INTEREST RATE RISK TABLE 
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in interest rates, with all other variables held 
constant, of the Group’s profit before tax through the impact of floating rate borrowings. 

2012 
Sterling 
Euro 
Russian Ruble 
Australian Dollar 

2011 
Sterling 
Euro 
Russian Ruble 
Australian Dollar 

112 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

Increase 
in basis  
points  

 Effect on profit 
before tax
£m 

75 
50 
50 
100 

75 
50 
50 
100 

(3.1)
0.1
(0.2)
(1.2)

(3.9)
0.1
(0.1)
(1.1)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

23 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 
D. FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK 
The Group publishes its consolidated Financial Statements in Sterling and faces currency risk on the translation of its earnings and 
net assets, a significant proportion of which are in currencies other than Sterling. 

TRANSACTION EXPOSURE HEDGING 
The Group has transactional currency exposures, where sales or purchases by an operating unit are in currencies other than that 
unit’s reporting currency. For a significant proportion of the Group these exposures are removed as trading is denominated in the 
relevant local currency. In particular, local billing arrangements are in place for many of our businesses with our brand partners. 
The principal exception is for our business in Australia which purchases vehicles in Japanese Yen. 

In this instance, the Group seeks to hedge forecast transactional foreign exchange rate risk using forward foreign currency 
exchange contracts. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedge is recognised in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income to the extent it is effective and recycled into the consolidated income statement at the same time as the 
underlying hedged transaction affects the consolidated income statement. Under IAS 39 hedges are documented and tested for 
hedge effectiveness on an ongoing basis. 

HEDGE OF FOREIGN CURRENCY DEBT 
The Group uses cross currency interest rate swaps to hedge the forward foreign currency risk associated with the US$436m Private 
Placement. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedge is recognised in the consolidated income statement at the same 
time as the underlying hedged transaction affects the consolidated income statement. 

NET INVESTMENT HEDGING 
Consideration is given to the currency mix of debt with the primary objective that interest on such borrowings acts as a hedge on 
foreign currency earnings. 

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK TABLE 
The following table shows the Group sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in foreign exchange rates on its Japanese Yen 
financial instruments. In this table, financial instruments are only considered sensitive to foreign exchange rates when they are not 
in the functional currency of the entity that holds them.  

2012 
Yen 
Yen 

2011 
Yen 
Yen 

Increase/
(decrease) in 
exchange 
rate 

 Effect on
 equity
£m 

+10%
-10%

+10%
-10%

0.9
(0.9)

1.1
(1.0)

www.inchcape.com 

  113

 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

23 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 
E. CREDIT RISK 
The amount due from counterparties arising from cash deposits and the use of financial instruments creates credit risk. The Group 
monitors its credit exposure to its counterparties via their credit ratings (where applicable) and through its policy of limiting its 
exposure to any one party to ensure that they are within Board approved limits and that there are no significant concentrations 
of credit risk.  

Group policy is to deposit cash and use financial instruments with counterparties with a long-term credit rating of A or better, where 
available. The notional amounts of financial instruments used in interest rate and foreign exchange management do not represent 
the credit risk arising through the use of these instruments. The immediate credit risk of these instruments is generally estimated by 
the fair value of contracts with a positive value. Credit limits are reviewed regularly. 

The table below analyses the Group’s short-term deposits and derivative assets by credit exposure excluding bank balances and 
cash in hand: 

Credit rating of counterparty1 
AAA 
AA- 
A+ 
A 
A- 
BBB+2 
CCC2 
No rating3 

Derivative 
assets 
£m 

–
0.1
59.4
55.6
1.0
–
–
–
116.1

2012   

 Short-term 
deposits 

£m   

68.4   
54.6   
47.3   
35.9   
41.2   
8.5   
0.2   
17.4   
273.5   

Derivative  
assets 
£m 

2011 

 Short-term 
deposits
£m 

– 
2.7 
73.8 
– 
63.2 
– 
– 
– 
139.7 

–
72.9
21.6
38.0
14.9
–
9.0
16.9
173.3

1  Standard & Poor’s equivalent rating shown as a reference for the lowest credit rating of the counterparty from either Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s. 

2  Exposure to a counterparty approved as an exception to Group policy. 

3  Counterparties in certain markets in which the Group operates do not have a credit rating. 

No credit limits were exceeded during the reporting period and management does not expect any losses from non-performance  
by these counterparties. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk for cash at bank, receivables and other financial assets is represented by their  
carrying amount. 

Total cash at bank of £324.4m (2011 – £385.6m) includes cash in the Group’s regional pooling arrangements which are offset 
against borrowings for interest purposes. Netting of cash and overdraft balances in the consolidated statement of financial position 
only occurs to the extent that there is the legal ability and intention to settle net. As such, overdrafts are presented in current 
liabilities to the extent that there is no intention to offset with the cash balance. 

Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is very limited due to the Group’s broad customer base. Trade 
receivables include amounts due from a number of finance houses in respect of vehicles sold to customers on finance arranged 
through the Group. An independent credit rating agency is used to assess the credit standing of each finance house. Limits for the 
maximum outstanding with each finance house are set accordingly. Title to the vehicles sold on finance resides with the Group until 
cleared funds are received from the finance house in respect of a given vehicle. 

114 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

23 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 
F. LIQUIDITY RISK 
Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and marketable securities, the availability of funding through 
an adequate amount of committed credit facilities and the ability to close out market positions. Due to the dynamic nature of the 
underlying businesses, Group Treasury aims to maintain flexibility in funding by keeping committed credit lines available. Refer to 
the Business Review on page 33 for discussion of liquidity risks to the Group. 

The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities at 31 December 2012 and 2011 based 
on expected contractual undiscounted cash flows:  

2012 
Financial assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Available for sale financial assets 
Derivative financial instruments 

Financial liabilities 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Trade and other payables 
Derivative financial instruments 

Net outflows 

2011 
Financial assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Available for sale financial assets 
Derivative financial instruments 

Financial liabilities 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Trade and other payables 
Derivative financial instruments 

Net outflows 

Less than 
3 months 
£m 

Between 
3 to 12 
months
£m 

Between  
1 to 5 years  
£m 

Greater than 
5 years 
£m 

Total 
£m 

580.7
184.6
1.4
4.3
771.0

(113.3)
(975.6)
(19.0)
(1,107.9)
(336.9)

Less than 
3 months 
£m 

516.6
193.3
0.3
10.9
721.1

(100.8)
(990.3)
(6.5)
(1,097.6)
(376.5)

17.2
20.8
1.5
18.4
57.9

(16.5)
(53.4)
(43.5)
(113.4)
(55.5)

Between 
3 to 12 
months 
£m 

42.3
13.5
0.4
22.8
79.0

(18.1)
(28.0)
(7.8)
(53.9)
25.1

– 
3.8 
1.0 
237.7 
242.5 

–
0.4
2.8
161.0
164.2

597.9
209.6
6.7
421.4
1,235.6

(260.6) 
(12.3) 
(163.9) 
(436.8) 
(194.3) 

(130.1)
(0.5)
(129.5)
(260.1)
(95.9)

(520.5)
(1,041.8)
(355.9)
(1,918.2)
(682.6)

Between  
1 to 5 years  
£m 

Greater than 
5 years 
£m 

Total 
£m 

– 
5.8 
1.6 
76.8 
84.2 

–
0.5
3.8
358.7
363.0

558.9
213.1
6.1
469.2
1,247.3

(68.6) 
(20.4) 
(27.1) 
(116.1) 
(31.9) 

(305.9)
–
(275.4)
(581.3)
(218.3)

(493.4)
(1,038.7)
(316.8)
(1,848.9)
(601.6)

www.inchcape.com 

  115

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

23 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 
G. HEDGING ACTIVITIES 
In accordance with IFRS 7 disclosure is required for financial instruments that are measured in the consolidated statement  
of financial position at fair value. This requires disclosure of fair value measurements by level for the following fair value 
measurement hierarchy: 

•(cid:3)quoted prices in active markets (level 1); 

•(cid:3)inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly (level 2); or 

•(cid:3)inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (level 3). 

The following table presents the Group’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value: 

Assets 
Derivatives used for hedging 
Available for sale financial assets 

Liabilities 
Derivatives used for hedging 

Level 1
£m 

Level 2
£m 

–
6.7
6.7

116.1
–
116.1

2012 

Total 
£m 

116.1
6.7
122.8

Level 1 
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

– 
6.1 
6.1 

139.7 
– 
139.7 

2011 

Total 
£m 

139.7
6.1
145.8

–

(62.6)

(62.6)

– 

(7.4)

(7.4)

Level 1 represents the fair value of financial instruments that are traded in active markets and is based on quoted market prices at 
the end of the reporting period. 

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (level 2) is determined by using valuation techniques 
which include the present value of estimated future cash flows. These valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market  
data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates. 

Derivative financial instruments are carried at their fair values. The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts and foreign 
exchange swaps represents the difference between the value of the outstanding contracts at their contracted rates and a 
valuation calculated using the spot rates of exchange prevailing at 31 December 2012. 

The Group’s derivative financial instruments comprise the following: 

Cross currency interest rate swap 
Forward foreign exchange contracts  

 2012
£m 

111.8
4.3
116.1

Assets   

 2011 

£m    

125.1   
14.6   
139.7   

 2012 
£m  

– 
(62.6)
(62.6)

Liabilities 

 2011
£m 

–
(7.4)
(7.4)

The ineffective portion recognised in the consolidated income statement that arises from fair value hedges amounts to a gain of 
£4.8m (2011 – loss of £2.4m). The ineffective portion recognised in the consolidated income statement that arises from cash flow 
hedges amounts to a gain of £nil (2011 – £nil). 

116 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

23 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 
CASH FLOW HEDGES 
The Group principally uses forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge purchases in a non-functional currency against 
movements in exchange rates. The cash flows relating to these contracts are generally expected to occur within 15 months  
of the end of the reporting period (2011 – 12 months). 

The nominal principal amounts of the outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts relating to transactional exposures  
at 31 December 2012 was £955.9m (2011 – £520.1m). 

Net fair value gains and losses recognised in the hedging reserve in shareholders’ equity (see note 25) on forward foreign 
exchange contracts as at 31 December 2012 are expected to be released to the consolidated income statement within  
15 months of the end of the reporting period (2011 – 12 months). 

FAIR VALUE HEDGE 
At 31 December 2012, the Group had in place five cross currency interest rate swaps. Four of these total US$475m which hedge 
changes in the fair value of the Group’s 10 and 12 year loan notes. Under these swaps the Group receives fixed rate US Dollar 
interest of 5.94% on US$275m and 6.04% on US$200m and pays LIBOR +85bps and LIBOR +90bps for the 10 and 12 year notes 
respectively. An additional US$39.2m cross currency interest rate swap was put in place after debt reduction in 2009 to offset the 
non-required portion of the original US$475m swaps. Under this swap the Group pays US Dollar interest of 6.04% on US$39.2m  
and receives LIBOR +214bps for the 12 year notes only. The loan notes and cross currency interest rate swaps have the same  
critical terms. 

H. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT 
The Group’s capital structure consists of equity and debt. Equity represents funds raised from shareholders and debt represents 
funds raised from banks and other financial institutions. The primary objective of the Group’s management of debt and equity is to 
ensure that it maintains a strong credit rating and healthy capital ratios in order to finance the Group’s activities, both now and in 
the future, and to maximise shareholder value. 

The Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions. To maintain  
or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the dividend payment to shareholders, return capital to shareholders or  
issue new shares. The Directors consider the Group’s capital structure and dividend policy at least twice a year prior to the 
announcement of results, taking into account the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and the requirements of its 
business plan. 

The committed bank facilities and Private Placement borrowings are subject to the same interest cover covenant based on an 
adjusted EBITA measure to interest on consolidated borrowings. The Group is required to maintain a ratio of not less than three to 
one and was compliant with this covenant throughout the year.  

The Group monitors group leverage by reference to three tests: Adjusted EBITA interest cover, the ratio of net debt to EBITDA and the 
ratio of net debt to market capitalisation.  

Adjusted EBITA interest cover (times)* 
Net debt to EBITDA (times)** 
Net debt / market capitalisation (percentage)*** 

*  Calculated as Adjusted EBITA / interest on consolidated borrowings. 

**   Calculated as net debt / earnings before exceptional items, interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. 

2012 

2011 

116.0
n/a
n/a

227.2
n/a
n/a

***  Calculated as net debt / market capitalisation as at 31 December. 

24 SHARE CAPITAL 
A. ALLOTTED, CALLED UP AND FULLY PAID UP 

Ordinary shares (nominal value of 10.0p each) 
At 1 January 
Allotted under share option schemes  
At 31 December 

2012
Number 

2011 
Number 

463,473,216
4,634,986
468,108,202

463,192,297 
280,919 
463,473,216 

2012
£m 

46.4
0.5
46.9

2011
£m 

46.4
–
46.4

B. SHARE BUY BACK PROGRAMME 
At 31 December 2012, the Company held 2,687,560 treasury shares (2011 – 2,687,560) with a total book value of £99.4m  
(2011 – £99.4m). These shares may be either cancelled or used to satisfy share options at a later date. The Group did not 
repurchase any of its own shares during the period ended 31 December 2012 (2011 – nil). The market value of treasury shares  
at 31 December 2012 was £11.6m (2011 – £7.9m).  

www.inchcape.com 

  117

 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

24 SHARE CAPITAL CONTINUED 
C. SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS 
Details of substantial interests in the Company’s issued ordinary share capital received by the Company at 11 March 2013 under  
the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 have been disclosed in the significant shareholdings section, in the Other statutory 
information section on page 62. 

D. SHARE OPTIONS 
At 31 December 2012, options to acquire ordinary shares of 10.0p each in the Company up to the following numbers under the 
schemes below were outstanding as follows: 

Number of ordinary  
shares of 10.0p each 

Exercisable until 

Option price (£) 

  Number of ordinary  
shares of 10.0p each 

Exercisable until 

Option price (£) 

31 August 2013 
20 May 2014 
29 September 2014 
6 March 2015 
11 September 2015 
19 May 2019 
22 November 2019 
7 April 2020 

The Inchcape 1999 Share Option Plan  
– approved (Part II – UK) 
8,674 
36,266 
13,729 
47,548 
19,866 
89,078 
9,375 
157,342 
– unapproved (Part I – UK) 
5,780 
39,656 
2,288 
82,714 
218,727 
2,029,971 
37,500 
941,789 
– unapproved overseas (Part I – Overseas) 
29,549 
126,397 
182,199 
1,340,342 
711,061 
20,532 

31 August 2013 
20 May 2014 
29 September 2014 
6 March 2015 
11 September 2015 
19 May 2019 
22 November 2019 
7 April 2020 

19 March 2013 
20 May 2014 
6 March 2015 
19 May 2019 
7 April 2020 
14 June 2020 

The Inchcape SAYE Share Option Scheme  
– approved 

1 May 2012 
1 May 2013 
1 May 2014 
1 May 2015 
1 May 2016 

3.42
2.30
2.05
2.43
3.07

3.46   7,460 
4.42   100,669 
4.37   831,221 
5.78   577,797 
6.03   1,115,327 
2.00  
3.20  
3.10  

3.46  
4.42  
4.37  
5.78  
6.03  
2.00  
3.20  
3.10  

2.14  
4.42  
5.78  
2.00  
3.10  
2.63  

Included within the retained earnings reserve are 1,692,848 (2011 – 1,370,916) own ordinary shares held by the ESOP Trust, a 
general discretionary trust whose beneficiaries include current and former employees of the Group and their dependants. The book 
value of these shares at 31 December 2012 was £4.0m (2011 – £2.5m). The market values of these shares at 31 December 2012 and 
at 11 March 2013 were £7.3m and £9.0m respectively (31 December 2011 – £4.0m, 12 March 2012 – £5.2m). 

118 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

25 OTHER RESERVES  

At 1 January 2011 
Cash flow hedges: 
– Fair value movements 
– Reclassified and reported in inventories 
– Tax on cash flow hedges 
Transfer of impairment losses to consolidated income statement (note 7) 
Fair value movement transferred from available for sale financial assets 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 1 January 2012 
Cash flow hedges: 
– Fair value movements 
– Reclassified and reported in inventories 
– Tax on cash flow hedges 
Transfer of impairment losses to consolidated income statement  
Fair value movement transferred from available for sale financial assets 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 2012 

Available for 
sale reserve
£m 

Translation 
reserve 
£m 

Hedging 
reserve
£m 

Total other 
reserves
£m 

(3.6)

157.8 

(9.0)

145.2

–
–
–
10.9
(6.5)
–
0.8

–
–
–
1.0
0.1
–
1.9

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(26.2) 
131.6 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(12.1) 
119.5 

7.1
(1.7)
(2.0)
–
–
–
(5.6)

(54.0)
12.5
12.4
–
–
–
(34.7)

7.1
(1.7)
(2.0)
10.9
(6.5)
(26.2)
126.8

(54.0)
12.5
12.4
1.0
0.1
(12.1)
86.7

AVAILABLE FOR SALE RESERVE 
Gains and losses on available for sale financial assets are recognised in the ‘available for sale reserve’ until the asset is sold or is 
considered to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss is included in the consolidated income statement. In 2011, 
impairment losses of £10.9m on Greek Government Bonds were recognised in the consolidated income statement. 

TRANSLATION RESERVE 
The translation reserve is used to record foreign exchange rate changes relating to the translation of the results of foreign 
subsidiaries arising after 1 January 2004. It is also used to record foreign exchange differences arising on long-term foreign  
currency borrowings used to finance or hedge foreign currency investments.  

HEDGING RESERVE 
For cash flow hedges that meet the conditions for hedge accounting, the portion of the gains or losses on the hedging instrument 
that are determined to be an effective hedge are recognised directly in shareholders’ equity. When the hedged firm commitment 
results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or liability then, at the time the asset or liability is recognised, the associated gains 
or losses that had previously been recognised in shareholders’ equity are included in the initial measurement of the acquisition cost  
or other carrying amount of the asset or liability.  

26 RETAINED EARNINGS 

At 1 January  
Total comprehensive income attributable to owners of the parent for the year: 
– Profit for the year 
– Actuarial gains / (losses) on defined pension benefits (note 5) 
– Tax charged to reserves 
Total comprehensive income for the year 
Share-based payments, net of tax 
Net purchase of own shares by ESOP Trust 
Dividends paid (note 10) 
At 31 December 

 2012 
£m 

895.7

184.5
33.6
8.8
226.9
10.4
(2.3)
(52.5)
1,078.2

 2011 
£m 

811.9

142.2
(18.7)
0.6
124.1
6.7
(0.2)
(46.8)
895.7

www.inchcape.com 

  119

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

27 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 
A. RECONCILIATION OF CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS 

Cash flows from operating activities  
Operating profit  
Operating exceptional items 
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Share-based payments charge 
Increase in inventories 
Increase in trade and other receivables 
Increase in trade and other payables 
Decrease in provisions 
Pension contributions in excess of the pension charge for the year* 
Increase / (decrease) in interest in leased vehicles 
Payment in respect of operating exceptional items 
Other items  
Cash generated from operations 

* 

Includes additional payments of £23.3m (2011 – £19.2m). 

B. RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET FUNDS 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Net cash outflow / (inflow) from borrowings and finance leases 
Change in net cash and debt resulting from cash flows 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on net cash and debt  
New finance leases 
Net movement in fair value 
Net loans and finance leases relating to acquisitions and disposals 
Movement in net funds 
Opening net funds 
Closing net funds 

Net funds is analysed as follows: 

Cash at bank and cash equivalents 
Short-term deposits 
Bank overdrafts 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Bank loans 
Other loans 
Finance leases 

Fair value of cross currency interest rate swap 
Net funds 

120 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 2012  
£m  

 2011 
£m 

263.1 
(1.2)
3.7 
29.7 
(0.2)
6.8 
(42.5)
(9.5)
47.3 
(16.5)
(25.4)
2.1 
(8.2)
– 
249.2 

 2012  
£m  

27.5 
3.9 
31.4 
(3.8)
– 
4.8 
0.3 
32.7 
243.5 
276.2 

 2012  
£m  

324.4 
273.5 
(113.0)
484.9 
(317.6)
– 
(2.9)
164.4 
111.8 
276.2 

231.0
13.4
4.5
29.0
(0.1)
7.3
(61.0)
(24.0)
79.0
(1.1)
(24.8)
(1.1)
(6.5)
(0.9)
244.7

 2011 
£m 

45.1
(0.7)
44.4
(3.5)
(0.8)
(2.4)
–
37.7
205.8
243.5

 2011 
£m 

385.6
173.3
(97.6)
461.3
(339.1)
(0.3)
(3.5)
118.4
125.1
243.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

28 ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS 
A. ACQUISITIONS 
On 21 November 2012, the Group acquired the remaining 49% interest which it did not already own in the Inchcape Independence 
group, a retail business in Moscow, from Independence Holdings Limited for a cash consideration of US$27m. Prior to this date, the 
Group owned a 51% share in Inchcape Independence but did not have overall control and had therefore equity accounted for its 
interest in the Inchcape Independence group. The acquisition took the Group’s interest in the Inchcape Independence group to 
100% and the acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination following the change in control. 

Details of the provisional fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities as at the date of acquisition are set out below: 

Assets and liabilities acquired, at fair value 
Intangible assets (note 11) 
Property, plant and equipment (note 12) 
Tax assets 
Inventory 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other payables 
Tax liabilities 
Net assets acquired 
Provisional goodwill (note 11) 
Consideration 

Satisfied by 
Cash paid 
Fair value of existing interest in the Inchcape Independence group 
Total purchase consideration 

2012
 £m 

0.1
22.2
0.2
5.1
2.2
1.5
(3.1)
(1.4)
26.8
8.3
35.1

17.3
17.8
35.1

The provisional values of assets and liabilities recognised on acquisition are their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.  
The Group is in the process of finalising its review of the fair value of assets and liabilities recognised at the date of acquisition and 
such reviews may include third party valuations where appropriate. Accounting standards permit up to 12 months for provisional 
accounting to be finalised following the acquisition date if any subsequent information provides better evidence of the item’s fair 
value at the acquisition date. 

Goodwill of £8.3m represents, amongst other things, property, plant and equipment and intangible assets yet to be recognised 
separately from goodwill as the fair value valuations are still in progress. 

The Group has recognised a loss of £1.2m as a result of measuring at fair value its 51% equity interest in the Inchcape 
Independence group held before the business combination. The loss is included within ‘Other operating expenses’ in the  
Group’s consolidated income statement for the year ended 31 December 2012 and has been reported as an exceptional item 
(see note 2). 

In 2011, the Group completed the purchase of the Musa Motors group. Under the terms of the original acquisition agreement, 
contingent deferred consideration dependent on 2010 EBITA was due in respect of 24.9% of the group. In the first half of 2011, 
the amount of the deferred consideration was determined and a payment of US$32m (£19.6m) was made to the vendor. 

B. DISPOSALS 
During the year, the Group disposed of its interest in a dealership in Russia at book value, generating disposal proceeds of £2.9m.  

In 2011, the Group disposed of a small number of dealerships and operations at book value, generating disposal proceeds  
of £5.5m. 

29 GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES 

Guarantees, performance bonds and contingent liabilities 

2012
£m 

15.6

2011
£m 

19.5

Guarantees and contingencies largely comprise letters of credit issued on behalf of the Group in the ordinary course of business. 

The Group also has, in the ordinary course of business, commitments under foreign exchange instruments relating to the hedging 
of transactional exposures (see note 23). 

www.inchcape.com 

  121

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

30 COMMITMENTS 
A. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS 
Contracts placed for future capital expenditure at the balance sheet date but not yet incurred are as follows: 

Property, plant and equipment 
Vehicles subject to residual value commitments* 

2012 
£m 

15.8 
91.3 

2011
£m 

24.8
75.7

*  Residual value commitments comprise the total repurchase liability on all vehicles sold subject to a residual value commitment, of which £27.0m (2011 – £29.8m) has been 
included within ‘trade and other payables’. These commitments are largely expected to be settled within the next 12 months, with a minority to be settled within three years. 

B. LEASE COMMITMENTS 
OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS – GROUP AS LESSEE 
The Group has entered into non-cancellable operating leases for various offices, warehouses and dealerships. These leases have 
varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights. 

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 

Within one year 
Between one and five years 
After five years 

2012 
£m 

43.8 
104.2 
154.0 
302.0 

2011
£m 

43.3
107.2
156.4
306.9

OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS – GROUP AS LESSOR 
The Group has entered into non-cancellable operating leases on a number of its vehicles. These leases have varying terms, 
escalation clauses and renewal rights and are not individually significant to the Group. 

Future minimum lease payments receivable under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 

Within one year 
Between one and five years 
After five years 

2012 
£m 

3.7 
6.1 
7.3 
17.1 

2011
£m 

4.3
6.0
8.3
18.6

FINANCE LEASES AND HIRE PURCHASE CONTRACTS 
The Group has finance leases and hire purchase contracts for various items of property, plant and equipment. These leases have 
varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights. Future minimum lease payments under finance leases and hire purchase 
contracts, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments (included within borrowings), are as follows:  

Minimum lease payments: 
– Within one year 
– Between one and five years 
– After five years 
Total minimum lease payments 
Less: future finance charges 
Present value of finance lease liabilities 

2012 
£m 

0.7 
0.9 
3.9 
5.5 
(2.6)
2.9 

2011
£m 

0.8
1.4
3.8
6.0
(2.5)
3.5

122 

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BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

31 RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES 
A. PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES 
The consolidated Financial Statements include the principal subsidiaries and joint ventures listed below: 

Country of incorporation 

Shareholding 

Description 

Subsidiaries 
Directly held: 
Inchcape Finance plc 
Inchcape International Holdings Limited  
Indirectly held: 
Subaru (Australia) Pty Limited 
Toyota Belgium NV/SA 
The Motor & Engineering Company of Ethiopia Ltd S.C. 
Inchcape Motors Finland OY 
Toyota Hellas SA 
Crown Motors Limited 
Inchcape Olimp OOO 
Inchcape Moscow Motors BV  
Inchcape T BV 
Borneo Motors (Singapore) Pte Ltd 
Inchcape Fleet Solutions Limited 
Inchcape Overseas Limited 
Inchcape Retail Limited 
The Cooper Group Limited 
Gerard Mann Limited 
Joint ventures 
Unitfin SA 
Tefin SA 
Associates 
Excelease SA 

United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 

100.0% 
100.0% 

Central treasury company 
Intermediate holding company 

Australia 
Belgium 
Ethiopia 
Finland 
Greece 
Hong Kong 
Russia 
Netherlands  
Netherlands  
Singapore 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 

Greece 
Greece 

90.0% 
100.0% 
94.1% 
100.0% 
100.0% 
100.0% 
100.0% 
100.0% 
100.0% 
100.0% 
100.0% 
100.0% 
100.0% 
100.0% 
100.0% 

60.0% 
50.0% 

Distribution 
Distribution 
Distribution 
Distribution 
Distribution 
Distribution 
Retail 
Intermediate holding company(1) 
Intermediate holding company(2) 
Distribution 
Financial services(3) 
Intermediate holding company 
Retail 
Retail 
Retail 

Financial services  
Financial services 

Belgium 

49.0% 

Financial services 

(1)  Holding company of the Musa Motors businesses in Moscow. 

(2)  Holding company of the Toyota Vnukovo business in Moscow. 

(3)  Included within distribution in the business segmental analysis (see note 1). 

The full list of subsidiaries will be included in the Company’s annual return. 

www.inchcape.com 

  123

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

31 RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES CONTINUED 
B. TRADING TRANSACTIONS 
Intra-group transactions have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. Details of transactions between 
the Group and other related parties are disclosed below: 

Vehicles purchased from joint ventures and associates 
Vehicles sold to joint ventures and associates 
Other income paid to joint ventures and associates 
Other income received from joint ventures and associates 

Transactions   

Amounts outstanding 

2012
£m 

0.1
61.2
0.9
0.1

2011 

£m   

0.1   
315.2   
1.3   
0.4   

2012 
£m 

– 
0.1 
0.2 
– 

2011
£m 

–
–
0.2
0.4

All of the transactions arise in the ordinary course of business and are on an arm’s length basis. The amounts outstanding are 
unsecured and will be settled in cash. There have been no guarantees provided or received for any related party receivables. The 
Group has not raised any provision for doubtful debts relating to amounts owed by related parties (2011 – £nil).  

C. COMPENSATION OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL 
The remuneration of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee was as follows: 

Wages and salaries 
Post-retirement benefits 
Share-based payments 
Compensation for loss of office  

2012 
 £m  

8.9 
1.1 
2.1 
0.2 
12.3 

2011
 £m 

8.0
1.1
1.9
0.7
11.7

The remuneration of the Directors and other key management is determined by the Remuneration Committee having regard to the 
performance of individuals and market trends. Further details of emoluments paid to the Directors are included in the Directors’ 
report on remuneration. 

32 FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION 
The main exchange rates used for translation purposes are as follows: 

Australian Dollar 
Euro 
Hong Kong Dollar 
Singapore Dollar 
Russian Ruble 

Average rates   

Year end rates 

2012 

1.53
1.23
12.33
1.98
49.43

2011   

1.54   
1.15   
12.53   
2.02   
47.11   

2012 

1.56 
1.23 
12.59 
1.98 
49.53 

2011 

1.52
1.20
12.07
2.01
49.88

33 EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD 
The Group acquired the Trivett Automotive Group on 1 March 2013, to extend its presence in Australia. The total cash consideration 
for the business is expected to be c. £78m. 

124 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Five year record 

The information presented in the table below is prepared in accordance with IFRS, as in issue and effective at that year end date.  

Consolidated income statement 
Revenue 

2012
£m 

2011
£m 

2010 
£m  

2009
£m 

2008
£m 

6,085.4

5,826.3

5,885.4 

5,583.7

6,259.8

Operating profit before exceptional items 
Operating exceptional items 
Operating profit 
Share of profit / (loss) after tax of joint ventures and associates 
Profit before finance and tax 
Net finance costs before exceptional items 
Finance costs exceptional items 
Profit before tax 
Tax before exceptional tax 
Exceptional tax 
Profit after tax 
Non controlling interests  
Profit for the year 

Basic: 
– Profit before tax 
– Earnings per share (pence) 
Adjusted (before exceptional items): 
– Profit before tax 
– Earnings per share (pence) 
Dividends per share – interim paid and final proposed (pence) 

Consolidated statement of financial position 
Non-current assets 
Other assets less (liabilities) excluding net funds / (debt) 

Net funds / (debt) 
Net assets 

Equity attributable to owners of the parent 
Non controlling interests 
Total shareholders’ equity 

261.9
1.2
263.1
0.2
263.3
(11.8)
–
251.5
(61.5)
0.4
190.4
(5.9)
184.5

251.5
40.0p

250.3
39.7p
14.5p

244.4
(13.4)
231.0
(3.0)
228.0
(13.7)
(10.9)
203.4
(59.2)
3.6
147.8
(5.6)
142.2

203.4
31.0p

227.7
35.5p
11.0p

225.5 
(21.9) 
203.6 
(1.7) 
201.9 
(9.8) 
– 
192.1 
(62.2) 
3.1 
133.0 
(5.1) 
127.9 

192.1 
27.9p 

214.0 
32.0p 
6.6p 

 175.2 
 (18.4)
 156.8 
 0.7 
 157.5 
 (20.8)
–
 136.7 
 (43.5)
 1.8 
 95.0 
 (3.0)
 92.0 

 136.7 
22.9p

 155.1 
27.1p
–

 240.5 
 (82.5)
 158.0 
 2.2 
 160.2 
 (52.0)
–
 108.2 
 (49.3)
 (3.6)
 55.3 
 (3.9)
 51.4 

 108.2 
18.9p

 190.7 
50.5p
5.5p

1,442.6
(211.4)
1,231.2
276.2
1,507.4

1,481.6
25.8
1,507.4

1,350.0
(236.0)
1,114.0
243.5
1,357.5

1,329.1
28.4
1,357.5

1,311.2 
(227.7) 
1,083.5 
205.8 
1,289.3 

 1,306.1 
 (217.2)
 1,088.9 
 0.8 
 1,089.7 

 1,372.1 
 55.3 
 1,427.4 
 (407.8)
 1,019.6 

1,263.1 
26.2 
1,289.3 

 1,067.7 
 22.0 
 1,089.7 

 995.5 
 24.1 
 1,019.6 

www.inchcape.com 

  125

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Report of the independent auditors to the members  
of Inchcape plc 

OPINION ON OTHER MATTER PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES 
ACT 2006  
In our opinion: 

•(cid:3)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: 

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you 
if, in our opinion:  

•(cid:3)certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law 

are not made; or  

•(cid:3)we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit. 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:  

•(cid:3)the Directors’ statement, in relation to going concern;  

•(cid:3)the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to 

the Company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code specified for our review; and 

•(cid:3)certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board 

on Directors’ remuneration. 

OTHER MATTER  
We have reported separately on the parent company Financial 
Statements of Inchcape plc for the year ended 31 December 
2012 and on the information in the Directors’ report on 
remuneration that is described as having been audited. 

MARK GILL, 
(Senior Statutory Auditor)  
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors. 
London 
11 March 2013 

We have audited the Group Financial Statements of Inchcape 
plc for the year ended 31 December 2012 which comprise the 
consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of financial 
position, the consolidated statement of changes in equity, the 
consolidated statement of cash flows, the accounting policies 
and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that 
has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted 
by the European Union. 

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITORS  
As explained more fully in the statement of the Directors’ 
responsibilities set out on page 63, the Directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the Group Financial Statements and for 
being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our 
responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the Group 
Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and 
International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those 
standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.  

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and 
only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance  
with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for  
no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept 
or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other 
person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it  
may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent  
in writing. 

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

OPINION ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
In our opinion the Group Financial Statements:  

•(cid:3)give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 
31 December 2012 and of its profit and cash flows for the year 
then ended;  

•(cid:3)have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 

adopted by the European Union; and  

•(cid:3)have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of 
the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the lAS Regulation. 

126 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Company balance sheet 
As at 31 December 2012 

Fixed assets 
Investment in subsidiaries 
Current assets 
Debtors: 
– Amounts due within one year 
– Amounts due after more than one year 
Cash at bank and in hand 

Creditors – amounts falling due within one year 
Net current assets  

Total assets less current liabilities 

Creditors – amounts falling due after more than one year 

Provisions for liabilities  
Net assets 

Capital and reserves 
Share capital 
Share premium  
Capital redemption reserve 
Profit and loss account 
Total shareholders’ funds 

Notes 

2012
£m 

2011
£m 

3 

1,623.6

1,622.0

4 
4 
5 

6 

363.2
903.2
10.2
1,276.6

347.0
916.1
16.7
1,279.8

(4.5)
1,272.1

(24.5)
1,255.3

2,895.7

2,877.3

7 

(1,770.7)

(1,811.0)

9 

(4.6)
1,120.4

(4.6)
1,061.7

11, 13 
13 
13 
13 

46.9
136.5
133.3
803.7
1,120.4

46.4
126.9
133.3
755.1
1,061.7

The Financial Statements on pages 127 to 134 were approved by the Board of Directors on 11 March 2013 and were signed on its  
behalf by: 

André Lacroix,  
Group Chief Executive  

Registered Number: 609782 

Inchcape plc 

John McConnell,  
Group Finance Director 

www.inchcape.com 

  127

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounting policies 

BASIS OF PREPARATION 
These Financial Statements are prepared for Inchcape plc (the Company) for the year ended 31 December 2012. The Company  
is the ultimate parent entity of the Inchcape Group (the Group). Accounting policies have been applied consistently. 

ACCOUNTING CONVENTION 
These Financial Statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis modified for fair values in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006 and applicable UK accounting standards. As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, no 
separate profit and loss account is presented for the Company. In addition, the Company is not required to prepare a cash  
flow statement under the terms of FRS 1 (revised), ‘Cash Flow Statements’. 

GOING CONCERN 
After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in 
operation for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Directors are satisfied that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern  
basis in preparing the Annual Report and Accounts. 

FOREIGN CURRENCIES 
Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at closing rates of exchange and are taken to the 
profit and loss account. 

FINANCE COSTS 
Finance costs consist of interest payable on Private Placement borrowing. Costs are recognised as an expense in the period  
in which they are incurred. 

INVESTMENTS 
Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost, less provisions for impairment. 

DEFERRED TAX 
Deferred tax is provided in full (without discounting) based on current tax rates and law, on timing differences that result in an 
obligation at the balance sheet date to pay more tax, or a right to pay less tax in the future except as otherwise required by FRS 19, 
‘Deferred Tax’. Deferred tax is not provided on timing differences arising from the revaluation of fixed assets where there is no 
binding commitment to sell the asset. 

PROVISIONS 
Provisions are recognised when the Company has a present obligation in respect of a past event, it is more likely than not that  
an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and where the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions are 
discounted when the time value of money is considered material. 

SHARE CAPITAL 
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. 

Where the Company purchases its own equity share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid is deducted from 
shareholders’ funds until the shares are cancelled, reissued or disposed of. Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, 
any consideration received is included in shareholders’ funds. 

DIVIDENDS 
Final dividends proposed by the Board of Directors and unpaid at the year end are not recognised in the Financial Statements  
until they have been approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. Interim dividends are recognised when they 
are paid. 

SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS 
The Company operates various share-based award schemes. The fair value at the date at which the share-based awards  
are granted is recognised in the profit and loss account (together with a corresponding increase in shareholders’ equity) on a 
straight line basis over the vesting period, based on an estimate of the number of shares that will eventually vest. For equity-settled 
share-based awards, the services received from employees are measured by reference to the fair value of the awards granted. 
With the exception of the ‘Save as you earn’ scheme, the vesting of all share-based awards under all schemes is solely reliant upon 
non-market conditions, therefore no expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest. Where an employee cancels  
a ‘Save as you earn’ award, the charge for that award is recognised as an expense immediately, even though the award does not 
vest. In accordance with the transitional provisions of FRS 20, ‘Share-based payment’, no charge had been recognised for grants  
of equity instruments made before 7 November 2002. The Company adopts Amendments to FRS 20 in line with the Group’s 
adoption of Amendments to IFRS 2. 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 
The adoption by the Company of FRS 29, ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ has had no impact as the Company has  
taken advantage of the exemption not to apply FRS 29 in its own Financial Statements. The Group’s policies on the recognition, 
measurement and presentation of financial instruments under IFRS 7 are set out in the Group’s accounting policies on  
pages 71 to 79. 

128 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Notes to the accounts 

1 AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION 
The Company incurred £0.1m (2011 – £0.1m) in relation to UK statutory audit fees for the year ended 31 December 2012. 

2 DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Pension costs 

2012
£m 

3.8
0.4
0.4
4.6

2011
£m 

2.8
0.4
0.4
3.6

Further information on Executive Directors’ emoluments and interests is given in the Directors’ report on remuneration which can be 
found on pages 50 to 61. 

3 INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES 

Cost 
At 1 January 
Additions  
Disposals 
At 31 December 

Provisions 
At 1 January 
Provisions for impairment 
At 31 December 

Net book value 

The Directors believe that the carrying value of the investments is supported by their underlying net assets. 

In 2012, the Company paid a capital injection of £1.6m to Inchcape Financial Holdings Cooperatief W.A. 

2012
£m 

2011
£m 

1,661.8
1.6
–
1,663.4

1,632.2
40.8
(11.2)
1,661.8

(39.8)
–
(39.8)

(24.2)
(15.6)
(39.8)

1,623.6

1,622.0

www.inchcape.com 

  129

 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

4 DEBTORS 

Amounts due within one year 
Amounts owed by Group undertakings 

Amounts due after more than one year 
Deferred tax asset (note 8) 
Amounts owed by Group undertakings 

Amounts owed by Group undertakings bear interest at rates linked to LIBOR. 

5 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND 

Cash at bank and in hand 

6 CREDITORS – AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 

Amounts owed to Group undertakings 
Other taxation and social security payable 
Other loans 
Other creditors 

7 CREDITORS – AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR 

Amounts owed to Group undertakings  
Private Placement 

2012
£m 

2011
£m 

363.2
363.2

2.5
900.7
903.2

2012
£m 

10.2

2012
£m 

–
1.5
–
3.0
4.5

2012
£m 

1,502.1
268.6
1,770.7

347.0
347.0

2.4
913.7
916.1

2011
£m 

16.7

2011
£m 

20.3
0.8
0.4
3.0
24.5

2011
£m 

1,530.2
280.8
1,811.0

The Company has US$435.8m outstanding under the Private Placement borrowing: US$275m is repayable in 2017 and bears interest 
at a fixed rate of 5.94% per annum; and US$160.8m is repayable in 2019 and bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.04% per annum. 

Amounts owed to Group undertakings are repayable in 2014 and bear interest at rates linked to LIBOR.  

130 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

8 DEFERRED TAX 

At 1 January 2012 
Credited / (charged) to the profit and loss account 
At 31 December 2012 

9 PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES  

At 1 January 
Released to the profit and loss account 
At 31 December 

Share-based 
payments 
£m 

Other timing 
differences
£m 

1.3 
0.2 
1.5 

1.1
(0.1)
1.0

2012
£m 

4.6
–
4.6

Total
£m 

2.4
0.1
2.5

2011
£m 

4.6
–
4.6

Provision has been made for warranties, indemnities and other litigation issues in relation to motors and non-motors business exits, 
based on expected outcomes. These provisions are expected to be settled within the next three to five years. 

10 GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES 

Guarantees of various subsidiaries’ borrowings  
(against which £nil has been drawn at 31 December 2012 (2011 – £nil)) 

2012
£m 

2011
£m 

502.8

500.0

The Company is party to composite cross guarantees between banks and its subsidiaries. The Company’s contingent liability under 
these guarantees at 31 December 2012 was £10.2m (2011 – £16.7m). 

11 SHARE CAPITAL  
A. ALLOTTED, CALLED UP AND FULLY PAID UP 

Ordinary shares 
At 1 January 
Allotted under share option schemes  
At 31 December 

2012 
Number 

2011  
Number   

2012
£m 

463,473,216 463,192,297   
280,919   
468,108,202 463,473,216   

4,634,986

46.4
0.5
46.9

2011
£m 

46.4
–
46.4

B. SHARE BUY BACK PROGRAMME 
At 31 December 2012, the Company held 2,687,560 treasury shares (2011 – 2,687,560) with a total book value of £99.4m  
(2011 – £99.4m). These shares may be either cancelled or used to satisfy share options at a later date. The Group did not 
repurchase any of its own shares during the period ended 31 December 2012 (2011 – nil). The market value of treasury shares  
at 31 December 2012 was £11.6m (2011 – £7.9m). 

C. SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDINGS 
Details of substantial interests in the Company’s issued ordinary share capital received by the Company at 11 March 2013 under 
the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 have been disclosed in the significant shareholdings section, in the Other statutory 
information section on page 62.  

www.inchcape.com 

  131

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Notes to the accounts continued 

11 SHARE CAPITAL CONTINUED 
D. SHARE OPTIONS 
At 31 December 2012, options to acquire ordinary shares of 10.0p each in the Company up to the following numbers under the 
schemes below were outstanding as follows:  

Number of ordinary  
shares of 10.0p each 

Exercisable until 

Option 
price (£) 

Number of ordinary  
shares of 10.0p each 

Exercisable until 

Option 
price (£) 

The Inchcape 1999 Share Option Plan –  
approved (Part II – UK) 

The Inchcape SAYE Share Option  
Scheme – approved 

31 August 2013 

3.46   7,460 

20 May 2014 

4.42   100,669 

29 September 2014 

4.37   831,221 

6 March 2015 

5.78   577,797 

11 September 2015 

6.03   1,115,327 

1 May 2012 

1 May 2013 

1 May 2014 

1 May 2015 

1 May 2016 

3.42

2.30

2.05

2.43

3.07

8,674 

36,266 

13,729 

47,548 

19,866 

89,078 

9,375 

157,342 
– unapproved (Part I – UK) 

5,780 

39,656 

2,288 

82,714 

218,727 

2,029,971 

37,500 

19 May 2019 

22 November 2019 

7 April 2020 

31 August 2013 

20 May 2014 

29 September 2014 

6 March 2015 

11 September 2015 

19 May 2019 

22 November 2019 

941,789 
7 April 2020 
– unapproved overseas (Part I – Overseas) 

29,549 

126,397 

182,199 

1,340,342 

711,061 

20,532 

19 March 2013 

20 May 2014 

6 March 2015 

19 May 2019 

7 April 2020 

14 June 2020 

2.00  

3.20  

3.10  

3.46  

4.42  

4.37  

5.78  

6.03  

2.00  

3.20  

3.10  

2.14  

4.42  

5.78  

2.00  

3.10  

2.63  

Included within the retained earnings reserve are 1,692,848 (2011 – 1,370,916) own ordinary shares held by the ESOP Trust, a 
general discretionary trust whose beneficiaries include current and former employees of the Group and their dependants. The book 
value of these shares at 31 December 2012 was £4.0m (2011 – £2.5m). The market values of these shares at 31 December 2012 and 
at 11 March 2013 were £7.3m and £9.0m respectively (31 December 2011 – £4.0m, 12 March 2012 – £5.2m). 

132 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

11 SHARE CAPITAL CONTINUED 
E. SHARE-BASED REMUNERATION 
Inchcape plc has two employees, the Group Chief Executive and the Group Finance Director. 

The charge arising from share-based transactions during the year is £1.4m (2011 – £0.7m), of which £1.4m (2011 – £0.7m) is equity-
settled and £nil (2011 – £nil) is cash-settled. 

The following table sets out the movements in the number of share options and awards during the year: 

2012 
Share Option Plan 

Executive Share Option Plan 

Save As You Earn Plan 

Performance Share Plan 

Other Share Plans 

Weighted Average  
Exercise Price 

2011 
Share Option Plan 

Executive Share Option Plan 

Save As You Earn Plan 

Performance Share Plan 
Other Share Plans 

Weighted Average  
Exercise Price 

Grant Date 

20 March 2003 
21 May 2004 
07 March 2005 
12 September 2005 
20 May 2009 
23 November 2009 
08 April 2010 
23 September 2010 
01 November 2011 
23 May 2011 
10 April 2012 
03 June 2011 
22 June 2012 

Grant Date 

20 March 2003 
21 May 2004 
07 March 2005 
12 September 2005 
08 April 2008 
20 May 2009 
23 November 2009 
08 April 2010 
23 September 2010 
01 November 2011 
23 May 2011 
01 January 2008 
03 June 2011 

Options 
outstanding at  
1 January 

Granted
 during
 the year 

Lapsed
 during
 the year 

Exercised 
during 
 the year 

Options 
outstanding at 
31 December 

Fair value 
of one
 award 

17,746
28,428
21,644
205,468
978,771
46,875
369,676
4,390
3,703
562,474
–
298,560
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
562,470
–
237,179

£2.86

–

Options 
outstanding at 
1 January 

Granted
 during
 the year 

17,746
28,428
21,644
205,468
258,519
978,771
46,875
369,676
4,390
–
–
220,193
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
3,703
562,474
–
298,560

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

Lapsed
 during
 the year 

–
–
–
–
(258,519)
–
–
–
–
–
–
(220,193)
–

£3.45

£2.43

£7.21

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

£0.50
£1.22
£1.56
£1.60
£1.07
£1.08
£1.05
£0.84
£0.81
£2.49
£2.08
£2.52
£2.00

17,746
28,428
21,644
205,468
978,771
46,875
369,676
4,390
3,703
562,474
562,470
298,560
237,179

£2.86

Exercised 
during 
 the year 

Options 
outstanding at 
31 December 

Fair value 
of one 
award 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

£0.50
£1.22
£1.56
£1.60
£1.41
£1.07
£1.08
£1.05
£0.84
£0.81
£2.49
£1.25
£2.52

17,746
28,428
21,644
205,468
–
978,771
46,875
369,676
4,390
3,703
562,474
–
298,560

£2.86

The weighted average remaining contractual life for the share options outstanding at 31 December 2012 is 4.0 years  
(2011 – 5.8 years) and the range of exercise prices for options outstanding at the end of the year was £2.00 to £6.03  
(2011 – £2.00 to £6.03). 

www.inchcape.com 

  133

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the accounts continued 

12 DIVIDENDS 
The following dividends were paid by the Company: 

Interim dividend for the six months ended 30 June 2012 of 4.0p per share (2011 – 3.6p per share) 
Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2011 of 7.4p per share (2010 – 6.6p per share) 

 2012 
£m 

18.5 
34.0 
52.5 

2011
£m 

16.5
30.3
46.8

A final proposed dividend for the year ended 31 December 2012 of 10.5p per share amounting to £48.9m is subject to approval by 
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and has not been included as a liability as at 31 December 2012. 

13 RESERVES 

At 1 January 2011 
Profit for the financial year 
Dividends 
Issue of ordinary share capital 
Net purchase of own shares by ESOP Trust 
Share-based payments charge 
At 1 January 2012 
Profit for the financial year 
Dividends 
Issue of ordinary share capital 
Net purchase of own shares by ESOP Trust 
Share-based payments charge  
At 31 December 2012 

Share 
capital
£m 

Share 
premium
£m 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m 

Profit 
and loss 
account
£m 

46.4
–
–
–
–
–
46.4
–
–
0.5
–
–
46.9

126.3
–
–
0.6
–
–
126.9
–
–
9.6
–
–
136.5

133.3 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
133.3 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
133.3 

468.2
326.6
(46.8)
–
(0.2)
7.3
755.1
96.6
(52.5)
–
(2.3)
6.8
803.7

Total
£m 

774.2
326.6
(46.8)
0.6
(0.2)
7.3
1,061.7
96.6
(52.5)
10.1
(2.3)
6.8
1,120.4

14 PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES AT 31 DECEMBER 2012 
The Company is a limited company incorporated in England and Wales whose shares are publicly traded on the London Stock 
Exchange. The principal subsidiaries in which the Company holds an investment are as follows: 

Inchcape Finance plc 
Inchcape International Holdings Limited  
Inchcape Overseas Limited 

United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 
United Kingdom 

100.0% 
100.0% 
70.0% 

Central treasury company 
Intermediate holding company 
Intermediate holding company 

Country of incorporation 

Shareholding 

Description 

A full list of subsidiaries will be included in the Company’s annual return. 

134 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Report of the independent auditors to the members  
of Inchcape plc 

OPINION ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES 
ACT 2006  
In our opinion:  

•(cid:3)the part of the Directors’ report on remuneration to be audited 

has been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006; and  

•(cid:3)the information given in the Directors’ Report for the financial 
year for which the parent company Financial Statements are 
prepared is consistent with the parent company Financial 
Statements. 

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT  
BY EXCEPTION  
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters 
where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in 
our opinion:  

•(cid:3)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  

•(cid:3)the parent company Financial Statements and the part of the 

Directors’ report on remuneration to be audited are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns; or  

•(cid:3)certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law 

are not made; or  

•(cid:3)we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit. 

OTHER MATTER  
We have reported separately on the Group Financial 
Statements of Inchcape plc for the year ended  
31 December 2012.  

MARK GILL, 
(Senior Statutory Auditor)  
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London 
11 March 2013 

We have audited the parent company Financial Statements of 
Inchcape plc for the year ended 31 December 2012 which 
comprise the Company balance sheet, the accounting policies 
and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that 
has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and 
United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITORS  
As explained more fully in the statement of Directors’ 
responsibilities set out on page 63, the Directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the parent company Financial Statements 
and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our 
responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the parent 
company Financial Statements in accordance with applicable 
law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). 
Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing 
Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.  

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and 
only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance  
with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no 
other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or 
assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other 
person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it  
may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent  
in writing. 

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

OPINION ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
In our opinion the parent company Financial Statements:  

•(cid:3)give a true and fair view of the state of the Company’s affairs 

as at 31 December 2012; 

•(cid:3)have been properly prepared in accordance with United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and  

•(cid:3)have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of 

the Companies Act 2006. 

www.inchcape.com 

  135

 
 
Shareholder information

SHAREHOLDER PROFILE
As at 31 December 2012, the Company had 6,979 holdings on  
its register of ordinary shareholders (2011 – 7,282). 71% of the total 
share register was held on behalf of investment institutions such 
as pension funds, mutual funds, insurance funds and funds 
managed for private individuals (2011 – 68%). The majority of 
funds are managed from the UK, with the USA representing 15%.

REGISTER ANALYSIS 
BY HOLDER

REGISTER ANALYSIS 
BY GEOGRAPHY

Unit trusts &
mutual funds
Pension funds
Insurance 
companies
Private 
investors
Other

UK
USA
Israel
Europe
Other

DEALING IN INCHCAPE SHARES
The Company’s ordinary shares are listed on the London  
Stock Exchange. Prices are reported daily in the Financial Times 
and on our website. For further information on the Company’s 
shares please visit the shareholder section of our website at  
www.inchcape.com/investors/shareholdercentre or call 
Computershare Investor Services on +44 (0) 870 707 1076. 

The Company’s shares trade within the FTSE 250 index and at  
the year end it was ranked no. 130 by market capitalisation in  
the FTSE 350 (2011 -152). 

The Company’s market capitalisation at 31 December 2012  
was £1,995.8m (2011 – £1,351.9m). 

The average daily number of shares traded on the London  
Stock Exchange was 1.16m (2011 – 1.47m). This represents an 
average of 0.25% of the Company’s shares traded each day 
(2011 – 0.32%).

The share price by volume graph shows the movement in the 
share price, closing at 430.9p as at 31 December 2012. 

SHARE PRICE BY VOLUME DURING 2012

)

m

l

l

(
e
m
u
o
v
y
h
n
o
m
a
o
T

t

t

l

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0

Jan
12

Feb
12

Mar
12

Apr
12

May
12

Jun
12

Jul
12

Aug
12

Sep
12

Oct
12

Nov
12

Dec
12

Inchcape share price

Volume

)
p
(
e
c
i
r

p
d
n
e
h
n
o
M

t

REGISTERED OFFICE
INCHCAPE PLC
22a St James’s Square 
London SW1Y 5LP

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7546 0022

Fax: +44 (0) 20 7546 0010

Registered number: 609782

ADVISORS
AUDITORS
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and  
Registered Auditors

SHARE REGISTRARS
Computershare Investor Services PLC 
Registrar’s Department, The Pavilions  
Bridgwater Road 
Bristol BS99 7NH

Tel: +44 (0) 870 707 1076

SOLICITORS
Slaughter and May

CORPORATE BROKERS
Investec

JP Morgan Cazenove

INCHCAPE PEPS
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) replaced Personal Equity Plans 
(PEPs) as the vehicle for tax efficient savings. Existing PEPs may be 
retained. Inchcape PEPs are managed by The Share Centre Ltd, 
who can be contacted at PO Box 2000, Oxford House, Oxford 
Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP21 8ZB

Tel: +44 (0) 1296 414144

INCHCAPE ISA
Inchcape has established a Corporate Individual Savings 
Account (ISA). This is managed by Equiniti Financial  
Services Limited, Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing,  
West Sussex BN99 6DA

Tel: 0870 300 0430

International callers:  
Tel: +44 121 441 7560

More information is available at  
www.shareview.com

FINANCIAL CALENDAR
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
16 May 2013

ANNOUNCEMENT OF 2013 INTERIM RESULTS
August 2013

136 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Explore our Reporting Centre for access to our 
latest Annual Report and more. 

THE REPORTING CENTRE INCLUDES:
-  2012 Year in Review – read about Inchcape’s progress in our 

‘Year in Review’

-  2012 Annual Report – a searchable PDF of the Annual Report   

-  Inchcape Videos – watch and learn more about Inchcape 

and what we do

-  Electronic Communications – a quick and easy guide to 

help you access investor information, sign up for e-comms, 
link to fi nancial calendar and much more

www.inchcape.com/reportingcentre2012

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Inchcape plc
22a St James’s Square
London SW1Y 5LP
T +44 (0) 20 7546 0022
F +44 (0) 20 7546 0010

www.inchcape.com
Registered number 609782